181 research outputs found
Multi- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in Latvia : Trends, characteristics and treatment outcomes
Publisher Copyright: © 2014, The Union.Setting: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is an important public health problem in Latvia. Objective: To document trends, characteristics and treatment outcomes of registered patients with multidrug- resistant (MDR-) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-) TB in Latvia from 2000 to 2010. Design: A retrospective national cohort study. Results: Of 1779 patients, 1646 (92%) had MDR- and 133 (8%) XDR-TB. Over 11 years, the proportion of XDR-TB among MDR-TB patients increased from 2% to 18%. Compared to MDR-TB patients, those with XDR-TB were significantly more likely to have failed MDR-TB treatment (OR 8.4, 95%CI 4.3–16.2), have human immunodeficiency virus infection (OR 3.2, 95%CI 1.8–5.7), be illegal drug users (OR 5.7, 95%CI 2.6–11.6) or have had contact with MDR-TB patients (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.3– 2.8). Cure rates for XDR-TB were 50%. Compared with MDR-TB patients, those with XDR-TB had a higher risk of treatment failure (29% vs. 8%, respectively, P < 0.001). Unfavourable treatment outcomes were significantly associated with being male; having smear-positive disease; pulmonary cavities; failure, default or relapse after previous MDR-TB treatment; and a history of incarceration. Conclusion: More MDR-TB in Latvia is now also XDR-TB. This study identified several risk factors for XDR-TB and, for unfavourable treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of MDR-/XDR-TB.publishersversionPeer reviewe
Comparison of the Resistivities of Nanostructured Films Made from Silver, Copper-Silver and Copper Nanoparticle and Nanowire Suspensions
Spray deposition and inkjet printing of various nanostructures are emerging
complementary methods for creating conductive coatings on different substrates.
In comparison to established deposition techniques like vacuum metal coating
and lithography-based metallization processes, spray deposition and inkjet
printing benefit from significantly simplified equipment. However, there are
number of challenges related to peculiar properties and behaviour of
nanostructures that require additional studies. In present work, we investigate
electroconductive properties and sintering behaviour of thin films produced
from nanostructures of different metals (Ag, Cu and Cu-Ag) and different shapes
(nanowires and spherical nanoparticles), and compare them to the reference Ag
and Cu magnetron deposited films. Synthesized nanostructures were studied with
transmission electron microscopy. Morphology and crystallinity of produced
metal films were studied with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray
diffraction. The electrical parameters were measured by the van der Pauw
method. All nanowires-based films provided high conductivity and required only
modest thermal treatment (200 C). To achieve sufficient sintering and
conductivity of nanoparticles-based films, higher temperatures are required
(300 C for Ag nanoparticles and 350 C for Cu and Cu-Ag nanoparticles).
Additionally, stability of nanowires was studied by annealing the samples in
vacuum conditions inside a scanning electron microscope at 500 C
Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis Detection, Latvia
To improve multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) detection, we successfully introduced the rpoB gene mutation line probe assay into the national laboratory in Latvia, a country with epidemic MDR-TB. The assay detected rifampin resistance with 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity within 1 to 5 days (vs. 12–47 days for BACTEC)
TB STIGMA – MEASUREMENT GUIDANCE
TB is the most deadly infectious disease in the world, and stigma continues to play a significant role in worsening the epidemic. Stigma and discrimination not only stop people from seeking care but also make it more difficult for those on treatment to continue, both of which make the disease more difficult to treat in the long-term and mean those infected are more likely to transmit the disease to those around them. TB Stigma – Measurement Guidance is a manual to help generate enough information about stigma issues to design and monitor and evaluate efforts to reduce TB stigma. It can help in planning TB stigma baseline measurements and monitoring trends to capture the outcomes of TB stigma reduction efforts. This manual is designed for health workers, professional or management staff, people who advocate for those with TB, and all who need to understand and respond to TB stigma
Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Women, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
To determine whether women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) were more likely than men to have extensively drug-resistant TB, we reviewed 4,514 adults admitted during 2003–2008 for drug-resistant TB. Female sex independently predicted extensively drug-resistant TB, even after we controlled for HIV infection. This association needs further study
Randomized Trials to Optimize Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: The time for action is now
The time is now right for randomized trials of MDR-TB, say the authors, as the expansion of MDR-TB programs provides the setting in which trials can be implemented
Multidrug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis treatment regimens and patient outcomes: an individual patient data meta-analysis of 9,153 patients.
Treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is lengthy, toxic, expensive, and has generally poor outcomes. We undertook an individual patient data meta-analysis to assess the impact on outcomes of the type, number, and duration of drugs used to treat MDR-TB
Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis Management in Resource-limited Settings
Managing MDRTB through national programs can yield results similar to those seen in wealthier settings
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