Iranian Species Research Articles

Effects of Adjuvant and Immunization Route on Antibody Responses against Naja Naja oxiana Venom.

Naja naja oxiana (NNO) is one of the important venomous species in Iran. The current snakebite treatment is antivenom therapy that deals with hyper immunization of horses with crude or fractionated snake venom plus traditional adjuvants, like Freund's adjuvant. For improvement of antivenom production, it has been suggested to use different adjuvant systems or immunization procedures. In this study, humoral immune responses against immunogenic fractions of NNO venom (NNO3 and NNO4) and crude venom have been compared by usage of different adjuvant and immunization routes. Additionally, a new indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was set up for the detection of specific antivenom antibodies. This study was conducted on six different groups of female Dutch rabbits that were hyperimmunized using crude and fractionated NNO venom, along with Freund's and MF59 adjuvants through subcutaneous or intramuscular route. The immunization was performed four times with 10-day intervals and the levels of specific antibodiees were detected by indirect ELISA. The statistical analysis reveals a negligible variation in the antivenom titers among the venom-inoculated groups, regardless of the adjuvant type or the immunization route. Finally, it was concluded that the fractions are efficient for antivenom production, and it is possible to use MF59 adjuvant via subcutaneous routes as an alternative to Freund's adjuvants considering its fair immunopotentiation capacity and safety in animals.

Bibliometric Analysis of Constructed Wetlands with Ornamental Flowering Plants: The Importance of Green Technology

The use of constructed wetlands (CWs) for wastewater treatment has earned high interest around the world. However, innovations to improve its removal efficiency and adoption have been suggested in the last decades. For instance, the use of ornamental flowering plants (OFP), which make wetland treatment systems more aesthetic and is an option for the production of commercial flowers while the water is cleansed. The objectives of this study were to identify through a bibliometric analysis (2000–2022) the main OFP that have been used in CWs and their functionality as phytoremediators (removal effects), as well as the authors, collaborations, main investigations, and the countries where such investigations have been carried out. To this respect, 10,254 studies on CWs were identified. The United States and China were the leading countries in the use of this eco-technology. Subsequently, regarding the use of OFP, the analysis revealed 92 studies on this matter in which Mexico has three researchers who lead the use of OFP in CWs (almost 40% of publications of CWs with OFP), where the main species studied include Canna hybrids, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Strelitzia reginae, Iris species, Spathiphyllum sp., and Anturium sp. These species may remove between 30–90% of pollutants of organic compounds, 30–70% of heavy metals and drugs, and about 99.9% of pathogens. Thus, this study may help researchers to identify OFP for new CWs design, and to know new future research directionsand collaboration approaches in this area using multipurpose alternatives like those of CWs with OFP. More research can still be carried out on the use of CWs with OFP in temperate climates, as well as evaluating the influence of different substrates and water flow on the growth of these plants.

Tribal assignment of the genus Eumera Staudinger, 1892, using multi-gene analysis, with description of a new species from Iran (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae).

The geometrid moth genus Eumera Staudinger, 1892 consists of five yellow-orange-pinkish species distributed in the western Palearctic, with uncertain tribal classification within the geometrid subfamily Ennominae. In this study, we explored the phylogenetic position of the genus Eumera. Therefore, a concatenated dataset was analyzed, which includes one mitochondrial and up to ten protein-coding genetic markers per taxa. Moreover, we compared some external and internal morphological traits to other closely related genera. Our phylogenetic inference and comparative morphology suggested that Eumera should be included in the tribe Prosopolophini. In addition, a new species, Eumera rajaeii sp. nov. Wanke & Shirvani is described from southern Iran, and diagnosed by molecular data and morphological features. The distribution of the Iranian species is shown on a map. We illustrate external characters and male genitalia of three closely related Eumera species.

Mapping the habitat suitability of endemic and sub-endemic almond species in Iran under current and future climate conditions

Mapping the habitat suitability of endemic and sub-endemic almond species in Iran under current and future climate conditions

Impacts of climate change on the distribution of riverine endemic fish species in Iran, a biodiversity hotspot region

