Concurrent high-intensity interval training and probiotic supplementation improve associative memory via increase in insulin sensitivity in ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a serious concern among postmenopausal women which predisposes them to cardiovascular and cognitive disorders. Healthful diet and exercise training have been essential strategies to prevent the progress of MetS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with a native potential probiotic and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for 8 weeks on retention of associative memory in rats with ovariectomy- induced metabolic syndrome. METHOD: Thirty-two female ovariectomized Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8/group): Control (OVX + Veh), exercise (OVX + Exe), probiotic (OVX + Pro), exercise with probiotic (OVX + Exe + Pro). One sham surgery group was included as a control group. Animals received 8 weeks interventions, and then were tested in a step through passive avoidance learning and memory paradigm, to assess long term memory. Then serum levels of adiponectin, insulin and glucose were measured by ELISA and colorimetry respectively. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and also One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Eight weeks of HIIT and probiotic supplementation caused an increase in step through latency and shortening of total time spent in the dark compartment in OVX + Exe + Pro group compared with OVX + Veh group. Also significant increase in serum adiponectin levels, in parallel with a reduction in glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR were achieved by the group of OVX + Exe + Pro. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that HIIT combined with probiotics supplementation for 8 weeks effectively improves associative memory in MetS model of rats partly via improving insulin sensitivity and adiponectin level.

Metabotropic Effect of Probiotic Supplementation and High-Intensity Interval Training in Menopause-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the interactive effect of supplementation with a native potential probiotic lactobacillus and 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in a menopause-induced metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A total of 40 ovariectomized (OVX) Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control (OVX + Vehicle), exercise (EXE) (OVX + Exe), probiotic (Prob) (OVX + Prob), exercise and probiotic (OVX + Exe + Prob), and sham surgery. After the end of the treatment interventions, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), visceral fat, and serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and adiponectin were measured using colorimetric analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: Data revealed a significant decrease in weight, waist circumference , visceral fat, BMI, and levels of glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triacylglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but an increase in high-density lipoprotein and adiponectin levels (P = 0.001), in OVX + Exe + Prob compared with the OVX + Vehicle group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that native probiotic lactobacillus combined with HIIT effectively reduces body weight, visceral fat, and levels of LDL, glucose, and insulin and increases adiponectin level, although exercise contributes more to fat reduction and probiotics to insulin resistance.

Fear control and danger control amid COVID-19 dental crisis: Application of the Extended Parallel Process Model.

OBJECTIVES: There is high risk of contamination with COVID-19 virus during routine dental procedures and infection control is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with Covid-19 preventive behaviors among oral health care providers using an extended parallel process model (EPPM). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, short text message invite surveys were sent to 870 oral health care providers in west part of Iran. Data were collected through validated self-report EPPM questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fishers exact tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: In total, 300 completed questionnaires were received and the mean age of respondents was 29.89 ± 11.17 years (range: 20-75 years). Among the study population, 284 (94.67%) perceived the threat of infection highly. Washing hands frequently with water and soap and use of hand sanitizer was reported by 93.33%, of participants. Age (P = 0.010), sex (P = 0.002) and occupation field (P = 0.010) were significantly associated with danger control responses. Data identified that those oral health care providers that were on the danger control response adopted preventive behaviors more strictly than those on fear control response. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed how degrees of perceived threat and perceived efficacy influenced oral health providers' willingness to perform recommended health behaviors. These findings can assist public health agencies in developing educational programs specifically designed for promoting preventive behaviors among oral health providers in pandemic situations.

Effect of wireless remote microphone application on speech discrimination in noise in children with cochlear implants.

OBJECTIVES: Although cochlear implantation has significantly contributed to the speech perception of cochlear implant (CI) users, these individuals still have significant difficulty in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments and keeping track of the target speaker in the presence of speech sounds of others. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of wireless Remote Microphones (RM) on speech discrimination scores in noise in child CI users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty children with unilateral cochlear implantation were enrolled in this study with mean ±â€¯SD age of 5.8 ±â€¯0.83 years who have undergone CI for at least one year. Speech discrimination scores in noise were assessed using the Words-in-Noise (WIN) test at a constant signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 0 dB, in the presence and absence of a wireless RM. Three loudspeakers were placed at a distance of 1 m in front of the child to present the speech and babble noise. The wireless microphone was placed on a base with a height equivalent to the height of the middle speech loudspeaker at a distance of 30 cm from it. FINDINGS: The mean speech discrimination score in noise in the absence of wireless RM in all children was obtained 34% (6.8 words out of 20 words), with minimum and maximum of 15% and 50% words. Findings revealed the mean speech discrimination score in noise in the presence of wireless RMs is equivalent to 65% (13 words out of 20 words), with the minimum and maximum scores of 35% and 95%, respectively. The result showed that speech discrimination scores in noise improved in the presence of wireless RM. CONCLUSION: The significant improvement was observed in speech discrimination in noise in all cochlear implanted children when the wireless RM was used, as compared to the absence of a wireless RM, which suggests the usefulness of this hearing aid accessory in CI users.