Paleoearthquakes and slip rates of the North Tabriz Fault, NW Iran: preliminary results

The North Tabriz Fault is a major seismogenic fault in NW Iran. The last damaging earthquakes on this fault occurred in 1721, rupturing the southeastern fault segment, and in 1780, rupturing the northwestern one. The understanding of the seismic behavior of this fault is critical for assessing the hazard in Tabriz, one of the major cities of Iran; the city suffered major damage in both the 1721 and 1780 events. Our study area is located on the northwestern fault segment, west of the city of Tabriz. We performed geomorphic and trenching investigations, which allowed us to recognize evidence for repeated faulting events since the Late Pleistocene. From the trenches, we found evidence for at least four events during the past 3.6 ka, the most recent one being the 1780 earthquake. On the basis of different approaches, horizontal slip per event and slip rates are found in the ranges of 4 ± 0.5 m and 3.1-6.4 mm/yr, respectively. We also attempted an estimate of the average recurrence intervals which appears to be in the range 350-1430 years, with a mean recurrence interval of 821 ± 176 years. On the basis of these results, the northwestern segment of the North Tabriz Fault does not appear to present a major seismic potential for the near future, however, not enough is known about the southeastern segment of the fault to make a comparable conclusion

Linking Team Condition and Team Performance: A Transformational Leadership Approach

Because project teams in the construction industry shape the primary focus of the industry's project life cycle, a high-performance construction workplace facilitates employees’ technical and innovation skills through team development. Drawing on the current research in general teamwork and leadership, this study, from a theoretical perspective, extends the team condition as a hierarchical construct, incorporating six associated components. This article argues that team building and team development can be studied as ongoing processes that are crucial to project success. In order to reduce the risk of common method variance, the research analysis was completed using 94 construction teams from three different sources, within which team members rated their leader's transformational leadership behavior. The team leaders evaluated the team's conditions, and, lastly, the supervisor of each team rated the team's performance. The model shows that the team condition, which is defined as the factors that contribute to making a great team, has significant direct and indirect impacts on team performance. Furthermore, the transformational leadership behavior of team leaders showed a mediating role between the team condition and the performance

Quais as principais características organizacionais das empresas dos diferentes segmentos da construção civil?

Resumo Neste artigo os autores se propõem a identificar os fatores que definem as principais características organizacionais de empresas do subsetor da construção civil, localizadas em Curitiba e região metropolitana, assim como verificar as diferenças existentes entre os cinco segmentos de atividade mais relevantes desse mercado: residencial, industrial e comercial, infraestrutura, serviços especializados e construção industrializada. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa exploratória e de natureza quantitativa, em nível de mestrado. O método survey foi escolhido como procedimento principal para este estudo, permitindo a obtenção de dados primários por meio da aplicação de um questionário em um grupo de 118 empresas. Esse questionário procurou identificar o perfil da organização e as características organizacionais das empresas avaliadas. Os dados foram analisados com a aplicação de técnicas multivariadas de análise fatorial e análise discriminante. A análise fatorial evidenciou as estratégias de melhoria, o comportamento do indivíduo no trabalho, a estrutura de funcionamento, a dinâmica de crescimento, o estilo de gestão, as relações interpessoais e o posicionamento da empresa perante o mercado como fatores determinantes. A análise discriminante apontou significativa homogeneidade no desenvolvimento organizacional das empresas que representam os diferentes segmentos de atividade

Cellular pharmacodynamic effects of Pycnogenol® in patients with severe osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled pilot study

Background: The standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol$^{®}$) has previously shown symptom alleviating effects in patients suffering from moderate forms of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The cellular mechanisms for this positive impact are so far unknown. The purpose of the present randomized pilot controlled study was to span the knowledge gap between the reported clinical effects of Pycnogenol$^{®}$ and its in vivo mechanism of action in OA patients. Methods: Thirty three patients with severe OA scheduled for a knee arthroplasty either received 100 mg of Pycnogenol$^{®}$ twice daily or no treatment (control group) three weeks before surgery. Cartilage, synovial fluid and serum samples were collected during surgical intervention. Relative gene expression of cartilage homeostasis markers were analyzed in the patients' chondrocytes. Inflammatory and cartilage metabolism mediators were investigated in serum and synovial fluid samples. Results: The oral intake of Pycnogenol$^{®}$ downregulated the gene expression of various cartilage degradation markers in the patients' chondrocytes, the decrease of MMP3, MMP13 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1B were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, protein concentrations of ADAMTS-5 in serum were reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after three weeks intake of the pine bark extract. Conclusions: This is the first report about positive cellular effects of a dietary supplement on key catabolic and inflammatory markers in patients with severe OA. The results provide a rational basis for understanding previously reported clinical effects of Pycnogenol$^{®}$ on symptom scores of patients suffering from OA

