Showing 15 results for Aghaee
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2014)
Abstract
In this study two Bacillus pumilus including ToIrFT- KC806241 and ToIrMA-KC806242 were obtained from tomato fields and characterized based on phenotypic and molecular properties. Their possibility to reduce root knot disease of tomato caused by Meloidogyne javanica was evaluated. The experiments were done in lab and under pot conditions. Application of the ToIr-MA against M. javanica reduced the number of galls and eggs. Preliminary results indicated that the ToIr-MA has an ability to produce proteolytic enzymes in lab conditions. It seems that the bacterial culture filtrates can suppress egg hatching and increase juvenile's mortality, but the role of these metabolites in disease suppression needs to be investigated. Significant enhancement in root and shoot length (33%) and dry root and shoot weight (64 and 67%) was also recorded over usage of strain ToIr-MA in comparison to untreated controls. Additionally, survival of bacterial strains in rhizosphere and increases in population density were seen using root colonization assay. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such B. pumilus strain with nematicidal activity against M. javanica has been reported in Iran which may suggest to manage disease and change microbial population dynamics in the rhizosphere.
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2014)
Abstract
Samples of leaf, twig and fruit from ‘Mexican’ lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) with symptoms of bacterial canker were collected from different provinces throughout Iran during spring and summers of 2010 and 2011. Yellow, gram-negative colonies were isolated from infected tissue samples. Results of pathogenicity assays indicated that some isolates incited tissue hyperplasia, hypertrophy and raised callus-like lesions typical of canker in hosts while other isolates stimulated flat necrotic and water-soaked lesions on leaves. Candidate samples of each group were identified according to morphological and physiological characteristics. Detections were also made using specific primers and partial sequencing of 16SrDNA for Pantoea group and gyrB for Xanthomonas group. Results showed that one group was characterized as the typical Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri strain while the other group containing most of the isolates was identified as Pantoea agglomerans. Samplings done frequently in different seasons revealed the presence of high populations of P. agglomerans with bacterial canker, especially in warmer and drier regions. These bacteria were able to incite canker-like symptoms on grapefruit seedlings and could be reisolated after two months.
Volume 6, Issue 3 (Summer 2020)
Abstract
Aims: Daily consumption of milk containing antibiotic residues has become a great public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic residues in cattle raw milk using Copan milk test and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) kits.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 92 milk samples were collected from Qazvin province, Iran in two seasons during 2019. All the samples were analyzed by the Copan milk test and competitive ELISA kits to evaluate gentamicin, tetracycline, tylosin, chloramphenicol, penicillin, and sulfonamide residues in milk.
Findings: The results showed that 45 milk samples (48.91%) were positive for the presence of antibiotic residues. Samples collected in summer were significantly (p<.05) more contaminated with antibiotic residues (30.43%) than those collected in winter (18.47%). The highest mean contamination was related to sulfonamide (13.72±1.21 ng/mL), followed by gentamicin (13.24±2.81 ng/mL) and tylosin (13.15±1.37 ng/mL) residues, and the lowest mean contamination was related to penicillin residues (0.007±0.002 ng/mL). The limit of detection (LOD) was 2, 2.5, 0.02, 8, 0.4, 0.08, and 13 ng/mL for gentamicin, tylosin, chloramphenicol, sulfamethazine, tetracycline, penicillin, and flumequine, respectively. Chloramphenicol residues were above the maximum residue limit (MRL) according to the Codex and European Commission (EC) (0 ng/mL) in all the samples. Sulfonamides residues were above the Codex MRL (25 ng/mL) in 33.33% of the samples.
Conclusion: The results shows that monitoring of antibiotic residues in milk and dairy products is necessary. Indeed, examining the amount of antibiotic residues in dairy products could be an important aspect of their monitoring.
