Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism that is caused by impaired insulin secretion or function. It is now well established that oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. In this study, we examined possible changes in oxidative / antioxidant status in diabetic patients with neuropathy and compared it with patients who have not yet developed neuropathy. Methods: This study has three groups of 50 male people: 1) healthy control group, 2) diabetic control group in which type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed and 3) diabetic group with autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy questionnaire was used to diagnose neuropathy. After recording demographic information and patient satisfaction, 10 cc of their saliva sample was taken and transferred to a -80°C freezer after centrifugation. Total antioxidant capacity, thiol groups and malondialdehyde content (as an indicator of lipid peroxidation) were determined with the relevant kits. The data from the study analyzed using ANOVA and LSD tests for between-group comparisons. Also, P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Based on statistical analysis, no significant differences in terms of age were observed between the three groups. There was a significant difference between the three groups in terms of insulin injection, duration of diabetes diagnosis, body mass index, fasting blood sugar, and glycosylated hemoglobin (p<0.05). The amount of salivary malondialdehyde in diabetic groups was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001) and also the amount of malondialdehyde in the neuropathic group was significantly higher than the diabetic control group (p=0.037). The amount of thiol groups in the diabetic control group was significantly lower than the healthy control group (p<0.001) but there was no significant difference between the neuropathy and diabetic control groups (p=0.075). The level of total antioxidant capacity in the diabetic control group was significantly less than the healthy control group (p<0.001) but no significant difference was seen between the neuropathy group and the diabetic control group (p=0.061). Conclusion: In diabetic autonomic neuropathy, the salivary total antioxidant capacity and salivary thiol groups did not show significant changes compared to diabetic conditions without neuropathy. However, a significant difference was seen in the increase in salivary malondialdehyde in autonomic neuropathy, which indicates an increase in lipid peroxidation. However, in order to make a definitive statement on this matter, more detailed cellular and molecular studies are necessary.
Background: The neonatal period is critical for neuronal development. Disruptions in serotonin levels during this stage can cause anxiety-like behaviors, learning and memory deficits in adulthood. These disorders are more prevalent in females and often linked to early serotonergic disruptions. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine are commonly used, their side effects necessitate safer alternatives or complements. Therefore, this study compared the therapeutic effects of chronic fluoxetine, enriched environment housing, and their combination on anxiety-like behaviors and recognition memory in adult female Wistar rats with neonatal serotonin depletion induced by parachlorophenylalanine. Methods: Tryptophan hydroxylase inhibition was induced by subcutaneous injection of PCPA (100 mg/kg body weight) on postnatal days 10–20. From postnatal days 21–60 (40 days), rats received either fluoxetine (5 mg/kg daily via oral gavage), or were housed in an enriched environment, or both. Behavioral assessments were conducted on postnatal days 61–70 using the open field test and elevated plus-maze (for anxiety-like behaviors) and the novel object recognition test (for memory). Results: Neonatal serotonin depletion resulted in increased anxiety-like behaviors and impaired novel object recognition memory. Both fluoxetine and enriched environment interventions significantly ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors, whereas recognition memory deficits were improved primarily by the enriched environment. Conclusion: The enriched environment, as a non-pharmacological intervention, effectively ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors and improved cognitive functions (novel object recognition memory) in adult female rats with neonatal serotonin depletion. These findings suggest that enriched environment housing can serve as a valuable complement to pharmacological treatment or, particularly for cognitive deficits, as a potential alternative to fluoxetine.
