103 research outputs found
Treatment with Metformin and Combination of Metformin Plus Pioglitazone on Serum Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
No full textElevated serum levels of inflammatory mediators in conditions such as PCOS reflect a low-grade chronic inflammation and this has been attributed to be associated with insulin-resistance in PCOS. Therefore, insulin-sensitizing agents are suggested to improve both reproductive as well as metabolic aspects of PCOS. This study aimed to compare the effects of metformin taken alone with that of a combination of metformin and pioglitazone on menstrual cycle, hormonal parameters, insulin resistance, and inflammatory biomarkers in women with PCOS. One hundred and six women with PCOS participated in the study. All subjects were randomized into two-arm intervention groups (Arm 1 and 2). Participants in Arm-1 received metformin (500 mg BD) daily while those in Arm-2 a combination of metformin (500 mg BD) and pioglitazone (15 mg BD) for 12 wks. Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were measured using ELISA whereas insulin resistance was assessed using HOMA-IR. At baseline women with PCOS had significantly elevated circulating concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8. Treatment decreased IL-6 in both the groups, however, only the combination group showed a significant decrease (p=0.005). Serum IL-8 level had a significant decrease after treatment in both groups (p <0.001). HOMA-IR and insulin levels also decreased in both the groups (both p <0.001). Testosterone, FSH, and prolactin significantly decreased in both groups. LH also decreased in both groups, however, the change was significant only in the combination group (p=0.013). Combination of metformin and pioglitazone therapy was more effective as compared to metformin alone in reducing the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 as well as insulin resistance in PCOS
The application of social network analysis in the construction industry of Hong Kong
No full textThe Hong Kong construction industry is currently facing ageing problem and labour shortage. There are opportunities for employing ethnic minority construction workers to join this hazardous industry. These ethnic minority workers are prone to accidents due to communication barriers. Safety communication is playing an important role for avoiding the accidents on construction sites. However, the ethnic minority workers are not very fluent in the local language and facing safety communication problems while working with local workers. Social network analysis (SNA), being an effective tool to identify the safety communication flow on the construction site, is used to attain the measures of safety communication like centrality, density and betweenness within the ethnic minorities and local workers, and to generate sociograms that visually represent communication pattern within the effective and ineffective safety networks. The aim of this paper is to present the application of SNA for improving the safety communication of ethnic minorities in the construction industry of Hong Kong. The paper provides the theoretical background of SNA approaches for the data collection and analysis using the software UCINET and NetDraw, to determine the predominant safety communication network structure and pattern of ethnic minorities on site
Molecular dissection of the human Y-chromosome
No full textHuman Y chromosome, earlier thought to be gene deficient, has attracted a great deal of attention owing to its supremacy in male sex determination and unique haplotype status in the genome. Studies on Y chromosome have shown the presence of different types of satellite DNA and several genes implicated with a variety of physical and physiological functions. The interaction of these repetitive DNA with genes in normal individuals and in patients with Y-chromosome-related genetic anomalies is still an unresolved issue and is actively being pursued. The fast changing scenario of the human genome project is likely to effect our overall understanding of the Y chromosome and Y-linked genetic anomalies in a big way. We provide a brief overview of the organization of Y chromosome with respect to several important loci encompassing both the arms and their likely involvement/modulation in genetic anomalies. The experimental approaches discussed here are envisaged to be of clinical relevance for the molecular diagnosis of the Y-linked disorders
CONFERENCE REPORT:2nd International marketing management conference 22nd to 23rd January 2008 Tehran-Iran
No full textThe 2nd International Marketing Management Conference was held at Tehran, Iran during January 22 – 23, 2008. The conference was organized by Aryana Industrial and research group and was sponsored by the key Iranian universities i. e. University of Qum, Iran University – Tehran, National University of Shiraz and Business Institute of Isphahan. In order to provide an opportunity to the participants, professionals and experts to interact and exchange views an exhibition was held concurrently in the campus of Iran University
The Brand Image Assessment of Locally Manufactured Fans: Survey Report
No full textBrand image creation and its differentiation are major marketing tools for brand building and maintenance. Here we are presenting brand image of different fans sold in the local market of Karachi. The study is based on Yound & Rubicam model. The determinants of Keller’s model as illustrated in previous issues were Awareness, Usage, Judgment, Performance and Imagery
Influence of montmorillonite as secondary filler on the properties of carbon nanotube / high density polyethylene nanocomposites
No full textIn this study, the influence of secondary filler on the dispersion of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites (CNT/HDPE) was investigated. In order to understand the mixed-fillers system, montmorillonite (MMT) in addition with maleic anhydride grafted high density polyethylene (PE-g-MA) was added to CNT/HDPE nanocomposites. It was followed by investigating their effects on the thermomechanical, rheological and morphological properties of the aforesaid nanocomposite. Incorporation of 3 wt% each of MMT and PE-g-MA into CNT/HDPE nanocomposites resulted in the increase values of the tensile and flexural strength (32% increase in both), as compared to that of pure HDPE matrix. Thermal analysis results showed an improvement in thermal stability of the formulated nanocomposites. The initial decomposition temperature (Ti) for nanocomposite with 9 wt% of MMT and 3 wt% of PE-g-MA increased from 265 oC (Ti for neat HDPE matrix) to 296 oC. Addition of MMT into CNT/HDPE nanocomposites had also increased the rheological properties, indicating a dominant elastic response. Significant increase in loss modulus, storage modulus and complex viscosity were observed upon addition of PE-g-MA, whereas Tan ? was found to be reduced. This might be due to better interfacial adhesion between MMT and HDPE phases that attributed to the elastic dominance. Improvement in dispersion of CNT upon addition of MMT and PE-g-MA was further supported by the morphological analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that larger aggregates of CNTs were disappeared upon addition of these two components leading to the enhancement of thermo-mechanical properties for such nanocomposites
Conservation, management and documentation of livestock genetic resources and biodiversity: a biotechnology perspective
No full textFor conservation and management of livestock genetic resources, in-depth molecular characterization of a species is required. This may encompass genome organization, sex-determination, regulation of gene expression, clad identification, breed delineation, assessment of QTL loci and their synteny in related species. Molecular methods are available that may be employed for genome analysis of farm animals as well as highly endangered species. We discuss various methodological approaches together with molecular basis of the development of genetic markers and marker systems in the context of genetic conservation
Effects of Stress and Stress Hormones on Heart Rate Variability Parameters in 1<sup>st</sup> Year Medical Students
No full textEffect of Academic Stress and Its Relationship With HRV in Young 1<sup>St</sup> year MBBS Students
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