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Leaf litter microbes collectively degrade plant polysaccharides, influencing land-atmosphere carbon exchange. An open question is how substrate complexity-defined as the structure of the saccharide and the amount of external processing by extracellular enzymes-influences species interactions. We tested the hypothesis that monosaccharides (i.e. xylose) promote negative interactions through resource competition, and polysaccharides (i.e. xylan) promote neutral or positive interactions through resource partitioning or synergism among extracellular enzymes. We assembled a three-species community of leaf litter-degrading bacteria isolated from a grassland site in Southern California. In the polysaccharide xylan, pairs of species stably coexisted and grew equally in coculture and in monoculture. Conversely, in the monosaccharide xylose, competitive exclusion and negative interactions prevailed. These pairwise dynamics remained consistent in a three-species community: all three species coexisted in xylan, while only two species coexisted in xylose, with one species capable of using peptone. A mathematical model showed that in xylose these dynamics could be explained by resource competition. Instead, the model could not predict the coexistence patterns in xylan, suggesting other interactions exist during biopolymer degradation. Overall, our study shows that substrate complexity influences species interactions and patterns of coexistence in a synthetic microbial community of leaf litter degraders.

BACKGROUND: The chicken body louse is an obligate ectoparasite of domestic chickens. Chicken body lice feed on feathers, and infestation with this louse is linked to decreases in egg production, hen weight, and feed conversion efficiency. However, it is unknown how chicken body lice impact egg-laying chickens in cage-free environments. Welfare and behavior metrics were collected from flocks of egg-laying chickens either infested with chicken body lice or left uninfested. METHODS: In two trials, two flocks of cage-free commercial egg-laying chickens were infested with chicken body lice or maintained as uninfested controls. At three timepoints, behavior and welfare of all chickens was measured. On-animal sensors were used to quantify pecking, preening, and dustbathing behavior. Other animal-based welfare metrics included recording comb wounds and skin lesions. RESULTS: Birds infested with chicken body lice exhibited significantly more preening behaviors than uninfested birds, even at low louse levels. Moderate or severe skin lesions were detected on birds that were moderately infested with chicken body lice while skin lesions were never detected on uninfested birds. CONCLUSIONS: The welfare of chickens was impacted by the chicken body louse, a chewing louse that primarily feather feeds. Evidence of skin lesions on infested birds suggests that lice may cause more damage to birds than previously thought, and further evaluation of louse economic damage is necessary.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on sexual maturation, plasma sex steroids [17β-estradiol, (E2) and 17α-hydroxy progesterone (17α_OHP)] and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, T3 and thyroxin, T4) levels in upstream - migrating Caspian lamprey. During the experiment, 36 fish (24 females and 12 males) in spring 2013 and 36 fish (24 females and 12 males) in fall 2013 were collected from the Shirud River estuary in Mazandaran Province, the Southern Caspian Sea during their upstream migration to the freshwater. All fish were injected with hCG at the doses of 1000, 1500 and 2000 IU.kg BW-1. The injection was a two - step process (50% of hormone in each step) by 12 h interval. After the first injection, fish were retained in the cages in the river beds and 24 hours after the second injection, fish were checked for egg and sperm release after mild abdomen pressure. Blood samples were taken for determining sex steroid levels. Results showed that hCG hormone injections caused increase in migration of germinal vesicle in the oocyte of female and sperm release in males. Significant differences were found in the serum E2 and 17α-OHP levels in hCG - injected fish compared to the control. However, no significant differences were found in serum T3 and T4 levels in the hCG - injected fish. According to the results, the appropriate hCG dosage to induce the reproduction acceleration in Caspian lamprey is 1500-2000 IU.kg BW^-1.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of short-term (~1 y) drought events-the most common duration of drought-globally. Yet the impact of this intensification of drought on ecosystem functioning remains poorly resolved. This is due in part to the widely disparate approaches ecologists have employed to study drought, variation in the severity and duration of drought studied, and differences among ecosystems in vegetation, edaphic and climatic attributes that can mediate drought impacts. To overcome these problems and better identify the factors that modulate drought responses, we used a coordinated distributed experiment to quantify the impact of short-term drought on grassland and shrubland ecosystems. With a standardized approach, we imposed ~a single year of drought at 100 sites on six continents. Here we show that loss of a foundational ecosystem function-aboveground net primary production (ANPP)-was 60% greater at sites that experienced statistically extreme drought (1-in-100-y event) vs. those sites where drought was nominal (historically more common) in magnitude (35% vs. 21%, respectively). This reduction in a key carbon cycle process with a single year of extreme drought greatly exceeds previously reported losses for grasslands and shrublands. Our global experiment also revealed high variability in drought response but that relative reductions in ANPP were greater in drier ecosystems and those with fewer plant species. Overall, our results demonstrate with unprecedented rigor that the global impacts of projected increases in drought severity have been significantly underestimated and that drier and less diverse sites are likely to be most vulnerable to extreme drought.

