Introduction: Obesity and severe overweight are associated with problems in behavioral control and emotional regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing on these factors in women who are obese or overweight. Method: This applied and quasi-experimental study employed a pretest/posttest design using control and follow-up groups. The study involved 18 overweight and obese women aged 20 to 50 (body mass index> 24) who visited the Amin Counseling Center at the Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd Branch, Bojnourd, Iran, in 2024. Participants were intentionally selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group completed 10 sessions of motivational interviewing-based treatment, each lasting 50 minutes. The instruments used in this study were the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation System Scales. The data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance in SPSS software (version 26). Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in emotion regulation and in behavioral inhibition and activation scores, compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the follow-up results indicated that these improvements lasted over time. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant positive impact of motivational interviewing on emotion regulation and behavioral brain functions in obese women, demonstrating both immediate and lasting effects. These findings suggest that motivational interviewing can be an effective intervention for improving mental health and behavioral outcomes in obese and overweight women.
Introduction: Inflammatory processes play the main background role in many diseases. One of the most common methods for investigating inflammation is the rat paw edema model. Sitagliptin is used as a blood sugar controller, and it can have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate this process. Methods: In this study, rats (male Wistar weighing 180-200 grams) were selected. Doses of 5, 15, and 45 mg/kg of sitagliptin were evaluated. A group receiving solvent was considered a negative control, and another group received intraperitoneal indomethacin (2.5 mg/kg), a positive control. To induce edema, 100 microliters of carrageenan colloidal suspension (1%) were locally injected into the sole of the left paw of the rat. Paw volume was measured by calipers immediately before the carrageenan injection and then every hour after the injection until the fourth hour. The obtained measurements were calculated as the percentage increase in paw volume and compared with the values of the control group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20). Results: The results of this study showed that sitagliptin, compared to carrageenan, at doses of 5 and 45 mg/kg of rat body weight, led to a significant (P<0.001) decrease in the amount of edema in the paw of the animal, where mild to moderate neutrophil infiltration was observed. Slight edema in the dermis and a mild spongy appearance in the epidermis were also visible. Conclusions: Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, could reduce the intensity of inflammation potentially improving and alleviating the complications of various diseases
Introduction: Ovarian vein thrombophlebitis is a rare and often overlooked cause of postpartum abdominal pain and fever, presenting significant diagnostic challenges. It is frequently excluded from differential diagnoses after delivery because of its nonspecific clinical signs. This study reports a rare case of ovarian vein thrombosis following a cesarean hysterectomy. Case Presentation: A 31-year-old multigravida woman at 34 weeks and 6 days of gestation presented with vaginal bleeding lasting four hours. Ultrasound confirmed placenta previa and accreta. She underwent a cesarean hysterectomy. Two days after surgery, she developed persistent fever and tachycardia. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed thrombosis in the right ovarian vein. Treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and anticoagulants improved her symptoms. One week later, the patient was discharged in good condition. Conclusions: Ovarian vein thrombosis is a rare but potentially serious postpartum condition that can cause significant complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Due to its nonspecific clinical symptoms, maintaining a high level of suspicion and using appropriate imaging techniques are crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management. Since persistent fever is common in various postpartum conditions, refractory fever during the puerperium should be considered a potential warning sign of thrombosis.
