Showing 165 results for Ag
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.
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.
Roya Fatemi Nejad, Mohammad Reza Dayer, Mehran Dorostghoal, Mohammad Reza Parishani,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Botulinum neurotoxin protein (Botox) is widely used for cosmetic purposes to reduce facial wrinkles without regard to its side effects. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Botox on blood biochemical factors and the kidney tissue structure of female rats.
Methods: In this study, 28 adult female Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups (n = 7). The first three groups received intraperitoneal injections of Botox (in the lower third of the abdomen, one centimeter below and to the left of the navel) at doses of 4, 6, and 8 units, respectively, while the fourth group (the control group) received a saline injection. Then the animals were kept in the animal house for three months with full access to food and water at a temperature of 22°C and a 12-hour light-dark cycle. Following a 24-hour fasting period at the end of the study, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture under ether anaesthesia. Then, the animals were euthanized without pain, and their kidney tissue samples were extracted for histological examination.
Results: Biochemical results indicated a significant increase in serum creatinine levels following injection with 6 and 8 units of Botox, indicating renal impairment. Although the increase in the amount of serum uric acid levels compared to the control group did not reach statistical significance at the 95% confidence level (P < 0.05), it showed significance at the 94% level (p < 0.06), suggesting primary renal damage. Histopathological examination demonstrated that intraperitoneal injection of 8 units of Botox induced scattered and limited structural alterations in renal tissue, including vacuolar degeneration of tubular epithelial cells.
Conclusions: The results of this research show that the long-term and repeated use of Botox may cause significant renal damage in addition to local lesions and threaten a person's life.
Mohamad Reza Bayatiani, Fatemeh Seif, Mohamad Arjomandzadegan, Mona Moghadasi, Arash Parvin,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: In today’s world, with the expansion of electronic technologies and equipment generating electromagnetic fields, humans and other living organisms are continuously exposed to these fields. This exposure can have significant biological effects on the growth and function of living organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of alternating magnetic fields with different intensities and frequencies on the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a Gram-negative bacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a Gram-positive bacterium.
Methods: This study investigated the effects of alternating magnetic fields with intensities of 1 and 2 millitesla and frequencies of 50, 75, 100, and 150 Hz on the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The standard plate counting technique was used for this purpose. Samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and the number of colonies was counted as colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml).
Results: The results showed that the number of Escherichia coli colonies significantly increased under the influence of magnetic fields compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the number of Staphylococcus aureus colonies significantly decreased after exposure to the magnetic field (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that alternating magnetic fields can have different effects on the growth of various bacteria. According to these findings, a decrease in the number of colonies was observed in Staphylococcus aureus due to the magnetic field, while an increase in the number of colonies was observed in Escherichia coli. These findings could be used in the development of new methods for controlling bacterial growth and in biotechnological applications.
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.
