Effect of Topical Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed Oil on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE, AND DESIGN: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common and debilitating diseases, especially in the elderly. Hemp seed oil is a plant product that has been used as a food or drug since ancient times because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. METHODS: A double-blind, active, placebo-controlled trial was done to assess the efficacy of hemp seed oil on knee OA. Ninety patients were randomly allocated to three groups; hemp seed oil, diclofenac gel, and placebo via a blocked randomization method, and were asked to apply the topical treatment daily for 2 months. The study participant underwent assessments before, and four and 8 weeks after the intervention. Evaluation included measurements of the heel-to-thigh distance, utilization of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and application of visual analog scale (VAS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS.24 and the significance level was considered as p < .05. RESULTS: All parameters, except heel-to-thigh distance, improved significantly in the hemp seed oil group compared to placebo group. Improvements in VAS and WOMAC parameters were not different comparing the hemp seed oil and diclofenac gel groups. Heel-to-thigh distance decreased significantly within all groups during the study. There were no significant differences in improvements in heel-to-thigh distance comparing the three groups. CONCLUSION, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Hemp seed oil led to greater improvements in VAS pain score and WOMAC parameters, but not knee flexion range, compared to placebo. There were no differences in measured outcomes comparing hemp seed oil and diclofenac gel.

A review of inflammatory bowel disease from the perspective of Persian medicine.

The initial descriptions of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been a topic of discussion. Cases of persistent diarrhea have been documented as far back as ancient Greece, with even Hippocrates (∼ 460-370 BCE) exploring various potential causes of diarrhea. Persian medicine was the predominant medical practice in the Eurasia region until the 18th century and had roots in Hippocrates and the ancient civilization of the region. Scholars, such as Avicenna (980-1025 CE), extensively described a disease characterized by intestinal ulcers, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain in the early medieval period. While some of the definitions and etiologies of IBD in Persian medicine are based on humoral theories that differ from current medical concepts, recent studies have suggested a potential relationship between the traditional Persian medicine understanding of the disease and IBD. Persian medicine classifies patients with specific diseases into different types of disorders known as dystemperament, with the application of these differences referred to as "syndrome differentiation." These traditional classifications require distinct therapeutic approaches. Research has delved into the molecular bases of the humoral theory and the impact of syndrome differentiation on drug selection for patients, including those with IBD. However, further research is needed to explore the potential effectiveness of Persian medicine in treating IBD and to understand how this ancient classification system can contribute to improved disease management.

Examining the Building Blocks of Health Behavior Change in Rheumatology Rehabilitation: A Theory-Driven Qualitative Study.

Purpose: To identify and describe behavior change techniques (BCTs) used in rehabilitation for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), according to their own perceptions. Further, to examine patients' descriptions of their capability, opportunity, motivation, and readiness for health behavior change. Patients and Methods: Patients were adults in need of specialized, multidisciplinary rehabilitation services due to inflammatory rheumatic disease, systemic connective tissue disease, or fibromyalgia / chronic widespread pain. Semi-structured interviews of 21 patients were analyzed with deductive qualitative content analysis applying three theoretical frameworks: the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy, the transtheoretical model and stages of change, and the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behavior. Results: Forty-six BCTs aggregated within 14 BCT groups were identified used by either patients, healthcare professionals (HPs), or both. Goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, social support, shaping knowledge, repetition and substitution were most frequently used to facilitate behavior change. Twenty patients had reached the action stage and made specific lifestyle changes concerning more than half of their goals. Concerning other goals, 6 of these patients reported to be contemplating behavior change and 15 to be preparing for it. The rehabilitation process appeared to strengthen capability, opportunity, motivation, and the desired behaviors. Patient-reported barriers to behavior change were connected with restrictions in physical capability resulting from an unpredictable and fluctuating disease course, weakened motivation, and contextual factors, such as lack of access to healthcare support and training facilities, and high domestic care burden. Conclusion: The rehabilitation process seemed to strengthen individual and contextual prerequisites for behavior change and facilitate the use of required techniques and engagement in the desired behaviors. However, patients with RMDs may need prolonged support from HPs to integrate healthy lifestyle changes into everyday life. The findings can be used to optimize rehabilitation interventions and patients' persistent engagement in healthy behaviors.

