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Bioleaching as a low cost and environment-friendly process could be a promising option for the enrichment of froth flotation products. Flotation reagents (collectors, frothers, etc.) are effective on the bacteria growth and oxidation activity; however, their impact has not been widely investigated. In this study, the effect of conventional reagents for sulfide flotation; collectors: potassium amylxanthate (KAX), potassium isobutyl-xanthate (KIBX), sodium ethylxanthate (NaEX), potassium isopropyl xanthate (KIPX) and Dithiophosphate (Aero3477), and frothers; pine oil (PO) and methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) in various concentrations have been examined on Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans activities. The results of this study demonstrate these flotation surfactants may have positive or negative influences on the bio-oxidation, based on their chemical compositions and/or concentrations. In general, the inhabitation effects of collectors would be increased in higher dosages and based on differences between results of various conditioning tests with the control test (without reagent) in different days, this effect could be considered by the following order: for 0.01 g/L: KAX > KIPX > KIBX > Aero3477 > NaEX, 0.1 g/L: NaEX > KIPX > KAX > KIBX > Aero3477, and 1 g/L: NaEX > KIPX > KIBX > KAX > Aero3477, and for frothers: MIBC > PO in all concentrates. These outputs potentially can be used for the selection of flotation surfactants when the flotation products are going to be further processed by bioleaching for the metallurgical extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological specialists constitute relevant case studies for understanding the mechanisms, potential and limitations of evolution. The species-rich and strictly myrmecophagous spiders of the genus Zodarion show diversified defence mechanisms, including myrmecomorphy of different ant species and nocturnality. Through Hybridization Capture Using RAD Probes (hyRAD), a phylogenomic technique designed for sequencing poorly preserved specimens, we reconstructed a phylogeny of Zodarion using 52 (approx. a third of the nominal) species that cover its phylogenetic and distributional diversity. We then estimated the evolution of body size and colour, traits that have diversified noticeably and are linked to defence mechanisms, across the group. Our genomic matrix of 300 loci led to a well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis that uncovered two main clades inside Zodarion . Ancestral state estimation revealed the highly dynamic evolution of body size and colour across the group, with multiple transitions and convergences in both traits, which we propose is likely indicative of multiple transitions in ant specialization across the genus. Our study will allow the informed targeted selection of Zodarion taxa of special interest for research into the group's remarkable adaptations to ant specialization. It also exemplifies the utility of hyRAD for phylogenetic studies using museum material.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been proposed as a promising material for non-thermal chemical separations owing to their high structural diversity and tunability. Here, we report the synthesis of a zinc-based MOF containing a three-dimensional (3D) linker, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, with high thermal stability towards the separation of hexane isomers. The incorporation of the 3D linker enhances the structural stability and provides well-defined pore apertures/channels with sub-Ångstrom precision. This precision allowed for the separation of similarly sized hexane isomers based on subtle differences in their kinetic diameters. Multi-component liquid phase batch experiments confirmed the separation of hexanes mixture into linear, monobranched, and dibranched isomers. This work represents a significant milestone in the construction of stable Zn-based MOFs and the incorporation of 3D linkers as a potential solution to challenging separations., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly tunable materials with potential for use as porous media in non-thermal adsorption or membrane-based separations. However, many separations target molecules with sub-angstrom differences in size, requiring precise control over the pore size. Herein, we demonstrate that this precise control can be achieved by installing a three-dimensional linker in an MOF with one-dimensional channels. Specifically, we synthesized single crystals and bulk powder of NU-2002 , an isostructural framework to MIL-53 with bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid as the organic linker component. Using variable-temperature X-ray diffraction studies, we show that increasing linker dimensionality limits structural breathing relative to MIL-53. Furthermore, single-component adsorption isotherms demonstrate the efficacy of this material for separating hexane isomers based on the different sizes and shapes of these isomers.

Four new species of lycosids from Iran are described: Lycosa soboutii sp. n. (, Zanjan Province), Karakumosa golestanica sp. n. (, Golestan Province), K. sarvari sp. n. (, Razavi Khorasan Province), and K. yahaghii sp. n. (, South Khorasan Province). Karakumosa shmatkoi Logunov Ponomarev, 2020 (, Razavi Khorasan Province) is reported from Iran for the first time, and its male is redescribed.

