An investigation into the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise with orange juice consumption on antioxidant capacity and inflammatory factors in overweight middle-aged women

Objective: Overweight and obesity are among the most important public health concerns associated with several negative health outcomes. Several studies have found that the positive impact of orange juice may be due to the presence of its antioxidants, especially flavonoids and vitamin C. Vitamin C as an antioxidant is capable of neutralizing water-soluble ROS. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise with orange juice extract on antioxidant capacity and inflammatory factors in overweight women. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 overweight women participated in this study voluntarily. The research sample was selected using a random sampling method. They were then randomly divided into 4 groups. The treadmill endurance training protocol was carried out with a run-walk program for eight weeks, three sessions per week. All data were then entered into SPSS 24 to be analyzed. Results: The results obtained by this study showed that eight weeks of aerobic exercise with orange juice consumption had no significant effect on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and total antioxidant capacity in overweight middle-aged women, but eight weeks of aerobic exercise with orange juice consumption had a significant effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and VO2max amount in overweight middle-aged women (P= 0.001). Conclusion: Statistical studies showed that eight weeks of aerobic exercise with orange juice consumption causes a reduction in MDA levels, and orange juice consumption combined with aerobic exercise can have a synergistic effect compared to aerobic exercise alone and increase the effect of exercise on the oxidative stress suppressio

Controlling Childhood Myopia Progression: A Systematic Review of Interventions

Purpose: To synthesize evidence on risk factors and interventions for slowing myopia progression in children and adolescents.Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched through December 2023. Eligible studies included randomized and observational designs evaluating environmental factors, specialized spectacle lenses (defocus incorporated multiple segments [DIMS], highly aspherical lens [HAL], slightly aspherical lens [SAL]), multifocal or dual-focus soft contact lenses, orthokeratology, low-dose atropine, and repeated low-level red-light therapy. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane RoB 2 for randomized trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Outcomes were annual change in spherical equivalent refraction (diopters/year) and axial length (millimeters/year).Results: Increased outdoor time was consistently associated with reduced incidence and slower progression. Specialized spectacle lenses (DIMS, HAL, SAL) and dual-focus/multifocal soft contact lenses slowed refractive change and axial elongation compared with single-vision controls. Orthokeratology effectively reduced axial elongation in appropriately selected eyes. Low-dose atropine produced dose-dependent benefits, with 0.05% generally more effective than 0.01%; rebound varied with dose, treatment duration, and tapering. Emerging evidence for red-light therapy suggested short-term efficacy, but long-term safety and rebound remain uncertain. Combination strategies, such as atropine plus optical interventions, showed additive effects, though data are limited.Conclusions: Outdoor exposure, low-dose atropine (≈0.05%), DIMS/HAL/SAL spectacle lenses, multifocal or dual-focus soft contact lenses, and orthokeratology show the strongest evidence for slowing childhood myopia. Combination therapy may enhance outcomes, while red-light therapy remains promising but investigational, with long-term safety and rebound still uncertain

The prevalence of Anti-A1 in donors with A2 and A2B blood groups in Bushehr Blood Transfusion Organization from 2017 to 2023: Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The presence of anti-A1 antibodies in individuals with A2 and A2B blood types can have clinical significance, particularly in transfusion medicine, organ transplantation, and genetic studies, as these antibodies may lead to hemolytic reactions. Therefore, assessing the prevalence of anti-A1 antibodies is essential to ensure patient safety. This study aimed to determine the frequency of A2 and A2B blood types with anti-A1 antibodies among blood donors in Bushehr Province. Materials and Methods: The cell typing and reverse (back) typing results of all donors referred to the Blood Transfusion Institute in Bushehr Province between 2017 and 2023 were examined to identify any discrepancies between forward and reverse blood grouping. Donors with cell type A or AB and reverse type O were included in the evaluation. The collected data were then analyzed using statistical software. The study determined the frequency of A2 and A2B blood groups with anti-A1 antibodies among donors in Bushehr Province during the specified period. Results: Between 2017 and 2023, a total of 160,435 individuals donated blood in Bushehr Province, comprising 7,497 females and 152,938 males. Among these donors, blood group analysis identified five male individuals with the A2B blood type. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of anti-A1 antibodies in individuals with A2 and A2B blood types is rare, it remains clinically significant due to the potential for serological reactivity during transfusion. Accurate identification of these subgroups is essential for precise ABO blood grouping. ABO discrepancies occur when forward and reverse typing results do not align. For the safety of patients, it is crucial that such discrepancies are thoroughly investigated and resolved before confirming the blood group and issuing compatible blood products

