Farah Nameni, Sviz Khalili Shavarini,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Recently, the role of sports training and medicinal plants in the expression of genes has been considered to prevent the progression of diseases. The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of weight training and oleander extract on interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) and cathepsin S (CTSS) gene expression in the soleus muscle of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice.
Methods: Fifty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: healthy control group, AD control group, AD resistance training group, AD group with the supplement of Melilotus officinalis, and AD resistance training group + Melilotus officinalis supplement. Trimethyltin-induced AD was induced. In the resistance training protocol, a weight was attached to the tail of the rats, and they had to lift this weight on a ladder with 26 steps. Melilotus officinalis was injected intraperitoneally as a supplement for 6 weeks with a dose of 300 mmol/kg. Seventy-two hours after the last training session, the rats were anesthetized, and the hippocampal tissue was immediately extracted, frozen, and analyzed. A two-way analysis of variance was used to estimate the differences between groups in control and experimental AD mice.
Results: There was a significant increase in the expression level of interferon-regulating factor 8 and cathepsin S genes in the AD group compared to the control group. The results of Bonferroni's post-hoc test showed that in the AD group + resistance training + Melilotus officinalis, a significant decrease was observed compared to the AD group (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: Resistance training and the Melilotus officinalis extract with antioxidant mechanisms can affect CTSS and IRF8 gene expression.
Fatameh Abedi Firouzjaee, Asiieh Sadat Baniaghil, Mohammad Ali Vakili, Mahboubeh M Faramarzi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Marital satisfaction (MS) is a multidimensional concept related to the individual characteristics of couples, the dynamics of inter-spousal relationships, and intergenerational attachments. We aimed to determine the predictive model of marital satisfaction in breastfeeding primiparous women based on demographic information.
Method: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between August and November 2015 on 160 primiparous breastfeeding women with full-term, healthy, singleton infant who had been referred to the health centers of Babol, north of Iran, for the two-month vaccination. The research samples were selected using the convenience sampling method among ten centers in Babol, selected randomly through a lottery. They completed the demographic information form and the Persian version of the 47-items Enrich's marital satisfaction scale (EMS) in a self-report manner. The obtained scores were converted into scale scores (0-100). Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 16) with descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency) and inferential statistics (Student's t-test, ANOVA and Stepwise Multiple regression tests) at a confidence level of 0.05. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapirovilk tests were used as appropriate.
Results: The means± SD marital satisfaction score of breastfeeding primiparous women was 86.05±12.91 (High Level). The three variables of spouse's education (X1), Spouse participation in housework (X2), and age of marriage (X3) were able to predict the level of marital satisfaction (using the formula Y = 33.89 + 2.02 X1 + 4.17 X2 + 0.40 X3). There was no relationship between marital satisfaction with age, spouse's age, employment status, spouse's employment status, education, type of delivery, type of marriage, income, and housing status.
Conclusion: The increase in spouse's education, spouse's participation in the home, and marriage age were associated with higher marital satisfaction. Based on the three mentioned variables, the prediction model obtained can be used to estimate the marital satisfaction of breastfeeding primiparous women.
Narges Marefati, Hassan Ghoshooni, Mostafa Mahabadi,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
It seems necessary to understand the association of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with its entering bronchoalveolar and brain cells, which have a high concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Although the virus infects healthy people, the rate of infection and mortality is higher and significant in vulnerable people, such as drug users and addicts who have acute and chronic respiratory disease. It also places a heavy economic burden on families and societies around the world. Thus, researchers are aiming to provide prevention and treatment strategies to people at risk. The purpose of the present study was to collect studies on the rate of infection with coronavirus in people who abuse drugs. Besides, the role of the ACE2 receptor as a key factor in coronavirus infectivity in these people was investigated. Our narrative review on the relationship between COVID-19 and opioid abuse and smoking, with consideration of ACE2's role, contains original and human studies. According to the results of the current study, those who smoke or are dependent on opioids are much more likely to experience COVID-19-related respiratory side effects or even pass away.
