Koomesh
Year:2017 | Volume:19 | Issue:3 (67)|Papers Count:26

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been considered as an undiagnosed pandemic. In recent review articles the relationship between VDD and several disorders of mothers and their newborns were indicated. The present study was aimed in order to investigate the VDD prevalence in Iranian pregnant women.Materials and Methods: This First meta-analysis study was performed based on PRISMA checklist for systematic review and meta-analysis studies. A comprehensive literature searches of national and international databases including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, Web of Science, Magiran, Iranmedex, SID, Medlib and Google Scholar engine by using MESH keywords up to 2016 was empolyed.Two reviewers independently were conducted the search, including selection of studies, quality assessment and data extraction.Results: Eighteen studies and 5, 572 pregnant women were included in the analysis. The prevalence of VDD in Iranian pregnant women with cut-off point of 10, 20 and 30ng/ml were calculated 41.9% (95%CI: 30.4-54.3), 68.6% (95%CI: 50.3-82.5) and 84.4% (95%CI: 74.2-91.1), respectively. The highest prevalence of VDD in trimester of pregnancy term in cutoff 10, 20 and 30 ng/ml was obtained in the second trimester (95% CI: 61.9 (61.95-36.7)), first trimester (95% CI: 89.4 (87.8-90.8)) and third trimester (86.7 (95% CI: 74.5-93.6)).Conclusion: The prevalence of VDD in Iranian pregnant women is very high. Therefore, addressing VDD in women during pregnancy should be a health priority in Iran. To avoid of related disorders and adverse effects of VDD in mothers, appropriate interventions among pregnant women should be considered.

Adiponectin is a cytokine produced by the adipose tissue. This collagen-like protein has 244-amino acid and its concentration in plasma of healthy individuals is 5-40 mg/mL. In fact, adiponectin comprises 1% of the total serum protein. Although, adiponectin has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects in physiological conditions and plays a key role in lipid and glucose metabolism and energy balance as well. However, in patients with end-stage renal disease, it is not a protector due to the changes in the structure and function, and also is considered as a risk factor. So with regard to the prevalence of atherosclerosis in patients with end stage renal disease, adiponectin may be a marker for indentifying the cardiovascular involvement of these patients.

Introduction: After learning, memory must be stabilized before it becomes disrupted by subsequent learning. It is still unclear that how long it takes for new learnings to disruptprevious ones. Here in, the question of the present study was that learning a perceptual task would disrupt or interfere with the consolidation of the previously learned alternative motor sequence task, and what is the time interval between two tasks for maximum possible effect.Materials and Methods: A number of 38 volunteers performed Serial Color Matching task for three blocks of 150 trials, then they randomly divided into three groups: 1) took part in perceptual task after one hour 2) took part in perceptual task after six hours 3) no extra task. All groups participated in retention test after 24 hours.Results: The results showed no significant differences between acquisition or retention of the previously learned motor task among groups.Conclusion: These findings indicate rapid stabilization of implicit motor memory immediately after learning, in which time or learning a perceptual new task will not affect it.

Introduction: Considering increasing sexual risk behaviors such as lack of using condoms and having several sexual partners, identifying factors affecting on it can be useful in the design of preventive interventions for health educators. The aim of this study was to investigate cognitive-emotional determinants of high-risk behaviors among young people using Prototype/Willingness (P/W) Model.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, non-random sampling was employed to enroll 400 aged 18 to 28 referring to public places. A valid and reliable instrument based on P/W structures wad applied to measure cognitive factors.Results: The results showed that sexual risk behaviors at males (62.7%) are more than females (37.3%). Between sexual risk behaviors and self-control (p<0.001) was found a significant association. Among the P/W theoretical variables, intention (p<0.001) and social norms (p>0.05) were significant and direct predictors of sexual risk behavior in females. None of P/W structures was not significant predictors of sexual risk behaviors in males (p>0.05). In male, the previous experiences of sexual risk behaviors was significant at formation of the prototype (p=0.039) and prototype, also, in creating positive willingness toward risky sexual behaviors (p=0.004). In addition, at males, attitude toward behavior was significantly associated with behavioral intention (p<0.001), behavioral tendencies (p<0.001) and social norms (p<0.001).Conclusion: According to the findings, subjective norms and intention are the most important influential factors on sexual risk behaviors in females. In males, as well as, previous experiences play an important role in the formation of prototype and their willingness toward sexual risk behaviors.

