Showing 106 results for Ast
Mohammad Sadegh Maschi, Sheida Sodagar, Farhad Jomehri, Marjan Hosseinzadeh Taghvai, Mojgan Forootan,
Volume 23, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
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.
Ahmad Hamta, Sahar Adl,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer type and the leading cause of cancer-induced deaths in women, worldwide. The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that plays an essential role in the growth, invasion, movement, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms have been found in the intron 2 of the FGFR2 gene, i.e., associated with a high risk of breast cancer. Genetic variation in this receptor is a new risk factor for breast cancer. The current study aimed to evaluate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphism rs2981582C/T in women with breast cancer.
Methods & Materials: In total, 80 women with breast cancer and 80 healthy women (controls) were selected from Markazi Province, Iran to participate in this research. Polymorphism rs2981582 was analyzed to investigate its association with breast cancer. DNA extraction from blood samples was performed using a kit. The presence of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms was determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR - RFLP). Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS using Chi-squared test at P≤0.05.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Arak University (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.28).
Results: Significant differences were observed in the frequency of rs2981582 polymorphism in the FGFR2 gene between the control and patient groups (P=0.000). In the patient group, the TT genotype was significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer (P=0.001; OR=3.566). On the other hand, allele C indicated a protective role against the disease (P=0.000).
Conclusion: The obtained data revealed a significant relationship between rs2981582 C/T polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer; thus, this single-nucleotide polymorphism could be used as a biomarker to predict breast cancer.
Seifollah Aghajani, Sahar Khoshsorour, Sara Taghizadeh Hir,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in women with extensive associated biopsychological problems. The present study aimed to determine the effects of holographic reprocessing therapy on cognitive flexibility and posttraumatic growth in women with breast cancer.
Methods & Materials: This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest and a control group design. The statistical population included all patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and who were being treated in the chemotherapy ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil City, Iran, in 2020.
By convenience sampling method, 30 women with breast cancer were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups (n=15/group). The experimental group, while receiving pharmacotherapy, collectively underwent holographic reprocessing therapy in 9 one-hour sessions (two sessions per week) for 5 weeks; however, the control group received only pharmacotherapy. Both research groups were assessed in pretest and posttest phases by the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (Dennis & Vander Wal, 2010) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS v. 23.
Ethical Considerations: All study subjects provided a signed written informed consent form. The Research Ethics Committee of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences approved this study (Code: IR.ARUMS.REC.1399.393).
Results: The current study results indicated that holographic reprocessing therapy was effective on cognitive flexibility (F= 42.319, P<0.01) and posttraumatic growth (F= 18.300, P<0.01) in women with breast cancer; this method also increased their cognitive flexibility and posttraumatic growth.
Conclusion: Considering psychological factors and information processing methods in patients with cancer is highly important. Thus, counselors and psychotherapists are advised to use holographic reprocessing therapy as a complementary treatment without adverse effects along with medical treatments to reduce the psychosocial problems caused by the disease.
Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini Poor Abardeh, Mandana Niknam,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (8-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Anxiety is one of the common disorders affecting the treatment process in patients with breast cancer. Regarding the importance of spiritual health on anxiety in cancer patients, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between spiritual health with existential anxiety and morbid anxiety in the female with breast cancer.
Methods & Materials: The research method was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included all female patients with breast cancer referred to Imam Reza Oncology and Radiotherapy Center in Mashhad in 2017. A total of 195 patients with breast cancer were selected through random sampling. Data collection tools included Beck Anxiety Inventory (1990), Lawrence & Good Existential Anxiety Inventory (1974), and Paulotzin & Ellison Spiritual Health Inventory (1982). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multivariate regression.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered by the Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University E-Campu (Code: 950261902191).
Results: The results showed a significant positive relationship between spiritual and existential dimensions of spiritual health with existential anxiety (P>0.01). But the relationship between two dimensions of spiritual health and patients’ anxiety was not significant (P>0.01).
Conclusion: Considering the importance of spiritual health in existential anxiety and morbid anxiety, strengthening spiritual health can influence cancer patients’ anxiety.
Mohamadreza Arab, Abdolreza Yavari, Marzieh Babaee, Farhad Fatehi,
Volume 24, Issue 6 (1-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Swallowing disorder is a common and constant problem in people with Down Syndrome. In experimental method electromyography can be used to evaluate Mastication . The aim of this study was to evaluate the electromyography of the masseter and temporal muscles during Mastication in 2 to 12 years old children with Down syndrome in Arak.
