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Scrupulosity (also known as religious obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a sub-group of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that has not been well investigated internationally and in Iran. In recent decades, scrupulosity has been the researchers’ subject of interest and relevant literature, mostly with a cognitive approach, has attracted attention. In this regard, investigators have tried to shed a light on different aspects of this concept by identifying constructs that are mutually related to both obsessive-compulsive disorder and scrupulosity. OCD-related symptoms and cognitive styles are among these constructs. The objective of this research was to study the relationship between scrupulosity, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and OCD-related cognitive styles (obsessive beliefs and thought-action fusion). For sampling, 30 individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder were recruited from Shafa counseling center, Aramesh counseling center, and the Child and Family Clinic of Shahid Beheshti University. In addition, 50 individuals with OCD were recruited via internet social networks. Obsessive-compulsive inventory-revised (OCI-R) was used for screening. Convenience technique was used as the sampling design. In order to collect data, Penn inventory of scrupulosity (PIOS), thought-action fusion scale (TAF), depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21), obsessive-compulsive inventory-revised (OCI-R) and obsessive beliefs questionnaire (OBQ) were administered. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results showed that there were significant relationships between scrupulosity and OCD symptoms total score, scrupulosity and obsessive beliefs and scrupulosity and thought-action fusion. Results also showed that the variations in scrupulosity scores could be best predicted by anxiety and importance/control of Thoughts. The results showed a significant relationship between scrupulosity and OCD symptoms, which underlines pathology of scrupulosity. The results showed a significant relationship between scrupulosity and obsessing subscale of OCI-R, which means that scrupulosity is obsessive-based and is not associated with compulsive act. The results also showed a significant relationship between scrupulosity and obsession. Regression analysis demonstrated that the importance of thoughts/controlling thoughts subtype could significantly predict the variability of scrupulosity. As scrupulosity is strongly related to mental obsession, so it would inevitably show a strong association with importance of thoughts/controlling thoughts. According to results, there was a significant relationship between scrupulosity and thought-action fusion and a stronger relationship between scrupulosity and moral thought-action fusion. As mentioned above, Sakovskis (1985) and Rachman (1997, 1998, 2003) have discussed the role of thought-action fusion in etiology and maintenance of OCD.

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Body image is an internal representation of the external appearance which includes physical and perceptual aspects and attitudes toward them. Body image anxiety can cause weight problems. In addition, perfectionism, the trend or effort to be perfect and flawless can cause extreme thinking and self-criticism. Perfectionism can provoke anxiety and concerns for body image and weight, especially in women. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between body image anxiety, perfectionism and body mass index (BMI). Participants were 200 women took part in fitness programs in two regions of Shiraz (districts one and three). They filled Body Image concern inventory (Littleton), and positive and negative perfectionism scale (Terry-Short). The body mass index was assessed using self-reported data. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression (ENTER method) were used for analyzing data. Results showed that there are significant relationships between dimensions of body image anxiety and negative perfectionism and BMI. Regression analysis also revealed that negative perfectionism and BMI positively predict body image anxiety. Based on the results presented, body image which includes internal attributions about individual’s body and impressions from others can be affected by negative aspects of perfectionism and the body mass index. In other words, women’s body image is affected by the negative dimension of perfectionism which is a representation of anxiety.

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Most people have experienced anxiety in their lives. Anxiety is necessary to continue the life but intense anxiety can be reduced person’s efficiency and avoided rational thinking and decision making. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between levels of anxiety and social adaptation in female students of Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 120 female students with 20-30 years old were randomly selected at all levels of university degrees. Cattell anxiety test and Rotter's Locus of control questionnaire (internal-external) were employed in this research. Results showed that relationship were significantly increased between mild anxiety and average social adaptation and also between severe anxiety and weak social adaptation (P<0.01). Finding showed that the mild to intense levels of anxiety had relationship with the social adaptation, so that anxiety can be influenced on social adaptation.

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Locus of control is a very important issue in the psychological science and it can help people to overcome many psychological disorders. The main assumption of the present study was the relationship between both internal and external locus of control, as a hypothetical variable. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between locus of control and levels of anxiety in female students in Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 120 female students with 20 to 30 years old were randomly selected at all levels of university degrees. Cattell anxiety test and Rotter's Locus of control questionnaire (internal-external) were employed in this research. Results showed that relationship were significantly increased between mild anxiety and internal locus of control and also between external locus of control and severe anxiety (P≤0.01). Internal locus of control would be more successful in controlling students’ anxiety however external locus of control would be accompanied by severe anxiety in students.

