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Grown under the Mediterranean sun, the bright yellow flowers of Helichrysum italicum are a valuable source of oils for traditional medicine and skin care. Recently, due to its skin matrix-improving and anti-inflammatory properties, Immortelle has become a premium ingredient in skincare products aimed at achieving firm and even skin, including improved scar formation. Traditional Immortelle essential oil is derived through an expensive distillation process and, like most essential oils, may contain potential allergens [1]. To address this, Lipoid Kosmetik has developed a new approach: an Immortelle Oil Extract (Tradename: Immortelle Oil Pro) that captures the essence of its bright yellow flowers without the irritation potential of an essential oil and at a reduced cost. The lipophilic Immortelle Oil Extract was successfully tested in a massage oil, where it strengthens the skin matrix, resulting in improved appearance of stretch marks, as confirmed by instrumental measurement and in a parallel consumer survey. This makes Immortelle Oil Pro a luxurious addition to massage and body care applications, targeting a perfected body contour with even and firm skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proline is an integral osmoprotectant produced in plants under stressed conditions to reduce the adverse effects of any abiotic stress. For the induction of drought stress tolerance exogenously applied proline could be an effective strategy. To evaluate this, a pot experiment was designed to mitigate drought stress on wheat through exogenous application of proline. Two water stress levels i.e., 70% and 30% (applied after 4 weeks) and 30mM proline was either applied in soil (after one week of water stress) or as foliar application (after 1 and 2 week of drought stress. In, another treatment double spray of proline was applied after 1 and 2 weeks of drought stress. When compared with control the proline application has a considerable share in improving plant growth attributes under drought stress. Maximum improvement in plant height (53.99 cm), count of tillers plant-1 (3.33), root fresh weight (7.15 g), root dry weight (1.28 g), shoot fresh weight (32.75 g), shoot dry weight (3.03 g), chlorophyll contents (37.13 mg kg-1), N (31%) and P concentration (0.23%) in plants was observed when proline was applied at 1st week and repeated after 2nd week of drought stress. In addition, 46% reduction in Na+\K+ ratio (0.28) in plant leaves was also observed in proline foliar application. The foliar application of proline showed better response than that of soil application. Proline application as foliar spray in two splits during drought stress sounds stronger effects to improve growth and physiology of wheat crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress causes negative effects on soil nutrients dynamics as well as their mutual interactions. Negative interaction between phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) vis-à-vis plant uptake exists under adequate moisture availability but this phenomenon is still unclear under drought condition. A pot study was conducted to investigate the effect of this interaction on maize plants (var. FH-1046) at three moisture levels, viz., optimum (80% of water holding capacity-WHC), moderate drought (50% of WHC) and severe drought (30% of WHC). The P and Zn were added alone (only-P and only-Zn) or in combination (P + Zn) at the rate of 57 and 6 mg kg-1 soil at three moisture levels with complete randomization. Soil moisture levels were introduced after two weeks of plant growth and maintained after every three days by weighing. After 60 days of plant growth, plants were harvested and analyzed for their growth and nutrients contents, viz., P, Zn, nitrogen (N), and potassium (K). The findings showed that combined P and Zn caused a significant reduction in P and Zn contents at the root and shoot levels at higher moisture (80% and 50% of WHC) relative to alone P and Zn additions, but the extent of this reduction reduced with increasing drought intensity, showing the negative effect of drought on plant nutrients uptake. The effect of combined nutrients addition was positive on plant growth and the absence of P (only Zn addition) reduced plant height by 14% and 28% at 80% and 30% of WHC levels. Shoot and root dry weights increased significantly by 41% and 43% with combined P and Zn applications. The plant growth also declined with the increasing drought levels. Under severe drought (30% of WHC), the extent of the negative interaction of P and Zn diminished considerably but there was an overall negative effect on plant growth and nutrient contents at 30% of WHC. The findings suggest that increasing drought intensity can reduce the negative effect of P and Zn on each other's uptake and accumulation in plants but with concurrent reductions in absolute nutrients contents and plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Good sleep is essential for our mental and physical health. Good sleep also makes our skin look more radiant and refreshed [1]. Tea rituals are known to promote sleep. They help to relax and unwind, they create a mood of calm, and they facilitate sleep. Therefore, tea-inspired ingredients are a good starting point to create cosmetic night-care concepts, especially ingredients derived from herbal teas that are free of stimulating substances. Greek mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) has a long tradition as natural remedy to calm body and mind. This unprocessed, caffeine-free, herbal tea has been used for centuries as natural sleep support. But there is more to mountain tea: it contains protective and regenerative phytochemicals that help our skin to recover overnight. Here we present Mountain Tea Pro (from now on called “Mountain Tea Extract”), a natural extract of organic Sideritis scardica herb from a traceable source, that brings together the concept of tea-inspired beauty rituals and activity-proven benefits for skin. It is a perfect cosmetic ingredient to create relaxing night-care, mood-enhancing self-care, and beauty-sleep product [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological condition that is connected with a decline in a person's memory as well as their cognitive ability. One of the key topics of AD research has been the exploration of metabolic causes. We investigated the effects of treadmill exercise and intranasal insulin on learning and memory impairment and the expression of IGF1, BDNF, and GLUT4 in hypothalamus. The animals were put into 9 groups at random. In this study, we examined the impact of insulin on spatial memory in male Wistar rats and analyzed the effects of a 4-week pretreatment of moderate treadmill exercise and insulin on the mechanisms of improved hypothalamic glucose metabolism through changes in gene and protein expression of IGF1, BDNF, and GLUT4. We discovered that rat given Aβ25–35 had impaired spatial learning and memory, which was accompanied by higher levels of Aβ plaque burden in the hippocampus and lower levels of IGF1, BDNF, and GLUT4 mRNA and protein expression in the hypothalamus. Additionally, the administration of exercise training and intranasal insulin results in the enhancement of spatial learning and memory impairments, the reduction of plaque burden in the hippocampus, and the enhancement of the expression of IGF1, BDNF, and GLUT4 in the hypothalamus of rats that were treated with Aβ25–35. Our results show that the improvement of learning and spatial memory due to the improvement of metabolism and upregulation of the IGF1, BDNF, and GLUT4 pathways can be affected by pretreatment exercise and intranasal insulin.