Material and methods: This is a descriptive-analytical and case-control study, that conducted with the purpose of electromyographic study of masseter and temporal muscles during Mastication on 15 children from available 2 to 12 years old Down Syndrome and 15 children that were matched according the method of person-to-person matching in terms of age and gender with samples with Down syndrome
Ethical considerations: In this study, conscious consent was obtained from all parents and no physical harm was inflicted on individuals.
Findings: About the comparison of the mean of amplitude (intensity) of electrical signal of muscle between two groups except right temporal muscle during Mastication and about the mean of the mean frequency when Mastication except for left temporal muscle, in other cases the difference was significant. In the case of comparing the median frequency of the electrical signal of the muscle in most muscles the difference was not significant.
Conclusion: Mean amplitude (intensity) and frequency of the mean electrical signal of the muscle when chewing in most muscles was different between the two groups with Down syndrome and normal, but the differences in mean median frequency in most muscles were insignificant.
Nahal Moharekpour, Vahab Habibipour, Davood Shamci,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Crisis management is an important field of management, especially in the field of health. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the development of disaster management mechanisms in hospitals of Arak, Iran.
Methods & Materials In this regard, 240 questionnaires were distributed among hospital and nursing managers in Arak. The questionnaire had acceptable reliability with Cronbach’ alpha value of 0.897.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (code: 1274.1401.REC.ARAKMU.IR).
Results Then, by using structural equation modeling in LISREL software, the designed model was analyzed. Finally, by using statistical tests, the research hypotheses were examined.
Conclusion The results showed the significant effect of three factors of “lack of stability in business environment”, “risk taking”, and “organizational culture” on the development of the mechanism of crisis management.
Farzaneh Hajizadeh, Fatemeh Ebrahimi, Seyed Zia Tabatabaei,
Volume 25, Issue 3 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim The early years of life are the most critical stage in the growth and development of children. While the optimal development of children depends on a complex set of factors, the pattern of breastfeeding and complementary feeding of infants is of undeniable importance. Therefore, the present study conducted to investigate the factors related to the feeding patterns of one-year-old children referred to healthcare centers in Rafsanjan city.
Methods & Materials his descriptive study was performed on 600 mothers with one-year-old children under the auspices of healthcare centers in Rafsanjan city in 2017. Volunteered mothers with active health records were selected randomly. The required information was collected through a questionnaire containing demographic characteristics and questions related to the feeding of children and was analyzed by SPSS software, version 18.
Ethical Considerations The Ethics Committee of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS) approved the present study (Code: IR.RUMS.REC.1396.179).
Results About 95% of mothers participating in this study started breastfeeding their children up to one hour after delivery, but 56.7% of them completed breastfeeding by one year of age. The results show that most mothers had started supplemental feeding with two or three spoons in each meal, and about 90% of them followed the health worker's advice. Also, the most important reasons for feeding children with powdered milk are disorders in the child's development (34%), inadequate breast milk (17%), maternal disease (14%), do not take the mother's breast (11%) and children being twins (8%).
Conclusion Despite face-to-face training for mothers in health care centers for feeding their children, still there are some difficulties in commencing complementary feeding and its continuation. Therefore, need for more health and nutrition education regarding the best ways for feeding children to mothers by personnel of Rafsanjan health care centers.
Mr Mohsen Shamsi, Mr Ali Kulivand, Mr Mohammadjavad Ghannadzadeh, Ms Mahboobeh Khorsandi, Mr Seyedhamed Mirhosseini, Mr Amir Almasi-Hashiani, Mr Behrooz Karimi, Mr Seyednadali Alavi Bakhtiarvand, Ms Masoume Naderi Noreyni,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (9-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Today, with the increase in population, the per capita production of waste materials and the subsequent threat and destruction of the environment is an increasing process, and waste management by the people of a society can play an essential role in reducing this problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was determine of predicting the waste management behaviors of households in Arak city in 2022.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 600 mothers of households in Arak city, who were selected by multi-stage sampling. The data collection tool was a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and behavior of households in the field of waste management. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and t-test, chi-square and regression tests. This study was approved by the research ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1401.040).
Results: The average age of the studied was 39±11 years and the number of family members was 3.6. In terms of type of housing, most of them lived in apartments (44%) and a smaller number lived in complexes (14%). 65 percent of the people had not received the training on the waste separation plan from the source, and among the effective training methods, the majority (38 percent) of the people had overestimated the effectiveness of the training through the Internet. The mean and standard deviation of knowledge was 66±19, attitude was 84±11 and performance was 73±18. The majority of the people studied had a good level of awareness and attitude. The regression analysis model showed that the greatest impact on the waste management behavior of the samples was the age of the people, their knowledge and attitude, which predicted a total of 33% of the waste management behavior.
