Showing 13 results for Function
, Ali Moradi Nakhodcheri, Mohammad Ali Yaghut,
Volume 1, Issue 4 (12-2011)
Abstract
Background & objective:
β-Thalassemia minor is an asymptomatic hereditary disease. The first study on the relation of renal tubular dysfunction and β-thalassemia minor was performed in 2002 but those studies seem inadequate.The main goal of this study is through evaluation of renal tubular function in 100 patients with thalassemia minor.
Materials & Methods:
100 patients with β- thalassemia which confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis and CBC as well as RBC indices were studied.14 out of 100 cases exit because of Urinary Tract Infection, diabetes mellitus or hypertension.Complete chemistry profile was performed on serum and urine of all reminder 86 patients (46 female and 40 male). Patients classified into two groups: β-thalassemia minor with anemia and without anemia. Another control group include 50 healthy individuals also considered.Then data analyzed by proper statistical methods.
Results:
20 out of 86 reminder cases e.g. 24% showed at least one index of renal tubular dysfunction.58% of patients was been anemic and 42% non anemic. The most prominent tubular dysfunction was seen in a 29 years old lady with glucosuria and without anemia.
conclusion:
β-Thalassemia minor is common in Iran specially in Fars province. This study revealed significant renal tubular dysfunction in patient with β-thalassemia minor. So it is necessary to check out thalassemic patients for renal function tests periodically.
Key words: β-thalassemia, minor,renal tubular dysfunction
Touraj Khazraee, Zahra Zamanian, Rezvan Zare, Farzaneh Mobasheri,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Almost 9 to 12% of construction workers are exposed to dust in their workplace. However, few studies have assessed the risks and complications of this exposure. This study aims to evaluate the pulmonary effects of construction workers’ occupational exposure to dust.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the southeast of Fars province. In this research a total of 50 construction workers and 50 referent workers from a food industry were studied. From each individual the data of spirometric parameters and related factors (age, weight, history of lung disease, and smoking) were collected. These data were analyzed via independent sample t test, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation using SPSS16 software.
Results: This study showed that the means of FVC and FEV1 in construction workers were significantly higher than those of food industry workers (p= 0/008 and p < 0/0001, respectively). However, the Odds Ratio of abnormal spirometry pattern showed no significant difference between two groups. Between the spirometric parameters, only the FEV1 / FVC ratio had a significant positive correlation with age. This correlation was equal in both groups (r ~ 0/3 and p < 0/05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study provide evidence to support the proposition that construction workers are not at risk of developing respiratory disorders.
Vahid Mazloum, Vahid Sobhani,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (8-2016)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder in elderly population leading to pain, disability, muscle weakness, and decreasing quality of life (QOL). The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of land-based exercise therapy intervention on QOL and muscle strength in patients with knee OA in previous researches.
Materials & Methods: English literature associated with the effects of land-based therapeutic exercise methods were extracted from Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Medlib, IrMedex, Magiran, Spring link, Scopus, Cochrane, and Science Direct databases since 2000 to 2016. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles remained to be reviewed.
Results: There were 1200 patients (Mean ± Standard deviation 64.5±4.7 years of old) with knee OA in those eleven studies. Generally, two interventions were administrated for such patients including exercise therapy and Yoga. The most common treatment outcome measurements involved Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Short Form 36 (SF-36), and strength.
Conclusion: Although it was impossible to compare the results of the eleven studies due to inconsistency in outcome measurements and their units to introduce the most effective therapeutic intervention for improvement of QOL in individuals with knee OA, the positive effect of land-based exercise therapy on signs and symptoms of such disorder was confirmed.
Homa Sheikhani Shahin, Golnoosh Mehrabani, Rasoul Rezaei, Mohsen Karimi, Masoud Amini,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: The relationship between metabolic disorders and renal functions in kidney transplant recipients has been reported. Considering the identification of many advantages of regular physical activities in maintaining health, for chronic kidney patients, the researchers tried to study the effect of aerobic activities on renal function and metabolic syndrome in kidney transplant athletes.
