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Validation of mRNA and microRNA profiling as tools in qPCR for estimation of the age of bloodstains

Amany T Mohammed¹, Samah R. Khalil¹, Haytham A Ali^2,3, Ashraf Awad⁴

¹ Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

² Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

³ Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, KSA.

⁴ Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.

dr_samahkhalil@yahoo.com, amany_tharwat@yahoo.com

Abstract: Background: Bloodstains are the most important source of evidence encountered at crime scenes, due to their regularity and variety of applications. Temporal determination of the age of bloodstains in forensic investigations is essential, as it helps in estimating the time elapsed since occurrence or reporting of the crime. However, little has been explored in this regard forensically. Hence, this study aimed at the temporal estimation of the age of bloodstains using real-time quantitative-PCR for microRNAs (miR-126, miR-150, and miR-451), in addition to Caspase-1 and Caspase-3 mRNA. We also analyzed whether the accuracy and quality of information provided by the parameters help in achieving the purpose of this study. Method: A total of 70 bloodstains were randomly divided into two sets, incubated at 25 °C with 50% humidity, and were sorted for profiling of mRNA and microRNA (miRNAs). Results: The results indicated that levels of Caspase-1 and Caspase-3 mRNA gradually decreased at days 1, 6, 13, and 27, in comparison to that in fresh bloodstains In addition, the mRNA levels decreased significantly at days 41 and 55, after which they were nearly absent. In contrast, the levels of miR-126, miR-150, and miR-451 had a constant expression level all over the studied time points (days 1, 6, 13, 27, 41, and 55 of incubation of the bloodstains). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that profiling of mRNA in the bloodstain is suitable for the accurate aging of blood samples up to 55 days old. On the other hand, since levels of miRNA could be quantified in both fresh and dried bloodstains for long periods, it cannot be a useful tool for aging bloodstains up to 55 days. Another important conclusion of high forensic relevance is that miRNAs were highly stable in aged samples till the studied time points, which could have other applications in forensic casework.

[Amany T Mohammed, Samah R. Khalil, Haytham A Ali, Ashraf Awad. Validation of mRNA and microRNA profiling as tools in qPCR for estimation of the age of bloodstains. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):1-7]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 1. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.01.

Keywords: Caspase 1, Bloodstains, mRNA; microRNA, miR-126, miR-150, miR-451, qPCR

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Effect of Chromium Piclonate versus L-Carnitine on High fat Diet Induced in rats

Hanan Hosny Hanna 1 and Hassan Rania2

Lecturer of Chemical Pathology, Physical therapy, Pharos University of Alexandria (PUA)
2 Lecturer of Biochemistry, Physical therapy, Pharos University of Alexandria (PUA).

Abstract: Introduction: The global prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide among all ages. Several pharmacological agents such as insulin-sensitizing agents may be used to reduce or control the body weight and obesity. Obviously the need for natural supplements to decrease weight and help correction of some of complication became a very strong world need. This study try to show the effect of two natural product (LCarntine, Chromium Piclonate). Methodology: Male albino rats (n = 60) there were divided into three groups: control group (rats were fed a standard diet, Group I; rats were fed a high-fat diet for 60 days than followed with L-carnitine for 60 days, while group II; rats were fed a high-fat diet for 60 days than followed with Chromium Picolonate (Cr Pi) for 60 days. Results: As for Fasting blood sugar (FBS), there was statically significantly lower values (SD=84.3±3.7, P< 0.001) between group II Chromium group (Cr gp) over group I (L- carnitinegroup) after administration of drug. Regarding Hepatic enzymes; alanine aminotransferease (ALT) showed a statistically significantly lower values (P< 0.001) between Group II (82.8±3.7) over Group I (94.8±3.6) after administration of drugs. While total cholesterol and triglycerides showed statistically significant lower values in group II over group I. Also low density lipids (LDL) gp showed a statistically significant lowering effect [246.5±11.7], (p<0.001), after administration of Cr Pi more than L- carnitine. Conclusion: In this study we tried to compare a known drug (Chromium Picolinate) which is used a lot to improve obesity, with another drug (L- Carnitine) which is not well used for obesity or fatty liver, and discuss the effect of each of them. Each drug showed a great effect in different measurement which lead us that combination of both would have an amazing effect upon obese and fatty liver.
[Hanan Hosny Hanna and Hassan Rania. Effect of Chromium Piclonate versus L-Carnitine on High fat Diet Induced in rats. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):8-13]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 2. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.02.

