Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies

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In Collaboration with Semnan University of Medical Sciences

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Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies (MEJRH) publishes Original Articles, Review Articles, Case Reports, and Letters to the Editor in the fields of Rehabilitation, Health, and Medicine. The primary criterion for publication is that the articles present new insights that are of broad interest to professionals with a presentation style appropriate for a wide audience of rehabilitation and health sciences. Subject areas suitable for publication in this interdisciplinary journal include:

Physical, Mental and Vocational Rehabilitation,
Speech, Language, and Hearing Rehabilitation,
Health Education and Health Promotion, and
All fields of Medical Sciences from Basic Research to the Clinical and Experimental Studies.

Students, academicians, and clinicians are encouraged to be a part of this initiative by contributing, reviewing and, promoting scientific works published in the Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies.

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Adaptation and Psychometric Features of the Korean Medical Academicians Stress Questionnaire for Iranian Medical Academicians
(Brieflands, 2025-04-30) Fariba Gadari; Azita Amirfakhraei; Saeid Kiani
Background: Stress is a major factor affecting the mental health and academic performance of medical academicians, which necessitates the use of valid and reliable tools to measure it within their specific cultural and educational contexts. Given the unique circumstances of Iranian medical academicians, it is essential to adapt and validate the Korean Medical Academicians Stress Questionnaire (KMSSQ) to ensure it accurately captures the stressors they experience. Objectives: This study aimed to adapt and validate the KMSSQ for use among Iranian medical academicians, ensuring its cultural relevance and accuracy in reflecting the unique stressors they face. Methods: This study, focused on psychometric evaluation, included 900 medical academicians selected using stratified sampling from universities in Tehran. Participants completed both the KMSSQ and the occupational stress inventory (OSI). Face validity, content validity, concurrent validity, structural validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were evaluated using SPSS (version 21) and LISREL (version 8.8). The cut-off point of the questionnaire was determined using the ROC curve. Results: The KMSSQ demonstrated high face, content, and concurrent validity (r = 0.91). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified six factors that explained 60.41% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a six-dimensional construct. The questionnaire exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.91). The cut-off point was set at 120, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85.23%. Conclusions: The KMSSQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing stress among Iranian medical academicians. It can be used for educational planning and psychological interventions, offering a culturally adapted measure that addresses the unique challenges faced by this group.
Depression, Anxiety, and Aggression Disorders in Patients with Gender Identity Disorder Based on Personality Type: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Brieflands, 2025-04-30) Iraj Ahmadi; Amir Adibi; Amin Bakhtiyari; Meysam Mohebi; Maryam Kheiry; Aliashraf Mozafari
Background: Any deviation from the normal trajectory of gender identity formation creates a basis for incompatibilities, a specific and severe form of which is gender identity disorder (GID). Gender identity disorder affects an individual’s development, growth, and overall performance. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and aggression among individuals with GID, based on their personality type (type A or type B), referred to the Forensic Medicine Department of Ilam city in 2020. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all patients diagnosed with GID and referred to the Forensic Medicine Department for gender reassignment were included. All participants received psychological counseling from a psychiatrist. To determine levels of depression, anxiety, personality type, and aggression, Beck’s Depression and Anxiety Inventory, the Aggression Questionnaire (AGQ), and Spencer’s Type A or B Personality Type Questionnaire were used, respectively. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Fisher’s exact test, and linear regression through STATA 12 software. Results: The findings revealed that the mean ± SD total scores for depression and anxiety were 15.2 ± 9.2 and 21.4 ± 13.2, respectively. Among the patients, 21 (52%) exhibited no or very low depressive symptoms, three (8%) had mild symptoms, 12 (30%) had moderate symptoms, and four (10%) had severe depressive symptoms. Regarding anxiety, seven (17.5%) had no or very low symptoms, seven (17.5%) had mild symptoms, 12 (30%) had moderate symptoms, and 14 (35%) had severe symptoms. Among patients with personality types B and A, 11 (64.1%) and 10 (45.5%) individuals, respectively, had no depressive symptoms, while six (33.3%) and one (4.6%), respectively, exhibited no anxiety symptoms. The linear regression model indicated that aggression levels in type A personalities were approximately 6.23 points higher than those in type B personalities (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Individuals with GID who have a type A personality are more susceptible to mental health disorders compared to those with a type B personality. Additionally, aggression levels in individuals with GID can be partially predicted based on personality type.
