Effect of different levels of dietary betaine on growth performance, food efficiency and survival rate of pike perch (Sander lucioperca) fingerlings

A 6-week feeding experiments were carried out to determine the effects of different levels of dietary betaine on growth performance, food efficiency and survival rate of pike perch which has a critical period during transition feeding. Fingerlings of pike perch were fed with live food (treatment A), without betaine added to biomar (treatment B), 1% betaine added to biomar (treatment C) and 2% betaine added to biomar (treatment D) in 1000 l concreted tanks. 200 fingerlings (1.50 g, mean weight) were stocked in each tank and fed up to 7 meals per day. Higher increment in body weight (4.99 ± 0.73 g), specific growth rate (3.90 ± 0.06) and food efficiency (104.42 ± 4.27) were obtained with treatment D (2% betaine added to biomar). This treatment also showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in food conversion ratio (0.93 ± 0.04) in comparison with other treatments. Highest survival rate was observed in treatment B (biomar without betaine) with a 34.5 % rate and greatest cannibalism (1.03 ± 0.01) was found in treatment D, respectively. It was concluded that betaine could increase the palatability and acceptability of food and could be suitable to weaning the pike perch fingerlings to artificial diet

Determination of association between the polymorphism in exon 3 of dopamine receptor gene type 4 with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

Introduction: Evidences suggest that attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a hereditary disorder and at least 20 potential genes associated with ADHD have been identified. Dopamine receptor gene type 4 (DRD4) has been more considered due to a stronger relationship with ADHD. However, no study has yet been conducted on the Iranian population to assess the association. Objective: In this study, the association between polymorphism of DRD4 gene with ADHD has been studied among capital of Iran population. Materials and methods: This study is a case-control study conducted on children aged 6�12 years with ADHD referred to child and adolescent psychiatric clinic Imam Hussein (AS) and normal subjects in 2011. Diagnosis was done based on the DSM-IV-TR criteria and interviewing by two child and adolescent psychiatrists. If parental were consent, then saliva samples of subjects were prepared and DRD4 gene and related allele were evaluated using PCR method. The K-SADS questionnaire was also used to assess comorbid disorders. Results: In this study, 114 patients in ADHD group and 109 patients in the control group were studied. The most frequency was obtained for allele 4 allele that has been observed in about 90 of both case and control groups. However, frequency of allele 6 in the case group was 8.8 where the frequency was 5 in the control group (p = 0.02). The presence of repeat of allele 6 increased chance of suffering from ADHD to 1.809 (95 equal to 3.871�0.845). Conclusion: For the first time this study showed that in Iranian population repeat of DRD4 gene allele 6 unlike the other geographic areas is relatively common and it will increase the chances of suffering from ADHD. However, additional studies are required. © 201

Effect of sweet almond syrup versus methylphenidate in children with ADHD: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial

Background and purpose: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common health disorders among children. Some patients do not respond to methylphenidate or cannot tolerate its side effects. Sweet almond syrup as a Persian Medicine preparation has been used for many years. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sweet almond for ADHD children. Materials and methods: Fifty children aged 6-14 years with ADHD were recruited to the study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either methylphenidate or sweet almond syrup. The outcomes were assessed using the Parent and Teacher ADHD Rating Scale every two weeks for 8 weeks. Results: Results showed that the two treatments had similar effects on symptom reduction in ADHD children. No significant differences were observed between the two groups (F=2.3, df=1, p=0.13, F=0.57, df=1, p=0.47). Conclusion: Sweet almond may be an effective treatment for ADHD children. © 2019 Elsevier Lt

Effects of methylphenidate on blood pressure, QT-interval, and cardiac output in ADHD diagnosed children: A three months� follow-up study