Introduction: Reduced strength and flexibility of lower limb muscles have been proposed as contributing factors to Patellofemoral Pain (PFP). However, relationship of muscle strength and flexibility with pain and function in people with PFP is not well recognized, yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of lower limb muscles strength and flexibility with pain and function in females with PFP.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 35 females with PFP and 35 matched healthy females participated. Muscle strength, muscle flexibility, and pain were assessed using a dynamometer, an inclinometer, and visual analog scale, respectively. In this account, Kujalla questionnaire and step-down test were used to determine the function. The data were analyzed using an independent t -test, Pearson correlation test and stepwise regression.Results: There were significantly lower strength of the knee extensors, the knee flexors, the hip abductors and lateral rotators in the PFP group as compared to the healthy group (P<0.001). The hip medial rotators, illiotibial band and quadriceps flexibility in the PFP group were significantly lower compared with the healthy group (P<0.05). Based on regression analysis, quadriceps flexibility and hip abductor muscle strength may predict Kujalla (R2=0.20) and step-down scores (R2=0.16) in females with PFP. No significant correlation was found between pain intensity, function and muscle strength.Conclusion: lower limb muscles strength in females with PFP is significantly less than a healthy matched group. Qquadriceps muscle flexibility and the hip abductor muscles strength may predict Kujalla and step-down scores in females with PFP, respectively.

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that hip muscle weakness may contribute to patellofemoral pain (PFP). Accordingly, addition of hip strengthening exercises to conventional knee exercises was recommended for treatment of PFP. However, evidence to support superior efficacy of additional hip exercises in treatment of PFP is limited. This study compared the clinical efficacy of knee exercises versus combined knee and hip exercises in females with PFP.Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial 60 females with PFP were randomly assigned into two groups: “the knee exercises” and “the knee and hip exercises”. Participants performed progressive therapeutic exercises 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pain, muscle strength (the knee extensors, the hip abductors and the hip external rotators) and physical function were evaluated before and after treatment interventions using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a dynamometer, and step-down test, respectively.Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, function, and the knee extensor, hip abductor and hip external rotator muscles strength after the interventions (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in muscle strength, pain and function between the groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: Four weeks of either knee exercises or combined knee and hip exercises significantly improve function and reduce pain in women with PFP. Addition of hip strengthening exercises to conventional knee exercises was not associated with superior treatment outcomes.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of Persian version the self-efficacy for exercise Scale for older adults.Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 352 older adults from two genders (%59 men and %41 women) were chosen by cluster random sample and completed the Persian version the self-efficacy for exercise scale for older adults. At first, data was confirmed with use of translation- retranslation, face validity and translation accuracy methods. Meaningly, for scale construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis and for scale's internal constancy and also infraclass correlations coefficient temporal stability, Cranach alpha coefficient was used.Results: The results show that the model fit index (RMSEA, 0.055; CFI, 0.95 & TLI, 0.94), internal consistency the total scale (0.90) and temporal stability the total scale (0.83) showed Persian version the self-efficacy for exercise scale for older adults have good reliability and validity..Conclusion: These findings indicated a good validity and reliability for the Persian version of the self-efficacy for exercise Scale and for older adults. Therefore, the Persian version the self-efficacy for exersice scale for older adults can be employed as a tool in order to study and evaluate the efficacy of Iranian men and women for older adults.

Introduction: As the major depression disorder (MDD) is one of the prevalent psychiatric conditions, molecular characteristic is important to gain a better understanding of its complex nature. In this study, the protein-protein interaction network analysis is carried out in order to have a better understanding the molecular mechanism of MDD.Materials and Methods: The MDD differentially expressed proteins of cerebral fluid were extracted from the literature. Cytoscape Software was used for the network construction of 39 retrieved proteins. In addition, Cytoscape plug-ins, MCODE and ClueGO+CluePedia identified the protein complexes and biological processes, respectively.Results: The MDD map centrality analysis identified 15 hub proteins. This network comprises of four protein complexes and seven significant biological processes.Conclusion: In this study, some of the central proteins, protein complexes, and biological processes related to MDD are introduced. The further investigations can help validating possible drug targets and diagnostic biomarkers.

