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Resistance exercises and nutritional strategy are the best ways to prevent with age- related muscle atrophy (sarcopenia) by improving the physiological function of skeletal muscle. This study investigated the effect of 8 weeks of Water resistance training with consumption of dark chocolate on the changes and correlation of IGF-1 and FOXO3 in elderly women. In this study, 40 sedentary elderly women with an age range of 60-73 years were randomly divided into four groups: 1. water resistance training, 2. water resistance training + dark chocolate, 3. dark chocolate, 4. control. The subjects of the training groups did water resistance training for eight weeks. During these 8 weeks, the dark chocolate groups consumed 30 grams of 83% dark chocolate every day, and the control group received neither exercise nor Dark chocolate. Blood sampling was done 48 hours before the study and after the end of the last training session. Expressions of IGF-1 and FOXO3 were measured by real time-PCR method. After 8 weeks of water resistance training and consumption of dark chocolate, the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) gene increased significantly compared to the pretest (p0.05). These findings underscore the potential of targeted exercise and dietary interventions in enhancing muscle health among the elderly, although further research is needed to understand the implications of unchanged FOXO3 in this context.

Unmanaged Type 2 Diabetes (DM2) is a known risk factor for cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (DM3). This study explores the combined effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and thyme honey on the expression of genes involved in memory-related signaling pathways (BDNF-TrkB-CREB), which are compromised in both DM2 and DM3. This experimental study involved 36 young male Wistar rats, divided into four groups: control (C), HIIT (T), thyme honey (H), and HIIT-thyme honey (TH). The T and TH groups underwent 40 training sessions over two months, with progressively increasing intervals (from 2 to 8) and intensity (from 80% to 95% of maximum running speed). Concurrently, the H and TH groups were administered 3 g/kg of thyme honey 5 days a week. Changes in BDNF, TrkB, and CREB gene expression were assessed using RT-PCR. The data were analyzed through one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, and Univariate analysis using SPSS-22 software. A significant increase in BDNF and CREB expression in the interactive intervention group and the expression of the TrkB gene in honey intervention groups were observed compared to diabetic control (P≥0.001). The interactive intervention with HIIT exercises and thyme honey has a synergistic effect on increasing gene expression in memory-related pathways. The highest effect size was observed for HIIT training on BDNF (EF=0.667) and CREB (EF=0.540), while the honey intervention showed a significant effect size on TrkB (EF=0.666).

Introduction: Considering the importance of agrin, mTOR and AKT proteins in cognitive and physiological function, knowing the effects of different exercise programs is of particular importance. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the responses of agrin, mTOR and AKT proteins in dual resistance-cognitive exercises of healthy people. Method: The research method is semi-experimental. 10 healthy men were randomly divided into two groups (resistance-cognitive group of 5 people and resistance group of 5 people). Resistance contraction included eccentric and concentric knee extension with maximum strength and speed. The contractions included 12 sets of 10 repetitions for the right leg, and in the cognitive group, cognitive task exercises included counting numbers in reverse, multiplying and dividing numbers, counting the months of the year, and counting coins simultaneously with facial resistance exercises. Took A biopsy was performed at the beginning and end of the study. To analyze the data, dependent t statistical method and covariance test were performed in SPSS21 software. Results: The results showed that the intra-group changes of mTOR and AKT proteins after one activity session were significant in the resistance-cognitive and resistance groups (p≤0.05). However, the inter-group changes of agrin, mTOR and AKT proteins showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that a session of resistance and resistance-cognitive activity leads to changes in the factors involved in the strength and hypertrophy of skeletal muscles. In addition, these changes are generally more resistance-cognitive in the resistance group.

