Insoluble fibre and enzyme supplementation in mash or pellets diets on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed barley containing diets.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme supplementation and the inclusion of fibre in the barley-based diets have been some of the alternatives proposed to improve productivity in the absence of growth promoters. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the effect of adding sunflower hulls (SFH), a multi-enzyme carbohydrate, and feed forms (mash and pellet) on performance and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens fed barley containing diets. METHODS: Treatments were two feed forms (mash vs. pelleted), and four diets consisted of a barley-based diet (control, CTL) or test diets which contained either SFH at 30 g/kg, enzyme (ENZ; 0.2 g/kg) or combination of SFH and enzyme (SFH + ENZ). RESULTS: The results showed that average daily feed intake and average daily gain were significantly increased in chickens that were fed ENZ (p < 0.05). The highest digestibility of ether extract (EE) was observed in the treatment containing SFH and SFH + ENZ (p < 0.05). The highest population of Lactobacillus spp. was observed in the treatment containing SFH (p < 0.05). The villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratios of duodenum and jejunum were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in broilers fed pellet diets compared to the mash. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that pellet diets reduce digesta viscosity and harmful microorganisms (Escherichia coli), increase growth performance, and improve intestinal morphology in barley-based diets. Moreover, SFH and ENZ had favourable effects on EE digestibility and caecal microbial population of broilers fed with barley containing diets.

Systematic Review on Herbal Preparations for Controlling Visceral Hypersensitivity in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Visceral hypersensitivity (VH) is an overreaction of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to various stimuli and is characterized by hyperalgesia and/or allodynia. VH contributes to the etiology of many GI dysfunctions, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although the exact mechanisms underlying VH are yet to be found, inflammation and oxidative stress, psychosocial factors, and sensorimotor alterations may play significant roles in it. OBJECTIVE: In this review, we provide an overview of VH and its pathophysiological function in GI disorders. Adverse effects of synthetic drugs may make herbal agents a good candidate for pain management. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the efficacy of herbal agents in the management of VH with a focus on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials. METHODS: Data were extracted from clinical and animal studies published in English between 2004 and June, 2020, which were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. RESULTS: Overall, Radix, Melissia, Glycyrrhizae, Mentha, and Liquorice were the most efficient herbals for VH management in IBS and dyspepsia, predominantly through modulation of the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) and suppression of 5- hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) or the serotonin receptors. CONCLUSION: Considering the positive effects of herbal formulations in VH management, further research on novel herbal and/or herbal/chemical preparations is warranted.

Early absorption sources of caffeine can be a useful strategy for improving female table tennis players-specific performance.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of fast absorption sources containing caffeine, such as caffeinated gum and coffee mouth rinsing, has been considered a practical nutritional strategy among athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of early absorption sources containing caffeine on the performance of female table tennis players. METHOD: Eighteen female table tennis players randomly participated in this randomized, double-blind, and crossover designed study. Before starting the test, the participants attended a familiarization session. In each test session, participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions including chewing caffeinated gum (CG, n = 6), coffee mouth rinsing (CMR, n = 6) and placebo capsule (PLA, n = 6). All participants consumed caffeine with an average dose of ∼3 to 4.5 mg·kg-1. The one-week interval was considered a washout period for each condition. Each test session included measurement of functional, skill and cognitive tests. Skill tests included serve, forehand drive, backhand push and counter tests. The Cognitive function measured by color recognition test, and functional tests included agility, hand movement speed, the explosive power of the upper body and lower body, hand-eye coordination and hand grip strength tests. The collected data were analyzed (with SPSS Windows software) by repeated measure ANOVA analysis and Bonferroni post hoc test at P ≤ 0.05 level. RESULTS: The findings of the present study illustrated that CG and CMR increased significantly agility and reduced the amounts of errors in the cognitive test compared to PLA (p < 0.05), While there was no significant difference between CG and CMR (p > 0.05). Also, CG and CMR compared to PLA and CMR compared to CG rose significantly hand movement speed and movement speed (p < 0.05), and CMR compared to PLA increased significantly hand-eye coordination, isometric hand strength, service accuracy and forehand drive (p < 0.05). However, CG compared to PLA and CMR had no significant effect on hand-eye coordination, isometric hand strength, service accuracy and forehand drive (p > 0.05). In addition, CG and CMR enhanced significantly the explosive power of the lower body compared to PLA (p < 0.05), While there was no significant difference between CG and CMR (p > 0.05). Also, CG and CMR compared to PLA and CG compared to CMR had no significant effect on the explosive power of the upper body, backhand, and counter skills (p > 0.05). Furthermore, CG increased significantly accuracy in the service test compared to PLA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results, it seems that early absorption sources of caffeine (CMR and CG) are efficient strategies for improving the specific performance of female table tennis players. However, allegedly CMR and CG have a better effect on functional and cognitive tests compared to skill tests.

