Showing 233 results for Men
Miss Zahra Mortezaei, Dr Somayeh Rajabi, Dr Sayyed-Javad Ziaolhagh,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine from nerve terminals. Binding of dopamine to dopamine receptors increases the phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element (CREB) protein and changes the transcription of downstream genes.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of methamphetamine induction followed by aerobic training and Berberine on dopamine receptor 4 and CREB gene expression in the heart tissue of methamphetamine-addicted female rats during the withdrawal period.
Methods: 30 rats were randomly divided into 5 control groups, methamphetamine, methamphetamine + aerobic training, methamphetamine + Berberine, methamphetamine + aerobic training + Berberine. Intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg of methamphetamine was performed for 5 days, and during the withdrawal period, aerobic training was performed for 4 weeks and simultaneously the consumption of berberine 100 mg/kg as a solution in drinking water was considered. Real Time PCR method was used to measure gene expression. Independent T-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and SPSS24 software were used at the level of 0.05 to analyze the data. The code of ethics in the research was received with number IR.IAU.SHAHROOD.REC.1402.015.
Results: The results showed that methamphetamine use caused a non-significant increase (97%) in CREB expression and a non-significant decrease (52%) in dopamine 4 receptor compared to the control group (P>0.05). The implementation of interventions during the withdrawal period, such as Berberine consumption and the combination of berberine with aerobic training, produced non-significant increasing and decreasing effects on dopamine 4 receptor gene expression and CREB in the heart of methamphetamine-addicted rats, respectively (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Short-term induction of methamphetamine did not cause significant changes in the expression of dopamine 4 receptor and CREB genes in the heart. Therefore, these genes could not undergo a significant change as a result of interventions such as Berberine and exercise. More studies are needed to investigate exact genetic changes in heart tissue.
Ph.d Bahram Mirzaeian, Miss Fatemeh Talebi,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background: Today, infertility is a major concern for public health and one of the most important crises in life, which leads to many psychological problems. Since cognitive-behavioral therapy emphasizes empowering and educating the patient to solve problems, this study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on marital self-regulation and uncertainty intolerance in infertile women.
Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 30 infertile women referring to the infertility center of Sari city in two groups of case and control (15 patients in each group). Cognitive-behavioral therapy was performed in 12 sessions of 45 minutes, once a week for the experimental group, while the control group received the routine treatment. After the follow-up period, the control group also underwent psychotherapy. Both groups completed the questionnaires of marital self-regulation by Wilson et al. (2005) and uncertainty intolerance by Friston et al. (1994) in the pre-test, post-test and follow-up (45 days after the post-test) and were compared.
Finding: The results showed that in the two subscales of marital self-regulation in the experimental group, the average scores in the three stages of pre-test, post-test and follow-up respectively for the subscale of communication self-regulation (24.266 ± 6.273), (41.000 ± 3.207) and (35.266 ± 3.899) there was a significant increase in the post-test and follow-up compared to the pre-test stage(P<0.05). And the sub-scale of communication effort(19.333 ± 5.094), (8.666 ± 1.914) and (12.000 ± 2.449), and intolerance of uncertainty 92.600 ± 9.302), (67.400 ± 7.585) and (75.200 ± 10.975), had a significant decrease in the post-test and follow-up compared to the pre-test stage (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy can be an effective intervention in improving marital self-regulation and reducing intolerance of uncertainty in infertile women.
Dr Tayebeh Rashidian, Mr , Akbar Mohammadi, Dr Nasibeh Sharifi, Dr Anahita Jalilian, Dr Ali Khorshidi,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (11-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the adverse consequences of cesarean delivery, its incidence rate is increasing in many provinces of the country, especially Ilam city. For this reason, it is important to identify the causes of the increase in cesarean delivery in order to reduce it. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the frequency of cesarean section and its causes in primiparous women in Ilam city in 2016.