Introduction: The treatment of wounds has long been one of the challenges faced by humanity. Therefore, efforts to discover compounds that promote wound healing with fewer side effects are essential. Eucalyptus and flaxseed are plant-derived products, the antimicrobial and wound healing effects of which have been reported in many studies. Recently, the electrospinning process has been widely used as a technology for the production of nanofibers that can provide conditions similar to the extracellular matrix. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of nanofibers containing eucalyptus and flaxseed oil on skin wound healing in mice. Methods: During the process of preparing nanofibers, eucalyptus essential oil and flaxseed oil were loaded into the nanofibers prepared from Zein. Afterwards, to investigate the effect on wound healing, 36 mice were divided into 6 groups: negative control (distilled water), positive control (alpha ointment), blank (nanofibers without eucalyptus essential oil and flaxseed oil), nanofibers containing flaxseed oil (Fiber-Flex), nanofibers containing eucalyptus essential oil (Fiber-Euc), and nanofibers containing eucalyptus essential oil and flaxseed oil (Fiber-Euc-Flex). After creating a wound in all groups, the products were used on the wound site for 14 days. For the macroscopic study, wound size was measured on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14. Moreover, on the 14th day after wounding, the mice were euthanized, and the repaired tissues were examined for histopathological studies. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed on the samples and examined by a pathologist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 25.0) Results: On the second day, the mean wound diameter in the Fiber-Euc-Flex group was lower than that of the negative control group. The mean diameter of the wound on the 7th, 9th, 11th, and 14th day in the Fiber-Euc-Flex group was significantly lower than that of the negative control group. On the 13th day of the study, the mean diameter of the wound in all the investigated groups was lower than that of the negative control group. On the 14th, the mean diameter of the wound in the Fiber-Euc-Flex group was significantly lower than that in all other groups. Conclusions: The results of the current study showed that nanofibers containing eucalyptus and flaxseed oil accelerated the wound healing process and reduced the time required for complete wound healing.
Introduction: Isthmin-1 is a novel adipokine with anti-inflammatory functions that plays a role in regulating glucose metabolism and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on adipose tissue levels of Isthmin-1 and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in obese diabetic rats. Methods: 20 male Wistar rats (10-12 weeks old, 276.4±11.20 g) were randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control (n=10 per group), following the induction of obesity and diabetes via a high-fat diet and injection of Streptozotocin. Rats in the experimental group participated in eight weeks of HIIT, running on a treadmill at intensity of 85%-90% of maximum velocity, 6-12 sets with 1-minute rest intervals, five days per week. All rats were dissected after the last training session, and the relevant indicators were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using independent and paired t-tests, as well as Pearson's correlation test, with the significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: Eight weeks of HIIT resulted in significant decreases in insulin levels (P=0.007), HOMA-IR (P=0.032), and body weight (P=0.029), alongside a significant increase in adipose tissue levels of Isthmin-1 (P=0.006) in the experimental group, compared to the control group. Moreover, fasting blood sugar (P=0.024) and body weight (P=0.005) showed significant decreases in the experimental group in the post-test, compared to the pre-test. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the changes in Isthmin-1 levels after eight weeks of HIIT and the changes in insulin levels (P=0.014). Conclusions: It appears that eight weeks of HIIT modulates insulin resistance by increasing Isthmin-1 levels in obese diabetic rats, in addition to improving body composition.
Introduction: Acrylamide, a neurotoxic compound, enters human life through various sources. Garlic, with its antioxidant properties, protects the nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the effect of garlic on reducing acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats by evaluating the apoptosis pathway and measuring the levels of BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 proteins. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n=6 per group): Group 1 received normal saline, Group 2 received acrylamide (50 mg/kg), Groups 3–5 received acrylamide + garlic (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively), Group 6 received only garlic (200 mg/kg), and Group 7 received acrylamide + vitamin E (200 mg/kg). Intraperitoneal injections were administered for 11 days. Subsequently, the rats' cerebral cortex was extracted and analyzed via Western blot. The densitometric data for protein bands are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (Mean ± SD). Intergroup comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's post hoc test. All statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism software (version 9.4.1). A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings revealed that acrylamide alone increased the levels of caspase-3 and Bcl-2. Garlic at 100 mg/kg significantly elevated Bcl-2, compared to the normal and acrylamide-only groups; however, it did not significantly affect caspase-3 levels. The 400 mg/kg garlic dose showed the highest increase in Bcl-2 levels. Vitamin E also reduced caspase-3 and increased Bcl-2, though no significant difference was observed, compared to the 100 mg/kg garlic group. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal injection of acrylamide in male Wistar rats induced apoptosis. However, Western blot results demonstrated that treatment with different doses of garlic prevented apoptosis and reduced neural damage.
Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Recently, researchers have become interested in identifying nutritional supplements that can improve risk factors for these conditions. Intima-media thickness is recognized as a key risk factor for cardiovascular events. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that has been extensively studied for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, as well as its potential role in the treatment of chronic diseases. Although studies directly investigating the effect of resveratrol on intima-media thickness are limited, related factors have been investigated in animal and human studies. Method: This narrative review examines the evidence on the association between resveratrol and factors related to vascular intima-media thickness, and discusses the proposed mechanisms underlying this association. Results: In general, research indicates that resveratrol reduces intima thickness, potentially by modulating cellular senescence and its antioxidant properties. Conclusion: No human studies have directly examined the effect of this polyphenol on intima-media thickness, and further studies in this area are recommended.
Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and potentially reversible condition in hospital settings and is associated with adverse outcomes, such as increased mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and higher healthcare costs. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have emerged as promising approaches for the early identification of patients at risk of AKI. This study aimed to systematically review research that has applied AI models for AKI prediction, with a focus on their performance, interpretability, and clinical evaluation. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they applied machine learning or deep learning algorithms to predict AKI. Extracted data included the type of algorithm, sample size, number of features, performance metrics, degree of interpretability, and presence of clinical evaluation. The models were categorized into white-box and black-box algorithms. Results: Among the 208 included studies, most reported an AUROC greater than 0.90. AUROC values reached up to 0.94 for white-box models and up to 0.97 for black-box models. Regression analysis indicated that dataset size had a significant impact on the performance of white-box models, whereas no such relationship was observed in black-box algorithms. Many studies also reported accuracy values ranging from 75% to 95%. Conclusions: Despite their higher interpretability, white-box models were used less frequently. Enhancing transparency, increasing clinical expert involvement, and conducting real-world clinical evaluations are essential for the broader adoption and practical implementation of AI-based models in AKI prediction.
Introduction: Exercise interventions are among the most effective treatments used for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study aimed to assess the effects of six months of home-based neurofunctional exercises on functional inflammatory markers, fatigue, and disability in MS patients with cognitive impairment. Materials and Methods: In this study, 62 patients (55 females and 7 males) diagnosed with cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to two groups: a neuro-functional exercise group and a control group. After one month of exercises at the center, patients performed home exercises for six months, three sessions per week. During monthly visits, the patients’ status was assessed, a monthly program was provided, and any potential problems were addressed. Disability status, fatigue, and functional inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic inflammatory index (SII)) were evaluated one week before and after protocol completion. An independent-samples t-test was used for first inter group or between group comparisons (pretest-posttest difference), and a paired-samples t-test was employed for intergroup comparisons. Results: The results demonstrated that six months of home-based neuro-functional exercises significantly improved the disability scale score (P=0.002), fatigue score (P=0.001), NLR (P=0.044), PLR (P=0.039), and SII (P=0.045), compared to the control group. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, in situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme heat and cold, or lack of access to sports facilities for various reasons, long-term home-based neuro-functional exercises, following the principle of gradual overloading with a gentle slope, can serve as an effective intervention for the reduction of fatigue, disability, and systemic inflammation in MS patients.
Introduction: Teaching is a complex, multidimensional process that requires evaluation tools capable of addressing all relevant criteria proportionally to their importance. However, previous studies have not provided a clear answer regarding the validity of students' evaluations of professors. Given the importance of this issue, the study aimed to evaluate and compare key factors in how students and professors at North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences assess their theory courses in 2022. Method: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study involved students and professors from North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a demographic form and a questionnaire for evaluating the theory course professors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22). Results: A total of 355 students and 50 faculty members participated. Among students, 52.9% were female, and 85.4% were single. Faculty members identified the most critical evaluation criteria as the professor’s enthusiasm for teaching, interest in solving academic problems, and adherence to discipline and order. On the other hand, students highlighted the professor’s mastery of the subject, ability to understand and communicate course concepts, and teaching methods as the most critical factors. Conclusion: The most critical evaluation criteria from the students' perspective varied significantly from those of the professors. Therefore, reducing confounding factors can be achieved by updating the evaluation form for theory courses to include both perspectives.
Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of combining lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy with pharmacotherapy alone on the behavioral problems of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who also have sleep problems. Methods: The present study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, a lifestyle intervention package was designed based on the six principles of the Iranian traditional medicine. In the quantitative phase, 60 children aged 7 to 11 with ADHD and sleep problems were selected using purposive sampling. The diagnosis was confirmed through a clinical interview based on DSM-5 and the SNAP-IV scale. The research tools included the SNAP-IV, the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and the Rutter Behavioral Problems Questionnaire. Participants were divided into three groups (20 cases per group): (1) combined lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy, (2) pharmacotherapy alone, and (3) a control group with no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's post-hoc test. Results: The results showed that the combined intervention was significantly more effective in reducing behavioral problems than pharmacotherapy alone and the control group (F=17/323, df=3/224, P<0/05). Additionally, significant changes in behavioral problems were observed over time (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up) (F=42/925, df=1/612, P<0/05). Pharmacotherapy alone also led to a significant increase in daily behavioral problems, compared to the control group (P<0.05). Given that our sample children had sleep problems in addition to ADHD, this increase appears to be due to the exacerbation of sleep problems caused by methylphenidate use and its subsequent impact on daily behavior. Conclusions: The combination of lifestyle modification with pharmacotherapy has a higher effectiveness in reducing behavioral problems in children with ADHD and sleep problems, compared to pharmacotherapy alone, and can be considered a complementary therapeutic approach.
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease, for which exercise, especially aerobic activity, has been considered a disease-modifying treatment. Therefore, the present study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that investigated the effect of aerobic exercise on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: A search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SID, and Magiran, up to February 22, 2025, for studies comparing aerobic exercise with a control on the cytokines IL-6 and IL-10. The effect size was calculated using the standardized mean difference and a 95% confidence interval, using CMA2 software. Findings: This meta-analysis included seven studies involving 295 people with multiple sclerosis. The results indicated that aerobic exercise in patients with multiple sclerosis leads to a non-significant decrease in IL-6 [WMD= -0.456 Pg/ml (0.266 to -1.178) P=0.216] and a non-significant increase in IL-10 [WMD= 0.447 Pg/ml (1.246 to -0.352) P=0.272] compared to the control group. Conclusions: Aerobic exercises can enhance physical capacity, regulate and balance inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and modify indicators that lead to a decrease in IL-6 and an increase in IL-10 in patients with multiple sclerosis. Specialists can incorporate these exercises as a complementary treatment alongside medications for these patients.
Introduction: Co-infection of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) with human polyomaviruses, such as Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), may indicate a potential synergistic effect. This study focused on the role of the MCPyV sT protein, which shares similarities with HPV oncoproteins in disrupting cellular regulatory mechanisms. This research aimed to investigate the effect of the MCPyV sT oncogene on the expression level of the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) gene, as a biomarker for metastasis, in Ca Ski cells infected with HPV-16. Methods: The MCPyV sT gene was cloned into the PUC57 vector. The gene was amplified by PCR and subcloned into the PCMV6 expression vector. Colony PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, and Sanger sequencing were performed to confirm the constructed vector. The PCMV6-sT vector was then transfected into Ca Ski cells. Transfection efficiency was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The expression level of sT mRNA was analyzed by RT-qPCR after transfection. The effect of MCPyV sT expression on MMP-1 expression was assessed using RT-PCR. Results: High expression of the sT gene was observed in cells transfected with the PCMV6-sT plasmid. Transfection of PCMV6-sT into HPV-16–infected cells resulted in a significant increase in MMP-1 gene expression at 48 (P<0.05) and 72 hours (P<0.01) post-transfection, compared to the control and mock groups. Conclusion: The findings indicate that MCPyV sT increases MMP-1 expression, a marker strongly associated with invasion and metastasis. This highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between oncoproteins of different viruses in cancer cells.
Introduction: This study investigates the effects of high-intensity interval training and royal jelly (RJ) interventions, separately and in combination, on glucose, insulin levels, and expression of ELMO1 and TGF-β genes in the kidney tissue of rats with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this experimental study, type 2 diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet with STZ injection for 20 weeks. Then, the rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: type 2 diabetes (DI), type 2 diabetes+ high-intensity interval training (DI + HIIT), type 2 diabetes+ royal jelly (DI + RJ), and type 2 diabetes+ high-intensity interval training + royal jelly (DI + HIIT + RJ). The supplemented groups were given RJ at a dose of 100 mg/kg, 5 days a week. The exercise program consisted of eight weeks of HIIT training, five sessions per week. At the end of the study, the mice were sacrificed, and kidney tissue was removed for measurement of TGF-β and ELMO1 gene expression. Results: ELMO1 gene expression in the kidney was significantly increased in all treatment groups, compared to the diabetes group (P<0.05). Moreover, TGF-β gene expression in the kidney was significantly decreased in all treatment groups, compared to the diabetes group (P<0.0001), with the decrease in TGF-β being significant in the combined treatment group (DI+HIIT+RJ). Conclusions: It seems that HIIT and RJ interventions, both individually and in combination, can have beneficial effects in diabetic conditions by improving glucose profiles and modulating the expression of key genes associated with kidney damage (ELMO1 and TGF-β), without significant effects on body weight.