Pharmacotherapy for gastric and intestinal cramping pain: current and emerging therapies.

INTRODUCTION: Acute gastrointestinal cramping pain (GICP) is a debilitating condition that affects many people worldwide, significantly reducing their quality of life. As such, prompt treatment is crucial. AREAS COVERED: This article will explore relevant literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Additionally, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP database for the latest clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: Consensus dictates that antispasmodics such as hyoscine-N-butyl bromide and mebeverine should be the primary treatment for GICP. If these prove ineffective, patients can switch to an antispasmodic with a different mode of action or add acetaminophen/NSAIDs for more severe cases. Currently, several antispasmodics are undergoing clinical trials, including drotaverine, alverine, pinaverium, otilonium bromide, fenoverine, tiropramide, otilonium bromide, trimebutine, and peppermint oil. Well-designed head-to-head studies are necessary to evaluate current antispasmodics' safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacoeconomics profiles. Recent studies have shown that fixed-dose combinations of antispasmodics + NSAIDs or two different antispasmodics can improve patient compliance and synergistically reduce GICP. Therefore, it is recommended that the global availability and accessibility of these products be enhanced.

Effect of Bacterial Phytase on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Bone Mineralization in Broilers Fed Pelleted Diets.

The influence of a bacterial 6-phytase on growth performance, coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of nutrients, blood parameters, and bone mineralization in broilers was evaluated. A total of 630 one-day-old male broilers were allocated to 7 dietary treatments, including positive control (PC) diet containing dicalcium phosphate, the PC marginally reduced in available P (avP) by 0.1% and calcium (Ca) by 0.2% vs. PC (NC1) or moderately reduced by 0.15 and 0.3% vs. PC (NC2), respectively, and four further diets comprising the NC1 and NC2 supplemented with 500 or 1000 FTU/kg of phytase in starter and finisher phases. A constant Ca to avP ratio was maintained across all diets. The body weight gain (BWG) and feed per unit gain (FCR) of birds fed NC1 and NC2 diets supplemented with phytase (500 and 1000 U/kg) was equivalent to that of birds fed the PC diet at 35 days. Phytase supplementation in the NC1 diet linearly increased the CAID of nitrogen (N) (p < 0.01), phosphorus (P) (p < 0.01), and Ca (p < 0.05). Additionally, phytase reduced (p < 0.01) excreta P concentration by approximately 27%, improved (p < 0.001) toe ash, and tended to increase tibia ash (p = 0.08), comparable with the PC. In conclusion, the addition of bacterial 6-phytase dosed in the range of 500-1000 FTU/kg was effective in replacing 1.5 g/kg avP and 3 g/kg Ca in broilers fed pelleted diets, using bone quality, BWG, and FCR as outcome measures.

Therapeutic effects of dietary antioxidative supplements on the management of type 2 diabetes and its complications; umbrella review of observational/trials meta-analysis studies.

