JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Year:2018 | Volume:9 | Issue:4 |Papers Count:20

Aims The mass propagation and breeding new varieties of Ziziphus jujuba Mill as a valuable fruit tree and herb, which is well adapted to dry and semi-arid climate, is very important. The aim of the present research was to optimize direct regeneration method in Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Materials & Methods In this experimental study, the explants consisted of leaf cut into 3 parts, leaf cut from 4 sides, and full leaf of in vitro and compared in Murashige and Skoog and woody plant media with different concentrations of Thidiazuron (TDZ; 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20μ M) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA, 0 and 1μ M). The effect of 2 and 4 weeks of darkness on regeneration rate was investigated. The experiments were conducted in factorial based on a completely randomized design. The mean of statistical data was compared using Duncan’ s multiple range test. SAS 9. 3. 1 software was used and the difference was considered significant at 1% probability level. Findings The 2 weeks of darkness treatment with the mean of 1. 38 was better than the 4 weeks of darkness treatment. The Maximum number of shoots (2. 27) was obtained in leaf cut into 3 parts. The maximum percent of regeneration (75. 0%) and highest number of regenerated shoots (4. 83) were obtained in the MS medium containing 10μ Μ TDZ and 1μ Μ NAA. Conclusion Regeneration rates in Ziziphus jujuba Mill is affected by the type of explant, culture media and plant growth regulators. Maximum rate of regeneration is observed in leaf cut into 3 parts and cultured on MS medium containing 1μ M NAA and 10μ Μ TDZ. Plantlets are rooted and successfully acclimatized at “ in vivo” conditions.

Aims The important achievement of genetic analysis of Quantitative trait locus (QTLs) is to facilitate the investigation of the inheritance of simple Mendelian traits. The aim of this study was mapping genes controlling morphological traits in F3 Families caused by Becher×Kavir cross in barley. Sea urchins have been extensively studied due to the commercial importance of their gonads in the global industry. Although after removal of the edible gonads, the remaining shell and spines are usually discarded, they are known to possess various polyhydroxylated naphthoquinone (PHNQ) pigments. The aim of the present research was quantitative and qualitative identification of PHNQ pigments from shell and spine of Echinometra Mathaei of the Persian Gulf. Materials & Methods In this experimental study, the Echinometra mathaei was used as the sea urchin test sample. Sea urchins were collected in 2013 from Zeytoon Park in Qeshm Island, Persian Gulf. Shell and spine pigments were extracted by hydrochloric acid from sea urchin. Then, the quantity of Naphthoquinone compounds was evaluated by spectrophotometric and their quality was evaluated by Liquid chromatography– mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The data were analysed by ANOVA and Duncan’ s new multiple range test at 5% probability level, using SPSS 19 software and the diagrams were drawn by Excel 2013 software. Findings The most pigments were Spinochrome A, C, B, and Echinochrome A, respectively. The presence of PHNQ pigments were confirmed in pigments Spinochrome B and C, Echinochrome A, and Spinochrome A, respectively. Conclusion The presence of each of the four pigments in shell and spine pigments is confirmed by quantitative and qualitative methods. The most pigments are Spinochrome A, C, B, and Echinochrome A, respectively.

Aims Alkaline protease is one of the most important groups of industrial enzymes with many applications. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical parameters affecting the production of alkaline protease enzyme produced by Bacillus pseudofirmus MSB22 by onefactor-at-a-time (OFAT) method and optimize the production of this enzyme by the response surface methodology (RSM) in the form of a rotatable central composite design. Materials & Methods In the present experimental study, the isolation of microorganism producing alkaline protease from wastewater from sausage and lunch meat factories in Isfahan was carried out. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the strain were performed according to the Bergey’ s book and amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequences. Detection of metalloproteinase gene and alkaline serine protease was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction and enzyme activity measurement was performed by Folin reagent. Screening of variables effective in enzyme production was done, using the one-factorat-a-time method and optimization was performed by response surface methodology. MEGA 6 software was used for phylogenetic analyses. To analyze the data, the Design Expert 7 software and the one-way analysis of variance were used. Findings The maximum protease production, which was 1. 85 times higher than that of OFAT method and 3. 45 times higher than unoptimized conditions was obtained, using 1% w/v xylose, 3% w/v beef extract, 4% v/v inoculation size, pH 10, and 30° C. The established quadratic model had a great ability to predict responses to new observations due to a high value of the predicted determination coefficient. Conclusion OFAT and RSM strategies are useful screening and optimization methods, respectively and sub I and sub II genes (alkaline serine protease genes) are detected in Bacillus pseudofirmus MSB22.