Objective: The present study examined effects of resistance training (RT) and resveratrol (RES) alone and together on acrylamide (AC)-induced memory impairment in rats.Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into 6 groups: (1) Control group which received normal saline intraperitoneally (ip) daily for 8 weeks; (2) Scopolamine (SCO) group which received SCO (1 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks; (3) AC group which received AC (5 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks; (4) AC + RT group which received AC (5 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks and performed RT (5 days a week for 8 weeks); (5) AC + RES group which received AC (5 mg/kg/day, ip) and RES (1 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks; and (6) AC + RT + RES group which received AC (5 mg/kg/day, ip) and RES (1 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks and performed RT (5 days a week for 8 weeks). On day 53, animal training began in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and 24 hr after the last training, the probe test was performed.Results: RT and RES alone did not significantly affect escape latency or traveled distance increased by AC. However, concomitant RES and RT treatment significantly reduced these parameters compared to the AC group. Co-treatment with RES and RT also significantly increased the time spent in the target quadrant compared to the AC group. Lipid peroxidation was reduced in the AC+RES and AC+RT+RES groups compared to the AC group. Conclusion: It seems that daily co-treatment with RES and RT for 8 weeks ameliorates the memory-impairing effects of AC.

The present study will investigate the changes and correlation between the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) after 6 weeks of aerobic exercise supplemented with the probiotic Lactobacillus bifidus. 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (8 each): healthy control, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD+aerobic exercise (Tr), HFD+probiotic supplementation (Sup), and HFD+Tr+Sup. The rats in the HFD group received a special high-fat diet for 2 months prior to the main protocol. The rats in the exercise groups ran on a rodent treadmill for 6 weeks, 5 days a week. Lactobacillus bifidus supplementation was gavaged at a dose of 1 cc to the rats in the supplementation groups after each exercise session. Finally, the rats were sacrificed, and the IL-10 variable was measured using the Real-Time PCR method. The results of the present study indicated that the high-fat diet increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p0.05). There was no correlation between the antioxidant enzyme and IL-10. Nevertheless, exercise and Lactobacillus bifidus were able to regulate the lipid profile, SOD, and IL-10 after a high-fat diet.

We investigate the effect of 6 weeks of aerobic training and probiotic supplementation on glycemic index and the correlation between glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and interleukin 15 (IL-15) in rats fed a high-fat diet. 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (8 each): healthy control, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD+ aerobic exercise (Tr), HFD+ probiotic supplement (Sup) and HFD+Tr+Sup. Rats in the HFD group received a special high-fat diet for 2 months before the main protocol. The rats in the training groups ran on a rodent treadmill for 6 weeks, 5 days a week. Lactobacillus bifidus supplement was gavage to the rats of the supplemented groups in the amount of 109 CFU/ml after each round of training. The results of the statistical test showed that the HFD groups had a significant decrease in GPX compared to the healthy control group (p

Introduction: The combined use of methadone and exercise training holds promise for promoting health. This study investigates the impact of resistance and aerobic training in conjunction with methadone consumption on lipid profiles and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in addicted men. Material & Methods: Ninety addicted men (mean age 36.82 ± 4.32 years) undergoing prison treatment were randomly assigned to six groups (n=15 each): control, narcotics anonymous (NA), aerobic training + methadone, aerobic training + methadone reduction, resistance training + methadone, resistance training + methadone reduction. The 12-week exercise program, conducted thrice weekly, included aerobic training (4-8 sets, 3 minutes each, at 80-90% maximum heart rate on the ergometer bike) and resistance training (12 repetitions, 3 sets, at 70-85% of one repetition maximum). Blood samples collected pre- and post-intervention measured CRP and blood lipids using specialized kits. Data were analyzed with SPSS software, employing multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test (P

Introduction: Exercise is one of the recommended factors to reduce mortality from all types of cancer, especially brain cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the expression of Paxillin and PTK2 genes in the brain tissue of rats with glioblastoma multiforme after aerobic exercise training. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=8): Healthy control, brain tumor, and tumor + aerobic training (AT). Glioblastoma was injected into frontal cortex of rats' brain. The exercise group performed aerobic exercises on the treadmill for four weeks and three days per week at a speed of 18 meters per minute for 25 to 40 minutes. At the end, the rats were sacrificed and Paxillin and PTK2 genes of their brain tissue were analyzed by Real-time PCR method. Histological images with H&E method were also used to confirm the tumor. Results: The tumor group showed increased necrosis and brain tissue damage compared to the healthy control group. In addition, the tumor group showed a significant increase in the expression of Paxillin and PTK2 genes compared to the healthy control group (p

