Retinoic acid loaded with chitosan nanoparticles improves spermatogenesis in scrotal hyperthermia in mice / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#High temperatures can trigger cellular oxidative stress and disrupt spermatogenesis, potentially leading to male infertility. We investigated the effects of retinoic acid (RA), chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs), and retinoic acid loaded with chitosan nanoparticles (RACHNPs) on spermatogenesis in mice induced by scrotal hyperthermia (Hyp). @*Methods@#Thirty mice (weighing 25 to 30 g) were divided into five experimental groups of six mice each. The groups were as follows: control, Hyp induced by a water bath (43 °C for 30 minutes/day for 5 weeks), Hyp+RA (2 mg/kg/day), Hyp+CHNPs (2 mg/kg/72 hours), and Hyp+RACHNPs (4 mg/kg/72 hours). The mice were treated for 35 days. After the experimental treatments, the animals were euthanized. Sperm samples were collected for analysis of sperm parameters, and blood serum was isolated for testosterone measurement. Testis samples were also collected for histopathology assessment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) evaluation, and RNA extraction, which was done to compare the expression levels of the bax, bcl2, p53, Fas, and FasL genes among groups. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining was performed. @*Results@#Treatment with RACHNPs significantly increased stereological parameters such as testicular volume, seminiferous tubule length, and testicular cell count. Additionally, it increased testosterone concentration and improved sperm parameters. We observed significant decreases in ROS production and caspase-3 immunostaining in the RACHNP group. Moreover, the expression levels of bax, p53, Fas, and FasL significantly decreased in the groups treated with RACHNPs and RA. @*Conclusion@#RACHNPs can be considered a potent antioxidative and antiapoptotic agent for therapeutic strategies in reproductive and regenerative medicine.

Exploring neighborhood inequality in female breast cancer incidence in Tehran using Bayesian spatial models and a spatial scan statistic / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the spatial pattern of female breast cancer (BC) incidence at the neighborhood level in Tehran, Iran.METHODS: The present study included all registered incident cases of female BC from March 2008 to March 2011. The raw standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of BC for each neighborhood was estimated by comparing observed cases relative to expected cases. The estimated raw SIRs were smoothed by a Besag, York, and Mollie spatial model and the spatial empirical Bayesian method. The purely spatial scan statistic was used to identify spatial clusters.RESULTS: There were 4,175 incident BC cases in the study area from 2008 to 2011, of which 3,080 were successfully geocoded to the neighborhood level. Higher than expected rates of BC were found in neighborhoods located in northern and central Tehran, whereas lower rates appeared in southern areas. The most likely cluster of higher than expected BC incidence involved neighborhoods in districts 3 and 6, with an observed-to-expected ratio of 3.92 (p < 0.001), whereas the most likely cluster of lower than expected rates involved neighborhoods in districts 17, 18, and 19, with an observed-to-expected ratio of 0.05 (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood-level inequality in the incidence of BC exists in Tehran. These findings can serve as a basis for resource allocation and preventive strategies in at-risk areas.

Exploring neighborhood inequality in female breast cancer incidence in Tehran using Bayesian spatial models and a spatial scan statistic / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the spatial pattern of female breast cancer (BC) incidence at the neighborhood level in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: The present study included all registered incident cases of female BC from March 2008 to March 2011. The raw standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of BC for each neighborhood was estimated by comparing observed cases relative to expected cases. The estimated raw SIRs were smoothed by a Besag, York, and Mollie spatial model and the spatial empirical Bayesian method. The purely spatial scan statistic was used to identify spatial clusters. RESULTS: There were 4,175 incident BC cases in the study area from 2008 to 2011, of which 3,080 were successfully geocoded to the neighborhood level. Higher than expected rates of BC were found in neighborhoods located in northern and central Tehran, whereas lower rates appeared in southern areas. The most likely cluster of higher than expected BC incidence involved neighborhoods in districts 3 and 6, with an observed-to-expected ratio of 3.92 (p < 0.001), whereas the most likely cluster of lower than expected rates involved neighborhoods in districts 17, 18, and 19, with an observed-to-expected ratio of 0.05 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood-level inequality in the incidence of BC exists in Tehran. These findings can serve as a basis for resource allocation and preventive strategies in at-risk areas.