Background: Postoperative shivering is characterized by involuntary contraction of one or a group of muscles in the initial phase of recovery from general anesthesia. This situation can lead to numerous issues for patients. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of intravenous (IV) administration of acetaminophen and ondansetron on the prevention of postoperative shivering in candidates of appendectomy under general anesthesia. Methods: A triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on patients undergoing appendectomy under general anesthesia in Dr. Fatemi Hospital of Ardebil in 2018-2019. To this end, 150 patients of ASA classes I and II who were candidates of appendectomy were selected as the sample. The patients were unaware of the administered drug type and were randomly assigned to three groups, namely acetaminophen, ondansetron, and placebo (normal saline). The drugs were administered 30 minutes before the end of surgery; then the endotracheal tube was removed and the patients were transferred to the recovery room. The incidence and severity of shivering were measured up to 30 minutes after surgery. The data were statistically analyzed through descriptive and analytical indices in SPSS 22. In addition, the Kruskal- test was employed to compare the three groups in terms of shivering incidence and severity. Results: The demographic data showed that the three groups were matched in terms of the mean age and weight, gender distribution, and ASA classes (p>0.05). The incidence and intensity of shivering at the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) the ondansetron group were dominantly lower than the acetaminophen and placebo groups (p<0.05). In addition, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) at PACU was significantly lower in the ondansetron group than the other two groups (p<0.05). The VAS-measurement pain score at the end of the recovery indicated that the mean pain intensity score the ondansetron group was dominantly higher than the other two groups and acetaminophen was the most effective one in reducing pain (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study findings suggested that ondansetron was more effective than acetaminophen and normal saline (placebo) in reducing postoperative shivering and PONV.
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that can affect the whole body system, including the brain, by raising blood sugar. Evidence of antidiabetic, anti-anxiety, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of Foeniculum Vulgare is available. This study aimed to determine the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Foeniculum Vulgare on passive avoidance memory impairment in streptozotocin-induced male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 70 male Wistar rats were selected and divided into 7 groups: 1- Control, 2- Sham (DMSO), 3- Foeniculum Vulgare: they received Foeniculum Vulgare for one month at a dose of 200 mg/kg, 4- Diabetic (one month), 5- Diabetic (two months), 6- Diabetic + Foeniculum Vulgare, one month after diabetes is confirmed, they receive fennel for one month, 7- Diabetic + Foeniculum Vulgare, they received Foeniculum Vulgare for two months immediately after confirmation of diabetes. Results: The present study showed that induction of diabetes impaired passive avoidance memory, while Foeniculum Vulgare treatment improved the disorders induced by diabetes. Foeniculum Vulgare consumption can have both therapeutic and preventive effects. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that Foeniculum Vulgare can have protective and therapeutic effects on cognitive disorders in diabetic patients. Therefore, it may be used for various medicinal products due to its therapeutic and pharmacological potential.
Background: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme, by preventing LDL oxidation, plays a potential protective role against cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos extract on PON1 gene expression, blood glucose levels, and antioxidant indices in type 1 diabetes. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) Control: received physiological saline; (2) Diabetic-control: received a single dose of alloxan (170 mg/kg); (3) Diabetic-extract: received a single dose of alloxan and daily Vaccinium arctostaphylos extract (150 mg/kg); (4) Diabetic-insulin: received a single dose of alloxan and daily insulin (10 U/kg). The study lasted 16 days. PON1 gene expression was assessed using RT-qPCR. Serum glucose and malondialdehyde levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Serum activities of paraoxonase and total superoxide dismutase, as well as total antioxidant capacity, were measured using ELISA. Results: Serum glucose levels on days 8, 12, and 17 were significantly reduced in the extract group compared with both diabetic-control and insulin groups (p<0.05). Serum malondialdehyde levels in both extract and insulin groups were markedly lower than in the diabetic-control group (p<0.05). Serum activities of paraoxonase and total superoxide dismutase, as well as total antioxidant capacity, were higher in the extract and insulin groups compared with the diabetic-control group (p<0.05). Vaccinium arctostaphylos extract clearly increased PON1 gene expression compared with both insulin and diabetic-control groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that Vaccinium arctostaphylos extract not only reduces serum glucose levels and enhances serum paraoxonase, superoxide dismutase activities, and total antioxidant capacity, but also significantly upregulates hepatic PON1 expression. These results suggest that Vaccinium arctostaphylos extract may serve as an effective herbal supplement for blood glucose control and prevention of cardiovascular complications in diabetes.
