https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/ Journal of Netshabur University of Medical Sciences en daily 1 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10439.html Background:Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and costly complication of pharmacological therapies in hospitalized patients, particularly among those receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin. Despite its high efficacy in treating severe Gram-negative infections, the clinical use of gentamicin is limited by its well-documented nephrotoxicity.This policy-oriented paper aims to analyze the available experimental evidence on the nephroprotective effects of thymoquinone—the principal bioactive compound of Nigella sativa (black seed)—and to explore its translational and policy implications for the Iranian health system.Preclinical studies suggest that thymoquinone mitigates gentamicin-induced renal injury through suppression of oxidative stress and modulation of inflammatory pathways. Experimental findings indicate improvements in biochemical markers of renal function, attenuation of lipid peroxidation, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defense systems, and reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators. These mechanisms are consistent with the established pathophysiology of aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity. Although current evidence remains at the preclinical level, the biological plausibility and consistency of findings provide a rationale for further translational research. Targeted support for early-phase clinical trials, development of regulatory frameworks for standardized thymoquinone formulations, and comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses are necessary steps toward potential clinical implementation. If safety and efficacy are confirmed in human studies, thymoquinone may represent a complementary strategy to reduce drug-induced AKI and its associated clinical and economic burden in Iran. Thymoquinone emerges as a promising adjunctive candidate for preventing gentamicin-associated nephrotoxicity. A structured translational pathway is essential before integration into clinical practice; however, its development may offer meaningful clinical and health policy benefits for the Iranian healthcare system. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10424.html Introduction: Alzheimer's is one of the major health challenges in today's world. This disease gradually causes memory and cognitive functions to deteriorate. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of aerobic exercise along with consumption of lemon balm extract on the expression of p53, p21, and caspase3 genes in male Alzheimer's mice.Methods: In the present experimental study, 32 adult male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, resistance training, resistance training and extract, and extract group. Alzheimer's model was created by injecting amyloid beta 42-1 into the hippocampus. Resistance training consisted of 3 training sessions per week for 8 weeks. Real Time PCR method was used to determine the expression of the target genes. One-way analysis of variance test and Tom Hen's post hoc test wereused to analyze the dat.Results: The results showed that after 8 weeks of aerobic training, the expression of the 53P gene in the intervention groups was significantly reduced compared to the Alzheimer's group (p<0.05). Caspase-3 was also significantly reduced in the Alzheimer's and aerobic exercise group and the Alzheimer's and aerobic exercise and extract group compared to the Alzheimer's group (p<0.05). The expression of the P21 gene in the Alzheimer's and aerobic exercise group and the Alzheimer's and aerobic exercise and supplement group showed a significant increase compared to the Alzheimer's group (p<0.05).Conclusion: It seems that resistance training and consumption of lemon balm extract reduce the expression of the 53P and caspas34 genes and increase the expression of the 21P genes in male Alzheimer's rats. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10423.html IntroductionIntroduction Health literacy is related to an individual's capacity to acquire, interpret, and understand basic information from health services, which affects other aspects of an individual's life. The present study was conducted to determine health literacy and its relationship with quality of life.Materials and MethodsThis was a cross-sectional-analytical study conducted in the urban population of Zebarkhan County aged 18-60. The sample size was 250 people selected conveniently. The collection tool included a health literacy and health-related quality of life questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests using SPSS-26 software.ResultsThe average reading literacy of individuals was 65%, access to information was 61%, comprehension was 69%, evaluation was 58%, decision-making and behavior was 47%, and overall health literacy was 60% with a standard deviation of 20. There was also a positive and significant relationship between the level of health literacy and health-related quality of life and its components (p<0.005).ConclusionThe findings showed that the average score of individuals in health literacy, decision-making and behavior, is lower than other components and there is a direct and positive relationship between health literacy and quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to the way people make decisions and transform health literacy into appropriate behavior in planning and designing educational programs. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10443.html IntroductionCandida species are a part of the normal flora of the human mouth and can be isolated from the saliva of healthy individuals. Various factors influence the colonization and invasion of these fungi into the oral mucosa, particularly in individuals with underlying conditions. The aim of this descriptive-analytical study was to compare the rate of colonization of Candida species in the saliva of healthy individuals and those with underlying diseases among patients visiting the dental clinic of Yazd Dental School.MethodsIn this descriptive-analytical study, a total of 250 saliva samples including 151 healthy individuals and 99 individuals with underlying diseases were collected and cultured. The isolated candida species and their colonization rate of Candida albicans and non-albicans isolated candida species from saliva of healthy and the group with underlying diseases were analyzed using SPSS19 software.ResultsA total of 250 saliva samples were analyzed, of which 169 (67.6%) were positive for Candida colonization. The prevalence of positive Candida culture was significantly higher in patients with underlying diseases than in healthy individuals (82.8% vs. 57.6%, χ²=16.22, P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in gender distribution between the two groups (P=0.243). Candida albicans was the predominant species in both groups; however, non-albicans Candida species were significantly more frequent among patients with underlying diseases compared with healthy subjects (37.8% vs. 21.8%, χ²=4.43, P=0.035).ConclusionThe rate of Candida albicans and non-albicans species isolated from saliva from individuals with underlying diseases was higher than that in healthy groups. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10441.html IntroductionMarital conflicts, arising from individual differences, sexual attitudes, and conflict resolution styles, can negatively affect mental health, particularly among women. Therapeutic approaches such as Imago Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which emphasize the improvement of conflict resolution skills and sexual attitudes, may enhance the quality of marital relationships and couples’ satisfaction.Materials and MethodsThis semi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group and included 45 women with marital conflict, randomly assigned to Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, or a control group. Data were collected using conflict resolution and sexual attitude questionnaires and analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA.ResultsThe findings indicated that both therapeutic approaches significantly improved conflict resolution styles and sexual attitudes at posttest and follow-up assessments (p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found between the Imago Therapy and EFT groups on any of the study variables (p > 0.05). The positive effects of the interventions were maintained at follow-up, indicating the durability of the observed improvements in conflict resolution styles and sexual attitudes.DiscussionBoth Imago Therapy and Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy are similarly effective in improving conflict resolution styles and sexual attitudes among women experiencing marital conflict. Therefore, the choice between these approaches can be guided by clients’ individual characteristics and preferences. Further research is recommended to examine the effects of these interventions across different contexts and populations. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10440.html Introduction: Substance use disorder leads to various physical, psychological, and social consequences, including reduced cognitive flexibility and distress tolerance. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on psychological flexibility and distress tolerance in men with substance use disorder undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2025 in Neyshabur with an experimental group and a control group. The sample consisted of 30 men with substance use disorder undergoing methadone treatment, who were randomly assigned to the two groups. The intervention group received eight sessions of ACT. Data were collected using standardized instruments on psychological flexibility and distress tolerance at three time points (pretest, posttest, and follow up). The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS software.Results: The findings indicated that the effects of time, group, and the time × group interaction were significant for both psychological flexibility and distress tolerance (p < 0.001). Bonferroni post hoc tests showed significant differences between pre-test and post-test, as well as between pre-test and follow-up in the intervention group (p < 0.001), while the difference between post-test and follow-up was not significant (p > 0.05). Additionally, the differences between the two groups at post-test and follow-up were significant for both variables (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The findings suggest that ACT, by producing sustained improvements in psychological flexibility and distress tolerance, can serve as an effective complementary intervention for enhancing psychological resilience in men undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10442.html Introduction: Hemorrhoid is one of the most prevalent anorectal disorders associated with pain and bleeding. In Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM), temperament plays a significant role in the onset and course of diseases; however, the temperamental pattern of patients who are candidates for hemorrhoidectomy has not yet been directly investigated. Therefore this study was conducted with the aim of determining the frequency of Mizaj (temperament) types and their associated factors among patients who are candidates for hemorrhoidectomy.Materials and Methods: This descriptive–analytical study was conducted on patients who were candidates for hemorrhoidectomy and referred to Yazd Social Security Hospital. Data on demographic characteristics, patients’ temperament types, and related factors were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26.Results: Among the 270 patients who were candidates for hemorrhoidectomy, 86.30% were female and 57.40% were unemployed. 74.40% consumed three meals daily, and 88.90% had fruit in their daily diet. More than half of the participants (55.90%) routinely consumed fast food. In the active temperament quality, cold temperament had the highest frequency (51.90%), and in the passive temperament quality, wet temperament was most prevalent (53%). Based on the nine-fold temperament classification, cold and wet temperament was the most common type (31.10%).Conclusion: Cold and wet temperament was the most common temperamental pattern among patients candidate for hemorrhoidectomy and this finding could be a basis for further studies and investigation of its association with clinical indicators https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10444.html IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease of the nervous system that leads to impairment of balance (static and dynamic) and coordination, and as a result, causes nerve damage and disturbances in motor function, abnormal movement patterns, and impaired balance. studies recent in sports sciences have emphasized the effectiveness of functional exercise interventions in improving disorders associated with MS. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Otago exercises on static and dynamic balance in women with MS.Materials and MethodsThe study population consisted of 28 women with multiple sclerosis, aged 30 to 55 years, with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 1–4، into two groups of 14 (experimental and control) based on EDSS scores. The Otago exercise protocol was designed from simple to complex and was performed by the patients for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 minutes. Static balance variables were assessed using the Functional Reach Test, and dynamic balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test, both before and after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance. (P ≤ 0.05).ResultsThe results showed a significant improvement in static and dynamic balance in the experimental group compared to the control group in the Timed Up and Go test (P = 0.001) and the Functional Reach Test (P = 0.002) in the post-test.ConclusionBased on the obtained results, the Otago exercise protocol can significantly improve static and dynamic balance in patients with MS. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10445.html IntroductionOver time and due to structural changes in societies, marriage patterns have undergone significant transformations. Accurately identifying these factors, particularly among medical sciences students who will play a crucial role in the future health of society, is essential. The present study was designed and conducted with the aim of determining the factors affecting marriage delay among single students at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences in 2025.