Prototyping a wearable and stretchable graphene-on-PDMS sensor for strain detection on human body physiological and joint movements.

In the era of wearable electronic devices, which are quite popular nowadays, our research is focused on flexible as well as stretchable strain sensors, which are gaining humongous popularity because of recent advances in nanocomposites and their microstructures. Sensors that are stretchable and flexible based on graphene can be a prospective 'gateway' over the considerable biomedical speciality. The scientific community still faces a great problem in developing versatile and user-friendly graphene-based wearable strain sensors that satisfy the prerequisites of susceptible, ample range of sensing, and recoverable structural deformations. In this paper, we report the fabrication, development, detailed experimental analysis and electronic interfacing of a robust but simple PDMS/graphene/PDMS (PGP) multilayer strain sensor by drop casting conductive graphene ink as the sensing material onto a PDMS substrate. Electrochemical exfoliation of graphite leads to the production of abundant, fast and economical graphene. The PGP sensor selective to strain has a broad strain range of ⁓60%, with a maximum gauge factor of 850, detection of human physiological motion and personalized health monitoring, and the versatility to detect stretching with great sensitivity, recovery and repeatability. Additionally, recoverable structural deformation is demonstrated by the PGP strain sensors, and the sensor response is quite rapid for various ranges of frequency disturbances. The structural designation of graphene's overlap and crack structure is responsible for the resistance variations that give rise to the remarkable strain detection properties of this sensor. The comprehensive detection of resistance change resulting from different human body joints and physiological movements demonstrates that the PGP strain sensor is an effective choice for advanced biomedical and therapeutic electronic device utility.

Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management of Trypanosoma theileri Infection Associated with Peritonitis in Crossbred Cow: A Rare Case Report.

PURPOSE: The present study reports a very rare case of Trypanosoma theileri like infection in the peritoneal fluid of a 6-year-old female Holstein Friesian (HF) cattle brought to Veterinary Clinical Complex, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar. The aim of the clinical study was to report an unusual case of T. theileri-like infection associated with peritonitis and its therapeutic management. METHODS: For confirmatory diagnosis, peritoneal fluid and blood sample was collected from animal for haemato-biochemical examination, buffy coat examination and detection of Trypanosoma antigen by monoclonal antibody-based latex agglutination test. RESULTS: Animal had history of anorexia, high fever, oedematous swelling on the abdominal area and decrease in milk yield since 1 week. Clinical examination revealed high fever, congested conjunctival mucus membrane and oedematous inflammatory swelling on the abdominal region. Haematological examination on Day 1 revealed relative neutrophilia and eosinophilia, whereas other parameters measured were on the lower side of normal range. Thin blood smear examination did not reveal any parasite on first attempt. However, after confirmation of Trypanosoma species in peritoneal fluid collected by FNAC, buffy coat examination of blood sample was also found positive for Trypanosoma species. On Day 2, haematological examination revealed neutrophilic leucocytosis, eosinophilia and anaemia. Blood sample was also found serologically positive for Trypanosoma antigen by monoclonal antibody based latex agglutination test. Biochemical examination revealed increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, hyperglycemia, hyperprotienemia and decreased levels of sodium and chloride ions. Animal was primarily treated with isometamidium chloride (Nyzom®) @ 0.5 mg/kg body weight (IM, single dose) along with supportive therapy. CONCLUSION: Animal showed clinical recovery after 10 days of treatment. Post-recovery, blood sample of the animal was re-examined for parasite and other blood parameters and it was found negative for presence of Trypanosoma infection along with restoration of haematological values. Hence, the present study concludes the confirmatory diagnosis and therapeutic use of isometamidium hydrochloride along with anti-inflammatory drugs to Trypanosoma infection.

Virulence and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus associated with clinical mastitis in cattle.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most prevalent microorganism associated with mastitis in cattle, which harbours several virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes. The present study aimed to characterize S. aureus isolated from mastitic milk of the cattle for antibiotic resistance (blaZ and mecA), haemolysins (hla and hlb) and enterotoxins (sea, seb, sec, and sed) genes. A total of 69 staphylococci were isolated and phenotypically characterized for haemolytic properties on 5% sheep blood agar medium. Out of 69 isolates, 55 (79.71%) were identified as S. aureus by polymerase chain reaction assay. Among S. aureus, the majority of the isolates harboured the gene blaZ (92.73%), followed by coa (89.09%), hlb (60%) and hla (49.09%). Gene mecA responsible for methicillin resistance was detected in 23.64% of S. aureus isolates. Enterotoxin genes seb (9.09%), sec (1.82%) and sed (7.27%) responsible for food poisoning were detected at a comparatively lower rate and none of the S. aureus strain was found positive for sea. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility study of S. aureus against 18 antimicrobial discs showed maximum resistance to oxytetracycline, penicillin, and fluoroquinolone groups, contrarily, we observed maximum sensitivity to methicillin and cefuroxime antimicrobials. The high occurrence rate of S. aureus harbouring genes for virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance needs appropriate strategies to control the pathogen spread to the human population.