Introduction: Training in a certain skill not only culminates in better motor performance but also leads to neural adjustments and regulations in different brain regions. Aim: The present study aimed to psychologically assess event-related motor potential in motor-related cortical regions during simple and complicated tasks. Method: The current research was of a semi-experimental type with a single-phase post-test design without a control group. The participants of the present study consisted of all 20-32-year-old right-handed male table tennis players in Tehran, in 2019. A total of 8 samples were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected at the National Brain Mapping Laboratory. Annett Hand Preference Questionnaire (1970), Ocular Dominance Testing Card (1910), the Newgy Robo Pong Model 2050 Digital Table Tennis Robot, and the Specific Test for Table Tennis Stroke (2016) were used to record speed from Radar gun, and cameras and judges’ scoring were also used to measure accuracy. Moreover, the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical test was employed to assess the differences in two levels of task complexity in SPSS software version 24. Results: The results showed that the motor potential in the primary motor cortex region had a greater range in the simple task than in the complicated task (P=0.012); however, the premotor (P=0.008) and the posterior parietal cortical regions (P=0.026) of the complicated task had larger ranges than the simple task. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the motor potential range is dependent on the task complexity level. Therefore, it is suggested that tasks with different complexity levels be taken into account in investigating event-dependent potentials.

This study aimed to investigate ego-depletion, attention control, and decision-making in proficient female soccer players. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with an applied objective, the research was conducted intra-group using a pre-test-post-test methodology. The statistical population comprised proficient female footballers who competed in the Premier League of Tehran Province. This study involved forty proficient female football players, with an average age of 23.09+2.03 years, who had at least eight years of competition experience. The samples were arbitrarily divided into two groups—ego-depletion and non-ego-depletion—using convenience sampling. The data were collected using the personal information questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire, Stroop, and the Decision-making tool. The ego-depletion group’s self-control strength was diminished in two cycles of eighty trials through the prior task, which was the Stroop inconsistent task. They executed a computer-based decision-making task under distracting conditions, which comprised 180 images depicting various football scenarios. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS-21 software and a mixed ANOVA with the SYNTAX command. The results showed that the ego-depletion group made decisions with significantly slower speeds and reduced accuracy (P

Maize is one of the main fodders and food source and even staple food in different countries. The presence of arsenic (As) in the soil has been reported to affect the growth and productivity of agricultural crops. The plant uptake of As from soil might depend on the composition and type of soil texture. In this study, we assessed the effect of four levels (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg As kg-1 of soil) of As on As uptake as well as the growth and physiology of maize (Zea mays) grown in three soils varying in texture in a pot experiment conducted at Government college university Faisalabad in February-March, 2018. Results revealed that the growth parameters significantly decreased in response to increasing concentrations of As in all three types of soil. The most prominent effects of As treatments on maize were shown under sandy loam soil followed by loamy soil and then clayey soils. At highest level of As application, the maximum As concentration in plant shoot and root were found in sandy loam soil (45.1 and 93.4 mg kg-1) followed by that in loamy soil (39.9 and 86.2 mg kg-1) and clayey soils (34.9 and 81.1 mg kg-1). Similarly, the maximum Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA) extractable As (2.4 mg kg-1) was detected in sandy loam soil, whereas, the lowest (2.1 mg kg-1) was observed in clayey soil. Antioxidant enzyme activities and protein contents were maximum in the soils amended with 25 mg as kg-1, and were significantly decreased in the soils containing higher levels of As. However, these values were relatively higher in the clayey soils followed by the loamy soil and least in the sandy loam soil. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2 -) and melondialdehyde (MDA) were found to increase with increasing level of As in the soils. The effects of As on ROS were also maximum in sandy loam soil followed by the loamy soil and minimum in clayey soil. Conclusively we can say that the presence of As significantly affected the growth and physiological parameters of the maize crop. However, the effects of As were more severe in sandy loam soil as compared to the other ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lamiaceae is commonly known as Mint family of order Lamiales. The present study was conducted for assessment of genetic diversity, phylogeny of Lamiaceae based on rps14 gene and validation of rps14 protein by Ramachandran plots. The rps14 gene was amplified and sequence analyzed through MEGA7, I-TASSER and RAMPAGE. The phylogram revealed genetic distance (number of base substitutions per site) of 0.0100 among Lamiaceae species. In Pairwise distance, the range of genetic diversity was 0.013 to 0.089 with a mean of 0.060. Vitex agnus castus and Vitex trifolia were grouped in same cluster with Bootstrap value of 99 %. Caryopteris odorata revealed close relationship with Volkameria inermis, Clerodendrum calamitosum and Clerodendrum indicum in same cluster having BS of 58 %. C. indicum, C. calamitosum and V. inermis showed close relationship in same cluster with BS of 51%. The 3D protein model designed by I-TASSER and its validation by RAMPAGE revealed = 2 % amino acid in outlier regions of Gmelina philippensis, Clerodendrum. umbellatum and C. calamitosum. This study concluded close genetic relationship and low genetic diversity that indicated potential of rps14 gene for phylogeny and diversity analysis among Lamiaceae species. The validation of 3D protein models by RAMPAGE showed good protein models. This study highlights the evolutionary relationship, earliest, recent evolution of Lamiaceae species. A very low genetic diversity indicates ex-situ conservation and good protein models in Lamiaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicellular organisms live in environments containing diverse nutrients and a wide variety of microbial communities. On the one hand, the immune response of organisms can protect from the intrusion of exogenous microorganisms. On the other hand, the dynamic coordination of anabolism and catabolism of organisms is a necessary factor for growth and reproduction. Since the production of an immune response is an energy-intensive process, the activation of immune cells is accompanied by metabolic transformations that enable the rapid production of ATP and new biomolecules. In insects, the coordination of immunity and metabolism is the basis for insects to cope with environmental challenges and ensure normal growth, development and reproduction. During the activation of insect immune tissues by pathogenic microorganisms, not only the utilization of organic resources can be enhanced, but also the activated immune cells can usurp the nutrients of non-immune tissues by generating signals. At the same time, insects also have symbiotic bacteria in their body, which can affect insect physiology through immune-metabolic regulation. This paper reviews the research progress of insect immune-metabolism regulation from the perspective of insect tissues, such as fat body, gut and hemocytes. The effects of microorganisms (pathogenic bacteria/non-pathogenic bacteria) and parasitoids on immune-metabolism were elaborated here, which provide guidance to uncover immunometabolism mechanisms in insects and mammals. This work also provides insights to utilize immune-metabolism for the formulation of pest control strategies.

