E-ISSN: 2981-2569 Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Hadi Nobari Owner: KMAN Research Institute Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Contact emails: healthnexus@kmanpub.com / healthnexusjournal@gmail.com Open access: YES Peer-review: Yes (Open Peer-review) Health Nexus is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing and disseminating groundbreaking research in human health. This journal uniquely focuses on the synergistic relationship among four key areas: sports sciences, psychology, public health, and emerging technologies in health. By embracing this diverse yet interconnected scope, Health Nexus serves as a dynamic platform for researchers to present their latest findings and contribute significantly to the enhancement of human health and well-being. The journal invites a wide array of submissions, including original research articles, comprehensive reviews, insightful meta-analyses, theoretical explorations, and practical applications. These contributions are expected to advance knowledge and understanding in each of the journal's core areas: sports sciences' role in physical and mental health, psychological perspectives on wellness, public health strategies for community and global health improvement, and the transformative impact of emerging technologies in healthcare. Health Nexus is committed to fostering the development of evidence-based practices and interventions. By integrating research from sports sciences, psychology, public health, and emerging technologies in health, the journal aims to offer a holistic view of human health. This approach ensures the promotion of well-being in all aspects of life, encouraging innovative solutions to health challenges in today's rapidly evolving world. About the Publisher Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. Publisher Office: Unit 5‑10825 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 3E3 https://journals.kmanpub.com Email: kmanpu@kmanpub.com Telegram: +1 (647) 656‑4401 | WhatsApp: +1 (437) 429‑3507 Germany Office: Dratelnstrasse, Wohnung A60, 21119 Hamburg, Germany (+4915207720487)
Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Pain Catastrophizing, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Psychological Flexibility in Individuals with Chronic Pain: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Background: Chronic pain is a persistent biopsychosocial condition in which pain-related thoughts, behavioral avoidance, emotional distress, and perceived coping ability can interact to maintain disability and suffering. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is designed to increase psychological flexibility and help individuals engage in valued action even when pain and distress are present. Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of ACT on pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, and psychological flexibility in adults with chronic pain. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design with a two-month follow-up was used. Thirty adults with chronic pain were recruited through online platforms and purposively selected according to eligibility criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to an ACT group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The ACT group received eight weekly 90-minute online group sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention during the active study period. Measures included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni comparisons. Results: The ACT group showed marked improvement from pretest to posttest and follow-up. Pain catastrophizing decreased from 37.80 to 26.07 at posttest and 26.80 at follow-up. Pain self-efficacy increased from 30.40 to 42.27 at posttest and 43.47 at follow-up. Psychological flexibility improved as AAQ-II scores decreased from 31.33 to 19.80 at posttest and 19.20 at follow-up. Significant time, group, and time by group effects were reported for all outcomes. Conclusion: ACT was associated with sustained reductions in pain catastrophizing and improvements in pain self-efficacy and psychological flexibility among individuals with chronic pain. Larger randomized trials with active controls and longer follow-up periods are recommended.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; chronic pain; pain catastrophizing; pain self-efficacy; psychological flexibility; online intervention
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatemeh Moqbeli, Fateme Mohebi Rezaei, Elnaz Seyyedbaglou, Parisa Fatahi, Javad Adeldoust (Author); Mohammad Amin Roustaei Hossein Abad (Corresponding Author)
Parental Emotional Intelligence and Emotion Regulation in Children Aged 6–12: A Cross-Sectional Study
Emotion regulation is a central developmental capacity during childhood and is closely related to children’s psychological adjustment, interpersonal functioning, and behavioral adaptation. Parents play a major role in children’s emotional development through modeling, emotional communication, parenting responses, and the emotional climate of the family. Parental emotional intelligence may therefore be associated with children’s ability to understand, manage, and regulate emotional experiences. This study examined the relationship between parental emotional intelligence and emotion regulation in children aged 6–12 years. Specifically, it investigated whether the main components of parental emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills—were positively associated with children’s emotion regulation. This applied, descriptive, cross-sectional survey study was conducted among parents of children aged 6–12 years in Tehran, Iran. Based on Cochran’s formula for an unlimited population, 384 parents were included. Data were collected using the Schering Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire developed by Garnefski and Kraaij. Internal consistency coefficients for the parental emotional intelligence components ranged from .76 to .80 in the present sample. Data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation coefficients, and multiple regression model summary statistics. The findings showed positive and statistically significant associations between all parental emotional intelligence components and child emotion regulation. The strongest reported correlation was observed for parental self-awareness (r = .50), followed by parental social skills (r = .45), self-motivation (r = .41), self-regulation (r = .38), and empathy (r = .37). The combined model showed a multiple correlation of R = .470. Because the originally reported R² value was not mathematically compatible with the reported R value, R² was corrected to .221, indicating that the parental emotional intelligence components jointly explained approximately 22.1% of the variance in children’s emotion regulation. The results suggest that higher parental emotional intelligence is associated with better emotion regulation in children aged 6–12 years. The findings support the importance of strengthening parents’ emotional skills as part of family-based educational and preventive mental health programs.
emotional intelligence; emotion regulation; parents; children; family; psychological adjustment
Copyright (c) 2025 Milad Nik Andish, Nafise Kianersi, Ghazaleh Mohammadkhani, Horie Asadzade, Elham Kalantari (Author)
The Effectiveness of Schema-Reconstruction-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Rumination in Patients With Depression: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Depression is frequently maintained by repetitive negative thinking, particularly rumination, and by deeper maladaptive cognitive structures that shape how individuals interpret themselves, their emotions, and life events. This quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of schema-reconstruction-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing depressive symptoms and rumination components among patients with depression. Thirty patients with depression who attended treatment clinics in Isfahan, Iran, in 2025 were selected from eligible volunteers and allocated to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Ruminative Response Scale before and after the intervention. The experimental group received eight 45-minute group sessions of schema-reconstruction-based CBT, while the control group received no psychological intervention during the active study period. The intervention focused on psychoeducation, identification of automatic thoughts, recognition of early maladaptive schemas, links between schemas and developmental experiences, cognitive restructuring, emotional and cognitive exposure to schemas, behavioral practice, and relapse prevention. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of covariance in SPSS version 22. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed lower posttest scores for depression, distraction, reflection, and brooding/absorption in thought. Group effects were significant for depression, F = 52.74, p <= .01; distraction, F = 10.73, p <= .01; reflection, F = 15.75, p <= .01; and brooding/absorption in thought, F = 16.89, p <= .01. Schema-reconstruction-based CBT was associated with meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms and all measured components of rumination. The findings support the value of targeting deeper cognitive schemas when treating depression characterized by repetitive negative thinking. Larger trials with follow-up assessments are recommended.
