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In this article the collection of specimens related to Onosma sulaimanica from Kordestan Province, Iran, was confirmed and reported for the first time. Therefore, the species is recorded for the flora of Iran. This species is placed in the sect. Onosma, subsect. Onosma, ser. Wheeler-hainesii. A diagnostic key of related taxa belonging to series Wheeler-Hainesii and Aleppica, and the photos, micrographs and a distribution map of the species were also presented.
 

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Salinity tolerance of four grape genotypes [GharaUzum, Hosseini, AghUzum and Keshmeshi] was studied under various salinity levels (25, 50 and 100 mM NaCl). As a result, growth indices were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by salinity, whereas Cl^- and Na⁺ contents in the plant parts were increased. Cl^- accumulation exceeded than that of Na⁺ in all treatments. Among the genotypes studied, GharaUzum and Keshmeshi had the lowest and highest Cl^- concentrations in the leaf lamina, respectively. Photosynthesis and transpiration rate as well as stomatal conductance were greatly reduced by salinity and were shown to be highly correlated with leaf Cl^- content. GharaUzum showed lower reduction in photosynthesis parameters. Soluble sugars, proline and glycine betaine contents increased in the leaf lamina of all the genotypes studied treated with moderate salinity (50 mM). In conclusion, the results showed that GharaUzum and Keshmeshi had the highest and lowest salt stress tolerance among the genotypes studied, respectively.
 
 

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The Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L., Lamiaceae) is an annual medicinal plant with beneficial nutritional sources that plays important roles in human and animal feed. Nanoparticles and cold atmospheric plasma increase biochemical compounds in plants. In this study, the effects of copper nanoparticles and cold atmospheric plasma on biochemical indices of the medicinal plant Dracocephalum moldavica were investigated. Moldavian dragonhead plants were subjected to four doses of copper nanoparticles (0, 25, 50 and 75 mgl^-1) and cold atmospheric plasma at three durations (zero, 20 and 30 s). The results showed that cold atmospheric plasma significantly increases the essential oil percentage, while it decreases the amount of flavonoid content and activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. Cold atmospheric plasma (20 s) showed significant positive impact on essential oil content, while different time duration (20 and 30 s) did not show a significant impact on other traits. Lower doses of copper nanoparticles (25 and 50 mgl^-1) showed positive impacts on measured traits, while 75 mgl^-1 dose negatively affected the measured traits and functioned as a heavy metal. The cold atmospheric plasma and copper nanoparticles interactions indicated that cold atmospheric plasma had an incremental effect on the improvement of measured traits and increased the effect of copper nanoparticles. In conclusion, the results showed that copper nanoparticles with 25 mgl^-1 dose along with cold atmospheric plasma with 20 s duration had significant positive effects on the improvement of biochemical indices of Dracocephalum moldavica.
 
 

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Overgrazing affects plant communities, and is a significant disturbance factor in arid and semi-arid regions. The immediate changes of plant communities after overgrazing in the disturbed arid ecosystems of Iran have been poorly studied. We recorded data from 100 random samples before and after overgrazing in the Golbahar plain located in the northeastern Iran to determine the changes in the plant physiognomic, species composition, and diversity after overgrazing. We compared life-forms spectra, change in the RIVI of the recorded plant species, species composition, and species diversity before and after the grazing. Our results showed that therophytes were the dominant life-form in the area, and decreased after overgrazing. The community composition of the area remained unchanged after overgrazing. Species diversity at the level of rare and frequent species reduced after overgrazing. Our findings implied that overgrazing could not immediately affect the community structure of degraded arid areas. However, it causes changes that might reduce ecosystem services in them. It is not possible to completely exclude grazers in such areas, fencing or reducing the number of the livestock entries should be applied to restore the vegetation in the area.
 
 

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Punica granatum leaf extracts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines. It is used for its antioxidant properties. Green nanoparticle synthesis is an emerging field which has opened an entirely different scope for medicinal formulations. It has been reported by many users that the green nanoparticles are more effective medicines as compared with their simple extracts. Thus, in order to evaluate these speculations, the present work was undertaken to assess the hepatoprotective activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Punica granatum in comparison with the aqueous extract. After CCl₄ intoxication the serum bilirubin total increased significantly (p<0.05) and the total protein level decreased significantly (p<0.05) as compared with the control group; in addition, alkaline phosphatase activity, aspartate aminotransferase activity and alanine transaminase activity increased significantly (p<0.05). The CCl₄ intoxicated rats were treated with aqueous leaf extract and synthesized nanoparticles, the results clearly revealed that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum showed hepatoprotective effect, as the liver profile altered by CCl₄ toxicity, recovered to normal control values. Moreover, the nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Punica granatum were comparatively more effective as hepatoprotective agent than the aqueous extract of Punica granatum.
 
