Habitat suitability modeling for wild goat (Capra aegagrus) in a mountainous arid area, central Iran

Wild goat (Capra aegagrus) is one of the most prominent mountain mammals dispersed in many habitats in Iran. However, few studies on the relationship between this species and its habitat have been conducted. This species is recognized as one of the main food source for highly endangered species such as cheetah and leopard. In this study which lasted from fall 2009 through summer 2011, seasonal habitat suitability models of wild goat in the protected area of Kouh-e-Bafgh were created. The binary logistic regression analysis comparing ecological characteristics of presence and absence points with ecological characteristics of the region have been applied. Wild goat habitat use was influenced by steep slopes, rocky substrates, and distance to water sources, vegetation, aspects and human resources (roads). Applied models could predict at least 94.7% of the model evaluation points, indicating high accuracy of the models. Suitable habitats for wild goat in protected area of Kouh-e-Bafgh were classified in different seasons based on the estimated optimal cut-off value for each model. It comprised 29.5% to 41.3% of the protected area. There was a substantial overlap between seasonal suitable habitats in different seasons, with the highest overlap between spring and summer. The overlap between suitable habitats was at least 71.6% in all seasons. The most suitable habitats of wild goat and its predator were in the core zones of the study area

Association of nuclear and mitochondrial genes with audiological examinations in Iranian patients with nonaminoglycoside antibiotics-induced hearing loss

Mitochondrial DNA mutations play an important role in causing sensorineural hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of the mitochondrial genes RNR1, MT-TL1, and ND1 as well as the nuclear genes GJB2 and GJB6 with audiological examinations in nonfamilial Iranians with cochlear implants, using polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and RNA secondary structure analysis. We found that there were no novel mutations in the mitochondrial gene 12S rRNA (MT-RNR1) in patients with and without GJB2 mutation (GJB2+and GJB2-, respectively), but a total of six polymorphisms were found. No mutations were observed in tRNALeu(UUR) (MT-TL1). Furthermore, eight polymorphisms were found in the mitochondrial ND1 gene. Additionally, no mutations were observed in the nuclear GJB6 gene in patients in the GJB2- and GJB2+ groups. The speech intelligibility rating and category of auditory perception tests were statistically assessed in patients in the GJB2- and GJB2+ groups. The results indicated that there was a significant difference (P <0.05) between the categories of auditory perception score in the GJB2- group compared to that in the GJB2+group. Successful cochlear implantation was observed among individuals with GJB2 mutations (GJB2+) and mitochondrial polymorphisms compared to those without GJB2 mutations (GJB2-). In conclusion, the outcome of this study suggests that variation in the mitochondrial and nuclear genes may influence the penetrance of deafness. Therefore, further genetic and functional studies are required to help patients in making the best choice for cochlear implants. © 2016 Balali et al

The Role of Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) in the Plant Seed Dispersal of Golestan National Park

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest carnivore species in Iran which can be found in large parts of the Alborz and the Zagros mountain ranges but reaches remarkable densities in northern forest, ranging from Golestan National Park to western Gilan.  We investigated the potential of brown bear for endozoochory in Golestan National Park through greenhouse experiment. In order to detect temporal and spatial variability of emerged seedlings, abundance, species richness and composition of germinated seeds from faecal samples collected in different habitats and across seasons were analyzed. A total of 268 seedlings belonging to 33 plant taxa, 25 genera and 19 families germinated from 64 brown bear faecal samples. Based on the obtained results we show seasonal variability in the numbers (p=0.003) and composition (p=0.001) of the dispersed seeds, which can be attributed to plant species phenology. There were no significant differences for seed abundance and composition between the two types of habitats. Similarly, seed species richness did not significantly differ among seasons and habitats. Herbaceous growth form (24 taxa) represented the highest species richness in the germinated plants, while shrub plants were the most abundant germinated species (76% of the total germinated seeds). Fleshy fruits are the principal source of energy during the hyperphagia phase prior to hibernation. In contrast, seeds from dry fruits were observed in lower densities in the faeces, especially during spring and early summer. This result is in line with opportunistic feeding behavior of the brown bear. Considering that co-occurring ungulates in Golestan National Park rather disperse annual species, we highlight the role of brown bear in specifically dispersing shrub and tree species

The Role of Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) in the Plant Seed Dispersal of Golestan National Park

International audienceThe brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest carnivore species in Iran which can be found in large parts of the Alborz and the Zagros mountain ranges but reaches remarkable densities in northern forest, ranging from Golestan National Park to western Gilan. We investigated the potential of brown bear for endozoochory in Golestan National Park through greenhouse experiment. In order to detect temporal and spatial variability of emerged seedlings, abundance, species richness and composition of germinated seeds from faecal samples collected in different habitats and across seasons were analyzed. A total of 268 seedlings belonging to 33 plant taxa, 25 genera and 19 families germinated from 64 brown bear faecal samples. Based on the obtained results we show seasonal variability in the numbers (p=0.003) and composition (p=0.001) of the dispersed seeds, which can be attributed to plant species phenology. There were no significant differences for seed abundance and composition between the two types of habitats. Similarly, seed species richness did not significantly differ among seasons and habitats. Herbaceous growth form (24 taxa) represented the highest species richness in the germinated plants, while shrub plants were the most abundant germinated species (76% of the total germinated seeds). Fleshy fruits are the principal source of energy during the hyperphagia phase prior to hibernation. In contrast, seeds from dry fruits were observed in lower densities in the faeces, especially during spring and early summer. This result is in line with opportunistic feeding behavior of the brown bear. Considering that co-occurring ungulates in Golestan National Park rather disperse annual species, we highlight the role of brown bear in specifically dispersing shrub and tree species