Crab shell extract induces prostate cancer cell line [LNcap] apoptosis and decreases nitric oxide secretion

Objective: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. Chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to have adverse side-effects, and natural compounds have been recommended for cancer treatment, nowadays. Crab shell has been shown to have cancer preventative and suppressive effects in vivo and in vitro. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of crab shell extract on prostate cancer cell line [LNcap] in vitro

Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, LNcap cells were treated with different concentrations [0, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 micro g/ml] of crab shell hydroalcoholic extract in three different culture periods [24, 48 and 72 hours]. LNcap viability was evaluated by trypan blue staining and MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and nitric oxide [NO] secretion were determined by TUNEL and Griess assays, respectively. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test and P<0.05 was considered significant

Results: LNcap viability was decreased dose- and time-dependently. Thus 400, 800, and 1000 micro g/ml doses showed significant differences compared to control group [P<0.001]. Dose-dependent increase in the apoptotic index was also observed in 800 and 1000 micro g/ml concentrations [P<0.001]. Nitric oxide secretion of LNcap cell was decreased time- and dose-dependently, while it was significant for 1000 micro g/ml [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Crab shell extract showed anti-prostate cancer effect, by inducing cell apoptosis and decreasing NO production

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus jujuba on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in male rat (Rattus norvegicus) / Efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico de Ziziphus jujuba na colite ulcerativa induzida pelo ácido acético em rato macho (Rattus norvegicus)

Objective: To investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus jujuba on the histopathological, tissue oxidative stress and inflammation plus to antioxidant pathways of colon tissue in rat with induced Ulcerative colitis. Materials and methods: Ulcerative colitis was induced in 80 rats those divided into 8 equal groups. Group 1 and 2 were negative controls receiving 1 mL/day of normal saline in enema and oral; group 3 and 4 as positive control 1 and 2 received 10 mg/kg of intra-colonic asacol and oral mesalazine; groups 5 and 6 received 20% and 40% of hydroalcoholic extract of Z. jujuba trans-rectally; group 7 and 8 received 1500 and 3000 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of Z. jujuba orally, respectively. After 7 days, animals were evaluated for colon tissue histopathology, levels of malondialdehyde and IL-1ß, and activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and myeloperoxidase in colon tissue. Results: Hydroalcoholic extract of Z. jujuba in both forms of trans-rectal and oral administration especially in the higher doses could result into a more healing effect in damaged colonic tissue, more reduce glutathione peroxidase and IL-1ß; level. Also, these two doses (gel 40% and oral 3000 mg/kg) could more decrease the myeloperoxidase activity and stimulate superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Also, gel 40% in transrectal administration was more potent than administration 3000 mg/kg in oral. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that Z. jujube may be considered as a treatment of choice for Ulcerative colitis especially in gel form and also in dose-dependent pattern.

Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico de Ziziphus jujuba no estresse oxidativo em tecido ao nível histopatológico e na inflamação, juntamente com as vias antioxidantes em tecido de cólon em ratos com colite ulcerativa induzida. Materiais e métodos: Induzimos colite ulcerativa em 80 ratos, divididos em 8 grupos iguais. Os grupos 1 e 2 eram controles negativos que receberam 1 mL/dia de salina normal em enema e por via oral; os grupos 3 e 4 eram controles positivos para 1 e 2 e receberam 10 mg/kg de asacol por via intracolônica e mesalazina oral; os grupos 5 e 6 receberam gel a 20% e 40% de extrato hidroalcoólico de Z. jujuba por via trans-retal; os grupos 7 e 8 receberam 1500 e 3000 mg/kg de extrato hidroalcoólico de Z. jujuba por via oral, respectivamente. Transcorridos 7 dias, os animais foram avaliados para histopatologia de tecido de cólon, níveis de malonildialdeído e IL-1ß, e atividades de superóxido dismutase, glutátion peroxidase e mieloperoxidase no tecido colônico. Resultados: O uso do extrato hidroalcoólico de Z. jujuba, tanto na forma transretal como oral, e em especial nas doses mais altas, resultou em um efeito de cicatrização mais intensa no tecido colônico lesionado, e em maior redução nos níveis de glutátion peroxidase IL-1ß. Além disso, essas duas doses (gel a 40% e 3000 mg/kg por via oral) diminuíram ainda mais a atividade de mieloperoxidase e estimularam as atividades de superóxido dismutase e glutátion peroxidase. Outro achado do estudo foi que o gel a 40% por administração trans-retal se mostrou mais potente do que a administração oral de 3000 mg/kg. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que Z. jujuba pode ser considerado como tratamento de escolha para colite ulcerativa, sobretudo em forma de gel e também em um padrão proporcional à dose administrada.

Protective effects of Thymoquinone against Methotrexate-Induced germ cell apoptosis in male mice

Background: Toxic effects of anti-cancer and other drugs on the normal tissues could be reduced by the herbal plants and their fractions. This study investigated the protective effect of thymoquinone [TQ] as a fraction of Nigella sativa on methotrexate [MTX]- induced germ cell apoptosis in male mice

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty male Balb/c mice were divided randomly into 5 groups [n=6]. A single dose of MTX [20 mg/kg] and different concentrations of TQ were administrated for 4 consecutive days. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL] assay was performed on paraffin embedded tissue sections to analysis the occurrence of apoptosis in the testis. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] of apoptosis-related genes was performed with RNA extracted from testes of the mice. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA

Results: In the MTX group, there was a significant increase in morphologic sign of germ cell degeneration of tubules [48 +/- 0.6%], apoptotic index [AI; 2.3 +/- 0.6%], as well as mRNA expression of p53 [P=0.008], caspase 8 [P=0.002], caspase 3 [P=0.005], caspase 9 [P=0.000], bax [P=0.004] and the ratio of bax/bcl-2 [P=0.000], whereas there was an decrease in the expression of bcl-2 [P=0.003], as compared to control group. In MTX+TQ groups, the data showed that different concentrations of TQ could improve the harmful effects caused by the MTX. The best protective effects were achieved in MTX+TQ [10 mg/kg]

Conclusion: TQ protects testicular germ cell against MTX-induced apoptosis by affecting related genes regulation

Thymoquinone could increase the efficacy of tamoxifen induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells: an in vitro study

Objective: Thymoquinone [TQ], as the main component of Nigella Sativa plant, shows anticancer properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the combined effect of TQ and Tamoxifen [TAM] on viability and apoptosis of human breast cancer cell lines

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, estrogen positive MCF-7 and estrogen negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines were induced by TAM [2 microM] or different doses of TQ [50, 75, 100, 150 microM], individually or in combination. Cell viability and apoptosis were investigated by MTT assay and TdT-mediated deoxy-uracil nick end labeling [TUNEL] assay; Acridine orange [AO]/Ethidium bromide [EB] staining respectively. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and P<0.05 was considered significant

Results: In 24 hours treatment, TAM and all doses of TQ, solely or in combination, significantly reduced cell viability of both cell lines, except in MCF-7 cells treated with 50 microM TQ, and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 50 or 75 microM TQ [P<0.01]. After 48 hours treatment, cell viability of both cell lines was reduced in all treated groups [P<0.05]. Remarkable apoptotic index was observed in combination treatment of MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cell lines with TAM and TQ [P<0.001]

Conclusion: The synergistic effect of TQ and TAM on human breast cancer cell lines showed cell viability reduction as well as apoptosis induction, independent to estrogen

Assessment of manual material lifting and comparison of oral and booklet training intervention for improvement of working conditions in a porcelain production industry: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Proper training on how to correctly handle loads is one key point for prevention of low back disorders. This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing manual material lifting activities and comparing two methods of training intervention in a porcelain company