Background and Objective: Exercise training and Zataria multiflora have a positive effect on health and can modulate cardiovascular risk factors. Adipose tissue-derived factors such as ANGPTL8 and adhesive molecules play an important role in exerting the pathological effects of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance-endurance exercise training combined with Zataria multiflora ingestion on the levels of ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in sedentary overweight and obese men. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 40 sedentary overweight and obese men (with an average body mass index of 28.41±1.75 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to four groups with 10 subjects each. The groups included placebo, Zataria multiflora, training, and training + Zataria multiflora. The exercise training was combined training consisting of resistance-endurance exercise, conducted three times per week over eight weeks. Zataria multiflora supplement consumption was set at 500 mg daily. Blood sampling was conducted before and after the eight-week intervention, and the levels of ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were measured using the ELISA method. Results: A significant decrease in serum levels of ANGPTL8 was observed in the training and training + Zataria multiflora groups compared to the placebo and Zataria multiflora groups (P

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women which is associated with insulin resistance (IR). Some Factors such as adiponectin and APPL-1 play a role in IR signaling that is affected by exercise. Therefore, the present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the effect of swimming training on the IR and the expression of adiponectin and APPL1 genes following induced PCOS in rats.Methods: This experimental research was conducted in 2021 on 36 female wistar rats. The rats were divided in six groups. Swimming training was done (six and eight weeks/five days a week, 60 min each session/ flow of the water speed was increased from seven to 15 L/M). After 24hr of sacrifices the mice, the level of IR, expression of adiponectin and APPL1 genes were measured in the liver tissue. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22) and two-way ANOVA. P

Performing aerobic exercise in different disease conditions can regulate cardiac homeostasis and reduce cardiac apoptosis caused by the disease. In brain cancer, other tissues, including cardiac tissue, can also be affected. Since exercise training causes organ crosstalk, in this study, the effects of aerobic exercise training (AET) on cardiac apoptosis in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) rats are evaluated. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n=8 in each) of healthy control, GBM, and GBM+AET. Glioblastoma was injected into the frontal cortex of rats. The training group (AET) performed aerobic exercises on the treadmill for 4 weeks, 3 days a week at a speed of 18 meters per minute, for 25-40 minutes. In the end, the rats were sacrificed and caspase-3 and caspase-7 were analyzed from the myocardium by Real-time PCR method. Considering H&E image, the GBM group showed necrosis and apoptosis in cardiac tissue compared to the healthy group. Compared to the healthy control group, GBM significantly increased caspase-3 and caspase-7 mRNA in the myocardium (p

Objective: Satellite cells play an important role in muscle regeneration, which this process can be affected by differentgenes including PAX7 and MyoD. Exercise training known as an important strategy for mediating the satellite cell’sfunction. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study is to investigate the changes in PAX7 and MyoD proteinexpression in response to eccentric and concentric resistance exercise in healthy young men.Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental and cross-sectional study, 10 healthy men (age range 18-30 yearsold) participated. They were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=5) to perform one of two high-intensity eccentricor concentric knee extensions muscle contraction protocols. The contractions included a maximum of 12 sets of 10repetitions, with a 30 second rest time interval between sets. PAX7 and MyoD protein expression was assessed usingImmunohistochemistry analysis from the Vastus Lateralis muscle needle biopsy samples that have been taken 24hours before and 3 to 4 hours after the end of the exercise protocol.Results: We observed that the PAX7 protein expression level increased significantly after eccentric (47.75%) andconcentric (39.21%) (P=0.01) intervention. While, the MyoD protein expression level reduced (38.14%) significantlyfollowing acute eccentric resistance exercise (P=0.01).Conclusion: It seems that eccentric or concentric muscular contraction modulates the expression of PAX7 and MyoDprotein expression in the skeletal muscle, with further effects observed in eccentric resistance exercise.