Aims The perennial grass is one of important grassland plants, which have special importance based on their feeding production, protection, and prevention of soil erosion. One of the important genera of the wheat family is the Agropyron. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic variability in different accessions of Agropyron based on morphological traits. Materials & Methods In this experimental research, 31 populations belonging to the 3 species of the Agropyron were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications in research farm of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Northwest and West region of Iran. The cluster analysis was performed by SPSS 17, using Euclidean space and UPGMA and the principal components analysis was performed through trait correlation coefficient matrix and Minitab 14 software. Findings The highest value of phenotypic coefficient of variation was seen in traits, including panicle length, fresh forage yield in the first cutting, and dry matter yield in the first cutting, respectively. In the second component, seed yield and crown diameter were the most important in explaining this component. There were significant differences between different populations in terms of morphological traits, so that for these traits, the various species in this genus could be separated. From a morphological point of view, there was a great similarity between A. cristatum and A. desertorum. Conclusion Different populations of A. elongatum species could be distinguished from the populations of the A. cristatum and A. desertorum in terms of morphological traits, while utilization of molecular markers is mandatory to segregate the populations of A. cristatum and A. desertorum from each other.

Aims Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is one of the most important microorganism in bioleaching. During this process, biooxidation of iron leads to precipitation of jarosite. Jarosite decreases copper bioleaching efficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the iron concentration in the precipitation of jarosite and the activity of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Materials & Methods Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was cultivated in 9k medium containing ferrous sulfate (Fe2+) with concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50g/100ml and also jarosite seed medium with concentrations of 5 and 10g/l. The iron concentration was assessed by atomic absorption. Jarosite was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray crystallography (XRD) methods. Findings The cell count of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, in Fe2+ concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50g/100ml was 5×107, 2. 5×108, 1. 5×107, 10×107, and 7×107cell/ml, respectively. The jarosite precipitation rate in concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 30, 50g/100ml was 1. 80, 6. 09, 10. 90, 16. 65, and 28. 8g. The minimum rate of jarosite precipitation was in 10g/100ml of Fe2+ concentration. Jarosite precipitation rate increased by increment of Fe2+ concentration and it was parallel with decrease of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans cell count in concentrations of 5 and 10g/l of jarosite seed; the jarosite precipitation rate was 3. 13, 3. 68g. However, the growth of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was better than the absence of jarosite seed. Conclusion The optimal concentration of Fe2+ in 9K medium is 10g/100 ml. In this condition, the maximum growth rate of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and minimal precipitation of jarosite exist.

Aims DSO (Disulfide Oil) is a byproduct of oil and gas refinery that is produced during demercaptanization process. The main components of DSO are dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), methyl ethyl disulfide (MEDS), and diethyl disulfide (DEDS). In this study, sulfur removal from DSO was investigated for the first time in the world by biological desulphurisation (BDS). Thus, the aim of this study was the biocatalytic removal of sulfur compounds from disulfide oil. Materials & Methods In this experimental study, DSO was under biodesulfurization by two species, Rhodococcus Re68, and Rhodococcus FMF, in 200ml flasks under aerobic conditions for 4 days and covered flask for 10 days in the presence of glycerol. The DSO decomposition rate was measured by Gas Chromatography (GC) after extracting the residual of the medium by isooctane. Findings DSO decomposition rate by Rhodococcus Re68 in aerobic conditions and covered flask conditions was 46. 7% and 57. 18%, respectively. Also, the DSO decomposition rate by Rhodococcus FMF in aerobic conditions and covered flask conditions was 47. 56% and 63%, respectively. Conclusion The amount of disulfide oil transformation and its components including dimethyl disulfide, diethyl disulfide, and methyl ethyl disulfide are very significant by Rhodococcus Re68 and FMF. Rhodococcus Re68 and FMF bacteria use disulfide only as the sources of sulfur and cannot grow on them as the source of carbon and energy.

