Coordinated expansion of memory T follicular helper and B cells mediates spontaneous clearance of HCV reinfection.

Introduction: Follicular helper T cells are essential for helping in the maturation of B cells and the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) during primary viral infections. However, their role during recall responses is unclear. Here, we used hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection in humans as a model to study the recall collaborative interaction between circulating CD4 T follicular helper cells (cTfh) and memory B cells (MBCs) leading to the generation of NAbs. Methods: We evaluated this interaction longitudinally in subjects who have spontaneously resolved primary HCV infection during a subsequent reinfection episode that resulted in either another spontaneous resolution (SR/SR, n = 14) or chronic infection (SR/CI, n = 8). Results: Both groups exhibited virus-specific memory T cells that expanded upon reinfection. However, early expansion of activated cTfh (CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+ICOS+FoxP3-) occurred in SR/SR only. The frequency of activated cTfh negatively correlated with time post-infection. Concomitantly, NAbs and HCV-specific MBCs (CD19+CD27+IgM-E2-Tet+) peaked during the early acute phase in SR/SR but not in SR/CI. Finally, the frequency of the activated cTfh1 (CXCR3+CCR6-) subset correlated with the neutralization breadth and potency of NAbs. Conclusion: These results underscore a key role for early activation of cTfh1 cells in helping antigen-specific B cells to produce NAbs that mediate the clearance of HCV reinfection.

Plexin B2 tissue expression and related gene polymorphisms in psoriasis and their relation to NB-UVB and Acitretin therapy.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, hyperproliferative skin disease. Etiopathogenesis of psoriasis is not well understood. Plexin B2 was found to have effects on CD100-mediated T-cell morphology and expressed in the immune system. It may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. To assess the tissue level of plexin-B2 and plexin B2 related gene polymorphism which is signal regulatory protein gamma (SIRPγ-rs71212732) in psoriatic patients before and after NB-UVB, acitretin therapy alone or in combination and to detect correlation between level of tissue plexin B2 and disease severity and improvement. This single blinded randomized controlled trial was carried on 50 psoriatic patients and 50 healthy controls. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI) was used to evaluate the disease severity. Tissue plexin-b2 level was measured using ELISA and SIRPγ-rs71212732 (T\C) was assessed using TaqMan™ assays and real-time PCR. A significant lower tissue plexin-B2 level was observed in control group (2.9 ± 0.6 pg/g) than cases (25.8 ± 2.8, pg/g) (p < 0.001). Also, a significantly higher tissue plexin-B2 level was observed in sever psoriasis (32.7 ± 3.8 pg/ml) in than moderate psoriasis (13.6 ± 2.1 pg/ml, p = 0.001). Tissue plexin B2 was positively correlated with diseases severity. Significantly higher (TC& TT) genotypes and mutant (C) allele among patients compared to the controls, p < 0.001 for all. Tissue plexin-b2 level was high in psoriasis vulgaris with positive correlation with disease severity and decreased after treatment. This may indicate a role of plexin-b2 in psoriasis vulgaris pathogenesis.

Selective production of phenolic monomer via catalytic depolymerization of lignin over cobalt-nickel-zirconium dioxide catalyst.

The utilization of lignin, an abundant and renewable bio-aromatic source, is of significant importance. In this study, lignin oxidation was examined at different temperatures with zirconium oxide (ZrO2)-supported nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and bimetallic Ni-Co metal catalysts under different solvents and oxygen pressure. Non-catalytic oxidation reaction produced maximum bio-oil (35.3 wt%), while catalytic oxidation significantly increased the bio-oil yield. The bimetallic catalyst Ni-Co/ZrO2 produced the highest bio-oil yield (67.4 wt%) compared to the monometallic catalyst Ni/ZrO2 (59.3 wt%) and Co/ZrO2 (54.0 wt%). The selectively higher percentage of vanillin, 2-methoxy phenol, acetovanillone, acetosyringone and vanillic acid compounds are found in the catalytic bio-oil. Moreover, it has been observed that the bimetallic Co-Ni/ZrO2 produced a higher amount of vanillin (43.7% and 13.30 wt%) compound. These results demonstrate that the bimetallic Ni-Co/ZrO2 catalyst promotes the selective cleavage of the ether ß-O-4 bond in lignin, leading to a higher yield of phenolic monomer compounds.

