Evaluation of metallothionein protein as a biomarker of Mercury pollution in Scat (Scatophagus argus)

Total Metallothionein (MT) biosynthesis and Mercury bioaccumulation under control & acute Mercury exposure were investigated in Scat (Scatophagus argus). Tissues from liver and gill of samples Scats were exposed to different Mercury concentrations (10, 20, 30μ g/l) for 24, 48, 72 hours. Mercury contents were determined through Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CVAAS). Total MT levels were determined by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Induction of MT during exposure was tissue specific, displaying different response patterns in gill and liver. Mercury accumulated in liver much stronger than gill and the latter also showed lower MT level. Although after exposure to different mercury concentration during different periods, MT biosynthesis in liver showed a significant increase (P<0.05) but in gill did not significantly modify total MT except for 72h exposure at 30 g/l. Nonetheless, the relationship between MT biosynthesis and Mercury bioaccumulation in both tissues was significant. The results suggest that this form of MT presence in S. argus was Hg-inducible and could be extended as a biomarker of Mercury pollution in marine ecosystems and especially in Persian Gulf

The effect of mycorrhizal fungi and organic fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative traits of two important satureja species

The quantitative yield and essential oil percentage and composition of two important savory species in response to various fertilizers were explored in a field experiment as a factorial study based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in north Lorestan, Iran, in 2017–2019. The first factor was assigned to three mycorrhizal fungi (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Glomus fasciculatum), phosphate biofertilizer (Baravar-2), fish manure (800 kg/ha), cattle manure (20 t/ha), vermicompost (5 t/ha), and a control (no fertilization); the second factor was assigned to two savory species, including Satureja khuzestanica and S. rechingeri. The results of the combined analysis of variance for the second and third years showed that the simple effects of fertilizers and species were significant on all recorded traits, except for some constituents of the essential oil. Among the mycorrhizal fungi, R. irregularis and S. khuzestanica outperformed S. rechingeri in all traits, except for essential oil content and yield. The interaction between year and species was significant for all traits. The essential oil content of S. rechingeri in the third year (5.1%) was 18% higher than that of S. rechingeri in the second year (4.3%) and 41% higher than that of S. khuzestanica in the third year (3.6%). According to the results, the foliar application of vermin compost at a rate of 5 t/ha can contribute to the sustainable production of both savory species, improving their growth and essential oil yield

Reproduction and feeding biology of madagascar meager (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) from Khuzestan coastal waters

Biological attributes of Madagascar Meager (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) was studied from October 2008 to September 2009 in coastal waters of Khuzestan province. Average maximum length was 128.4±7.50 in October and average minimum length was 104.86±12.47 in May. The maximum weight was 27500g, the minimum weight was 5700g and mean weight for males and females were 15.222±4.40 and 16.942±5.09, respectively. Reproductive studies showed that peak maturity season occurred in July. The length­ weight relationship were calculated as W=0.042L 2 70 for males and W=0.06L2 61for females. The male-female sex ratio was calculated as 1:1.07 and chi-square analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the two sexes. The average absolute and relative fecundity were estimated to be 4054045±37265 and 179.19±50.41, respectively Madagascar Meager is carnivore and we found the diet of the species consisted of fish (75%), crustaceans (20%) and mollusks (5%). Analysis of monthly variation in the condition factor (CF) indicated a fluctuation throughout the year, with a high level during May. Vacuity index indicated a higher feeding rate in males compared to females. We also found that the species continues feeding in the spawning season

Source Evaluation and Trace Metal Contamination in Benthic Sediments from Equatorial Ecosystems Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques

race metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb) concentrations in benthic sediments were analyzed through multi-step fractionation scheme to assess the levels and sources of contamination in estuarine, riverine and freshwater ecosystems in Niger Delta (Nigeria). The degree of contamination was assessed using the individual contamination factors (ICF) and global contamination factor (GCF). Multivariate statistical approaches including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and correlation test were employed to evaluate the interrelationships and associated sources of contamination. The spatial distribution of metal concentrations followed the pattern Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd>Ni. Ecological risk index by ICF showed significant potential mobility and bioavailability for Cu, Cu and Ni. The ICF contamination trend in the benthic sediments at all studied sites was Cu>Cr>Ni>Cd>Pb. The principal component and agglomerative clustering analyses indicate that trace metals contamination in the ecosystems was influenced by multiple pollution sources

Genetics of intellectual disability in consanguineous families

Autosomal recessive (AR) gene defects are the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID) in countries with frequent parental consanguinity, which account for about 1/7th of the world population. Yet, compared to autosomal dominant de novo mutations, which are the predominant cause of ID in Western countries, the identification of AR-ID genes has lagged behind. Here, we report on whole exome and whole genome sequencing in 404 consanguineous predominantly Iranian families with two or more affected offspring. In 219 of these, we found likely causative variants, involving 77 known and 77 novel AR-ID (candidate) genes, 21 X-linked genes, as well as 9 genes previously implicated in diseases other than ID. This study, the largest of its kind published to date, illustrates that high-throughput DNA sequencing in consanguineous families is a superior strategy for elucidating the thousands of hitherto unknown gene defects underlying AR-ID, and it sheds light on their prevalence