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Microplastics have been ubiquitous in our environment for decades, and numerous studies have revealed their extensive dispersion, reaching far beyond the surface of the land, soil, aquatic ecosystems. They have infiltrated the food-chain, the food web, even the air we breathe, as well as the water we drink. Microplastics have been detected in the food we consume, acting as vectors for hazardous chemicals that adhere to their hydrophobic surfaces. This can result in the transfer of these chemicals to the aquatic life, posing a threat to their well-being. The release of microplastics into different environmental settings can give rise to various eco-toxicological implications. The substantial body of literature has led scientists to the consensus that microplastic pollution is a global problem with the potential to impact virtually any type of ecosystem. This paper aims to discuss crucial information regarding the occurrence, accumulation, and ecological effects of microplastics on organisms. It also highlights the new and emerging disease named "Plasticosis" that is directly linked to microplastics and its toxicological effects like permanent scarring and long-term inflammation in the digestive system of the seabirds. By comprehending the behaviour of these microplastic pollutants in diverse habitats and evaluating their ecological consequences, it becomes possible to facilitate a better understanding of this toxicological issue.
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Parthenium hysterophorus is the commonest cause of plant dermatitis in India. It classically causes airborne contact dermatitis (ABCD), characterized by pruritic, eczematous, and lichenified lesions involving predominantly the face and flexural areas. Over time, however, a transition to chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) pattern, with prominent involvement of sun-exposed sites, may occur. Management involves strict protective measures and topical and oral corticosteroids or immunomodulatory agents but often leads to only limited success. We report a patient with a chronic and extensive mixed ABCD-CAD pattern of parthenium dermatitis recalcitrant to conventional treatment, with rapid resolution after initiation of treatment with tofacitinib.
Subject(s)
Piperidines , Pyrimidines , Humans , Pyrimidines/therapeutic use , Pyrimidines/adverse effects , Piperidines/therapeutic use , Piperidines/adverse effects , Photosensitivity Disorders/chemically induced , Photosensitivity Disorders/drug therapy , Asteraceae , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Dermatitis, Contact/etiology , Dermatitis, Contact/drug therapy , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Parthenium hysterophorus/immunology , Dermatitis, Allergic ContactABSTRACT
Background: Tinea incognito presents with atypical, widespread, and recurrent lesions. Dermoscopy can aid its rapid diagnosis. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed at assessing dermoscopic features and response to treatment in patients with tinea incognito. Materials and Methods: An evaluation of 62 patients with tinea of glabrous skin (Group A (cases)-31 steroid modified and Group B (controls)-31 treatment naïve) was done. Clinical, dermoscopic, and mycological evaluations were done for both groups at baseline, 2, and 4 weeks of terbinafine therapy. Clinical severity (Clinical Assessment Severity Score (CASS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) and frequency of various dermoscopic changes were compared at 0 and 4 weeks between cases and controls, using unpaired Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Baseline dermoscopic features for both groups were significantly different with respect to frequency of broken hair, bent hair, micropustules and Morse code hair. Earliest feature to resolve with treatment was micropustules at 2 weeks. Significant reduction in frequency of morphologically altered hair was evident at 4 weeks. Telangiectasia, dotted vessels, I-hair, and broken hair persisted for a longer period of time. Terbinafine for 4 weeks was an effective treatment, producing complete cure in 73% of cases and 93% of controls. Persistent dermoscopic changes at 2 weeks were found to be associated with treatment failure at 4 weeks, highlighting the role of dermoscopy in identifying patients requiring prolonged treatment. Conclusions: Dermoscopy can be used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for tinea of glabrous skin.