Aims In nanoecotoxicology science, fish erythrocyte micronucleus assay for the monitoring genotoxic potential of nanoparticles is a powerful biomarker. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating genotoxicity of magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in red blood cells of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) using micronucleus assay under acute and chronic treatment. Materials & Methods In the current experimental study, the genotoxit toxicology of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was performed during an acute (96 hours; 5 concentrations including 0, 10, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/l) and chronic (14 days; 3 concentrations including 0, 100, and 500 mg/l) of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in three replications. The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS 19, using twoway ANOVA, and Duncan’ s new multiple range test. Findings Acute exposure to Fe3O4 nanoparticles had no acute toxicity effect juvenile carp (C. carpio). By increasing the concentration of nanoparticles in a 96-hour interval, the frequency of micronucleus (‰ ) and other abnormal forms around the red blood cell nucleus of juvenile carps showed a significant increase compared to the control group (p<0. 05). In the chronic treatment at concentrations of 100 and 500 mg/l of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, the rate of increase in the frequency of micronucleus was similar to the acute functional test of concentration. Conclusion Although Fe3O4 nanoparticles do not have acute toxicity effects in common carp and are non-toxic, they tend to induce genotoxic effects by increasing the frequency of micronucleus and other abnormalities of the red blood cell core during a concentration-dependent process. So, it seems that the release of FeO4NPs into the environment, it is probable adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Aims: Information of the protein structure is essential to understand the protein functions. Flexibility is one of the most important characteristics related to protein functions. Knowledge about flexibility of the protein structures can be helpful to improve protein structure prediction and comprehend their function. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the flexibility prediction of protein structures, using support vector machine. Materials & Methods In this study, a balanced dataset containing 95 proteins was used. The features used in the present study for modeling amino acids formed a 33-dimensional vector. Some of them were obtained by crawling a window with the length of 17 focusing on the target amino acid on the protein chain, and some were only related to the target amino acid. To define the flexibility factor, the characteristics based on the information derived from the twodimensional angular variations was used. The information was calculated for each amino acid by considering the position of each amino acid alone and for the adjacent amino acid pairs in a seventeenth window, and the support vector machine method was used for prediction. Findings The accuracy was 73. 1%, F-measure was 71%, precision was 73%, and sensitivity was 73. 2%. Acceptable superiority of the proposed method was confirmed in comparison with the current methods. The angular representation of each protein was able to accurately demonstrate the 3D characteristics and properties of the protein structure. Conclusion The accuracy is 73. 1%, F-measure is 71%, precision is 73%, and sensitivity is 73. 2% and angular aspect is the best descriptor for flexibility prediction. Angular representation of each protein can accurately reflect the 3D characteristics and properties of the protein structure.

Aims The use of semiconductor quantum dots (QD) nanoparticles with emission spectrum in the visible region as a marker in immunoassays provides the user with an opportunity to detect the desired agent without using advanced equipment. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to present a one-step conjugation method for antibodies with CdTe quantum dots, using activated dextran. Materials & Methods In this experimental study, CdTe nanoparticles were synthesized and the transmission electron microscope was used to study the morphology of the synthesized QD of CdTe and the size, concentration, and stability of the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated. In order to stabilize the nanoparticles synthesized by BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin), they were coated and connected to antibodies with activated dextran. Immunosuppression tests were used to evaluate the conjugated antibodies. Findings Spot and spherical nature were completely evident in the morphology of nanoparticles. The difference in QD and dBSA-QD displacement from the agarose gel confirmed the formation of dBSA-QD and the same dilution spectrum from nanoparticles was obtained in the presence and absence of BSA. Connecting with dBSA, in addition to maintaining and improving the properties of the nanoparticle’ s diffusion led to the creation of diverse functional groups for the next steps of nanoparticle connection. The fluorescence emission of nanoparticles was higher in both coated with dBSA and conjugated with antibodies than free nanoparticles. By using antibodies connected to nanoparticles, the detection limit of 30ng for protein antigen was obtained as an eye. Conclusion In the conjugation process, in order to connect CdTe quantum dots to antibodies via dextran, by coating nanoparticles with a denatured BSA in addition to increasing the stability of nanoparticles, new functional groups are created on the surface of the nanoparticle.

