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Background & objectives: Diet plays an important role in control of seizure in epileptic patients. Therefore in this research, the effect of acute and chronic sesame oil consumption on the seizure induced by strychnine in adult rats was investigated.
Methods: In this experimental study, forty -two rats were divided into six groups: control (saline recipient, 1 ml/kg (, acute recipients of sodium valproate as positive control group (100 or 200 mg/kg, ip.), acute recipients of sesame oil (0.75 or 1.5 ml/kg, ip.) and chronic recipient of sesame oil (1.5 ml/kg/day, orally, 21 days). To induce seizure, strychnine was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes after receiving saline, valproate or oil. Then seizure onset time and death time were recorded within 30 minutes.
Results: Acute injection of sesame oil increased seizure onset time and death time compared to control group but it was no significantly different. The chronic consumption of sesame oil significantly increased seizure onset time (p=0.029) in compared to control group, but there was no effect on the death time. Also, there were no significant differences in seizure onset time and death time between acute and chronic groups.
Conclusion: It seems that chronic consumption of sesame oil delayed the onset of seizure and reduced the kindled seizure acquisition.
 

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Background & objectives: Considering the importance of liver toxicity due to drugs and toxins as a major cause of liver damage, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the combination of cinnamon and ginger extracts on serum biochemical parameters in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- intoxicated rats.
 Methods: In this experimental study, forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups (n=6). Three control groups including normal control, combined extract control and damaged control were designated that received distilled water, a mixture of cinnamon and ginger extracts and distilled water respectively for 14 days.
 Other 4 groups were pre-treatment  groups which were treated with cinnamon (50 mg/kg/d), ginger (250 mg/kg/d), cinnamon + ginger (25+125 mg/kg/d) and silymarin (100 mg/kg/d) respectively for 14 days before being damaged by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (1 ml/kg, 1:1 in olive oil). Fifty - two hours after CCl4 injection, blood sampling was performed and biochemical parameters were measured in serum of rats.
Results: The results of this study showed that the injection of CCl₄ significantly increased the ALT and AST enzymes activity ,cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels and decreased the blood albumin and HDL levels in damaged rats compared to the normal control group (p<0.001). However, pre-treatment with the cinnamon and ginger extracts, especially combination of extracts significantly improved these values ​​compared to the CCl₄ damage group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results suggest that simultaneous use of cinnamon and ginger extracts has more significant protective effects against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.
 

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Background & objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by metabolic disorders and elevated blood glucose. It is one of the most common diseases in developed countries. Thyme is one of the herbs which have been used in some drug content due to its high antioxidant properties. Thyme can increase the activity of mitochondrial oxidative enzymes and affect metabolic and hematological indices due to its phenolic compounds.
So, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of Thymus migricus extract supplementation on the metabolic, hematological indices and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic rats.
Methods: For this purpose, 24 Wistar rats (220-240g) were divided randomly into three groups; group1: healthy control group (NC, n=8), group2: diabetic control group (D, n=8) that took fat diet for 2 weeks then were injected with streptozotocin (37 mg/kg), and group3: diabetic+Thyme group (Th+D,n=8). Thyme hydro-alcoholic extract dissolved in distilled water to the desired concentration (400 mg/kg) according to their daily water consumption (30 ml). Then glycemic, blood and lipid indices were measured in the peripheral blood of the rats.
Results: The results revealed that thyme supplementation significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose level (356.35±40 mg/dl to 261.61±35 mg/dl) and HOMA-IR index (3.52±0.30 mg/dl to 2.2±0.33 mg/dl). Also significantly decreased the lipid profile level of the Th+D group compared to those of the D group (p<0.05), but the hematological parameters of the Th+D group compared to those of D group were not significantly changed. FRAP in Th+D group was not significantly different in comparison with the other two groups, but MDA was significantly increased in diabetic groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, thyme supplementation by decreasing insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose can improve lipid parameters, but does not affect blood parameters and antioxidant indices.
 

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Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare and progressive cholestatic disease characterized by narrowing of the biliary tract. Despite high levels of ulcerative colitis, early diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis before the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is rarely reported.
Case history: A 28-year-old woman with no history of medical disease visited our clinic because of a mild generalized pruritus. In initial blood laboratory tests with elevated liver enzymes was observed. In Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was introduced primary sclerosing cholangitis to the patient. Therefore, the patient was under colonoscopy and extensive colitis with terminal ileum involvement was detected and the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was confirmed in the pathology.
Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis should undergo biopsy colonoscopy to rule out inflammatory bowel disease, even if they have no digestive tract symptoms

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Background & objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aerobic training along with resveratrol on cardiac expression of OPA1 and DRP1 in NAFLD male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, forty eight male Wistar rats were classified into two groups: NAFLD (n=40) and Control-Normal (CN), (n=8). NAFLD was induced in rats with high fat diet and then subdivided into five subgroups, including patient (NAFLD), sham (SHAM), exercise-patient (TRNAF), supplement-patient (SUPNAF) and exercise-supplement-patient (TRSUPNAF). Training groups performed a running program on a motor-driven treadmill for eight weeks. Resveratrol (20 mg/kg) was injected into the SUPNAF and TRSUPNAF groups. Forty eight hours after the last training session, rats were anesthetized; hearts were excised and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C for measuring the indexes. Statistical analysis was performed using a one way analysis of variance, and Statistical significance was accepted at p≤ 0.05.
Result: The results indicated that the induction of NAFLD decreased OPA1 expression (p=0.001) and increased DRP1 expression (p=0.001) compared to CN. Also, in SUPNAFLD and TRSUPNAF groups, OPA1 (p=0.014 and p=0.001 respectively) increased and DRP1 (p=0.043 and p=0.007 respectively) decreased significantly compared to the NAFLD group.
Conclusion: It seems that exercise training and resveratrol alone or in combination by increasing OPA1 and decreasing DRP1 myocytes modulates heart damage in NAFLD patients.
 

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Background & objectives: Depression is a common and debilitating brain disorder and a type of psychiatric syndromes. The most common symptoms of this disease are irritability, worthlessness, sleep problems and anxiety disorders. Reserpine is a drug that can cause depression in animals if used at a very low dose. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for depression. In this study, the effect of electroconvulsive therapy on male rats depressed by reserpine in behavioral tests and neural counting in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex areas was investigated.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were used and they were divided into four groups of ten: 1-control group, 2- ECT group, 3- Depressed group induced by reserpine (0.2 mg/kg i.p.), 4- Depressed + ECT group. Open field, sucrose preference, forced swimming and elevated plus maze tests were used to evaluate anxiety and depression-related behavioral function. At the end of the tests, histochemical studies were performed with neuronal counting in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Results: The results of anxiety and depression behavioral tests showed a significant difference between depressed group and depressed+ECT group (p<0.05). Similarly, studies of the tissue degeneration from hippocampal and prefrontal incisions, showed that ECT could significantly decrease cell death in the depressed+ECT group compared to the depressed group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, ECT can reduce the anxiety and depression behaviors induced by reserpine injections in depressed animals and can cause neurogenesis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

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Background & objectives: Nephrotoxicity is the most important side effect of gentamicin and is a concern in clinical situations. There are no therapeutic tools to prevent or palliate nephrotoxicity. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a source of growth factors can be considered as a therapeutic tool. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PRP on proliferation of epithelial cells of convoluted tubules in gentamicin-treated rat model by stereological method.
Methods: 28 male rats (200-300g) were divided into four groups, each group containing 7 animals: control, patient without treatment, sham and experimental groups. Gentamicin was injected intraperitoneally (80mg/kg/daily) for 8 days. 24 hours after the last injection, blood samples were collected to assess the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. The sham and experimental animals were subjected to intrarenal injection of 100 µl normal saline and PRP, respectively. 3 days later, the rats scarified under the deep anaesthesia and their kidneys were removed, prepared histologically and stained. The stereological methods were used for estimating the number of epithelial cells in convoluted tubules. Data analysis was done using SPSS 26. Differences between groups were compared with one-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple range test. p<0.05 was considered as significant.
Results: PRP increased the number of epithelial cells in the convoluted tubules in gentamicin-treated animals (p<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that PRP can induce proliferation of epithelial cells of convoluted tubules in gentamicin-treated rat model.

