A peek behind the curtain in the diagnosis and management of COVID­19­Associated Mucormycosis (CAM).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is responsible for a high mortality rate due to its unique and severe host-pathogen interactions. Critically ill or immunocompromised COVID-19 patients are more prone to suffer from aggressive mycoses. Probable victims include those with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic acidosis, prolonged neutropenia, increased ferritin levels, hypoxia, and prolonged hospitalization with/without mechanical ventilators and corticosteroids administration. The current review aims to outline the journey of patients with CAM as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the currently available diagnostic techniques. It also discussed the current status of treatment options and caveats in the management of mucormycosis. Multidisciplinary team, early diagnosis, controlling the predisposing condition(s), complete surgical debridement, effective antifungal therapies (e.g., amphotericin B, isavuconazole, and posaconazole), and implementing antifungal stewardship programs are imperative in CAM cases.

Clinicopathological characteristics of individuals with coexisting melanoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with a prior diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) have a higher risk of developing melanoma and exhibit poorer outcomes than patients without CLL. However, there are limited data reporting the clinicopathological features of melanoma diagnosed in patients with CLL. AIMS: To review clinicopathological characteristics of patients with coexisting diagnoses of melanoma and CLL. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken for patients with coexisting diagnoses of melanoma and CLL between 2005 and 2015 in 11 centres in the UK and Ireland. RESULTS: Overall, 46 cutaneous melanomas identified in 45 patients were included. In 28 (62.2%) patients, melanoma was diagnosed after an existing diagnosis of CLL. In this group, mean Breslow thickness was 2.7 mm (range 0.2-25 mm). Ten patients (35.7%) developed locoregional recurrence and 8 (28.6%) developed distant metastases. Melanoma-specific mortality was 5 of 28 (17.9%) and all-cause mortality was 13 of 28 (46.4%). In 17 patients, melanoma was diagnosed before CLL. In this group, mean BT was 2.9 mm (range 0.4-14 mm); five patients (29.4%) developed locoregional recurrence and three (17.6%) developed distant metastases. Melanoma-specific mortality was 1 of 17 (5.8%) and all-cause mortality was 5 of 17 (29.4%) in this group. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first and largest cohort study to report clinicopathological data of coexisting melanoma and CLL in the UK and Ireland. Although the thickness of primary melanoma was not different before or after a CLL diagnosis, melanoma recurrence and melanoma-specific mortality appear to be more common in patients with a prior diagnosis of CLL.

Giant Feeding Artery from Abdominal Aorta in Intralobar Pulmonary Sequestration.

Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital lung malformation. We present a case of newborn with antenatally diagnosed case of PS. The baby was delivered by cesarean section to primigravida mother at 38 + 3 weeks of gestation with birth weight of 2700 g. At 20 weeks of gestation, the antenatal ultrasound showed a triangular echogenic area in left lung supplied by feeding artery from descending aorta. The baby had respiratory distress soon after birth. Computerized tomographic pulmonary angiogram revealed abnormal blood supply of left lower lobe arising from descending aorta. The feeding vessel was abnormally large and was almost half of the diameter of the aorta. The baby underwent left lower lobectomy with double ligation of feeding artery at day 7 of life and was discharged on day 14 of life. Antenatal diagnosis of congenital lung malformation helps in careful planning of perinatal care and facilitates the early diagnosis and management.

Structure-Activity-Relationship and Mechanistic Insights for Anti-HIV Natural Products.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which chiefly originatesfroma retrovirus named Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), has impacted about 70 million people worldwide. Even though several advances have been made in the field of antiretroviral combination therapy, HIV is still responsible for a considerable number of deaths in Africa. The current antiretroviral therapies have achieved success in providing instant HIV suppression but with countless undesirable adverse effects. Presently, the biodiversity of the plant kingdom is being explored by several researchers for the discovery of potent anti-HIV drugs with different mechanisms of action. The primary challenge is to afford a treatment that is free from any sort of risk of drug resistance and serious side effects. Hence, there is a strong demand to evaluate drugs derived from plants as well as their derivatives. Several plants, such as Andrographis paniculata, Dioscorea bulbifera, Aegle marmelos, Wistaria floribunda, Lindera chunii, Xanthoceras sorbifolia and others have displayed significant anti-HIV activity. Here, weattempt to summarize the main results, which focus on the structures of most potent plant-based natural products having anti-HIV activity along with their mechanisms of action and IC50 values, structure-activity-relationships and important key findings.

