Elevated 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.
Purpose This paper aims to identify the personality traits (agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism) of library and information science (LIS) students in Pakistan. The difference among the personality traits of LIS students toward their information needs and seeking behavior is also analyzed. Design/methodology/approach Two instruments, namely, BFI scale and a self-structured instrument were used to collect the data. Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to find out differences among the personality traits of LIS students toward their information needs and seeking behavior. Findings Findings of the study revealed that out of 320 respondents, 186 possessed openness to experience, while only 7 possessed extraversion personality trait. Moreover, the students having extraversion personality trait were, generally, more concerned toward information needs. On the other hand students having conscientious trait were increasingly more seekers of information. Overall, the conscientiousness was identified as the most suitable personality trait for LIS students. A significant difference was also observed among all the personality traits of LIS students. Practical implications The findings of this study will help in the identification of LIS individual’s personality. The library managers can use these personality traits for the selection of suitable library professionals for their libraries. Originality/value This study can be valuable for the induction of new library professionals and also help managers in assigning the duties based on these personality traits.
BACKGROUND: In women with a bad obstetric history (BOH), infection is an established cause of recurrent fetal loss. A common infecting agent is the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in women with recurrent fetal loss from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. METHODS: The study included 360 females aged 16–40 years, of which 180 had a bad obstetric history (study group) and the other 180 had no such history (control group). Blood serum samples were tested for toxoplasma IgM antibodies by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and for toxoplasma IgG antibodies using an Immunochromatographic technique. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasma infection in study group females was 40.6% and in control group females it was 7.2%. Specifically, IgM prevalence was 12.8% in the study group and 1.1% in the control group. IgG prevalence was 23.9% in the study group and 6.1% in the control group. IgM and IgG combined prevalence was 3.9% in the study group cases. There is a statistically significant association between BOH and seropositivity for T. gondii (p < 0.0001, Chi square test). Various risk factors associated with T. gondii seroprevalence in study and control groups were analyzed. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was significantly higher in women with a bad obstetric history compared to those with no such history. Associated risk factors had no significant effects on the results.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of topical silymarin 0.7% with topical hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma. Place and Duration: This Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted at dermatology OPD of Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Bara Kahu, Islamabad, in a period of one year from April 2020 to April 2021. Patients and Methods: Female patients having melasma were included in the study. The severity of melasma was assessed using MASI score. Group A was treated with silymarin 0.7% cream and group B was treated with topical hydroquinone 4% cream. Treatment was given for 3 months and was followed up for the next 3 months to observe relapse. Clinical efficacy was assessed in terms of percent reduction in MASI score from baseline. Results: The mean age in group A (Silymarin 0.7%) was 35.13 ± 3.87 and in group B (Hydroquinone 4%) was 34.16 ± 3.90. Epidermal type of melasma was most common (76.8% vs 62.5%) in both groups. There was no significant (p-value < 0.05) difference between both groups after one and two months treatment but mean MASI score of Hydroquinone 4% group (10.59 ± 5.74) become significantly (p-value < 0.05) less than Silymarin 0.7% group (8.20 ± 4.41) after 3 months. Similar (p-value > 0.05) therapeutic response was observed after one and two months treatment but it become significantly better in Hydroquinone 4% group after three months treatment. Significantly, (P-value < 0.05) higher adverse effects were detected in patients treated with hydroquinone. There was no difference (P-value > 0.05) in recurrence rate and patients satisfaction between both groups. Conclusion: topical silymarin has equal efficacy for the treatment of melasma with comparatively very less adverse effects as compared to hydroquinone.
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