Introduction: Aging affects cardiac function and heart output. Regular exercise can improve heart function in old age. This experimental study evaluated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiomyocyte autophagy and cardiac function. Methods: In this study, 24 older male Wistar rats (>20 months) were divided into three groups of Control, HIIT, and MICT. The animals in the control group received no training, while the HIIT and MICT groups performed high and moderate training intensities at different intervals. Aerobic power and training capacity (VO2max) were also assessed before the training. After eight weeks of training (5 days/week), two-dimensional echocardiography was used for the sonographic assessment of the heart, and the tissue samples of the left ventricle were dissected for assessing gene expression (PGC-1α and FOXO-3α). Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19 and presented using Mean±SD. P

Introduction: Aging is a physiological process that affects heart function. Training is known as a factor accelerating heart output, especially in aged individuals. In the present experimental study, the authors aimed to evaluate how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) affect autophagy, cardiac remodeling, and cardiac function. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats, approximately 20 months old, were divided into three groups of control, HIIT, and MICT. The training programs lasted for eight weeks. Aerobic power and training capacity were also assessed. Two-dimensional echocardiography was also applied to assess cardiac indices. At the end of the experiment, tissue sampling of cardiac tissue was applied, and gene expression was assessed using the qRT-PCR technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19. Results: After HIIT and MICT, no significant changes were detected regarding the animal weight. Also, mTORC1, Atg16, and Atg7 gene expression and ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were accelerated in HIIT and MICT groups compared to control animals. Besides, the collagen type 3 (COLIII) gene expression, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) showed a significant increase (p

Small renal masses (SRM) are defined as contrast-enhancing solid masses detected on diagnostic imaging, with a size of less than or equal to 4cm, corresponding to renal cell carcinoma stage T1a. These tumours are mainly benign, with an indolent nature and rare metastatic potential. Given the size and nature of these tumours, there has been a significant evolution and in management modalities of these tumours. These range from conventional radical approaches such as radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, to more conservative approaches such as active surveillance, and some novel emerging management strategies such as various thermal ablation techniques. The treatment decision depends on patient factors such as age and co-morbidity, and tumour factor on radiological imaging, such as tumour size, location, growth rate and biopsy result. In this review, we aim to provide the latest updates on approaching SRM and various management modalities.

Adipose tissue affects the lipid and glucose metabolism by secreting various adipokines such as lipocalin 2. The aim of present study was to compare the effect of 12 weeks’ moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on the serum levels of lipocalin 2 in obese women. Thirty-six obese women with average age of 26.3±3.41 years old and body mass index of 31.6±1.27 kg.m2 were assigned to three groups consisting of control, MICT and HIIT groups. Both exercise training program conducted for 12 weeks three sessions per week. The MICT intensity was 60-70 percent of the maximum heart rate and the intensity for HIIT program considered 90 percent of maximum heart rate. Blood samples collected in pre and post-test stages and the levels of desired variables were measured. Data analysis was performed by the analysis of covariance test and Bonferroni post hoc-test (p

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of eight weeks of continuous and interval training on PGC-1α and FNDC5 gene expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of male Wistar rats. 30 eight-week-old rats with an average weight of 192 ± 10 were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10): control group (Ctrl), interval endurance training group (IET) and continuous endurance training group (CET). The exercise groups participated in 8 weeks of continuous or interval training program (5 days per week). 24 hours after the last training session, all the rats were anesthetized and their gastrocnemius muscles were collected and transferred to the laboratory to measure the mRNA levels of PGC-1α and FNDC5 genes by Real Time-PCR method. The results showed that the expression level of FNDC5 in the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly higher in the interval and continuous endurance training groups than in the control group. Also, the expression of this gene was higher in the interval group than in the continuous group. It was also found that the expression of PGC-1α gene was significantly increased in both training groups compared to the control group. Also, the expression of this gene increased significantly in the interval training group compared to the continuous. It seems that interval endurance training has a greater effect on the expression of PGC-1α and FNDC5 factors in the gastrocnemius muscle.