Comparing the Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Sexual Function in Women in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of aromatherapy with lavender and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for sexuality (MBCT-S) on female sexual function. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Health centers in Roudan city, Iran. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty married women, ages 18 to 45 years, were recruited using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Participants were selected from health centers in 2022 via convenience sampling. INTERVENTION AND MEASUREMENTS: Upon their completion of a demographic checklist and the FSFI as a pretest, participants were divided into three groups, including lavender aromatherapy (n = 20), MBCT-S (n = 20), and control (n = 20) through random selection with permutation blocks. All groups completed FSFI as a posttest. Data were analyzed by SPSS 26 using chi-square, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney statistical tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups before the intervention (p = .652), but there was a significant difference among them after the intervention (p = .001). There was a significantly positive difference between the intervention groups and the control group (p < .001). A significant relationship was observed among the three groups in sexual desire, pain, satisfaction, lubrication, and arousal. The mean scores of the posttest in sexual desire, pain, satisfaction, and lubrication were positively higher in the MBCT-S group than in the aromatherapy group, and both intervention groups showed the same effect for sexual arousal. Aromatherapy and counseling had no significant effect on improving sexual orgasm. CONCLUSION: MBCT-S can be used to improve many aspects of female sexual function, except for orgasm disorders; aromatherapy may improve sexual arousal.

Phylogenetic climatic niche evolution and diversification of the Neurergus species (Salamandridae) in the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot.

This study explores how climate variables influenced the evolution and diversification of Neurergus newts within the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot. We use a dated phylogenetic tree and climatic niche models to analyze their evolutionary history and ecological preferences. Using genetic data from nuclear (KIAA) and mitochondrial (16s and 12s) genes, we estimate divergence times and identify four major Neurergus clades. The initial speciation event occurred approximately 11.3 million years ago, coinciding with the uplift of the Zagros and Anatolian mountains. This geological transformation isolated newt populations, likely triggering the first speciation event. By integrating potential geographic distribution with climate variables, we reconstruct ancestral niche occupancy profiles. This highlights the critical roles of temperature and precipitation in shaping Neurergus habitat preferences and distribution. We observe both phylogenetic niche conservatism and divergence, with niche divergence playing a dominant role in diversification. This research emphasizes the complex interplay of geography, climate, and ecology in speciation and the vulnerability of isolated mountain newt populations to environmental changes.

The Efficacy of the Herbal Formula of Bunium persicum and Coriandrum sativum on Clinical Symptoms of Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most prevalent chronic disorders affecting up to 30% of the world population with considerable impairment of quality of life. This study evaluated the efficacy of the herbal preparation of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch. and Coriandrum sativum L. on symptom severity, symptom frequency, and quality of life of patients with FD. METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, with parallel groups allocation ratio of 1:1, was conducted in a referral clinic of Afzalipour Hospital affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Kerman, southeastern Iran. A total of 90 patients with FD (diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria) were included in this study. The patients with complications during the intervention, pregnancy or lactation, a history of allergy to herbal drugs, use of other medication that affect the symptoms of FD during the study, and severe organic or psychiatric disorders were excluded. The participants received one capsule containing 500 mg of herbal preparation or placebo twice a day for 4 weeks and were subsequently followed up for 4 more weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed via the Dyspepsia Severity Questionnaire, the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire, and Nepean Dyspepsia Index Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total 40 participants in each group completed the follow-up period, and their data were analyzed statistically. All clinical outcomes showed significant improvements by herbal preparation compared to the placebo without serious side effects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This herbal preparation can significantly improve the quality of life, and symptoms of FD compared to placebo.