Understanding the microbiome: Emerging biomarkers for exploiting the microbiota for personalized medicine against cancer.

The human body is a home to more than 1 trillion microbes with a diverse variety of commensal microbes that play a crucial role towards the health of the individual. These microbes occupy different habitats such as gut, skin, vagina, oral etc. Not only the types and abundance of microbes are different in different organs, but also these may differ in different individuals. The genome of these microbiota and their ecosystem constitute to form a microbiome. Factors such as diet, environment, host genetics etc. may be the reason behind the wide microbial diversity. A number of studies performed on human microbiome have revealed that microbiota present in healthy and diseased individuals are distinct. Altered microbiome is many a times the reason behind the overexpression of genes which may cause complex diseases including cancer. Manipulation of the human microbiome can be done by microbial supplements such as probiotics or synbiotics, diet or prebiotics and microbial suppression strategies using antibiotics. Recent advances in genome sequencing technologies and metagenomic analysis provide us the broader understanding of these commensal microbes and highlighting the distinctive features of microbiome during healthy and disease states. Molecular pathological epidemiology (MPE) studies have been very helpful in providing insights into the pathological process behind disease evolution and progression by determining the specific etiological factors. New emerging field of research targets the microbiome for therapeutic purposes by which personalized medicines can be made for treating various types of tumors. Screening programmes might be helpful in identifying patients who are at the verge of developing cancer and in delivering appropriate approaches according to individual risk modes so that disease could be prevented.

Diclofenac Sodium 3% in Hyaluronic Acid 2.5% Gel Significantly Diminishes the Actinic Keratosis Area and Severity Index.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Actinic keratosis area and severity index (AKASI) is a new assessment tool to quantify the severity of actinic damage on the head. Thus far, it has not been evaluated in monitoring the efficacy of field-directed topical treatments in actinic keratosis (AK) in routine clinical practice. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine treatment outcomes by using AKASI 3 months after the initiation of topical application of diclofenac sodium 3% in hyaluronic acid 2.5% gel (DFS) in patients with AKs on the head. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with AKs who had AKASI scores prior to and after treatment with DFS. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients included, 20 (83.3%) showed an improvement in AKASI, 2 (8.3%) a stable AKASI, and 2 (8.3%) a worsening of AKASI after a median (interquartile range) follow-up period of 91.5 days (89.8-104.3). The median AKASI reduction was 31.4% (16.7-59.1). The Wilcoxon test showed significant differences (p = 0.0008) between baseline and posttreatment AKASI values. CONCLUSIONS: AKASI is an easy-to-use quantitative tool for assessing the treatment outcome of field-directed therapies. Field-directed therapies of AK should no longer be monitored by assessments based on lesion counts alone.

Early versus Late Enteral Feeding in Preterm Intrauterine Growth Restricted Neonates with Antenatal Doppler Abnormalities: An Open-Label Randomized Trial.

Background of the study: Enteral feeding in preterm neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and absent or reversed end diastolic flow (AREDF) on umbilical artery (UA) Doppler is delayed owing to an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Delaying enteral feeding with longer duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) carries an increased risk of sepsis. Objectives: To study early versus late feeding in preterm IUGR neonates for time required to attain sufficient feed volume to discontinue PN and increased risk of NEC or feed intolerance (FI). Design: Open-label randomized controlled trial. Setting: Tertiary care neonatal unit and fetal-maternal medicine unit in India. Participants: Preterm intrauterine growth restricted neonates' ≤32 weeks with AREDF on UA Doppler enrolled from 1 January 2014 to 31 July 2015. Intervention: Randomized to receive early or late feeding using mothers own or donor breast milk as per a feed initiation and advancement protocol. Primary outcome: Time in days required to attain sufficient feed volume allowing discontinuation of PN and incidence of NEC in neonates fed early versus late. Results: There were 77 eligible neonates. Sixty-two neonates were included and stratified as extreme preterm (27-29 weeks) (n = 20) and very preterm (30-32 weeks) (n = 42). Ten extreme preterm and 21 very preterm neonates were randomized to each early feeding and late feeding arm. There was a significantly faster attainment of sufficient feeds in the early feeding arm of both the stratified groups [extreme preterm: median 14 days (Interquartile range IQR: 12-15) compared with 18 days (IQR: 18-20), hazard ratio (HR): 1.59, 95% CI: 0.626-4.078; very preterm: 12 days (IQR: 10-14) as compared with 16 days (IQR 15-17), HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.011-3.555]. There was no difference in the incidence of NEC, FI and combined outcome of NEC and FI. Conclusion: Early feeding in preterm IUGR neonates with AREDF on antenatal UA Doppler allowed earlier discontinuation of PN, allowing birth weight to be regained earlier and did not increase the incidence of NEC and FI.