Keywords: Effect; Chromium; Piclonate; versus; L-Carnitine; High fat Diet; rat

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Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Meat Products and Food handlers: Prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Molecular characterization

Mohammad A. Nossair1, Hossam A. Ibrahim2, Eman Khalifa3 and Hany Abo Yussef2

1Department of Animal Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
2Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
3Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University (Matrouh Branch), Egypt
dr_eman_vet@yahoo.com

Abstract: The current work aimed to estimate the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in raw meat products and their food handlers, beside studying the antimicrobial susceptibility of the obtained isolates of S. aureus as well as molecular characterization of clfA gene specific for coagulase positive S. aureus and enterotoxin associated genes were attempted. A total of 75 meat products including minced beef, sausage and beef burger (25 / each) beside 50 human hand and nasal swabs (25 / each) were collected randomly from different local supermarkets and butcher shops in Behera Governorate, Egypt between January and June, 2017. It was found that the prevalence of S. aureus was 48, 56, 36, 76 and 64 % in minced beef, sausage, beef burger, hand and nasal swabs, respectively. Moreover, it was recorded that the prevalence of coagulase positive S. aureus in the examined samples was 20, 20, 12, 32 and 28% in the examined samples, respectively while the prevalence of coagulase negative S. aureus was 28, 36, 24, 44 and 36% of the examined samples respectively. As regard to antimicrobial susceptibility profile, it was noticed that coagulase positive S. aureus strains scored the highest sensitivity to Amikacin then moderate sensitivity to Doxycycline and Erythromycin while they were found to be weakly sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Flumequine. On contrary, they were non-sensitive to Enrofloxacin and Oxytetracycline. On the other side, it was noticed that Coagulase negative S. aureus isolates were highly sensitive to Amikacin and Erythromycin and quite sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and Oxytetracycline while they were resistant to Doxycycline and Flumequine.
[Mohammad A. Nossair, Hossam A. Ibrahim, Eman Khalifa and Hany Abo Yussef. Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Meat Products and Food handlers: Prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Molecular characterization. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):14-21]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 3. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.03.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus Isolated, Raw Meat Products, Food handlers, Prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Molecular characterization

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Behavior of RC Columns Confined with CFRP Sheet sand Subjected to Eccentric Loading

Omar A. Farghal1 and Mamdouh A. Kenawi2

1Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, Egypt.
2Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Sohag University, Egypt.
e-mail: omar_farghal222@yahoo.com; mkenawi2@yahoo.com

Abstract: Reinforced concrete (RC) rectangular columns with aspect ratio of approximately 1.5 and externally confined with bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) sheets were experimentally subjected to eccentric compression loads up to failure. The effect of the value of eccentricity and confinement configuration (fully confined (FC) and partially confined (PC)) on the behavior of the strengthened columns was studied. The experimental results showed that both strength and ductility of the strengthened columns had been improved with respect to the behavior of the reference columns. The improvement in column compressive strength of both FRP-confinement systems applied under eccentric loading was so pronounced as for that under concentric loading. Furthermore, an analytical study was conducted aiming to apply models proposed by the ACI guidelines for strengthening concrete structures with FRP (ACI 440.2R-02 and ACI 440.2R-08) to evaluate the enhancement of the strengthened columns. To overcome the well-defined weaknesses of applying these models, a simplified analytical form is proposed to assess the enhancement in column strength under the effect of eccentric loading. The proposed analytical model showed an agreement with the constructed theoretical axial force-moment (P-M) interaction diagram for FRP-confined concrete using ACI 440.2R-08. Ultimately, the proposed model provides a reasonable approach for evaluating the increase in the strength of eccentrically loaded fully or partially confined RC columns.
[Omar A. Farghal and Mamdouh A. Kenawi. Behavior of RC Columns Confined with CFRP Sheet sand Subjected to Eccentric Loading. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):22-39]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 4. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.04.

