محمد یوسفی

Since saffron has potential properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it can play a role in modulating inflammatory factors caused by intense sports activities. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the short-term effect of saffron extract consumption on the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and cortisol in young men after an intense exercise session.

The present research was semi-experimental. Twenty-four male students were randomly divided into two groups (saffron and placebo). Blood sampling was done before and immediately after 30 minutes of vigorous activity with an intensity of 85% of the maximum heart rate stored on the treadmill. After completing the pre-test, the saffron group consumed 400 mg of saffron extract for 15 days, and the placebo group consumed the same amount of starch flour. Then, like the pre-test, two blood samples were taken again before and immediately after intense activity. IL-6 and TNF-α serum levels were determined by ELISA method and cortisol by radioimmunoassay method. Extraction of the results was done using covariance analysis test at a significance level of p≤0.05.

After the implementation of the intense aerobic protocol, the concentration of cortisol (p₌0.01) and TNF-α (p₌0.02) in the saffron supplement group was significantly lower than the placebo group; However, there was no statistically significant difference in serum IL-6 levels between the two groups (p<0.49).

short-term consumption of saffron before intense activities can moderate the release of some inflammatory indicators and cortisol, and is desirable for athletes involved in intense activities.

Several studies have investigated gait biomechanics in people with functional ankle instability (FAI). However, the potential role of information processing (attention) in the gait control of these patients is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive load on the range of motion (ROM) of lower limb joints during walking in men with and without FAI.

The study was a non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Eighteen male subjects with FAI and 19 healthy subjects participated in this study and completed three randomized conditions (three trials per condition): normal walking on a treadmill (single task), normal walking while performing a cognitive task (dual task), and (3) performing cognitive task while sitting. Three-dimensional information of hip, knee, and ankle joint ROM in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes were measured as gait kinematic components, and the error ratio and average reaction time were measured as cognitive task indicators. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the intrasession reliability of kinematic and cognitive measures.

The ICC of kinematic variables, including the hip, knee, and ankle joint ROM, with and without applying cognitive tasks in three planes was more than 0.70. During the single task, the group with FAI showed a significantly decreased knee ROM in the transverse plane and a decreased hip ROM in the sagittal plane compared to the healthy group. During the dual task, the group with FAI showed a significantly increased hip ROM in the sagittal plane compared to the healthy group. The results of the cognitive task showed that the group with FAI had a longer reaction time in the auditory Stroop test during dual-task walking than in the sitting position.

FAI can be an important factor in motor-cognitive interactions. Using a cognitive task may be an effective strategy in the rehabilitation program of men with FAI.

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is a newly emerging respiratory bacterial pathogen that causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Previous studies in Iran have shown high molecular and genetic similarity among ORT isolates by SDS-PAGE, ERIC-PCR and 16SrRNA gene sequencing during 1999-2009. The aim of this study was the genotyping of ORT isolates recovered from commercial chickens by using RAPD-PCR with OPG11 primer and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). In total, 30 ORT isolates recovered from commercial chickens of Iran during 2000-2017 and confirmed by bacteriological, biochemical and PCR tests were used in this study. All 30 ORT isolates were subjected to RAPD-PCR with OPG11 primer. For MLST, 5 isolates were selected based on their RAPD patterns. Seven primer pairs were synthesized for amplification and sequenceing of seven housekeeping genes of adk, aroE, fumC, gdhA, mdh, pgi and pmi in MLST assay. In RAPD-PCR with OPG11 primer, 9 different genotypes were found. The DNA sequences of the distinct alleles of these seven loci of 5 ORT strains were compared with other alleles deposited in GenBank. Four out of 5 strains belonged to sequence type 9 (ST9) and one strain was found to be a new ST.  Based on the results of the present study, a new sequence type among ORT isolates of Iran was found that has not been previously reported from elsewhere in the world. Further studies on more ORT isolates may help in identification of different sequence types and dominat ST in the country.

Single-leg landing is a difficult task for the lower limbs. This movement is very common in basketball and is one of the main causes of lower limb injuries, especially anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Single-leg landing causes a ground reaction force and torque to the lower limb. By increasing the internal torque and controlling the reaction force at the level of its application, the muscular strength of the lower limb can control the ground reaction force of the surface applied to the limb. This study aims to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of strength training on the ground reaction force in single-leg landing

In this study, 20 semi-professional male basketball players were divided into two equal groups of test and control. The samples of both control and test groups were asked to perform three single-leg landings from a 40-cm platform on the force plate. Then, the test group underwent 8 weeks of lower limb strength training, and after the end of the training, the members of the test and control groups were asked to repeat the landing movement. An average of three movements per person was considered. For data analysis, the paired t test was used for intra-group comparison, and the 1-way ANCOVA method was used to compare inter-group effects. Statistical analysis of the study was performed using SPSS software version 20, at a significance level of 0.05 for all tests.

The results showed that the training program had no significant effects on the ground reaction force in the X direction in both internal and external directions, as well as, in the Y direction in the anterior and posterior directions, both within the group and between the groups. But, the training program had a significant and incremental effect on both within the group (P=0.005) and between the groups (P=0.002) in the Z direction.  

The strength training program lacks enough effect to reduce ground reaction force applied to semi-professional basketball players during a single-leg landing movement.

Since gait disorder is the most common complication among patients with multiple sclerosis. This study aims to examine the effect of hippotherapy on the onset activity of selected lower limb muscles in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the gait initiation protocol with a perturbation response approach.

A total of 20 MS patients with EDSS score <4.5 were selected by simple convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups of exercise n=10 and control n=10. Ten healthy and matched individuals were selected and placed in the healthy control group. The MS patients in the training group underwent hippotherapy for 4 sessions per week. Before and after the exercises, the electrical activity of the selected muscles of the lower extremities was recorded during the gait initiation protocol.

Data analysis showed a significant difference between groups (P<0.05). Hippotherapy exercises were effective in the onset activity time of the lower limb muscles and reduced the reaction time of the muscles.

According to the results of the present study and the effect of hippotherapy on improving reaction time, hippotherapy can be used as a rehabilitation method in MS patients.

In this study, the performance of fullerene (C20) as an adsorbent and sensor for the removal and detection of cefalexin was scrutinized by density functional theory computations. The negative values of adsorption energies showed cefalexin interaction with the nanostructure is experimentally possible. The negative values of enthalpy changes and Gibbs free energy variations demonstrated cefalexin adsorption on the surfaces of the adsorbent is exothermic and spontaneous. The values of thermodynamic constants indicated cefalexin interaction with C20 is reversible, equilibrium and two-sided. The NBO results showed cefalexin adsorption on the pristine fullerene is a physisorption because of non-formation of chemical bonds. The influence of temperature on the adsorption process was inspected and the obtained results showed cefalexin interaction with the nanostructure is more favorable at lower temperatures. The computed DOS spectrums showed the bandgap of C20 experienced a +296.9% decline from 1.950 (eV) to 7.750 (eV). Hence, this nanostructure can be employed as a sensing material for the development of new electrochemical sensors for the detection of cefalexin.

In the current study, the environmental impacts of tomato paste production were investigated based on the total life cycle of tomato including cultivation, processing, packaging and transportation, using the Centrum voor Milieuwetenschappen Leiden Impact Assessment, (CML-IA) method in Kermanshah regions. The required information was obtained through interviews, questionnaires and, Ecoinvent, LCA Food DK and IDMAT databases. Results showed that among the influential groups, during the production process of one kg of canned tomato paste, the ozone layer depletion and the reduction of organic resources were least effected and the open waters ecotoxicity received the highest impact. In the cultivation process, electricity consumption had the greatest impact on open waters ecotoxicity followed by the nitrogen fertilizer. The factory processing phase had the lowest impact among the influential groups (except open waters ecotoxicity). The energy efficiency was calculated as 0.63 kg/MJ. The net energy gain and the total energy consumption in the tomato farm were -42700 and 44.86 MJ/ha, respectively. The consumption of electricity and chemical fertilizers were the highest amount of input energies with 75.43 and 16.94% respectively. According to the results, the cultivation phase has the adequate potential to reduce the environmental impacts during the tomato paste production through the improvement of irrigation systems to reduce electricity consumption.