Spiders are one of the most important orders of Arachnida comprising more than 48,000 species in the world. Except for families Uloboridae and Holarchaeidae, all others are classified as the venomous spider. However, only about 200 species are medically relevant and cause public health problems or even death. In Iran, there are 51 families and 763 species of spiders, of which the families, Theridiidae and Sicariidae are dangerous for the human being, and the first one is more prevalent. The Latrodectus is considered one of the most poisonous spiders in the world and Iran. This genus has five species in Iran, among which Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (black widow spider or “Dolmak”) is considered one of the most poisonous spiders in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this species in the Northwest of Iran (West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, and Ardabil provinces, Iran). Spatial distribution maps were prepared using GIS 9.4. In the current study, five adult female spiders were collected from Germi and Ardabil cities (Ardabil Province), Ahar County (East Azerbaijan province), and Urmia city (West Azerbaijan province) of Iran. These species were first observed in Ardabil province, Iran. Therefore, the presence of Latrodectus species under the rocks in wheat farms in this corner of Iran may be a threat to farms and visitors. People in these areas should wear gloves and avoid any activity that disturbs the spiders and make them aggressive., (Copyright © 2021, Author(s). Published by Kowsar.)

We recently engineered the first female reproductive tract on a chip (EVATAR), to enable sex-based ex vivo research. To increase the scalability and accessibility of EVATAR, we turned to 3D printing (3DP) technologies, selecting two biocompatible 3DP resins, Dental SG (DSG) and Dental LT (DLT) to generate 3DP microphysiologic platforms. Due to the known sensitivity of reproductive cells to leachable compounds, we first screened for toxicity of these biomaterials using an in vitro mammalian oocyte maturation assay. Culture of mouse oocytes in 3DP plates using conventionally treated DSG resin resulted in rapid oocyte degeneration. Oxygen plasma treatment of the surface of printed DSG resin prevented this degeneration, and the majority of the resulting oocytes progressed through meiosis in vitro. However, 57.0% ± 37.2% of the cells cultured in the DSG resin plates exhibited abnormal chromosome morphology compared to 19.4% ± 17.3% of controls cultured in polystyrene. All tested DLT resin conditions, including plasma treatment, resulted in complete and rapid oocyte degeneration. To identify the ovo-toxic component of DLT, we analyzed DLT leachate using mass spectroscopy. We identified Tinuvin 292, a commercial light stabilizer, as a major component of the DLT leachate, which resulted in a dose-dependent disruption of meiotic progression and increase in chromosomal abnormalities with oocyte exposure, showing significant ovo-toxicity in mammals. Severe reproductive toxicity induced by in vitro exposure to these 3D-printed resins highlights potential risks of deploying insufficiently characterized materials for biomedical applications and underscores the need for more rigorous evaluation and designation of biocompatible materials., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Non Helicobacter pylori gastric Helicobacters (NHPGHs) are associated with a range of upper gastrointestinal symptoms, histologic and endoscopic findings. For the first time in Iran, we performed a cross-sectional study in order to determine the prevalence of five species of NHPGHs in patients presenting with dyspepsia., Methods: The participants were divided into H. pylori-infected and NHPGH-infected groups, based on the rapid urease test, histological analysis of biopsies, and PCR assay of ureA, ureB, and ureAB genes. The study included 428 gastric biopsies form dyspeptic patients, who did not receive any treatment for H. pylori. The samples were collected and sent to the laboratory within two years. H. pylori was identified in 368 samples, which were excluded from the study. Finally, a total of 60 non-H. pylori samples were studied for NHPGH species., Results: The overall frequency of NHPGH species was 10 for H. suis (three duodenal ulcer, three gastritis, and four gastric ulcer samples), 10 for H. felis (one gastritis, three duodenal ulcer, and six gastric ulcer samples), 20 for H. salomonis (four duodenal ulcer, five gastritis, and 11 gastric ulcer samples), 13 for H. heilmannii (three gastritis, five duodenal ulcer, and five gastric ulcer samples), and 7 for H. bizzozeronii (zero gastric ulcer, two duodenal ulcer, and five gastritis samples)., Conclusions: Given our evidence about the possibility of involvement of NHPGHs in patients suffering from gastritis and nonexistence of mixed H. pylori infection, bacteriological testing of subjects negative for H. pylori becomes clinically relevant and important. Our findings suggest H. salomonis has the highest rate among the NHPGH species in Iranian dyspeptic patients.

