A collaborative backbone resource for comparative studies of subterranean evolution: The World Asellidae database.

Transition to novel environments, such as groundwater colonization by surface organisms, provides an excellent research ground to study phenotypic evolution. However, interspecific comparative studies on evolution to groundwater life are few because of the challenge in assembling large ecological and molecular resources for species-rich taxa comprised of surface and subterranean species. Here, we make available to the scientific community an operational set of working tools and resources for the Asellidae, a family of freshwater isopods containing hundreds of surface and subterranean species. First, we release the World Asellidae database (WAD) and its web application, a sustainable and FAIR solution to producing and sharing data and biological material. WAD provides access to thousands of species occurrences, specimens, DNA extracts and DNA sequences with rich metadata ensuring full scientific traceability. Second, we perform a large-scale dated phylogenetic reconstruction of Asellidae to support phylogenetic comparative analyses. Of 424 terminal branches, we identify 34 pairs of surface and subterranean species representing independent replicates of the transition from surface water to groundwater. Third, we exemplify the usefulness of WAD for documenting phenotypic shifts associated with colonization of subterranean habitats. We provide the first phylogenetically controlled evidence that body size of males decreases relative to that of females upon groundwater colonization, suggesting competition for rare receptive females selects for smaller, more agile males in groundwater. By making these tools and resources widely accessible, we open up new opportunities for exploring how phenotypic traits evolve in response to changes in selective pressures and trade-offs during groundwater colonization.

Real-Time Generation of Hyperbolic Neuronal Spiking Patterns.

Neuronal spikes are referred to as the electric activity of neurons (in terms of voltage) in response to various biological events such as the sodium and calcium ionic current channels in the brain. Currently, both biological models as well as mathematical models of neuronal spiking patterns have been introduced in the literature. However, very little attempt has been made to run these models in real-time. With applications ranging from hardware neuromorphic circuit designs, artificial intelligence (AI) architectures, to deep brain stimulation, real-time generation of these models is of particular interest in the brain-inspired computing/architecture and neuro-modulation/stimulation research communities. This paper proposes the development of a framework for generating the hyperbolic based single neuronal spiking patterns in real-time. Simulation results confirm that the generated spikes resemble the existing models of neuronal spiking patterns, with additional real-time run capability as well as the ability to change the parameters on the fly. Clinical relevance-Real-time models of neuronal spiking patterns have significant clinical relevance with respect to applications of neuromorphic/AI chips for medical image processing/computer vision, as well as clinical neuroscience, neuromodulation and neurostimulation such as deep brain stimulation for modulating the abnormal effects of neurological diseases.

A Review of the Progress of Thin-Film Transistors and Their Technologies for Flexible Electronics.

Flexible electronics enable various technologies to be integrated into daily life and fuel the quests to develop revolutionary applications, such as artificial skins, intelligent textiles, e-skin patches, and on-skin displays. Mechanical characteristics, including the total thickness and the bending radius, are of paramount importance for physically flexible electronics. However, the limitation regarding semiconductor fabrication challenges the mechanical flexibility of thin-film electronics. Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs) are a key component in thin-film electronics that restrict the flexibility of thin-film systems. Here, we provide a brief overview of the trends of the last three decades in the physical flexibility of various semiconducting technologies, including amorphous-silicon, polycrystalline silicon, oxides, carbon nanotubes, and organics. The study demonstrates the trends of the mechanical properties, including the total thickness and the bending radius, and provides a vision for the future of flexible TFTs.

Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with COVID-19: a case report study.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading around the world. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) typically present fever, cough, and respiratory illnesses. It has been revealed that the comorbidities can turn it into severe types, and the managements meet unpredicted complications. Here, we report a case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) coincidence with confirmed acute Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Ten days after admission and therapeutic process, the patient developed autonomic dysfunction. Despite respiratory support and receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient died due to cardiac arrest. Albeit it is yet scientifically doubtful, there are raising concerns toward a possible association between GBS and SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrating potential neurological symptoms of COVID-19.