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The present study aims to investigate the effect of noscapine (0.5-2.5 µM), an alkaloid from the opium poppy, on primary murine fetal cortical neurons exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro model of ischemia. Cells were transferred to glucose-free DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium) and were exposed to hypoxia in a small anaerobic chamber. Cell viability and nitric oxide production were evaluated by MTT assay and the Griess method, respectively. 0.5 µM noscapine were significantly inhibited the neurotoxicities produced by 30 min OGD. The neurotoxicity decreased by noscapine treatment in the concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of cells with MK-801(10 µM), a non-competitive NMDA (N-Methyl-D-aspartate) antagonist, and nimodipine (10 nM), a L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, increased cell viability after 30 min OGD, while the application of NBQX (30 µM), a selective AMPA(-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid)-kainate receptor antagonist partially attenuated cell injury. Noscapine attenuated nitric oxide (NO) production in cortical neurons after 30 min OGD. We concluded that noscapine had a neuroprotective effect, which could be due to its interference with multiple targets in the excitotoxicity process. These effects could be mediated partially by a decrease in NO production.

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Social phobia is one of the most common disorders between adolescents and young adults .The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of social phobia in Abhar`s high school students, at the risk-period for developing social phobia, and its influencing factors . In this cross-sectional study, a total of 5526 high school students of both genders from Abhar were selected using a census sampling method. Participants were assessed for social phobia disorder using the Liebowit Questionnaire anonymously. Information was also collected for the some socio-demographics. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods with SPSS-17 used for data analysis. The prevalence of social phobia disorder was 17/2%. The study showed that sex (female); age- early age of adolescence; being single; from small family; with low educated and housekeeper mother; With a father who work in private job; Living in town; from family with average income  are associate with higher prevalence of disorder. Social phobia is highly prevalent among high school students in Abhar region. Study findings can help health decision makers implement a more comprehensive strategy in this community for interventions to promote mental health and prevent social phobia.

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Parkinson`s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer`s disease. It is a chronic and progressive disease, and mostly afflicts elderlies. PD starts with sudden onsets and the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, however there are some early symptoms that can help us to diagnose the disease and ameliorate its effects. PD is a multi-factorial disease, so finding a certain cure is difficult, but recent studies about the role of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in PD has opened a new window. In fact, in PD inflamed microglias produce the free radical “nitrogen monoxide” which causes neurodegeneration, and neurodegeneration in Substatia Nigara reduces the secretion of dopamine which results in motor symptoms of the disease. These findings clarify that anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory mechanisms can be very helpful in the PD treatment. Recent research about prevention or reduction of the  effects of PD using herbal anti-oxidant medications are promising.one of the herbal medications thought to be effective in PD is Ginseng extract. Studies show significant ant-inflammatory effects of Ginseng which can prevent formation of inflamed microglias at the first stage, also Ginseng changes antioxidant enzymes activity and nitric acid production resulting in restriction of free radicals and controlling oxidative stress. Based on these facts Ginseng is a suggested neuroprotective therapy for PD, but of course using it as an accepted therapy needs enough trials with reassuring results.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. The exact cause of Alzheimer`s disease is still unknown, but recent studies suggest neuro-inflammation as an important part of the pathogenesis of the disease. This brings in mind using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) as treatment or prevention of the disease. In this review, we weigh up some pros and cons of NSAIDs as Alzheimer`s prevention. Although we know that most of the trials show effectiveness of long-term NSAID use in prevention of Alzheimer's disease, we cannot ignore disadvantages of using them. For example, it is proved that many inflammatory proteins and cytokines have useful and protective functions so we cannot simply suppress them by anti-inflammatory drugs because it may be more harmful than beneficial. Even some studies show increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in heavy NSAID users. Another major disadvantage of NSAIDs is their side effects such as gastrointestinal and nephrologic complications. Using NSAIDs as prevention of Alzheimer`s has been matter of much debate in recent years. We know that still there is no rational explanation for NSAIDs benefit in Alzheimer`s disease, while their harms are quite obvious. Based on these facts, NSAIDs are not yet a recommended medication for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer`s disease.

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Migraine is a disabling headache disorder. That is characterized by recurrent unilateral pulsatile headaches. It is one of the most common neurological disorder in the world that nearly one billion of people are affected by migraines. The main Migraine’s features are headaches. Accompanying symptoms are nausea, sometimes vomiting, photophobia, neck pain and muscle tension. Its attacks last several hours to 2-3 days. Migraines are believed to be related to a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. Neuroinflammation is caused by a variety of cues. It results in the release of neuropeptides which affect vascular permeability and helps to initiate proinflammatory and immune reactions at the site of injury. In Migraines calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP) is released from perivascular nerve endings. CGRP and other factors induce arterial relaxation, thus inflammation occurs. Vitamin D is a very important compound in the human body. Nowadays vitamin D deficiency has become a worldwide problem. Vitamin D has several roles in the body, In addition to regulation of calcium and phosphorus serum level, which is important for bone health, vitamin D has a significant role in brain’s growth, development, and function. In recent years it has been hypothesized that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and migraine. The objective of this study was to review different paradigm on how vitamin D deficiency and migraines are correlated. In conclusion, recent studies have been shown there is an association between vitamin D deficiency and migraine. There is not any evidence to prove the cause of this effect but we hypothesize that the effect of vitamin D may be related to increasing calcium serum level which has a significant role in healthy brain function and suggest further study especially on inflammatory processes involved in these situations.