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on single students at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences during the first semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. Convenience sampling was applied. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the standard "Factors Affecting Marriage Delay" questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21, with a significance level set at P < 0.05.ResultsA total of 145 single students (101 females and 44 males) with a mean age of 21.55 ± 2.21 years participated in the study. From the students' perspectives, the most important factors contributing to marriage delay were, in order: economic factors, individual factors, cultural factors, social factors, and family factors. Economic and individual factors were statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBased on the results of the present study, cultural, social, and family factors play a lesser role in delaying marriage compared to economic and individual factors. Therefore, it is recommended that intervention programs focus more on resolving economic issues and individual empowerment rather than on modifying cultural or family norms https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10446.html The aim af this study was Comparative effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and reality therapy on self-confidence, self-image and vitality among mothers have children with mental rettarded disorder. this study was a semi-experimental (pretest-posttest plan the two experimental groups and one control group). the population was consisted of all mothers have children with mental rettarded disorder in Mashhad, that 45 people of them who were selected by available sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (15 people). in this study, used Beck self- image questionnaire (1990) and Simons & Gaher vitality questionnaire (2005). after the during the pretest and replacement of members in groups, was hurt the MBCT in first experimental group and reality therapy in second experimental group in 8 sessions of 90 minutes. upon completion of the training programs, from three groups were post test. data for the analysis of covariance was used. data analysis showed that MBCT and reality therapy increased self-image and vitality among mothers have children with mental rettarded disorder and there is no difference between the effectiveness of these two interventions on self-image and vitality (p≤0.05). https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10447.html Background: Dyslipidemia and increased atherogenic indices are among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.Exercises such as CrossFit, due to their combined and intensive nature, are considered effective interventions for improving plasma lipid levels and reducing cardiovascular risk factors; however, there is limited evidence regarding the comparison of these exercises in aquatic and land environments.Methods: Forty participants meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned to two groups of 20 (aquatic CrossFit and land-based CrossFit). The training program in both groups consisted of eight weeks of exercise, three sessions per week, with controlled intensity and duration. The research variables included lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides,HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL) and atherogenic index (log TG/HDL-C), which were measured in pre-test and post-test stages. Paired t-test was used to compare within-group changes, and ANCOVA was applied for between-group comparisons. The significance level in all tests was set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: The findings showed that both training methods resulted in significant improvements in lipid profile and reductions in atherogenic index (p ≤ 0.05). However, comparison between the two groups revealed that aquatic CrossFit was more effective than land-based CrossFit in improving HDL-C (p < 0.001) and reducing TG (p = 0.002) and total cholesterol (p = 0.002).Conclusion: CrossFit training, whether performed in water or on land, can be effective in improving cardiovascular health; however, aquatic training provides greater benefits for young female students. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10458.html Purpose: Given the increasing number of divorces and marital conflicts in society, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral family therapy on marital burnout and sexual satisfaction in women experiencing emotional divorce. Method: The research method was semi-experimental, using a pretest-posttest design and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population of this study included all women experiencing emotional divorce who referred to counseling centers in District 11 of Tehran for family counseling and after conducting the interview and completing the emotional divorce questionnaire, they had a score higher than the cutoff. Thus, from the statistical population of the study, 30 women who were willing to participate in this treatment course were selected as a sample using the convenience sampling method. In order to examine the research hypotheses, analysis of variance with repeated measures was used.Findings: The results showed that cognitive behavioral family therapy significantly reduced marital burnout and increased sexual satisfaction in women with emotional divorce at the post-test and follow-up stages (P<0.01).Conclusion: Therefore, cognitive behavioral family therapy is an effective method for improving marital frustration and sexual satisfaction in women experiencing emotional divorce. https://jnums.nums.ac.ir/article_10459.html Background and Objectives: The quality of educational services is a key factor influencing student satisfaction and academic success. A gap between what students expect and what they experience may reflect structural issues in the educational system. This study aimed to assess and compare this service quality gap between two faculties—Health and Nursing—to support targeted quality improvements.Methods: This study included 147 students from the Faculties of Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using the validated 27-item SERVQUAL questionnaire covering five service quality dimensions. Reliability was previously confirmed in national studies (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.887 for perceptions, 0.842 for expectations). Data analysis was performed in Stata 14 using paired t-tests to assess gaps between perceived and expected quality.Results: Across both faculties, a negative gap was observed in all five dimensions, indicating that students’ perceived quality was consistently lower than their expectations (p < 0.001). The most significant gap was identified in the “Assurance” dimension (-0.74), while the smallest appeared in “Responsiveness” (-0.61). Although the overall quality gap was larger in the Nursing faculty (-0.79) compared to the Public Health faculty (-0.57), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.001). A significant difference between faculties was only found in the “Tangibles” dimension (p = 0.002).Conclusion: This study highlights a meaningful gap between students' expectations and their perceived quality of educational services. These findings suggest that strengthening areas such as “Assurance” and “Tangibles” could be a practical step toward enhancing the educational experience in medical universities.