Annals of Military and Health Sciences Research
Year:2012 | Volume:10 | Issue:4 (SERIAL NUMBER 40)|Papers Count:17

Background: Natural products are important resources in herbal medicines and have been long used for prevention and treatment of many diseases. Aloe vera has been shown to modulate the immune response. Candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections and Candida albicans has become the fourth most common cause of hospital infections. so in this article the effects of Aloe vera plant extracts on macrophage activation has evaluated.Materials and Methods: First of all we infected the 5 groups of the mice with Candida Albicans and then allowed the Candida to activate in one week. Then the Aloe Vera extract (has) injected to mice. Then intraperitoneal macrophages of mice has got and in the end MTT test (has been) performed in order to evaluate the viability of intraperitoneal macrophages.Results: In vivo results show that all of doses of the Aloe Vera extract 100mg/kg, 50, 20, 10 significantly increased cell viability in presence of mitogen.Conclusion: This study showed Aloe Vera extracts in the In vivo in presence of immune stimulator has an effective role in stimulating the immune system (in). In Further studies, processing such as isolation and purification of aloe vera components, are necessary to clarify the modulatory effects of aloe vera on macrophage function.

Background: Use of vaccine against influenza is a routine procedure of public health for influenza prevention especially in hospital health care for personnel and army soldiers. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of influenza in the field troops who have received influenza vaccine, with a group who have not been vaccinated in the commonflu seasons.Materials and Methods: In this study 100 (persons of health care) healthy subjects and 100 soldiers referred to Tehran 501 army hospital were elected. Case group had been vaccinated and control group did not. Every 2 weeks to 4 months, both groups evaluated by a physician for general symptoms. If the symptoms appeared, throat swab specimen from the individual samples were taken and transported to the laboratory for real time PCR. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and Chi-square and t test.Results: In case group, from 23 samples that evaluated in the laboratory, Frequency of distribution influenza B were negative in 21 cases and 1 case was positive for influenza B (91.3%, 4.3%). In control groups from 27 samples that evaluated in the laboratory, Frequency of distribution influenza B was negative in 19 cases and in eight cases were positive (70.4%, 29.6%). Incidence of seasonal influenza B with Chi-square test (the) in case group was significantly higher in comparison with the control group (P<0.03). Incidence of influenza A in all 49 samples in both groups (negative and positive) wasn't observed (p=0.001).Conclusion: Our study showed that there was a significant difference between people who received influenza B vaccines and those who didn't receive the vaccine in army hospital in terms of manifestation sans and there was a significant reduction of B influenza in people who received influenza B vaccines Than those who didn’t received the vaccine.

Background: CRP is the main acute phase protein in humans and plays a key role in host defense against infections. This protein is increased in many infections, inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune diseases, neoplastic diseases, pregnancy and elderly Materials and Methods: this study was done on 400 serum samples that CRP was checked with 3 different kits with slide agglutination method and with photometric method for each sample. Results were compared with quantitative results in photometric method.Results: statistical results in evaluating 400 serum samples with Anisan, Kimia pajohan and Shim enzyme kits were like below: false negative results were detected in 21, 20 and 33 samples respectively. Sensitivities were 87.6%, 86.2% and 80.5% respectively. Specificities were 84%, 74.1% and 80% respectively. Positive predictive values were 80%, 65.4% and 74.7% respectively. Negative predictive values were 90.2%, 90.5% and 84.9% respectively.Conclusion: Although Anisan kits have higher sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values among these three Iranian kits with slide agglutination method, it is advised to use quantitative methods like ImmunoturbidImetry or photometry because of high frequency of false results in agglutination method.