cognitive behavioral therapy; schema reconstruction; rumination; depression; Beck Depression Inventory; Ruminative Response Scale
Copyright (c) 2025 Elahe Ghorbani, Arezoo Zarei, Zeinab Panahian, Zohreh Nazemi (Author); Mahdieh Abdollahi Vand Nodeh (Corresponding Author)
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
Background: Extramarital relationships can produce a severe relational rupture that weakens trust, emotional accessibility, marital commitment, intimacy, and the capacity to forgive. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is an attachment-oriented intervention designed to restructure negative interaction cycles and restore emotional responsiveness between partners. Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of EFT on marital commitment, marital intimacy, and marital forgiveness among couples affected by extramarital relationships. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with an experimental group and a control group was used. Thirty-two participants who had attended family counseling clinics in Tehran because of distress related to a spouse's extramarital relationship were selected through purposive sampling and assigned equally to an EFT intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received eight 90-minute EFT sessions, whereas the control group received no EFT intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Marital Commitment Questionnaire, the Walker-Thompson Marital Intimacy Scale, and the Rye Forgiveness Scale. Descriptive statistics, assumption testing, multivariate analysis of covariance, and follow-up univariate analyses of covariance were applied. Results: After controlling for pretest scores, a significant multivariate difference was observed between groups at posttest, Wilks' Lambda = .489, F = 37.49, p = .008, partial eta squared = .56. Follow-up analyses indicated significant posttest improvements in marital commitment, marital intimacy, and marital forgiveness in the EFT group compared with the control group. Conclusion: EFT appears to be a useful intervention for couples experiencing injury after extramarital relationships, particularly when clinical work targets attachment needs, emotional disclosure, responsiveness, and reconstruction of safe interaction cycles.
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy; extramarital relationships; marital commitment; marital intimacy; marital forgiveness; attachment injury; infidelity
Copyright (c) 2025 Saba Sadat Basirat (Author); Mohammad Sina Yaghoubnejad (Corresponding Author); Mehdi Basirt (Author)
The Role of Parental Support in Restoring Neurocognitive and Physiological Regulation Following Childhood Grief: An Emotion-Regulation-Based Interventional Study
Parental death during childhood is a major developmental adversity that may disrupt emotion regulation, executive functioning, autonomic regulation, and grief adaptation. Because children depend heavily on surviving caregivers for co-regulation, family-based interventions may be especially important for reducing prolonged grief symptoms and supporting recovery of cognitive and physiological functioning. This quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study evaluated an eight-session Emotion Regulation and Parental Support (ERPS) program among 60 bereaved children aged 8-12 years. Participants were allocated to an intervention group (n = 30) or waitlist control group (n = 30). Outcomes included executive functioning (Stroop interference), working memory (Digit Span Backward), physiological arousal (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate), emotion regulation (Emotion Regulation Checklist), and prolonged grief symptoms (PG-13-C total score). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare posttest outcomes between groups while controlling for baseline scores. The intervention group showed substantially greater improvement than the control group across all outcome domains. Significant adjusted between-group effects were found for Stroop interference, F(1, 57) = 68.42, p < .001, η² = .55; Digit Span Backward, F(1, 57) = 32.18, p < .001, η² = .36; systolic blood pressure, F(1, 57) = 14.55, p < .001, η² = .20; diastolic blood pressure, F(1, 57) = 11.20, p = .001, η² = .16; resting heart rate, F(1, 57) = 19.85, p < .001, η² = .26; ERC emotion regulation, F(1, 57) = 95.40, p < .001, η² = .63; ERC lability/negativity, F(1, 57) = 58.30, p < .001, η² = .51; and prolonged grief symptoms, F(1, 57) = 82.10, p < .001, η² = .59. Reductions in Stroop interference were correlated with reductions in resting heart rate (r = .48, p < .01), and improvements in Digit Span Backward were correlated with reductions in grief symptoms (r = -.52, p < .01). The findings suggest that a structured parental support and emotion regulation program can improve neurocognitive, physiological, and psychological outcomes in bereaved children. The results support the clinical value of caregiver-inclusive interventions that target co-regulation and adaptive grief processing.
childhood bereavement; parental support; emotion regulation; prolonged grief; executive function; autonomic regulation; family intervention
Copyright (c) 2025 Hanieh Abbasi (Author); Fakhri Sadat Hosseini (Corresponding Author); Nastaran Madankan, Elham Dehghan, Zahra Sadat Mohseni Nia (Author)
Effects of Schema Therapy and ISTDP on Resilience, Emotion Regulation, and Self-Compassion in Women with a History of Trauma
The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of schema therapy and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) on resilience, emotion regulation, and self-compassion in women with a history of trauma. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of women aged 20 to 45 years in Hamadan, Iran, in 2025. A total of 60 participants were initially selected using purposive sampling and assigned to three groups (schema therapy, ISTDP, and control), each consisting of 20 participants. Due to attrition, the final sample included 49 participants. The experimental groups received 15 sessions of intervention (90 minutes each), while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC; Connor & Davidson, 2003), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004), and the Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS-SF; Raes et al., 2011). Data were analyzed using mixed-design repeated-measures analysis of variance. The results indicated that both schema therapy and ISTDP significantly improved resilience, emotion regulation, and self-compassion compared to the control group (p < .001). Additionally, the interaction effect of time and group was significant for all variables, indicating different patterns of change across groups. The findings also showed that ISTDP was more effective than schema therapy in improving emotion regulation, while no significant difference was observed between the two treatments in resilience and self-compassion. Overall, the findings suggest that both schema therapy and ISTDP are effective interventions for improving psychological functioning in women with trauma. However, ISTDP may be particularly beneficial for enhancing emotion regulation.
schema therapy, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, resilience, emotion regulation, self-compassion, trauma, women
Copyright (c) 2025 Alireza Ahangaran (Author); Pardis Tadayon (Corresponding Author); Mohammad Reza Zoghi Paidar , Hossein Mohagheghi , Javad Moshfeghi Vahed , Fatemeh Mirzai (Author)
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
Internalizing and externalizing behavioral disorders are common problems during adolescence and may adversely affect students’ executive functions. The present study compared the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and neurofeedback on executive functions in female upper secondary school students with internalizing and externalizing behavioral disorders in Tehran. This applied study used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a one-month follow-up and included two experimental groups and one control group. The study population comprised female upper secondary school students in Tehran during the 2024-2025 academic year. Forty-five students were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: EMDR, neurofeedback, and control. Data were collected using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc tests in SPSS version 27. Both EMDR and neurofeedback significantly improved executive functions compared with the control group, and these improvements remained stable at follow-up. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two intervention groups in the post hoc comparisons, although both interventions outperformed the control group. These findings suggest that both EMDR and neurofeedback are effective interventions for enhancing executive abilities in students with behavioral disorders and may be considered in therapeutic and educational programs.
EMDR; neurofeedback; executive functions; internalizing disorders; externalizing disorders; adolescents
Copyright (c) 2026 Seyedeh Golzar Razavi (Author); Ali Zadehmohammadi (Corresponding Author); Mohammadreza Bigdeli, Hossien Bigdeli (Author)
Modeling the Design of Therapeutic Environments for Patients with Schizophrenia Based on Environmental Cognitive Patterns and Its Effect on Anxiety Reduction
The aim of this study was to develop a model for designing therapeutic environments for patients with schizophrenia based on familiar cognitive patterns and to examine its effect on reducing patient anxiety. This study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative–qualitative). In the quantitative phase, 30 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia at Omid Farda Center were interviewed and were asked to report their level of anxiety, based on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, after viewing images of designed environments. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 architecture experts. The results of statistical analysis indicated that environmental design incorporating familiar cognitive elements such as lighting, color, furniture, and surface materials had a significant effect on reducing patients’ anxiety. The findings suggest that an environmental psychology-based approach can contribute to the development of effective and human-centered therapeutic environments for psychiatric patients.
therapeutic design, schizophrenia, anxiety, environmental psychology, healing architecture, cognitive patterns
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Kaveh Baghbahadorani, Hamidreza Ameri Siyahoyi, Vahdaneh Fooladi, Mastooreh Sedaghat (Author)
Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Mindfulness and Psychological Flexibility in Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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.
generalized anxiety disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, mindfulness, psychological flexibility
Copyright (c) 2025 Alireza Ahangaran, Hasan Fathi, Negin Sadat Azimi, Aliyeh Ghorbani (Author)
The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Reducing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Enhancing Post-Traumatic Growth in Adolescent Survivors of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault during adolescence is associated with profound psychological sequelae, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet traumatic exposure may also be followed by post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study evaluated whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) could simultaneously reduce PTSD symptoms and strengthen PTG in adolescent survivors of sexual assault. The study used a randomized controlled, pre-test/post-test/follow-up design. Forty-two adolescent girls aged 13–18 years who met diagnostic criteria for PTSD after sexual assault were recruited from counseling centers, forensic medicine clinics, and welfare-related services in Tehran and randomly assigned to ACT or treatment as usual (TAU). The ACT condition involved 12 weekly 90-minute sessions adapted for trauma-exposed adolescents and focused on acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action. Outcomes were assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), the Child PTSD Symptom Scale for DSM-5 (CPSS-5), and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory for Children–Revised (PTGI-C-R). Data were analyzed with mixed-design analysis of variance. Thirty-nine participants completed the study (ACT, n=19; TAU, n=20). A significant Time × Group interaction was found for PTSD symptoms, F(2,74)=45.32, p<0.001, ηp2=0.55, showing a marked reduction in the ACT group from pre-test to post-test that was maintained at follow-up. A similarly significant Time × Group interaction emerged for PTG, F(2,74)=38.91, p<0.001, ηp2=0.51, indicating substantial gains in growth-related outcomes in the ACT group, with further improvement at the two-month follow-up. The control group showed no significant change in either outcome. ACT appears to be an effective intervention for adolescent survivors of sexual assault. Beyond symptom reduction, it may also support constructive post-traumatic adaptation by helping adolescents respond more flexibly to trauma-related thoughts and emotions and re-engage with personally meaningful life directions.
acceptance and commitment therapy; post-traumatic stress disorder; post-traumatic growth; sexual assault; adolescence; trauma therapy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahboubeh Abdollahzade Ata Abadi, Seyedeh Nafiseh Mohseni Mansour, Zeinab Es’haqian, Mehdi Babajanzadeh Barforoushi, Nasim Samadifard (Author)
Sports Activity Level and Behavioral Maladjustment Among Male Secondary School Students in Tehran Province, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Behavioral problems during adolescence can disrupt academic performance, social adjustment, and long-term wellbeing. Sport and physical activity have been proposed as modifiable school-based factors that may support healthier psychosocial development. This study examined the association between sports activity level and behavioral maladjustment among male secondary school students in Tehran Province, Iran. The study used an applied, descriptive-survey design. The statistical population comprised 20,513 male students from selected counties of Tehran Province. Using two-stage cluster sampling with proportional allocation based on the Krejcie and Morgan table, 377 students were required; 400 questionnaires were distributed and 361 were analyzed. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire that included demographic and sports-activity items and a behavioral maladjustment scale. Face validity was confirmed by 10 experts in psychology and sport management, and internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81). Students were classified into four groups: no sports activity, low activity, moderate activity, and high activity. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc tests were used. More than half of the students (52.9%) were in the low-activity group, whereas 15.0% were in the high-activity group and 6.4% reported no sports activity. Football was the most common preferred sport, followed by bodybuilding. Mean behavioral maladjustment scores differed markedly across activity levels: no activity 3.20 ± 0.85, high activity 2.02 ± 0.41, moderate activity 2.27 ± 0.32, and low activity 3.62 ± 0.62. The between-group difference was statistically significant, F(3, 357) = 190.54, p < 0.001. Tukey comparisons showed that the high-activity group had significantly lower maladjustment scores than the no-activity, moderate-activity, and low-activity groups. Higher sports activity was associated with lower behavioral maladjustment scores among male secondary school students. The findings support strengthening school-based opportunities for regular sport participation, while future research should use standardized behavioral instruments and longitudinal designs to clarify causality.
sport participation; physical activity; behavioral maladjustment; male adolescents; secondary school.
