Volatile Oil Containing Plants as Phytopharmaceuticals to Treat Psoriasis: A Review.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an autoimmune response that accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of scaling, inflammation, and itching. METHODS: Palliative treatment options for psoriasis often prioritize the use of volatile oils. These oils contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids that are intricately linked to the molecular cascades involved in the pathogenesis and symptoms of psoriasis. To evaluate the antipsoriatic efficacy of volatile oils and their components, we conducted a systematic review of scientific studies. Our literature search encompassed various online databases, including PubMed, BIREME, SCIELO, Open Grey, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The selected studies included experimental in vitro/in vivo assessments as well as clinical studies that examined the potential of volatile oils and their extracts as antipsoriatic agents. We excluded conference proceedings, case reports, editorials, and abstracts. Ultimately, we identified and evaluated a total of 12 studies for inclusion in our analysis. RESULTS: The data collected, compiled, and analyzed strongly support the interaction between volatile oils and their constituents with the key molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the development of its symptoms. Volatile oils play a significant role in the palliative treatment of psoriasis, while their chemical constituents have the potential to reduce the symptoms and recurrence of this condition. CONCLUSION: The current review highlights that the constituents found in volatile oils offer distinct chemical frameworks that can be regarded as promising starting points for the exploration and development of innovative antipsoriatic agents.

Extraction, separation and purification of fatty acid ethyl esters for biodiesel and DHA from Thraustochytrid biomass.

A novel approach for in situ transesterification, extraction, separation, and purification of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) for biodiesel and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from Thraustochytrid biomass has been developed. The downstream processing of Thraustochytrids oil necessitates optimization, considering the higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). While two-step methods are commonly employed for extracting and transesterifying oil from oleaginous microbes, this may result in oxidation/epoxidation of omega-3 oil due to prolonged exposure to heat and oxygen. To address this issue, a rapid single-step method was devised for in situ transesterification of Thraustochytrid oil. Through further process optimization, a 50% reduction in solvent requirement was achieved without significantly impacting fatty acid recovery or composition. Scale-up studies in a 4 L reactor demonstrated complete FAEE recovery (99.98% of total oil) from biomass, concurrently enhancing DHA yield from 16% to nearly 22%. The decolorization of FAEE oil with fuller's earth effectively removed impurities such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and waxes, resulting in a clear, shiny appearance. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that the eluted DHA was over 94.5% pure, as corroborated by GC-FID analysis.

CPA-induced Hz to THz broadband absorber with switchable perfect absorption between radio-microwave and THz frequency spectrum.

The coherent perfect absorption (CPA) occurring in the graphene sheet suspended in air can be utilized to develop an ultrathin, ultra-broadband absorber working in the frequency range from a few hertz (Hz) to terahertz (THz) with perfect absorption. A graphene sheet is studied to induce the CPA to cover radio, microwave and lower THz frequency ranges. A graphene resonator able to provide the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is combined with the graphene sheet to provide CPA at either side of a thin dielectric layer forms metamaterial structure with the cavity and enhances the absorption bandwidth in the THz region by creating a resonance near quasi-CPA frequency. A dielectric silicon resonator is embedded in the structure, which creates dipolar resonances between the resonances obtained by the formed cavity between the graphene sheet and resonator. This enhances the absorption level in the THz region. The absorption bandwidth is further enhanced to 7 THz by including a graphene disc at the top of the silicon resonator. Thus, the multiple multi-order resonances occurring in the silicon dielectric and SPR of graphene resonators are merged with the phenomena of CPA occurring in the graphene sheets to extend the CPA bandwidth in the THz regime. The doping level of graphene or its tunable Fermi energy based on the applied DC electric field provides the tunability in the total obtained absorption bandwidth. The symmetric structure provides polarization-insensitive behavior with an allowed incident angle of more than 45° with more than 90% absorption.