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The Beas River is one of the important rivers of the Indus River system located in Himachal Pradesh, India, that harbors a diverse range of freshwater fish species. The present study employed COI gene to investigate the ichthyofaunal diversity of river Beas. Through the sequencing of 203 specimens from Beas River, we identified 43 species, belonging to 31 genera, 16 families, and 10 orders. To analyze the genetic divergence and phylogeny of identified species, 485 sequences of Indian origin were retrieved from BOLD, resulting in a dataset of 688 sequences. Our findings consistently revealed a hierarchical increase in the mean K2P genetic divergence within species (0.80%), genus (9.06%), and families (15.35%). Automated Barcode Gap discovery, Neighbour Joining, and Bayesian inference consensus tree methodologies were employed to determine the putative species and their phylogeny, successfully delimiting most of the species with only a few exceptions. The results unveiled six species exhibiting high intra-species divergence (> 2%), suggesting the presence of sibling species and falsely identified sequences on online databases. The present study established the first DNA barcoding-based inventory of freshwater fish species in the Beas River providing comprehensive insights into economically exploited endangered and vulnerable species. In order to ensure the sustainable use of aquatic resources in the Beas River, we recommend the implementation of species measures to protect biodiversity and genetic resources.
Subject(s)
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic , Rivers , Humans , Animals , DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods , Bayes Theorem , Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics , Fishes/genetics , Fresh Water , DNA , Phylogeny , BiodiversityABSTRACT
Introduction: Itraconazole follows non-linear pharmacokinetics and hence is recommended once daily, but in real-world practice, is commonly prescribed as twice daily. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of super-bioavailable-itraconazole-130 mg (SB-130) and conventional-itraconazole-200 mg (CITZ-200) once daily compared with conventional-itraconazole-100 mg (CITZ-100) twice daily in glabrous tinea. Methods: A total of 261 eligible patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, clinical study from December-2021 to August-2022 at seven centers in India. Efficacy and safety assessments were done at week-3 and 6, with follow-up at week-10 for relapse. The primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients who achieved complete cure at week-6 following treatment in all itraconazole groups. The secondary outcomes were safety and clinical and mycological cure rates. Results: Of 261 patients, 240 were included in the analysis. At week-6, 140 patients were completely cured; thus, overall cure rate was 58.33%. Fifty-five patients (69%) in SB-130 while 47/77 (61%) and 38/83 (46%) patients were completely cured in CITZ-200 and CITZ-100 groups respectively (p<0.05; SB-130: CITZ-100, p=0.32; SB-130: CITZ-200, p=0.058; CITZ-200: CITZ-100). There was no statistical difference in the mycological cure rate and area clearance rate between any of the groups (p=0.14); however, a statistically significant difference was noted for OD dosing over BD dosing in achieving clinical cure rates (p<0.05). A total of 13/140 patients (9%) relapsed following complete cure, with no statistically significant difference between any of the groups (p=0.50). All treatments were safe and well-tolerated, with no discontinuation. Conclusion: In this clinical study, moderate efficacy with all doses of ITZ was reported but was better with OD dosing. Although there was no statistical difference between SB-130 and CITZ-200, SB-130 may be preferred over CITZ-200 owing to the advantage of SB over the conventional ITZ.
Subject(s)
Itraconazole , Tinea , Humans , Itraconazole/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents , Prospective Studies , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy , Tinea/drug therapy , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Pincer nail is a deformity characterized by excessive transverse curvature of nail, progressively increasing along its longitudinal axis. The curvature is greatest at the distal end, leading to an ingrown nail, producing pain, discomfort, and significant cosmetic alteration. It is a severe variant of ingrown nail, often attributed to causes such as anatomical variation of nail plate axis, tight footwear, gait abnormalities, and so on. Correspondingly, its management involves the removal of the lateral ingrowing nail plate or the lateral hypertrophic nail folds. We report a young male who presented with symptomatic pincer nail deformity. However, on exploration there was a midline onychomatricoma, leading to the thickening of the central part of the nail plate, causing incurving of the lateral nail plate and discomfort. The report serves to highlight the need for a comprehensive evaluation of pincer nails, to assess for matrix disease as well, because the surgical approach will differ accordingly.
