The influences of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on clinical, metabolic and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the co-administration of vitamin D and omega-3fatty acid on clinical, metabolic and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 subjects, aged 18–40 years old with PCOS. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks plus 2000 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil (n=30) or placebo (n=30) for 12 weeks. Gene expression analysis of inflammatory cytokines was conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PCOS women using RT-PCR method. Results: Vitamin D and omega -3 fatty acid co-supplementation significantly decreased serum total testosterone levels (−0.2 ± 0.5 vs.+0.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL, P=0.02) compared with the placebo. In addition, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in beck depression inventory (−1.4 ± 1.6 vs. −0.5 ± 0.6, P=0.01), general health questionnaire scores (−4.5 ± 4.3 vs. −1.9 ± 2.3, P=0.005) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores (−5.0 ± 5.1 vs. −2.3 ± 3.5, P=0.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-administration significantly decreased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (−1.2 ± 1.9 vs.+0.1 ± 0.7 mg/L, P=0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (−0.4 ± 0.4 vs.+0.2 ± 0.6 μmol/L, P<0.001), and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (+ 114.6 ± 122.2 vs. -2.4 ± 168.2 mmol/L, P=0.003) compared with the placebo. Results of RT-PCR demonstrated that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation significantly downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P=0.03), and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (P=0.004) in PBMCs of subjects with PCOS, when compared with placebo. Conclusions: Overall, the co-administration of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, hs-CRP, plasma TAC and MDA levels, and gene expression of IL-1 and VEGF among women with PCOS

Comprative life table parameters of the Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on corn hybrids under laboratory conditions

The effects of four corn hybrids, Keynes540, Keynes410, KSC260 and KSC400, were investigated on life table parameters of the beet armyworm in a growth chamber that was set at 25 ± 1 ºC, 65 ± 5% RH and 16:8 (L: D) photoperiod. The highest survivorship (lx) of adults were 0.77, 0.70, 0.62 and 0.58 on KSC260, Keynes410, Keynes540 and KSC400, respectively. The highest age-specific fecundity (mx) of females which were emerged from the larvae being fed on above-mentioned hybrids were recorded 28.75, 21.70, 20.37 and 16.33 female/ female/ day, that occurred at the days 39, 40, 41 and 45, respectively. The females reared on KSC400 showed the lowest net reproductive rate (R0), while the highest R0 was recorded on KSC260 hybrids. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) ranged from 0.1028 to 0.1370 day-1 of which the lowest was on KSC400. The lowest and highest values of finite rate of increase (λ)were obtained on KSC400 and Keynes540, respectively. The longest mean generation time (T)(35.37 ± 0.83 days) was observed on KSC400 and the shortest one (30.67 ± 0.93 days) was on Keynes410. The results showed that KSC400 was the least suitable host for S. exigua

Investigation of formaldehyde degradation by using isolated microorganisms from waste water of chemical industries

Background and aims   Formaldehyde is one of hazardous compounds that may be found in waste water of different industries. This compound is toxic and biodegradation of it is difficult. The aim of this study is determination of efficiency of isolated microorganisms from polluted effluents by formaldehyde in aerobic and suspended and attached growth.   Methods   In this study formaldehyde degrading microorganisms were separated from waste  water and soil in a chemical industry. Then microorganisms were isolated and separated by using special culture medias. 12 microorganisms were separated and used for biodegradation of formaldehyde. Standard method was used to evaluated of degradation value.   Results   The results showed that pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most effective microorganisms. COD removal efficiency of pseudomonas aeruginosa was 85% in suspended  growth and 83% in attached growth condition. Also removal kinetic parameters were calculated That μmax, K, Y, Ks and Kd coefficients were 1.44 l/d , 3.28 mg COD/mg MLSS.day, 0.44 28 mg  COD/mg MLSS. day, 1.36 mg/l and 0.04 l/day respectively.   Conclusion   Using aerobic conditions in this study to degrade formaldehyde and acceptable output reduction in the COD can be the advantages of aerobic exercises method in comparison  with anaerobic exercises

The influences of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on clinical, metabolic and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the co-administration of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid on clinical, metabolic and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 subjects, aged 18�40 years old with PCOS. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks plus 2000 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Gene expression analysis of inflammatory cytokines was conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PCOS women using RT-PCR method. Results: Vitamin D and omega -3 fatty acid co-supplementation significantly decreased serum total testosterone levels (�0.2 ± 0.5 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL, P = 0.02) compared with the placebo. In addition, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in beck depression inventory (�1.4 ± 1.6 vs. �0.5 ± 0.6, P = 0.01), general health questionnaire scores (�4.5 ± 4.3 vs. �1.9 ± 2.3, P = 0.005) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores (�5.0 ± 5.1 vs. �2.3 ± 3.5, P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-administration significantly decreased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (�1.2 ± 1.9 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.7 mg/L, P = 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (�0.4 ± 0.4 vs. + 0.2 ± 0.6 µmol/L, P < 0.001), and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (+ 114.6 ± 122.2 vs. -2.4 ± 168.2 mmol/L, P = 0.003) compared with the placebo. Results of RT-PCR demonstrated that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation significantly downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = 0.03), and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (P = 0.004) in PBMCs of subjects with PCOS, when compared with placebo. Conclusions: Overall, the co-administration of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, hs-CRP, plasma TAC and MDA levels, and gene expression of IL-1 and VEGF among women with PCOS. © 2018 Elsevier B.V