Effects of a traditional herbal formula containing Melissa officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, and Rosa damascena on anxiety and depression in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C): A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a traditional Persian herbal formula containing Melissa officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, and Rosa damascena (MPR) on anxiety and depression in IBS patients with symptoms of constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in Afzalipour Hospital via block randomization method. A total of 96 IBS-C patients (based on Rome IV criteria), aged 18-60 years, were included in this study. Participants received capsules containing either 500 mg of herbal formula or placebo (cornstarch) twice a day for four weeks Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Forty-three patients in the intervention group and 45 patients in the control group completed this study. Except for the education level, there were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean levels of anxiety and depression, and total IBS symptom severity score showed no significant differences between the two groups at baseline (P > 0.05). After four weeks of treatment, the anxiety score considerably improvement in the treatment group (Cohen's d = -1.19, 95 % confidence intervals [CIs] -4.49 to 2.13), as did the depression score (Cohen's d = -1.93, 95 % CIs -4.32 to 2.79). CONCLUSION: MPR considerably improved anxiety and depression in patients with IBS-C compared to the placebo without serious side effects.

Safety and immunogenicity of COReNAPCIN, a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, as a fourth heterologous booster in healthy Iranian adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1 clinical trial with a six-month follow-up.

The recurrent COVID-19 infection, despite global vaccination, highlights the need for booster doses. A heterologous booster has been suggested to enhance immunity and protection against emerging variants of concern of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this report, we aimed to assess the safety, and immunogenicity of COReNAPCIN, as a fourth booster dose after three doses of inactivated vaccines. METHODS: The study was conducted as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1 clinical trial of the mRNA-based vaccine candidate, COReNAPCIN. The vaccine was injected as a heterologous booster in healthy Iranian adults aged 18-50 who had previously received three doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. In the study, 30 participants were randomly assigned to receive either COReNAPCIN in two different doses (25 µg and 50 µg) or placebo. The vaccine candidate contained mRNA encoding the complete sequence of the pre-fusion stabilized Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, formulated within lipid nanoparticles. The primary endpoint was safety and the secondary objective was humoral immunogenicity until 6 months post-vaccination. The cellular immunogenicity was pursued as an exploratory outcome. RESULTS: COReNAPCIN was well tolerated in vaccinated individuals in both doses with no life-threatening or other serious adverse events. The most noticeable solicited adverse events were pain at the site of injection, fatigue and myalgia. Regarding the immunogenicity, despite the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies due to the vaccination history for all and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection for some participants, the recipients of 25 and 50 µg COReNAPCIN, two weeks post-vaccination, showed 6·6 and 8·1 fold increase in the level of anti-RBD, and 11·5 and 21·7 fold increase in the level of anti-spike antibody, respectively. The geometric mean virus neutralizing titers reached 10.2 fold in the 25 µg group and 8.4 fold in 50 µg group of pre-boost levels. After 6 months, the measured anti-spike antibody concentration still maintains a geometric mean fold rise of 2.8 and 6.3, comparing the baseline levels in 25 and 50 µg groups, respectively. Additionally, the significant increase in the spike-specific IFN-ϒ T-cell response upon vaccination underscores the activation of cellular immunity. CONCLUSION: COReNAPCIN booster showed favorable safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity profile, supporting its further clinical development (Trial registration: IRCT20230131057293N1).

Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) on female reproductive system disorders: A systematic review.

The effect of Crocus sativus on several disorders has been discussed or even confirmed, but the efficacy of this herb on the female reproductive system has not been well presented. In this regard, this systematic review comprehensively discussed the efficacy of C. sativus and its main phytochemical compounds on the female reproductive system and its disorders for the first time. In this systematic review, scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database, were explored profoundly. In vivo, in vitro, and human studies published until the end of July 2023, which had investigated the pharmacological properties of C. sativus, crocin, crocetin, safranal, or picrocrocin on the female reproductive system, were selected. A total of 50 studies conducted on the effect of C. sativus on the female reproductive system were acquired. These studies confirmed the efficacy of C. sativus or its main phytochemical ingredients in several aspects of the female reproductive system, including regulation of sex hormones, folliculogenesis, ovulation, and protection of the ovary and uterus against several oxidative stress. Several retrieved studies indicated that this herb also can alleviate the symptoms of patients suffering from dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, it is a promising candidate for future studies or even trials regarding ovarian and cervical cancers. This review concluded that C. sativus can improve the symptoms of several female reproductive system disorders, which is particularly due to the presence of phytochemical ingredients, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal.

