Ameliorative action of farnesol on cyclophosphamide induced toxicity in mice

Introduction: Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent with antineoplastic and immunosuppressive effects. Acrolein, one of its metabolites, is responsible for different toxic side effects such as oxidative stress, and cell death. The present study aimed to evaluate protective effects of farnesol, a natural terpenoid with antioxidant effects, on cyclophosphamide induced side effects. Methods: For this purpose, mice received 200 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide plus 5 or 10 mg/kg of farnesol as pretreatment for 7 days. At the end of the study, samples from blood and different organs were collected. Histopathological and biochemical analyses including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) content as well as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were done to determine the toxic effects of cyclophosphamide and probable protective effect of farnesol. Results: Application of farnesol as a pretreatment could reduce tissue damages induced by cyclophosphamide particularly in testis, liver and spleen. The kidney did not show any relapse in tissue damages induced by cyclophosphamide. The testis demonstrated the most improvement by administration of farnesol, and the anti-oxidant enzymes increased in testicular tissues. Conclusion: This study indicated the protective effect of farnesol against oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide in the tissues, especially at the dose of 10 mg/kg on the testicular tissue. Hence, it might be beneficial in patients who are using cyclophosphamide

Intra-Examiner and Between-Day Reliability of Algometer for Pressure Pain Threshold and Pain Sensitivity in Upper Trapezius Muscle in Asymptomatic Young Adult Women

Assessment of pain sensitivity, as an important criterion, is used in diagnosis of musculoskeletal impairments, which helps determine prognosis as well as the improvement rate after treatment interventions. Regarding the costs of modalities and treatment equipment used to reduce pain, having a reliable method to determine their efficacy is essential. The aim of the present study was to evaluate intra-examiner and between-day reliability of an accessible digital algometer to assess pressure pain threshold and for pain sensitivity for the first time. A total of 15 healthy young adult women aged 18-30 participated in the study. Three points of upper Trapezius muscle in both sides were tested in 3 repetitions with 30 seconds rest interval. The tests included PPT by controlled speed of increasing pressure and Visual Analogue Scale to evaluate local pain elicited by exertion of 2.5 kg/cm2 of pressure on the marked point. Trials were conducted on two consecutive days. Intra Class Correlation, Coefficient Standard Error of Measurement, and Minimal Detected Change were calculated to analyze the reliability of the measurements. Assessments revealed high to moderate intra-examiner reliability for pressure pain threshold (ICC>0.972) and pain sensitivity (ICC>0.707) and high to moderate between-day reliability for pressure pain threshold (ICC>0.974) and pain sensitivity (ICC>0.676). Although pressure algometer has an acceptable intra-examiner and between-day reliability for estimating the pressure pain threshold and pain sensitivity, a significant decrease was revealed in the mean values of PPT and increase in PS on the second day, as compared to that on the first day, (P<0.05) which could be related to local tissue trauma, learning effect, or central sensitization.Key words: Reliability; Intra-Examiner; Between-Day; Algometer; Pressure Pain Threshold; Pain Sensitivity; Upper Trapeziu

Spinal Stabilization Exercise with and without Whole–Body Vibration: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: The present study aimed to compare the impacts of core stability exercises with and without Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training sessions lasting two weeks on trunk muscle endurance in patients with non-specific chronic low back. Methods and Materials: Thirty participants were randomly placed into either a WBV group or a spinal stabilization group at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, in 2013. The dependent variables manipulated included the abdominal and spinal muscular endurance, assessed prior to, midway through, and after two weeks and the WBV or spinal stabilization intervention program implemented using stabilizer pressure biofeedback unit and Biering Sorensen test. Results: Changes in transverse abdominal and internal oblique muscle endurance in prone position were statistically significant among the participants in both groups (P<0.05). However, changes in transverse abdominal muscle endurance in supine position and multifidus muscle endurance were not observed to be statistically significant in both groups. In addition, inter-group analysis showed that except for the percentage of changes of multifidus muscle endurance, the vibration group demonstrated significant improvement over the non-vibration group. Conclusion: As no significant difference was observed between the two treatment methods, none of treatment methods was more effective comparatively in terms of improving mid-term trunk muscle endurance.Keywords: Whole body vibration, Trunk muscle endurance, Non-specific chronic low back pain, Core stabilit