Introduction: Brain stem glioma is one of the brain tumors forming 10 to 20 percentages of tumors in children and 2 percentages of tumors in adults. It has two grades including high grade and low grade. Relatively, grade diagnosis is done by biopsy. The goal of this study is presenting a classification model based on MRI findings in order to diagnose glioma tumor and also investigating the effect of MRI findings on tumor’s grade.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we utilized MRI and pathological information of all 96 patients with glioma tumor in stereotactic biopsy ward of Shohadaye Tajrish hospital (Iran) between 2006-2012. For analysis of data, support vector machine as a precise classification model has fitted which is suitable for dataset with vast predictors or several class variables with low frequencies in some of them. This model has fitted in R software, 3.3.1 version.Results: The validation shows 93 percent total accuracy, 90 percent sensitivity and 93 percent specifity of support vector machine classifier model. Notably, the coefficients show positive correlation between headache, tumor spread in cord, homogeneous appearance, Cystlike appearance, ISO signal in T1 and T2 and low grade tumor and positive correlation between pons conflict, Tumor spread in thalamus, well defined appearance, necrosis appearance, hypersignal in T2 and heterogeneous enhancement with high grade tumor.Conclusion: Support vector machine classification model based on MRI has high accuracy in tumor grade diagnosis.

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease which usually begins with impaired glucose tolerance. This step is known as pre-diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at greater risk for diabetes. Typically for the variable selection, stepwise approach is used which does not take into account model uncertainties. In this study, Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) method was used to sort out the above shortcoming.Materials and Methods: The study population was 734 pre-diabetic women with 20 years and older participated in Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). In this study, the stepwise and BMA variable selection methods were employed in logistic regression. Then area under curve (AUC) for both methods was computed and compared with Delong test. All analyses was done using R version 3.1.3.Results: BMA selected the fasting plasma glucose, 2 hours’ blood glucose, and family history of diabetes, body mass index and aspirin use at baseline as risk factors for diabetic. In addition to these factors, stepwise method selected diastolic blood pressure, history of past 3 months’ hospitalization, thyroid drug use and education. Although the number of variables selected by BMA (5 variables) was less than that of stepwise (9 variables), AUC for the two methods was not significant.Conclusion: It seems that the BMA provide better model for screening of diabetes because with selecting fewer variables, prediction ability of the model is preserved.

Introduction: Awareness and preparedness against influenza type A can significantly prevent the outbreak of disease in high-risk groups, particularly in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Educational Intervention on pregnant women for promote preventive behaviors of influenza H1N1 based on health belief model in Sirjan city (Iran).Materials and Methods: This study was quasi-experimental in the years 2015-2016.Correspondingly, 200 pregnant women attending health centers in Sirjan city, were selected to participate in this study (100 in intervention group and 100 in control group). The intervention was conducted over two sessions in 60 minutes. Data were collected by a validated and reliable questionnaire (71 questions) before intervention and three months after intervention.Results: After intervention, knowledge scores increased significantly in both intervention and control groups, which was probably due to the routine education program in that center. But significant increase in attitude and behavior was only observed in the intervention group (P<0.05). Also, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action and self-efficacy increased significantly in the intervention group than the control group and decreased perceived barriers score (P<0.05). But, the difference was not increased and was not significant in the control group (P>0.05).Conclusion: The health belief model was effective in promoting knowledge, attitude and practice of the pregnant women of influenza H1N1 in Sirjan city. Therefore, it is proposed traditional training methods along with the health belief model in training pregnant women.

Introduction: Luteolin is an important plant extract. This shows anti-inflammatory, inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis and inhibition of metastasis. Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Also metastasis is widespread in this kind of cancer and late diagnosis is a cause of patient's death. Cofilin, actin and nucleoside-diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are important in cell death and metastasis. In this study the effect of luteolin on MKN-45 gastric carcinoma cells was evaluated.Materials and Methods: At first the cells were cultured and then for 48 hours were cultured with the drug concentration. Then the cells where collected and their protein were extracted and analyzed using 2D electrophoresis and separated on the basis of their molecular mass and PI. After that these samples were used for determine the amino acid sequence by MOLDI-TOF.Results: The growth rate of MKN-45 inhibited under influence of luteolin, this means increasing Apoptosis. Based on the results presented here by identification of protein spots by MOLDI-TOF mass spectrometry the expression of three protein cofilin, actin and NDPK has been decreased by luteolin.Conclusion: It seems that the anti- tumoral effect of luteolin is expressed through three proteins cofilin, actin and NDPK in gastric cancer cells.