Conclusions: Considering the favorable state of awareness and attitude of households in Arak city, it seems that for better waste management, other environmental factors should be emphasized, including sources of waste production at the source. Also, based on the prediction model, it is still important to inform and change the attitude of households in Arak city for better performance at younger ages.
Seyedeh Zahra Shifteh, Doctor Ahmad Hamta,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease. The antigen molecule of four cytotoxic T-lymphocytes is involved in inhibition of T cell response and immune response regulation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CTLA4 gene can affect the expression of the aforementioned molecule. The aim of this study was to investigate the polymorphisms of rs4553808 and rs733618 of CTLA4 gene with the risk of breast cancer.
Methods: In this study to investigation polymorphisms, the DNA of 80 patients with breast cancer and 80 healthy individuals in central province of ARAK were extracted from peripheral blood. Then, PCR-RFLP technique was used. The results were analyzed using SPSS software and SNP Analyzer. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Arak University (Code: Ir.arakmu.rec.1396.25).
Results: Statistical analysis rs4553808 polymorphism showed no significant increase in the risk of patients with GG genotype compared with the control group (OR = 2/013, CI = 95% 1/721-2/353). Also, heterozygotes AG genotype analysis did not show any relationship between the genetic diversity and breast cancer (OR = 1/204, CI = 95% 0/604-2/402). The combination of AG + GG genotypes did not show any significant correlations (OR = 1/130, CI = 95% 0/569-2/242). Statistical analysis for rs733618 polymorphism showed increase in the risk of breast cancer. The results indicate that the TC (OR = 2/992, CI = 95% 1/280-1/998) showed a significant relationship between the genetic diversity and breast cancer. The analysis of the combined CC and TC genotypes was associated with increased risk for breast cancer compared to TT genotypes (OR = 0/334, CI = 95%; 0.143-0.782, P = 0.009). Considering that the distribution of CC and TC genotypes was significant between the two groups of control and the patient, so the frequency of TT genotype with the same amount of P = 0.001 was significant between the two groups of control and the patient.
Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between the genotypes rs733618 polymorphism and breast cancer. However, there was no significant relationship between rs4553808 polymorphism and breast cancer risk.
Negar Rezakhani, , Dr Milad Gholami,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a rare disease with different inheritance patterns. The prevalence of this disease is about 1.8 per 100 thousand people. Most of the affected patients are the result of consanguineous marriages. Weakness and muscle spasm is the main manifestation of this disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mutation analysis of a person with hereditary spastic paraplegia by the whole exome sequencing method.
Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from a person suffering from gait disorder and lower limb spasm with autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. DNA extraction and whole exome sequencing was performed. After analyzing the data related to the whole exome sequence, the disease-causing mutation in the affected person was confirm using Sanger sequencing method. Also, parents were investigated to separate mutation and carrier status. This study was approved by Arak University of Medical Sciences (code IR.ARAKMU.REC.1401.039). Ethical principles have been followed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and COPE regulations.
Results: In the present study, a homozygous pathogenic mutation (NM_030954.4): c.304T>C (p.Cys102Arg) in the RNF170 gene was identified in the patient, therefor, hereditary spastic paraplegia type 85 was confirmed in him. Also, the parents of the affected person were heterozygous for the mutation.
Conclusions: Homozygous mutation in RNF170 gene was detected using whole exome sequencing method. A mutation in this gene causes hereditary spastic paraplegia. Considering the consanguineous marriage of carrier parents, this finding can be used for preventive measures in future children.
Heshmatallah Alikarami, Saeedeh Tahmasebi, Mohammad Fathi, Raziyeh Rezaei,
Volume 26, Issue 6 (2-2024)
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Resistance training (RT) is an important part of athletes' preparation exercises with the aim of strengthening physical fitness, creating neuro-muscular adaptations and improving sports performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training with weight on NCV of tibial and peroneal nerves, muscle strength, agility, flexibility and performance of half-back, half-turn and angel balance skills in seven- to ten-year-old gymnasts.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 24 children with two years of experience in gymnastics (age: 8.5±1.5 years, weight: 32.10±9.40 kg, height: 135±13 cm) voluntarily Participated. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups including gymnastics training and gymnastics training + resistance training with weights. And they trained for 10 weeks. During the research, one group did general gymnastics exercises, and the other group did resistance training with weights three times a week in addition to gymnastics exercises. Before and after the exercises, NCV test, Sargent's jump muscle power tests, agility of 9x4m back-and-forth run, Wells' flexibility, and performing half-back, half-turn and balance skills of Angel were performed. Independent t-test was used to analyze the data. And a significance level of P<0.05 was considered.
