iran

The identity of the scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) in the Sistan region, southeast Iran, was explored using a molecular marker. The list of identified species is as follows: Androctonus rostami Barahoei, 2025, Androctonus sistanus Barahoei & Mirshamsi, 2022, Kraepelinia palpator (Birula, 1903), Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2022, Odontobuthus tirgari Mirshamsi et al., 2013, Orthochirus persa (Birula, 1900), and Sassanidothus gracilis (Birula, 1900). Initially, at least five fresh specimens of Mesobuthus rakhshanii and Orthochirus persa were selected from different populations of each species. The Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I gene was extracted, amplified, and sequenced using specific primers to evaluate the genetic variations among different genera and species. Sequences of other species were derived from GenBank. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using the Maximum Likelihood method and Bayesian Inference and analyzed. Specimens of Mesobuthus rakhshanii and Orthochirus persa were sequenced for the first time. Sassanidotus gracilis, Mesobuthus rakhshanii, and Kraepelinia palpator are morphologically similar and, as expected, are placed together in a clade as sister groups. The validity of all taxa was confirmed.

The purpose of this research is to introduce the flora of the Kopal region in Khuzestan province and determine their life forms and chorology. This site is located between 29°29' and 31°42' north latitude and 48°58' and 49°32' east longitude. It is bounded to the north by the southern parts of Masjed Soleyman County, to the south by Ramshir, to the west by Ahvaz and Mollasani, and to the east by Ramhormoz and Baghmalek. Plant samples were collected through field surveys conducted between 2019 and 2023. Herbarium specimens were prepared following scientific methods, and the plant species list was identified using reliable sources. Based on the observations, 320 wild plant species belonging to 55 families were recorded in this region. The largest families in terms of species numbers were Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Apiaceae, while the largest genera were Astragalus (with 8 species), Centaurea, and Plantago (each with 5 species). Consistent with the tropical climate of the Kopal region, the dominant life form was therophytes (199 species), and most of its monoregional plants belonged to the Saharo-Sindian zone (18.1%, 58 species). Among all the documented plants, 13 species are endemic to Iran.

Rodents play an important role in the transmission of parasitic diseases to humans and pets. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of helminth infections in rodents of three Provinces of Iran. A total of 92 rodents were live-trapped from the Provinces Hamadan (n=64), Golestan (n=9), and Mazandaran (n=19). The animals were humanely euthanized, and their intestinal tracts were removed and examined for helminth infections. The rodents belonged to six genera and 12 species Apodemus hyrcanus, Apodemus uralensis, Meriones libycus, Meriones persicus, Meriones tristrami,Meriones vinogradovi, Microtus paradoxus, Microtus qazvinensis, Mus musculus, Nesokia indica, Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus. The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 59.78%. Nine nematode species were identified: Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Trichostrongylidae sp., Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Heligmonoides taiwanensis, Syphacia sp., Aspiculuris tetraptera, Heterakis spumosa, Mastophorus spp., and Trichuris spp. Additionally, two cestode species, Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta, Mesocestoides larvae were identified. Heligmonoides taiwanensis isolated from Meriones vinogradovi is reported here for the first time from Iran. We identified three zoonotic helminth namely H. nana, H. diminuta, and Syphacia sp. in the examined rodents, and M. persicus is an efficient reservoir and spreader of eggs of these species. The findings of this study can provide insights into future-comprehensive programs regarding control strategies of these parasites.

The endorehic Maharlu Lake basin in the valley of Shiraz is located in Fars Province, southern Iran. Maharlu Lake is fed by minor streams and springs around its margin and the Khoshk River. In the present study, based on field observations made from August 2017 to March 2018, we provide brief reviews of some wetland habitats of Maharlu Lake basin, present new fish taxa records from this area, and comment on the conservation status of freshwater fish species with regard to the visited habitats. The freshwater resources of the basin host fourteen fish species and two reptile species, among which Acanthobrama persidis (Leuciscidae), Capoeta saadii (Cyprinidae), Oxynoemacheilus persa, Paraschistura naumanni (Nemacheilidae), and Esmaeilius persicus (Aphaniidae) are endemic Iranian species. During the last decade, several exotic carp species have been introduced for aquaculture, namely Carassius auratus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, especially to the freshwater bodies at the northern margin of Lake Maharlu, along with the incidentally introduced species Pseudorasbora parva. Our wetland survey efforts did not yield any records for several locally endemic or native taxa (including Acanthobrama persidis, Capoeta saadii, Carasobarbus luteus, Garra rufa, and Esmaeilius persicus). These results, together with our field observations of habitat dehydration suggest that the native and endemic fauna of the Maharlu Lake basin are presently under threat from both natural and anthropogenic factors including drought and introduction of exotic fish species for aquacultural purposes. As a consequence, if the environmental management of the restricted resources of the basin is not implemented in the near future, the combination of these threatening factors will eventually lead to the local extinction of most, if not all, of the populations of these endemic and native species.