Central nervous system vasculopathy associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): a novel case report from Iran.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents respiratory symptoms as the most common clinical manifestations. Similar to some other viral infections, it can cause severe neurological damages. Here, we describe a 40-year-old man case who initially was admitted to a major hospital with presenting 7 days with weak flu-like symptoms (cough) and fever then presented neurology signs for 3 days. Physical examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebral vasculopathy. Molecular testing was performed on nasopharyngeal swab by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) which was positive for SARS-CoV-2. The patient received supportive cares and was treated with routine antiplatelet therapy. He was improved and discharged 10 days after admission with no symptoms. Our findings report a 40-year-old man with flu-like symptoms that indicate cerebral vasculopathy that was discharged with no symptoms. Therefore, physicians should be monitor patients with worsening or progressive central nervous system results. The pathobiology of this virus is still incompletely known; therefore, extensive studies are needed to reveal the effect of COVID-19 on the nervous system.

Clinical efficacy of convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 infections: Results of a multicenter clinical study.

Since Dec. 2019 the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions and claimed life of several hundred thousand worldwide. However, so far no approved vaccine or drug therapy is available for treatment of virus infection. Convalescent plasma has been considered a potential modality for COVID-19 infection. One hundred eighty-nine COVID-19 positive patients including 115 patients in plasma therapy group and 74 patients in control group, registered in the hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 infection, entered this multi-center clinical study. Comparison of outcomes including all-cause mortality, total hospitalization days and patients' need for intubation between the two patient groups shows that total of 98 (98.2 %) of patients who received convalescent plasma were discharged from hospital which is substantially higher compared to 56 (78.7 %) patients in control group. Length of hospitalization days was significantly lower (9.54 days) in convalescent plasma group compared with that of control group (12.88 days). Only 8 patients (7%) in convalescent plasma group required intubation while that was 20 % in control group. This clinical study provides strong evidence to support the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in COVID-19 patients and recommends this treatment for management of these patients. Clinical efficacy, immediate availability and potential cost effectiveness could be considered as main advantages of convalescent plasma therapy.

A new species of Tegenaria Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Agelenidae) from western Iran.

Agelenidae is a species rich and globally-distributed spider family comprising 1274 species in 77 genera (World Spider Catalog 2018). In Iran, this family is currently represented by eight species in four genera (Zamani et al. 2018). Being the second largest genus of the family (after Draconarius Ovtchinnikov, 1999), Tegenaria Latreille, 1804, currently encompasses 105 species that are primarily distributed in the Palaearctic (World Spider Catalog 2018; Marusik Zamani 2015). So far, four species of this genus are known from Iran: Tegenaria domestica (Clerck, 1758) (western, northern, central and eastern Iran), T. lenkoranica (Guseinov et al., 2005) (northern Iran), T. pagana C.L. Koch, 1840 (northern Iran), and the endemic T. zamanii Marusik et Omelko, 2014 (northern Iran) (Zamani et al. 2018). Two of these species, T. lenkoranica and T. zamanii have been reported from caves (Malek-Hosseini Zamani 2017). Considering the lack of studies on this genus in Iran, many species are undoubtedly awaiting to be discovered. During the biospeleological investigations of Zagros Mountains, a new species of Tegenaria was collected in western Iran, which is described and illustrated in this paper. The specimens were photographed using an Olympus Camedia E-520 camera attached to an Olympus SZX16 stereomicroscope and digital images were prepared using "CombineZP" image stacking software. Leg ratios were measured on the dorsal side and all measurements are given in millimeters. Measurements of leg are listed as: total length (femur, patella, tibia, metatarsus, tarsus). Standard abbreviations were used for the eyes: AME, anterior median eyes; ALE, anterior lateral eyes; PME, posterior median eyes; PLE, posterior lateral eyes. The specimens will be deposited in the Manchester Museum of the University of Manchester (MMUE).

A new species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 from Iran, with a key to the western Asian species (Crustacea, Isopoda, Stenasellidae).

