The smart nanocarrier containing zein/starch co-biopolymers enhanced by graphitic carbon nitride; exploring opportunities in brain cancer treatment.

In this investigation, we present an innovative pH-responsive nanocomposite designed to address challenges associated with using 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in cancer therapy. The nanocomposite containing zein (Z), starch (S), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) macromolecules is synthesized by a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsion technique, serving as a carrier for 5-FU. The S/Z hydrogel matrix's entrapment and loading efficiency are greatly improved by adding g-C3N4 nanosheets, reaching noteworthy values of 45.25 % and 86.5 %, respectively, for drug loading efficiency and entrapment efficiency. Characterization through FTIR and XRD validates the successful loading of 5-FU, elucidating the chemical bonding within the nanocomposite and crystalline characteristics. Structural analysis using FESEM, along with DLS and zeta potential measurements, reveals an average nanocomposite size of 193.48 nm, indicating a controlled structure, and a zeta potential of -42.32 mV, signifying a negatively charged surface. Studies on the in vitro release of drugs reveal that 5-FU is delivered more effectively and sustainably in acidic environments than in physiological circumstances. This highlights the fact that the created nanocarrier is pH-sensitive. Modeling release kinetics involves finding the right mathematical conditions representing underlying physicochemical processes. Employing curve-fitting techniques, predominant release mechanisms are identified, and optimal-fitting kinetic models are determined. The Baker kinetic model performed best at pH 7.4, indicating that the leading cause of the drug release was polymer swelling. In contrast, the Higuchi model was most accurate for drug release at pH 5.4, illuminating the diffusion and dissolution mechanisms involved in diffusion. To be more precise, the mechanism of release at pH 7.4 and 5.4 was anomalous transport (dissolution-controlled), according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas mathematical model. The pH-dependent swelling and degradation behavior of S/Z/g-C3N4@5-FU nanocomposite showed higher swelling and faster degradation in acidic environments compared to neutral conditions. Crucially, outcomes from the MTT test affirm the significant cytotoxicity of the 5-FU-loaded nanocomposite against U-87 MG brain cancer cells, while simultaneously indicating non-toxicity towards L929 fibroblast cells. These cumulative findings underscore the potential of the engineered S/Z/g-C3N4@5-FU as a productive and targeted therapeutic approach for cancer cells.

Clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of undifferentiated/unclassified cardiac sarcoma: A case report and literature review.

This case report details a challenging instance of undifferentiated/unclassified cardiac sarcoma in a 28-year-old female, presenting with diverse symptoms like muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis. Diagnostic hurdles led to an initial misdiagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis before discovering a sizable left atrial mass, ultimately diagnosed as high-grade undifferentiated/unclassified sarcoma. Despite initial surgical intervention, the patient's condition worsened, underscoring the complexities in managing such cases involving cardiac sarcomas. This case emphasizes the diagnostic complexities associated with primary cardiac sarcomas, particularly the challenges in achieving accurate diagnoses and formulating effective treatment strategies.

Rapid and accurate predictions of perfect and defective material properties in atomistic simulation using the power of 3D CNN-based trained artificial neural networks.

This article introduces an innovative approach that utilizes machine learning (ML) to address the computational challenges of accurate atomistic simulations in materials science. Focusing on the field of molecular dynamics (MD), which offers insight into material behavior at the atomic level, the study demonstrates the potential of trained artificial neural networks (tANNs) as surrogate models. These tANNs capture complex patterns from built datasets, enabling fast and accurate predictions of material properties. The article highlights the application of 3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to incorporate atomistic details and defects in predictions, a significant advancement compared to current 2D image-based, or descriptor-based methods. Through a dataset of atomistic structures and MD simulations, the trained 3D CNN achieves impressive accuracy, predicting material properties with a root-mean-square error below 0.65 GPa for the prediction of elastic constants and a speed-up of approximately 185 to 2100 times compared to traditional MD simulations. This breakthrough promises to expedite materials design processes and facilitate scale-bridging in materials science, offering a new perspective on addressing computational demands in atomistic simulations.

