Aqueous date fruit efficiency as preventing traumatic brain deterioration and improving pathological parameters after traumatic brain injury in male rats

Objective: following traumatic brain injury, disruption of blood-brain-barrier and consequent brain edema are critical events which might lead to increasing intracranial pressure [ICP], and nerve damage. The current study assessed the effects of aqueous date fruit extract [ADFE] on the aforementioned parameters

Materials and Methods: in this experimental study, diffused traumatic brain injury [TBI] was generated in adult male rats using Marmarou's method. Experimental groups include two pre-treatment [oral ADFE, 4 and 8 mL/kg for 14 days], vehicle [distilled water, for 14 days] and sham groups. Brain edema and neuronal injury were measured 72 hours after TBI. Veterinary coma scale [VCS] and ICP were determined at -1, 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours after TBI. Differences among multiple groups were assessed using ANOVA. Turkey's test was employed for the ANOVA post-hoc analysis. The criterion of statistical significance was sign at P<0.05

Results: brain water content in ADFE-treated groups was decreased in comparison with the TBI+vehicle group. VCS at 24, 48 and 72 hours after TBI showed a significant increase in ADFE groups in comparison with the TBI+vehicle group. ICP at 24, 48 and 72 hours after TBI, was decreased in ADFE groups, compared to the TBI+vehicle. Brain edema, ICP and neuronal injury were also decreased in ADFE group, but VCS was increased following on TBI

Conclusion: ADFE pre-treatment demonstrated an efficient method for preventing traumatic brain deterioration and improving pathological parameters after TBI

Evaluation of neurogenic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal cells; a time- and concentration- dependent manner

Retinoic acid as one of the most important regulators for cell differentiation was examined in this study for differentiation of human umbilical mesenchymal cells [hUCM]. After isolation, hUCM were evaluated for mesenchymal stem cell properties by flow cytometry and alkaline phosphatase assay. Also, doubling time of the cells and their differentiation potential into adipogenic and osteogenic cells were tested. hUCM were then cultured with different concentrations of retinoic acid, and on days 1, 7, and 12, the percentage of differentiated cells was determined by immunostaining for nestin, anti-microtubule associated protein 2 [MAP[2]], glutamic acid decarboxylase [GAD], and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA] markers. The isolated cells were negative for the hematopoietic markers and positive for the mesenchymal markers. They showed the population doubling time 60 +/- 3 hours and differentiated into osteogenic and adipogenic cells. A descending trend in nestin and an ascending trend in MAP[2], GAD, and GABA expression were observed from the first day until the last day between different concentrations of retinoic acid. hUCM cells may have the potential to differentiate into neural cells in the presence of different incubation period and concentration of retinoic acid

Effect of the intervention based on new communication technologies and the social-cognitive theory on the weight control of the employees with overweight and obesity

Background: Work settings provide a unique opportunity for health promotion interventions. Considering the issue of obesity in employees, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the intervention based on new communication technologies and the social cognitive theory [SCT] on weight control in the governmental employees of Hamadan City, western Iran in 2014

Methods: This randomized control trial study was conducted in "telephone- assisted intervention", "web- assisted intervention", and "control" groups comprising 435 employees of Hamadan City with overweight or obesity in 2014 [Ethics Committee Code: 93/D/130/1139]. The educational intervention was performed for 6 months under the title of "lifestyle program". Then, the participants were evaluated in terms of weight and changes in the constructs of the social-cognitive theory 6 and 9 months after the intervention. A researcher-made questionnaire based on the Dishman and Dewar questionnaires was used to evaluate the constructs of social-cognitive theory. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS-20

Results: The lifestyle intervention resulted in a weight loss of 1.92 and 1.08 kg in the telephone-assisted and web-assisted intervention groups, respectively. The intervention in the telephone-assisted group increased the mean scores of the constructs of self-efficacy [P=0.001], environment [P=0.001], outcome expectations [P=0.040], and outcome expectancies [P=0.001] among participants. In the web-assisted intervention group, the mean scores of the constructs of self-efficacy [P=0.001] and outcome expectancies [P=0.020] increased

Conclusions: Our results showed the effectiveness of the intervention based on new communication technologies and the Social-Cognitive Theory. Future studies with more retention strategies regarding self-efficacy and environment constructs are needed to further explain the application of SCT and technology-based approaches to reduce obese and overweight

Evaluating anthropometric dimensions of the femur using direct and indirect methods

