Sesame genotype influences growth and phenology of Phelipanche aegyptiaca

Egyptian broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca) is a parasitic weed causing major yield loss in many field and vegetable crops. Recent observations in Iran suggest that sesame (Sesamum indicum) may serve either as a trap crop or as a host for broomrape, depending on genotype. The central objective of this research was to identify sesame genotypes that could act either as potential trap crops, or sources of genetic material for development of broomrape resistant cultivars. Seeds of 11 Iranian sesame genotypes (Ardestan, Esfarayen, Oltan, Ahvaz, Borazjan, Darab‐14, Ferdous, Kalat, Naz Tak Shakhe, Varamin and Yekta) and 10 foreign genotypes (S16, S21, S23, S25, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9) were planted with broomrape seeds in pots. At the flowering stage of sesame, tubercle number and dry weight, shoot number and dry weight and shoot height of broomrape were determined. Shoot dry weight, root dry weight and seed yield of sesame were determined at the physiological maturity. The results showed that broomrape growth varied with sesame genotype. Egyptian broomrape dry weight measured from 1.6% (S23) to 35.4% (Kalat) of the dry weight of the sesame on which it grew. Broomrape total dry weight had positive and highly correlation with the root dry weight of the sesame genotype on which it grew. When broomrape planted with the S7, S8, S9, S21 and S23 genotypes produced tubercles, but no shoots on these genotypes. Such genotypes could be used as both trap crops and as breeding‐sources for development of resistant sesame genotypes.     

Effect of BMP4 preceded by retinoic acid and co‐culturing ovarian somatic cells on differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into oocyte‐like cells

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and retinoic acid (RA) signaling are the key regulators for germ cell and meiosis induction, respectively. Gonadal tissue also provides an appropriate microenvironment for oocyte differentiation in vivo. The current study aimed to determine whether mimicking in vivo niche is more efficient for oocyte differentiation from embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, differentiation of mouse ES cells toward oocyte‐like cells using embryoid body (EB) and monolayer protocols was induced in the presence (+BMP4) or absence (‐BMP4) of BMP4. On day 5, each group was co‐cultured with ovarian somatic cells in the presence or absence of RA (+RA or –RA) for an additional 14 days. Our results showed a significant increase in expression of meiotic markers in the +BMP4 condition in EB differentiation protocol. Further differentiation with ovarian somatic cells led to a subpopulation of oocyte‐like cell formation. Compared to the controls, the +RA condition resulted in a significant elevation of the meiotic gene expression in contrast to Oct4 that significantly decreased in both protocols. In the cells pre‐treated with BMP4 and then exposed to RA in the monolayer differentiation protocol, the gene expression levels of germ cell, Mvh, and maturation markers, Cx37, Zp2, and Gdf9, were also upregulated significantly. Therefore, it can be concluded that +BMP4 and +RA along with ovarian somatic cell co‐culture improved the rate of in vitro oocyte differentiation.     

Bio- and sequence stratigraphy and microfacies analysis of the Oligocene Asmari Formation at Sepidar Anticline,Interior Fars sub-Basin,SW Iran

In this research, biostratigraphy, microfacies analysis and sequence stratigraphic framework of the Asmari Formation are discussed at Sepidar Anticline, Interior Fars sub-Basin. The strata are Rupelian to Chattian in age. According to the distribution of benthic foraminifera, two assemblage zones were recognised (I-) Nummulites vascus–Nummulites fichteli and (II-) Archaias asmaricus/hensoni–Miogypsinoides complanatus. Eight microfacies types which can be grouped into three depositional environments are recognised. Distribution of Oligocene foraminifera together with other constituents allowed the identification of three third-order sequences at Asmari Formation. Correlation of analysed sections through Interior Fars sub-Basin represents the development of a carbonate ramp with a deepening trend from SE to NW along the Rupelian/Chattian boundary.     