Keywords: FRP sheets; Wrapping; Rectangular; P-M; Eccentricity; Confinement

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Evaluation of Seepage Length between Cutoffs under Heading up Structures founded on a Stratified Soil

Mohamed A. El-Molla¹, Mostafa A. Abdelaal² and Abd El-Kawy A. Khalifa³

¹ Assistant Lecturer, Civil Engineering Department, Higher Technological Institute, Egypt

² Associate Professor, Irrigation and Hydraulics Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Egypt

³ Professor, Irrigation and Hydraulics Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Egypt

Eng.m_anas@yahoo.com

Abstract: Seepage under the aprons of heading-up structures causes many problems like piping and excessive uplift pressure that can threaten the stability of the structures. Seepage can’t be totally prevented but many seepage control methods are suggested to safeguard structures against the threats of seepage. Adding horizontal length to the apron, using sheet piles or using a drainage blanket downstream the structure’s apron are among those methods. Using sheet piles under the aprons of heading-up structures is a well-known method that is used to increase the percolation length, decrease the hydraulic gradient and increase the structure’s safety against piping and excessive uplift pressure. Sheet-piles can be used to decrease the horizontal length of the structure’s aprons whenever needed due to either construction or economic reasons. According to Bligh’s theory, the percolation length is calculated as the total sum of both the horizontal and the vertical lengths considering that both lengths have the same effect on the percolation. Lane’s theory gives the seepage through a vertical length a weight equals 3 times the horizontal length. Different methods like conformal mapping technique, graphical method (flow net), experimental methods (sand tank models, Hele-shaw models, Electric Analogue models), analytical methods (fragment method), and Numerical methods (finite element, finite difference and Boundary element methods) can be used to solve seepage problems with different degrees of complexities and accuracies [Harr,1962; Serge Leliavsky, 1965; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1986; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1999; and Mobasher, 2005]. The effect of sheet pile has been studied in many previous researches using the electric analogue method [El Salawy, El Molla and Bakry, 1997; El Salawy and El Molla, 2000; Mobasher, 2005; El Tahan, Shafik and El Molla, 2012]. Other studies used finite element method to investigate seepage under the aprons of heading up structures provided with a single sheet pile [El Molla, 2001; Hassan, 2004; Obead, 2013]. The soil layer under the apron is usually approximated to a single homogeneous layer to simplify the analysis. Soil is naturally not homogeneous as it is formed of layers that have different characteristics. In the present study, investigation of the horizontal path of the creep line between the cutoffs is to be done considering that the soil under the structure is formed of two horizontal layers. Multiple scenarios for the apron of heading-up structure, orientation of sheet piles and different ratios for the thicknesses and the hydraulic conductivities of the two soil layers have been investigated using a 2D finite element model (GMS- SEEP2D). 288 runs are conducted and analyzed for various scenarios for the aprons of hydraulic structures. The effect of presence of sheet piles (upstream and downstream) under the apron of a heading-up structure located on stratified soil that consists of two different horizontal layers on the seepage under the apron is investigated. A horizontal length equivalent to double the depths of sheet piles is added to the length of the apron and the resulting head loss due to the new length is compared to the head loss due to sheet piles. Six different ratios between the hydraulic conductivities of the two soil layers under the apron are studied, and Three (L/T) ratios are used for each ratio between the hydraulic conductivities of the two soil layers under the apron to analyze the effect of soil stratification on the results of the ratio between head loss with sheet piles under the apron and head loss without sheet piles under the apron (R%=  *100). An experimental Electric analogue model is also used to study the same problem in order to verify the results of 2D numerical model. Results show that the assumption of the horizontal creep length under aprons having the same weight while designing aprons of hydraulic structures is a weak one. The head loss actually varies between the upstream and downstream sheet piles. So, design charts for stratified soil that consist of two layers are presented to be used as a tool in practical design for aprons of heading up structures formed on stratified soil and provided with upstream and downstream sheet piles at the ends of the apron. Good agreement is also found between the between the electric analogue model and numerical model SEEP2D results for both cases of single soil layer and stratified soil under the apron.

[Mohamed A. El-Molla, Mostafa A. Abdelaal and Abd El-Kawy A. Khalifa. Evaluation of Seepage Length between Cutoffs under Heading up Structures founded on a Stratified Soil. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):40-47]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 5. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.05.

Keywords: Seepage; Finite element; SEEP2D; Heading-up structures; Sheet piles; Creep length, Stratified soil, electric analogue

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Metazoan parasite fauna of wild sea bass; Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) in Egypt

Attia A. Abou Zaid1, Eman K. Bazh1, Abdelrazek Y. Desouky2 and Abdelrahman A. Abo-Rawash1

1Pathology and Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt.
2 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-sheikh, 33516 Egypt
attia_vet25@yahoo.com

