M. Jabbari, F. Sabahi, B. Khansarinejad, R. Shirkoohi, H. Saberi, M. Parvin, E. Ahmadi
{"title":"Human cytomegalovirus infection in tumor specimens of Iranian patients with glioma","authors":"M. Jabbari, F. Sabahi, B. Khansarinejad, R. Shirkoohi, H. Saberi, M. Parvin, E. Ahmadi","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59003","url":null,"abstract":"Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes persistent infection in humans and severe diseases in fetus andimmunocompromised individuals. Although HCMV is not currently implicated in human cancer, emerging evidence suggests that HCMV infection might be specifically associated with some human malignancies including glioma. Glioma is one of the most common brain tumors affecting children and adults. In this study, we used Real-Time (RT) PCR and immunohistochemistry techniques for detection of HCMV infection in glioma brain tumor biopsies. Paraffin embedded tumor tissues were obtained from patients who had been diagnosed with glioma. After designing of specific primers for the HCMV US28 region, a RT-PCR method was developed for HCMV DNA detection. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the same samples by using monoclonal antibodies specific for immediate earlyprotein (IE)-72 and IE 86 protein of HCMV. The results of RT-PCR on 4 of 18 patients (22/2 %) were positive. Two of the patients with HCMV positive RT-PCR results, passed away. Seven patients (38.8%) were positive with the IHC assay. It was also shown that in patients with higher grade of glioma, higher level of positive cells was observed using IE72 and IE 86 antibodies. Considering the results and controversies associated with reports from other regions of the world, a more comprehensive study using this and other diagnostic methods are suggested in Iranian patients with glioma.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"47 1","pages":"11-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81275952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Isolation of biologically active Actinomycetes from untouched soils: a case study from Karaj district, Iran","authors":"E. Salehghamari, Maryam Najafi","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59009","url":null,"abstract":"Actinomycetes are a source of a broad variety of secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities, such as antifungi, antibiotics and antitumorals; many of which have been developed for clinical use. In this study, 34 actinomycetes from untouched soils were isolated from Alborz Province-Iran. Evaluation ofantifungal and anti bacterial activities of these isolates, demonstrated the capability of the isolates to inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria using agar well diffusion method. Moreover, the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of an isolate were also tested against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and their inhibited zones were measured. 53% of isolates were active against at least one of the seven tested pathogens and 32% of actinomycetes were active against tested pathogenic fungi. Some of the actinomycetal isolates had shown strong antifungal and antibacterial activity which promises a good source of novel antimicrobial agents. As a case, isolate act-3 was selected for its high antimicrobial activity against MRSA. These results suggested that actinomycetes from Alborz Province have a good potential for the production of biologically active compounds.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"1 1","pages":"65-74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89258650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The indumentum of vegetative and reproductive parts of annual Silene L. species (Caryophyllaceae) in Iran","authors":"E. Hoseini, F. Ghahremaninejad, M. Assadi","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59013","url":null,"abstract":"Large and diverse genera, such as Silene need more reliable morphological traits for the credible identification and delimitation of the species. Despite the fact that the type of indumentum among the species of Silene had been addressed in most available revisions, monographs and floristic studies, the trichome-based features and their adaptational importance have not been investigated explicitly. In the present study, the trichomes of annual species of Silene in Iran are studied. Beside other floral traits and vegetative features, the presence, distribution and mixture of the glandular and eglandular trichomes on stems, leaves, inflorescence axes, pedicels, anthophores, inner and outer surfaces of calyces, petals and styles are proved to be of diagnostic importance in Silene. Indumentum of the inner calyx among the studied species is investigated here for the first time. An identification key is performed mainly based on indumentum features. In addition, a putative trichome-based defense strategy is proposed in the examined species.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"104 1","pages":"107-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86431588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An efficient and simple CTAB based method for total genomic DNA isolation from low amounts of aquatic plants leaves with a high level of secondary metabolites","authors":"S. Afsharzadeh, Shabnam Abbasi","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59012","url":null,"abstract":"An efficient DNA isolation protocol specifically modified to get pure quality DNA required for molecular studieshas been reported in this paper. Some aquatic plants (Potamogeton spp., Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum spicatum) were used for the study. The protocol developed will be useful in getting high and pure DNA. Instead of using the available DNA extraction kits, this protocol can be used to get pure quality DNA, freefrom proteins and polysaccharide compounds. The absorbance rate A260/A280 was 1.92 ± 0.069 and A260/A230 was 1.73 by spectrophotometer and NanoDrop machines which showed the sample genomic DNA is pure, free from contaminant proteins and polyphenolics/polysaccharides compound. The highest concentration of DNA was 640 ± 340.58 ng/μl when measured at 260 nm. When we run on agarose gel also, the isolated DNA gave a clear and sharp band. Thus, the DNA does not need any additional purification before proceeding for molecular analysis of the isolated DNA samples. This protocol is very simple and economical which will find wide applications in genomic studies of aquatic plants.