Abstract Background Over the past few years, the sport psychology literature has established that gender stereotype threat (ST) is one of the factors that can impair girls’ performance. However, few studies have attempted to annihilate these negative effects. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether questioning gender ST can mitigate the classical decline in girls’ standing long jump (SLJ) performance. Methods The participants were 120 girls (Mage = 10.74 ± 0.85 years), selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: the gender ST group (n = 40), the questioning group (n = 40), and the control group (n = 40). For all groups, baseline performance (i.e., SLJ) was measured by a female researcher following a warm-up period. In the experimental phase, the control group repeated the baseline conditions; the gender ST group completed the same test but was evaluated by a male examiner (i.e., implicit stereotype induction), while participants in the questioning group were assessed after receiving questioning statements while performing the task in front of a male examiner. Results The results of the present study showed that the induction of a gender ST leads to a decrease in SLJ in girls. Additionally, if these inducing conditions of gender ST are accompanied by a questioning condition, the negative effects of gender ST can be reduced, and SLJ in girls does not decline. Conclusion Based on our findings, this intervention is recommended as a simple, inexpensive, and quick solution for mitigating the negative effects of gender ST on girl’s motor performance.

Abstract Objectives Tuberculosis (TB) presents a substantial danger to populations experiencing crises like earthquakes. This study aims to explore the effect of the Kermanshah earthquake on the trend of TB. Methods This cross-sectional study examined tuberculosis data from 2009 to 2020, using monthly diagnoses. Data was collected from the TB research office and registration system. The study employed interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to assess both the immediate and long-term impacts of the earthquake on TB cases. Results In Sarpol-e Zahab, TB cases initially surged after the earthquake, indicating an immediate effect, but then significantly declined compared to pre-earthquake levels, reflecting an effect over time (β0 = 1.39, β1=-0.004, β2 = 0.11 and β3=-0.01, P = 0.001 and Post-intervention linear trend= -0.015, P

Abstract In this triple-blind, randomized clinical trial, 60 menopausal women between the ages of 45 and 65 were randomized to receive 78% dark chocolate (12 g/day) or milk chocolate (12 g/day) for eight weeks. The primary outcome was depression scores. Secondary outcomes included sleep quality and anthropometric indices. ANCOVA with baseline adjustment showed that the mean depression score after the intervention in the group receiving dark chocolate was significantly reduced compared to the milk chocolate group (mean difference: -2.3; 95% confidence interval: -3.9 to -0.8; p = 0.003; Cohen’s d = -0.54). However, no statistically significant difference in the overall sleep quality score and its subdomains was observed between the two groups after the intervention (p > 0.05). Furthermore, after the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anthropometric indices, including weight (p = 0.075), BMI (p = 0.137), waist circumference (p = 0.463), and hip circumference (p = 0.114). The study suggests that consuming 78% dark chocolate for eight weeks may contribute to improvements in depression scores, but it does not appear to improve sleep quality or anthropometric indices. Trial registration: IRCT20220926056046N1; December 2022.

Abstract Background Synaptic degeneration, axonal injury, and white matter disintegration are among the pathological events in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), for which growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) could be an indicator. In this study, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) GAP-43 clinical trajectories and their association with progression and AD hallmarks with white matter microstructural changes were evaluated. Methods A total number of 133 participants were enrolled in GAP-43 and DTI values were compared between groups, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally with two and four-year follow-ups. Subsequently, the correlation between GAP-43 levels in the CSF and DTI values was investigated using Spearman’s correlation. Results The CSF level of GAP-43 is negatively correlated with the mean diffusivity measures in Fornix (Cres)/Stria terminals in early and late MCI (rs=-0.478 p = 0.021 and rs=-0.425 p = 0.038). Additionally, the CSF level of GAP-43 is negatively correlated with fractional anisotropy in the cingulum in late MCI (rs=-0.437 p = 0.033). Moreover, the axial diffusivity in superior corona radiate (rs=-0.562 p = 0.005 and rs=-0.484 p = 0.036) and radial diffusivity in superior fronto-occipital fasciculus was negatively correlated with GAP-43 level in the early and mid-MCI participants (rs=-0.520 p = 0.011 and rs=-0.498 p = 0.030). Conclusions Presynaptic marker GAP-43 in combination with DTI can be used as a novel biomarker to identify microstructural synaptic degeneration in the early MCI. In addition, it can be used as a biomarker for tracking the progression of AD and monitoring treatment efficacy.