Abstract Iran is one of the world's fish biodiversity hotspots. Most riverine fish species in this country are currently under threat by human activities. In addition to those threats, climate change is expected to alter rainfall and temperature regimes, imposing further limitations, particularly to endemic fishes. Therefore, understanding how these species respond to climate change is an important issue in the conservation of Iranian freshwater biodiversity. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of 16 endemic fish species under two climate change scenarios (i.e., RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) in river habitats of Iran in the 2050s and the 2080s. The analysis is conducted using the MaxEnt model. Seven environmental variables were used for modelling: maximum width, elevation, river slope, the basins occupied by the target species, average annual precipitation, annual mean temperature, and the temperature difference between the coldest and hottest months of the year . The validation of the model for each species showed that AUC (area under the ROC curve) scores range from 0.87 to 0.99. Under optimistic (RCP 4.5) and pessimistic (RCP 8.5) scenarios in the 2050s and the 2080s, species will face four different outcomes to their habitat range: reduction (three species), expansion (five species), reduction and expansion (seven species) and no change (one species). It is concluded that most species that are unique in their geographical area will face serious challenges from climate change. Delineating species range changes under climate change scenarios can help prioritise conservation measures for these valuable species. Considering our results, the translocation of species to new locations also should be investigated.

On the jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) from Iran collected by Antoine Senglet (1927–2015)

The paper presents new taxonomic and faunistic data on the Salticidae from Iran collected by Antoine Senglet (1927–2015) and deposited in the Museum d'historie naturelle, Gèneve, Switzerland. A total of 61 Iranian species are reported. Seven species are descrbed as new: Attulus croceus sp. n. (♂♀, Tehran, Mazandaran), Heliophanus kavar sp. n. (♂♀, Fars, Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad), Menemerus sengleti sp. n. (♂♀, Kermanshah, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad), Mogrus sivand sp. n. (♂♀, Fars, Kurdistan), Pellenes ignotus sp. n. (♂♀, Hamedan), Plexippus scleroepigynalis sp. n. (♀, Fars), and Synageles khorasanicus sp. n. (♀, Razavi Khorasan). One species and one subspecies are synonymized: Plexippus strandi dushanbinus Andreeva, 1969, syn. n. from Tajikistan and Plexippus gershomi Prószyński, 2017, syn. n. from Israel with Plexippus strandi Spassky, 1939. The male lectotype is designated for Attus vilis Kulczyński, 1895, and its synonymy with Attulus ammophilus (Thorell, 1895) is confirmed and reinstated, syn. reinst. Six species are recorded for the Iranian spider fauna for the first time: Attulus inexpectus (Logunov & Kronestedt, 1997), A. inopinabilis (Logunov, 1992), Euophrys pseudogambosa Strand, 1915, Heliophanus kochii Simon, 1868, H. potanini Schenkel, 1963, and Synageles venator (Lucas, 1836). Additional faunistic records from Afghanistan are given for three species: Mogrus antoninus Andreeva, 1976, Myrmarachne tristis (Simon, 1882), and Thyene imperialis (Rossi, 1846), of which M. tristis is a new species record for the country. Comparative materials from Kazakhstan were included for five species. It is also shown that the record of Heliophanus verus Wesołowska, 1986 from Turkey (Kırıkkale Province) actually belongs to H. mordax O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872.

A Study of Ungernia trisphaera Bunge and Thymus transcaspicus Cytotoxicity in Cancer Cell Lines

Objective: Thymus transcaspicus (Lamiaceae) is an Iranian species of Thymus, and Ungernia trisphaera Bunge belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. Cytotoxic properties of total ethanolic extract of T. transcaspicus and U. trisphaera were investigated against different cell lines including B16F10, PC3, U87, and MCF-7. Methods: The proliferation, cell cycle, and migration of the cells were determined by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, propidium iodide (PI) staining, and scratch assay respectively. The effects of U. trisphaera extract (UTE) on the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and angiogenesis were evaluated by the gelatin zymography method and chicken chorioallantoic membrane model, respectively. The GSH, SOD, and MDA were evaluated by colorimetric method. Results: The results showed that UTE could inhibit the development of malignant cells in a concentration- dependent manner, while the inhibitory effect of T. transcaspicus extract (TTE) was not significant compared to the control group. The UTE-induced sub-G1 peak apoptosis compared to the control group indicated that apoptotic cell death is involved in UTE-induced cytotoxicity. MMPs activity was significantly decreased 48 hours after treatment. Moreover, GSH level and SOD activity were significantly decreased while MDA and ROS levels were significantly increased after 24 hours treatment. In addition, combination of UTE (1.5-25 μg/mL) with doxorubicin (6 μg/mL) showed an additive cell growth inhibitory effect. Conclusion: UTE demonstrated cytotoxic and apoptogenic effects in different cancer cell lines, and it was found that apoptosis plays a crucial role in the cytotoxicity of UTE. Thus, U. trisphaera can be considered a potential medicinal herb in cancer treatment after comprehensive pharmacological and toxicological studies.

