The Effectiveness of the Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)with high frequency (20 Hz) on Auditory Hallucinations, Inner Speech and Working Memory in Schizophrenic Patients

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of high frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment (20 Hz) on auditory hallucinations, inner speech and working memory in schizophrenic patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a pretest-posttest experimental design with control group. The statistical population of this study consisted of all schizophrenic patients referring to the outpatient department of Imam Hossein hospital in 2019, 12 of whom were selected by available sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria then were assigned randomly into two groups of 6 each. High frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (r TMS) treatment (20 Hz) was used for experimental group but the control group received no intervention during the study. The instruments were the positive and negative syndrome scale in schizophrenia, the inner speech questionnaire, and the Daneman and Carpenter working memory questionnaire before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and one-way covariance analysis (ANCOVA) and multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that there were significant differences between experimental and control group (p<0.005). The rate of auditory hallucinations and inner speech significantly decreased in comparison with pretest and control group, but the rate of active memory increased. Conclusion: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (r TMS) treatment (20 Hz) significantly reduced auditory hallucinations, inner speech and improved active memory.

Assessment of dentists' knowledge and practice regarding the principles of protection against ionizing radiation

Background: Today, the use of dental radiography equipment in dental centers has increased due to its high application in the diagnosis of dental diseases. As a result, concerns are increasing regarding repeated exposure to this low dose level of radiation. Therefore, the knowledge and practice of dentists about radiation protection are essential for themselves and the patients. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of dentists about radiation protection. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed based on a questionnaire in several cities of Iran. The first part of the questionnaire included such information as gender, years of work experience, and participation in radiation protection workshops. The second, third, and fourth sections consisted of questions on radiobiology, radiation protection, and performance, respectively. Results: In this study, 94 dentists participated, and the mean scores of dentists (out of 5 points) for radiobiology knowledge, radiation protection knowledge, and performance were obtained at 2.66±1.1, 2.80±1.01, and 2.87±1.37, respectively. The results of Pearson analysis showed that general knowledge had a significant relationship with performance (P=0.014). There was also a significant relationship between the history of participation in radiation protection workshops and performance (P=0.01). Conclusion: It was found that more knowledge about the effects of ionizing radiation on the body and more awareness of the principles of radiation protection would help dentists to better observe the practical principles of radiation protection. Also, participating in radiation protection workshops could increase dentists' knowledge, and therefore, improve their performance.

Evaluation of the Development of Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Language, and Personal-Social Skills of Children 6 to 18 Months in Khorramabad based on Denver II Developmental Screening Test

Background: Developmental and behavioral disorders are highly prevalent health conditions in pediatrics. The development of motor, language, and social skills is one of the important issues in developing fundamental skills during the early years of life which can cause the prevalence of developmental disorders if not properly evaluated. The use of standard tools with proper validity and reliability is one of the most important factors that lead to scientific achievements. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the development of gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social skills of children 6 to 18 months in Khorramabad based on the Denver II Developmental Screening Test (DDST II). Materials and Methods: A total of 120 (55 girls and 65 boys) children 6 to 18 months participated in the present study in Khorramabad. DDST II (Frankenburg and Dodds, 1990) was used to assess the development of gross, fine motor, language, and individual-social skills. Sampling was performed using the convenience method. Results: No significant difference was observed between gross and fine motor development scores of children in Khorramabad and Denver. Children in Khorramabad were more mature in developing personal-social skills than those in Denver, however, they had a developmental delay in obtaining language skills. Conclusion: DDST II covers a wide range of developmental aspects from birth to 6 years which is recommended to use in health, educational and counseling centers.

Investigation of the effectiveness of eight weeks of high-intensity functional training in serum levels of factors affecting brain health in elderly men and women

