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In this work, ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by using a simple Pechini sol-gel method from iron nitrate, citric acid as complexing agent and ethylene glycol as polymerization agent. The calcined ?-Fe2O3 NPs were fully characterized by different techniques. It was confirmed that ultrafine and highly crystalline ?-Fe2O3 NPs with high purity and mesoporous nature can be obtained after calcination at 550?C for 3 h. In addition, the results of electrical resistance measurements of the fabricated Fe2O3 thick films showed that ?-Fe2O3 thick films have stable electrical properties which are beneficial for electrical applications such as gas sensing and field effect transistors.

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Background and objectives: The present study was designed to determine the effect of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on follistatin to myostatin ratio, body composition and anaerobic power of trained volleyball players. Methods: Eighteen trained volleyball players were randomly assigned into two study groups: resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFRT; n=9) and resistance training without blood flow restriction (WBFRT; n=9). The subjects performed trainings three sessions a week, for eight weeks. In each session, barbell squat, leg extension, leg curl and dumbbell lunges were performed in three sets of 15 repetitions, with rest intervals of 30 seconds. Serum follistatin and myostatin concentrations, body composition and anaerobic power were assessed before and after the study. Data were analyzed using the paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon test, independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. All statistical analyses were done in SPSS (version 22), and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Follistatin levels increased significantly (P=0.001), while myostatin levels decreased significantly in both groups (P=0.001). Follistatin to myostatin ratio increased significantly in both groups (P=0.001). Although body fat percentage decreased in both groups, it did not differ significantly between the two groups (P=0.28). Moreover, anaerobic power increased significantly in both groups (P=0.001), but this increase was more profound in the BFRT group (P=0.001). Conclusion: Based on our findings, blood flow restriction can be applied as remarkable approach to boost body adaptation responses to resistance training.

BackgroundSo far, there have been a few and incoherent results about the effects of physical activities. Fasting in Ramadan has an effect on the level of osmolarity and the concentration of serum electrolytes both in active and inactive females.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to observe the changes of serum electrolytes and osmolarity levels according to regular exercise during fasting.Patients and MethodsTwenty two healthy females who were elected by convenience sampling method were divided into two groups: 1) fasting + exercise (FE; n = 11) and 2) fasting + non exercise (FNE; n = 15). The FE group participated in aerobic training for four sessions per week during the fasting. All measurements were done once before the first day, on the second week, on the fourth week and two weeks after fasting month and these measures were used to analyze test results.ResultsThe mean differences were as follows: significant weight loss, BMI, WHR, in two groups at the end of Ramadan (P < 0.05). The mean of weight, BMI, WHR, body fat, protein, mineral and total water showed no difference between groups (P > 0.05). Potassium, creatinine, urea and uric acid had been decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). Variance between groups was significant only in variable urea (P < 0.05). Variations within group had been changed in FBS; sodium, phosphorus and osmolarity levels were not changed significantly.ConclusionsAccording to this result, regular exercise in case of fasting in Ramadan led to some changes in serum osmolarity index, electrolytes and water. Therefore, it is important for female athletes to consider applying a suitable nutritious diet and sufficient water consumption during Ramadan

Aims: Based on the clinical studies, there are higher myostatin gene expression and serum level in cardiovascular patients than the healthy persons. In addition, based on some studies, regular resistance exercises is in line with a reduction in the myostatin gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week resistance exercises on the myostatin gene expressions of myocardium in the healthy male Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: In the experimental study, 13 male adult Wistar rats, aged 15 weeks, were divided into experimental (n=7) and control (n=6) groups. In experimental group, 8-week exercises were done as climbing up a 26-step 1-meter ladder, inclined 85°, with a sinker. (There were 3 sessions a week exercises; each session consisted of 3 sets of 5 repetitions.) 24 hours after the last exercise session and after 12-hour fasting, the rats being dissected, muscle tissue samples were prepared to assess mRNA levels. Data was analyzed in SPSS 16 software using independent T test. Findings: After 8-week resistance exercises, there was no significant difference in the myostatin mRNA expression level in the myocardium between experimental (1.56±0.44) and control (1.94±0.55) groups (p=0.197). Conclusion: 8-week resistance exercises leads to no significant change in the myostatin gene expression of myocardium in the healthy Wistar male rats.

Objectives: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) approach evaluates and activates the spinal stabilizers to optimize the performance of posture and respiratory system. This study investigated the effects of DNS breathing exercises on upper and lower chest wall mobility (UCM and LCM), trunk extensor endurance, and thoracic kyphosis in a group of sedentary students with poor posture. Methods: In this randomized, controlled 6-week trial, 52 participants were randomly divided into two groups: a DNS breathing exercise group (n=26) and a control group (n=26). First, a pre-test of the UCM, LCM, trunk muscle endurance and thoracic kyphosis was done on each participant in random order. DNS breathing exercise protocol (six times a week for six weeks) was implemented and after its completion, all post-test parameters were taken. Descriptive statistical and the paired-sample t test were used to analyze the obtained data. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the post-test compared with pre-test in DNS breathing exercise group in UCM (6.2±1.6 vs 4.4±0.9 cm, P<0.001), LCM (7.7±1.7 vs 5.5±1.0 cm, P<0.001), trunk muscle endurance (110.1±33.5 vs 88.7±34.1 s, P<0.001), and thoracic kyphosis (146.9±5.5 vs 142.7±4.0 degree, P<0.001). In contrast, the change in these parameters in the control group was not statistically significant. Discussion: DNS breathing exercise with a focus on the integrated spinal stabilizing system and breathing techniques is an effective protocol to significantly improve UCM and LCM, trunk muscle endurance, and thoracic kyphosis. It is suggested that DNS breathing exercises be introduced to improve chest mobility and posture and provide physiological stabilization for the overall health and performance of student