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Methodology: The present study was conducted cross-sectionally in the second half of 2016 in Ilam city, and the study population was all primiparous women referred to a single specialty maternity hospital (Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital). The sampling method was census and all cesarean deliveries were recorded in Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital. The inclusion criteria included all primiparous women. The data of the study was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire that included demographic and midwifery information. After collecting the data, the data was entered into the SPSS version 16 software Central indices were used to describe data in quantitative variables, and absolute and cumulative frequency and percentage of dispersion frequency were used for qualitative variables.
Findings: According to the findings of this study, out of 1738 births, 867 (49.88%) were natural births and 871 (50.12%) were cesarean. Among the natural births, 427 (49.25%) and among the cesarean births, 296 (33.98%) were primiparous. Among the maternal factors, lack of progress and among the fetal factors, fetal distress and among the maternal-fetal factors, head-to-pelvis disproportion was one of the most important causes of cesarean delivery in primiparous women. In general, fetal factors with more than 67% were the most important causes of caesarean section in primiparous women.
Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, 33.98% of cesarean births were primiparous. Considering the high statistics of caesarean section, especially cesarean section for first births , It is necessary to reduce the number of elective cesarean sections by increasing the number of physiological births and painless births, as well as increasing the awareness of families about birthing methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Dr Zahra Miraki, Dr Masomeh Rostamzadeh, Mr Aras Feizi, Dr Azad Shokri, Dr Mohammad Aziz Rasouli,
Volume 26, Issue 5 (12-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: The dentist's level of knowledge and abilities is one of the determining factors in the correct selection and application of dental cements. This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of general dentists and specialists about the application of different dental cements.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was cross-sectional one which conducted on 150 specialist and general dentists in governmental and private centers in Kurdistan province (2019) who performed fixed prosthetic treatments, was done through census and available sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire. To analyze data, T-test and ANOVA tests were used in SPSS-22 software. A significance level was considered less than 0.05. Ethical considerations: This study was conducted after the approval of the protocol in the research ethics committee and receiving the ethical code number IR.MUK.REC.1398.302 and according to the Declaration of Helsinki.
Results: The overall average score of dentists' knowledge was 6.5, which was close to and higher than the average scores and had a significant relationship with the grade and place of employment (P<0.05). The overall average score of attitude was 3.4, which was almost equal to the average scores. There was a significant relationship between grade and gender with attitude score (P<0.05). The overall average score of the dentists' practice was 5, which was higher than the average scores, and the practice score had a significant relationship with gender, place of employment, and grade (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The average score of knowledge, attitude, and practice of dentists was average, and in general, the scores of specialists were higher than general dentists. Women had a higher attitude and practice score. People working in the private sector had a higher knowledge score. To increase the knowledge, attitude, and practice of general dentists, there is a need to hold training courses.
Toktam Masomi, Doctor Gholamreza Manshaee, Doctor Hadi Farhadi,
Volume 26, Issue 5 (12-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combined treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness on cortisol levels in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.
Methods: The study employed a semi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test control group and a two-month follow-up period. The study population included all individuals with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder who referred to the clinics of the Psychological Services Center and Counseling in Region 3, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center of Welfare in Region 6, and the Aryaz Counseling and Psychological Services of Region 6, Tehran, from April 2022 to the end of autumn 2022.
Results: The sample consisted of 30 individuals (10 males and 20 females) with generalized anxiety disorder, selected purposefully and randomly assigned to a treatment group based on virtual reality and mindfulness (15 individuals) and a control group (15 individuals). Pre-test, post-test, and follow-up cortisol levels were measured, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) was used as the entry criterion. Subsequently, the experimental group received an eight-session, 17-minute weekly treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness. Participants in this group, while immersed in a virtual environment, watched 360-degree virtual reality videos, "Walking by the Beach" and "Pebbles in the Lake," accompanied by mindfulness audio contemplation, "Being Present and Breathing," and "Wise Mind," using a VR headset and VR-ARBOX. The control group received no treatment.
Conclusions: After completing the interventions, post-tests and two-month follow-ups were conducted. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS23 software, revealing that the combined treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness was effective in reducing cortisol levels. It is suggested that this combined method is used as a clinical intervention in order to reduce the level of anxiety and cortisol of people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder alone or along with other psychological and pharmaceutical interventions.