Hamid Reza Zolfi, Amir Shakib, Zahra Niknam, Zhaleh Pashaei,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome, a problem of the present age, is a combination of several medical issues, and miRNAs play important regulatory roles in metabolic syndrome. Many studies indicate that high-intensity interval training (HITT) may improve risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of HIIT training on the changes in miR-21, miR-122, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipid profile, and glucose.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, middle-aged male (n=19) volunteers with metabolic syndrome (body mass index (BMI)>30) were randomly assigned to the control (n=9) and training (n=10) groups. The training program consisted of 8 weeks of HIIT training with 4 sets of workouts with an intensity of 80-90% heart rate for the training group (3 sessions per week during the first 4 weeks and 4 sessions per week during the second 4 weeks). Blood samples were collected from the subjects 48 hours before and after the last training session to analyze miR-21, miR-122, ALT, AST, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose. The within-group and between-group differences of data were analyzed using the paired t-tests and analysis of covariance at a significance level of P˂0.05 in SPSS software.
Results: This study indicated that HIIT caused a significant decrease in miR-122, ALT, AST, triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, body weight indicators, fat percentage, and BMI (P˂0.05). Also, a significant increase in miR-21 and HDL levels was observed following HIIT training (P˂0.05).
Conclusion: HIIT training seems essential in metabolic changes, such as reducing the lipid profile, decreasing glucose, and improving liver damage by affecting miR-21 and miR-122 indicators as small regulatory transcripts. However, more extensive studies are needed in this field.
Roghayeh Koroni, Abdossaleh Zar, Mohammad Mehdi Khaleghi ,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease associated with a partial or absolute deficiency of insulin, hyperlipidemia, and impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
The present study aimed to compare the effects of different types of exercises on lipid profiles in menopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Fifty-six sedentary obese menopausal women with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into 4 groups: aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, combined exercise, and a control group. Each group, except the control group, participated in their respective exercises for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the subjects before and 48 hours after the training period. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired sample t tests, with a significance level set at P≤0.05. All calculations were performed using SPSS v. 20.
Results: Triglyceride levels significantly decreased in the aerobic exercise (P = 0.017) and combined exercise (P = 0.0001) groups. Low-density lipoprotein levels significantly decreased in aerobic exercise (P = 0.034), resistance exercise (P = 0.003), and combined exercise groups (P = 0.009). Cholesterol levels significantly decreased in the aerobic exercise (P = 0.0001), resistance exercise (P = 0.030), and combined exercise (P = 0.01) groups. Additionally, high-density lipoprotein levels significantly increased in the aerobic exercise (P = 0.041) and combined exercise (P = 0.002) groups.
Conclusion: It appears that combined exercises, rather than resistance or endurance exercises alone, are a more appropriate intervention for improving lipid profiles in menopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Elmira Farmanbordar, Mohammad Taghi Badeleh Shamushaki ,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Body image studies confirm a higher level of dissatisfaction among women compared to men, and some evidence shows that ethnicity may have a role in the level of body image fear.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data of 372 Fars and Turkmen women visiting health care centers in Gonbad, Iran, were collected via convenience sampling and analyzed by SPSS v. 17. The instruments were a demographic checklist and Littleton's Body Image Concern Inventory.
Results: The level of fear of body image between Fars (M = 2.022, SD = 0.685) and Turkmen (M = 2.1408, SD = 0.661) ethnicities was not statistically different (P-value = 0.09) based on the t test. Furthermore, age, education level, and internet usage were significantly related to the variable of fear of body image.
Conclusion: The role of ethnicity in the fear of body image is not statistically significant and needs further research.
Rahil Shahriari, Homa Sheikhani Shahin, Mehrzad Moghaddasi, Alireza Jowhari,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the prevalent metabolic diseases, and knowing its treatment methods is very important. This study investigates the effect of eight weeks of combined high-intensity interval training on intrahepatic FNDC5 protein and irisin in male rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Methods: In this study, 40 rats aged 6 to 8 weeks were divided into two groups: healthy (n=20) and high-fat diet (HFD) (n=20). After eight weeks and assurance of disease induction, the HFD group was randomly divided into control-patient (n=9) and training-patient (n=9). Also, the healthy group was divided into control-healthy (n=9) and training-healthy (n=9). The training group rats performed HIIT in aquatic and land environments (Saturdays and Wednesdays in aquatic environments and Mondays on a treadmill). Western blot method was used to measure FNDC5 and irisin proteins, and the spectrophotometric method was used to measure liver enzymes (ALT and AST). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test (P<0.05) were used to determine the difference between groups.
