Deaddicta® for maintenance treatment of Opioid-dependence: A six-month follow-up.

Background: Opioid dependence, is one of the world's most critical health problems. Deaddicta is a herbal product considered an effective treatment for opioid addiction. Deaddicta's efficacy in the maintenance treatment of patients with opioid use disorder has recently been demonstrated through a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT). This study aimed to evaluate the permanence of Deaddicta's efficacy six months after the end of the maintenance treatment for opioid dependence. Methods: This study was performed following the previous RCT on the maintenance treatment of opioid addicts. Out of 41 participants who completed the study for three months in the previous research, 15 from the intervention group (Deaddicta capsules, 1500 mg/day) returned for follow-up. They all previously fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for addiction, were aged 18 to 65, and had discontinued Deaddicta for six months. The outcome measures included addiction severity, depression and anxiety levels, and craving score. The scores of each parameter were compared in three phases: before intervention; after three months of intervention; and six months after the end of the study. Results: Depression, anxiety, and craving scores decreased six months after the end of the previous study. This decrease was significant in the craving score (P = 0.011). No significant increase was observed in the frequency of use. The regression analysis showed a negative relationship between craving and the progression of phases. Conclusion: The Deaddicta product may have desirable and effective properties in decreasing temptation and, as a result, the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence.

Canine sperm motility is associated with telomere shortening and changes in expression of shelterin genes.

BACKGROUND: Motion quality is a critical property for essential functions. Several endogenous and exogenous factors are involved in sperm motility. Here, we measured the relative telomere length and evaluated the gene expression of its binding-proteins, shelterin complex (TRF1, TRF2, RAP1, POT1, TIN2, and TPP1) in sperm of dogs using relative quantitative real-time PCR. We compared them between two sperm subpopulations with poor and good motion qualities (separated by swim-up method). Telomere shortening and alterations of shelterin gene expression result from ROS, genotoxic insults, and genetic predisposition. RESULTS: Sperm kinematic parameters were measured in two subpopulations and then telomeric index of each parameter was calculated. Telomeric index for linearity, VSL, VCL, STR, BCF, and ALH were significantly higher in sperms with good motion quality than in sperms with poor quality. We demonstrated that poor motion quality is associated with shorter telomere, higher expression of TRF2, POT1, and TIN2 genes, and lower expression of the RAP1 gene in dog sperm. The levels of TRF1 and TPP1 gene expression remained consistent despite variations in sperm quality and telomere length. CONCLUSION: Data provided evidence that there are considerable changes in gene expression of many shelterin components (TRF2, TIN2, POT1and RAP1) associated with shortening telomere in the spermatozoa with poor motion quality. Possibly, the poor motion quality is the result of defects in the shelterin complex and telomere length. Our data suggests a new approach in the semen assessment and etiologic investigations of subfertility or infertility in male animals.

Increased serum lipofuscin associated with leukocyte telomere shortening in veterans: a possible role for sulfur mustard exposure in delayed-onset accelerated cellular senescence.

BACKGROUND: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a toxic gas that causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress leading to cell senescence. This study aimed to evaluate two indicators of biological aging (i.e., serum lipofuscin level and leukocyte telomere length) and assess their relationship based on the severity of SM exposure in the long term. METHODS: The study was performed on two groups of male participants. 1) SM-exposed group (exposed to SM once in 1987), 73 volunteers. 2) Non-exposed group, 16 healthy volunteers. The SM-exposed group was categorized into three subgroups based on the severity of SM exposure and body damage (asymptom, mild, and severe). The blood sample was prepared from members of each group. The serum lipofuscin, TGF-ß, malondialdehyde (MDA), c-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocyte telomere length (TL) were measured in all participants. RESULTS: The MDA level was increased in the SM-exposed group (mean = 39.6 µM, SD = 16.5) compared to the non-exposed group (mean = 21.1 µM, SD = 10.3) (P < 0.05). The CRP level was also increased in the SM-exposed group (mean = 5.12 mg/l, SD = 3.36) compared to the non-exposed group (mean = 3.51 mg/l, SD = 1.21), while the TGF-ß level was decreased (P < 0.05) in the SM-exposed group (mean = 52.6 pg/ml, SD = 18.7) compared to the non-exposed group (mean = 68.9 pg/ml, SD = 13.8). The relative TL was shorter in the SM-exposed group (mean = 0.40, SD = 0.28) than in the non-exposed group (mean = 2.25, SD = 1.41) (P < 0.05). The lipofuscin level was higher in the total SM-exposed group (mean = 1.44 ng/ml, SD = 0.685) than in the non-exposed group (mean = 0.88 ng/ml, SD = 0.449) (P < 0.05). The MDA and CRP levels were increased in the SM-exposed subgroups of asymptom, mild, and severe than the non-exposed group, while TGF-ß level and TL were decreased in those subgroups. The lipofuscin level was higher in the SM-exposed subgroups of mild and severe than in the non-exposed group. The regression analysis determined a negative correlation between lipofuscin level and TL. The lipofuscin/TL ratio was higher in the total SM-exposed group (mean = 6.36, SD = 5.342) than in the non-exposed group (mean = 0.51, SD=0.389). This ratio was also higher in the SM-exposed subgroups of asymptom, mild, and severe than in the non-exposed group. The lipofuscin/TL ratio did not differ between mild and severe subgroups. CONCLUSION: The delayed toxicity of SM is associated with chronic oxidative stress, continuous inflammatory stimulation, increased lipofuscin, and telomere shortening. Future studies are needed to verify the suitability of serum lipofuscin to telomere length ratio in determining the severity of SM toxicity.