Dr. Maryam Arabloei Sani, Dr. Zahra Hajebrahimi, Dr. Parichehreh Yaghmaei, Dr. Nasim Hayati Roodbari,
Volume 26, Issue 5 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes is a type of metabolic disease and one of the most common endocrine diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the development and progression of diabetes. mTOR signaling pathway play an important role in glucose homeostasis and proliferation of pancreatic beta cells. In the present study, the therapeutic effects of p-cymene on oxidative stress markers and expression of the mTOR gene in diabetic male Wistar rats were investigated.
Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced by injecting 55 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin. Biochemical analyses of pancreatic tissue and real-time PCR were done to investigate the effects of metformin (55 mg/kg body weight) and p-cymene (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight) on the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes and mTOR gene expression.
Findings: Streptozotocin decreased catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes and decreased the expression of the mTOR gene in pancreatic tissue. Treatment with metformin or p-cymene improved the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes and the expression of the mTOR gene in a dose-independent manner.
Conclusion: Results indicate that p-cymene has antioxidant properties and can regulate the mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, p-cymene may be effective for the treatment of diabetes alone or in combination with metformin.
Mahla Jaefari, Habibollah Kord, Abbas Tavan,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The process of the first pregnancy causes a decrease in resilience and fear of pain, which requires interventions to solve these problems. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of group therapy spirituality on endurance and pain control in primiparous pregnant women.
Methods: The research method was semi-experimental, pre-test, and post-test with a control group. The statistical population of this study included all pregnant women who gave birth in 2022 in the city of Kerman, 30 people (15 people in the experimental group and 15 people in the control group) were selected by the available sampling method. The data collection tools were the pain disability questionnaires of Mold and the resilience questionnaires of Connor and Davidson. A group spiritual therapy intervention was performed on the experimental group, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Data analysis was done with descriptive tests (mean and standard deviation) and covariance analysis. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: In the resilience variable, the mean and standard deviation of the experimental group in the pre-test was 41.27 ± 7.22 and the post-test 63.18 ± 8.69. In the pain control variable, the mean and standard deviation of the group in the pre-test was 35.73 ± 6.28, and the post-test was 21.40 ± 5.44. The results showed that group therapy spirituality had an effect on endurance and pain control in primiparous pregnant women (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Based on the findings of the research, group therapy spirituality can be used to increase endurance and control pain in primiparous pregnant women.
Umm Kulsum Tabarte Farahani, Naimeh Akbari Torkestani, Leila Khazaei, Dr Mehdi Ranjbaran, Masoomeh Davoodabadi Farahani,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Sexual self-efficacy is a fundamental concept in behavior, health, and sexual performance that changes over time due to events such as pregnancy and childbirth. The present study was conducted to investigate factors affecting sexual self-efficacy in pregnant women in Arak City.
Methods: The current research is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted with 234 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 who had minimal reading and writing literacy and lived with their husbands. Ten comprehensive urban health centers were selected using cluster sampling. Data were collected through a demographic information checklist and a sexual self-efficacy questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis and (LSD) tests.
Results: The mean score of sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women was 28.51 ± 6.45 and was at a high level. Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women is unrelated to their education (P = 0.2). There is a significant relationship between education and the education of their spouses (P = 0.04). (LSD) test showed a significant difference between different levels of education of husbands and the sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women. Also, no significant relationship was observed between the mean score of sexual self-efficacy and other variables.
Conclusions: The sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women is related to the education of their husbands, so it is suggested to provide a suitable platform for increasing the knowledge and awareness of men.
Mohammad Douzandeh Nargesi, Zohreh Teymori, Mehnoosh Tavakkolifard,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The stress caused by COVID-19 had affected many people in society, especially individuals at risk. The present study was carried out to investigate, firstly, whether COVID-19-related stress plays a mediating role in the relationship between rumination and aggression in drug-dependent people undergoing treatment. Secondly, the study was conducted to know whether rumination has an indirect effect on the aggression of substance-dependent people under treatment through the mediation of COVID-19-related stress.