TWEAK levels in psoriatic patients treated with narrowband ultraviolet B and methotrexate.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease which has an effect on the joints and skin. Tumor Necrosis Factor-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) is a multi-functional cytokine which regulates the cellular processes and has been related to a variation of conditions. OBJECTIVES: To measure the level of serum TWEAK in psoriatic diseased persons and its relationship to the PASI score pre- and post-therapy with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB-UVB) and methotrexate (MTX). METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 patients and 20 healthy persons as controls. Patient Group was randomly subdivided to two groups. The 1st group consisted of 20 patients who received NB-UVB treatment. The 2nd group included 20 MTX-treated candidates. Blood samples were drawn from patients in order to detect serum TWEAK levels using ELISA. The research was registered on Clinical Trials Registration: RCT approval numbers: NCT0481191. RESULTS: The mean PASI score percent improvement after 12 weeks of treatment was higher in the MTX group (90%) than NB-UVB group (60%). The serum TWEAK level at baseline was 60.47 ± 12.6 pg/mL in NB-UVB group and 54.69 ± 21.7 pg/mL in MTX group which reduced to 24.93 ± 17.6 pg/mL and 32.13 ± 23.6 pg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001), after 12 weeks of treatment. There was a positive correlation between the serum levels of TWEAK and severity of PASI score (r = 0.399, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: TWEAK grades in psoriasis are substantially higher than in controls. TWEAK levels were dramatically reduced during NB-UVB and MTX treatment. TWEAK may have a potential sign for psoriasis diagnosis and prognosis.

Gum Arabic assisted the biomass synthesis of bimetallic silver copper oxide nanoparticles using gamma-rays for improving bacterial and viral wound healing: Promising antimicrobial activity against foot and mouth disease.

In this work, gamma irradiation was used to create bimetallic silver­copper oxide nanoparticles (Ag-CuO NPs) in an ecologically acceptable way using gum Arabic (GA) polymer as a capping and reducing agent. Bimetallic Ag-CuO NPs were investigated through UV-Vis. spectroscopy, HR-TEM, SEM, DLS, and XRD examinations. The potency of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against a few bacterial isolates and Candida sp. had been investigated. Clinical investigations of 30 cows and 20 buffaloes from different sites in Egypt's Sharkia governorate found ulcerative lesions on the mouth and interdigital region. The cytotoxic assay of the generated NPs on BHK-21 was examined. The bimetallic Ag-CuO NPs had an average diameter of 25.58 nm, and the HR-TEM results showed that they were spherical. According to our results, Ag-CuO NPs exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus (26.5 mm ZOI), K. pneumoniae (26.0 mm ZOI), and C. albicans (28.5 mm ZOI). The growth of biofilms was also successfully inhibited through the application of Ag-CuO NPs by 88.12 % against S. aureus, 87.08 % against C. albicans, and 74.0 % against B. subtilis. The ulcers on the mouth and foot of diseased animals healed in 4-5 days and 1 week, respectively, following topical application of bimetallic Ag-CuO NPs. The results examined the potential protective effects of a dosage of 3.57 µg/mL on cells before viral infection (cell control). According to our research, bimetallic Ag-CuO NPs limit the development of the virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The reduction of a specific FMD virus's cytopathic impact (CPE) on cell development represented the inhibitory effect when compared to identical circumstances without pretreatment with bimetallic Ag-CuO NPs. Their remarkable antibacterial properties at low concentration and continued-phase stability suggest that they may find widespread use in a variety of pharmacological and biological applications, especially in the wound-healing process.