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial which was conducted in a porcelain company, all male employees with lifting activities [n=204] participated. The data were collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire and Lift/ Lower Force Risk Assessment software for assessing manual material lifting. Intervention methods included booklet and oral training. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Chisquare tests using SPSS software [Version 17.0]

Results: The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders symptoms were reported in the knee [52.5%], feet [45.1%], and lower back [43.6%]. Risk assessment before intervention showed that in 62.7% of the workers studied, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level [AL] 1, 31.9% in AL 2 and 5.4% in AL 3. The risk assessment after intervention showed that in 77.5% of the workers studied, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level [AL] 1, 20.6% in AL 2 and 2% in AL 3 [P<0.001]. Also, statistical analysis revealed that oral training [24.5%] was more effective than the booklet training [11.8%] [P=0.018]

Conclusion: This study showed that training intervention could be effective in correction of methods of manual material lifting of workers. It seems oral training for workers of porcelain industry is more effective than the booklet training

The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells / 대한해부학회지

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a new method for treating many neurological conditions; however, the exact therapeutic mechanisms behind rTMS-induced plasticity are still unknown. Neural stem and progenitor cells (NS/PCs) are active players in brain regeneration and plasticity but their behavior in the context of rTMS therapy needs further elucidation. We aimed to evaluate the effects of rTMS on proliferation and differentiation of NS/PCs in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of adult mouse brain. Adult male mice (n=30) were divided into rTMS (1-Hz and 30-Hz) and sham groups and treated for 7 or 14 consecutive days. Harvested NS/PCs from the SVZ were cultured in the neurosphere assay for 8 days and the number and size of the resulting neurospheres as well as their in vitro differentiation capacity were evaluated. After one week of rTMS treatment at 1-Hz and 30-Hz compared with sham stimulation, the mean neurosphere forming frequency per brain was not different while this measure significantly increased after two weeks (P<0.05). The mean neurosphere diameter in 1-Hz treatment paradigm was significantly larger compared with sham stimulation at both 1 and 2 weeks. In contrast, 30-Hz treatment paradigm resulted in significantly larger neurospheres only after 2 weeks. Importantly, rTMS treatment at both frequencies increased neuronal differentiation of the harvested NS/PCs. Furthermore, one week in vitro rTMS treatment of NS/PCs with both 1-Hz and 30-Hz increased NS/PCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation. It is concluded that both 1-Hz and 30-Hz rTMS treatment increase NS/PCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation.

Comparing postpartum stressors and social support level in primiparous and multiparous women

Postpartum period is an exclusive period after birth which can act as a potential stressor and could be accompanied with psychological disorders. Social support could play an important role in maternal mental health. Considering various stressors and different levels of social support for women, this study aimed to compare postpartum stressors as well as social support level between primiparous and multiparous women. This descriptive comparative study was conducted on 400 primiparous and multiparous mothers who referred to urban health centers, Mashhad, Iran in 2011. They had no history of medical or psychological problems and had healthy term neonates who were 8-25 days old. The sampling was carried out through a multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using modified Hung questionnaire of postpartum stressors, Helen questionnaire of anxiety and Hopkins social support questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive analytic statistics by SPSS version 11. The mean stress scores were 242.5 +/- 157.1 in primiparous and 28.8 +/- 179.8 in multiparous women. The main stressor of primiparous and multiparous women was neonate bathing and lower-back pain, respectively. The mean score of social support was 108.3 +/- 8.25 in the primiparous and 102.0 +/- 26.6 in multiparous women, which showed a significant difference between two groups [P=0.000]. Various care programs are essential to support primiparous and multiparous mothers from different stressors that they face in postpartum period. It is also recommended to provid more information regarding the social support for the families

Effects of Tamoxifen in Combination with Tranilast on CXCL12-CXCR4 Axis and Invasion in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