Materials & Methods: Twenty female kidney transplant athletes were randomly selected and divided into two equal groups of experimental (mean of age =24.5±2.7 years, height=161±4.2 cm and weight= 57.9±1.8 kg) and control (mean of age =24.9±2.3 years, height=162±2.4 cm and weight= 59.5±4.02 kg). The experimental group carried out an exercise for eight weeks (three sessions per week). At the end of eighth week, the renal function was assessed based on glomerular filtration rate and metabolic syndrome indices. Paired-samples t-test was used to compare the data before and after physical exercise and independent-samples t-test was used to compare the two groups with the significance level of p< 0.05.
- The eight weeks of aerobic exercise did not have any significant impact on lipid profile levels, while it caused a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate and fasting blood sugar in kidney transplant athletes in the experimental group after exercise.
Conclusion: The results indicated that physical exercise can be considered as a good way of changing glomerular filtration rate and controling fasting blood sugar in athletes undergoing kidney transplant
Fazlollah Fathollahi, Mohammad Faramarzi, Rouhollah Hemmati,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy and the eighth cause of death in Iran. Angiogenesis is the major cause of metastatic and drug resistance in this cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 10 weeks of high intensity periodic exercises on resting levels of some angiogenesis markers and also the pulmonary function of men with prostate cancer.
Materials & Methoed: 20 male patients with prostate cancer aged 55 to 62 years old were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10) and experimental (n = 10). The experimental group subjected to 10 weeks of periodic exercise with intensity progressed weekly, three sessions for 40 minutes and intensity of 70-75 was set for each session. 48 hours before and after exercise, the serum levels of VEGF, FGF, nitric oxide (NO) and also pulmonary function were measured. Intra and intergroup changes were analyzed using dependent t-test and independent t-test, respectively.
Results: The results showed that 10 weeks of severe periodic training significantly increased the levels of VEGF (P = 0.001), FGF (P = 0.001) and NO (P = 0.001) in the experimental group compared with the control group. Moreover, considering the results, FVC in patients with periodic exercise has increased significantly (P = 0.002).
Conclusion: As for results, it can be concluded that 10 weeks of periodic exercise increases the angiogenesis and pulmonary function in patients suffered from prostate cancer.
Saman Yousefi Saggezi, Akbar Azamian Jazi, Roohullah Hemmati, Nahid Jivad,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (7-2019)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Several evidence has indicated the effective role of exercise on Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. An aberrant expression of some Micro-RNAs such as increasing miR-301a in MS, with an impact on inflammatory pathways leading to the creation of inflammation in these patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined eight-week (aerobic and resistance) exercise on expression of miR -301a and some indicators of motor function in women with multiple sclerosis.
Materials & Methods: A total of 22 women with MS, who were randomly divided into experimental and control groups, participated in this study. The experimental group performed 8 weeks (4 days per week) of combined training. Expression of miR -301a was measured before and after the training period using Real-Time PCR method. Pre- and post-intervention scores of tests (TUG), (6MWT), (10–MWT) and status scale (EDSS) were independent t-test recorded and analyzed.
Results: The results of this study showed, the expression of miR -301a was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.001). Tests TUG (P = 0.001), 6MWT (P = 0.002) and degree of disability EDSS (P = 0.015), were significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the 10MWT test between the two group (P = 0.678).
Conclusion: The combined exercise for women with MS have been beneficial and improve motor function and reduce the expression of miR-301a. So, do it, plays an important role in reducing inflammation and prevent the progression of the disease Ms.
Shohreh Rahimian, Seyyed Amir Amin Yazdi, Imanollah Bigdeli, Mohammad Amin Edalatmanesh,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background & Objective: In Autism Spectrum Disorder, the role of functional deficit like hypo-functionality in Frontal lobe, Hippocampus, Amygdala with top-down control hypothesis or reduced functional connectivity has been considered by theories like theory of mind or executive function theory. But new findings in the fields of neurobiology and neuroscience have challenged these theories and these lead to a new theory that was introduced by Hennry Markram in 2007. This theory is presented as "Intense World Theory". Markram believes that hyper-functionality, hyper-reactivity and Hyper-plasticity in brain's microcircuits with a down-up pathway is the basis of Autism.
Conclusion: In this study various aspects of intense world theory, empirical evidence, and challenges and criticisms of this theory are discussed. In addition to creating a new research scope and paying attention to the underlying mechanisms of the brain, this review may lead to early diagnosis of disorder and effective therapeutic procedure in the medical, psychological and other fields.
Tahereh Zarei Taher, Ali Kowsari, Mohsen Sheykhhasan, Hamed Manoochehri, Naser Kalhor, Leila Naserpour,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (11-2019)
Abstract
The widespread use of effective vaccines against infectious diseases has been one of the most important public health progresses in the 21st century. Early vaccines containing weakened or inactivated pathogens or toxins may elicit robust, protective immune responses, but this approach cannot always be used because it is impractical and inefficient to culture large numbers of organisms, and lack of safety. In such cases subunits (e.g., microbial proteins or carbohydrate) are being considered as vaccine antigens. Since the subtypes of antigens often have weak immunogenic properties, they cannot stimulate the innate immune system. This property is probably the cause of the reduced efficacy of the vaccine. Adjuvants are molecules, compounds, or supramolecular complexes that boost the potency and longevity of specific immune response to antigens, but can cause minimal toxicity or long-lasting immune effects on human. Adjuvants can be used to enhance immunogenicity, modulate the type of immune response, reduce the amount of antigen or the number of immunizations required for efficacy, and/or improve the efficacy of vaccines in specific populations (e.g., newborns or elderly). The present paper reviews the different types of adjuvants and examines the characteristics and mechanisms of their performance.
Naser Behpoor, Fardin Moradi, Vahid Tadibi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (4-2020)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Blood pressure generally increases after menopause. Training modalities with a supplement can influence blood pressure indices. The present study aims at investigating the effect of eight-week resistance training with citrulline-malate consumption on blood pressure, Nitric Oxide (NO), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in postmenopausal women with prehypertension
Materials & Methods: The sample population is postmenopausal women with pre-hypertensive age ranging from 50 to 55 years old divided randomly into six groups, including “training + supplement”, “training + placebo”, “training”, “no training + supplement”, “supplement” and “placebo”. Resistance training was held 3 sessions per week in which the training intensity was 45% to 55% IRM. The supplement included citrulline-malate (8 g) an hour before each training session. Blood pressure, NO, and VEGE were measured using a barometer and kit before and after the training sessions. Two-way analysis of variance test and Tukey’s follow-up test were applied to analyze data.
Results: The findings demonstrated that training leads to a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressures while an increase in NO and VEGF. The results showed that an eight-week period of citrulline-malate supplementation has decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Besides, it was revealed that eight weeks of citrulline-malate administration made NO and VEGF increase. Also, the results indicated that the "exercise + supplement" group has had the greatest effect on increasing NO and VEGF and reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, the findings proved that resistance training with citrulline-malate made systolic and diastolic blood pressures in menopausal women with prehypertension reduce. These effects are accompanied by rising levels of NO and VEGF.
Conclusion: The findings revealed that the resistance training, which was applied in the present study, coupled with citrulline-malate supplementation, will improve blood pressure in postmenopausal women with hypertension.
Sajad Pouryousef, Sedigheh Yeganeh, Rouhollah Rouhandeh, Zahra Pirzadeh, Sanaz Keshavarzi, Tayebeh Bahmani,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background & Objective: The early identification of risk factors by screenings methods, as low-cost diagnostic tests with high survival rates, has always been of paramount importance for cancer diagnostics, especially in breast cancer. Since knowledge, attitude, and practice studies offer a desirable way to examine the status and make predictions, this study aims to design a valid and reliable instrument to assess breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening methods.
Materials & Methods: The Waltz method was used to develop the questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis with a sample size of 390 and the confirmatory factor analysis were carried out using Amos software and SPSS 22, respectively. The reliability of the instrument was also assessed on 30 women over a one-month interval using the Cronbach's alpha and test-retest method.
Results: The preliminary 87-item was finally developed into three sections: attitude (14 items and 2 factors with CVI=0.92, CVR= 0.72 and α= 0.76,) knowledge (16 items and 5 factors with CVI= 0.99, CVR= 0.85 and alpha 0.87) and practice checklist (8 items and CVI = 0.94 and CVR =1).
Conclusion: The results suggested desirable psychometric properties of the questionnaire and its strength and validity in evaluating knowledge, attitude, and practice for identifying factors influencing breast cancer.
