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The cytology study is effective and reliable technique in intraoperative consultation. This study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the cytology study in intraoperative consultation of the breast lesions. 125 specimens of the breast lesions were examined and studied in Imam Khomeini Hospital during the years 1998-99. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for cytological method were 87.5% , 95%, 90.5% and for the frozen section 92.4%, 100% and 95.4% respectively. The false positive reports were 2% in the cytology technique and the most important source of error and false postivie reports was fibroadenoma in this method. By reviewing the results. It could be concluded that combination of these two techniques is beneficial and more reliable in intraoperative consultation resports of the breast lesions

In temperate regions, the one-year life cycle forms observable growth rings influenced by the genetic, physiological, climatic, and physiographic structures of trees that consider in dendrochronology. Common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L. var. horizontalis) is a precious Mediterranean species that grows in the Hyrcanian regions, as the only native cypress in Iran. In order to determine the annual diameter growth of this species and to identify the oldest trees, a sample of 92 aging woods was selected in the Hyrcanian habitats of Iran. Samples were collected by an increment borer with a length of 50 cm and measured in the dendrochronology laboratory by Lintab 6 device, and the obtained data were automatically recorded for time matching in TSAP-Win software and time series analysis. After comparative dating and eliminating any measurement error, the mean values of the vegetative ring width of all specimens were calculated and the average growth of the cypress was obtained. The relationship between the width of growth rings in each cypress tree, and the difference in tree growth of the three provinces viz. Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan was evaluated using R software. The results showed that a tree in Viaeyeh, Rudbar county is the oldest tree in existence reaching an age of 1519 years. The annual diameter growth of cypress is reported as 0.95 mm. The growth rate curve in Mazandaran province during the last 450 years showed milder characteristics in the arrangement, uniformity and slope of change compared to the other two provinces. This indicates the stability of climatic and habitat conditions in Hassanabad, Mazandaran province, compared with the two other areas and sufficient evidence that this area is very close to the Mediterranean climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical literature may constitute a valuable source of information to reconstruct sea-level changes. Here, historical documents and geological records have been combined to reconstruct Caspian sea-level (CSL) changes during the last millennium. In addition to a comprehensive literature review, new data from two short sediment cores were obtained from the south-eastern Caspian coast to identify coastal change driven by water-level changes and to compare the results with other geological and historical findings. The overall results indicate a high-stand during the Little Ice Age, up to -21 m (and extra rises due to manmade river avulsion), with a -28 m low-stand during the Medieval Climate Anomaly, while presently the CSL stands at -26.5 m. A comparison of the CSL curve with other lake systems and proxy records suggests that the main sea-level oscillations are essentially paced by solar irradiance. Although the major controller of the long-term CSL changes is driven by climatological factors, the seismicity of the basin creates local changes in base level. These local base-level changes should be considered in any CSL reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced autophagy provides cytoprotection from renal tubular epithelial cell injury due to oxidants and chemical hypoxia in vitro, as well as from ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in vivo. We demonstrate that the ER stress inducer tunicamycin triggers an unfolded protein response, upregulates ER chaperone Grp78, and activates the autophagy pathway in renal tubular epithelial cells in culture. Inhibition of ER stress-induced autophagy accelerated caspase-3 activation and cell death suggesting a pro-survival role of ER stress-induced autophagy. Compared to wild-type cells, autophagy-deficient MEFs subjected to ER stress had enhanced caspase-3 activation and cell death, a finding that further supports the cytoprotective role of ER stress-induced autophagy. Induction of autophagy by ER stress markedly afforded cytoprotection from oxidants H2O2 and tert-Butyl hydroperoxide and from chemical hypoxia induced by antimycin A. In contrast, inhibition of ER stress-induced autophagy or autophagy-deficient cells markedly enhanced cell death in response to oxidant injury and chemical hypoxia. In mouse kidney, similarly to renal epithelial cells in culture, tunicamycin triggered ER stress, markedly upregulated Grp78, and activated autophagy without impairing the autophagic flux. In addition, ER stress-induced autophagy markedly ameliorated renal IR injury as evident from significant improvement in renal function and histology. Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine markedly increased renal IR injury. These studies highlight beneficial impact of ER stress-induced autophagy in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury both in vitro and in vivo.

