مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی گرگان
سال بیست و ششم شماره 1 (پیاپی 89، بهار 1403)

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition, genetic counseling is a process in which information is presented about how genetic conditions affect a patient or his/her family. A genetic counselor collects a patient’s personal and family health history to promote the family’s awareness and perception of specific genetic diseases, testing risks and advantages, disease management, and assessment of available therapeutic options. Intellectual disability (ID) and deafness are two common disabilities with considerable impacts on the quality of life of patients and their families. The present research has investigated the role of genetic counseling in the screening and prevention of deafness and ID based on the studies published in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases between 2015 and 2023. Genetic counseling can be employed as an influential tool in screening, early diagnosis, and prevention of ID and deafness. Considering that many cases of ID and deafness are rooted in individual genetics, genetic counseling can help lessen the risk factors of developing these disabilities and improve the quality of individual and family life. The effect of genetic counseling, as an influential tool, on screening, early diagnosis, and prevention of ID and hearing loss is also assessed.

The quality of life of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is influenced by the problems of this disorder. Numerous interventions have been recommended for mothers with such children, including supportive interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), negative mood management training, parent-child interaction, and family-oriented interventions. One of these interventions is quality of life therapy. The present study was conducted aiming to determine the impact of training quality of life therapy on mothers with ASD children.

This clinical trial was conducted on 60 mothers of 6-13-year-old ASD children referring to the Ofogh Clinic in the city of Gonbad-e-Kavus, Golestan Province, during 2022-23. Mothers were selected by the convenience sampling method and were assigned to two 30-people control and intervention groups using the random number table. The psychotherapy training based on Frisch’s (2006) theory on the quality of life was implemented on mothers in the intervention group as a group in eight 90-minute sessions for two months. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the mothers’ quality of life.

The mean and standard deviation of the total quality of life score of mothers in the intervention group (76.15±8.85) had a statistically significant increase in the post-test compared to the control group (64.82±10.15) (P<0.05). Also, the mean and standard deviation of the quality of life of mothers in the intervention group showed a statistically significant increase in the post-test in the dimensions of physical health (65.12±6.24), psychological health (69.55±7.52), environmental health (60.66±16.8), and general health (78.33±10.9) compared to the control group (P<0.05).

The quality of life of mothers with autistic children was improved by receiving quality of life-based therapy.

Neck pain is a prevalent problem negatively affecting individuals’ health and quality of life. Therefore, the present research was conducted to determine the impacts of neck stabilization and thoracic mobility exercises on disability, range of motion, and endurance of females with non-specific chronic neck pain.

This single-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 36 females with non-specific chronic neck pain in three 12-people groups in the city of Qom. The subjects of the first intervention group (those doing neck stabilization exercises) and the second intervention group (those doing neck stabilization exercises with thoracic mobility) performed the exercises as three 60-minute sessions per week for 8 weeks in the gym, and the control group received a set of corrective exercises. Disability, the neck range of motion, and muscular endurance were measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI), goniometer and the Progressive Iso-inertial Lifting Evaluation (PILE) test, and biofeedback sphygmomanometer, respectively.

Disability, range of motion, and muscular endurance of the subjects in both intervention groups significantly improved compared to the control group (P<0.05). Compared to the first intervention group, the range of motion and muscular endurance of subjects in the second intervention group showed a significant improvement (P<0.05).

Doing neck stabilization and thoracic mobilization exercises was found to be an influential intervention in the improvement of disability, range of motion, and muscular endurance of females with non-specific chronic neck pain.

Type 1 diabetes is considered one of the most common chronic diseases during childhood. Diagnosis and presence of chronic disease in the child create tension, worry, and problems for parents, particularly for the mother who is responsible for taking care of the child. The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of resilience training on the self-esteem of mothers of children with type 1 diabetes.

This clinical trial was carried out on 60 mothers of children with type 1 diabetes referring to diabetes clinics in the cities of Gonbad-e-Kavus and Gorgan, Golestan province, during 2022-23. Mothers were selected by the convenience sampling method and using a random number table and were assigned to two 30-people control and intervention groups. The resilience training program was implemented for the intervention group in 5-people groups for nine 90-minute sessions during 2 months. The data collection tool consisted of a demographic questionnaire and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) filled out in two pre-test and post-test phases. Scoring of poor, moderate, and strong self-esteem was carried out by obtaining scores of 26 and below, 27-43, and over 44.

The mean and standard deviation of the overall self-esteem (22.73±3.26), social (7.32±0.79), occupational/social (7±1.46), and general self-esteem (44.73±5.03) dimensions had a statistically significant increase in the post-test in mothers of the intervention group compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). The mean and standard deviation of the self-esteem scores of mothers in the intervention group were evaluated as moderate at the onset of the study and strong at the post-test (P<0.05).