Background: High-intensity functional training can be well performed by the elderly; however, the effect of this training on brain-health-related factors has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity functional training on serum levels of BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF in elderly men and women. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 23 subjects (7 males and 16 females) who were divided into experimental (n=16) and control groups (n=7). The experimental group performed a training protocol consisting of six exercises in three sessions (each session was 25 min) per week for eight weeks. The exercises were performed at all-out intensity for 30 sec. There was a 15-sec rest between each set and a two-min rest between each exercise. Paired samples t-test and ANCOVA were used to analyze the data, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that the serum levels of BDNF (P=0.0005, +11.37), VEGF (P=0.0005, +7.49), IGF-1 (P=0.001, +3.91), LDL (P=0.004, -3.33), and HDL (P=0.004, +7.48) changed significantly in the experimental group. On the other hand, in the control group, serum levels of BDNF (P=0.149, +1.58), IGF-1 (P=0.486, +0.27), LDL (P=0.897, +0.14), and HDL (P=0.534, +1.10) had no significant changes; however, VEGF (P=0.01, +0.67) significantly changed. The results of ANCOVA showed a significant difference between the two groups regarding all variables (P<0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of high-intensity functional training in elderly men and women increases the serum levels of brain health-related factors. Therefore, functional training is recommended to improve brain function in the elderly.

The Comparision of two methods of continuous and interval training for eight weeks on Aplin 13 and fibroblast growth factor in elderly rats

Background: This study aimed to compare the two methods of continuous and interval training for eight weeks on Aplin 13 and fibroblast growth factor in elderly rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 elderly male rats were randomly divided into three groups of continuous training (n=10), interval training (n=10), and control group (n=10). Interventions were performed for eight weeks. Blood samples (3 cc) were taken from the tails of elderly male rats 72 h before and after the last session of the protocol to evaluate the research variables (Aplin 13 and fibroblast growth factor). One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the findings, and the Tukey test was utilized for the homogeneity of variance of groups. All statistical tests were performed in SPSS software (version 17) at a significance level of α=0.05. Results: Aplin 13 had a significant increase in the continuous exercise group (P<0.05). Moreover, the fibroblast growth factor was significantly increased in the continuous exercise group (P<0.05). Aplin 13 had a significant increase in the interval exercise group (P<0.05). Fibroblast growth factor was significantly increased in the interval exercise group (P<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that eight weeks of continuous and interval training caused a significant increase in the levels of Aplin 13 and fibroblast growth factor in elderly male rats. Therefore, these exercises and especially periodic exercises can be used as a suitable way to increase angiogenesis in the elderly.

Physical activities, nutrition, and mental health of people in the community during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019: A review study

Background: At the end of December 2019, the spread of a new infectious disease was reported in Wuhan, China, which was officially named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. The epidemic not only causes high rates of death due to viral infections but also has led to psychological catastrophe worldwide. Uncertainty and unpredictability of this disease have created a high potential for psychological fear of disease transmission. To prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19, it may be necessary to adopt such measures as non-pharmacological interventions, quarantine, and social distancing due to vaccine shortages. However, the implementation of these health policies, despite the positive consequences, has created negative psychological effects on society. Fear of disease, fear of death, spread of false news and rumors, and reduction of social relations threaten the health of people in society. It is not yet clear that how much and to what extent this issue will affect mental health in such long-term social isolation. It is supposed that the post-COVID-19 era will be coincided with the emergence of a large number of individuals with such problems as anxiety, obsession, hypochondriasis, depression, and mental disorders. Therefore, the adoption of appropriate solutions to prevent these consequences would contribute people to be encouraged to move from a loneliness and introversion state to an active and energetic one. Regular physical activity and exercise and proper nutrition can be among the ways to prevent such mental disorders.

The Effect of Ginger Hydroalcoholic Extract on Blood Glucose in Hypothyroidism and Normal Rats

Background: Hypothyroidism among patients with endocrine glands is the most common disease after diabetes. In hypothyroidism, the secretion of the hormone that regulates the metabolism is reduced. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic ginger extract as the drug to increase the metabolism on the amount of glucose in normal and hypothyroidism rats. Materials and Methods: To perform this test, 60 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, and the control group did not receive any material. The controls received 0.1 mL of saline solution for 24 days. The experimental group 1 received 60 mg/kg of methimazole for 24 days. The experimental group 2 received ginger hydroalcoholic extracts of 400 mg/kg, experimental groups 3 and 4 received methimazole 60 mg/kg and simultaneously ginger hydroalcoholic extract with doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg for 24 days, respectively. Moreover, 48 h after the first injection, anesthesia was performed using ether, and the blood sample of their heart was collected. The amount of glucose was measured by an autoanalyzer machine. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS software using ANOVA. Results: There was a significant increase in the amount of glucose in the blood sample of experimental group 1, compared to the control group. A significant decrease was observed in groups 3 and 4 after using hydro-alcoholic ginger extract. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be predicted that using ginger can decrease the amount of glucose in the blood of patients with hypothyroidism.