Results: The results showed that the NCV in the tibial and peroneal nerves increased significantly in the weight resistance training group compared to the general gymnastics training group. Also, muscle strength in Sargent's jump, agility in 4x9m back and forth running, and the performance of half-back and half-turn skills increased significantly (P<0.05). However, no significant change was observed in the flexibility with the Wells test (P=0.870) and execution of Angel's balance skill (P=0.552).
conclusion: 10 weeks of resistance training with weights significantly increases neuromuscular adaptations, NCV, muscle power, agility, and implementation of half-back and half-varus skills in gymnast children. Therefore, it is suggested to use resistance exercises with weights to improve the performance of children athletes in the field of gymnastics and fields where nerve conduction speed, muscle power and agility are effective in the success of athletes.
Zahra Ghanbari Zarandi,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer causes psychological problems and decreases psychological health in people, therapeutic interventions are needed to solve these problems. This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of group meaning therapy intervention on the quality of life, emotional regulation, and life expectancy of women with breast cancer.
Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all women with breast cancer referring to the health centers of Kerman city in 2023. Among them, 30 people were selected by the available sampling method and were replaced randomly and by lottery in two experimental and control groups (15 individuals in the experimental group and 15 in the control group). The people in the experimental group received group-meaning therapy intervention (10 sessions) and two sessions weekly for 90 minutes. The questionnaires used in this research included quality of life, emotion regulation, and life expectancy questionnaires administered in two phases: pre-test and post-test.
Results: The results showed that before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the average scores of the quality of life, emotion regulation, and life expectancy of the intervention and control groups, but there was a statistically significant difference between the average scores of the intervention and control groups after the intervention. The mean and standard deviation of the quality of life in the post-test was 6.91 ± 29.75, emotion regulation was 10.25 ± 98.28, and life expectancy was 6.49 ± 39.51 (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: According to the results of this research, group therapy increased the quality of life, emotion regulation, and life expectancy in women with cancer. Since the favorable mental state of the patient affects their recovery, the use of this method is recommended as an effective strategy to reduce the psychological problems of patients.
Haniyeh Mozafari, Farah Lotfi Kashani, Shahram Vaziri, Mohammad Ismail Akbari,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to analyze the focal relationship of the contribution of mental adaptation to cancer, health literacy, and perceived threat in predicting the early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Methods: This study was a descriptive correlational research. The statistical population of the present study included all women with breast cancer under treatment at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital Cancer Treatment Center in 2023, and 310 people were determined to participate in the research using G*Power software and the available sampling method. They responded to Williams, Templin, and Hines's breast cancer literacy questionnaires, Champion's perceived threat questionnaire, Watson's mental adaptation to cancer and early diagnosis questionnaire. The data were also analyzed using a focal correlation test and multiple regression.
Results: The results showed that there is a significant relationship between the contribution variables of mental adaptation, perceived threat, and health literacy with the components of early cancer diagnosis (knowledge, attitude, and actions) (P ≤ 0.01). Also, the results showed that health literacy was 4.8%, mental compatibility was 3.4 percent and perceived threat 18.7% alone predicted the variance of early diagnosis of breast cancer. The perceived threat share is 38.9%, higher than all other variables.
Conclusions: Based on the statistical results, it can be said that increasing mental adaptability, perceived threat, and health literacy play a role in early disease diagnosis, and the importance of perceived threat is more significant than mental adaptability and health literacy, which should be considered.
Rana Noruozi Kuma Olya, Sima Nasri, Samad Farashi-Banab, Fereshteh Dadfar, Naeimeh Dehghani,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the principal cause of death in women. One of the mechanisms of cancer cells for the lack of access to the immune system is the production of compounds suppressing immune responses, such as interleukin-10. On the other hand, vascular endothelial growth factor, by binding to its receptors on the surface of endothelial cells, plays a significant role in vascular permeability and tumor vascularity. In this study, the expression of interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor in breast tumor tissue was investigated in an experimental tumor model.
Methods: First, mammary tumors were experimentally induced in Balb/C mice, and RNA was extracted from the tumor tissue. cDNA was synthesized from the extracted RNAs, and the expression level of 10-IL and VEGF genes was evaluated by RT-PCR.