Volume 6, Issue 4 (Fall 2020)
Abstract
Background: The new unknown pandemic introduced in December 2019 in China is now known as SARS-CoV-2 induced COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) disease. Some studies have been published by World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA); however, there is a little information about food safety and COVID-19. The world has not sufficiently addressed the effects of COVID-19 on food safety. The remarkable point is the hypothesis that this epidemic has passed through a food source eaten by an individual and subsequently turned humans into an intermediate host. In particular, the recent state of information about SARS-CoV-2 is challenging owing to its high transmission and mortality rate in people as a potential source of pathogen and infections. However, there is currently no evidence about COVID-19 spread through food. Materials & Methods: Due to the fact that food is a basic humans need and could be an indirect carrier for the virus; therefore, hygiene protocols must be carefully implemented. Also, some studies have suggested that taking supplements, fermented dairy foods, probiotic products, as well as Vitamins C and D could be helpful. Heat treatment and pasteurization could prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission through food.
Conclusion: It is recommended that further studies be performed on the duration of COVs survival at different levels of contact with foods under certain conditions with nanoparticles, nano-packaging, nano-emulsions, and nano-encapsulation to evaluate their size effect.
Volume 7, Issue 4 (Fall 2021)
Abstract
Backgrounds: This study aimed to investigate chemical and microbiological properties of 1260 meat product samples, including sausage, bologna, hotdog, Kebab, and hamburger, in Hamadan, Iran from 2012 to 2015.
Matherials and Methods: All microbial (total viable count as well as Coliform, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, mold, and yeast counts) and chemical (pH as well as salt, phosphate, sodium nitrite, moisture, protein, total fat, starch, nitrite, nitrate, and ash contents) properties were assessed by AOAC method.
Findings: Microbial tests on sausage and bologna samples showed that the total count of microorganisms was higher (37.3%) than the national standard limit. In 11.3% of Kebab samples, the number of yeasts and molds was higher than the national standard limits. Also, in 3.5 and 17.07% of hamburger samples, the total count of microorganisms as well as the number of molds and yeasts were higher than the national standard limits, respectively. In 34.6% of bolognas, 15.9% of sausages, 3.8% of hamburgers, and 54.3% of hotdogs, the moisture content was above the national standard. The fat content was above the national standard in 34.7% of sausages, 1.4% of Kebabs, 9.8% of bolognas, 1.2% of hamburgers, and 6.5% of hotdogs.
Conclusion: The present study results showed that the level of contamination of a considerable number of samples was not matched with national standards, which could be a major health risk for consumers.
Volume 9, Issue 2 (Spring 2021)
Abstract
Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic could be considered a significant public health crisis. This study aimed to assess the rate of depressive symptoms and its related risk factors among older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 older adults aged 60 and over in 2020 in Mashhad City, Iran. A random cluster sampling was done for selecting the older adults from 5 urban health care centers. The Persian version of the WHO-5 index was used. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression tests.
Findings: The prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms was (33%). Although most of the participants had mild depressive symptoms (38.2%); Moreover, There was a significant relationship between depression with family structure (p<0.001) and underlying disease (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The rate of depressive symptoms among older adults is high. The policy-makers and health professionals need to provide psychological interventions to decrease the psychological damages caused by the outbreak crisis.
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Among rhizobacteria, plant-beneficial effects of Pseudomonas bacteria are known in agricultural ecosystems. Screening of fluorescent pseudomonad isolates obtained from potato rhizosphere led to selecting five bio-reagents capable of controlling soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) (JX029052) in plate assay, on intact potato tubers and under storage challenges using preventative and curative applications. The biocontrol features related to the tested rhizospheric bacteria were also evaluated. According to phenotypic tests, the representative antagonistic strains belong to the fluorescent pseudomonads group and are placed in the P. protegens cluster based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Strains IrPs8 and IrPs18 are potent to produce siderophore, cyanide hydrogen, and protease, form strong biofilm and carry phl, plt and prn genes on their genomes corresponding to 2, 4-diacetylphloroglucinol, pyoluteorin and pyrrolnitrin, respectively. Treated tubers inoculated with IrPs8 and IrPs18 showed a reduction in the soft rot-inducing potency of Pcc by 63.4 and 65.5% in preventative and by 57.8 and 58.3% in curative tests, respectively, under storage conditions that confirmed the in vivo results. This study highlights the potential of rhizospheric P. protegens strains as beneficial bacteria that can be suggested as preservative coatings for potato tubers under storage conditions.