نقش جو اخلاقی مدرسه و انسجام روان‌شناختی در کیفیت زندگی تحصیلی دانش‌آموزان

Background and Aim: Identifying the factors influencing students' academic quality of life is of great importance for facilitating their scientific advancement and comprehensive development, which is one of the key responsibilities of the educational system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the role of the school's ethical climate and psychological coherence in students' academic quality of life. Methods: The present research method was descriptive-correlation. The statistical population of the research included all the male students of the first secondary school in district 5 of Tehran in the academic year of 2023-24 and 120 people were selected as a sample using available sampling method. The research tools included the school moral climate questionnaires of Schulte et al. (2002), psychological coherence of Antonovsky (1987) and the quality of academic life of Bourke & Smith (1989). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation test and multiple regressions with the help of SPSS 22 statistical software. Ethical Considerations: Verbal consent of the participants was obtained and they were assured about the confidentiality of the information. Results: The results showed that there was a direct relationship between the components of school moral atmosphere and psychological cohesion with the quality of academic life (P<0.01). Also, the components of school moral atmosphere and psychological cohesion explain 58% of the variance of the quality of academic life. Conclusion: Based on the results, in order to improve students' academic quality of life, programs can be developed to enhance the school's ethical climate and, consequently, strengthen students' psychological coherence.زمینه و هدف: شناسایی عوامل مؤثر در کیفیت زندگی تحصیلی دانش‌آموزان، برای تمهید پیشرفت علمی و رشد همه‌جانبه آنان که یکی از وظایف مهم نظام آموزشی است، اهمیت به سزایی دارد، بنابراین مطالعه حاضر با هدف بررسی نقش جو اخلاقی مدرسه و انسجام روان‌شناختی در کیفیت زندگی تحصیلی دانش‌آموزان انجام شد. روش: روش پژوهش حاضر توصیفی ـ همبستگی بود. جامعه آماری پژوهش شامل تمام دانش‌آموزان پسر متوسطه اول ناحیه پنج تهران در سال تحصیلی 03-1402 بودند که 120 نفر به روش نمونه‌گیری در دسترس به عنوان نمونه انتخاب شدند. ابزار پژوهش شامل پرسشنامه‌های جو اخلاقی مدرسه شولت و همکاران (۲۰۰۲ م.)، انسجام روان‌شناختی آنتونووسکی (1987 م.) و کیفیت زندگی تحصیلی بورک و اسمیت (1989 م.) بودند. داده‌ها با استفاده از آزمون همبستگی پیرسون و رگرسیون چندگانه با کمک نرم‌افزار آماری SPSS 22 تحلیل شدند. ملاحظات اخلاقی: رضایت شفاهی مشارکت‌کنندگان اخذ و درباره محرمانه‌ماندن اطلاعات به آن‏ها اطمینان خاطر داده ‌شد. یافته‌ها: نتایج نشان داد بین مؤلفه‌های جو اخلاقی مدرسه و انسجام روان‌شناختی با کیفیت زندگی تحصیلی ارتباط مستقیم وجود داشت (01/0>P). همچنین مؤلفه‌های جو اخلاقی مدرسه و انسجام روان‌شناختی، 58 درصد از واریانس کیفیت زندگی تحصیلی را تبیین می‌کنند. نتیجه‌گیری: بر اساس نتایج به‌ منظور بهبود کیفیت زندگی تحصیلی دانش‌آموزان می‌توان به تدوین برنامه‌هایی در جهت بهبود جو اخلاقی مدرسه و به ‌تبع آن انسجام روان‌شناختی دانش‌آموزان اقدام کرد