Does follow-up really matter? A convergent mixed methods study exploring follow-up across levels of care in rehabilitation of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

PURPOSE: To explore what patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) need and receive of follow-up care after specialized rehabilitation, and whether received follow-up is associated with health outcomes after 1 year. Further, to compare these findings with patients' experiences to improve the understanding of how follow-up takes place. METHODS: In a mixed methods study, patients received a rehabilitation programme designed to improve the continuity in rehabilitation across care levels. A total of 168 patients completed questionnaires, of which 21 were also interviewed. RESULTS: At discharge, most patients reported needs for follow-up. These needs were largely met within 1 year, mainly resulting from patients' initiatives to re-connect with previous contacts. The degree of received follow-up was not associated with goal attainment, quality of life, or physical function. Factors related to providers (competence, communication skills), context (delays, limited access to care), and patients (motivation, life situation, preferences) seemed to be decisive for the progress of the rehabilitation process over time. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence that access to follow-up care is crucial to patients with RMDs. However, it also highlights several factors that may influence its impact. These results can be used to optimise design and implementation of future follow-up interventions.

Healthcare providers should take greater responsibility for creating continuity in rehabilitation across levels of care.Follow-up care should be adapted to patients' needs, goals, and preferences as regards content, timing, and mode of delivery.Follow-up should be linked to a rehabilitation plan for each patient to ensure continuity of care.More effective communication systems across service levels should be established.

Delivery of a quality improvement program in team-based rehabilitation for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: To investigate how a quality improvement program (BRIDGE), designed to promote coordination and continuity in rehabilitation services, was delivered and perceived by providers in routine practice for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. METHODS: A convergent mixed methods approach was nested within a stepped-wedge, randomized controlled trial. The intervention program was developed to bridge gaps between secondary and primary healthcare, comprising the following elements: motivational interviewing; patient-specific goal setting; written rehabilitation-plans; personalized feedback on progress; and tailored follow-up. Data from health professionals who delivered the program were collected and analyzed separately, using two questionnaires and three focus groups. Results were integrated during the overall interpretation and discussion. RESULTS: The program delivery depended on the providers' skills and competence, as well as on contextual factors in their teams and institutions. Suggested possibilities for improvements included follow-up with sufficient support from next of kin and external services, and the practicing of action and coping plans, standardized outcome measures, and feedback on progress. CONCLUSIONS: Leaders and clinicians should discuss efforts to ensure confident and qualified rehabilitation delivery at the levels of individual providers, teams, and institutions, and pay equal attention to each component in the process from admission to follow-up.

Quality in rehabilitation should be characterized by a continuous and coordinated process from goal setting to follow-up.To improve the quality, sufficient involvement of next of kin and external services is needed.Clinicians may need training to build confidence in motivational interviewing, action- and coping planning, feedback on progress, and follow-up.Leaders should organize education sessions, optimize schedules, insert standardized outcome measures, and facilitate collaboration across levels of care and services.

Ameliorating effects of Acacia arabica and Ocimum basilicum on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model through mitigation of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum. The disease is characterized by oxidative stress and severe inflammation. Research has shown the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects induced by consuming the Acacia arabia and Ocimum basilicum. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment with O. basilicum together with A. arabica on healing, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the course of experimental colitis in rats. Methods: A total number of 50 male rats were selected and randomly assigned to five groups of 10 rats each. Colitis was induced in rats by enemas with a 4 % acetic acid solution. Four days after the colitis induction, the rats were orally treated for the next 4 days with saline or a combination of A. arabica and O. basilicum (1000 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg). Results: Acetic acid-induced colitis increased the colon's macroscopic and histopathological damage scores; increased colon levels of MDA (Malondialdehyde), MPO (Myeloperoxidase), TNF-α (Tissue necrosis factor α), IL6 (Interleukin 6), and IL17 (Interleukin 17); and decreased SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), GPx (Glutathione Peroxidase), and IL10 (Interleukin 10) levels in the treated rats compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Overall, a combination of A. arabica and O. basilicum reduced macroscopic and histopathological damage scores (P < 0.01) of the colon, and MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL6 (P < 0.001), and IL17 (P < 0.01) levels of the colon. Furthermore, it increased SOD, GPx, and IL10 levels compared to the colitis group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: A. arabica and O. basilicum have improving effects on UC by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

The threat of a non-native oligochaete species in Iran's freshwater: assessment of the diversity and origin of Eiseniella tetraedra (Savigny, 1826) and its response to climate change.

