Interaction of IBA and NAA with enzymes in root induction of Crocus sativus (L)

Effect of auxin type on some antioxidative enzymes during in vitro root induction of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) was investigated to reveal the variation of activities and isoenzyme banding patterns during root induction of saffron (C. sativus L.). Indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) and naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) at different concentrations were added to the solidified MS or B5 medium. Corm explants of saffron were placed on root inducing media and enzyme levels in explants prior or after adventitious root formation were measured and compared. Percentage of root formation on B5 medium containing 2.46 ìM IBA was highest; however the maximum number of root per explant and per cm2 observed on MS medium with 19.6 ìM IBA. Significant changes occurred in the activities of these enzymes. Some polymorphisms occurred in patterns of lactate dehydrogenase and esterase during root induction in different treatments

Near- to mid-infrared picosecond optical parametric oscillator based on periodically poled RbTiOAsO4

We describe a Ti:sapphire-pumped picosecond optical parametric oscillator based on periodically poled RbTiOAsO4 that is broadly tunable in the near to mid infrared. A 4.5-mm single-grating crystal at room temperature in combination with pump wavelength tuning provided access to a continuous-tuning range from 3.35 to 5 mu m, and a pump power threshold of 90 mW was measured. Average mid-infrared output powers in excess of 100 mW and total output powers of 400 mW in similar to 1-ps pulses were obtained at 33% extraction efficiency. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.</p

Trying for a second chance: Iranian infertile couples’ experiences after failed ART

Introduction: Despite significant advances, only 35% infertile couples conceive after ART. If IVF is unsuccessful, couples will need to decide whether to proceed again with assisted conception. The aim of this study was to explore Iranian infertile couples’ experiences after failed ART to continue treatment. Methods: In this qualitative study participants were selected using purposeful sampling method. Data were collected using 29 semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews at a regional Infertility Center from April 2016 to June 2017. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with conventional content analysis method using MAXQDA software. Results: Our findings suggest that couples’ decisions to continue treatment after unsuccessful ART is shaped by their social, emotional and financial circumstances. We have constructed two themes to describe their experiences: support to continue and trying for a second chance. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that good marital and family support networks can support infertile couples during this period of decision making. Considering the depression and anxiety caused by failed ARTs, which itself could affect the success rate of any further ARTs, the clinical team should effectively assess psychological readiness of couples who decide to continue with another ART after unsuccessful treatment

Identification and abundance of fungal flora in egg, and larvae of Acipenser persicus in Shahid Beheshti Sturgeon Rearing Center (2007)

Fungal flora in egg, yolk sac larvae and larvae of Acipenser persicus were identified and studied. Totally, 270 specimens from Shahid Beheshti Sturgeon Rearing Center were examined. A heterogeneous solution from samples was prepared and inoculated on culture media SDA+C and CMA+C in lines under sterile conditions. Wet mounts were prepared for the identification of Saprolegnia sp. and the inoculants were cultured on culture media GP containing gentamycin and chloramphenicol. We found Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Yeast, Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger and Paecilomuces on egg samples in order of frequency and in water samples we observed Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Yeast, Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger, and Paecilomyces. Fungal species identified in yolk sac larvae included Penicilliium sp., Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Yeast and in water samples we found Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Yeast, while in larvae we saw Cladosporium sp., Penicilliium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Aspergilus fumigatus, Yeast and Mucor spp. In water samples containing larvae we were able to identify Cladosporium sp., Penicilliium sp., Fusarium sp., Yeast and Aspergilus niger. Fungal species such as Cladosporium sp., Penicillium, Fusarium, Yeast and Saprolegnia were detected in all four sampling mediums. T-test indicated no significant differences in total counts (colonies/2 plates in all samples) in eggs (15.08 ±3.51 colony forming unit; CFU) and in water (15.91± 2.63) samples. However, t-test indicated significant differences in total counts in yolk sac larvae (5.33 ±1.05) and in water (11.77 ±2.39) samples. T-test showed no significant differences in total counts of larvae (32 ±12.46) and water (31.11 ±12.79) samples