Results: After eight weeks of combined high-intensity interval training, there was no significant difference in intrahepatic FNDC5 protein levels between the groups (P=0.125). Intrahepatic irisin protein levels significantly increased in the training-healthy group compared to the control-healthy group (P=0.046). Additionally, there was a significant increase in the training-patient group compared to the control-patient group (P=0.036) and a significant increase in the training-healthy group compared to the control-patient group (P=0.011).
Conclusion: In general, combined high-intensity interval training (aquatic + land) can increase intrahepatic irisin. Thus, this type of training can be considered one of the potential non-pharmacological options for treating NAS. However, more research is needed to reach definitive results.
Yalda Sadeghi, Ali Khajehlandi, Mohabat Salehi, Amin Mohammadi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Obesity carries great risks related to health, such as the development and progression of chronic inflammation and obvious metabolic disorders. This study aimed to examine the effect of eight weeks of moderate-intensity resistance training with garlic supplementation on the lipid profile in overweight women.
Methods: The present research was a semi-experimental study and the participants were 60 overweight women from Gachsaran City with (body mass index: 28/45±6/72) who were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15): supplemental exercise, placebo exercise, garlic supplemental, and placebo. Two training groups performed moderate-intensity resistance training for eight weeks and three sessions per week. One day before the start of training and 48 hours after the last training session, blood samples were collected to measure total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), LDL-C, and HDL-C variables. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and LSD post-hoc test.
Results: Findings showed that there is a significant decrease in the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C and a significant increase in HDL-C (P<0.05) serum levels in three groups of supplemental exercise, placebo exercise, and garlic supplemental compared to the placebo group.
Conclusion: Moderate-intensity resistance training with and without consuming garlic improves overweight women's lipid profile, and when exercise is accompanied by consuming garlic, the amount of these changes and improving the lipid profile is greater.
Farnaz Seifi, Mojdeh Khajehlandi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: The use of complementary medicine in healthcare is increasing rapidly. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training with quercetin supplementation on the gene expression of FOXO1 and ATG5 in the liver of diabetic obese rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were considered research samples at eight weeks. Rats were induced with diabetes after eight weeks of a high-fat diet and familiarization with a laboratory environment and treadmill. Rats were divided into seven groups, and six rats were placed in each group (n=6): healthy control group, diabetes control group, diabetic quercetin group, high-intensity interval training with diabetes group, moderate-intensity continuous training with diabetes group, diabetic high-intensity interval training with quercetin group, and diabetic moderate-intensity continuous training with quercetin group. For one training group, eight weeks of high-intensity interval training, and for the other group, eight weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training on the treadmill were performed. Seventy-two hours after the last training session, liver tissues were isolated to check the gene expression of FOXO1 and ATG5. One-way analysis of variance test was used to check the difference between groups by SPSS version 26 software.
Results: Findings showed that by inducing type 2 diabetes, gene expression of FOXO1 increased (3.14 unit) (P<0.001) and ATG5 gene expression decreased (0.71 unit) (P<0.001). After eight weeks of training investigation, gene expression of FOXO1 and ATG5 decreased (P<0.001) and increased (P<0.001), respectively, in all training groups compared to the diabetic control group. There was no significant difference between the four training groups (P>0/05).
Conclusion: Both exercises with and without quercetin had a modulating effect on the gene expression of indicators related to the process of autophagy and blood glucose levels in the liver of diabetic obese rats.
Hossein Eidizadeh, Seyed Mohsen Avandi, Abdosalleh Zar, Hamid Reza Sadeghipour,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Resistance training and protein supplementation are known to increase protein synthesis and hypertrophy, primarily through the activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway. However, mTORC1 activation in the kidneys can potentially lead to kidney disease. This study investigates the effects of eight weeks of resistance training combined with Spirulina platensis supplementation on the RAGs/Rheb/mTOR/S6K pathway in male rat kidneys.
