Comparing the effects of an aerobic exercise program and group-based play therapy on the balance of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder usually characterized by poor coordination and clumsiness. It seems that rhythmic aerobic exercise has the same effect on affected children’s balance as play therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of an aerobic exercise program with that of group play therapy on the balance abilities of children with ADHD. Materials and Methods: In this study, 26 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (4 girls and 22 boys) were assigned to 2 experimental groups (group-based play therapy and aerobic exercise groups) and one control group. Each experimental group received its respective intervention program 3 sessions a week, lasting 45 to 60 minutes each, over an 8-week period. Results: Significant differences were observed between group-based play therapy group and aerobic group regarding dynamic balance. There was, however, no significant difference between experimental groups as long as static balance was concerned. Conclusion: Although group-based play therapy had greater impact on improving the balance of children with ADHD, aerobic exercise program had significant effects on improving static balance. Therefore adding aerobic exercise to routine group play therapy may bring more benefits to children with ADHD. Keywords: ADHD, Aerobic exercise, Play therapy, Balanc

Gene Expression Status and Methylation Pattern in Promoter of P15INK4b and P16INK4a in Cord Blood CD34+ Stem Cells

Objective(s): Stem cell differentiation into different cell lineages depends upon several factors, cell cycle control elements and intracellular signaling elements, including P15INK4b and P16INK4a genes. Epigenetics may be regarded as a control mechanism which is affected by these factors with respect to their promoter structure.   Materials and Methods: The CD34 + cord blood stem cells were purified, isolated and then expanded. The undifferentiated day genome was isolated from part of the cultured cells, and the seventh day differentiated genome was isolated from the other part after differentiation to erythroid lineage. The procedure was followed by a separate Real-Time PCR for the two genes using the obtained cDNA. The processed DNA of the former stages was used for MSP (Methylation Specific PCR) reaction. Finally, pre- and post differentiation results were compared. Results: After performing MSP for each gene, it became clear that P15INK4b gene has undergone methylation and expression in predifferentiation stage. In addition, its status has not been changed after differentiation. P15INK4b gene expression was reduced after the differentiation. The other gene, P16INK4a, showed no predifferentiation methylation. Itwas completely expressed methylated and underwent reduced expression after differentiation. Conclusion : Specific predifferentiation expression of P15INK4b and P16INK4a genes along with reduction in their expression after erythroid differentiation indicated animportant role for these two genes in biology of CD34+ cells in primary stages and before differentiation. In addition, both genes are capable of epigenetic modifications due to the structure of their promoters

Neonatal Infections: a 5-Year Analysis in a Neonatal Care Unit in North East of Iran

Background: Neonatal infections are one of the major causes of death in Iran. Since identifying the risk factors, types, site, bacterial causes, and case fatality rate of an infection can be effective in selecting preventive and therapeutic methods, and appropriate supportive measures, this study aimed to investigate the aforementioned factors in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad- Iran during a 5-year period.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from Jan 2010 to Jun 2016 on 221 infants diagnosed with infections (positive blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine cultures, and radiographic evidence of lung infection as well as laboratory and clinical evidence of infection). Data collection tools consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire including maternal and neonatal characteristics and clinical and laboratory evaluation. Moreover, the infants were followed up until hospital discharge or death. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16.Results: The incidence of neonatal infection was 11.6%. About 70% of the infants were born preterm and 52% of the infected infants were born by cesarean. The most common pathogens of sepsis were gram-negative bacteria (55%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (35%) and other gram-positive bacteria (10%). There were three main causes of infection of central nervous system (CNS): Klebsiella (66%), Escherichia coli (17%), and Acinetobacter (17%). Infant mortality rate due to infection was 28.1%. The causes of death included meningitis (60%), sepsis (27%), and UTI (16%).Conclusion: According to our study, the prevalence of infection and mortality rate in our ward is higher compared to developed countries. The most common cause of infections was gram-negative bacteria, but coagulase-negative staphylococci become more prevalent and needs more attention