Methods: In this correlational analytical study, 136 patients undergoing maintenance treatment with methadone who were willing to enter the study were investigated by the available sampling method in two addiction treatment centers in the 1st and 2nd districts. The data collection tools in the present study included the Corona Disease Anxiety Questionnaire, Rumination Questionnaire, and Bass and Perry Aggression Questionnaire. After collecting the data, the anxiety score of each participant was measured from 0 to 54, the rumination score from 0 to 88, and the aggression score from 29 to 145. Then, the data was analyzed using Lisrel statistical software.
Results: Findings showed that the direct effect of rumination on aggression is 0.23, which is significant at the P < 0.01 level. Therefore, rumination has a positive and direct effect on aggression. Also, COVID-19-related stress plays a mediating role in the relationship between rumination and aggression in drug addicts under treatment. In addition, the indirect effect of rumination on aggression is 0.25, which is significant. Thus, rumination has an indirect effect on aggression through the mediation of COVID-19-related stress.
Conclusions: According to the high prevalence of psycho-social problems such as depression, anxiety, fear, addiction, job burnout, suicidal thoughts, violence, domestic and post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the post-corona era, we have witnessed a high amount of mental and social injuries in the world. For this reason, governments must screen psychologically vulnerable groups in advance.
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.
Samaneh Ghobadi, Mr Keivan Kakabraee, Mahmoud Goudarzi,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: For many people, infertility is a prominent crisis and cause of mental stress that causes many unfavorable psychological reactions. The purpose of the research is to design a cognitive-behavioral coping training package with the stress of infertility and its effectiveness on the hope of infertile women.
Methods: The present study was conducted using a mixed method using the qualitative part, content analysis type, and the quantitative part, semi-experimental, in the pre-test-post-test-two-month follow-up design with the control group. The statistical population of this research was infertile women referring to infertility centers and gynecology and infertility specialists in Kermanshah in 2022. A sample of forty women was selected as a sample using the purposeful sampling method and replaced in two groups (experimental and control) in a simple random manner. Data were collected from Newton et al.'s infertility stress questionnaire (1999) and Schneider's Hope (1991). The data was analyzed using a content validity test and repeated measurement variance analysis tests.
Results: The designed educational package was valid and adequate. The findings showed a significant difference between pre-test, post-test, and follow-up in the component of hope, and this difference continued until the follow-up stage.
Conclusions: The educational package on cognitive-behavioral coping with the stress of infertility of infertile women can be used to reduce the stress and increase the hope of infertile women.
Azam Mivefroshan, Roghaiyeh Afsargharehbagh,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperlipidemia, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood lipid levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. While pharmacological interventions exist, factors such as medication side effects, cost considerations, and a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine have stimulated research into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in managing hyperlipidemia. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these botanical agents in reducing blood lipid levels.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and other relevant online platforms. Keywords such as "hyperlipidemia," "herbal medicine," "traditional medicine," "herbal extract," and "herbal therapy" were employed to identify studies published up to 2024. Inclusion criteria were established to select studies that reported the impact of medicinal plants on lipid profile modifications.
Results: Based on the results, the study revealed that various medicinal plants, including Thymus vulgaris, Apium graveolens, Cichorium intybus, Fumaria officinalis, Heracleum rawianum, Anthemis altissima, Gundelia tourneforttii, Cynodon dactylon, Anthriscus sylvestrianum, Solanum nigrum, Arum elongatum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Berberis vulgaris, Rheum ribes, and Mentha spicata, are commonly used in traditional medicine to address hyperlipidemia.