Women with Spinal Cord Injuries, Anxiety and Sexual Dissatisfaction: Do They Benefit from Sexual Rehabilitation Education?
(Brieflands, 2025-04-30) Mahnaz Seyedoshohadaee; Mahsa Soleimani; Hamid Haghani; Kosar Zeighami
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects all body systems, including physiological sexual responses, and negatively impacts sexual satisfaction and anxiety, leading to depression and damage to interpersonal relationships in couples. Therefore, sexual rehabilitation education by rehabilitation nurses is essential to prevent complications and improve performance. Objectives: This article aims to investigate the effect of sexual rehabilitation education on anxiety and sexual satisfaction among members of the Tehran Spinal Cord Injury Association. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 100 women referred to the Tehran Spinal Cord Injury Association were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Data were collected using a demographic form, Beck's Anxiety Questionnaire, and Larson's Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software and statistical tests, including chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and independent t-tests. Results: The mean anxiety score in the control group before and after the intervention was 19.66 and 20.68, respectively (P = 0.123), whereas in the intervention group, the mean scores were 20.92 and 18.04, showing a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.045). The mean sexual satisfaction score in the control group was 67.32 and 67.22, respectively (P = 0.912), while in the intervention group, it increased from 67.80 to 70.80, a statistically significant improvement (P = 0.010). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that sexual rehabilitation education reduces anxiety and increases sexual satisfaction in women with spinal cord injuries. Implementing sexual rehabilitation education programs by nurses is an effective strategy to reduce anxiety and enhance the sexual satisfaction of women with spinal cord injuries.
The Effect of Hopping Trainings on the Static and Dynamic Balance of Iraqi Deaf Athletes: A Semi-experimental Study
(Brieflands, 2025-04-30) Abouzar Saadatian; Mahmoud Abdulsalam Hossein; Ayoub Hashemi; Elahe Siavashi
Background: Deafness is recognized as the most common sensory-neural defect. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hopping training on the static and dynamic balance of Iraqi deaf athletes. Methods: The current research was a semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The statistical population included deaf male athletes aged 15 to 25 in Baghdad, Iraq. Fifty deaf athletes were purposefully selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Static and dynamic balance were evaluated using the stork test and the Y balance measuring device, respectively. The experimental group underwent an eight-week hopping training program (three sessions per week, each lasting one hour). Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and covariance analysis at a significance level of 0.05, using SPSS version 25. Results: The findings revealed that eight weeks of hopping training significantly improved static balance (F = 40.58, P = 0.001, η² = 0.46), dynamic balance in the anterior direction (F = 44.60, P = 0.001, η² = 0.48), posterior-external direction (F = 36.88, P = 0.007, η² = 0.42), posterior-internal direction (F = 39.50, P = 0.004, η² = 0.43), and the total balance score (F = 42.60, P = 0.001, η² = 0.45). No significant differences were observed in the control group following the intervention. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that an eight-week program of hopping training can enhance both static and dynamic balance performance in deaf athletes. It is recommended to incorporate this type of intervention as an effective alternative for balance training, especially in settings with limited facilities for individuals with hearing impairments.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
(Brieflands, 2024-11-02) Mahdi Harorani; Afsaneh Karbasi; Akram Ahmadzadeh; Elahe Dolatie; Behnam Masmouei; Masoudeh Babakhanian
The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of mindfulness-based therapy in improving the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Evaluation of Body Composition Assessment Methods in Reproductive-Aged Iranian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
(Brieflands, 2024-11-02) Elahe Saleh; Mohamad Ezati Asar; Shima Moradnejhad; Mohammadreza Ghaneapur
Background: Despite the introduction of modern scales for assessing physical health, "body mass index" (BMI) remains a foundational metric in many health assessments. Objectives: This community-based cross-sectional study aims to compare BMI with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in evaluating the physical health of Iranian women of reproductive age. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 182 Iranian women aged 30 - 45 years, selected through random sampling from the population served by selected urban health centers. The Omron BF511 bioelectrical impedance analysis device was used to measure BMI, skeletal muscle mass, total body fat, and visceral fat. A structured questionnaire was also administered to collect sociodemographic data. Results: The average BMI of the participants was 27.47 kg/m², with skeletal muscle mass comprising 24.98%, visceral fat averaging 6.93%, and total body fat at 40.04%. When comparing BMI with total body fat, 52% of cases were misclassified; with visceral fat percentage, 68% were misclassified; and with skeletal muscle mass percentage, 73% were misclassified. Misclassification was most pronounced among individuals with a normal BMI who were overweight or obese according to body fat percentage. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need to reassess the use of BMI as an accurate health indicator for women of reproductive age. The researchers argue that reliance on BMI as a sole health metric is outdated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of health assessment criteria for women in this demographic.