Concomitant use of relative telomere length, biological health score and physical/social statuses in the biological aging evaluation of mustard-chemical veterans.

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a toxic gas that has been used as a chemical weapon in wars. After many years, SM-exposed people are still suffering from its side effects such as biological and premature aging. This study was aimed to evaluate biological aging rate via involving biological health scoring (BHS), relative telomere length (TL) and different physical/social variables i.e. marital and smoking statuses, body mass index, salary and educational levels. BHS was calculated according to measurement of 18 biomarkers related to function of four physiological systems (endocrine, inflammatory, cardiovascular and metabolic systems) and two organs (liver and kidney). The volunteers were 442 individuals exposed to SM gas in 1987 and 119 healthy individuals as non-exposed group. Each group was divided based on leukocyte relative TL (short, intermediate and long). Our data showed an inverse correlation between BHS and relative TL in two groups. The BHS was significantly higher in SM-exposed group than non-exposed group, especially in the participants with short and intermediate TL. The BHS had also a positive correlation with smoking and BMI parameters, and a negative correlation with salary and educational levels in the participants with shorter telomeres; and SM strengthened these correlations in the shorter telomeres. It is concluded that the higher BHS along with shorter relative TL that are indices for lower health quality and biological aging, could be used in the health evaluation of non- and SM-exposed people; and involving of BHS, TL and physical/social covariates could be useful to make this evaluation more accurate.

Sulfur mustard and biological ageing: A multisystem biological health score approach as an extension of the allostatic load in Sardasht chemical veterans.

BACKGROUND: Mustard gas as a chemical weapon has been used in wars and its long-term side effects are substantial in the human body. This study was aimed to apply an extension of allostatic load, known as synthetic biological health score (BHS), including the wear-and-tear of four physiological systems (endocrine, inflammatory, cardiovascular and metabolic systems) and two organs (liver and kidney) to estimate biological aging caused by sulfur mustard (SM) gas poisoning. METHODS: The plasma samples were prepared from two following groups of people; 1) 446 individuals exposed to SM gas in 1987. 2) 115 healthy members, at the same range of age and residence, as the non-exposed group. These people were chosen from the same patients' families and have not had any exposure to SM or pulmonary dysfunction. To estimate BHS, 18 blood-derived biomarkers of the mentioned systems and organs were measured and the relative contribution of many social and body parameters across the age groups was explored. RESULTS: It was revealed, in BHS calculation, the cardiovascular system had the most effect. Also, in the SM group, BHS was significantly higher than in the control group. This feature has a positive correlation with physical parameter (BMI) and a negative correlation with social parameters (salary and educational levels). CONCLUSION: The multisystem BHS could be useful in the evaluation of biological aging due to SM exposure. Social (education, good-paying job) and physical (BMI) parameters could influence BHS and the higher BHS indicates the progress of biological aging due to mustard gas.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM ANALYSIS OF THE GOLDEN ( CHRYSOLOPHUS PICTUS) AND SILVER ( LOPHURA NYCTHEMERA) PHEASANTS.

