Biologically active PET/polysaccharide-based nanofibers post-treated with selenium/Tragacanth Gum nanobiocomposites.

Polysaccharide-based nanofibers from Tragacanth Gum (TG) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were post-treated with selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) and also stabilized with TG (SeNPs/TG). DLS, FE-SEM, EDX, TEM, and XRD were employed to verify the synthesis of Se NPs. The relatively narrow size distribution of SeNPs/TG showed through TEM and DLS investigations comparing with Se NPs. The Se NPs formation with and without TG was studied with FTIR confirmed the final stabilized solution due to the bonded hydroxyl groups of TG with Se NPs. Also, a relatively higher antioxidant reported on SeNPs/TG at 0.5-5 mg/mL using DPPH scavenging ability. The Se NPs and SeNPs/TG solutions specified remarkable inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; however, no significant antibacterial activities observed on the treated nanofibers. Finally, the uniform migration of fibroblast cells in wound healing of the treated nanofibers with SeNPs/TG proved the value of the products in medical applications.

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcome in Iran: a case series of seven patients.

BACKGROUND: Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) has recently been identified as a major threat to global health. XDR-TB poses a risk of higher failure rates and death during TB treatment. We report herein the outcomes of XDR-TB in patients treated with the standardized regimen in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2006, seven patients were diagnosed with XDR-TB. All patients were treated with the standardized second-line regimen containing cycloserine, prothionamide, amikacin, and ofloxacin. First-line drugs, such as ethambutol and pyrazinamide, were added to the regimen if drug susceptibility testing showed sensitivity to these drugs. RESULTS: Four (57.1%) patients were male. All seven patients were HIV-negative. The patient age range was 22-79 years. Of the seven cases, the final outcome was 'cure' in two (28.6%), 'relapse' in one, 'treatment failure' in one, and 'death' in two; the outcome for one patient was unknown. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a poor prognosis in patients with XDR-TB. This indicates the necessity of detecting XDR-TB cases earlier, as well as the need to gain access to more second-line agents. This is particularly important in resource-limited settings in order to administer individualized regimens.

Is standardized treatment appropriate for non-XDR multiple drug resistant tuberculosis cases? A clinical descriptive study.

The clinical relevance of second-line drug susceptibility test (DST) results with respect to treatment outcome is unknown in non-XDR MDR patients. This study was carried out in the sole national referral centre for TB in Iran between 2002 and 2006. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients who had DST to second-line drugs were included. For all MDR-TB patients the standard second-line regimen was initiated. Outcome of treatment based on DST to second-line drugs was analysed. 53 patients were included. DST for second-line drugs was available for 40 patients. Seven patients returned to Afghanistan during treatment. Among the remainder, 13 (30.4%) cases were Iranian. Mean age was 40.8 + 19.7 y. The relatively small sample size imposes some limitations on this study. However, in this study, there was no difference in resistance to second-line drugs by nationality. No significant correlation was seen between resistance to second-line drugs and outcome of treatment. In conclusion, the treatment outcome according to WHO definitions was appropriate in the study population by the use of standardized treatment regimens. Follow-up studies on a long-term basis are however needed in order to detect possible relapses.