Aloe vera is used for its large variety of biological activities such as wound healing, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, gastroprotective, and anti-cancer. Although the beneficial effects of Aloe vera on wound healing have been proven, little is known about its effects at the cellular level. In this study, we evaluated the angiogenic and migrative effects of Aloe vera gel on fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells were cultured in monolayer conditions with low glucose DMEM with 10% serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. Fresh and mature leaves of Aloe vera were used for gel preparation. Cell proliferation and morphology were studied by an inverted microscope. The migration of fibroblasts was assessed by scratch assay. MTT assay was performed for cell viability assessment, and real-time RT-PCR was used for evaluation of PECAM-1 , integrin α1 and β1 transcription. After two days, the protein level of PECAM-1 was detected by flow cytometry. Our results showed that Aloe vera has a higher proliferative effect on fibroblasts in comparison with endothelial cells. Aloe vera also induced the migration of fibroblasts. The viability of both types of cells was similar to control ones. Integrin α 1, β 1 and PECAM-1 gene expression increased significantly (P <0.005) in Aloe vera treated fibroblasts and endothelial cells in comparison with the control groups. However, the expression of these genes was significantly higher in fibroblasts in comparison with endothelial cells. Protein levels of PECAM-1 showed no change in both cell types upon Aloe vera treatment. Aloe vera gel induced angiogenic and cell adhesion properties in fibroblasts more than endothelial cells. Further investigations are needed to show the main role of fibroblasts rather than endothelial cells in wound healing by Aloe vera administration.

The human vitreous humour is a complex gel structure whose composition and physical properties can vary considerably from person to person and also change with age. To date, the viscoelastic properties of the human vitreous gel has not been thoroughly investigated and despite many years of intensive research, an ideal vitreous substitute remains a challenge. Understanding the physical structure and properties of the vitreous is of fundamental and therapeutic interest, providing a clear insight into diffusion and transport of administered ophthalmic drug molecules into the vitreous. A number of mammalian surrogates, mainly bovine, porcine and ovine vitreous humours have been used in the literature as a means of studying ophthalmic drug transport and diffusion. In this study, the mechanical, physical and rheological properties of ovine, porcine, and bovine surrogates were investigated and compared to human vitreous. In addition, a bespoke Franz cell construct was used to compare the diffusion of a model drug (fluorescein) through vitreous samples. Despite the similarity in rheological properties between bovine, porcine and human vitreous samples, diffusion of fluorescein through the different vitreous samples revealed great differences in values of steady-state flux and diffusion coefficient. In addition, a first-generation vitreous mimic, composed of 4.5 mg/mL hyaluronic acid with complex viscosity of 0.3 ± 0.01 Pa has been evaluated and was demonstrated to be a better mimic of the human vitreous than the mammalian samples investigated., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

A study of Pardosa pontica (Thorell, 1875) in Iran indicates two distinct morphospecies. A detailed comparison of these morphospecies and types of P. pontica reveals that populations from Mazandaran, Golestan and North Khorasan Provinces of Iran and Balkan Welaýaty of Turkmenistan belong to a newly described species, P. mirzakhaniae sp. n., and populations in western and easternmost Iran belong to P. pontica. Although the two morphospecies differ in colour, size and spination, no molecular differences in 16S rRNA and COI were detected.

