Journal of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences

Importance of Self-Care and Health Culture Promotion in Society

Somayeh Zeidabadinejad — 2025-04-27

Introduction: Promoting self-care is especially crucial as a primary approach to enhancing public health. Self-care refers to the behaviors that individuals use to manage their health status and plays a fundamental role in disease prevention, chronic disease management, and enhancing quality of life. In this era of rapidly increasing health and social challenges, the need to promote self-care and promote a culture of health is clearly felt. Self-care can reduce the need for complex and costly treatments and, consequently, minimize the financial pressure on the health system. Promoting a health-oriented culture in communities additionally increases social empowerment and encourages individuals to engage in initiative. Because of global developments and the spread of diseases, there is a greater necessity than ever to create research and educational initiatives focused on self-care and health culture is felt more than ever. Therefore, it is suggested that scientific studies in this field be seriously considered. Today, given the widespread nature of chronic diseases, psychological stress, and lifestyle-related injuries, increasing public awareness about the importance of self-care has become an urgent need. Self-care involves individuals utilizing their knowledge, skills, and abilities as a resource to manage their health independently. In fact, self-care is an voluntary behavior that occures based on the will and wishes of individuals, allowing them, by acquiring sufficient knowledge and skills, can take care of their health with self-reliance. Better self-care is associated with a better quality of life. Conversely, self-care leads to improved lifestyles, reduced treatment costs, increased self-efficacy, reduced dependence on others, and increased well-being and vitality.

Effects of Rehabilitation Exercises on the Mechanics of Transitional Movements in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

Mahdi Ebrahimpour — 2025-04-27

Introduction: The elderly population faces numerous challenges threatening their quality of life, autonomy, and mobility. Therefore, it is essential to implement activities that address and enhance these issues. This study aimed to examine the effects of rehabilitation exercises on the mechanics of transitional movements among the elderly.

Methods: The present study was a systematic review. Articles in Persian and English were searched from December 2020 to May 2024. The study examined the effects of various rehabilitation exercises on the biomechanics of transfer movements in elderly individuals. Specialized databases, including Magiran SID, Scopus، PubMed، ISC، WOS, and Google Scholar were utilized for the review. Initially, 74 relevant articles were selected, and ultimately, 21 articles related to different types of rehabilitation exercises for the elderly were analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: The results showed that a variety of rehabilitation exercises can effectively enhance the reduction of peak ground reaction forces during transitional movements. Additionally, it was observed neuromuscular exercises improved the balance index. Conversely, resistance exercises improved both static and dynamic balance and reduced the risk of falling among the elderly.

Conclusion: Prolonged participation in combined exercises, which merge two or more rehabilitation exercises, might yield more beneficial results. However, further research is needed to determine the best type and intensity of exercise for improving the biomechanics of transfer movements in the elderly.

Advances and Challenges of Electrospun Nanofibrous Polymer Biomimetic Scaffolds in Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Mehrsa Nasiri — 2025-04-27

Introduction: The field of tissue engineering utilizes interdisciplinary sciences such as to repair or regenerate damaged tissues through the integration of cellular biology, biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and signaling molecules to repair and reconstruct damaged tissues. Scaffolds, by mimicking the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), play a vital role in guiding cellular activities. Cartilage, as a tissue without blood vessels and nerves, lacks the ability for self-repair, and its injuries are always considered a clinical challenge that affects the lives of millions of people and incurs significant treatment costs. In recent years, the electrospinning technique has gained attention for the production of nanofibers. Electrospun scaffolds, mimicking the extracellular matrix of cartilage, provide a suitable environment for the attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of chondrocytes. The use of nanofibrous scaffolds, along with cells and signaling molecules compatible with the target tissue, is of particular importance for cartilage tissue regeneration. Various natural and synthetic polymers have been used for cartilage tissue regeneration via electrospinning, and their effects on nanofiber morphology have been extensively studied.

Conclusion: This review emphasized recent advancements in the preparation of electrospun scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering and discussed methods to improve their performance. It also provides an overview of natural, synthetic, and composite biomaterials utilized for electrospinning cartilage scaffolds. The function of nanofibers in delivering signaling molecules for cartilage regeneration is explored. Current challenges in this field are addressed, along with strategies to overcome them, offering potential improvements in cartilage repair techniques and their future clinical application.

Evaluation of the Correlation between Salivary Glucose and Ph and Blood Sugar in Diabetic Patients (A Pilot Study)

Hakimeh Ahadian — 2025-04-27

Introduction: Changes in saliva in diabetic patients reduce the quality of life associated with oral health in these patients. Given the chronic course of the disease, its rapid identification can significantly reduce long-term complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between saliva Ph and glucose with blood sugar in diabetic patients.

Methods: This pilot study was performed on 13 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were evaluated for FBS, HbA1C, as well as salivary glucose and Ph. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 statistical software.

Results: There was a positive and significant correlation between blood sugar (FBS, HbA1C) and salivary glucose (correlation of FBS with salivary glucose: P=0.028, R=0.607 and correlation of HbA1c with salivary glucose P <0.0001 and R = 0.882).

Conclusion: According to the results of the present study regarding the correlation between blood and salivary glucose in diabetic patients, employing saliva samples is recommended as a cost-effective, non-invasive and reliable approach for the valuation, diagnosis and follow-up individuals with diabetic.

