Health Nexus

Independent and Interactive Effects of Combined Aerobic–Resistance Training and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Amyloidogenic Pathway Markers and IDE-Dependent Amyloid Clearance in the Hippocampus of Male Wistar Rats With Amyloid-β-Induced Alzheimer-Like Pathology

Parichehr Soleimani Naeini iD , Jamshid Banaei Borojeni ^* iD , Leila Sarrami iD

Alzheimer-like pathology is associated with increased amyloid-β production and impaired peptide clearance. This study investigated the independent and interactive effects of combined aerobic-resistance training and coenzyme Q10 supplementation on hippocampal markers of amyloidogenic processing and insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE)-dependent clearance. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were allocated to six groups (n = 8): healthy control, sham, Alzheimer-like pathology, Alzheimer-like pathology plus combined training, Alzheimer-like pathology plus coenzyme Q10, and Alzheimer-like pathology plus combined training and coenzyme Q10. Alzheimer-like pathology was induced by intracerebroventricular Aβ1-42 administration. The combined training protocol and a diet containing 0.4% coenzyme Q10 were applied for 12 weeks. Hippocampal APP, BACE1, PSEN1, and IDE gene expression was measured by real-time PCR; Aβ42 concentration was measured by ELISA; and IDE activity was determined enzymatically. One-way ANOVA with Tukey testing and 2 × 2 two-way ANOVA were used. Model induction significantly increased APP, BACE1, PSEN1, and Aβ42 and reduced IDE expression and activity. Training and coenzyme Q10 each significantly attenuated all alterations. The combined-intervention group showed the most favorable means across all outcomes. Significant training-by-supplementation interactions were observed for BACE1 and Aβ42, but not for APP, PSEN1, IDE expression, or IDE activity. Combined aerobic-resistance training and coenzyme Q10 supplementation improved the balance between markers related to amyloid production and IDE-dependent clearance in this rat model. The findings are limited to hippocampal molecular outcomes in an experimentally induced Alzheimer-like condition and require confirmation using protein-level, histological, cognitive, and translational assessments.

Structural Associations of Academic Engagement and Spiritual Vitality with Academic Buoyancy: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy among Female Upper-Secondary School Students

Masoumeh Vaygani ^* iD , Arsalan Khanmmohammadi Otaghsara iD , Rajabali Mohammadzadeh Admolaee iD

This study examined a cross-sectional structural model linking academic engagement and spiritual vitality with academic buoyancy, directly and indirectly through self-efficacy, among female upper-secondary school students. A descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 350 students aged 15–18 years in Babol, Iran, during the 2024 academic year. Participants were selected through multistage cluster sampling. Academic buoyancy, academic engagement, spiritual vitality, and self-efficacy were assessed using self-report instruments. Structural equation modeling was performed in SPSS and AMOS. The proposed model showed acceptable fit (χ²/df = 1.45, RMSEA = .03, CFI = .98, NFI = .96, GFI = .96, and AGFI = .94). Academic engagement (β = .12, p = .02), spiritual vitality (β = .26, p = .001), and self-efficacy (β = .32, p = .001) were positively associated with academic buoyancy. Self-efficacy showed statistically significant indirect associations linking academic engagement (indirect β = .138, z = 2.84, p = .001) and spiritual vitality (indirect β = .09, p = .02) with academic buoyancy. Because the data were cross-sectional and self-reported, the findings do not establish temporal or causal effects.

Aerobic Interval Training and Probiotic Supplementation Modulate Intrinsic Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression in the Myocardium of Rats with Myocardial Infarction