Background: The purpose of this study is to design a responsive clinical education management model based on grounded theory. Methods: This study was conducted qualitatively, using the grounded theory method. In this study, researchers selected 21 directors and deputies of the Medical Sciences Research Center and faculty members of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences using a purposive sampling approach and conducted in-depth interviews; the interview process was analyzed through three stages of open, axial, and selective coding of qualitative data. Results: After analyzing the results, it is clear that 89 initial conceptual propositions were obtained, with 17 subcategories and 5 main categories. These include curriculum planning (educational goal setting, educational content, method of providing education and educational evaluation), macro-educational management (management system, cooperation and mutual interaction, development and promotion of professors and leadership), student development (development of student competencies, effective communication between students and patients and responsiveness to needs), educational space and facilities (educational technologies, learning environments and educational support equipment). Conclusion: Responsive clinical education is an activity that facilitates learning in a clinical competence, and its goal is to create measurable changes in students to perform clinical care. The full realization of this model requires national determination, targeted investment, and the participation of all stakeholders. By implementing this model, we can hope to train a new generation of health professionals who have both up-to-date knowledge, well-acquired practical skills, and demonstrate their professional commitment in the best possible way.
Background: Depression is a common and debilitating mood disorder characterized by a sense of loss of interest or pleasure, persistent feelings of sadness, and a wide range of cognitive, physical, and behavioral symptoms. Cardamom oil contains various antioxidant compounds. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of cardamom oil in male mice in behavioral tests of forced swimming, tail suspension test, elevated plus maze, as well as biochemical tests of brain antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde measurement. Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male mice were divided into 6 groups of 7 including control, sham, negative control, positive control and two groups treated with i.p. injection of reserpine along with cardamom oil at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Results: In all behavioral tests, reserpine injection significantly increased depression and hopelessness compared to the control group. In contrast, cardamom oil, especially at higher doses, reduced depression-like symptoms in reserpine-injected mice by improving behavioral changes measured by the forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and locomotor activity measured by the elevated plus maze test. In addition, cardamom oil reduced depression-like behaviors by reducing malondialdehyde levels and increasing brain antioxidant capacity in cortical and hippocampal regions. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that cardamom oil has antidepressant properties and can prevent the depressive-like effects caused by reserpine.
Background: This study aimed to investigate the frequency and antibiotic resistance patterns of pathogens isolated from Bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil. Methods: Blood samples were collected from patients suspected of BSIs and then bacterial identification was performed using conventional microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined by the disk diffusion method, as outlined in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. To identify Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, a combined disk test with clavulanate was performed. Identification of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (MR-CoNS) was carried out using the cefoxitin disk diffusion test. For identification of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE), the vancomycin disk diffusion test was performed. Results: Among 93 positive blood culture samples, the highest frequency was related to Staphylococcus species (44.1%). The highest levels of resistance of various bacteria to various antibiotics were as follows: CoNS to penicillin (90%), S. aureus to penicillin (100%), Enterococcus to penicillin (66.6%), Escherichia coli to ampicillin (71.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii to ciprofloxacin, cefazolin, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime (85.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae to ampicillin (75%), and Citrobacter freundii to co-trimoxazole and ampicillin (66.6%). Overall, 45 isolates (48.3%) were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). In this study, 4 isolates of E. coli (21%) and 5 isolates of K. pneumoniae (41.6%) were identified as ESBL-producing strains. In addition, 10 isolates of S. aureus (90%) and 10 isolates of CoNS (33.3%) were identified as MRSA and MR-CoNS, respectively. Furthermore, 2 Enterococcus isolates (22.2%) were identified as VRE. Conclusion: High frequency of resistant strains, including MDR, ESBL, MRSA, MR-CoNS, and VRE, represents a serious warning for the healthcare system in Ardabil city. Therefore, the implementation of comprehensive programs for rational antibiotic use, continuous monitoring of resistance patterns and strict adherence to infection control measures in hospitals appears to be essential.