Methods: In this study, 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (Co; n = 8), Spirulina platensis (SP; n = 8), resistance training (RE; n = 8), and Spirulina platensis + resistance training (SP+RE; n = 8). The resistance training group engaged in five sessions per week over eight weeks. Spirulina was administered at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/day to the supplement and SP+RE groups. Gene expression was analyzed using real-time PCR following the last training session.
Results: The mTOR gene expression significantly increased in the SP group (p = 0.01), while no significant changes were observed in the RE and SP+RE groups. Rheb gene expression did not show significant changes across any groups. Significant changes were noted in the RAGs gene in the SP group (p = 0.001), RE group (p = 0.047), and SP+RE group (p = 0.025). The S6K gene showed significant changes in the SP group (p = 0.01) but not in the other groups.
Conclusion: Spirulina supplementation may activate the mTORC1 signaling pathway in the kidneys, potentially contributing to kidney disease progression. However, combined resistance training and Spirulina supplementation did not show changes in mTORC1 expression, suggesting that this combination might prevent further kidney tissue damage in athletes.
Sajjad Pourbagher, Abdolreza Bay, Alireza Heydari,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: The Ministry of Health has prioritized social health interventions to enhance the social capital within health systems. This study analyzes the implementation of Iran's Ministry of Health's social health policies based on Kingdon's model.
Methods: This qualitative study, conducted in 2022, utilized Kingdon's (2003) model as the research framework. Data were collected through in-depth personal interviews with 15 managers and scientific and executive experts from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior, the governorate, universities of medical sciences, and non-governmental organizations. Sampling was purposive, and interviews were analyzed using the frame analysis method.
Results: The findings were categorized into three main themes and ten sub-themes which include the problem, policy, and the political stream. The problem stream, focus on definition of social health among stakeholders, addressing the nature of social health, exploring the impacts of social health on society members' roles, duties, and social activities, and clarifying communication regarding the concepts of social health for ministry managers and employees. The policy stream, emphasized on people's participation is a primary health care (PHC) principle, Laws highlighting the social dimension of health, and the potential utilization of NGO capacities within the country. The political stream highlighted the Social Vice-Chancellorship in the Ministry of Health with the onset of the 11th government, and the formation of the General Directorate of Non-governmental Organizations within the Social Vice-Chancellorship.
Conclusion: Despite the critical need for social health policies and the requirements set by upstream laws, the complexity and multi-dimensionality of social health have hindered successful policy implementation. To attract interdisciplinary leadership and cross-sectoral support, it is recommended that a dedicated trustee within the Ministry of Health be appointed and practical measures for promoting healthy social behaviors be implemented by identifying and monitoring social health indicators be implemented.
Mojdeh Khajehlandi, Ali Eyvazi Nasirlu , Hamed Kheirollahi Meidani, Farnaz Seifi-Skishahr , Roghayyeh Fekri, Rasoul Ershadifard,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Insufficiency of omentin-1 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels is associated with obesity, which is known as a threat to health. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of Pilates exercise on the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, omentin-1, and lipid profile in overweight women.
Methods: In the present clinical study, 26 young overweight women were divided (block randomization method) into the Pilates exercise (PT, n= 13) and control group (CG, n= 13). The PT group performed Pilates exercises for eight weeks (three 60-min sessions per week). The movements started from simple and then increased in intensity and complexity based on the Borg index. The CG group had no training session for eight weeks. Blood samples were taken before the first training session and 48 hours after the last training session. Analysis of covariance was used for between-group comparisons.
Results: Findings showed a significant increase in the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p=0.008, SD= 4.78±0.12 ng/ml, effect size= 0.243) and HDL-C (p=0.04, SD= 6.44±1.05 mg/dl, effect size= 0.168), but a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (p=0.001, SD= 1.54±0.09, effect size=0.199), cholesterol (p=0.001, SD= 16.72±3.24 mg/dl, effect size= 0.326), and triglyceride (p=0.001, SD= 2.46±0.07 mg/dl, effect size= 0.209), and no significant change in omentin-1 (p=0.65, SD= 3.01±0.08 ng/ml) and LDL-C (p=0.58, SD= 2.46±0.07 mg/dl) serum levels in the PT group compared to the CG group.
