Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Investigating Functional Independence, Balance, Walking, and Electromyographic Changes in Chronic Stroke Patients Under the Influence of Home-Based Exercises with Functional Overload 1 9 FA Fatemeh Nasiri Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran Mohammad Fathi Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran Mona kadkhodai Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Raziyeh Rezaei Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran Ali Bahrami Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Andimeshk Branch, Islamic Azad University, Andimeshk, Iran Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of home-based exercise with functional overload on functional independence, balance, walking, and electromyographic changes in chronic stroke patients. Materials and Methods: The statistical sample consisted of 24 chronic stroke patients referred to the clinic of Shohadaye Ashayer Hospital in Khorramabad, Iran. They were randomly divided into two equal groups (intervention and control). Berg Balance measurement scale, functional Independence test, Dolly walk measurement and intervention, and electromyography examination of quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscles were investigated for both groups in the pre-test and post-test stages after 12 week. Results: Home-based exercise with functional overload significantly improved balance, walking, and functional independence tests in the intervention group. In the electromyography test, an improvement in the amplitude of the tibialis anterior and quadriceps femoris muscles has been observed in the intervention group. Conclusion: Our data revealed that in addition to clinical exercises, home-based exercises using weights or weight cuffs may lead to improvements in independent functioning, walking, and balance in in chronic stroke patients.  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Exploring the Synergistic Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Mindfulness Meditation on Anxiety Responses to Induced Rumination 10 20 FA vahideh momeniyan Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Ali ghanaeichamanabad Department of Psychology and Research Core of Cognitive Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran , mohammad saeed Abdkhodaei Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Zahra tabibi Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Introduction: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and mindfulness are two commonly used interventions for targeting cognitive processes related to emotional pathology. Materials and Methods: The current research is applied and quasi-experimental. The population was students aged 19 to 26 at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Among them, 60 healthy college students were selected through a purposive sampling method according to the stress, anxiety, and depression scale and were randomly assigned to 4 groups. In this study, we examined how tDCS in combination with mindfulness influenced the anxiety reactivity to induced rumination. All populations received either active or sham anodal tDCS to DLPFC or active or sham cathodal tDCS to the IPL, delivered either in active or sham mindfulness meditation. anxiety was assessed 5 times across the study. To collect data, the Spielberger State-Anxiety Inventory was completed by each participant. In the end, the data were analyzed descriptively by mean and standard deviation and inferentially by mixed variance analysis. Results: The between-group analysis revealed that after a single session of tDCS combined with mindfulness meditation, there were no significant differences in anxiety scores across the five stages. However, the within-subject analysis indicated significant changes in anxiety levels across the five assessment times. Conclusion: Concurrent single sessions of tDCS and mindfulness in the form of a body scan did not create a significant difference between the groups in any of the anxiety assessment times. However, with the continuation of mindfulness in the form of focusing on breathing, there were significant differences in the level of anxiety response compared to the previous stage  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Designing and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Sensory Integration-Based Play Therapy for Promoting Social Skills in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder 21 32 FA Fatemeh Rabiei Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Parvin Ehteshamzadeh Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Rezvan Homaei Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Hamdollah Jayervand Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent impairments in communication and social interactions, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The present study was conducted to develop play therapy based on sensory integration and its effectiveness in the development of social skills in boys with autism spectrum disorder. Materials and Methods: The present study was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and a 1.5-month follow-up with the control group. The statistical population of this research included all boys with autism spectrum disorder aged 5 to 12 in Guilan province, Iran. Based on the criteria for entering the research and the purposeful sampling method, 30 children from the Guilan Autism Association were selected as sample members and were randomly placed in experimental and control groups. Play therapy based on sensory integration was performed individually for 15 sessions of 30-45 minutes in the experimental group. The research tool included the Vineland Social Maturity Scale. Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the average scores for the total social development score and its sub-scales—including general self-help, self-help eating, self-help dressing, occupational skills, locomotion skills, communication skills, and socialization skills—between the experimental and control groups in the post-test phase. This difference persisted during the follow-up phase. However, no significant difference was observed in the self-direction sub-scale. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that play therapy based on sensory integration can lead to significant improvements in social skills among boys with autism spectrum disorder.  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Effectiveness of traditional and virtual reality exercises with physical literacy approach on motivation and acquisition of motor skills: a modern educational approach 33 44 FA Ahmad Mohammadi Moghaddam Department of Physical Education, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran Mohammad Jalilvand Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran Saba Yari Department of Motor Behavior, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran Introduction: With advancements in technology, computer games have opened new possibilities in the field of children's physical activity. One of these important areas is improving motivation and motor skills. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of virtual reality exercises and traditional exercises on children's motivation and motor skills. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this semi-experimental research was 10 to 12-year-old male students of elementary schools in Lorestan province, Iran. Based on the pre-test scores, 45 children were divided into three groups of 15 participants each: the virtual reality exercises group, the traditional exercises group, and the control group. Each child in the experimental groups participated in a training program consisting of two sessions per week for eight weeks, totaling 16 sessions. Results: Our study revealed that virtual reality exercises had a significant effect on improving all subtests of children's motivation. Furthermore, this type of training had a significant effect on improving all manipulation sub-skills and some locomotor sub-skills. In addition, traditional exercises caused a significant improvement in some subtests of children's motivation. This type of training caused a significant improvement in some manipulation sub-skills and some locomotor sub-skills. Comparisons between the two types of exercises revealed that virtual reality exercises enhanced intrinsic motivation more effectively than traditional exercises, whereas traditional exercises were more effective in boosting extrinsic motivation compared to virtual reality exercises. In the field of manipulation sub-skills, virtual reality exercises had a significantly greater effect than traditional exercises. However, no significant differences were observed between the two types of training in the field of sub-skills of locomotor. Conclusion: Based on our findings, it is recommended to utilize virtual reality games to effectively boost both motivation and motor skills in children.  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Emotional Regulation and Intensity of Pain in Girls with Premenstrual Dysphoric Syndrome 45 54 FA Vahideh Zijah Department of Family Counseling, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran Khadijeh Mehdizadeh Khalaj Department of Family Counseling, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran Samaneh Lafzi Kalehkhaneh Department of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, Rushdieh Institute of Higher Education, Tabriz, Iran Hadi Smkhani Akbarinejhad Department of Psychology, Nabi Akram Institute of Higher Education, Tabriz, Iran Introduction: In addition to physical health, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome has a negative effect on psychological health. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on the emotional regulation and intensity of pain in girls with premenstrual dysphoric syndrome. Materials and Methods: This study was a semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population was made up of female high school students suffering from premenstrual dysphoric symptoms in Tabriz, Iran. In total, 30 people were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly divided into two groups (15 people each). Members of the experimental group received their treatment in eight sessions of 1.5 hours. The control group did not receive any treatment. Both groups answered the 36-question difficulty regulating emotions Gratz and Romer and the 20-question pain intensity McGill before and after the intervention, as well as a follow-up test after 3 months. Results: There was no significant difference between the scores of emotional regulation and intensity pain in the experimental and control groups in the pre-test. The results showed that ACT increased and reduced emotional regulation and intensity of pain, respectively, in girls with premenstrual dysphoric syndrome in the post-test, compared to the control group. The effect of ACT on emotional regulation and intensity of pain was lasting in the follow-up phase. Conclusion: Our data indicate that the ACT can probably improve emotional regulation and reduce the intensity of pain in girls with premenstrual dysphoric syndrome.  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Comparison of twelve weeks of endurance and resistance exercise on the levels of acetylcholine and interleukin-1 beta in Alzheimer's male rats. 55 63 FA Azadeh Naderi Department of Sports Physiology, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Humanities, Borujard Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujard, Iran Abbas Saremi Department of Sports Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran Mohammad reza Afarinesh khaki Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, and there is growing evidence that exercise programs may help improve some symptoms of the disease. This study aimed to compare the effects of endurance and resistance training on acetylcholine and interleukin-1 beta levels in AD-model male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were selected and randomly assigned to four groups: healthy control, AD control, AD + resistance training, and AD + endurance training. AD was induced using an 8 mg dose of trimethyltin chloride. The endurance training consisted of swimming in water at 30–33°C, five days a week, for sessions gradually increasing from 15 to 60 minutes over 12 weeks. Resistance training involved rats climbing a one-meter ladder with weights attached to their tails, consisting of 26 steps at an 85-degree incline, also performed five days a week for twelve weeks. After the exercise period, blood levels of acetylcholine and interleukin-1 beta were measured using the ELISA method. Results: The results showed that acetylcholine levels in the AD control group were significantly lower than in both the AD + endurance group and the healthy control group. Following the exercise intervention, interleukin-1 beta levels in the healthy control group were significantly lower than in the AD control, AD + resistance, and AD + endurance groups. However, there was no significant difference in interleukin-1 beta levels between the endurance and resistance training groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that exercise may be beneficial in reducing inflammation associated with AD, with endurance training showing slightly greater effectiveness than resistance training in this context. This suggests that specific types of exercise might play a role in managing the inflammatory state of AD, potentially offering therapeutic benefits.  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Proective Effect of Frankincense Extract on the Histological Structure of Hippocampus and Cerebellum of Rats Exposed to Acrylamide 64 76 FA Maede Boroomand Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran Elham Salehi Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran majid Morovati sharifabad Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran Hamidreza Morady Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran Mohsen Rashidi Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran Introduction: Acrylamide (CONH2-CH=CH2) is an odorless, white crystalline solid that dissolves in water and is widely used in industries such as cosmetics, adhesives, textiles, paper production, and laboratory research. It is also formed in fried foods prepared at high temperatures, with its concentration influenced by the food type, cooking method, temperature, and duration of heating. Acrylamide is neurotoxic and has been linked to carcinogenic effects in both laboratory animals and humans. This study investigates the potential protective effects of frankincense extract on the histological structure of the hippocampus and cerebellum in rats exposed to acrylamide. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy adult male rats were divided into four groups: the control group, the frankincense extract group (25 mg/kg), the acrylamide group (20 mg/kg), and the acrylamide with frankincense extract group (20 mg/kg acrylamide and 25 mg/kg frankincense extract). All treatments were administered via daily gavage for 14 days. After the experimental period, the rats were weighed, and blood and brain tissue samples were collected for biochemistry and histological analysis. Results: Exposure to acrylamide significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum compared to the control group. Concurrent administration of frankincense extract with acrylamide led to a significant reduction in MDA levels and an improvement in TAC values compared to the acrylamide-only group. Histological analysis revealed that the thickness of the cerebellar granular layer increased significantly in the frankincense extract group compared to the acrylamide group. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the alcoholic extract of frankincense exhibits strong antioxidant properties, effectively mitigating acrylamide-induced oxidative damage in brain tissue by scavenging free radicals. These results suggest that frankincense extract may serve as a protective agent against acrylamide toxicity in the hippocampus and cerebellum.  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Review of Functional Mechanisms of Linalool in the Central Nervous System 77 90 FA zahra sarhadi Department of Biology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran tahereh ghadiri a. Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Modern Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. b. Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran. negin masoomabadi Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Modern Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Introduction: Linalool is one of the active monoterpene alcohols found in many plants, such as lavender, rosemary, and jasmine. This compound has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties and is a popular aromatic compound in cosmetics and health industries. Linalool has two optical isomers, R and S, with different aroma profiles. Recently, many studies have been conducted on the effects of linalool on the central nervous system, which has shown that this compound can positively affect brain function. Numerous studies have demonstrated that linalool possesses neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, it demonstrates sedative, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, and anti-Alzheimer's effects. Conclusion: Linalool holds promise as a natural compound for enhancing cognitive performance and supporting brain health. However, further research is needed to clarify its precise mechanisms of action and assess its long-term effects. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of linalool's impact on the brain, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties in various neurological disorders.  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Comparative Analysis of Diagnostic Techniques in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Role of AI, Biomarkers, and Brain Mapping Methods 91 102 FA elias mazrooei Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khavaran Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran Mohammad reza Dastury Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khavaran Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran Seyyed Ali Zendehbad Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran Introduction: The primary aim of this article is to critically assess and compare conventional diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a particular focus on the promising capabilities of biomarkers and brain mapping techniques. As the incidence of AD rises globally, novel diagnostic strategies are needed to improve upon traditional methods, which often lack predictive accuracy and precision. This study provides an in-depth review of advanced diagnostic tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications (e.g., machine learning and deep learning), brain mapping techniques (e.g., electroencephalography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and biomarkers (e.g., tau protein and beta-amyloid), which can be identified through innovative visual and manual techniques. Additionally, the research explores the potential of identifying precursor proteins in the blood of patients with AD before symptom onset, presenting a significant opportunity for early intervention that could greatly impact treatment outcomes. Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential of combining brain mapping methods with manual analysis to facilitate transformational advancements in the diagnostics of AD. This combined approach enhances the detection of structural and functional brain changes associated with AD, contributing to more accurate and earlier diagnoses. Furthermore, brain-derived proteins are present at significantly higher levels in cerebrospinal fluid than in blood, where they are diluted by abundant plasma proteins, such as albumin and immunoglobulins. This observation raises questions about the reliability of current clinical diagnostic practices and emphasizes the importance of validating new diagnostic markers with AI-based manual techniques against neuropathological standards. Finally, the study concludes that AI, when used in conjunction with cognitive assessments, biomarkers, brain mapping approaches, and molecular testing, can substantially enhance diagnostic accuracy and reliability, which are essential for managing and treating patients with AD effectively.  

Shefa Neuroscience Research Center The Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam 2322-1887 12 3 2024 6 1 Anatomical, Physiological, and Pathological Changes in Different Parts of the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease 103 116 FA Sadegh Shirian Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran Narges Tahmasebian Veterinary Groups, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran Behnam Bakhtiari Moghadm Department of Health and Food Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran Fatemh Zahra Kiani Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran Mohammad Rasoul Amini Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious and progressive neurodegenerative disorder, that poses a significant health challenge in industrialized societies. Primarily associated with aging, AD frequently leads to dementia and is characterized by cognitive decline, synaptic dysfunction, and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles within the brain. Key pathological features of this disease include the destruction of neuronal synapses, necrosis of brain cells, and the extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein, forming amyloid plaques. The neuropathology of AD is complex, involving mixed proteinopathy. This is characterized by the deposition of Aβ in the brain tissues as amyloid plaques and the formation of tau-related neurofibrillary tangles within neurons, often accompanied by cerebral amyloid angiopathy. From an anatomical view, AD is commonly associated with moderate atrophy of structures within the subcortical structures. Moreover, the frontal and temporal cortices often exhibit pronounced atrophy and ventricular enlargement. However, the primary motor and sensory cortices generally remain unaffected in the majority of AD cases. Physiologically, the pathogenesis of AD is complex and involves various mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, apoptotic cell death, genetic mutations, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, and dysregulation of metal ion homeostasis. Conclusion: Understanding the anatomical, physiological, and pathological changes that occur in AD is crucial for advancing awareness of the disease’s progression and for improving diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies. This review explores these alterations across various brain regions to provide a comprehensive perspective on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AD.