Introduction: The human anthropometric characteristics are surveyed in anthropology. Anthropology is used in archeology, rehabilitation and legal medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine femur which has a special place in the science of anthropometry

Methods: To measure the femur, both direct and indirect methods was used. The direct method of measuring the 113 femur in dissection hall. Samples included persons aged between 20-40 years who were selected randomly. In this descriptive and analytical study, cluster sampling method was used to select the subjects. For anthropometric measurements, metallic and plastic tape, goniometer, caliper were used. Different dimensions of the femur such as anteriorposterior and lateral diameter of the femoral head, anterior-posterior and lateral diameter of the body, the minimum length diameter of the neck, superficial longest and shortest femoral height were measured

Results: The mean +/- SD of femoral length was 40.31 CM and 43.3 CM, in females and males respectively, this difference was significant [P<0.05]. All dimensions were significantly different between male and female in direct and indirect method

Conclusion: Usage of anthropometric data in designing a product can reduce human errors and improve public health and qualification of products and efficiency of workplaces. In addition, by using a single bone such as femur, we can determine gender, age or the relationship between bone length and body weight. It is also helpful in forensics, biomedical engineering, ergonomics and surgery

Psychosocial determinants of colorectal cancer screening in Iran

Colorectal cancer [CRC] is the third most prevalent cancer among Iranians, and threatens them at younger ages. This study was guided by the theoretical concepts of the preventive health model [PHM] to assess the attitudes and beliefs of Iranians towards CRC screening. This cross-sectional study was conducted with participation of 200 individuals aged 50 years or older in a Teaching Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Background characteristics [e.g., age, gender, marital status] were assessed and a validated instrument drawn from the PHM was applied to measure cognitive and psychosocial variables [i.e., self-efficacy, intention to screening, perceived susceptibility, cancer worries, response efficacy, and social support]. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews and analyzed using the SPSS version 13.00 for Windows. The age of the participants ranged from 50 years to 83 years [mean 60.13]. Most respondents were married [62.5%], unemployed [42%], and had secondary or higher education [44.5%]. Overall, 11% of respondents reported prior screening. Individuals obtained relatively poor scores on self-efficacy, intention to screening, perceived susceptibility, cancer worries, response efficacy, and social support. In this study, individuals mostly reported poor attitude in regard to CRC screening. The results of the present study could guide policy makers in designing tailored interventions to increase the participation of individuals in screening programs

study of the anatomic variations in extrahepatic bile ducts in 50 adults referred to Kerman forensic medicine organization

Anatomic variations in forensic extrahepatic bile ducts is common. Knowledge of extrahepatic bile duct variations is important for surgeons in order to prevent iatrogenic damage during surgery. This study aims to determine the variations in extrahepatic bile ducts among 150 cadavers located at the Kerman Medicine Organization. We performed autopsies on 150 cadavers. Bile ducts were exposed and studied to determine their anatomic variants and diameters. We observed anatomic variants of the biliary tree in 7 cadavers [4.6%]. In 3 [2%] cadavers, the right hepatic duct was missing, in 2 [1.33%] the left hepatic duct was missing and 6 [4%] did not have a common hepatic duct. In one case the common bile duct was absent. We may conclude that the Variation of bile duct is different in multiple population

Comparing the effects of group and home-based physical activity on mental health in the elderly

The present study focuses on comparing the effects of home based [HB] and group based [GB] physical activity on mental health in a sample of older adults in Shahr-e-kord. In this quasi-experimental study, a twice weekly physical activity program for 2 months was provided either individually at home or in a group format for 181 people who were divided into two groups [HB and GB]. The outcome, mental health, was measured with the 28 item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ 28]. Mental health status improved after participation in the physical activity program. The decrease in GHQ 28 total score in GB group, 3 months after intervention, was 3.61 +/- 2.28 [P < 0.001]. In HB group, this reduction was 1.20 +/- 2.32 during the same period [P < 0.001]. The difference of these "before-after differences" between the two groups in the GHQ 28 and all its subscales was statistically significant [P < 0.001]. Also, the effects of GB physical activity on mental health compared with HB physical activity, adjusted for related baseline variables, were significant. These findings reveal the probable effects of GB rather than HB physical activity on mental health among the elderly.