Prediction of HCV load using genotype,liver biomarkers,and clinical symptoms by a mathematical model in patients with HCV infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem with about 1.75 million new HCV cases and 71 million chronic HCV infections worldwide. The study aimed to evaluate clinical, serological, molecular, and liver markers to develop a mathematical predictive model for the quantification of the HCV viral load in chronic HCV infected patients. In this cross‐sectional study, blood samples were taken from 249 recently diagnosed HCV‐infected subjects and were tested for liver condition, viral genotype, and HCV RNA load. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and multiple linear regression analysis were used to predict the HCV‐RNA load. Genotype 3 followed by genotype 1 were the most prevalent genotypes in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran. The maximum levels of viral load were detected in the mixed genotype group, and the lowest levels in the undetectable genotype group. The log of the HCV viral load was significantly associated with thrombocytopenia and higher serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT). In addition, the log HCV RNA was significantly higher in patients with arthralgia, fatigue, fever, vomiting, or dizziness. Moreover, genotype 3 was significantly associated with icterus. A ROC curve analysis revealed that the best cut‐off points for serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were >31, >34, and ≤246 IU/L, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values for AST were 87.7%, 84.36%, and 44.6%, for ALT they were 83.51%, 81.11%, and 36%, and for ALP were 72.06%, 42.81%, and 8.3%, respectively. A mathematical regression model was developed that could estimate the HCV‐RNA load. Regression model: log viral load = 7.69 ? 1.01 × G3 ? 0.7 × G1 + 0.002 × ALT ? 0.86 × fatigue.     

Biodegradation perspectives of azo dyes by yeasts

Azo dyes are the largest class of synthetic dyes, which are widely used in the textile industry. The amount of dyestuff does not bind to the fibers and is lost in wastewater during textile processing. The discharge of colored effluents into the environment is not only aesthetically unpleasing. Moreover, dyes and their break-down products cause toxic effects and they affect photosynthetic activity of aquatic systems by reducing light penetration. A number of microorganisms belonging to different taxonomic groups of bacteria, algae, fungi and yeast have been reported for their ability to decolorize azo dyes. In the literature the ability to decolorize azo dyes by yeasts, compared to bacterial and fungal species, has been studied in a few reports. Within this review, an attempt is made to elucidate some basic biological aspects associated with the azo dye degradation by yeasts and enzymes involved that are responsible for degradation process.     

Rheum neyshabourense sp. nov. (Polygonaceae) from Iran

Rheum neyshabourense Baradaran & Jafari from northeastern Iran (Khorassan Razavi Province) is newly described. It is similar to R. ribes but differs in the number of prominent leaf veins, the position of the joint on the pedicle, fruit shape, epidermal cell shape and the type of stele in the inflorescence axis. A key to Rheum species in Iran is also provided.     

Improving Cathodes with a Polymer Interlayer in Reversed Organic Solar Cells

The effects of cathode modification by a conjugated polymer interlayer PFPA1 on the performance of reversed organic solar cells (substrate/cathode/active layer/transparent anode) based on different active material systems and different substrate electrodes are systematically investigated. A reduction of the work function irrespective of the substrate cathode used is observed upon the deposition of the PFPA1 interlayer, which is further related to an improved built‐in electric field and open‐circuit voltage. The amphiphilic character of the PFPA1 interlayer alters the surface energy of the substrate cathode, leading to the formation of a better active layer morphology aiding efficient exciton dissociation and photocurrent extraction in the modified solar cells. Hence, internal quantum efficiency is found to be significantly higher than that of their unmodified counterparts, while optically, the modified and unmodified solar cells are identical. Moreover, the deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the PFPA1 interlayer improves the selectivity for all investigated substrate cathodes, thus enhancing the fill factor.     

Relationship between stability and flexibility in the most flexible region of Photinus pyralis luciferase

Firefly luciferase is a protein with a large N-terminal and a small C-terminal domain. B-factor analysis shows that its C-terminal is much more flexible than its N-terminal. Studies on hyperthermophile proteins have been shown that the increased thermal stability of hyperthermophile proteins is due to their enhanced conformational rigidity and the relationship between flexibility, stability and function in most of proteins is on debate. Two mutations (D474K and D476N) in the most flexible region of firefly luciferase were designed. Thermostability analysis shows that D476N mutation doesn't have any significant effect but D474K mutation destabilized protein. On the other hand, flexibility analysis using dynamic quenching and limited proteolysis demonstrates that D474K mutation became much more flexible than wild type although D476N doesn't have any significant difference. Intrinsic and ANS fluorescence studies demonstrate that D476N mutation is brought about by structural changes without significant effect on thermostability and flexibility. Molecular modeling reveals that disruption of a salt bridge between D(474) and K(445) accompanying with some H-bond deletion may be involved in destabilization of D474K mutant.