Introduction: ApoAI, is the main protein of HDL and its gene is a member of apoAI-CIII-AIV gene cluster on chromosome 11q23-q24. In some studies, association of PstI polymorphism with dyslipidemia has been reported. This study was designed to investigate the frequency of rare allele (P2) of apoAI gene PstI polymorphism and its association with serum lipids levels in an Iranian population (Semnan city).Materials and Methods: In a case-control study genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood of 76 Iranian hyperlipidemic patients [total cholesterol (TC)>200 mg/dL, triglyceride (TG)>150 mg/dL] and 75 healthy control subjects (TC<200 mg/dL and TG<150 mg/dL) The PstI polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP.Results: The frequencies of the PstI polymorphism minor allele (P2) were 22.14 and 14.7 in the case and control groups respectively (P>0.05). In the case group, patients with P2P2 genotype had lower serum HDL-c and apoAI, compared those with P1P1and P1P2 genotypes (P>0.05).Conclusion: Considerably, the presence of the rare P2 allele was not associated with lipid levels in the studied population. The association between the polymorphisms and dyslipidemia is quite complicated. We propose evaluation of PstI polymorphism with other polymorphic sites in the apoAI-CIII-AIV gene cluster.

Introduction: Noise has become a concern for both public and policy makers. This study assessed noise levels produced by various motor vehicles routinely used in Iran.Materials and Methods: The study design was cross-sectional, which was done in 2014 (Iran). The samples consist of 346 motor vehicles categorized as motorcycles, passenger cars, buses and heavy duty vehicles. Relatively, noise propagated from motor vehicles was measured by a sound level meter with octave band analyzer. Sound pressure levels within octave band frequency surrounding the motor vehicles were determined in static position.Results: The average sound pressure levels for buses, heavy duty vehicles and motorcycles measured 83 dB (A), 83 dB (A) and 82 dB (A) respectively, were exceeded recommended environmental criteria. Buses had the highest sound pressure levels followed by trucks, motorcycles and passenger cars. Analysis of variance indicated a significant difference between the two groups of motor vehicles used for less than five years and more than five years (p<0.05). We found that old motor vehicles emitted high levels of noise at conversational frequencies. Sound pressure levels for all motor vehicles were increased at higher frequencies of octave band level.Conclusion: The determination of noise pollution from various motor vehicles should be considered in health researches. Using newer transportation sources can abate traffic noise pollution.

Introduction: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world. CLL generally affects older people by the accumulation and proliferation of B lymphocytes with markers CD19+, CD20+, CD5+and CD23+specified. In this way, berberine, including natural compounds with isoquinoline alkaloids structure, that has a potential anti-cancer effect. Berberin decreased survival and increased apoptosis of cancer cell lines in in vitro. In this study, the effect of berberine on cell survival and apoptosis in PBMC patients and healthy donors in the presence or absence of berberine and also comparison between bernerine and fludarabine were investigated.Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 12 patients and 6 healthy donors were isolated by using ficoll technique and PBMC cells seeded into the 96 well culture plate using medium RPMI1640+AB+serum with doses ranging from 5 to 200 mM of Berberine. The survival and apoptosis percentage of these cells was measured by MTT and Annexin V/7AAD (Flowcytometery).Results: Our results suggest a reduction in PBMC survival in CLL patients treated with berberine with P<0.05 as compared to patients cells which not treated. Comparing PBMC survival treated with berberine to cells treated with fludarabine showed no significant change (P>0.05). Correspondingly, increasing PBMC apoptosis in patients treated with berberine was observed rather than the cells were not adjacent to berberine (P<0.05) and also compared with PBMC apoptosis treated with fludarabine which shown no significant difference (P>0.05). However, we don’t have this increasing in healthy donors.Conclusion: Berberine leads to reduced viability and elevated levels of apoptosis in PBMCs of CLL Patients. Berberin showed no significant effects on PBMCs of healthy donor viability and apoptosis. Apoptosis induction by berberin is comparable to fludarabine as a standard treatment for CLL patients. Berberine might be a good candidate for clinical trial for CLL patients.