Development of tBu-phenyl Acetamide Appended Thiacalix[4]arene as "Turn-ON" Fluorescent Probe for Selective Recognition of Hg(II) Ions.

Herein, a novel N-(4-(tert-butyl)-phenyl)-2-chloroacetamide functionalized thiacalix[4]arene architecture, viz TCAN2PA has been synthesized and the sensing behaviour towards metal ions were explored. The probe, TCAN2PA displayed "turn-on" fluorescence response towards Hg(II) ions in acetonitrile over a series of competing common metal ions. A bathochromic shift in absorption band along with a significant "Turn-On" fluorescence behaviour of TCAN2PA was observed upon interaction with Hg(II) ions. The lower rim modification of thiacalixarene with N-(4-(tert-butyl)-phenyl)-2-chloroacetamide actively contributes toward the fluorescence property due to the presence of strong electron-donating aryl amido substituent. Fluorescence titration experiments were conducted to find out the limit of detection and to understand binding stoichiometry as well. The electron transfer interactions between the electron rich TCAN2PA host with Hg(II) ions have been postulated which is also supported by computational modelling insights.

Bone stress injuries in the presence of tarsal coalition as a cause of hindfoot pain in adolescents: case series of 6 patients with literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight causal relationship between stress fracture in the presence of tarsal coalition and hindfoot pain in adolescents on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the clinical and MRI imaging findings of 6 adolescents referred for MRI to evaluate symptoms of hindfoot pain with possible tarsal coalition. MRI studies were systematically assessed for cause of hindfoot pain, types of tarsal coalition, patterns of stress fractures, bone marrow oedema and any other associated features. RESULTS: All the 6 patients (4 male: 2 female) aged between 12 and 19 years developed insidious onset of hindfoot or midfoot pain over a period of weeks to months. On MRI, all 6 cases had features of fibrous tarsal coalition predominantly in the calcaneonavicular articulation (5 out of 6 patients). Associated stress fractures/response were in the posterior facet/body of the calcaneus (3), talar head (2), cuboid (1) and third metatarsal bone in one patient. CONCLUSION: Stress fractures/response adjacent to tarsal coalition could be because of altered biomechanics and can be an unusual cause of hindfoot pain in adolescents. A high index of suspicion and complementary MRI findings is crucial to interpret this condition to direct appropriate patient management.

Iyengar-Botchu (IB) confluence of the medial knee- anatomy and clinico-radiological review.

The Iyengar-Botchu confluence is a quadrilateral space on the medial side of the knee. Due to the presence of unique anatomical structures, this region is prone to injuries. The aim of this pictorial review is to illustrate an anatomical description of the structures, which form the IB complex confluence. Clinico-pathological correlation of common conditions associated with these structures will increase awareness of injuries in this area. A complementary imaging guidance will support clinical diagnosis and appropriate patient management.

Electrostatic deposition and functionalization of CVD grown multiwalled carbon nanotubes for sensitive & selective detection of CO and NOx at room temperature.

Among the most toxic and suffocating gases in industries and mines are carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The electrostatically functionalized self-assembled MWCNT (f-MWCNTs) were employed to develop a sensing device to selectively sense gases such as CO and NOx with high sensitivity and repeatability to as low as sub-ppm levels. The resistive gas sensor's operation is primarily based on changes in the electrical resistance of the f-MWCNT network as a result of its selective interaction with the specific target gas in a two-pole format. The degree to which the electrical resistance of the sensing film increases or decreases is determined by the concentration of the target gas to which it is exposed. As a result, the target gas can be detected both qualitatively and quantitatively. The sensitivity of 100 ppb and 300 ppb with the sensor response time of ∼30 s and ∼50 s for NOx and CO respectively were recorded using our gas sensor and was found noticeably efficient than conventional MOS-based solid-state gas detectors. It was also realized that the corona-assisted, electrostatic, self-assembled MWCNT based sensor fabrication technique is fast, simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly for commercial-scale production of gas sensors. This approach also extends many technical merits such as simultaneous deposition and functionalization of MWCNTs at (RT = 30 °C) room temperature for specific target analyte detection. These unique characteristics make f-MWCNTs based devices very appealing for real-time commercial and domestic gas sensing applications.

Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) Thin Films with Improved Morphology for Humidity Sensing by Chemical Bath Deposition at Lower pH.

Cadmium sulfide (CdS), an II-VI group semiconductor material, is one of the most investigated semiconductors in thin film form. In this work, we synthesized CdS thin films with improved film morphology in the presence of ethylene diamine (EA) as the complexing agent by chemical bath deposition (CD) at lower pH. Detailed characterization reveals the presence of cubic phase CdS with a band gap of 2.39 eV with the resultant morphology significantly influenced by the composition of the growth solution. The resultant CdS films finds prospective application as a humidity sensor with a high sensor response of 2.61 corresponding to 80% relative humidity.

Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Practices during Lockdown: A pan India Survey of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: The social lockdown measures imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, have had profound effects on the healthcare systems across the world and India has been no exception to it. The study was aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on orthopaedic practice in India during the lockdown period and assess the preparedness of orthopaedic surgeons for resuming clinical practice after the initial lockdown was lifted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey of 35 questions was conducted to evaluate impact on (i) general orthopaedic practice (ii) hospital protocols (iii) out-patient practice (iv) surgical practice (v) personal protective equipment (PPE) use and (vi) post-lockdown preparedness. RESULTS: A total number of 588 practising orthopaedic surgeons from India completed the survey. Majority (88.3%) found severe impact (>50%) on trauma surgery and non-trauma surgery with significant reduction in out -patient attendance compared to corresponding time in 2019. There were significant changes made in individual hospital protocols (91.7 %). Appropriate required PPE was available in majority of the hospitals (74.3%). No remodelling or upgrading of the existing operating theatre infrastructure was done by most surgeons (89.5%). CONCLUSION: This pan India survey of orthopaedic surgeons has indicated that COVID-19 has had a profound impact on their outpatient and surgical trauma and non-trauma practice, due to the lockdown and resulted in significant changes to hospital protocols. Preparedness to resume clinical and surgical practice was associated with anxiety in two-thirds of the respondents. Majority of the orthopaedic practitioners felt that they would continue to conduct pre-operative COVID-19 screening and use PPE even after the lockdown is over.

Comparison of Virosome vs. Liposome as drug delivery vehicle using HepG2 and CaCo2 cell lines.

AIM: The present work involves encapsulation of herbal drug nanocurcumin into the virosomes and compared with a liposome in terms of their in vitro anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-migratory efficacy. METHODS: The anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-migratory efficacy of virosome and liposome were compared in HepG2 and CaCo2 cells by using MTT, Nitric oxide scavenging, and Wound healing assay, respectively. RESULTS: Size of the optimised NC-Virosome and NC-Liposome was 70.06 ± 1.63 and 265.80 ± 1.64 nm, respectively. The prepared NC-Virosome can be stored at -4 °C up to six months. The drug encapsulation efficiency of NC-Virosome and NC-Liposome was found to be 84.66 ± 1.67 and 62.15 ± 1.75% (w/w). The evaluated minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50 value) for NC-Virosome was 102.7 µg/ml and 108.1 µg/ml, while NC-Liposome showed 129.2 µg/ml and 160.1 µg/ml for HepG2 and CaCo2 cells, respectively. Morphological examination depicts detachment of the cells from substratum after exposure to NC-Virosome for 48 h. CONCLUSION: The prepared NC-Virosome provides remarkable in vitro efficacy in both the cell lines with site-specific drug-targeting potential as compared to the liposome, results proved its potential as a drug delivery vehicle for future therapy with reduced toxicity.

Preparation and characterization of nanocurcumin based hybrid virosomes as a drug delivery vehicle with enhanced anticancerous activity and reduced toxicity.