Sayed Touraj Miri Reykandeh ^* iD , ‌Elham Eftekhari Gheinani iD , Jamshid Banaei Borojeni iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Myocardial infarction (MI) promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte loss, partly through activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Exercise training and probiotics may each influence these processes, but evidence concerning their combined effects is limited. This controlled animal study examined the effects of aerobic interval training (AIT), Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation, and their combination on myocardial expression of Apaf1, Bax, Bcl2, Casp9, and Casp3 and on the Bax/Bcl2 expression ratio. Forty-eight male Wistar rats (250 ± 30 g) were allocated to six groups (n = 8 each): healthy control, sham surgery, MI, MI + AIT, MI + probiotic, and MI + AIT + probiotic. MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The interventions continued for 10 weeks; AIT was performed five sessions per week, and the probiotic was administered daily at 10^9 colony-forming units/mL. Left ventricular tissue was collected 48 h after the final intervention. Relative mRNA expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey testing. Significant group effects were detected for all outcomes (P < 0.001; η² = 0.79–0.89). Compared with healthy controls, MI increased Apaf1, Bax, Casp9, and Casp3 expression, reduced Bcl2 expression, and markedly increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Both interventions attenuated these changes. The combined intervention produced the values closest to control levels, reducing Apaf1, Bax, Casp9, Casp3, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio by approximately 62%, 63%, 62%, 63%, and 87%, respectively, relative to untreated MI, while increasing Bcl2 expression. These findings indicate that AIT and probiotic supplementation, particularly when combined, are associated with a less pro-apoptotic myocardial gene-expression profile after experimental MI. Because only mRNA outcomes were assessed, protein-level, functional, and clinical confirmation is required.

A Predictive Model of Academic Well-Being Based on Achievement Goal Orientations: The Mediating Role of Academic Buoyancy among Female Secondary School Students

Pouneh Safaie Mehrabani iD , Solmaz Dabiri ^* iD , Mohsen Jadidi iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Academic well-being reflects students’ cognitive, emotional, and motivational experiences at school. Achievement goal orientations may shape these experiences by directing students toward learning and personal improvement or toward social comparison and avoidance of failure. Academic buoyancy—the capacity to respond adaptively to ordinary academic setbacks—may partly explain these relationships. This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study included 250 female students in Grades 10–12 in Tehran, Iran, during the 2024–2025 academic year. Participants were selected through multistage cluster random sampling. They completed the Academic Well-Being Questionnaire, the goal-orientation subscales of the Patterns of Adaptive Learning Scales, and the Academic Buoyancy Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap tests of indirect effects were conducted with SPSS 27 and AMOS 23. The model showed acceptable fit: χ²(90) = 233.07, χ²/df = 2.59, GFI = .936, AGFI = .902, CFI = .954, and RMSEA = .059. Mastery orientation positively predicted academic buoyancy (β = .411) and academic well-being (β = .488). Performance-approach (β = −.171) and performance-avoidance orientations (β = −.352) negatively predicted buoyancy. Buoyancy positively predicted well-being (β = .422). Indirect effects through buoyancy were positive for mastery orientation (β = .173) and negative for performance-approach (β = −.072) and performance-avoidance orientations (β = −.148). The model explained 62% of the variance in academic well-being. Mastery-oriented goals and adaptive responses to routine academic difficulties were associated with higher academic well-being. Goals centered on outperforming others or avoiding poor performance were associated with lower buoyancy and well-being. School practices emphasizing learning, personal progress, constructive feedback, and recovery from setbacks may support students’ academic well-being.

The Relationship Between Health Awareness, Demographic Characteristics, and Mass Media Use with the Attitude of Headquarters Staff of Ilam University of Medical Sciences Toward Organic Chicken Consumption

Nasim Roshani ^* iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

The present study aimed to determine the relationship between health awareness, demographic characteristics, and mass media use with the attitude of headquarters staff of Ilam University of Medical Sciences toward organic chicken consumption, as well as to predict attitude based on these variables. This was a descriptive-analytical study. The statistical population consisted of the headquarters staff of Ilam University of Medical Sciences (250 individuals), of whom 148 were selected as the sample size through simple random sampling using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The main research instrument was a questionnaire, whose content validity was confirmed through expert review, and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.75). Given the non-normal distribution of the data based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient and simple linear regression were used to analyze the data with SPSS version 26. The results showed that, among the eight independent variables, only two variables had a significant relationship with attitude toward organic chicken consumption. Health awareness showed the strongest relationship with attitude, with a correlation coefficient of 0.449 (p = 0.000), while age showed a positive and significant relationship with attitude, with a correlation coefficient of 0.230 (p = 0.010). Other variables, including gender, number of family members, income level, employment status, educational level, and level of mass media use, had no significant relationship with attitude (p > 0.05). The results of simple linear regression showed that age alone explained 5.1% of the variance in attitude, while health awareness explained 28.5% of its variance. In addition, the descriptive findings indicated that cyberspace and the Internet, with a mean score of 3.56, were the most frequently used media channels, whereas radio programs, with a mean score of 1.82, were the least frequently used media channels. Based on the findings, health awareness is the strongest factor associated with a positive attitude toward organic chicken consumption among the staff of Ilam University of Medical Sciences. Therefore, designing systematic educational programs, including workshops, webinars, and the production of scientific content; using the capacity of cyberspace and the Internet to disseminate health-oriented content; and employing older staff members with positive attitudes as “organic ambassadors” may be effective in improving attitudes and promoting organic chicken consumption.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Mindfulness and Psychological Flexibility in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Alireza Ahangaran iD , Hasan Fathi ^* iD , Negin Sadat Azimi iD , Aliyeh Ghorbani iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

