The Effects of Selenium Supplementation on Gene Expression Related to Insulin and Lipid in Infertile Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women Candidate for In Vitro Fertilization: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on gene expression related to insulin and lipid in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 40 infertile women with PCOS candidate for IVF. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to intake either 200-μg selenium (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) per day for 8 weeks. Gene expression levels related to insulin and lipid were quantified in lymphocytes of women with PCOS candidate for IVF with RT-PCR method. Results of RT-PCR demonstrated that after the 8-week intervention, compared with the placebo, selenium supplementation upregulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (1.06 ± 0.15-fold increase vs. 0.94 ± 0.18-fold reduction, P = 0.02) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) (1.07 ± 0.20-fold increase vs. 0.87 ± 0.18-fold reduction, P = 0.003) in lymphocytes of women with PCOS candidate for IVF. In addition, compared with the placebo, selenium supplementation downregulated gene expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (0.88 ± 0.17-fold reduction vs. 1.05 ± 0.22-fold increase, P = 0.01) in lymphocytes of women with PCOS candidate for IVF. We did not observe any significant effect of selenium supplementation on gene expression levels of lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)] in lymphocytes of women with PCOS candidate for IVF. Overall, selenium supplementation for 8 weeks in lymphocytes of women with infertile PCOS candidate for IVF significantly increased gene expression levels of PPAR-γ and GLUT-1 and significantly decreased gene expression levels of LDLR, but did not affect LP(a). Keywords Selenium supplementation Gene expression Insulin Lipid Polycystic ovary syndrom

Suspended nanocrystalline diamond ridge waveguides designed for the mid-infrared

A comprehensive study and design of air-clad suspended ridge diamond waveguides for operation across the 2.5–16 µm spectral range is presented, specifically targeting nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films directly grown on silicon substrates. Three film thicknesses of 520, 1000 and 2000 nm are considered, to cover overlapping sub-bands of 2.5–5, 4–9 and 8–16 µm, respectively. Within each sub-band, the waveguide dimensions for single mode quasi-TE operation are found and the waveguide material losses and bending losses are estimated at each design point. In addition, in each case the minimum required undercut depth and etch hole placement for optical isolation of the waveguide mode from the silicon substrate is also quantified. We also estimate the losses associated with scattering from surface roughness, which is an unavoidable byproduct of the NCD thin film growth process. Our results indicate that despite the relatively low film thickness-to-wavelength ratio, mechanically stable waveguides with good optical confinement and low material and bending losses can be realised to cover the full 2.5–16 µm range. In addition, scattering loss estimations predict a drastic drop in roughness-induced scattering losses above 6 µm, even for relatively rough films. In addition to highlighting the utility of suspended NCD as a versatile platform for mid-infrared integrated photonics, the approaches and results presented here can be used to inform the design of suspended air-clad waveguides in other material platforms

Postural control learning dynamics in Parkinson's disease: Early improvement with plateau in stability, and continuous progression in flexibility and mobility

Background: Balance training improves postural control in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, a systematic approach for the development of individualized, optimal training programs is still lacking, as the learning dynamics of the postural control in PD, over a training program, are poorly understood. Objectives: We investigated the learning dynamics of the postural control in PD, during a balance-training program, in terms of the clinical, posturographic, and novel model-based measures. Methods: Twenty patients with PD participated in a balance-training program, 3 days a week, for 6 weeks. Clinical tests assessed functional balance and mobility pre-training, mid-training, and post-training. Center-of-pressure (COP) was recorded at four time-points during the training (pre-, week 2, week 4, and post-training). COP was used to calculate the sway measures and to identify the parameters of a patient-specific postural control model, at each time-point. The posturographic and model-based measures constituted the two sets of stability- A nd flexibility-related measures. Results: Mobility- A nd flexibility-related measures showed a continuous improvement during the balance-training program. In particular, mobility improved at mid-training and continued to improve to the end of the training, whereas flexibility-related measures reached significance only at the end. The progression in the balance- A nd stability-related measures was characterized by early improvements over the first 3 to 4 weeks of training, and reached a plateau for the rest of the training. Conclusions: The progression in balance and postural stability is achieved earlier and susceptible to plateau out, while mobility and flexibility continue to improve during the balance training. © 2020 The Author(s)

MiR-144: A new possible therapeutic target and diagnostic/prognostic tool in cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small and non-coding RNAs that display aberrant expression in the tissue and plasma of cancer patients when tested in comparison to healthy individuals. In past decades, research data proposed that miRNAs could be diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cancer patients. It has been confirmed that miRNAs can act either as oncogenes by silencing tumor inhibitors or as tumor suppressors by targeting oncoproteins. MiR-144s are located in the chromosomal region 17q11.2, which is subject to significant damage in many types of cancers. In this review, we assess the involvement of miR-144s in several cancer types by illustrating the possible target genes that are related to each cancer, and we also briefly describe the clinical applications of miR-144s as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in cancers