Copyright (c) 2023 Reza Omidi Ghanbari, Mooud Bonyadifard, Morteza Soleimani (Author)
Effects of Continuous Aerobic Training on Body Composition in Primary School Boys
The prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among children has increased significantly in recent decades, leading to higher rates of overweight, obesity, and reduced physical fitness. School-based exercise programs are considered an effective strategy to improve body composition and promote health in children. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a structured continuous aerobic training program on body composition among primary school boys aged 10–12 years in Shahriar County, Iran. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements and included a control group. Twenty students were randomly assigned to two groups: a continuous training group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). Body composition variables, including body fat percentage, fat-free mass, and basal metabolic rate, were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 0.3, Korea). Anthropometric variables such as waist circumference, hip circumference, arm circumference, and thigh circumference were also recorded. The training program lasted 12 weeks and consisted of three weekly sessions with progressive intensity ranging from 60% to 75% of maximum heart rate. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests for normality, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed a significant improvement in body composition in the training group compared with the control group (p = 0.002). Participants who completed the exercise intervention demonstrated reductions in body fat percentage and improvements in lean body mass. These findings suggest that continuous aerobic training programs implemented within school settings can effectively improve body composition and promote physical health in children. The results highlight the importance of integrating structured physical activity into school curricula to prevent childhood obesity and improve long-term health outcomes.
continuous training, body composition, primary school students, body fat percentage.
Copyright (c) 2023 Reza Omidi Ghanbari (Author)
The Mediating Role of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in the Relationship of Stressful Life Events and Childhood Maltreatment with Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Psychosomatic disorders, particularly gastrointestinal complaints, are a major health concern among university students, as they can impair physical health, academic performance, psychological well-being, and social functioning. This study examined the mediating role of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms in the relationship between stressful life events, childhood maltreatment, and gastrointestinal symptoms. This descriptive correlational study was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students of Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur Branch, during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 300 students were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Child Abuse Self-Report Scale, the GAD-7, the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire, and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26 and AMOS using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and structural equation modeling. The results showed significant associations among GAD symptoms, stressful life events, childhood maltreatment, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The structural model showed acceptable fit. Stressful life events positively predicted GAD symptoms (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) and gastrointestinal symptoms (β = 0.24, p < 0.01). Childhood maltreatment also positively predicted GAD symptoms (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) and gastrointestinal symptoms (β = 0.37, p < 0.01). GAD symptoms partially mediated these relationships.
Copyright (c) 2026 Erfan Khalili Moghaddam (Author); Sepideh Pourheydari (Corresponding Author)
Learning Styles, Brain Dominance, Emotional Intelligence, and Second Language Learning Motivation and Anxiety in Secondary Students
The present study aimed to determine the relationship between learning styles, brain quadrant dominance, and emotional intelligence with anxiety and enthusiasm for second language learning among male and female students in lower and upper secondary schools in Alborz Province. In terms of purpose, this research was applied, and in terms of data collection, it was descriptive and correlational in nature. The statistical population included all lower and upper secondary school students in Alborz Province during the 2023–2024 academic year. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select the sample, and 300 students were ultimately chosen as participants. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including Kolb’s Learning Styles Questionnaire (1985), Bradberry and Greaves’ Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (2004), Herrmann’s Brain Dominance Instrument (1980), and Knowles et al.’s Second Language Learning Questionnaire (2000). The collected data were analyzed using inferential statistical methods, including correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis, through SPSS version 26. The findings indicated that learning styles, brain quadrant dominance, and emotional intelligence had a significant negative relationship with amotivation in second language learning at the 0.05 significance level (p < .05). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between learning styles, brain quadrant dominance, and emotional intelligence with both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for second language learning at the same significance level (p < .05). In addition, the results showed that learning styles, brain quadrant dominance, and emotional intelligence respectively explained 68% of the variance in amotivation, 68% of the variance in intrinsic motivation, and 73% of the variance in extrinsic motivation for second language learning among students.
Anxiety and enthusiasm for second language learning
Copyright (c) 2025 Soudabeh Ershadi Manesh (Corresponding Author)
Effects of Structured Play Interventions on Self-Esteem, Physical Competence, and Psychological Well-Being in Children
Abstract Structured play has been proposed as an effective approach to enhance both physical and psychological health in children; however, evidence from school-based interventions examining self-esteem, perceived physical competence, and psychological well-being simultaneously remains limited. This study examined the effects of an eight-week structured play intervention on self-esteem, perceived physical competence, and psychological well-being in children aged 8–11 years. In this quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study, 68 children were recruited from primary schools in Tehran, Iran, and conveniently allocated to a structured play intervention group (n = 34) or a control group (n = 34). The intervention comprised two 45-minute sessions per week for 8 weeks, including skill-based activities, cooperative games, and reflection periods. Outcomes were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (child-adapted), the Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children, and the KIDSCREEN-27 (total score). Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using ANCOVA, controlling for baseline scores, with effect sizes reported as partial eta squared (η²p). The results revealed significant intervention effects on all outcomes. Self-esteem improved significantly in the intervention group compared with controls (F(1, 65) = 18.42, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.22). Similarly, perceived physical competence (F(1, 65) = 32.15, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.33) and psychological well-being (F(1, 65) = 24.87, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.28) increased significantly. Paired-sample t-tests confirmed pre- to post-intervention improvements in the intervention group (all p < 0.001), whereas changes in the control group were non-significant. An 8-week structured play program delivered in schools was associated with meaningful improvements in self-esteem, perceived physical competence, and psychological well-being in children aged 8–11 years, supporting its potential for promoting holistic development in educational and community settings. Keywords: Structured play; School-based intervention; Self-esteem; Physical competence; Psychological well-being; Children
Child, Play Therapy, Self Concept, Physical Fitness, Mental Health
Copyright (c) 2025 Anastasia Molodanova, Victoria Zaborova , Elena Budanova (Author); Amir Dana (Corresponding Author)