Aims Carotenoids are pigments widely used in the food industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of pigment extracted from Micrococcus roseus. Materials & Methods In this experimental study, Micrococcus roseus cells were settled by centrifugation, and 10ml acetone was added and they were homogenized by homogenizer. Then, homogenized suspension was centrifuged, the supernatant was collected, and carotenoid pigments were extracted with equal volume of petroleum ether. After filtration of pigmented solution, the solution was concentrated by rotary evaporator and, then, it was converted to powder by freeze dryer. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined, using the agar dilution method. For statistical analysis, Tukey test and Minitab 16 statistical software were used. Findings Pigment extracted from Micrococcus roseus influenced the growth of all tested bacteria; Bacillus cereus and Salmonella enteritidis had the highest (12. 4mm) and lowest (10. 9mm) sensitivity, respectively, to pigment extracted from Micrococcus roseus in 5mg. Salmonella enteritidis had the highest MIC (64mg/mL) between the tested bacteria, but MBC was not observed for Salmonella enteritidis at the tested pigment extracted from Micrococcus roseus concentrations. The antimicrobial effect of extracted pigment on gram-positive bacteria was higher than gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion The extracted pigment from Micrococcus roseus is natural and has antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial effect of extracted pigment on gram-positive bacteria is higher than gram-negative bacteria.

Aims: One of the ways to reduce cholesterol is to use statins that prevent cholesterol synthesis. The statins are similar to mevalonate and act as a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. Lovastatin is the eminent derivate of the statins group, which is produced by many microorganisms. At commercial scale lovastatin is produced in submerged culture by Aspergillus terreus. The industrial production of this metabolite is carried out by Aspergillus turosus in liquid culture. The main aim of this research was to investigate the effect of spore age on lovastatin production at the inoculation stage; also, the impact of adding olive oil and tetracycline as inducers for lovastatin production were examined. Materials & Methods: In the present experimental research, different suspensions from varying ages of spore were prepared and added to the medium of Aspergillus terreus ATCC 20542; lovastatin concentration also was measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Findings: The utmost lovastatin was observed in inoculum with 85 days spore age and equal to 60 mg/l, which was approximately twice higher compared to when inoculated with 10 days spore age. The best concentration of spore inoculation was 0. 5×107 spores/ml. Lovastatin production significantly increased when tetracycline and olive oil were used as inducers. Conclusion: As the inoculated spore age increases, lovastatin and biomass production is increased. The lovastatin production is increases by more than 1. 5 times while adding tetracycline and olive oil compared to date syrup alone.

Aims: Osmotic stress such as drought, salinity, and cold is one of the most important stresses. The aim of this study was to isolate and evaluate the genes of AREB and MPK2 in order to study the resistance to drought of tomato plants. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, seeds of two varieties of Tomato (Red Cloud) and (Peto Pride; resistant and susceptible to drought stress, respectively) were grown in drought treatment levels of-2 and-4. This study used 3 replications by a model based on a completely randomized block design. Sampling was done for Thiobarbituric acid reactive material (TBARM) for each treatment in 3 replications. Randomized and repeated sampling were done for molecular studies and the genes expression. AREB1 and MPK2 genes were studied, using bioinformatics resources and with the help of specific primers, making cDNA, PCR, and Electrophoresis. The analysis of variance test and SPSS 15 software were used Findings: With increasing drought stress, most of morphological traits had a considerable decline, but cellular oxidative index increased with the increase of stress, so that TBARM increased. The expression of AREB1 was higher than that of MPK2 gene expression. The rate of similarity between LeAREB and kinase 2 protein sequences in resistant tomatoes was 31%. Conclusion: With increasing drought stress, most morphological traits have a significant decline, but TBARM shows a significant increase with increasing stress. The AREB1 resistant drought gene is induced by the effects of drought stresses, while the expression of the MPK2 gene does not show a significant difference.