Abstract: Marine parasites are of immense ecological and economic importance in both wild and cultured marine fish. In this study a total number of 100 sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt during the period from August 2017 till January 2018 were investigated for their metazoan parasite fauna. Thirteen metazoan parasites were found. Three copepods Lernanthropus kroyeri, Caligus minimus and Ergasilus sp. One monogenean Diplectanum aequans. Seven digeneans Transversotrema patialense, Derogenes varicus, Metadena crassulata, Pseudoacanthostomum panamense, Pseudallacanthochasmus grandispinus, Acanthostomum spiniceps and Timoniella praeterita. Two nematodes Anisakis simplex and Hysterothylacium aduncum. The results show that the parasite infections were mainly due to the monogenean D. aequans (76%). To our knowledge the digeneans T. patialense, D. varicus, M. crassulata, P. panamense and P. grandispinus are recorded for the first time in Egypt. Furthermore, T. patialense, M. crassulata, P. panamense and P. grandispinus are new host record.
[Attia A. Abou Zaid, Eman K. Bazh, Abdelrazek Y. Desouky and Abdelrahman A. Abo-Rawash. Metazoan parasite fauna of wild sea bass; Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) in Egypt. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):48-60]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 6. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.06.

Keywords: Dicentrarchus labrax- Crustecea- Monogenea- Digenea-Nematoda- Egypt

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Clinical Features and Risk Factors Associated with Cryptosporidiosis in Diarrhoiec Patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Ocheme Julius Okojokwu^1*, Bashiru Shafa Abubakar², Hezekiah Yusuf Azi¹, Edoama Edet Akpakpan³, Joseph Aje Anejo-Okopi¹

^1. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

^2. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

^3. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Telephone: +234 806 587 4666; E-mail: okojokwuoj@gmail.com, okojokwuo@unijos.edu.ng

Abstract: Background: Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in developing countries vary widely implying that the infection can be more common than surveys of stool oocysts excretion demonstrate. Diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium species in childhood may be associated with subsequent impaired physical and cognitive development. Objective: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors with the presence of Cryptosporidium species oocysts in human stool. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional survey carried out in Kaduna State. The study was a prospective cross-sectional study, a total of 600 diarrhoeic stool samples were collected and screened for oocysts of Cryptosporidium species using Sheather’s sugar flotation method. Results: The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was 4.5%. Children under 5 years were found to have significantly (χ² = 4.761, p = 0.029) higher prevalence (6.6%) than older patients (2.9%). Symptoms including abdominal pain (Fisher’s exact test = 0.001), fever (Fisher’s exact test = 0.016) and stool characteristics (Fisher’s exact test = 0.002) were also demonstrated to be significantly associated with cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidium infection in Kaduna State also had significant association (p ≤ 0.05) with place of residence (χ² = 6.559, p = 0.010), where rural dwellers had 7.0% (18/257) prevalence and urban dweller had 2.6% (9/343); animal contact (χ² = 12.848, p < 0.001), patients who admitted having contact with animals had 7.0% (25/357) prevalence as against 0.8% (2/248); and method of water treatment (χ² = 16.486, p < 0.001), 7.1% (27/379) of subjects who did not treat their water before consumption had cryptosporidiosis. Conclusion: These findings show that cryptosporidiosis is prevalent in Kaduna State, Nigeria and pose a threat to public health. Important factors in dissemination of the parasite are age of patient, place of residence, animal contact and method of treatment of water. It was also found that clinical manifestation of the infection include abdominal pain, fever and stool characteristics.

[Ocheme Julius Okojokwu, Bashiru Shafa Abubakar, Hezekiah Yusuf Azi, Edoama Edet Akpakpan, Joseph Aje Anejo-Okopi. Clinical Features and Risk Factors Associated with Cryptosporidiosis in Diarrhoiec Patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):61-65]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 7. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.07.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium, Cryptosporidiosis, Diarrhoea, Sheather’s sugar flotation, Kaduna State

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Status of Educational Attainment in Rural India: After 64th Years Independence

1Ravinder, 2Krishan Kumar and 3Madhu

1Student, Distance Education in Political Science of Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak (Haryana)
2Student, Department of Commerce, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (Haryana)
3Department of Political Science, Singhania University, Pacheri Badi, Jhunjhunu-333515, Rajasthan (India)
1Email - rsdpekuk@gmail.com, karamvirr47@gmail.com; Phone no. +91-9355332650

Abstract: Attainment of the various types of educational level in rural settlement has highlighted of after 64th independence India which presents secondary data on different levels of school education and higher education. Most of the data in the census of India for year 2011 on second thoughts selected educational statistics: 2011-12, MHRD, govt. of India. The present study is recorded that about one third rural persons in India are illiterate. In the bargain only 3.14 percent higher educated (graduate and above degree) in the country. Indian education system is as one of the largest in the world. This issues are significant for the country, because higher education as a powerful tool to build a knowledge-based information society of the 21st Century.
[Ravinder, Krishan Kumar and Madhu. Status of Educational Attainment in Rural India: After 64th Years Independence. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):66-75]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 8. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.08.