Effects of an Educational Package on Quality of Life and Acute Complications in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Clinical Trial
(Brieflands, 2023-10-14) Pegah Matourypour; Nasrin Daliri; Shahrzad Ghiyasvandian; Masoumeh Zakerimoghadam
Background: Patients with chronic renal failure face many challenges in self-care after a kidney transplant. This treatment method affects their quality of life and leads to multiple complications. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational package on the quality of life (QoL) and complications of renal transplant recipients. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 72 patients (control and intervention groups) who had undergone kidney transplantation for the first time. The intervention involved an educational package comprised of five sessions. Besides, an educational booklet, weekly telephone calls, and follow-up (8 weeks after the intervention) were protablevided. The data were collected by the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire (KTQ-25) completed before and after the intervention by the two groups, and the Renal Transplantation Complications Checklist completed after 8 weeks. Data analysis was performed in each group before and after the intervention and between the two groups after the intervention via chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, paired t-test, and independent t-test. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the physical dimension (P = 0.002). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the remaining dimensions and the overall QoL. A significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of infection (P = 0.04), but no difference was observed between the two groups in terms of re-admission and transplant rejection (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The educational package affected all dimensions of QoL, especially the physical dimension and infection (as an acute complication of renal transplant); it improved QoL and reduced infection in the intervention group. Therefore, this package can be considered in the management plans of renal transplant recipients. Administration of this package can help understand the patients’ needs and requests and improve their health-related behaviors.
Delayed Union of Scaphoid Fracture and Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
(Brieflands, 2018-01-31) Olga Susana Perez-Moro; Maria Jesus Albaladejo-Florin; Ruben Algarra-Lopez; Laura Cabrera-Rodriguez; Marcos Edgar Fernandez-Cuadros; Carmen Ramos-Gonzalez
: Fractures of the scaphoid are the most common fractures of the carpal bones. Because of the distal perfusion of the bone, there is a great chance to present complications such as avascular necrosis, delayed union of the fracture and subsequently, early osteoarthritis (up to 32%). For those reasons, the treatment of scaphoid fractures remains a challenge. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) have been used for decades as an alternative option in delayed bone healing fractures with good results. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are scarce reports, if any, on scaphoid fractures. The objective of this case report was to show delayed union fracture as a common complication of scaphoid fracture and to postulate PEMF as an effective treatment option for such a condition, reflected by our clinical and radiological evaluations and supported by a thorough review of the literature. The patient received 20 sessions of PEMF, using the QS Magneto therapy device®, with a dose of 20Hz-50Gauss-20 minutes, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. PEMF could recover delayed nonunion of scaphoid fracture and decreased pain as evaluated clinically and radiologically in our case report.