Oligochaetes are the most abundant benthic taxa in aquatic ecosystems that play an important role in food webs. The present study aims to assess the diversity and origin of Eiseniella tetraedra as a non-native species in the Lar National Park of Iran and also its response to current and future climate change. We obtained the specimen from rivers and sequenced the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) and combined them with 117 sequences from the Jajroud and Karaj rivers in Iran and native regions from GenBank (NCBI). We also ran Species Distribution Modelings (SDMs) using an ensemble model approach that was estimated according to two shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs): 126 and 585 of the MRI-ESM2 based on CMIP6. According to the results, all the samples examined in the current study originated from Spanish rivers, and no unique haplotype was found in the Lar National Park. Moreover, the results also show high haplotype diversity that can positively affect the success of this non-native species in different freshwater. Also, the results of SDMs depict that climate change would remarkably affect the distribution of E. tetraedra and it verifies the invasion power of E. tetraedra in Iran's freshwater ecosystems over time.

Global Trend on Machine Learning in Helicobacter within One Decade: A Scientometric Study.

Purpose: This study aims to create a science map, provide structural analysis, investigate evolution, and identify new trends in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) research articles. Methods: All Helicobacter publications were gathered from the Web of Science (WoS) database from August 2010 to 2021. The data were required for bibliometric analysis. The bibliometric analysis was performed with Bibliometrix R Tool. Bibliometric data were analyzed using the Bibliometrix Biblioshiny R-package software. Results: A total of 17,413 articles were reviewed and analyzed, with descriptive characteristics of the H. pylori literature included. In journals, 21,102 keywords plus and 20,490 author keywords were reported. These articles were also written by 56,106 different authors, with 262 being single-author articles. Most authors' abstracts, titles, and keywords included "Helicobacter-pylori." Since 2010, the total number of H. pylori-related publications has been decreasing. Gut, PLOS ONE, and Gastroenterology are the most influential H. pylori journals, according to source impact. China, the United States, and Japan are the countries with most affiliations and subjects. In addition, Seoul National University has published the most articles about H. pylori. According to the cloud word plot, the authors' most frequently used keywords are gastric cancer (GC), H. pylori, gastritis, eradication, and inflammation. "Helicobacter pylori" and "infection" have the steepest slopes in terms of the upward trend of words used in articles from 2010 to 2021. Subjects such as GC, intestinal metaplasia, epidemiology, peptic ulcer, eradication, and clarithromycin are included in the diagram's motor theme section, according to strategic diagrams. According to the thematic evolution map, topics such as Helicobacter pylori infection, B-cell lymphoma, CagA, Helicobacter pylori, and infection were largely discussed between 2010 and 2015. From 2016 to 2021, the top topics covered included Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori infection, and infection.

Bridging gaps across levels of care in rehabilitation of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: Results from a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a structured goal-setting and tailored follow-up rehabilitation intervention with existing rehabilitation in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. DESIGN: A pragmatic stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial. SETTING: Eight rehabilitation centers in secondary healthcare, Norway. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 374 adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases were included in either the experimental (168) or the control group (206). INTERVENTIONS: A new rehabilitation intervention which comprised structured goal setting, action planning, motivational interviewing, digital self-monitoring of goal progress, and individual follow-up support after discharge according to patients' needs and available resources in primary healthcare (the BRIDGE-intervention), was compared to usual care. MAIN MEASURES: Patient-reported outcomes were collected electronically on admission and discharge from rehabilitation, and after 2, 7, and 12 months. The primary outcome was patients' goal attainment measured by the Patient Specific Functional Scale (0-10, 10 best) at 7 months. Secondary outcome measures included physical function (30-s Sit-To-Stand test), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L-index), and self-assessed health (EQ-VAS). The main statistical analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis using linear mixed models. RESULTS: No significant treatment effects of the BRIDGE-intervention were found for either primary (Patient Specific Functional Scale mean difference 0.1 [95% CI: -0.5, 0.8], p = 0.70), or secondary outcomes 7 months after rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The BRIDGE-intervention was not shown to be more effective than existing rehabilitation for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. There is still a need for more knowledge about factors that can improve the quality, continuity, and long-term health effects of rehabilitation for this patient group.