Resilience training culminated in increasing the self-esteem of mothers of children with type 1 diabetes.

Oxidative stress can harm cells, proteins, and DNA and play a role in the aging process. The present study was conducted to determine the impacts of six weeks of Pilates exercises and Lycium barbarum supplement on oxidative stress indices of saliva and body composition of inactive elderly females.

This field trial was carried out on 49 inactive elderly females. The subjects were selected in a purposeful manner and were randomly assigned to 4 groups, including control, supplement, exercise, and exercise plus supplement. The exercise program protocol was implemented for six weeks, three 45-60 minute sessions per week with an intensity of 50-70% maximum heart rate. The Lycium barbarum supplement group used 14 g of supplement daily. Oxidative stress indices of saliva and body composition were compared. The individuals’ physical activity level was determined using the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS) and the samples’ health status was specified using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).

The amount of malondialdehyde had a statistically significant reduction in the exercise plus supplement group compared to the control group, the exercise group, and the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of malondialdehyde was not statistically significant in the exercise group and the supplement group compared to the control group. The amount of salivary catalase was not statistically significant in the exercise group plus supplement group compared to the control group, the exercise group, and the supplement group. The amount of salivary catalase had a statistically significant increase in the exercise group compared to the control group and the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of glutathione peroxidase had no statistically significant difference in the exercise plus supplement group compared to the control group but had a statistically significant increase compared to the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of glutathione peroxidase had a statistically significant increase in the exercise group than in the supplement group (P<0.05).

Regular exercise with moderate intensity and Lycium barbarum supplement resulted in improved antioxidant function and body composition in inactive elderly females.

Fatigue is considered one of the factors effective in changing the electrical activity of muscles so that it is directly linked to increasing the potential of muscular injuries and functional decline in various stages of sports. The present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of electrical activity of lower limb muscles before and after fatigue during running in individuals with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to healthy individuals.

This quasi-experimental research was conducted on 14 women with a history of COVID-19 over the past two months (the experimental group) and 14 women without a history of COVID-19 (the control group) with an age range of 18-30 years using the convenience sampling method in the city of Ardabil. The fatigue protocol started using a sophisticated treadmill at a speed of 6 km/h, and the treadmill speed was accelerated by 1 km/h every 2 minutes. The Borg’s Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) 6-20 Scale was used to determine the participants’ final moment of fatigue. A steady-state running fatigue protocol ended at a score higher than 17 on the Borg’s RPE 6-20 scale or 80% of maximum heart rate. Electromyography data were analyzed using the data LITE biometrics software before and after the fatigue protocol.

There was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of the electrical activity of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle between the post-test of the control group and the experimental group (d=0.410, P=0.035). The pretest-posttest difference of the frequency of electrical activity of the VL muscle after fatigue compared to before fatigue during the loading response phase during running had a statistically significant increase in the experimental group than in the control group (d=0.602, P=0.016). The frequency of the activity of the semitendinosus muscle increased after fatigue compared to before fatigue during the mid-stance phase of running (d=0.261, P=0.005). The impact of fatigue on the frequency of the activity of the VL muscle during the push-off phase of running was statistically significant (d=0.140, P=0.049). The frequency of the activity of the VL muscle increased after fatigue compared to before fatigue during the push-off phase of running in the experimental group.

The increased electrical activity of the lower limb muscles in various phases of running after fatigue in individuals with a history of COVID-19 can be attributed to decreased neuromuscular coordination.

Ankle instability is one of the most prevalent injuries among athletes. Biomechanical changes, sensory-motor impairments, and neuromuscular disorders have been reported in individuals with chronic ankle instability. The present study was conducted to compare the electrical activity of selected leg and thigh muscles during performing functional movements in female athletes with and without chronic ankle instability.

This case-control research was conducted on 40 female athletes in the age range of 18-30 years in two groups, including the case (with ankle instability, n=20) and healthy control (without ankle instability, n=20) groups. The electrical activity of selected leg and thigh muscles was recorded during three functional patterns, i.e., the overhead squat, overhead squat with heel lift, and single-legged squat, by electromyography apparatus. The investigated muscles consisted of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle, the gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscle, the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, the fibularis longus (FL) muscle, the soleus (SO) muscle, the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle, the vastus mediali (VM) muscle, and the biceps femoris (BF) muscle.