Objective: CD22, as a surface protein of B cells, is used in the diagnosis and target-specific immunotherapy of B-cellmalignancies. SpyTag and SpyCatcher, on the other hand, are two covalently coupled proteins capable of developinga bi- or multi-specific modular protein. The aim of this study was to develop FITC-conjugated SpyCatcher-SpyTaggedanti-CD22 Nanobody (FITC-SpyC-SpyT-CD22Nb) to recognize CD22 on the surface of malignant B cells.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the SpyTag-CD22Nb construct was subcloned into a pET22 vectorand expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). After purification using His-tag affinity chromatography, the size of the elutedprotein was confirmed on a Western blot. In addition, the SpyCatcher protein, subcloned into pET28, was expressed inE. coli BL21 (DE3), purified by His-tag affinity chromatography and subjected to FITC labeling. FITC-SpyCatcher andSpyTag-CD22Nb were coupled in a 1:1 molar ratio. The specific binding of the produced FITC-SpyC-SpyT-CD22Nbwas tested using CD22+ Raji and CD22- K562 cell lines and was evaluated by flow cytometryResults: SpyTag-CD22Nb and SpyCatcher were successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The 1:1 molar ratio ofSpyTag-CD22Nb and FITC-SpyCatcher successfully formed FITC-SpyC-SpyT-CD22Nb at room temperature. The flowcytometry results showed that FITC-SpyC-SpyT-CD22Nb specifically binds to the CD22+ Raji cells, while there is nobinding to the CD22- K562 control cells.Conclusion: The novel FITC-SpyC-SpyT-CD22Nb produced in the present study is capable of detecting the surficialexpression of CD22. According to our findings, FITC-SpyC-SpyT-CD22Nb is applicable for specific targeting of CD22in a therapeutic manner, i.e., chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).

Abstract SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has undergone various genetic alterations due to evolutionary pressures exerted by host cells, including intracellular antiviral mechanisms such as targeting by human microRNAs (miRNAs). This study investigates the impact of miRNAs hsa-miR-3132 and hsa-miR-4650 on the viral genome. Sequence alignment revealed conserved mutations in the binding sites of these miRNAs in adapted strains compared to the original Wuhan-Hu-1 strain, leading to their deletion. Despite modest expression of these miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 target tissues, their efficacy against mutant strains is reduced due to the loss of binding sites. Structural analysis indicates that the mutant genome is more stable than the Wuhan-Hu-1 genome. Luciferase and virus titration assays demonstrate that hsa-miR-3132 and hsa-miR-4650 effectively target the Nsp3 gene in the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain but not in mutant strains lacking their binding sites. These findings suggest that the observed mutations help the virus evade selective pressure from human miRNAs, contributing to its adaptation

Abstract Background Violence against women is a critical public health issue that adversely affects physical and mental health, contributing to injuries, chronic conditions, and mental health disorders. This study addresses the gap in understanding the relationship between spousal violence with maternal functioning and mental health in postpartum mothers. Methods This Prospective study was conducted on 316 postpartum women who gave birth in Al-Zahra and Taleghani Educational Treatment Centers in Tabriz, Iran, from June 2023 to October 2023. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and followed up for 6–8 weeks. The data were collected using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS), and the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF). A general linear model, adjusted for individual, social, and obstetric variables, was used to determine the relationship between domestic violence, maternal functioning, depression and anxiety. Results Most women (84%) experienced one or more types of intimate partner violence (IPV), including psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. About one-third (32.9%) reported psychological abuse, 21.2% physical violence, 49.4% sexual coercion, and 6.3% reported injuries. The adjusted general linear model showed that the mean depression score was lower in individuals without any experience of violence compared to those who had experienced any violence (β: -1.75; 95% CI: -3.40 to -0.10; p = 0.038). The mean depression score was significantly higher in homemakers compared to employed individuals (β = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.22 to 5.84, p = 0.003). The mean maternal functioning score was significantly higher in those who had not experienced mild physical violence compared to those who had (β = 2.94; 95% CI = 0.34 to 5.55, p = 0.027). The mean anxiety score was lower in individuals with high income (β: -3.38; 95% CI: -5.73 to -1.04; p = 0.005) and moderate income (β: -2.21; 95% CI: -4.35 to -0.07; p = 0.043) compared to those with low income. Conclusion The findings reveal a high prevalence of violence, particularly sexual coercion, significantly affecting maternal functioning and mental health. Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in postpartum mental health. These results highlight the urgent need for enhanced prevention efforts and targeted interventions that consider the socio-economic context and specific forms of violence.