Numerous variables that regulate the metabolism of Sertoli cells and sperm have been identified, one of which is sex steroid hormones. These hormones play a vital role in maintaining energy homeostasis, influencing the overall metabolic balance of the human body. The proper functioning of the reproductive system is closely linked to energy status, as the reproductive axis responds to metabolic signals. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression patterns of metabolite interconversion enzymes in testicular cells (Sertoli cells and spermatogonia) of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients, as compared to normal controls, to understand the molecular mechanisms contributing to NOA. We used microarray and bioinformatics techniques to analyze 2912 genes encoding metabolite interconversion enzymes, including methyltransferase, monooxygenase, transmembrane reductase, and phosphohydrolase, in both testicular cells and normal samples. In sperm, the upregulation of MOXD1, ACAD10, PCYT1A, ARG1, METTL6, GPLD1, MAOA, and CYP46A1 was observed, while ENTPD2, CPT1C, ADC, and CYB5B were downregulated. Similarly, in the Sertoli cells of three NOA patients, RPIA, PIK3C3, LYPLA2, CA11, MBOAT7, and HDHD2 were upregulated, while NAA25, MAN2A1, CYB561, PNPLA5, RRM2, and other genes were downregulated. Using STRING and Cytoscape, we predicted the functional and molecular interactions of these proteins and identified key hub genes. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted significant roles for G1/S-specific transcription, pyruvate metabolism, and citric acid metabolism in sperm, and the p53 signaling pathway and folate metabolism in Sertoli cells. Additionally, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were performed to validate these findings, revealing significant alterations in gene expression and cellular distribution in NOA patients. Together, these results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA and identify potential therapeutic targets., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The rise of treatment resistance and variability across malignant profiles has made precision oncology an imperative in today's medical landscape. Prostate cancer is a prevalent form of cancer in males, characterized by significant diversity in both genomic and clinical characteristics. The tumor microenvironment consists of stroma, tumor cells, and various immune cells. The stromal components and tumor cells engage in mutual communication and facilitate the development of a low-oxygen and pro-cancer milieu by producing cytokines and activating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways., Methods: In order to discover new genes associated with tumor cells that interact and facilitate a hypoxic environment in prostate cancer, we conducted a cutting-edge bioinformatics investigation. This included analyzing high-throughput genomic datasets obtained from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA)., Results: A combination of weighted gene co-expression network analysis and single-cell sequencing has identified nine dysregulated immune hub genes (AMACR, KCNN3, MME, EGFR, FLT1, GDF15, KDR, IGF1, and KRT7) that are believed to have significant involvement in the biological pathways involved with the advancement of prostate cancer enviriment. In the prostate cancer environment, we observed the overexpression of GDF15 and KRT7 genes, as well as the downregulation of other genes. Additionally, the cBioPortal platform was used to investigate the frequency of alterations in the genes and their effects on the survival of the patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the changes in the candidate genes were associated with a reduction in the overall survival of the patients., Conclusions: In summary, the findings indicate that studying the genes and their genomic changes may be used to develop precise treatments for prostate cancer. This approach involves early detection and targeted therapy., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The pyramids of Giza originally overlooked a now defunct arm of the Nile. This fluvial channel, the Khufu branch, enabled navigation to the Pyramid Harbor complex but its precise environmental history is unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we use pollen-derived vegetation patterns to reconstruct 8,000 y of fluvial variations on the Giza floodplain. After a high-stand level concomitant with the African Humid Period, our results show that Giza's waterscapes responded to a gradual insolation-driven aridification of East Africa, with the lowest Nile levels recorded at the end of the Dynastic Period. The Khufu branch remained at a high-water level (∼40% of its Holocene maximum) during the reigns of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, facilitating the transportation of construction materials to the Giza Pyramid Complex.