The Effectiveness of Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Gait Training on Mobility Function and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: Prospective Cohort Study
(Brieflands, 2023-04-30) Sattam Almutairi
Background: Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) emerges for rehabilitation practice tool for athletic and orthopedic conditions. However, LBPP may provide an opportunity therapeutic intervention for gait training in neurological conditions. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of LBPP gait training on ambulation ability, gait speed, walking endurance, dynamic and static balance, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: Participants performed LBPP gait training three days a week for six weeks. The main outcome measures were functional ambulation categories (FAC), 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), 6 minutes walking test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), and short-form (SF-36) health survey. Results: Nine chronic stroke (one female, eight males) aged 57 ± 15.4 years with stroke since 4.8 ± 3.9 years participated in LBPP gait training. participants showed significant improvement in FAC (pre, 4 ± 2; post, 5 ± 1; P = 0.034); 10-MWT (pre, 16.35 ± 9.34 s; post, 13.25 ± 7.57 s; P = 0.021) and 6 MWT (pre, 166.22 ± 94.15; post, 206.66 ± 103.64; P = 0.048). No significant differences were observed in the other outcomes. Conclusions: Six weeks of LBPP gait training may potentially improve ambulation ability, gait speed, and walking endurance in individuals with chronic stroke.
Cognitive Impairment in Dialysis and Non-Dialysis Patients Suffering from Chronic Renal Failure and Comparing Them with a Control Group
(Brieflands, 2017-10-31) Mohammad Reza Tamadon; Ali Reza Adibimehr; Raheb Ghorbani
Background: Chronic renal failure and its end-stage disease are one of the most important causes of death and disability, and its prevalence is increasing in the world. This disease can cause many complications in the patients with end- stage renal disease. Objectives: The present study aimed at comparing cognitive impairment in patients with end- stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic renal failure (CRF) with a control group. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 85 ESRD, dialysis dependent patients, 200 CRF patients, non-dialysis dependent, as well as 180 patients with high blood pressure or diabetes as control group who referred to Kowsar hospital during 2015 and 2016 were studied. The Persian version of the mini mental status examination (MMSE) questionnaire was used to collect data. It was completed by one of the skilled and trained nurses. Results: The results revealed that 28.2% of ESRD, 1% of CRF patients, and 0.6% of control group patients had severe cognitive impairment. Cognitive health score in ESRD group was lower than that in CRF (P < 0.001) and control group (P < 0.001). In addition, cognitive health score of CRF patients was lower than that in the control group (P = 0.005). ESRD patients had significantly higher impairment in time and place orientation, calculation, recall, language, and repetition compared to control and CRF groups (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences between control and CRF groups. With respect to complex commands, the control group had a significantly lower impairment, but the other 2 groups were not significantly different in this regard. The three experimental groups were not significantly different in per-test stage. Conclusions: ESRD patients have severe cognitive impairment compared to CRF patients. Therefore, it is recommended that these patients be examined cognitively and proper rehabilitation programs be considered for them.
A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties of the Vocabulary Tests for Iranian Persian-Speaking Children: Current Status and Future Directions
(Brieflands, 2022-10-31) Farhad Sakhai; Mozhgan Asadi; Kowsar Baghban; Golnoosh Golmohamadi; Talieh Zarifian
Context: One aspect of spoken language skills is vocabulary, which provides a basis for acquiring other language aspects. Assessing a child's vocabulary knowledge aids in identifying the child's language strengths and weaknesses and predicts reading ability and academic success. Speech-language pathologists frequently employ various procedures in clinical and research settings to assess the children's language skills and help make decisions about diagnosis, eligibility for services, and intervention. Objectives: This systematic review investigated currently available vocabulary tests developed or adapted for Iranian Persian-speaking children. Data Sources: Based on the PRISMA guideline, electronic searches of three national (SID, Irandoc, and Magiran) and four international (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google scholar) databases were carried out from 2000 to 2022 to identify Persian vocabulary assessment tools. Study Selection: Search in the reference lists of papers, unpublished theses, and content of related journals also supplemented the database searches. Data Extraction: The psychometric properties of these tests were reviewed based on specific criteria used in the literature. The papers and test manuals were examined according to these criteria. Results: Eight tools have been developed or adapted for assessing vocabulary knowledge in Iranian Persian-speaking children. Reviewing the content and psychometric properties of the included tools indicated that the Test of Language Development- Primary:3 (TOLD-P:3) is the only accessible published tool with the most reported psychometric evidence. It measures language development in children; however, it is a multi-modal test that includes vocabulary subtests. Conclusions: This review revealed that most of the reviewed tools were in the primitive stages of test development or adaptation procedures and did not examine many psychometric properties. As a result, vocabulary is a field that requires more attention because there is no accessible, standardized tool with adequate psychometric properties.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Daily Physical Activity Level and Laboratory Factors and the Length of Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19