It has been reported that CXCL12 binding to CXCR4 induces several intracellular signaling pathways, and enhances survival, proliferation, and migration of malignant cells. In the present study, we examined the effects of anti-estrogen tamoxifen and anti-allergic tranilast drugs as a single or in combination on invasion by two in-vitro invasion assays. wound-healing and matrigel invasion on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. The mRNA expression levels of CXCR4 and CXCL 12 were measured by quantitative real time-RT PCR and CXCL 12 protein levels were evaluated by ELISA assay. The data showed that treatment with tamoxifen and tranilast as a single or in combination resulted in decreased CXCR4 and CXCL 12 mRNA and CXCL 12 protein expression levels. Both in-vitro invasion assays markedly showed synergistic effect of tamoxifen when combined with tranilast drug. Either ER-positive or ER-negative breast cancer cells were sensitive to this combination therapy. In conclusion, Tranilast increases antimetastatic effect of tamoxifen. The synergistic effect of tranilast is not estrogen dependent; however tamoxifen may sensitize the cells for the action of tranilast. The data also support the importance of the CXCR4/CXCL12 interaction in breast cancer metastasis, and further suggest that CXCR4 and CXCL 12 are critical targets for tamoxifen and tranilast in combination or alone

[Evaluation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 release in the ventroposterolateral nucleus of the thalamus during central neuropathic pain induced by electrical injury of the spinothalamic tract in male rats: a microdialysis study]

Inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of central neuropathic pain. There are several reports that cytokine production is increased at the lesion site following spinal injury. A few studies have investigated the supraspinal levels of these cytokines. This study intended to determine TNF-alpha and IL-6 release in the ventroposterolateral nucleus of the thalamus in spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats that weighed 200-230 g were used. Following administration of anesthesia, spinothalamic tract injury was performed by a laminectomy at the T9-T10 level in male rats. Mechanical allodynia and motor performance were evaluated at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after spinal injury by Von Frey filament and the open field test, respectively, in the sham and lesion groups. Concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the VPL microdialysate were detected by ELISA in both spinal cord injured and sham groups during four weeks after surgery. Mechanical pain threshold reduced in both hind paws following lateral spinothalamic tract injury. Paw withdrawal threshold in the Spinothalamic tract-injured group was significantly [P<0.05] lower than in sham group at day 14 post-surgery. Motor performance did not show any significant change after surgery. In the microdialysate, TNF-alpha reduced significantly [P<0.05] at days 3 and 7 post-injury compared to the sham group which returned to a level close to the pre-surgery level. VPL concentration of IL-6 increased significantly [P<0.05] at day 21 post-injury compared to the sham group. Lesions in spinal pathways that contain afferent pain fibers appear to change the supraspinal levels of inflammatory mediators, including VPL, concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-6 which are consistent with spinal injury related pain behavior. Cytokine production results in hyperexcitability of the thalamocortical neurons, a decrease in pain threshold, and persistent neuropathic pain after spinal injury

effect of rehabilitation method based on existential approach and olson's model on marital satisfaction

Mastectomy as a treatment for breast cancer can disturb marital satisfaction of many couples. In this way, existential anxieties stemming from this potentially deleterious event, and inefficient responses to them, could be mediating. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation method based on existential approach and Olson's marital enrichment model on marital satisfaction of women who had undergone mastectomy and their husbands. In this study, a single subject research design is used. The study population comprised couples who had referred to Radiotherapy department of Imam Hussein hospital in Tehran, that among them three couples whose average age was 20 to 50 years old, wife's had undergone mastectomy, tumor has not spread to other parts of the body, and had no prior history of psychiatric disorders before cancer, were selected through purposeful sampling and Intervention in 12 sessions of 90 minutes once a week, has been designed to suit their specific needs. The level of couple's marital satisfaction was evaluated using Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Comparing couple's scores on the diagram during 9 time measurement [3 times baseline, 4 times during intervention, and 2 times follow up assessment] and calculating recovery percentage, represent increasing in score of marital adjustment scale. So it seems that, this kind of an eclectic couple therapy, by considering couples existential anxiety, has been promoted their marital satisfaction. Explanations are given in discussion part

