The Effectiveness of a School-based Self-injury Prevention Program on Reducing Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion and Fear of Negative Evaluation in Adolescent Girls

Background: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a prevalent, harmful, and transdiagnostic behavior that can comprehensively be assessed in daily life studies. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the student self-injury prevention program in mitigating the Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion (ICD) and the fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE). Materials & Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design, a one-month follow-up, and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all female adolescents studying at the middle schools of Rasht City, Iran, in the 2019–2020 academic years. They must have experienced self-injury at least once. The purposive non-random sampling technique was employed to select 34 self-injuring adolescents, who were then randomly assigned to case and control groups. The interpersonal cognitive distortion scale and the brief fear of negative evaluation scale were adopted to collect data. The case group received 16 sessions of self-injury prevention training for students (twice a week), whereas the control group had no training programs. Analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance were then used for data analysis in SPSS v. 25. Results: The results demonstrated the significant effectiveness of the training program in mitigating the ICD (interpersonal rejection: P<0.01; F=21.780, unrealistic relationship expectations: P<0.01; F=51.096, interpersonal misperception: P<0.01; F=20.557), reducing negative meta-emotion, and increasing positive meta-emotion (P<0.05; F=43.591). Conclusion: The student self-injury prevention program effectively reduced the ICD and FNE of female adolescents. Additionally, these two variables have high levels in adolescents struggling with self-injury.

The Effect of Kaempferol on Autophagy and Nrf-2 Signaling in a Rat Model of Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Numerous pieces of evidence support that oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Suppression of oxidative stress is an attractive strategy and flavonoids as potent natural antioxidants are extremely noticeable. Objectives: In this study, the effects of Kaempferol (KMP) were evaluated on passive avoidance memory, hippocampal Nrf-2, and beclin-1 expression in a rat model of Aβ1-42 –induced AD. Materials & Methods: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into five groups (n=8); sham-operated, AD model, and KMP treatment (5, 7.5, 10 mg/kg, i.p. for three weeks). Animals received an intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-beta (1-42) to establish an AD model. Passive avoidance memory of rats was evaluated using a shuttle box on day 21; Step-Through Latency (STL) and time spent in The Dark Compartment (TDC) were recorded. Then, hippocampus homogenates were used for biochemical and molecular analysis by real-time PCR, western blot, and ELISA. Results: It was found that KMP improved memory evidenced by increased STL (P≤0.05) and decreased TDC (p≤0.01). KMP also increased the levels of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in the hippocampus of rats (P≤0.05). In addition, KMP enhanced the expression of Nrf-2 mRNA (P≤0.001) and beclin-1 protein in the hippocampus tissues (P≤0.001). Conclusion: Overall, it is suggested that the memory-improving effect of KMP is mediated, at least in part, by enhancing Nrf-2 and TAC. KMP is also able to induce autophagy through the expression of beclin-1.

Suicidal Ideations in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Background: There are many controversies about the frequency and burden of suicidality in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Objectives: This study was done to determine the prevalence and risk factors of current suicidal ideations in patients with OCD. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 258 outpatients with OCD (Yale-Brawn Obsessive Compulsive Scale, Y-BOCS ≥16) referring to two psychiatry clinics in Guilan, Iran, from March 2018 to September 2019 were evaluated. Suicidality score of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) ≥4 was considered for current suicidal ideation at the first visit. Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) was used to evaluate the intensity of suicidal ideations a week before evaluation. Simple linear and binary logistic regression analyses were used to analyze data by SPSS v. 20. Results: Current suicidal ideation was found in 22.1% of patients. The previous history of suicide attempt (BPRS, P<0.0001 and BSSI, P<0.0001), a history of OCD in first-degree relatives (BPRS: P=0.004 and BSSI: P=0.010), a history of suicide attempts in first-degree relatives (BPRS: P=0.013 and BSSI: P<0.0001), comorbid diagnosis of depressive or body dysmorphic disorder (BPRS, P<0.0001 and BSSI, P<0.0001), and higher Y-BOCS score (BPRS: P=0.043 and BSSI: P<0.0001) were associated with a higher risk of having suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Suicidal thoughts are high in Iranian patients with OCD at their first visit to psychiatry clinics. The previous suicide history, positive history of OCD and suicide attempts in their first-degree relatives, the severity of OCD, and some comorbid psychological disorders are associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation among OCD patients.

chHDAC11 mRNA Expression During Prenatal and Postnatal Chicken (Gallus gallus) Brain Development

