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Captive breeding of endangered species is an important conservation tool, but it is not clear how long–term captive breeding can influence fitness attributes such as predatory ability. We experimentally investigated the predatory impact of adult captive–bred newts (CBN) and adult free–living newts (FLN) on the survival and growth of larval green toad (B. variabilis) in four predator density treatments containing none, one, two, or three newts. FLNs performed a rapid density–dependent predation, yielding average survival rates of tadpoles in no, low, medium, and high densities to 81 %, 74 %, 60 % and 17 %, respectively. CBNs had an average lower predation rate on B. variabilis tadpoles with a decrease in survival rate of tadpoles to 83 %, 81 %, 82 % and 77 % for 0, 1, 2 and 3 predator treatments, respectively. However, contrary to FLNs, they exhibited a significant increase in predation rate with time from 0.37 to 0.60 tadpoles per day. In addition, the growth rate of tadpoles reared with predators for the FLN group was significantly higher than the growth rate of tadpoles reared in control containers without the predator. In conclusion, our findings suggest that exposing captive–born adult yellow spotted mountain newts to their potential prey enriches the environment, and may be a useful approach in the development of more efficient captive breeding and reintroduction programs for this highly endangered amphibian.

Measuring salinity of water at different depths along six transacts at the mouth of the wetland and along five tributaries connecting the wetland to the sea the extent of Caspian Sea penetration into Anzali Wetland was determined. The results demonstrated a depth-dependent salinity gradient extending up to 10 kilometres into the wetland. A pattern of saltwater and freshwater interface is presented and the role of this interface in enhancing sedimentation is discussed.

