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Abstract

Background: Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a key enzyme in dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR) and it is a central factor to induce the insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12-week aerobic training on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B gene expression and insulin resistance in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 16 Wistar rats were divided into aerobic training and control groups. After inducing diabetes intra protaneally, aerobic training group performed training protocol for 12 weeks and 5 session/week. The duration and speed of each session increased progressively as 18 to 26 m/min and 10 to 55 min, respectively. Then, blood and tissue (from gastrocnemius) sampling were carried out in diabetic rats. Insulin resistance markers and PTP1B gene expression were evaluated by commercial kits and Real-Time PCR method, respectively.

Results: Findings showed that PTP1B significantly was decreased in diabetic rats of aerobic training group (p=0.0001). Also, glucose and insulin resistance significantly was decreased in aerobic training groups (p=0.02 and p=0.006, respectively). However, insulin in control rats was significantly increased (p=0.015).

Conclusion: It seems that, current aerobic training protocol has capability to decrease PTP1B and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. Furthermore, the direct correlation between PTP1B and insulin illustrated that any changes in insulin resistance due to exercise training associated with diminution of negative regulation of insulin signaling pathway.

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Abstract

Background: Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is protected against oxidants. Vitamin E has antioxidant effect. The aim of this study was to investigate effect of melatonin and/or vitamin E on the EEG, sleep quality and quality of life of female nurses working in hospitals in Arak.

Materials and Methods: 60 female nurses were randomly selected from hospitals in the Arak city. Participants divided into three groups (melatonin3 mg/day, vitamin E 200 IU/day and melatonin and vitamin E groups) and a control group. Before and two months after the baseline, PSQTI and the quality of life of 26 questions questionnaire were completed and EEG was recorded. Finally, the findings for both groups before and after the intervention were compared with each other.

Results: The average of sleep quality showed an improvement in groups receiving melatonin and melatonin+vitamin E (p>0.05). While data of life quality did not show any significant change between groups. In EEG activity, α waves in the range of 8-10 Hz showed maximum increase in melatonin group and minimum increase in vitamin E group. Also, α wave in the range of 10-12 Hz revealed the most decrease in the melatonin group.

Conclusion: It seems simultaneous administration of melatonin and vitamin E is able to improve sleep quality. In addition, melatonin could improve alpha-waves of brain activity.

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Abstract

Background: In response to the exercise, variety of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory changes in cytokines were occurred into the tissue spaces and also to the systemic circulation. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of three-week intensive interval training on Lipocalin-2 and Interleukin1-β in healthy and adult rat hippocampus.

Materials and Methods: Twenty Wistar rats were divided into training and control groups. Training group performed 15 (bouts) × 4 (min) exercise training for 60 min with 85 to 90% of VO_2max used for four sessions/week (for 3 weeks). Then, blood (for ELISA analyzing) and tissue sampling was performed from rat’s hippocampus and they were evaluated by using a Real-Time PCR method. Also, independent and paired t tests were used to define within and between group differences.

Results: Findings showed that gene translations of Lipocalin-2 and Interleukin1-β were significantly decreased in rat’s hippocampus (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001, respectively). Also, similar decreases were shown in serum levels of Lipocalin-2 and Interleukin1-β in rats (p=0.017 and p=0.003, respectively).

Conclusion: It seems that significant decrease of Lipocalin-2 subsequent of short-time intensive interval training is due to decreasing and significant changes in Interleukin1-β. Also, current training protocol on treadmill can significantly decrease levels of Lipocalin-2 and Interleukin1-β in rat serum and hippocampus.

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Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of morphine and naloxone on epileptic activity in live brain slices taken from morphine-dependent and control infant mice.

Materials and Methods: Forty neonatal mice were randomly selected. To establish dependency, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 mg / kg morphine was injected subcutaneously once daily (0.1 cc) for 5 consecutive days from day 14-18 after birth. On postnatal days 19-20, brain slices were prepared and cerebrospinal fluid was perfused with low magnesium to induce experimental- epiletform activity. The effects of 10, 100 and 1000 µM concentrations of morphine and 10 µM naloxone were investigated on epileptic activity. Chenges in the number as well as onset and amplitude of activities were considered as an indicator to determine the quantity of their effect.  