Background: Controversial data on the effects of vitamins (V) and nutrients on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is available. Thus, it is aimed to clarify the role of vitamins and nutrients through an umbrella review regarding the available observational/ trials meta-analyses. Methods: All meta-analyses of observational and clinical trials conducted on the impact of vitamins and nutrients in T2DM published until 5th June 2021 in PubMed or Web of Sciences were included in this review. Also, the meta-analysis on children, pregnant women, type 1 DM, or in vivo/in vitro studies was excluded. Search results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flowchart. Results: The overall of 93 papers (99 studies) consisting of 75 trials and 24 observational studies were included. Most studies were conducted on the effect of VD and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in both genders. Consumption of VD or its analogous; 20 IU/d to 450,000 IU/once for 3 weeks to 7 years showed to have a positive effect on the parameters of glucose hemostasis. Moreover, an inverse association was observed between VD level and T2DM risk. Daily consumption of 1200 mg VC for at least 12 weeks improved lipid profile and glucose hemostasis parameters. Furthermore, VB and medications for diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) increased nerve conduction velocity. Vitamins K and E were showen to not have significant impact on T2DM. ALA had a beneficial effect on DPN symptoms after 2-4 weeks of intake of at least 300 mg/d. T2DM risk was reduced by doubling ALA intake. The effective daily doses of chromium, zinc and coenzyme Q10 on lipid profile and glucose hemostasis parameters were > 200 mg, < 25 mg, and < 200 mg, respectively. Conclusion: This umbrella review suggests that dietary vitamins and nutrients can result in protective impacts the complications associated with T2DM. However, due to discrepancies between the results of the trials and observational studies is essential to conduct long-term high-qualified studies to prove the beneficial therapeutic effects of the vitamins and nutrients on T2DM and its complications.

Targeting miRNA by Natural Products: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver.

The increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as multifactorial chronic liver disease and the lack of a specific treatment have begun a new era in its treatment using gene expression changes and microRNAs. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of natural compounds in NAFLD by regulating miRNA expression. MicroRNAs play essential roles in regulating the cell's biological processes, such as apoptosis, migration, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and adipocyte differentiation, by controlling the posttranscriptional gene expression level. The impact of current NAFLD pharmacological management, including drug and biological therapies, is uncertain. In this context, various dietary fruits or medicinal herbal sources have received worldwide attention versus NAFLD development. Natural ingredients such as berberine, lychee pulp, grape seed, and rosemary possess protective and therapeutic effects against NAFLD by modifying the gene's expression and noncoding RNAs, especially miRNAs.

Semelil as Adjunctive Therapy in Chronic Periodontitis: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Clinical Study.

Host modulation therapy is recently employed to improve periodontal treatments outcome. This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of Semelil (ANGIPARS) as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis. Forty-four healthy subjects with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in the study. After completion of phase I periodontal therapy, including oral hygiene instruction, scaling, and root planing, the patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive capsules of Semelil (test) or placebo (control), consuming two capsules a day for three months. Clinical parameters (probing depth [PD], clinical attachment level [CAL], modified sulcular bleeding index [MSBI], modified gingival index [MGI], and plaque index [PI]) and biochemical parameters (interleukin-1ß [IL-1ß], 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]), and lipid peroxidation [LPO]) were measured at baseline and after completion of treatment. Twenty-five patients completed the study: 15 in the test group and 10 in the control group. All clinical and biochemical parameters were significantly improved from baseline to the final measurements in both groups (p < 0.001). The changes were more pronounced in the test group in comparison to the control group. However, the differences between the groups were significant only for MGI, MSBI, PD, and CAL (p < 0.05). Semelil may reveal promising results as an adjunctive treatment for chronic periodontitis.

A systematic review of clinical and laboratory findings of lead poisoning: lessons from case reports.

Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals in the environment. The present review aimed to highlight hazardous pollution sources, management, and review symptoms of lead poisonings in various parts of the world. The present study summarized the information available from case reports and case series studies from 2009 to March 2020 on the lead pollution sources and clinical symptoms. All are along with detoxification methods in infants, children, and adults. Our literature compilation includes results from 126 studies on lead poisoning. We found that traditional medication, occupational exposure, and substance abuse are as common as previously reported sources of lead exposure for children and adults. Ayurvedic medications and gunshot wounds have been identified as the most common source of exposure in the United States. However, opium and occupational exposure to the batteries were primarily seen in Iran and India. Furthermore, neurological, gastrointestinal, and hematological disorders were the most frequently occurring symptoms in lead-poisoned patients. As for therapeutic strategies, our findings confirm the safety and efficacy of chelating agents, even for infants. Our results suggest that treatment with chelating agents combined with the prevention of environmental exposure may be an excellent strategy to reduce the rate of lead poisoning. Besides, more clinical studies and long-term follow-ups are necessary to address all questions about lead poisoning management.

Haploid Plant Production in Borage (Borago officinalis L.) by Anther Culture.

Borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a crop with different culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial properties. Besides, it is one of the best known sources of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). However, the variability in the levels of such active compounds, obtained from wild borage, may result in conflicting clinical trial reports, which may likely decrease the optimal efficiency of the product. On the other hand, this important medicinal plant has a multifactorial self-incompatibility system, which makes self-pollination ineffective and results in a limited production of pure (homozygous) lines for breeding programs. To avoid the limitations of self-incompatibility and also producing uniform lines useful as parents for F1 hybrid production, or as starting materials to develop new varieties with high and homogenous levels of medicinal compounds, androgenic doubled haploid (DH) lines produced by anther culture have the potential to speed up the process of producing homozygous lines for breeding program of this medicinal species. In the present chapter, a protocol for production of haploid plants in borage by in vitro anther culture is described.

Current Advances in the Use of Nanophytomedicine Therapies for Human Cardiovascular Diseases.

Considering the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the primary cause of death during the last several decades, it is necessary to develop proper strategies for the prevention and treatment of CVDs. Given the excessive side effects of current therapies, alternative therapeutic approaches like medicinal plants and natural products are preferred. Lower toxicity, chemical diversity, cost-effectiveness, and proven therapeutic potentials make natural products superior compared to other products. Nanoformulation methods improve the solubility, bioavailability, circulation time, surface area-to-volume ratio, systemic adverse side effects, and drug delivery efficiency of these medications. This study intended to review the functionality of the most recent nanoformulated medicinal plants and/or natural products against various cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. Literature review revealed that curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol were the most applied natural products, respectively. Combination therapy, conjugation, or fabrication of nanoparticles and nanocarriers improved the applications and therapeutic efficacy of herbal- or natural-based nanoformulations. In the context of CVDs prevention and/or treatment, available data suggest that natural-based nanoformulations are considerably efficient, alone or in blend with other herbal/synthetic medicines. However, clinical trials are mandatory to elucidate the safety, cardioprotective effect, and mechanism of actions of nanophytomedicines.

Comprehensive study on the administrative, economic, regional, and regulatory prospects of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Introduction: Due to the high cost, low effectiveness, and adverse effects plus the life-long nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and misconception on safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the market demand for CAM has risen over the past decades. A critical review of patients' and physicians' attitudes, market drivers, economic aspects, regulatory roles, and regional distribution is lacking.Areas covered: Through relevant databases, the existing English language literature concerning the association of CAM use with IBD was collected over the past two decades. Data was then analyzed, comprehensively summarized in tables/figures, and justified concerning administrative, organizational, regional, economic, and regulatory perspectives.Expert opinion: Although CAM utilization is more prevalent among younger, female, and high-educated IBD patients, issues concerning weak study designs, limited-time period/regional distribution of recent surveys, and lack of economic evaluations on CAM make it entirely unfeasible to draw a firm conclusion. Regulators are lagging in meeting the dire need of IBD patients, especially the elderly. Lack of legislation regarding registration, sales monitoring, licensing, insurance coverage, efficacy/safety assessments, post-marketing surveillance, quality assurance, and reference pricing alongside the limited support for CAM research are the main matters that should be urgently addressed.