Volume 15, Issue 4 (7-2013)
Abstract
In this study, 120 accessions of Aegilops crassa collected from various geographical areas of Iran were analyzed with respect to genome size and protein markers. A flow cytometry survey of these accessions revealed that one hundred and thirteen of the accessions were tetraploid and seven were hexaploid. Moreover, these accessions revealed variations in high molecular weight glutenin subunit compositions. In most accessions, subunits showing electrophoretic mobility similar to that of Dy12 were present. Eleven allelic variants were observed in Glu-D1 locus with the highest (30.90%) and the lowest allele (0.5%) frequencies in 3+12 and 2+10 variants, respectively. Among 17 bands selected for MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS analysis only 6 bands were identified with high probability and 11 of them had no MS/MS data. The results showed that Iranian accessions of Ae. crassa formed an interesting source of favorable glutenin subunits that might be very desirable in breeding programs for improving bread wheat quality.
Volume 17, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Objective: Prostate cancer is the fifth most common cancer. In 2012, it was the second leading cause of cancer death for men worldwide. The PI3K/AKT pathway plays an essential role in pathogenesis of prostate cancer; the key role of this pathway in cancer progression makes it an attractive target for prostate cancer therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate gene expression have a special ability to simultaneously control multiple genes and pathways which make them candidates for therapeutics. This study aims to determine miRNAs which target the PI3K/AKT pathway and evaluate them in prostate cancer cell lines.
Methods: In order to determine an effective miRNA for the PI3K/AKT pathway, we assessed six genes from this pathway which have been proposed as drug targets in ten different prediction algorithms. Next, the candidate miRNAs were analyzed in expression profile and pathway analysis databases. Expression of candidate miRNAs in control and prostate cancer cell lines were subsequently evaluated.
Results: According to bioinformatics, the miR-29 family could target the most genes from this list. Other bioinformatic estimates confirmed these results. The miR-29 family showed significant downregulation in prostate cancer cell lines LNCAP, PC3 and DU-145 compared to control samples.
Conclusion: These results propose the possibility of using the miR-29 family to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway in prostate cancer.
Volume 19, Issue 3 (5-2017)
Abstract
In the current study, molecular typing of 50 Erwinia amylovora strains related to different regions in Iran was evaluated using multi-locus sequence analysis and variable number of tandem repeats. In the first assay, phylogenetic tree based on partial sequences of recombinase A, sigma factor S and a heat shock protein GroEL showed significant identity in studied gene sequences. A single nucleotide variation in groEL was determined in IrGh59 strain related to Crataegus spp. from Ghazvin Province. In VNTR analysis, the same fingerprinting profile similar to E. amylovora reference strain ATCC49946 was yielded for tested strains except NBQ1 and MQ1 which may reflect a unique contaminating source for this disease in Iran. In addition, the honey-bee movements with respect to blossom season probably have a considerable role in fire blight unique dispersal in our area. The NBQ1 and MQ1 strains generated different VNTR profiles, isolated from cultivars NeishabourandEsfehan of Cydonia oblonga plant, respectively. No definite assessment can be expressed in this case. However, possible entry of other infection mass from neighboring countries should be determined. Overall, VNTR profile analyses are recommended as a tool to evaluate genetic differences in E. amylovora populations. In addition, employing more strains from different known sources could be assistance to achieve more accurate results about E. amylovora genetic variation and also fire blight distribution patterns.
Volume 21, Issue 4 (7-2019)
Abstract
In the current study, the phenotypic and molecular properties of twenty-five strains obtained from cankerous tissues or leaf necrotic lesions of different stone fruits were evaluated in north-east of Iran . All strains studied were identified as Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) based on phenotypic assays and confirmed by means of specific PCR at species and pathovar levels. All obtained strains were pathogenic under artificial inoculation and exhibited brittle necrotic spots on plum leaves of cultivar Santa Rosa under lab conditions. Then, the pathogenic Xap strains were subjected to molecular assays. In a phylogenetic tree constructed with gyrB sequences, no polymorphism was observed in this gene and Iranian Xap strains were clustered with the reference one in a separate group. The ERIC, BOX and REP primer sets generated reproducible genomic PCR profiles in tested strains and, based on combined data for all primers, a low genetic diversity among Xap strains was revealed. In order to achieve results that are more accurate, application of Xap strains from all geographical regions of Iran will be needed to prove little polymorphism observed in Xap population. The current contribution is the first report of molecular homogeneity of Xap strains that were collected from northeastern Iran.