Results: The results showed that morphine 100 µM increased the activity while 10 and 1000 µM concentrations of morphine and 10 µM naloxone attenuated epileptic activity in both groups. Naloxone reduced pro-seizure effect of morphine, but anti-seizure effect of morphine couldn't restored by naloxone.

Conclusion: Morphine has a two-phase concentration-dependent effect on epileptic activity in the infant mice; so that low and high concentrations of morphine inhibit epileptic activity, but its moderate concentration potentiates the epileptic activity. Naloxone has an anti-seizure effect.

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Background and Aim: Low-volume, high-intensity interval training (HIT) increase skeletal muscle aerobic capacity, yet little is known about the potential mechanisms in improvement of this adaptability. The purpose of present study was to examine the effect of four weeks of HIT on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein contents in skeletal muscle of active men. Materials and Methods: Eight active male students voluntarily and purposefully participated in this study. One week before the experiment started; subjects were familiar with protocol of research. Needle biopsy samples vastus lateralis were obtained 48 h before training and 72 h after the final training session. HIT protocol consisted of 11-15 bouts of 1 min cycling at ∼85-90% of reserve heart rate separated by 1 min of active recovery between each, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Variables were measured by ELISA. All data were analyzed using paired t-test and at the level of significance of p ≤ 0.05. Findings: Results of study showed the four weeks of HIT lead to significant increase in PGC-1α and VEGF (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that activation of VEGF from PGC-1α pathway is part of cellular-molecular mechanisms of high-intensity interval training. So, probably angiogenesis in skeletal muscle is one of the most important factors in improving of aerobic performance, which requires more studies.

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Background and Aim: Diabetes is a chronic disease that physiological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social factors play a role in preventing, risk and regulating it. This research aimed to predict blood glucose control by the use of irrational health beliefs and health locus of control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The research population consisted of all type 2 diabetic patients referring to the two centers of Alzahra School of Charity Hospital and Diabetes Research Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences that 300 patients were chosen as sample by convenience sampling method. Data were gathered by using Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) and Irrational Health Belief Scale (IHBS) and analyzed by regression. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved in Research Ethics Committee of biomedical researches in Tehran Universiry with the code IR.ut.Rec.1395.030. Findings: There is a significant correlation between the predictive variables of irrational health beliefs (p <0.05), inner locus of control and others (p <0.05), and chance locus of control (p <0.01). The results also indicate that the health locus of control and Irrational beliefs predict significantly the changes in the amount of glucose (R=19, R2=0.037, F(4. 293)=2.80, p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, we can say that by identifying the health locus of control and irrational health beliefs, it is possible that blood glucose level can be predicted in patients with type 2 diabetes and reduced the consequences of diabetes in people with it.

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Background and Aim: Musculoskeletal disorders are mainly prevalent among college students who experience direct contact with patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains among Rehabilitation, Dentistry, and Nursing students at Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2017-2018.
Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 538 students of Arak University of Medical Sciences were recruited using the convenience sampling approach. Variables included age, sex, body mass index, study field, hours of using smartphone per day, and nine symptom sites being neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, low back, wrist/hands, hips/thighs, knees, and ankles/feet. The researchers assessed the musculoskeletal pain by using the Nordic questionnaire and demographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V. 18.
Ethical Considerations: The Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved this study (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.253).
Results:  In this study, 538 students (205 males and 333 females) were studied with Mean±SD age of 22.04±2.53 years old. The results showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the spine (neck 29.4%, upper 24.3%, and lower back 37.2%) was higher than in upper and lower extremities. Musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder, upper, lower back, and thigh were significantly different based on sex. Also, musculoskeletal pain in the neck and ankle, and foot were significantly different based on age (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between musculoskeletal pain of back and ankle based on smartphone use hours per day.
Conclusion: This study suggested that rehabilitation, nursing, and dentistry students are at risk for musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lumbar, cervical, and upper back. 

