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Background and Purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of psychotic illness that can occur after traumatic events such as war, childhood abuse, rape, natural disasters like earthquakes, and other unfortunate life events. These stresses can damage different brain areas, leading to behavioral changes associated with these regions. Chronic stress increases the activity of microglial cells, resulting in the loss of dendritic spines in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Additionally, memory formation is impaired after stress exposure, leading to the inability to replace new memories with previous disturbing ones. The pathophysiology of PTSD involves changes in specific anatomical regions and circuits of the brain. Damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) can hinder the ability to forget inappropriate and disturbing memories. The PFC plays a crucial role in the brain's physiological response, providing the necessary functions to create calm, rational, and flexible responses. Studies have shown that acute stress weakens the prefrontal cortex. Medications for psychotic disorders have side effects, and there is a risk of relapse in some patients. Finding new treatment methods with greater benefits and minimal side effects is essential. Exercise, as an adjunctive treatment, may improve the structural and functional changes caused by stress. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, Wistar male laboratory rats and a single prolonged stress animal model were used as valid models for PTSD induction. Following a 4-week exercise intervention on a treadmill (forced exercise at moderate intensity) — the first two weeks at a speed of 10 m/min for half an hour a day and the second two weeks at a speed of 15 m/min for half an hour a day, 5 days per week — cognitive memory and fear extinction were evaluated using behavioral tests (ORMT and Extinction). The animals were then euthanized under deep anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine. The brains were removed, and the hippocampus was fixed for histological studies using the Golgi staining method. The prefrontal cortex was also frozen at -80°C for BDNF measurement. Results: The results of this study showed that rats suffering from PTSD exhibited a decrease in fear extinction (the ability to forget disturbing memories), an increase in freezing behavior, a reduction in cognitive memory, a decrease in BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex, and a reduction in dendritic branches. The selected exercise program significantly improved behavioral deficits (cognitive memory and fear extinction) and reduced freezing behavior as a measure of fear. Additionally, BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex increased, and a relative increase in dendritic branches in the hippocampus was observed after the exercise protocol. Conclusion: A regular 4-week course of moderate-intensity exercise can improve the structural and functional damage caused by stress in an animal model of PTSD, particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as ameliorate deficits in cognitive memory and reduce fear responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: Electrocardiography (ECG) is the most widely utilized diagnostic tool in medicine. However, nursing students often have problems with interpreting ECGs, highlighting the need for revised training methods. This study aimed to assess the effect of ECG drawing assignments on nursing students' learning and their perspectives on this teaching method in the context of a critical care nursing course. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study involved 52 fifthsemester BSc nursing students enrolled in the fall and spring terms at Qom University of Medical Sciences. For the fall group, traditional lectures and Q&A sessions were conducted during the first half of the semester, followed by an assignment requiring students to draw common ECGs in the second half. In contrast, for the spring group, students drew ECGs during the first half of the semester. Learning outcomes were assessed through a written test, while students’ perspectives on the drawing assignments were evaluated using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, employing Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests to compare groups. Results: The mean score from the perspective questionnaire regarding ECG drawing was 14.86±3.34 (maximum score of 18). In most cases, students had positive or relatively positive views towards this teaching method. A significant difference was observed between the course exam scores of students when they engaged in drawing ECGs compared to when they did not (P<0.001). Conclusion: Drawing ECGs can be helpful in enhancing learning outcomes in the critical care nursing course and may increase students’ motivation to learn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychotic disorder that occurs in people who have faced with various types of stressors. However, the efficacy of drug and psychotherapy methods, even in combination is still low. Therefore, complementary treatments are being researched. The relative improvement of PTSD has been observed with the use of Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). The effect of exercise has also been determined in improving physical and mental health. But the appropriate exercise intensity is still in question. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intense exercise, fluoxetine, and their combined treatment on behavioral, molecular, and cellular damages caused by a standard model of PTSD. Materials and methods: Single prolonged stress (SPS) was used as a model to induce PTSD. Exercise (1 hour, 15 m/min) was planned for five days per week and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day) dissolved in drinking water was administered for four weeks. After performing the anxiety test, the animals were killed under deep anesthesia and blood samples were collected to measure IGF-1 serum levels by ELISA method and prefrontal cortex was frozen to measure apoptotic factors by RT-PCR method. Results: SPS rats showed increased anxiety levels and decreased serum IGF-1 levels. Increased Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA expression, and decreased Bcl2 mRNA expression were found in the prefrontal cortex. Exercise, fluoxetine, and their combined intervention increased IGF-1, decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic factors, and increased the expression of anti-apoptotic factors. The results showed that the combined intervention of exercise and fluoxetine could reduce the anxiety caused by SPS. Conclusion: Considering that fluoxetine was more effective in comparison with high-intensity exercise, it is clear that in the groups that were affected by both interventions; fluoxetine played a more significant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs in some people after experiencing shocking events. In this disorder, the function of some hormonal and neurotransmitter systems are disturbed. Physical activity, by inducing beneficial effects on the brain structure, improves anxiety behaviors, increases the level of BDNF, and reduces the harmful effects of some neurological diseases. There are different perspectives on the most effective type of exercise that can have positive effects on physical and mental health. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of high and moderate exercise on healthy male and female rats and rats with PTSD. Materials and methods: Single prolonged stress (SPS) was used to induce PTSD in Wistar rats weighing (200-250 g). Moderate and high intensity exercise was performed and after four weeks, anxiety test was performed by EPM and serum levels of corticosterone, and hippocampal and serum BDNF were measured using Eliza. Results: The present study showed that SPS leads to increase in anxiety and serum corticosterone and decrease in hippocampal BDNF in male and female rats. Moderate-intensity exercise could improve these factors in male and female sham and PTSD rats, but high intensity exercise has no significant effects (P=0.991, P=0.999, P=0.996, respectively). Our findings showed no significant gender-related differences in these factors (P=1.000, P=0.998, P=0.984, respectively). Conclusion: Moderate intensity exercise can be a suitable type of physical activity to reduce anxiety and increase hippocampal BDNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Exposure to organophosphorus (OP) compounds may contribute to an increased risk of cognitive impairments and induction of oxidative stress. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of exposure to paraoxon (the active metabolite of insecticide parathion) on cognitive function and oxidative stress biomarkers. Materials and methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n= 56, 7 per group) were used in this study. Corn oil or paraoxon at 0.3, 0.7, or 1 mg/kg were intraperitoneally administrated. After 14 or 28 days, the animals were examined by Morris water maze to determine spatial learning and memory. The effects of paraoxon on hippocampal glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also investigated. Results: Escape latency and swimming distance significantly increased in animals that received 1 mg/kg of paraoxon at both time points (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). In the probe test, animals intoxicated with paraoxon 1 mg/kg spent less time in the target zone and had lower swimming distance and swimming speed compared with the control group. No significant difference was observed in the performance of paraoxon-intoxicated animals in the water maze with visible platform compared with the control group (P>0.05). Exposure to paraoxon 1 mg/kg was associated with decreased GSH and increased MDA levels in the hippocampus. Conclusion: The study showed that exposure to high dose of paraoxon (1 mg/kg) impaired spatial learning and memory independent of any changes in sensorimotor deficit. Induction of oxidative stress plays an important role in development of cognitive impairments caused by exposure to paraoxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychotic illness caused by different types of stressors and is associated with high economic and psychological burdens on health systems. Physiological studies of the brain have shown that serum corticosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels have important roles during brain damage and trauma to the nervous system. In this project, we studied the effect of exercise as an effective factor on improving anxiety and serum levels of corticosterone and IGF-1in male PTSD rats. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, single prolonged stress (SPS) was used to induce PTSD in male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups: Sham (Non-SPS [NSPS]) and SPS. The two groups were then divided into two subgroups and one of the subgroups in each group did the exercise after two weeks which continued for four weeks according to the following program: moderate treadmill exercise, 5 days a week; the first two weeks 10m/min and the second two weeks 15m/min). Then, anxiety test was performed by open field test and serum levels of IGF-1 and corticosterone were measured using Eliza. Results: The rats in SPS group exhibited increased anxiety levels in open field test, decreased serum IGF-1 levels, and increased serum corticosterone levels compared with the controls. Moderate treadmill exercise alleviated SPS-induced alterations, anxiety, and IGF-1 and corticosterone levels. Conclusion: Moderate exercise could be used as a useful complementary treatment in behavioral and molecular injuries in PTSD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since education is a profession and is the foundation of sustainable human development, the observance of professional ethics in teaching and/or education will lead to the realization of educational goals in universities. Therefore, the present study or the purpose of evaluating the professional ethics of the teaching of professors from the Viewpoint of medical and pharmacy students was conducted in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The present study is descriptive cross-sectional. The study population included all medical and pharmacy professional doctoral students entering the 99-98 Iranian academic year in which 118 people were randomly selected. The data collection tool was the professional ethics questionnaire of Professor prepared by Sobhaninejad et al. That was in the form of 6 components and 48 items.The scoring scale of the items was based on the Likert five-choice scale from one to five. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (single group t-test and independent t-test) using SPSS21 statistical software. Result: The total score of teachers 'professional ethics from the students' point of view was 3.59±0.63 and there was no significant difference (p = 0.231) between the views of male (3.5±0.65) and female (3.65±0.61) students. The results of comparing the components of teaching between students of the two fields showed that score of components of standard evaluation and learner cognition from views of medical students were higher than pharmacy students. Conclusion: Although the total average score obtained by the professional ethics of teaching professors in the two schools was at an average and relatively desirable level, is still far from the desired and standard situation and needs more planning by educational planners in order to improve the level of professional ethics of teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after experiencing traumatic events. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line treatment for PTSD. The search for effective treatment methods in this disease continues. Drug and psychotherapy treatments have achieved relatively good results at the same time, however, the efficiency of these methods is still low, even in combination with each other. Therefore, more studies are needed to identify treatments with less side effects and longer duration. The effect of exercise in improving physical and mental health has been emphasized in various studies, but the appropriate intensity of exercise is still in question. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of intense exercise and fluoxetine on behavioral and molecular damage caused by a standard model of PTSD. Methods and Materials: Single prolonged stress was used as a model to induce PTSD, (restrained for 2h, forced to swim for 20 min, and loss of consciousness with ether) and were then kept undisturbed for 14 days. Exercise (15 m/min for 60 min/day) and drug (10 mg/kg/day) intervention was done for 4 weeks. After performing the anxiety test, the animals were killed under deep anesthesia, prefrontal cortex was extract and frozen to measure apoptotic factors by RT-PCR method. Results: SPS rats showed an increase in anxiety levels and increased apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex. Exercise and Fluoxetine intervention reduced the injuries caused by SPS. The effect of fluoxetine was more pronounced than the effect of high-intensity exercise, and it is possible that the drug played a more important role in the groups that were affected by both. Conclusion: It is possible that intense exercise will not be able to produce significant effects, due to side effects such as fatigue and possibly activated oxidative processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stroke has been known to affect endocrine systems. This pilot study aimed to examine the change in thyroid hormones and TSH during the first two days after a stroke. Methods and Materials: This descriptive-analytic study was done on ischemic stroke patients at Bouali Hospital, Sari, Iran. Blood samples for thyroid hormones and TSH were gathered on admission and on the second day of hospitalization. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Fifty patients (21 men, 29 women) with a mean age of 69.73 (SD±12.31) were included. The majority of patients had a high level of TSH and T4 with a normal level of T3 on the first and second days of hospitalization. There was no relationship between thyroid hormones and TSH on the second day. Conclusion :According to the results, stroke affects the levels of thyroid hormones, TSH, and the negative feedback on the pituitary–thyroid axis. Because of the inconsistency in the results of existing studies, further basic and clinical research with the same method and data analysis is needed. Regarding the results of the present study, monitoring thyroid status in stroke patients is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after major trauma that is accompanied by certain signs, including pervasive fear memories, anxiety, abnormality in spatial and cognition memory, and decrease in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment for PTSD. This study aimed at investigating the effects of moderate treadmill exercise and fluoxetine on spatial memory and serum BDNF levels in rat model of PTSD. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, single prolonged stress (SPS) animal model of PTSD was used. Male and female rats were divided into SPS and control groups (n=10 per group). After that, they were subjected to moderate treadmill running (5 days per week/four weeks) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day). Then, behavioral assessment and BDNF measurement were done. Results: SPS male rats showed reduced spatial memory and hippocampal BDNF. Female rats showed more resistance to SPS than male rats. This may be due to the effects of gonadal hormones. The intervention alleviated the SPS-induced alterations in hippocampal-dependent spatial memory and BDNF serum levels in both male and female rats (P<0.05). Conclusion: Combined exercise and fluoxetine administration are more effective in alleviating behavioral and molecular deficits in PTSD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Unpredictable stressors cause changes in behavioral parameters such as motor and exploratory behaviors, feeding, and sexual and anxiety behaviors. Stress leads to the release of corticosteroids and, as a result, causes dysfunction in different parts of the nervous system. A decrease in the synaptic levels of serotonin or norepinephrine in different parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and a decrease in BDNF production in the hippocampus may also contribute to stress-related complications. Posttraumatic stress disorder occurs in some people after facing a severe stressful event. In PTSD, the activity and function of many physiological systems are disturbed. Fluoxetine, or Prozac, is used to treat neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by the serotonin transporter (SERT) in neurons. Some studies have shown that females respond better to SSRI antidepressants than males, which may be due to the interaction between estrogenic and serotonergic pathways. BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family and is expressed in several tissues and cells such as the brain and blood. Its role in several mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and PTSD, has been identified. SPS (single prolonged stress) as an animal model of PTSD decreases the mRNA expression of BDNF in hippocampus rats and causes anxiety-like behaviors. The role of gender differences in the effect of antidepressants and clinical interventions in psychotic diseases is also discussed. Sex hormones in women affect the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of antidepressants. Women respond better to fluoxetine than men during reproductive years. Considering the different results regarding the effectiveness of effective drugs in the treatment of psychotic diseases in both sexes, in this study, we aim to investigate the response of male and female rats exposed to stress to the trial of fluoxetine. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, Wistar male and female rats with an average weight of 200-250 grams were used (56 animals, 8 groups of 7). The selection of the number of animals was based on previous studies in this field. After the drug intervention period, and fear and anxiety suppression test, the animals were killed under deep anesthesia, and a blood sample was collected to prepare serum to measure BDNF and corticosterone levels (using the Eliza kit of Germany Zelbio Company and according to the kit protocol). All experiments were performed according to the laboratory animal protocol of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The work steps are as follows: 1. Creation of PTSD through SPS was done in three stages, 2. Drug intervention: the drug dose for all groups is 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks dissolved in drinking water, 3. Evaluation of anxiety-like behaviors with the light-dark box (L/D BOX), 4. Evaluation of the ability to forget painful memories with the fear silence test, 5. Measurement of BDNF and corticosterone in serum by Eliza method. Results: In this study, it was observed that male and female rats that were exposed to single prolonged stress showed a decrease in fear extinction an increase in anxiety-like behaviors in the dark-light box test, and an increase in serum corticosterone. Fluoxetine led to an increase in the percentage of fear extinction, a decrease in the Entrance Latency in the light area, the Time in the Light Compartment, the number of rearing, and a decrease in serum corticosterone significantly in both sexes(P<0.05). The change in serum BDNF levels in both sexes before and after stress was not significant. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that exposure to stress leads to behavioral and biochemical damage in male and female rats. The use of fluoxetine 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks improved the damage caused by stress, but there was a significant difference in Response of both genders to the above treatment was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of psychiatric disorder that occurs after exposure to traumatic events, is associated with anxiety and abnormality in the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cognitive functions. Physical activity can improve symptoms of somatic and neuropsychiatric disorders; however, appropriate exercise intensity and duration are still in question. In the present study, the effects of high-intensity exercise on anxiety-like behaviors, fear extinction, serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and expression of apoptosis-related genes were investigated in the prefrontal cortex of the rat PTSD model. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, single prolonged stress (SPS) was used to induce PTSD in adult male Wistar rats. After 10 days, the animals in the exercise groups were subjected to high-intensity treadmill exercise (20 m/min, 5 days/week) for four weeks. Next, anxiety-like behaviors and fear extinction were examined using open field and shuttle box tests, respectively. Thereafter, serum IGF-1 and brain BDNF were measured by ELISA kits; and expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in the prefrontal cortex were measured by real-time PCR. Results: SPS rats showed increased anxiety and decreased fear extinction, serum IGF-1, and prefrontal BDNF compared to the control animals. In addition, SPS induced apoptosis by an increase in Bax and caspase-3 and a decrease in Bcl-2. High-intensity exercise reduced apoptosis and increased serum IGF-1 significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: High-intensity exercise decreases anxiety-like behaviors by increasing serum IGF-1 and inhibiting apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex of PTSD rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental and physical complication. Fluoxetine (FLX) as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is considered as the first line of treatment for PTSD. Exercise can improve the symptoms of PTSD. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of exercise and FLX on testicular tissue and sex hormones in rats with PTSD. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 80 adult male rats were divided into two groups: PTSD and healthy. Then, each group was divided into four subgroups: control, exercise, fluoxetine, and fluoxetine + exercise. PTSD was induced by single prolonged stress. Fourteen days after induction of PTSD, moderate forced treadmill exercise was performed for 4 weeks, 5 days/week. Fluoxetine was administered at 10 mg/kg/day dissolved in drinking water for 4 weeks. Four weeks after treatment, the fear extinction test, testicular structure, and testosterone and FSH levels were evaluated. Results: PTSD decreased testosterone level and fear extinction but increased follicle-stimulating hormone. Fluoxetine and exercise had protective effect on testicular damage and also increased testosterone level and extinction index but decreased FSH level. Findings showed that co-administration of exercise and fluoxetine was more effective on these parameters. Combination of exercise and fluoxetine significantly increased fear extinction in PTSD rats (P<0.05). Conclusion: Exercise and fluoxetine had a protective effect on testicular tissue structure and hormonal disorders caused by PTSD and also decreased fear caused by stress, which is one of the symptoms of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after experiencing major trauma. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line treatment for PTSD. This study aimed at investigating the effects of moderate treadmill exercise and fluoxetine on anxiety, spatial memory, and positive tunnel cells in the hippocampus in a rat model of PTSD. Materials and methods: We used single prolonged stress (SPS) model as an animal model for PTSD. Male and female rats were divided into two groups: Sham and SPS. After Two weeks, interventions, including treadmill exercise (4 weeks, 5 days per week), fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day), and combined treatment were performed. Then, anxiety and memory test and tunnel assessments were done. Results: SPS rats exhibited increased anxiety levels in light/dark box and enhanced hippocampal apoptotic cells. Male SPS rats showed impaired spatial memory in object-location memory task. Treadmill exercise, fluoxetine, and combined treatment reduced anxiety levels, improved spatial memory, and decreased positive tunnel cells in the hippocampus. Furthermore, combined treatment with fluoxetine and treadmill exercise was found to be more effective than fluoxetine alone. Female rats had more resilience than male rats. Conclusion: Combined intervention with moderate exercise and fluoxetine is more useful in treatment of behavioral and cellular injuries in PTSD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]