Complementary endozoochorous seed dispersal by large mammals in the Golestan National Park, Iran

International audienceLarge animals tend to disperse seeds over long distances via ingestion and defecation due to their large home range and capacity to move among different habitats for feeding. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of endozoochorous seed dispersal by five herbivores: Ovis vignei, Capra aegagrus, Gazella subgutturosa, Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus and two omnivores: Sus Scrofa and Ursus arctos in the Golestan National Park, northeast of Iran, by a greenhouse germination experiment. A total of 3107 seedlings belonging to 154 different plant taxa were germinated from 655 dung samples collected in three different habitats. Plant families that most frequently germinated were Poaceae and Brassicaceae. Urtica dioica was the most abundant germinating seed, accounting for 20% of all the seedlings recorded in our dung samples, whereas the most frequently observed species was Portulaca oleracea, which occurred in 24% of our samples. We showed that 54% of the seeds germinating were dispersed by only one of the mammals studied. Herbs and graminoids were the most frequently dispersed growth forms by the herbivores and the wild boar, whereas brown bears mostly dispersed shrubs. The seedling composition in the dung samples was strongly correlated with the local flora especially for non-selective feeders, like red deer. The differences observed in the number of plants and frequency of different growth forms dispersed among the studied mammals reflect their body size, digestive physiology, and dietary and habitat preferences. Our findings highlight the different and complementary roles of large herbivores and omnivores as long-distance seed dispersal vectors

Using ecological niche modeling to determine avian richness hotspots

Understanding distributions of wildlife species is a key step towards identifying biodiversity hotspots and designing effective conservation strategies. In this paper, the spatial pattern of diversity of birds in Golestan Province, Iran was estimated. Ecological niche modeling was used to determine distributions of 144 bird species across the province using a maximum entropy algorithm. Richness maps across all birds, and separately for rare and threatened species, were prepared as approximations to hotspots. Results showed close similarity between hotspots for all birds and those for rare birds; hotspots were concentrated in the southern and especially the southwestern parts of the province. Hotspots for threatened birds tended more to the central and especially the western parts of the province, which include coastal habitats. Based on three criteria, it is clear that the western part is the most important area of the province in terms of bird Faunas. Despite some shortcomings, hotspot analysis for birds could be applied to guide conservation efforts and provide useful tool towards efficient conservation action

Teicoplanin as an anti-methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus agent in infections of severely poisoned intensive care unit patients/Tehran- Iran

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia is related to high morbidity and mortality. Teicoplanin is a semi synthetic glycopeptide antibiotic with a spectrum of activity similar to vancomycin. Our objective is the evaluation of efficacy and safety of Teicoplanin in MRSA infections among severely poisoned intensive care unit (ICU) patients.Methods: During a 6 months period, in a prospective cross sectional study, 54 eligible patients were recruited from among 80 who were clinically suspicious for MRSA infections. The efficacy and safety ofTeicoplanin by loding dose of 6 mg/kg (maximum 400 mg per dose) for three loading doses 12 hours apart and then every 24 hours was evaluated 5 times.The clinical findings, laboratory data, and bacteriologic responses were categorized as cure, improvement and failure. Results: The mean(SD) age was 36.3(13.3) years. 75.9 were male. Suicidal attempts were recorded in 63. The most common poisoning was TCAs, BZDs, tramadol and opium. 94.4 were unconscious and under mechanical ventilation. Tracheal cultures were positive in 98.1 by VAP diagnosis. ICU length of stay was between 4-54 days. Total clinical effectiveness was 90.4, and failure 9.6. Mortality rate was 9/54 (16.6 ). On the fourth visit, the adverse effects included: rash (11.10), anemia (36.17), nephrotoxicity (17.02) and thrombocytopenia < 150000 (100). Other side effects such as: leucopenia, severe thrombocytopenia (< 50000), pancytopenia and red man syndrome were not detected.Conclusions: Teicoplanin can be suggested for use in forMRSA infections among severely poisoned patient, based on its efficacy, safety, half life and tolerance. © Mattioli 1885

Does low birth weight predict hypertension and obesity in schoolchildren?

Background: Birth weight appears to play a role in determining high blood pressure (BP) and obesity during childhood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between birth weight and later obesity and hypertension among 10- to 13-year-old schoolchildren. Methods: A total of 1,184 primary school students were selected from 20 randomized schools between 2011 and 2012 in Iran. Height, weight, waist circumference and BP were measured using standard instruments. Data were analyzed using stepwise regression and logistic regression models. Results: 13.5 of children had a history of low birth weight. First-degree family history of obesity, excessive gestational weight gain and birth weight were significantly correlated with overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity (p = 0.001), whereas only birth weight was associated with high BP (p = 0.001). An inverse correlation was found between waist circumference and systolic/diastolic BP. The duration of breastfeeding in children with low birth weight was inversely correlated with obesity/overweight, abdominal obesity and hypertension. Conclusion: The results suggests that birth weight is inversely associated with BP and more so with obesity and abdominal obesity. The duration of having been breastfed could have an influence on later hypertension, obesity and abdominal obesity. Further results are needed to test these correlations as well as diagnosing early life factors to prevent young adult overweight/obesity or hypertension. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel