Microbial cellulosic pad encompassing alpha-arbutin in Tragacanth gum as the controlled delivery system.

This research focuses on preparing a natural-based drug delivery system for α-arbutin (AR) as a skin lightening. Bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BC) pad was used for controlled-AR release through two approaches. First was the dip-drying method (P-BC), in which AR cross-linked to BC pads using citric acid (CA). The second was simultaneously entrapping of AR in Tragacanth gum (AR-TG) and stabilized on BC (BC-T) through the ultrasonic-assisted microemulsion method. UV-Vis spectra revealed better control of AR release in BC-T in the first hour. High cell viability (above 70 %) of the pads containing 1-3 % AR was reported using MTT assay. The in-vitro permeation study indicated the proper AR penetration in the treated pads. The Fickian diffusion model was determined as a fitted model for all pads in the drug release kinetics. FTIR, XRD, and TGA analyses further characterized the pads. FESEM images verified AR-TG and BC structures with average diameters of 410.7 ± 25.4 and 34.5 ± 7.51 nm, respectively. The hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of the pads were also investigated. Finally, the high biocompatibility, initial controlled release, and proper permeation suggested BC-T as a more promising delivery platform for AR.

Photo and biocatalytic activities along with UV protection properties on polyester fabric through green in-situ synthesis of cauliflower-like CuO nanoparticles.

In this paper, a facile environmentally friendly method is introduced for in-situ synthesis and fabrication of cauliflower-like CuO nanoparticles on the polyester fabric to produce photo and biocatalytic activities with UV protection properties on polyester fabric. The ash of burnt leaves and stems of Seidlitzia rosmarinus plant called Keliab was used as a natural and nontoxic alkaline source for simultaneous synthesis of CuO nanoparticles and surface modification of polyester without using any other compounds. The images of field-emission scanning electron microscopy, patterns of energy-dispersive spectroscopy, UV-visible spectrum and X-ray diffraction confirmed successful synthesis and loading of CuO nanoparticles on the polyester fabric. The treated fabrics showed very good antibacterial activities toward two pathogen bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus as a Gram-positive and Escherichia coli as a Gram-negative bacteria with no adverse effects on human dermal fibroblasts based on MTT test. The treated fabrics confirmed significant photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue under sunlight, self-cleaning properties under UV light and also UV protection properties. Further a colorant effect along with an improvement in the wettability and mechanical properties of the treated fabrics were indicated. Overall, this method can be applied as a clean route for producing photo and bio active textiles protecting against UV irradiation.

Biosynthesis of nano cupric oxide on cotton using Seidlitzia rosmarinus ashes utilizing bio, photo, acid sensing and leaching properties.

In this research, a facile, rapid and eco-friendly method is introduced for synthesis and loading of cupric oxide on cellulosic chains of cotton fabric with functional properties. Seidlitzia rosmarinus ashes and copper acetate were employed as a natural source of alkaline and metal salt without further chemical materials. The treated samples indicated very good antibacterial activities toward both pathogen Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive and Escherichia coli as Gram-negative bacteria. Significant self-cleaning properties against degradation of methylene blue stain under UV irradiation were found. The sensing properties of high concentrated inorganic and organic acids such as sulfuric and formic acids based on colorimetric alterations of the treated fabrics were also confirmed showing acid leaching effects of the treated fabrics. Further, the treated samples showed coloring effects with an enhancement on the physio-mechanical properties including tensile strength, crease recovery angle and hydrophobocity.

Comparison of the Application of Allogeneic Fibroblast and Autologous Mesh Grafting With the Conventional Method in the Treatment of Third-Degree Burns.

Wound healing is a multipart process involving different cell types and growth factors. Third-degree burns are usually treated by early excision and skin grafting. Tissue engineering has been developed in this field in response to limitations associated with autografts. Allogeneic fibroblasts on meshed split thickness skin grafts (STSGs) are known to have useful properties in wound healing and can be used to construct a new model of living skin substitute. Fourteen patients were chosen from June 2009 until December 2010 as the sample for this study. After debridement and wound excision, meshed STSG was used to cover the entire wound. Alloskin (allofibroblasts cultured on a combination of silicone and glycosaminoglycan) was applied on one side and petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze (Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute) was applied on the other. The healing time, scar formation, and pigmentation score were assessed for the patients. All analyses were undertaken with SPSS 17 software. Alloskin demonstrated good properties compared to petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze. The average healing time and hypertrophic scar formation were significantly different between the two groups. In addition, the skin pigmentation score in the alloskin group was closer to normal. Alloskin grafting, including fibroblasts on meshed STSG, may be a useful method to reduce healing time and scar size and may require less autologous STSG in extensive burns where a high percentage of skin is burned and there is a lack of available donor sites.

