Association between the DRD2 A1 allele and opium addiction in the Iranian population.

Dysfunction of the central dopaminergic neurotransmission has been suggested to play an important role in the etiology of certain neuropsychiatric disorders such as drug abuse. It has been shown that the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene dysfunction is associated with multi-drug addiction. Addiction to opium is the most common form of drug abuse in Iran. We studied the allelic association between DRD2 Taq I A polymorphism in 100 opium-dependent Iranian patients and 130 unrelated controls. A 310 bp (base pair) region surrounding Taq I site at the DRD2 locus was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the PCR product was incubated with Taq I restriction enzyme. The A1 allele remained intact while the A2 allele was cut. Significant association was observed between A1 allele and addiction in the patients group (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the frequency of A1A1 genotype was significantly higher in opium users than controls (P < 0.0001). Our result indicates that DRD2 might be involved in the pathophysiology of opium addiction.     

A New Method for Laparoscopic Access to the Space of Retzius During Retropubic Cystourethropexy

Purpose

We assessed the feasibility of a new technique for laparoscopic dissection of the space of Retzius.

Materials and Methods

In 10 women 40 to 70 years old (median age 45) undergoing laparoscopic retropubic cystourethropexy for stress urinary incontinence hydrodissection was used to create a pneumo-subperitoneal space. A suction irrigator probe was inserted into a mid peritoneal incision created with a 5 mm. trocar above the symphysis pubis between the 2 umbilical ligaments. The subperitoneal space was developed and insufflated with carbon dioxide without incising the peritoneum.

Results

All procedures were completed laparoscopically without intraoperative or postoperative complications. Operative time for cystourethropexy ranged from 30 to 70 minutes (median 40). Estimated blood loss ranged from less than 50 to 300 ml. (median 100). Patients were discharged from the hospital within 24 to 48 hours. All patients reported satisfactory relief of symptoms at 3 to 6 months of followup.

Conclusions

The new technique is not difficult and may minimize tissue injury. Pneumosubperitoneal pressure provides clear exposure of the space of Retzius with minimal bleeding.     

Oleoylethanolamide inhibits food intake in free-feeding rats after oral administration.

Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endogenous lipid that contributes in important ways to the peripheral regulation of food intake. When administered intraperitoneally, OEA is a potent satiety-inducing anorexiant in rats and mice [Nature 414 (2001) 209; Neuropsycopharmacology 28 (2003) 1311; Nature 425 (2003) 90]. In the present study, we show that oral administration of OEA in pH-sensitive enteric-coated capsules produces a profound and long-lasting inhibition of food intake in free-feeding rats. This effect is accompanied by a marked elevation in OEA levels in the small intestine, but not in brain or muscle.     

Pharmacological activity of Mentha longifolia and its phytoconstituents

Current paper reviews the pharmacological activities, therapeutic indications and phytochemicals of M. longifolia. This herb has been consumed traditionally for the treatment of various diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, as well as menstrual disorders. In the modern era, various pharmacological activities have been confirmed for M. longifolia, such as anti-parasitic, antimicrobial, anti-insect, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, keratoprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-diarrhea, and spasmolytic effects. The plant showed therapeutic benefits in irritable bowel syndrome, amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea, and oxidative stress-associated diseases as well. A vast variety of natural components such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, cinnamates, ceramides, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, and terpenoids have been suggested to be responsible for the pharmacological action of M. longifolia. These natural products can be considered as novel medicinal sources for developing new drugs. Further investigations to explore therapeutic efficacy, tolerability, and pharmaceutical properties of M. longifolia phytochemical agents are recommended.     

Australia's use of the Cornell scale to screen for depression in nursing homes

Aim: To examine the utility of the Cornell scale for depression in dementia (CSDD), following its introduction as a routine measure in nursing homes. Methods: The CSDD is administered in Australian nursing homes as section 10 of the Aged Care Funding Instrument. CSDD, cognitive and behavioural ratings, and medication use, recorded in three Sydney nursing homes in 2008–2009 were reviewed. Staff discussed what actions were taken if CSDD scores indicated depression. Results: Of 223 residents, 23% scored >12 on the CSDD, indicating probable depression. Another 21% were possibly depressed and 29% not depressed. The CSDD had not been completed for 27%, commonly because preliminary screening indicated no depression, but sometimes because severe cognitive impairment made various CSDD items impossible to rate. Second CSDD assessments had usually not been made. Conclusion: Nursing homes need to document policies that will ensure best use is made of CSDD findings.     

Asymptomatic Uterine Torsion in a Pregnant Woman

Some degree rotation of the gravid uterus in the third trimester of pregnancy is not an abnormal finding. However, extreme uterine torsion of 180° around its cervical junction is a relatively rare event in obstetrical practice. We report here such a case that detected at laparotomy for an emergency cesarean section due to rapture of amniotic membrane.     

Accuracy of the Common Predictive Equations for Estimating Resting Energy Expenditure among Normal and Overweight Girl University Students

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of commonly used predictive formulas of resting metabolic rate (RMR) compared to measured RMR in normal and overweight young females.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 98 female university students aged 18–30 years with body mass index 18 to 30 kg/m² were recruited. Anthropometric indices and body compositions were measured. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry (FitMate, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) and estimated by 11 predictive formulas. The accuracy of the RMR formulas and mean percentage differences between estimated and measured values were calculated. Paired t test was used to compare estimated and measured RMRs.

Result: There were no significant differences between measured and estimated RMR by the 4 commonly used formulas (Mifflin, Cunningham, and World Health Organization [WHO]/Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO]). Among all of the equations, the Mifflin formula showed the lowest bias (?2.97 ± 116.43 kcal/day) at the group level and was the most accurate formula (80.23%) in normal and overweight participants. The over- and underestimated values were about 14% and 5.5%, respectively. In normal and overweight females, Mifflin was the most accurate formula, with 75.51% and 84.61% accuracy, respectively.

Conclusion: Given the current lack of a standardized formula that consistently delivers accurate results, the Mifflin formula can be recommended for estimating energy requirements in normal and overweight females in clinical practice.