Background: Given the inconsistent findings regarding the effects of exercise on cognitive performance and neurotrophins. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of combined training on serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in male Wistar rats with scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 eight-week-old male Wistar rats were rendered Alzheimeric by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine at a dose of 1 mg/kg and were then randomly assigned to three groups. The combined training protocol consisted of treadmill running (endurance training) and ladder climbing (resistance training). Rats in the training group were given a 15-minute rest interval between the endurance and resistance exercise bouts. Serum levels of BDNF, GDNF, and TNF-α were measured using the ELISA method. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test in SPSS software. Results: The findings showed that serum levels of BDNF (p=0.049) and GDNF (p=0.001) were significantly reduced in the scopolamine group compared with the healthy control group, whereas serum levels of TNF-α (p=0.001) were highest in the scopolamine group. Moreover, a significant increase in serum BDNF (p=0.006) and a significant decrease in serum TNF-α (p=0.025) were observed in the combined training+ scopolamine group compared with the scopolamine group. In contrast, there was no significant difference in serum GDNF levels (p=0.231) between the combined training+scopolamine group and the scopolamine group. Conclusion: Combined training, with the intensity and duration applied in the present study, led to a significant increase in serum BDNF levels and a significant decrease in serum TNF-α levels in rats with scopolamine-induced Alzheimer’s disease.
Background: Brucellosis (Malta fever) is considered as a prevalent infectious disease affecting both humans and domesticated animals. Different systems of the human body may get involved in this disease leading to various and deceptive demonstrations. As a matter of fact, Neurobrucellosis take place when the central nervous system is engaged. It is usually a chronic disease, with symptoms that gradually develops. Given the lack of any definitive diagnostic test for the disease, the difficulty in diagnosis of Neurobrucellosis is obvious. Therewith, negative serological test and the absence of associated brain imaging findings does not play a significant role in recognizing Neurobrucellosis. Case Presentation: In this case report, a 47-year-old man referred to the hospital with chief complaint of fever, headache and flu-like symptoms. The patient had no history of brucellosis but was in constant contact with domesticated animals. These symptoms continued progressive in a way that did not respond well to treatment and decreased consciousness. Serologic tests were negative and abnormal findings were not detected in brain imaging. Based on the clinical suspicion, the PCR was performed at a more equipped facility, resulting in a modification of the patient’s therapeutic protocol, which subsequently yielded a dramatic response to treatment. Conclusions: Brucellosis as a shapeshifter disease, still remains endemic in Iran. In patients with nonspecific symptoms including fever and headache that do not respond to routine treatments, where other evaluations are normal, neurobrucellosis is our choice for identifying the disease type.
Background: Cyclophosphamide is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs that, despite its high efficacy, can cause neurological complications and structural damage in the central nervous system, including the hippocampus and cerebellum. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of ghrelin on cyclophosphamide-induced histopathological changes in the hippocampus and cerebellum of mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male mice (Balb/c) were randomly divided into four groups: control, ghrelin, cyclophosphamide, and cyclophosphamide+ghrelin. Cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg) and ghrelin (80μg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally at a constant injection volume of 10mL/kg body weight. Finally, after anesthesia with ketamine/xylazine, hippocampal and cerebellar tissue samples were extracted and histopathological changes were evaluated after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: The results showed that cyclophosphamide administration significantly increased the tissue damage index in the hippocampus, especially in the Cornu Ammonis and Dentate Gyrus regions, compared to the control and Ghrelin groups (p<0.05). In contrast, the tissue changes in the cerebellum were not statistically significant. Concomitant treatment with ghrelin significantly reduced the severity of cyclophosphamide-induced hippocampal damage (p<0.05), while no significant protective effect was observed in the cerebellum. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the hippocampus is more sensitive to cyclophosphamide toxicity than the cerebellum, and ghrelin can play an effective protective role against chemotherapy-induced neurological complications by reducing histopathological damage to the hippocampus.