Background: In previous studies, the effect of arousal on performance has been investigated. However, whether arousal during learning stages affects bimanual coordination has not been investigated. Therefore, the present research aimed to investigate the effect of arousal levels during different learning stages on the performance of the hand-eye coordination task.Methods: For this purpose, 36 male physical education students aged 20-35 were conveniently selected and based on normal IQ, normal trait anxiety, and right-handedness, were matched into three Low Arousal, Normal Arousal, and High Arousal groups. The study involved pre-test, post-test, retention, and transfer stages. In the pre-test stage, the participants performed 10 trials of the eye-hand coordination task. The training period consisted of 10 sessions and 50 trials per session, in which at the end of each session 10 trials were recorded as performance. The retention and transfer tests were performed 24 hours after the last training session. The data were analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's post hoc tests.Results: The results of the present study showed that high, normal, and low arousal levels have a significant effect on the duration of the eye-hand coordination task during the cognitive, association, and automatic stages, and also the time of the eye-hand coordination task was improved.Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it is suggested that educators use these arousal stimulation effects to improve the performance and learning of athletes in pursuit tasks.

Background. In previous researches, electromagnetic fields have been shown to adversely affect the behavior and biology of humans and animals; however, body growth and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were not evaluated. Objective. The original investigation aimed to examine whether Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) exposure had adverse effects on spatial learning and motor function in rats and if physical activity could diminish the damaging effects of EMF exposure. In this study, we measured anthropometric measurements and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in pregnant rats’ offspring to determine if Wi-Fi EMF also affected their growth. These data we report for the first time in this publication. Methods. Twenty Albino-Wistar pregnant rats were divided randomly into EMF and control (CON) groups, and after delivery, 12 male fetuses were randomly selected. For assessing the body growth change of offspring beginning at delivery, then at 21 postnatal days, and finally at 56 post-natal days, the crown-rump length of the body was assessed using a digital caliper. Examining BDNF factor levels, an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA kit was taken. Bodyweight was recorded by digital scale. Results. Outcomes of the anthropometric measurements demonstrated that EMF blocked body growth in rats exposed to EMF. The results of the BDNF test illustrated that the BDNF in the EMF liter group was remarkably decreased compared to the CON group. The results indicate that EMF exposure could affect BDNF levels and harm body growth in pregnant rats’ offspring. Conclusions. The results suggest that EMF exposure could affect BDNF levels and impair body growth in pregnant rats’ offspring.

Introduction: Primary stress can impair the nervous structure including the hippocampus and behavioral functions such as memory; therefore, paying attention to neutralizing the destructive effects of stress on the body has been one of the debatable topics among researchers. Considering the role of physical activity in reducing stress in previous studies, this study aimed to investigate the effect of four weeks of swimming training on learning and spatial memory in neonatal rats separated from their mother. Material & Methods: In this study, 40 male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (separation from mother, separation from mother and swimming training, swimming training, and control). The method of separating the infants from the mothers was used to make stressful conditions. Rats from separation groups were separated from mothers 6 h per day starting from the day after birth for one month. For physical activity, swimming training was performed for four weeks (five sessions per week) incrementally to measure stress and blood glucose level in mice, and the Morris Water Maze test was used to assess the learning and spatial memory. (Ethic code: IR.UT.SPORT.REC.1399.009) Findings: The results of the analysis of variance test showed that the blood glucose in the group of rats that were separated from their mothers was significantly higher, compared to the control group (P=0.045), indicating that stress was successfully induced in these rats. Moreover, the results of the multivariate analysis of the variance test showed that although stress had no significant impact on spatial learning, the results of the exploration test showed a significant decrease in the percentage of entering the target quadrant (P=0.05) and the time spent in the target quadrant in the group separated from mother (P=0.029), compared to the control group. Therefore, spatial memory was degraded due to stress in the group of rats that were separated from their mother, compared to the other groups. However, swimming training in the group of rats that was separated from the mother could neutralize the destructive effects of stress on spatial memory and the percentage of entering the target quadrant (P=0.02) as well as the time spent in the target quadrant (P=0.05). Discussion & Conclusion: The results showed that although stress did not have a negative impact on spatial learning, it had a destructive impact on memory. On the other hand, swimming training as a treatment method could largely neutralize the negative effects of stress and improve memory.