Keywords: Educational Level, Attainment, Higher Education, Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe.

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Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new 5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiols as potent antioxidants

Amgad M. Rabiea,*, Atif S. Tantawya, and Sahar M. I. Badra

aDepartment of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, 35516, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
 Corresponding author (Amgad Mohammed Rabie Hamed Fouda). Tel.: +2-0111-290-0494; E-mails: amgadpharmacist1@yahoo.com and pharm*org*chem1@mans.edu.eg

Abstract: A novel series of thirteen 5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiols (3a-m) was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for its potential antioxidant activities. Structural modifications at position 5 of the 1,3,4-thiadiazole scaffold (linked to a fixed antioxidant thiol group at position 2 of the ring) was expected to give new 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives with a broad spectrum of bio- logical antioxidant activity. The synthesis of these new compounds was achieved through three different steps. Undoubted elucidation and confirmation of the chemical structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were accomplished using both the spectroscopical (IR, 1H-NMR, and mass spectroscopy (MS)) and elemental (C, H, and N) analyses. The pharmacological screening for evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the new thirteen target thiol compounds was done using in vitro antioxidant screening by both 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation decolorization assay (ABTS test) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH test). The results of both assays showed that three compounds (3b,d,h) exhibited interestingly very high antioxidant activities and they could be very promising lead and parent compounds for the design and synthesis of new antioxidant agents by further in vivo biological evaluation, structural modifications, investigations, computational studies, and SAR establishment.
[Amgad M. Rabie, Atif S. Tantawy, and Sahar M. I. Badr. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new 5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiols as potent antioxidants. Researcher 2018;10(6):69-91]. ISSN 1553-9865 (print); ISSN 2163-8950 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/researcher. 9. doi:10.7537/marsrsj100618.09.

Keywords: 1,3,4-Thiadiazoles, Thiol moiety, Microwave-assisted synthesis, Reactive oxy (nitro)gen species, Free radical scavengers, Antioxidant activities

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Molecular Breeding of Upland Cotton for Drought Tolerance

Muhammad Asif Saleem1, Tanwir Ahmad Malik1, Amir Shakeel1 and Muhammad Ashraf1, 2

1Department of plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
2Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad. Pakistan
asifsaleempbg@gmail.com

Abstract: Drought stress is a major limiting factor in crop production. Genetic improvement is possible in cotton and other crops against drought stress by molecular breeding exploiting DNA based polymorphism. A drought tolerant (B-557) and a drought susceptible (FH-1000) cultivar were crossed to develop F2 population. The parents and the F2 population were studied under osmotic stress in hydroponic culture. A survey of 524 SSR and EST-SSR primers revealed a lot of DNA polymorphism between the drought resistant and drought susceptible cultivar. The polymorphism was used to construct genetic linkage map using the F2 population. In linkage analysis, 22 primers were mapped on chromosomes. Two QTLs for relative water content were identified on chromosome 23 and 12. One QTL for excised leaf water loss was found on chromosome 23. These QTLs may be used in molecular breeding program to develop drought tolerant cotton cultivars. Positive correlation of relative water content with cell membrane stability reveals that the genes which help plant maintain relative water content may be indirectly involved for cell membrane stability.
[Muhammad Asif Saleem, Tanwir Ahmad Malik, Amir Shakeel and Muhammad Ashraf. Molecular Breeding of Upland Cotton for Drought Tolerance. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):81-87]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 10. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.10.

Keywords: Cotton, drought, relative water content, excised leaf water loss, cell membrane stability, QTL.

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Greenhouse Lighting Optimization for Tomato Cultivation Considering Real-Time Pricing (RTP) of Electricity in the Smart Grid

Mehdi Mahdaviana, Naruemon Wattanapongsakornb

Department of Computer Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
126 Pracha-Utid Rd., Bangmod, Toongkru, Bangkok, 10140 Thailand
ameh_mahdavian@yahoo.com, bnaruemon@cpe.kmutt.ac.th

