Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences

Longitudinal Assessment of Semen Quality Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Marziyeh Tavalaee

Introduction: Despite the conclusion of the coronavirus pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 continues to contribute to inflammatory and infectious diseases. This study, conducted in the third year of the pandemic, aims to investigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive health, specifically sperm parameters. We compare sperm characteristics and chromatin status in a case of COVID-19 infection at three time points: before infection and one and five months after recovery.
Methods: We studied a 32-year-old male with primary infertility and grade one varicocele. Semen analyses were performed according to WHO guidelines after the patient tested positive for COVID-19 via RT-PCR. Samples were collected before exposure to COVID-19 and at one and five months post-recovery. Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were assessed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), while DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.
Results: Pre-COVID-19: Sperm concentration: 56 × 10⁶/ml. One-month post-COVID-19: Sperm concentration: 6.4 × 10⁶/ml (moderate oligozoospermia). Five months post-COVID-19: Sperm concentration: 58 × 10⁶/ml. No significant changes in motility or morphology were observed, and DNA fragmentation remained stable.
Conclusions: This case report indicates that COVID-19 temporarily reduces sperm concentration, with levels returning to normal within five months. While SARS-CoV-2 can impact male reproductive health, these effects appear to be non-permanent. Further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to fully understand the implications of COVID-19 on male fertility.

The Effectiveness of Schema Therapy Based on mothers' Training on Social-Emotional Competence in Adolescent Girls with Psychopathic Behaviors in Karaj 1402- 1403

Seyede Maryam Mousavi

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy based on mothers' training on Social- emotional competence in adolescent girls with psychopathic behavior.
Method: This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, with a two-month follow-up design including an experimental and a control group. The statistical population comprised all female students in Senior high school (tenth and eleventh grade) at four public high schools in Karaj during the 2023–2024 academic year. The participants were 20 adolescent girls exhibiting psychopathic behavior and their mothers, who were identified among 520 10th and 11th-grade students The Participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to either the schema therapy group or the control group (10 participants in each).The measurement tools used in this study included the Levenson Psychopathic Behavior Questionnaire and the Zhou & Ee Social- Emotional Competence Questionnaire. The intervention groups (mothers) underwent schema therapy (12 sessions of 90 minutes), but the mothers of control group did not receive any intervention. The questionnaires were completed by their teenage children in the pre-test and post-test and follow up stages. Data analysis was performed using SPSS24.

Study of Changes in the Expression of Histamine and Histamine N-Methyltransferase Genes in the Lumbar Spinal Cord of Male Rats during Methamphetamine Abuse and Buprenorphine Treatment

Hatam Ahmai

Introduction: Methamphetamine is a powerful psychostimulant that has been significantly abused in recent years. Buprenorphine, a derivative of morphine alkaloids, is effective in treating opioid addiction.
Methods: This experimental study involved eight groups of seven male rats each. It examined the effects of a 5-day intraperitoneal injection of methamphetamine, buprenorphine, their interactions, and methamphetamine withdrawal on the expression of histamine and histamine N-methyltransferase genes in the lumbar spinal cord. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with SPSS software.
Results: The intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg of methamphetamine and 6 or 10 mg/kg of buprenorphine over five days did not change the expression levels of the histamine or histamine N-methyltransferase genes in the lumbar spinal cord of male rats. However, discontinuing methamphetamine led to an increase in the expression of both genes in this area (p < 0.01). Furthermore, when examining the interaction between the two drugs, it was found that the expression of the histamine N-methyltransferase gene was significantly higher in the group receiving methamphetamine plus 10 mg/kg buprenorphine compared to the methamphetamine-only group (p < 0.01)
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study and the mechanisms proposed in previous studies, it seems that methamphetamine withdrawal and/or the use of buprenorphine as a possible therapeutic approach can lead to the stabilization of the physiological balance of the central nervous system by temporarily increasing brain histamine, and thus help reduce the complications of methamphetamine abuse.