A new stenasellid isopod is described from Tashan Cave, Khuzestan Province, south-west Iran, belonging to the genus Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897. The first recorded species of Stenasellidae from Iran, Stenasellus tashanicussp. n., is diagnosed by the presence of antennae with a minute squama bearing paired, long, robust setae; a maxilliped endite with six coupling hooks; and slender appendix masculina with an acute apex. A revised generic diagnosis is provided with a key to the six known western Asian Stenasellus species.

Non-invasive detection of coronary artery disease in high-risk patients based on the stenosis prediction of separate coronary arteries.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases are an extremely widespread sickness and account for 17 million deaths in the world per annum. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of such diseases with an annual mortality rate of about 7 million. Thus, early diagnosis of CAD is of vital importance. Angiography is currently the modality of choice for the detection of CAD. However, its complications and costs have prompted researchers to seek alternative methods via machine learning algorithms. METHODS: The present study proposes a novel machine learning algorithm. The proposed algorithm uses three classifiers for detection of the stenosis of three coronary arteries, i.e., left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX) and right coronary artery (RCA) to get higher accuracy for CAD diagnosis. RESULTS: This method was applied on the extension of Z-Alizadeh Sani dataset which contains demographic, examination, ECG, and laboratory and echo data of 500 patients. This method achieves an accuracy, sensitivity and specificity rates of 96.40%, 100% and 88.1%, respectively for the detection of CAD. To our knowledge, such high rates of accuracy and sensitivity have not been attained elsewhere before. CONCLUSION: This new algorithm reliably distinguishes those with normal coronary arteries from those with CAD which may obviate the need for angiography in the normal group.

Mediterranean Recluse Spider, Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae: Sicariidae) from Charkhab Cave, Southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: The best-known dangerous spiders belong to the six genera. The genus Loxosceles or violin spiders are well known for their ability to cause skin necrosis or loxoscelism. All Loxosceles species have medical importance due to their necrotizing venom. The present article reports the occurrence of L. rufescens in Charkhab Cave, south of Iran (Larestan). METHODS: The specimens were collected from the Charkhab Cave using handling forceps, paintbrush and aspirator and preserved in 96% ethanol. RESULTS: Loxosceles rufescens, a medically important spider, is recorded from Charkhab Cave in Fars Province (southwest of Iran). Identification of L. rufescens was performed based on external morphology and the features of male genitalia. CONCLUSION: Presence of L. rufescens in south of Iran especially in a cave confirmed that this species is a widely distributed species in Iran. Therefore, cavers or cave visitors should be aware of this poisonous spider in caves.

The effect of theophylline on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing inflammatory disorder of the colon. There is a need to explore the new treatments for this disorder. Theophylline, a competitive inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, is shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of theophylline on ulcerative colitis has not yet been investigated. The present study evaluated the effect of theophylline on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Colitis was induced by instillation of 2ml of acetic acid solution (3%). Colon samples were evaluated grossly and microscopically and assayed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations. RESULTS: Treatment with theophylline at the doses of 20 and 50mg/kg attenuated acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis as shown by improvement in body weight loss, macroscopic score, ulcer area, hematocrit and histopathological score. Theophylline treatment also reduced MPO activity and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß (IL-1 ß) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations in inflamed colon. CONCLUSION: Theophylline has a protective effect in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis which might be due to its anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, theophylline has the potential to be used for successful treatment of ulcerative colitis.