Evaluation of measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis b and varicella zoster antibodies in medical and dental students in Shiraz, Iran

Measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B virus [HBV] and varicella zoster virus [VZV] cause infectious diseases that can be effectively prevented by vaccination. Vaccination of medical students is important, because they are more likely to become exposed and infected by these viruses. A total of 180 students, consisting of 90 women and 90 men, were serologically screened for measles, rubella and mumps, HBV and VZV antibodies. Their sera were examined for Immunoglobulin G [IgG] antibody against these viruses by using ELISA IgG kits. Total antibody against measles, rubella, mumps, HBV and VZV were 52%, 100%, 76%, 68% and 15% respectively. There was no significant difference in antibodies level according to gender. The results of this study indicate vaccination is vital for medical student prior to hospital training

Effects of acute fatigue of the tibialis anterior due to a weight-bearing muscle activity on the ankle joint position sense in healthy subjects

Background: Joint position sense [JPS] is comprised of sensory input from several sources, including skin, joint capsule/ligaments, and muscular receptors. If the muscle receptors play a leading role in detecting joint position awareness, then muscle fatigue might yield a declination in JPS. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a sustained fatiguing contraction of the tibialis anterior [ankle dorsiflexor] could alter the ankle JPS

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 40 healthy subjects [age, 23.9 +/- 2.3 years; height, 172.6 +/- 5.7 cm; weight, 67.8 +/- 4.7 kg] were recruited. Subjects were asked to recognize 2 pre-recognized positions [10 degree in dorsiflexion [DF] and 21 degree in plantarflexion [PF]] for 2 experimental conditions: normal and fatigued. Muscular fatigue was induced in the tibialis anterior of the dominant leg by using an isometric test. The average of the absolute angular error [AAE] deviations from the target positions of three trials were recorded as scores for both fatigue and non-fatigue conditions

Results: There was significant decrease in subjects' abilities to recognize active and passive repositioning of their ankle after a fatigue protocol [P=0.0001]

Conclusion: The acuity of the ankle JPS is reduced subsequent to a fatigue protocol

effectiveness of integrative group therapy on improving problem-solving skills

Today, the psychological and behavioral science experts pay attention to the problem-solving skill as a basic skill. Improving the problem-solving skill is better done through psychological trainings in the form of a group in which communication is the most important issue. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of integrative group therapy on the problem-solving skill. This study is an experimental study with pretest-posttest approach. Thirty clients who were referring to the Counseling and Psychological Services Center of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad were chosen based on screening method. In addition, they were randomly divided into two equal groups: experimental and control groups [13 participants each]. Problem-solving questionnaire was used to collect data as well as the experimental intervention was integrative group therapy that was administrated during 8 weekly two-hour sessions. Mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis in the descriptive level and covariate method was used at the inference level [ANCOVA]. The results suggest that the problem-solving skills in the experimental group were significantly increased. Moreover, the significant difference was observed in subscales closeness, control, confidence and creative. Integrative group therapy could be an effective intervention for improving problem-solving skills

Comparing the effect of pentoxifylline administration on mast cells maturing process in a diabetic and normoglycemic rat wound healing

Wound healing is a complicated process that is influenced by many factors. Studies at molecular level on human and animal models have revealed several molecular changes related to the effect of diabetes on wound healing process. Increasing number of researches implicates the influence of mast cells on skin wounds healing. The present experimental study was conducted to compare systemic pentoxifylline administration on maturing process of mast cells during skin wound healing in diabetic and normoglycemic rats. In this experimental study, 48 wistar rats were divided into 2 groups of normoglycemic and diabetic and each group was divided into experimental and control. Experimental group received intraperitoneal [25 mg/kg twice a day] and control group received distilled water. The number of mast cells and their maturing process was evaluated by microscopically counting of the types of mast cells [types 1, 2, 3] by stereological methods on day 3 and 7 after surgery. In all experimental groups receiving pentoxifylline there were significant difference in the number of total mast cells, comparing normoglycemic groups [p<0.05] and also we found that in wound healing process pentoxifylline caused increasing the number of type 2 mast cells in all experimental groups [p<0.05]. In all pentoxifylline treated groups delay in converting type 2 into type 3 mast cell was seen. Pentoxifylline causes decreasing mast cell degranulation during wound healing process