In vitro cell based models have been invaluable tools for studying cell behaviour and for investigating drug disposition, toxicity and potential adverse effects of administered drugs. Within this drug discovery pipeline, the ability to assess and prioritise candidate compounds as soon as possible offers a distinct advantage. However, the ability to apply this approach to a cell culture study is limited by the need to provide an accurate, in vitro-like, microenvironment in conjunction with a low cost and high-throughput screening (HTS) methodology. Although the geometry and/or alignment of cells has been reported to have a profound influence on cell growth and differentiation, only a handful of studies have directly compared the growth of a single cell line on different shaped multiwell plates the most commonly used substrate for HTS, in vitro, studies. Herein, the impact of various surface geometries (flat, round and v-shaped 96 well plates), as well as fixed volume growth media and fixed growth surface area have been investigated on the characteristics of three commonly used human cell lines in biopharmaceutical research and development, namely ARPE-19 (retinal epithelial), A549 (alveolar epithelial) and Malme-3M (dermal fibroblastic) cells. The effect of the surface curvature on cells was characterised using a combination of a metabolic activity assay (CellTiter AQ/MTS), LDH release profiles (CytoTox ONE) and absolute cell counts (Guava ViaCount), respectively. In addition, cell differentiation and expression of specific marker proteins were determined using flow cytometry. These in vitro results confirmed that surface topography had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on cell activity and morphology. However, although specific marker proteins were expressed on day 1 and 5 of the experiment, no significant differences were seen between the different plate geometries (p < 0.05) at the later time point. Accordingly, these results highlight the impact of substrate geometry on the culture of a cell line and the influence it has on the cells' correct growth and differentiation characteristics. As such, these results provide important implications in many aspects of cell biology the development of a HTS, in vitro, cell based systems to further investigate different aspects of toxicity testing and drug delivery.

Tissue engineering is a rapidly expanding field that aims to establish feasible techniques to fabricate biologically equivalent replacements for diseased and damaged tissues/organs. Emerging from this prospect is the development of in vitro representations of organs for drug toxicity assessment. Due to the ever-increasing interest in ocular drug delivery as a route for administration as well as the rise of new ophthalmic therapeutics, there is a demand for physiologically accurate in vitro models of the eye to assess drug delivery and safety of new ocular medicines. This review summarizes current existing ocular models and highlights the important factors and limitations that need to be considered during their use.

Legionella pneumophila, the agent of Legionnaires' disease, secretes a siderophore (legiobactin) that promotes bacterial infection of the lung. In past work, we determined that cytoplasmic LbtA (from Legiobactin gene A) promotes synthesis of legiobactin, inner membrane LbtB aids in export of the siderophore, and outer membrane LbtU and inner membrane LbtC help mediate ferrilegiobactin uptake and assimilation. However, the past studies examined legiobactin contained within bacterial culture supernatants. By utilizing high-pressure liquid chromatography that incorporates hydrophilic interaction-based chemistry, we have now purified legiobactin from supernatants of virulent strain 130b that is suitable for detailed chemical analysis. High-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) revealed that the molecular mass of (protonated) legiobactin is 437.140 Da. On the basis of the results obtained from both MS analysis and various forms of nuclear magnetic resonance, we found that legiobactin is composed of two citric acid residues linked by a putrescine bridge and thus is identical in structure to rhizoferrin, a polycarboxylate-type siderophore made by many fungi and several unrelated bacteria. Both purified legiobactin and rhizoferrin obtained from the fungus Cunninghamella elegans were able to promote Fe(3+) uptake by wild-type L. pneumophila as well as enhance growth of iron-starved bacteria. These results did not occur with 130b mutants lacking lbtU or lbtC, indicating that both endogenously made legiobactin and exogenously derived rhizoferrin are assimilated by L. pneumophila in an LbtU- and LbtC-dependent manner., (Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.)

Introduction: To determine the relationship between bacterial vaginosis and preterm labour., Method: In this study 160 labouring women admitted in Bahonar Hospital were studied for the presence of bacterial vaginosis based on the presence of clue cells. Control group consisted of 80 women with the gestational age of more than 38 weeks and the case group consisted of 80 women with the gestational age of 20-37 weeks. The two groups were compared in regard to the presence of bacterial vaginosis., Results: In the study group 25% of subjects with preterm labour had bacterial vaginosis, while in the control group only 11.3% had symptoms of bacterial vaginosis that shows a significant difference (P = 0.039)., Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis can induce preterm labor. Therefore the screening of high-risk women for bacterial vaginosis is highly recommended.