An Evidence-based Review of Medicinal Plants used in Traditional Persian Medicine for Treatment of Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is known to be the leading cause of pain and disability in the elderly. The prevalence of this disease in adults over 60 years was 9.6% in men and 18% in women. The therapeutic goals of this disease generally include pain relief with the least side effects, improvement of articular function and improvement of life, in which pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments are performed in different protocols. Due to the common side effects of pain relievers and complaints after invasive joint surgeries, there is a growing interest in the use of Traditional and Complementary protocols in OA treatment. In this paper, different sources of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) were searched to obtain any evidence evaluating any medicinal plants in the management of OA. Over 250 effective medicinal plants for the treatment of OA have been introduced in these sources, and by searching electronic databases including PubMed and Scopus, we have found that of these plants, 39 have direct or indirect evidence in the treatment of this complication by different mechanism of actions such as effect on Body mass index (BMI), obesity and dyslipidemia, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and antioxidant activity. The most important medicinal plants with direct evidence in the management of OA are Allium sativum, Commiphora mukul, Linum usitatissimum, Matricaria chamomilla, Nigella sativa, Zingiber officinale, and Piper nigrum. Medicinal plants seem to be a valuable source for discovering and identifying new drugs for treatment of OA; however, since most of the studies are preclinical, further clinical trials are required to achieve more conclusive results.

Inhibitory effect of flavonoid xanthomicrol on triple-negative breast tumor via regulation of cancer-associated microRNAs.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Due to the side effects of current chemo-reagents on healthy tissues, it is essential to search for alternative compounds with less toxicity and better efficacy. In the present study, we have investigated the anticancer effects of flavonoid xanthomicrol on the mice breast cancer model using MTT assay, cell cycle and Annexin/PI analysis, colony formation assay, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and miRNA analysis. Our results demonstrated that xanthomicrol decreased the cell viability and clonogenic capability, induced G1-arrest and apoptosis in the breast cancer cells in vitro, and caused a significant reduction in the volume and weight of mice tumors in vivo. In addition, xanthomicrol reduced the expression of TNFα, VEGF, MMP9, and Ki67, while upregulating the expression of apoptotic markers such as Bax, caspase3, and caspase9. Finally, the expression of miR21, miR27, and miR125, known as oncomirs, decreased significantly after xanthomicrol administration, while the expression of miR29 and miR34, functioning as tumor suppressors, increased significantly (p < .001). Our data demonstrated that xanthomicrol can induce apoptosis and suppress angiogenesis in breast cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect on oncomirs and its stimulatory effect on tumor suppressor miRNAs.

Role of lead in dental diseases.

Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in our environment and causes many pathophysiological health effects, including dental diseases. Dental Pb levels are considered good biological indicators of environmental and occupational Pb exposure. Pb in blood and saliva causes imbalances in the growth of oral microflora. The pH of saliva decreases, interferes with and interacts with bone-seeking elements, changes oral inflammatory parameters, generates reactive oxygen species, causes oxidative damage, and delays the mineralization process, leading to dental diseases. Pb's dental diseases include periodontitis, enamel lesions and defects, fluorosis, Burton's line, and tooth loss. Environmental and physiological factors, including age, gender, tooth type and position, pregnancy and lactation, eating and drinking habits, smoking habits, and exposures from Pb-contaminated residential and occupational areas, affect the distribution of Pb in blood, bone, and saliva, which contributes to dental diseases. However, living and working in Pb free areas can prevent environmental and occupational Pb exposure. Healthy lifestyles and eating habits, prohibiting smoking and alcohol drinking, further help prevent Pb exposure. Also, the fluoridation of water, salt, and milk provide nutritional supplements of trace elements, which can help prevent teeth from absorbing Pb from the environment, thereby reducing the risk of dental diseases.

Beneficial Effects of Anti-Oxidative Herbal Medicines in Diabetic Patients Infected with COVID-19: A Hypothesis.

During the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is critical to introduce potential medical treatments. Anti-oxidative herbal medicines with evidence-based beneficial impacts in the treatment of diabetes mellitus can be suggested as an adjuvant therapy to its conventional treatments in patients infected with COVID-19.

