Variation in calcification rate of Acropora downingi relative to seasonal changes in environmental conditions in the northeastern Persian Gulf

There is a strong interest in understanding how coral calcification varies with changing environmental conditions, especially given the projected changes in temperature and aragonite saturation due to climate change. This study explores in situ variation in calcification rates of Acropora downingi in the northeastern Persian Gulf relative to seasonal changes in temperature, irradiance and aragonite saturation state (Ω _arag). Calcification rates of A. downingi were highest in the spring and lowest in the winter, and intra-annual variation in calcification rate was significantly related to temperature (r ² = 0.30) and irradiance (r ² = 0.36), but not Ω _arag (r ² = 0.02). Seasonal differences in temperature are obviously confounded by differences in other environmental conditions and vice versa. Therefore, we used published relationships from experimental studies to establish which environmental parameter(s) (temperature, irradiance, and/or Ω _arag) placed greatest constraints on calcification rate (relative to the maximum spring rate) in each season. Variation in calcification rates was largely attributable to seasonal changes in irradiance and temperature (possibly ~57.4 and 39.7% respectively). Therefore, we predict that ocean warming may lead to increased rates of calcification during winter, but decelerate calcification during spring, fall and especially summer, resulting in net deceleration of calcification for A. downingi in the Persian Gulf.

     

Widespread environmental contamination in agricultural soils and human health risk at the vicinity of an oil refinery site

In this research, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated via three exposure pathways: accidental ingestion of soil, dermal contact of soils, and contaminated vegetable ingestion. To determine the contaminant concentrations in soil, samples were collected from areas adjacent to the Tehran oil refinery, located in Shahr-e-Ray city, Iran. Analyses of the samples indicated that the average of PAHs concentration in the soil samples were greater than clean-up level guidelines. Cancer risk of contaminants due to ingestion of cultivated vegetables that are sold in Tehran markets was significant in comparison with other exposure pathways. Moreover, the total cancer risk for 5th percentile, 95 upper confidence limit, and 95th percentile concentration of contaminants were 5.69E-04, 8.78E-02, and 2.13E-01, classifying the site as having a significant cancer risk potential. Furthermore, non-carcinogenic health risk analyses for the contaminants demonstrated hazard index of less than 1. Remediation of the soils is highly recommended to eliminate the potential cancer risks and prevent the contamination of the food chain for approximately 10 million Tehran residents.     

Temperature-dependent age-specific demography of grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): jackknife vs. bootstrap techniques

Grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Lep. Tortricidae) is a key pest of grape in Iran and other vineyards of the world. In this study, eight constant rearing temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 32 and 35 ± 1 °C) along with 60 ± 10% RH and a 16:8 (L:D) h photoperiod were chosen for demographic studies of the grapevine moth. Immature stages were unable to develop when reared at 5 and 35 °C, and the progeny moths were unable to successfully mate at 10, 15 and 32 °C. The overall developmental time of juveniles decreased at 30 °C (from 320.7 ± 3.4 d at 10 °C to 34.2 ± 0.2 d) followed by an increase to 42.5 ± 0.6 d at 32 °C. Based on values of the stable population growth parameters, the temperature of 25 °C was found to be optimal for propagation of grapevine moth. The highest values of the intrinsic rate of increase, gross and net reproductive rates were 0.0719 d?^?1, 55.5 and 23 females per generation, respectively, at 25 °C. Since jackknife and bootstrap estimates of mean and standard error were mainly similar, both methods may equally be used for uncertainty estimates. Our data suggest that cold storage of grapes will help to control grapevine moth infestations and damage. In many grape growing regions of Iran, the first generation is expected to cause damage. It is expected since our reproductive life table analysis suggests that the hot summer temperatures may restrict pest development during subsequent generations.     

Channelopathies of inwardly rectifying potassium channels.

Mutations in genes encoding ion channels have increasingly been identified to cause disease conditions collectively termed channelopathies. Recognizing the molecular basis of an ion channel disease has provided new opportunities for screening, early diagnosis, and therapy of such conditions. This synopsis provides an overview of progress in the identification of molecular defects in inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels. Structurally and functionally distinct from other channel families, Kir channels are ubiquitously expressed and serve functions as diverse as regulation of resting membrane potential, maintenance of K(+) homeostasis, control of heart rate, and hormone secretion. In humans, persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy, a disorder affecting the function of pancreatic beta cells, and Bartter's syndrome, characterized by hypokalemic alkalosis, hypercalciuria, increased serum aldosterone, and plasma renin activity, are the two major diseases linked so far to mutations in a Kir channel or associated protein. In addition, the weaver phenotype, a neurological disorder in mice, has also been associated with mutations in a Kir channel subtype. Further genetic linkage analysis and full understanding of the consequence that a defect in a Kir channel would have on disease pathogenesis are among the priorities in this emerging field of molecular medicine.     

Identification of phytoplasmas associated with sesame phyllody disease in southeastern Iran

Phyllody disease is a threat to sesame production in Kerman province, southeastern Iran. RFLP analysis of PCR products of phytoplasma-specific 16S rRNA gene (1.8 kb) and phylogenetic analyses of 16S-23S rDNA spacer region (SR) sequence indicated that the predominant agent associated with sesame phyllody in Kerman province is a phytoplasma with 100% similarity with eggplant big bud, and peanut witches’-broom phytoplasmas, members of “Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia” from Iran and China, respectively. Among the samples tested, only one strain (SPhSr1), had a unique RFLP profile and its SR was 100% similar in nucleotide sequence with the phytoplasma carried by Orosius albicinctus and Helianthus annus witches’-broom phytoplasma from Iran, members of “Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii”. Virtual RFLP patterns of SPhJ2 (representative of the predominant PCR-RFLP profiles) SR sequence were identical to those of peanut witches’-broom phytoplasma (16SrII-A, JX871467). However, SPhSr1 SR sequence patterns resemble (99.7%) those of vinca virescence phytoplasma (16SrVI-A, AY500817).     