Results: The results of data analysis showed that the expression of IL-10 and VEGF genes in the tumor tissue was higher than in the cells of the control group, but this increase in expression was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: In general, the expression level of Interleukin-10 and VEGF genes was increased in the experimental tumor model, but broader research and the correlation with other involved factors seem necessary.
Davoud Shamsi, Mohsen Mohammadian Saravi, Khalil Ali Mohamadzadeh, Azadeh Ashrafi,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (4-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Good governance, as one of the fundamental concepts in healthcare system management, plays a key role in enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of healthcare services. This concept, Emphasizing principles such as transparency, accountability, participation, and legality, has been considered as a framework for improving policymaking and management in Iran's healthcare system.
This study conducted in 2024 aimed to design and present a model of good governance in the healthcare system using a mixed approach of thematic analysis and Partial Least Squares (PLS) method.
Methods: The research method included both qualitative and quantitative components. The qualitative phase, involved managers, health policy experts, specialists from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and academic scholars. Sampling was done using purposive and snowball sampling methods, with 17 participants selected until theoretical saturation was reached. In the quantitative phase, the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method was used for model fitting. The statistical population for this section included all experts and managers in Iran's healthcare sector, with a minimum sample size of 384 determined based on Cochran's formula.
Results: The results of thematic analysis of the qualitative data and model fitting showed that the final good governance model in the healthcare system consists of seven main dimensions: effectiveness, efficiency, equity, transparency and accountability, participation, legality, and leadership. Each dimension comprised specific components, and the importance of each was confirmed in strengthening good governance.
Conclusions: This study presents a comprehensive good governance model for the healthcare system, offering a framework for improving policymaking, management, and performance in this sector. The proposed model can be used as a strategic decision-making tool and improving management structures.
Safieh Azadi Fard, Mehdi Moradi, Mohammad Malekipooya,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Since endurance training and a fasting diet are effective in reducing the symptoms of heart disease, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a period of endurance training with electrical stimulation on the expression of ICAM and VCAM genes in the heart tissue of obese fasting rats.
Methods: In this study, 35 male Wistar rats (8 weeks old, average weight 200 ± 19 g) were rendered obese and then randomly assigned to five groups of seven: obese control, fasting, fasting with endurance training, fasting with electrical stimulation, and fasting with endurance training with electrical stimulation. All groups except the obese control followed a 16/8 intermittent fasting protocol. The endurance training lasted 4 weeks, with 5 sessions per week, starting at 50% of maximal oxygen consumption in the first week and progressing to 65% by the fourth week. Electrical stimulation was delivered via foot shock (0.5 mA for 20 min). 24 hours after the last session, cardiac tissue was extracted under deep anesthesia. The expression levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 genes in the heart were measured using real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post-hoc test, with the significance level set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results: The results of the present study demonstrated that intermittent fasting, endurance training, and electrical stimulation—each independently—led to a significant reduction in the gene expression of vascular adhesion molecules in the cardiac tissue of obese rats (P = 0.001). Moreover, it appears that the combination of all three interventions exerts a greater effect in reducing the expression levels of these adhesion molecules in the cardiac tissue of obese rats (P = 0.001).
Conclusions: Based on the findings, the simultaneous application of endurance training, intermittent fasting, and electrical stimulation exerts a considerable impact on decreasing the expression of VCAM and ICAM in cardiac tissue. However, it is still not possible to definitively determine the directionality of the individual or combined effects of intermittent fasting, endurance training, and electrical stimulation (foot-shock stimulation) on adhesion molecules under conditions of obesity and intermittent fasting.
Maryam Mobedi ,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist, acts on presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Baclofen withdrawal causes activation of dopamine and noradrenergic receptors. Symptoms usually develop in 1 to 3 days of cessation, including altered mental status, worsening of spasticity, fever, weakness, autonomic instability, seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, neuropsychiatric manifestations, and a life-threatening state. It can be observed in patients taking oral or intrathecal baclofen following sudden discontinuation or dose reduction. Baclofen is a commonly used medicine in patients with muscle spasticity. It can also relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms.