Objectives: This scoping review allows a better understanding of current evidence regarding mirror therapy (MT) among children to help the future development of MT intervention protocol on children. Methods: PubMed, Science-Direct, Web of Science and ProQuest databases were searched from January 2005 to January 2023 for interventions within the scope of MT for children. Google Scholar was also scanned for additional resources. The process of the present study was according to guidelines of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews. The main inclusion criteria were articles in English and Persian language and peer-reviewed empirical studies of MT for children. This study charted methodological information from articles according to participant characteristics, design, intervention, and outcome measures. Results: Of 18 studies that were included in this scoping review, 17 studies were conducted in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and only two studies were in other conditions. A total of 16 articles were randomized controlled clinical trials, one case study and one single subject. Meanwhile, 33 outcomes were in the body structures (BS) and functions level, and 10 outcome measures were in the activities and participation levels of the International classification of functioning. Discussion: The review indicates that in future studies, it is necessary to pay more attention to other disorders beyond hemiplegic cerebral palsy; furthermore, levels of activity and participation as the outcome need to be used more.

Purpose: This study aimed to gain knowledge about the genetic reserves of native Iranian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars and genotypes in tropical regions and to identify the best grapevine cultivars and genotypes existing in vineyards of Khuzestan province. Research Method: This study evaluated the phenotypic diversity of 60 grapevine cultivars and genotypes existing in tropical, subtropical region of Khuzestan province in Iran. Findings: The result showed that the most descriptive statistics in the most important quantitative traits are related to fresh weight of bunch, bunch length, bunch width, the number of berries per bunch, berry length, berry width, protein content, total soluble solids and titratanbe acidity. The native Iranian grape cultivars and genotypes of Khuzestan province included 'Bangi', 'Soltani' and 'Yershi' as the earliest, Iranian cultivars including 'Yaghouti Ghermez', 'Yaghouti Sabz' and 'Asgari' as mid-ripening and foreign cultivars including 'Flame Seedless' and 'Perlette' as late ripening respectively. The results of factor analysis showed that the highest coefficients of eigenvectors in 7 main components are related to the most important traits including fresh weight of bunch, fresh weight of berries, berry diameter, berry length, the number of berries per bunch, protein content, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and the content of chlorophyll which accounted for 84.28% of the total variance variation. To group cultivars and genotypes based on investigated traits from cluster analysis by Ward’s method was used. Cultivars and genotypes were grouped in 9 main clusters in 5 Euclidean distances. Research limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: In this research, the significant diversity of grapevine cultivars and genotypes existing in vineyards of Khuzestan province showed the superiority of native cultivars and genotypes such as 'Soltani', 'Bangi (Ghermez)' and 'Yershi' in some traits compared to other foreign cultivars.

Microgastrines are diverse group of endoparasitoid wasps attacking caterpillars (Lepidoptera). Despite their importance in biological control, there is still no consensus concerning the phylogeny relationships among taxa. Although previous phylogenetic analyses have advanced the overall understanding of phylogenetic relationships of Microgastrinae, the small numbers of sampled taxa have led to disagreement in taxonomic assignments. In the present study, we performed a molecular genetic survey using both mitochondrial and nuclear data, increasing the taxons' sampling, to clarify the generic relationships and improve the inferences of the taxonomic status within Microgastrinae. We reconstructed a phylogenomic tree of Microgastrinae with sequences that exist up till now, from fifty-five genera for COI and thirty genera for 28S rDNA, both new and from previous studies. Several species and genera have been sequenced for the first time. In this study, we identified some of the closest phylogenetic relatives of Microgastrinae genera by analyzing DNA sequences from the mitochondrial COI and 28S rDNA. Most clades of the current findings correspond to the latest morphological classification of Microgastrinae. New clades and several well-supported clades, conform to the most previously recorded clades and provide an increased understanding of the Microgastrinae evolution. Based on molecular examination, Pholetesor psedocircumscriptus Abdoli, 2019 is synonymized with Pholetesor circumscriptus (Nees, 1834).