ABSTRACT
@#The aim of this study was to investigate the antiviral property of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (EL) against dengue virus. A propriety standardized extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Physta®) was tested for anti-viral activity after viral adsorption in Vero cell line. Viral yield was measured by qRT-PCR in four serotypes of dengue virus. The antiviral activity was further investigated in an in vivo AG129 mouse model for dengue inhibitory candidates. 100 mg/kg EL extract was fed twice daily and challenged with a lethal dose of (~1x105 PFU per mouse) of DENV-2 over a period of six days. Antiviral activity with IC50 of 33.84, 33.55, 58.35 and 119 μg/ml for DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 serotypes respectively was observed. The selectivity index (SI) values determined as the ratio of cytotoxic concentration (CC50) to inhibitory concentration (IC50) was the lowest for DENV-2 at 28.9. The dengue virus (DENV) replication measured by qRT-PCR showed a reduction of 100% for DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and 80% for DENV-4 at day 2 of exposure. In the in vivo AG129 mouse model, a lower weight reduction, 30% lower viral load and 12% higher platelet in the extract group compared to the control was observed at day 6. The extract of E. longifolia has potential anti-dengue properties with improving trends in platelet counts. E. longifolia supplementation is potentially a two-pronged approach in treating dengue fever.
ABSTRACT
Today, humans are at increased risk of occupational accidents. Healthcare workers and students expose to many occupational hazards and accidents. Lack of experience and technical expertise places students at more risk. This descriptive study was conducted to determine types, rates and causes of occupational accidents in nursing students at Nursing and Midwifery Colleges in Tehran. 180 nursing students were selected by stratified sampling method. Data were collected with a questionnaire validated and made reliable by content and test-retest methods respectively. 31.3% of the students experienced needle stick, 41.7% sharp injury, 84.8% blood and body fluid exposure, 46.7% exposure to chemotherapy agents, and 33.3% injury and bruise in the past 12 months. There were significant differences in the year of education. Medical, surgical, emergency and oncology wards were identified as risky. Application of protective devices was not satisfactory. According to high rates of some accidents, appropriate educational programs regarding occupational accidents, prevention and timely reporting is necessary