Identification and mapping of quantitative trait loci associated with salinity tolerance in rice [Oryza Sativa] using SSR markers

Salinity stress is one of the most widespread soil problems next to drought, in rice growing areas. Reducing Sodium [Na+], while maintaining Potassium [K+] uptake in rice are traits that would aid in salinity tolerance. Therefore, the identification of quantitative trait loci [QTLs] associated with those for Na+ and K+ uptake, will enable breeders to use marker-assisted selection to transfer QTLs into elite lines in rice improvement programs. In view of this, 62 advanced backcross-inbred lines [BILs], at the BC2F5 generation, derived from the cross of Tarome-Molaei [salt tolerant] and Tiqing [Salt sensitive], were used to identify the QTLs involved in salinity stress tolerance, using SSR markers. Advanced backcross inbred lines along with their parents were evaluated for six parameters viz. Sodium [Na+] and Potassium [K+] in roots and shoots and the Na+/K+ ratio, using the modified Yoshida's nutrient solution at an electrical conductivity of 6 and 12 dS/m. A total of 114, out of 235 simple sequence repeats [SSRs] markers that showed polymorphism in the parents, were used to genotype the BILs. A linkage map was constructed with an average interval of 15.3 centiMorgan [cM] between the markers, spanning 1747.3 cM across all 12 rice chromosomes. Using the composite interval mapping [CIM] and a minimum logarithm of the odds [LOD] threshold of 3.0, a total of 14 QTLs were detected as follows; on chromosome 1 [5 QTLs], 3 [1QTL], 4 [3 QTLs], 5 [2 QTLs], 6 [1 QTL], and 8 [2 QTLs] for all six traits except, Sodium [Na+] in the shoot. The phenotypic variation explained by these QTLs ranged from 9 to 30% of the total variation. A QTL [QKr1.2] for K+ content in the root was identified with the highest LOD score [7.8], on chromosome 1. This QTL explicated 30% of the total variation and was identified as a major QTL conferring salt tolerance in rice

Heart rate variability and QT dispersion study in brain death patients and comatose patients with normal brainstem function

To compare heart rate variability [HRV] and QT dispersion in comatose patients with normal brainstem function and with brain death. Cross-sectional comparative study. The Intensive Care Unit of Ali-Ebn-Abitaleb Hospital, Rafsanjan Medical University from September 2007 to June 2009. Fourteen brain death patients with clinical signs of imminent brain death and 15 comatose patients were examined by neurologist in intensive care unit. HRV, RR interval and QT dispersion on ECG were assessed for 24 hours in both groups. Independent t-test and chi-square test were for statistical analysis to determine significance which was set at p< 0.05. According to Holter Findings, mean of standard deviation of RR-interval in the comatose and brain death groups was 48.33 and 35 respectively [p= 0.045]. Mean of covariance coefficient of RR-interval was 0.065 in the comatose group and 0.043 in the brain deaths [p= 0.006]. QT dispersion was not significant difference in two groups. HRV and RR-interval analysis appeared as an early finding for the diagnosis of brainstem death in comparison to comatose patients with normal brainstem function. QT dispersion had not significant in this regard

Opium can differently alter blood glucose, sodium and potassium in male and female rats

To determine the effects of opium on serum glucose, potassium and sodium in male and female Wistar rat, opium solution [60 mg/kg] injected intraperitoneally and the same volume of distilled water was used as control [7 rats in each group]. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 360 minutes after injection from orbit cavity and the values of serum glucose, sodium [Na+] and potassium [K+] were measured. The data were then analyzed by the repeated measure ANOVA based on sex and case-control group. P < 0.05 considered as significant difference. Serum glucose increased significantly at 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes after opium solution injection, in female rats compared to a control group. However, the male rats had this rise at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after opium solution injection compared to control group. While serum glucose in male rats was significantly higher than females at 30, 60 and 120 minutes, this value was higher in the female rats at 360 minutes. Therefore, serum glucose alterations following opium injection was significantly different in groups and in the sexes at different times. Sodium [Na+] rose at 60, 240 and 360 minutes significantly in all rats compared to control group. However, sodium alteration following opium injection was significantly different only between treated and control groups but sex-independent at all times. Potassium [K+] increased significantly at 60, 120, 240 and 360 minutes in male rats, compared to a control group. In female rats K+ significantly raised at 30, 120, 240 and 360 minutes. Therefore, the alteration of K+ in male and female rats was found time dependent and sex independent. According to our results, opium increased serum glucose in male and female rats differently, and it interferes with metabolic pathways differently on a gender dependent basis. Opium raised serum Na+ and K+, thus it interfere with water regulation and blood pressure via different mechanism

[Lipid abnormalities in urban population of Rafsanjan [Rafsanjan coronary risk factors study phase 1]]

Background: coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in many nations. .Hyperlipidemia with elevated serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride are known as cardiovascular risk factors. HDL cholesterol is considered to be a protective factor. Any effort for management of dyslipidemia directly reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity and cause increasing public health .The ignorance of the extent .and impact of hyperlipidemia prompted us to determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Rafsanjan urban population over than 20 years old

Methods: In this study 247 men and 244 women were evaluated for serum total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride 1evels.Blood samples were obtained at morning, after 14 hours fasting and for data analysis SPSS-11 soft ware was used

Results: mean age of subjects was 38.35+/-13.14 years. High cholesterol level was present in 20.6%, LDL levels were high in 10.8%, 5.7% had elevated level of triglyceride and 8.4% of participants had low HDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly increased by age and HDL levels were also decreased by age

Conclusion: according to our finding about 29% of studied population had at least one lipid abnormality and this important finding showed very high prevalence of dyslipidemia and requires specific attention and planning