Effects of patient age, duration and cause of infertility and number of pre-ovulatory follicles on intrauterine insemination outcomes

Introduction: Prevalence of infertility in general population is around 15-10 percent. Intra- uterine insemination (IUI) is one method for treatment of infertility. Success rate of this method is affected by different factors. Past studies have shown that induction of ovulation and IUI has increased significantly the chance of pregnancy in the infertile couple, especially male factor infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the success rate of IUI and associated factors in Kashan fertility and sterility center. Material and Methods: Data from 120 patients (age between 20 and 42 years) who were referred to Kashan Infertility Center (Iran) during 2005-2009 were studied. According to the World health Organization instructions, semen samples of patients were prepared using swim-up and percoll gradient techniques. After preparation of sample, sperm motility and sperm count were performed. One ml of sperm suspension was expelled into uterine cavity. Results: Pregnancy rate of women with less than 40 years was significantly more than older women were (P<0.007). Pregnancy rate in infertility duration of less than 6 years was significantly more than the longer duration of infertility (P<0.005). Pregnancy rate in patients with unknown cause of infertility 15.3, but in patients who had endometriosis, pregnancy rate was significantly lower (P<0.05). In cycles with a single pre-ovulatory follicle the pregnancy rate was significantly lower than in cycles with more follicles (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that in infertile patients with less than 40 years of age, duration of infertility less than 6 years and infertility with non-endometriosis origin, IUI using Clomiphene citrate and HMG is a suitable method for treatment of infertility

A randomized controlled clinical trial investigating the effect of calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin on hs-CRP, oxidative stress and insulin resistance in pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia

Increased levels of pro-inflammatory factors, markers of oxidative stress and insulin resistance during pregnancy have been associated with the development of pre-eclampsia. There is some evidence to suggest that calcium supplement and aspirin can reduce the risk of the disorder. To our knowledge, no reports are available indicating the effects of consumed calcium supplement plus aspirin on high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), oxidative stress parameters and insulin resistance in pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia. This study was designed to investigate the effects of consumed calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin on hs-CRP, oxidative stress parameters and insulin resistance among Iranian pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia. This randomized single-blind controlled clinical trial was carried out among 42 pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia, primigravida, aged 18-40 year old who were carrying singleton pregnancy at their third trimester. Subjects were randomly assigned to received either the placebo (n = 22) or calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin (n = 20) for 9 weeks. Calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin were containing 500 mg carbonate calcium plus 80 mg aspirin. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 9 weeks intervention to measure serum hs-CRP, oxidative stress parameters including plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Glutathione (GSH), Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), serum insulin and HOMA-IR score. Consumption of calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin resulted in a significant difference serum hs-CRP levels as compared to the placebo (102.87 vs. 3227.75 ng mL-1, p = 0.01). Also, mean changes for plasma TAC (68.96 vs. -74.46 mmol L-1, p = 0.04) and total GSH levels (304.33 vs. -39.33 μmol L-1, p = 0.03) were significantly different between the two groups. No significant differences were found comparing calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin and placebo in terms of their effects on FPG, serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR. Within-group differences in the placebo group revealed a significant increase in serum hs-CRP levels (3227.75 ng mL-1, p = 0.008) and marginally significant increase in plasma total GSH levels (304.33 μmol L-1, p = 0.07). In conclusion, consumption calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin during pregnancy for 9 weeks in pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia resulted in a significant difference serum hs-CRP and increased levels of plasma TAC and total GSH as compared to the placebo group, but could not affect serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR score. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information

Vitamin D supplementation affects serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin resistance, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in pregnant women