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Thrombin is a multifunctional enzyme which has key roles in coagulation cascade and inflammatory events. The pro-inflammatory functions of thrombin occur by different mechanisms including increasing mast cell degranulation, up-regulating the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and promoting the secretion of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. Dysregulated signaling functions of thrombin contributes to the pathogenesis of pro-inflammatory diseases such as coronary thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, atherogenesis, and cancer and of special interest in this poster in central nervous system (CNS) associated inflammatory diseases. In support of the proinflammatory signaling function of thrombin in inflammatory CNS disease several reports demonstrated that PAR-1activation by thrombin elevates concentration of pro-inflammatory mediators like arachidonic acid, increases neutrophil chemoattractant-1, IL-1 and IL-8 in astrocytes. Similarly, PAR-1 has pro-inflammatory role in oligodendrocyte by inducing the expression of TNF-α and MMP-9. Furthermore, thrombin with activation of PAR-4 can induce pro-inflammatory signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kβ) in microglia cell line. PAR-4 also increases the expression and release of TNF-α from microglia leading to up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and as a consequence, incense in degeneration of dopaminergic neurons occurs. Consistently, thrombin plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neuro-degenerative diseases including stroke, multiple sclerosis Alzheimer and Parkinson. In support of these findings, it has been shown that administration of thrombin inhibitors including hirudin and a-NAPAP could decrease CNS inflammation related disease. Understanding the detail of pro-inflammatory signaling functions of thrombin and designing novel therapeutic agent to targeting this inflammatory serine protease can be a useful strategy for treatment of CNS inflammatory disorders, however the unfavorable pharmaceutical activities, toxicity, and risk of bleeding of these compounds needs to be further investigated.

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Depression alone is a severe and acute disease, but its close relationship with neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases has emphasized its importance. In fact, the linking bridges between depression and these diseases are cytokines, especially pro-inflammatory cytokines which have fundamental roles in organizing different parts of central nervous system and emotions. Studying the relationships of depression and neuroinflammatory diseases shows two different aspects: either depression and cytokine disturbances lead to neuroinflammation and so brain diseases or depression appears as a result or contributor of  neuroinflammatory diseases due to factors like stresses during the treatment, feeling of weakness and dependence on others or linked physiologic mechanisms of depression and neuroinflammation. These facts represent depression as an important factor in diagnosis, prevention or therapy of neuroinflammatory diseases. We review the role of Depression in neuroinflammatory diseases as a therapeutic strategy. According to mechanisms of inflammation-associated depression, which cytokines play a major role in progression of these disorders, new possibilities are opened for developing anti-inflammatory drugs or new anti-depressant compounds targeting neuroinflammation or its pathways. Also an effective strategy for detecting depression in the early stage can help us prevent neuroinflammation and subsequently neuroinflammatory disease.

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Introduction: Headache is one of the most common pain syndromes in humans, which can lead to social and occupational dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of migraine and tension type headache (TTH) among the staffs of Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran and its relationship with socio-demographic variables as well as psychological factors. Materials and Methods: This analytical observational study was conducted in 590 employees of Sina Hospital in Tehran, Iran using a randomized sampling method. The prevalence of migraine and TTH was evaluated in relation to psychological and socio-demographic variables. Required information was collected through a questionnaire and the diagnosis of the type of headache was confirmed by a neurologist. Results: The total prevalence of headaches within our study population was 129 cases among 590 subjects (21.8%), of which 58 (9.8%) subjects were migraineurs, 67 (11.3%) subjects had TTH, and 4 (0.67%) people had both TTH and migraine. These headaches were significantly higher in nurses, staffs with a bachelor's degree or above, staffs with an average daily working hours of more than 8 hours, and staffs working in the morning shift. TTH had also a significant relationship with psychological characteristics, such as depression, fatigue, and job dissatisfaction. Job absenteeism, referral to physicians, and inability to do routine works during their headache periods were significantly higher in staffs with migraine headaches compared to TTH. Conclusion: TTH and migraine headaches had a significant relationship with the type of job, educational levels, and type of work shifts. In addition, migraine headaches had more negative effects on the quality of work compared to TTH.