Ongoing global change and its direct environmental impacts, in addition to securing economic transition to the post-oil era, could trigger complex socio-economic and political crises in oil-dependent economies of the Persian Gulf Region (PGR). To evaluate the role of climate change and related policies in degrading the environment and its socio-economic impacts in the PGR, we have used a variety of available global datasets and published data. The results show that the countries of the PGR pursue some types of socio-economic reforms to alleviate the impacts of climate change. However, it seems that these attempts are not compatible with the environment's capacity. The main problem stems from the fact that political differences between the PGR nations prevent them from managing the Persian Gulf environment as an integrated natural system and consequently they have to limit their efforts within their borders, regardless of what happens in other parts of the system. The shift to alternative revenue sources by the countries needs socioeconomic preparedness while there are environmental obstacles, political tensions and geopolitical rivalries. Unless there is a cooperative approach to mitigate the effects of climate change, accompanied by a reorientation of PGR economies, the situation is likely to worsen rather than improve. To address the challenges of climate change, integrated regional collaborations are needed. Collective action, such as more investment in regional research and development and education, is required if the PGR is to successfully transition from a commodity-based to a knowledge-based economy., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Southwest Asia is climatically and topographically a highly diverse region in the xeric belt of the Old World. Its diversity of arid habitats and climatic conditions acted as an important area for the evolution and diversification of up to 20 (of 38 known) independent Eudicot C 4 origins. Some of these lineages present unique evolutionary strategies like single-cell functioning C 4 and C 3 -C 4 switching mechanisms. The high diversity of C 4 taxa in Southwest (SW) Asia is also related to the presence of seven phytogeographic zones including the Irano-Turanian region as a center of diversification of many Caryophyllales lineages and the Somali-Masai region (Southern Oman and Yemen) as a center of diversification for C 4 Monocots. Nevertheless, the C 4 flora of SW Asia has not received detailed attention. This paper presents a comprehensive review of all known C 4 species in the area based on a literature survey, own floristic observations, as well as taxonomic, phylogenetic and herbarium data, and δ 13 C-isotope ratio analysis. The resulting checklist includes a total number of 923 (861 native, of which 141 endemic, and 62 introduced) C 4 species, composed of 350 Eudicots and 509 Monocots, most of which are therophytic and hemicryptophytic xerophytes with pluriregional and Irano-Turanian distribution. Two hundred thirty-nine new δ 13 C-isotope ratios of C 4 and C 3 plants, as well as some taxonomic changes are presented. An analysis of the distribution of the three main C 4 plant families (Chenopodiaceae, Poaceae, and Cyperaceae) in the region in relation to climatic variables indicates that the increase of C 4 species follows more or less a latitudinal gradient similar to global patterns, while separate taxonomic groups seem to depend on specific factors as continentality (Chenopodiaceae), average annual temperature (Cyperaceae), and the presence of summer precipitation (Poaceae). An increase of C 4 Eudicots in W-E direction even in similar longitudinal belts is explained by a combination of edaphic and climatic conditions. The provided data should encourage a deeper interest in the evolution of C 4 lineages in SW Asia and their adaptation to ecological and climatical conditions and awaken interest in the importance of local C 4 crops, the conservation of threatened C 4 taxa, and awareness of human impacts on the rapid environmental changes in the region., (Copyright © 2020 Rudov, Mashkour, Djamali and Akhani.)