Aims In medicine, nanofiber can be used in wound dressing. The aim of this study was to prepare carboxymethyl cellulose/calcium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol/silver (CMC/Alg/PVA/ Ag) nanocomposite by electrospinning method and to investigate its performance as wound dressing. Materials & Methods In the present experimental study, CMC biofilm was prepared by solution method. Then, calcium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol/silver (Alg/PVA/Ag) nanofiber was prepared by electrospining method in the optimal conditions and deposited on CMC film. Finally, the possibleof application of the product as wound dressing and its antibacterial and morphological properties, as well as permeability to water vapor were investigated. Findings CMC/Alg/PVA/Ag film had more permeability in comparison to Alg/PVA/Ag nanofibers and less water vapor permeability value in comparison to CMC film. The most sensivity belonged to Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae gram-negative bacteria with inhibition zone diameter of 23mm and 24mm, respectively, and Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus gram-positive bacteria with inhibition zone diameter of 21mm and 17mm, respectively, for CMC/Alg/PVA/Ag film. Also, the wound with CMC/Alg/PVA/Ag dressing significantly showed more healing speed in comparison to CMC dressings and CMC/ Ag. Conclusion The use of CMC/Alg/PVA/Ag nanocomposite as wound dressing is possible. This dressing, with pores, allows the vapors to flow through the wound secretions, is impermeable to liquids and bacteria, but is permeable to oxygen and vapor; it is not allergenic and does not cause toxicity and chemical stimulation, transparent dressing and the possibility of seeing the wound is easily possible, it provides the moisture level needed for wound healing, it does not stick to the wound and as a result, its replacement is without pain and cheap.

Aims The simultaneous use of insulating polymers and nanostructures such as silver to produce triangular nanocomposites, with the reinforcement of effect of each other, can have better results in improving the mechanical properties and processability of polyaniline. The current study was conducted with the aim of preparation of Polyaniline/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Ag nanocomposite and characterization of its physicochemical and antibacterial properties. Materials & Methods In the present experimental research, polyaniline (PANI) was used as a conducting polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as a biopolymer because of its biodegradable property. Ag nanoparticles also was considered as a reinforcing agent of thermal stability, mechanical and antibacterial property to prepare PANI-PVA-Ag nanocomposite. The synthesis of PANI-PVA composite and PANI-PVA-Ag nanocomposite was performed through polyaniline and Ag addition in PVA solution. Different weight percent of components and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscope connected to the X-ray Diffraction System (EDX) were used to investigate the properties. Findings Thermal stability of the nanocomposite in comparison with pure PVA in temperatures above 400ᵒ C was promoted. The presence of PANI, PVA, and Ag in the FTIR spectroscopy showed the compatibility of the nanocomposite components. The greatest tensile strength belonged to PANI/PVA/Ag nanocomposites with 88%, 9%, and 3%w/w. Conclusion The components of Polyaniline/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Ag are compatible. The presence of PANI and Ag nanoparticles in the structure of the nanocomposite improves its thermal stability than pure PVA at high temperatures. Polyaniline/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Ag canocomposite has inhibitory effect on gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Reducing the weight percent of PVA or increasing the weight percent of PANI decrease the tensile strength.