Objectives: Insects have great potential as an alternative nutrient source in animal feed, fisheries, and poultry industries for sustainable development. Poikelocercus pictus (PP) is an edible grasshopper that has a high percentage of crude protein; thus, we evaluated it as an alternative protein source for Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken. Methods: We fed RIR chicken on a commercial diet (control) and PP diets: T1 (PP meal throughout the trial, T2 (PP diet for the last 30 days of the trial), T3 (PP diet for the last 15 days of the trial). We maintained eight RIR chickens in four groups each with six replications. Results: Feed analysis indicated significantly higher crude protein levels (P

Behavioral studies in team sports are typically constrained by dynamic factors, such as positioning of defenders for interception. Handball player have to coordinate their steps when running to throw a ball on goal from a different positions. In this study were analyzed the movement patterns during locomotors pointing, throwing velocity and accuracy of 12 succesful elite handball players under defensive constraints (defender- absent, defender-far, defender-near, or defender pairing). It was captured data from the locomotors patterns of the attacking participant by speed camera with 120Hz, throwing speed by sports radar gun and throwing accuracy by camera. ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test and Friedman test was used to analyze effects of these constraints on gait and throwing parameters. In addition to Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient test was used to analyze speed-accuracy trade off (P

Background: The Arousal is one of the psychological factors affecting athletes' performance. The most important theory of the relationship between arousal and performance is the inverted-U theory. Despite research in this area, more research is needed on the effects of arousal on cognitive and motor activities. Aims: The purpose of the present research is to investigate the effect of arousal caused by spectators on the process and outcome of decision mking and volleyball serve performance skill. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental and the sampling method was also available randomly. The population of the study is the volleyball players of Iranian youth and student volleyball national team. A number of 29 players (Mean age=19.62 ± 2.243 years) participated in this research. At first, the players filled out the satisfaction form. At first participants performed decision making test.The decision making task of current study was performance of volleyball serve decision making under arousal conditions caused by spectators. Participants performed 25 decision making situations in baseline and spectators arousal conditions. The visual saccade and fixation data recorded by eye tracker system (Ergoneers Dikablis Eye Tracking System) simultaneously with decision making test performance. Data analyzed with paired-samples t-test. Then the participants performed the volleyball serve performance test (Brady volleyball skill test). The instrument used in the study was high frequency camera Sony cyber shot rx100 iv that used to record the players' performance for biomechanical analysis of serve performance. The tracker software was used to analyze the video performance of players' serve skills. The presence of spectators in the test environment was used to create arousal and also the measurement of athletes' heart rate was used to measure arousal. The subjects performed 10 services and their biomechanical factors included; distance to line, serve height, serve distance to line, landing distance to line and ball speed was recorded by camera. To ensure arousal, their heart rates were measured. Results: The results of the serve performance t-test showed that the arousal caused by the spectators has a significant effect on serve height (P=0.033). Also the result indicated that arousal caused by spectators affected the process and outcome of decision making. Conclusion: Although the decision-making speed of the players increased under the circumstances of the arousal, their decision-making accuracy decreased. Given this, coaches need to provide good training tips in training to improve the decisions made by players. In addition to physical exercise, mental training and decision-making should also be done.

Introduction: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, in addition to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and alertness problems, show the the lowest level of social activity and they have more trouble finding and keeping friends. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of motor and computer games on the attention and social communications of male students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder aged 10-12 years. Method: The statistical population of the present study was all elementary male students aged 10-12 years with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder in District 4 of Tehran in 2021 and 36 of them were purposefully and accessibly selected. Motor and computer games were performed in 8 weeks and in each session in 3 sessions of 60 minutes. The Connors questionnaire of the parents' version and the Zebov questionnaire were filled out by the parents in the pre-test and post-test. Repeated measure analysis and paired t-test were used to analyze the data using SPSS software version 23. Results: Motor and computer games had a significant positive effect on attention and social communication; also, motor and computer games have a significant positive effect on the perceptual-motor skills of male inactive students (P≤0.05), but there was no significant difference between the effects of these two interventions on any of the research variables (P≥0.05). Conclusion: Motor and computer games improve attention and social communications in children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder; therefore, it is recommended that these games be used to help children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder.

Nowadays, universities are known as the main context of thinkingNowadays, universities are known as the main context of thinking and contemplation and students have an essential role in the development of the society.Therefore,factors affecting educational and research performance are of great importance .The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of PETTLEPimagery on bilateral transfer of handball skill.The Sample included B.Sc students in physical education at the University of Tehran,24 of which participated in this research voluntarily. After taking part in the pretest, the participants were randomly divided into2groups of imagery with dominant hand and non-dominant hand.Then PETTLEP imagery was applied on both groups for12 sessions.A posttest similar to the pretest was done after the last session.This was followed by aretention test after 24 hours and then a transfer test in the form of handball tripleshootafter30minutes.After ensuring the consistency of variances by Leven test and normality of the data by Shapiro-Wilk test,a multivariate analysis of variance(MANOVA)and an analysis of variance with repeated measures with a significant level of α=.05 were used.The results showed that intervention of PETTLEP imagery had a significant effect on skill transfer through the entire process(P≥.05).Thus,PETTLEP imagery causes the occurrence of bilateral transfer. Therefore, PEETLEP mental imagery is recommended to be used for the improvement of people's skill when employing bilateral transfer. Therefore, PEETLEP mental imagery is recommended to be used for the improvement of people's skill when employing bilateral transfer. Therefore, PEETLEP mental imagery is recommended to be used for the improvement of people's skill when employing bilateral transfer.