Cloning and Optimization of Formate Dehydrogenase Gene Expression in E. COLI

Mohammad Reza Hajizadeh — 2025-04-27

Introduction: The increase in greenhouse gas levels and the gradual warming of the earth have garnered worldwide interest. The enzyme formate-dehydrogenase can reduce CO2 by converting it into formate, which is subsequently converted into methanol by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of IPGT, modifier, induction time and culture medium on the expression of formate-dehydrogenase enzyme and optimization.

Methods: Specific primers were designed to amplify the gene fragment using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Formate-dehydrogenase enzyme gene was inserted into the pET28b vector, and the recombinant plasmid was used to transform E.coli. To enhance protein expression, a Taguchi experimental design was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature, inducer concentration, and type of culture medium type on protein expression levels at two different levels.

Results: PCR results confirmed the amplification of formate-dehydrogenase enzyme gene in E. coli DH5α. Induction time and concentration negatively impacted on expression. The highest level of expression of the recombinant protein was observed 24 hours post-induction at a temperature of 25°C, with an IPTG concentration of 0.1 mM in the presence of sorbitol. LB culture medium was chosen as the best expression medium.

Conclusion: This study showed that low concentrations of IPTG were sufficient for producing the recombinant protein, proving to be economical. Reducing the induction time also increased protein expression. LB medium enhanced with sorbitol was identified to be the best culture medium for inducing the expression of the formate dehydrogenase enzyme.

Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tanacetum Parthenium L. Extract on Treatment of Kidney Stones Induced by Ethylene Glycol in Adult Male Rats

Raheleh Zareshahi — 2025-04-27

Introduction: Considering the effect of various herbal medicines on kidney stone treatment, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Tanacetum parthenium on the treatment of ethylene glycol-induced kidney stones in rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: a healthy control group and a negative control group that was given water mixed with ethylene glycol. The experimental groups were administered T. parthenium extract (40, 80 and 120 mg/kg) along with cystone, serving as a positive control. Following 28 days, the 24-hour urine samples were collected and animal blood samples were taken for biochemical tests. The kidney tissue was histologically analyzed for the presence of calcium oxalate accumulation using hematoxylin-eosin method. Data analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA tests and GraphPad Prism version 8 software.

Results: In the ethylene glycol group, there was an evaluation in kidney weight, and increased levels of urinary oxalate, calcium, urea phosphate and creatinine, as along with increased levels of serum urea, uric acid, creatinine and calcium. In the group treated with T. parthenium (120 mg/kg), these levels decreased compared to the ethylene glycol group, potentially aiding in the prevention of kidney stones. The number of calcium oxalate crystals also decreased in the T. parthenium group (80 and 120 mg/kg).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the beneficial effect of hydroalcoholic extract of T. parthenium by altering serum and biochemical parameters in preventing kidney damage.

Investigating the Immunogenicity of the BLF1 Antigen from Burkhordria Pseudomallei with PLGA Nanoparticle in Mice

Mahdi Dehati — 2025-04-27

Introduction: The bacterium Burkhordria pseudomallei causes melioidosis in humans and can be transmitted to the patients through oral ingestion, inhalation or skin scratches. The BLF1 protein from this bacterium stops protein synthesis within host cells. PLGA serves as a biodegradable polymer for incorporating various pharmaceutical and protein molecules. The aim of this study was to express the BLF1 protein in E. coli and load it into PLGA polymer, and investigate its immunogenicity in mice.

Methods: In this research, the blf1 gene expression was induced by IPTG, and the presence of the recombinant protein was confirmed using the western blot technique. Antigen was loaded in PLGA polymer. The size and zeta potential of nanoparticles containing protein were measured. Protein with adjuvant; nanoparticles PLGA and PBS were administered to the groups of mice in two and four doses. The level of antibody in their serum was measured using the ELISA test. Ultimately, mice were exposed to BLF1 toxin. The data were analyzed utilizing SPSS 16 software.

Results: PLGA nanoparticles with protein exhibited a higher PDI size and a more negative zeta potential compared to those without protein. The amount of protein loading in nanoparticles was about 95%. The results of the challenge test indicated 50% protection of the group with nanoparticles and 75% protection of the group with protein plus adjuvant.

Conclusion: According to the administration frequency and the antibody titer of the recombinant protein with nanoparticles, along with the results obtained, this protein may be considered as a potential vaccine candidate for melioidosis.

Frequency of High Blood Pressure in Apparently Healthy People Referring to the Clinics and Health Monitoring Centers of Amiral Momenin and Farhikhtegan Hospitals in 2023

Shadab Jafarzadeh — 2025-04-27

Introduction: Hypertension is mostly asymptomatic, and this poses a significant challenge in its treatment. Some scientific associations have recently reduced the threshold of high blood pressure from 140.90 to 130.80. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of hypertension in apparently healthy individuals referring to clinics and health monitoring centers of Amiralmomenin and Farhikhtegan hospitals in 2023 based on two old and new criteria and to examine its relationship with some socioeconomic factors.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study focused on statistical population included apparently healthy individuals with no history of hypertension who were referred to specialized clinics and monitoring centers of two hospitals between March 2022 and March 2023. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software.

Results: In this study, the frequency of high blood pressure based on the higher threshold was 28.3%, with 63.53% of these individuals recognizing their high blood pressure for the first time. By reducing the high blood pressure frequency threshold in our sample, it reached 48.76%, with 75.55 being aware of their high blood pressure for the first time. High blood pressure was significantly related to individuals’ income, housing, and educational status.

Conclusion: Considering all the criteria, the prevalence of blood pressure among the apparently healthy population is significant, and the awareness among individuals is minimal; additionally, evidence of its relationship with some socio-economic factors was also found.