The present study represents a formulation of nanocurcumin based hybrid virosomes (NC-virosome) to deliver drugs at targeted sites. Curcumin is a bioactive component derived from Curcuma longa and well-known for its medicinal property, but it exhibits poor solubility and rapid metabolism, which led to low bioavailability and hence limits its applications. Nanocurcumin was prepared to increase the aqueous solubility and to overcome all the limitations associated with curcumin. Influenza virosomes were prepared by solubilization of the viral membrane with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (DSPC). During membrane reconstitution, the hydrophilic nanocurcumin was added to the solvent system, followed by overnight dialysis to obtain NC-virosomes. The same was characterized using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), MTT assay was used to evaluate it's in vitro-cytotoxicity using MDA-MB231 and Mesenchyme stem cells (MSCs). The results showed NC-virosomes has spherical morphology with size ranging between 60 and 90 nm. It showed 82.6% drug encapsulation efficiency. The viability of MDA-MB231 cells was significantly inhibited by NC-virosome in a concentration-dependent manner at a specific time. The IC50 for nanocurcumin and NC-virosome was 79.49 and 54.23 µg/ml, respectively. The site-specific drug-targeting, high efficacy and non- toxicity of NC-virosomes proves its future potential as drug delivery vehicles.

Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in suspected diarrhoeic buffaloes and cattle reporting at Veterinary University in India.

Murrah buffaloes, best breed for milk production are native of Haryana state. They contributes significantly to the farmer's income, livelihood and food (milk and meat) security, in the semi-tropical regions of North India. Johne's disease though endemic in the domestic livestock of the country, but reports are not available in the buffaloes suffering from morbidity due to progressive weakness and diarrhoea. We estimated the status of JD in diarrhoeic buffaloes and cattle reporting at Veterinary Clinical Complex of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India, using conventional, serological and PCR assays.141 buffaloes suffering from chronic diarrhoea were screened to estimate sero-prevalence of MAP and 50.0 % young and 53.52 % adult animals were positive. Of 14 cattle screened, none of the young and 66.6 % adult cows were positive. In buffaloes, 66.1 and 6.77 %, fecal samples were positive in microscopy and IS900 PCR, respectively. Sero-prevalence of JD was very high in diarrhoeic buffaloes and cattle from Haryana state of India.Buffaloes positive for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection had reduced total leukocyte count and lymphocytes.

Clinical practice guidelines 2019: Indian consensus-based recommendations on influenza vaccination in adults.

Influenza, a common cause of acute respiratory infections, is an important health problem worldwide, including in India. Influenza is associated with several complications; people with comorbidities and the elderly are at a higher risk for such complications. Moreover, the influenza virus constantly changes genetically, thereby worsening therapeutic outcomes. Vaccination is an effective measure for the prevention of influenza. Despite the availability of global guidelines on influenza vaccination in adults, country-specific guidelines based on regional variation in disease burden are required for better disease management in India. With this aim, the Indian Chest Society and National College of Chest Physicians of India jointly conducted an expert meeting in January 2019. The discussion was aimed at delineating evidence-based recommendations on adult influenza vaccination in India. The present article discusses expert recommendations on clinical practice guidelines to be followed in India for adult influenza vaccination, for better management of the disease burden.

Clinical practice guidelines 2019: Indian consensus-based recommendations on pneumococcal vaccination for adults.

Similar to the global scenario, pneumococcal diseases are a significant health concern in India. Pneumococcal diseases occur frequently among adults and are largely preventable through vaccines. Globally, several guidelines and recommendations are available for pneumococcal vaccination in adults. However, owing to wide variations in the disease burden, regulatory landscape, and health-care system in India, such global guidelines cannot be unconditionally implemented throughout the country. To address these gaps, the Indian Chest Society and National College of Chest Physicians of India jointly conducted an expert meeting in January 2019. The aim of the discussion was to lay down specific evidence-based recommendations on adult pneumococcal vaccination for the country, with a view to further ameliorate the disease burden in the country. This article presents an overview of the closed-door discussion by the expert members on clinical practice guidelines to be followed for adult pneumococcal vaccination in India.

Microporous polymer membrane assisted water induced electricity generation based on triboelectrification and electrostatic induction.