(Brieflands, 2021-10-31) Fatemeh Ehsani; Sara Reshadat; Noushin Masoudian; Rasool Bagheri
Background: Different degrees of disorders are reported in the respiratory, physical, and psychological functions of patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With the experience of improved and discharged COVID-19 patients, physical activity and sports are considered as one of the factors in controlling chronic mental and physical illnesses. Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the impact of the level of physical activity on some important clinical parameters and convalescence. Methods: Overall, 71 patients with COVID-19 under the age of 65 years admitted to the hospital with positive PCR were included in the study. Based on Beck’s questionnaire, patients were divided into two groups of (1) low and (2) moderate to high physical activity. The duration of hospitalization and some important clinical tests were examined at the time of hospitalization and discharge. The patients were then monitored until discharge. Results: Statistical analyses showed that people with moderate to high physical activity were discharged earlier than the group with low physical activity (P < 0.01). Moreover, patients with moderate to high physical activity had lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate than the group with low physical activity at discharge (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Moderate to high physical activity can significantly reduce the length of hospitalization by improving the immune system to fight COVID-19. However, the factors that can be examined in expressing the reason for this finding need further studies.
Acute Improvement of Postural Steadiness Through Neuromuscular and Proprioceptive Training in Sedentary Older Females
(Brieflands, 2020-10-17) Mohammadreza Rezaeipour; Gennady Leonidovich Apanasenko
Background: Poor balance ability will increase falling incidence. This study evaluated an acute improvement of postural steadiness through a neuromuscular and proprioceptive training (NPT) program in sedentary older females. Methods: Forty-eight sedentary females over the age of 65, who came to the Ukrainian center for sports medicine (Kiev) in the winter of 2018, volunteered for participation in this quasi-experimental study. Participants, who were derived from a convenience sample, were assigned at random to the NPT exercise group (n = 24; age = 70.1 ± 4.6; BMI = 22.34 kg/m2) and the seated rest group (n = 24; age = 69.3 ± 6.8; BMI = 22.47 kg/m2). The NPT exercise group held a modified NPT session for one hour and then finished it by cooling down for 5 minutes, while the seated rest group at the same time, stayed in a sitting position. The center of pressure (COP) in the static state in barefoot conditions was recorded with different visual conditions before and after the study from both groups in the two planes using a force platform. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to compare groups in addition to differences over time. Results: Significant interaction influences were found in the total mean velocity of COP swings (P = 0.004) and the mean velocity of COP swings in the mediolateral plane (P = 0.003) in the NTP exercise group when eyes were closed. Conclusions: A modified NPT program session improves the ability to balance age changes. This program has an acute positive effect on COP velocity swings in sedentary elderly females.
Effect of Progressive Locomotor Treadmill Compared to Conventional Training on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Remodeling in Paraplegia
(Brieflands, 2017-01-01) Behnam Ghasemi Mobarake; Ebrahim Banitalebi; Asadollah Ebrahimi; Mahdi Ghafari
Background: The decrease in bone mass in paraplegic spinal cord injured persons increases the risk factors for fractures. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of progressive locomotor treadmill training (LT) on muscle mass, bone mineral density, and bone remodeling in paraplegia patients. Methods: The subjects investigated in this research included seventeen paraplegic spinal cord injured persons who were divided randomly into two groups: LT group (n = 10) and conventional exercise group (n = 7). The exercise training protocol was performed during 12 weeks, 3 days a week, 60 minutes a session. LT included 15 minutes warm-up on stationary bike plus 45 minutes LT with 50 percent body-weight support and finally 10 minutes cool-down as an adjunct to a conventional physiotherapy program. 10 percent loading weight was added per week for LT. Conventional exercise training incorporated 15 minutes warm-up plus 45 minutes over-ground training such as stretch exercise and resistance training. Results: The obtained results showed that there were significant differences in serum alkaline phosphatase levels (P < 0.001), osteocalcin levels (P = 0.003), bone mineral content (BMC) of the femoral neck (P < 0.001), bone mineral density (BMD) of femoral neck (P < 0.001), bone mineral content (BMC) of the lumbar spine (P < 0.001), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (P = 0.000) between LT and conventional exercise regimes. Conclusions: LT training, in addition to improvement of motor function and reduction of bone loss, can be prescribed as an effective exercise intervention for the treatment of osteoporosis in incomplete spinal cord injured persons.
