An overview of the effects of antibiotics and medicinal plant extracts on the human microflora

The biological interactions of the microflora in the human body are essential to maintain the somatic eco-physiological balance. Antibiotics, which are considered as a panacea against pathogens without knowing how it influences the microflora, could create a disease by disturbing the microbial ecosystem of the human body and develop new generations of antibiotics resistant pathogens. Medicinal plants could get rid the pathogens and also maintain the normal flora. There is a necessity to preserve the micoflora ecosystem, by means different approaches such as support the antibiotic treatment with some renovated compounds like natural medicinal compounds or probiotics, more comprehensive studies in this issue are badly needed.

The Effect of Aloe vera (Linn) On Cutaneous Wound Healing and Wound Contraction Rate in Adult Rabbits

Background: In the present research study, the rate of cutaneous wound healing and contraction rate in healthy rabbits using Aloe vera pulp was studied.Methods: Ten healthy rabbits were used for the study. They were divided into two groups consisting of five rabbits each. Cutaneous wounds were made on the lumbar region of each rabbit using a template which ensured that the wounds were of the same size in all the rabbits. 5ml of Aloe vera gel was applied to the wounds of the animals in the test group, while nothing was applied to the wound area of the animals in the control group. The wound area in each group was measured for a period of 21 days, using a venire caliper and tracing paper which was used to trace the wound area. Tissue samples were removed from the wound area in both experimental and control groups and subjected to routine histological analysis, also, morphometric analysis was performed.Results: The rate of wound contraction and mean centripetal contraction was calculated in both groups and graphically represented using Microsoft Excel. The results showed that animals who were treated with Aloe vera gel had a greater wound contraction rate, as well as rapid wound closure. The micrographs showed a thicker epithelial layer, with thinner collagen fibers in the dermis of experimental animals compared to the control group. There was also an abundant capillary bed at the dermal-epidermal junction in the experimental group, compared to the control group.Conclusion: Aloe vera may increase the rate of wound healing by accelerating epithelial migration, and may also play a role in neo-vascularization of the newly healed area.Keywords: Aloe vera, Cutaneous Wounds, Rabbits, Wound Contraction, Wound Healing

The value of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) pulp and its potential use in vinegar production

Background: The objectives of this work are to study the physicochemical properties of tamarind fruit pulp for production of vinegar and to evaluate the quality characteristics of the produced vinegar.Methods: Two samples of tamarind were used in this study, sample A from Eastern Sudan and B from Western Sudan. They were analyzed for their physical, chemical composition and minerals content.Results: The acidity (%), total soluble solid, TSS Brix and pH values of tamarinds fruit pulp showed that sample A scored the higher value 28.87%, 42.2 Brix in acidity and TSS, respectively. All proximate analysis parameters determined were significantly different (P≤ 0.05) in the two samples except the ash content. Results showed that tamarind samples contain high amounts of Ca (149.13 – 174.19 mg/100g), in addition to Fe (68.94 – 80.67 mg/100g). The P content of the two samples was very low (3.63 – 9.06 mg/100g). For vinegar production, the fruit pulp was first digested and fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisae, and then acidified with Acetobacteraceti. No significant difference (P ≥0.05) was observed between samples A and B in refractive index, density (g/cm3) and pH between the two samples. After acidification step, the same properties were also estimated, the result were 1.35, 0.95(g/cm3) and 2.05, respectively for sample A, and 1.34, 0.94(g/cm3), 2.18 for, respectively for sample B. Sample B had the higher concentration vinegar (18.14%) compared to sample A (17.18%).Conclusion: tamarind fruit pulp could be recommended for vinegar production.Keywords: Tamarind, Physicochemical properties, Minerals, Vinegar quality.