Long-term perimetric stabilization with a management algorithm of set target intraocular pressure in different severities of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term perimetric stabilization at set Target (IOPs) in primary angle-closure glaucoma with visual field defects. METHODS: Two hundred forty-eight eyes, of 124 primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients on medical treatment, and 124 eyes, of 95 patients after trabeculectomy performed at least 5 years prior were evaluated. One hundred eighty-five eyes had a follow-up of ≥10 years. Target IOPs for mild, moderate, and severe glaucomatous optic neuropathy were set at ≤18, ≤15, and ≤12 mmHg, respectively. Progression was evaluated by event-based changes on guided progression analysis. Primary outcome measure was therapy required to achieve individualized Target IOP. Secondary outcome measure was assessment of perimetric change over time. RESULTS: Mean baseline IOP was 23.34 ± 6.16 mmHg in medically treated and 36.08 ± 9.73 mmHg in surgically treated eyes (P = 0.0001). All eyes with a baseline IOP of <25 mmHg were on medications alone, 65.33%, of those with a baseline IOP of 25-30 mmHg were on medications, while 34.67% required trabeculectomy. In total, 91.4% of eyes with a baseline IOP of >30 mmHg underwent a trabeculectomy for achieving Target IOP. Perimetric stabilization was achieved in 98.17% of PACG eyes. "Target" IOP was achieved for mild, moderate, and severe glaucomatous optic neuropathy, medically in 90.2, 73.9, and 29.7%, and surgery was required in 9.8, 26.1, and 70.3%, respectively. Overall analysis found that percentage reduction in IOP was significantly more after trabeculectomy than medical treatment, 64.16 ± 14.91 and 43.61 ± 13.73%, P = 0.0001. Decrease in IOP was significantly greater 5-9 years after trabeculectomy, in comparison to ≥10 years, P = 0.001. CONCLUSION: Medications controlled IOP to "Target" in PACG eyes with mild and moderate glaucoma for over ≥10 years, when the baseline IOP off treatment was <30 mmHg. Trabeculectomy was necessary in PACG eyes having severe glaucomatous optic neuropathy, or with a baseline IOP of >30 mmHg to achieve Target IOP. These appropriate initial therapeutic interventions and Target IOPs are therefore suggested as a clinically validated algorithm of care for different severities of PACG.

Challenges with Wound Infection Models in Drug Development.

Wound research is an evolving science trying to unfold the complex untold mechanisms behind the wound healing cascade. In particular, interest is growing regarding the role of microorganisms in both acute and chronic wound healing. Microbial burden plays an important role in the persistence of chronic wounds, ultimately resulting in delayed wound healing. It is therefore important for clinicians to understand the evolution of infection science and its various etiologies. Therefore, to understand the role of bacterial biofilm in chronic wound pathogenesis, various in vitro and in vivo models are required to investigate biofilms in wound-like settings. Infection models should be refined comprising an important signet of biofilms. These models are eminent for translational research to obtain data for designing an improved wound care formulation. However, all the existing models possess limitations and do not fit properly in the model frame for developing wound care agents. Among various impediments, one of the major drawbacks of such models is that the wound they possess does not mimic the wound a human develops. Therefore, a novel wound infection model is required which can imitate the human wounds. This review article mainly discusses various in vitro and in vivo models showing microbial colonization, their advantages and challenges. Apart from these models, there are also present ex vivo wound infection models, but this review mainly focused on various in vitro and in vivo models available for studying wound infection in controlled conditions. This information might be useful in designing an ideal wound infection model for developing an effective wound healing formulation.

Does TRABECULECTOMY meet the 10-10-10 challenge in PACG, POAG, JOAG and Secondary glaucomas?

