Maximum Zagreb index, minimum hyper-Wiener index and graph connectivity

AbstractIn this work we show that among all n-vertex graphs with edge or vertex connectivity k, the graph G=Kk∨(K1+Kn−k−1), the join of Kk, the complete graph on k vertices, with the disjoint union of K1 and Kn−k−1, is the unique graph with maximum sum of squares of vertex degrees. This graph is also the unique n-vertex graph with edge or vertex connectivity k whose hyper-Wiener index is minimum

The Effect of Camellia Sinensis Ointment on Perineal Wound Healing in Primiparous Women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Delay in recovery of episiotomy can lead to infection and persistence of perineal pain. Perineal pain is a stressful problem for primiparous women and has a negative effect on their function.The present study was conducted to determine the effect of Green tea ointment on the healing process of episiotomy. METHODS: This three-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 primiparous participated in this research, were divided in two groups: Green tea ointment and placebo ointment. According to the routine of the hospital, 500 mg capsule cephalexin was given to all mothers every six hours for seven days. Mothers used an ointments every 12 hours for a period of ten days in the area of sutures. Wound healing was measured on the fifth and tenth day after delivery using REEDA scale. FINDINGS: There was no significant difference in demographic features and obstetric variables (for example age and weight newborn). Before the intervention, two groups did not have a significant difference in score of the perineal evaluation scale (p=0.475). The average of this scale on the fifth day in the green tea group was (1.83±1.147) and in placebo group it was (3.33±1.155) on the 10th day, the average of the perineal evaluation scale was (1.2±0.805) for the green tea group and (2.63±1.066) for the placebo group. The average of REEDA scores on the 5th and 10th day after delivery was significantly different between the two groups(p<0.00001) CONCLUSION: Green tea can improve episiotomy wound healing, due to its healing propertie

Calcium alginate-based antimicrobial film dressings for potential healing of infected foot ulcers

Aim: Diabetic foot ulcers are susceptible to infection and nonmedicated dressings are ineffective because they have no antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to develop antimicrobial films to deliver ciprofloxacin for treating bacterial infection. Results/methodology: Ciprofloxacin-loaded calcium alginate films were characterized for porosity, swelling, equilibrium water content, water absorption, water vapor transmission, evaporative water loss, moisture content, mechanical strength, adhesion, IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, drug release, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Films were transparent, flexible, uniform, with ideal moisture handling, maximum drug release within 90 min, killing bacteria within 24 h and highly biocompatible with human keratinocyte cells. Conclusion: The results confirmed successful design of biocompatible dressings effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Ciprofloxacin-loaded calcium alginate wafers prepared by freeze-drying technique for potential healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers

Calcium alginate (CA) wafer dressings were prepared by lyophilization of hydrogels to deliver ciprofloxacin (CIP) directly to the wound site of infected diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The dressings were physically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), texture analysis (for mechanical and in vitro adhesion properties), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, functional properties essential for wound healing, i.e., porosity, in vitro swelling index, water absorption (Aw), equilibrium water content (EWC), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), evaporative water loss (EWL), moisture content, in vitro drug release and kinetics, antimicrobial activity, and cell viability (MTT assay) were investigated. The wafers were soft, of uniform texture and thickness, and pliable in nature. Wafers showed ideal wound dressing characteristics in terms of fluid handling properties due to high porosity (SEM). XRD confirmed crystalline nature of the dressings and FTIR showed hydrogen bond formation between CA and CIP. The dressings showed initial fast release followed by sustained drug release which can inhibit and prevent re-infection caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The dressings also showed biocompatibility (> 85% cell viability over 72 h) with human adult keratinocytes. Therefore, it will be a potential medicated dressing for patients with DFUs infected with drug-resistant bacteria

Composite poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl acetate) electrospun nanofibrous mats as a novel wound dressing matrix for controlled release of drugs

Marziyeh Jannesari1, Jaleh Varshosaz2, Mohammad Morshed1, Maedeh Zamani11Department of Textile Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran; 2Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranAbstract: The aim of this study was to develop novel biomedicated nanofiber electrospun mats for controlled drug release, especially drug release directly to an injury site to accelerate wound healing. Nanofibers of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), and a 50:50 composite blend, loaded with ciprofloxacin HCl (CipHCl), were successfully prepared by an electrospinning technique for the first time. The morphology and average diameter of the electrospun nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction studies indicated an amorphous distribution of the drug inside the nanofiber blend. Introducing the drug into polymeric solutions significantly decreased solution viscosities as well as nanofiber diameter. In vitro drug release evaluations showed that both the kind of polymer and the amount of drug loaded greatly affected the degree of swelling, weight loss, and initial burst and rate of drug release. Blending PVA and PVAc exhibited a useful and convenient method for electrospinning in order to control the rate and period of drug release in wound healing applications. Also, the thickness of the blend nanofiber mats strongly influenced the initial release and rate of drug release.Keywords: biodegradable polymers, drug delivery, controlled release, electrospun nanofibers, wound dressin

Knowledge and attitude regarding breastfeeding

BackgroundInfant feeding decisions depend on knowledge and attitudes toward breast feeding, which may be formed as early as adolescence.  PurposeThe purpose of this descriptive study was to assess knowledge as well as attitude of female non-medical students regarding breast feeding in selected universities of Tehran in 2006. Methods800 students selected by multi-stage cluster randomized sampling took part in the study. A questionnaire completed by the subjects was used to collect data. Content and test-retest methods were used for its validity and reliability respectively.  Results51.6% of the students had moderate knowledge and 41.6% had good knowledge regarding breast feeding. Knowledge of engineering students was more than the others. In addition, 75.4% of the subjects had positive attitude toward the feeding. There was a significant difference between attitude scores in three knowledge levels (good, moderate, poor) (