In recent years, several records of Malvaceae have been added to the flora of Iran. During a floristic study of the Hyrcanian region, Modiola caroliniana from the Malvaceae family was collected and identified for the first time in the low-altitude areas of Masal, Gilan province. It is hereby introduced as a new record for the flora of Iran. The alien species M. caroliniana is native to South America and has been introduced to Central America, North America, South and Northwest Africa, India, Japan, Korea in Asia, and Southern Europe. Modiola is a monotypic genus that differs from its related taxon Modiolastrum based on the number of seeds per mericarp and chromosome number. Other typical features of the plant include prostrate branches often rooting at nodes, small orange to brick-red corollas, and mericarps with two apical spines. The geographical distribution, photos of the plant, habitat, and distribution of the species in the world and Iran are provided at the present paper.

Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae to the latest solution (carbapenem antibiotics) distributed worldwide. The proliferation of carbapenemase genes among Klebsiella pneumoniae strains has led to their resistance to the carbapenem group. The aim of this study is to estimate antibiotic resistancepatterns and distribution of carbapenemase genes  of Klebsiella pneumoniea in Iran. PubMed, Scholar ,SID, and Iran civilica  databases were searched for the related articles that were published between 1999 and 2019. A total  of 225 articles were found, out of which 70 relevant articles were selected for complete evaluation. According to the results, the highest rates of drug resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae were observed against aztreonam (58%), cephalosporins family (54%), and then SXT (52%). The incidence rate of resistance was 19% for carbapenems family (IMP, MER), 37% for aminoglycosides family (GM, AN) and 41% for quinolones family (FM, CIP). Among the genes encoding CRE during 2014–2019, OXA, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and GES were found with a prevalence of 39%, 35%, 18%, 13%, 11%, and 3%, respectively. Conclusion Carbapenem resistance and the production of the metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme in K. pneumoniae are increasing. Due to the presence of carbapenemase-producing genes and the possibility of horizontal transfer of these genes to other bacteria, combined with changing the patterns of antibiotic use, more attention should be paid to the predisposing criteria for controlling nosocomial infections.

Ganoderma Karst. is widely acknowledged within the Ganodermataceae for its exceptional healing properties for humans, but it also can cause diseases in plants. This study aims to compile all original articles and texts published on the morphological identification, phylogeny, host relationships, and dispersal of the Ganoderma species in Iran until 2024. The species predominantly inhabit Angiosperm trees, with occasional occurrences on gymnosperms. Recentstudies showed that more trees have been infected with these species in Iran. According to the literature, nine Ganoderma species were reported in various provinces of Iran, including East Azerbaijan, Guilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, Khuzestan, and others. However, recent studies have revealed discrepancies in the previously reported species. One species (G. australe (Fr.) Pat.) was misidentified, while two other species (G. manoutchehrii Steyaert and G. kosteri Steyaert) have not been encountered during recent field studies conducted by recent Iranian mycologists. Although a herbarium sample of G. kosteri was found in the Meise Herbarium, no recent field collections have mentioned the existence of this species in Iran. Furthermore, this article discusses the presence of another reported species in Iran, Ganoderma vanheurnii Steyaert. Recent morphological and molecular studies in Iran have confirmed the existence of five species in recent years, which have had significant implications for trees and the ecosystem.This review assists environmental researchers in comprehending the forest destruction caused by the Ganoderma species. Additionally, it can assist taxonomists in precisely distinguishing similar species and properly introducing them to scientists engaged in pharmaceutical research on Ganoderma.

The family Drepaneidae comprises the valid genus Drepane and three species: Drepane punctata, Drepane longimana, and Drepane africana. D. punctata and D. longimana were collected from the shores of Chabahar Bay. Three COI sequences were obtained for this study, two for D. longimana and one for D. punctata. D. punctata is distinguished from D. longimana by having eight vertical rows of blackish spots. The second and eighth rows contain only one spot in our specimen; moreover, the odd rows have more spots than the even rows. The two COI sequences of D. longimana are documented for the first time in Iranian waters. The COI sequence of D. punctata is amplified for the first time from Chabahar Bay. The phylogenetic tree displays three clades representing the three Drepane species. Based on the tree, D. punctata and D. longimana are sister taxa, while D. africana is positioned in a distinct clade. To our knowledge and research, this investigation introduces the initial phylogenetic tree encompassing all Drepane representatives. D. punctata and D. longimana are recognized as sister taxa, consistent with their distribution along the east coasts of Africa and the Indo-West Pacific. D. africana is found along the west coasts of Africa and is categorized as a separate clade from the other two species.