Background and Aim: Evaluating variability can help to investigate the process underlying motor coordination problems. The current study aimed to measure motor coordination and its variability in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Moreover, the symmetry of motor coordination variability in these children and the relation between motor skills and variability were explored. Materials and Methods: After evaluating motor skills in children, aged 7-10 years using Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), 15 children with DCD and 20 non-DCD children performed a bilateral coordination task. Using motion capture system, motor coordination and variability were recorded and calculated by computing continuous relative phase and its standard deviation, respectively. Ethical Considerations: The study with an ethical code of IR.UT.SPORT.REC.1396030 was approved by Ethics Committee of Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of University of Tehran. Findings: Children with DCD showed significantly higher variability, while there was no significant difference between the groups in performing the coordination task. Moreover, the variability of motor coordination was found asymmetrical in children with DCD. Finally, more variability was shown to be accompanied with lower score in motor skills of the participants. Conclusion: The current study shows the necessity of employing assessments related to underlying process of movement coordination such as variability, which can help to provide more comprehensive understanding of motor patterns of children with DCD and the strategies that they adopt to execute and produce movement.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of peripheral and central fatigues on depth perception error in students. The statistical population consisted of students in Khodabande city. 42 subjects (mean age of 16.88 ± 0.49 years) were selected by convenience sampling method. All subjects took depth perception pretest. Then, they were divided into the intervention and control groups. To produce peripheral fatigue (physical), the first group received physical fitness activity and the second group received mental activity to produce central (mental) fatigue. The third group did not perform any activity during the intervention period. The depth perception posttest was performed after the fatigue intervention. The results of one-way analysis of variance showed no significant differences in the pretest among the groups, but there was a significant difference in the posttest among the groups. LSD post hoc test results showed that central fatigue increased depth perception error in comparison with peripheral fatigue and no intervention (control group). But no significant differences were observed in depth perception error between peripheral fatigue and control groups. Paired t test results showed an increase in depth perception errors resulted from both types of fatigue and the lack of change in the control group. Overall, it can be concluded that central fatigue had an effective role in increasing students' depth perception error when compared to peripheral error. Therefore, coaches are advised to adopt appropriate conditions that reduce central fatigue.

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in the number of patients presenting with acute appendicitis was observed. It is unclear whether this caused a shift towards more complicated cases of acute appendicitis. We compared a cohort of patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic with a 2019 control cohort. Methods We retrospectively included consecutive adult patients in 21 hospitals presenting with acute appendicitis in a COVID-19 pandemic cohort (March 15 – April 30, 2020) and a control cohort (March 15 – April 30, 2019). Primary outcome was the proportion of complicated appendicitis. Secondary outcomes included prehospital delay, appendicitis severity, and postoperative complication rates. Results The COVID-19 pandemic cohort comprised 607 patients vs. 642 patients in the control cohort. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher proportion of complicated appendicitis was seen (46.9% vs. 38.5%; p = 0.003). More patients had symptoms exceeding 24 h (61.1% vs. 56.2%, respectively, p = 0.048). After correction for prehospital delay, presentation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was still associated with a higher rate of complicated appendicitis. Patients presenting > 24 h after onset of symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic were older (median 45 vs. 37 years; p = 0.001) and had more postoperative complications (15.3% vs. 6.7%; p = 0.002). Conclusions Although the incidence of acute appendicitis was slightly lower during the first wave of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, more patients presented with a delay and with complicated appendicitis than in a corresponding period in 2019. Spontaneous resolution of mild appendicitis may have contributed to the increased proportion of patients with complicated appendicitis. Late presenting patients were older and experienced more postoperative complications compared to the control cohort.

Introduction: Physical activity increases serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS); however, the effect of learning a skill using mental imagery in the PETTLEP model and comparing its effectiveness with physical activity in the levels of this factor has not been investigated so far. This study aimed to compare the learning of a skill through PETTLEP imagery and physical training. Moreover, it was attempted to investigate the effect of the combination of these two methods on BDNF levels and memory function in MS patients. Materials & Methods: In total, 30 women with MS and a mean age of 37.5±3.02 years Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)=0-2 were included in this study. Based on Kim Karad visual memory test scores, they were divided into three homogeneous groups of 10 subjects per group. The groups included PETTLEP imagery, physical activity, and combined physical training and PETTLEP imagery. Before the intervention, visual memory was assessed using the Kim Karad visual memory test, and BDNF serum concentration by blood sampling method. The groups were subjected to three 30-min sessions weekly (for six weeks). After the intervention, the research variables were reevaluated at the posttest stage. Ethics code: IR.SSRC.REC.1397.012 Findings: The result of one-way ANOVA showed that the combination of PETTLEP imagery exercises and physical training, compared to physical training and imagery alone, increased BDNF levels (P=0.026 and P≤0.0005, respectively). However, imagery training improved memory performance in the short term and long-term memory, compared to physical training (P=0.009 and P=0.034) or combined exercise (P≥0.05). Discussions & Conclusions: Combination of physical training and imagery is effective in the rehabilitation of MS patients, and it can be used as a non-pharmacological method in this regard.