Genovarum and Genovalgum are the most common postural deformities of the knee joint. A quadriceps angle is used to measure these anomalies. Methods of measuring this angle are divided into two categories: invasive and non-invasive. The purpose of the present research was to study the inter/intra rater reliability of the non-invasive Body Landmarks Analyzer method for measuring of the quadriceps angle. Seventeen males (Age: 23.40 ± 1.7 years, height: 176.32 ± 6.41 cm, weight: 72.25 ± 14.6 kg, and BMI: 22.33 ± 1.38, kg/m2). participated in this study. Body landmarks analyzer system consists of a pen (sender) and camera (receiver), both of which are equipped with IR sensors. Anatomical Landmarks of the ASIS, medial and lateral epicondyle, tibial tuberosity, and medial and lateral malleolus were used to diagnose and calculate the quadriceps angle position. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) two-way mixed model on absolute agreement was used to identify the inter/intra raters’ reliability. The results showed that the intra-rater reliability for the first technician was 0.83; The second technician is 0.81 and the third technician is 0.8. In addition, the inter-rater reliability was also 0.85. Therefore, it can be stated that the Body Landmark Analyzer method has good reliability for use in the extraction of knee joint abnormalities. Therefore, it can be suggested that this system be used along with other non-invasive methods.

Due to the lack of study on the transition effect of the lower body to upper body plyometric training, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of upper and lower body plyometric training on upper-body electromyography activity in young athletes.

36 male students were selected and divided into three groups: - control; - Upper body plyometric; and - Upper-lower body plyometric (mixed) training. Plyometric exercise protocol (4 weeks/ 3 sessions) included push-up plyometric (4 sets/ 10 repetitions) performed by both groups. The mixed group also continued lower-body plyometric exercise (4 sets/ 10 repetitions on obstacles). At the beginning and end of the course, First, anthropometric tests (fat and fat free mass); and functional (Wingate, overhead medicine ball throwing, and deadlift) was performed simultaneously with electromyography data evaluating.

The physiological work doesn't changed significantly in selected muscles (p>0.05). The median of frequency was significantly reduced in the mixed group compared other groups (p<0.05). In addition, there was no difference in anthropometric, overhead medicine ball throwing, absolute and relative mean anaerobic power between groups (p>0.05). In the deadlift, the mixed group had better significantly records than the upper body group (p<0.05). In the relative anaerobic peak power, there was significant differences between training groups with control (p<0.05).

Based on the findings regarding the confirmed role of lower body plyometric training on the transmission of force into the upper body, it is recommended that athletes use lower body plyometric along with upper body plyometric training.

Cu(II) is one of the pollutants that exist in the produced wastewater by many industries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), its concentration should be less than 2 mg/L. In this study, Phosphorus Slag (PS) and Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBFS) as industrial wastes with the properties of abundant and low cost are used to remove Cu(II). The effects of the shaker rotation rate, initial concentration of Cu(II), and amount of adsorbent on the adsorption process are investigated. The adsorption capacity was maximized at a shaking rate of 150 rpm, initial concentration of 50 mg/L, 0.2 g GGBFS per 0.03 liter, and 0.5 g PS per 0.03 liter. At various temperatures, the values of thermodynamic parameters were calculated by measuring the equilibrium data. The results showed that the adsorption process was exothermic using both GGBFS and PS adsorbents. The experimental data of Cu(II) adsorption by GGBFS and PS was fitted well by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained 156.30 and 151.52 mg/g for GGBFS and PS, respectively. Also, the kinetic modeling indicated that the adsorption process is achieved to the equilibrium state using both adsorbents at less than 5 min.

Increasing active muscle oxygen availability can affect exercise performance, therefore the oxygen supplementation can be considered as important factor. This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of oxygen inhalation before karate competition on buffering capacity recovery and performance of male professional karate.

Eight national karate athletes with weight categories 75 (BMI: 23.45±1.24 kg/m2) and 85 (BMI: 25.93 ± 1.97 kg/m2) Kg participated in this study as a double-blind cross design and further divided into two groups of oxygen (10 minutes, 40% of oxygen concentration,10 liters per minute) and natural (mask attached to a normal air cylinder). Thirty minutes before, immediately and 20 minutes after the three-minute competition, venous blood sampling was obtained and lactate was measured enzymatically by Kubas Mira autoanalyzer. Moreover, the acidity (PH), oxygen saturation (O2-SAT), pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3- ) were analyzed by blood gas analyzer. Heart rate and the number of strokes were also measured to assess performance. Repeated measures two way- ANOVA and LSD test was used to analyze the data at p≤0.05 level.

