A new species of the genus Chorizococcus (Hem.: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) from Iran

A new mealybug species, Chorizococcus pazoukii Moghaddam sp. n. is described on the root of an unknown plant from Iran. The new species is taxonomically near to the Iranian species Chorizococcus viticola Kaydan & Kozár but it is distinguished by the oral rim tubular ducts occur in two rows across of dorsum, two sizes of oral rim tubular ducts on both surfaces of the body and the presence of multilocular disc pores on the ventral abdominal segments VI-VIII + IX

Sex-Specific Effects of a Wartime-Like Radiation Exposure on Cognitive Function.

Evaluating the risk for central nervous system (CNS) effects after whole-body or partial-body irradiation presents challenges due in part to the varied exposure scenarios in the context of occupational, accidental or wartime releases. Risk estimations are further complicated by the fact that robust changes in brain function are unlikely to manifest until significantly late post exposure times. Collectively, the current data regarding CNS radiation risk are conflicting in humans and a survey of the animal model data shows that it is similarly inconsistent. Due to the sparseness of such data, the current study was conducted using male and female mice to evaluate the brain for the delayed effects of a 2 Gy whole-body exposure to c rays starting six months postirradiation. Behavioral testing indicated sex-specific differences in the induction of anxiety-like behaviors and in the ability to abolish fear memories. Molecular analyses showed alterations in post-synaptic protein levels that might affect synaptic plasticity and increased levels of global DNA methylation, suggesting a potential epigenetic mechanism that might contribute to radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction. These data add to the understanding of the CNS response to whole-body irradiation and may lead to improved risk assessment and provide guidance in the development of effective radiation countermeasures to protect military personnel and civilians alike

Advanced Glycation End Products Stimulate Osteoblast Apoptosis Via the MAP Kinase and Cytosolic Apoptotic Pathways

We have previously shown that diabetes significantly enhances apoptosis of osteoblastic cells in vivo and that the enhanced apoptosis contributes to diabetes impaired new bone formation. A potential mechanism is enhanced apoptosis stimulated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). To investigate this further, an advanced glycation product, carboxymethyl lysine modified collagen (CML-collagen), was injected in vivo and stimulated a 5-fold increase in calvarial periosteal cell apoptosis compared to unmodified collagen. It also induced apoptosis in primary cultures of human or neonatal rat osteoblastic cells or MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro. Moreover, the apoptotic effect was largely mediated through RAGE receptor. CML-collagen increased p38 and JNK activity 3.2- and 4.4-fold, respectively. Inhibition of p38 and JNK reduced CML-collagen stimulated apoptosis by 45% and 59% and by 90% when used together (P \u3c 0.05). The predominant apoptotic pathway induced by CML-collagen involved caspase-8 activation of caspase-3 and was independent of NF-κB activation. When osteoblastic cells were exposed to a long-term low dose incubation with CML-collagen, there was a higher degree of apoptosis compared to short-term incubation. In more differentiated osteoblastic cultures, apoptosis was enhanced even further. These results indicate that advanced glycation end products, which accumulate in diabetic and aged individuals, may promote apoptosis of osteoblastic cells and contribute to deficient bone formation

Genetic Programming Method in Urban Water Consumption Prediction (Case Study: Najafabad City)

Improving the lifestyle of city residents is conditional on benefiting from high-quality urban infrastructure to satisfy daily demands. The urban water supply network is one of the most basic urban infrastructures, and its optimal design and service are essential during the planning period. Therefore, it is important to determine the actual amount of consumption and predict it for the future. For this purpose, in this research, a method based on artificial intelligence, i.e., genetic programming (GP), as well as Pearson's correlation coefficient data mining method, is proposed. The data mining method is applied here for the database, including daily data on temperature, precipitation, humidity, and the amount of daily water produced in Najafabad city (presenting the total water consumption) from the beginning of 2014 to the end of 2018, and the best set of input data vectors is selected. The selected data are used as input data vectors for the proposed. The obtained results are compared with the results of models based on artificial neural network (ANN). To investigate the performance of the models, R², RMSE, and NSE statistical indices are calculated. A comparison of the results indicates the acceptable performance of the proposed models based on the GP. In other words, the values of RMSE, NSE, R², and MAPE statistical indices for training data in the best GP model are equal to 3262.59 MCM, 0.80, 0.80, and 5.38%, respectively, and for test data equal to 3507.68 MCM, 0.78, 0.78, and 6.67%

Effects of copper reduction on angiogenesis-related factors in recurrent glioblastoma cases

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of copper reduction on angiogenesis-related factors in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated by gamma knife radiosurgery. Materials and Methods: In the present block randomized, placebo-controlled trial, fifty eligible patients with a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme who were candidates for gamma knife radiosurgery were randomly assigned into two groups to receive daily either 1gr penicillamine and a low copper diet or placebo for three months. The intervention started on the same day as gamma knife radiosurgery. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and copper levels were measured at baseline and after the intervention. The serum copper level was used as the final index of compliance with the diet. In order to control probable side effects of intervention, laboratory tests were conducted at the beginning, middle and end of the study. Results: The patients had a mean age and Karnofsky Performance Scale of 43.7 years and 75 respectively. Mean serum copper levels were significantly reduced in intervention group. Mean survival time was 18.5 months in intervention group vs. 14.9 in placebo group. VEGF and IL-6 levels in the intervention group were also significantly reduced compared to the placebo group and TNF-α increased less. Conclusions: It seems that reducing the level of copper in the diet and dosing with penicillamine leads to decline of angiogenesis-related factors such as VEGF, IL-6 and TNF-α. Approaches targeting angiogenesis may improve survival and can be used as a future therapeutic strategy