 
 

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Phelipanche pouyanii is described here as a new species from South Khorassan Province, East of Iran. Its diagnostic morphological features are the calyx teeth being far longer than the calyx tube and staminal filaments being glabrous. These characters clearly differentiated the new species from its closely related taxa, i.e., P. mutelii, P. angustelaciniata and P. nana. Results obtained from the pollen and seed micromorphological characters showed no significant taxonomic value in the delimitation of the new species from its closely related species. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, however, showed sufficient differences to delineate the new species from its closely related species.
 

 

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The pomegranate fruit is one of the most important horticultural products due to the presence of polyphenolic, antioxidant and anti-fungal compounds. In the present study, morphological and phytochemical compounds diversity was investigated in eight Iranian commercial pomegranate cultivars. Fourteen morphological characters and 10 chemical compounds were measured. Based on PCA analysis the most variable morphological characteristics among Punica cultivars studied were the wood surface, the leaf tip, the leaf incision, growth power and rained condition. High-performance liquid chromatograms of chlorgenic acid, caffeic acid, Para Coumaric acid as well as titrable acidity, total soluble solid, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity in juice and peel of cultivars differentiated the cultivars studied. Comparing the two UPGMA dendrograms of Punica cultivars based on morphological data and chemical contents indicated certain disagreement between them. The correlation between morphological and chemical compounds and geographical distances of Punica cultivars was not statistically significant by the Mantel test. These findings indicate that Punica cultivars studied differ in their genetic content, however, this genetic difference is not correlated with their geographical distance.
 
 

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Tetanus is caused by the toxin secreted by Clostridium tetani. Due to the rapid infection with this bacterium, it is so important to investigate the tetanus immunity of people. Therefore, electrochemical biosensors, as one of the most effective tools in this regard, have demanded characteristics such as being fast, simple, cost-effective and portable. However, their detection sensitivity is not sufficient. Hereon, silver enhancement of gold-nanoparticles was proposed for the improvement of detection. Hence, the current study applied gold-nanoparticles as label, following with silver enhancement, to investigate the yes/no electrochemical detection of anti-tetanus toxoid antibodies in the indirect immunoassay utilizing glassy-carbon electrodes modified by carbon nanotubes. The analytical procedure consists of the reactions of the tetanus toxoid with the antibody at electrode, so that followed by the interaction of gold-labeled secondary antibody and then silver enhancement process. In this study, the cyclic-voltammeter variation and difference of gold to silver signal based on silver ions fluctuations were also investigated. The results indicated that ∆E_p increased from 0.24 V before silver enhancement reaction to 0.57 V after the silver enhancement. The results also demonstrated that after silver enhancement, current significantly increased and current plot at E^c_p transferred to positive potentials and at E^a_p moved to negative potentials. In conclusion, this method increases the detection sensitivity and can simply use to other bio-molecules detection.
 
 

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Breast cancer is the fourth common cancer worldwide and occurs when breast cells begin to uncontrolled division and tumor formation. Angiogenesis is one of the essential factors in cell growth and maintenance of homeostasis in the natural and pathological conditions, while VEGFs are the most critical factors in angiogenesis. MiR-210 plays an important role in the angiogenesis via association with VEGF. Here, the miR-210 expression changes in response to a VEGFB antagonist peptide, called VEGB1, was studied in female BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 cell line induced breast tumor. The treated group received 1mg.kg^-1 and 10mg.kg^-1 of the peptide and the control group received PBS intraperitoneally during two weeks. Both of the animal groups underwent a resection of breast tissue 14 days after treatment and miR-210 expression level was investigated. Statistical analysis by On-way ANOVA showed that the expression level of miR-210 gene had significant differences among the groups treated with various doses of VEGB1. Also, the gene expression was significantly different between peptide-treated groups and control samples (p<0.05). MiR-210 expression level had 42% reduction in mice treated with 1mg.kg^-1 of VEGB1, while 90% was seen in mice treated with 10mg.kg^-1 of VEGB1 showing the inhibitory function of VEGB1 antagonist peptide at different doses.
 