A double-blind randomized clinical trial of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. in the patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Background and purpose: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that shows its impacts on many populations worldwide. It is known as a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract followed by diarrhea and fecal inconsistency. Due to the lack of treatment in the allopathic medicine system for IBS, people in the western world use different herbs as alternative medicine. In the present study, we evaluated the dried extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi against IBS. Experimental approach: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 76 diarrhea-predominant IBS patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups: the control group (given the placebo capsule containing 250 mg of dibasic calcium phosphate) and the treatment groups (given the capsule containing 75 mg of the dry extract of D. kotschyi and 175 mg of dibasic calcium phosphate as filler). The study was conducted based on Rome III criteria. We studied symptoms included in Rome III criteria and divided the study into the duration of drug administration and four weeks after drug administration. These groups were compared with those of the control group. Findings/Results: Significant improvements were found in the quality of life, temperament, and IBS symptoms throughout the treatment duration. Quality of life, temperature, and IBS symptoms were slightly decreased in the treatment group 4 weeks after stopping the treatment. While concluding the study, we found D. kotschyi effective against IBS. Conclusion and implications: Whole extract of D. kotschyi modulated symptoms of IBS patients and improved their quality of life.

Efficacy and Safety of a Persian Medicine Formula on Functional Dyspepsia Symptoms: A Randomized Double-Blind Active-Control Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal disorders with a high burden. Although FD is a heterogeneous disorder without any standard therapy (treatment/treatment - repetition), there is a wide history of using herbal remedies for its treatment. Two of these herbal remedies quoted in various Persian medicine resources are celery and ajwain. Their effects have been investigated in recent clinical trials in FD patients. We aimed to compare the effect of celery and ajwain to that of domperidone in patients with postprandial distress syndrome. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blind active-control clinical trial, conducted at Kerman, Iran in 2020. Participants of this study were 100 patients suffering from FD (postprandial distress syndrome subtype). The intervention group received 1 g of the combination of celery and ajwain (Apium graveolens L. and Trachyspermum copticum [L.] Link), while the control group received 30 mg of domperidone per day for 4 consecutive weeks. Primary outcomes were symptom severity and frequency, and secondary outcomes were quality of life (QoL) and safety. All outcomes were assessed at the end of the trial and also 4 weeks after the trial was finished. RESULTS: No significant differences in symptom frequency were found between groups. However, differences in symptom severity were found at the end of the follow-up (week 8) (p = 0.001). The intragroup analysis showed a significant decrease in the symptoms severity and frequency at the end of week 4 in both groups (p < 0.001). QoL in the intervention group was higher compared to the control group at the end of the study (p < 0.001) and at the point of the follow-up (week 8; p < 0.001). No serious adverse events occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: The herbal mixture of celery and ajwain could be considered a safe and effective remedy, decreasing the severity of symptoms and increasing QoL in patients with postprandial distress syndrome. It is further suggested to confirm these findings in high-quality multi-center clinical trials.

The effects of antihypertensive medications on severity and outcomes of hypertensive patients with COVID-19.