Introduction: Infertility is a prevalent global concern, affecting approximately 15% of couples of reproductive age. Metabolic imbalance, oxidative stress, and hormonal dysregulation are key contributors to impaired female fertility. L-carnitine, a naturally occurring compound involved in fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function, has attracted attention for its potential to improve reproductive outcomes. Methods: Searching was performed in various scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID using various keywords including “L-carnitine” “fertility", “reproductive health", “infertility”, and "female" with no restrictions on language or publication date. In first, studies were screened according to their titles and abstracts. Then, the full text of relevant articles was further evaluated and the included studies were selected. Finally, the included studies were summarized and discussed. Results: L-carnitine has demonstrated multiple beneficial effects on female reproduction, including enhanced mitochondrial function, improved oocyte quality, reduced oxidative stress, and modulation of metabolic pathways. Studies indicated that L-carnitine supplementation improves ovulatory function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, increases implantation success rates in ART, and enhances endometrial receptivity. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties play a crucial role in counteracting reproductive aging and reducing the adverse effects of endometriosis. Conclusion: L-carnitine is a promising supplement in the management of female infertility, particularly in metabolic and oxidative stress-related disorders. While clinical evidence supports its potential to improve fertility outcomes, further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish optimal dosage recommendations, long-term safety, and personalized treatment approaches. Integrating L-carnitine into reproductive medicine may enhance fertility success rates and provide a novel strategy for treating female infertility.
Introduction: Artemisia sieberi, a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family, has traditionally been used for its antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, alongside the treatment of ailments, such as indigestion, fever, and headache. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-anxiety effects of a methanolic extract of Artemisia sieberi in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, male rats were divided into six groups: a control group, three treatment groups receiving 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract, a group receiving 400 mg/kg of the extract plus flumazenil, and a diazepam-treated group. Anxiety behavior was assessed using the elevated plus maze, a standard behavioral test for anxiety in rodents. Data were analyzed using Instat software (version 3.1), with statistical significance set at P<0.05. Ethical guidelines were followed throughout the study. Results: Results showed that both diazepam and the highest dose (400 mg/kg) of the Artemisia sieberi extract significantly increased the number of entries into and the time spent in the open arms of the maze, indicating reduced anxiety. Conversely, time spent in the closed arms decreased. Importantly, co-administration of flumazenil with the extract reduced its anxiolytic effects. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that treatment with the methanolic extract of Artemisia sieberi, especially the two highest doses, significantly affected anxiety indices. Since flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, the results suggest that the methanolic extract of Artemisia sieberi exerts its anti-anxiety effects through benzodiazepine receptors.