Background: Given the necessity for extensive healthcare coverage and the prevention of resource wastage, the role of professional and competent leaders is increasingly prominent and vital. This study aimed to design and evaluate the validity and reliability of a localized instrument for assessing leadership competencies in hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in Iran. Methods: This research employed a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach. In the qualitative phase, a Delphi technique and inductive content analysis were used to gather the perspectives of 18 experts in hospital and health management, reaching a consensus on the initial components and items of leadership competency. Data in this phase were collected via open-ended questionnaires and Likert scales to measure expert agreement. In the quantitative phase, 250 managers, faculty members, and specialists in hospital and health management from across the country were included using convenience sampling. The structural validity and reliability of the designed instrument were evaluated using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Six factors were extracted, accounting for 75.37% of the total variance; in other words, 75.37% of the leadership competency model’s variance was explained by these six factors. The t-statistics for leadership competency and its associated factors were significant (exceeding 1.96). Additionally, the overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the leadership competency model was calculated at 0.956. Conclusion: The instrument developed in this study possesses appropriate validity and reliability for assessing hospital leadership competencies. It is recommended that this competency framework be integrated into the recruitment, training, and evaluation processes of healthcare managers.
Background: The efficacy of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has been confirmed in some surgeries. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of NLR in predicting PONV after PCNL in patients hospitalized at Imam Reza Educational-Medical Center in Ardabil in 2023. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. Population consisted of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of PCNL at that Center in Ardabil in 2023. The data collection tool was a checklist. Sampling was performed using the complete counting method and the files of all hospitalized patients diagnosed with PCNL were studied. Data from 275 files were entered into SPSS20 software and analyzed using statistics parameters such as frequency, frequency percentage, mean and standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient, and t-test. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56.17±23.56 years. 86 (31.27%) patients had nausea and vomiting. The mean score of NLR in all the studied subjects before surgery was 2.67±2.57 and after surgery was 2.85±2.73, and the t-test showed that this difference was not significant (p=0.101). Also, the mean score of NLR in all the studied subjects after PCNL surgery was calculated as 2.65±2.23 and in patients with nausea and vomiting was 2.89±3.23. The t-test showed that there was a significant difference between the average NLR in patients hospitalized in Imam Reza Hospital in two groups of NLR less than 2 and more than 2 (p=0.037). Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was effective in predicting the incidence of PONV after PCNL surgery in patients with NLR ≥ 2. Given the importance of NLR in predicting PONV, multicenter studies with deeper investigation and greater population diversity are recommended to enhance external validity and generalizability of the results.
Background: Pregnancy is associated with physiological and immunological changes that may increase susceptibility to infectious diseases, particularly respiratory infections. COVID-19 during the early waves of the pandemic was associated with adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes. However, data regarding its clinical course and outcomes during the period of Omicron variant predominance remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics, maternal mortality, and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 during the Omicron wave in Ardabil, Iran. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 94 pregnant women with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil during the period from February 2021 to February 2022, corresponding to the Omicron-dominant wave. COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed based on a positive RT-PCR test or chest CT scan findings. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, vaccination status, disease severity, and pregnancy outcome data were extracted and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean maternal age was 28.22±7.14 years. The majority of patients (95.7%) were hospitalized in general wards, while only 4.3% were admitted to the ICU. The mean hospital stay was 3.8±2.3 days, and the mean oxygen saturation was 96.4±1.4%. A history of COVID-19 vaccination was reported in 86.3% of the patients. More than 91% of pregnancies had an uncomplicated outcome. Preterm birth occurred in 6.3% of cases, and premature rupture of membranes was observed in 1.1% of cases. No maternal deaths were reported. Statistical analysis showed that the mean gestational age in the vaccinated group and the values of WBC, PTT, and INR in the unvaccinated group were significantly higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that during the Omicron-dominant period, COVID-19 infection in pregnant women was mostly associated with mild to moderate disease severity, and severe maternal complications were rare. However, further prospective and multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to better evaluate the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy.