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"38 1","pages":"95-106"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76823984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A mixed Bayesian/Frequentist approach in sample size determination problem for clinical trials","authors":"M. Bideli, J. Gittins, H. Pezeshk","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59001","url":null,"abstract":"In this paper we introduce a stochastic optimization method based ona mixed Bayesian/frequentist approach to a sample size determinationproblem in a clinical trial. The data are assumed to come from a nor-mal distribution for which both the mean and the variance are unknown.In contrast to the usual Bayesian decision theoretic methodology, whichassumes a single decision maker, our method recognizes the existence ofthree decision makers, namely: the company conducting the trial, whichdecides on its size; the regulator, whose approval is necessary for the drugto be licensed for sale; and the public at large, who determine ultimateusage. Moreover, we model the subsequent usage by plausible assumptionsfor actual behaviour. A Monte Carlo Markov Chain is applied to nd themaximum expected utility of conducting the trial.Sample size determination problem is an important task in the planning oftrials. The problem may be formulated formally in statistical terms. Themost frequently used methods are based on the required size, and power of thetrial for a specifed treatment efect Several authors haverecognized the value of using prior distributions rather than point estimatesin sample size calculations.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"93 1","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79784456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Zarrini, Leila Taheran, M. Zakerhamidi, S. Khorram
{"title":"Plasma can reduce Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation on medical polymers","authors":"G. Zarrini, Leila Taheran, M. Zakerhamidi, S. Khorram","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59005","url":null,"abstract":"Medical polymers, such as urinary catheters are widely used biomaterials. One of the main problem for using the urinary catheters is biofilm formation on their surface, when they are used in a long time in the body. Virulence and pathogenicity of Staphylococcus epidermidis is often enhanced when growing as a biofilm. Many techniques have been presented to reduce the biofilm formation by surface modification. One of the most revolutionary techniques allowing such surface modifications is the plasma surface modification. In this work, plasma effects on S. epidermidis biofilm formation on urinary catheter surface have been investigated. Plasma was produced in a Pyrex glass tube containing nitrogen with pressure 1.6×10-1 Torr for plasma treatment of a catheter surface. Discharge voltage was about 1.2 kV and current was 150 mA. Each set of plasma treated catheter samples was inoculated by cultivation of S. epidermidis on 50 ml of Tryptic soy broth medium in the shaking incubator for 48 h at 37°C and 100 rpm. Then, amount of biofilm formation on the surface of polymer were assessed by crystal violet binding assay and sonication method. The results of these experiments indicated reduced biofilm formation on the modified surface around 50-60% compared to non-modified surface. This study shows that plasma surface modification can be used to reduce biofilm formation on medical polymers such as urinary catheter.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"45 1","pages":"31-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85684509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nano-Metal oxides induced sulforaphane production and peroxidase activity in seedlings of Lepidium draba (Brassicaceae)","authors":"A. Riahi-Madvar, M. Aminizadeh, Mehdi Mohammadi","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59010","url":null,"abstract":"Effects of different concentrations [0, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mgL-1] of Fe3O4 and CuO nano-particles (nFe3O4 and nCuO) were investigated on sulforaphane (SFN) production level in 7-day-old seedlings of Lepidium draba at different time intervals (8 and 16 hrs). According to the results, the influence of the particles on SFN contentdepends on nano-particle (NP) concentrations, time of treatment as well as chemical nature of NPs. The SFN content was significantly increased in treated seedlings with 5 mgL-1nCuO and all nFe3O4 concentrations as well as nFe3O4-treated callus after 8 hrs. However, by the increasing treatment time to 16 hrs, no significant changes on the SFN content were seen compared to the control. Furthermore, activity of peroxidase was also significantly promoted in treatment with both NPs (especially at higher concentrations) after 8 hrs and drastically decreased after 16 hrs. On the other hand, seed germination as well as the root and shoot length (except root length in treatment with nFe3O4) decreased compared to the control when seed germinated and plant growth in presence of both NPs for 7 days. Totally, these observations can be attributed to induce oxidative stress by NPs as a subsequence of their uptake by the plant. The increment in production of the phytochemicals through nano-metals treatment (nano-elicitation), opens an opportunity for induction of beneficial phytochemical content.