Efficacy and Safety of Imiquimod 3.75% from Lmax in Actinic Keratosis According to Fitzpatrick Skin Type.

BACKGROUND: Imiquimod 3.75% is an effective actinic keratosis (AK) treatment that detects and clears clinical and subclinical lesions across an entire sun-exposed field such as the full face or balding scalp. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of imiquimod 3.75% according to patients' Fitzpatrick skin type. METHODS: Data were pooled from two identical 14-week, double-blind studies. Patients were randomized to imiquimod 3.75% or placebo and applied study medication to the full face or balding scalp each day for 2 two-week treatment cycles separated by a two-week treatment-free interval. End of study (EOS) was eight weeks after the last treatment application. Patients were subgrouped according to whether they had Fitzpatrick skin types I or II (FST I/II), or types III or IV (FST III/IV). Efficacy was analyzed using the reduction in lesions from Lmax (maximum lesion count during treatment) to EOS. This assesses whether clinical lesions, and subclinical lesions which become detectable during treatment, are cleared. Safety was assessed by monitoring local skin reactions. RESULTS: In total, 173 patients with FST I/II and 142 with FST III/IV were included. The median percentage reductions in lesions from Lmax to EOS were similar in patients treated with imiquimod 3.75% with FST I/II and FST III/IV (94.2% and 89.7%, respectively) as were the median absolute reductions in lesions from Lmax to EOS (19.0 and 17.0, respectively). These reductions were significantly greater with imiquimod 3.75% versus placebo in the two respective FST subgroups (P<0.0001). The frequency of local skin reactions was similar in the two imiquimod 3.75% FST subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Imiquimod 3.75% is well tolerated and effective at clearing clinical and subclinical lesions across large areas of sun-exposed skin in patients with FST I-IV, and so can be considered for AK patients with any of these skin types.

Bacillus clausii for Prevention of Late-onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Preterm infants are managed with antibiotics for sepsis, including suspected or probable sepsis. This leads to a delayed and abnormal colonization of the gut with potentially pathogenic organisms and a microbiome, which lacks biodiversity and increases the risk for late-onset sepsis (LOS). Probiotics have been proven to reduce the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis, but evidence for prevention of LOS is inconclusive. Probiotic effect depends also on the strain used, dose and indication for use. This study evaluated Bacillus clausii probiotic administered prophylactically to preterm neonates for prevention of LOS. OBJECTIVES: To study B.clausii given prophylactically to preterm neonates for prevention of LOS. DESIGN: Double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. SETTINGS: Tertiary care neonatal unit in India. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive preterm neonates <34 weeks, admitted from 1 March 2012 to 28 February 2014 were stratified as extreme preterm and very preterm. INTERVENTION: Randomized to receive either probiotic or placebo for 6 weeks, discharge from hospital, death or occurrence of sepsis, whichever was earlier. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Incidence of definite and probable LOS in probiotic group compared with placebo. RESULTS: Of 326 eligible preterm infants, 244 were enrolled and 82 were excluded. Of these, 120 were stratified as extreme preterm and randomized to receive placebo (n = 59) and probiotic (n = 61). Of 124 babies stratified as very preterm, an equal number was randomized to receive placebo (n = 62) and probiotic (n = 62). There was no significant difference in the incidence of LOS between the two arms in the extreme preterm group [29% vs. 23%; relative risk (RR) 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-1.66; p = 0.36] and the very preterm group (13% vs. 10%; RR 1.33; 95% CI 0.96-1.70; p = 0.32). Full feeds were achieved significantly faster in the probiotic group in both the extreme preterm (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.74-0.88) and the very preterm (RR 0.67; 95% 0.32-0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic administration of B.clausii to preterm neonates did not result in a significant difference in the incidence of LOS as compared with placebo.

Development of docetaxel nanocapsules for improving in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in MCF-7 cells.