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Background and Aim: Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in sports, accounting for 10% to 15% of all injuries. Since controlling pain and inflammation in ankle sprains is one of the main goals of treatment, we decided to compare the therapeutic effects of Cheleh daghi Herbal ointment with a common therapeutic gel such as piroxicam.
Methods & Materials: This study was performed as a double-blinded clinical trial for 6 months from January 2019 to August 2019. After referral, all patients completed the consent form, and the patient's details and study variables were recorded by the evaluator in the research form. To measure joint inflammation, we measured the ankle with a meter tape in the ankle area (cm) and recorded. A goniometer was also used to measure the degree of ankle movements. The symptoms of ankle ecchymosis were also checked by physical examination and observation and recorded in the checklist. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS V. 18 using statistical tests (the Mann-Whitney U test, the Chi-square, and the independent t-test).
Ethical Considerations: The Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved the study (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.55) and registered by the Clinical Trial (Code: IRCT2017071720258N53).
Results: The Mean±SD age in the control group was 34.2±8.6 years, and in the case group was 35.4±8.9 years. There was no statistically significant difference according to the Mann-Whitney U test (P<0.05). Also, the Mean±SD height in the control group was 1.7±0.12 m and in the case group was 1.72±0.11 m. The results also showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups studied before and after the intervention regarding the mean indicators of pain, swelling, and inflammation around the joints (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of our study showed that Cheleh daghi Herbal ointment for 3 weeks could be more effective in reducing local pain and inflammation than piroxicam gel treatment.

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Background and Aim: Patients with the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases and ulcers constitute a large number of patients referring to general and internal clinics. Furthermore, preliminary studies on gastric ulcers highlighted the role of psychological factors in the development of a susceptible gastric ulcer. The current study aimed to determine the effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on pain intensity and stress coping styles in patients with gastric ulcers.
Methods & Materials: This was an experimental study with a pretest-posttest-follow-up and a control group design. The statistical population included all patients with a gastric ulcer who were referred to public health centers in Tehran City, Iran, in the winter of 2018. Among the volunteers participating in the study, 30 patients with gastric ulcers were selected by the convenience sampling method. Next, they were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (n=15/group). Measurement tools included the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS; Endler & Parker, 1990). The experimental group subjects participated in eight 90-minute sessions of CBT. However, the controls received no psychological treatment in this period. For data analysis, repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were applied.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch (Code: IR.IAU.K.REC.1397.85).
Results: The present research results signified that CBT improved problem-oriented coping styles (P<0.01) and decreased emotion-focused coping styles (P<0.01) and avoidance (P<0.01) in the test group. Besides, the mean scores of pain intensity decreased in the experimental group, compared to the controls (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The provided CBT was effective on pain intensity and stress coping styles in patients with gastric ulcers.

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Background and Aim: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common mental health condition, with a severe decline in performance, disability, and a 15% risk of suicide. Allopurinol increases the level of tryptophan in the body by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, and by elevating the level of tryptophan, i.e., a precursor to serotonin. Accordingly, it can improve the symptoms of depression. This study aimed to investigate the impact of allopurinol on MDD.
Methods & Materials: In this double-blind clinical trial, 70 patients with MDD, diagnosed based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fourth Edition-Third Edition (DSM IV-TR) were randomly (paired & individual patient records) divided into two equal groups. Both research groups received 40 mg of citalopram daily for 6 weeks. In addition to citalopram, the intervention group received 300 mg allopurinol daily and the control group received a placebo. At the end of the third and sixth weeks, the examined patients were tested for Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1394.68). Also, it was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Code: IRCT201508277373n6).
Results:  The Mean±SD HDRS’s score, after 3 weeks of treatment, in the control and allopurinol groups was measured as 28.42±3.1 and 23.02±3.4, respectively. After 6 weeks after treatment, the Mean±SD depression score in the control and allopurinol groups was equal to 23.28±4.1 and 20.4±1.2, in sequence. A significant difference was observed between the research groups; thus, the intervention group obtained a lower mean score in the HDRS than the controls.
Conclusion: Allopurinol can improve the symptoms of depression and can also be used as an adjunct in the treatment of depression.

