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Basolateral Amygdala is an important site of anxiety. Interactions between α-adrenergic and opioidergic systems in Basolateral amygdale were used for investigation anxiety and memory. The elevated plus-maze has been employed. The male wistar rats were used for this test. The site of BLA was cannulated bilaterally. Rats we injected morphine (4, 5.6 mg/kg) intraperitonealy, while clonidine (1, 2, 4 µg/rat) and yohimbin (0.5, 1,2 µg/rat) were injected to BLA. Open arm time percentage (%OAT), open arm entry (%0AE) and locomotor activity were determined by this behavioral test. Retention tested 24 hours later. Administration of morphine (6mg/kg) increased the OAT% in anxiety test, indicating anxiolytic-like effect. Intra Basolateral amygdala infusion of clonidine (4μg/rat) has an anxiolytic-like effect. While co-administration clonidine (4μg/rat) and in effective dose of morphine (4mg/kg) showed significant increase of OAT% in anxiety test; thus presenting anxiolytic response. Intra Basolateral amygdala administration of yohimbine (2μg/rat) decreased OAT% indicating of decrease anxiety-like behavior. While co-administration of intra Basolateral amygdala clonidine (4μg/rat) and effective dose of morphine (6mg/kg) showed a significant increase of OAT%, presenting anxiolytic response; co-administration of ineffective doses of morphine (4mg/kg) and yohimbine (1μg/rat) with the effective dose of clonidine (4μg/rat) showed that yohimbine could reverse the anxiolytic-like effect of morphine and clonidine. It should be noted that there are no significant changes in locomotor activity. The results indicate that morphine creates the compromise changes in adrenergic neurons of Basolateral amygdala by changing the α-adrenergic system on anxiety.                                                                                                                                                                  

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In this study phylogenetic relationship of the Jajrud River Brown trout Salmo trutta L. 1758 in the Namak Lake basin was analyzed using complete D-Loop sequence of the mitochondrial genome, compared to other Iranian populations of the species. The results clarified that Jajrud brown trout, similar to other Iranian brown trout populations belongs to the Danube phylogenetic lineage. The observed haplotype in the Jajrud population is similar to the reported haplotype in the Karaj River. Based on the results the Namak Lake basin brown trout affined to the Caspian populations and its relationship to Salmo macrostigma was not confirmed.  Since the Karaj and Jajrud River haplotypes have not been observed in the Caspian Sea basin and because of its relationship to other Iranian and Danube haplotypes it is plausible to consider this haplotype as an old haplotype that also may exist in the Caspian Sea basin. According to the biology of Brown trout, geographic characteristics, and based on the properties of the Namak haplotype it may be inferred that the Namak Basin Brown trout populations are native to the basin and are not introduced.

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Nowadays, nanoparticles (NPs) have the great potential application in different industries. Among all NPs, titanium dioxide NPs is the biggest ecotoxicological and ecophysiology concerns due to the increase of anthropogenic input into the aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the effects of titanium dioxide NPs enriched yeast on the growth, survival; digestive enzymes activity and lipid metabolism in Artemia urmiana (AU) and Artemia franciscana (AF) were investigated. The experiment was designed in two treatments (control and enriched yeast with titanium dioxide NPs) and each with four replicates for both Artemia species. At the end of experiment, the results indicated that titanium dioxide nanoparticles did not affect on the Artemia species growth but significantly increased AF survival. No significant difference was observed in AU survival. Also the results showed, NPs significantly decrease AU digestive enzymes activity and reverse pattern was observed for AF. The effect of NPs on the body lipid content was investigated in Artemia species and the results revealed that all the NPs decrease this parameter in AU but did not affect on AF lipid body content. The results obtained in this experiment, suggest that the eco-physiological effects of titanium dioxide NPs different in Artemia urmiana and Artemia franciscana.