Persistent Ostomy Following Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Removal: Treatment Strategies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this article is to review available literature on management of persistent ostomy following PEG tube removal. We will discuss the incidence of persistent gastrocutaneous fistula (GCF) following PEG tube removal, risk factors for their development, and management strategies that have been proposed and their efficacy. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of over the scope clips (OTSC) have evolved recently in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, and fistula closures. OTSC has become more readily available and proven to be effective and safe. Suturing devices have shown promising results. Persistent gastrocutaneous fistula following PEG removal is a rare yet serious complication that can lead to continuous skin irritation and leakage of gastric contents and acid. There are several postulated risk factors but the most important of these is duration of placement. Management can include medical therapy which has recently been shown to be somewhat effective, endoscopic therapy and surgery as a last resort. Overall, the data on GCFs is limited and further study with larger sample size is needed.

Evaluation of the Effect of Oral Isotretinoin on the Level of Serum YKL40 in Acne Vulgaris Patients: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control.

Background: In the entire world, acne vulgaris (AV) is the most prevalent skin condition. Approximately 9.4% of people worldwide have acne vulgaris. This study compared the blood levels of chitinase 3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) in acne vulgaris patients before and after oral isotretinoin therapy. Patients and Methods: The design of the study was cross-sectional case-control. Forty patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris and twenty healthy participants participated in this study. Using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score, patients with acne vulgaris were evaluated both before and after concluding their treatment. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the serum levels of YKL-40 were measured before and after oral isotretinoin therapy in healthy controls and acne patients. Results: Patients with acne vulgaris had considerably greater serum levels of YKL-40 than healthy control subjects (p 0.001) did. After three months of oral isotretinoin medication, the GAGS score and blood levels of YKL-40 in acne vulgaris patients both significantly decreased. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study was that reducing the blood levels of YKL-40 and the GAGS score in patients with acne vulgaris who took oral isotretinoin for three months was a crucial strategy.

The importance of providing dietary fiber in medical and surgical critical care.

The early provision of soluble/insoluble fiber to the patient who is critically ill has been controversial in the past. Especially in the setting of hemodynamic instability, dysmotility, or impaired gastrointestinal transit, fear of inspissation of formula with precipitation of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI)/nonocclusive bowel necrosis (NOBN) limited its utilization by medical and surgical intensivists. The incidence of NOMI/NOBN has been estimated at 0.2%-0.3% for all intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN), and the occurrence of inspissated formula is even less. The science supporting a benefit from providing fiber has recently increased exponentially. The fermentation of soluble fibers leading to the production of short chain fatty acids supports gut barrier function, modulates immune responses, and promotes refaunation of commensal organisms. The "butyrate effect" refers to local (gastrointestinal tract) and systemic anti-inflammatory responses mediated by the M2 polarization of macrophages, inhibition of histone deacetylase, and stimulation of ubiquitous G protein receptors. Both soluble and insoluble fiber have been shown to promote intestinal motility, reduce feeding intolerance, and shorten hospital length of stay. The benefit of providing dietary fiber early upon admission to the ICU outweighs its minimal associated risk. The point at which the intensivist determines that is safe to initiate EN, both soluble and insoluble fiber should be included in the enteral formulation.

Phosphorus adsorption using chemical and metal chloride activated biochars: Isotherms, kinetics and mechanism study.

Efficient treatment of nutrient-rich wastewater is of paramount importance for protecting the ecosystem. In this work, an efficient, abundant, and eco-friendly adsorbent was derived from biochar and employed for phosphorus (P) adsorption. The key factors influencing the P removal efficiency of the activated biochar, including P concentration, pH, dosage, temperature, adsorption time, and influence of co-existing ion type, were investigated. Maximum P adsorption percentage (100%) was obtained with 10 mg/L and zinc chloride activated biochar (BC-Zn) compared to the other activated biochars. Results show that by increasing the P concentration from 5 to 200 mg/L, the phosphorus adsorption capacity increases from 0.13 to 10.4 mg/g biochar. Isotherms and kinetic studies further show that the P adsorption follows the Langmuir and quasi-second-order kinetic models. The mechanistic investigation demonstrated that P adsorption occurred by precipitation reaction. Furthermore, P desorption has been studied at different time intervals to understand the P release rate after adsorption.

Applications of covalent organic frameworks for the elimination of dyes from wastewater: A state-of-the-arts review.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are class of porous coordination polymers made up of organic building blocks joined together by covalent bonding through thermodynamic and controlled reversible polymerization reactions. This review discussed versatile applications of COFs for remediation of wastewater containing dyes, emphasizing the advantages of both pristine and modified materials in adsorption, membrane separation, and advanced oxidations processes. The excellent performance of COFs towards adsorption and membrane filtration has been centered to their higher crystallinity and porosity, exhibiting exceptionally high surface area, pore size and pore volumes. Thus, they provide more active sites for trapping the dye molecules. On one hand, the photocatalytic performance of the COFs was attributed to their semiconducting properties, and when coupled with other functional semiconducting materials, they achieve good mechanical and thermal stabilities, positive light response, and narrow band gap, a typical characteristic of excellent photocatalysts. As such, COFs and their composites have demonstrated excellent potentialities for the elimination of the dyes.

Who Places Feeding Tubes and in What Scenario?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Enteral feeding is commonly used to provide patients with nutrition. Access via feeding tubes can be attained by multiple medical specialties through a variety of methods. RECENT FINDINGS: There are limited data available on direct comparisons amongst gastroenterologist, interventional radiologists and surgeons, although there appears to be similar rates of complications. Fluroscopically and surgically placed feeding tubes may have a higher technical success rate than endoscopically placed tubes. The preferred specialty for feeding tube placement varies per institution, often due to logistical matters over technique or concern for complications. Ideally, a multidisciplinary team should exist to determine which approach is best in a patient-specific manner.

Association of ABO blood types and clinical variables with COVID-19 infection severity in Libya.

Objective: The continuing COVID-19 pandemic is a coronavirus-related health emergency (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Inadequate efforts are still being made to address the illness situation in Libya, and this must change. To address these issues, we looked into the demography and trend of the disease as well as the potential risk factors for infection. Methods: This study is a retrospective case-control study conducted online among 616 COVID-19 patients. The p0.05 value, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and analyzed from the drawn data. Results: Males were at high risk of COVID-19 than females (odds ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.042-1.622; p = 0.02). Anosmia and ageusia were more prominent in females. Patients with an "AB" blood group are significantly susceptible to infection. Adults (31 and above) are highly liable to infection. The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking is a risk factor for those above 60 years (odds ratio = 2.228, 95% confidence interval: 1.145-4.336; p = 0.018). Individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes and/or hypertension are more prone to COVID-19 (odds ratio = 10.045, 95% confidence interval: 3.078-32.794; p = 0.000 and odds ratio = 11.508, 95% confidence interval: 3.930-33.695; p = 0.000, respectively). Conclusion: This study provided for the first time the demographic data and the trend of COVID-19 infection in Libya, which will assist the stakeholders and governmental bodies in planning protection strategies against the pandemic.

Aspiration pneumonia in enteral feeding: A review on risks and prevention.

Enteral feeding plays a critical role in the management of hospitalized patients, especially in intensive care units. In addition to delivering important nutrients, it also maintains the integrity of the gut and microbiota. Enteral feeding is also associated with complications and adverse events, some are related to access placement, metabolic and electrolytes disturbances, and aspiration pneumonia. In tube-fed patients, aspiration pneumonia has a prevalence ranging from 4% to 95% with a mortality rate of 17%-62%. Our review has not showed any significant difference in the incidence of aspiration pneumonia between gastric and postpyloric feeding and, given the ease of gastric access, we therefore suggest using gastric feeding as an initial strategy for the delivery of nutrition unless postpyloric access is otherwise indicated for other clinical reasons.

Efficacy of Smear Layer Removal at the Apical One-Third of the Root Using Different Protocols of Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Er:YAG) Laser.