IntroductionThis study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) combined with spinach-derived thylakoid supplementation on some selected Adipokines and insulin resistance in males with obesity.MethodSixty-eight participants (mean age: 27.6 ± 8.4 yrs.; mean height: 168.4 ± 2.6 cm; mean weight: 95.7 ± 3.8 kg, mean BMI: 32.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups of 17 per group: Control group (CG), Supplement group (SG), Training group (TG), and Training + supplement group (TSG). Following baseline measurements, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started the 12 weeks of exercise training program (3 sessions per week). A total of 36 sessions lasting up to 60 min were included in the HIFT program using the CrossFit program. The eligible participants received 5 g/day of thylakoid-rich spinach extract or matching placebo as 5 g/day of raw corn starch (one sachet, 30 min before lunch) for 12 weeks. Baseline assessments were obtained 48 hours before the start of the training protocols and 48 hours after the last training session in all groups.ResultsThere were significant interactions (p

Background & objective: Diabetes causes chronic problems in the structure and function of tissues, such as apoptosis and fibrosis in addition to glycemic disorders. In this study the effect of 8 weeks of endurance and resistance training on various signaling pathways of apoptosis and tissue fibrosis of the heart of diabetic rats was investigated. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats, approximately 8-10 weeks old, weight about 210-250 grams, received intraperitoneal injection of diabetic streptozotocin and were randomly divided into three groups: endurance training, resistance training and control group. The rats of the endurance training group were trained on the treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days a week with intensity of vo2Max 60-80%. The resistance training group was trained on the ladder with a slope of 85 degrees and with a weight equals to 30-100% of their body weight. Forty eight hours after the last training session, blood samples were collected and ventricular tissues of mice were extracted. Glucose, insulin, serum insulin resistance index and Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 8 gene expression levels and Bax to Bcl-2 ratio were evaluated. Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin staining methods were used for histological examination of diabetic rat's heart structure to detect fibrosis. Results: There was a significant decrease in Bax gene expression and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, and also there was a significant increase in Bcl-2 and caspase 8 in the endurance and resistance training groups in comparison with the control group. The rate of cardiomyocyte fiber rupture in the endurance and resistance groups was less than the control group, and the presence of lymphocyte cells was observed in some fibers in the control group. (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that high-intensity resistance training and moderate-intensity endurance training can prevent tissue fibrosis caused by collagen deposition in diabetes, and these two types of training can reduce the factors involved in apoptosis both in the internal and external pathways. On the other hand, this training intensity can be used as an effective non-pharmacological method to reduce the problems of apoptosis and fibrosis caused by diabetes in the heart tissue.

Introduction: Obesity-related inflammation has an important role in increasing the risk of various pathological conditions, including insulin resistance. In this study, the effects of 8 weeks of moderate and high-intensity circuit resistance training on the levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) and insulin resistance were investigated in sedentary men.Methods: In this study, 36 sedentary men (average BMI: 30.64 ± 3.14 kg/m2, age of 20 to 35 years old) were randomly assigned to the control (C), moderate-intensity circuit resistance training (MRT), and high-intensity circuit resistance training (HRT) groups. The training protocol was performed during eight weeks (three sessions per week). Blood samples were collected before and after eight weeks of training, and serum levels of SAA, insulin, and glucose were measured. The data were analyzed by SPSS-24 software using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test with the Bonferroni post hoc test.Results: The present study’s findings indicated that SAA levels and insulin resistance significantly reduced in the HRT and MRT groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001). However, our results showed that the changes observed in SAA and insulin resistance were not significantly different between the HRT and MRT groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: It seems that HRT has no extra effects on inflammation and insulin resistance compared to MRT; however, changes in the levels of other inflammatory mediators should be determined.

Introduction: Exercise and antioxidants consumption are known as protective effect against the risk of diabetes. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and thyme honey on the expression of Nkx2.5 and Tbx5 genes in the heart tissue of male type 2 diabetic rats. Material & Methods: This experimental study was performed on 36 male diabetic rats which were randomly divided into four groups of control (n=8), HIIT (n=10), thyme honey (n=8), and HIIT+thyme honey (n=10). The HIIT training intervention was conducted in eight weeks (five sessions per week) and included 2 to 8 intervals with 2 min running at 80%-90% VO2max and 1 min at 50%-56% VO2max. Additionally, the supplement groups consumed 3 g/kg of thyme honey, 5 days/week. Both Nkx2.5 and Tbx5 gene expression in heart tissue were measured using real-time RT-PCR. To evaluate the differences among the groups, ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests were used at the significance level of P≤0.05. (Ethic code: IR.SSRC.REC.1399.080) Findings: The results revealed that the expression of the Nkx2.5 gene was significantly increased only in the HIIT group, compared to the control group (P=0.03); however, it was not observed in other intervention groups (P>0.05). The expression of the Tbx5 gene was significantly increased in both HIIT (P=0.02) and HIIT+thyme honey (P=0.02) groups, compared to the control group. Discussion & Conclusion: The HIIT is associated with increased expression of the Nkx2.5 and Tbx5 genes in the heart tissue of diabetic rats; however, it can not be said exactly that thyme honey has similar effects in diabetic rats.