Eriophyoid mite species associated with Acer monspessulanum L. in Urmia region of Iran

With the aim of obtaining more information about eriophyoid mites of Iran, eriophyoid fauna of Montpellier maples (Acer monspessulanum L.) in Khan valley, Baranduzchay-ye Jonubi Rural District, Urmia county, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran was studied. In total, four eriophyoid species were identified; two of them, Aceria azerbaijaniensis Lotfollahi et Mohammad-Doustaresharaf sp. nov. and Cecidophyes aceressulani Lotfollahi et Mohammad-Doustaresharaf sp. nov., were new in science. A. azerbaijaniensis sp. nov. is the third Aceria species found on Sapindaceae plants in Iran. C. aceressulani sp. nov. is the third Cecidophyes species in Iran and the first Cecidophyes species found on Sapindaceae plants of Iran. In addition, Rhyncaphytoptus saccharini Keifer, 1959 herein was recorded for the first time in Iran.

High genetic diversity in an endemic and vulnerable species: evidence from Astragalus cyclophyllon (Fabaceae) in Iran

The genus Astragalus L. with about 3000 species is the largest genus of flowering plants. It is also the largest genus in the flora of Iran with more than 850 taxa. Astragalus cyclophyllon Beck is an endemic taxon belonging to Astragalus sect. Incani DC. It occurs scattered in the steppe and semi-steppe areas of the western and central parts of Iran. This species is one of the most important forage taxa of Astragalus. According to IUCN criteria it has been classified as a vulnerable taxon in Iran, as it occurs in habitats intensely used by herders for their livestock. Here we evaluate the genetic diversity of the populations of this species in Iran to see whether genetic diversity is high or if reductions have already happened. For this purpose, sampling was done in all geographical areas with A. cyclophyllon populations in Iran. In total, 80 individuals representing 29 populations were studied using 33 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters and 10 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. ISSR revealed 240 bands which all were polymorphic. Neighbor-joining cluster analysis divided the individuals in four groups, Principal Coordinate Analysis and Bayesian population assignment analysis in Structure resulted in three genetic units. Morphological variation showed no correlation with the molecular data. The mean of Gst and Nm indices are 0.516 and 0.468, respectively, which indicate a very high genetic differentiation and low gene flow between the studied populations. According to these results, we conclude that genetic diversity is high in this species and that, therefore, the major threat for A. cyclophyllon is currently not related to inbreeding depression in populations, but might be due to livestock grazing that could change the population demographic structure by reducing regular establishment of new offspring.

Towards a global perspective for Salvia L.: Phylogeny, diversification and floral evolution.

Salvia is the most species-rich genus in Lamiaceae, encompassing approximately 1000 species distributed all over the world. We sought a new evolutionary perspective for Salvia by employing macroevolutionary analyses to address the tempo and mode of diversification. To study the association of floral traits with speciation and extinction, we modelled and explored the evolution of corolla length and the lever-mechanism pollination system across our Salvia phylogeny. We reconstructed a multigene phylogeny for 366 species of Salvia in the broad sense including all major recognized lineages and 50 species from Iran, a region previously overlooked in studies of the genus. Our comprehensive sampling of Iranian species of Salvia provides higher phylogenetic resolution for southwestern Asian species than obtained in previous studies. Our phylogenetic data in combination with divergence time estimates were used to examine the evolution of corolla length, woody versus herbaceous habit, and presence versus absence of a lever mechanism. We investigated the timing and dependence of Salvia diversification related to corolla length evolution through a disparity test and BAMM analysis. A HiSSE model was used to evaluate the dependency of diversification on the lever-mechanism pollination system in Salvia. A medium corolla length (15-18 mm) was reconstructed as the ancestral state for Salvia with multiple shifts to shorter and longer corollas. Macroevolutionary model analyses indicate that corolla length disparity is high throughout Salvia evolution, significantly different from expectations under a Brownian motion model during the last 28 million years of evolution. Our analyses show evidence of a higher diversification rate of corolla length for some Andean species of Salvia compared to other members of the genus. Based on our tests of diversification models, we reject the hypothesis of a direct effect of the lever mechanism on Salvia diversification. Therefore, we suggest caution in considering the lever-mechanism pollination system as one of the main drivers of speciation in Salvia.

A survey of the spider genus Dysdera Latreille, 1804 (Araneae, Dysderidae) in Iran, with fourteen new species and notes on two fossil genera.