The Fertile Crescent, its hilly flanks and surrounding drylands has been a critical region for studying how climate has influenced societal change, and this review focuses on the region over the last 20,000 years. The complex social, economic, and environmental landscapes in the region today are not new phenomena and understanding their interactions requires a nuanced, multidisciplinary understanding of the past. This review builds on a history of collaboration between the social and natural palaeoscience disciplines. We provide a multidisciplinary, multiscalar perspective on the relevance of past climate, environmental, and archaeological research in assessing present day vulnerabilities and risks for the populations of southwest Asia. We discuss the complexity of palaeoclimatic data interpretation, particularly in relation to hydrology, and provide an overview of key time periods of palaeoclimatic interest. We discuss the critical role that vegetation plays in the human-climate-environment nexus and discuss the implications of the available palaeoclimate and archaeological data, and their interpretation, for palaeonarratives of the region, both climatically and socially. We also provide an overview of how modelling can improve our understanding of past climate impacts and associated change in risk to societies. We conclude by looking to future work, and identify themes of "scale" and "seasonality" as still requiring further focus. We suggest that by appreciating a given locale's place in the regional hydroscape, be it an archaeological site or palaeoenvironmental archive, more robust links to climate can be made where appropriate and interpretations drawn will demand the resolution of factors acting across multiple scales. This article is categorized under:Human Water > Water as Imagined and RepresentedScience of Water > Water and Environmental ChangeWater and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems., Competing Interests: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article., (© 2019 The Authors. WIREs Water published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Impacts of global climate change on terrestrial ecosystems are imperfectly constrained by ecosystem models and direct observations. Pervasive ecosystem transformations occurred in response to warming and associated climatic changes during the last glacial-to-interglacial transition, which was comparable in magnitude to warming projected for the next century under high-emission scenarios. We reviewed 594 published paleoecological records to examine compositional and structural changes in terrestrial vegetation since the last glacial period and to project the magnitudes of ecosystem transformations under alternative future emission scenarios. Our results indicate that terrestrial ecosystems are highly sensitive to temperature change and suggest that, without major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, terrestrial ecosystems worldwide are at risk of major transformation, with accompanying disruption of ecosystem services and impacts on biodiversity., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.)

The brine shrimp Artemia urmiana, an abundant inhabitant of the hypersaline Urmia Lake in northwestern Iran, has recently been described from Lake Koyashskoe, also a shallow hypersaline lake that is located on the Black Sea coast of the Crimean Peninsula (Ukraine). This discovery has questioned the endemicity of A. urmiana in Urmia Lake and has also brought into question the biogeographical origin of this species. In the present study, we combined recent genetic divergence data (mtDNA-COI) with palaeoecological evidence to address the biogeographical origin of A. urmiana. Calibration of the molecular clock of the COI region was set by assigning the age of the micro-crustacean Daphnia pulex minimally at 145 Mya. The divergence age of A. urmiana in Urmia Lake dates back to 383,000 years, whereas Ukrainian Artemia reflects a very young populations that diverged about 196,000 years ago. Palaeoecological evidence suggests that the age of the major habitat of A. urmiana i.e. Urmia Lake goes back to the Tertiary Period while the Ukranian habitats of the species are very young, by virtue of geological features of the Holocene age. We conclude that the biogeographical origin of A. urmiana is outside of Europe and the current state of knowledge strongly suggests that Urmia Lake has been the major source of its expansion into its modern habitats in Europe.

The study of two pollen sequences from El-Kala marshes allowed the reconstruction of the regional vegetation history supported by eight radiocarbon dates. Pollen assemblages from Bourdim site were dominated by local input of Alnus and Salix, while regional vegetation was characterized by scattered Quercus suber forests with a well-developed Erica arborea matorral. While the vegetation dynamics recorded at Bourdim is recent (Late Holocene), the majority of the pollen diagram from Garaat El-Ouez is contemporaneous to the Late Pleniglacial and is characterized by open woodlands with Pinus, Poaceae and several heliophilous herbs. The significant values of Cedrus pollen identified in this period indicate that the region of El-Kala most probably played the role of a refugium for this tree., (Copyright © 2010 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)