Simultaneous sonosynthesis and sonofabrication of N-doped ZnO/TiO2 core-shell nanocomposite on wool fabric: Introducing various properties specially nano photo bleaching.

In this study, N-doped ZnO/TiO2 core-shell nanocomposite was successfully sonosynthesized and sonofabricated on wool fabric through a facile one-step method under ambient pressure and low temperature (75-80°C) as a novel photo-catalyst nanocomposite on textile material. The differences between crystalline phase transformation of conventional and ultrasound synthesized N-ZnO/TiO2 has been compared. The influence of different zinc acetate and titanium isopropoxide precursors in the formation of nanocomposite was studied and optimized through response surface methodology. The photocatalytic activity of the sonofabricated catalyst on the wool fabric surface was evaluated through decomposition of Methylene Blue as a model compound under sunlight irradiation. Also, N-doped ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite sonosynthesized on wool fabric led to photo bleaching of wool fabric due to decomposition of the naturally occurred pigments under daylight irradiation. Further, yellowness index, antibacterial and antifungal activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, cell viability, char residual, alkali solubility, mechanical properties and water drop absorption time on the treated wool fabrics were evaluated. Also, the acid solubility of the synthesized nanopowder obtained from sonobath after treatment was characterized in acetic acid indicating higher acid resistance on N-doped ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite.

In situ photo sonosynthesis and characterize nonmetal/metal dual doped honeycomb-like ZnO nanocomposites on wool fabric.

In this work, nonmetal/metal dual-doped honeycomb-like N-Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were successfully photo sonosynthesized and sonoimmobilized on wool fabric through a facile one-step method under ambient pressure at low temperature as a novel photo-catalyst nanocomposite on textile material. Introducing nitrogen and silver on the sonoprepared nano ZnO particles led to superior photocatalytic activity. The homogenous distribution of the honeycomb-like nanocomposites on the fiber surface was confirmed by FE-SEM, EDX and X-ray mapping. X-ray diffraction patterns also proved the presence of silver metal with a crystal size of 54Å on the photo sonotreated sample with nonmetal/metal dual-doped honeycomb-like N-Ag/ZnO nanocomposites. The defect analysis based on XPS confirmed the composition of the nanocomposite. Ultraviolet-blocking was examined through reflectance spectra in the range of 200-800 nm showing reasonable transmittance property. The sonoloaded wool sample indicated excellent antibacterial/antifungal properties with low negative effect on human dermal fibroblasts. The role of both zinc acetate and silver nitrate concentration on diverse properties of the fabric was investigated and the optimized conditions introduced using response surface methodology. Finally a superior quality wool fabric with multifunctional properties was introduced for using special clothing in different environment.

In-situ sonosynthesis of nano N-doped ZnO on wool producing fabric with photo and bio activities, cell viability and enhanced mechanical properties.

Here, a simple processing route is introduced for preparation of N-doped nano structure ZnO at 75-80°C using in-situ sonosynthesis method through hydrolysis of zinc acetate at pH≈9-10 adjusting with ammonia. Synthesis and fabrication of nano N-doped ZnO were carried out on the wool fabric through impregnation of the fabric in ultrasound bath using different concentrations of zinc acetate followed by curing. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the treated fabrics were assessed against two common pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and the diploid fungus namely Candida albicans. The photo-catalytic activity of nano N-doped ZnO particles on the wool fabric was determined by degradation of Methylene Blue under daylight irradiation. Increasing zinc acetate and prolonged sonication time led to higher photo-catalytic activity as more dye stain degraded from the stained treated fabric under daylight. Higher photo-catalytic activity was observed on the nano N-doped ZnO sonotreated wool fabric having more hydrophilicity. Finally, the treatment indicated no negative effect on the fabric safety while reduced alkaline solubility and yellowness even enhanced the fabric tensile strength. The response surface methodology was also utilized to optimize the wool fabric treatment conditions.

Sonosynthesis of nano TiO2 on wool using titanium isopropoxide or butoxide in acidic media producing multifunctional fabric.

This study presents a novel idea to prepare nanocrystalline structure of TiO2 under ambient pressure at 60-65 °C using in situ sonochemical synthesis by hydrolysis of either titanium isopropoxide or titanium butoxide in an acidic aqueous solution. The nano titanium dioxide coated wool fabrics possess significant antibacterial/antifungal activity and self-cleaning property by discoloring Methylene blue stain under sunlight irradiation. This process has no negative effect on cytotoxicity and tensile strength of the sonotreated fabric even reduces alkaline solubility and photoyellowing and improves hydrophilicity. More titanium isopropoxide or titanium butoxide as a precursor led to higher photocatalytic activities of the treated fabrics. Also introducing more ethanol improved the adsorption of TiO2 on the wool fabric surface leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. EDS and XRD patterns, SEM images, X-ray mapping confirmed the presence of nano TiO2 particles on the fabric surface. The role of both solvent and precursor concentrations on the various properties of the fabric was investigated and the optimized conditions were obtained using response surface methodology.

Aged-look vat dyed cotton with anti-bacterial/anti-fungal properties by treatment with nano clay and enzymes.

In this research, nanotechnology as a route to functional finishing of textiles was used along with bio-finishing to enhance the cotton fabrics performance. For this purpose, quaternary modified montmorillonite and common enzymes such as cellulase, laccase and their mixture were applied on vat dyed cotton fabric. Characteristic analysis of the treated samples and the dispersed nano clays in the effluent of the treatment was performed by various analyzing methods. The nano/bio-finishing is believed to impart antibacterial and antifungal activities with simultaneously higher lightness, advanced softness and handle properties into cotton fabrics. Moreover, cotton fabrics were proved to have no adverse effects (low toxicity) on human dermal fibroblasts. Findings suggest the potential of the proposed method in reducing the risk of microorganism for textile applications and imparting better handle and appearance properties.

The prevalence of menstrual pain and associated risk factors among Iranian women.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in Iranian women and investigate associated risk factors. MATERIAL & METHODS: In a cross-sectional study in Tehran, Iran in 2007, 381 women (81% response rate, age 16-56 years) were selected through a stratified random sample of 22 different districts and completed a questionnaire about dysmenorrhea. Descriptive statistics, spearman rank correlation statistic, and ordinal logistic regression models were used. Confounding and effect-modification were explored for each association. RESULTS: The prevalence of no, mild, moderate, and severe menstrual pain was 10%, 41%, 28%, and 22%, respectively. Older age and high intake of fruits and vegetables were protective factors for menstrual pain while women with family history of dysmenorrhea, higher stress and depression tended to have more severe pain. Body mass index, parity, smoking, and physical activity were not significantly associated with dysmenorrhea after controlling for potential confounding factors and effect modifiers. CONCLUSION: Menstrual pain is a common complaint in Iranian women. The inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and dysmenorrhea, and reduction of stress and depression need to be further explored and considered in terms of recommendation to reduce dysmenorrhea.

Fixed drug eruption resulting from fluconazole use: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Fluconazole is a widely used antifungal agent with a possible side effect of fixed drug eruption. However, this adverse drug effect is absent from the reported list of possible side effects of fluconazole. We are presenting a rare case in our report. CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-year-old Iranian woman developed fixed drug eruptions on different sites of her body after taking five doses of fluconazole to treat vaginal candidiasis. A positive patch test, positive oral challenge test and skin biopsy were all found to be consistent with fixed drug eruption. CONCLUSION: Fluconazole is a widely prescribed drug, used mainly to treat candidiasis. Fixed drug eruption as a possible side effect of Fluconazole is not well known and thus, the lesions may be misdiagnosed and mistreated. Based on our findings, which are consistent with a number of other practitioners, we recommend adding fixed drug eruption to the list of possible side effects of fluconazole.

Single strains of Trichophyton rubrum in cases of tinea pedis.

Multiple colonies of Trichophyton rubrum were isolated from single skin specimens from 10 patients with tinea pedis and were typed using a PCR-based analysis of repeats in the rRNA intergenic spacer. In each case only a single strain type of T. rubrum was isolated, suggesting a monotypic aetiology of tinea pedis. This is in contrast to the multiple strains previously shown to be involved in many cases of onychomycosis.