Variation of DAT1 VNTR alleles and genotypes among old ethnic groups in Mesopotamia to the Oxus region

Variation of a VNTR in the DAT1 gene in seven ethnic groups of the Middle East was used to infer the history and affinities of these groups. The populations consisted of Assyrian, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Armenian, Turkmen, and Arab peoples of Iran, Iraq, and Kuwait. Three hundred forty subjects from these seven ethnic groups were screened for DAT1. DAT1 VNTR genotyping showed 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 alleles in the samples. Analysis of these data revealed differentiation and relationship among the populations. In this region, which covers an area of 2-2.5 million km2, the influence of geography and especially of linguistic characteristics has had potentially major effects on differentiation. Religion also has played a major role in imposing restrictions on some ethnic groups, who as a consequence have maintained their community. Overall, these ethnic groups showed greater heterogeneity compared to other populations.     

PCR-based detection and eradication of mycoplasmal infections from various mammalian cell lines: a local experience

A total of 200 cell lines including different human, monkey, mice, hamster and rat cell types were examined for mycoplasma infection status. PCR assay using generic-specific universal primers showed that 40 (20%) of the cell lines are contaminated with mycoplasma. Employment of species-specific primers within these infected cell lines revealed infection with M. hyorhinis (42.5%), M. fermentas (37.5%), M. arginini (37.5%), M. orale (12.5%) and A. laidlawii (7.5%). A number of the cultures were coinfected with 2 or 3 different species. Contaminated samples were treated with BM-Cyclin, Ciprofloxacin and mycoplasma removal agent (MRA). Mycoplasma eradication was subsequently checked by PCR following 2 weeks continuous culture of treated cells in antibiotic free culture medium. Mycoplasmal infections were eradicated in 100, 70 and 42% of infected cell lines when the samples were treated with BM-Cyclin, MRA and Ciprofloxacin, respectively. However, 12% (BM-Cyclin), 62.5% (MRA) and 82.5% (Ciprofloxacin) of mycoplasma regrowth was observed 4 months after the treatment. Notably, the risk of spontaneous culture death was 17.5, 12.5 and 0% for BM-Cyclin, MRA and Ciprofloxacin, respectively.     

Fabrication of a glucose sensor based on a novel nanocomposite electrode

The direct electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in alkaline medium at nanoscale nickel hydroxide modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) has been investigated. Enzyme free electro-oxidation of glucose have greatly been enhanced at nanoscale Ni(OH)(2) as a result of electrocatalytic effect of Ni(+2)/Ni(+3) redox couple. The sensitivity to glucose was evaluated as 202 microA mM(-1)cm(-2). From 50 microM to 23 mM of glucose can be selectively measured using platelet-like Ni(OH)(2) nanoscale modified CILE with a detection limit of 6 microM (S/N=3). The nanoscale nickel hydroxide modified electrode is relatively insensitive to electroactive interfering species such as ascorbic acid (AA), and uric acid (UA) which are commonly found in blood samples. Long-term stability, high sensitivity and selectivity as well as good reproducibility and high resistivity towards electrode fouling resulted in an ideal inexpensive amperometric glucose biosensor applicable for complex matrices.     

Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) deficient mice absorb less cholesterol

Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) is the key enzyme for the biosynthesis of sphingolipids. It has been reported that oral administration of myriocin (an SPT inhibitor) decreases plasma sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol levels, and reduces atherosclerosis in apoE knockout (KO) mice. We studied cholesterol absorption in myriocin-treated WT or apoE KO animals and found that, after myriocin treatment, the mice absorbed significantly less cholesterol than controls, with no observable pathological changes in the small intestine. More importantly, we found that heterozygous Sptlc1 (a subunit of SPT) KO mice also absorbed significantly less cholesterol than controls. To understand the mechanism, we measured protein levels of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1), ABCG5, and ABCA1, three key factors involved in intestinal cholesterol absorption. We found that NPC1L1 and ABCA1 were decreased, whereas ABCG5 was increased in the SPT deficient small intestine. SM levels on the apical membrane were also measured and they were significantly decreased in SPT deficient mice, compared with controls. In conclusion, SPT deficiency might reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption by altering NPC1L1 and ABCG5 protein levels in the apical membranes of enterocytes through lowering apical membrane SM levels. This may be also true for ABCA1 which locates on basal membrane of enterocytes. Manipulation of SPT activity could thus provide a novel alternative treatment for dyslipidemia.     

Cluster of Nipah virus infection, Kushtia District, Bangladesh, 2007

Objective

In March 2007, we investigated a cluster of Nipah encephalitis to identify risk factors for Nipah infection in Bangladesh.

Methods

We defined confirmed Nipah cases by the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against Nipah virus in serum. Case-patients, who resided in the same village during the outbreak period but died before serum could be collected, were classified as probable cases.

Results

We identified three confirmed and five probable Nipah cases. There was a single index case. Five of the secondary cases came in close physical contact to the index case when she was ill. Case-patients were more likely to have physical contact with the index case (71% cases versus 0% controls, p = <0.001). The index case, on her third day of illness, and all the subsequent cases attended the same religious gathering. For three probable cases including the index case, we could not identify any known risk factors for Nipah infection such as physical contact with Nipah case-patients, consumption of raw date palm juice, or contact with sick animals or fruit bats.

Conclusion

Though person-to-person transmission remains an important mode of transmission for Nipah infection, we could not confirm the source of infection for three of the probable Nipah case-patients. Continued surveillance and outbreak investigations will help better understand the transmission of Nipah virus and develop preventive strategies.