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Phylogenetic relationships among the Eumeces schneiderii princeps and Eumeces schneiderii pavimentatus investigated using 509 bp partial sequences of 16S mitochondrial gene. Analyses were done by maximum-likelihood (RAxML) criteria on 52 specimens from over 20 geographically distinct localities. Our molecular results proposed two well-supported major clades by their phylogenetic positions, genetic differences and unique characterizations in their morphology and habitats including: (1) Eumeces schneiderii princeps+ Eumeces schneiderii pavimentatus (2) Eurylepis (3) Scincus and (4) Scincopus. However, the phylogenetic affinities of Eumeces sp. in the Scincus clade were not resolved. Phylogenetic analyses of the genus did not grouped Eurylepis with Eumeces and clustered it in a completely separate group . In addition, phylogenetic resultsrevealed a monophyletic status for Eumeces schneideri

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Viviparity is an advanced reproducing process observed in certain bony fishes. Fish oocyte is protected by different coverings, the immediate one over oolemma being a non-cellular membrane known as Zona Radiata (ZR). ZR has shown variations in thickness, configuration and probably function at different fish oocyte and oocyte growth stages. In the present research work the ultrastructure of zona radiata around oocytes of guppy (Poecilia reticulata) has been studied by light and scanning electron microscopy methods concerning different oocyte growth stages. ZR was not observed at stages I and II. At stage III ZR was observed as a thin layer around the oocyte. It increased in thickness and complexity at stage IV (vitellogenesis) but showed different appearance and declined in thickness during the following stage. External surface characteristics, features of pore canals and probable function of ZR during oocyte development were also investigated.

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Two species of mosses, namely, Grimmia dissimulata and Schistidium pruinosum, belonging to the family Grimmiaceae collected from Khorassan Razavi province (NE Iran) are found new for the Iranian bryoflora. Based on the recent literature, 16 species of Grimmia and 13 species of Schistidium have been reported from Iran so far. Diagnostic characters, geographical distribution and illustrations are provided herewith.

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This investigation is a collection of studies on the breeding birds of Dez Protected Area performed from Fe-bruary 2011 to Jun 2012. During that period, field studies were executed every other 2-4 days. 5 species of native bree-ding birds including White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis, Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus, Collared Dove St-reptopelia decaocto, Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis, European Roller Coracias garrulous and 7 species of migratory breeding birds including Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus, Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata Ba-nk Swallow Riparia riparia, Blue cheeked Bea-eater Merops persicus were observed. Among the breeding birds, Coll-ared Dove S.decaocto had the most extensive breeding period from February till the early of August. Common Babbler T. caudatus (53 nests) was the frequent breeder in the terrestrial part of the Dez Protected area. Terrestrial breeding bi-rds of the area prefer habitats with Ziziphus nummularia, vegetations for breeding. Bank Swallow R.riparia with more than 300 nests was the most common species in the watery part of Dez Protected Area. They selected riparian walls for nest building. Habitat destruction was the most important threatening factor for the breeding birds.

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Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug inhibiting cell growth. In some studies, patients with normal liver function have experienced increase in bilirubin, ALT and AST by using paclitaxel. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ef-fect of intra-peritoneal injection of doses 5 and 10 mg/kg nZnO on the liver of rats treated with paclitaxel. 35 adult fe-male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups including control, sham (saline injection), experimental groups1 and 2 (nZnO injection), experimental group 3 (paclitaxel injection), experimental groups 4 and 5 (nZnO and paclitaxel inje-ction). Liver function was examined 28 days after the end of injection. Experimental group3 had large and swollen liver morphology. Most hepatocytes had dense nuclei and changed cell shape indicating of cell death. Blood test showed si-gnificant increase in the levels of ALT, AST and bilirubin and decrease in the level of ALP in comparison with the co-ntrol group. In experimental groups 4 and 5, cell shape alterations, increase in cell death and increase in liver markers were remarkably reduced in comparison with the experimental group 3, in a way that there were no significant differ-ences with the control group. No significant differences were observed between the control group and experimental gr-oups 1 and 2. According to the findings, nZnO can reduce the side effects of paclitaxel on liver tissue.