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Background & objectives: Physical training and some supplements through different mechanisms could be effective in reducing apoptosis; the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training and supplementation of Persia Rosa extract on mitochondrial apoptosis of myocardium.
Methods: In this experimental study, 52 male rats were randomly assigned into five homogeneous groups, three-month control, six months control, Persia Rosa supplement, endurance training and endurance training+Persia Rosa. Training groups participated in endurance training protocol for 12 weeks. The Persia Rosa and endurance training+Persia Rosa groups received 1 gram Persia Rosa extract per kg body weight. After the implementation of the training protocol and consumption of the extract, the surgical and cardiac tissue extraction procedures were performed. The data were analyzed by ANOVA test and Bonferroni post hoc tests at the significant level of less than 5% using SPSS-22 software.
Results: The results showed that Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 gene expression were significantly decreased in endurance training and endurance training+Persia Rosa groups to the control group (p˂0.05). Bax/Bcl-2 showed a significant decrease in the Persia Rosa supplement group (p˂0.05), but Caspase-3 was not significant in the Persia Rosa supplement group.
Conclusion: It is expected that the effect of endurance training with consumption of Persia Rosa extract on Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 will provide a good platform for caspase mechanisms and apoptosis processes in the myocardium of rats.

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Before describing the structure and mechanism of action of a protein, it must first be subject to purification procedure. Protein purification is a set of processes in which one or a small number of proteins are purified from a complex compound that may be a complete cell, tissue, or organism. Understanding the functions, structural properties, and interactions of the protein are directly related to the degree of purity of the protein of interest. In the purification process, the protein and non-protein parts are separated. The biggest challenge is when the protein must be separated from other proteins. The purification procedure of an unknown protein is usually depends on the size, physicochemical properties, binding affinity, and biological activity. The end product of the purification process is called protein isolate. The protein purification process usually involves filtration and one or more chromatographic steps. Chromatography is a useful method for acquiring very pure protein for using in very accurate experiments. Therefore, by purifying the desired molecule, it can be used in various industries, such as medicine.

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Background & Objectives: Based on the probably positive role of exercise on total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant system (TAS) and their effect on the process of angiogenesis, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of one course of moderate-intensity endurance training on the gene expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) and angiopoietin-1(ANGPT-1) and TAS and TOS status in cardiac tissue of male rats.
Methods: In this study, 20 male Wistar rats were divided into two equal groups as follows:   1-training group and 2- control group: no sports activities were performed on them. Rats in the training group performed moderate endurance training for 6 weeks and 5 sessions per week from the twelfth week of life. Twenty-four hours after the last training session, heart tissue samples were extracted to measure gene expression levels of VEGF-B and ANGPT-1 and the TAS and TOS status in heart tissues. T-test with the statistical level of (p˂0.05) was used for between groups comparison.
Results:­ Findings showed that after six weeks of endurance training, the expression level of ANGPT-1 and VEGF-B and the amount of TAS in the exercise group significantly increased (p=0.001) and the amount of TOS significantly decreased compared to the control group (p=0.008).
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it seems that moderate-intensity endurance training can be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease by increasing factors involving in angiogenesis, improving TAS and reducing TOS in heart tissue of rats.