The effect of rosemary hydroalcoholic extract on cognitive function and activities of daily living of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cognitive impairment and reduced activities of daily living (ADLs) are associated with poor clinical outcomes. AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of rosemary hydroalcoholic extract on cognitive function and ADLs in patients with COPD. METHODS: A total of 77 COPD patients aged 40-80 years were assigned to two intervention and control groups by random stratified block method in the current tripleblind clinical trial. The intervention group received 500 mg rosemary capsules and the control group received oral capsules containing corn powder twice a day, one to two hours before breakfast and dinner, for two months. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B), London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale (LCADL) and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) were used to measure cognitive function and the measure of basic and instrumental daily life activities, before and after the intervention, respectively. RESULTS: The mean total score of cognitive function (P = 0.022) and the two subscales of abstraction (P = 0.003) and naming (P = 0.034) significantly increased after the intervention in the intervention group. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of changes in the mean scores of IADL and LCADL (P < 0.05). The final statistical model showed that the changes in the total mean score of cognitive function (P = 0.014) and IADL (P = 0.047) in intervention group patients are significantly higher than in the control group after adjusting the effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CONCLUSION: The rosemary hydroalcoholic extract can be effective in improving cognitive function and IADL in patients with COPD, but not LCADL. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20150919024080N16.

Analyses of morphological and molecular characteristics of Telotylenchinae from Iran point at the validity of the genera Bitylenchus and Sauertylenchus.

To investigate relationships within the subfamily Telotylenchinae, more than 500 soil samples were collected from various natural and agricultural habitats in several localities of Iran. Individuals of seven known species, including Bitylenchus dubius, B. parvus, B. serranus, Sauertylenchus maximus, Tylenchorhynchus clarus, T. microconus and Trophurus ussuriensis, were recovered and characterized based on morphological and morphometric characters. Furthermore, phylogenetic relationships within representatives of the subfamily Telotylenchinae were explored using 13 sequences from the D2-D3 expansion regions of 28S ribosomal (r) DNA and 13 sequences for the partial 18S rDNA genes obtained in the present study. Analyses based on the relatively conserved 18S rDNA gene underlined the polyphyletic status of Tylenchorhynchus sensu lato, as three clusters representing Tylenchorhynchus, Bitylenchus and Sauertylenchus were well separated, and interspersed by, e.g., representatives of the Macrotrophurinae. Analysis of the more variable D2-D3 28S rDNA sequences suggested at least four clades within the subfamily Telotylenchinae: two clades dominated by Tylenchorhynchus species; a third clade harbouring representatives of Sauertylenchus, Bitylenchus, and Paratrophurus in distinct but unresolved branches;and a fourth clade dominated by Trophurus species. Although no molecular information was available from a number of genera that were originally gathered under Tylenchorhynchus sensu lato, we concluded that both Bitylenchus and Sauertylenchus should be seen as valid Telotylenchinae genera related to, but distinct from Tylenchorhynchus.

Discopersicus hexagrammatus n. sp. (Rhabditida: Tylenchidae), the second species of the genus.

Discopersicus hexagrammatus n. sp., is described and illustrated from a population associated with the rhizosphere of carrot (Daucus carota L.) in Dezful, Khuzestan province, south-western Iran. Based on morphological and morphometric data, the new species is characterized by a 601-734 µm long body, a prominent perioral labial disc and oblique amphidial slits, 10-11 µm long stylet, vulva at 65-67% of body length, 15.5-17 µm long spicules, and an elongate conoid tail with a pointed terminus. It is the second species of the genus Discopersicus and differs from its counterpart D. iranicus, by its anterior position of vulva, shorter stylet, lower M.B. ratio, different shape of tail tip, and shorter spicules in male specimens. A molecular phylogenetic analysis using the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rDNA sequences, placed the new species in close relationship with five sequences of the genus Boleodorus.

The role of deep learning-based survival model in improving survival prediction of patients with glioblastoma.

This retrospective study has been conducted to validate the performance of deep learning-based survival models in glioblastoma (GBM) patients alongside the Cox proportional hazards model (CoxPH) and the random survival forest (RSF). Furthermore, the effect of hyperparameters optimization methods on improving the prediction accuracy of deep learning-based survival models was investigated. Of the 305 cases, 260 GBM patients were included in our analysis based on the following criteria: demographic information (i.e., age, Karnofsky performance score, gender, and race), tumor characteristic (i.e., laterality and location), details of post-surgical treatment (i.e., time to initiate concurrent chemoradiation therapy, standard treatment, and radiotherapy techniques), and last follow-up time as well as the molecular markers (i.e., O-6-methylguanine methyltransferase and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 status). Experimental results have demonstrated that age (Elderly > 65: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.213-2.18; p value = 0.001) and tumors located at multiple lobes ([HR] = 1.75; 95% [CI]: 1.177-2.61; p value = 0.006) were associated with poorer prognosis. In contrast, age (young < 40: [HR] = 0.57; 95% [CI]: 0.343-0.96; p value = 0.034) and type of radiotherapy (others include stereotactic and brachytherapy: [HR] = 0.5; 95%[CI]: 0.266-0.95; p value = 0.035) were significantly related to better prognosis. Furthermore, the proposed deep learning-based survival model (concordance index [c-index] = 0.823 configured by Bayesian hyperparameter optimization), outperformed the RSF (c-index = 0.728), and the CoxPH model (c-index = 0.713) in the training dataset. Our results show the ability of deep learning in learning a complex association of risk factors. Moreover, the remarkable performance of the deep-learning-based survival model could be promising to support decision-making systems in personalized medicine for patients with GBM.