Mohammad Haddadi,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the major frequent form of dementia in which progressive widespread neuronal death leads to death in affected individuals. AD is a highly heritable disorder and diverse genetic factors contribute to its cause and development. The aim of the present review is to introduce genetic factors involved in AD and to elucidate contributions of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) in the study of mechanisms by which pathogenicity of identified genes occurs.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 100 published research papers on the genetics of AD and modelling AD in Drosophila melanogaster were investigated. The English articles were retrieved from verified biological databases published from 1992 to 2020.
Result: Based on the presence of clinical symptoms AD is divided into two main types: early-onset AD (EOAD) and late-onset AD (LOAD). The genetic basis for EOAD is mainly related to mutations in genes involved in the production, aggregation, and clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ). The genetics of LOAD is more complicated and a mixture of common but less-penetrant genetic factors, such as E4 isoform of apolipoprotein E (APOE), interacts with environmental cues and epigenetic influences. Functional studies using fruit flies demonstrate an association between Aß aggregation/clearance and tau phosphorylation. It has been shown that Aß, tau, and APOE4 contribute to damage in axonal terminals in AD conditions.
Conclusion: Knowing the genetic basis of AD and mechanisms that underlie their pathogenicity can be essential for developing effective treatment strategies. Drosophila melanogaster as an ideal model organism with unique genetic characteristics possesses a crucial functional role in the study of the molecular mechanisms of human neurological disorders.
Mahdi Maleki Aghdam, Negin Ebrahimpour, Farid Ghazizadeh, Zahra Ghelichkhan,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
is primarily managed through immunosuppression. Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), a polyclonal antibody derived from equine or lapine sources, is one such immunosuppressive treatment. While common side effects of ATG include allergic reactions, thrombocytopenia, headache, and myalgia, more severe but less frequent adverse effects encompass dyspnea and chest pain. The incidence and severity of liver function test abnormalities associated with ATG administration remain subjects of ongoing debate; however, most cases present with mild and transient enzyme elevations.
Case: We present the case of a 13-year-old male child diagnosed with aplastic anemia (AA) who was admitted to the hematology clinic for ATG treatment. Three days after the initiation of ATG therapy, following the third dose, the patient developed severe hepatotoxicity. The patient experienced symptoms including chest pain, icterus, myalgia, and abdominal tenderness. Laboratory investigations revealed a significant elevation in liver enzymes and serum bilirubin levels. Upon discontinuation of ATG, the symptoms resolved within six days, accompanied by a marked reduction in liver enzymes and bilirubin levels. Subsequently, the patient received the fourth dose of ATG without adverse reactions.
Conclusion: Our patient developed frank symptomatic hepatitis, manifesting as icterus and right upper quadrant pain. Given the existing literature, this presentation does not appear to be common and warrants increased vigilance.
Babak Hooshmand-Moghadam,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Obesity is a multifaceted and chronic disease characterized by profound metabolic dysregulation and significant biomechanical impairments, both of which compromise functional capacity and elevate the risk of comorbidities. This narrative review critically examines functional training (FT) as a comprehensive, multidimensional intervention for obesity management, emphasizing its physiological, biomechanical, and translational impacts. It aims to elucidate underlying mechanisms, synthesize current empirical evidence, and highlight clinical implications.
Materials & Methods: A thematic synthesis was conducted based on a systematic search of electronic databases up to April 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies involving adults classified as overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25). These studies assessed the effects of FT on metabolic parameters, neuromuscular performance, and functional outcomes. The findings were organized into three analytical domains—physiological, biomechanical, and translational—guided by principles from systems physiology and movement science.
Results: FT has been shown to elicit marked enhancements in mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, and systemic inflammatory modulation (e.g., reductions in IL-6 and TNF-α, increases in adiponectin). From a biomechanical perspective, FT improves gait efficiency, postural stability, joint load distribution, and neuromuscular coordination. In comparison to traditional exercise modalities, FT confers distinct translational benefits, such as fall risk mitigation, injury prevention, and greater applicability in rehabilitation settings—particularly for individuals with sarcopenic obesity, musculoskeletal dysfunction, or cardiovascular comorbidities.
Conclusion: FT represents a powerful integrative strategy that bridges metabolic restoration and biomechanical resilience in the context of obesity therapy. Its integration into clinical rehabilitation pathways and public health initiatives is strongly supported by current evidence and should be prioritized. Future investigations should focus on protocol standardization, mechanistic randomized controlled trials, and longitudinal studies across heterogeneous populations to enable widespread clinical adoption.