Conclusion: It seems that this type of exercise training may play a critical role in controlling the health parameters and physiological status of the overweight women by having positive effects on serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lipid profile, which are affected by body composition, weight, and fat.
Mojdeh Khajehlandi, Lotfali Bolboli,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Mitochondrial function is an integral part of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells and is a hallmark feature of cardiovascular disease. It may contribute to the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), combined with quercetin supplementation (eight weeks), on mitochondrial gene expression in the diabetic heart.
Methods: In this study, 35 adult male rats were equally divided into seven groups (n=5): healthy sedentary, diabetic sedentary, diabetic quercetin sedentary, diabetic HIIT (DHIIT), diabetic MICT (DMICT), DHIIT with quercetin, and DMICT with quercetin. The rats were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks and subsequently treated with a single low dose of streptozotocin to create a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Eight weeks (five times a week) of HIIT and MICT, with and without quercetin, were conducted for the training groups, and quercetin was injected over eight weeks at a dose of 15 mg/kg.
Results: Eight weeks of quercetin supplementation, HIIT, and MICT, with and without quercetin, significantly decreased blood glucose levels (P=0.001). Eight weeks of HIIT and MICT training increased nuclear respiratory factor-2 (NRF2) (P=0.001) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) (P=0.001) expression and decreased perilipin 2 (PLIN2) gene expression (P=0.001).
Conclusion: The training groups alone improved the gene expression of NRF2, ATGL, and PLIN2. Both training protocols, combined with quercetin, controlled blood glucose levels and improved antioxidant capacity. Thus, the reduction in blood glucose through quercetin supplementation appears to be a promising approach for managing T2DM.
Fatemeh Omidi , Leila Fozouni , Arash Nikyar , Mehr Ali Mahmood Janlou,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Cefiderocol is a siderophore cephalosporin with unique cell-penetrating abilities against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria, especially carbapenem-resistant strains. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and susceptibility profiles of Cefiderocol on carbapenem-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates among hospitalized patients.
Methods: One hundred twenty-nine patients more than 72 h admitted to hospitals participated from Feb. 2021 to Dec. 2022. Urine samples were examined to identify uropathogenic K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates based on microscopic morphology, cultural and biochemical methods. The carbapenemase production in the isolates was evaluated using modified Hodge tests and PCR. The MIC of Cefiderocol against carbapenemase-producing isolates was evaluated according to CLSI-2021 guidelines.
Results: According to phenotypic and genotypic tests, among forty-two E. coli isolates (71.19%) were carbapenemase positive, 38 isolates had the blaOXA gene (90.47%), and among twenty-four K. pneumoniae isolates 96% contained the blaKPC gene. In MIC determination 55.24% of carbapenem-resistant E. coli isolates were inhibited with ≤0.5 μg/ml of Cefiderocol, while only two strains (8.33%) of K. pneumoniae isolates showed resistance to the Cefiderocol (MIC90=2 μg/ml).
Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that the emergence of carbapenem-resistant uropathogenic bacteria poses a critical health threat to society. Based on the results, Cefiderocol demonstrated efficacy against carbapenem-resistant clinical isolates at low concentrations.
Ahmed Abdulelah Abbas Al-Hadeethi , Farzaneh Taghian, Zaydoon Jawad Mohammed Al-Jawad, Khosro Jalali Dehkordi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Goalball is a distinctive athletic activity tailored for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. It is aimed at promoting physical activity and preventing sedentary behavior. This study explores the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) on muscle damage and inflammation markers in goalball players over eight weeks.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 24 male goalball players were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group, a HIIT group, and a moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) group. The HIIT regimen involved intermittent running for 30 seconds at 100-200% of HRR, followed by 30 seconds of active recovery at 50% HRR. The MIIT protocol consisted of 25 minutes of training at 40-50% HRR, progressing to 30-35 minutes at 60-65% HRR over the last four weeks. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, with a significance threshold set at P-Value <0.05.