Structured play has been proposed as an effective approach to enhance both physical and psychological health in children. However, empirical evidence on its impact on self-esteem, physical competence, and psychological well-being remains limited. Objective: This study examined the effects of an eight-week structured play intervention on self-esteem, physical competence, and psychological well-being in children aged 8–11 years. A total of 68 children were recruited from primary schools and assigned to either a structured play intervention group (n = 34) or a control group (n = 34). The intervention consisted of twice-weekly 45-minute sessions incorporating skill-based activities, cooperative games, and reflection periods. Outcomes were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (child-adapted), Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children, and KIDSCREEN-27 for psychological well-being. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using ANCOVA, controlling for baseline scores, with effect sizes reported as partial eta squared (η²p). ANCOVA revealed significant intervention effects on all outcomes. Self-esteem improved significantly in the intervention group compared to controls (F(1, 65) = 18.42, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.22). Similarly, perceived physical competence (F(1, 65) = 32.15, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.33) and psychological well-being (F(1, 65) = 24.87, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.28) increased significantly. Paired-sample t-tests confirmed pre- to post-intervention improvements in the intervention group (all p < 0.001), whereas changes in the control group were non-significant. Structured play interventions are effective in enhancing self-esteem, physical competence, and psychological well-being in children, highlighting their potential for promoting holistic development in school and community settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anastasia Molodanova (Author); Victoria Zaborova (Corresponding Author); Elena Budanova (Author)
Comparison of Processing Speed and Working Memory in Students with Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and Typical Development
Cognitive abilities such as working memory and processing speed play a significant role in students’ learning processes and academic performance. Deficits in these abilities are often associated with learning disorders such as dyslexia and mathematics learning disorder (dyscalculia). The present study aimed to compare working memory and processing speed among elementary school students with dyscalculia, dyslexia, and typically developing peers in Tehran. This study employed an ex post facto (causal–comparative) design. The sample consisted of 75 male and female students from Grades 1 to 5 of elementary school during the 2021–2022 academic year in Tehran. Participants were divided into three groups: students with dyscalculia, students with dyslexia, and typically developing students. The groups were matched in terms of age, gender, grade level, and intelligence quotient (IQ). Working memory and processing speed were assessed using subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), standardized by Abedi and colleagues. Data analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the ANOVA indicated a significant difference among the three groups in both working memory and processing speed (p < .001, df = 2). Specifically, students with dyscalculia and dyslexia demonstrated weaker performance compared to typically developing students; however, no significant difference was observed between the dyscalculia and dyslexia groups. The findings suggest that deficits in working memory and processing speed represent common characteristics among students with learning disorders. Therefore, designing and implementing educational and rehabilitation programs that focus on strengthening these cognitive abilities may contribute to improving the academic performance of these students.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sara Oladi (Author); Majid Ebrahmipour (Corresponding Author)
Determinants of Abortion in the Tehran Metropolis Based on the Lived Experiences of Tehranian Women
This study was conducted with the aim of examining abortion in the Tehran metropolitan area using a grounded theory methodology. Purposeful and snowball sampling methods were employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 women residing in Tehran who had undergone at least one induced abortion in a medical office under the supervision of a specialist physician between 2021 and 2025. Data analysis based on Strauss and Corbin’s interpretive analytical approach revealed three distinct pregnancy patterns among participants. In the first group, the main categories included alcohol and drug use and engagement in high-risk sexual relationships (causal conditions); dysfunction of the family institution and delegitimization of traditional lifeworld norms (contextual conditions); social control over women’s bodies and fertility and incompatibility of lifestyles (intervening conditions); the feasibility of safe abortion and the normalization or moral neutralization of abortion (interactional strategies); and physical and psychological consequences (outcomes). The core category was identified as “reproductive autonomy in the absence of socially legitimate relationships.” In the second group, the principal categories included the existence of extramarital relationships (causal condition); marital dysfunction, long-term suppression of sexual and emotional needs, husbands’ extramarital relationships, and perceived positive functions of extramarital relationships (contextual conditions); barriers to divorce (intervening condition); interaction with peer social networks, transformation of women’s attitudinal and behavioral systems, and resistance to traditional and religious socialization (interactional strategies); and physical and psychological consequences (outcomes). The core category was “redefinition of feminine roles in response to marital and social constraints.” In the third group, the main categories consisted of convergence toward discourses of voluntary childlessness or low fertility (causal condition); hardships of childbearing, economic difficulties, women’s employment, and respondents’ idealistic expectations regarding childrearing (contextual conditions); non-supportive social environments, marital life circumstances, and women’s social networks (intervening conditions); changes in fertility behavior and transformations in women’s attitudes toward childbearing (interactional strategies); and physical and psychological consequences (outcomes). The core category was “rationalization of fertility within the framework of modern life.”
Second demographic transition in Tehran (Iran)
Copyright (c) 2026 Razieh Sadat Ghazanfari (Author); Seyyed Reza Moini (Corresponding Author); Ali Pezhhan (Author)
WISP-1 in Obesity and Metabolic Dysfunction: The Modulatory Role of Exercise Training- A Narrative Review
Obesity is a major global health concern strongly associated with metabolic disorders, chronic low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Among the emerging biomarkers implicated in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1), a matricellular protein belonging to the CCN (Cyr61, C: Cyr61(Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61/ C: CTGF (Connective Tissue Growth Factor), N: NOV (Nephroblastoma Overexpressed gene) family, has attracted increasing attention. WISP-1 is involved in tissue remodeling, extracellular matrix regulation, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic processes, and accumulating evidence suggests that elevated circulating levels are associated with visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation. Physical activity is widely recognized as a cornerstone intervention for improving metabolic health and reducing obesity-related complications. Exercise training modulates adipose tissue function, inflammatory pathways, insulin signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling mechanisms that may be linked to alterations in WISP-1 expression. However, the extent to which exercise directly regulates WISP-1 remains incompletely understood, and existing findings are not entirely consistent across populations and intervention types. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity and WISP-1 levels in individuals with obesity. Available studies suggest that aerobic training, resistance exercise, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may reduce circulating WISP-1 concentrations, often in parallel with improvements in insulin sensitivity, body composition, and inflammatory markers. Nevertheless, the number of interventional studies remains limited, sample sizes are generally small, and methodological heterogeneity complicates definitive interpretation. Furthermore, much of the mechanistic understanding linking WISP-1 to insulin resistance derives from experimental or associative human data, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation of causality. Variations in exercise modality, intensity, duration, and participant characteristics may influence WISP-1 responses, underscoring the complexity of its regulation. Overall, while emerging evidence supports a potential link between exercise-induced metabolic improvements and modulation of WISP-1, well-designed longitudinal and mechanistic studies are required to clarify its physiological role and determine whether WISP-1 can serve as a reliable biomarker or therapeutic target in obesity related metabolic dysfunction.
