Antibacterial activity of endemic Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil against oral pathogens

INTRODUCTION: To assess the antibacterial effects of an Iranian endemic essential oil, Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad (SKJ) when used as an intracanal antiseptic and interappointment medicament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of SKJ essential oil with and without calcium hydroxide (CH) against eleven aerobic, microaerophilic and anaerobic bacteria were assessed. The evaluation was carried out by agar dilution and well diffusion methods. The results were measured and recorded by an independent observer. Data were analyzed statistically using student t-test. RESULTS: The MIC for eight species was recorded in 0.31 mg/mL of essential oil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a MIC value of 1.25 mg/mL appeared to be the most resistant bacterium; while only 0.16 mg/mL of essential oil was sufficient to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition zone of the antiseptic oil (at 0.31 mg/mL) with E. faecalis in the well diffusion method was 13 mm; this was comparable with 12.5 mm inhibition zone value of the tetracycline disc (30 µg). No synergistic effect was found in combination of essential oil and CH powder. CONCLUSION: SKJ essential oil with the concentration of 0.31 mg/mL is effective against most of oral pathogens including E. faecalis

Effect of self-modeling and self-controlled feedback on the performance of professional swimmers and waterpolo players

Self-modeling (SM) and self-control (SC) feedback can be presented as two solutions for learning improvement. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of SM and SC feedback on 100-m freestyle performance of professional swimmers and waterpolo players. 25 elite male swimmers and waterpolo players, were randomly assigned to four groups: swimmer group with SM, swimmer group with SM and SC feedback, waterpolo players group with SM, and waterpolo players group with SM and SC feedback. 100-m freestyle times and performance were recorded. SM and SC feedback for the participants were utilized at the acquisition stage. The device used included a Lenovo B570 laptop and an Exilim ZR200 canon camcorder. SM and SC feedback presented to the swimmers and waterpolo players led to improved speed and results, and the effect of presenting SM with SC feedback to swimmers had better results. In conclusion, the present study indicates that SC modeling of watching video is a suitable method for professional swimmers. Water polo trainers can also use SM and SC feedback to enhance their players' swimming technique

Comparative Study of the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Nutritional Practices Among International Elite and Sub-Elite Athletes: A Sample of 1420 Participants from 14 Countries

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have shown that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has had negative impacts on mental health and eating behaviors among the general population and athletes, few studies have examined the long-term effects on elite and sub-elite athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health and eating behaviors in elite versus sub-elite athletes two years into the pandemic. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and April 2022, involving athletes from 14 countries, using a convenient non-probabilistic and snowball sampling method. A total of 1420 athletes (24.5 ± 7.9 years old, 569 elites, 35% women, and 851 sub-elites, 45% women) completed an online survey-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included a sociodemographic survey, information about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) for mental health assessment, and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) for assessing eating behavior. RESULTS: The results showed that compared to sub-elite athletes, elite athletes had lower scores on the DASS-21 (p = .001) and its subscales of depression (p = .003), anxiety (p = .007), and stress (p < .001), as well as a lower REAP-S score indicating lower diet quality (p = .013). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, two years into the pandemic, elite athletes were likelier to have better mental health profiles than sub-elite athletes but surprisingly had lower diet quality

A Post-Marketing Surveillance Study to Evaluate the Safety Profile of AlvotereⓇ (Docetaxel) in Iranian Patients Diagnosed with Different Types of Cancers Receiving Chemotherapy

Background Docetaxel is a clinically well established antimitotic chemotherapy medication. Labeled docetaxel indications are breast cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, non–small cell lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Objective This is a Phase IV study to evaluate the safety profile of docetaxel (Alvotere; NanoAlvand, Iran) in Iranian patients diagnosed with different types of cancers receiving chemotherapy regimens with docetaxel. Methods Patients who received Alvotere as a part of their chemotherapy regimen were enrolled in this Phase IV, observational, multicenter, open-label study. Alvotere was administrated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Safety parameters in each cycle were assessed, and the related data were recorded in booklets. Findings A total of 411 patients with different types of cancers were enrolled from 25 centers in Iran. The most common malignancies among participants were breast cancer (49.88%), followed by gastric cancer (22.63%). Participants’ mean age was 53.33 years, and the mean total dose used in each cycle was 132 mg. According to the results, 341 patients experienced at least 1 adverse event, that the most common was alopecia (41.12%). In total, 92 (22.38%) patients had at least 1 adverse event of grade 3 or 4, and 25 (6.08%) patients showed 54 serious adverse events, which the causality assessment for all was possibly related to Alvotere. There was a significant difference between men and women in the incidence of skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (55.63% in women vs 41.73% in men; P = 0.009). Also, the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders, nervous system disorders, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, hepatic enzymes increase, and fluid retention was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients receiving anthracyclines in their chemotherapy regimens. Conclusions The findings of this open-label, observational, multicenter, postmarketing surveillance showed that Alvotere appears to have an acceptable safety profile in Iranian cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutic regimens. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2022; 82:XXX–XXX) © 2022 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc

Comparative Study of the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Nutritional Practices Among International Elite and Sub-Elite Athletes: A Sample of 1420 Participants from 14 Countries

Background Although several studies have shown that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has had negative impacts on mental health and eating behaviors among the general population and athletes, few studies have examined the long-term effects on elite and sub-elite athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health and eating behaviors in elite versus sub-elite athletes two years into the pandemic. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and April 2022, involving athletes from 14 countries, using a convenient non-probabilistic and snowball sampling method. A total of 1420 athletes (24.5 ± 7.9 years old, 569 elites, 35% women, and 851 sub-elites, 45% women) completed an online survey-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included a sociodemographic survey, information about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—21 Items (DASS-21) for mental health assessment, and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) for assessing eating behavior. Results The results showed that compared to sub-elite athletes, elite athletes had lower scores on the DASS-21 (p = .001) and its subscales of depression (p = .003), anxiety (p = .007), and stress (p < .001), as well as a lower REAP-S score indicating lower diet quality (p = .013). Conclusion In conclusion, two years into the pandemic, elite athletes were likelier to have better mental health profiles than sub-elite athletes but surprisingly had lower diet quality. Key Points Elite athletes had better mental health profiles compared to sub-elite athletes, with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Elite athletes reported greater psychological support and perceived themselves as more financially secure during the pandemic than sub-elite athletes do. Elite athletes were more likely to have poor eating habits compared to sub-elite athletes

Drought or/and Heat-Stress Effects on Seed Filling in Food Crops: Impacts on Functional Biochemistry, Seed Yields, and Nutritional Quality

Drought (water deficits) and heat (high temperatures) stress are the prime abiotic constraints, under the current and climate change scenario in future. Any further increase in the occurrence, and extremity of these stresses, either individually or in combination, would severely reduce the crop productivity and food security, globally. Although, they obstruct productivity at all crop growth stages, the extent of damage at reproductive phase of crop growth, mainly the seed filling phase, is critical and causes considerable yield losses. Drought and heat stress substantially affect the seed yields by reducing seed size and number, eventually affecting the commercial trait ‘100 seed weight’ and seed quality. Seed filling is influenced by various metabolic processes occurring in the leaves, especially production and translocation of photoassimilates, importing precursors for biosynthesis of seed reserves, minerals and other functional constituents. These processes are highly sensitive to drought and heat, due to involvement of array of diverse enzymes and transporters, located in the leaves and seeds. We highlight here the findings in various food crops showing how their seed composition is drastically impacted at various cellular levels due to drought and heat stresses, applied separately, or in combination. The combined stresses are extremely detrimental for seed yield and its quality, and thus need more attention. Understanding the precise target sites regulating seed filling events in leaves and seeds, and how they are affected by abiotic stresses, is imperative to enhance the seed quality. It is vital to know the physiological, biochemical and genetic mechanisms, which govern the various seed filling events under stress environments, to devise strategies to improve stress tolerance. Converging modern advances in physiology, biochemistry and biotechnology, especially the “omics” technologies might provide a strong impetus to research on this aspect. Such application, along with effective agronomic management system would pave the way in developing crop genotypes/varieties with improved productivity under drought and/or heat stresses

The Effects of Weight Loss by Physical Activity and Diet on Depression Levels of Highly Depressed Elderly Females