Exploring Maxillary Sinus Ostium Characteristics and Insights for Pathology Prediction and Anatomical Variations: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Analysis: Maxillary sinus characteristics according to CBCT

Objectives: Understanding the anatomy of the maxillary sinus is essential for ensuring a successful surgical procedure. This study utilized CBCT to evaluate the relationship between maxillary sinus ostium characteristics, adjacent anatomical structures, and pathologies. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on CBCT images of 400 maxillary sinuses. Measurements included the height and dimensions of the ostium, as well as the length of the infundibulum. The study investigated maxillary sinus pathologies, anatomical variations, and the associations between the characteristics of the maxillary sinus ostium and adjacent anatomical structures. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson’s Chi-Square test, simple logistic regression, multiple logistic regression, and multiple linear regression models at p<0.05. Results: The mean ±SD for ostium height, size of the ostium entry, and infundibulum length were 31.08±4.99mm, 1.72±2.03 mm, and 7.81±1.73 mm, respectively. An increase in Haller cell and infundibulum length raised the risk of a mucosal membrane in the ostium area. The Ostium height was significantly higher in males (P<0.05). Mucosal thickening (MT) was considerably higher in patients with positive maxillary sinus septum (P<0.005). Infundibulum length, nasal septum deviation, and Haller cell significantly affected sinus opacity rate (P<0.001). In cases where the deviation was towards the sinuses, maxillary sinus pathologies occurred more frequently. Age and gender significantly affected MT, the mucous membrane in the ostium, and at least one sinus pathology (P<0.05). Conclusion: Maxillary sinus pathologies can be evaluated by increasing the infundibulum length and reducing the ostium size. CBCT evaluation is crucial for successful surgery and preventing complications. Accurate assessment of sinuses and nasal passages in the elderly is recommended

Effect of Co-administration of Ketoconazole on Attainment of Desired Blood Concentration of Tacrolimus in Renal Transplant Recipients: Ketoconazole impact on tacrolimus in renal transplant

Achieving and maintaining optimal tacrolimus trough levels for immunosuppression is challenging in kidney transplant patients due to its narrow therapeutic index. Ketoconazole is known for inhibiting the drug efflux activity of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A enzymes, which are involved in tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. Therefore, there is a need to investigate tacrolimus–ketoconazole coadministration. The study aims to assess the effect and safety of tacrolimus-ketoconazole coadministration in renal transplant recipients. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Human Ethics Committee (IHEC/2023/038) to conduct an ambispective observational study on 14 renal transplant recipients. Tacrolimus total daily dose (TDD) and trough levels were measured before and after initiating oral ketoconazole. The concentration/dose (C0/D) ratio was calculated, followed by safety assessments, including blood counts and renal function tests. Statistical analyses employed paired t-tests, and the significance level was <0.05. Coadministration resulted in a significant 102.45% increase in tacrolimus trough levels (p<0.001) and a 2.19% reduction (p=0.33) in TDD. The C0/D ratio showed a mean increase of 127.74%. Blood counts remained within normal ranges, but a significant decrease in sodium (p=0.01) and an increase in potassium (p=0.03) were observed within the normal range. Tacrolimus-ketoconazole co-administration in renal transplant recipients demonstrated a substantial elevation in tacrolimus trough levels, suggesting a potential strategy for achieving therapeutic concentrations without escalating tacrolimus doses. Despite significant changes in sodium and potassium, they remained within acceptable ranges, supporting the safety of this coadministration strategy

Investigating the Abnormal Presentation of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adolescence: A Case Report: Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adolescence