This study compared the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotion-focused therapy (EFT) for improving mindfulness and psychological flexibility in women with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group and follow-up assessment was used. Forty-five women with GAD who attended counseling and psychological service centers in Tehran in 2025 were selected through purposive sampling and then randomly assigned to three groups (n = 15 per group): CBT, EFT, and control. Interventions were delivered online in 12 weekly 90-minute sessions. Measures included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance in SPSS version 26. Both active treatments produced significant improvements compared with the control group, but CBT showed the strongest effects. For mindfulness, the CBT group increased from M = 31.46 (SD = 5.12) at pretest to M = 54.06 (SD = 5.00) at posttest and M = 55.53 (SD = 8.41) at follow-up, whereas the EFT group increased from M = 32.73 (SD = 4.51) to M = 47.73 (SD = 4.72) and M = 47.20 (SD = 4.75). For AAQ-II scores, where lower scores indicate greater psychological flexibility, the CBT group improved from M = 33.80 (SD = 3.23) to M = 17.60 (SD = 4.08) and M = 18.26 (SD = 4.31), while the EFT group improved from M = 36.06 (SD = 3.43) to M = 23.40 (SD = 3.45) and M = 22.93 (SD = 4.69). The repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant time, group, and time × group effects for both mindfulness and psychological flexibility (all p < .001). Both CBT and EFT were effective in women with GAD, but CBT yielded greater gains in mindfulness and psychological flexibility and maintained these gains at follow-up.

The Effectiveness of an Integrated Emotion-Focused Therapy and Music Therapy Package in Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Hossein Fayazmanesh iD , Kourosh Amraei ^* iD , Fatemeh Rezaei iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

This study examined the preliminary effectiveness of an integrated therapeutic package combining emotion-focused therapy and music therapy in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest-follow-up design with a control group was used; after purposive eligibility screening, participants were allocated to groups using a simple random procedure. The population consisted of adults aged 18-45 years with autism spectrum disorder level 1, without intellectual disability, who attended psychological centers and private or semi-private clinics in Tehran, Iran, in 2025. Thirty adults were screened, and 27 eligible participants were selected through purposive sampling and allocated by simple random procedure to an experimental group (n = 14) or a control group (n = 13). The experimental group received 12 sessions of the integrated intervention over six weeks, with two 90-minute sessions per week; the control group received no study-delivered active psychological intervention during this period, while access to stable usual care was not restricted. Outcomes were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Mixed-design repeated-measures analyses of variance showed significant time × group interactions for stress, F(1.018, 25.447) = 77.285, p < .001, partial eta squared = .756; anxiety, F(1.007, 25.177) = 24.007, p < .001, partial eta squared = .490; and depression, F(1.011, 25.277) = 35.964, p < .001, partial eta squared = .590. The experimental group showed substantial reductions from pretest to posttest, and these gains were observed at the six-month follow-up, although maintenance should be interpreted cautiously because treatments received during follow-up were not experimentally controlled. The findings suggest that an integrated emotion-focused and music-based intervention may be a useful structured approach for reducing internalizing symptoms in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder.