Unfavorable metabolic profiles and oxidative stress in pregnancy are associated with several complications. This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), metabolic profiles, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in healthy pregnant women. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 48 pregnant women aged 18-40 y old at 25 wk of gestation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 400 IU/d cholecalciferol supplements (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) for 9 wk. Fasting blood samples were taken at study baseline and after 9 wk of intervention to quantify serum concentrations of hs-CRP, lipid concentrations, insulin, and biomarkers of oxidative stress. After 9 wk of intervention, the increases in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium concentrations were greater in the vitamin D group (+3.7 μg/L and +0.20 mg/dL, respectively) than in the placebo group (-1.2 μg/L and 20.12 mg/dL, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Vitamin D supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in serum hs-CRP (vitamin D vs. placebo groups: -1.41 vs. +1.50 μg/mL; P-interaction = 0.01) and insulin concentrations (vitamin D vs. placebo groups: -1.0 vs. +2.6 μIU/mL; P-interaction = 0.04) and a significant increase in the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index score (vitamin D vs. placebo groups: +0.02 vs. -0.02; P-interaction = 0.006), plasma total antioxidant capacity (vitamin D vs. placebo groups: +152 vs. -20 mmol/L; P-interaction = 0.002), and total glutathione concentrations (vitamin D vs. placebo groups: +205 vs. -32 μmol/L; Pinteraction = 0.02) compared with placebo. Intake of vitamin D supplements led to a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (vitamin D vs. placebo groups: -0.65 vs.20.12mmol/L; P-interaction = 0.01), systolic blood pressure (vitamin D vs. placebo groups: -0.2 vs. +5.5 mm Hg; P-interaction = 0.01), and diastolic blood pressure (vitamin D vs. placebo groups: -0.4 vs. +3.1 mm Hg; P-interaction = 0.01) compared with placebo. In conclusion, vitamin D supplementation for 9 wk among pregnant women has beneficial effects on metabolic status. © 2013 American Society for Nutrition

Effects of DASH diet on lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 48 women diagnosed withPCOS. The women were randomly assigned to consume either the control (n = 24) or DASH diet (n = 24) for 8 wk. Both diets were designed to be calorie-restricted. Both diets consisted of 52 carbohydrates, 18 proteins, and 30 total fats. The DASH diet was designed to be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and to be low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and refined grains. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8-wk intervention to measure lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress including plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total glutathione (GSH). Results: Adherence to the DASH diet, compared with the control diet, resulted in a significant decrease in weight (-4.4 versus -1.5 kg; P < 0.001) and body mass index (-1.7 versus -0.6 kg/m2; P < 0.001), decreased serum triglycerides (-10.0 versus +19.2 mg/dL; P interaction = 0.005) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (-2.0 versus +3.9 mg/dL; P interaction = 0.005). Increased concentrations of TAC (+98.6 versus -174.8 mmol/L; P interaction <0.001) and GSH (+66.4 versus -155.6 μmol/L; P interaction = 0.005) also were found in the DASH group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Consumption of DASH diet for 8 wk led to a significant reduction in serum insulin, triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a significant increase in TAC and GSH levels. © 2014 Elsevier Inc

Effect of calcium-vitamin D supplementation on metabolic profiles in pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Increased metabolic profiles during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and remain a significant medical challenge. To our knowledge, no reports are available indicating the effects of calcium-vitamin D supplementation on metabolic profiles among pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia. This study was designed to determine the effects of consumption calcium-vitamin D supplements on metabolic profiles among Iranian pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia. This randomized single-blind controlled clinical trial was performed among 49 pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia, primigravida, aged 18-35 year old who were carrying singleton pregnancy at their third trimester. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume the placebo (n = 25) or calcium-vitamin D supplements (n = 24) for 9 weeks. Calcium-vitamin D supplements were containing 500 mg carbonate calcium plus 200 IU vitamin D3. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 9 week intervention to measures of Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) and serum lipid profiles. Consumption of calcium-vitamin D supplements resulted in decreased FPG and serum triglycerides levels as compared to the placebo (-9.1 vs. 0.5 mg dL-1; p = 0.03, -11.7 vs. 49.9 mg dL-1; p = 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were found comparing calcium-vitamin D supplements and the placebo in terms of their effect on serum total-, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol levels. Within-group differences in the placebo group revealed a significant increase in serum triglycerides levels (+49.9 mg dL-1, p&lt;0.0001). In conclusion, consumption of calcium-vitamin D supplements for 9 weeks during pregnancy among pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia resulted in decreased FPG and serum triglycerides levels as compared to the placebo group, but could not affect serum total-, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol levels. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information