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Background & objectives: Vincristine (VIN) is a broad-spectrum anticancer drug has been used to treat various cancers. Resveratrol (Res) is a natural polyphenol found in many plant sources. Many studies have reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of resveratrol. We have explored the protective effect of resveratrol on vincristine-induced oxidative stress in mouse ovarian tissue.
Methods: In this study, 32 female mice weighing 25-30 grams were randomly divided into four groups (each group n=8): 1- control group, 2- Vin- group, 3- Vin-Res group and 4- Res group. The mice received a single IP injection of vincristine (3 mg/kg) weekly for 4 weeks. Res treatment was done 28 days by gastric gavage (daily 30 mg/kg).At the end of the study, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes were measured in ovarian tissue and uterus of the studied animals. Also, ovarian follicles were counted.
Results: The results indicated that the MDA level was elevated and TAC, GPx as well as SOD activities were decreased in Vin- group significantly. Resveratrol reduced MDA level and increased GPx and SOD activities in Vin-Res group significantly. Also histological findings showed that Res increased primordial and primary follicles and reduced atretic  follicles in Vin-Res group significantly.
Conclusions: These results indicate the protective effect of resveratrol on ovarian and uterine tissue against oxidative damage of vincristine in mice

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Background & objectives: Using medications that decrease postoperative pain and opioid consumption is a widely recommended approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous Ibuprofen and its complication in controlling pain after abdominal surgery.
Methods: This study was a randomized, double-blind, interventional clinical trial. Sixty patients aged 20 to 60 years were candidates for abdominal surgery (inguinal hernioplasty and appendectomy). Patients were divided into two equal size groups (n=30) using a random block design method. The First group received (400 mg IV) ibuprofen every 6 hours for 24 hours as well as (15 microgram/ml bolus) fentanyl pump with PCA. Second group only received (15 microgram/ml blous) fentanyl pump with PCA. 
Results: Demographic characteristics and duration of surgery, ASA class, type of anesthesia and type of surgery were similar in the two groups. Pain severity in 24 postoperative hours was significantly lower in the ibuprofen group compared with the control group. Nausea and vomiting frequency in 24 postoperative hours was significantly lower in the ibuprofen group compared with the control group. Patients belonging to ibuprofen group were significantly more satisfied with their analgesic method.
Conclusion: Results showed that using 400 mg intravenous ibuprofen every 6 hours mitigates postoperative pain, reduces fentanyl consumption and is highly tolerated by patients.

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Background & objectives: Caffeine can affect many physiological functions of the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of aerobic function, blood pressure and some immune system factors of trained men to acute caffeine consumption in dehydrated condition and warm and humid environment.
Methods: Thirty male athletes with a mean age of 26.6±3.9 years in dehydrated conditions voluntarily participated in this study, which was performed in a double-blind manner. Subjects were divided into three groups: caffeine consumption group (n=10), placebo group (n=10) and control group (n=10). The Caffeine group consumed 6 mg/kg body weight of caffeine. Sixty minutes later, the subjects performed an increasingly exhausting exercise. Blood samples collecting and blood pressure measuring took place before, immediately after and 24 hours after exercise. Analysis of variance with repeated measures (group * time) and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical calculations.
Results: The duration of the exhaustion test in the caffeine consumption group was significantly longer than the control (p≤0.01) and placebo (p≤0.05) groups. In the blood sampling immediately after exercise, the level of leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes in the exercise groups were significantly higher than the control group (p≤0.001). Also, the caffeine group experienced a lower increase in leukocytes and neutrophils compared to the placebo group (p≤0.001). Blood pressure values ​​in the exercise groups were significantly higher than the control group (p≤0.001). Also, the caffeine group experienced a greater increase in systolic blood pressure at baseline and immediately after exercise compared to the placebo group (p≤0.001).
Conclusion: In general, exhausting exercise in a warm environment and dehydrated condition increases the number of immune system cells and blood pressure. In addition to improving aerobic function, caffeine seems to prevent further increases in the number of immune system cells, while increasing blood pressure in the normal range in warm and humid environment.