Conclusions: The use of indigenous Iranian medicinal plants for managing hyperlipidemia is deeply rooted in the country’s ancient history and has been increasingly validated by contemporary scientific research. These natural compounds can help lower blood lipid levels by inhibiting fat absorption and boosting lipid metabolism. The growing interest in traditional medicine and medicinal plants can be attributed to their inherent advantages, such as a lower incidence of side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Ongoing scientific research in this field offers promising avenues for developing innovative and effective herbal-based therapies
Parvin Roosta, Dr Sayed Abdollah Sadat Bahreinian, Ghasem Ahi, Mohammad Hassan Ghanifar,
Volume 27, Issue 5 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the problems during adolescence is the existence of conflict with parents, which creates object relationships and feelings of shame and guilt in them. This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of treatment based on the mentalization of object relations and feelings of shame and guilt in conflicting mother-child relationships.
Methods: This research method was semi-experimental and pre-test-post-test with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all mothers and adolescents with conflicting relationships who were referred to counseling centers in Shiraz in 2022. By using the available sampling method, 30 people from the mentioned community were selected as a sample and were randomly divided into two experimental (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. Asadi et al.'s parent-child conflict questionnaires (2010), Bell's object relations (1995), and Cohen et al.'s (2011) feelings of shame and guilt were used to collect information. The experimental group underwent executive function training for 13 sessions twice a week for 60 minutes, and the control group did not receive any training. The research data was analyzed using correlation.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the experimental group in the post-test in the variable of object relations from 1.5 ± 1.37 to 28.6 ± 4.3 and in the variable of shame and guilt from 5 ± 1.60 to 5.60 ± 3. 51.2 ± 9.1 decreased. The results showed that in the post-test stage, the mean scores of object relations and feelings of shame and guilt in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Treatment based on mentalization was effective in improving object relationships and reducing feelings of shame and guilt. Therefore, this treatment can be suggested to reduce the conflict between adolescents and mothers.
Elham Seyyed Murti, Farangis Dehmardi, Sallime Gharooni Fardi, Mohsen Saeidmanesh,
Volume 27, Issue 5 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on marital satisfaction and mental health of women undergoing hysterectomy surgery.
Methods: This research was applied in terms of objective and quantitative research, and in terms of data collection method, it was semi-experimental research with two experimental and control groups with pre-test and post-test. The statistical population consisted of all women aged 30 to 50 who underwent hysterectomy surgery in 2023 in Yazd city. In this study,
30 eligible subjects were selected by the available method, and the participants were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). For the experimental group, the treatment plan was implemented in 10 sessions of 50 minutes. Goldberg's mental health questionnaire and Inrich's marital satisfaction questionnaire were used to measure the research variables.
Results: The findings from the analysis of the covariance test showed the use of the schema therapy approach increased the marital satisfaction and mental health of women undergoing hysterectomy surgery (p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusions: Therefore, the use of schema therapy sessions in medical centers for people who underwent hysterectomy surgery is suggested to reduce marital problems.
Zahra Zohre Vandi, Narges Babakhani, Afsaneh Taheri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment-based therapy on the lifestyle of improving the health and emotional distress of women undergoing infertility treatment with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) method.
Methods: The method of this study was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a follow-up stage. The statistical population of the study included women undergoing infertility treatment with the IVF method referring to the infertility center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran in the first six months of 2012. In this research, 27 women undergoing infertility treatment with IVF method were selected by voluntary sampling method and replaced by random method in test and control groups. The experimental group underwent acceptance and commitment therapy (10 sessions) for two and a half months. A health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire (HPLP) and an emotional distress questionnaire (Lavibond and Lavibond, 1995) were used as research tools. The data were analyzed using a mixed analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test.
Results: It showed that the treatment based on acceptance and commitment to the lifestyle level improves health (Eta = 0.56, F = 19.74) and has a significant effect on the dimensions of emotional disorders such as depression (P < 0.0001, Eta = 0.58, F = 0.58). F = 34), anxiety (P > 0001; Eta = 0.59; F = 35.69), and stress (P > 0.0001; Eta = 0.61; F = 40.12) of women undergoing infertility treatment with the IVF, and has been able to lead to increase a healthy lifestyle, reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in these individuals.
Conclusions: Acceptance and commitment therapy, utilizing six psychological acceptance processes, cognitive breakdown, self under context, interaction with the present, specified values, and committed behavior, can be used as an effective treatment to reduce emotional distress in women undergoing IVF infertility treatment.