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of trabeculectomies over > 10 years and their ability to stabilize glaucomatous optic neuropathy. METHODS: In total, 181 eyes (136 patients), which underwent trabeculectomy (10 min surgery) at least 10 years prior and were on regular follow-up, were evaluated. Qualified/complete success was taken as criteria A: IOP ≤ 12 mmHg, B: IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and C: IOP ≤ 18 mmHg, with all > 5 mmHg, with/without medications. Target IOP in advanced glaucoma is about 10 mmHg, therefore trabeculectomy 10-10-10 challenge! RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 46.32 ± 11.50 years. Absolute success was 50.27%, 54.14% and 59.66% according to criteria A, B and C at last follow-up, while qualified success was 70.11%, 81.77% and 96.13%. An IOP of ≤ 12 mmHg was noted in 34, 64.15%, PACG eyes, 14, 73.68%, POAG, 15, 65.22%, JOAG and 64, 74.42%, secondary glaucoma eyes. The reduction in IOP overall was 64.83 ± 16.80% at last review and was 59.47 ± 16.07% in PACG, 62.40 ± 17.72% in POAG, 71.89 ± 8.50% in JOAG and 67.74 ± 18.10% in secondary glaucoma eyes. "Target" IOP was achieved in 97.29% of early glaucoma, 85.71% moderate glaucoma and 70% severe glaucoma eyes. 97.24% of patients were perimetrically stable. 2.21% of eyes post-trabeculectomy had a shallow anterior chamber needing surgical intervention. Visual acuity was maintained or better in 93.92% of patients, with a cataract surgery performed in 6.63% eyes. A repeat trabeculectomy was performed in 3.31% of eyes. CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy 10-10-10 is achievable in the long term, with few complications or repeat surgical interventions in the majority of POAG, PACG, JOAG and secondary glaucomas. Therefore, trabeculectomy should not be relegated to a last resort, but should be undertaken as soon as possible, if medical therapy is inadequate, unaffordable or compliance is an issue.

Selective enrichment of milk fat globules using functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride membrane.

We report on the development of a functionalized membrane-based technology for selective enrichment of milk fat globules from raw bovine milk. Functionalization was conducted by in situ polymerization of acrylic acid within a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane, followed by the electrostatic attachment of a cationic polymer to impart a net positive charge. The functionalized membrane-based technology enabled a one-step method of selective separation of globules directly from milk-based on size and charge. The presence of globules in the eluate was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Quantification of the extracted phospholipids from globules in the eluant revealed a significantly higher amount of polar lipids than the permeate. Our study describes a comprehensive analysis of selective enrichment of fat globules using a functionalized membrane and demonstrates the beneficial effect of extracted phospholipids from enriched fat globules.

Can miRNAs Serve as Potential Markers in Thermal Burn Injury: An In Silico Approach.

Burn injury has been a major cause of morbidity at global levels. They can occur by multiple agents, such as thermal radiation and chemicals. Among all, thermal burn is predominant and may require specialized treatment in some patients. Although various biomarkers are reportedly used in thermal burn for understanding the pathophysiology of the injury, their limitations prompt for the search of suitable markers that can address the depth and severity of the burn. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved noncoding molecules that seem to be the promising marker due to their role in multiple pathways and participation in different physiological processes of the body. The present review highlights the role of miRNAs in the repair of the wound and their interaction with specific genes in response to burn stress. Key miR candidates include miR-21, miR-29a, miR-378a-5p, miR-100, miR-27b, miR-200c, miR-150, miR-499-5p, miR-92a, miR-194, and miR-146b, which are identified for their respective targets involved in wound repair. Furthermore, bioinformatics and computational tools were used to confirm the miRNAs and their specific targets. Gene and miRNA expression data sets were downloaded from Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank Database and RNAComposer, respectively, and docked by PatchDock. The possible implications of the identified miRNAs could be in understanding the mechanism of burn injury. These can also be studied with the available drugs being used for burn injury. Apart from that, new intended molecules may also be tested for their effect on these miRNAs.