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The cosmopolitan genus salvia L. (Lamiaceae) consists of nearly 1000 species distributed throughout the Old and New Worlds. America and South- West of Asia are the two most important distribution centers. Of the 70 species reported in the flora Iranica area nearly 56 species belong to Iran. This investigation deals with the morphology of Salvia. The morphological studies were performed on 36 populations of 11 species which grow in Central Alborz Mo-untains. In this analysis 42 quality and quantity characters were used. The results of this analysis have been used for the preparation of the identification key. Clustering, cladistics and PCA ordination reveals the relationships of the species in this genus.

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In cholestasis syndrome, the change of bile acids, salts, endotoxins and opioidsis is accompanied with hepaticencephalopathy and brain trauma; therefore, in this study, the histopathological changes of hippocampus after bile duct ligation were investigated. This study was performed on male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into three groups, namely the control, sham and cholestatic groups. After two weeks, the rats were killed under anesth-esia and their brains were dissected with no delay. The specimens were processed routinely and were sectioned into slices of 6-micron thickness. The sections were stained by Hematoxiline-Eosin (H&E) method. Subsequently, they were studied using optical microscope. Necrotic cells, the diminution of cell density and wrinkled chromatic nuclei were observed in hippocampus section. In addition, the thickness of hippocampus was mostly decreased. However, in the sham and control groups no changes were observed. Since endotoxin causes tissue trauma, the increase of en-dotoxin may result in tissue changes in the brain.

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Nowadays, with the applications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) in pharmacy, food industry, cosmetics, toothpaste and sunscreens, pregnant women are exposed to nanoparticles. Since tooth development is vuln-erable to environmental impacts and mandibular first molar bud develops before maxillary first molar bud, in this ex-perimental study the effects of TiO₂-NPs on the development of first mandibular molar bud in NMRI mouse was inve-stigated. Twenty five female NMRI mice were randomly divided into five groups (N=5); Control group (pregnant mice without any treatment), sham group (treated with distilled water), experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 (treated with 50, 150 and 500 mg/kg BW TiO₂-NPs, respectively, via gavage from embryonic days 10.5-14.5). On E14.5, embryos heads were prepared for histological examination and dental tissues were evaluated. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc test (Tukey). Microscopic observation showed tissue disorganization in experimental groups. Findings showed that in experimental groups 1 and 2, the diameter of bud and dental papilla and the length of dental bud decreased sign-ificantly. In experimental group 2, decrease in the diameter of dental follicle, dental bud and dental papilla and the le-ngth of dental bud was significant. On the other hand, in experimental group 3, only the decrease in the length of dental bud was significant. These findings showed that nano titanium dioxide can reduce the size of dental buds and is capable of preventing tooth development.

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Thirty eight ecotypes of watermelon were collected from different parts of Iran. After the preparation of the field, these eotypes were cultivated in a completely randomized block design with three replications. In order to invest-igate genetic diversity, genomic DNA samples were extracted from leaves and Polymerase chain reactions were optimized using 14 SRAP primer pairs. One hundred thirty six polymorphic bands were detected, of which the EM10-Me4 was the most abundant primer pair with 19 bands and EM16-Me4 and EM16-Me14 were the least primer pairs with 7 bands. PIC index varied from 0.20 to 0.32 and genetic diversity was 0.17 to 0.28 on the basis of Nei index. Fisher's Linear Detection Analysis showed that the UPGMA method and the grouping accuracy of about 90% are more appropriate than other cluster analysis methods. Cluster analysis, using Jakard method, was performed and the ecotypes studied were classified into five distinct groups. Based on the PCA, the first and second components included 92.5% of the variation, which represents the proper distribution of the markers on the whole genome.