Copyright (c) 2025 firouzeh dehghan (Corresponding Author); Ali Ataeinosrat (Author)
Infectobesity and Lifestyle Responsiveness: Infectious Modifiers of Adiposity with Implications for Nutrition and Exercise Science: An Integrated Review
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, and multifactorial condition with rising global prevalence and substantial cardiometabolic and functional consequences. Although diet and physical activity remain foundational therapies, large inter-individual variability in weight loss and health responses suggests that biological modifiers influence lifestyle responsiveness. The infectobesity hypothesis proposes that specific pathogens can promote adiposity and remodel metabolic phenotypes through effects on adipogenesis, insulin signaling, inflammation, and host–microbiome interactions. Notably, the earliest empirical roots of infectobesity research emerged from avian models, where infection-related adiposity was first documented in chickens. Six pathogens have been reported to cause obesity in animals. The first was an avian retrovirus, which has been shown to cause stunting, obesity, and hyperlipidemia in chickens. The obesity-promoting effect of Borna disease virus was next demonstrated in rats. Scrapie agents were reported to induce obesity in mice and hamsters. The final two reports were of SMAM-1, an avian adenovirus, and Ad-36, a human adenovirus that caused obesity in animals. Additionally, an association with human obesity is a unique feature of SMAM-1 and Ad-36. Human adenovirus 36 (HAdV-36) is the most studied adipogenic pathogen, supported by mechanistic evidence in cell and animal models and by human sero-epidemiological findings, although there are heterogeneous and method-dependent null results. From a sports- and exercise-science perspective, the infection–obesity interface is clinically relevant because training load, energy availability, and dietary patterns can alter immune competence, susceptibility to infection, recovery, and inflammatory tone—factors that may interact with metabolic adaptation and weight-regain biology. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence on infectobesity, highlights methodological pitfalls (diagnostics, temporality, confounding, and publication bias), and proposes an integrated "infection–lifestyle" framework for precision obesity management in clinical and athletic contexts
Copyright (c) 2025 Khadijeh Irandoust (Corresponding Author); Jamshid Razmyar, Majid Janani (Author); Hassane Zouhal (Corresponding Author)
A Causal Model of Job Satisfaction Based on Perceived Social Support : The Mediating Role of Cognitive Adaptability among Physical Education Teachers
The present study aimed to develop and test a causal model of job satisfaction based on perceived social support, with cognitive adaptability serving as a mediating variable among physical education teachers in non-governmental schools. This study employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of all physical education teachers in Tehran during the 2024–2025 academic year. Using multistage cluster sampling, 336 physical education teachers (134 females and 202 males) were selected from different educational districts of Tehran. Data were collected using the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire, the Cognitive Adaptability Questionnaire, and the Short Job Satisfaction Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. The findings indicated that perceived social support (from family, friends, and significant others) had a direct and positive effect on teachers’ job satisfaction. Perceived social support also positively influenced cognitive adaptability, which in turn had a direct effect on job satisfaction. Cognitive adaptability played a partial mediating role in the relationship between perceived social support and job satisfaction. The proposed model demonstrated an acceptable level of fit. Perceived social support enhances job satisfaction among physical education teachers by strengthening their cognitive adaptability. These findings highlight the importance of social and cognitive resources in promoting occupational well-being among teachers in non-governmental educational settings.
Job Satisfaction; Perceived Social Support; Cognitive Adaptability; Physical Education Teachers
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Ali Nouri (Author); Ali Jalili Shishavan (Corresponding Author); Mehrangiz Shoaa Kazemi (Author)
Structural Relationships among Executive Functions and Behavioral Brain Activities with Social Skills of Children with Autism: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies
The purpose of this applied study was to determine the extent of the relationship between executive functions and behavioral brain activities with the social skills of children with autism, mediated by cognitive emotion regulation strategies. In terms of purpose, the study was applied, and in terms of method and nature, it was a descriptive–correlational study using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of children diagnosed with autism at the Tehran Autism Center. Based on Green’s formula, 235 questionnaires were distributed among the sample using non-random purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Coolidge Executive Function Inventory (2002), the Autism Social Skills Profile by Bellini and Hopf (2007), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire by Garnefski et al. (2001), and the Behavioral Inhibition/Behavioral Activation Systems Scale by Carver and White (1994). Structural equation modeling and SmartPLS software (version 3) were used to test the research hypotheses. The findings indicated that executive functions and behavioral brain activities were related both directly to the social skills of children with autism and indirectly through the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies (p < .05). The results can be utilized by centers working with children with autism and by their families to improve these children’s communication skills.