An overview of interventions for constipation in adults.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing global prevalence of the symptoms of constipation adversely affects the quality of life (QOL) of symptomatic patients. An acceptable universal definition of constipation does not exist and a detailed history taking form each patient with various complaints including stool consistency, sensing of incomplete evacuation or a manual need to assist evacuation is required. Complexity of obtaining etiologic diagnosis and the wide range of therapeutic options can mislead physicians in choosing correct treatment. AREAS COVERED: This review, considers the pathophysiology of constipation and the diagnostic approach to identify the etiology of constipation. Available interventions including non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and invasive methods such as acupuncture and surgical management are discussed. This review utilized on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov to search for studies and reviews published between 2000 and 2020. EXPERT COMMENTARY: Constipation necessitates careful considerations to detect the exact pathophysiology. Medical history, focused physical assessments, and selected diagnostic tests help choosing the right management. Non-pharmacological methods are beneficial in most of the cases. If a satisfactory response is not achieved, over the counter or prescribed medications are available. Options for patients who failed to respond to available medications are addressed in this review.

Nanophytomedicines for the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome: A Pharmacological and Biopharmaceutical Review.

Metabolic syndrome includes a series of metabolic abnormalities that leads to diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Plant extracts, due to their unique advantages like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin sensitizing properties, are interesting therapeutic options to manage MetS; however, the poor solubility and low bioavailability of lipophilic bioactive components in the herbal extracts are two critical challenges. Nano-scale delivery systems are suitable to improve delivery of herbal extracts. This review, for the first time, focuses on nanoformulations of herbal extracts in MetS and related complications. Included studies showed that several forms of nano drug delivery systems such as nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanobiocomposites, and green-synthesized silver, gold, and zinc oxide nanoparticles have been developed using herbal extracts. It was shown that the method of preparation and related parameters such as temperature and type of polymer are important factors affecting physicochemical stability and therapeutic activity of the final product. Many of these formulations could successfully decrease the lipid profile, inflammation, oxidative damage, and insulin resistance in in vitro and in vivo models of MetS-related complications. Further studies are still needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of these novel herbal formulations for clinical application.

Identification and tissue-specific expression of rutin biosynthetic pathway genes in Capparis spinosa elicited with salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate.

Capparis spinosa is an edible medicinal plant which is considered as an excellent source of rutin. Rutin is a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin that has been reported to have a beneficial role in controlling various diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity. In this study, the partial cDNA of four genes involved in the rutin biosynthetic pathway including 4-coumaroyl CoA ligase (4CL), flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H), flavonol synthase (FLS) and flavonol-3-O-glucoside L-rhamnosyltransferase (RT) were identified in C.spinosa plants for the first time. The protein sequences of these genes shared high similarity with the same proteins in other plant species. Subsequently, the expression patterns of these genes as well as rutin accumulation in C.spinosa leaves treated with different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and also in different tissues of Caper plants treated with 100 mgL-1 SA and 150 µM MeJA were evaluated. The expression of all four genes was clearly up-regulated and rutin contents increased in response to MeJA and SA treatments after 24 h. The highest rutin contents (5.30 mgg-1 DW and 13.27 mgg-1 DW), as well as the highest expression levels of all four genes, were obtained using 100 mgL-1 SA and 150 µM MeJA, respectively. Among the different tissues, the highest rutin content was observed in young leaves treated with 150 µM MeJA, which corresponded to the expression of related genes, especially RT, as a key gene in the rutin biosynthetic pathway. These results suggest that rutin content in various tissues of C. spinosa can be enhanced to a significant extent by MeJA and SA treatments and the gene expression patterns of rutin-biosynthesis-related genes are regulated by these elicitors.

The urgent need for integrated science to fight COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become the leading societal concern. The pandemic has shown that the public health concern is not only a medical problem, but also affects society as a whole; so, it has also become the leading scientific concern. We discuss in this treatise the importance of bringing the world's scientists together to find effective solutions for controlling the pandemic. By applying novel research frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration promises to manage the pandemic's consequences and prevent recurrences of similar pandemics.