Genetic diversity and allelic variation in MSP3α gene of paired clinical Plasmodium vivax isolates from Delhi, India.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax malaria accounts for 80% of the malaria cases in Delhi, India. The gene merozoite surface protein 3 alpha (MSP3α) is highly polymorphic and has been used as marker in many P. vivax population studies. METHODS: MSP3α has been used to assess the genetic diversity of P. vivax samples from Delhi (India) having more than one malaria episode (s) i.e. clinically identified relapse cases using PCR-RFLP and sequencing. RESULTS: Three major genotypes 2.0 kb (A), 1.4 kb (B) and 1.2 kb (C) were amplified from 72 isolates with frequencies of 72.2%, 19.44% and 9.72% respectively. One sample out of 72 showed mixed infection having both A and B type genotypes. 82.05% patients showed same genotype while only 17.94% patients showed different genotypes after subsequent malaria episodes. 18 different genotypes with Alu I and 35 with Hha I were identified among 72 samples analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). 18 Pvmsp3α nucleotide sequences were analyzed and it did not reveal any distinct intragenic differences within sequences of the same type, however, allelic diversity among the three types (Π = 0.029703) was observed. Phylogenetic analysis showed allelic family types A, B and C were not clustered but distributed in different branches. The results indicate that the P. vivax parasite population is highly diverse in Delhi, India. A large number of amino acid substitutions were found at the locus of the isolates when compared with the Belem Strain (Π = 0.030528). The substantial sequence diversity is largely restricted to certain domains of encoded protein. Analysis of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions suggested that different selection forces were operating on different regions of the protein molecule. CONCLUSION: We propose that genotyping of the PvMSP-3α gene as one of the molecular tools for differentiating relapse from new infection in epidemiological settings. The analyses of sequence polymorphism in PvMSP-3α gene enable it as potential candidate for inclusion in a P.vivax vaccine research.

In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles within Hydrogel-Conjugated Membrane for Enhanced Antibacterial Properties.

Biofouling negatively impacts water treatment performance of membranes by reducing water permeability, increasing energy consumption, and shortening the lifetime of the membranes. In this study, we integrated the bactericidal property of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with hydrophilicity of hydrogels to modify membranes that not only reduce adhesion, but also deactivate the adhered bacteria. Two approaches for AgNP synthesis were adopted-in situ synthesis and encapsulation in single step, and immobilization in multistep. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Compared to the pristine membrane, AgNP/hydrogel-modified membranes displayed no adverse effect in water flux under gravitational flow condition. The AgNP/hydrogel-modified membranes also exhibited better antibacterial properties (inhibition of adhesion and growth of Escherichia coli) as demonstrated by the bacterial growth, inhibition zone, and coculture (with the membranes) studies. The improvements could be attributed to the synergistic effect of hydrophilic hydrogel networks and the presence of bactericidal AgNPs. In addition, comparison of the antibacterial studies revealed the superiority of the encapsulated AgNPs over the immobilized AgNPs. This could be attributed to the efficient release of the former over the latter. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the enhancement of antibacterial properties of membrane via in situ synthesis and encapsulation of AgNPs within hydrogel matrices.

'Van Herick Plus': a modified grading scheme for the assessment of peripheral anterior chamber depth and angle.

AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of a new, modified grading scheme involving a short vertical slit beam, at the inferior angle for peripheral anterior chamber depth (PAC) and angle estimation and its correlation with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of consecutive phakic patients, above 40 years of age, was performed. Using a short, vertical slit beam not reaching the pupil, the inferior angle at the sclerolimbal junction was evaluated, photographed and assessed by a ratio of peripheral anterior chamber depth to peripheral corneal thickness (PAC:PCT) and iridocorneal angle (ICA) on ImageJ software. The inferior angle at the same meridian was also recorded on ASOCT. RESULTS: Based on the PAC:PCT ratio, the subjects were divided into four groups: I (<1/4), II (1/4-1/2), III (>1/2-1) and IV (>1). The clinically assessed angle by short vertical slit beam correlated well with ASOCT values, trabecular-iris angle (TIA) (r=0.918; p<0.001) and scleral spur angle (r=0.903, p<0.001). The mean difference between ICA and TIA on ASOCT was 0.7970; 95% limits of agreement:-5.7670 to 7.3610 (±1.96 SD). For angles graded narrow on ASOCT (TIA <200), using a cut-off of peripheral PAC:PCT <1/4, the area under the curve was 0.918 with a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 88.2%. There was good agreement between ImageJ parameters with those assessed subjectively on photograph of the slit beam examination by a glaucoma fellow (weighted kappa=0.74) as compared with a general ophthalmologist, where there was moderate agreement (weighted kappa=0.57). CONCLUSION: A short, vertical slit lamp beam evaluation at the inferior angle is an easy and relatively accurate method for both peripheral anterior chamber depth and angle assessment. It correlated well with ASOCT and can be used as a more reliable screening tool to identify eyes with possibly occludable angles.

On a product-type operator between Hardy and α-Bloch spaces of the upper half-plane.

Recently we have introduced a product-type operator and studied it on some spaces of analytic functions on the unit disc. Here we start investigating the operator on the space of analytic functions on the upper half-plane. We characterize the boundedness and compactness of the operator between Hardy and α-Bloch spaces on the domain.

Morphometric and morphological appraisal of the eggs of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) from India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Anopheles stephensi is one of the most important urban malaria vectors in India and contribute about 12% of total malaria cases. An. stephensi has three ecological variants; type, intermediate and mysorensis that can be differentiated on the basis of differences in number of ridges on egg float and on the basis of spiracular indices. Because of its anthropophilic nature the 'type' form is an efficient malaria vector. In the present study, the egg surface morphometry and morphology of An. stephensi 'type' form was studied and detail distinguish- ing characters were recorded for its correct identification. METHODS: Eggs of An. stephensi 'type' form were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after sputter- coating with gold. In total 23 egg characters were analysed morphologically and morphometrically, which included egg attributes, deck attributes, ventral tubercles, micropyle and float attributes. RESULTS: The dorsal surface of the egg of 'type' form was curved while the ventral surface was concave and both anterior and posterior ends were blunt. The average length and width of egg was 473.94 + 11.18 and 154.69 + 2.66 µm respectively. The number of float ribs observed was 20.33 ± 0.33. The maximum length of float was found to be 246.57 + 15.27 µm, whereas maximum width was 87.16 + 3.83 µm. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The present study has generated some important data which is specific to An. Stephensi 'type' form and provided significant morphological and morphometric standards for its correct identification. This information could be useful in differentiation of An. stephensi 'type' form from other ecological forms of the same species as well as other species of Anopheles.

Assess drug resistance pattern and genetic profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates by molecular typing methods using direct repeats and IS6110 in pulmonary tuberculosis cases.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB), a highly contagious disease that sees no gender, age, or race is mainly a disease of lungs. According to World Health Organization, a TB patient can be completely cured with 6-9 months of anti-TB treatment under directly observed treatment short course. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to check the mono, multi- and triple-drug resistance to first line drugs (FLDs) among TB patients and to access their genetic profile using DR 3074, DR 0270, DR 0642, DR 2068, and DR 4110 using molecular techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To gain a better understanding of drug resistant TB, we characterized 121 clinical isolates recovered from 159 drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients by IS6110 genotyping. MTB isolates recovered from HIV- negative, and smear positive cases of both genders, age varied from 18 to 70 years with drug resistant-TB that was refractory to chemotherapy given for > 12 months. Of a total of 159 sputum smear positive patients sum number of male and female patients was 121 (76.10%) and 38 (23.89%), respectively. Among these patients, number of literate and illiterate patients were 123 (77.3%) and 36 (22.6%). 25 (15.7%) patients had farming as their occupation, 80 (50.3%) had nonagricultural occupation and 54 (33.9%) women were housewives. RESULTS: Mono drug resistant, multi-drug resistant, and totally drug resistant (TDR) cases of TB were calculated as 113.83%, 125.1%, and 67.9%. Isoniazid showed the highest percentage of resistance among the patients. CONCLUSION: Any noncompliance to TB medications, lack of knowledge, and poor management in health centers, etc., results in the emergence of deadly direct repeat forms of TB, which are further complicated and complex to treat.