Background: Widespread advance of new technologies, especially in transportation industry poses human encounter with whole-body vibration. Besides biomechanical and physiological effects of whole-body vibration, it also has emotional and cognitive effects. Mental fatigue is an important factor in driving that can decrease driver's performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of whole-body vibration on vehicle driver's reaction time, mental and physiological workload.Materials and Methods: In this laboratory and interventional study, 40 volunteers from university students (all male with average age 23.07±2.5 and average BMI 22.8±1.07) randomly selected. This study consists of three stages. In these stages, participants were encountered with three levels of whole-body vibration (low, average, high), 3-7 Hertz frequency in vertical direction that produced with a vibration simulator. In every stage, participants performed a selective visual reaction time test, and correct and incorrect answers recorded. During performing the test, the average heart rate as an indicator of physiological workload was recorded with sport tester at each stage. At the last of each stage, there was 5-minute break, and we wanted them to fill NASA TLX questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA test.Results: The results of this study showed that the vibration intensity has the significant effect on average heart rate (P=0.000), mental workload (P=0.01), average of correct answers (P=0.01) and incorrect answers (P=0.01), But it has no effect on reaction time.Conclusion: The results showed whole-body vibration decreases mental performance and increases physiological fatigue. So control of whole-body vibration in high intensity has an important role in promotion of safety and convenience.

Background: Foot's morphological structure has an important role in load transition to the joints and body's organs. There are several footprint based indexes evaluating the foot's situation. The features recommended for a new device for foot assessment include reliability, simplicity in use, quantitative output, simplicity in measuring, low cost and being non-invasive.Materials and Methods: In design and manufacturing of the device's hardware, in addition to the visual parameters, its capability in bearing repeating forces up to 120 (kg), providing a natural standing situation for the patient and a strong light source to be able to scan even in the day light was considered. Also special application and computational requirements, like high speed data analysis, user friend software, automated data gathering etc. were considered in software design.Results: This device is capable of evaluating the main footprint based indexes including Arch Index (AI), Staheli Index (SI), Chippaux-Smirak (CSI), Footprint Angle (FPA) and Flatfoot Index (FFI) and documents the results.Conclusion: Podographometer has important advantages over similar foreign devices such as intelligent separation of contact parts of with ground from other parts of foot, selection of suitable index from extensive spectrum of indexes by user and diagnosing by using radiographic images.

Background: Cerebrolysin, a preparation of low molecular weight neuropeptide and free amino acids, has been shown to have a great affect against excitotoxicity, inhibiting free radical formation, microglia activation and additionally neurotrophic action, promoting neuronal sprouting, and improving cellular survival and stimulating neurogenesis following stroke. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Cerebrolysinon acute ischemic stroke.Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomised double blind clinical trial. The sample was 89 patients with confirmed the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. The patients divided in the intervention or control group with simple randomization. Patients in intervention group received 50ml cerebrolysin diluted in 100ml normal saline solution (totally 150 ml) infused over a time period of 30 minutes for 7 days and for control group patients, administered just 150ml normal saline infusion. Patients were assessed on days 1, 30 and 90 by Orgogozo, barthel index, MRS and NIHSS score.Results: The findings indicated that the mean of scores at the end of the first month was increased in comparision with the first day, 1.68 in intervention and -10.95 in intervention and case groups respectively and these differences were meaningful statistically (p<0.05). The comparison of scores at the end of three month treatment to the first day reported meaningful too (p<0.05). The findings demonstrated that at the end of the third month as compared with the first day, added 1.68 to case group score and reduced -13.21 from the control group score.Conclusion: Cerebrolysin is efficient in acute ischemic stroke patients and decreases the tissue damage severity in these patients. On the other hand, presumably it can reduces disabillity of the disease.