emotional cognitive regulation strategies
Copyright (c) 2025 Soudabeh Ershadi Manesh (Author)
The Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Training on Gut Microbiome Composition and Its Association with Irisin Protein Levels in Aged Mice: The Role of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium difficile, and Enterococcus faecalis
In the aging period, alterations in gut microbiome composition and the decline of myokine proteins—such as irisin—are considered major contributors to metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and muscle weakness. In this context, the role of exercise interventions in simultaneously modulating these two biological indicators has gained increasing attention. The present study aimed to examine the effects of aerobic and resistance training on gut microbiome composition and plasma irisin levels in aged mice, with a focus on three key species: Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium difficile, and Enterococcus faecalis. This experimental study was conducted over eight weeks on 40 male Wistar rats assigned to five groups: young control, aged without training, sham, aerobic training, and resistance training. Plasma irisin levels were measured using the ELISA method, and the relative abundance of bacteria was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Data were analyzed using multifactorial ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. The results indicated that aerobic and resistance training led to a significant increase in plasma irisin levels in aged mice compared with the inactive group. Resistance training showed the greatest increase. Additionally, the abundance of F. prausnitzii increased in the trained groups, while the abundance of C. difficile and E. faecalis decreased. Composite microbial health indices (F/BAD, F/Cd, F/Ef) also improved significantly. A positive association between irisin levels and microbial ratios was confirmed. The findings suggest that physical exercise—particularly resistance training—can simultaneously enhance gut microbiome composition and myokine status in the elderly. These results support the central role of the “gut–muscle axis” in the physiological response to exercise and provide a basis for designing personalized training interventions in geriatric medicine.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maryam Esmaeili Sirchi (Author); Jamshid Banaei Borojeni (Corresponding Author); Hossein Mojtahedi, Leila Sarrami (Author)
Effects of Aerobic Exercise at Different Circadian Phases on p53 Expression and β-Cell Survival in the Pancreas of Type 2 Diabetic NMRI Mice
Circadian rhythms regulate glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells. The tumor suppressor gene p53 is a key molecular regulator of apoptosis and may contribute to β-cell loss in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study investigates the effects of aerobic exercise performed during different circadian phases on blood glucose, β-cell survival, insulin presence, and p53 gene expression in type 2 diabetic NMRI mice. Thirty male NMRI mice were assigned to six groups: healthy controls (CH-ZT3, CH-ZT15), diabetic controls (CD-ZT3, CD-ZT15), and diabetic exercise groups trained in light (TD-ZT3) or dark phase (TD-ZT15). T2DM was induced via high-fat diet plus low-dose streptozotocin. Aerobic training (50–60% Vmax) was performed for 8 weeks. Pancreatic tissues were analyzed for β-cell survival, insulin immunostaining, and p53 expression via qRT-PCR. Data were evaluated using two-way ANOVA. Exercise significantly reduced glucose levels (p < 0.05), increased β-cell survival (p < 0.0001), and decreased p53 expression (p < 0.0001). Light-phase training (ZT3) produced greater improvements than dark-phase training. A significant interaction between training × circadian phase was found for β-cell percentage and p53 expression (p < 0.01). Aerobic exercise improves β-cell viability and reduces apoptotic signaling in diabetic mice, with circadian phase strongly modulating the benefits. Exercise during the light phase showed superior outcomes, suggesting that timing of physical activity may be an important factor in diabetes management.
Circadian Rhythm, Aerobic Exercise, Type 2 Diabetes, p53 Gene Expression, Pancreatic β-Cells, NMRI Mice
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatemeh Sepehrinya (Author); Maryam Janbozorgi (Corresponding Author); Asma Taheri, Masoumeh Hosseinzadeh (Author)
Evaluation of the Effect of Continuous and Interval Aerobic Training on Survivin Gene Expression and Cytochrome C in Myocardial Tissue of Rats Modeled with Myocardial Infarction
This study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (MIHIIT) on Survivin gene expression and Cytochrome C levels in myocardial tissue of rats modeled with myocardial infarction. In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats (10–12 weeks, 275 ± 25 g) were assigned to five groups: healthy control, sham, myocardial infarction (MI), MICT, and MIHIIT. The MI model was induced through left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and confirmed by echocardiography. Training protocols were performed for 8 weeks, five sessions per week. The MICT group performed continuous running at moderate intensity (15–23 m/min, 50 minutes), while the MIHIIT group completed interval running consisting of 7 sets of high-intensity bouts (20–28 m/min, 4 minutes) with active recovery periods (11–17 m/min, 3 minutes). Survivin gene expression was measured using RT-qPCR, and Cytochrome C levels were quantified using ELISA. Data were analyzed using MANOVA, ANOVA, and Tukey post-hoc tests. Myocardial infarction caused a significant increase in Cytochrome C levels and a reduction in Survivin expression compared to the healthy and sham groups (p < .001). Both types of aerobic training significantly reversed the infarction-induced alterations; Cytochrome C levels were reduced, and Survivin expression returned to levels comparable to the control group. When comparing the two protocols, interval training (MIHIIT) produced a greater increase in Survivin expression (p ≈ .046), while both exercise types demonstrated similar effects on reducing Cytochrome C. Both continuous and interval aerobic training restore the survival/death balance in myocardial tissue following infarction by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing Survivin expression. These findings reinforce the role of aerobic exercise as an effective non-pharmacological intervention in cardiac rehabilitation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bahareh Mardani (Author); Saeed Keshavarz (Corresponding Author); Hossein Mojtahedi, Leila Sarrami (Author)
The Role of Biotechnology in the Development of Recombinant Drugs
Biotechnology has emerged as a cornerstone of modern pharmaceutical science, providing the foundation for the discovery, design, and production of recombinant drugs that have transformed global healthcare. This narrative review, using a descriptive analytical approach, explores the conceptual, industrial, and clinical dimensions of recombinant drug development. It begins by outlining the molecular foundations of biotechnology, emphasizing recombinant DNA technology, genetic manipulation, and expression systems that enable large-scale synthesis of therapeutic proteins. Industrial advancements in upstream and downstream processing, including cell line optimization, bioreactor engineering, purification, and formulation, are analyzed to illustrate how biotechnology has evolved into a highly controlled and efficient production platform. The study further examines the integration of automation, digitalization, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards that ensure product safety, consistency, and regulatory compliance. Clinically, recombinant drugs have achieved remarkable success across multiple disciplines, including endocrinology, oncology, hematology, and immunology. Recombinant insulin, monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and gene therapy products exemplify the therapeutic versatility of these biopharmaceuticals in managing both chronic and rare diseases. The review also highlights emerging applications in neurodegenerative and genetic disorders, where recombinant enzymes and CRISPR-mediated platforms are redefining the boundaries of precision medicine. Despite challenges related to production cost, ethical considerations, and equitable access, recombinant biotechnology continues to expand its impact through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The findings underscore the role of biotechnology as a transformative force that bridges molecular biology and clinical application, offering solutions that enhance safety, specificity, and therapeutic efficacy. Ultimately, this study concludes that recombinant biotechnology represents not only a scientific revolution but also a paradigm of sustainable innovation, shaping the future of personalized and regenerative medicine.