Background and Objectives: Smear layer forms during cleaning and shaping can obstruct the entry of both irrigant and sealant into the dentinal tubules, resulting in the accumulation of the bacteria and their byproducts. To ensure effective adhesion and better periapical healing, it is strongly advised to remove the smear layer before proceeding with root canal obturation. This study was designed to compare the efficiency of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) in removing the smear layer and debriding the most apical third of the root canal. Materials and Methods: Sixty-five extracted human teeth with straight single roots were randomly and equally divided into four laser and one control groups. Root canals in all samples were shaped using prime size TruNatomy rotary files. During preparation, each canal was irrigated with 3 mL of 3% NaOCl and 3 mL of 17% EDTA alternately, followed by the irrigation with 10 mL of distilled water to avoid the prolonged effect of EDTA and NaOCl solutions. Final irrigation of 5 mL of 17% EDTA of the root canal was done to eliminate the smear layer and was subsequently activated by an endodontic ultrasonic tip for 20 s three times (control group), a flat-end laser tip (test groups 1 and 3) or a taper-end laser tip (test groups 2 and 4) for two cycles. The time of each cycle activation was 10 s (groups 1 and 2) or 20 s (groups 3 and 4) in which the Er:YAG laser of 2940 nm was used. The laser operating parameters were 15 Hz and 50 µs pulse duration. The samples were then split longitudinally and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The remaining smear layer at the apical part of the root canals was statistically significant between the control group and the laser groups 1 (p = 0.040) and 2 (p = 0.000). Within the laser groups, the exposed tubules count was greater in the laser with the flat tip as compared with the tapered tip (Laser 1 > Laser 2 and Laser 3 > Laser 4). Finally, no significant differences in the count of debris between the laser groups and control group were observed, except for laser 4 (p < 0.05), which had the highest count of debris. Conclusion: LAI to remove debris and smear layer at the apical third of the root canal is inferior to the current ultrasonic technique. However, when using the Er:YAG LAI, it is recommended to use a flat tip design for 10 s for two cycles to ensure maximum debridement of the apical dentin surface.

Challenges of Gastric Versus Post-pyloric Feeding in COVID-19 Disease.

Purpose of the Review: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented challenge to the critical care providers caring for those patients, including the delivery of nutrition. This review will address the challenges of gastric versus post gastric feeding in patients in COVID-19 disease. Recent Recommendations: Many societies, including American, British, and Australian recommend initiating of enteral feeding in COVID-19 patients as soon as 24 h of ICU admission or within 12 h after intubation. Consideration for post-pyloric feeding if there is evidence of intolerance to gastric feeding. Summary: The same principle for non-COVID-19 critically ill patients applies to COVID-19 patients when it comes to the route of nutritional delivery. Gastric feeding should be initiated as soon as 24 h of admission to the ICU, and post gastric feeding should be reserved to patients who demonstrate gastric feeding intolerance.

Prevalence, clinical presentation, and therapeutic outcome of ectoparasitic infestations in dogs in Egypt.

Background: Skin diseases are usually chronic in nature but not life-threatening. They affect the well-being and pose a threat to the general health of the affected animals. Aim: This study aimed to investigate epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of ectoparasitic infestations in dogs in a number of Egyptian governorates. Methods: Ninety dogs (58 males and 32 females) aged from 1 month to 11 years from 6 Egyptian governorates were clinically examined during the years 2022 and 2023. Skin scraping samples were taken from all examined dogs, and deep ear swab specimens from five dogs suspected to have ear mites were obtained and parasitologically examined. Different ectoparasites were classified according to their morphological features. Twenty dogs were treated in four different patterns of administration of local, systemic, and supportive medications. Results: The prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in examined dogs was 64% (58/90). The majority of ectoparasitic infestations (50/58) were single, while the rest (8/58) were mixed. Nine species of ectoparasites of fourtaxa were identified: a tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus); which had the highest prevalence among isolated ectoparasites from dogs (29%, 26/90), three flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides orientis, and Ctenocephalides felis) isolated from 18 out of 90 cases (20%), two types of dog chewing louse species (Trichodectes canis and Heterodoxus spiniger) isolated from 2/90 (2.2%) and three mite species: Demodex canis (18/90, 20%), Sarcoptes scabei var. canis (5/90, 6%) and Otodectes cynotis (2/90, 2.2%). The logistic regression analysis of the potential risk factors associated with the prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs revealed that age, breed, housing environment, habitat, and season were the significant factors affecting the prevalence of ectoparasites (p < 0.05) in contrast dog gender did not have a significant effect. Treated dogs showed variations in recovery times and dogs that received ancillary treatment showed rapid skin improvement and hair regrowth. Doramectin was effective against ticks and fleas, but fluralaner was more effective against Demodex mites. Conclusion: The prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs in Egypt could be considered high and necessitates efforts toward accurate diagnosis, treatment, and control to reduce their impact on animal and public health.