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders of childhood. It's been suggested that both the condition and the medications used to treat it can affect the cardiovascular system. This study aims to determine whether methylphenidate has the significant effects in cardiac indices. Methods: In this prospective study, 100 newly ADHD-diagnosed children aged 6 to 11 whom all on methylphenidate were included. The demographic, clinical data including the blood pressure and heart rate (HR), echocardiographic, and QT-interval were recorded at baseline and after three months of follow-up. Results: After the follow-up period, we observed no abnormal systolic, diastolic, or mean arterial pressure in any of the participants based on their age, height, and gender (p < 0.001). However, the mean of all these variables was significantly increased (p �0 0 1). Mean pulse pressure was also higher than baseline but it wasn't statistically significant (p = 0.059). No significant change was observed in echocardiographic parameters and QT. Conclusion: Short-term treatment of ADHD in children with methylphenidate does not have a meaningful relationship with hypertension and increased corrected QT interval. However, an increase in blood pressure and corrected QT interval within a non-pathological range suggests that longer follow-ups may reveal an association. © 202

Magnesium status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis

Current research suggests conflicting evidence surrounding the association between serum magnesium levels and the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore, summarize and quantify the published literature addressing this topic. We conducted an exhaustive literature search on Scopus and PubMed for all the relevant observational studies published up to August 2018. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to summarize the overall association between serum magnesium level and ADHD from the available data. We identified seven studies which reported the mean and standard deviation (SD) of magnesium concentration in both ADHD and control groups. The random-effects meta-analysis showed that subjects with ADHD had 0.105 mmol/l (95 CI: -0.188, -0.022; P &lt; 0.013) lower serum magnesium levels compared with to their healthy controls. Moreover, we observed striking and statistically significant heterogeneity among the included studies (I 2 = 96.2, P = 0.0103). The evidence from this meta-analysis supports the theory that an inverse relationship between serum magnesium deficiency and ADHD exists. High heterogeneity amongst the included studies suggests that there is a residual need for observational and community-based studies to further investigate this issue. © 201

Efficacy of a multispecies probiotic as adjunctive therapy in generalized anxiety disorder: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: Studies have shown that probiotics may decrease anxiety symptoms, but to our knowledge so far no trial has investigated the effects of probiotics in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of probiotics as adjunctive therapy on anxiety severity and quality of life (QOL) in patients with GAD. Methods: Forty-eight drug-free patients with a diagnosis of GAD based on DSM-V criteria were randomly assigned to two groups to receive daily either one capsule of probiotics or placebo in addition to 25 mg sertraline for 8 weeks. Probiotic capsules contained 18*109 CFU Bifidobacterium longom, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. Results: Intention to treat analysis was performed in 39 Patients who completed at least 4 weeks of the intervention. After 8 weeks, the score of Hamilton Rating Scale for anxiety (HAM-A) decreased more in the probiotics + sertraline (PS) group (p = 0.003). Although the reduction of Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was also more in the PS group, it was not significantly different from that of the sertraline alone(S) group. Moreover, despite the greater reduction of State-Anxiety Inventory score in the PS group, the score of Trait-Anxiety Inventory was not statistically different between the two groups at week 8. With regard to QOL, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the change of the score of QOL domains. Conclusions: Probiotics + sertraline combination was superior to sertraline alone in decreasing anxiety symptoms after 8 weeks in patients with GAD, although it did not affect QOL. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Effect of vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate on ADHD symptoms: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: Previous studies have shown that serum levels of vitamin D were lower in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children compared to healthy controls. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate on symptoms of children with ADHD. Methods: Sixty-two children aged 5�12 years with a diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-IV criteria were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either 2000IU vitamin D or placebo in addition to methylphenidate for 8 weeks. Symptoms severity was assessed by Conner's Parent Rating Scale-RevisedS (CPRS), ADHD rating scale-IV (ADHD-RS), and Weekly Parent Ratings of Evening and Morning Behavior (WPREMB) at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Anthropometric variables, dietary intake, physical activity, sun exposure, and side effects were assessed. Results: Fifty-four participants completed the trial. After 8 weeks of supplementation, serum levels of 25(OH)D significantly increased in the vitamin D group. ADHD symptoms decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). Evening symptoms and total score of WPREMB scale were significantly different at weeks 4 and 8 between the two groups (P = 0.013, 0.016, respectively), but no differences were found in symptoms by CPRS and ADHD-RS scales. Discussion: Vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate improved ADHD evening symptoms. Future research is needed to clarify vitamin D effects as monotherapy in ADHD and its mechanism. The trial was registered in www.irct.ir is (IRCT201404222394N10). © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Effect of vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate on ADHD symptoms: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: Previous studies have shown that serum levels of vitamin D were lower in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children compared to healthy controls. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate on symptoms of children with ADHD. Methods: Sixty-two children aged 5�12 years with a diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-IV criteria were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either 2000IU vitamin D or placebo in addition to methylphenidate for 8 weeks. Symptoms severity was assessed by Conner's Parent Rating Scale-RevisedS (CPRS), ADHD rating scale-IV (ADHD-RS), and Weekly Parent Ratings of Evening and Morning Behavior (WPREMB) at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Anthropometric variables, dietary intake, physical activity, sun exposure, and side effects were assessed. Results: Fifty-four participants completed the trial. After 8 weeks of supplementation, serum levels of 25(OH)D significantly increased in the vitamin D group. ADHD symptoms decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). Evening symptoms and total score of WPREMB scale were significantly different at weeks 4 and 8 between the two groups (P = 0.013, 0.016, respectively), but no differences were found in symptoms by CPRS and ADHD-RS scales. Discussion: Vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate improved ADHD evening symptoms. Future research is needed to clarify vitamin D effects as monotherapy in ADHD and its mechanism. The trial was registered in www.irct.ir is (IRCT201404222394N10). © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