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Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with resistance to apoptosis being a major driver of therapeutic resistance and aggressive phenotype. This study aimed to develop a novel gene therapy approach for NSCLC by targeting resistance to apoptosis. Loss of function mutations of caspase 8 (CASP8) and downregulation of microRNAs (miRs) 29A-B1 and 34A were identified as key contributors to resistance to apoptosis in NSCLC. A biodegradable polymeric nano-gene delivery system composed of chitosan-poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid was formulated to deliver initiator CASP8 and miRs 29A-B1 and 34A. The nano-formulation efficiently encapsulated the therapeutic genes effectively internalized into NSCLC cells and induced significant apoptosis. Evaluation of the nano-formulation in A549 tumor spheroids showed a significant increase in apoptosis within the core of the spheroids, suggesting effective penetration into the spheroid structures. We provide a novel nano-formulation that demonstrate therapeutic potential for suicidal gene therapy in NSCLC.
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Leprosy is a chronic infectious granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affecting the skin and the peripheral nerves. Variable involvement of internal organs and mucosa has been reported with incidence ranging from 19% to 60%, more commonly seen in lepromatous spectrum of leprosy (LL and BL). We report a case of borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy presenting with oral mucosal lesions involving the gingival mucosa and lower lip.
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Long-acting injectable (LAIs) delivery systems sustain the drug therapeutic action in the body, resulting in reduced dosage regimen, toxicity, and improved patient compliance. Lipid-based depots are biocompatible, provide extended drug release, and improve drug stability, making them suitable for systemic and localized treatment of various chronic ailments, including psychosis, diabetes, hormonal disorders, arthritis, ocular diseases, and cancer. These depots include oil solutions, suspensions, oleogels, liquid crystalline systems, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, phospholipid phase separation gel, vesicular phospholipid gel etc. This review summarizes recent advancements in lipid-based LAIs for delivering small and macromolecules, and their potential in managing chronic diseases. It also provides an overview of the lipid depots available in market or clinical phase, as well as patents for lipid-based LAIs. Furthermore, this review critically discusses the current scenario of using in vitro release methods to establish IVIVC and highlights the challenges involved in developing lipid-based LAIs.
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Nanostructures , Phospholipids , Humans , Delayed-Action PreparationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Assessment of genetic diversity and population genetic structure is important for species that are economically important, threatened, and are at global conservation priority. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA is broadly used in species identification and population genetics studies due to the availability of sufficient reference data and better evolutionary dynamics for phylogeographic investigation. Labeo rohita (Rohu) is an economically important species cultured under carp polyculture systems in Asia. The present study explores the genetic diversity, phylogeography, and population structure of L. rohita from different countries using cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 17 L. rohita specimens were sampled from River Beas, India. For the genetic study, we amplified and sequenced COI mitochondrial DNA region. The obtained genetic data was combined with 268 COI records available in the NCBI and BOLD databases originating from multiple populations/countries across South and Southeast Asia. As a result, 33 haplotypes were identified that displayed low nucleotide (π = 0.0233) and moderate haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.523). Tajima (D) was found to be negative (P > 0.05), whereas Fu's Fs showed a positive value (P > 0.05). The overall FST value between studied populations was 0.481 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AMOVA analysis indicated higher variation within than among the population examined. The neutrality tests suggested the presence of rare haplotypes and stable demography within studied populations of L. rohita. The Bayesian skyline plot indicated steady population growth until 1 Mya followed by population decline, whereas FST values indicated significant genetic differentiation. High heterogeneity was observed in the Pakistan population which could be indicative of long-term isolation and excessive culturing to meet market demands. The present results are the first global comparative analysis of L. rohita and pave the way forward for detailed genomic and ecological studies aimed at the development of improved stock and effective conservation plans. The study also makes recommendations to conserve the genetic integrity of wild species from aquaculture-reared fishes.