Background: Hysterectomy, as one of the most common gynecological surgeries, is associated with a wide range of psychological consequences, including increased perceived stress and fear of negative evaluation, particularly among women of reproductive age. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group counseling based on cognitive-behavioral therapy on the dimensions of perceived stress—namely perceived self-efficacy and perceived helplessness—as well as fear of negative evaluation in women who had undergone hysterectomy. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 64 women post-hysterectomy were assigned to an intervention group (n=32) and a control group (n=32) in hospitals in Ahvaz. The intervention group received eight sessions of group CBT counseling; the control group received routine obstetric care. Perceived stress and fear of negative evaluation were assessed at the baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one month later using the PSS-14 and Fear of Negative Evaluation scale. Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations. Results: Before intervention, no significant differences were observed between the groups in perceived stress and fear of negative evaluation. The interaction effect of group and time was significant for all three outcomes: perceived helplessness, perceived self-efficacy, and fear of negative evaluation (p<0.001). Following the intervention and at the one-month follow-up, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in perceived helplessness (p<0.001), a significant increase in perceived self-efficacy (p<0.001), and a significant decrease in fear of negative evaluation (p<0.001). Conclusion: Group CBT counseling effectively reduced perceived stress and fear of negative evaluation in women post-hysterectomy, with effects sustained up to one month. These results support integrating group CBT into post-hysterectomy care to improve mental health, especially where surgery affects identity and social roles.
Background: This study aimed to examine the impact of aerobic exercise and combined exercise (aerobic-resistance) on p53-dependent apoptosis and on reducing colon tumor microvascularization via VEGFR-2 in a rat model of colon cancer. Methods: This in vivo experimental study involved 50 rats. Following the induction of colon cancer using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), the rats were randomly assigned to five groups: Healthy Control (HC), Sham (SH), Sedentary Diseased (DS), Diseased+Aerobic Exercise (DA), and Diseased+Combined Exercise (DC). The exercise interventions were conducted over 10 weeks. Post-training, the gene expression levels of p53 and VEGFR-2 were evaluated using Real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results: Induction of colon cancer in the DS group led to a significant downregulation of p53 expression (p<0.001) and a significant upregulation of VEGFR-2 (p<0.001) compared to the HC group. Both exercise interventions exhibited significant modulatory effects. Specifically, the DA group showed a significant increase in p53 (p=0.044) and a significant decrease in VEGFR-2 (p<0.001) compared with the DS group. The DC group, however, showed a more pronounced effect, with significant increases in p53 (p<0.001) and decreases in VEGFR-2 (p<0.001) compared to the DS group. Additionally, a significant difference in the improvement of both indices was observed between the DC and DA groups (p<0.01). Conclusion: The findings suggest that regular physical exercise, particularly the combined approach, serves as an effective therapeutic strategy for modulating tumor survival pathways in colon cancer by enhancing the apoptotic pathway (p53) and inhibiting angiogenesis (VEGFR-2), thereby exerting antineoplastic effects.
Background: Wound healing and tissue regeneration remain major clinical challenges, particularly in chronic conditions such as diabetes, where impaired angiogenesis leads to delayed recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of a nanocomposite composed of silver-incorporated carbon quantum dots (Ag-CQDs) to promote wound healing. Methods: A novel bioactive wound dressing was developed by synthesizing Ag-CQDs through the hydrothermal method, followed by ionic crosslinking with Ag⁺ ions, and incorporating them into electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. The biological effects of the nanocomposite were assessed through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: Structural and surface characterization confirmed the successful synthesis and modification of the quantum dots. In vitro scratch assays using PC12 cells demonstrated a significant enhancement in cell migration after Ag-CQD treatment. In vivo studies in a mouse wound model revealed accelerated healing and tissue regeneration, characterized by enhanced epithelialization and collagen deposition in the Ag-CQD-treated groups compared with controls. Conclusion: The Ag-CQD nanocomposite significantly accelerated wound healing and tissue regeneration in both in vitro and in vivo models, highlighting its potential as a promising wound dressing material.