Background: Nanofibers as nano-scaffolds are widely used in tissue engineering. Electrospun is a way to produce thesefiberes. In this study, the synthesis of chitosan nanofibers / polyethylene oxide (CS / PEO) on a very thin membrane of CS as a basement membrane has been investigated.Materials and Methods: For this purpose, composite solutions with volume fractions - density of CS and PEO, respectively, with ratios of 100 to zero (pure chitosan), 90 to 10 and 80 to 20 in Acetic Acid 5/0 M were prepared. Interactions of two polymers on each other were studied by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). Nanofiber diameter and size were studied with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).CS membrane polymer solution on the interval the electricfield kv 20-18 cm 15-10 and feed rate ml / h 5.0 was electrospun. Nanofiber diameter and size were studied by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).Results: FTIR study of the composite CS / PEO ratio of 20/80 and 10/90 peak tensile bond hydroxyl (OH) and (C=O) chitosan showed in certain areas. Scanning Electron Microscopic images showed that pure CS could not produce nanofibers on any ratios, and they appeared as a droplet. Whereas, nanofibers were created with ratios 80 to 20 and 90 to 10 of CS / PEO composite both on the aluminum foils and thin membrane of CS.Conclusion: It seems that high viscosity of pure CS prevents nanofibers formation. Whereas, homogeneous nanofibers obtained from the composite of CS / PEO with the ratios 80 to 20, 90 to 10 and pure CS on thin membrane of CS.

Background: Despite the possibility of curing TB with medical therapy, it has a sizable impact on the lives of afflicted patients. This study aimed to evaluate of treatment effect of anti-tuberculosis drugs on the quality of life on tuberculosis patients admitted in Imam Khomeini hospital in Tehran.Materials and Methods: The investigation was a before and after study. It was done in 2006-2007 by fill in Persian translated questionnaire of WHOQOL- BREF on 46 pulmonary or extra pulmonary TB infected patients. Paired samples T-test was performed to find out the differences.Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, mean score elevation was significant in physical (15.76±23.89, p<0.001), psychological (7.84±17.57, p=0.004), and social (6.83±19.48, p=0.02) domains. It was not significant in environmental domain (2.15±8.48, p=0.09).Mean score elevation at the discharge time in physical, psychological, social and environmental domains were: (5.65±16.56, p=0.09), (11.69±19.22, p=0.001), (1.04±8.60, p=0.41), and (4.37±17.77, p=0.1), respectively.Conclusion: In our study, after treatment of tuberculosis, patient’s physical, psychological and social -not environmental- domains of quality of life were elevated, but at the discharge, there was a significant elevation in physical and psychological domains. These results emphasize the importance of patient's treatment at the first days of admission, with special attention to social and environmental domains.

Background: To study the outcome of using Sandostatin on Ranson's criteria among patients with acute pancreatitis.Materials and Methods: It was a clinical trial. Thirty patients in each group were entered in the study.Patients with acute pancreatitis coming to Imam Hossein Medical Center, Tehran, Iran from 2010 to 2011 were studied. The diagnosis of pancreatitis was based on upper abdominal quadrant pain with radiating to the back, serum amylase higher than 100ng/dL and pancreatic edema observed in CT scan. In the intervention group patients received routine treatment plus 50mg Sandostatin IV. In the control group patients only received routine treatment.Results: The average Ranson's score in Sandostatine group was 3.5±1.6 and in control group it was 3.8±1.6 witch did not show a significant difference. In Sandostatin group two patients and in the control group, three patients expired and it did showing no statistical difference. The sepsis accrued in 3 patients from Sandostatin group and seven patients from controls (p=0.042). The length of hospitalization was shorter for Sandostatin group (p<0.0001).Conclusion: Sandostatine did not significantly changed Ranson's score or mortality among patients with acute pancreatitis, but reduced the chance of sepsis and the length of hospitalization.