Subject(s)
Cyprinidae , DNA, Mitochondrial , Animals , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , Genetics, Population , Genetic Variation/genetics , Bayes Theorem , Phylogeny , Cyprinidae/genetics , Asia, Southeastern , Genetic Structures , PakistanABSTRACT
A Gram-stain-positive, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain MB25T, was isolated from the gut of Cyprinus carpio from the highly polluted river Yamuna, India. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain MB25T belonged to the genus Sporosarcina, sharing the highest sequence similarity with S. luteola Y1T (98.98%) and S. koreensis S-K12T (98.91%). Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values of strain MB25T with strain Y1T and S-K12T were 18.9, 77.69, and 18.2, 76.80 respectively. Genome analysis of strain MB25T revealed its biotechnological properties such as tolerance to potent heavy metals, genes for the production of carbohydrate-active enzymes, antimicrobial compounds, and also degradation of aromatic compounds. The G + C content of strain MB25T genome was 45%. Growth observed at 10-40 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum pH 7.5-8.0); NaCl concentrations up to 6.0% (w/v). The dominant respiratory quinone was MK-7, cell wall peptidoglycan is of the A-4 type containing amino acids Lys-Glu and the major fatty acids are anteiso-C11:0 and iso-C15:â0. The major polar lipids of strain MB25T are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and phylogenomic data, strain MB25T represents a novel species of the genus Sporosarcina, for which the name Sporosarcina cyprini sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MB25T (= MCC 4366 T = JCM 34521 T = CCM 9113 T).
Subject(s)
Carps , Sporosarcina , Animals , Phospholipids/analysis , Sporosarcina/genetics , Cadmium , Introduced Species , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Fatty Acids/analysis , Genomics , DNA , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , DNA, Bacterial/chemistry , Bacterial Typing TechniquesABSTRACT
Khirganga, a pristine hot spring that lies in the Parvati Valley within the Northern Himalayas characterised with unique white colour microbial mat and divine water with healing abilities. Here, we report 41 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) reconstructed from the microbial mat, sediment and water samples of hot spring passed through Genome Standards Consortium (GSC) and Minimum Information of Metagenome-assembled Genome (MIMAG).
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INTRODUCTION: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of goitrous hypothyroidism in iodine sufficient areas. The diagnosis of HT is important because it progresses to hypothyroidism, and also, it is associated with thyroid lymphoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Apart from thyroid antibodies, assessment of thyroid function test (TFT) levels, ultrasonography (USG), and cytological analysis can help in early diagnosis and management of HT. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY: To know the age incidence and clinical presentation of HT, its association with thyroid hormone levels and with thyroid antibodies and its correlation with the cytologic grade of HT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive convenient method of sampling was adopted at the cytology clinic. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of patients presenting with thyroid enlargement was done using standard technique and aseptic precautions. RESULTS: Out of 875 cases of thyroid cytology, 134 cases were diagnosed as HT over a 4-year period. A strong female preponderance was observed. A significant proportion of them (103/134) presented in the first four decades of life. Majority of cases (60.63%) were hypothyroid, while 15.74% were hyperthyroid and 23.62% were euthyroid. Apart from thyroid enlargement, although a majority of patients presented with symptoms related to the thyroid, a significant number of patients (38.80%) were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: A combined approach of cytological grading of HT along with USG, TFT levels, and thyroid antibodies can detect hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid or euthyroid state of HT and provide an appropriate guide to therapy.
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Methyl jasmonate (MJ) enhances the production of a range of secondary metabolites including triterpenoid saponins in a variety of plant species. Here, it enhanced production of bacoside A, a valuable triterpenoid saponin having nootropic therapeutic activity in in vitro shoot cultures of Bacopa monnieri, the only known source of bacoside A. The highest yield was with 50 µM MJ giving 4.4 mg bacoside A/g dry wt; an 1.8-fold increase (compared to control) after 1 week.