The pollen grains of 34 species of eleven genera belonging to three subfamilies (Malvoideae, Grewioideae, Tilioideae) of Malvaceae were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pollen grains of the studied taxa were radially symmetrical and principally spheroidal, except Grewia makranica Rech.f. & Esfand (prolate), Tilia cordata Miller, and Tilia rubra Dc. (suboblate). Apertures included tricolporate (Tilia cordata and Tilia rubra) to pantaporate (Malvella sherardiana L., Malva verticillate L., Malvalthaea transcaucasica (sosn.) Iljinand Alcea sulphurea (Boiss. & Hohen). Sculpturing was comprised of echinate, microechinate, baculate, granulate, and perforate types. Some qualitative traits in pollen grains are unique to one or a few genera. The observed variations in pollen characteristics are very useful for the delimitation of subfamilies and in some cases are generic specific but these characters are not functional in separating taxa at a specific level or distinguishing suggested species groups in some genera such as Alcea L.. Our results add further support to the current classification of Malvaceae which recognizes the subfamilies Tilioideae, Grewioideae, and Malvoideae but there was no character state in pollen grains to be synapomorphic for Malveae, Hibisceae, and Gossypieae. On the other hand, our results support the separation of Alcea from Althaea. The PCA analysis represents two clades. The first clade contains both subfamilies Grewioideae and Tilioideae. The second clade contains all genera belonging to the subfamily Malvoideae The resulting study emphasizes that some palynological characteristics represent high systematic value, so can be useful for systematic differentiation of Malvaceae. However, palynological evidence along with other characteristics, can be effective in solving the systematic challenges of this family.

Ganoderma Karst. is widely acknowledged within the Ganodermataceae for its exceptional healing properties for humans, but it also can cause diseases in plants. This study aims to compile all original articles and texts published on the morphological identification, phylogeny, host relationships, and dispersal of the Ganoderma species in Iran until 2024. The species predominantly inhabit Angiosperm trees, with occasional occurrences on gymnosperms. Recent studies showed that more trees have been infected with these species in Iran. According to the literature, nine Ganoderma species were reported in various provinces of Iran, including East Azerbaijan, Guilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, Khuzestan, and others. However, recent studies have revealed discrepancies in the previously reported species. One species (G. australe (Fr.) Pat.) was misidentified, while two other species (G. manoutchehrii Steyaert and G. kosteri Steyaert) have not been encountered during recent field studies conducted by recent Iranian mycologists. Although a herbarium ample of G. kosteri was found in the Meise Herbarium, no recent field collections have mentioned the existence of this species in Iran. Furthermore, this article discusses the presence of another reported species in Iran, Ganoderma vanheurnii Steyaert. Recent morphological and molecular studies in Iran have confirmed the existence of five species in recent years, which have had significant implications for trees and the ecosystem. This review assists environmental researchers in comprehending the forest destruction caused by the Ganoderma species. Additionally, it can assist taxonomists in precisely distinguishing similar species and properly introducing them to scientists engaged in pharmaceutical research on Ganoderma.

The use of a combination of three-drug regimen has improved HIV-1 infected patients' life span and quality; however the emergence of drug-resistant strains remains a main problem. Reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) consist of a main part of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. The present study aimed to investigate resistant mutations to RTI drugs in both treatment naïve and under treatment HIV patients in Mashhad city, north-eastern Iran. RNA was extracted from sera of 22 treatment naïve and 22 under treatment patients. The mean age of under treated and treatment naive groups were 38.5±6.7 and 40.8±7.9 respectively. cDNA was synthesized and amplified with Nested PCR assay targeting specific sequences of RT gene. The PCR products were sent for sequencing. Bidirectional sequencing results were analysed using HIV drug resistance database supplied by Stanford University (HIV Drug Resistance Database, https://hivdb.stanford.edu). Among under treatment patients 10 out of 22 (45%) had at least one high-level resistance mutation which was higher than high level resistance mutation rate among treatment naive cases (P<0.01). Detected resistance mutations were as follows: K101E, K103N, K103E, V106M, V108I, E138A, V179T, Y181C, M184V, Y188L, Y188H, Y188F, G190A, L210W, T215F, T215Y, K219Q, and P225H. A high level of resistance mutations to RT inhibitors was observed that causes drug resistance especially against lamivudine (3TC). Such mutations should be considered as probable responsible for therapeutic failure. Serial surveillance studies of circulating drug resistance mutations are recommended.