Introduction: Nowadays, exposure to electromagnetic waves has raised concerns for pregnant mothers about cognitive disorders that affect neonates. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of electromagnetic waves and physical activity on learning, spatial memory, and levels of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the neonates of pregnant rats. Materials & Methods: Pregnant Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into three groups of seven animals per group (Physical activity [PA], Electromagnetic fields [EMF], and AP+EMF). All groups underwent intervention during 21 days of pregnancy period. Subsequently, 2.4 GHz frequency and swimming were selected for the intervention. After delivery, 21 neonates were kept under natural in vitro conditions for 56 days (until maturity). Eventually, the Morris Water Maze test was performed, and the hippocampus was removed to measure BDNF. Ethics code: IR.SSRI.REC.1399.919 Findings: The result of one-way ANOVA showed that the traveled distance (P=0.007) and time to reach the platform (P=0.01) in the EMF group was significantly higher, compared to the PA group. Moreover, the results of one-way ANOVA and Tukeychr('39')s post hoc test showed a significant increase in the level of the hippocampal BDNF in the groups of PA and EMF+PA, compared to the EMF group (P=0.007 and P=0.02, respectively). Discussions & Conclusions: Electromagnetic waves during pregnancy have a devastating effect on the memory and learning of the offspring of rats. However, physical activities, including swimming, can mitigate the destructive effects of these waves during pregnancy.

Cognitive constrain of individual constrains which can be created with imagery and is a factor in many tasks affecting the performance has been investigated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of PETTLEP imagery on the accuracy and speed basketball pass skill. 44 female students of Faculty of Physical Education, University of Tehran (mean age of 22.45±2.3 years) were selected by convenience sampling method and participated in this study. In pretest, participants performed 2 blocks of 10 trials of accuracy and speed basketball pass. Then, they were assigned to one of the four groups homogeneously: accuracy pass PETTLEP imagery, speed pass PETTLEP imagery, accuracy control, and speed control. Two groups of imagery listened to the imagery audio during 3 days for 8 minutes per day. Then, subjects participated in posttest, retention and transfer tests. For data analysis, mixed ANOVA was used. In case of significance, independent t test was used for intergroup comparisons and analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for within-group comparisons with significance level of α=0.05. The results of analysis of variance indicated no significant differences between imagery and control groups in pretest. However, there were significant differences in posttest, retention and transfer tests between imagery and control groups (P≤0.05). Also, PETTLEP imagery of accuracy and speed pass improved accuracy and speed pass performance from pretest to retention test; however, there was no such process in transfer test (P≥0.05).

Introduction: The importance of implicit learning and ways to achieve it in learning motor skills is increasing. However, little research has been carried out on children and the effects of analogy on children’s compressive performance are unclear. This study is performed aiming to compare analogy and verbal learning on accuracy and angular velocity of dart-throwing skills in children.Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed using a semi-experimental design in 24 children with a mean age of 11.06 ± 2.2 years. The subjects were selected by the convenience sampling method and randomly divided into three groups: verbal training, analogy, and control. After the dart throw test (10 attempts), the participants underwent 8 rehearsal sessions (including 50 attempts per session). Retention and transfer tests were taken 3 weeks after the last session and 10 attempts were made on the variables of radial error and angular velocity. Data were analyzed using mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) (3 × 4 in performance and 3 × 3 in angular velocity). α = 0.05 was considered as the significance level.Finding: The results showed that the verbal group had a significant decrease in radial error in the acquisition (P < 0.001), retention (P ≤ 0.003), and transfer (P ≤ 0.025). However, an increase in error was observed in the learning (P ≤ 0.001) and transfer stages (P < 0.001) in the control group, and in the transfer stage in the analogy group (P ≤ 0.038). Moreover, the verbal group had a significant increase in elbow angular velocity (P ≤ 0.005), while in other groups there was no significant difference between the test phases (P < 0.05).Result: It seems that verbal instruction increases the angular velocity, improves accuracy and performance compared to analogy, and is more effective in children’s performance.

Theoretically, skill presentation will change behavior through processes such as imitation and motor repetition. If we want learning to happen, we need a process called training. Training can be delivered by the instructor through verbal and non–verbal instructions to the learner. One type of non–verbal instruction is pattern representation in which learner can learn through observation. The purpose of this model is to use the pattern representation as a means of transmitting information. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three training methods: immediate, interspersed and combined imitation on Juno kata form performance. Therefore, 45 girls (9-12 years old) in Tehran city voluntarily participated in this study and were divided into three groups (each group 15 subjects) based on the type of intervention. Groups of immediate, interspersed and combined imitation had special imitation training programs with specific repetitions. In order to quantify data, 10-point Kata scale was used. As the data distribution and variance homogeneity were obtained, the result of analysis of variance with repeated measures showed that all three observational methods helped to improve the performance and this progress remained stable in the retention and transfer tests (P≤0.05). Also, the results of multivariate analysis of variance showed the priority of immediate imitation group on interspersed (P=0.0005) and combined (P=0.0005) imitation groups. The combined imitation group gained better scores than interspersed group (P=0.0005) and this differences was stable in retention and transfer tests.