Objectives Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of depression and obesity are rising at an alarming rate in the elderly. There is little research on the effects of weight loss on depression intensity. We aimed to investigate the effects of weight loss by physical activity and diet on depression levels of highly depressed elderly women. Methods & Materials The information related to depression and body composition of 1265 obese elderly women (height: 160.7&plusmn;3.1 cm, age: 61.6&plusmn;1.8 years, weight: 81.52&plusmn;1.07 kg) that were recruited in Weight Control Center of Sport Medicine Association was investigated. According to Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), 175 women who were obese and highly depressed (30.6&plusmn;2.8) were divided randomly in three groups: physical activity (n=59), diet (n=59) and control groups (n=57). In the pre-test stage, all obesity variables were measured by body composition analyzer. Exercise protocol included, five-session aerobic exercise per week, each 45 min during 12 months period and with the pulse 55%-65% of maximum of heart beats. Their food regimen were de-signed based on their recommended daily intake as prescribed by the nutritionist. Their physical activity and diet programs were monitored by phone, self-report or counseling at the clinic. The post-test was performed after 12 months.&nbsp; Results The results showed that both intervention groups (respectively, physical activity and diet groups) had a better results in decreasing depression level compared to control group (P&le;0.05). Further-more, the physical activity group had a better result than diet group (P=0.001, P=0.006). Conclusion Weigh loss may lead to depression decrease especially by physical activity and a better result would be attained if visceral fat is decreased

Effect of Pilates Exercises on Motor Performance and Low Back Pain in Elderly Women With Abdominal Obesity

Objectives This research aimed to investigate the impact of Pilates exercise on motor performance indexes and low back pain of inactive middle-aged women.  Methods & Materials This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest design performed on 43 inactive females with mean (SD) age of 44.4 (5.1) year with low activity, body fat percentage above 35%, and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) of over 0.95. They were assigned into test (n=22) and control (n=21) group. The Pilates or test group did their exercise for 4 months, three times a week while the control group did their daily routines. All body composition variables were measured by body composition analyzer and functional tests were measured by speed and balance tests. Independent and dependent t test were used to analyze the data.  Results The results suggested that dynamic balance and speed improved significantly and those effective factors on motor control such as obesity variables, including Body Mass Index (BMI), WHR, body fat percentage, visceral fat were also improved (P≤0.05). Conclusion It seems that Pilates exercise may improve motor performance indexes and also a better quality of life due to a mitigating low back pain. Therefore, practicing such an exercise program can be effective in older persons

The Effect of Yoga Practice Based on Biorhythms Theory on Balance and Selective Attention of the Elderly Women

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of yoga based on biorhythm theory on the balance and selective attention in the older women. Methods & Materials A total of 35 older women with mean (SD) age of 61.1(2.8) year were randomly assigned into three groups: yoga based on biorhythm (n=13); yoga (n=13); control (n=11). Static and dynamic balance tests and Vienna system test were applied to measure the study variables. COG test was used to measure the selective attention. One-way ANOVA test was used to analyze data followed by post-hoc Tukey test.   Results The results suggested that both motor and cognitive performance, including balance and selective attention were improved significantly (P≤0.05).   Conclusion Given the physical and mental weakness of elderly women, practicing yoga exercises are highly recommended in the elderly

Assessmentof phytochemical characteristics of two medicinal plants species, Ziziphora tenuir and Teucrium polium, collected from Sarbisheh region

Background and Aims: Ziziphora tenuir and Teucrium polium belong to the Labiatae family. So far, 25 and 4 species of Ziziphora tenuir have been reported in the world and Iran, respectively, which are used for novel digestive disorders, common cold, depression, and migraine. A total of 200 species of Teucrium polium have been identified in the world, and 12 species exist in Iran. The historical use of this herb dates back to the time of Hippocrates and Galen. The present study aimed to investigate some of phytochemical characteristics of two medicinal species of Ziziphora tenuir and Teucrium polium in Sarbisheh region of South Khorasan Province. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, the aerial parts of Ziziphora tenuir and Teucrium polium, including leaves, flowers, and flowering branches, were collected from the region at the end of July 2019, and after drying, the samples were distilled using a Clovnjer machine. The identification of the constitutive compounds of the obtained essential oils was performed using GC and GC/MS devices. Results: The main composition of the essential oil in Ziziphora tenuir in the study area was Pulegone, with 92.55%, including eight types of essential oil composition. The highest amount of effective substances was reported for phenol and antioxidant, while tannin and flavonoid had the lowest amount. 23 essential oil compounds, including Camphor (43.72) and Artemisia alcohol (18.61%) were identified as the highest amounts for Teucrium polium, while Cymene (0.42) and a-Thujone (0.24%) were reported as the lowest amounts. The effective ingredients of Teucrium polium, including Phenol and antioxidant, in contrast with flavonone and flavonoid, were respectively reported as the highest and lowest amounts. Conclusion: The high amount of Phenol in both species indicated the inhibitory power and is related to the Terpinen compounds in the essential oil of both species. On the other hand, the lower the IC50 value, the higher the inhibition of free radicals and, as a result, the higher the antioxidant property