The aim of this study was to fabricate docetaxel loaded nanocapsules (DTX-NCs) with a high payload using Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique by successive coating with alternate layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Developed nanocapsules (NCs) were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size distribution, zeta potential (ζ-potential), entrapment efficiency and in vitro release. The morphological characteristics of the NCs were assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that revealed coating of polyelectrolytes around the surface of particles. The developed NCs successfully attained a submicron particle size while the ζ-potential of optimized NCs alternated between (+) 34.64 ± 1.5 mV to (-) 33.25 ± 2.1 mV with each coating step. The non-hemolytic potential of the NCs indicated the suitability of the developed formulation for intravenous administration. A comparative study indicated that the cytotoxicity of positively charged NCs (F4) was significant higher (p < 0.05) rather than negative charged NCs (F3), plain drug (DTX) and marketed preparation (Taxotere®) when evaluated in vitro on MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, cell uptake studies evidenced a higher uptake of positive NCs (≥1.2 fold) in comparison to negative NCs. In conclusion, formulated NCs are an ideal vehicle for passive targeting of drugs to tumor cells that may result in improved efficacy and reduced toxicity of encapsulated drug moiety.

Sustainable Biomaterials: Current Trends, Challenges and Applications.

Biomaterials and sustainable resources are two complementary terms supporting the development of new sustainable emerging processes. In this context, many interdisciplinary approaches including biomass waste valorization and proper usage of green technologies, etc., were brought forward to tackle future challenges pertaining to declining fossil resources, energy conservation, and related environmental issues. The implementation of these approaches impels its potential effect on the economy of particular countries and also reduces unnecessary overburden on the environment. This contribution aims to provide an overview of some of the most recent trends, challenges, and applications in the field of biomaterials derived from sustainable resources.

Plant miRNAome and antiviral resistance: a retrospective view and prospective challenges.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that play a defining role in post-transcriptional gene silencing of eukaryotes by either mRNA cleavage or translational inhibition. Plant miRNAs have been implicated in innumerable growth and developmental processes that extend beyond their ability to respond to biotic and abiotic stresses. Active in an organism's immune defence response, host miRNAs display a propensity to target viral genomes. During viral invasion, these virus-targeting miRNAs can be identified by their altered expression. All the while, pathogenic viruses, as a result of their long-term interaction with plants, have been evolving viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs), as well as viral-encoded miRNAs as a counter-defence strategy. However, the gene silencing attribute of miRNAs has been ingeniously manipulated to down-regulate the expression of any gene of interest, including VSRs, in artificial miRNA (amiRNA)-based transgenics. Since we currently have a better understanding of the intricacies of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in plant-virus interactions, the majority of miRNAs manipulated to confer antiviral resistance to date are in plants. This review will share the insights gained from the studies of plant-virus combat and from the endeavour to manipulate miRNAs, including prospective challenges in the context of the evolutionary dynamics of the viral genome. Next generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics analysis will further delineate the molecular details of host-virus interactions. The need for appropriate environmental risk assessment principles specific to amiRNA-based virus resistance is also discussed.

Dual fluid silhouette in X-ray of the abdomen: a diagnostic flag for neurogenic bladder with urinary ascites.

A neonate presented with abdominal distension and decreased urinary output. X-ray revealed dual abdominal fluid condition-ascites with a distended bladder, along with vertebral anomalies. The possibility of urinary ascites and neurogenic bladder was kept, which was further confirmed on evaluation. Here, we emphasise the crucial role of abdominal X-ray as a diagnostic tool in uncovering this intricate medical puzzle. By detailing the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment strategy, the report contributes insights into the rare and complex abdominal condition.

Neonatal nephrotic syndrome: all is not gloomy.

Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is a rare clinical syndrome with a constellation of proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia and oedema, presenting within 3 months of birth. We present a rare case of neonatal nephrotic syndrome with a probable sepsis induced aetiology. The neonate was referred at day of life 15 with Klebsiella pneumonia sepsis and anasarca. On investigation, the patient had nephrotic range proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia, generalised anasarca and ascites. The neonate was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and furosemide. Genetic and other secondary causes of CNS were ruled out. With supportive management and resolution of sepsis, the neonate improved. This case highlights the rare cause of sepsis-induced nephrotic syndrome (NS), which required only supportive treatment without the need for aggressive management of CNS.

Usefulness of skills in point of care ultrasound and simulation-based training as essential competencies in acute management of neonatal cardiac tamponade.

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion is a routine procedure in the neonatal intensive care unit required for prolonged intravenous fluid, nutrition and medication support. Neonatal cardiac tamponade is a serious and rare complication of PICC line insertion. Early detection by point of care ultrasound (POCUS) and management by pericardiocentesis improves the chances of survival. Regular simulation-based training sessions on a mannequin, along with knowledge of POCUS, can assist neonatologists and paediatricians for a quick and appropriate response in this emergency condition.