Socio-Demographic Profile of Patients with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infections at Maswasi, Uttar Pradesh
(Brieflands, 2017-04-30) Mohammad Akhtar Siddiqui; Shabnam Ansari; Qamar Alam Khan
This article does not have an abstract.
Probiotics and Inflammatory Pain: A Literature Review Study
(Brieflands, 2016-04-01) Vida Nazemian; Mahdi Shadnoush; Homa Manaheji; Jalal Zaringhalam
Context: Inflammatory pains caused by direct stimulation of nociceptors are altered by release of inflammatory mediators, cytokines and chemokines and also gut microbiota. A substantial clinical evidence supports the pivotal role of probiotics in the betterment of inflammatory disorders symptoms such as pain. Therefore, this study aimed to review the potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic roles of usual probiotic compounds in animal and human disorders. Evidence Acquisition: The increasing demand for betterment of inflammatory pain and its symptoms has led to the introduction of the role of probiotics in inflammatory pain recovery. Our literature review yielded 77 articles from 1965 to 2014 in the electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, and PsycINFO. Results: In this study, we reviewed most of the existing papers on probiotics especially focused on inflammation and pain. Our review showed that probiotics offer many advantages including toxin receptors elimination, supporting the repair of hyper permeable epithelial barriers, interfering with infections and immune system reinforcement. It was revealed that there is a close correlation between the expression of cytokines and opioid receptors in the process of inflammatory pain and probiotics have notable effects on cytokines and opioid receptors expression. Probiotics can stimulate the differentiation and activity of important immune cells (e.g. T cells), subsequently increase production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and mu-opioid receptors and decrease levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusions: Probiotics may help to slow down progression and diminish symptoms of inflammation in animal species and human via inhibition of proinflammatory and reinforcement of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Also, according to the results of the current study, it seems that probiotics are useful for alleviating inflammatory pain without any adverse effects on host.
Effect of Exercise with Mental Stress on Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase Changes in Young Men
(Brieflands, 2019-10-23) Maryam Ameri; Farshad Ghazalian; Nader Shakeri; Mohammad Reza Akhoond
Background: Physiological stress due to physical activity associated with mental stress can affect the responses of the sympathoadrenal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise with mental stress on cortisol and alpha-amylase changes in young men. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 20 inactive healthy men were randomly selected and divided into two groups of exercise and exercise with mental stress. The exercise group pedaled on a fixed bike at an intensity of 60% of maximal aerobic power for 37 minutes and the exercise group with mental stress received 20 minutes of mental stress (from 12th minutes to 32nd minutes) during the 37 minutes of pedaling. Salivary samples were collected before and immediately after the end of the exercise. Results: The exercise had a significant effect on increasing salivary cortisol (P = 0.007) and alpha-amylase (P = 0.01). Exercise with mental stress had a significant effect on salivary cortisol (P = 0.004) and alpha-amylase (P = 0.04). The exercise and exercise with mental stress had the same effects on increasing salivary cortisol (P = 0.42) and alpha-amylase (P = 0.83). Conclusions: It seems that exercise and exercise with mental stress have the same effects on increasing salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels.
Oromandibular Limb Hypogenesis Syndrome Type I B as a Rare Clinical Variant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
(Brieflands, 2020-01-31) Azam Hosseini; Shabnam Sohanian
Introduction: Hypoglossia-hypodactyly is an uncommon genetic abnormality affecting the tongue and limbs. First, it was classified under a multipart group of disorders called oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndromes. The most extensively accepted etiology is intrauterine trauma. Hypoglossia, micrognathia of the mandible, and limb anomalies are the characteristic features of the syndrome. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old female patient was admitted to the Oral Medicine Department of the Dental School, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, for a dental checkup. After obtaining informed consent, the necessary dental prophylaxis was performed. This case was unique because the patient had only aglossia and deformity in her right hand and fingers. Conclusions: Since the disease is rare and presents as the first case in Iran, dentists must have knowledge about its clinical features and proper patient management. They also should explain the significance of systematic dental checkups, perfect oral hygiene, and the use of regular fluoride to patients. Therefore, the awareness of dentists is essential about diagnosis and appropriate referral to specialists.
Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Psychological Status, and Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain
(Brieflands, 2019-04-30) Rasheedah Adebola Zibiri; Ashiyat Kehinde Akodu; Udoka Arinze Okafor
Background: Neck pain is one of the most common and painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is a problem in societies probably due to the widespread use of electronic gadgets such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets. It causes pain, functional disability, depression, and sleep disturbances. Therapeutic exercises have been known to be one of the major interventions to improve chronic neck pain. Objectives: This randomized controlled study aimed to compare the efficacy of muscle energy technique (MET) and neck stabilization exercise (NSE) on pain, neck disability, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NSCNP). Methods: Thirty-five participants participated in this study. They were recruited from two hospitals in Lagos state and randomly assigned into 3 groups using computer-generated random number sequence. Group 1 (n = 12) received MET, neck care education (NCE), and infra-red radiation (IR), group 2 (n = 12) received NSE, neck care education (NCE), and IR, and group 3 (n = 11) received NCE and IR. Assessment of pain, neck disability, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance were done using numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), neck disability index (NDI), hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) and Insomnia severity index (ISI) at baseline, end of 4 weeks and 8 weeks post-intervention. This study lasted for a period of 5 months (May - September, 2017). Results: The participants in the 3 groups (MET+NCE+IR, NSE+NCE+IR, NCE+IR) indicated significant improvement in all the outcome parameters; pain (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, respectively), disability (P = 0.002, P = 0.002, P = 0.003, respectively), depression (P = 0.02, 0.002, 0.003, respectively), anxiety (P = 0.01, P = 0.002, P = 0.03, respectively), and sleep disturbance (P = 0.01, P = 0.002, P = 0.01, respectively) post-intervention. Significant differences were observed in all outcome parameters except for depression (P = 0.456) and anxiety (P = 0.179) when across group comparisons were performed. Conclusions: Muscle energy technique and neck stabilization exercises and neck care are all effective in managing pain, neck disability, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in NSCNP patients, but neck stabilization exercises have a better effect than a muscle energy technique.
The Pregnant Mothers' Knowledge About Breastfeeding in Semnan, Iran
(Brieflands, 2014-07-01) Batool Karimi; Melika Zarei Sani; Raheb Ghorbani; Navid Danai
Background: Breastfeeding is accepted as the most desirable method of infant nurturing. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate pregnant mothers’ knowledge about breastfeeding as well as to study its associated factors. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study evaluating the knowledge of 400 pregnant mothers who were referred to Semnan Province health centers. Data collection was performed via questionnaires and the scores were calculated. One point was considered for correct answers and zero for incorrect or “do not know” replies. The Relative frequency of correct responses for every person was calculated. Mothers who answered less than 20% of the questions correctly were considered to have a very poor knowledge. Scores between 2.0 and 3.9 were the ones with poor knowledge, those with 4.0 to 5.9, 6.0 to 7.9, and larger than or equal to 8.0 were considered to have an average, good, and very good knowledge, respectively. Results: Overall, 1%, 5%, 43.8%, 42.5%, and 7.8% of mothers had very poor, poor, average, good, and very good level of knowledge about breastfeeding. There was a significant association between mothers’ knowledge and mothers’ education, breastfeeding history, and parity; however, no significant association was found with age and the month of pregnancy. The most frequent source of obtaining information was health centers’ personnel (34.3%) followed by family and friends. The highest percentage of proper response, i.e. 95.5% and 90.5%, were related to questions on necessity of exclusive breastfeeding and its continuation for six month of life, respectively; the lowest percentage of proper response, i.e. 11.8% and 18%, belonged to questions concerning expressed milk storage time in the refrigerator and freezer, respectively. Conclusions: A significant number of pregnant mothers had average knowledge that indicating necessity of interventional programs by health system, particularly for pregnant mothers with lower education level.

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