Background and Aim: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a common cause ofhydronephrosis and is typically diagnosed antenatally. About 70% of these cases will selfresolve;however, symptomatic children may present with abdominal pain (i.e. Dietl crisis),vomiting, rash, or fever.Case Presentation: A 14-year-old male patient presented with cyclical vomiting every twomonths for the past two years. The patient’s mother also described an eight-year historyof headaches and intermittent abdominal pain. A renal magnetic resonance urographyscan revealed decreased right kidney function and delayed cortex to ureter transit time. Apyeloplasty and stent placement were performed to correct the obstructing vessel.Conclusion: Clinical guidelines for abdominal pain and cyclical vomiting earlier in thepatients’ healthcare may have led to an appropriate workup and treatment years before. Werecommend physicians consider UPJO as a differential diagnosis in adolescent patients withcyclical vomiting and abdominal pain and consult the North American Society for PediatricGastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHN) guidelines to better guide thediagnosis

Impact of Nutrient Management on Phytochemical Composition in Agave marginata L.: Considerations for Toxicological Relevance

Background: This study aims to investigate the effects of strategic nutrient management, incorporating absorbent nano-superpolymer, growmore fertilizer, iron, and zinc on the growth and phytochemical composition of Agave marginata L. in Shiraz City, Iran. Following a conceptual framework for nutrient management, the study primarily aims to enhance the plant’s saponin content, a bioactive compound with significant therapeutic potential and potential toxicological risks, while examining other qualitative and quantitative growth parameters.Methods: A completely randomized design assessed the effects of varying levels of growmore fertilizer, iron, zinc micronutrients, and absorbent nano-superpolymer against a control. Measured parameters included stem height, diameter, fresh and dry weight, and phytochemical concentrations, such as hecogenin, saponins, and chlorophyll to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatments.Results: The interventions demonstrated statistically significant enhancements in multiple measured traits, particularly saponin concentration, which is critical for the plant’s medicinal potential. While the focus remains on the therapeutic benefits of enhanced saponin levels, the study also emphasizes the necessity for toxicological assessments. The results of the first year showed an increase in chlorophyll content with the first level of growmore treatment, further amplified in the second year, indicating a cumulative effect of nutrient management on the plant’s phytochemical profile and potential health benefits.Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of precise nutrient management in improving the medicinal quality and yield of A. marginata L., with a clear positive correlation between targeted fertilization strategies and enhanced phytochemical profiles relevant to medical applications. The results suggest significant potential for A. marginata L. in pharmaceutical development, with future research necessary to conduct comprehensive toxicological evaluations to ensure safe therapeutic use

A Graph-Based Statistical Approach to Identifying Functional Connectivity Networks in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectivesTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common types of brain injuries associated with cognitive impairments. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies can provide a unique opportunity to examine brain connectivity patterns and understand the neural substrates of cognitive outcomes following traumatic injury. Therefore, this study aims to determine changes in functional connectivity patterns in patients with TBI compared to healthy individuals using two graph models, adaptive dense subgraph discovery (ADSD) and variance component.Materials & MethodsThis study used fMRI data downloaded from https://openneuro.org. These data included 14 patients with TBI aged between 18 and 36 and 12 healthy individuals (female: N=6, male: N=6) aged between 19 and 52. Out of the 74 regions examined, a cluster of 18 regions related to TBI was identified using the ADSD model. Subsequently, these identified regions were used as input for the variance component model to investigate changes in connectivity patterns.ResultsFunctional connectivity between an 18-brain region cluster, such as the Rectus (Left, Right), Supp_Motor_Area (Left, Right), and Middle Cingulum (Left, Right), differed between the patient and healthy groups. Based on the analysis of functional connectivity between pairs of brain regions, 153 connections between pairs of brain regions were compared in the two groups, out of which 63 connections showed significant differences between the two groups. Compared to other regions, Supp_Motor_Area_Right and Rectus_Left had more connections.ConclusionThe study’s results indicate that the functional connectivity between the Cingulum, Hippocampus, Fusiform, Supp_Motor_Area, and Precentral regions differs between the two groups. Since these regions are involved in processes such as memory, learning, spatial orientation, face recognition, coordination, and motor control, changes in their functional connectivity may lead to impairments in these areas