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has affected individual lives in several aspects, including physical activity and dietary pattern, which are common challenges among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this clinical trial was to investigate the effect of functional training along with online nutritional education on physical fitness indicators in 8-12 years old children with ASD. Methods: Eighty children with ASD (age = 9.73 ± 1.29 years, weight = 49.94 ± 2.08 kg, height = 146.08 ± 40 cm, BMI percentile = 64.88 ± 2.89, fat mass percentage = 24.71 ± 1.48) were randomly divided into four groups, including: (1) functional training, (2) online nutritional education, (3) functional training + nutritional education, and (4) control group. The interventional groups received their specific interventions for eight weeks and three session per week. The control group did not receive any intervention. Physical fitness indicators were assessed prior to the intervention and at the end of eight weeks.Results: There was no significant difference between the demographic and physical fitness parameters (PFPs), including upper limb, lower limb, abdominal, trunk strength, cardio-respiratory fitness, dynamic and static balance, flexibility, speed, and 1 repetition-maximum (1RM) between the groups before the interventions (P ˃ 0.05). There was a significant improvement in physical fitness indicators in all the interventional groups in comparison with the control group (P ≤ 0.001).Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that functional training and online nutritional education may improve physical fitness indicators in ASD children, offering beneficial health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is an interleukin-6-related cytokine with known hypertrophic and protective actions upon cardiac myocytes. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of 1- week aerobic exercise on serum levels of cardiotrophin-1 in female patients with hypertension.Methods: in this study, 35 old women aged 50 to 70 were randomly divided into two groups (15 controls and 15 controls). The exercise program included aerobic exercises conducted increasingly 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Before the exercise, and 24 hours after the last session, blood samples and the body composition were taken. Data were collected and analyzed using one-way ANCOVA and Tukey post hoc test at a significant level of P≤0/05.Results: According to the results, twelve weeks of exercise did not significantly affect CT-1 level.Conclusion: Overall, it seems that 12-week aerobic exercise has been beneficial in patients with hypertension and has been improving myocardial function; however, further studies are needed.

Background: Exercise and antioxidants are well known for the protection against the risk of diabetes. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of intermittent exercise and thyme honey on the proliferation and differentiation of cardiac cells in male rats with type 2 diabetes.Methods: This experimental study was performed on 36 male diabetic rats which were randomly divided into four groups: control (n = 8), HIIT (n = 10), thyme honey (n = 8) and HIIT*thyme honey (n = 10) groups. The HIIT intervention of 8 weeks, including 2 to 8 of intrmittent running for 2 mins at 80-90% VO2max and 1 min at 50-56% VO2max, was performed for 5 sessions per week. Additionally, 3 g/kg thyme honey was fed, 5 days/week, in supplement groups. Both Nkx2.5 and Tbx5 genes expression in heart tissue was measured by real-time RT-PCR. To evaluate the differences between the groups, ANOVA and LSD post hoc test were used with the significance level of P ≤ 0.05.Findings: Analysis revealed that expression of Nkx2.5, Gata4 and Tbx5 gene were significantly higher in HIIT compared with the control group whereas these findings were not repeated in Tbx5 and Nkx2.5 indices of the honey group (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The HIIT is associated with increased expression of Nkx2.5, Tbx5 and Gata4 (1)genes in heart tissue of diabetic rats, while thyme honey did not have similar benefits in diabetic rats.