The taxonomy of the Iranian species of the dysderid spider genus Dysdera Latreille, 1804 is revised. Currently, the only species of this genus known from Iran is D.pococki Dunin, 1985, albeit on the basis of a doubtful record. The following 14 species are described as new to science in this paper: D.achaemenessp. nov. (♀; Fars), D.bakhtiarisp. nov. (♂; Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari), D.damavandicasp. nov. (♂; Mazandaran), D.genoensissp. nov. (♂♀; Hormozgan), D.hormuzensissp. nov. (♀; Hormozgan), D.iranicasp. nov. (♂♀; Fars, Hormozgan), D.isfahanicasp. nov. (♂♀; Isfahan), D.mazerunisp. nov. (♀; Mazandaran), D.medessp. nov. (♂; Tehran), D.persicasp. nov. (♂♀; Golestan, Mazandaran), D.sagartiasp. nov. (♂♀; Tehran), D.tapuriasp. nov. (♂♀; Mazandaran), D.verkanasp. nov. (♂; Golestan), and D.xerxesisp. nov. (♂; Bushehr). Distribution records of all species are mapped. Also, the taxonomy of Mistura Petrunkevitch, 1971 and Segistriites Straus, 1967, two fossil genera currently considered in Dysderidae, is discussed and the latter is transferred to Segestriidae.

New data on the genus Belyta Jurine, 1807 (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae, Belytinae) from Iran

The genus Belyta Jurine, 1807 (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) is studied in northern Iran. The specimens were collected using Malaise traps in the Alborz, Golestan, Gilan, Mazandaran and Qazvin Provinces during 2010–2018. The seven species of Belyta are recorded from Iran for the first time, Belyta abrupta Thomson, 1858, B. bicolor Jurine, 1807, B. depressa Thomson, 1858, B. elongata Thomson, 1858, B. rugosicollis Kieffer, 1909, B. sanguinolenta Nees, 1834 and B. validicornis Thomson, 1858. Diagnostic characters, illustrations, geographical distributions, and a key to Iranian species are provided.

Iris Classification with Supervised ML using Algorithm of KNN in JavaScript

The Machine learning is what we have to predict the data of unseen nature and gives us predicted results. There are number different machine learning algorithms for prediction and here we will use the supervised machine learning algorithm k-nearest neighbors (KNN) which is used for both the classification and regression analysis problems. In this paper we are predicting the Iris. Iris species are of three types and here we are going to predict that using k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm model with the help of JavaScript.

Plastid genomes of four species of Iris from subgenus Scorpiris

Plastid genomes of four species of Iris from subgenus Scorpiris

Status of Imperial Eagle in Iran

Distribution and abundance of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Iran: a scarce breeding bird in Caspian forests of central and eastern Alborz, and in the east of northern Khorasan. A widespread winter visitor in rather small numbers to Caspian lowlands and large wetlands in central Iran south to Khuzestan, the Persian Gulf coast, and southern Baluchestan. Also seen as a passage migrant in Iranian Azerbaijan. Conservation status: Globally has been listed as vulnerable (VU) in IUCN Red List and listed in CITES Appendix I. Also concerned as endangered species in Iran and is of conservation value.

Seed morphology of some Plantago (Plantaginaceae) species in Iran and its systematic and phylogenetic implications

Plantago is a cosmopolitan genus with approximately 200 species and various infrageneric classifications have been reported. In this study, the seed morphologies of 19 species of Plantago from Iran were studied and documented in detail using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The studied species were grouped by using statistical analyses such as a minimum spherical cluster method based on Euclidean distance, principal coordinate analysis, and multidimentional scaling. We have described four types based on the seed shape and states of the inner side of the studied seeds: convex- angular type, convex-elliptic type, flat-elliptic type, and concave-elliptic type. In this study, three types of seed coat patterns were recognized: reticulate, scalariform to reticulate, and papillate. Regardless of the limited range taxa considered, our data convincingly support a close relationship between subgenera Plantago and Coronopus, and between Albicans and Psyllium. Consequently, we would suggest that the species of subgenus Coronopus should be placed within subgenus Plantago as Pilger's taxonomy, and the species of subgenus Albicans should be merged within subgenus Psyllium as Rønsted et al.'s taxonomy. The seed morphology revealed that subgenus Plantago and subgenus Albicans are paraphyletic. Moreover, the deformation of testa cells can be an indicator for finding different lineages at series to the subgenus level. The features of the arrangement of testa cells and anticlinal walls can be used at the species level, especially when the morphological diversity between species is low. We conclude that seed morphology provides useful and important information on phylogenetic relationships of Plantago species, and thus they have systematic significance.