Reavan Afshar, Masoud Rahmati, Rahim Mirnasouri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Considering the synthesis and secretion of irisin and BDNF from muscle tissue during exercise and the possible relationship of these factors with improving muscle strength and performance, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of strength training on muscle strength, body fat percentage, irisin, and BDNF in inactive middle-aged women.
Methods: In a semi-experimental study, 20 inactive middle-aged women (mean age 37.70 ± 5.91 years, weight 79.80 ± 5.82 kg) were selected and randomly assigned to two strength training groups (n = 10) and control groups (n = 10). The training group performed 12 weeks of strength training, three sessions per week at an intensity of 65 to 80% of maximum strength. Then, blood samples were taken using ELISA to measure irisin and BDNF. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data. The significance level (P ≤ 0.05) was considered.
Results: Strength training significantly increased serum irisin concentration (P = 0.035) and serum BDNF concentration (P = 0.058) and also considerably decreased body fat percentage (P = 0.058) in middle-aged women. There was also a positive and significant relationship between lower body strength and serum irisin levels (P = 0.040). The Results from the Pearson correlation test indicate a significant positive relationship between BDNF and upper body strength (P = 0.038).
Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it seems that increased secretion of serum irisin and BDNF hormones is related to increased muscle strength following strength training in middle-aged individuals.
Amirali Jafarnezhadgero, Ehsan Fakhri Mirzandg, Raziye Alizadeh, Davood Khezri,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Using treatment interventions in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are essential. Also, some studies have reported that medical insoles decrease the rate of incidence of ACL injury. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigated the acute effect of short-term anti-pronation insoles on foot pressure variables in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with pronated feet during running.
Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental type that was done at 2022 in Ardabil city. The sample of this study consisted of 13 individuals with both ACLR and pronated foot aged 23.4±2.5 years and 13 healthy ones aged 22.9±4.1 years that was selected with available sampling method. Plantar pressure values were recorded during running with and without anti pronated foot orthoses by foot scan device (sampling rate: 300 Hz). Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Results of the present study demonstrated a decreasing of peak plantar pressure variables on first (P=0.044), second (P=0.010), and fifth metatarsal (P=0.027) regions after using anti-pronated insoles during running stance phase.
Conclusions: Overall, it could be stated that foot orthoses possibly reduced plantar pressure and ground reaction force variables after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in individuals with pronated feet during running. However, further study is needed to better establish this issue.
Ali Ghasemi Kahrizsangi, Mehrdad Najafi,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Today, diabetes is one of the main problems in the world. Type-2 diabetes is more common in obese and overweight people, and obesity is a serious health problem. In addition to the importance of exercise in diabetes, some supplements can be effective on inflammatory factors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 8 weeks of endurance training along with purslane seed supplement consumption on the pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and CRP in middle-aged type-2 diabetic men on the threshold of obesity.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 40 male patients with type 2 diabetes with an average age of 40-55 and fasting blood sugar above 120 were selected, then randomly divided into four groups of 10 including: control group, exercise group, exercise+supplement group. And the complementary group was divided. The subjects had no history of regular sports activity (for the previous 6 months) and consumption of purslane and were on the threshold of obesity (BMI between 28 and 30). The subjects walked 3 sessions a week and each session was for one hour without rest. The duration of the training session started from 30 minutes in the first week and reached 45 minutes of training in the eighth week with an intensity equal to 50-70% of the maximum reserve heart rate. The supplement group consumed 7.5 grams of purslane seeds per day for 8 weeks. The control group was not subjected to any training or supplements during 8 weeks. Paired t-test was used to compare the results before and after check the significant difference between the four groups, the analysis of covariance test was used, and if a significant difference was observed, the Bonferroni post hoc test was used to determine the location of the difference between the groups using SPSS 25 and EXCEL2010 statistical software at the significance level (P<0.05).