Case Report: Here, we report a four-month-old Iranian boy with normal neurodevelopment who was referred to the pediatric emergency department due to extreme irritability, intense crying, poor feeding, insomnia, staring, and a seizure episode. He was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, with initial assessment of vital signs (mild fever, tachycardia, tachypnea), laboratory tests (anemia), brain CT (computed tomography), and EEG (electroencephalogram), which were non-diagnostic. Meningitis also was ruled out. He was started on serum and antibiotic therapy and intravenous phenobarbital, but symptoms and signs did not completely improve, and the patient was irritable and his poor feeding was continued. Further history revealed GERD treated with oral baclofen for three months, which had been discontinued three days prior to admission. Baclofen was restarted at the previous dosage, resulting in rapid symptomatic improvement. The patient was transferred to the neurology department and then discharged in good general condition with oral baclofen and phenobarbital. Phenobarbital was tapered and discontinued after two weeks without seizure recurrence.
Conclusions: After four months of follow-up, the patient was in normal condition. To the author's knowledge, no cases of seizures after discontinuation of baclofen have been reported in Iranian infants under six months of age with GERD.
Mehtab Farahani, Fatemeh Mehrabi, Mohammad Ali Mardom, Abdollah Abolfathi, Zahra Borzabadi Farahani, Fatemeh Rafiei,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of education based on the self-efficacy model on coping strategies and hope in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods: This study was conducted on 62 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The intervention group received four training sessions on chemotherapy side effects and management strategies based on the self-efficacy model, while the control group received routine care without additional training. Demographic questionnaires, the Billings and Moss Coping Skills Questionnaire, and the Schneider Hope Scale were completed by both groups immediately before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: The average hope in the intervention and control groups was low before and after the intervention. It remained low in the control group but showed a significant increase in the intervention group (P < 0.05). Statistical tests showed that there is a significant relationship between the average total life expectancy and their age, economy and education (P<0.05). Before the intervention, both groups demonstrated low use of coping strategies. After the educational intervention, the control group maintained low usage while, the intervention group showed substantially increased use of coping strategies.
Conclusions: Self-efficacy training intervention increased life expectancy and coping strategies in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Mehri Rostamnejad, Javad Khalatbari, Mohammadreza Zarbakhsh Bahri,
Volume 28, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the chronic diseases that is closely related to psychological factors. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the mediating role of perceived social support and self-compassion in the relationship between coping styles and quality of life in breast cancer patients (after mastectomy surgery).
Methods: The research method was a correlational description. The statistical population of this study was women diagnosed with breast cancer and mastectomy who were referred to the hospitals of Mazandaran province (Sari and Babol) for follow-up treatment. According to Klein (2014), the sample size of 480 people was selected purposefully. Data were collected using the Quality of Life Questionnaire (European Organisation, 2006), the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (Lazarus & Folkman, 2001), the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire (Zimet et al., 1988), and the Self-Compassion Questionnaire (Eris, 2000). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results of the research showed that there is a relationship between coping styles mediated by perceived social support and self-compassion with quality of life in breast cancer patients. The lower limit of the confidence interval for the two variables of self-compassion and perceived social support as a mediating variable between coping styles and quality of life is 0.4687 and its upper limit is 0.6523.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is recommended to pay attention to the variables of perceived social support, self-compassion, coping styles, and quality of life in breast cancer patients.
Mahsa Soltani, Elham Shojafar, Ali Asghar Ghafarizadeh, Azam Moslemi, Maryam Baazm,
Volume 28, Issue 6 (1-2026)
Abstract
Introduction: Sperm cryopreservation is a crucial method for preserving fertility in patients with asthenoteratozoospermia. However, this process can lead to a reduction in sperm parameters due to the production of free radicals and damage to the cell membrane. Various substances are added to the cryopreservation medium to prevent cellular damage. In this study, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains growth factors and bioactive molecules, was used to improve sperm parameters after freezing.
Methods: Semen samples were collected from 20 men diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia. The samples were randomly divided into five groups: control (no PRP), PRP50, PRP100, PRP200, and PRP400. Homologous PRP was prepared and added to the respective groups. The sperm samples were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Twenty days after freezing, samples were thawed and subjected to a comprehensive evaluation of viability, motility, morphology, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and DNA fragmentation using specific assay kits. The findings were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test.
Results: The results of this study demonstrated that cryopreservation led to a significant decrease in all sperm parameters in the control group. The addition of PRP at concentrations of 50 and 400 among the concentrations used resulted in a significant increase in total motility, progressive and non-progressive motility, sperm viability, and a decrease in immotile sperm, DNA fragmentation, and MDA levels compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Cryopreservation and subsequent thawing can have detrimental effects on the biological properties of sperm samples. Therefore, the dose-dependent addition of platelet-rich plasma as a cryoprotectant may offer a promising approach to mitigate the negative impacts of freezing on samples from men with asthenoteratozoospermia.