The sugar beet crop has always been attacked by various pests and diseases. Rhizomania viral disease, which has spread in different regions of sugar beet cultivation, has become a disease of prime importance for the crop in the last three decades. Resistant cultivar usage is the only reliable way to manage rhizomania disease. In order to identify promising genotypes, eleven sugar beet genotypes with natural infection to rhizomania, in a company with three controls, were assessed in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The experiment was conducted in six research stations of Karaj, Khoy, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Miandoab, and Shiraz for two cropping seasons (2020 and 2021). Based on the rhizomania score, all genotypes had acceptable resistance to the disease. The Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) stability analysis illustrated that the first five principal components were significant and specified 88.8% of the total genotype by environment interaction variance. Gen-7, Gen-10, Gen-11, and Gen-2 were selected as stable genotypes based on the AMMI model. Genotype plus Genotype by Environment Interaction (GGE) biplot results also confirmed the superiority of Gen-10 and Gen-11 regarding sugar yield and stability in disease-infected environments. According to the results of the Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI), genotypes Gen-4, Gen-1, Gen-2, and Gen-11 were identified as stable genotypes under rhizomania-infected conditions. By applying different stability measurement methods, in addition to identifying the genotypes' adaptation to different environments, accurate decisions for future breeding or cultivar registration can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Wheat is a critical crop in Iran and pivotal in food security, economic stability, and political landscapes. Wheat fields are the habitat of many insects, including both beneficial and pest species. Therefore, various insecticides are employed in wheat fields to safeguard crop yields. However, pursuing pest control often entails unintended consequences for non-target organisms, particularly pollinators and natural enemies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of both chemical and herbal insecticides on non-target insect populations within Iranian wheat fields. Although plant-derived insecticides may offer ecological benefits, the study emphasizes the need to evaluate their efficacy against pests and their impact on beneficial insects. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the possible effects of herbal and chemical insecticides on natural enemies. Materials and Methods This study evaluated the adverse effects of some recommended insecticides for wheat pests on some natural enemies. A completely randomized block design with five treatments and four replicates was employed. The experiment was conducted in Ardabil, Tehran, and Golestan, Iran. The size of each plot was 100m² (10 x 10), with a distance of 2m between blocks and plots. A total of 30 wheat stalks were randomly selected for sampling in each plot, and all larvae on these stalks were counted within the wheat field. Sampling was performed on four occasions: one day before and 3, 7, and 14 days after spraying. The treatments included matrine (at concentrations of 1.5 and 2ml/L), deltamethrin (0.3ml/L), fenitrothion (1ml/L), and a control treatment (water). The potential effects of the insecticides were examined on the larvae of natural enemies, including the seven-spotted ladybird, flower fly, and green lacewing. Tehran and Ardabil provinces had low flower fly and green lacewing populations across all treatments, including control. However, the ladybird population was sufficient for evaluation. Therefore, the effects of the insecticides on ladybirds were investigated in these provinces. Results The reduction in the population of seven-spotted ladybirds in Ardabil caused by the insecticides was insignificant on days 3 and 7 and significant on day 14. Deltamethrin caused the most negative effect on days 3 and 7, while matrine 2ml/L had the most negative effect on day 14. Deltamethrin consistently caused the largest ladybird population decline in Tehran, with a significant difference from other treatments on all days except day 3. Fenitrothion exhibited the least adverse effect throughout the experiment. Golestan had the healthiest natural enemy populations. In this province, a suitable population of seven-spotted ladybirds, flower flies, and green lacewings was observed. The study confirmed insecticide-induced declines in these populations, with deltamethrin causing the most significant reductions for ladybirds and flower flies, while fenitrothion had the least impact. All insecticides severely reduced green lacewing populations. Based on the results of the 7th day, the reduction of the population of seven-spotted ladybirds in different provinces caused by matrine 1.5 and 2ml/L, fenitrothion, and deltamethrin was 31.04% - 57.91%, 54.19% - 77.58%, 25.01% - 70.16% and 72.02% - 89.35%, respectively. In addition, population reduction caused by matrine 1.5 and 2 ml/L, fenitrothion, and deltamethrin was 31.61%, 67.01%, 24.58%, and 79.06% for flower fly, and 73.24%, 82.79%, 73.24% and 95.94% for green lacewing, respectively. In all cases, the reduction caused by matrine 2ml/L was higher than matrine 1.5ml/L. On day 7, most insecticides were slightly harmful to seven-spotted ladybirds in all provinces except Tehran and Golestan, where fenitrothion was harmless and deltamartin moderately harmful. On this day, matrine, fenitrothion, and deltamethrin were slightly harmful, harmless, and moderately harmful to flower flies, respectively. Moreover, matrine 1.5ml/L and fenitrothion were slightly harmful to green lacewing, while matrine 2ml/L and deltamethrin were moderately harmful. Discussion Deltamethrin consistently exhibited the most pronounced adverse effects across all treatments and natural enemy populations, while fenitrothion had the least severe impact. Green lacewing populations displayed the highest insecticide sensitivity among the studied natural enemies. Based on the results, the effect of insecticides on non-target beneficial organisms was essential when developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Avoiding the application of insecticides, particularly deltamethrin, during peak natural enemy populations was crucial to minimize unintended ecological consequences and promote a balanced ecosystem within wheat fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatemeh Khosravi,1,2 Mehdi Sharifi,1 Hashem Jarineshin1 1Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran; 2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, IranCorrespondence: Hashem JarineshinAnesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, IranFax +987633345009Email hjarineshin@yahoo.comPurpose: Effective postoperative analgesia is essential in cesarean section. This study aimed to compare postoperative analgesia and hemodynamic changes after intrathecal use of fentanyl or dexmedetomidine combined with bupivacaine.Patients and Methods: This study involved 110 pregnant women with ASA I and II and gestational age ≥ 37 weeks who were candidates for elective cesarean section. They were randomly divided into two groups of 55; Group B-D received 10 mg bupivacaine (0.5%) + 5 μg dexmedetomidine and Group B-F received 10 mg bupivacaine (0.5%) + 25 μg fentanyl, intrathecally. The onset of block, duration of analgesia, the score of pain intensity, hemodynamic changes, Apgar scores, and any adverse events were evaluated. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Patients in two groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and ASA classification. Duration of analgesia in the B-D group was significantly longer than B-F group (428.64± 73.39 vs 273.18± 61.91 min; P< 0.001). The score of pain intensity during recovery time in the B-D group was significantly lower than that of B-F group (0.33± 0.84 vs 0.51± 0.57 min; P=0.004). The onset of block was also faster in the B-D group than B-F group (98.27± 35.95 vs 110.45± 37.69 seconds; P=0.036). The two groups did not show significant differences in hemodynamic changes and other variables (P> 0.05).Conclusion: Compared with fentanyl, it seems that adding 5 μg dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine has a better effect on postoperative pain management in cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.Keywords: spinal anesthesia, fentanyl, postoperative analgesia, dexmedetomidine