Abstract: Nowadays, the human food needs is one of the important concerns of life science researchers. The scientific and technological agriculture can significantly help to reduce this concern. The movement from traditional agriculture to advanced and modern agriculture is quickly taking place. In this regard, usage of artificial light as the supplemental light in greenhouse cultivations is one of the most common techniques to increase greenhouse productions. Greenhouse is a part of the Smart Grid, where the activation of electricity energy market is applied. By Real-Time Pricing (RTP) of electricity energy, finding the optimum values of supplemental light for various cultivations and conditions in the greenhouse environments is very important. In this paper, by modelling and using the measured and presented data of cherry tomato in the greenhouse cultivation, the optimum amounts of supplemental light and required electrical energy for HPS lamps in the greenhouse environment are simulated and calculated. For this aim, two optimization techniques are considered which they are Iterative Search (IS) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The simulation results verify the advantages of each method.
[Mehdi Mahdavian, Naruemon Wattanapongsakorn. Greenhouse Lighting Optimization for Tomato Cultivation Considering Real-Time Pricing (RTP) of Electricity in the Smart Grid. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):88-97]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 11. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.11.

Keywords: Greenhouse supplemental lighting; tomato cultivation; lighting optimization; smart grid; real-time pricing (RTP); genetic algorithm (GA)

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Relationship between God Attachment with Marital Satisfaction and Mental Health in Parents of Exceptional Children

Khodabakhsh Ahmadi 1, Mahdi Sheikh 2,*, Azam Karimian 3

1 Associate Professor, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: kh_ahmady@yahoo.com
2,* Ph.D student of psychology, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of medical sciences, Mollasadra Avenue, Vanak Square, P.O. Box 19395–5487, Tehran,14548, I.R. Iran. E-mail: mahdisheikh98@yahoo.com 
3 Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: In the current study, that sought to determine the relationship between God attachment with marital satisfaction and mental health in parents of exceptional children, a total of 372 parents (186 fathers, 186 mothers) of blind, deaf and educable mentally retarded children are selected through stratify random sampling with proportional allocation method. The assigned group was evaluated according to Morgan table. This survey uses three types of questionnaires for data collection to evaluate their attachment to God, marital satisfaction, and behavioral symptom checklist (scl 90). The results have significant positive implication for the relationship between secure God attachment and marital satisfaction, yet significant negative implication for the relationship between anxious-avoidant attachment to God and marital satisfaction. Further findings generally indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between mental health and marital satisfaction. Assigning independent variables of marital satisfaction and mental health as criterion variable and secure, avoidant and anxious attachment to God as predictor variable for step by step regression model, in the first place secure attachment to God entered into the equation. This variable alone determined around 51% of marital satisfaction and 47% of mental health. Other variables (avoidant and anxious attachment to God) were excluded from the equation. Secure attachment to God has implication for meaningful positive relationship with mental health and marital satisfaction while avoidant-anxious attachment to God has implication for negative meaningful relationship with mental health and marital satisfaction. Therefore, it is possible to improve marital satisfaction and mental health of different people, particularly parents of exceptional children, with changing the nature of their attachment to God.
[Ahmadi Khodabakhsh and Sheikh Mahdi. Relationship between God Attachment with Marital Satisfaction and Mental Health in Parents of Exceptional Children. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):98-103]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 12. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.12.

Keywords: Religion, God Attachment, Marital Satisfaction, Mental Health, Exceptional Children

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Effect of Kinesio Taping On Balance in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Al Shimaa Ramadan Azab1, Somaia Ali Hamed2, Ahmed Saad Abdel Halim 3

1Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy for Growth and Developmental Disorders in Children and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
2 Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical therapy, October 6 University, Egypt
3Lecturer of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Egypt
somaiaalih@yahoo.com

Abstract: Purpose: To examine the effect of kinesio taping on balance in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Subjects and Methods: Thirty children from both sexes with poly-articular JIA, affection in right ankle joint, they were divided in two equal groups control group received selected physical therapy program, study group received selected physical therapy program with kinesio taping. Mean of age was from 9.93±1.16 in control group, 9.86±1.07 in study group, body mass index was17 ±1.37 in control group, 17.74± 1.31 in study group. Results: there were decreased in pain and improve in balance in both groups with superior improvement in study group. Conclusion: kinesio tape was effective in decreasing pain and improving balance in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis so that it can be added safely to physiotherapy program in ankle joint stability in JIA.
[Al Shimaa Ramadan Azab, Somaia Ali Hamed, Ahmed Saad Abdel Halim. Effect of Kinesio Taping On Balance in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Life Sci J 2018;15(6):104-110]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 13. doi:10.7537/marslsj150618.13.

Key Words: Kinesio taping, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Poly articular, Star excursion balance test

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