Background: Histone deacetylation plays an essential role in transcriptional regulation of cell cycle progression and other evolutionary processes. Several results confirm the importance of the latest found HDAC11 gene to deacetylate histone core in neurons and their supportive cells in developing the vertebrate Central Nervous System (CNS). Objectives: This study investigates the HDAC11 potential role in early chicken CNS development by studying its mRNA expression profile which may have unique means in studying human subjects. Materials & Methods: Chicken HDAC11 RNAs were reverse transcribed to cDNAs, and the amount of chHDAC11 transcripts was measured by ΔCT mean calculation using the real-time quantitative PCR method. One-way ANOVA and Duncan’s analysis (SigmaStat software version 4.0) were used to test the statistical significance of the results. The levels of significance were set at P≤0.05. Quantitative data are presented as Mean±SD. Results: The amount of HDAC11 mRNAs gradually increases, at least 2-3 times, from as early as day 14 (E14/HH40) of prenatal cortex formation to day P0 (E20=HH45) and continue to increase to day 40 in both cortical and hippocampal regions of the postnatal chicken brain during development (*P≤0.05). HDAC11 mRNA is not only expressed in the postnatal cortex and hippocampi regions but also—for the first time—in the developing brain during the prenatal period. Conclusion: Our results show a possibly important role for the latest found HDAC11 conserved gene in the development of vertebrates’ embryonic brain, which in turn may have a significant impact on understanding human brain development.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Pre-pandemic Periods

Background: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that may occur after infections. As Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may bring about GBS, it is important to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on this disease Objectives: This study aimed to compare the distribution and characteristics of GBS during and before the COVID-19 pandemic in an academic referral hospital in the north of Iran. Materials & Methods: This retrospective study assessed GBS distribution and characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic period (from March 2020 to the end of February 2021) and before the pandemic (from March 2019 to the end of February 2020) on 5340 patients referred to the Neurology Ward of Poursina Hospital of Guilan Province, in Iran. Results: There was no significant difference between GBS distribution during (0.03%) and before (0.04%) the COVID-19 pandemic (P=0.413). There were also no differences between the two periods regarding the gender (P=0.659) and age (P=0.417) of the patients. The most common subtype of GBS during the COVID-19 pandemic was Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) (71.4%). In both periods, the most common type of treatment was intravenous administration of immune globulin. There was no significant difference between the two periods (P=0.838) regarding the patients’ treatment response. Conclusion: The distribution of GBS, its subtypes, type of treatment, and response to treatment were not different between the two study periods.

Analysis of Soluble Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Factor and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Serum Levels in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and its receptor, Mesothelial-Epithelial Transition (cMet) factor signaling, play an essential role in controlling synaptogenesis. Objectives: Because of the vital role of HGF and Met signaling in synaptogenesis and spatial learning function of the brain’s hippocampal region, we aimed to study the HGF and soluble cMet (s-cMet) serum levels in children with different stages of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Materials & Methods: A total of 189 ASD patients (mild; n=69, moderate; n=63 and severe; n=57) and 82 control were enrolled in this project. Blood samples were collected from ASD patients referred to Pediatric Neurology Clinic, 17 Shahrivar Hospital, Rasht City, Iran, and serum concentrations of s-cMet and HGF were measured by ELISA. The control children with no clinical characteristics of ASD attended routine blood tests. Results: HGF Mean±SD serum concentration in ASD patients was 239±52.02 pg/mL compared to controls which was 360.04±71.15 pg/mL (P=0.004). Also, the Mean±SD serum concentrations of HGF in mild, moderate, and severe ASD patients were 297.54±69.82, 232.81±56.41, and 189±33.25 ng/mL, respectively, compared to control, which was 360.18±57.40. Besides, the s-cMet Mean±SD serum concentrations in ASD and controls were 143.54±32.50 and 200.25±31.16 pg/mL, respectively (P=0.005). The Mean±SD serum concentrations of s-cMet in the mild, moderate, and severe ASD patients were 172.81±37.69, 129.81±45.55, and 85.18±22.95 ng/mL, respectively, as compared to the control, which was 214.54±34.17 ng/mL. Conclusion: Serum HGF and s-cMet concentration decreased in ASD patients corresponding to disease severity. Also, detecting serum HGF and s-cMet may help classify ASD.

nxiolytic Effect of the Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Anethum Graveolens Seed in Adult Female Wistar Rats: Modulation of GABA Receptors