Aims Continuous monitoring of aquatic genetic diversity among different populations in fish hatcheries is an essential requirement to maintain the viability and sustainability of aquaculture industry. The aim of this study was cloning, sequencing, and detection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II β in silver carp. Materials & Methods In this experimental study, the polymorphism of MHC class II β in 138 species of silver carp was studied in 4 different hatcheries of Iran (Guilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, and Khuzestan provinces) in addition to an imported group from China. By polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Hymo-DAB gene amplification was performed and the different haplotypes of the samples were analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method and the sequences obtained with ClustalW2 were matched in Geneious 4. 8. 5 software and the phylogeny tree of the sequences was plotted. Findings The PCR reaction of the MHC-DAB II genome of the silver carp with a weight of about 350bp without side band was obtained in the samples, indicating the amplification of t Hymo-DAB1*01/DAB2*1 gene in silver carp. The highest and lowest diversity of haplotypes was observed in populations of Khuzestan and Mazandaran. The mean difference between synonymous site (dS) and nonsynonymous site (dN) of alleles was 0. 25 and 0. 30, respectively, with the ratio of 1. 2. The highest allelic richness was observed in samples imported from China (5) and the lowest allelic richness was among Mazandaran species (3. 8). Conclusion Haplotype diversity in silver carp belongs to Hymo-DAB1*01/DAB2*1 gene and among different groups of this species, the highest haplotype diversity is in the Khuzestan population and the highest allelic richness is related to samples imported from China.

Aims Regarding the treatment of cancer, due to the limitation in the use of high dose and resistance of cancer cells, it is necessary to use optimal methods that have high therapeutic efficacy and reduce the dose of radiation and medicine. The aim of the present research was to investigate toxicity of cisplatin under the influence of static magnetic field in susceptible and drug-resistant cell. Materials & Methods In the present experimental study, A2780-CP resistant cell classes and susceptible to A2780 cisplatin were investigated in the field and drug-treated cell groups compared to the drug-receiving group alone, and to determine the effect of static magnetic field and concentration of drug, 10mT for 24 hours and logarithmic drug concentration (1, 10, 50, 100, and 500mcg/ml) were used. Inhibitory concentration of 50% cell growth (IC50) was obtained for the cells in the absence and presence of the magnetic field after conversion of the absorption obtained in the ELISA from the MTT test to cytotoxicity percentage. Data were analyzed with Prism software using two-way ANOVA and T-test. Findings In the presence of a static magnetic field and different drug concentrations, a greater reduction in the percentage of In vivo cells was observed. IC50 values for A2780 cells in the absence and presence of magnetic fields were 27. 69± 9. 58 and 8. 96± 1. 48μ g/ml for A2780-CP, and 61. 61± 8. 03 and 9. 58± 3. 13μ g/ml, respectively. Conclusion The mortality rate of the cells treated with cisplatin under the influence of the magnetic field is more in susceptible and drug-resistant cells than that of only drug use. Drugresistance decreases in the drug-resistant cell class in the presence of a magnetic field.

Aims The production of recombinant proteins in transgenic plants (molecular farming) is considered a functional aspect of genetic engineering. Unlike animal and bacterial cell-based production systems, proteins produced by plants are very safe and have low production costs due to the absence of common pathogens in humans and animals. The aim of this study was the transient expression of recombinant PARS II endonuclease enzyme using agroinfiltration in tobacco. Materials & Methods In this experimental study, the possibility of producing a recombinant form of PARS II endonuclease was investigated, using transient expression system via Agrobacterium. The pBI-Pars expression construct (based on the binary vector pBI121) containing the full sequence of the PARS II encoder, upstream kozak, and a downstream 8x-His tag sequence, was infiltrated into Nicotiana tabacum leaves with Agroinfiltration method. After 72 hours, the expression of PARS II gene in agroinfiltrated leave samples was confirmed through Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and protein Dot-blot, using Anti-His antibody at the levels of mRNA and protein, respectively. Findings The accuracy of the constructed expression construct was confirmed, and the results of Dot-blot by Anti-His antibody confirmed the expression of the recombinant PARS II protein, while no recombinant protein expression was observed in agroinfiltrated control plants with pBI121 construct. Significant amounts of recombinant PARS II nucleases were produced in tobacco leaves. Conclusion Agroinfiltration is an effective and short-term method for mass production of pure recombinant PARS II nucleases in tobacco.

