The influence of climate change on the future distribution of two Thymus species in Iran: MaxEnt model-based prediction.

Within a few decades, the species habitat was reshaped at an alarming rate followed by climate change, leading to mass extinction, especially for sensitive species. Species distribution models (SDMs), which estimate both present and future species distribution, have been extensively developed to investigate the impacts of climate change on species distribution and assess habitat suitability. In the West Asia essential oils of T. daenensis and T. kotschyanus include high amounts of thymol and carvacrol and are commonly used as herbal tea, spice, flavoring agents and medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aimed to model these Thymus species in Iran using the MaxEnt model under two representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for the years 2050 and 2070. The findings revealed that the mean temperature of the warmest quarter (bio10) was the most significant variable affecting the distribution of T. daenensis. In the case of T. kotschyanus, slope percentage was the primary influencing factor. The MaxEnt modeling also demonstrated excellent performance, as indicated by all the Area Under the Curve (AUC) values exceeding 0.9. Moreover, based on the projections, the two mentioned species are expected to undergo negative area changes in the coming years. These results can serve as a valuable achievement for developing adaptive management strategies aimed at enhancing protection and sustainable utilization in the context of global climate change.

Evaluation of scale development and its regeneration potency in the desert killifish under laboratory conditions.

Scale development and its regeneration potency were evaluated in a desert killifish Aphaniops hormuzensis (family Aphaniidae) in laboratory conditions by using light and scanning electron microscopy. Scale development in A. hormuzensis took 156 days at room temperature. Four specific regions of scale formation were detected. The first scale development began 13 days post-hatching (dph) (total length [TL] = 8.5 mm) at the caudal peduncle region and is extended anteriorly 26 dph (TL = 13.6 mm) at the area below the dorsal fin. Scales began forming independently in the head region at 33 dph (TL = 21.7 mm), and in the abdominal region, began at 41 dph (TL = 25.8 mm). Additional points of scale origin were detected on the sides of the operculum or behind and below the eyes. Scale regeneration in the caudal peduncle started 6 days after removal (dar). In 16 dar, the microstructural features appeared and the growth circles, a wide and oblong focus (focus length = 0.6 ± 0.05 µm), and lepidonts were also formed. In 36 dar, the scale shape was gradually changed from circular to a polygon, and radii were distinguishable in the anterior field. The pattern of scale formation could be useful in enhancing the understanding of systematics and phylogeny, functional morphology, and habitat use. It could also be useful in helping to define the Larval/juvenile transition period.

Habitat and river riparian assessment in the Hyrcanian Forest Ecoregion in Iran: providing basic information for the river management and rehabilitation.

The Hyrcanian Forest holds broad leaf forest remnants dating back to the early Cenozoic Era, which once covered a vast area of the North Temperate Zone. Today, many rivers within this region have been altered by human activities and urgently need rehabilitation. In this regard, 35 wadeable rivers including 14 reference and impacted sites were investigated to determine how different human pressures altered riverine landscapes and habitats. Hence, five common human pressures (agriculture, urbanization, aquaculture, dams, aggregate mining) were identified, then the riverine landscape and habitat condition of each site were assessed. At each site, 17 aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial features, including abiotic and biotic substrate types, were investigated. The number and ratio of pressure-influenced channel features and substrate types differed from those in reference sites. Reference sites were dominated by microlithal, mesolithal, and macrolithal abiotic substrates and large wood, algae, and coarse particulate organic matter biotic substrates. Urbanized sites were most altered and dominated by single channels, steep unvegetated riprap banks, and algae substrate. The results provide valuable information for managers and decision-makers to restore riverine ecosystems considering the impaired parameters resulting from human pressures.

The influence of climate change on the suitable habitats of Allium species endemic to Iran.