The aim of this study was to describe normal electrocardiogram patterns and values in two species of conscious pheasants (golden and silver). The standard bipolar and augmented unipolar limb leads electrocardiograms were recorded in the birds. The wave forms were analyzed in all leads at 50 mm/sec and at 10 mm = 1 mV to determine PR, QRS, ST, and QT durations and P, net QRS complex, and T amplitudes. The polarity of each wave form was tabulated in all leads. The mean electrical axis for the frontal plane, calculated using leads II and III, was mostly negative in two species (-43 ± 28.0° in golden and -92 ± 10.0° in silver pheasant). The P wave was predominantly positive in most of the leads. The pattern of wave forms of the QRS complexes were different (Rs, QS, rS, R, RS, QR, qR). The T wave was almost positive in leads I, II, III, and aVF. The heart rates of the birds were mean (± SD) of 320 ± 36 beats/min (golden) and 314 ± 31 beats/min (silver). Description of normal electrocardiogram parameters will facilitate a better understanding of electrocardiogram changes of unhealthy birds.

Non-diabetic Hyperglycemia and Some of Its Correlates in ICU Hospitalized Patients Receiving Enteral Nutrition.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperglycemia is a common occurrence in critically ill patients, and its prevalence in patients receiving nutritional support is much higher than in other patients. The non-diabetic form is associated with more undesirable outcomes. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of non-diabetic hyperglycemia and its correlates in patients receiving enteral nutrition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed between March and December 2015. Seven hundred forty eight (748) patients were reviewed to see if they met the inclusion criteria. After random sequence numbering, 414 patients who were eligible for further assessment and data gathering were selected. Hyperglycemia was defined as the blood glucose levels higher than either 126 mg/dL, in the fasting state, or 180 mg/dL, in a random state. Blood glucose was measured by an ACCU-CHECK glucometer (Roche diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) three times, after ICU admission, in both fasting and random state. A pre-prepared form was used to extract data from hospital records. Data analysis was performed by SPSS 21 software. RESULTS: In this group of hospitalized patients, the prevalence of non-diabetic hyperglycemia was 14/49 (60/414). In the hyperglycemic subgroup, mean FBS was 228.00±36.42, mean random BS was 183.19±43.94 and mean blood sugar on the first day of hospitalization was 203.60 ± 60.79. The mean age of patients was 56.64±19.79 years and the mean duration of hospitalization was 19.24±15.33 days. There was no significant relationship between enteral nutrition feeding volume and hyperglycemia. Majorly, patients aged above 60 years were hyperglycemic. The prevalence was higher in men than in women. Most patients were internal cases, but with the highest prevalence of hyperglycemia in surgical patients. CONCLUSIONS: Since among different studied variables just diagnosed disease and the level of provided calorie showed significant differences between subgroup categories, so it can be suggested that designing on-time appropriate management programs based them can be effective on the administration of non-diabetic hyperglycemia and its undesirable consequences in such patients.

Analysis of the Normal Electrocardiogram in Wild Rooks ( Corvus frugilegus ).

To describe the normal electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns and values in unanesthetized rooks ( Corvus frugilegus ), standard bipolar (I, II, and III) and augmented unipolar limb (aVR, aVL, and aVF) lead ECGs were recorded from 10 clinically healthy wild rooks. Wave forms were analyzed in all leads at 50 mm/s and at 10 mm = 1 mV to determine PR, QRS, ST, and QT durations; the net QRS complex; and P and T amplitudes. The polarity of each waveform was tabulated in all leads. The mean electrical axis (MEA) for the frontal plane was counted by using leads II and III. The mean heart rate was 340 ± 18 beats/min. The P wave was mainly positive in the most leads. The dominant pattern of waveforms of the QRS complexes was QS in leads II, III, and aVF, whereas in leads aVR and aVL, the patterns were rS and R, respectively. The T wave was positive in leads II, III, aVF, and aVL and negative in lead aVR. The mean of the heart MEA was -93 ± 2.2. Interpretation of the ECG values and patterns in rooks may facilitate a better realization of ECG changes of abnormalities in this species.

Oxidant and enzymatic antioxidant status (gene expression and activity) in the brain of chickens with cold-induced pulmonary hypertension.

To evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status of the brain (hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain) in chickens with cold-induced pulmonary hypertension, the measurements of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, antioxidant capacity, enzymatic activity, and gene expression (for catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutases) were done. There were high lipid peroxidation/protein oxidation and low antioxidant capacity in the hindbrain of cold-induced pulmonary hypertensive chickens compared to control (P < 0.05). In the hypertensive chickens, superoxide dismutase activity was decreased (forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain), while catalase activity was increased (forebrain and midbrain) (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase activity did not change. Relative gene expression of catalase and superoxide dismutases (1 and 2) was downregulated, while glutathione peroxidase was upregulated in the brain of the cold-induced pulmonary hypertensive chickens. Probably, these situations in the oxidant and antioxidant status of the brain especially hindbrain may change its function at cardiovascular center and sympathetic nervous system to exacerbate pulmonary hypertension.