Results: The results displayed that HIIT and MIIT had a significant effect on the concentration of CK (P-Value < 0.001), LDH (P-Value < 0.001), and IL-6 (P-Value < 0.001). Also, compared to MIIT, HIIT caused a significant decrease in the concentration of CK (P-Value < 0.001), LDH (P-Value < 0.001), and IL-6 (P-Value < 0.001).
Conclusion: HIIT exerts a more pronounced effect on CK, LDH, and IL-6 concentrations than MIIT. These findings suggest that HIIT may be more effective in enhancing physiological markers in individuals with disabilities, promoting better health outcomes.
Kazem Alizadeh Barzian, Negar Noorbakhsh, Mehdi Jamshidi, Mohamad Sabaghan, Nima Daneshi, Zainab Shajirat, Abolhasan Difrakhsh, Afsaneh Waysi, Hamid Behrouj, Zahra Nikkhoy, Ali Jamshidi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: The Coronaviridae family is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has become a global health threat. In Iran, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Qom on February 19, 2020. The rapid spread of the virus led to a significant number of fatalities, highlighting the need for a detailed analysis of demographic, epidemiological, and clinical factors to enhance public health measures. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and demographic features of COVID-19 deaths in Behbahan County, southwestern Iran, in 2020-2022.
Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who died from the infection in all hospitals of Behbahan were analyzed. We used a questionnaire including data about the demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical of each patient. Finally, all the results were analyzed by SPSS v. 21.
Results: We enrolled 437 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 cases from this period, of whom 61% were men. The highest mortality rate was among those aged 61 to 70 years (27%), and the lowest number was among children and adolescents below 20 years old. The results of the survey also showed that there were 3 main risk factors: diabetes (28%), cardiovascular diseases (25%), and high blood pressure (17%), which contributed to death in these groups. The highest mortality rate occurred in July 2021, followed by June 2020.
Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between the age of the patients, the history of at least 1 chronic disease, and the mortality rate in infected patients. For this reason, it is crucial to implement precautionary procedures to reduce the number of deaths among infected people. Thus, the results of the present study can depict a better picture of the patients' condition in Behbahan and provide insight into future approaches.
Farah Nameni , Maryam Motevasseli ,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Regular physical activity helps maintain health and improves the performance of various body systems. It is also recommended for managing many diseases and disorders, even after surgery. In this regard, the use of supplements may effectively synergize these benefits and promote faster recovery and cell repair. This study investigated the response of liver enzymes and serum indices to whey protein and jogging after bariatric surgery in women.
Methods: The statistical population included all women aged 30 to 45 who underwent bariatric surgery. From this population, 30 individuals were selected as a statistical sample based on entry and exit criteria, using a simple random method without replacement. After providing necessary explanations, written consent was obtained from all participants. Before surgery, body composition assessment, fibroscan, and blood liver enzyme tests were performed. Following the surgery, the research sample participated in an 8-week jogging program and consumed Iso whey supplement. The training protocol was incremental, and the participants consumed 20 grams of Iso whey supplement twice daily, as a suspended solution in water, 30 minutes before and immediately after training. At the end of the research protocol, re-evaluations of body composition, fibroscan, and blood liver enzyme tests were conducted. To compare data, the mean, standard deviation, and Levine's test were used. Shapiro-Wilk test, dependent t-test, and analysis of variance with repeated measurements were employed to assess differences.
Results: The research showed that alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme levels decreased significantly. In addition, bone density, calcium levels, and muscle mass increased, while fat percentage and liver fibrosis decreased (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Iso whey protein and jogging appear to have synergistic effects in stimulating growth, increasing muscle size and strength, and improving performance through protein building blocks and amino acids. These factors may also enhance the release of anabolic hormones. The decrease in liver enzymes was likely due to improved fat metabolism, increased energy and oxygen consumption, and enhanced cardiovascular activity.
Asieh Sadat Baniaghil, Masoumeh Helalian, Zahra Valinezhad , Nasser Behnampour,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (4-2024)
Abstract
Background: The first 6 to 8 months of a human baby's life are among the most crucial periods of development. Mothers can enhance an infant's development by offering environments rich in appropriate stimuli. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of motor developmental stimulatory training on mothers' motor development (fine and gross) in healthy, full-term, 6-month-old infants.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted 2016 on 72 mothers and their healthy six-month-old infants in Gorgan (Iran). The block randomization method assigned participants to the intervention (n=36) and control (n=36) groups. The motor developmental stimulatory training program was performed for five 90-minute weekly sessions by a midwifery consultant for children's mothers. The fine and gross motor development of infants in both groups was evaluated before the intervention, in the end, and two weeks after the intervention by a research assistant using the Denver-II tool. The data were analyzed using the Friedman and the Mann- Whitney U Tests using SPSS software version 26.