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In this study, the phylogeny and morphological variation of 6 species of the genus Cousinia sect. Stenocephalae, i.e., C. hypopolia, C. decipiens, C. esfandiarii, C. renominata, C. stahliana and C. daryoushiana, distributed in NE regions of Iran, were investigated. ITS, ETS and rpl32-trnL ^(UAG) sequences for 12 species (17 specimens) were generated. Phylogenetic interspecies relationships were constructed by Bayesian method and likelihood analysis. The specimens were also investigated in terms of morphological characters. Despite very similar morphological characters and geographical distributions, the separation of these species was confirmed by the obtained results of the molecular data (combined data of plastid and nuclear sequences). On the basis of the present study, the above-mentioned species were almost separated from each other by morphological characters and molecular data. A diagnostic key and the description of these species were also presented. These results did not conform with the previous palynological and anatomical studies of the species.
 

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Coccidian (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) parasites have been reported in almost all groups of vertebrates. These parasites may cause serious ecological and pathological effects to their hosts. Reptiles were found the be the host of the parasites of the genera Schellackia and Lankesterella, as these parasites undergo their entire life cycle in the reptilian body, with an intermediate stage of dormancy in the tissues of a hematophagus transmitter (generally a mite or a mosquito), until the next reptilian host swallows the infected insect. However, very little is known about the prevalence and intensity of these parasites in most of their distribution area, which is the focus of the current study. To do so, the prevalence and intensity of these blood parasites in three species of lizards, including Ophisops elegans, Trapelus lessonae and Eremias monticola from Markazi Province of Iran were investigated. Samples of blood were collected from the caudal vein of 51 lizards of the aforementioned species by insulin syringes, then the blood smears were dried, fixed with methanol and stained with Giemsa solution. Prepared blood samples were then examined by means of light microscopy, using a 100× magnification objective lens. 41 percent of the 51 examined samples were found to be infected by haemococcidians blood parasites from the family Lankesterellidae. The mean intensity of parasites in the three species were between 0.03-0.05%. The investigation revealed a relatively high percentage of prevalence and intensity of blood parasites in lizards of central part of Iran. The results showed the presence of a complete set of various vectors for the spread of haemoparasites in the area. Therefore, future researches are strongly recommended to utilize genetic markers in order to obtain a better identification of the parasites.
 
 

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Finger length ratios are organized during embryonic development of fingers as they exposed to sex steroid hormones, and may show varying degrees of sexual dimorphism between males and females in different animal groups. Among all the finger length ratios calculated in a sample, the ratio between the second to fourth fingers (2D: 4D) is the most important one. In this study, the 2D:4D ratios in both sides of the body (right and left) in all limbs were investigated to determine if sexual dimorphism is present in the 2D: 4D ratios in 44 specimens studied (20 males and 24 females) of Acanthodactylus blanfordi. Other morphological traits of the two sexes were also examined (23 metric and meristic traits), as a result, sexual dimorphism was observed in five metric and meristic morphological traits. In terms of the ratio of the size of the fingers and toes, sexual dimorphism in the length of the fingers was observed only in 2D: 4D on the right side of the body in forelimbs and hindlimbs. The value of this trait was higher in males than females and this difference was statistically significant P ≤0.05).
 
 

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Golestankooh, with an area of 130000 ha, is located in Isfahan Province. The present study was carried out in order to identification of flora of the aforementioned region, as a result, 620 taxa in total, belonging to 61 families and 303 genera, were identified. Asteraceae, represented by 104 species, was the largest family, following with Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Brassicaceae with 63, 60 and 59 species, respectively. Astragalus, with 33 species, was the most diverse among the genera studied. Hemicryptophytes with 41% and therophytes with 34% are dominant life forms in the region. With regard to geographical distribution, 300 species (48%) were found to be Irano-Turanian elements. Moreover, 130 species, 21% of the identified plant taxa from the region, were found to be endemic to the flora of Iran. Due to high species diversity in the Golestankooh area, it seems necessary to use appropriate strategies for their conservation.
 

 

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Exosomes are secreted by different types of cells and known as biological packages. Exosomes have significant role in intercellular communications and involved in the development and progression of various diseases such as cancer. Inhibin B and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) are markers of granulosa cell tumors (GCT) and due to the role of exosomes in the progression of cancer, in this experimental study, the effect of exosomes derived from human ovarian cancer cells on the secretion of Inhibin B and antimullerian hormone (AMH) by granulosa cells was investigated. First, A2780 human ovarian cancer cells were cultured, then the supernatant was collected to extract the exosomes by ultracentrifugation and subsequently, the extracted exosomes were checked out using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, granulosa cells were isolated and cultured from the ovaries immature female Balb / C mice and treated with 25 μg/ml of exosomes derived from the ovarian cancer cell-line. Inhibin B and AMH hormones levels were then measured. The results showed the significant (P<0/05) increase of the level of inhibin B and AMH hormones in the treated cells in comparison with the control group. According to the results, exosomes increased the secretion of Inhibin B and AMH hormones and seems to be effective in the proliferation of granulosa cell tumors.
 