[Social capital among medical students of Tehran university of medical sciences in 2011]

Social capital is defined as norms and networks which provide conditions to people's participation in social activities in order to profit mutually. Considering the importance of social capital and having less studies done in this area, this research is aimed to study the social capital and factors affecting it among students of Tehran University of medical sciences [TUMS]. This study is a cross-sectional study. 200 medical students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with a mean age [2.34] 22.55 participated in the study. Participants were selected randomly. 36-item Bullen's questionnaire having 8 dimensions was used for data collection. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS 18. Data analysis was performed with T-Test, Pearson correlation and ONOVA. Total means score for social capital was calculated 46.87. Minimum and maximum mean was measured for "participation in local community" and "family and friends connections" dimension, respectively. The study also showed a relationship between social capital with gender, age and language [ethnicity] of participants. According to the results, there exists a relationship between social capital, in some concepts, with age, gender and Place of Residence. As a guideline, authorities can use it to increase social capital through having appropriate interventions

[Physical activity among women with type 2 diabetes: prediction by the extended theory of reasoned action]

Objective[s]: A far-reaching body of the literature highlights that continuous performing of diabetes self-management behaviors is effective on diabetics. Nowadays among self-care behaviors, physical activity is the most important behavior that influences diabetes control. This study aimed to understand and predict physical activity behavior based on the extended theory of reasoned action among women with type 2 diabetes, in Khoy located in Western North of Iran

Methods: An eligible sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes, referring to a Diabetes Clinic and the Charity Foundation for Diabetes Disease participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the variables of interest [diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention along with physical activity behavior]. Reliability and validity of the instruments were examined and approved. Statistical analyses of study were conducted by SPSS package

Results: The findings of investigation indicated that there exists a statistical significant correlation among independent constructs of proposed model with Model-related dependent variables, as among constructs of model, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions among women with type 2 diabetes. This construct both directly and indirectly affected physical activity behavior. In addition to self efficacy, diabetics' physical activity also is influenced by other variables of model and sociodemographic factors

Conclusion: Our findings suggest the high ability of the extended theory of reasoned action with self-efficacy in forecasting and explaining physical activity can be a base for educational intervention. Thus, for improving diabetics' physical activity behavior and finally controlling the disease, using educational interventions based on proposed model are necessary

Factors Influencing Physical Activity Behavior among Iranian Women with Type 2 Diabetes Using the Extended Theory of Reasoned Action

BACKGROUND: Findings of most studies indicate that the only way to control diabetes and prevent its debilitating effects is through the continuous performance of self-care behaviors. Physical activity is a non-pharmacological method of diabetes treatment and because of its positive effects on diabetic patients, it is being increasingly considered by researchers and practitioners. This study aimed at determining factors influencing physical activity among diabetic women in Iran, using the extended theory of reasoned action in Iran. METHODS: A sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes, referring to a Diabetes Clinic in Khoy, Iran, participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the desired variables (knowledge of diabetes, personal beliefs, subjective norms, perceived self-efficacy, behavioral intention and physical activity behavior). The reliability and validity of the instruments were examined and approved. Statistical analyses of the study were conducted by inferential statistical techniques (independent t-test, correlations and regressions) using the SPSS package. RESULTS: The findings of this investigation indicated that among the constructs of the model, self efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions among women with type 2 diabetes and both directly and indirectly affected physical activity. In addition to self efficacy, diabetic patients' physical activity also was influenced by other variables of the model and sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the high ability of the theory of reasoned action extended by self-efficacy in forecasting and explaining physical activity can be a base for educational intervention. Educational interventions based on the proposed model are necessary for improving diabetics' physical activity behavior and controlling disease.

Ultrastructural study of neuronal death in rat hippocampus after transient and permanent focal cerebral ischemia

Morphological changes of CA1 neurons in rat hippocampus after transient and permanent focal cerebral ischemia were studied to clarify the nature of postischemic cell death in the subfield. Male adult rats were divided into 3 groups: Control [Shamoperated], transient ischemic group [30 minutes of MCAO followed by 48 hours of reperfusion], and permanent ischemic group [48 hours of MCAO]. After the mentioned times, deep anesthesia was induced in the rats and their brains were removed and processed for transmission electron microscopy [TEM] and evaluation. Electron-microscopic examination on day 2 showed key morphological signs of apoptosis in the permanent ischemic group, while morphological signs of necrosis were observed in the transient ischemic group. These results suggest necrosis [as dominant mechanism of neuronal death after transient ischemia] and apoptosis [after permanent ischemia] to be involved in neuronal death