Results: At the beginning of the study, infants’ mean fine motor skills scores were 6.22±0.47 in the intervention group and 6.05±0.43 in the control group, showing no significant difference. Likewise, the mean gross motor skills scores were 6.65±0.52 for the intervention group and 5.7±0.42 for the control group, which was also insignificant (< 0.0116). However, by the end of the training, the mean ages for fine motor skills in the intervention group rose to 9.41±0.75 compared to 7.51±0.42 in the control group, and two weeks later, they were 11.43±0.49 in the intervention group against 8.64±0.54 in the control group, with these differences being significant (P-value < 0.0001). The mean ages for gross motor skills at the end of the training were 7.94±0.61 in the intervention group and 6.7±0.34 in the control group, and two weeks later, 9.3±0.47 in the intervention group compared to 7.46±0.55 in the control group, which was also significant (P-value < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Developmental stimulatory training significantly improves 6-mount infants' gross and fine motor skills. Midwifery consultants can educate mothers about the motor development stimulation package so that they can use it to enhance the fine and gross motor skills of their healthy infant.
Sara Valikhani, Seyed Mohsen Avandi, Mehdi Hedayati ,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (4-2024)
Abstract
Background: Circuit resistance training, beneficial to overweight individuals, combines aerobic and resistance exercises. This study aimed to investigate the effect of multi-joint circuit resistance training on serum adiponectin levels and lipid profiles in overweight women.
Methods: Thirty sedentary overweight women (mean age of 34.48±4.304 years, mean weight of 81.17±9.137 kg, and mean BMI of 30.17±2.13 kg/m2) were randomly divided into two groups: circuit resistance training (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The experimental group trained at 65–85% of maximum heart rate for eight weeks, with three sessions per week (24 sessions total). The control group did not engage in regular exercise. Serum adiponectin levels and lipid profiles were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests and dependent t-tests at a significance level of P-value≤0.05.
Results: The results showed that adiponectin levels (P-value=0.001) and cholesterol levels (P-value=0.015) increased in the circuit training group, while LDL levels decreased (P-value=0.031). HDL levels increased but were not statistically significant (P-value=0.100). These variables did not change in the control group.
Conclusion: Finding ways to improve the state of adipokines is of vital importance for these patients. According to the results, circuit resistance training may be an effective method for addressing dyslipidemia and increasing adiponectin levels in overweight women.
Kamal Mirkarimi , Najmeh Shahini , Abdolhalim Rajabi , Amir Hosein Izadyar ,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (4-2024)
Abstract
Background: Self-care is defined as a strategy to adapt the events and stresses of life, which improves health and includes special activities that alleviate the symptoms of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a self-care program on the self-esteem of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending rural health centers in Gorgan City in 2023.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre-and post-test intervention study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique in patients with T2DM and prediabetes attending health centers in rural health centers of Gorgan City. An educational program was conducted on 68 patients divided into two groups of diabetes and pre-diabetes (34 patients in each group). Data were collected using a personal information checklist, standard self-care questionnaires, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. Follow-up was conducted two months after the intervention. The data were described using mean and standard deviation, and analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, Independent T-test, and Paired T-test.
Results: The mean age in the T2DM group was 58 ±7.26, and 60.29 ± 9.47 years in the pre-diabetes group. The mean fasting blood sugar levels in the T2DM and pre-diabetes groups after the intervention were 131.24 and 100.94, respectively, which showed a significant statistical difference (P-Value=0.02). The mean self-esteem scores in the T2DM and pre-diabetes groups after the intervention also showed a significant statistical difference (P-Value =0.006).
Conclusion: In the current study, the present intervention led to the improvement of self-esteem and self-care scores in people with T2DM and pre-diabetes.