بررسی وضعیت بهداشت و سلامت در زندان‌های دوره قاجار

Background and Aim: Public health and healthcare developments during the Qajar era are among the significant topics in the social history of this period. This study aimed to investigate the state of public health and healthcare services in Qajar-era prisons. Methods: This descriptive-analytical research utilized primary documents, travelogues and recent studies to examine hygiene and healthcare conditions in Qajar-era prisons. Ethical Considerations: Throughout the study, principles of academic integrity including trustworthiness, citation accuracy, source originality and impartiality in data analysis were strictly adhered to. Results: The findings revealed that prison locations and sanitary standards were largely neglected by the Qajar government. Prisons primarily served as tools for torture, punishment and retribution, with rehabilitation and hygiene considerations deemed irrelevant. High mortality rates among prisoners stemmed from inadequate sanitation, overcrowded and pest-infested environments (e.g., lice and rodents) and a lack of healthcare access. These dire conditions even provided a sense of "peace of mind" for wardens tasked with tormenting inmates. Travelogues documented prisoners enduring years of deplorable conditions, deprived of basic amenities such as grooming, which led to the spread of diseases within their families upon release. Conclusion: The study underscores the severe deficiency or complete absence of public health infrastructure and healthcare services in Qajar prisons. While personal hygiene was practiced in society due to religious norms, the absence of prison baths, infestations of pests and rampant disease outbreaks exacerbated the squalid conditions. Historical records and travelogues corroborate widespread illness among prisoners and the government’s indifference to substantive reforms, even in the late Qajar period.زمینه و هدف: بهداشت عمومی و سلامت و تحولات این حوزه از موضوعات مهم در تاریخ اجتماعی دوره قاجار است. این پژوهش با هدف بررسی وضعیت بهداشت عمومی و خدمات بهداشتی ـ سلامتی در زندان‌های عصر قاجار انجام شده است. روش: این مطالعه با رویکرد توصیفی ـ تحلیلی و با استفاده از اسناد، سفرنامه‌ها و تحقیقات جدید، به بررسی وضعیت بهداشت و خدمات سلامت در زندان‌های دوره قاجار پرداخته است. ملاحظات اخلاقی: در فرایند پژوهش، اصول امانتداری، صداقت در استناد به منابع، اصالت منابع، و پرهیز از جانبداری در تحلیل داده‌ها رعایت شده است. یافته‌ها: یافته‌ها نشان داد که مکان زندان‌ها و معیارهای بهداشتی آن‌ها در دوره قاجار، چندان مورد توجه حکومت نبود. هدف اصلی زندان‌ها، شکنجه، تنبیه و انتقام از زندانیان بود و ابعاد تربیتی یا رعایت بهداشت در اولویت قرار نداشت. مرگ و میر بالای زندانیان ناشی از نبود بهداشت مناسب، فضای نامناسب (پر از شپش و موش) و عدم دسترسی به خدمات سلامت بود. این شرایط حتی برای زندان‌بانانی که مأمور آزار زندانیان بودند، «آسودگی‌ خاطر» محسوب می‌شد. بر اساس سفرنامه‌ها، زندانیان سال‌ها در شرایطی رقت‌بار زندگی می‌کردند؛ محرومیت از امکانات اولیه مانند تراشیدن ریش و مو و انتقال بیماری‌های خود به خانواده‌ها پس از آزادی، از پیامدهای این بی‌توجهی بود. نتیجه‌گیری: نتایج پژوهش گویای ضعف شدید یا فقدان بهداشت عمومی و خدمات سلامت در زندان‌های قاجار است، هرچند بهداشت فردی به دلیل باورهای دینی در جامعه رواج داشت، اما نبود حمام در زندان‌ها، حضور حشرات موذی و شیوع بیماری‌ها، وضعیت ناگوار این محیط‌ها را تشدید می‌کرد. اسناد تاریخی و سفرنامه‌ها، شواهدی از ابتلای گسترده زندانیان به بیماری‌ها و بی‌توجهی حکومت به اصلاحات اساسی، حتی در اواخر دوره قاجار، ارائه می‌دهند