The effect of core stability training with and without whole body vibration in chronic low back pain patients

The subjective of this study was to explore and compare the effects of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and conventional spinal stabilization exercises on persons with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP). Thirty patients with non-specific chronic low back pain randomly received 6 sessions of spinal stabilization therapy with and without whole body vibration over 2 weeks. The severity of pain, functional disability,  abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscle endurance were assessed prior to, midway and after two week  WBV or spinal stabilization intervention program sequentially by using VAS score, Oswestry disability index and stabilizer pressure biofeedback unit. Repeated measure ANOVA was used for data analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Findings show that multifidus muscle endurance and general functionality  increase significantly over time in both groups (P <0/05). Both groups didn't show any statistically significant change in perception of pain, supine and prone time after the treatment period (P>0/05) .Neither of the two exercise interventions wasn't superior in producing more significant results except for multifidus and transverse abdominus muscles endurance where the vibration group showed significant improvement over the non-vibration group. Findings revealed that a slight difference existed in favor of the vibration training group, but not sufficient enough to conclude that it is more effective than core muscle exercises alone

Comparison of Psychometric Properties of the Original and Brief Version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia

Introduction: Some accurate tools exist to assess fear-avoidance behavior, such as the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK) in individuals with musculoskeletal problems. The current research aims to compare the psychometric characteristics of the original 17-items TSK questionnaire and its 11-item brief version in chronic non-specific low-back pain (CNSLBP). Materials and Methods: In this test development study, 295 patients with CNSLBP referred to the physiotherapy clinic of Milad Hospital in Tehran city, Iran were evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and α Cronbach was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the original and brief version of the TSK, respectively. For goodness-of-fit, the Χ2/df, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and comparative fit index (CFI) indices were used. Results: Internal consistency specified by Cronbach’s α was 0.949 for the original version of the questionnaire and 0.927 for the brief one. Based on the CFA findings, the goodness-of-fit indices for the brief version were GFI=0.921, RMSEA=0.078 (90% confidence interval (CI), 0.062%-0.094%), comparative fit index (CFI)=0.981, and Χ2/df=2.791. These indices for the original one were 0.882, 0.066 (90% CI, 0.055%-0.076%), 0.983, and 2.270, respectively. A significant correlation was found between these two versions (P<0.001). These findings confirm the adequacy of the brief version of the TSK. Conclusion: The brief version of TSK can be considered a reliable and valid tool to evaluate somatic focus and activity avoidance in patients with CNSLBP

Anxiety, Depression, and Spirituality Among Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer Disease

Introduction: The nature of the Alzheimer’s disease gradually makes patients dependent to persistent care. This may have a large negative effect on the caregivers’ quality of life and predisposes them to psychological distress. Spirituality, however, may act as a buffer and enhance their adaptability with stressful conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the association between spirituality and symptoms of anxiety and depression in a sample of caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 209 outpatients with moderate Alzheimer’s disease (using DSM-IV criteria and MMSE test) and their caregivers were selected. Patients’ and caregivers’ demographic data were recorded. The Spiritual Intelligence Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale were completed by caregivers. Results: Spirituality was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Spirituality, however, had a positive but non-significant correlation with anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Although symptoms of anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in Alzheimer caregivers, only depressive symptoms are directly linked to spirituality. Spiritually-based approach may be a component of therapeutic interventions, in order to enhance caregivers’ adaptability

Bacterial contamination of platelet products in the Blood Transfusion Center of Isfahan, Iran

Aim: Overall the risk of transfusion transmitted infections has decreased, especially viral infections like HIV and hepatitis B and C. Bacterial contamination of blood and its cellular components, however, remains a common microbiological cause of transfusion associated morbidity and mortality. Platelets pose a special risk given their preservation methods. The incidence of these episodes needs to be assessed and updated on regular basis to accurately manage the risk of transfusion transmitted bacterial infections.Method: 2,000 platelet samples from the Blood Transfusion Center of were examined randomly during a 5-month period by bacterial culture and molecular tests. Four platelet samples were found to be contaminated with bacteria, giving a rate of contamination of 500 (0.2%) of tested platelets. Isolated bacteria included one each of , , and . Conclusion: Our study underlines the need for additional safety procedures like bacterial screening and pathogen reduction technology to further decrease the risk of transfusion associated bacterial infections