The activity of the VM, VL, BF, and TA muscles in the single-legged squat and the activity of the VM, VL, BF, SO, and TA muscles in the overhead squat showed a statistically significant increase in the case group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The highest difference in the muscle activity of the two groups was observed in the overhead squat with heel lift movement, which in this movement, except for the GL muscle, there was a statistically significant increase among all other muscles (P<0.05).

Functional movements culminate in increasing the electrical activity level of leg and thigh muscles in female athletes with ankle instability.

Antioxidant apigenin (AP) is a natural, non-mutagenic, and less toxic flavonoid with pharmacological anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This antioxidant is easily received by the cell, binds to sperm DNA, and forms a DNA-AP complex, thereby protecting sperm DNA. The present study was conducted to determine the antioxidant effect of AP on human sperm quality after freezing-thawing.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 10 normozoospermic samples underwent freezing-thawing conditions, and sperm functional tests were investigated in different AP concentrations, including 0.4 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.1 mM, and 0.05 mM.

The quality of total sperm parameters and functional tests decreased after freezing compared to before freezing. Among the AP concentrations, only in the 0.2 mM AP concentration, the improvement of the additional histone percentage, protamine deficiency, and sperm DNA health were observed compared to the control; this finding was not statistically significant.

The use of AP with a concentration of 0.2 mM during freezing-thawing culminates in improving sperm functional tests.

Bacterial nanocellulose is known as a potential carrier for a widespread spectrum of biological compounds, including antibacterial and antifungal compounds. The present study was conducted to determine the impact of bacterial nanocellulose containing Natamycin and Amphotericin B on Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum in an in vitro environment.

In this descriptive-analytical research, Aspergillus flavus-PTCC: 5006 and Penicillium citrinum-PTCC: 5304 fungi were prepared from the Fungal Collection of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of Natamycin and Amphotericin B against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum were evaluated by the microdilution method. Bacterial nanocellulose was prepared using Komagata xylinum bacterium, and Natamycin and Amphotericin B were added in three concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1% to wet and lyophilized nanocellulose films by the immersion method. Then, the antifungal effects of the film containing the above compounds against the investigated fungi were investigated by the agar diffusion method. Parchment paper was used as a control for comparison. Spectral properties of nanocellulose film containing antifungal compounds were evaluated by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) method.

MIC and MFC of Natamycin for Aspergillus flavus were determined as 3.9 μg/mL and 7.81 μg/mL, and for Penicillium citrinum as 7.81 μg/mL and 15.62 μg/mL, respectively. MIC and MFC of Amphotericin B for Aspergillus flavus were determined as 7.81 μg/mL and 15.62 μg/mL, and for Penicillium citrinum as 15.62 μg/mL and 31.25 μg/mL, respectively. The increased concentration had a statistically significant impact on the antifungal properties of all films (P<0.05). The best antifungal effects of the film were related to the film containing Natamycin.

Bacterial nanocellulose containing Natamycin showed stronger antifungal effects in an in vitro environment compared to Amphotericin B against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum.

Esophageal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, and due to the placement of Iran in the Asian belt of esophageal cancer, the use of modern therapeutic approaches is necessary. Betanin is a natural compound extracted from the red beetroot of Beta vulgaris species whose antioxidant properties and role in removing free radicals have been proven. The present study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic effect of red beetroot aqueous extract on esophageal cancer cell line KYSE30.

In this descriptive-analytical study, esophageal cancer cell line KYSE30 was cultured and then underwent treatment with different concentrations of red beetroot aqueous extract (3, 30, 300, 1000, and 3000 µg/mL) in the three time intervals of 24, 48, and 72 hours. The anticancer effect of treated cells was evaluated by the tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay and the effect of viability was evaluated by the trypan blue assay.

The viability of esophageal cancer cell line at concentrations of 30, 300, 1000, and 3000 μg/mL of red beetroot aqueous extract within 24 hours was statistically significantly reduced compared to the control cells (P<0.05). The viability of esophageal cancer cell line in concentrations of 1000 and 3000 μg/mL of red beetroot aqueous extract within 48 hours showed a statistically significant reduction compared to the control cells (P<0.05). The viability of esophageal cancer cell line at concentrations of 3, 30, 300, 1000, and 3000 μg/mL of red beetroot aqueous extract within 72 hours showed a statistically significant reduction compared to the control cells (P<0.05). The MTT assay results approved the trypan blue assay results. Also, the trypan blue assay indicated that the concentration of 3000 μg/mL significantly led to reduced viability of cells within 72 hours (64.14±3.29) compared to 24 hours (77.22±3.34) and 48 hours (66.93±5.57) (P<0.05).

Red beetroot aqueous extract has a cytotoxic effect on esophageal cancer cell line KYSE30.