Niloofar Arsalan, 1,* Elahe Hassan Kashi, 2,* Anwarul Hasan, 3, 4 Mona Edalat Doost, 5 Behnam Rasti, 6 Bilal Ahamad Paray, 7 Mona Zahed Nakhjiri, 1 Soyar Sari, 2 Majid Sharifi, 8 Koorosh Shahpasand, 9 Keivan Akhtari, 10 Setareh Haghighat, 5 Mojtaba Falahati 8 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Lahijan, Guilan, Iran; 2Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; 4Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; 5Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 6Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Lahijan, Guilan, Iran; 7Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; 8Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 9Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology (RI-SCBT), Tehran, Iran; 10Department of Physics, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Mojtaba Falahati; Anwarul Hasan Email mojtaba.falahati@alumni.ut.ac.ir; ahasan@qu.edu.qaAim: The interaction of NPs with biological systems may reveal useful details about their pharmacodynamic, anticancer and antibacterial effects.Methods: Herein, the interaction of as-synthesized Co 3O 4 NPs with HSA was explored by different kinds of fluorescence and CD spectroscopic methods, as well as molecular docking studies. Also, the anticancer effect of Co 3O 4 NPs against leukemia K562 cells was investigated by MTT, LDH, caspase, real-time PCR, ROS, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays. Afterwards, the antibacterial effects of Co 3O 4 NPs against three pathogenic bacteria were disclosed by antibacterial assays.Results: Different characterization methods such as TEM, DLS, zeta potential and XRD studies proved that fabricated Co 3O 4 NPs by sol-gel method have a diameter of around 50 nm, hydrodynamic radius of 177 nm with a charge distribution of − 33.04 mV and a well-defined crystalline phase. Intrinsic, extrinsic, and synchronous fluorescence as well as CD studies, respectively, showed that the HSA undergoes some fluorescence quenching, minor conformational changes, microenvironmental changes as well as no structural changes in the secondary structure, after interaction with Co 3O 4 NPs. Molecular docking results also verified that the spherical clusters with a dimension of 1.5 nm exhibit the most binding energy with HSA molecules. Anticancer assays demonstrated that Co 3O 4 NPs can selectively lead to the reduction of K562 cell viability through the cell membrane damage, activation of caspase-9, -8 and -3, elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio, ROS production, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Finally, antibacterial assays disclosed that Co 3O 4 NPs can stimulate a promising antibacterial effect against pathogenic bacteria.Conclusion: In general, these observations can provide useful information for the early stages of nanomaterial applications in therapeutic platforms.Keywords: cobalt oxide, nanoparticle, synthesis, spectroscopy, docking, anticancer, antibacterial

Manizheh Narimani,1 Mohammadreza Sharifi,2 Ali Jalili1 1Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Institute of Research for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran; 2Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranCorrespondence: Ali JaliliCancer and Immunology Research Center, Institute of Research for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, IranTel +98-9183771862Email Ali130@gmail.comIntroduction: Human Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5 (BIRC5) which encodes survivin exhibits multiple biological activities, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Survivin is overexpressed in numerous malignant diseases including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recent studies have shown that the CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease-mediated gene-editing systems are suitable approach’s for editing or knocking out various genes including oncogenes.Methods and materials: We used CRISPR-Cas9 to knockout the BIRC5 in the human leukemic cell line, HL60, and KG1, and these cell lines were transfected with either the Cas9- and three sgRNAs expressing plasmids or negative control (scramble) using Lipofectamine 3000. The efficacy of the transfection was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain (RT-qPCR) and surveyor mutation assays. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively.Results: We have successfully knocked out the BIRC5 gene in these leukemic cells and observed that the BIRC5-knocked out cells by CRISPR/Cas9 showed a significant decrease (30 folds) of survivin at mRNA levels. Moreover, cell death and apoptosis were significantly induced in BIRC5-CRISPR/Cas9-transfected cells compared to the scramble vector.Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that targeting BIRC5 by CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a suitable approach for the induction of apoptosis in leukemic cells. However, further studies targeting this gene in primary leukemic cells are required.Keywords: BIRC5, survivin, CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease, AML, KG1 cells, HL60 cell

Amitis Naskhi,1,* Sanaz Jabbari,1,* Goran Qader Othman,2 Falah Mohammad Aziz,3 Abbas Salihi,3,4 Majid Sharifi,5 Soyar Sari,1 Keivan Akhtari,6 Shang Ziyad Abdulqadir,3 Asaad AB Alasady,7 Osama K Abou-Zied,8 Anwarul Hasan,9,10 Mojtaba Falahati5 1Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 2Department of Medical Laboratory, Health Technical College, Erbil Polytechnique University, Erbil, Iraq; 3Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; 4Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Science, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq; 5Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 6Department of Physics, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran; 7Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology Unit, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; 8Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; 9Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; 10Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Mojtaba FalahatiDepartment of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranEmail mojtaba.falahati@alumni.ut.ac.irAnwarul HasanDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, QatarEmail hasan.anwarul.mit@gmail.comAims: Different kinds of vitamins can be used as promising candidates to mitigate the structural changes of proteins and associated cytotoxicity stimulated by NPs. Therefore, the structural changes of α-syn molecules and their associated cytotoxicity in the presence of SWCNTs either alone or co-incubated with vitamin K1 were studied by spectroscopic, bioinformatical, and cellular assays.Methods: Intrinsic and ThT fluorescence, CD, and Congo red absorption spectroscopic approaches as well as TEM investigation, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics were used to explore the protective effect of vitamin K1 on the structural changes of α-syn induced by SWCNTs. The cytotoxicity of α-syn/SWCNTs co-incubated with vitamin K1 against SH-SY5Y cells was also carried out by MTT, LDH, and caspase-3 assays.Results: Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that vitamin K1 has a significant effect in reducing SWCNT-induced fluorescence quenching and aggregation of α- syn. CD, Congo red adsorption, and TEM investigations determined that co-incubation of α- syn with vitamin K1 inhibited the propensity of α-syn into the structural changes and amorphous aggregation in the presence of SWCNT. Docking studies determined the occupation of preferred docked site of SWCNT by vitamin K1 on α- syn conformation. A molecular dynamics study also showed that vitamin K1 reduced the structural changes of α- syn induced by SWCNT. Cellular data exhibited that the cytotoxicity of α- syn co-incubated with vitamin K1 in the presence of SWCNTs is less than the outcomes obtained in the absence of the vitamin K1.Conclusion: It may be concluded that vitamin K1 decreases the propensity of α- syn aggregation in the presence of SWCNTs and induction of cytotoxicity.Keywords: α- Syn, single-walled carbon nanotube, aggregation, vitamin K1, cytotoxicity