Cetuximab-Induced Small Intestine Stricture in Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity.

Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, which is used to treat patients with metastatic head and neck cancer. Dermatological reactions are the most serious adverse events associated with cetuximab treatment including an acne-like rash, xerosis, and pruritus. Other adverse effects include infections, hypomagnesemia, mucositis, conjunctivitis, nausea, and diarrhea. Mucositis is not only restricted to the oral mucosa, however, can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The duration of treatment-related mucositis has been associated with stricture formation. We describe a case of chronic duodenal and jejunal strictures attributed to cetuximab use.

Canid herpesvirus 1 Preferentially Infects Polarized Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells from the Basolateral Surface.

Canid herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) infects polarized canine epithelia. Herein, we present our initial work characterizing CHV-1 infection of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells that were polarized on trans-wells. We previously showed that infection of these cells in non-polarized cultures stimulated the formation of extensive lamellipodial membrane protrusions. Uninfected polarized MDCK cells already form extensive lamellipodial membrane protrusions on the apical surface in the absence of virus. Using scanning electron microscopy, we found that CHV-1 infection does not lead to a change in the form of the lamellipodial membrane protrusions on the apical surface of polarized MDCK cells. We found that CHV-1 was able to infect polarized cultures from either the apical or basolateral side; however, higher viral titers were produced upon infection of the basolateral side. Regardless of the side infected, titers of virus were higher in the apical compartment compared to the basal compartment; however, these differences were not statistically significant. In addition to cell-free virus that was recovered in the media, the highest amount of virus produced remained cell-associated over the course of the experiment. The efficiency of CHV-1 infection of the basolateral side of polarized epithelial cells is consistent with the pathobiology of this varicellovirus.

Rapid Synthesis of Hexagonal-Shaped Zn(Al)O-MMO Nanorods for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using Zn/Al-LDH as Precursor.

This study reports a simple new technique for the preparation of novel hexagonal-shaped mixed metal oxides (MMO) nanorods using Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a precursor for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. The effect of the Zn to Al molar ratio demonstrated a sound correlation between the obtained nanorods' diameter and the fabricated DSSCs efficiency. Additionally, the optical behavior of the fabricated MMO film as well as the absorption enhancement due to the utilized dye are also demonstrated; a cut-off phenomenon at around 376 nm corresponds to the attained hexagonal nanorods. The open-circuit voltage augmented noticeably from 0.6 to 0.64 V alongside an increase in the diameter of nanorods from 64 to 80 nm. The results indicated that an increment in the diameter of the nanorods is desirable due to the enhanced surface area through which a higher amount of dye N719 was loaded (0.35 mM/cm2). This, in turn, expedited the transport of electrons within the MMO matrix resulting in an advanced short-circuit current. Of the devices fabricated, ZA-8 exhibited the highest fill factor and efficiency of 0.37% and 0.69%, respectively, because of its boosted short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage.

Effect of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy, methotrexate, and combined narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy with methotrexate on serum cathelicidin and vitamin D in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, methotrexate, and combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and to assess their effects on serum cathelicidin and vitamin D. METHODS: This study was conducted on 60 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. They were divided into three groups (20 patients each); Group (A) was treated with NB-UVB phototherapy. Group (B) was treated with methotrexate. Group (C) was treated with combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate. Patients were assessed with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI score), serum cathelicidin and vitamin D at the first visit and after three months of treatments. RESULTS: The highest mean PASI score percent improvement was reported in the combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (92%). There was a significant increase in serum vitamin D after treatments with NB-UVB phototherapy and combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (p < .001). There was a significant decrease in cathelicidin after three months of treatment with combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (p < .01). CONCLUSION: This study could contribute to the hypothesis considering the role of cathelicidin and vitamin D in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate had the highest clinical improvement of psoriasis vulgaris.