Identifying the consequences of global warming on the potential distribution of plant taxa with high species diversity or a high proportion of endemic species is one of the critical steps in conservation biology. Here, present and future spatial distribution patterns of 20 Allium endemic species were predicted in Iran. In this regard, the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) and seven environmental factors were applied. In addition, optimistic (RCP2.6) and pessimistic (RCP8.5) scenarios of 2050 and 2080 were also considered to predict the future spatial distributions. The results showed that annual mean temperature (BIO1), temperature annual range (P5-P6) (BIO7), soil organic carbon content, annual precipitation (BIO12), and depth of soil were the most important environmental variables affecting the distributions of the studied taxa. In total, the model predictions under the future scenarios represented that the suitable habitats for all Allium species endemic to Zagros except for A. saralicum and A. esfahanicum are most probably increased. In contrast, the suitable habitats for all species in Azerbaijan Plateau, Kopet Dagh-Khorassan region, and Alborz except for A. derderianum are most likely decreased under the future climate conditions. The present study indicates that the habitats of Alborz, Azarbaijan, and Kopet Dagh-Khorassan will be probably very fragile and vulnerable to climate change and most species will respond strongly negatively under applied scenarios, while Zagros species occupy new habitats by expanding their distributions. Therefore, determining conservation strategies for the species in these regions seems to be very important and high priority for decision makers.

Therapeutic potentials of human microfluidic encapsulated conjunctival mesenchymal stem cells on the rat model of Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the destruction of the dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway, leading to motor-behavioral complications. Cell therapy has been proposed as a promising approach for PD treatment using various cellular sources. Despite a few disadvantages mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent, they have more auspicious effects for PD cell therapy. The present study aimed to evaluate a new source of MSCs isolated from human Conjunctiva (CJ-MSCs) impact on PD complications for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parkinson's was induced by stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the right medial forebrain bundle (MFB). An apomorphine-induced rotation test was used to confirm the model establishment. After PD model confirmation, green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeled CJ-MSCs and induced CJ-MSCs (microfluidic encapsulated and non-capsulated) were transplanted into the rats' right striatum. Then Rotation, Rotarod, and Open-field tests were performed to evaluate the behavioral assessment. Additionally, the immunohistochemistry technique was used for identifying tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). RESULTS: According to the obtained data, the cell transplantation caused a reduction in the rats' rotation number and improved locomotion compared to the control group. The previous results were also more pronounced in induced and microfluidic encapsulated cells compared to other cells. Rats recipient CJ-MSCs also have represented more TH-expressed GFP-labeled cell numbers in the striatum than the control group. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that CJ-MSCs therapy can have protective effects against PD complications and nerve induction of cells due to their ability to express dopamine. On the other hand, CJ-MSCs microencapsulating leads to enhance even more protective effect of CJ-MSCs. However, confirmation of this hypothesis requires further studies and investigation of these cells' possible mechanisms of action.

Neuroprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 in Parkinson's model via a novel Q10/miR-149-5p/MMPs pathway.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease in which the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms can be constructive in the diagnosis and treatment. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) elevation and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are critical mechanisms involved in the PD separation. Studies have revealed that changes in miR-149-5p and CoQ10 are associated with BBB damage, and CoQ10 can affect the levels of some miRs. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate CoQ10 and miR-149-5p mimic on miR-149-5p, MMPs and TH expression, and behavioral functions of the PD models. PD was induced by injection of 6-OHDA into the rats' Medial Forbrain Bundle (MFB). The behavioral tests, including the Rotation test, Rotarod test, and Open field test, have been directed two weeks after PD induction. Next, the MiR-149-5p mimic (miR-mimic) and CoQ10 have been administered to rats. The same behavioral tests have been evaluated two weeks after administration to investigate the effect of miR-149-5p mimic and CoQ10. The rats were followed extra four weeks, and the behavioral tests have performed again. Finally, the expression of MMPs and miR-149-5p genes was measured using RT-qPCR, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was assessed through immunohistochemistry analysis. According to the obtained results, the level of miR-149-5p has decreased, followed by PD induction in rats. RT-qPCR analysis has represented upregulation and downregulation of miR-149-5p and MMP-2,9, respectively, after miR-mimic and CoQ10 treatment. The treated rats have also represented improved motor function and increased TH + cells in the striatum according to the behavioral tests and immunohistochemistry assay. Taking together miR-149 and CoQ10 has shown to have an impressive potential to prevent damage to dopaminergic neurons caused by 6-OHDA injection through reducing MMP-2,9, increased TH expression, and improved motor function.