A comparison of phylogenetic and distance-based approaches for the distinction of genetically closed species, Draba rimarum (Rech.f.) A.R. Khosravi & A. Eslami-Farouji, and Draba aucheri Boiss. (Brassicaceae) as a case study.

Circumscribing species boundries is necessary in systematic plant biology. Even a mistake in delimiting taxa may lead to incorrect scientific interpretations. Draba rimarum (Rech.f.) A.R. Khosravi & A. Eslami-Farouji is an endemic Iranian species with a narrow geographic distribution, and is genetically close to D. aucheri. The present study provided a phylogenetic review, time divergence, and planar network of both species to unravel the distinct position of both species along with the prediction of any conflicting or ambiguous signals. Regarding this purpose, here we represent that phylogenetic trees may fail to show reliable results toward the distinct position of genetically close species.

Elucidation of flavonoids from potent Iranian Scutellaria species against Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a contagious illness. Different species of Scutellaria genus are used as a traditional remedy to reduce influenza symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the anti-influenza capacity of several species of Iranian Scutellaria and identify active compounds of the most potent species for the first time. Some Iranian species of Scutellaria were collected from different regions of Iran, including S. pinnatifida with mucida, viridis, and alpina subspecies; S. tournefortii; S. tomentosa; S. persica. They were fractionated to chloroform and methanol. The total phenols and flavonoids of samples were examined by the folin-ciocalteau and aluminum-flavonoid complex methods, respectively. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) on MDCK cells and non-cytotoxic concentrations (NCTC) were determined by MTT assay. The percentage of cell protection against IAV and their effect on virus titer were investigated in pre-, post-, and co-penetration treatment groups. Phytochemicals of the most effective species were isolated by various chromatographic methods and identified by different spectroscopic methods. Methanol fraction of S. pinnatifida subsp. viridis demonstrated the highest amounts of flavonoid content and best activity against influenza A virus in all combination treatments, which reduced the virus titer by 5 logs with no cytotoxicity. Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, apigenin-4'-methoxy-7-O-glucoside, luteolin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were purified and identified from this species. Scutellaria pinnatifida subsp. viridis can be introduced as a source of flavonoids with acceptable anti-influenza activity. S. tomentosa also showed potent antiviral effects and is a candidate for elucidation in further studies.

The Genus <i>Iris</i> (Iridaceae) in Russia: Phytochemistry, Biological Activity and Application in Traditional Medicine

The genus Iris in Russia is represented by 41 species, of which 4 species are endemic, 11 are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and 30 have various regional conservation status. The review provides information on the phytochemical compounds, biological activity and medicinal properties of 16 species growing in Russia, and on their use in traditional medicine of different peoples. The analysis of available data shows that studying the component composition, biological activity levels, and medicinal use of Iris L. species requires their correct identification and the knowledge concerning their geographical distribution, ecology, and morphological characteristics. The use of Iris species in traditional medicine is described. The extracts and compounds isolated from the most of the studied species exhibit analgesic, antioxidative, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial activity. Some species also have cytotoxic, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-influenza, neuroprotective, antihyperglycemic, antiallergic, antifeedant and other properties. Most of the isolated metabolites were flavonoids, isoflavonoids, anthocyanes, terpenoids, xantgones, quinones, phenolic and fatty acids. In official and traditional medicine in Asia and Europe, the underground and aboveground parts of Iris aphylla, I. lactea, I. pseudacorus, I. ruthenica, I. sanguinea and other species of the genus are used. The article results from the long-term studies of irises in situ and in the collections of two botanical gardens, as well as extensive examination of literature on the component composition and medicinal properties of the studied species.

Investigation of Agro-morphological Characters between 34 Accessions of Trifolium resupinatum L

Agro-morphological characters in 34 populations of Iranian Trifolium resupinatum L. germplasm, were investigated. 24 traits for each accession were evaluated according to white clover and forage legume descriptors. Data were analyzed by SPSS and Excel softwares. Statistical tendency parameters for agro-morphological characters were calculated. A cluster analysis based on morphological traits separate populations in two different groups that in one cluster there was an only accession belongs to Kurdestan locality. Factor analysis have shown that 61/24% of collection variations were expressed by six factors. Leaflet shape, calyx trichome, the length of leaflet and inflorescence diameter were the most important morphological characters and the weight of 1000 seeds, number of days until to flowering were significant agricultural traits. . Based on these results, it seems that variation in germplasms is independent to geographical distribution. This research showed that there is a high biodiversity for this species in Iran due to the diverse environmental conditions, so that be useful for breeding programs and marketing.