Designing novel anti-plasmodial quinoline-furanone hybrids: computational insights, synthesis, and biological evaluation targeting Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase.

To combat resistance against current antimalarials, modifying key pharmacophores and exploring novel parasite-specific drug targets remained one of the key drug design strategies. The resistance to quinoline-based antimalarials arises often due to the efflux of the drug. Hence, the development of newer agents containing bulkier pharmacophores will enable medicinal chemists to counteract drug resistance. In view of this, herein we designed bulkier quinoline-furanone hybrids. Initially, virtual drug-likeness and ADMET screening were conducted to optimize physicochemical properties followed by docking of the hybrids against the Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) enzyme. The most potent hybrids that emerged from the computational screening were synthesized and screened for their bioactivity against the resistant strain of Plasmodium through Schizont Maturation Inhibition assays. Among the compounds tested, 5g and 6e demonstrated the best activity, with IC50 values similar to chloroquine (CQ), and 5g exhibited superior LDH inhibition compared to CQ. Compounds 5f, 7a, and 7f showed IC50 values comparable to CQ and moderate LDH inhibition. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that halogen substitutions, particularly Br and Cl, enhanced antimalarial activity, while strong electron-withdrawing (-NO2) or -donating (-OH) groups led to diminished activity. Additionally, bulkier aromatic substitutions were favoured for antimalarial activity and LDH inhibition. The investigation successfully found potent anti-plasmodial quinoline-furanone hybrids, demonstrating promising prospects for combating malaria.

Synthesis of novel celecoxib analogues by bioisosteric replacement of sulfonamide as potent anti-inflammatory agents and cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

Two series of celecoxib analogues having 1,5-diaryl relationship were synthesized. The key strategy of the molecular design was oriented towards exploring bioisosteric modifications of the sulfonamide moiety of celecoxib. First series (2a-2i) of celecoxib analogues bearing cyano functionality in place of sulfonamide moiety was synthesized by the reaction of appropriate trifluoromethyl-ß-diketones (5a-5i) with 4-hydrazinylbenzonitrile hydrochloride (4) in ethanol. Cyano moiety of pyrazoles 2 was then converted into corresponding carbothioamides 3 by bubbling H2S gas in the presence of triethylamine. All the synthesized compounds (2a-2i and 3a-3i) were screened for their in vivo anti-inflammatory (AI) activity using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay. COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory potency was evaluated through in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX) assays. Compounds 2a, 2b, 2c, 2e and 3c showed promising AI activity at 3-4h after the carrageenan injection that was comparable to that of the standard drug indomethacin. Although compounds 3d, 3e and 3f exhibited more pronounced COX-2 inhibition but they also inhibit COX-1 effectively thus being less selective against COX-2. Three compounds 2a, 2f and 3a were found to have a COX profile comparable to the reference drug indomethacin. However 2e, 3b, 3c and 3i compounds were the most potent selective COX-2 inhibitors of this study with 3b showing the best COX-2 profile. In order to better rationalize the action and the binding mode of these compounds, docking studies were carried out. These studies were in agreement with the biological data.

Visible-light driven excellent photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin antibiotic using BiFeO3 nanoparticles.

The extensive exploration of multiferroic materials for degradation of contaminants and environmental remediation is promptly strengthened because of their distinct applications. BiFeO3, a prominent class of multiferroics, have received immense attention in recent times. Present study reports the synthesis of a highly crystalline BiFeO3 via facile combustion method. The prepared catalyst was characterized using different techniques like XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDS, XPS, DRS and PL. From DRS results, the energy band gap of BiFeO3 was computed as 2.1 eV which was suitable enough for its exploration as a visible light photocatalyst. Therefore, BiFeO3 was efficiently utilized for the degradation of ofloxacin drug under the exposure of visible light. The obtained results depicted 80% ofloxacin degradation under optimized conditions (pH 8, 0.5 g/L catalyst dose and 10 mg/L drug concentration) in 180 min. Pseudo first order kinetics was followed with rate constant 0.0097 min-1, as inferred from the kinetic studies. Furthermore, 64% TOC reduction was attained by utilizing the prepared catalyst under optimum conditions. Additionally, the photocatalytic experiments showed excellent degradation efficiency even after five cycles which demonstrated good stability of the fabricated catalyst.