Background: A quiet eye is the final fixation or tracking before moving on, which requires concentration and attention, and is an effective way of teaching interceptive tasks. Methods: In the current semi-experimental study, 20 volunteer female students from a volleyball center of Shiraz District 1 (mean age = 12.10, SD = 0.718) were selected as the participants from February 2017 to February 2018. After taking the pre-test, they were randomly divided into two groups of 10 (technical training and quiet eye training). The intended task was to receive volleyball serve with the forearm from three receiving areas of the mini-volleyball court. To measure the accuracy of the volleyball serve reception, a volleyball Serve Reception Test by forearm was used in mini-volleyball court. Ergoneers eye tracking (EET) was used to record the visual data. After the pre-test, the participants took part in 9 separate training sessions three sessions a week, and 48 hours after the last training session, the first retention test and one month later the second retention test was performed. Data were analyzed by 2×3 mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) of quiet eye duration and performance, using SPSS software at a significant level of P≤0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean performance of the quiet eye training group increased from 4.30±1.76 in pre-test to 11±1.76 in the first retention and 12±2 in long-term retention in comparison to the technical training group (P = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference between the mean quiet eye duration of the quiet eye and technical training groups (P = 0.512). Conclusions: It seems that quiet eye training has a significant effect on the long-term learning of beginners compared to technical training, but it does not have a significant difference in the duration of beginners’ quiet eye compared to technical training.

Introduction: The effect of central vision occlusion on two-hand coordination tasks is assessed in previous studies. However, the effect of peripheral vision on these tasks is not clearly identified; therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of limitation of peripheral vision on two-hand coordination tasks. Material and Methods: Seven right-handed and right eye-dominant girl students with a mean age of 24.00 ± 3.46 years participated in this study. Subjects tested under four experimental conditions including peripheral vision limitation of the position of right hand, left hand, and both hands, and no peripheral limitations of hand position in the two-handed Vienna coordination task with four tries for each condition. The data were analyzed using 1 × 4 repeated measures ANOVA. Results: All three conditions of visual peripheral limitation showed less errors than the conditions without visual limitation (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between four experimental conditions in the variable of total time (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the visual peripheral limitation, as an environmental constraint, may increase the focus and attention of people in the two-hand coordination task.

The aim of this study was to investigate the emergence of special skill in basketball free throw at different skill levels based on Newell's model of learning stages. Participants were assigned to three skill groups (n=10): coordination group, coordination control group, and optimization group. They threw 350 fixed shots from 7 parametric points (2.74, 3.35, 3.96, 4.57, 5.18, 5.79, 6.4), carrying out 50 shots in each point. Regression analysis showed that the accuracy of those who were in the third stage of Newell's model in 4.57 m point, which is the same line of penalty, was significantly higher than the anticipated regression equation and supported the emergence of special skill (P>0.05), but the rest of the points did not follow the principles of force variability and performance accuracy decreased by increasing distance parameter. Moreover, multiple regression analysis showed that the rest of the points had no contribution to the emergence of special skill and this conclusion may be the reason for rejecting generalized theory in the creation of special skill.

Introduction: Quiet eye had been introduced as a period of extended gaze fixation in many targeting tasks. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of quiet eye training with self-control and constant-variable body organization on performance and learning badminton low backhand service in the student novice girls. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 19 girl students of physical education in University of Tehran, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of self-control (n = 9) and constant-variable (n = 10). The task intention was badminton backhand low service. In order to measure the accuracy of backhand low service, we used French short serve standard five test, and to record the visual data, Ergonear Eye Tracking test was used. The day after the pretest, participants took part in 3 sections of acquisition (8 blocks with 15 trails, a total of 360 trails), and 48 hours after the acquisition test, the test of retention and transfer was executed. The data were analyzed using Mixed ANOVA test of 2 × 4 at performance and 2 × 3 during the period of the quiet eye at a significance level of P ≥ 0.050. Results: Quiet eye duration showed a significant increase in both groups from pretest to retention (P ≥ 0.001). Therefore, it can be noted that both methods of practice had a positive effect on the quiet eye duration. However, in the accuracy performance, there was no significant different between the groups (P = 0.374) and within the groups (P = 0.890). Conclusion: It seems that the organization of constant-variable and self-control exercises has similar effects on the accuracy and quiet eye duration.

Background: Various theoretical approaches have different views regarding the role and importance of vision information in the production and control of movements, but how vision control mechanisms act under anxious conditions? Aims: The present research aimed to evaluate vision control mechanisms under anxious conditions in novice golf players. Method: In this quasi-experimental study, 20 novice golf players were selected through convenience sampling in the city of Isfahan. The task of the current study was the performance of golf-putting skill under different anxious conditions (baseline vs. anxiety). In this study, participants in the baseline and anxious conditions performed 6 trials of counterbalance in each condition without blocking (control), the first phase blocking, and the last phase blocking of movement in each task. Simultaneously with golf-putting performance, the quiet eye data were recorded by an eye tracker system. Data were analyzed via two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc statistical methods. Results: The results indicated that participants’ quiet eye significantly decreased under anxiety conditions (p=0/0001). Also, the results showed that the initial blockage of movement caused further weakening of the accuracy and quiet eye compared to the final blockage of movement (p=0/0001). Conclusions: Overall, the results of the current study emphasize the pre-programming system in the performance of golf-putting skill in novice golf players.

Coordination is an important part of successful movements in daily life and sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of cognitive activities on intrapersonal and interpersonal motor coordination in taekwondo athletes (Poomsae). The population consisted of Poomsae male athletes in Tehran city. 30 individual Poomsae athletes and 30 team Poomsae athletes (age range: 17 - 30 years old) were selected by convenience sampling method. The sample was divided into 3 groups: control, easy cognitive activities and difficult cognitive activities. The control group only performed the motor coordination task whereas the cognitive groups performed the dual task. The results of one-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference for two handed (P=0.003) and two legged (P=0.04) coordination in total time factor (speed). Also, there was a significant difference in the error percentage factor for interpersonal motor coordination (P=0.02). In a two by two group analysis, the easy (P=0.003) and difficult (P=0.001) cognitive activities groups in two handed motor coordination and the difficult cognitive activities group in two legged (P=0.02) and interpersonal (P=0.01) motor coordination performed better than the control group. It is suggested that difficult activities should be used in addition to regular physical activities.