Down-regulation of Survivin and Bcl-2 concomitant with the activation of caspase-3 as a mechanism of apoptotic death in KG1a and K562 cells upon exposure to a derivative from ciprofloxacin family.

Ciprofloxacin derivatives belong to a family of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Recently, these compounds have been recommended for the treatment of cancer. In the present study, we assessed the cytotoxicity of several new synthetic ciprofloxacin derivatives and the apoptosis-inducing activity of the most efficient derivative in two human myeloid leukemia K562 and KG1-a cell lines. Among the prepared ciprofloxacin derivatives, 1-cyclopropyl-7-(4-(2-((3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl)oxy)-2-oxoethyl)piperazin-1-yl)-6-fluoro-4-oxo-1,4dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-DMOCP) was more active compound with IC50 of 19.56 and 22.13 µM for K562 and KG1-a, respectively. Apoptotic activity of the 4-DMOCP was examined morphologically through Hoechst 33258 staining, Annexin V/PI double staining, and caspase-3 activity assays. Changes in the expression level of some apoptosis-related genes and protein, including Bcl-2, Bax, Survivin, p53, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 were evaluated by the real-time quantitative PCR (qRT PCR) and western blotting. The qRT PCR analysis showed that 4-DMOCP induces apoptosis in both cell lines via the down-regulation of Survivin and Bcl2, up-regulation of caspase-8 and -9, as well as a time-dependent increase in the Bax/Bcl2 transcripts. The mRNA level of p53 was also increased in both cell lines. In addition, western blot analysis revealed that treatment with the compound, down-regulated the protein expression levels of Bcl2 and Survivin and up-regulated the protein level of Bax in both cell lines. These findings suggest that these new compounds can be good candidates for the treatment of acute and chronic myeloid leukemia.

Differentiation of microfluidic-encapsulated trabecular meshwork mesenchymal stem cells into insulin producing cells and their impact on diabetic rats.

Tissue and stem cell encapsulation andtransplantation were considered as promising tools in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microfluidic encapsulation on the differentiation of trabecular meshwork mesenchymal stem cells (TM-MSC), into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) both in vitro and in vivo. The presence of differentiated cells in microfibers (three dimensional [3D]) and tissue culture plates (TCPS; two dimensional [2D]) culture was evaluated by detecting mRNA and protein expression of pancreatic islet-specific markers as well as measuring insulin release of cells in response to glucose challenges. Finally, semi-differentiated cells in microfibers (3D) and 2D cultures were used to control the glucose level in diabetic rats. The results of this study showed that MSCs differentiated in alginate microfibers (fabricated by microfluidic device) express more Pdx-1 mRNA (1.938-fold, p-value: 0.0425) and Insulin mRNA (2.841-fold, p-value: 0.0001) compared with those cultured on TCPS. Furthermore, cell encapsulation in microfluidic derived microfibers decreased the level of blood glucose in diabetic rats. The approach used in this study showed the possibility of alginate microfibers as a matrix for differentiation of TM-MSCs (as a new source) into IPCs. In addition, it could minimize different steps in stem cell differentiation, handling, and encapsulation, which lead to loss of an unlimited number of cells.

Trabecular meshwork mesenchymal stem cell transplantation improve motor symptoms of parkinsonian rat model.