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Background & objective: FoxO1 and STRA13 proteins play an important role in duplication and cellular metabolism, regulation of cell differentiation, apoptosis and reducing the spread of fat tissue in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different intensities of aerobic training on the expression level of FoxO1 and STRA13 genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue of male Wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats with a mean age of 8 weeks and weight of 237±33 gr were selected, and they were randomly divided into 4 equal groups including moderate-intensity aerobic training (MIT), high-intensity aerobic training (HIT), high-intensity interval aerobic training (HIIT) and control group. The training program was implemented 8 weeks and 5 sessions per week for the experimental groups,. Adipose tissue biopsy was performed 48 hours after the last training session to evaluate FoxO1 and STRA13 gene expression using  RT-PCR method. Data were analyzed using One-way analysis of variance test using SPSS 24 software at the significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in the FoxO1 gene expression level in the subcutaneous tissue of male Wistar rats between HIT and control groups (p=0.0001). However, no significant difference was observed between experimental groups. In addition, there was a significant difference in STRA13 gene expression level in the subcutaneous tissue between MIT (p=0.008), HIT (p=0.0001) and HIIT (p=0.009) groups and control group.
Conclusion: According to the results, aerobic exercise with variety of intensity is effective in controlling the genes expression rate involved in fat metabolism and by reducing the FoxO1 and STRA13 genes expression, they cause the duplication and reduce the expansion of fat tissue.
 

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Background & objectives: Evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for immune cell differentiation and function. In addition, miRNAs play an essential role in regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in neurons. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between miRNA expression and inflammatory markers in the CSF of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: RT-PCR analysis was performed on CSF samples from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a control group to measure the expression level of miRNA-21, miRNA-155, miRNA-182, and miRNA-437. In addition, the levels of the inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in CSF were measured using ELISA. A quantitative turbidimetric method was also used to measure high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
Results: A significant difference was found in the expression level of miRNAs and inflammatory factors in the CSF of patients with MS compared with the control group (p<0.05). The results of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the area under the curve for miRNA-21 (AUC=0.97, p<0.0001), miRNA-182 (AUC=0.97, p<0.0001), and miRNA-155 (AUC=0.96, p<0.0001). The miRNA-155 level in CSF played a very important role in the accurate diagnosis of MS. Significant correlations were found between inflammatory cytokines and miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-182, as well as an indirect and moderate correlation between miRNA-437 and hs-CRP.
Conclusion: In MS patients, CSF levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and selected miRNAs can be used as biomarkers of CNS inflammation and neurodegenerative processes.
 

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Background & objectives: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is one of the most ancient and well-known medicinal plants, and its useful role has been well - established in treating of many diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Fenugreek on spermatogenesis, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in male diabetic rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200±20 gram were used. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of six. group1: control group, Group2: diabetic, Group3: diabetic+Fenugreek (8gram /kg diet), group4: diabetic+Fenugreek (2gram /kg diet). This treatment continued for 4 weeks. Blood glucose, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and sperm profiles were determined.
Results: Blood glucose in diabetic rats which received Fenugreek significantly reduced compared with diabetic animals. Fenugreek also reduced body weight and MDA level of semen (p<0.05).On the other hand, Fenugreek increased the total antioxidant capacity of semen (p<0.05) and normalized sperm profiles (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the present results, it can be concluded that consumption of Fenugreek extract probably reduced MDA level, body weight, and normalized sperm profile thus, Fenugreek extract can be used to treat sexual dysfunction in males.
 

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Background & objectives: Maintaining the capacity of mitochondrial biogenesis during aging is considered a key factor to prevent the development of age-related diseases. this study aimed  to investigate the effect of 8-weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and hawthorn extract on the peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor-γ gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) proteins levels in the soleus muscle of aged rats.
Methods: Thirty-six aged rats were randomly and equally assigned into control (CON), HIIT, extract or combined (COM, HIIT+ extract) groups. The HIIT protocol consisted of 6 to 9 sets×5-min of running on a treadmill, which was performed 4 minutes at 16 m/min and one minuteat a speed velocity of 25 m/min, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Over the intervention period, rats in the extract and COM groups received 100 mg/kg per day hawthorn. After the interventions, TFAM and PGC-1α protein expression levels were detected in the soleus muscle using the western blotting method.
Results: There was a significant increase in PGC-1α for all interventions when compared to the CON, although this increase in the COM was significantly higher than the other groups. After 8 weeks , there was a significant increase in TFAM level in  extract group compared to CON,also, the training groups had more effects on this marker in comparison to the former intervention (p>0.05).   
Conclusion: It seems that, 8-weeks of the HIIT+ intake hawthorn is a more efficient approach in improving mitochondrial oxidative capacity compared to HIIT and extract alone.
 

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Background & objectives: There is a tendency to increase the risk of dementia in patients with periodontitis, but the opposite, the role of Alzheimer's disease on periodontal disease is still unclear, so in this study, the effect of experimental Alzheimer's disease on periodontal inflammatory cells, collagen fibers and neovascularization was investigated in male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 16 Wistar male rats (230-250 grams) were randomly divided into 2 groups; control (saline) and streptozotocin 3 mg/kg (bilateral ICV injection, with a volume of 10 μl, in both groups). After 4 weeks of treatment, two groups were tested with the Morris water maze. Then the rats were killed by deep anesthesia and sampling from the papilla around the two central incisor teeth was done. Samples were fixed and the paraffin block was prepared, serial 5-micron slices were made with a microtome. After hematoxylin & eosin staining, the number of inflammatory cells (PMNs, eosinophils, and mast cells), angiogenesis, and fibroblasts were counted using a microscope (400×). Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software and an independent T-test.
Results: The results showed that Alzheimer's disease causes an increase in periodontal inflammatory cells, collagen fibers and new vessels in the gums of mice, and the difference between these changes between the experimental and control groups was significant in all parameters (p<0.00).
Conclusion: According to these findings, Alzheimer's disease causes or aggravates inflammation and increases the rate of periodontal diseases in rat and may have the same effect in humans.
 

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Background: Given the high prevalence of obesity and overweight and the detrimental impact on the mental health of affected people, the objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of narrative therapy on social physique anxiety in obese and overweight women.
Methods: The current research was a semi-experimental type, with a pre-test, post-test design with a control group. The study population for this research consisted of all obese and overweight women in Tabriz city in 2023. 30 women were selected by the available sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group received narrative treatment in 8 sessions of 90 minutes, while the control group did not receive any treatment and was placed on the waiting list. At the end of the treatment period, a post-test was performed in both groups. The Social Physique Anxiety Scale by Hart et al. (1989) was used as the measurement tool. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (covariance test with repeated measures) by SPSS-24 software.
Results: In the pre-test, the mean and standard deviation of social physique anxiety in the experimental group were 44.33±2.289, while in the control group, it was 43.67±3.063. In the post-test stage, the values for social physique anxiety in the experimental group were 36.33±3.117, while in the control group, it was 43.80±3.385. The results indicated the effectiveness of narrative therapy (p<0.001). In the follow-up stages, it was found that the effects of narrative therapy are lasting (p<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that narrative can be an effective method for reducing social physique anxiety in obese and overweight women.
 

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Background: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dry needling on pain and pain pressure threshold (PPT) in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).
Methods: 29 patients with NSCLBP were randomly allocated into two experimental (N=14) and control (N=15) groups. The dry needling intervention was considered for quadratus lumborum, gluteus medius, and lumbar multifidus, in 6 sessions, and subjects of the control group followed their routine lifestyle. The measurements included pain and PPT, which were evaluated in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up periods. The pain was a variable that had a three-month follow-up assessment. Analysis of variance of combined measurement with repeated measurement and Benferoni's post hoc test were used to investigate the effect of the intervention on the outcome measurements.
Results: Three sessions of trigger point dry needling did not lead to a significant change in pain. However, after five sessions of dry needling, a significant decrease in pain was observed (p<0.05), and the positive changes significantly remained until one and three months after the end of the intervention (p<0.05). Furthermore; significant changes in PPT scores were detected following five sessions of trigger point dry needling treatment (p<0.05). These changes remained constant in the one-month follow-up assessment (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Dry needling for the trigger points of the QL, GM, and LM muscles can improve pain intensity and PPT in patients with NSLBP.