Volume 22, Issue 4 (6-2020)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of seed priming with 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) (10-8 M) on growth, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of Linum usitatissimum L. seedlings under Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) induced drought stress conditions. Imposition of flax seedlings to 6, 12, and 18% PEG declined germination rate, shoot length, root length, fresh and dry weights, and significantly increased phenolic content and PAL (Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase) enzymatic activity while lowering flavonoid content. Application of EBR significantly increased the germination rate, shoot and root lengths, dry weight, fresh weight, and anthocyanin content whereas reduced phenolic content. At the molecular level, CHS (Chalcone Synthase) and PAL (Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase) transcripts were upregulated under drought stress and even more expressed by application of EBR. In conclusion, EBR pre-sowing seed priming considerably alleviated damages caused by drought stress and improved growth parameters in Linum usitatissimum L. seedlings.
Volume 24, Issue 1 (Spring 2020)
Abstract
Introduction
In recent years, the world has been witnessing climate change which is mostly due to socio-economic activities of man and in turn producing greenhouse gas emissions. These actions have been led to global warming, melting of glaciers and extreme variability of weather indicators such as rainfall and temperature. These changes in our country have also shown itself in phenomena like snowfall shortage, devastating floods and storms, terrible and out-of-season storms, and unprecedented summer heat. These Climate fluctuations have had significant effects on different sub-sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, and the phenomenon of climate change in agriculture has shown itself at the first step in different forms of drought. Increasing farmers' resilience and adaptability to climate change are the major strategies that many countries have taken into account to face and confront the negative consequences of drought. One of the provinces that are facing drought phenomenon in Isfahan Province. For example, conflicts among farmers on water shortages and water transfers from this province to the neighboring provinces and crisis in Zayandeh Rood River are just some proof showing the severity of the situation.
Methodology
Based on the present study, the SWOT Matrix was used to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of small-scale farmers' adaptation to drought conditions in Isfahan province. Therefore, appropriate strategies were developed and proposed to achieve this objective. The statistical population of this research consisted of 110 experts working in the field of drought management in Isfahan province out of which, 88 people were selected on the basis of the Krejcie & Morgan table. The main instrument of this study was a questionnaire whose content validity was confirmed by the opinions of an expert panel in the Department of Agricultural Development and Management at the University of Tehran and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients. In order to find appropriate strategies, the TOWS matrix was developed and used in this study. This method integrates scientific and theoretical opinions with application remarks. This method is innovative and provides lights to workable strategies based on a reasonable and appropriate framework.
Result and Discussion
Based on the results of study, the most important opportunities for the adaptation of small-scale farmers to drought condition were the "implementing rainwater harvesting programs", "improving urban potable and green-space water management " and "national support for all strategies related to adaptability to climate change in formulating appropriate policies and regulations" It is while the most important threats found to be "weak governmental administrative works for recognition and management of climate change consequences", "insufficient supportive credit for drought management" and "insufficient attention by government to extension education programs related to drought management", In terms of the internal environment, the most important strength was found to be "Increasing farmers assets and their productive power, “cooperation of farmers to manage drought" and "Strengthening farmers Organizations ". Besides, the most important weaknesses were identified as “the low willingness of farmers to apply technologies for reducing greenhouse gases emission", "high cost of irrigation equipment to reduce water consumption" and "decreasing farms resilience towards climate change".
