Volume 3, Issue 3 (Fall 2019)
Abstract
Research Subject: Poor mechanical strengths and lack of thermal stabilities of hydrogels confine their extensive practical applications in many areas. The growing scientific need for solving this problem and achievement to the hydrogels with improved properties has led to the design and production of the nanocomposite hydrogels.
Research Approach: The polymeric networks of nanocomposite hydrogels compared to the ordinary hydrogels have improved elasticity and rheological properties. Other points that increase the importance of structural studies of nanocomposite hydrogels are the high strength of these materials versus the application of external forces, as well as maintaining its structure against increasing of temperatures. In this regard, the type and amounts of nanomaterial, the preparation method and formation of hydrogel network have a significant role in improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of hydrogels, and, it must be noted that these parameters will depend on the application of nanocomposite hydrogels. This also highlights the need for the production of nanocomposite tailored hydrogels. Therefore, orientation of the range of nanomaterials, the preparation method and product identification, along with sufficient information on the application of these materials, might have an important role in ensuring the success of these materials, requiring comprehensive library research and studies on polymerization processes, morphology and rheology.
Main Results: In this review article, the scientific advances in the field of nanocomposite hydrogels, focusing on its types based on the type of nanoparticles, its properties, preparation methods, identification methods with a new perspective on rheology, thermal analysis and morphology is investigated. Finally, the applicability of these materials is collected in a comprehensive table in various fields such as tissue engineering, enhanced oil recovery, agriculture, and etc…
Volume 9, Issue 4 (Fall 2023)
Abstract
Aims: Reports show that vaccination against influenza could elicit nonspecific immune reactions against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The present research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 disease among the staff of Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kashan despite vaccination against influenza.
Materials & Methods: This study was performed on 1400 employees of Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kashan from February to August 2020. Personnel whose disease was confirmed by PCR test or CT scan were considered to have COVID-19. In the present research, the relationship between influenza vaccination and the incidence of COVID-19 infection was evaluated. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software Version 26.
Findings: Out of a total of 1400 hospital personnel participating in this study, 272 people were diagnosed as COVID-19. Among 272 patients, 23 (8.45%) cases were vaccinated. The average age of vaccinated patients was 33.48 ± 12.72 years, of whom 14 (60.87%) patients were female. Vaccination was significantly associated with prevention of COVID-19 infection (p< .05). The study of odds ratio (OR) to evaluate the effect of vaccination showed that the OR was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.39- 0.97). There was a significant difference in SpO2, type of treatment, and lung involvement based on CT between the two groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients (p< .05).
Conclusion: In vaccinated group, COVID-19 was lower than of the no influenza vaccinated group. According to the results, the use of influenza vaccine as an effective vaccine against the new coronavirus strains could be helpful in controlling the disease.
