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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the balance recovery strategy in children with hearing (HI) and visual impairments (VI) compared with those without these disorders. Materials and Methods: This study featured a cross-sectional design with subjects (N = 45) placed within one of three equally stratified purposive groups (HI, VI, and comparison) within the age range of 9–13 years (mean = 11.43, SD = 1.5). Balance recovery strategy was measured in static and after-perturbation conditions by a four-camera Vicon system used to record three-dimensional lower body kinematic data. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (3 × 2, Group × Condition) was utilized to analyze data. Significance was set at p ≤.05. Results: In the static condition, the results of the study showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in the ankle joint sway (p >.05). In hip joint sway, VI children had greater sway compared with comparison (p =.001) and HI children (p =.02). Also, HI children had greater sways than comparison (p =.02). In the after-perturbation condition, the results showed that VI children had greater sway in the hip and ankle joints than HI children (p =.001) and comparison (p =.001) to restore and maintain balance. Conclusion: It seems that comparison as well as higher proportion VI children use a hip strategy to maintain and restore balance. Also, it seems that HI children use a different strategy (ankle strategy) to maintain and restore balance compared with comparison and VI children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with visual impairment have balance deficits; therefore, this systematic review aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the balance control of individuals with visual impairments when compared with individuals with full vision. Methods: Primary sources were obtained from eight databases including PubMed. LILACS, Science Direct, SCOPUS, CINAHL. PEDro, CENTRAL. and Web of Science. The search period covered years from inception to January 10, 2022. Results: A total of 20 studies with 29 trials with 1,280 participants were included in the systematic review. The results showed that individuals with sight had better static and dynamic balance than individuals with visual impairment (p = .001). However, individuals with visual impairment had significantly better static balance with visual perturbation and stronger static balance with visual and proprioception perturbation (p = .001). Furthermore. individuals with sight had better balance control than individuals with visual impairment who participated in sports (p = .001). Finally, individuals with visual impairment who participated in sports had better balance control than sedentary people with visual impairment (p = .001). Conclusion: individuals with visual impairment have defects in both dynamic and static balance when compared to individuals with sight. In addition. balance improved with increasing age in individuals with visual impairment while balance control was dependent on the proprioception and vestibular systems. Also, individuals with sight had better balance than individuals with visual impairment who participated in sports and individuals with visual impairment who participated in sports compared with sedentary people with visual impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatigue leads to an acute decline in muscle strength, altered patterns of lower extremity muscle activation, changes in hip and knee kinematics. In terms of the effects of fatigue on knee joint kinematics during plyometric training, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding kinematic differences between athletes who passed the ACL reconstructions rehabilitation period and healthy athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to compare lower limb joint kinematic parameters between reconstructed cruciate ligament and healthy control soccer players during jump landing in a fatigued setting. Methods: Lower limb kinematic parameters were recorded in 20 professional soccer players (age, 24.95 ± 2.92 years; body mass, 77.20 ± 12.88 kg; height, 1.77 ± 3.19 m) during jump landing task before and after the fatigue protocol. The control group consisted of healthy subjects and the experimental group consisted of subjects with ACL reconstruction by thigh transplantation. Kinematic data was recorded with 4 cameras to measure lower limb angles at first foot contact and maximum range of motion. Results: The results showed that before fatigue, there was only a significant difference between the two groups in the maximum range of motion of the non-involved hip joint (P = 0.022) and angle of the involved hip at first contact (P = 0.049). In other data on joint range of motion or initial contact angle, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). After fatigue protocol, there was a significant difference in initial foot contact in non-involved (P = 0.030), and involved (P = 0.020) hip joint angles between the two groups. However, no significant difference in initial contact angle or range of motion of other joints was observed between the groups. Conclusions: This study shows that plyometric fatigue does not contribute to numerous