Dressings Combined with Injection of Meglumine Antimoniate in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background:Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected infectious disease and a major health problem in several developing countries. Despite some reasonable explanation for their potential benefits, there is only trace evidence regarding the role of dressings in the treatment of CL.Methods:This randomized, assessor-blind, controlled, clinical trial was conducted in an endemic area for CL caused by Leishmania major in Iran to assess the efficacy of administration of weekly intralesional meglumine antimoniate (i.l.MA) either alone or combined with application of a silver or a non-silver polyester dressing on their lesions for 6 weeks. After screening of 241 patients with CL lesions, 83 eligible patients with 158 lesions were randomly allocated in three arms of the study. Eligibility criteria included parasitologically confirmed CL, age of 12 to 60 years; willingness to participate, duration of lesion<3 months, number of lesions<5, largest ulcer diameter<5 cm. Pregnant or lactating women were excluded. The primary outcome was absolute risk reduction (ARR) based on the proportion of complete healing, which was defined as more than 75 reduction in the size of the lesion compared with baseline in each group at the termination of treatment and 1 month later.Findings:ARR (95 Confidence Interval CI) in i.l.MA versus i.l.MA+non-silver dressing groups was 5.98% (-7.07% to 20.25%), between i.l.MA versus i.l.MA+silver dressing groups was -0.23% (-13.53% to 14.82%), and between i.l.MA+non-silver dressing versus i.l.MA+silver dressing groups was -6.21%(-18.28% to 6.52%) after 6 weeks of treatment. ARR (95% CI) in i.l.MA versus i.l.MA+non-silver dressing groups was -2.22% (-22.12% to 18.10%), between i.l.MA versus i.l.MA+silver dressing groups was 3.64% (-15.36% to 22.82%), and between i.l.MA+non-silver dressing versus i.l.MA+silver dressing groups was 5.86% (-12.86% to 24.31%) 1 month later.Conclusion:It could not be demonstrated that the efficacy of i.l.MA was improved by either dressing. Trial Registration:Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT.ir) IRCT138707201166N2. © 2013 Khatami et al

Reporting family contamination by parasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei

The present report describes a family of five infected by parasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei in the city of Kashan in central Iran. Family members had to see a doctor due to severe itching at night, insomnia, rash, and burning sensation in the hands and legs, waist, chest and genitals. After the examination, the doctor was suspicious to the contamination caused by mite Sarcoptes, so referred all the family members to a medical laboratory. Father and two sons of the family were infected by mite in their hands, shines, waist, chest, and genitals. Morally, just hands and shins of the mother and daughter were examined, and contamination was determined. The sample provided by microscopic investigation and observation of morphological features was recognized. In terms of ethics and family satisfaction, just pictures were taken from the legs and waist of the son. All infected individuals were treated. For treatment of the family, once a week-use of lindane lotion 1%, and Crotamiton of 10% before sleep every night was recommended. After two weeks, patients were treated, and symptoms were reduced ad the third week and vanished at the fourth week. Keywords: Contamination, family, Sarcoptes scabiei, scabies

The influences of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on clinical, metabolic and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the co-administration of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid on clinical, metabolic and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 subjects, aged 18�40 years old with PCOS. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks plus 2000 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Gene expression analysis of inflammatory cytokines was conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PCOS women using RT-PCR method. Results: Vitamin D and omega -3 fatty acid co-supplementation significantly decreased serum total testosterone levels (�0.2 ± 0.5 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL, P = 0.02) compared with the placebo. In addition, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in beck depression inventory (�1.4 ± 1.6 vs. �0.5 ± 0.6, P = 0.01), general health questionnaire scores (�4.5 ± 4.3 vs. �1.9 ± 2.3, P = 0.005) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores (�5.0 ± 5.1 vs. �2.3 ± 3.5, P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-administration significantly decreased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (�1.2 ± 1.9 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.7 mg/L, P = 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (�0.4 ± 0.4 vs. + 0.2 ± 0.6 µmol/L, P < 0.001), and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (+ 114.6 ± 122.2 vs. -2.4 ± 168.2 mmol/L, P = 0.003) compared with the placebo. Results of RT-PCR demonstrated that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation significantly downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = 0.03), and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (P = 0.004) in PBMCs of subjects with PCOS, when compared with placebo. Conclusions: Overall, the co-administration of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, hs-CRP, plasma TAC and MDA levels, and gene expression of IL-1 and VEGF among women with PCOS. © 2018 Elsevier B.V