Background: Physical activity combined with mineral supplementation has been reported to enhance bone mineral density and improve bone health after menopause. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of BodyPump training in combination with calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone health biomarkers in postmenopausal women. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest placebo-controlled design, 45 postmenopausal women from Isfahan, aged 55-65 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 24±3 kg/m², were purposively selected and randomly assigned to three groups: BodyPump training, BodyPump training plus calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and placebo. The exercise protocol was conducted for eight weeks, three sessions per week, lasting 40-60 minutes per session with 10% One-Repetition Maximum. In addition, participants in the BodyPump+supplementation group consumed two calcium+vitamin D tablets daily for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: A significant increase in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) was observed in both the BodyPump and BodyPump+supplementation groups (p≤0.001). Moreover, a significant reduction in the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) was found in both intervention groups (p≤0.002). Notably, the changes in these biomarkers were significantly greater in the BodyPump+ calcium and vitamin D supplementation group compared to exercise alone. Conclusion: These findings suggest that BodyPump training combined with calcium and vitamin D supplementation has beneficial effects on bone health biomarkers in postmenopausal women. Therefore, the combined use of exercise and supplementation may be a valuable strategy to improve bone health outcomes in this population.
Background: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism occurs when the pituitary gland fails to synthesize sufficient amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In this deficiency, despite the normal testicular parenchyma, testosterone production from the testicles is reduced, ultimately causing symptoms in the individual. An uncommon cause of inadequate secretion of LH and FSH is empty sella syndrome (ESS). This condition occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the sella turcica for various reasons, leading to flattening of the pituitary gland. Case Presentation: This case report introduces a 24-year-old man who complained of symptoms related to some secondary sexual characteristics compared to his peers, such as decreased libido. Investigations included brain MRI and hormonal tests, which revealed empty sella as well as decreased testosterone, LH, and FSH levels. Conclusion: After the definitive diagnosis of ESS, treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was started for the patient. However, after some time, the patient faced challenges in his treatment and gave up on continuing the treatment.
Background: Serotonin plays a pivotal role in regulating emotional and cognitive behaviors. Early-life serotonin depletion can have long-term effects on anxiety-like behaviors and memory performance. This study examined the impact of early-life serotonin depletion via parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) administration and subsequent fluoxetine (FLX) treatment during adolescence on anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive functions in male rats. Methods: Thirty-two male rat pups were randomly assigned to four groups (n=8 per group): Control group; PCPA group (received 100 mg/kg parachlorophenylalanine subcutaneously from postnatal days 10 to 20); FLX group (treated with fluoxetine from days 21 to 60); PCPA+FLX group (received PCPA from days 10 to 20, followed by fluoxetine from days 21 to 60). Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the Open Field (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) tests. Cognitive functions were evaluated through the Passive Avoidance and Novel Object Recognition (NOR) memory tests. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and expressed as Mean ± SEM. Results: Neonatal PCPA treatment (100 mg/kg) increased anxiety-like behaviors and impaired performance in the Novel Object Recognition and Passive Avoidance tests. Adolescent fluoxetine treatment mitigated anxiety-like behaviors and improved passive avoidance memory but had no significant effect on novel object recognition memory. Conclusion: Early-life serotonin depletion induces persistent effects on anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive performance. Fluoxetine treatment during adolescence can ameliorate some of these effects, with efficacy depending on the specific behavior and neural circuits involved. These findings have clinical implications for treating anxiety and cognitive disorders in individuals with early-life serotonin deficiencies. Future studies should investigate sex-dependent effects and underlying molecular mechanisms.