Molecular phylogeny of Diphtherophora de Man, 1880 (Nematoda: Diphtherophoridae), with description of a new species.

The poorly-known nematodes of the genus Diphtherophora are soil inhabitants often found in the vicinity of plant roots. In the present study, we characterize a new species belonging to the genus Diphtherophora, named D. eldarica n. sp., from Iran using both morphological and molecular approaches. The new species is characterized by striated cuticle at the anterior end of the body, head offset from the body contour, spear 15-17 µm in length, rod-shaped sperm, overhanging cuticle on the anterior lip of the anus, and a conical tail bent dorsally near the terminus. Diphterophora eldarica n. sp. also lacks ventromedian neck papillae whereas male specimens bear two precloacal ventromedian supplements at the level of the spicules. Additionally, we provide morphological and molecular data for four known Diphtherophora species including D. geraerti, D. caudata, D. perplexans, and D. tenera collected from soils of different plants and localities in Iran. Using the D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S ribosomal (rRNA) gene including D. eldarica n. sp. and additional known species from Iran, we explore for the first time species relationships in the genus Diphtherophora within a molecular phylogenetic framework. Our results support: 1) the monophyly of the genus Diphtherophora with respect to the outgroup taxa (Tylolaimophorus and representatives of Trichodoridae), 2) the existence of six strongly supported clades within Diphtherophora, and 3) a sister relationship between D. eldarica n. sp. and a clade formed by D. perplexans and Diphtherophora sp. from the USA. Finally, this study emphasizes the diversity of the genus Diphtherophora in Iran.

Description and molecular phylogeny of Mesocriconema abolafiai n. sp. (Nematoda: Criconematidae) from Iran.

Mesocriconema abolafiai n. sp. is described by morphological, morphometric, and molecular approaches. The new species is characterized by a body slightly curved with 402 to 612 µm length, 90 to 113 cuticular body annuli with smooth to irregular margins lacking of crenation with not more than one anastomoses, lip region not offset, small flattened submedian lobes, stylet robust (52.8-60.0 µm) with well-developed knobs, open vulva with simple anterior lip, straight vagina, filled spermatheca with globular sperms, presence of males, and conical-acute tail with last annulus bilobed or rounded. Discussions are made on the characterization of M. abolafiai n. sp. from the most closely related species, M. ozarkiense, and several other species having similar tail shape. Furthermore, results of phylogenetic analyses inferred from D2 to D3 expansion fragments of 28S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and ITS rRNA gene sequences revealed the phylogenetic position of the new species within representatives of Criconematidae and supported morphological justifications for considering this population from Iran as a new species in the genus Mesocriconema.Mesocriconema abolafiai n. sp. is described by morphological, morphometric, and molecular approaches. The new species is characterized by a body slightly curved with 402 to 612 µm length, 90 to 113 cuticular body annuli with smooth to irregular margins lacking of crenation with not more than one anastomoses, lip region not offset, small flattened submedian lobes, stylet robust (52.8-60.0 µm) with well-developed knobs, open vulva with simple anterior lip, straight vagina, filled spermatheca with globular sperms, presence of males, and conical-acute tail with last annulus bilobed or rounded. Discussions are made on the characterization of M. abolafiai n. sp. from the most closely related species, M. ozarkiense, and several other species having similar tail shape. Furthermore, results of phylogenetic analyses inferred from D2 to D3 expansion fragments of 28S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and ITS rRNA gene sequences revealed the phylogenetic position of the new species within representatives of Criconematidae and supported morphological justifications for considering this population from Iran as a new species in the genus Mesocriconema.

Systematics of the genus Tylolaimophorus de Man, 1880 (Nematoda: Diphtherophoridae), with description of T. minor (Thorne, 1939) Goodey, 1963 from Iran.