Water in its various forms has been found to be one of the most abundant sources of energy on the planet after solar energy, and hydroelectric power plays a key role in renewable-energy supplies. Traditionally, harvesting tremendous amounts of hydrodynamic energy requires the deployment of complex, bulky, and expensive electromagnetic generators, which become inefficient at lower volumes of flowing or falling water, and then the energy is stored when there is an excess, but these techniques remain largely unperfected. Regardless of the diversity of development strategies, adopted methodologies, and working mechanisms, there are a wide range of energy scavengers, to effectively harness environmental friendly alternative energy sources. Robust, sustainable and technologically effective water energy harvesting devices, especially hydroelectric nanogenerators, are in the research spotlight globally, due to their numerous benefits to society, including cost effectiveness, clean and continuous electricity generation, and environmental applicability. Here the design and working mechanism involved in the development of a microporous polymer membrane assisted unique hydroelectric generator (MPA-HEG) based on triboelectrification and electrostatic induction phenomena is reported, which scavenges energy from continuously dripping water droplets sliding onto the surface of a hydrophobic microporous polymer membrane. MPA-HEG utilizes a very simple architecture that consists of a hydrophobic microporous polymer, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), membrane on a single-sided copper-clad laminate as a substrate and an aluminium electrode. Unlike other reported water energy harvesting devices with similar functionalities, the rational design of MPA-HEG does not necessitate any technologically complex structures to be embedded in the substrate. It has also been revealed that the interaction of water droplets on the smooth, water-resistant solid polymer surface in MPA-HEG switches 'ON' and connects the originally disconnected equivalent electrical components at the solid-liquid-solid interfaces, giving an uninterrupted electrical circuit, and transmuting the conservative interfacial effects into a bulk mechanism. Consequently, the instantaneous power output shows a vast increase over equivalent devices that are constrained either to triboelectric interfacial effects or moisture-induced electricity generation. This could serve the purpose of validating the inherent advantages of developing self-powered electronic devices, and this approach can also be effectively exploited for boosted power generation with realistic future applications.

Oral administration of 3,3'-diselenodipropionic acid prevents thoracic radiation induced pneumonitis in mice by suppressing NF-kB/IL-17/G-CSF/neutrophil axis.

The incidence of symptomatic radiation induced lung pneumonitis (RILP), a major dose limiting side effect of thoracic radiotherapy, is in the range of 15-40%. Therapeutic options for the prevention and treatment of RILP are limited. Hence there is a need for developing novel radioprotectors to prevent RILP which can be patient compliant. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of oral 3,3'-diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA), a novel selenocystine derivative to prevent RILP. C3H/HeJ (pneumonitis responding) mice received a single dose of 18 Gy, whole thorax irradiation and a subset were treated with DSePA orally (2.5 mg/kg), three times per week beginning 2 h post irradiation and continued till 6 months. DSePA delayed onset of grade ≥ 2 RILP by 45 days compared to radiation control (~105 versus ~60 days). It also reversed the severity of pneumonitis in 3/10 radiation treated mice leading to significant improvement in asymptomatic survival compared to radiation control (~180 versus ~102 days). DSePA significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the radiation-mediated infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and elevation in levels of cytokines such as IL1-ß, ICAM-1, E-selectin, IL-17 and TGF-ß in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover DSePA lowered PMN-induced oxidants, maintained glutathione peroxidase activity and suppressed NF-kB/IL-17/G-CSF/neutrophil axis in the lung of irradiated mice. Additionally, this compound did not protect A549 (lung cancer) derived xenograft tumor from radiation exposure in SCID mice. DSePA offers protection to normal lung against RILP without affecting radiation sensitivity of tumors. It has the potential to be developed as an oral agent for preventing RILP.

Toxicological safety evaluation of 3,3'-diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA), a pharmacologically important derivative of selenocystine.

Diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA), a pharmacologically important derivative of selenocystine was evaluated for acute toxicity, mutagenic safety and metabolic stability. The estimated median oral lethal dose (LD50) cut-off of DSePA in mice and rat models was ∼200 mg/kg and ∼25 mg/kg respectively, which is considerably higher than the reported oral LD50 dose of its parent compound. Subsequently DSePA treatment in absence and presence of rat liver S9 fraction was found to be non-mutagenic at the tested doses up to 1 mM in rifampicin resistance assay and up to 6 mM in Ames test. In vitro degradation studies indicated that DSePA was more stable in S9 fraction of human compared to rat. The kinetic parameters Km and Vmax of DSePA degradation estimated using rat S9 fraction was 9.81 µM and 1.06 nmol/ml/min respectively. Further, DSePA treatment (1-50 µM) with or without rat S9 fraction did not induce any toxicity in human intestinal epithelial cells (Int 407) while showing comparable bioactivity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level. In conclusion, superior metabolic stability of DSePA in human S9 fraction with a concomitant lack of mutagenic effects suggests that it may be a suitable derivative of selenocytine for future biological studies.