Identification of distribution of Macrobrachium nipponense in freshwater ecosystems and coastal waters of Golestan Province, Caspian Sea

Distribution of freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponense) in the freshwater ecosystems such as Alagol, Almagol, Ajigol lagoons, Gomishan lagoon and Gorganrud River. Sampling were done from may 2009 to my 2010 parameters such as, length frequency, growth rate, sampling, feeding, environmental factors and sedimentation were investigated. 3689 females and 8551 males were collected and biometrical parameters were recorded. Total length ranged between 3.2 to 98.7 mm. The parameters b of length-weight relationship in Alagol, Almagol, Ajigol were 3.49, 3.15, 3.45, 3.22 and 3.22, 3.28 for male and female, respectively. It shows in all lagoons for male and female growth is positive Allometric. Spawning period was from May to June. The length first at maturity (total and/or carapace) for three lagoons was 50.5 mm and 133 mm, respectively. The minimum and maximum of egg volume were 0.12 mm3 in Ajigol and 0.07 mm3 Alagol, respectively. The relationship between fecundity and length was found to be linear regression models for Alagol, Ajigol and nonlinear regression models for Almagol lagoon. Result showed that this species is omnivorous. The minimum and maximum temperature was 6.5ْ C in fall and 33ْ C in summer. The lowest and highest fluctuations of pH level in Ajigol and alagol lagoons were 8.2-9.2 and 7.2-9.8. Among three lagoons, the most EC was 5.9 Ms/c in Alagol lagoon. The Gorganrud River shows the maximum EC, 16.7 Ms/c

Environment impact assessment of tilapia farming in suitable areas of Yazd province

The aim of the present study is the environmental impact assessment of tilapia (Tilapia nilotica) farming in suitable areas of Yazd province. This research was conducted to achieve appropriate use of these resource, employment and development of central less developed regions of Iran along with identifying the human and ecological effects of its implementation in order to minimize environmental impacts as well as economic and social justification. Total area of about 100 ha at 6 farms in selective areas include Tabas (central region), Ardakan (Chahafzal), Mheriz (Bahadoran), Bahabad (Central Region),Taft (Chahbeygi-Dehshir) and Khatam (Tanoore-Lahoor) was assessed in order to tilapia farming and aquaculture industry development. So, impact assessment of this project development in environmental and social - economic parts was considered and Matrix method was utilized for the environmental impact assessment. Based on investigation, accessibility of the region, compatibility with the other land uses, lack of monuments in the area, not covered with the sensitive habitats range, the lack of permanent river flow, low quality of underground water and end up underground water flows in downstream desert and evaporated which result in impossibility of escaping introduced fish from the farm and the use of existing spaces in the first half of the year to product lead to make fewer infrastructure costs and increase revenue, are the main criteria for the sustainable development of this species culture in the area. Considering the executed studies and results of operation phase matrix, it was concluded that there is no considerable destructive impacts related to the project. Therefore due to the fact that 50% of means in rows and columns of the matrix were not less than -3.1 so, we proposed execution of it with rehabilitation plans. Therefore, some strategies and plans to consider reducing the negative effects and enhance positive effects of the project, including monitoring programs, were proposed

Standard of insurance procedures and risk assessment manual for cold water fish culture regarding management and natural disasters

The total production of Rainbow trout fish aquaculture in 2009 had been 72515 t which was significantly increased (91519 t) in 2010. Despite of increasing trout fish production during last decade, absence conformity between suitable cultural and proliferation district of this fish species and geographical one, faced this industry harmfully to natural disasters such as flood, overflow and so on, and mismanagement due to human injustices. Hence insurance and supporting concept of can be having a determinant role in efflorescence and increasing production of this fish. The aim of this project is performing an insurance policy based on risk analysis model in propagation and cultural phases of rainbow trout aquaculture, separately. In this study, pay attention to standards in trout fish aquaculture procedure and determination of critical parameters on, are the first research step and recognition of risk factors in different aquaculture phases due to natural disasters and mismanagement, from the brood stock maintenance till reach to 3-5 g fingerling and finally market size fishes, are the following research steps. After determination of proportion percentages of each parameters regarding to arise the risk, analysis risks and risk management were done for trout fish aquaculture. Three provinces, Fars, Mazandaran and Charmahal Bakhtiary as poles production of trout fish were chosen as delegates of the whole Iran and insurance ability of trout fish hatcheries and aquaculture farms were done. Trout aquaculture standardization were obtained, natural disasters and mismanagement affected on aquaculture activities were recognized (Chapters 1 and 3) and due to importance of health and disease of trout fish, mortality causes and audit signs of also determined and analyzed (Chapter 2) . In Chapter 4, trout farms degraded and fix and natural disasters for trout fish brood stock, propagation hatcheries and cultural farms were analyzed and accounted. Finally, premium and recompense were accounted for hatchery and farm separately