The result indicated significantly lower reduction of lactate and higher amount of HCO3-  in the oxygen than to non-oxygen group during the three evaluation times (p=0.001). Moreover, higher acidity, lower PCO2   and O2-SAT, as well as lower average heart rate were observed in the oxygen than to non-oxygen group but it wasn’t significant (p0.05<) Oxygen inhalation significantly improved hand and foot stroke performance in the oxygen compared to non-oxygen group (p=0.004).

Acute inhalation of oxygen before karate competition does not seem to have a significant effect on the buffer capacity recovery of karate athletes, although it could improves athlete performance in the same competition.

 The most essential and common sports injury in the lower limb in many sports fields is the injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Knowledge in this field and appropriate exercise programs can help prevent this injury for all athletes and coaches. The present research aims to investigate the prevalence of this injury in different sports fields and the results of various training programs in reducing the risk of injury to ACL.

 The current review was conducted using international information resources, Scopus, Taylor and Francis, ProQuest, Emerald Insight, ScienceDirect, Springer, Web of knowledge, and internal information resources including Magiran, Civilica, SID, and Iran Medex were applied. The research date range was defined between 2000 to 2020. In international articles, keywords such as Single-leg Landing, Landing, Injury, Knee injury, Drop-landing, Training, Exercise, ACL, and in domestic papers, keywords such as ACL, Knee Injury, Single-leg Landing, Jump, Land, and Training program were considered. According to the exclusion criteria, only 42 articles were selected and examined out of 220.

Women with this injury are more affected at all skill levels, so at the professional skill level, women were affected up to 5 times more than men, and at the amateur level, the infection rate is about 3 to 4 times higher. The highest incidence is related to women professional basketball players with a speed of 5.5 per 1000 athletes training, and the lowest is among amateur male athletes with a rate of 0.02 with the same criteria. Of the articles reviewed in the appropriate injury prevention training program, 32% examined the effect of neuromuscular training, 18% combined training, 26% strength training, and 24% central core stability training. With 80% effectiveness, core stability training seems to be the most effective injury prevention program.

 Considering the rate of this injury and the impact of this injury on treatment costs, the duration of returning to exercise, and creating the ground for other injuries, a comprehensive review of exercises effective in preventing this injury for athletes and coaches it’s important. This is especially important for professional female basketball players due to the incidence rate. The central core stability training program had the most practical effect among the training programs. The combined training program had the least impact according to different criteria for assessing and preventing injury.

Soil-wheel interaction is very attractive topic for agricultural researchers for its effect on the energy consumption and soil properties especially in agriculture. The purpose of this research is measuring soil-wheel contact area under the effect of independent variables of vertical load on the tire, tire inflation pressure and tire forward speed at controlled condition of soil bin also its prediction using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system. The tests were accomplished at two forward speeds (0.386 and 0.879 km/h), three inflation pressures (18, 25 and 32 psi), three vertical loads (150, 300 and 450 kg) plus 3 replications and totally 54 passes. All data analysis was done using Genstat software. Results showed that increase of vertical load on the wheel caused to increase of soil-wheel contact area and increment of inflation pressure caused to decrease of it. Low forward speed had not effect on the soil-wheel contact area. Furthermore, correlation coefficient (R2) of ANFIS models (0.9182) was very more than regression one (0.359). Thus, ANFIS models could predict the soil-wheel contact area with high accuracy using measured input variables included vertical load, tire inflation pressure and forward speed at soil bin.

This study aimed to determine the role of strength, expulsive power and range of motion of lower limb muscle on the fencing performance of elite florists. In this study, eight elite fencers’ participated. Kinetic variables measured using force plate and kinematic variable measured using motion analysis system. The squat jump test used to measure the compulsive power of the lower extremity muscles of the fencers. The Drop-jump test used to measure the lower strength of the muscles of the lower extremity muscles. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) used to describe the data and Pearson correlation coefficient used for determine the relationship between data (P≤0.05). The results of this study showed there is a significant relationship between squat jump power and mechanical energy and drop jump height with lunge speed and also between ankle range of motion with peak force and impulse in the anterior direction (P<0.05). Given the results of this study, coaches should have a special attention on the strength and explosive power of plantar flexor muscles.