Regulation of the GLUT4 Translocation Pathway in Diabetic Skeletal Muscle: Comparative Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Training on AS160 and GLUT4 Gene Expression in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Reyhaneh Alizadeh Behbahani iD , Saeed Keshavarz ^* iD , Leila Sarrami iD , Jamshid Banaei Borojeni iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Background: Impaired glucose transport into skeletal muscle is a central mechanism in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. AS160 (TBC1D4) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) are key molecular components of the insulin-dependent glucose transport pathway. Exercise training is an established non-pharmacological intervention for improving glucose homeostasis; however, the comparative effects of aerobic and resistance training on AS160 and GLUT4 gene expression in diabetic skeletal muscle remain insufficiently clarified. Objective: This study compared the effects of aerobic and resistance training on AS160 and GLUT4 gene expression in the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of type 2 diabetic mice. Methods: Fifty male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to five groups: healthy control, sham, diabetic control, diabetic plus aerobic training, and diabetic plus resistance training. Type 2 diabetes was induced using a high-fat diet followed by low-dose streptozotocin injection. The training protocols were performed for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week. AS160 and GLUT4 gene expression in the soleus and EDL muscles was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and normalized to GAPDH using the 2^-ΔΔCt method. Data were analyzed using two-way mixed analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons. Results: Diabetes reduced AS160 and GLUT4 expression in both muscles. Both exercise modalities increased the expression of the two genes compared with the diabetic control group. The GLUT4 response was stronger than the AS160 response, and aerobic training produced a larger increase in GLUT4 expression than resistance training. The soleus muscle showed a stronger metabolic response than the EDL muscle. Conclusion: Exercise training, particularly aerobic training, partially restored defects in the skeletal muscle glucose transport pathway in type 2 diabetic mice. These findings support structured exercise as a molecularly relevant strategy for improving insulin sensitivity in diabetes.

Health Nexus

About the Journal

About the Publisher

Current Issue

Psychology

Effects of Structured Play Interventions on Self-Esteem, Physical Competence, and Psychological Well-Being in Children

Learning Styles, Brain Dominance, Emotional Intelligence, and Second Language Learning Motivation and Anxiety in Secondary Students

Effects of Schema Therapy and ISTDP on Resilience, Emotion Regulation, and Self-Compassion in Women with a History of Trauma

The Effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy on Marital Commitment, Marital Intimacy, and Marital Forgiveness Among Couples Affected by Extramarital Relationships: A Quasi-Experimental Study

The Effectiveness of Schema-Reconstruction-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Rumination in Patients With Depression: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Parental Emotional Intelligence and Emotion Regulation in Children Aged 6–12: A Cross-Sectional Study

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Pain Catastrophizing, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Psychological Flexibility in Individuals with Chronic Pain: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Prediction of Self-Harming Thoughts Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas and Mindfulness

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Short-Term Psychodynamic Therapy and Integrated Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Schema Therapy on Sleep Quality and Disability Caused by Tension-Type Headache in Insecurely Attached Nurses with Anxiety Symptoms

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Executive Functions in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder

The Effectiveness of the Floortime Method on Sensory Processing Sensitivity, Theory of Mind, and Social Skills in Children with High-Functioning Autism

Public Health

Modeling the Design of Therapeutic Environments for Patients with Schizophrenia Based on Environmental Cognitive Patterns and Its Effect on Anxiety Reduction

Comparative Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Neurofeedback on Executive Functions in Female Senior High School Students with Internalizing and Externalizing Behavioral Disorders

The Role of Parental Support in Restoring Neurocognitive and Physiological Regulation Following Childhood Grief: An Emotion-Regulation-Based Interventional Study

Work Environment, Workload, and Mental Health Among Healthcare Staff in Critical Care Settings: A Systematic Review

Effectiveness of Behavioral Therapy Based on Systematic Desensitization in Reducing Anxiety and Animal-Phobia Symptoms in Adolescents

Language

Browse Sections

Keywords

Latest publications

Information

Make a Submission

Editorial Board

Independent and Interactive Effects of Combined Aerobic–Resistance Training and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Amyloidogenic Pathway Markers and IDE-Dependent Amyloid Clearance in the Hippocampus of Male Wistar Rats With Amyloid-β-Induced Alzheimer-Like Pathology

Structural Associations of Academic Engagement and Spiritual Vitality with Academic Buoyancy: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy among Female Upper-Secondary School Students

Aerobic Interval Training and Probiotic Supplementation Modulate Intrinsic Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression in the Myocardium of Rats with Myocardial Infarction

A Predictive Model of Academic Well-Being Based on Achievement Goal Orientations: The Mediating Role of Academic Buoyancy among Female Secondary School Students

The Relationship Between Health Awareness, Demographic Characteristics, and Mass Media Use with the Attitude of Headquarters Staff of Ilam University of Medical Sciences Toward Organic Chicken Consumption

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Mindfulness and Psychological Flexibility in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The Effectiveness of an Integrated Emotion-Focused Therapy and Music Therapy Package in Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Regulation of the GLUT4 Translocation Pathway in Diabetic Skeletal Muscle: Comparative Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Training on AS160 and GLUT4 Gene Expression in Type 2 Diabetic Mice