Stem cell transplantation is a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, in this study, the therapeutic effects of Trabecular Meshwork Mesenchymal Stem Cells (TM-MSCs) transplantation, as a new source of mesenchymal stem cells, were evaluated in the animal model of PD. After the development and confirmation of hemi-parkinsonian rats by administration of 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA) and apomorphine-induced rotation test, green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeled TM-MSCs (normal and induced cells) were transplanted in the striatum of rats. Next, the rotation test, rotarod test, open field, passive avoidance memory tests and immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were done. The results showed that the number of turns significantly decreased and the improvement of motor performance was achieved after cell transplantation. However, there was no significant difference in passive avoidance memory of animals documented by shuttle box test. The number of GFP- labeled cells expressing TH significantly is increased compared to the vehicle group. Collectively, it seems that TM-MSCs and induced TM-MSCs cell transplantation have positive effects on some aspects of the animal model of PD. Other studies may reveal the potentially positive aspects of these cells in the laboratory and clinical studies.

Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells -derived trabecular meshwork into dopaminergic neuron-like cells on nanofibrous scaffolds.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the brain which is produced by the damage to dopaminergic neurons. Stem cell transplantation with a nanofibrous scaffold is one of the encouraging strategies for Parkinson's disease therapy. In this study, human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from eye trabecular meshwork (TM) were differentiated into dopaminergic neurons on nanofibrous scaffold. After Trabecular meshwork biopsy, MSCs were isolated, cultivated on Poly-l-Lactide Acid (PLLA) nanofibrous scaffold (fabricated by electrospinning methods) and treated with medium containing DMEM supplemented with RA, IBMX and forskolin for 7 days. Scanning electron microscopy imaging, qPCR and immunostaining were used to analyze differentiated TM-MSCs on scaffold and their expression of dopaminergic-specific markers such as TH and Nurr-1. qPCR analysis revealed the expression of dopaminergic neuron genes such as TH, Nurr-1 on fibrous scaffold as well as TCPS. Immunostaining revealed that the differentiated TM-MSCs on TCPS and Scaffold not only express TH and Nurr-1 genes, but also express TH protein. In conclusion, the results indicate that TM-MSCs might be a suitable source for cell transplantation therapy. In addition the nanofibrous scaffold reported herein could be used as a potential cell carrier for the central system diseases such as PD.

A new fish-based multi-metric assessment index for cyprinid streams in the Iranian Caspian Sea Basin.

A major issue for water resource management is the assessment of environmental degradation of lotic ecosystems. The overall aim of this study is to develop a multi-metric fish index for the cyprinid streams of the Caspian Sea Basin (MMICS) in Iran. As species diversity and composition as well as population structure in the studied streams are different to other regions, there is a substantial need to develop a new fish index. We sampled fish and environmental data of 102 sites in medium sized streams. We analysed human pressures at different spatial scales and determined applicable fish metrics showing a response to human pressures. In total, five structural and functional types of metrics (i.e. biodiversity, habitat, reproduction, trophic level and water quality sensitivity) were considered. In addition, we used 29 criteria describing major anthropogenic human pressures at sampling sites and generated a regional pressure index (RPI) that accounted for potential effects of multiple human pressures. For the MMICS development, we first defined reference sites (least disturbed) and secondly quantified differences of fish metrics between reference and impaired sites. We used a Generalised Linear Model (GLM) to describe metric responses to natural environmental differences in least disturbed conditions. By including impaired sites, the residual distributions of these models described the response range of each metric to human pressures, independently of natural environmental influence. Finally, seven fish metrics showed the best ability to discriminate between impaired and reference sites. The multi-metric fish index performed well in discriminating human pressure classes, giving a significant negative linear response to a gradient of the RPI. These methods can be used for further development of a standardised monitoring tool to assess the ecological status and trends in biological condition for streams of the whole country, considering its complex and diverse geology and climate.

Predicting presence and absence of trout (Salmo trutta) in Iran.

