Wheat seed contamination with seed-borne diseases in cold climatic zone of Iran

Abstract In order to evaluate the informal wheat seed contamination with seed-borne diseases, two most important provinces (East Azarbaijan and Khorasan Razavi) for wheat production were selected in cold region of Iran in 2008-2009 crop seasons and ten different locations (city or village) were considered in each province and ten informal seed farmers were selected randomly. A seed sample (1 kg) was taken from planting source of each farmer. Different analysis including purity, germination and seed health (head blight, common bunt and loose smut disease) tests carried out on seed samples according to ISTA rules. Fusarium graminearum was identified as the main disease in provinces. Blotter test showed significant differences (P<0.05) among the towns but there was no meaningful difference between provinces. Washing test for T. caries showed significant difference between the two provinces (P<0.1) but there was no meaningful difference among towns in each province. Furthermore there was significant difference between and among provinces and towns with respect to T. leavis infection. Also the data showed clear dispersal of these two species (T. caries and T. leavis). Negative and high significant correlation was observed between U. tritici and germination. So the precision study of seed borne disease in different areas of the country for producing healthy seed is recommended

Monte Carlo Study of Magnetic Resistivity in Semiconducting MnTe

We investigate in this paper properties of the spin resistivity in the magnetic semiconducting MnTe of NiAs structure. MnTe is a crossroad semiconductor with a large band gap. It is an antiferromagnet with the N\'eel temperature around 310K. Due to this high N\'eel temperature, there are many applications using its magnetic properties. The method we use here is the Monte Carlo simulation in which we take into account the interaction between itinerant spins and lattice Mn spins. Our results show a very good agreement with experiments on the shape of the spin resistivity near the N\'eel temperature

Bio-nanotechnology application in wastewater treatment

The nanoparticles have received high interest in the field of medicine and water purification, however, the nanomaterials produced by chemical and physical methods are considered hazardous, expensive, and leave behind harmful substances to the environment. This chapter aimed to focus on green-synthesized nanoparticles and their medical applications. Moreover, the chapter highlighted the applicability of the metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the inactivation of microbial cells due to their high surface and small particle size. Modifying nanomaterials produced by green-methods is safe, inexpensive, and easy. Therefore, the control and modification of nanoparticles and their properties were also discussed

microRNA-141 is associated with hepatic steatosis by downregulating the sirtuin1/AMP-activated protein kinase pathway in hepatocytes

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is a crucial regulator of metabolism and it is implicated in the metabolic pathophysiology of several disorders inclusive of Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-141 in hepatic steatosis via regulation of SIRT1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in hepatocytes. Liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2) were treated with high concentration of glucose to be subsequently used for the assessment of miR-141 and SIRT1 levels in a model of hepatic steatosis. On the other hand, cells were transfected with miR-141 to investigate its effect on hepatocyte steatosis and viability as well as SIRT1 expression and activity along with AMPK phosphorylation. Targeting of SIRT1 by miR-141 was evaluated by bioinformatics tools and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Following the intracellular accumulation of lipids in HepG2 cells, the level of miR-141 was increased while SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels, as well as AMPK phosphorylation, was decreased. Transfection with miR-141 mimic significantly downregulated SIRT1 expression and activity while miR-141 inhibitor had the opposite effects. Additionally, modulation of miR-141 levels significantly influenced AMPK phosphorylation status. The results of luciferase reporter assay verified SIRT1 to be directly targeted by miR-141. miR-141 could effectively suppress SIRT1 and lead to decreased AMPK phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. Thus, miR-141/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway may be considered a potential target for the therapeutic management of NAFLD. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc