Showing 21 results for Art
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Volume 1, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Emotional intelligence contributes to the success in leadership, especially among nursing managers. This study sought to determine the relationship between the components of emotional intelligence and transformational-transactional leadership style among the heads of nursing education departments of Iranian medical universities.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used convenience sampling to select the managers of 68 nursing education departments from the country’s universities of medical sciences. Data were collected using the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory and Bass’s Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient, analysis of variance, and Student’s test in SPSS version 16.0.
Results: There was a direct, positive correlation between emotional intelligence and leadership style (P < 0.05 r = 0.36). The components of problem solving, happiness, independence, self-actualization, emotional self-awareness, interpersonal relationship, optimism, and accountability showed significant correlations with all leadership styles. However, impulse control was not significantly correlation with any of the leadership styles.
Conclusion: Considering the significant positive correlation between the components of emotional intelligence and leadership styles, training about emotional intelligence and its components and reinforcing the components of emotional intelligence can be beneficial to presenting leadership styles and thus more successful management.
Zahra Amirkhani Dehkordi, Nooshin Naghsh, Heydar Aqbaba,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (10-2012)
Abstract
Background and objective:
The use of silver nanoparticles is one of the functional areas of nanotechnology. These nanoparticles have an antibacterial and antifungal quality. The active ions released form silver nanoparticles can produce free radicals and damage different types of cell. Considering the importance of hemoglobin, this study investigates Comparison of injective and contact effect of silver nanoparticles on the rate of hemoglobin changes in male rats.
Materials and Methods:
In this experimental study were 72 male adult Wistar rats with a mean weight of 225 to 250 grams. The animals were randomly divided into ten groups of eight rats. Nanoparticles were administered to treatment groups using the injective method through intraperitoneal (IP) and the skin contact method with concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm. In order to assimilate the shock resulted by injection and contact, physiologic serum of the same amount was injected to rats of control group or contacted to their skin. Then, blood was drawn from the internal corner of the rats’ eye using capillary tubes. The mean level of hemoglobin in the rats’ blood in the treatment and control group was compared 12 days after the treatment. To compare the means, ANOVA test was used.
Results:
The results showed the dependence of dose and the rate of hemoglobin changes in intraperitoneal injection and the lack of effect of silver nanoparticles on hemoglobin changes in skin contact.
Conclusion:
The effectof the injection of silver nanoparticles on the rate of hemoglobin has been dose-dependent. But the skin contact method has had no effects on the rate of hemoglobin. It seems that a low concentration of nanoparticles and a short period of time cause a lack of effect on the factor.
Sedigheh Moghasemi, Nezal Ajh, Taraneh Estaki, Parvin Mirmiran,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Pregnant or lactating women and children are the two population group most vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. The aim of this study was to review the nutritional status of lactating women, as one of the main loops of the chain of effective factors on health of the generation and society, assessing the supportive nutrition programs in Iran and to provide solutions in this regard. Method: This review was conducted in April 2014. All related articles on the databases of IranMedex, SID (Scientific Information database) and PubMed were investigated with no time limit. After reviewing the abstracts, 15 Persian articles and 13 English articles were fully reviewed. Results: The results of the few available studies on the nutritional status of lactating women indicate deficiencies or inappropriate nutritional patterns among lactating women. Although in formulation of nutritional strategies, pregnant or lactating women and children often receive equal attention, women are practically the target of nutrition and health programs to improve the growth of the fetus and little attention have been paid to their health and nutritional needs. Nutrition of lactating women have been forgotten and solely focus on prenatal nutrition of women means ignoring the more fundamental nutritional problem in women throughout their lives. Conclusion: Implementing a holistic approach to health and nutrition of women instead of the traditional approach, which focuses solely on a particular period of life, leads to health promotion and ensuring the health of women and the next generation.
Samaneh Haji Hosseini,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (5-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: With respect to lack of information about the effect of intensity differences, type of sport participation and their relationships with the other health factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), the present study was conducted to evaluate the associations between sports participation, levels of Physical Activity (PA) and CRF.
Methods: The present analytical study was conducted on 406 undergraduate students aging 18-21 years from Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources in second semester of 2014. CRF was tested with Rockport Walk Test among all participants. Sports participation was assessed by Ledent questionnaire and habitual physical activity (PA) data was evaluated using metabolic equivalent (METs) self-reported questionnaire. All analyses were carried out using SPSS version 20.0. An independent T-test, Chi-square statistic, ANOVA and regression were employed to analyze data statistically.
Results: The participants with desired CRF and acceptable levels of PA were significantly engaged more active in organized or unorganized sport activities and also competitive sports compared to others (P < 0.05). Individuals with at least 3 hours of moderate to vigorous PA per day had a better CRF (P<0.05).Regression results showed that participation in any level of competitive sports regardless of winning or loss guarantee the CRF to some extent.
Conclusion: Participation in competitive sports along with adopting active life style (2:30 min PA with moderate intensity and 30 min of competitive sport) may increase the chance of gaining CRF.
Arezoo Bagheri, Mahsa Saadati,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Discriminant analysis and logistic regression are classical methods for classifying data in several studies. However, these models do not lead in valid results due to not meeting all necessary assumptions. The purpose of this study was to classify the number of Children Ever Born (CEB) using decision tree model in order to present an efficient method to classify demographic data.
Methods: In the present study, CART tree model with Gini splitting rule was fitted to classify the number of CEB in fertility behavior of at least once married 15-49 year-old women, in Semnan-2012. 405 women aged 15-49 years old comprised the survey sample.
Results: Women in first and second birth cohorts who had married at an early age had 3 CEB while women who had married at an older age had 2 CEB. Women in third birth cohort who had married at an early age and were employed, had 2 CEB while unemployed women in this cohort whose type of marriages were familial and non-familial had 0 and 1 CEB respectively. Women in the third birth cohort who were married in older age had 1 CEB.
Conclusion: Among important advantages of CART model are the simplicity in interpretation, using distribution-free measures, considering missing data and outliers for construction trees which has increased the usage of this method. Therefore, this method is a suitable way for classifying demographic data in comparison to other classical modeling methods in the conditions that necessary assumptions are not met.
Pedram Torabian, Dr Vahid Erfani-Moghadam,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
For decades, researchers have tried to develop non-invasive mechanisms for monitoring pathological conditions within the body of patients. Emerging nanotechnology enabled us to reach this aim. Scale of nano has the potential to increase early detection of pathological conditions among abnormal cells before diseased tissue or tumor development can be considerable which is helpful in disease treatment. In recent years, “Theranostics” has been emerged as a novel nano approach which performs diagnostic detection, therapy and follows up simultaneously. Therefore, Theranostics can be considered as an appropriate therapeutic approach for personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics and molecular imaging which can open a gate to develop novel therapies. Additionally, with a deeper molecular understanding, choosing drugs that are more effective will be possible. Finally, researchers believe that Theranostics has the potential to monitor treatments by increasing drug effectiveness and preventing inappropriate treatments and consequently reducing the cost of national health burden. In this review, structure and some applications of Theranostics and nano drug delivery systems have been discussed briefly.
Dr Ahmad Jameii Khosroshahi, Mahmood Samadi, Dr Elnaz Skandartaj, Dr Agha Ali Yar-Makooyi, Farid Karkon Shayan,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (5-2017)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is one of the common complications of congenital heart diseases in children. The natriuretic peptides such as BNP, ANP and NT-Pro BNP are secreted in response to atrial and/or ventricular stretch. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between pulmonary hypertension with BNP serum level and the quantity of left to right shunt based on echocardiography findings in children with congenital heart disease.
Method: In an analytical-descriptive study, 30 children with congenital heart disease after going through echocardiography and being confirmed to have one of VSD, ASD or PDA, were enrolled. The BNP serum level, quantity of the left to right shunt and systolic pulmonary pressure were measured.
Results: In the present study, 13 patients were male (43.3%) and 17 (56.7%) were female. The average BNP serum level of patients was 194.9 ± 21.2 (pg/ml). There was a significant relationship between systolic pulmonary pressure and BNP level among patients (P<0.001). There was also a positive correlation between average serum level of BNP and quantity of the left to right shunt (P=0.018).
Conclusion: On the basis of echocardiography findings, there was a positive correlation between systolic pulmonary pressure with BNP serum level and the quantity of left to right shunt. Therefore, it can be helpful among patients whom the pulmonary arterial pressure cannot be measured for any reason.
Mahdi Tajbakhsh, Dr Neda Soleimani,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Historically, herbs and plants have been used for their therapeutic properties in the form of flavors and preservatives. Recently, the application of medicinal herbs has increased considering their numerous benefits and minimum side-effects. Treatment of bacterial infections is currently a major challenge in the healthcare systems across the world. The present study aimed to assess the bacterial effects of Zingiber officinale, Aloysia citrodora and Artemisia dracunculus essential oils on the survival of standard Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains.
Methods: In the present experimental study, we evaluated the effects of Tarragon (A. dracunculus), Ginger (Z. officinale) and Lemon Beebrush (A. citrodora) essential oils on 6 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus spp and Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The well-diffusion method was applied to assess the antibacterial properties of the essential oils. Moreover, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests were used to determine the bacterial and inhibitory concentrations of the extracts.
Results: MIC and MBC results demonstrated that the ginger extract (0.125 mg/mL) had the most significant impact on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Furthermore, tarragon extract (0.03125 mg/mL) had the most significant effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The antibacterial effects of these essential oils were not observed on other bacteria.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants have long been used for their therapeutic properties. According to the results, ginger and tarragon extracts are effective combinations for the treatment of the infections caused by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Rasoul Heshmati,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (6-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with negative emotions of anger and stress, which are one of the nonclinical risk factors of the disease. Therefore, evaluation of the effective therapeutic models alleviating the patients’ negative emotions is of paramount importance. This study aimed to examine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on anger and stress in patients with coronary heart disease after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
Methods: This research had an A-B single-subject design. The research population encompassed all patients with coronary heart disease referring to Shahid Madani Hospital of Tabriz, Iran during the second half of 2016 for rehabilitation measures. Four patients were selected using convenience sampling. Before the interventions, the participants completed state-trait anger expression inventory (STAXI-2, Spielberger) and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS) throughout two consecutive weeks, which led to establishing two baselines. Afterwards, they received mindfulness-based stress reduction training during seven consecutive weeks and completed the questionnaires after each intervention. Percentage of recovery, percentage of non-overlapping data (PND), standard mean difference (SMD), and effect size were used to analyze the data, and eye diagram analysis was adopted to interpret the data.
Results: The findings indicated that the mean recovery rate for all participants was 0.84 and its effect size index was 2.7. Moreover, the mean percentage of recovery and the effect size index of mindfulness intervention on the patients’ anger were 0.18 and 1.38, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it could be concluded that mindfulness-based stress reduction is an effective intervention to regulate stress in patients suffering from coronary heart disease.
Golnesa Dadkhah, Hadi Bazzazi, Yaghoub Yazdani,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex and systemic inflammatory disease in which the immune response is disturbed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of regulatory cytokines including interleukin-10 (IL-10) may lead to exacerbated immune response and increased risk of RA. Here, we aimed to assess the association of IL-10 -1082 (G/A) (rs1800896) promoter polymorphism with the susceptibility to RA in a population in northeast of Iran.
Methods: A total of 130 RA patients and 128 sex- and age- matched healthy donors were enrolled. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the polymorphic regions and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was applied to detect rs1800896. SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze data statistically.
Results: Our findings revealed that G allele was significantly associated with the increased risk of RA [OR = 1.88, 95% CI (1.32–2.66), P-value = 0.0001] in patients. Setting AA genotype as the reference, the AG [OR = 2.93, 95% CI (1.68–5.12), P-value = 0.0001] and GG [OR = 5.73, 95% CI (2.30–14.23), P-value = 0.0001] genotypes were significantly associated with RA susceptibility.
Conclusion: The present study suggests that the IL-10 -1082 (G/A) genetic variants are associated with RA susceptibility, but not with the disease activity. While this is the first time to report such an association in a population in northeast of Iran, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Sahar Ghovanjzadeh, Hadi Bazzazi, Yaghoub Yazdani,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with a complex genetic background. The protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) is a lymphoid specific protein tyrosine phosphatase which is involved in negative regulation of T cell response. Several studies have assessed the association between PTPN22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with RA susceptibility. Here, we aimed to assess the association of PTPN22 (1858 C>T) variant with the susceptibility to RA in northeast of Iran.