Zahra Zand,1,* Pegah Afarinesh Khaki,2,* Abbas Salihi,3,4 Majid Sharifi,5,6 Nadir Mustafa Qadir Nanakali,7,8 Asaad AB Alasady,9 Falah Mohammad Aziz,3 Koorosh Shahpasand,10 Anwarul Hasan,11,12 Mojtaba Falahati51Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 2Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; 4Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Science, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq; 5Department of Nanomedicine, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 6Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; 7Department of Biology, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; 8Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; 9Anatomy, Biology and Histology Unit, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; 10Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; 11Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; 12Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, QatarCorrespondence: Mojtaba FalahatiDepartment of Nanomedicine, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranEmail mojtaba.falahati@alumni.ut.ac.irAnwarul HasanDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, QatarEmail hasan.anwarul.mit@gmail.com*These authors contributed equally to this workAim: Among therapeutic proposals for amyloid-associated disorders, special attention has been given to the exploitation of nanoparticles (NPs) as promising agents against aggregation.Methods: In this paper, the inhibitory effect of cerium oxide (CeO2) NPs against α-synuclein (α-syn) amyloid formation was explored by different methods such as Thioflavin T (ThT) and 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS) fluorescence spectroscopy, Congo red adsorption assay, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and bioinformatical approaches. Also, the cytotoxicity of α-syn amyloid either alone or with CeO2 NPs against neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y) was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression) assays.Results: ThT and ANS fluorescence assays indicated that CeO2 NPs inhibit the formation of aggregated species and hydrophobic patches of α-syn in amyloidogenic conditions, respectively. Congo red and CD assays demonstrated that CeO2 NPs reduce the formation of amyloid species and β-sheets structures of α-syn molecules, respectively. TEM investigation also confirmed that CeO2 NPs limited the formation of well-defined fibrillary structures of α-syn molecules. Molecular docking and dynamic studies revealed that CeO2 NPs could bind with different affinities to α-syn monomer and amyloid species and fibrillar structure of α-syn is disaggregated in the presence of CeO2 NPs. Moreover, cellular assays depicted that CeO2 NPs mitigate the cell mortality, apoptosis, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 gene expression associated with α-syn amyloids.Conclusion: It may be concluded that CeO2 NPs can be used as therapeutic agents to reduce the aggregation of proteins and mitigate the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases.Keywords: cerium oxide, nanoparticle, amyloid, cytotoxicity, spectroscopy, cellular assay, inhibition

Oil waste is one of the most important pollutants in the oil and gas industry. Since the oil owing in the wells contains significant amount of saltwater, the effluent amount rises upon increasing the oil reservoir extraction. Separating the saltwater from the extracted oil before starting the refinery process plays an essential role in reducing the oil costs and benefiting from the transfer capacity as well. This paper presents a new Chapman-Kolmogorov Equation-Based (CKEB) method to evaluate the availability of a desalination system with three-state equipment and weighted-k-out-of-n configuration. In this system, the equipment is repairable, and each repair facility can repair all equipment types of different sub-systems (pump stations). All failures and repairs were considered to have a constant rate (with exponential distribution) and use the Chapman-Kolmogorov equations to drive the system availability. Then, the presented method was validated using a simulation technique. Finally, the elapsed times of solving both techniques were calculated and compared. The results confirmed the superiority of the CKEB technique in terms of computational time. Compared with the simulation technique, the computational time ratio for the CKEB method was in the range of 0:0002%0:0058% for the small-size problems, 0:05%0:94% for the medium-size problems, and 1.31%-5.39% for the large-size problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]