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Glioblastoma is one of the most common primary brain tumors (80% of patients) that has a poor prognosis due to malignancy. Glioblastoma has an annual incidence of 5.26 per 100 000 population or 17 000 new diagnoses per year and so as the population aging, the number of patients is expected to increase. There is a growing body of literature investigating the tumor microenvironmental mechanisms which lead to metastasis. It has previously been believed that the tumor ensures its growth through angiogenesis. Recent evidence suggests a new approach for tumor nutrition which is the act of tubulogenesis by tumor cells mimicking endothelial angiogenesis in the condition of hypoxia. This procedure is called vasculogenic mimicry. In addition to searching for oxygen and vital nutrients supporting tumor growth, vasculogenic mimicry can result in metastasis due to tumor cells migration into blood vessels. This approach has been detected in several cancers such as melanoma. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in vasculogenic mimicry, nevertheless there is not sufficient research discussing mentioned mechanism in glioblastoma. The aim of this study is to investigate tumor cells behavior resulting in vasculogenic mimicry in glioblastoma in a three-dimensional culture in order to simulate natural brain environment to get exact and detailed results. Based on recent researches reviewing controlling ways of vasculogenic mimicry in melanoma and other cancers, it is expected to find interrupting mechanisms for tumor nourishment and metastasis through mentioned approach.

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Introduction: Organizational Trauma Theory is one of the latest theories in the field of organizational behavior and management, which aims to examine the psychological and physical side effects of organizational trauma on an individual and a group of people within an organization. The purpose of this study was to study the role of organizational trauma on silence and organizational cynicism in a health service provider Center. Materials and Methods: This is an applied and descriptive study and has been performed by survey method. A questionnaire with 25 items was distributed among 150 employee of a health service provider center to examine the impact of the organizational trauma on cynicism and organizational silence. The questionnaire was designed based on Likert spectrum. Structural equations’ modeling was used to analyze research data. Results: The findings show that organizational trauma affected the staffs in dimension of existence, depression, fear and anger and the organization in dimension of stress, anxiety, and intra-organizational relationships. Furthermore, the results indicate that organizational trauma has a positive and significant effect on organizational silence and cynicism. In addition, there was a positive and significant relationship between organizational cynicism and organizational silence. Conclusion: Considering the significant and positive relation between organizational trauma and organizational cynicism, organizational trauma can be considered as an important factor in the mental health of an organization. Organizational trauma increases organizational pessimism; possibly via the creation of a sense of inequality and justice among employees.

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Introduction: Neuromotor Immaturity is one of the childhood disorders that has been associated with behavioral disorders and its adverse effects can continue into adulthood. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between neuromotor immaturity with the severity of hyperactivity and autism in children. Materials and Methods: The study included 388 children aged between eight to fifteen. The severity of autism and hyperactivity were assessed using the Conners Parents Questionnaire and Scale Questionnaire, Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR), Symmetric tonic neck reflex (STNR), Labyrinthine reflex (TLR), and Moro reflex. In order to examine the relationship between neuromotor immaturity and hyperactivity as well as autism disorders, the linear correlation between variables was measured. Multiple regression analysis was used in order to investigate the effects of neuromotor immaturity on hyperactivity and autism disorders. Results: There was a significant association between the reflections of STNR, ATNR, and MORO tests with the symptoms of hyperactivity. Furthermore, STNR, Moro, and TLR responses were associated with the symptoms of autism. Conclusion: The results suggest that the reflections sustainability measurement in the present study can be considered as a diagnostic approach for beneficial early interventions.

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Introduction: Post-stroke seizure (PSS) is a critical complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Early risk prediction can allow clinicians to plan effective management or prevention. This study aimed to determine whether assessing Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS), and neutrophil indices allow for determining the risk of PSS. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included AIS patients with cortical involvement admitted to a single academic center between January 2020 to October 2023. For all included subjects, DWI-Brain MRI, blood neutrophils, and platelet counts were assessed and the DWI-ASPECTS score was calculated. Then, the patients were followed up for 6 months in terms of PSS occurrence. Patients with at least one PSS entered the PSS group and patients without any PSS entered the non-PSS group. For statistical analysis, imaging and laboratory data were compared between two groups. Logistic regression was used to identify the association between DWI-ASPECTS and neutrophil indices, with early PSS. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity of these variables for PSS were estimated. Results: A total of 309 were entered in the final analysis. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and DWI-ASPECT were significantly associated with early PSS with OR of 1.13 and OR of 0.74 respectively (P < 0.05). Statistical analysis showed that, a combination of DWI-ASPECTS, NLR had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72 for the occurrence of early PSS. Conclusion: DWI-ASPECTS and NLR are associated with the occurrence of early PSS after cortical ischemic stroke. A combination of these factors had higher accuracy for PSS prediction rather than each factor alone. Our findings may be useful for determining the risk of PSS if verified in future works.