Methods: A total of 127 RA patients and 119 age- and sex- matched healthy donors were enrolled. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique (PCR-RFLP) was applied to detect PTPN22 (1858 C>T) SNP. SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze data using relevant statistical tests.
Results: Comparison of allele and genotype frequencies of PTPN22 (1858 C>T) SNP in RA patients and healthy donors revealed no significant association with RA susceptibility.
Conclusion: The present study suggests that the PTPN22 (1858 C>T) genetic variants are not associated with RA susceptibility and disease activity. While this is the first report from northeast of Iran, further studies are needed to confirm these findings
Bahareh Yazdanparast Chaharmahali, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani, Maghsood Peeri, Parvin Farzanegi Arkhazloo,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Elderly is characterized by decreased cardiac function, which is widely associated with mitochondrial failure in cell death. Elderly causes heart apoptosis. Although the old heart is vulnerable to apoptosis, physical training and some supplements through different mechanisms could be effective in reducing apoptosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of interval training on some apoptotic parameters of Bax and Bcl2 cardiomyocytes in old female rats.
Methods: In an experimental study, 49 Wistar female rats (2 years old) were randomly assigned into 7 groups: control, saline, curcumin, moderate intensity training, moderate intensity training + curcumin, high intensity training, high intensity training + curcumin. The experimental groups received gavage doses of curcumin 30 mg / kg body weight three days a week via. The saline group also received the same amount of saline. Training groups had moderate and severe exercises on the treadmill for eight weeks, and three sessions per week. Forty-eight hours after the last training session and gavage, the animals were killed and their heart tissues were isolated to determine the levels of Bax and Bcl2.
Results: The results indicated that interval training and curcumin consumption could significantly increase the levels of Bcl2 and BAX and the BAX / Bcl2 ratio, the amount of which depends on the intensity of training. Moreover, the combination of training and curcumin had an antagonistic effect.
Conclusion: According to the results, physical activity and curcumin separately have a protective effect on the heart tissue; however, these two interventions do not enhance each other’s effect. Hence each one is suggested to be used separately.
Faezeh Ajam, Mehrdad Aghaei, Saeed Mohammadi, Mohsen Saeedi, Nasser Behnampour, Ali Memarian,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (7-2019)
Abstract
Study objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic and systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by inflammation and the destruction of the joints. It is well known that CD4+ T cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of RA. Expanded subpopulations of CD4+ T cells have been reported in RA patients. Here, we investigated the expression of PD-1 on subsets of CD4+ T cells (CD4+CD28- and CD4+CD28+ T cells) in the peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with RA.
Methods: A total of 42 RA patients, including 10 newly diagnosed (ND) and 32 relapsed (RL) cases and also 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Phenotypic characterization subsets of CD4+ T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, using fluorescence conjugated specific human monoclonal antibodies.
Results: The frequency of CD4+CD28+ T cells was significantly increased in SF versus PB in ND and RL patients. In contrast, the percentage of CD4+CD28- T cells was elevated in PB of ND and RL patients comparison to SF. Expression of PD-1 on CD4+CD28+ and CD4+CD28- T cells in PB of ND and RL patients was significantly higher than the healthy controls. Furthermore, PD-1 expression on CD4+CD28+ and CD4+CD28- T cells in SF versus PB of RL patients were significant increased.
Conclusion: These data suggest that CD4+ T cells subsets in RA patients were resistance to PD-1 mediated effects and PD-1 has insufficient ability to suppression of CD4+T cells.
Nafiseh Kaviani, Yaghoub Yazdani, Hadi Bazzazi,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been identified as a susceptibility gene for several autoimmune diseases. This study was designed to investigate the association of VDR gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: A case-control study was performed on 130 RA patients and 128 healthy subjects in the north-east of Iran using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) technique.
Results: Our findings suggested a significant association of T allele (p=0.01) of TaqI (rs731236), and f allele (p=0.01) of FokI (rs10735810) genetic variants of the VDR gene with RA susceptibility. These significant associations were also found in the T/T genotype of TaqI (p=0.009), and F/f genotype of FokI (P=0.014). The f-T haplotype was more significantly detected in-patients than in healthy controls (p=0.007).