Introduction: There are many evidence to indicate the role of serotoninergic system and serotoninergic activation in seizure attacks. Given the role of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in synaptic activity and seizure models, and, the similarity of the mechanisms involved in causing seizures and long term potentiation (LTP), the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of this receptor in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) -induced synaptic strengthening.Materials and Methods: 24 Male Wistar rats (n=20, 220-320 g) were divided into 6 groups; Group1 (control); without any interference after surgery stereotoxic placement of stimulation electrode, Local Field Potential (LFP) was recorded for 20min.Then; the LTP was induced with tetanic stimulation. Group2: All experimental procedures were similar to the group 1, the difference was that the one-month period before the surgery, the animals kindled with PTZ injection. Groups 3-5: All experimental procedures were similar to the group 2, the difference was that the serotonin receptor antagonist (WAY-100635; at a concentration 12.5, 25 and 50nM) was injected intraventricularly. Group 6 received WAY-100635 only.Results: The results showed that groups 1 and 2 were different responded from one another after LTP induction of LTP with tetanic pulse (p<0.001). Field Excitatory Post-synaptic Potential (fEPSP) and Population Spike (PS) decreased significantly in groups of 3-5 compared to group 2 (p<0.001). Also, administration of WAY-100635 reduce fEPSP and PS.Conclusion: The results showed that 5HT1A receptor antagonist attenuated the induction of LTP in kindled animals. It seems that serotonin agonist that enhances LTP induction and thus may be useful in enhancing learning and memory in people with epilepsy.

Introduction: Previous studies have indicated that the voluntary and swimming exercise decreases the severity of the physical and psychological dependence on morphine in morphine-dependent and withdrawn rats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the forced treadmill exercise during the induction of morphine dependence on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal signs and anxiety like behavior.Materials and Methods: Rats were injected with increasing doses of morphine (8, 16, 26, 36, 46, 56 and 64 mg/kg, daily, s.c.) over a period of 7 days in which they were also trained at mild intensity on a treadmill for 30 min of daily. The anxiety-like behaviors were tested 2h after receiving morphine injection (56 mg/kg) using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) on day 8. Then, the severity of morphine dependence was measured after an acute injection of naloxone (0.4mg/kg, IP), 2h after receiving morphine injection (56 mg/kg) according to a modified version of the Gellert–Holtzman scale on day 9.Results: The results showed that the withdrawal graded signs including abdominal contractions, weight loss, and overall Gellert–Holtzman score and among the checked signs; consisted of diarrhea, irritability and teach chattering were decreased in treadmill runner morphine-dependent rats than the sedentary rats. Also, the results showed that the treadmill runner morphine-dependent rats exhibited an increase in time spent in, and entries into, the EPM open arms than the sedentary morphine-dependent groups.Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the forced treadmill exercise during the induction of morphine dependence diminished the severity of dependence on morphine and anxiety like behavior. Thus, forced treadmill exercise may decrease some of the behavioral consequences of physical and psychological dependence on morphine.

Introduction: Previous studies indicated that the exercise has beneficial effects on cognitive activities and ovariectomies causes the impairment of learning and memory. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of voluntary exercise and estrogen replacement on the effects of ovariectomy on fear memory and hippocampal neuron number in rat.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, adult female Wistar rat (180-220 gr) were used. One week after ovariectomy, the rats received b-Stradiol (estrogen 20 mg/kg) or vehicle (2ml/kg) daily and were allowed to freely exercise in a running wheel for 2 weeks. After this period, their learning and memory were trained and tested on a passive avoidance task that succeeded by a retention test two days later. Then, all animal were decapitated, and their hippocampi were removed. The number of neurons was counted in different regions of hippocampus.Results: Analysis of data indicated that the ovariectomy impaired the fear memory and decreased the number of neurons in the hippocmpaus. Volunatry exercise or exstrogen replacement alone, and together improved the deficits in fear memory and neuron counting induced by ovariectomy.Conclusion: Voluntary exercise and estrogen have benfical effects on cognitive deficits associated with the reduction of female sex hormones such as seen in post-monpouse woman.

Introduction: Several evidences demonstrate the beneficial effects of voluntary exercise on cognitive functions in rodents. It is well established that the glucocorticoid system plays an important role in regulation of learning and memory. In previous study, we have shown that glucocorticoids are involved in mediating the effect of voluntary exercise on spatial learning and memory. Moreover, physical activity enhaces glucocorticoids. This study addressed whether the glucocorticoid system would play a role in the exercise-induced enhancement of fear memory and hippocampal neuronal numbers in rats.Materials and Methods: Rats that were either adrenalectomized or daily given the corticosterone-synthesis inhibitor metyrapone were allowed to freely exercise in a running wheel for 10 days. After this period, they were trained and tested on a passive avoidance task, succeeded by a retention test two days later. Immediatley after memory testing, the rats were decapitated, and their hippocampi were removed for the measurement of the neuron conting in the dentate gyrus.Results: Exercise significantly improved the performance of fear memory retrieval and increased neuronal number in hippocampus whereas this effect was absent in both adrenalectomized and metyrapone-treated rats.Conclusion: These findings indicate that the glucocorticoids play a crucial role in the beneficial effects of voluntary exercise on fear memory formation and neural counting in the hippocampus.