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Water stress is one of the most important factors limiting the growth and yield of plants in many parts of the world. In order to evaluate the effects of water stress on some morphological, physiological and antioxidant enzyme activity traits of lentil, four lentil cultivars (i.e. Gachsaran, Kimia, Ziba and Robat) in four water deficit treatments including 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the field capacity (control) were studied in a factorial experiment, based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Water stress at 25 and 50% field capacity significantly decreased morpho-physiological traits and significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity, proline and protein contents of all genotypes in comparison with the control group. Gachsaran and Robat cultivars were superior in most traits in comparison with the Kimia and Ziba cultivars. Under severe stress, the amounts of  proline and protein contents, CAT and SOD enzyme activity were significantly higher in Robat and Gachsaran cultivars than those of the Kimiya and Ziba cultivars. Results showed that Robat and Gachsaran cultivars were probably affected less by water stress due to more stress tolerance using various mechanisms such as more antioxidant enzyme activity, increased proline, proteins and photosynthetic pigments contents. Studied traits were introduced as suitable markers for identification of drought tolerant genotypes. Accordingly, Robat and Gachsaran cultivars were introduced as tolerant cultivars for cultivation under rainfed conditions.

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Several therapeutic effects have been reported for Peganum harmala and Piper longum. These plants contain flavonoids that probably can affect reproductive endocrine system and reduce fertility. In this study, the impacts of hydroalcoholic extracts of Peganum harmala and Piper longum on pituitary-gonadal axis were investigated. Male mice were divided into one control group and three experimental groups. The first experimental group received the extract of Peganum harmala (200 mg/lit), while the second experimental group received the extract of Piper longum (200 mg/lit) and the third experimental group received the combination of both extracts (200 mg/lit) for 30 days. After the treatment, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids were counted and serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Levels of testosterone, FSH and LH showed a significant decrease in the first and third experimental groups in comparison with the control group. Moreover, the number of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermatid decreased in these groups. The results of the present study demonstrated that hydroalcoholic extract of Peganum harmala and Piper longum can decrease the pituitary gonadal axis function and spermatogenesis in male NMRI mice.
 

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Three types of chitin as α (exoskeleton of crustaceans), β (cuttlebone of cephalopods) and γ (some fungal cell wall) exist in nature. Chitosan is the most important derivative of chitin, which has various biological activities. In this study, α, β and γ-chitosans were extracted from Portunus segnis exoskeleton, Sepia pharonis cuttlebone and Aspergillus niger cell wall, respectively. Samples of crab and sepia from Bandar Abbas coastal waters were gathered in the summer of 2014 and samples of Aspergillus niger (PTCC 5223) were obtained from the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). The amount of chitosan extracted from the Crab was significantly higher than other samples. Antimicrobial properties of these three types of chitosan were explored against 9 bacterial and 2 fungal strains using disc diffusion method. On average α chitosan and γ chitosan revealed to have highest and lowest antimicrobial activities, respectively. Antibacterial properties of chitosan extracts were more than their antifungal properties. Gram negative bacteria as well as gram positive bacteria were sensitive to three types of chitosan. According to observed results, all three types of chitosans have good antimicrobial activities, and further investigations are suggested.

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To investigate the Artemisia vegetation in Isfahan Province, two rangelands of Khorous Galu in the southwest and Ashan in the west of Isfahan were selected. These rangelands are mountainous with semiarid climate. In Khorous galu, 68 species belonging to 50 genera and 24 families were identified. Life forms included hemicryptophytes (39%), therophytes (27.5%), chamaephytes (19%), geophytes (13%) and phanerophytes (2%). Chrotypes existent in Khorous Galu were composed of 56 Irano-Turanian species, 3 Euro-Siberian-Irano-Turanian species, 4 Euro-Siberian-Irano-Turanian-Mediterranean species, 2 Irano-Turanian-Mediterranean species, 1 Irano-Turanian-Saharo-Sindian species and 1 cosmopolitan species. In Ashan area, 88 species belonging to 67 genera and 29 families were identified. Hemicryptophytes (39%), therophytes (28%), geophytes (17%), chamaephytes (15%) and phanerophytes (1%) were the life form composition of the region flora. 73 Irano-Turanian species, 7 Euro-Siberian-Irano-Turanian species, 4 Irano-Turanian-Mediterranean species, 1 Irano-Turanian-Mediterranean-Euro-Siberian species and 1 cosmopolitan species were identified. 2 species were recorded from Isfahan Province for the first time. With regard to the similarity of flora in both regions, that is due to effective similar environmental factors, a uniform management plan for A. aucheri rangelands in Isfahan Province could be selected.