Nevus Comedonicus on Scalp: An Unusual Presentation.

Nevus comedonicus (NC) is a rare developmental anomaly of follicular infundibulum plugged with keratinous material that resembles comedo-like lesions. Frequently affected sites are face, neck, trunk, and upper arm. Few cases have been described on palms, soles, scalp, and genitalia. We hereby report a rare case of NC on scalp in a 14-year-old boy.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety on Combining 20% Trichloroacetic Acid Peel with Topical 5% Ascorbic Acid for Melasma.

INTRODUCTION: Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) is a versatile peeling agent for treatment of melasma. However, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is reported to be the most common side-effect associated with TCA peel. Topical Ascorbic Acid (AA) due to its effect as antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor helps to prevent PIH and maintains the response. AIM: To assess the clinical efficacy, safety and reduction in Melasma Quality of Life (MELASQOL) on combining 20% TCA peel with 5% ascorbic acid cream in epidermal melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Pt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak. This was an open labelled prospective randomized study in which 60 patients of epidermal melasma were enrolled for 12 weeks. Patients were divided into two groups: Combination group received 20% TCA peel every two weeks with once daily 5% ascorbic acid cream and Control group received only 20% TCA peel. Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) was used for evaluating clinical improvement of melasma. Improvement in Quality Of Life (QoL) was assessed by MELASQOL scale in both groups. Adverse effects were evaluated at each visit. All statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 20th version. The difference in change in mean MASI scoring and MELASQOL scores between the two groups were analysed using Mann-Whitney test. The side effects between the two groups were compared using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The combination group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in MASI, percentage decrease in MASI and quality of life as compared to control group after treatment. At the baseline there was no statistically significant difference in MASI between the two groups (i.e., MASI in combination group and control group were 23.55±4.61 and 23.613±4.088 respectively). However, it was statistically significant at the end of therapy (i.e., MASI in combination group was 9.50±5.31 and in control group was 15.10±4.44). When the results were analysed in terms of percentage decrease in MASI from baseline, there was statistically significant difference in combination group (i.e., 10.87±4.11) as compared to control group (i.e., 6.3±1.97) after 2nd week of therapy. When the mean MELASQOL scores were compared between the two groups at the end of therapy (i.e., 12 weeks), it was found to be statistically significantly lower in combination group (16.60±8.03) as compared to control group (25.90±8.17). Minor adverse effects like post peel erythema, pruritus, burning and stinging sensation were observed in some of the patients, which didn't necessitate termination of the therapy. CONCLUSION: Combination of 20% TCA peel with topical 5% ascorbic acid is a highly effective, safe and promising therapeutic option in treatment of melasma which significantly improves the QoL.

Cellular evaluation of diselenonicotinamide (DSNA) as a radioprotector against cell death and DNA damage.

Diselenonicotinamide (DSNA), a synthetic organoselenium compound, was evaluated for its radioprotective effect in cellular models. A clonogenic assay in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and an apoptosis assay in murine splenic lymphocytes indicated that pre-treatment with DSNA at a concentration of 25 µM significantly protected them from radiation-induced cell death. Upon irradiation (1-12 Gy), dose-response studies were carried out under similar treatment conditions, and its dose modification factor (DMF) was estimated to be 1.26. Furthermore, DSNA showed its radioprotective effect, even when administered after exposure to radiation. Mechanistic investigation revealed that DSNA increased the intracellular levels of GPx and GSH in irradiated cells. In line with this observation, the addition of a pharmacological inhibitor of GPx cycle, abrogated the activity of DSNA. The radioprotective effect of DSNA was also complemented by its ability to prevent radiation-induced DNA damage as monitored by micronucleus and γ-H2AX assays. Furthermore, treatment with DSNA did not show much change in the expressions of Nrf2 dependent genes (γ-GCL and HO-1), but the presence of a pharmacological inhibitor of Nrf2 abrogated the radioprotective activity of DSNA against cell death and DNA damage. Additionally, ATRA treatment also inhibited the DSNA-mediated up-regulation of a repair gene RAD51, suggesting possible involvement of basal Nrf2 in the anti-genotoxic effect of DSNA. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates radioprotection by a synthetic organoselenium compound containing nutritionally important moieties like selenium and nicotinamide.