The effect of sodium valproate on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic recurrent disease with incomplete treatment options. The current article evaluated the effect of sodium valproate on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Rats were randomly distributed into six groups including Sham group, colitis control group, sodium valproate treatment groups (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone-treatment group. Dexamethasone was used as a reference drug. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 2 mL of 3% acetic acid solution. The efficacy of sodium valproate was evaluated by macroscopical and histopathological scoring systems, hematocrit measurement as well as biochemical analysis including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines assessment. Sodium valproate, particularly with doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly improved weight loss, and macroscopic damage, reduced ulcer area, colon weight, microscopic colitis index and elevated hematocrit level. Biochemical experiments showed elevated levels of colonic MPO activity, interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in colitis control group. Treatment with sodium valproate at the doses of 100 and 300 mg/Kg) decreased the MPO activity and colonic concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. The results provide evidence that sodium valproate has a protective effect in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis which might be due to its anti-inflammatory activities, and it may be useful in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Description of the first cave dwelling species of the spider genus Trilacuna Tong & Li from Iran (Araneae: Oonopidae).

A new species of the hard-bodied oonopid genus Trilacuna Tong & Li is described from a cave in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, southwestern Iran. Trilacuna qarzi sp. nov. is the first troglobiont species known of the genus, and is also the fifth oonopid species to be reported from Iran. Relationships of this new species are briefly discussed in the context of the limits of the genera belonging to the Dysderoides complex.

Identification of Entamoeba histolytica by Molecular Method in Surface Water of Rasht City, Iran.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted with the aim of determining surface water contamination with cysts of Entamoeba histolytica using PCR in Rasht City, Northern Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 49 water samples including 18 rivers and 6 wetlands were collected from different regions near the city of Rasht in autumn of 2012. After filtration using 0.22 µm nitrate cellulose membrane filters, the samples were examined using microscope and PCR method. RESULTS: In microscopic examination, four samples of the 49 samples were positive for cysts of E. (histolytica / dispar / muschkovskii). By using PCR method and molecular analysis, one sample was positive for E. histolytica. CONCLUSION: In the molecular analysis, contamination by E. histolytica was proved in the waters of Rasht City. Further investigations including more samples and necessary preparations must be applied to prevent contamination.

Lethal Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia 24 Years After Kidney Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumocystis jiroveci is an opportunistic infectious fungus in immunosuppressed patients, particularly in ones with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The use of immunosuppressive drugs especially corticosteroids predisposes the transplanted patients to a variety of infectious diseases including Pneumocystis infection. In many developed countries, the incidence of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is dwindling in transplant patients receiving appropriate prophylaxis. In this study, definitive diagnosis of Pneumocystis infection in a patient receiving kidney transplant was presented. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 45-year-old man with a history of kidney transplantation 24 years ago, admitted to a specialized hospital in Tehran because of fever and respiratory distress. Upon admission, the patient showed symptoms of unconsciousness and shortness of breath. Paraclinical tests and complementary examinations such as microscopic observation and molecular analysis confirmed the definitive diagnosis of Pneumocystis infection. Specific treatment with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was carried out alongside other therapeutic measures; but unfortunately the patient did not respond to the specific treatment and died in the course of a progressive disease. DISCUSSION: The disease progress in these patients can still be fast and deadly. Applying rapid molecular diagnostic techniques to start appropriate and timely treatment is essential. Utilization of such diagnostic methods is recommended in our country.

Infective endocarditis after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious complication in immunosuppressive patients that has adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to define the characteristics, outcomes, and correlating factors of mortality in renal transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infective endocarditis was diagnosed in 22 patients from three renal transplant centers in Iran between 2000 and 2010. Modified Duke criteria were applied to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Twenty-two renal transplant patients with IE were evaluated. Blood culture results were positive in 81%. Enteroccous and group D non-enterococcal were the causative microorganisms in 31% and 25% of patients, respectively. In-hospital and 12-month mortality was 41% and the mortality rate was higher in older patients in comparison to younger patients. Overall, the rates of one-year disease-free patient and graft survival were 49% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the availability of different and potent antibiotics, the mortality caused by IE remains considerably high. These patients are significantly prone to endovascular infections that affect the mortality and survival.

Serogroups, virulence genes and antibiotic resistance in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic and non-diarrheic pediatric patients in Iran.