BackgroundAs the demand for kidney transplants continues to increase globally, healthcare institutions face a challenge to bridge the gap between patients waitlisted for kidney transplants and the number of donors. A major factor influencing the donor's decision is the operative risk and potential complications of the surgery. Open surgical approaches have been vastly replaced with laparoscopic donor nephrectomies as the standard of practice. However, there is a growing body of evidence pointing towards its potential superiority over laparoscopic methods. In this study, we aim to present our experience on outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Live Donor Nephrectomies (RALDN), the first series of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsWe retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent RALDN at Mediclinc City Hospital. Demographic data, laboratory investigations, and operative details were collected and analyzed.ResultsSeven patients underwent RALDN between 2021 and April 2022 at our facility. Four donors were male while three were female. Median length of hospital stay was 4 days. In our study, one of the patients suffered from a Clavien-Dindo grade IV complication which necessitated prolonged admission.ConclusionWe conclude that RALDN is a safe method for donor kidney procurement, carrying a low risk of morbidity and mortality. This method could potentially evolve the number of kidney donors to address the issue of high kidney transplant demand.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted health and care workers (HCW) globally, whom are considered at greater risk of infection and death. This study aims to document emerging evidence on disease prevalence, clinical outcomes, and vaccination rates of HCWs.Methods: Three databases were surveyed resulting on 108 final articles between July–December 2020 (period 1) and January–June 2021 (period 2).Results: Amongst the overall 980,000 HCWs identified, in period 1, the estimates were 6.1% (95% CI, 4.1–8.8) for the PCR positivity rate. Regarding outcomes, the hospitalization prevalence was 1.6% (95% CI, 0.7–3.9), and mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1–0.8). In period 2, the PCR positivity rate was 8.1% (95% CI, 4.6–13.8). Analysis of outcomes revealed a hospitalization rate of 0.7% (95% CI 0.3–1.8), and average mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.9). Our analysis indicated a HCW vaccination rate of 59.0% (95% CI, 39.4–76.1).Conclusion: Studies from the latter half of 2020 to the first half of 2021 showed a slight increasing trend in PCR positivity among HCW, along with improved clinical outcomes in the 1-year period of exposure. These results correlate well with the improving uptake of COVID-19 vaccination globally.

BackgroundIn competency-based medical education (CBME), “Assessment for learning” or “Formative Assessment” (FA) plays a key role in augmenting student learning. FAs help students to measure their progress over time, enabling them to proactively improve their performance in summative assessments. FAs also encourage students to learn in a way where they address their knowledge gaps and gaps in their conceptualization of the subject matter. The effectiveness of an FA, as a learning and development instrument, relies on the degree of student involvement in the corresponding educational intervention’s design and implementation. The extent of students’ engagement in FA can be evaluated by appraising their perception regarding the educational intervention itself. ObjectiveThis proof-of-concept study aims to develop a systemic understanding of a Formative Assessment as an Instructional Tool (FAIS) implemented in a biochemistry course in the Basic Medical Sciences component of an undergraduate entry, CBME. MethodsThe educational intervention in question is an FAIS, which is implemented in a biochemistry course in the first semester of a 6-year bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery program. When developing the FAIS, each area of knowledge, skills, and attitudes were considered. Assessment formats are developed per Miller’s learning pyramid. This multiphase study is meant to rely on a convergent mixed methods design, where qualitative and quantitative data are independently collected and analyzed. Thereafter, the outputs of analyses are systematically merged using joint display analysis process. Qualitative data are collected through a focus group session that captures the students’ perception toward the FAIS. Data collection, integral to this focus group session, is exploratory. The inductive qualitative data analysis follows Braun and Clarke’s 6-step framework. The quantitative component of this study revolves around investigating the effect of the FAIS on the course’s summative assessment. The summative assessment performance of the 71 students, enrolled in the FAIS cohort, will be compared to that of the students in the non-FAIS cohort. The total duration of the proposed multiphase research study is 6 months. ResultsThis proposed multiphase study is expected to showcase, from a systemic perspective, the effectiveness of the respective educational intervention. It will shed light on the participating students’ attitudes in relation to the usefulness of FA in achieving competency goals and in fostering self-directed learning. The proposed study could also uncover the hypothesized association between the FA intervention and enhanced performance in summative assessments. ConclusionsOur findings will generate evidence regarding the application of FAs, which can be leveraged by other medical educators in contexts similar to those under investigation. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/41626