Species distribution modelling, as a central issue in freshwater ecology, is an important tool for conservation and management of aquatic ecosystems. The brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a sensitive species which reacts to habitat changes induced by human impacts. Therefore, the identification of suitable habitats is essential. This study explores the potential distribution of brown trout by a species distribution modelling approach for Iran. Furthermore, modelling results are compared to the distribution described in the literature. Areas outside the currently known distribution which may offer potential habitats for brown trout are identified. The species distribution modelling was based on five different modelling techniques: Generalised Linear Model, Generalised Additive Model, Generalised Boosting Model, Classification Tree Analysis and Random Forests, which are finally summarised in an ensemble forecasting approach. We considered four environmental descriptors at the local scale (slope, bankfull width, wetted width, and elevation) and three climatic parameters (mean air temperature, range of air temperature and annual precipitation) which were extracted on three different spatial extents (1/5/10 km). The performance of all models was excellent (≥0.8) according to the TSS (True Skill Statistic) criterion. Slope, mean and range of air temperature were the most important variables in predicting brown trout occurrence. Presented results deepen the knowledge about distribution patterns of brown trout in Iran. Moreover, this study gives a basic background for the future development of assessment methods for riverine ecosystems in Iran.

Habitat potential modelling and the effect of climate change on the current and future distribution of three Thymus species in Iran using MaxEnt.

Over the course of a few decades, climate change has caused a rapid and alarming reshaping of species habitats, resulting in mass extinction, particularly among sensitive species. In order to investigate the effects of climate change on species distribution and assess habitat suitability, researchers have developed species distribution models (SDMs) that estimate present and future species distribution. In West Asia, thyme species such as T. fedtschenkoi, T. pubescens, and T. transcaucasicus are rich in thymol and carvacrol, and are commonly used as herbal tea, spice, flavoring agents, and medicinal plants. This study aims to model the distribution of these Thymus species in Iran using the MaxEnt model under two representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for the years 2050 and 2070. The objective is to identify the crucial bioclimatic (n = 5), edaphic (n = 1), and topographic (n = 3) variables that influence their distribution and predict how their distribution might change under various climate scenarios. The findings reveal that the most significant variable affecting T. fedtschenkoi and T. pubescens is altitude, while soil organic carbon content is the primary factor influencing the distribution of T. transcaucasicus. The MaxEnt modeling demonstrates excellent performance, as indicated by all the area under the curve (AUC) values exceeding 0.9. Based on the projections, it is expected that these three thyme species will experience negative area changes in the coming years. These results can serve as a valuable tool for developing adaptive management strategies aimed at enhancing protection and sustainable utilization in the context of global climate change. Special attention should be given to conserving T. fedtschenkoi, T. pubescens, and T. transcaucasicus due to their significant habitat loss in the future.

Impact of climate change on the future distribution of three Ferulago species in Iran using the MaxEnt model.

The decline of habitats supporting medicinal plants is a consequence of climate change and human activities. In the Middle East, Ferulago angulata, Ferulago carduchorum, and Ferulago phialocarpa are widely recognized for their culinary, medicinal, and economic value. Therefore, this study models these Ferulago species in Iran using the MaxEnt model under two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for 2050 and 2070. The objective was to identify the most important bioclimatic (n = 6), edaphic (n = 4), and topographic (n = 3) variables influencing their distribution and predict changes under various climate scenarios. Findings reveal slope percentage as the most significant variable for F. angulata and F. carduchorum, while solar radiation was the primary variable for F. phialocarpa. MaxEnt modeling demonstrated good to excellent performance, as indicated by all the area under the curve values exceeding 0.85. Projections suggest negative area changes for F. angulata and F. carduchorum (i.e., predictions under RCP4.5 for 2050 and 2070 indicate -34.0% and -37.8% for F. phialocarpa, and -0.3% and -6.2% for F. carduchorum; additionally, predictions under RCP 8.5 for 2050 and 2070 show -39.0% and -52.2% for F. phialocarpa, and -1.33% and -9.8% for F. carduchorum), while for F. phialocarpa, a potential habitat increase (i.e., predictions under RCP4.5 for 2050 and 2070 are 23.4% and 11.2%, and under RCP 8.5 for 2050 and 2070 are 64.4% and 42.1%) is anticipated. These insights guide adaptive management strategies, emphasizing conservation and sustainable use amid global climate change. Special attention should be paid to F. angulata and F. carduchorum due to anticipated habitat loss. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1046-1059. © 2024 SETAC.