Aims Tissue engineering and replacement of damaged tissue in medical science is very important and more effective than person-to-person transplantation. Therefore, the production of scaffolds from natural and synthetic polymers with desirable properties to reproduce damaged tissues is increasing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of plasma treatment on contact angle or hydrophilicity of poly-lactic glycolic acid nanofibrous scaffolds and cell culture efficiency. Materials & Methods In the present experimental research, two types of solvents such as pure chloroform and the choloroform80% and dimethyl formaldehyde20% were used for electrospinning solution. The level of electrospun scaffolds was corrected by plasma technology; then, the African green monkey kidney (VERO) cells were cultured on them. The raw or nontreated electrospun scaffold was compared with that of plasma treated in hydrophilicity and cell culture viewpoints. To compare the hydrophilicity of scaffolds, the contact angle of them was measured. Findings The samples treated with plasma show lower contact angle and consequently higher hydrophilicity. C=O and C-O groups increased in the plasma-treated samples in comparison with those of raw samples. Plasma scaffold level correction improved the adhesion, growth, and proliferation of cells compared to non-treated scaffolds. Conclusion The contact angle of the plasma-treated samples is significantly reduced. Plasma treatment can increase the hydrophilicity of poly-lactic glycolic acid nanofibrous scaffolds, and cell adhesion and growth on plasma-treated scaffolds is better than cell growth and proliferation on non-treated scaffolds.

Aims As a naturally occurring environmental factor as well as an external factor resulting from burgeoning technology, static magnetic field (SMF) has considerable effects on plants physiology. The effects of SMF on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown in plant cells. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the redox system responses of soybean (Glycine max) to different intensities of SMF. Materials & Methods In the present experimental research, M7 soybean seeds in their vegetative phase (14 days) were treated with 20 and 30mT SMF for 4 day, 5 hours daily. The experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design with factorial and at least 3 replications. The data were analyzed by SPSS software, using one-way ANOVA. Findings The treatment of 30mT resulted in a reduction in fresh weight, total antioxidant activity, and total regenerative capacity and increased hydrogen peroxide, but did not affect the total contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. In the treatment of 20mT, the level of peroxide decreased, but the fresh weight, hydroxyl radical level, antioxidant activity, total phenolic compound, and flavonoids contents increased. The amounts of Fe2+ decreased in 20mT but increased with 30mT. Conclusion In the Soybean redox system, SMF of 20mT leads the electrons toward useful redox compounds like phenolic compounds and results in growth stimulation, while SMF of 30mT leads the surplus electrons to destructive compounds such as Fe2+, which results in decrease of the plant growth.

Aims Electroencephalogram (EEG) is an important clinical test for the diagnosis of many brain diseases. The aim of this study was the analysis of electroencephalogram data during rest in patients with brain tumor. Materials & Methods In the present analytic observational study, EEG data of 44 patients with brain tumor (tumoral group) and 31 healthy subjects (healthy group) during rest were used. After preprocessing, the linear temporal features, linear spectral features of different frequency bands, and non-linear features of fractal dimension and entropy were extracted. Then, the distinction between healthy and tumoral groups based on extracted features was investigated, using the Davis-Bouldin statistic method, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and nonlinear K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classification. Findings There was no significant difference between the the fractal kutz dimension and the waveform length of the two healthy and tumoral groups. Among other features, the sample entropy with a significant reduction in the tumoral group made the most distinction between the two groups (0. 69 for the healthy group and 0. 53 for the tumoral group). The highest classification accuracy of the two groups was 84%, using the sample entropy and KNN classification. Conclusion EEG signals have the potential to distinct the patients with brain tumor and healthy subjects. Nonlinear entropy features with more adaptation to the nonlinear nature of the brain shows a higher accuracy in the representation of the tumoral group. The less entropy of the tumoral group indicates less complexity in the brain processing of this group than the healthy group.