changes in contact angles and range of motion in lower extremity joints in healthy soccer players and those with a history of cruciate ligament repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, the effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on feed intake of mammals were studied. However, its role in avian feeding regulation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of BDNF on the food consumption of broilers and its interaction with the serotonergic system. For this purpose, five experiments were conducted on 220 broiler chickens. In the first treatment, broilers received intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of BDNF (7.5, 15, and 30 μg). BDNF (30 μg), Fluoxetine (10 μg), a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and BDNF + Fluoxetine were injected in the second treatment. In subsequent treatments, instead of Fluoxetine, PCPA (serotonin synthesis inhibitor, 1.25 μg), SB242084 (antagonist of 5-HT2C receptor, 1.5 µg), and 8-OH-DPAT (agonist of 5-HT1A receptor, 15.25 nmol) were applied. Then, cumulative food intake was recorded for 2 hours. Based on the results, BDNF injection (15 and 30 μg) caused a significant decrease in the food intake of broilers compared to the control group (p<0.05). Simultaneous administration of PCPA and SB242084 with BDNF suppressed BDNF-induced hypophagia (p<0.05), while the injection of Fluoxetine + BDNF strengthened this hypophagic effect (p<0.05). The decrease in feed intake caused by BDNF was not significantly changed by simultaneous injection of BDNF + 8-OH-DPAT (p>0.05). According to the findings, BDNF reduces broilers' food consumption, and this effect is probably mediated via 5-HT2C receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this research, bimetallic CdNi nanoparticles encapsulated in a magnetic spent coffee ground (Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi) was synthesized as a new nanocatalyst. The structural and chemical characteristics of Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi were comprehensively investigated using various techniques, including FT‐IR, XRD, XPS, TEM, VSM, EDS, TGA, BET, and ICP. Through XRD, XPS analysis, TEM images, and EDS mapping, the presence of CdNi nanoalloys was conclusively established. Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for the hydrogen generation from water using iso‐propanol as a clean sacrificial agent. The high catalytic performance of Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi was attributed to the synergistic cooperative effect of Cd and Ni within CdNi nanoalloys. Interestingly, this process was performed for the in situ generated hydrogen from water to reduce a range of nitrobenzenes simultaneously into the corresponding anilines in high yields (93%–98%). The magnetic and hydrophilic characteristics of Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi facilitated its reusability over five runs. Using water as the most abundant hydrogen source, for the first time for in situ hydrogen generation–reduction of nitrobenzenes without demanding on external light sources or power supplies can be mentioned as a significant milestone of this field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last few decades, identifying the physiological pathways involved in appetite regulation has become popular among researchers. Although studying feeding regulation in birds, especially in poultry (for breeding purposes) and ornamental birds (for therapeutic purposes), is extremely important, limited experiments have been conducted on these animal models. Until today, more than 50 neurotransmitters affecting birds' appetite have been identified. In the current study, we overviewed the role of one of the most important neural mediators, neuropeptide Y (NPY), in regulating avian appetite. Based on the findings, the presence of this neuropeptide and its receptors in the key areas of food intake regulation, especially the hypothalamus's arcuate nucleus (ARC), has been proven. Numerous studies on birds have repeatedly shown the hyperphagic effects of NPY. Among the different NPY receptors, type 1, 2, and 5 receptors play the most important role in appetite regulation. It has also been observed that the interaction of NPY with neurotransmitters such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1), vasotocin, bombesin, opioids, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is effective in NPY-induced hyperphagia. In addition, the NPY system is also involved in the effects of various mediators such as adiponectin, neuropeptide W (NPW), phoenixin-14, visfatin, adrenomedullin, spexin, kisspeptin, insulin, and somatostatin on appetite regulation. Finally, NPY seems to be one of the most important appetite-stimulating factors in birds and also plays an undeniable role in the effects of other neurotransmitters on appetite regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual hyperactivity, often linked with substantial psychological and social disturbances, remains under-researched, particularly in contexts like Iran where cultural and social norms may influence the reporting and treatment of such conditions. This study explores the therapeutic potential of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) and binaural beats (BB) in addressing this issue. The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of CR and BB in reducing symptoms of sexual hyperactivity and associated comorbid conditions, with a focus on fluctuations in sexual desire and overall mental health. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the study involved pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments to evaluate the interventions' impacts. Recruitment through social media yielded 45 participants from a larger pool, who were then assigned to either the CR group, the BB group, or a control group. The CR and BB interventions were administered over a period of 10 sessions, each lasting 20 min, 3 times a week. Significant improvements were observed in both intervention groups compared to the control group. The CR group showed a marked reduction in Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) scores from an initial average of 24.87 to 6.80 at follow-up, indicating a reduction in symptoms of sexual hyperactivity. The BB group also showed improvement, with SAST scores decreasing from 19.93 to 9.57. In terms of mental health comorbidities, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) scores decreased notably in the CR group from a baseline of 8.53 to 3.07 post-intervention, and in the BB group from 10.33 to 5.80. Both interventions showed similar effectiveness in reducing anxiety and stress, with no statistically significant differences between the groups for most of the outcomes studied, affirming their potential for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ascites or pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) is one of the significant problems in the poultry industry. Therefore, various studies have been conducted on its contributing factors. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of vitamin E in reducing the mRNA levels of caspase-1 (CASP1), caspase-2 (CASP2), and caspase-3 (CASP3) genes involved in the apoptosis pathway. Methods: Ninety fast-growing 1-day-old chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to three equal groups, including sham (basal diet), control (basal diet+1.5 mg/kg of triiodothyronine [T3]), and treatment group (basal diet+400 mg/kg of vitamin E+1.5 mg/kg of T3). To induce ascites, 1.5 mg/kg of T3 was added to basal diet from the seventh day to the end of the experiment. On the 21st and 49th days after rearing, 15 chicks from each group were randomly selected. The right ventricle/total ventricle weight ratio (RV/TV) and the expression levels of CASP1, CASP2, and CASP3 genes in the lung and right ventricle of all three groups of broiler chickens were measured and compared. Results: Although there was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of the RV/TV ratio on day 21 post-reared (P≥0.05), a significant decrease was detected in the vitamin E-receiving group compared to the control group with respect to the RV/TV ratio on day 49 post-reared (P<0.05). Also, vitamin E reduced the relative expression of CASP1, CASP2, and CASP3 at 49 days of age in the lung and heart tissues of broiler chickens with ascites (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it seems that vitamin E can reduce some apoptosis genes (CASP1, CASP2, and CASP3) associated with pulmonary hypertension in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive insights into balance control of individuals with hearing impairment are compared with individuals with hearing. Primary sources were obtained from 7 databases including PubMed, LILACS, SCOPUS, CINAHL, PEDro, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The search period extended from inception until January 5, 2022. The systematic review included 24 studies and 27 trials, with a total of 2,148 participants. The meta-analysis showed a significant difference in the average balance control between individuals with hearing impairment and individuals with hearing, with individuals with hearing having a favorable advantage (p = 0.001). Additionally, average balance control was found to be in favor of individuals with hearing (p = 0.001) when comparing individuals with hearing impairment who participated in sports. Finally, individuals with hearing impairment who participated in sports demonstrated a significantly higher average difference in balance control (p = 0.001) when compared to sedentary people with hearing impairment. Our meta-analysis results indicate a balance defect in individuals with hearing impairment compared to individuals with hearing. In addition, with increasing age, the balance in individuals with hearing impairment improved. Additionally, the dependence of individuals with hearing impairment on the visual and proprioception systems to maintain balance increased. Finally, there was more dependence on the proprioception than the visual system, while individuals with hearing had stronger average balance control than individuals with hearing impairment who participated in sports, when compared to sedentary people with hearing impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When mother's own milk (MOM) is unavailable or insufficient, donor milk (DM) from a human milk bank serves as an alternative feeding option. Our study sought to investigate and compare the outcomes and complications of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants who receive MOM versus DM. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2022, we compared 70 VLBW preterm infants exclusively fed with DM to 70 randomly selected counterparts fed with MOM. Both groups began enteral feeding within 72 hours of birth. Various clinical outcomes were investigated during a three-month follow-up. The clinical outcomes were compared via independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Fisher's exact test. Results: The mean gestational age of the infants who were included was 29.6 ± 1.6 weeks, 84 (60%) were males, and the average birth weight was 1217 ± 151 grams. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. The results of the study demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of hospital length of stay (37±16.3 days in MOM vs 40.3±16.9 days in DM group, P= 0.17), growth rate (13±4 gram/day in MOM vs 13±4 gram/day in DM group, P=0.51), growth velocity (9.8±3.0g/kg/d in MOM vs 9.5±3.2 g/kg/d in DM group), infants with in-hospital vomiting (51 cases in MOM vs 59 cases in DM group, P=0.15), vomiting frequency (1.3±1.1 times in MOM vs 1.5±1.0 times in DM group), incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (4 cases in MOM vs 5 cases in DM group, P>0.999) and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (7 cases in MOM vs 6 cases in DM group, P>0.999). Conclusion: Our study findings indicate that the utilization of DM didn't have a substantial negative impact on infants' outcomes nor any complications in comparison with MOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the mobility problems of the elderly, it is better to use low-cost and applicable methods in any place, which do not require expertise to measure gait. One of these ubiquitous methods is functional gait assessment (FGA). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to collect and evaluate FGA in the elderly. Materials & Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive study of FGA in the elderly by searching the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Google Scholar, Scopus, MAGIRAN, IRANDOC, Iran Medex, MedLib, and SID from 1996 to November 2020. After compiling the search results, we first studied the titles and then the abstracts. If an article matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria, its results were used in the review study; otherwise, it was excluded. Results: Based on the research criteria and objectives, from 23 different tests, the results of 19 articles that studied FGA in the elderly were selected and reported. Conclusion: Studies seem to attempt FGA in the elderly using different methods and for different purposes. For example, studies to assess gait velocity, normal gait, and gait, along with functional and cognitive tasks, have measured FGA in the elderly. Besides, the two main features of a valid test including sensitivity and specificity have been less studied. Therefore, more studies should focus on these test features in measuring FGA in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In recent years, various peptides have been introduced for the complementary treatment and management of post-reperfusion injuries. Nesfatin-1, a peptide secreted by the nervous system and peripheral tissues, modulates cardiac function, and plays an important role in the cardiovascular response to stress conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the preclinical evidence on the effect of Nesfatin-1 administration in the improvement of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. Method Online databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched until November 2nd, 2022, for articles investigating the therapeutic effects of Nesfatin-1 administration on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in preclinical models. Cardiac functions, infarct size, myocardial tissue fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, necroptosis, and necrosis were chosen as outcomes. The results are reported as an overall standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Our results demonstrate that the administration of Nesfatin-1 improves cardiac parameters such as ejection fraction (SMD = 3.94, 95% CI: 0.30 to 7.58), heart rate (SMD = 3.30, 95% CI: 0.41 to 6.18), and negative dp/dt (SMD = 2.05, 95% CI: 0.60 to 3.50) and positive dp/dt (SMD = 2.78, 95% CI: 0.56 to 4.99). Nesfatin-1 was shown to significantly reduce myocardial infarct size (SMD = -4.32, 95% CI: -5.95 to -2.69 and fibrosis (SMD = -3.91, 95% CI: -5.67 to -2.15). Apoptotic score (SMD = -2.07, 95% CI: -3.51 to -0.63) and oxidative stress were also reduced subsequent to Nesfatin-1 administration. Nesfatin-1 was not shown to decrease inflammation, necroptosis, and necrosis. Conclusion In conclusion, we demonstrated that Nesfatin-1 could serve as a potential therapeutic agent in ameliorating the secondary damages during myocardial I/R injury. Nesfatin-1 administration can preserve cardiac function by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and myocardial necrosis. However, much more studies are required to endorse further clinical translation of Nesfatin-1 to be utilized in the management of myocardial I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]