An Active Compound from the Pyrazine Family Induces Apoptosis by Targeting the Bax/Bcl2 and Survivin Expression in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia K562 Cells.

BACKGROUND: It has been established that pyrazine derivatives, which have widespread bioactivities, can effectively treat cancer. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the effects of 2-methoxy-5-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl) phenyl pyrazine-2- carboxylate (2-mOPP), a new pyrazine derivative, on proliferation, viability, and apoptosis induction in human leukemia K562 cells. METHODS: For this purpose, the K562 cells were treated with various concentrations (20-120 µM) of the 2-mOPP for 24-72 hours. Cell viability was determined by MTT growth inhibition assay. Apoptotic activity of 2-mOPP was investigated morphologically by Hoechst staining, cell surface expression assay of phosphatidylserine by Annexin-V/PI technique, as well as DNA fragmentation assay. The effect of 2-mOPP on the K562 cell cycle was studied by flow cytometry. To determine the impact of 2-mOPP on the expression of intrinsic apoptosis-related genes, Bcl2 (anti-apoptotic), Bax (pro-apoptotic), and Survivin genes expression levels were evaluated before and after treatment with 2-mOPP through Real-Time PCR analysis. RESULTS: The results revealed that 2-mOPP inhibited viability with IC50 of 25µM in 72 h. Morphological changes assessment by fluorescence microscopy, Annexin V/PI double staining by flow cytometry, and DNA ladders formation upon cell treatment with the 2-mOPP showed that this compound induces apoptosis at IC50 value. Cell cycle arrest was observed in the G0/G1 phase, and the sub-G1 cell population (the sign of apoptosis) increased in a time-dependent manner. Low expression levels of Bcl2 and Survivin in K562 cells were observed 24-72 h after treatment. Along with the down-regulation of Survivin and Bcl2, the expression of Bax was increased after treatment with 2-mOPP. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the new pyrazine derivative plays a crucial role in blocking the proliferation of the leukemic cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Role of histone deacetylases and sirtuins in the ischaemic stroke: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of global mortality and disability. Currently, the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke through reperfusion has posed several challenges, raising the need for complementary options to protect the ischaemic penumbra. Recent investigations have indicated that certain epigenetic factors, specifically, histone deacetylases (HDACs) and sirtuins, can be promising for ischaemic stroke therapy, with recent studies suggesting that inhibitors of HDACs or sirtuins may provide neuronal protection after ischaemic stroke. However, the impact of specific HDAC/sirtuin isoforms on the survival of neuronal cells following stroke is still uncertain. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the function of HDACs and their modulators in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will encompass animal intervention studies that explore the efficacy of modulation of HDACs and sirtuins in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke. The review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Electronic searches will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, with subsequent screening by independent reviewers based on the established eligibility criteria. Methodological quality will be evaluated using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. The primary outcomes will be infarct volume and functional response, with the secondary outcomes established a priori. Data pertaining to infarct volume will be used for random-effects meta-analysis. Additionally, a descriptive summary will be conducted for the functional response and secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION: No systematic review and meta-analysis on the treatment of ischaemic stroke through HDAC modulation has been conducted to date. A comprehensive analysis of the available literature on the relevant preclinical investigations can yield invaluable insights in discerning the most effective trials and in further standardisation of preclinical studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This systematic review has been recorded in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with the assigned reference number: CRD42023381420.

Bumetanide reduces seizure frequency in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Alterations in the balance of K-Na-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) and Na-Cl cotransporter (KCC2) activity may cause depolarizing effect of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), and contribute to epileptogenesis in human temporal lobe epilepsy. NKCC1 facilitates accumulation of chloride inside neurons and favors depolarizing responses to GABA. In the current pilot study we provide the first documented look at efficacy of bumetanide, a specific NKCC1 antagonist, on reduction of seizure frequency in adult patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. According to our results, seizure frequency was reduced considerably in these patients. Furthermore, epileptiform discharges decreased in two of our patients. If the efficacy of bumetanide is proven in large scale studies, it can be used as a supplemental therapy in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Predicting climate heating impacts on riverine fish species diversity in a biodiversity hotspot region.

