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Background: This study aims to explore the psychological effects of chronic exercise on mood and well-being in adults. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 20 participants from Iran who engage in regular exercise routines for at least six months. Participants ranged in age from 22 to 58 years and represented a variety of occupations and exercise preferences. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was reached and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and subthemes related to the psychological effects of exercise. Results: The analysis revealed several key themes: psychological benefits, barriers to exercise, motivational factors, and challenges in sustaining exercise. Participants reported significant improvements in mood, self-esteem, emotional resilience, and cognitive functions such as focus and memory. Barriers to exercise included time constraints, physical barriers, lack of motivation, environmental factors, and financial constraints. Motivational factors were primarily health benefits, personal goals, social influence, psychological benefits, and habit formation. Challenges in sustaining exercise included monotony, physical fatigue, balancing life demands, health setbacks, lack of immediate results, and accessibility issues. Conclusion: Regular physical activity is associated with numerous psychological benefits, including improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced cognitive function. However, barriers such as time constraints, lack of motivation, and financial constraints must be addressed to sustain these benefits. Community-based exercise programs, educational support for instructors, and public health campaigns can help overcome these challenges. Future research should include larger, more diverse samples and explore the long-term psychological effects of chronic exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maintaining an optimal weight is essential for wrestlers, given their competition in weight-classified categories. However, many wrestlers resort to unhealthy methods of rapid weight loss, such as drastic caloric restriction and dehydration, which can adversely affect their overall wellbeing. Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of a two-week increase in exercise volume on weight loss, serum oxidative stress, and inflammation in young wrestlers. Methods and Materials: Twenty wrestlers (aged 15-19, weight 63.47 kg) participated in a 2-week exercise intervention in addition to their regular weekly wrestling drills. The intervention consisted of resistance training, high-intensity interval training, and speed training. Wrestlers weighed daily over 2-week span. The participants' superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured both before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test conducted through SPSS software, with a significant level set at p < 0.05. Results: The 2-week intervention resulted in significant weight loss (p<0.001). Within group comparisons found serum levels of IL-6, SOD, and TAC significantly increased from pre-to-post testing, but MDA did not change significantly. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that a two-week increase in exercise volume can be an effective strategy for promoting weight loss and reducing oxidative stress in young wrestlers. The findings suggest that the improvement in antioxidant status is likely a result of the body's response to increased inflammation, as indicated by changes in inflammatory markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the preparation, characterization, and investigation of properties of DNR/f‐Al2O3 nanocomposites through an in situ emulsion polymerization technique. The method consists of the dispersion of pretreated nano‐alumina (f‐Al2O3 NPs) onto deproteinized natural rubber (DNR) latex, followed by the polymerization reaction with the K2S2O8/K2S2O5 redox initiation system, after deproteinization of natural rubber using urea in the presence of a surfactant. To improve the compatibility and reactivity of the nanofillers with DNR latex, the nano‐alumina surface was treated with 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) to produce f‐Al2O3 NPs. The thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy approved that the MPS was bound onto the surface of Al2O3 NP. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized using standard techniques for physical properties and structural morphology, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and TGA. The SEM images showed a homogeneous distribution of f‐Al2O3 NPs throughout DNR matrix. Due to such monodisperse particles, the DNR/f‐Al2O3 nanocomposite films revealed significant enhancement in thermal stability with increasing nano‐alumina loading as compared with the neat DNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Allium hirtifolium (Persian shallot) belongs to the Alliaceae family. Recently, the ethanolic extract of Persian shallot has significant activity against some important clinical pathogens. The present study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro antibacterial potency of the ethanolic extracts of Persian shallot (Iranian Moosir) combined with common antibiotics against five clinically important antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Methods: Antibacterial activities were determined using the disc-diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also evaluated using the broth microdilution method for the extract and selected antibiotics. In addition, the checkerboard technique was applied to evaluate the combined effects of the extract and antibiotics. Results: The MICs of the extract and antibiotics were within the ranges of 4-16 mg/ml and 4-128 µg/ml, respectively. The MBCs of the extract and antibiotics were within the ranges of 8-16 mg/ml and 8-128 µg/ml, respectively. The results of the checkerboard technique showed that amikacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole had synergistic effects, while levofloxacin, imipenem, and vancomycin exerted antagonistic effects on the isolates in combination with the extract. Conclusion: The in-vitro application of Persian shallot extract combined with amikacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is recommended to effectively inhibit the growth of five clinically significant antibiotic-resistant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The adverse effects of underweight, overweight, and obesity on health could increase the risk of chronic, non-communicable diseases and disability among the youth. Self-care plays a pivotal role in lifestyle management. The present study aimed to evaluate the associations of underweight, overweight, and obesity with self-care history in the youth. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,140 young participants aged18-29 years in Aqqala city, located in the north of Iran. Data were collected using the self-care measuring scale, which is commonly applied by the Iranian Ministry of Health. A case-control study had been designed in which the participants with normal weight were considered as controls, and the underweight, overweight, and obese subjects were considered as the case groups to evaluate the associations with self-care history. Results: The prevalence of obesity, overweight, normal weight, and underweight among the youth was estimated at 8.8%, 23.6%, 58.4%, and 9.2%, respectively. The frequency of self-care history based on the self-care measuring scale was considered to be inadequate, moderate, and favorable in 2.4%, 69.3%, and 28.3% of the participants, respectively. A significant association was observed between underweight and self-care history (OR: 4.46; 95%CI: 1.54-12.20; P<0.001). In addition, factors such as gender (P=0.001), education level (P=0.002), marital status (P=0.001), and self-care history (P=0.038) had significant correlations with the weight classifications in the participants. Conclusion: According to the results, the underweight individuals had an inadequate self-care history and were at a higher risk of diseases. Therefore, they required proper planning for selfcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Failure to thrive (FTT) is a common underlying condition in the patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and growth pattern in the patients with CDH. Methods: This study was conducted on 146 CDH patients who underwent surgery in Dr. Sheikh Hospital in Mashhad, Iran during April 2006-November 2013. Due to inaccessibility and the lack of cooperation on behalf of some parents, only 61 patients completed the study. Data on the demographic and anthropometric characteristics and postoperative complications were collected. Results: 61 patients with CDH were enrolled in the study, and 32.7% died within six months after the surgery. Mean age of the subjects was 24.21±30.26 months. According to the Z-score weightfor- height classification following surgery, 7.3% of the patients had severe malnutrition, 4.8% had moderate malnutrition, and 24.3% had mild malnutrition, while 51.2% of the subjects were normal. In addition, the majority of the subjects were within the normal range. Conclusion: According to the results, the majority of the studied children with CDH had normal growth postoperatively, and few cases experienced reduced growth rate within the early years of life. These findings highlight the need for supplementary calories in order to prevent FTT and other complications in the patients with CDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Success of root canal treatment depends on several factors; among which, maintaining the original canal path during mechanical preparation is extremely important. This in vitro study aimed to compare apical transportation using RaCe NiTi rotary system and precurved stainless steel (SS) hand files in a reciprocating handpiece. Methods and Materials: Mesiobuccal canals of 40 extracted human mandibular first and second molars with 20 to 45° curvatures and 3 to 7 mm curve radius were chosen for this study. After working length determination, the teeth were divided into two groups (n=20). Root canals were prepared with RaCe in group 1 and NSK handpiece and precurved SS hand files in group 2 up to #30 with 2% taper in both groups. Radiographs were taken of teeth before and after instrumentation from buccolingual and mesiodistal directions. The images were superimposed using Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. Degree of straightening and amount of apical transportation at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm levels short of the working length were determined using digital subtraction radiography. The student’s t test was used to compare the degree of straightening and Mann Whitney test was applied to compare apical transportation (millimeters) between the two groups. Results: No significant difference was noted between the two groups on buccolingual or mesiodistal views in degree of straightening and apical transportation on buccolingual view (P>0.05). However, on mesiodistal view, NSK reciprocating handpiece caused greater apical transportation at 0. 0.5 and 1 mm levels (P<0.05). Conclusion: The RaCe system and precurved SS files in reciprocating handpiece were highly similar in terms of degree of straightening and apical transportation. Thus, engine-driven NSK reciprocating handpiece can be used as an efficient adjunct for root canal preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A delivery system was designed for co-delivery of epirubicin (Epi) and antimir-21. • It was based on PβAE polymer as a core and MUC1 aptamer-modified PLGA. • Due to the low pH level in tumor tissue, PβAE provided a smart intelligent complex. • Co-delivery of Epi and antimir-21 leads to escalate cytotoxicity for target cells. • The neutral charge of PLGA-Epi-PβAE-antimir-21 nanocomplex is an advantage. Abstract Conventional chemotherapy suffers from several drawbacks, including toxic side effects together with the development of resistance to the chemical agents. Therefore, exploring alternative therapeutic approaches as well as developing targeted delivery systems are in demand. Oligonucleotide-based therapy has emerged as a promising and alternative procedure for treating malignancies involving gene-related diseases. In the current study, a targeted delivery system was designed to target cancer cells based on two biocompatible polymers of poly (β amino ester) (PβAE) and poly (d , l -lactide- co -glycolide) (PLGA). In this system, antimir-21 as an inhibitor of microRNA-21 (miR-21) which is an oncomiR overexpressed in several human cancers was condensed with PβAE polymer and then PLGA was electrostatically deposited on this complex and provided a reservoir for positively charged drug, epirubicin (Epi). At the final stage, MUC1 aptamer as a targeting agent was covalently attached to the nanoparticles for selectively guided therapeutic delivery. The obtained results demonstrated that the fabricated MUC1 aptamer-modified nanocomplex could efficiently be internalized into MCF7 (human breast carcinoma cell) and C26 (murine colon carcinoma cell) cells through interaction between MUC1 aptamer and its receptor on the surfaces of these cell lines and decline cell viability in these cells but not in CHO cells (Chinese hamster ovary cell) as nontarget cells (MUC1 negative cells). The safety of PLGA-Epi-PβAE-antimir-21 nanocomplex and synergetic effect of Epi and antimir-21 in reducing cell viability of target cells were confirmed by treating MCF-7 and CHO cells with nanocomplex and MUC1 aptamer-modified nanocomplex. Moreover, it was demonstrated that MUC1 aptamer-modified nanocomplex could remarkably inhibit tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice compared with Epi alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]