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Introduction: Several factors influence students' behaviors and develop motivation. Meanwhile, cognitive factors such as psychological capital play a more prominent role than others, and it is crucial to understand the factors that affect them. The current research purpose was to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness intervention and cognitive-behavioral game therapy on the psychological capital of female first-secondary school students in Amol City.
Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all the female students of the first secondary school of the seventh grade of the public schools of Amol City in the academic year of 2023. Among them, 45 people were selected by the available sampling method and were replaced randomly and by lottery in two experimental and control groups (30 individuals in the experimental group and 15 people in the control group). The people attending the first experimental group received mindfulness intervention (8 sessions) and two sessions per week for 60 minutes, and the second experimental group received cognitive-behavioral game therapy intervention (10 sessions) and two sessions per week for 30 minutes. The questionnaire used in this research included psychological capital. The study data was analyzed using the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) method.
Results: The findings showed that mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral game therapy affected the psychological capital of female students of the first secondary school in Amol City (P < 0.01). Also, mindfulness training on psychological capital was more effective than cognitive-behavioral game therapy (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Although both methods of mindfulness training and play therapy improved students' psychological capital, the approach and method used in each are different. Mindfulness training focuses more on awareness and the presence of the mind in the present moment. At the same time, play therapy focuses more on strengthening psychological skills and abilities through interactive activities and games, which can better capitalize on increased psychological.

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Introduction: Nowadays, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has impacted all fields of study. Utilizing these methods for identifying individuals' emotions through integrating audio, text, and image data has shown higher accuracy than conventional methods, presenting various applications for psychologists and human-machine interaction. Identifying human emotions and individuals' reactions is crucial in psychology and psychotherapy. Emotional identification has traditionally been conducted individually and by analyzing facial expressions, speech patterns, or handwritten responses to stimuli and events. However, depending on the subject's conditions or the analyst's circumstances, this approach may lack the required accuracy. This paper aimed to achieve high-precision emotional recognition from audio, text, and image data using artificial intelligence and machine learning methods.
Methods: This research employs a correlation-based approach between emotions and input data, utilizing machine learning methods and regression analysis to predict a criterion variable based on multiple predictor variables (the emotional category as the criterion variable and the features, audio, image, and text variables as predictors). The statistical population of this study is the IEMOCAP dataset, and the data type of this research is a mixed quantitative-qualitative approach.
Results: The results indicated that combining audio, image, and text data for multi-modal emotional recognition significantly outperformed the recognition of emotions from each data alone, exhibiting a precision of 82.9% in the baseline dataset.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate a considerably acceptable precision in identifying human emotions through audio integration, text, and image data compared to individual data when using machine learning and artificial intelligence methods.

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Introduction: Reducing physical activity as well as consuming more calories than the body needs increases obesity and its related disorders, such as metabolic syndrome. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training (RT) on brain tissue gene expression of AKT2 and insulin resistance in obese Wistar rats.
Methods: 30 male rats weighing 160 to 185 grams were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After the approval of the obesity protocol of increasing the weight of the rats, which to be more than 300 grams, the rats were divided into three groups, including the control group (n = 10), HIIT group (n = 10), as well as RT group (n = 10). Until the end, the rats continued to eat a high-fat diet. HIIT was performed for eight weeks and five sessions per week, with an intensity of 80 to 95% of maximum oxygen consumption on a treadmill. Moreover, RT was performed with an intensity of 40-60% of a maximum repetition on the ladder. After eight weeks of training interventions, the expression level of the AKT2 gene in brain tissue was measured by the real-time PCR method.
Results: The results of the present study demonstrated a significant increase in AKT2 gene expression of HIIT and RT groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results illustrated that the insulin resistance of rats in both training groups was significantly reduced (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: According to the findings of the present research, it could be concluded that HIIT, as well as RT interventions, probably causes an increase in AKT2 gene expression and could be effective in reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose profile.