Conclusion: The RA group showed an increase in the f allele and heterozygous F/f genotype and also in the T allele and homozygous T/T and heterozygous T/t genotypes as compared to the control group. Our results demonstrated that polymorphisms of TaqI and FokI in the VDR gene might be involved in the development of RA in an Iranian population.
Fatemeh Monirian, Reyhane Abedi, Negar Balmeh, Samira Mahmoudi, Fereshteh Mirzaei Poor,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (10-2020)
Abstract
Background and objective: Some common problems in the health care system are Microbial resistance to antibiotics, the side effects of food additives, and preservatives. Considering the antibiotic resistance of microorganisms and the need to identify new compounds, the present study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial effects of Artemisia extracts.
Material And Method The study was performed in two stages including extraction and determination of antibacterial properties of aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic, acetone/ethanolic, and hydroethanolic extracts of Artemisia on standard Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and oral bacteria sample. The well diffusion method was performed to evaluate the concentration that had an inhibitory and bactericidal effect.
Result: Aqueous extract had an effect on the oral bacteria sample (8 mm), the methanolic extract had an effect on S. pyogenes and oral bacteria sample (15 mm) and finally acetone/ethanolic extracts had antimicrobial properties against S. pyogenes (16 mm). The concentration used for all five extracts was 50 mg/ml and showed an inhibition effect on the growth of S. pyogenes standard strain and oral bacteria sample. The less serial dilutions of extracts were tested but no antibacterial effects were seen. So, 50 mg/ml was the minimum concentration that had an inhibitory and bactericidal effect.
Conclusion: It can be inferred that aqueous, methanolic, and acetone/ethanolic extracts of Artemisia had the highest inhibitory effect on S. pyogenes and the oral bacteria sample. Consequently, by applying different extraction methods and by utilizing different solvents, it may be possible to more efficiently obtain biomaterials with antimicrobial properties from this plant.
Ghadir Sohrabi, Mahdi Malmir, Ali Asghar Ghafarizade, Tayebeh Faraji,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Downscale outcome in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) is associated with lipid peroxidation. Melatonin may have beneficial effects against lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. This work was aimed to evaluate the ameliorative capacity of melatonin versus the passage of time and lipid peroxidation on sperm parameters from the men with ATS in the ART process.
Material and Methods: Semen samples were collected from 50 asthenoteratozoospermic (ATS) men. Samples were divided into control and melatonin group. The test group were incubated with 6 mM melatonin at 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours. Then total and progressive motility, membrane integrity, and Malondialdehyde levels (MDA) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS software (repeated-measures ANOVA).
Results: In the control group, total (p<0.01) and progressive (P<0.05) motility and also, membrane integrity (P<0.03) significantly decreased although, MDA levels of sperm significantly increased (*P<0.04). Moreover, in the melatonin group, the mentioned parameters significantly compensated compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: In the outcome, melatonin in vitro treatment paves the way for motility and membrane integrity up-regulating in the ATS men.
Fathi Afshin, Mehdi Valizadeh, Rouhallah Moradpoor, Mahshid Damandan, Firouz Amani,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (10-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Alpha-thalassemia (α-thal) appears to be the most common monogenic disorder worldwide. The diagnosis of α-thalassemia depends on the detection of Hemoglobin Bart (Hb Bart's) in newborns, which indicates one or more defective or absent α-globin genes. In addition, in patients with Hemoglobin H (Hb H), the Hb H range usually varies between 7-10 g / dL. Therefore, tracking Hb Bart's and Hb H can be useful in diagnosing thalassemia α. This study was performed to evaluate Hb Bart's and Hb H in infants with α thalassemia in Ardabil province, northwestern Iran.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 33 infants with alpha thalassemia mutation, including infants born in Ardabil province, Iran in the years 2020 to 2019. Hemoglobin analysis was performed by capillary electrophoresis system.
Results: Hb H and Hb Bart's were detected in only two cases (6%) and three cases (9%). In this study, only 5 patients (15.15) were observable by detection of Hb Bart's and Hb H levels by electrophoresis. In cases of Hb Bart disease, -α3.7 was the most common genotype. Therefore, most infants with alpha thalassemia were lost when electrophoresis alone was used.
Conclusion: This study showed that molecular analysis of Hb Bart's newborns is necessary to confirm α-thalassemia. Capillary electrophoresis is a way to prevent the diagnosis of rare Hb H and Bart's disease.
Mohammad Jafari Shiran, Saeed Naseri, Tahereh Sadeghian-Rizi, Saeed Khani, Mohammad Shoormij, Seyedeh Simin Dakhilpour,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: The fatty liver is a reversible form of fat accumulation in the liver cells. The burden of this disease is increasing worldwide. In general, due to the lack of proper treatment and the multiple side effects of existing chemical medicines, researchers have focused on the use of herbal medicines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. (burdock) and Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) on fatty liver in rats fed with high fat diet as respects these plants have been frequently applied in traditional medicine for treatment of the liver-related diseases.
Material and Methods: For this study, 30 Wistar rats weighing 120-220 g were used. The rats were divided into 5 groups and received 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mL/kg of mixture of aqueous extracts of burdock and chicory.
Results: Results showed that this aqueous extract reduced the liver macro-vesicles and microvesicles and symptoms of steatosis without any specific liver complications. It was found that 500 and 1000 mL/kg of extract had the most effective therapeutic effect.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that extract of burdock-chicory has the potential to ameliorate fatty liver in rats fed with high-fat diet. This study provides evidence that burdock-chicory extract could be considered as a potential dietary supplement strategy for prevention and treatment of fatty liver. Based on these results, the extract was formulated, and entered the pharmaceutical market.
Zohreh Hosseini Marznaki, Zainab Alimoradi, Mohammad Hossein Hakimi, Maryam Haghighi, Samad Karkhah,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: One of the potentially effective methods for relieving postpartum perineal pain is auricular acupressure. This review aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of auricular acupressure on postpartum perineal pain in a systematic review.
Material and Methods: An extensive systematic search was performed on online electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Cochrane using the keywords related to the purpose, from the earliest to June 30, 2021.
Results: Of 263 articles, three studies were included in the review. A total of 386 women with a mean age of 29.79 years were included in the review. Of the participants, 192 women were in the intervention group. Of the studies included, two studies evaluated auricular acupressure, and one study evaluated battlefield auricular acupuncture plus standard analgesia. Overall, the number of acupressure points varied from 3 to 5. In most cases, auricular acupressure was used at points of Shen Men (n=3) and the external genital area (n=2). Overall, auricular acupressure in one study out of three studies had a significant effect on reducing postpartum perineal pain. Two out of three studies reported no side effects of auricular acupressure for participants.
Conclusion: It seems that auricular acupressure can be used as a simple, low-cost, and practical intervention to reduce postpartum perineal pain. However, future well-designed studies are needed to confirm the findings of this systematic review.
Vahid Fallahzadeh, Farzaneh Taghian, Khosro Jalali Dehkordi,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Aerobic exercise and ginger after myocardial infarction (MI) modify calcium handling. Ginger has cardioprotective effects on cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the effects of aerobic exercise combined with ginger extract (GE) loaded into chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) on miRNA-214, Serca2a, and Anp genes and cardiac fibrosis in myocardial infarction (MI) rat models.
Methods: Twenty-five male rats divided into 5 groups were subjected to ginger treatment and exercise. Aerobic exercises (AE) were performed on a rodent treadmill 5 days per week for 6 weeks. The GE-CNPs (500 mg/kg) were orally administered to the rats for 6 weeks. The expressions of miRNA-214, Serca2a, and Anp genes were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The histopathological assessments were performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. The serum activities of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also measured by ELISA.
Results: The MI model and CNP groups had the highest rate of collagen deposition (P <0.05). The serum activities of both CK-MB and LDH were significantly elevated in the Isop group compared to the control (P<0.05), while following aerobic exercise and ginger treatment, their activity was significantly dropped in the Isop + AE + GE-CNPs group. The expression of miRNA-214 showed a significant increase in GE-CNPs (P <0.01) and GE-CNPs + AE (P <0.001) groups. Serca2a and Anp genes showed significant changes in the GE-CNPs + AE group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that aerobic exercise, along with ginger treatment, improved cardiac fibrosis, modulating the expression levels of miRNA-214, Serca2a, and Anp genes and serum levels of MI biomarkers.