Results: The results of covariance analysis showed a significant difference in CRP (P=0.000). The results of Bonferroni's post hoc test indicated a difference between the two groups of exercise-supplement and placebo exercise compared to the control group (P<0.05). No difference was observed in IL-6 values.
Conclusions: It seems that the consumption of purslane seeds along with exercise improves the inflammatory index and CRP predicts heart problems. As a result, the use of purslane seed supplement if combined with exercise can be an effective method for middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes on the verge of obesity, but the effect of endurance training is more effective than purslane seed supplement.
Mojgan Mohammadifar, Fereshteh Bahmani, Alireza Abed, Gholamali Hamidi, Mohammad Hossein Aarabi, Sayyed Alireza Talaei,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The analgesic effects of rosemary and peppermint essential oils have been shown in many studies. Low solubility of essential oils in water and low bioavailability limit their consumption, and nanoparticles can help solve these limitations. This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effect of a nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils in a rat model of neuropathic pain.
Methods: Forty male rats were assigned to four groups: control (CON), neuropathic pain received normal saline (NPS), nanoemulsion (NPN), or gabapentin (NPG). Neuropathic pain was induced using the CCI model. Animals received a nanoemulsion containing 10% rosemary extract and peppermint essential oil via gavage for 21 days. Behavioral tests (Thermal Hyperalgesia, Thermal Allodynia, and Mechanical Allodynia) were done on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of the study. Biochemical tests were also done on the sciatic nerve of animals at the end of the study.
Results: The NPS rats had a significantly increased pain threshold compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analgesic potential of nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils was seen in allodynia and hyperalgesia tests. Biochemical analyses showed that CCI reduced total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, and also increased MDA levels in the rats' sciatic nerve (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Administering nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils reversed all the above-mentioned changes in the biochemical parameters (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Our findings revealed that treating rats with a nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils can reduce neuropathic pain symptoms by balancing their sciatic nerve's oxidant and antioxidant systems.
Mir Amirhossein Seyednazari, Amir Mohammad Dorosti,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Nurses, as one of the main pillars of the healthcare system, have always been at the forefront of delivering medical services. However, recent studies reveal that this professional group is facing serious challenges in terms of mental health and job satisfaction, largely due to structural and systemic failures in the workplace (1). Data from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the severity of this issue, revealing high rates of burnout among nurses. 34.1% experienced emotional exhaustion, and 12.6% reported a loss of professional identity. These figures reflect not only a transient crisis but also chronic deficiencies within the healthcare system (2).
Key factors exacerbating nurse burnout include workforce shortages, inadequate resources, and workplace violence
(3, 4). The global shortage of nurses is estimated at around 5.9 million, placing excessive pressure on the remaining staff. Additionally, lack of resources and specialized training, particularly during crises, significantly contribute to burnout risk. Workplace violence, particularly in emergency departments and psychiatric units, is on the rise, and many reports suggest that the actual number of incidents is much higher than what is officially recorded (2, 5).
The consequences of these conditions extend beyond individual nurse wellbeing, directly compromising patient care quality and safety. Meta-analyses have shown significant associations between nurse burnout and reduced patient safety, increased hospital-acquired infections, and medication errors (5). Furthermore, only 50% of nurses in 2021 felt that their organizations prioritized their health and safety (1).
The mental health crisis among nurses is also alarming. Rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia are considerably higher in this group compared to other professions. Predictive factors include understaffing, excessive workload, workplace violence, and lack of organizational support. In addition, the stigma surrounding mental health services acts as a major barrier for nurses seeking professional help (6).
Effective solutions include adjusting nurse-to-patient ratios, banning mandatory overtime, enforcing zero-tolerance policies against workplace violence, and strengthening managerial support. For example, California’s implementation of minimum nurse-to-patient ratio laws has led to increased direct care time, better patient outcomes, and higher nurse retention. Emphasis must shift from merely increasing nurse numbers to retaining the current workforce—a crucial step in healthcare reform.
In conclusion, considering the critical importance of nurse wellbeing and its direct impact on patient care, structural and supportive reforms must be prioritized by health policymakers and administrators.