Conclusion
Drought covers about 80% of Isfahan province and 22.5% of the province has been faced with severe drought. A survey of drought conditions over the past years indicates that most parts of Isfahan province are affected by drought. The drought has had many detrimental effects on different parts of the province, including agriculture, industry, services, the environment, public and cultural green spaces. Desertification, air pollution, and dust generation, relative humidity reduction, soil moisture depletion, rangeland wildfire, salinization and depletion of groundwater resources, damage to historic structures are some examples of the negative consequences drought in Isfahan province. In addition, the direct effects of water scarcity on agriculture and other socio-economic sectors are evident. Outbreaks of pests and plant and animal diseases, increased agricultural migration to cities, loss of productive livestock, reduced aquaculture, and the crisis of access to potable water and reduction of farm productivity in rural areas have been observed and reported as some of the effects of drought. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to find appropriate coping strategies. However, in analyzing the strategic space, the results showed that the most efficient and adaptive strategies in the Jihad Agriculture Organization of Isfahan Province are placed in the ST area. Moreover, using a TOWS matrix, some other agricultural adaptive strategies were formulated to be used in the drought conditions of the province. SO strategies recommend operations such as Diversification of Resistant Crops, Improving interaction between actors in the agricultural production chain and Proper management of floods through water harvesting projects. Under ST strategies operations such as paying attention to support programs and subsidizing drought management among farmers, Support diversification of livelihood investments for agriculture in times of drought crisis and strict monitoring of groundwater harvesting through the strengthening of aquifers are suggested. WO strategies focus on operations like Using modern irrigation equipment in agriculture through government support for water management projects, Improving specialized drought information for farmers by improving the efficiency of technical-engineering companies in providing services to farmers and Reduce farmers' migration by supporting livelihood adaptation strategies in government programs and projects. WT strategies also place its attention on operations such as Convergence of public and private sectors in implementing drought management programs and providing specialized information to farmers, Change the cropping pattern with the aim of developing drought-resistant varieties, Defining a clear role for farmers in drought management in agricultural development programs.
Volume 25, Issue 6 (11-2023)
Abstract
In the present study, bacterial endophytes were obtained from weeds of potato fields. Their antagonistic activity was screened against potato storage pathogen, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) (JX029052), in the maceration assay. An endophytic strain, PC-2B was isolated from Convolvulus arvensis L. as a dominant weed of potato fields. In vivo application of this strain led to 58.8% reduction in tuber decay. This motile strain that can produce amylase was identified as Pantoea sp. using phenotypic features and 16S rRNA sequencing. Following PC-2B treatment, 56.7% Reduction in Disease Incidence (RDI) was obtained in preventative and 52% in curative challenges under semi-practical storage trails. Anti-Pcc bioactive compounds of Pantoea sp. was extracted and identified based on H NMR and FT-IR techniques. Two peptide antibiotics including Pantocin A and B with inhibitory effect against Pcc were characterized. These results might indicate that the tested Pantoea strain could be a promising candidate to protect potato tubers against soft rot disease caused by Pcc. However, large-scale complementary trials have to be conducted to validate these results before any recommendations.
Volume 26, Issue 6 (11-2024)
Abstract
The aim of the research was to design a model that can be effective in the Development of Sustainable Human Resources (SHRD) in agricultural extension. In this sense, the research was divided into two parts: Grounded Theory (GT) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). In the qualitative part, semi structured and face-to-face interview and focus groups were held as part of GT, to create a conceptual model that reflects experts' perception of the effective factor on SHRD using MAXQDA software. In the second part, this model was tested for statistical significance and path correlations through the SEM method by using Smart PLS3 software. SHRD emerged as the axial phenomenon or core category. Legality and organizational commitment offered as the first priority of causal conditions affecting SHRD. Economic context offered a contextual condition. Other important categories linked to the core category was knowledge management and learning. Finally, strategies and consequences of SHRD were determined. The SEM analysis showed that causal conditions (β= 0.658), contextual conditions (β= 0.711) and intervening factors (β= 0.690) had a positive and significant effect on the SHRD. Also, based on the results, it can be concluded that contextual conditions (β= 0.658) and intervening factors (β= 0.701) have a positive and significant effect on SHRD strategies. Based on the results, it can be stated that 61% of the changes in the SHRD are explained by the independent variables of causal conditions, contextual conditions and intervening factors. The most important effect of this research is to provide a model that can improve the current situation by identifying the factors influencing SHRD in agricultural extension and education organizations and determining the effect of each factor.