The present work is a compilation of the systematics of the genus Tylolaimophorus (Nematoda: Diphtherophoridae). These nematodes are soil inhabitants that occur mostly in the vicinity of plant roots. An historical taxonomy, amended diagnosis and several taxonomic remarks on the genus are discussed here. A list of all 13 globally known species (and their synonyms) is given and all of them are treated here. For each species, taxonomic information including morphometric data reported worldwide, amended descriptions of females and males, diagnosis of the species and its relationships with closely related species, as well as its distribution and associated plants are discussed. Moreover, based on the most important morphological and morphometric characters, an identification key and a diagnostic compendium to the species are included. Two populations of T. minor are described and illustrated for the first time from Iran. Comparing morphological and morphometric characteristics of the Iranian populations with other populations worldwide reveals that these populations share almost all diagnostic characters except spear length, which is slightly longer in the Russian populations as compared with populations from USA, Poland and Iran.

Genetic intraspecific diversity of Meloidogyne javanica parasitizing vegetables in southern Iran.

In order to investigate different species of root-knot nematodes associated with vegetable production in southern regions of Iran, 37 populations of the most predominant species, Meloidogyne javanica, were recovered. Morphological and morphometric studies were carried on the characters of females, males, J2s and perineal patterns. Species-specific Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) primers confirmed morphological studies, and all these populations produced specific band in 670 bp using Fjav and Rjav primers. Genetic diversity of different populations was studied by Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers implementing 10 primers for each approach. Results revealed a relatively low genetic diversity (the percentage of polymorphic bands were 19.08 and 24.60 for ISSR and RAPD, respectively). The analyses of molecular variance indicated that the variation resulted from genotypic variations within region and variances among regions are 81% and 19% for RAPD, and 86% and 14% for ISSR, respectively. On the other hand, F ST and Nm values are 0.140 and 1.535 for ISSR while these values are 0.188 and 1.079 for RAPD. So it can be concluded that there is a great deal of gene flow between populations due to the movement of plant material contaminated with nematodes, which results in high mixing between populations. ISSR and RAPD datasets failed to group populations according to their geographic region. There were no pathotypes or other intraspecific biological entities observed in the species.In order to investigate different species of root-knot nematodes associated with vegetable production in southern regions of Iran, 37 populations of the most predominant species, Meloidogyne javanica, were recovered. Morphological and morphometric studies were carried on the characters of females, males, J2s and perineal patterns. Species-specific Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) primers confirmed morphological studies, and all these populations produced specific band in 670 bp using Fjav and Rjav primers. Genetic diversity of different populations was studied by Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers implementing 10 primers for each approach. Results revealed a relatively low genetic diversity (the percentage of polymorphic bands were 19.08 and 24.60 for ISSR and RAPD, respectively). The analyses of molecular variance indicated that the variation resulted from genotypic variations within region and variances among regions are 81% and 19% for RAPD, and 86% and 14% for ISSR, respectively. On the other hand, F ST and Nm values are 0.140 and 1.535 for ISSR while these values are 0.188 and 1.079 for RAPD. So it can be concluded that there is a great deal of gene flow between populations due to the movement of plant material contaminated with nematodes, which results in high mixing between populations. ISSR and RAPD datasets failed to group populations according to their geographic region. There were no pathotypes or other intraspecific biological entities observed in the species.

Morphological and molecular characterization of two species of Neothada Khan, 1973 (Nematoda: Tylenchidae) from Iran, with notes on N. cancellata.

Three species of the genus Neothada, including N. cancellata, N. hades and N. major, collected from the rhizosphere of mosses in Khuzestan, southwestern Iran, are redescribed and illustrated. Neothada hades and N. major are new records from Iran. Neothada hades has 14 longitudinal incisures excluding the lateral field, body length of 586 (505-674) µm, stylet 10.5 (10.0-10.8) µm in length bearing distinct basal knobs, and an elongated-conical tail 70.4 (65-74) µm long with a finely to bluntly rounded terminus. N. major possesses 18-20 longitudinal incisures excluding the lateral field, body length of 657 (600-728) µm, stylet 10.9 (10.3-11.7) µm long with basal swellings but not distinct knobs, and an elongated-conical tail 78.2 (70-83) µm long ending to a finely to bluntly rounded terminus. Molecular phylogenetic studies of the two species (N. hades and N. major) with 664 bp of D2-D3 expansion segments of 28 S rDNA revealed that they form a clade with N. cancellata.