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a major pathogen causing severe economic loss. However, the molecular mechanism of silkworm resistance to BmNPV and the interactions of this virus with the host during infection remain largely unclear. To explore the virus-binding proteins of silkworms, the midgut subcellular component proteins that may interact with BmNPV were analyzed in vitro based on one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis and far-western blotting combined with mass spectrometry (MS). A total of 24 proteins were determined to be specifically bound to budded viruses (BVs) in two subcellular fractions (mitochondria and microsomes). These proteins were involved in viral transportation, energy metabolism, apoptosis and viral propagation, and they responded to BmNPV infection with different expression profiles in different resistant strains. In particular, almost all the identified proteins were downregulated in the A35 strain following BmNPV infection. Interestingly, there were no virus-binding proteins identified in the cytosolic fraction of the silkworm midgut. Two candidate proteins, RACK1 and VDAC2, interacted with BVs, as determined with far-western blotting and reverse far-western blotting. We speculated that the proteins interacting with the virus could either enhance or inhibit the infection of the virus. The data provide comprehensive useful information for further research on the interaction of the host with BmNPV.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of attentional focus and frequency of feedback on performance and kinematics in basketball free throwing. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental research, fifty students were randomly selected using convenience sampling method, and were randomly divided in one control and 4 experimental groups (internal focus and 33% feedback, internal focus and 100% feedback, external focus and 33% feedback, and external focus and 100% feedback). Experimental groups conducted six blocks of ten attempts (every day two blocks of ten attempts) in one week, and in three sessions of training, and received internal or external focus feedback with the corresponding frequency (33% or 100%). After 72 hours, retention and transfer tests were performed with ten-attempt blocks. Performance (throwing accuracy) and kinematic data (joint angle and range of motion) were collected. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures and one way ANOVA. Results: Feedback with external focus (100% and 33%) was more effective in improving throwing performance in retention and transfer tests (P < 0.050). Kinematic data analysis showed that external focus feedback groups had the least maximum flexion in the knee joint in retention test compare to acquisition stage (P < 0.050). Moreover, external focus groups had the least maximum flexion at the knee in retention test compared to internal focus groups (P < 0.050). In range of motion of the knee, external focus groups had more range of motion in retention and transfer tests compared to internal focus groups (P < 0.050). Conclusion: Performance improvement in external focus groups may be limited to certain changes in kinematic data, and in line with constrained-action hypothesis.

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in older women which affects their daily life. It causes balance impairment, and increases the rate of falling in these patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects between tai chi exercise and glucosamine supplementation on the balance of older women with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This was a clinical trial study, in which 75 women with knee osteoarthritis (according to the Kellgren and Lawrence scale) were chosen, and randomly assigned into 3 groups of tai chi exercise (performed 3 times a week for 3 month), glucosamine supplementation (3 times a week), and control (no intervention). Before and after interventions, static balance (measured by stabilometer in both open and closed eye) and dynamic balance [measured by timed up and go (TUG) test] were examined. Paired sample t and ANOVA tests were implemented for data analyzing at a significant level of less than 0.050. Results: Tai chi exercise had a significant effect on static [open (t = 9.57, P = 0.001) and closed (t = 5.30, P = 0.001) eye] and dynamic balance (t = 8.54, P = 0.001); supplementation variable had a significant effect only on dynamic balance (t = 2.21, P = 0.040); in control group, there was not any significant difference between before and after intervention. Comparing three groups, the ANOVA test showed a significant difference between the exercise and control group in static [open (P = 0.001) and closed (P = 0.001) eye] and dynamic balance (P = 0.040). Conclusion: It seems that tai chi exercises enhance the balance in older women with knee osteoarthritis. It also could be concluded from the results that only the exercise variable has the significant effect on subject’s balance compared to glucosamine supplementation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of music types on depth perception during fatigue. Statistical population consisted of female students of Faculty of Physical Education at University of Tehran. 45 subjects (mean age 23.3 ± 2.16 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were divided into three groups: slow music, fast music and control. Initially, all subjects participated in the pretest of depth perception using depth perception apparatus. Then, they received a similar exercise until reaching the threshold of exhaustion. After reaching fatigue, their error of depth perception was reassessed. Then, participants were asked to listen to the music specific to each group for 3 minutes in order to assess the effect of music on their depth perception during fatigue. Their depth perception was immediately measured as the posttest. Analysis of variance with repeated measures and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. The results showed that fast music did not significantly change depth perception error (P=0.602), but slow music significantly reduced this error (P=0.006).

The respiratory release of CO2 from soils is a major determinant of the global carbon cycle. It is traditionally considered that this respiration is an intracellular metabolism consisting of complex biochemical reactions carried out by numerous enzymes and co-factors. Here we show that the endoenzymes released from dead organisms are stabilised in soils and have access to suitable substrates and cofactors to permit function. These enzymes reconstitute an extracellular oxidative metabolism (EXOMET) that may substantially contribute to soil respiration (16 to 48% of CO2 released from soils in the present study). EXOMET and respiration from living organisms should be considered separately when studying effects of environmental factors on the C cycle because EXOMET shows specific properties such as resistance to high temperature and toxic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]