Investigating the relationship between working memory components and spoken language performance in children with cochlear implants: A narrative review

Zahra Jeddi

Children with cochlear implants exhibit significant variability in spoken language learning. Given the essential role of working memory components in language learning and the focus on cognitive processes by cochlear implant devices, it appears that significant differences in central neurocognitive functions, especially working memory, can partly explain individual variability in speech and language performance. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to survey studies that have examined the relationship between working memory components, including the phonological loop, visuospatial Sketchpad, episodic buffer, and central executive, and oral language skills in children using cochlear implants. The results of the studies showed that working memory components grow and strengthen as the individual's auditory and linguistic experience increases, and their impact on the development of a wide range of language and speech skills is significant. The results of the studies indicate a two-way relationship between working memory skills and oral language skills, in that the basic performance and growth of one affects the progress of the other. Therefore, assessing the working memory performance of these children before using the device may improve the prediction of their language outcomes and lead to more effective design of rehabilitation programs after cochlear implantation

Phenotypic and genotypic evaluation of biofilm formation in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus isolates from cancer patients

Mohammad Arjomandzadegan

Background and Aim: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are among the common causes of nosocomial infections, and their ability to form biofilms may contribute to increased antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the biofilm-forming ability of VRE isolates and their antibiotic resistance patterns.

Materials and Methods: A total of 70 stool samples were collected from cancer patients. Suspected Enterococcus isolates were identified through biochemical tests including catalase test (negative), growth in 6.5% NaCl, positive PYR test, and bile esculin hydrolysis. In total, 22 Enterococcus isolates were confirmed and preserved for further analysis. Resistance to vancomycin was determined using the Broth microdilution according to CLSI guidelines. Biofilm formation was evaluated using the microtiter plate assay. The presence of biofilm-associated genes gelE and cylA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Findings:
The results showed that 68.2% of the isolates were capable of forming biofilm. Based on optical density in the microtiter plate assay, 27.2% were strong biofilm producers, 13.6% moderate, and 27.2% weak. Additionally, 31.8% of isolates were non-biofilm producers. PCR results revealed that among the 22 isolates, gelE and cylA genes were present in 77.3% and 63.6% of cases, respectively.

Conclusion:
Biofilm formation plays a significant role in enhancing antibiotic resistance in VRE isolates. Identification of biofilm-associated factors can be beneficial in designing effective therapeutic strategies against these bacteria.
Ethical consideration
The ethics approval letter is available with approval ID IR.ARAKMU.REC.1403.047 and approval date 15/11/2023.

Funding:
This research was funded by Arak university of medical sciences, Iran.

The Structural Equation Modeling of Body Image and Dating Anxiety in Adolescents with Acne Vulgaris: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion and Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion

Ghodratollah Abbasi

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the structural relationships between body image and dating anxiety in adolescents with acne vulgaris with the mediating role of self-compassion and interpersonal cognitive distortion.
Methods: The present research method was applied in terms of purpose and was conducted using the structural equation modeling method. The statistical population of the study included all individuals referring to the skin clinic of ValiAsr and Razi hospitals in Ghaemshahr at 2023. Considering the volume obtained from the G*Power software, the sample size of 100 individuals was selected non-randomly and purposively from among individuals with acne vulgaris. The data collection tools included the Souto and Garcia Body Image Questionnaire (2002), the Neff Self-Compassion Questionnaire (2003), the Hamamci C Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion Questionnaire (2004), and the Glickman and La greca Adolescent Dating Anxiety (2004). Data analysis was also performed using SPSS version 26 and PLS version 4.
Results: The results of this study, the proposed model has an acceptable fit. In general, in the proposed model of the study, the results showed that body image is related to dating anxiety both directly and indirectly through self-compassion and interpersonal cognitive distortion.
Conclusion: Since acne vulgaris can disrupt a person's perception of their body and these people experience less self-compassion and more cognitive distortions; they may experience anxiety in their relationships, especially at the beginning of their romantic or potential romantic relationships.