Observational Diagnostics of Gas Flows: Insights from Cosmological Simulations

Galactic accretion interacts in complex ways with gaseous halos, including galactic winds. As a result, observational diagnostics typically probe a range of intertwined physical phenomena. Because of this complexity, cosmological hydrodynamic simulations have played a key role in developing observational diagnostics of galactic accretion. In this chapter, we review the status of different observational diagnostics of circumgalactic gas flows, in both absorption (galaxy pair and down-the-barrel observations in neutral hydrogen and metals; kinematic and azimuthal angle diagnostics; the cosmological column density distribution; and metallicity) and emission (Lya; UV metal lines; and diffuse X-rays). We conclude that there is no simple and robust way to identify galactic accretion in individual measurements. Rather, progress in testing galactic accretion models is likely to come from systematic, statistical comparisons of simulation predictions with observations. We discuss specific areas where progress is likely to be particularly fruitful over the next few years.Comment: Invited review to appear in Gas Accretion onto Galaxies, Astrophysics and Space Science Library, eds. A. J. Fox & R. Dave, to be published by Springer. Typos correcte

Gas Accretion and Star Formation Rates

Cosmological numerical simulations of galaxy evolution show that accretion of metal-poor gas from the cosmic web drives the star formation in galaxy disks. Unfortunately, the observational support for this theoretical prediction is still indirect, and modeling and analysis are required to identify hints as actual signs of star-formation feeding from metal-poor gas accretion. Thus, a meticulous interpretation of the observations is crucial, and this observational review begins with a simple theoretical description of the physical process and the key ingredients it involves, including the properties of the accreted gas and of the star-formation that it induces. A number of observations pointing out the connection between metal-poor gas accretion and star-formation are analyzed, specifically, the short gas consumption time-scale compared to the age of the stellar populations, the fundamental metallicity relationship, the relationship between disk morphology and gas metallicity, the existence of metallicity drops in starbursts of star-forming galaxies, the so-called G dwarf problem, the existence of a minimum metallicity for the star-forming gas in the local universe, the origin of the alpha-enhanced gas forming stars in the local universe, the metallicity of the quiescent BCDs, and the direct measurements of gas accretion onto galaxies. A final section discusses intrinsic difficulties to obtain direct observational evidence, and points out alternative observational pathways to further consolidate the current ideas.Comment: Invited review to appear in Gas Accretion onto Galaxies, Astrophysics and Space Science Library, eds. A. J. Fox & R. Dav\'e, to be published by Springe

The Circumgalactic Medium in Massive Halos

This chapter presents a review of the current state of knowledge on the cool (T ~ 1e4 K) halo gas content around massive galaxies at z ~ 0.2-2. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made in characterizing the cool circumgalactic gas in massive halos of Mh ~ 1e12-1e14 Msun at intermediate redshifts using absorption spectroscopy. Systematic studies of halo gas around massive galaxies beyond the nearby universe are made possible by large spectroscopic samples of galaxies and quasars in public archives. In addition to accurate and precise constraints for the incidence of cool gas in massive halos, detailed characterizations of gas kinematics and chemical compositions around massive quiescent galaxies at z ~ 0.5 have also been obtained. Combining all available measurements shows that infalling clouds from external sources are likely the primary source of cool gas detected at d >~ 100 kpc from massive quiescent galaxies. The origin of the gas closer in is currently less certain, but SNe Ia driven winds appear to contribute significantly to cool gas found at d < 100 kpc. In contrast, cool gas observed at d <~ 200 kpc from luminous quasars appears to be intimately connected to quasar activities on parsec scales. The observed strong correlation between cool gas covering fraction in quasar host halos and quasar bolometric luminosity remains a puzzle. Combining absorption-line studies with spatially-resolved emission measurements of both gas and galaxies is the necessary next step to address remaining questions.Comment: 29 pages, 7 figures, invited review to appear in "Gas Accretion onto Galaxies", Astrophysics and Space Science Library, eds. A. Fox & R. Dave, to be published by Springe