Influence of age and sex on certain serum biochemical parameters of dromedary camels

Background: The identification of the reference values of certain serum biochemical parameters in relation to the age was studied in dromedary camels.Methods: Fourteen healthy young camels (age: 3-5 months), 12 adult male and 10 female camels (age: 5-8 years) were used. Venous blood samples were collected for the determination of certain serum parameters.Results: The reference range ( ± s×1.96) of serum- [Na+] was 142-160 mmol/l and the percentile range (median (1. - 3.Quartile)) was 143-156 mmol/l for all age groups. The reference values of serum- [K+] showed a significant (P<0.05) variation between the age groups being higher the young camels (4.2-7.4 mmol/l) compared to the adult groups (3.7-5.5 mmol/l). Serum- [Protein] and serum- [Albumin] showed significant (P<0.05) differences between the age groups. Significantly higher (P<0.05) reference range of 51-74 g/l and a percentile range of 59-67.7 g/l was observed in the adult female camels compared to young and adult male groups.Conclusion: These reference values are useful in detecting the influence of strong electrolytes such as Na+, K+ and Cl- and weak acids (proteins) on the physiological and pathological status of the camels in relation to their age.Keywords: Camels, age, electrolyte concentrations, total protein, albumin, reference values.

Measurement of Obesity as Indicated by Body Mass Index Using Waist-Hip Ratio among Apparently Healthy Students in University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) which is often calculated by dividing the weight (kg) by height squared (m2), was chosen as a simple measurement of body weight in relation to height. Waist circumference (WC) and Waist-hip-ratio (WHR) are important indices to assess abdominal obesity. Waist circumference (WC) is an expedient and easy measurement of intra-abdominal fat mass and total body bulk.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 undergraduate students of University of Maiduguri (comprising of 65 male students and 65 female students), with their ages ranging from 18-30 years. A written or verbal consent was obtained from the subjects after explaining to them the objectives as well as the methodology of the study. Information about age and socioeconomic status was collected from each student in a pre-designed questionnaire. The height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference were also taken on each individual using standard anthropometric methodology.Results: The prevalence of abdominal obesity in the present study, according to waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) was 24.6% and 67.7% in males respectively, while 66.2% and 92.3% in female students respectively. Conclusion: The females in the same age group as males showed a tendency towards higher BMI and were classified as overweight and this could be attributed to reduced physical exercise and diet compared to their male counterparts.Keywords: body mass index, hip circumference, obesity, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio

Studying the Relationship between Quality of Sleep and Addiction to Internet among Students

Background: In recent years, Internet use has been of interest to different groups of people especially students and its charm has caused users to spend hours of their time at the computer. Studies show that growing demand for Internet technology caused significant mental health problems and reduced quality of life and unhealthy social relationships for many people. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between internet addictions and sleep quality as one of the components of quality of life among college students.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among students of Torbat Heydariyeh city in 2015. Data were collected by self-report. Data collection tools were internet addiction questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a demographic questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21. P <0.05 considered statically significant.Results: The average score of sleep disorders and addiction to the Internet was 4.690 ± 0.050 and 33.98 ± 12.05, which represents the average sleep disorders and internet addiction among students. 32.50% of students were suffering from sleep disorders and 23.9% of students had high dependence on the Internet and 2% had severe dependence. Between internet addiction and sleep disorders components, sleep quality and overall score of Pittsburgh questionnaire there was a significant positive correlation (P≤0/05).Conclusion: The results showed that excessive use of the internet is associated with reduced sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness. Due to the increasing use of the Internet in Iran, especially among students, Familiarize users with the harms of excessive use of the Internet and promote the proper Correct culture is essential In order to promote the correct pattern of Internet use helped to reduce sleep problems in students.Keywords: addiction to Internet, sleep quality, Student.

Evaluating the Effective Factors in Motivating Nurses to Participate in On-the-job Training Courses

