The Role of Sexual Behaviors in the Relapse Process in Iranian Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative Study

Background: The awareness of sexual experiences could be an effective factor in preventing high-risk sexual behavior pertaining to relapse during the recovery period of substances. This research explored the role of sexual behaviors among Iranian methamphetamine (MA) users in relapse process.Methods: The study was conducted with a qualitative approach using content analysis method. 28 participants were selected through purposeful and theoretical sampling. Data were collected based on face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews based on open-ended questions. Interviews continued until the data saturation had occurred. All interviews were examined in four stages of codes, sub-categories, categories and themes according to the content analysis of explanations and descriptions of sexual behaviors.Findings: Two main themes were emerged from the analysis of interviews, including extreme pleasure seeking (including the main categories of sexual tunnel vision and sexual totalitarianism) and comprehended threat (including the main categories of internal conflict and external disorganization) as well as 10 subcategories.Conclusion: The results indicated that sexual behaviors played an important role in relapse process among Iranian MA users and needed to be considered and managed properly in the planning of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation

Alteration in cardiac uncoupling proteins and eNOS gene expression following high-intensity interval training in favor of increasing mechanical efficiency

Objective(s):High-intensity interval training (HIIT) increases energy expenditure and mechanical energy efficiency. Although both uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) affect the mechanical efficiency and antioxidant capacity, their effects are inverse. The aim of this study was to determine whether the alterations of cardiac UCP2, UCP3, and eNOS mRNA expression following HIIT are in favor of increased mechanical efficiency or decreased oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group (n=12), HIIT for an acute bout (AT1), short term HIIT for 3 and 5 sessions (ST3 and ST5), long-term training for 8 weeks (LT) (6 in each group). The rats of the training groups were made to run on a treadmill for 60 min in three stages: 6 min running for warm-up, 7 intervals of 7 min running on treadmill with a slope of 5° to 20° (4 min with an intensity of 80-110% VO2max and 3 min at 50-60% VO2max), and 5-min running for cool-down. The control group did not participate in any exercise program. Rats were sacrificed and the hearts were extracted to analyze the levels of UCP2, UCP3 and eNOS mRNA by RT-PCR. Results:UCP3 expression was increased significantly following an acute training bout. Repeated HIIT for 8 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in UCPs mRNA and a significant increase in eNOS expression in cardiac muscle. Conclusion:This study indicates that Long term HIIT through decreasing UCPs mRNA and increasing eNOS mRNA expression may enhance energy efficiency and physical performance

The Comparison effects of Selected Aerobic Continues and Interval Exercise Program on Functional Capacity of POST Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Patients

Objective: Exercise training appears to reduce both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality by improving function capacity of heart . The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of selected continuous exercise training compared to an intense selected interval exercise training on functional capacity of POST CABG Patients. Materials & Methods : Thirty three POST CABG patients (30 men, 3 women) 58.33± 9.50 and mean BMI: 27.05±3.55 kg/m2 participated in this study. Selected aerobic continues training (n=12) including: 30 – 60 min continues training with intensity of 70–85% of HR maximum and aerobic interval training (n=12) including three interval, 28-45 min and intensity of 70-90% of HR maximum three times a week for 8 weeks. Control group (n=9) only participate in pre and post tests. Functional capacity was measured with exercise testing (with Modified BRUCE protocol). Statistical methods that were used in this study include t student and ANOVA tests. SPSS Version of 16 used to analyze of all statistics test. Results: There are not any significant differences between continuous and interval training groups (P=0.115). Also after program there is a significant difference between training and control groups (0.017). The precision comparison between groups indicates there is a significant difference between continuous and control (P=0.009) group but not any significant difference between interval and control (P=0.202). Conclusion : The present data may be useful in effective designing intense aerobic continuous or interval training programs for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and specially coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and also improved health in the future