Biotechnology; Recombinant drugs; Recombinant DNA technology; Biopharmaceuticals; Gene therapy; Monoclonal antibodies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alaleh Sattari sobhani (Corresponding Author)
Structural Equation Modeling of the Effect of Sport Mental Energy on Athletic Success: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility in Iraqi Volleyball Players
The present study aimed to examine the structural relationships between sport mental energy, cognitive flexibility, and athletic success among volleyball players. This research employed a descriptive–correlational design of the cross-sectional type. The statistical population consisted of all male volleyball players in Diwaniyah City, Iraq. A sample of 230 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring sport mental energy, cognitive flexibility, and athletic success. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 23 through the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The findings indicated that the proposed conceptual model demonstrated a good fit, and all main and sub-hypotheses were supported. The results showed that sport mental energy had a direct and positive effect on athletic success (path coefficient = 0.352, p < 0.001). Cognitive flexibility also exerted a significant direct effect on athletic success (path coefficient = 0.625, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between mental energy and athletic success was confirmed. Path analysis revealed that the indirect effect of sport mental energy on success through cognitive flexibility was statistically significant (indirect coefficient = 0.364, p = 0.001). Overall, the results of this study highlight the simultaneous importance of psychological resources (mental energy) and cognitive abilities (flexibility) in enhancing athletes’ performance and success. These findings provide useful guidance for coaches and sport psychologists in designing effective educational and psychological interventions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammed Kamil Mohammed Alawadi (Author); Zohreh Meshkati (Corresponding Author); Raafat Abdulhadi Kadhim Alkurdi, Zahra Serjuei, Pezhman Ahmadi (Author)
Investigating the User Experience of AI Chatbots in Delivering Mental Health Support to Athletes
This study aimed to explore how athletes experience and perceive the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots as a source of mental health support, focusing on effectiveness, usability, emotional connection, and limitations. A qualitative exploratory design was employed. Twenty-two athletes from diverse sports disciplines in Malaysia were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted online to allow flexible participation and confidentiality. The sample size was guided by theoretical saturation, reached when no new themes emerged. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. NVivo 14 software supported systematic coding, with open, axial, and selective coding applied iteratively to generate categories and subthemes. Rigor and trustworthiness were ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and an audit trail. Four main themes emerged: perceived effectiveness of AI chatbots, usability and interaction experience, emotional and relational dynamics, and barriers and limitations. Athletes reported improved mental well-being, reduced competition-related anxiety, and personalized coping strategies. They valued intuitive interfaces, empathetic conversational style, and privacy features, which encouraged engagement and disclosure. Chatbots fostered a sense of trust and emotional validation but sometimes lacked depth and produced repetitive responses. Barriers included occasional technical instability, insufficient long-term personalization, cultural mismatches, and data security concerns. Despite these limitations, participants viewed chatbots as valuable early support tools and stigma-free entry points to mental health care. AI chatbots show promise in enhancing access to psychological support for athletes, offering discreet, immediate, and personalized assistance. However, improving cultural sensitivity, personalization, technical reliability, and data transparency is crucial for sustained engagement and safety in sports mental health contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Syarifah Maisarah (Corresponding Author); Angel Lee , Nafesa Azzahranisa (Author)
Assessment of Dietary Intake, Nutritional Status, and Cardiovascular Risk in University Students
This study assessed the eating habits, nutritional status, and cardiovascular risk in university students. The sample consisted of 295 new students (188 female, 107 male) who attended the induction week at the Autonomous University of Occident and met the inclusion criteria: being adults, enrolled in any undergraduate degree offered by the university, and agreeing to participate through informed consent. The data collection consisted of two parts: an initial survey to collect general characteristics and self-reported height and weight, and the measurement of waist and hip circumferences according to the ISAK protocol. Then, a short version of the FFQ was applied to collect dietary information. Data was captured on MS Excel, and mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and 95 % confidence intervals were reported. Statistical tests were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: 38 % of the students are overweight or obese, being higher in men (42 % vs 35.6 % in women). 7.35 % of women and 10.96 % of men presented high WHR, and 33.09 % of women and 35.62 % of men presented high WHRt. Low weekly consumption was found in dairy products (7.13 CI 95 % 6.71 - 7.56), vegetables (5.83 CI 95 % 5.33 - 6.34), and fruits (6.92 CI 95 % 6.43 – 7.42). Processed foods and junk food are highly consumed (8.77 CI 95 % 8.10 - 9.45, and 14.20 CI 95 % 13.20 – 15.20, respectively). Significant correlations were found on weekly consumption of processed foods and junk food (R = 0.765, p < 0.001), processed foods and dairy products (R = 0.436, p<0.001). The findings indicate a high rate of malnutrition among university students, poor intake of healthy foods, and a high consumption of processed and junk food. These inadequate lifestyle habits could be a risk factor for the development of both cardiovascular diseases and NCDs in the long term. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the need for university-level nutritional interventions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alejandro Rendon, David Alfonso, Mariela Paz, Lucia Leyva Camacho, Astrid Aimeé Retamoza Rubio (Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Short-Term Solution-Focused Therapy on Distress Tolerance in Pregnant Women
The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and short-term solution-focused therapy (SFBT) on distress tolerance in pregnant women in 2024. This applied research employed an experimental design with pretest–posttest and follow-up assessments, including a control group. The study population comprised all pregnant women who visited the Comprehensive Health Service Center and obstetrics specialists in Semnan and who became pregnant either naturally or through assisted reproductive methods in 2021 and 2022. Using a convenience sampling method, 66 pregnant women were selected. Data were collected using the standardized Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) by Simons and Gaher (2005) and analyzed with SPSS version 27. The CBT intervention group participated in eight weekly sessions of 90 minutes each, while the SFBT intervention group attended six weekly sessions of 90 minutes each. The control group was placed on a waiting list. The results showed that both CBT and short-term SFBT significantly improved distress tolerance in pregnant women, indicating the effectiveness of both therapeutic approaches. Additionally, no statistically significant difference was found between the two intervention groups regarding their impact on increasing distress tolerance. Based on the findings, both CBT and short-term SFBT were effective in enhancing distress tolerance and demonstrated stable effectiveness over time. Therefore, it is recommended that behavioral therapy practitioners incorporate the results of this study into their therapeutic programs
short-term solution-focused therapy (SFBT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Farnoosh Irvani (Author); Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi (Corresponding Author); Ahmad Mansouri (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0