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"24 3 1","pages":"75-83"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83159705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vasodilatory effects of nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide in rats: Time-dependent interaction study","authors":"Abbas Salihi, Mudhir Shekha, Omar A. M. Al-Habib","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59004","url":null,"abstract":"The vasodilator response of nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were studied todetermine the significance of the actions and interactions of these gasotransmitters for controlling aortic tone in rats. The isometric tension of five separate sets of experiments was recorded. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP; NO donor), sodium disulphide (Na2S; H2S donor), SO2 derivatives and their paired combinations were added to phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction during the peak value. Then maximal relaxation rate was calculated four times at 5 min intervals. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) and Glibenclamide (GLIB) were applied for investigating the molecular mechanism of the gasses. While, in a separate set of experiments, we used either L-Arginine (L-Arg), L-Cysteine (L-Cyst) or L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) before applying gasotransmitters. Highest and prolonged relaxation rate were recorded when SNP was combined with SO2. The combination of Na2S and SO2-induced vasorelaxation was blocked by TEA and GLIB pretreatments. L-Cyst decreased relaxation compared to SNP and vice versa to SO2 induced vasorelaxation. L-Arg markedly attenuated relaxation responses of Na2S and SO2 derivatives. Also, L-NAME delayed relaxation compared to Na2S and SO2. These results suggest that exogenous paired combinations of H2S, NO and SO2 will enhance and elongate the rate of aortic relaxation. Meanwhile, preincubation of aortic rings with precursors attenuate the dilatory effects of exogenous studied gases.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"40 1","pages":"19-30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84112247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Characteristics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from fruits and humus: Their suitability for bread making","authors":"N. Komatsuzaki","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2016.59008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2016.59008","url":null,"abstract":"The objectives of this study were to clarify whether the wild yeast isolated from fruits and humus is suitable forbread making. Using colony PCR, assimilation of carbohydrate and 18S rRNA sequencing, seven strains fromamong 70 samples were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ethanol and CO2 production by the 10-2 wild yeast strain were highest among the strains. The pH and utilized glucose of all strains were pH 3.00-3.60 and 99.99%, respectively. The total acid content of the 9-3 culture was the highest (82.7 mg/100 ml) among the seven strains. The acetic acid contents of 9-3 and 10-2 cultures were 56.8 mg/100 ml and 56.3 mg/100 ml, respectively. Our finding showed that the 9-3 and 10-2 strain isolated from fruits have abilities of fermentation suitable for bread making.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"37 1","pages":"55-63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77584337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of soil conductivity on properties of saffron corms and in vitro production of its style explants","authors":"S. Mashayekhi, M. H. Namin","doi":"10.22059/PBS.2015.56044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22059/PBS.2015.56044","url":null,"abstract":"Saffron is the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., a member of the Iridaceae family which ispropagated by means of corms. Corms are faced with many stresses in soil. Therefore, it isimportant to reduce these stresses and improve the quantity of saffron production. Biotic andabiotic stresses disrupt the metabolic balance of cells; thereby, resulting in accumulation ofreactive oxygen species (ROS) which cause oxidative damage. In this study, the effect of soilelectrical conductivity (EC) on biochemical indicators of corms, the percentages of callusformation and stigma-like structures (SLSs) on calli were investigated. In order to obtain calliand SLSs, immature style explants from floral buds of corms were collected from three regions(Shahroud, Mardabad and Torbat Heydarieh) and used for tissue culture. Style explants wereseparated first from the immature floral buds, then sterilized and used for tissue culture.Biochemical analysis of calli with SLSs including malondialdehyde (MDA) and prolinecontents, antioxidant enzymes activities and polysaccharides and reducing sugars contents wereinvestigated and compared. Moreover, sodium and potassium ions content and EC of soils ofthe three regions were investigated. The results indicated that corms from Shahroud with thehighest level of EC soil showed more imposed stress than that from Torbat Heidariye andMardabad but the calli percentage and number of SLSs of Mardabad’s were higher than those ofthe other two respectively. In this study, a close relationship between soil EC and in vitroproduction of saffron with a short glance on epigenetic modification was postulated.","PeriodicalId":20726,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biological Sciences","volume":"61 1","pages":"273-286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75976837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}