Background: Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, who have decreased level of consciousness and are receiving sedative and paralytic drugs, lose the protective mechanisms of eyes. Consequently increases the risk of developing ocular surface disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to Comparing the effectiveness of two methods of eye care in prevention of ocular surface disorders in critically ill patients.Material and Methods: In this clinical trial, 42 eligible patients divided in two groups by random allocation method. Each of the eyes in each group of patients randomized to receive one method of eye care. Simple eye ointment was administered every 6 hours and tapes were replaced every 6 hours, too. The eyes were examined daily for ocular surface disorders, by an intensivist and with a portable slit lamp, for seven days.The data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical test (Chi-square, Fisher exact, ANOVA and T-test) with SPSS Ver 20.Results: Of the 20 eyes that had a positive fluorescein test, three (3.6%) were in the simple eye ointment group and seventeen (20.2%) were in the eyelid taping group. This difference was statistically significant (X2=12.8, P=0.000).Conclusion: In the present study, simple eye ointment and had the greatest impact on the prevention of ocular surface disorders than eyelids taping. Thus, using the simple eye ointment for eye care, are recommended.

Background: Enzymes Immobilization methods on the fixed bed are very important for recovery, reuse and also increasing catalytic activity of enzyme. In the beginning of this review we define immobilization, then methods of enzyme immobilization are presented. Then immobilization of glucose Oxidase (Gox) on graphene substrate and determination of glucose by this catalyst is described. Gox is a biocatalyst that accelerates the reaction of Hydrogen Peroxide production from glucose. Most of the conventional glucometers for sensing blood glucose follow this method. In this review, all the recent articles correspond to new advantages of glucose sensing based on graphene substrate are discussed.Materials and Methods: Due to the novelty of this method, there are few reports about graphene based sensors e.g. the first one was reported on 2009. Novelties lead to increasing bio-compatibility for in vivo application of sensors, decreasing LOD of sensor.Conclusion: Due to increasing importance of chemical and biochemical sensors in early diagnosis of disease, and also obvious perspective of sensor industries and special capabilities of nanotechlogy applications in this field, this is expected to diagnose many of the disease in early steps in a near future. Herald role of glucose sensors in rapid response and low limit of detection is remarkable. Graphene shows excellent properties such as bio compatibility, cost effective, rapid response and etc, than to the other members of nano-carbonic structres.

Background: The most important risk of aviation (in altitude over 10 thousand feet) and sub aquatic seafaring (in depth exceed over 30 meters) is hyperventilation. The problems manifested itself at first and especially second world war when pilots flew at altitude over 10 thousand feet. Those pilots had some signs and symptoms while faced mental and physical stresses that eventuated in aircraft crash.Material and Methods: This study collected related data from several books, articles and knowledge about military and civil aviation.Results: Etiology of hyperventilation is related to stressing (mental and physical problems) such as ambient changes (temperature, pressure and, etc), face to emergency situations, physiological and mental changes and, etc. Signs and symptoms were different in everyone this manifestations cause from motor and sensory impairment, psychomotor, cognitive, neuromuscular, consciousness and death. These risks are more important in military aviation due to highest performance and in seafaring because stresses in the work.Conclusion: The astronauts, air crews, sea crews and athletics always have consciousness and higher performance. Thus informing them about hyperventilation and its complications, prevention and treatment for population are necessary.

Background: T.B (Tuberculosis) is one of the oldest diseases and it has been considered as one of the causes of human mortality and morbidity. Some of TB patients simultaneously are involved with other co morbidities such as leishmaniasis, and it slows down the treatment procedures of the secondary disease.Case Report: This study was about a TB patient with more than seven leishmaniasis active lesions in her ferent organs. The patient was a 73 years old female residing and from Moshk-Abad village from the central county of the Qom province who referred to Qomrood health care center for treatment for the first time. We became suspicious to TB because of the poor healing of the leishmaniasis lesions and also positive history of cough for more than two weeks and severe cachexia. The sputum samples were obtained and sent to the laboratory, and all the three samples were positive for AFB (acid-fast bacillus) and besides meglomin antimonite, DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short course) was started for the patient.Conclusion: Based on findings of this study, in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis which are drug resistant or failure to treatment, according to their clinical symptoms, other diseases that weaken the immune system such as tuberculosis should be considered.