In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of Leonurus cardiaca subsp. Persicus, Grammosciadium platycarpum and Onosma demawendicum

Antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca subsp. Persicus, Grammosciadium platycarpum and Onosma demawendicum were investigated employing six in vitro assay systems. IC50 for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity was in the order: O.demawendicum (221 ± 11.7) &gt; L. cardiaca (144 ± 12.1) &gt; G. platycarpum (45 ± 2.1) μgml-1, respectively. The extracts showed very good nitric oxide-scavenging and Fe2+ chelating ability activity. The L. cardiaca subsp. Persicus showed Fe2+ chelating ability activity as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (IC50 were 20 versus 18 μgml-1). None of the extracts exhibited good antioxidant activity in linoleic acid model. The extracts showed good reducing power that was better than vitamin C (p &lt; 0.05). G. platycarpum and L. cardiaca subsp. Persicus had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than O. demawendicum. The total phenolic compounds in the extracts were determined as gallic acidequivalents, and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve.Keywords: Antioxidant activity, Fe2+ chelating, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), phenol, Leonurus cardiaca, Grammosciadium platycarpum, Onosma demawendicu

Non-surgical removal of some stones from a red tailed catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) stomach as gastric foreign bodies

A red-tailed catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) referred to Aquatic Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran for showing lethargy, bottom sitting, extension of abdomen and severe abdominal injuries. Its abdomen was swollen and the bulk of the foreign bodies were easily palpated. The heaviness of foreign bodies had made swimming and buoyancy difficult for fish. Several radiographic images were taken after anaesthetizing the catfish with 10% carvacrol, 2 drops in 1 liter of water. Radiographs revealed some stones with their size, number and location. Stones were removed non-surgically through the large oral cavity using suitable forceps. Totally 16 stones and 2 shells were removed from the stomach of the fish. The catfish was then returned to the water where normal swimming and buoyancy was restored

In vitro antioxidant analysis of Achillea tenuifolia

Achillea tenuifolia (AT) is one of the most herbs are being used by people as a traditional medicinal remedy. Antioxidant activity of AT different extracts and total flavonoid and phenol levels in the extracts were investigated in this study. Plant extracts were prepared by maceration method using ethyl acetate, methanol and methanol-water (1:1). Folin Ciocalteu reagent in terms of gallic acid equivalent achieved the total phenol's content. AlCl3 was used as a reagent for flavonoid determination. Flavonoid content of the plant extracts obtained in terms of quercetin equivalent. DPPH radical scavenging effect of the extracts was determined by UV spectroscopy. Also in order to determine lipid peroxidation inhibition of the extracts of A. tenuifolia, ferric thiocyanate method with BHT, a synthetic reference standard, was carried out in this study. Phenol contents were 43.97 &#177; 0.034, 74.16 &#177; 0.55 and 106 &#177; 0.693 mg g-1 in theethyl acetate, methanol and methanol-water extracts, respectively. Flavonoid amount obtained in the ethyl acetate, methanol and methanol-water extracts were 10.6 &#177; 1.85, 23.1 &#177; 0.5 and 190 &#177; 1.3 mg g-1, respectively. The percentage of DPPH radical scavenged by the most active extract (methanol-water) of A. tenuifolia was 92% at a concentration of 1 mgml-1 greater than 94% of BHT at 2 mgml-1. IC50 of methanol-water extract and BHT were 0.015 and 0.053 mgml-1, respectively. Lipid peroxidation inhibition was observed by the most polar extract of AT about 91.84%. Phenol and flavonoids content confirm theexistence of more polar hydroxyl containing chemical structures in the plant. The potency of radical scavenging effect of methanol-water extract was about 3.5 times greater than synthetic antioxidant BHT. The inhibitory activity of the extracts on the lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid in ferric thiocyanate test was also significant (&gt; 90%). In this study we concluded that there is a direct relation between phenol and flavonoid content of plant extracts and the antioxidant activity. So that the greater amountof phenolic compounds leads to more potent radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition activities as it was observed in A. tenuifolia polar extract in the present study