The Effect of Emotion Regulation Skills on the Dimensions of Nurses’ Caring Behaviours

Maryam Moghimian

Introduction: Nurses' caring behaviours determine the quality of nursing services. Nurses' emotions influence these behaviours. Emotion regulation can affect nurses' caring performance. This study was conducted to determine the effect of emotion regulation skills on nurses' caring behaviours.
Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 50 nurses from Ziaian Hospital, Tehran, were selected based on the inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, emotion regulation skills were presented in six sessions. The control group did not receive any training. The data collection tools were a demographic profile form and the Wolff Caring Behaviour Questionnaire, which were completed before and one month after the study. The data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential tests in SPSS version 21 software.
Result: There was no significant difference in the demographic profile of the nurses in the two groups. The mean scores of caring behaviours in the intervention and control groups before the study were 149.26 ± 11.82 and 146.08 ± 10.70, respectively, with no significant difference. After the study, this mean in the intervention group reached 12.203 ± 11.9, with a significant difference between before the study and the control group (p<0.001). In the control group, the score of caring behaviours after the study was 147.72 ± 11.14, with a significant difference between before the study and the intervention group.
Conclusion: Emotion regulation skills can improve nurses' caring behaviours. Nurses who have higher skills in managing emotions act more professionally in challenging situations. Therefore, strengthening these skills is recommended for the professional development of nurses.

The mediating role of mentalization in the relationship between attachment styles and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Faramarz Sohrabi

Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive relationship disorder (ROCD) is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions regarding intimate relationships. The present study examines the mediating role of mentalization as an important psychological mechanism in the relationship between attachment styles and symptoms of OCD.
Method: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted using a convenience sampling method on 281 married couples in Tehran. Participants completed attachment styles questionnaires, the Mentalization Scale, and the Partner-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Questionnaire (PROCSI). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling.
Findings: The results showed that insecure attachment styles (avoidant and anxious) were positively and significantly correlated with lower scores of mentalization and higher scores of symptoms of OCD, while secure attachment style was negatively and significantly correlated with higher scores of mentalization and lower scores of symptoms of OCD. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that mentalization significantly mediates the relationship between attachment styles and OCD. In other words, insecure attachment styles lead to increased symptoms of OCD by reducing the capacity for mentalization. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the key role of mentalization as a psychological mechanism in the relationship between insecure attachment styles and traumatic childhood experiences with increased symptoms of OCD. These results emphasize the importance of assessing and strengthening mentalizing capacity, along with addressing attachment patterns and trauma history, in therapeutic interventions for couples with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching Basic Medical Sciences During Crises and Internet Limitations: Strengthening the Preparedness and Resilience of the Educational System

Masoumeh Gholami

Artificial intelligence can serve as a key factor in enhancing the education of basic medical sciences, particularly in critical situations such as the recent Iran-Israel conflicts and internet restrictions. This technology can help bridge the gaps caused by limitations in face-to-face instruction and restricted access to scientific resources by providing personalized learning content, virtual simulations, and immediate feedback. Additionally, by strengthening group interactions and fostering critical thinking skills, artificial intelligence plays a vital role in increasing the resilience of the educational system. Therefore, integrating artificial intelligence into medical education processes is not only essential for effectively responding to crises but also indispensable for the continuous improvement of education quality and the empowerment of future healthcare professionals.

Construct and cloning of CRISPR /Cas9 target gene and confirmation of cell line identity by QF - PCR

Jafar Amani

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and CDKL5 deficiency disorder are among the nervous and developmental disorder with genetic origin that requires accurate molecular models to study the mechanisms of disease and develop new treatments. The CRISPR / Cas9 genome editing system is an efficient tool to generate targeted changes in the genome. The aim of this study was to design and construct CRISPR / Cas9 vector carrier sgRNA for CDKL5 gene and to confirm the cloning and identity of the cell line used by molecular methods .
Materials and methods: in this experimental study, at first, specific primers were designed for region in the cdkl5 gene .Oligo nouclotide forward and reverse annealing and cloned in PX458 vector. After transformation of E. coli strains DH5, positive colonies were confirmed by PCR and sequencing methods. Also to ensure the identity of the HEK293T cell line, QF - PCR was used to determine the sex and chromosome study.
Results: colony - PCR results showed the expected band of 230 bp in selected colonies. Sequencing also confirmed insert sgRNA in the vector. The results of QF-PCR demonstrated specific peaks patterns for sex chromosomes that confirmed cell line identity.
Conclusion: the CRISPR / Cas9 target gene expression was successfully performed and molecular approvals were obtained for cloning and analysis of the cell line. This vector can be used for further studies of gene expression in cellular models.