[Disaster assessment]

In the response phase the most important step is to assess disaster after occurrence. By disaster assessment, we can obtain all the needed information for controlling, decisionmaking and also disaster planning. Lack of disaster assessment causes you to make unsuitable decisions based on limited or inadequate data which leads to imperfect disaster response. According to IFRC, disaster response operation will have an unsuitable function without disaster assessment. This paper presents the principles and concepts of disaster assessment

[Evaluation of the effect of Virkon disinfectant in reducing bacterial contamination of platelet components]

One of the main steps in reducing bacterial contamination of blood and blood components is the correct use of appropriate disinfectants at blood collection sites and blood processing areas.Virkon is one of the most effective disinfectants consisting of a high percentage of surfactant.The purpose of the present study was to test the bactericidal effect of Virkon on native species of bacteria seen in Iran by selecting a suitable concentration of Virkon. This was an interventional study. 169 samples were taken from laboratory benches, instruments and outer surfaces of blood bags. After the growing bacteria were identified, their CFU/ml was also determined. Later, all the laboratory benches and instruments involved in the preparation of platelet components were disinfected using [1%] Virkon solution. 101 samples were taken from disinfected areas and swabs were plated on to standard bacteriological media and plates were read. 1100 segments from platelet bags were also separated and the platelet contents were plated and any bacterial growth were assessed using quality control department guidelines. Finally, all the data were analyzed using SPSS, Chi-square and Fischer exact test. Out of 169 samples which were plated before disinfection by Virkon, 96 were 56.8% gram positive, 101 were 59.8% gram positive cocci, 159 were 94.8% gram negative b., and 139 were 82.2% gram negative cocci. Out of 101 samples post-disinfected by virkon solution, 25 came out to be 24.8% gram positive b., 17 were 16.8% gram positive cocci, and 6 were 5.9% gram negative b. Out of 1100 segments separated from platelet bags, 4 showed bacterial growth [0.0036%], 2 had gram positive b. growth, and 2 had staph. By using correct concentration of Virkon solution and following the exact manufacture's instruction for use, we were able to observe log reduction in bacterial contamination of the areas where blood components were prepared. The reduction of bacterial contamination in platelet components prepared after disinfection of the working areas by Virkon solution should be emphasized

[Correlation of H. pylori infection and infertility; a survey in Yazd infertility clinic]

Infertility is a worldwide problem. Many different factors may cause infertility. Among them, bacterial infection of the reproductive system is one of the main factors. Recently, some limited investigation has revealed that H. pylori is capable of causing genital inflammation that may lead to infertility. Although known to be a causative agent of gastritis and duodenal ulcers, this species may be transferred orally to the vagina and asymptomatic infection leads to inflammation of the system and finally manifestation of infertility. In addition, infertility may be due to antibodies synthesized against H. pylori cross-reacting with the genital tissue. In the present study, 180 women consisting of 90 cases referred to IVF center of Yazd and 90 matched controls were enrolled. Serum was taken from all women for detection of IgG and IgM using the ELISA technique. A total of 117 [65%] serum samples were positive for Helicobacter, of which 63.3% were from fertile and 66.7% from infertile women. The serum positive population was found to be predominantly in the age range of 25-35, although some 35-42 year olds were also serum positive. When the prevalence of Helicobacter infection status was compared with marriage duration in both groups, it was found that antibody titer in subjects from marriages with durations of greater than five years was significantly higher than those of five-year marriages. In addition, higher antibody titers were found in infertile women with fallopian tube [FT] factor and lower titers in those with polycystic factors. Although the results were not significant, they nevertheless indicate that the Helicobacter antibody titers in infertile women were higher than those of fertile women [P =0.6]. Therefore, further studies are necessary to determine the role that Helicobacter infection plays with regard to infertility among women. Since the antibody titer in infertile cases with FT factor was higher than others, it may indicate that inflammation caused by H. pylori plays an indirect role in the induction of infertility