BACKGROUND: From a clinical perspective, it is important to know which serogroups, virulence genes and antibiotic resistance patterns are present in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains in pediatric patients suffering from diarrheic and non-diarrheic infections. This is the first study in Iran that has comprehensively investigated the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli -related infection characteristics in diarrheic and non-diarrheic pediatric patients of 0-60 months of age. METHODS: Two-hundred and twenty four diarrheic and 84 non-diarrheic stool specimens were collected from the Baqiyatallah hospital of Tehran, Iran. The stool samples were cultured immediately and those that were E. coli-positive were analyzed for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial virulence factors using PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion method. RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty four out of 224 (68.75%) diarrheic stools and 31 out of 84 (36.90%) non-diarrheic stools harbored E. coli. In addition, children in 13-24 month-old age group had the highest incidence of infection with this bacterium (77.63%). A significant difference was found between the frequency of Attaching and Effacing Escherichia coli and Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (P =0.045). The genes encoding Shiga toxins and intimin were the most commonly detected virulence factors. Among all serogroups studied, O26 (27.04%) and O111 (18.85%) had the highest incidences in the diarrheic and non-diarrheic patients. The incidence of genes encoding resistance against sulfonamide (sul1), gentamicin (aac(3)-IV), trimethoprim (aadA1), cephalothin (blaSHV) and tetracycline (tetA) were 82.78%, 68.03%, 60.65%, 56.55% and 51.63%, respectively. High resistance levels against penicillin (100%), tetracycline (86.88%), gentamicin (62.29%) and streptomycin (54.91%) were observed. Marked seasonality in the serogroup distributions was evident, while STEC infections were more common in summer (P =0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings should raise awareness about antibiotic resistance in diarrheic pediatric patients in Iran. Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing antibiotics, especially during the warmer months of the year.

A data mining approach for diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Cardiovascular diseases are very common and are one of the main reasons of death. Being among the major types of these diseases, correct and in-time diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is very important. Angiography is the most accurate CAD diagnosis method; however, it has many side effects and is costly. Existing studies have used several features in collecting data from patients, while applying different data mining algorithms to achieve methods with high accuracy and less side effects and costs. In this paper, a dataset called Z-Alizadeh Sani with 303 patients and 54 features, is introduced which utilizes several effective features. Also, a feature creation method is proposed to enrich the dataset. Then Information Gain and confidence were used to determine the effectiveness of features on CAD. Typical Chest Pain, Region RWMA2, and age were the most effective ones besides the created features by means of Information Gain. Moreover Q Wave and ST Elevation had the highest confidence. Using data mining methods and the feature creation algorithm, 94.08% accuracy is achieved, which is higher than the known approaches in the literature.

Cochlear implant outcomes in children with motor developmental delay.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple handicapped children and children with syndromes and conditions resulting additional disabilities such as cerebral palsy, global developmental delay and autistic spectrum disorder, are now not routinely precluded from receiving a cochlear implant. The primary focus of this study was to determine the effect of cochlear implants on the speech perception and intelligibility of deaf children with and without motor development delay. METHOD: In a cohort study, we compared cochlear implant outcomes in two groups of deaf children with or without motor developmental delay (MDD). Among 262 children with pre-lingual profound hearing loss, 28 (10%) had a motor delay based on Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFC). Children with severe motor delays (classification scale levels 4 and 5) and cognitive delays were excluded. All children completed the Categories of Auditory Perception Scales (CAP) and Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) prior to surgery and 24 months after the device was activated. RESULT: The mean age for the study population was 4.09 ± 1.86 years. In all 262 patients the mean CAP score after surgery (5.38 ± 0.043) had a marked difference in comparison with the mean score before surgery (0.482 ± 0.018) (P=0.001). The mean CAP score after surgery for MDD children was 5.03, and was 5.77 for normal motor development children (NMD). The mean SIR score after surgery for MDD children was 2.53, and was 2.66 for NMD children. The final results of CAP and SIR did not have significant difference between NMD children versus MDD children (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Regarding to the result, we concluded that children with hearing loss and concomitant MDD as an additional disabilities can benefit from cochlear implantation similar to those of NMD.