The effect of probiotics on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial study

Background: Depression has been associated with cardiovascular disease in previous research. They also have stated that probiotics have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of probiotics in this association. Methods: In this study, fifty patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who were candidates for fluoxetine were randomly selected and divided into two groups. One group received fluoxetine (20 mg) with a probiotic supplement which contained Lactobacillus holoticus and Bifidobacterium langum (2 � 109 CFU/g for each) and another group received fluoxetine with a placebo during 8-week period. 10 ml of fasting blood was taken from patients for biochemical measurements. Findings: After 8 weeks of intervention, patients in the probiotic group had significant decrease in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels compared with the placebo group (2.599± 0.990 vs. 2.704 ± 1.361 ng/ml, P = 0.017). At the end of the study, although, there was significant increase in catalase (30.06 ± 3.443 vs. 26.24 ± 6.908 U, P = 0.037) and decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) (15.13 ± 3.574vs. 17.40 ± 3.170 mg/dl, P = 0.029) levels in the probiotic group, but after 8 weeks, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Other variables did not change significantly. Conclusion: Although probiotics can improve cardiovascular status by reducing general inflammation in the body, they are not specifically associated with lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. © 2021 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

Tehran environmental and neurodevelopmental disorders (TEND) cohort study: phase I, feasibility assessment

Purpose To advance knowledge about childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and study their environmental determinants, we conducted a study in Tehran, Iran to assess the feasibility of prospective birth cohort study. Methods We evaluated participation of pregnant women, feasibility of sampling biological material, and health care services availability in Tehran in four steps: (1) first trimester of pregnancy; (2) third trimester of pregnancy; (3) at delivery; and (4) two to three months after delivery. We collected related data through questionnaires, also various biological samples were obtained from mothers (blood, urine, milk and nails-hands and feet) and newborns (umbilical cord blood, meconium, and urine samples) from February 2016 to October 2017. Results overall 838 eligible pregnant women were approached. The participation rate was 206(25%) in our study and about 185(90%) of subjects were recruited in hospitals. Out of 206 participants in the first trimester, blood, urine, hand nail, and foot nail samples were collected from 206(100%),193(93%), 205(99%), and 205(99%), respectively. These values dropped to 65(54%), 83(69%), 84(70%), and 84(70%) for the remaining participants 120(58%) in the third trimester, respectively. Also, we gathered milk samples from 125(60%) of mothers at two to three months after delivery. Conclusion Our findings suggest that hospitals were better places for recruitment of subjects in a birth cohort in Tehran. We further concluded that birth cohort study recruitment can be improved by choosing appropriate gestational ages. Obtaining the newborn's urine, meconium, and umbilical cord blood were challenging procedures and require good collaboration between hospital staff and researchers