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In this study, fungal strains with crude oil biodegradation activity were screened from Shazand oil refinery (Arak). Twelve fungal strains were isolated in PDA medium. TPH assay in the presence of 1% of crude oil showed that the ADH-02 was the most capable strain of oil degradation with an efficiency of 75%. FTIR analysis was revealed that 91% of aliphatic hydrocarbons were degraded by ADH-02. This strain proved to belong to Gliomastix genius with a similarity of 99%. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation analysis with HPLC demonstrated that this strain is capable of removing 67% of anthracene in 14 days. The results showed that Gliomastix sp. was a potent fungal strain in bioremediation of crude oil and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.

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Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran have important tree and shrub elements of Euro-Siberian and rare forest communities, among them beech community widely covers the mountainous forests from Western to Eastern (Gorgan) Hyrcanian region. In order to identify the floristic characteristics and affecting factors on the species richness in pure beech stands in Eastern Guilan, using systematic-random method 54 plots were recorded. A total of 111 plant species belonging to 84 genera and 44 families were identified, with Orchidaceae having 9 species and genus Carex with 6 species being the largest family and genus, respectively. The highest frequency inter-species is Galium odoratum, an understory herb species forming communities in different areas of beech forests in Hyrcanian region. Since the studied region is forest and mountainous, hemicryptophytes and geophytes are the most life forms, respectively in these areas and Euro-Siberian elements (with 30.6 %) form the highest frequency from a chorological point of view. Also, the size of the microrelief and percentage of tree cover create different ecological conditions in plots such as moisture retention and change in the amount of incoming light into the plots, which are the most influential factors on species richness of these areas.

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Thyme plants are considered to be one of the most widely consumed herbs well-known for their essential oils and secondary metabolites. In order to evaluate the effects of temperature on antioxidant activity, total phenolics, agronomic traits and essential oil of two thyme species (i.e. Thymus vulgaris and Thymus caramanicus), a greenhouse experiment was conducted in 2015 with split plot in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results of this experiment showed significant differences between the two species and different temperatures in terms of the tr-aits measured. The essential oil percentage, antioxidant activity, total phenolics and plant height of Thymus carama-nicus proved to be more than those in Thymus vulgaris. The comparison of mean interaction effect for essential oil pe-rcentage showed that the value of this trait in Thymus caramanicus specimens treated with a temperature of 30°C was more than other treatments. The IC50 rates of Thymus vulgaris and Thymus caramanicus ranged from 24.37 to 54.43 µg/ml in different conditions and total phenolics ranged from 36.63 to 89.37 mg GAEg-1. In addition, the highest anti-oxidant activity, essential oil percentage and phenolic compounds were observed at a temperature of 30°C for both species.

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Fish oil in the diet of fish is constantly at the risk of oxidation. In this study, the effects of feeding sturgeon hybrid (Huso huso ♂ ×Acipenser ruthenus ♀) with different levels of oxidized fish oil (OFO) on thyroid hormones were investigated. Three experimental diets were made by replacing 0 (control), 50 and 100% OFO were made. Ninety hybrid sturgeon, with the initial weights of 212.6 ± 07g were distributed in 9 fiberglass tanks (2 m³) randomly after 2 weeks of adaptation with experimental conditions. Feeding was performed three times daily (08:00, 14:00 and 20:00) for 6 weeks for satisfaction. At the end of the period, blood samples were taken and their serum was separated. Serum thyroxine and triiodotyronine were measured by radioimmunoassay in blood samples. Serum thyroxine, triiodotyronine and thyroxine/triiodotyronine level showed no significant change related to dietary OFO. Our findings showed that dietary-oxidized oil had no effect on blood thyroid hormones levels.