Vitamin K and D Status in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and it has been known as the main factor of lower limb disability. The aim of the study is evaluating the level of vitamin K and D status as well as determining cut-off point of these vitamins for predicting knee OA and also pain severity in these patients. In this analytical cross-sectional study, participation included knee OA patients and individuals without it who referred to Fasa Osteoarthritis Clinic, Iran. OA was diagnosed according to criteria based on Kellgren and Lawrence rating and the WOMAC score was used for pain evaluation. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 18 (P> 0.05). In our study, 150 knee OA patients and 300 individuals without it, were participated. The mean of vitamin K and D in OA patients was significantly lower than the group without it (P<0.001). Furthermore, logistic regression showed that after adjustment, each unit decrease in vitamin D and K level leads to an increase the odds ratio of OA to 0.67 and 0.002 times respectively. In receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the cutoff-point for vitamin D and K was determined 12.68 and 0.87 nmol/L respectively. We also observed that although with a decreased level of two vitamins, the score of pain significantly increases, the only effective factors in pain score were disease status. These findings suggest that the deficiency of vitamin K and D is likely associated with a higher risk of O

Effect of Ultra A-max on sexual maturation processes, hematological and biochemical factors of blood serum in growing Beluga (Huso huso) in Gorgan Bay

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ultra-Amax commercial prebiotics on the hematologic, biochemical and serum steroid hormones levels of Huso huso blood at the Ashoradeh catchment processing center. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design in the control group (without any additive) and two experimental treatments including 1g / kg of prebiotics in per kg of diet were supplemented. Each treatment was carried out with 3 replicates and 10 fish per cage per 120 day breeding period with an average weight of 4.55 ± 0.37 kg.The results showed a significant improvement in serum levels of steroid hormones in fish fillets in experimental treatments compared to control group (p<0/05).The analysis of serum hematologic and biochemical parameters of the serum was also affected by prebiotic ultra Amax. Significant positive changes were observed in parameters such as Hemoglobin, Red blood cell count, Mean corpuscular volume, Mean hemoglobin concentration, Mean hemoglobin concentration, Hematocrit, Eosinophil, and Immunoglobulin, Amylase, Creatinine, Uric acid (p<0/05). In summary, the results of this study showed that the addition of 1 g / kg of prebiotics, ultra Amax, can be used as a useful nutritional supplement for the improvement of blood and biochemical parameters and the level of serum hormones in blood serum Huso huso Breeding is to be used

Investigation of Growth and Mortality Parameters and Maturity length in Crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould, 1841) in Gorgan Bay

This study was carried out to determine growth and mortality parameters of mud crab R. harrisii during a period of 12 months from May 2017 to April 2018 in northeast parts of Gorgan Bay-southeast Caspian Sea. A total of 307 crabs were collected using small beach scene and snail traps, including 120 females and 187 males. The total length of the male crab ranged from 7.01 to 18.36 mm with a mean of 13.07±0.16 mm, while that of females ranged between 5.56 and 8.92 mm with a mean of 11.02±0.02 mm. The largest mean value of observed lengths, which is 20.52±0.50 mm, was in November and the lowest was recorded in May with the value of 12.84 ± 0.81 mm. Based on von Bertalanffy growth model, L-infinity and K parameters were 23.5cm and 1.63 years-1 for females and 22 cm and 1.1 year-1 for males. Using carapace width, the parameter of Lm50 was 12mm. The index ofɸ -Munro was 2.97 and 2.95 for males and females respectively. The results on growth and reproduction of the species provided in this were the first one and could be useful in conservation plans of the species and Miankaleh wildlife refugee area as well

Assessment length-weight relationship and condition factor of Arius maculatus (Thunberg, 1792) in coastal waters of Persian Gulf

The aim of this study was to record the length-weight relationship and condition factor of A. maculatus from Persian Gulf coastal waters. The specimens were collected on a monthly basis from April to March 2013. Overal 766 specimens were caught. Size and weight of collected fish ranged between 13/2-48 cm and 31.2-1820 gr. The Condition of the growth fish was allometrically negative with b value<3.0 (w=0/03L2/72) respectivly. Condition factor was estimated at 0.95. This study provides basic information for fishery biologists and managers

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population