Introduction: The use of patellar taping and bracing has been documented in the literature for assisting the management of people with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) but according to our investigation, no studies have been compared the effectiveness of this orthotics. So, the purpose of this study was to investigate the comparison of patellar taping versus patellar bracing with exercise therapy on pain and level of function in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome.Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial study 30 females with unilateral PFPS was randomly assigned to patellar taping with exercise therapy group and patellar bracing with exercise therapy group and as outcome measures pain, subjective and objective function is measured before and after interventions.Results: Our data showed significant improvements in pain and level of subjective and objective function after interventions in both treatment groups (p<0.0001) but there was no significant difference between treatment groups in terms of pain and level of subjective and objective function improvement.Conclusion: Our results indicate that patellar taping and bracing with exercise therapy have same effects in reduction pain and improvement function in patient with PFPS.

Introduction: Applying Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) on the primary osteoporotic women have been effective in increasing the bone synthesis biomarkers and decreasing of the amplitude and velocity of center of pressure. In the present study, in order to investigate the possible effect of PEMF on the neuromuscular responses, the acute effect of PEMF on the lumbopelvic area in the postmenopausal women with Osteoporosis was studied by recording the soleus and gastrocnemius recruitment curves.Materials and Methods: For investigating the acute effect of PEMF, 22 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (age 48-65) voluntarily entered in the study and randomly participated in two separately sessions applying PEMF and placebo (magnet device off). PEMF was applied on the lumbopelvic area with frequency of 30Hz and intensity of 40G for 45 min. One-week interval was considered between placebo and PEMF sessions. Before and after each session, H- reflex recruitment curve was recorded for soleus and gastrocnemius muscles and then amplitude, intensity of stimulation and latency of threshold, maximum and final H-reflex were determined.Results: After application of 45 min PEMF, the mean stimulus intensity for recording of initial H-reflex was decreased significantly, in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles (0.48 and 0.55 mA respectively). The latency of this H threshold was decreased significantly also in both muscles (2.01 and 1.67 ms, respectively). The peak to peak amplitude of maximum H response increased significantly, in both muscles compared to the placebo session (p<0.05).Conclusion: Immediately after applying of PEMF, facilitation in H-reflex response was observed in both soleus and gastrocnemius as a slow and fast twitch muscle. In both muscles, after applying PEMF, recruitment curves shifted to the left side by decreasing the stimulus intensity of initial and maximum H-responses and also their latencies. Conlusivly, this may be caused by the facilitation in the activities of alpha motoneurons in the spinal cord level.

Introduction: Human is trying to enhance health level by life style changing. In this study, the effect of 10 weeks of high intensity intermittent exercise and ginger supplement on some antioxidant markers, cardio-respiratory fitness and body mass index in overweight women was evaluated.Materials and Methods: 30 overweight women (BMI>25) were randomly divided into 3 groups: high intensity interval training- ginger (HIIT-GI), high intensity interval training- placebo (HIIT-PL), and ginger (GI) groups. HIIT-GI and GI groups consumed 3 grams of ginger pill orally; and except GI group, two other training groups performed interval training up to 90 percent of maximal heart rate in 3 sessions per week. Total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, and total polyphenol capacity of serum were measured using colorimetric method and the analysis of covariance test was applied for extraction of results (P<0.05).Results: Total antioxidant capacity increased non-significantly (p>0.05) by 22, 13 and 36 percent, and total polyphenol capacity increased non-significantly (p>0.05) by 18, 14 and 18 percent in the HIIT-PL, HIIIT-GI, and GI groups, respectively. Also, a non-significant (p>0.05) changes was obtained in catalase activity. However, the body mass index of both HIIT-GI and HIIT-PL groups and the maximal oxygen uptake of HIIT-GI group significantly (p<0.05) improved.Conclusion: High intensity interval training and ginger supplement with this dose considered became effective in overweight women's cardio-respiratory fitness and body mass index improvement; but it was not enough for stimulating the body's antioxidant system.