Impact of image preprocessing methods on reproducibility of radiomic features in multimodal magnetic resonance imaging in glioblastoma.

To investigate the effect of image preprocessing, in respect to intensity inhomogeneity correction and noise filtering, on the robustness and reproducibility of the radiomics features extracted from the Glioblastoma (GBM) tumor in multimodal MR images (mMRI). In this study, for each patient 1461 radiomics features were extracted from GBM subregions (i.e., edema, necrosis, enhancement, and tumor) of mMRI (i.e., FLAIR, T1, T1C, and T2) volumes for five preprocessing combinations (in total 116 880 radiomics features). The robustness and reproducibility of the radiomics features were assessed under four comparisons: (a) Baseline versus modified bias field; (b) Baseline versus modified bias field followed by noise filtering; (c) Baseline versus modified noise, and (d) Baseline versus modified noise followed bias field correction. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), dynamic range (DR), and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used as metrics. Shape features and subsequently, local binary pattern (LBP) filtered images were highly stable and reproducible against bias field correction and noise filtering in all measurements. In all MRI modalities, necrosis regions (NC: n ̅ ~449/1461, 30%) had the highest number of highly robust features, with CCC and DR >= 0.9, in comparison with edema (ED: n ̅ ~296/1461, 20%), enhanced (EN: n ̅ ~ 281/1461, 19%) and active-tumor regions (TM: n ̅ ~254/1461, 17%). The necrosis regions (NC: n ¯  ~ 449/1461, 30%) had a higher number of highly robust features (CCC and DR >= 0.9) than edema (ED: n ¯  ~ 296/1461, 20%), enhanced (EN: n ¯  ~ 281/1461, 19%) and active-tumor (TM: n ¯  ~ 254/1461, 17%) regions across all modalities. Furthermore, our results identified that the percentage of high reproducible features with ICC >= 0.9 after bias field correction (23.2%), and bias field correction followed by noise filtering (22.4%) were higher in contrast with noise smoothing and also noise smoothing follow by bias correction. These preliminary findings imply that preprocessing sequences can also have a significant impact on the robustness and reproducibility of mMRI-based radiomics features and identification of generalizable and consistent preprocessing algorithms is a pivotal step before imposing radiomics biomarkers into the clinic for GBM patients.

An outline on distribution and hosts of the cystoid nematodes of Ataloderinae Wouts, 1973 and Meloidoderinae Golden, 1971.

The cystoid nematodes of the subfamilies Ataloderinae and Meloidoderinae include 32 recognized species belonging to 10 genera. The geographical distribution and preferred hosts of these nematodes are reviewed in the present paper. Most genera in Ataloderinae are believed to have evolved in North America, but some genera currently show different or wider distributions. Although members of Bellodera, Ekphymatodera, Rhizonemella and Sarisodera have only been recovered from North America, those of Atalodera may be found in both North America and South America. Species of the other genera tend to occur in different geographical locations: Cryphodera species have been recorded in Asia and Oceania while Camelodera and Hylonema species have only reported from Asia and Africa, respectively. Members of Meloidoderinae (Meloidodera spp.) are distributed in North America, Asia and Europe. Plant hosts for the cystoid nematodes are distributed among both monocots and dicots. Nematologists suggest an ancient origin for genera such as Meloidodera, Cryphodera and Rhizonemella which can parasitize gymnosperms.

An updated and annotated checklist of the Tylenchulidae (Nematoda: Criconematoidea) of Iran.

The list of plant parasitic nematodes of the family Tylenchulidae, collected from Iran, is updated. Forty-one species belonging to five genera and three subfamilies are included in the list. Data for seven species of Paratylenchus are added, of which two species-P. perminimus and P. salubris-are new records for the Iranian nematofauna. The list of species, further information on their morphometrics, references to full or partial descriptions, associated plants, geographical distribution and some taxonomic remarks are provided. More detailed studies on some doubtful populations are added. Information on the taxonomic position of species in different classification schemes, as well as the preferences of some species for certain climatic conditions or ecological niches is provided.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Coslenchus paramaritus n. sp. and C. cancellatus (Cobb, 1925) Siddiqi, 1978 (Nematoda: Tylenchidae) from Iran.