The effect of aerobic training and pomegranate juice on serum levels of some microRNAs related to the oxidant/antioxidant system in women recovering from breast cancer

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the first leading cause of cancer death (25.5%) among women across the world. Oxidative stress and overproduction of free radicals are among the most important reasons for the progression of cancers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise with pomegranate juice on Serum microRNAs levels related to the oxidant/antioxidant system of women recovering from breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 40 women recovering from breast cancer with a mean age of 42.45±1.95 were randomly assigned into four equal groups (n=10), including control, pomegranate juice, aerobic exercise, and aerobic-pomegranate. The aerobic and aerobic-pomegranate groups performed eight 60-90-min sessions of exercises three times a week with an intensity of 50% to 70% of the target heart rate. The pomegranate juice group received 100 cc of juice before each training session. Blood samples were collected 48 h before and after the intervention. Oncogenic microRNAs, such as miR-21 and miR-155, were assayed by RT-PCR. The obtained data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc test at a significance level of P≤0/05. Results: In total, eight weeks of aerobic exercise with the consumption of pomegranate juice caused a significant decrease in miR-21 (P=0.001) and miR-155 (P=0.001) levels in women recovering from breast cancer, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and consumption of pomegranate juice simultaneously reduced oncogene microRNAs, such as miR-21 and miR-155, in women recovering from breast cancer.

Effects of a moderate intensity aerobic exercise on serum levels of BDNF, DCX, and DBHB in triathlon male adolescents

Background: Various serum factors in response to aerobic exercise improve cognitive function in healthy individuals; nonetheless, the effect of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on their levels has not been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of a moderate intensity aerobic exercise on serum levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Doublecortin (DCX), and D-β-hydroxybutyrate (DBHB) in triathlon male adolescents in Tuyserkan. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 triathlon male adolescents (age: 17.60±0.52 years, weight: 60.74±4.96 kg, height: 175.60±5.52 cm) voluntarily participated in this quasi-experimental study. Subjects in one session performed 60 minutes of running with an intensity of 12-13 on the Borg scale. Blood samples were taken from the subjects 5 min before and after training. Serum levels of BDNF, DCX and DBHB were measured by ELISA. To analyze the data, paired samples t-test was used, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In addition, the percentage of changes was compared to pre-test. Results: Based on the results, the serum levels of DCX (P=0.0005), BDNF (P=0.0005), and DBHB (P=0.001) increased significantly, compared to those in the pretest. Furthermore, serum levels of BDNF (21.30%), DBHB (12.95%) and DCX (12.01%) had the highest increase, as compared to the pretest, respectively. Conclusion: All three serum factors BDNF, DCX, and DBHB have a significant positive response to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in triathlon male adolescents. Nevertheless, neurotrophin/growth factor BDNF demonstrates more changes and appears to play a greater role in neuroprotection, improving memory, learning, and cognitive function.

Knowledge and self-care of nurses at the emergency and intensive care wards of Shohada-ye Ashayer Hospital, Khorramabad, Iran, in prevention from coronavirus disease 2019, 2020

Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has endangered the health of all people. Healthcare workers, especially nurses working in emergency and intensive care wards, are always at the forefront of the fight against such infectious diseases. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness and self-care of staff working in emergency and intensive care wards in prevention from COVID-19 in Shohada-ye Ashayer Hospital, Khorramabad, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 162 nurses in Shohada-ye Ashayer Hospital. The samples were selected the census sampling method and completed a designed online questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed and interpreted in SPSS software (version 23). Results: The mean age of participants was obtained at 32.28±5.12 years, and 87% of the subjects were women. The mean scores of knowledge and self-care among the subjects were estimated at 21.5±2.6 and 36.1±4.1, respectively. It was also revealed that 87.9% of the participants had good knowledge regarding the prevention from COVID-19 and 85.2% of the cases had good performance in self-care of COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the staff working at the emergency and intensive care wards of Shohada-ye Ashayer Hospital had a good level of awareness and self-care in prevention from COVID-19. However, in some cases, more training is needed to better perform COVID-19 prevention.