Mosquito saliva induced cutaneous events augment Chikungunya virus replication and disease progression.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted when infected mosquito probes the host skin. While probing, mosquito saliva is expectorated into host skin along with virus which contains cocktail of molecules having anti-hemostatic and immunomodulatory properties. As mosquito saliva is a critical factor during natural arboviral infection, therefore we investigated mosquito saliva induced cutaneous events that modulate CHIKV infection. The effect of mosquito saliva on CHIKV infection was examined through inoculation of suckling mice subcutaneously with either CHIKV alone or uninfected mosquito bite followed by CHIKV. Histopathological evaluation of skin revealed infiltration of transmigrated inflammatory cells. Dermal blood vessels were hyperemic and adnexa showed degenerating lesions. Severe hemorrhage was observed in dermis and hypodermis in mosquito bite+CHIKV group compared to CHIKV group. Analysis of cytokines in skin showed significant downregulation of inflammatory genes like TLR-3, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IFN-ß in mosquito bite+CHIKV group compared to CHIKV group. In contrast, significant upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes like IL-4 and IL-10 was observed. These early events might have been responsible for increased dissemination of CHIKV to serum and peripheral organs as demonstrated through >10-fold higher viremia, antigen localization, cellular infiltration and degenerative changes. Thus mosquito saliva induced early cellular infiltration and associated cytokines augment CHIKV pathogenesis in a mouse model. This mosquito improved CHIKV mouse model simulates the realistic conditions that occur naturally during infected mosquito bite to a host. It will lead to better understanding of CHIKV pathobiology and promote the evaluation of novel medical countermeasures against emerging CHIKV.

Application of biogenic carbon dioxide produced by yeast with different carbon sources for attraction of mosquitoes towards adult mosquito traps.

Surveillance is a prime requisite for controlling arthropod vectors like mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main cues from vertebrate breath that attracts mosquitoes towards the host. Hence, CO2 is used as an attractant during surveillance of mosquitoes either from commercial cylinders or dry ice for mosquito traps. In the present study, the biogenic carbon dioxide production was optimized with different carbon sources such as glucose, simple sugar and jaggery with and without yeast peptone dextrose (YPD) media using commercial baker's yeast. The results showed that yeast produced more biogenic CO2 with simple sugar as compared to other carbon sources. Further substrate concentration was optimized for the continuous production of biogenic CO2 for a minimum of 12 h by using 10 g of baker's yeast with 50 g of simple sugar added to 1.5 l distilled water (without YPD media) in a 2-l plastic bottle. This setup was applied in field condition along with two different mosquito traps namely Mosquito Killing System (MKS) and Biogents Sentinel (BGS) trap. Biogenic CO2 from this setup has increased the trapping efficiency of MKS by 6.48-fold for Culex quinquefasciatus, 2.62-fold for Aedes albopictus and 1.5-fold for Anopheles stephensi. In the case of BGS, the efficiency was found to be increased by 3.54-fold for Ae. albopictus, 4.33-fold for An. stephensi and 1.3-fold for Armigeres subalbatus mosquitoes. On the whole, plastic bottle setup releasing biogenic CO2 from sugar and yeast has increased the efficiency of MKS traps by 6.38-fold and 2.74-fold for BGS traps as compared to traps without biogenic CO2. The present study reveals that, among different carbon sources used, simple sugar as a substance (which is economical and readily available across the world) yielded maximum biogenic CO2 with yeast. This setup can be used as an alternative to CO2 cylinder and dry ice in any adult mosquito traps to enhance their trapping efficiency of a mosquito surveillance programme.