Background: Along with industrial development and the increasing social complexity of societies, anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders. Medicinal plants are considered as an enrichment source of ingredients with biological activity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of Anethum Graveolens seed (AGS) and the possible involvement of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-ergic system in the AGS effect. Materials & Methods: In the present experimental study, 64 female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups and received various concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of AGS. To measure the level of anxiety, an elevated plus maze was used in a way that the animal’s head turned to an open arm. Prior to the injections of AGS extract, the GABA receptor antagonist was used. The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance using IBM SPSS v. 16. Results: Dose-response experiments showed that the AGS extract significantly decreased the anxiety indices compared to the control group (P<0.05). To analyze locomotor activity, our data showed that AGS extract at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg could significantly increase locomotor activity compared to the control group (P<0.001). Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ (+extract significantly decreased the anxiolytic effect of AGS extract (P<0.01). Conclusion: Considering the anti-anxiety effects of AGS extract and a reduction in this effect caused by PTZ, part of the anti-anxiety effect of extract might be assumed via its interaction with GABA-ergic receptors. Further experimental trials; however, are required for the establishment of the anti-anxiety impact of AGS.

Effect of Mindfulness Training on Distress Tolerance and Alexithymia in Mothers With Autistic Children

Background: Autism disorder in children is characterized by problems in social functioning, communication, and the existence of repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. The pervasive and severe disabilities of children with autism are a difficult experience for their parents and families and are often accompanied by a range of challenges for caregivers. Therefore, designing appropriate programs to improve distress tolerance and reduce alexithymia is needed as a priority in health care plans. Mindfulness training is an effective way to teach a variety of skills to mothers of children with autism. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mindfulness training on distress tolerance and alexithymia in mothers with autistic children. Materials & Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, the study population included all mothers of children with autism in Rasht city who referred to Negah-e No Psychological Counseling Center in Guilan Province, Iran, in 2019. From this statistical population, 30 people were selected by convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The research instruments were Simmons and Gauher Confusion Tolerance Questionnaire (2005) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) (1994). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) by IBM SPSS v. 24. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of distress tolerance (P<0.001, F=59.45) and alexithymia (P<0.001, F=20.52). Conclusion: Mindfulness training increased distress tolerance and decreased alexithymia in mothers with autistic children.

Protective Effect of Catechin Hydrate on Spinal Cord Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats

Background: Aortic artery stenosis leads to Ischemia-Reperfusion (I-R) injury, which can cause certain clinical expressions, such as paraplegia. Objectives: To appraise the effect of Catechin Hydrate (CH) against spinal cord I-R injury. Materials & Methods: A total of 35 male rats (250-300 g) were divided randomly into five groups: intact, sham surgery, dimethyl sulfoxide (I-R+DMSO), low-dose CH (I-R+10 mg/kg CH), and high-dose CH (I-R+20 mg/kg CH). Abdominal aorta clamping was done for 60 min. Seventy-two hours after I-R, animals were evaluated for neurologic function, biochemical analysis, and histology. The data analysis was conducted by SPSS v. 16 using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The mean Motor Deficit Index (MDI) score and white matter damage in the CH (20 mg/kg) group were lower than in the DMSO group (P=0.032). The mean plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the CH groups were lower than that of the DMSO group (P<0.05). The plasma level of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in the CH (20 mg/kg) group was higher than in the DMSO group (P=0.032). In addition, the plasma level of catalase in the CH (20 mg/kg) group was higher than in the DMSO and CH (10 mg/kg) groups (P<0.001). The average number of normal motor neurons in the experimental groups was lower than in the sham surgery group (P<0.001).

Post-dural Puncture Headache in Cesarean Section; Frequency and Risk Factors: A Report From the North of Iran

Background: Spinal Anesthesia (SA) as a safe, reliable, and cost-effective method is widely used for Cesarean Section (CS). However, it is sometimes complicated by Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH). Objectives: We investigated the frequency of PDPH in CS under SA and related risk factors in an academic referral hospital in the north of Iran. Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at Alzahra hospital as an academic referral center affiliated with the Guilan University of Medical Sciences on 147 eligible cases During from May 2019 to October 2019. Then questionnaires containing questions about patients’ demographic data and some PDPH-related factors were filled out via face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS v. 21 using Chi-squared and and Fisher’s exact test. Results: The incidence of PDPH was 6.1%. Early ambulation, the number of attempts, and having a history of headache were significantly associated with a higher incidence of PDPH (P=0.001), while body mass index (P=0.106), age (P=0.093), and residents’ experience (P=0.384) had no significant association. None of our cases experienced a severe or persistent headache. Conclusion: The main predisposing factors for PDPH were found to be the history of HA, early ambulation, and the number of dura punctures. Women at risk for PDPH should be objectively screened before CS under SA.