Exogenous testosterone, finasteride and castration effects on testosterone, Insulin, zinc and chromium in adult male rats

Background: although effects of trace elements on secretion of sex steroids and insulin have been studied, the effects of these hormones on serum level of trace elements have been rarely investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of testosterone, insulin, zinc and chromium

Methods: male adult rats [n = 32] were divided into 4 groups [n = 8]. Group 1, control; Group 2, castration, castration was done at the first day of the study; Group 3, finasteride [20 mg/kg/day, dissolved in drinking water] and Group 4, testosterone [5 mg/kg/day, i.p.]. At the end of the period of the study [35 days], serum testosterone, insulin, zinc and chromium levels were determined in the blood samples collected directly from the right atrium of the heart of the animals

Results: the data indicated that the serum levels of testosterone, insulin and zinc were significantly increased [P<0.01] in testosterone-administrated and finasteride groups, but the level of chromium was decreased in both groups [P<0.01]. Castrated group had the lowest serum levels of testosterone, insulin and zinc [P<0.05]. Also, the levels of serum chromium in this group were increased

Conclusion: the study demonstrates that testosterone and finasteride increases insulin and zinc levels and decreases chromium levels in the serum of male adult rats. According to these data, it seems that testosterone may affect glucose cycle through effect on serum insulin levels and trace elements such as zinc and chromium. Iran. Biomed. J. 17 [1]: 49-53, 2013

Is abdominal muscle activity different from lumbar muscle activity during four-point kneeling?

Background: Stabilization exercises can improve the performance of trunk and back muscles, which are effective in the prevention and treatment of low back pain. The four-point kneeling exercise is one of the most common types of stabilization exercises. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate and compare the level of activation between abdominal and lumbar muscles in the different stages of the four-point kneeling exercise

Methods: The present study was conducted on 30 healthy women between 20 and 30 years old. Muscle activity was recorded bilaterally from transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and multifidus muscles with an electromyography [EMG] device during the different stages of the four-point kneeling exercise. All the collected EMG data were normalized to the percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test were used for the statistical analysis of the data

Results: A comparison between mean muscle activation in right arm extension and left leg extension showed that left internal oblique and left transverse abdominis muscles produced greater activation during left leg extension [P<0.05]. The comparison of mean muscle activation between right arm extension and the birddog position showed that, except for the right internal oblique, all the muscles produced higher activation in the bird-dog stage [P<0.05]. In comparison to the bird-dog stage, the left multifidus showed high activation during left leg extension [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the activity of all the above-mentioned muscles during quadruped exercise can provide stability, coordination, and smoothness of movements

Relationship between personality characteristics and sleep quality in menopausal women referred to educational Gynecology clinics of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

Postmenopausal women suffer from sleep problems due to night sweats and serotonin deficiency caused by estrogen deficiency. Considering that the cause of different reactions to menopausal symptoms including sleep disturbances has not been recognized, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between personality characteristics and sleep quality in postmenopausal women. This correlational study was carried out on 400 postmenopausal women referred to gynecology clinics of university hospitals in Mashhad, Iran in 2012 who were selected conveniently. Study tools included NEO-FFI personality characteristics questionnaire [including 60 items] and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS software [version 16] using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The mean age of menopausal women was 52.3 +/- 4.07 years. The mean score of menopausal age was 48.8 +/- 3.5 years and the duration of amenorrhea was 3.8 +/- 1.5 years. The highest and lowest score of personality characteristics was related to "openness to experience" and the "neuroticism", respectively. There was a direct correlation between extroversion and sleep quality [P=0.013]. Considering that extroverted women have a better quality of sleep, it is suggested that personality characteristics of women to be considered in the management protocols of sleep disturbances in post menopausal women