This study presents the first molecular evidence for Varanus bengalensis from southeastern Iran. Molecular analyses based on mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences confirmed that the specimens from southeastern Iran belong to the V. bengalensis lineage. The results provide convincing evidence that the V. bengalensis individuals in southeastern Iran belong to a haplotype that is widespread in India, despite the large geographical distance between the two regions.

This study aimed to provide detailed osteological characteristics of Paraschistura abdolii due to the restricted studies on the skeletal structure of this genus in recent years. A total of 35 P. abdolii specimens were collected from Hamun-e Jaz Murian Basin and were cleared and stained. Based on the results, this species can be distinguished from other species of this genus by having 4 basibranchials, 9 pterygiophores, 5 hyporals, swim bladder with a dentate, a sesamoid bone, extra urohyal bone, a distance between the epiural and the centrum body, and strong dentition of the supraneoral-3 bone.

Onosma safaie-fari (of O. subsect. Asterotricha) is described as a new species from western Iran. Onosma safaie-fari is morphologically similar to O. iranshahrii, but it is distinct in terms of the shape of sterile shoots and cauline leaves; length of fruiting calyx, shape, and width of calyx lobes; and color of the corolla. In addition, O. safaie-fari is similar to O. bisotunensis, but it is distinguished by the shape and length of lower bracts; length of the fruiting calyx; color and length of the corolla; length of the free part of filaments; the position of filaments arising from the corolla, and length of anthers. Onosma safaie-fari is close to O. shehbazii, but it can be distinguished from it based on the shape and length of sterile shoots and cauline leaves, length of lower bracts, length of fruiting calyx, color and length of the corolla, length of anthers, and the presence of a hairy nectary ring. Detailed descriptions, diagnostic characters, original photographs, illustrations, a geographical distribution map, habitat information, an image of the holotype specimen, and an identification key are presented.

A new species of Tragopogon is described. As of now, the total number of species within the genus in Iran stands at 27, with 11 of them being endemic to Iran. The specimens of Tragopogon taleghanensis Safavi & Mahmoodi have been collected from Takhte-e-Valian Mountain in Central Alborz. It is related to the Tragopogon jezdianus Boiss. & Buhse., of which it can be distinguished by the plant habit and size, leaf size and arrangement, peduncle length and diameter, involucral bracts size, ligules color, and achene size.

Ranunculus is the largest genus of Ranunculaceae, with an estimated 600 species distributed worldwide, especially with numerous species in the temperate zones. Based on collecting living plants in the field and analysis of 750 specimens from various herbaria, 59 species were recognized from Iran. In this paper, the taxonomy of the genus mainly follows that of Farsi version of the genus in Flora of Iran with some changes where necessary. According to these data one new species, four new records, three synonyms, and one status change were proposed during the last 30 years. The taxa are differentiated mainly by the shape and size of their leaves, calyx form, and fruits. Correct names and synonyms are presented. Ecological conditions and habitat of many species were studied by sampling in the habitat. An identification key was prepared and the synopsis of the species is proposed here. Diagnostic characteristic traits are presented for most of the taxa. Selected examined specimens are given for all the taxa.

During a floristic study of the Hyrcanian region, Anthyllis vulneraria L. subsp. polyphylla (DC.) Nyman was identified for the first time from Mazandaran province and reported as a new record to the flora of Iran. This taxon's most important morphological traits have been compared with its only related taxon in Iran, A. vulneraria subsp. boissieri (Sagorski) Bornm. Additionally, a distribution map and detailed photos of both taxa are provided.

Species of Teucrim section polium are widely distributed in the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions. This section contains the most diverse and taxonomically complicated taxa. Iran represents four species of section Polium including T. polium, T. stocksianum, T. capitatum, and the new species described in this paper, T. khuzistanicum sp. nov. During the floristic studies in Khuzistan province, interesting plant materials of the genus Teucrium were collected, expanding our understanding of this genus and resulting in some discoveries. Teucrium khuzestanicum is described as a new species from Iran. The new species is characterized by caespitose habit, long, dense oblong-cylindrical spike-like inflorescence, 1-3 mm long pedicles, and leaf dentations. It is closely related to T. yemenense, but differs from it in indumentum, calyx shape, and flower size and color. Teucrium capitatum, T. polium, and T. stocksianum are the other related species that differ from T. khuzestanicum in their habit, leaf shape, and inflorescence. Furthermore, Teucrium capitatum L. is reported here for the first time in the flora of Iran. In addition, illustrations of the new species, images of the herbarium specimens and living plants in their natural habitat, and an identification key to the species of section polium in Iran are presented, and a geographical distribution map of the new species and its relatives in Iran is provided.