In Covid-19 pandemic, specific comorbidities are associated with the increased risk of worse outcomes and increased severity of lung injury and mortality. the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of antihypertensive medications on the severity and outcomes of hypertensive patients with COVID-19. This retrospective observational study conducted on patients with COVID-19 who referred to Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran during the six months from 19 February 2020 to 20 July 2020. The data were collected through medical chart reviews. We assessed 265 patients with Covid-19 and they stratified based on hypertension and type of antihypertension medications. The data were described and Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact test were run to compare the patients 'demographical and clinical information. The qualitative variables were compared using the by SPSS software version 23. The results of the present study showed that hypertension was a prevalent comorbidity among patients with COVID-19 and hypertensive patients compared to other patients without any comorbidity who were older (P-value: 0.03). The oxygen saturation was higher for the patients in the control group than hypertensive patients (P-value: 0.01). The severity of COVID-19 and its outcome were not different between the patients who took or did not take antihypertensive medications and also the type of antihypertensive medications. Hypertensive patients did not show any significant difference in survival, hospital stay, ICU admission, disease severity, and invasive medical ventilation in other normotensive patients with COVID-19.

Diversification in the mountains: Evolutionary history and molecular phylogeny of Anatolian rock lizards.

Mountains play a key role in forming biodiversity by acting both as barriers to gene flow among populations and as corridors for the migration of populations adapted to the conditions prevailing at high elevations. The Anatolian and the Zagros Mountains are located in the Alpine-Himalayan belt. The formation of these mountains has influenced the distribution and isolation of the animal population since the late Cenozoic. Apathya is a genus of lacertid lizards distributed along these mountains with two species, i.e., Apathya cappadocica and Apathya yassujica. The taxonomy status of lineages within the genus is complicated. In this study, we tried to collect extensive samples from throughout the distribution range, especially within the Zagros Mountains. Also, we used five genetic markers, two mitochondrial (COI and Cyt b) and three nuclear (C-mos, NKTR, and MCIR), to resolve the phylogenetic relationships within the genus and explain several possible scenarios that shaped multiple genetic structures. The combination of results in the current study indicated eight well-support monophyletic lineages that separated to two main groups; group 1 including A. c. cappadocica, A. c. muhtari and A. c. wolteri, group 2 contains four regional clades Turkey, Urmia, Baneh and Ilam, and finally a single clade belonging to the species A. yassujica. In contrast to previous studies, Apathya cappadocica urmiana was divided into four clades and three clades were recognized within Iranian boundaries. The clades have dispersed from Anatolia to adjacent regions in the south of Anatolia and the western Zagros Mountains. According to the evidence generated in this study this clade is paraphyletic. Based on our assumption, orogeny activities and also climate fluctuations in Middle Miocene and Pleistocene have influenced to formation of lineages. In this study we revisit the taxonomy of the genus and demonstrate that the species diversity was substantially underestimated. Our findings suggest that each of the eight clades corresponding to subspecies and distinct geographic regions deserve to be promoted to species level.

The effect of combining basil seeds and gum Arabic on the healing process of experimental acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

Background & aim: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum that oxidative stress and severe inflammation are the main features of this disease. Previous studies have shown that separate consumption of basil and gum arabic can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of the study was evaluating the effect of treatment with basil seeds given together with gum arabic on healing, inflammation and oxidative stress in the course of experimental colitis in rats. Experimental procedure: A total number of 50 male rats were used, randomly assigned to five groups of 10 rats each. Colitis was induced in rats by enemas with 4% solution od acetic acid. Four days after induction of colitis, rats were treated for next 4 days with saline or combination of basil seeds plus gum arabic (1 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (100 mg/g) rectally. The experiment was terminated after last dose of treatment. Rats without induction of colitis were used as a sham group. Results: Acetic acid-induced colitis increased the macroscopic and histopathological damage scores of the colon as well as colon levels of MDA(Malondialdehyde), MPO(Myeloperoxidase), TNFα(Tissue necrosis factor α), IL6 (Interleukin 6)and IL17(Interleukin 17) and decreased SOD(Superoxide Dismutase), GPx (Glutathione Peroxidase) and IL10 (Interleukin 10) levels compared with the control group(P < 0.001). Treatment with basil and gum arabic reduced macroscopic and histopathological damage scores (P < 0.01) of the colon, MDA, MPO, TNFα, IL6(P < 0.001) and IL17 (P < 0.01) levels of the colon and increased SOD, GPx and IL10 levels compared to the colitis group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Rectal administration of combination of basil seeds plus gum arabic after induction of colitis, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and accelerates the healing of the colon in experimental colitis evoked by acetic acid.