Molecular phylogeny of the mainly Mediterranean genera Chaenorhinum,Kickxia and Nanorrhinum (Plantaginaceae,tribe Antirrhineae), with focus on taxa in the Flora Iranica region

Plantaginaceae tribe Antirrhineae as revised by Sutton (1988) comprises about 30 genera that have undergone significant taxonomic changes in recent years, many of which have yet to be assessed by detailed phylogenetic analyses, including Kickxia, Nanorrhinum and Chaenorhinum. To examine the monophyly, relationships and rank of Kickxia, Nanorrhinum and Chaenorhinum, we conducted a phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and chloroplast DNA (rpl32‐trnL) sequence data, with special focus on the Flora Iranica region. We sampled 22 species of Kickxia s.l. (16 of Kickxia s.s. and 6 of Nanorrhinum), 2 species of Anarrhinum, 12 species of Chaenorhinum, 19 representatives of nine additional genera of Antirrhineae, and several outgroup taxa representing other genera of Plantaginaceae. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of the two datasets produced almost congruent trees, although taxon sampling differed. Our results indicate that Chaenorhinum can be subdivided into two highly supported groups of species, partially matching two of the currently recognized sections of the genus. Albraunia and Holzneria are nested within the Chaenorhinum clade and should not be recognized as distinct genera. Two clades corresponding to Kickxia sect. Kickxia and Kickxia sect. Valvatae were also highly supported. Our data, whn combined with all other available evidence, support recognition of the clade comprising Kickxia sect. Valvatae at the genus level, as Nanorrhinum. Based on this result, six names are here transferred to Nanorrhinum. A diagnostic key to the seven genera of tribe Antirrhineae known from the Flora Iranica region is also provided.     

Towards the conservation of a critically endangered species, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphanius farsicus</Emphasis>: embryogenesis and development

Human-induced disturbance or anthropogenic activities, natural disturbance and also limited distribution, have forced Aphanius farsicus populations to the edge of extinction, during the past few years. As knowledge of fish ontogeny is fundamental for accurate stock assessment, and reproductive potential determination, thus for future conservation and management of the critically endangered species, we describe the first detailed normal embryonic development of this cyprinodontid fish from fertilization to post-hatching. Aphanius farsicus spontaneously spawned at 24°C. The newly-laid eggs were hyaline and spherical in shape (1.40 ± 0.02 mm, n = 11), sticky and full of egg yolk (telolecithal/macrolecithal) with oil droplets. We documented the main developmental stages at 24°C to zygote (0 h), cleavage (2 h), blastula (2 h), gastrula (17 h), segmentation, (34 h), pharyngula (100 h) and hatching (162 h).     

Early otolith development in the critically endangered tooth-carp, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphanius farsicus</Emphasis> (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae)

Otolith morphology in the tooth-carp/killifish genus Aphanius is a source of informative taxonomic characters at both the species and population level. Most work on otoliths has focused on adult specimens, while evidence of ontogenetic variation is rarely provided. In this study we describe the development of otolith morphology during the early life stages of an endangered and endemic species, the Fars tooth-carp Aphanius farsicus from southern Iran. The study material comprises 34 larvae and early juveniles representing nine different developmental stages (0–120 days post hatching), all reared under the same laboratory conditions. The results reveal (i) a significant correlation between standard length and otolith size (length) in larval and early juvenile stages, (ii) clear differences in otolith morphology between larvae/early juveniles and adults, and (iii) a temporal link between the appearance of the sulcus on the otolith’s inner face and the emergence of the dorsal and anal fins. Our results indicate that otoliths of Aphanius can be recognized as originating from larval or early juvenile fish based on their short rostrum and antirostrum lengths and wide excisura, in addition to their small size. These immature otoliths are, however, not diagnostic at the species level in A. farsicus, nor most probably in other species of tooth-carp. The outcome of our study is also of interest to palaeontologists working with fossil killifish otoliths, as it can help avoid misinterpretation of ancient species diversity.     

Phytogeography of Genu and Homag,two mountains with an Irano–Turanian flora in the Saharo–Sindian regional zone,south Iran

The Saharo–Sindian regional zone encompasses the flat and arid areas of North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, southern Iran and the deserts of Pakistan and west India. There are some scattered mountains situated within this area, like Hoggar in Sahara, Saint Catherine in Sinai and Genu and Homag in southern Iran. These highlands serve as interglacial refugia for cold adapted plant species. In the present study, phytogeographical patterns and relationships of the flora of Genu and Homag mountains are described and discussed in relation to the phytogeography of the flora of low‐lying Hormoz Island. According to a chorological assesment of the flora, Genu and Homag mountains belong to the Irano–Turanian region with 59% of the species restricted to this area. In contrast, the surrounding lowland plains are part of the Saharo–Sindian area with a rather high proportion of widespread species (17%) and Somalia–Masai‐linking elements (20%). It is noteworthy that several Turanian enclaves also occur in the lowland zone. Furthermore, the distributional patterns imply that the mountainous Irano–Turkestanian region is an integrated area which is supposedly distinct from the Turanian lowland areas in the north and from the Saharo–Sindian lowland areas in the south. On the other hand, the expansive floras of Turanian and Saharo–Sindian regions are linked to each other. Endemic species in lowland areas in south Iran are mostly either frost sensitive vicariants of cold adapted Turanian species or of Saharo–Sindian origin, while the highland endemics in the area trace their origins to the Irano–Turkestanian region.     

HHEX gene polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control report from Iran

Genome-wide association studies indicated that hematopoietically-expressed homeobox (HHEX) gene is a remarkable candidate for type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus susceptibility in spite of the fact that the results are ambiguous in some cases. So, this study aimed to evaluate the possible correlation between HHEX gene polymorphisms and T2D development in a sample of the Iranian population. The rs1111875G/A, rs7923837A/G, and rs5015480C/T HHEX gene polymorphisms were genotyped in 250 cases and 250 matched (age and sex) healthy controls using tetra-amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. The finding revealed the all measured inheritance models of rs1111875G/A and of rs5015480C/T variants dramatically increase the risk of T2D while another polymorphism (rs7923837A/G) was not associated with risk/protective role in T2D. The results indicated that rs1111875G/A and rs5015480C/T may contribute to the enhancement of T2D risk in a sample of the southeast Iranian population.     

Soils selenium level and esophageal cancer: An ecological study in a high risk area for esophageal cancer

ProjectGolestan province, located in northeast of Iran, has been known as a high risk area for esophageal cancer (EC). This study was conducted to assess the relationship between soils selenium (Se) level and development of EC in this region.ProceduresIn this ecological study, 135 blocks were identified in Golestan province based on geographical altitude and longitude on the map. One soil sample was collected from the center of each block. Then we investigated Se concentration in soil samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed by the Pearson correlation test and Student t-tests. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered as significant.ResultsThe mean±SD of soils Se level in Golestan province was 3.7±1.61 mg/kg. There was a positive correlation between soils Se level and EC rates in this area (P=0.03) (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.19). Soils Se concentration was significantly higher in high (4.13 mg/kg) than in the low (3.39 mg/kg) EC rate areas (P=0.01).ConclusionsWe found high soils Se concentration and a significant positive relationship between soils Se level and EC rate in Golestan province of Iran. So, high soils Se level may play a possible role in developing EC in this area, specifically in Turkmensahra (very high EC rates).