Comparison of the Immediate Effects of Various Durations of Trigger Point Compression Technique on Latent Trigger Points of the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the immediate effect of time (30 and 90 seconds) trigger point compression techniques in the latent trigger points of upper trapezius muscle. Methods and Materials: A total of 39 women, aged between 20-30 who were diagnosed with latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle, participated in the present study. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups, 13 each, using block randomization method: trigger point compression (30 sec), trigger point compression (90 sec), and control group. In all groups, the measurements were carried out before and after the intervention. Results: The duration of 30 and 90 sec trigger point compression techniques were observed to decrease the pain and increase the pain pressure threshold (P&lt;0.001). Significant differences were found between the duration of 30 sec trigger point compression technique and control group in terms of pain magnitudes (P&lt;0.001) and pain pressure threshold (P&lt;0.01). Also, there were significant differences between the duration of 90 sec trigger point compression technique and control group regarding pain magnitudes and pain pressure threshold (P&lt;0.001). Moreover, significant differences were observed between these 2 treatment groups in terms of pain magnitudes (P&lt;0.05) and pain pressure threshold (P&lt;0.001). The duration of 90 sec trigger point compression technique was observed to have more effects compared with that for duration of 30 sec. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that each of the 2 treatments decreased pain and increased pain pressure threshold. The results introduce the duration of 90 sec trigger point compression technique as a more effective treatment compared with that of the duration of 30 sec for latent MTrPs.Key words: Compression Technique; Myofascial Trigger Points; Upper Trapeziu

Intra-Examiner and Inter-Examiner Reliability of Goniometer for Active Cervical Contra-Lateral Flexion and Algometer for Pressure Pain Threshold in Upper Trapezius Muscle in Asymptomatic Young Adult Women

Introduction: Measurement of Active Cervical Contra-Lateral Flexion (ACCLF) and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) is an integral part of the patients' assessment with myofascial pain syndrome and cervical disorders. This study aimed to investigate the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of goniometer in measuring ACCLF and algometer in measuring PPT in the upper trapezius muscle. Materials and Methods: ACCLF and PPT in upper trapezius muscle were measured in 20 healthy young adult female volunteers. Measurements were performed in two sessions one hour apart by two examiners, each consisting of 3 trials with 60-second rest periods. Data analysis was performed using the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM). Results: For ACCLF measurement with the goniometer, the intra-examiner reliability was as follows: first examiner in first session=0.985, first examiner in second session=0.959, and the inter-examiner reliability was first session=0.954 and second session=0.969. For PPT measurement with the algometer, the intra-examiner reliability was as follows: first examiner in first session=0.928, first examiner in second session=0.877 and the inter-examiner reliability were: first session=0.742 and second session=0.866. Conclusion: Goniometer and algometer exhibited a good inter- and intra-examiner reliability in measuring ACCLF and PPT, respectively, in the upper trapezoid muscle. Keywords: Cervical Contra-lateral Flexion; Inter-examiner; Intra-examiner; Pressure Pain Threshold; Reliabilit

An Ultrasonographic Investigation of Craniocervical Extensor Muscles in Patients with Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to measure the thickness and the strength of craniocervical extensor muscles in men with chronic non-specific neck pain and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Fifteen men with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP) and 15 healthy controls were participated in this study. The thicknesses of the craniocervical extensor muscles (rectus capitis posterior major(RCPM)) and oblique capitis superior (OCS) in addition to the strength of upper cervical extensor muscles were measured at resting position and during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of craniocervical extensor muscles using ultrasonography device and a dynamometer which was designed for the purpose of study. Results: The thicknesses of RCPM and OCS muscles were significantly smaller in the patients group than the healthy controls at resting position and during maximal isometric contraction (P&lt;0.001). There was a significant reduced MVIC in patients with CNNP when compared to controls (P=0.008). Conclusion: The reduced craniocervical extensor muscles strength and thickness in patients with CNNP may be due to pain and reflex inhibition which is originating from cervical neuromusculoskeletal structures. Craniocervical muscles assessments may be needed while evaluating patients with CNNP.Keywords: Craniocervical, Muscle, Neck, Pain, Strength, Thickness, Ultrasonograph