Introduction: The drug 5-fluorouracil is commonly used in cancer treatment, but its clinical effectiveness is limited due to systemic toxicity, a short half-life, and insufficient tumor tissue uptake. The design of 5-fluorouracil carrier nanocomposites should focus on maximizing loading efficiency (LE%) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) while minimizing cytotoxicity to normal cells. The aim of this study was to develop a multi-objective machine learning model to simultaneously predict LE%, EE%, and normal cell toxicity values in 5-fluorouracil nanocarriers. Methods A dataset comprising 20 types of nanocomposites was compiled from reputable scientific sources. Six regression models and four classification models were trained using cross-validation. Model interpretability was achieved through SHAP analysis. Virtual screening was then performed on 120 hypothetical formulations to identify the optimal candidates. The XGBoost model exhibited the best regression performance for predicting LE% (R²=0.91, MAE=1.82) and EE% (R²=0.89, MAE=2.05), while the Random Forest algorithm outperformed others in cytotoxicity classification (F1=0.88, AUC=0.92). Results: SHAP analysis revealed that chitosan, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) enhance encapsulation efficiency, whereas halloysite nanotubes, particle sizes larger than 400 nm, and high positive zeta potential increase toxicity. The optimal design range was determined to be 100-300 nm particle size and a zeta potential of +20 to +40 mV. The formulation containing chitosan/PEG/g-C₃N₄/hydroxyapatite was identified as the top candidate, with a predicted EE% of approximately 89.7% and low toxicity. Conclusion: The machine learning-based system provides valuable predictive and mechanistic insights for designing safe and efficient 5-fluorouracil nanocarriers. Despite data limitations, this approach shows the strong potential of computational methods in nanodrug development
Introduction: Despite the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training and L-arginine ingestion, the combined impact of these two interventions on various inflammatory mediators is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of combined training and L-arginine ingestion on insulin resistance, body composition, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in obese men. Methods: The 48 obese men (average body mass index: 31.97±1.34 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to four groups (12 participants in each group), including a training group, an L-arginine group, a placebo group, and a training+L-arginine group. The exercise training was conducted in a combined type, consisting of resistance and endurance exercises, and was performed in three sessions per week for eight weeks. The L-arginine ingestion was six grams per day, which was consumed in two grams in three meals. The levels of glucose, insulin, and IL-6 were measured using specific kits, and the results were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24). Results: The current study′s findings indicated a significant decrease in IL-6 levels in the training group compared to the placebo (p = 0.004) and L-arginine (p = 0.003) groups, as well as in the training+L-arginine group compared to the placebo (p = 0.002) and L-arginine (p = 0.002) groups. Insulin resistance also decreased significantly in the training and training+L-arginine groups compared to the placebo and L-arginine groups (p<0.001). Conclusions: The current study's findings confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of combined training, both with and without L-arginine supplementation. However, eight weeks of L-arginine supplementation did not significantly increase the anti-inflammatory effects of combined training in obese men.
Introduction: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained significant attention due to their antimicrobial properties and wide-ranging applications in medical and industrial fields. The objective of this study was to synthesize and investigate the effect of various synthesis parameters on the size and morphology of silver nanoparticles using Mentha pulegium plant extract. Methods: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized via a green approach using Mentha pulegium extract as both reducing and stabilizing agent. Parameters, such as pH, temperature, extract concentration, and silver nitrate concentration, were systematically varied. The impact of these parameters on the size and uniformity of nanoparticles was evaluated using techniques including SEM, DLS, EDX, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Results: The results indicated that lower pH, room temperature (25°C), optimal extract concentration of 5%, and silver nitrate concentration of 1 mM led to the synthesis of smaller, spherical, and uniformly dispersed silver nanoparticles. Additionally, UV-VIS spectroscopy revealed a characteristic absorption peak at approximately 430 nm, confirming the successful synthesis of AgNPs. Conclusions: The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Mentha pulegium extract offers a simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly method for producing nanoparticles with desirable size and distribution. These nanoparticles hold great potential for various biological and industrial applications.
Introduction: "Third-party-assisted conception, which involves the use of donated eggs, embryos, or surrogacy, can be an option for some infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. Given the crucial role of healthcare professionals in infertility care, their attitudes toward accepting or rejecting third-party-assisted conception are critical. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students, future specialists at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, regarding third-party-assisted conception. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study used random sampling, with a sample of 184 participants. Data were collected using a validated researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software (version 21). Findings: The students' mean knowledge score was about 10 points below the midpoint. Although the mean scores were higher—about 13.3—among women, single students, interns, and those with a family history of infertility, the differences were not statistically significant. On the other hand, there was a substantial difference in the attitude of students between the interns and stagers groups in the category of questions about the parent-child relationship and genetic dependence (P<0.038) and attitude towards egg and embryo donation (P<0.005). The students’ attitudes showed significant differences between the interns and stagers regarding parent–child relationships and genetic relatedness (P<0.038), as well as attitudes toward egg and embryo donation (P<0.005). Conclusions: The knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding third-party-assisted infertility treatment were at a moderate to low level. Therefore, providing more education on assisted reproductive techniques to medical students—as future health care professionals—is essential. Increasing awareness can lead to changes in attitude and, consequently, enable them to offer better guidance to infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatments.