Background: On-the-job Training is one of the most useful and economical methods for nurses to keep up with the latest progress in technology, as well as medical and social sciences. Encouraging nurses to improve their knowledge and skills is one of the most important responsibilities of a nursing management. This study aims to evaluate the effective factors in Motivating Nurses to Attend On-the-job Training Courses.Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study which is on the basis of existing facts and information about the subject of the study. Our population comprises of 147 qualified nurses working in the hospitals of Torbat Heidariye University of Medical Sciences. Data was collected using questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 21.Results: 46.3% of nurses were in 30-40 age group, 54.2% were females, 81.2% were married, 86.4% had B.S. 58.6% of nurses have been working in the hospital for less than 5 years. 87.8% of nurses were working on shifts, and the rest (1.8%) were supervisors. 94% of nurses agreed on the necessity of on-the-job training (moderately or highly required).Conclusion: we found out that there is no significant relationship between motivating factors and demographic characteristics. Also, there is an important difference between genders and organizational motivating factors. It means that the rate of male nurses’ participation in on-the-job training courses is higher than that of female nurses.Keywords: motivation, nurse, on-the-job training, hospital

Body mass index and its relationship with socio-economic variables in Schoolgirls

Background: Evaluation of anthropometric and body mass index is not only widely used to assess children's development, but also is simplicity, affordability and reliability and most powerful tool to study the growth and development of children in different societies. BMI is one of the most important indicators of the growth, especially in childhood, which can be influenced by some socio - economic variables. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index with some of the socio - economic conditions in children with a primary and secondary education to physical development factors and social - economic conditions affecting the BMI.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and 200 children between 7 to 17 years of primary and secondary schools were selected and divided into two groups. Tools used in this study were questionnaires, Balance and Tape measure. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software. P<0.05 considered statiscally significant.Results: Majority of the samples was in normal and thin range. High school student girls had a lower average body mass index, and percentage of weight loss was greater among them.Conclusion: Socio-economic variables affect the lifestyle of families and they can be associated with BMI. Keywords: Body mass index, female students, parents socio-economic variables.

The role of blood pressures in patients with a headache

Background: A headache is the most common cause of patients referred to the doctor. About 40 percent of people are suffering from a headache for at least once a year. Due to it's the high prevalence and its association with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension was considered as a health problem in industrialized and developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of blood pressure in patients with a headache referred to the neurological clinic during 2014-2015 in Hamadan.Method: This cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate patients with a headache referred to the neurological clinic. Exclusion criteria included: a headache with a specific cause (a migraine, stroke, chronic daily headache, kidney disease, Diabetes Mellitus, history of heart disease or use of cigarette. The data were entered into the list and then were analyzed by SPSS software through paired T-test and chi-square test.Results: In this study, the 100 patients with a headache (78% females and 22% males) were investigated. The average age of patients was 60.07±13.175 years. The prevalence of stage 1 & 2 hypertension was 85%, and prehypertension prevalence of 7% was reported. Most of the headaches were in the frontal (33 %). Furthermore, the most headaches occur in varied time (70%). There wasn’t a significant correlation between age (P-value=0.698), gender (P-value=0.952), headache and blood pressure.Conclusion: The results obtained from the present study indicated that there was not any significant correlation between a headache and blood pressure, and the prevalence of blood pressure in the patients with a headache was similar to those who do not have headaches.Keywords: Blood Pressure, Hypertension, Headache

Stem Cell Therapy for Male Infertility: A Review

Infertility affects 15% of couples in reproductive age world-wide and male factor is solely responsible in about 50% of the cases and contributory in 30-40% of cases. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are small self-renewing cells found in the basal compartment of seminiferous tubules where they form the foundation of spermatogenesis and are required for the continuous production of sperm. Transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells results in a donor derived sperm production and fertility in rodent and non-rodent species like Goat. Transplantation of cryopreserved spermatogonial stem cells could help oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy by prior isolation of the SSCs and transplantation after treatment. Induced pluripotent stem cells also have the ability to differentiate into late stage germ cells. The efficacy and safety of SSCs transplantation showed that offspring produced did not show any morphological differences or alteration of genetic material but is most effective through assisted reproduction and better on young/immature Animals. The transfer of germ cells through micro-injection of seminiferous tubules and cannulation of efferent ducts is most effective on rodent testis while injection into the rete testis guided by ultrasound was reported to be the best technique in higher Animals (Bulls and Apes). Researches are still ongoing to get a safe and successful method of SSCs transplantation with no or less side effects on humans.Keywords: Cryopreserved, Pluripotent, self-renewing, Spermatogonia, and Spermatogenesis