 

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The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction modification of curcumin complex molecule (CUR) in beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin (β-CD and γ-CD) carriers with chitosan (CS) nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and to compare their performance. The targeted drug delivery system includes the therapeutic agent of the CS nanoparticles targeting section of the same drug and the CD carrier system. Calculations of the relationships of the formation of modified complexes and their application were performed using UV-vis spectroscopic data analysis. In this study, spectroscopic spectrum diagrams were drawn to prove the optimization of molecular structure in the modified complexes. Data analysis was performed using their respective equations. The cationic polysaccharide CS, with the presence of amino agents and alcohols along the polysaccharide chains, enables it to form a covalent bond with the complexes and increase the solubility of cyclodextrin. CS nanoparticles strengthen the hydrogen bond by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals hydrogen interactions of the hydroxyl cyclodextrin group with the hydroxyl phenolic group of the drug molecule CUR. Modification of the γ-CD complex with CS shows the strongest interaction with CUR. Both CUR complexes are in the CD-CS host system to transfer the charge from the drug to the carrier and the therapeutic agent. CS nanoparticles have the property of targeted delivery systems for anticancer drugs because the CS external field can be used to direct the drug to specific target cells. The γ-CD-CS host system is the best host as a carrier and therapeutic agent for CUR due to its high solubility and strong interaction.
 
 

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In order to investigate the effects of salinity and magnesium (Mg) on the growth parameters, physiological characteristics and content of some metabolites in Syrian bean-caper (Zygophyllum fabago) plants, a factorial experiment with completely randomized design was performed and carried out in perlite with Hoagland solution. The treatments were combinations of two levels of salinity (0 and 300 mM NaCl) and three levels of Mg concentration (2, 4 and 8 mM; 0, 2 and 6 mM over the standard Mg content of Hoagland medium, 2mM, respectively). The simultaneous effect of salinity and Mg did not change the fresh weight of the plants, but increased the dry weight by 50%. Salinity reduced the leaf area, but the presence of Mg improved and even increased the leaf area of the plants. The Mg reduced NAR, while increased LAR and RLGR. Salinity decreased the RLGR. The simultaneous effect of salinity and Mg increased and improved RGR, LWR, RLGR. The tolerance index in saline treatments increased with the presence of Mg, but the R/S ratio showed a significant increase only in salinity condition, however, the presence of Mg moderated it. Salinity reduced the photosynthetic pigments, while the presence of Mg ameliorated the decrease. As a result, salinity and Mg increased the total sugar content of the leaf and reduced the total sugar content of the root. Salinity and Mg reduced the total protein content of all the organs of the plant specimens studied. In general, salinity had a negative effect on the physiological parameters of the Zygophyllum fabago plants, while the application of supplementary Mg improved the growth indices and increased the plants tolerance against salinity.
 
 

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Distribution of rivers, pools and grasslands, being large or small and perennial or temporary, have created conditions suitable for the establishment of wetlands, especially in the highland regions of the Country. These habitats are highly important for the preservation of biodiversity and other ecological aspects. The present study aimed to identify wetlands in the Kermanshah Province, Iran, and map their distribution. The investigation was carried out on the basis of the conventional taxonomic studies of the region by doing field observation in 31 aqueous habitats in Kermanshah Province. The flora of each habitats and the life form and geographical distribution of the species were investigated. In total, 617 plant specimens, belonging to 288 species, 218 genera and 62 families, were collected identified and stored in the herbarium of the research center of agriculture and natural resources of Kermanshah Province (RANK). Asteraceae with 41 species, Poaceae with 31 species, Fabaceae with 31 species and Brassicaceae with 24 species were found to be the most important families of the wetlands studied.  Trifolium with 11 species and Bromus with 6 species were the most important genera, in terms of species richness. Detection of the biological forms showed that 40.3% of the species were trophytes, 35/5% were hemicryptophyts, 6/1% were phanerophytes, 14/23% were cryptophytes and 3/72% were chamaephytes. The chorology of species showed that 93 species belonged to more than two elements (32%), 92 species (31%) to the Irano-Touranin elements, 32 species to Irano-Touranin- Mediterranean (11%), 9 species to Irano-Touranin- Euro-Siberian with (3%) and 23 species were found to be cosmopolitan elements (8%).