Coslenchus paramaritus n. sp. and C. cancellatus were identified based on morphological, morphometric, and molecular characteristics. The new species, C. paramaritus n. sp., is characterized by its cuticle with 18 longitudinal ridges excluding lateral lines, wide cuticular annuli (2.6-3.0 µm), a long tail (94-128 µm), the presence of males and the absence of sexual dimorphism in head shape. Molecular phylogenetic studies of the new species using D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA revealed that the new species formed a sister clade with three unknown populations of Coslenchus in Bayesian inference (BI) phylogeny, while C. cancellatus formed a sister clade with other Coslenchus species including C. oligogyrus, C. franklinae, C. costatus, C. turkeyensis and three unknown populations. C. cancellatus is recovered from Iran for the first time.

Morphological characterization of Trichotylenchus gorganiensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Dolichodoridae) and photomicrographs of several other species of the subfamily Telotylenchinae Siddiqi, 1960.

Trichotylenchus gorganiensis n. sp. is described and illustrated based on morphological and morphometric data. The new species is characterized by its 760-1073 µm long body, conoid-rounded lip region continuous with the body contour and bearing 5-7 fine striae, 22.0-24.5 µm long stylet, basal pharyngeal bulb offset or slightly overlapping intestine, post-anal sac extending 50-73 % of the tail region, and cylindrical or subclavate tail with a striated terminus. Differences of the new species from the closely related species T. astriatus, T. astriatoides, T. changlingensis and T. papyrus are discussed. Photomicrographs and several taxonomic notes on 13 other species of Telotylenchinae, collected from Iran, are provided.

Vibration response of piezoelectric microcantilever as ultrasmall mass sensor in liquid environment.

The present study aims to analyze the vibrating behavior of a piezoelectric microcantilever (MC) as a mass nanosensor. The vibrating behavior of the MC as well as its sensitivity as a mass nanosensor are investigated and compared in both air and liquid environments. To this end, Euler-Bernoulli theory was used to model the vibrating behavior of piezoelectric MC with added mass at its free end. Frequency analysis was conducted by considering geometric discontinuities and taking added mass into account. The effect of liquid environment applied to the MC (as hydrodynamic forces) was based on a string of spheres model. Since changes in resonance frequency are used as the measurement parameter in mass sensors, changes in resonance frequency during absorption of nanoparticles was selected as the main parameter to be investigated in this study. Ultimately, with the aim to achieve optimal geometric dimensions for the piezoelectric MC, sensitivity analysis was additionally performed in order to increase the frequency sensitivity. According to the results, frequency sensitivity of the piezoelectric MC decreased in liquid environment compared to air environments. Moreover, increases in fluid density and viscosity caused a decreased frequency sensitivity. Simulation results indicate that the second vibrating mode in air and liquid environments is the appropriate operating mode for this type of MC.

Numerical Taxonomy Helps Identification of Merliniidae and Telotylenchidae (Nematoda: Tylenchoidea) from Iran.

Numerical taxonomy was used for identification and grouping of the genera, species, and populations in the families Merliniidae and Telotylenchidae. The variability of each of 44 morphometric characters was evaluated by calculation of the coefficient of variability (CV) and the ratio of extremes (max/min) in the range of 1,020 measured females. Also correlation and regression analyses were made between characters to find potential collinearities. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used for (i) grouping 21 genera in the superfamily Dolichodoroidea based on literature data coded for states of 18 diagnostic characters, and (ii) for grouping Iranian populations belonging to selected genera. Furthermore, STEPDISC analysis was used for (i) grouping 11 genera of Merliniidae and Telotylenchidae based on the measurements of 35 characters from 1,007 Iranian female specimens, and (ii) grouping measured females of eight species of Amplimerlinius and Pratylenchoides. The multivariate data analysis approach showed robust enough to summarize relationship between morphometric characters and group genera, species, and populations of the nematodes and in particular help to identify the genera and species of Amplimerlinius and Pratylenchoides.

Morphological characterisation of a new and two known species of Ditylenchus Filipjev, 1936 (Nematoda: Anguinidae) from Iran.

Ditylenchus sturhani sp. n. from the rhizosphere of grasses in East Azarbaijan province, Northwestern Iran, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterised by a straight to slightly arcuate body 656-865 µm in length, presence of four incisures in each lateral field, slender stylet 10-12 µm in length, pharyngeal basal bulb offset or slightly overlapping the intestine, post-uterine sac 1.0-1.9 vulval body diameter long and conical tail with finely rounded terminus. Differences with closely related species including D. solani, D. ausafi, D. angustus, D. dipsaci, D. drepanocercus, D. obesus and D. gallaeformans are discussed. In addition, Iranian populations of two known species, D. valveus and D. virtudesae, are morphologically characterised.