Core-shell chitosan/PVA-based nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with Satureja mutica or Oliveria decumbens essential oils as enhanced antimicrobial wound dressing.

Wounds are prone to bacterial infections, which cause a delayed healing process. Regarding the emergence of bacterial resistance to common antibiotics, using natural antimicrobial agents can be beneficial. Chitosan is a biological polymer, which has shown partial antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this study, core-shell nanofibrous scaffolds composed of chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the core and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ maltodextrin (MD) as the shell were developed. Satureja mutica (S. mutica) or Oliveria decumbens (O. decumbens) essential oil (EO) was encapsulated into the core of the produced scaffolds. The broth microdilution analysis showed significant antimicrobial activity of the EOs. The SEM analysis indicated that the unloaded and loaded core-shell scaffolds with S. mutica or O. decumbens EO had a uniform, beadless structure with fiber mean diameters of 210 ± 50, 250 ± 45, and 225 ± 46 nm, respectively. The CS/PVA-PVP/MD and CS/PVA/EO-PVP/MD scaffolds indicated suitable mechanical properties. The addition of the studied EOs enhanced the antioxidant activity of the scaffolds. The antimicrobial test of produced scaffolds showed that loading of 10% S. mutica or O. decumbens EO could broaden the microbicidal activity of the CS/PVA-PVP/MD scaffolds. These results revealed that the CS/PVA/EO-PVP/MD nanofibrous scaffolds are promising candidates for wound dressing.

The relationship between quality of life and social support among nurses: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the quality of life (QoL) and its relationship with social support of nurses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 241 nurses working at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. The instruments used in this study were the Persian SF-36 tool, McCain Marquin Social Interaction Questionnaire, and information on individual and job characteristics. The sampling method was cluster sampling with probability proportional to population size. The information was analyzed using SPSS version 18 and with proportional statistics. RESULTS: Only 31.6% (67) of the nurses had high levels of social support. The average social support was 47/65 ± 93/6. The highest mean score of QoL 67.75 ± 25.023 was related to physical activity and the lowest score mean were related to dimensions of bodily pain (54.59 ±22.727) and role limitations because of physical health problems (59.60 ± 40.261). In the linear regression model with the Enter method, the adjustment of the effects of the variables of the three dimensions of general health, mental health and happiness, and QoL was associated with social support. CONCLUSION: The majority of nurses have moderate social support and poor QoL for nurses. Therefore, considering the effects of nurse support, it is recommended to perform supportive interventions and plan for more well-being of nurses.

Investigating the mental health and coping strategies of parents with major thalassemic children in Bandar Abbas.

INTRODUCTION: Major thalassemia is a hereditary, chronic blood disease caused by the synthesis deficiency of one or more polypeptide chains of globin during childhood. This leads to the rise of blood pressure and family tensions. Therefore, the coping strategies of the family could seriously affect and facilitate the thalassemic child's healthy growth. The present research sought to investigate the mental health and coping strategies of families with major thalassemic children in Bandar Abbas in 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is of a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional type. Research population consisted of 140 parents of major thalassemic children who visited Shahid Mohammadi Hospital of Bandar Abbas. The instruments used were the 12-item General Health Questionnaire of Goldberg and Williams along with the coping strategies questionnaire. Nonprobabilistic, convenient sampling method was used. To analyze the data, Spearman's correlation coefficient, Chi-square and descriptive statistical tests were used. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that parents' mental health (32 ± 4.25) along with their coping strategy scores (45 ± 7.50) was about the average. The most prevalent coping strategies among the parents were represented as: "I trust in God in order to get my problems solved" (87%), "to get mentally and spiritually relieved, I would visit mosques and holy shrines" (53%), and "to overcome problems, I make harder attempts" (50.7%). A significant correlation was found between the parents' coping strategies and general health (P < 0.001). A significant correlation was also observed between mother's educational level (P = 0.044), age (P = 0.022) and general health. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to the results of this research, it is categorical for the ministry of health and medical education and those in charge to pay special and adequate attention to the social, spiritual, and mental health of these children and their families.