Co-occurring biodiversity and global heating crises are systemic threats to life on Earth as we know it, especially in relatively rare freshwater ecosystems, such as in Iran. Future changes in the spatial distribution and richness of 131 riverine fish species were investigated at 1481 sites in Iran under optimistic and pessimistic climate heating scenarios for the 2050s and 2080s. We used maximum entropy modeling to predict species' potential distributions by hydrologic unit (HU) occupancy under current and future climate conditions through the use of nine environmental predictor variables. The most important variable determining fish occupancy was HU location, followed by elevation, climate variables, and slope. Thirty-seven species were predicted to decrease their potential habitat occupancy in all future scenarios. The southern Caspian HU faces the highest future species reductions followed by the western Zagros and northwestern Iran. These results can be used by managers to plan conservational strategies to ease the dispersal of species, especially those that are at the greatest risk of extinction or invasion and that are in rivers fragmented by dams.

Modeling climate change effects on spatial distribution of wild Aegilops L. (Poaceae) toward food security management and biodiversity conservation in Iran.

The demand for food resources is increasing quickly because human populations are growing; therefore, food security may become one of the largest human challenges of this century. Crop wild relatives (CWRs) are the most valuable plant genetic resources (PGR) for the conservation of genetic diversity in crops. However, climate change is an added pressure on biodiversity, particularly on this valuable group of plants. It is predicted that more than 50% of this group may be lost by 2055 as a result of the effects of climate change. Iran ranks high in the world in its conservation priorities for CWRs. This study investigates the impacts of climate change on Aegilops L. as important CWRs. MaxEnt was applied to predict the spatial distribution of seven Aegilops species under different climatic scenarios (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5) of 2050 and 2080. According to the findings, all species exhibited reduction or expansion responses under all of the above-mentioned climatic scenarios. However, the range change was negative for some species (i.e., Aegilops columnaris, Aegilops cylindrica, Aegilops speltoides, Aegilops tauschii [in all scenarios of 2050 and 2080], and Aegilops kotschyi [RCP 2.6 2050 and 2080]), and positive for others (i.e., Aegilops crassa, Aegilops triuncialis [in all scenarios of 2050 and 2080], and Aegilops kotschyi [RCP 8.5 2050 and 2080]). The results of this study emphasize the need for conservation plans for the country's genetic resources, including regular monitoring and assessment of ecological and demographic changes. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:697-708. © 2021 SETAC.

Using Bilateral tDCS to Modulate EEG Amplitude and Coherence of Men With Opioid Use Disorder Under Methadone Therapy: A Sham-controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the electroencephalography (EEG) amplitude and coherence in male patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), who were under methadone therapy. It compares the effects of active versus sham tDCS. Methods. This is a double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial. Participants were 30 male patients with OUD; they were divided into 3 groups of left anode/right cathode tDCS, right anode/left cathode tDCS, and sham tDCS. Their brainwave activity was measured by quantitative EEG before study and then active groups underwent tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) applied over their right/left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 10 consecutive days. After stimulation, they were re-assessed. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS, MATLAB, and NeuroGuide v.2 applications. Results. After active tDCS, a significant decrease in amplitude of slow brain waves (delta, theta, and alpha) in prefrontal, frontal, occipital, and parietal areas, and an increase in the coherence of beta, delta, and theta frequency bands in the parietal, central, and temporal regions of addicts were reported. In the sham group, there was a significant decrease in the amplitude of the alpha wave and in the coherence of delta and theta waves. Conclusion. The active tDCS over the right/left DLPFC, as a noninvasive and complementary treatment, can modulate the amplitude and coherence of brainwaves in patients with OUD.