Most Viewed Articles

The misuse of topical corticosteroids for skin whitening has grown to be a serious public health issue, notably in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Easy over-the-counter availability, social pressures, and strong cosmetic marketing have all contributed to its widespread use, commonly without medical supervision. This practice has been linked to a number of dermatological problems, including skin atrophy, pigmentary diseases, tinea incognito, and an alarming increase in antifungal resistance to first-line medications like terbinafine. This article examines the incidence of overuse, the underlying pathophysiology, and the dermatological and psychosocial repercussions. Prescription control, improved medical and pharmacy curriculum, digital literacy programs, and appropriate telemedicine utilization are all necessary for effective interventions. Steroid abuse is more than just a cosmetic issue; it is a developing dermatological and antimicrobial resistance hazard that requires immediate, concerted action.

Objective: To perform a review of brain biopsies in the canine species and determine if it is possible to compare the stereotactic and neuronavigation results. Method: A search was performed in NCBI’s PubMed database for stereotactic or neuronavigational canine brain biopsy publications and articles which met at least one of the inclusion criteria and not any of the exclusion criteria were selected. The inclusion criteria were: 1) assessment of the specificity of the biopsy, 2) assessment of system accuracy, 3) assessment of the biopsy results, and 4) duration of the procedure. Results: Only one article met all the inclusion criteria. Eleven articles that partially met the criteria were used for comparison. Authors used different stereotaxic methods and two used neuronavigation equipment. The authors of the stereotactic studies either adapted devices from human medicine or developed their own devices; the level of accuracy was variable (errors of 0.0 mm to 5.1 mm), and the two articles that used animals with spontaneous lesions had a diagnostic specificity rate higher than 90 percent. The accuracy of the neuronavigation studies was approximately 3.3 mm; however, no live animals were used. Conclusions: It was not possible to properly compare stereotactic and neuronavigation techniques. To do so, the methodologies and the assessed parameters need to be standardized.

Worldwide, Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) infection is a highly prevalent disease with high morbidity and mortality. CDV causes a multisystemic disease in a wide range of hosts including 9 families of mammals among them some primates, cetaceans and numerous carnivores. It presents a high tropism for lymphoid, neurological and epithelial tissue, leading to an infection of almost all systems, so the clinical signs observed are very varied. The diagnosis is made based on the clinical presentation of the disease, which considers a variety of signs and must be confirmed by a laboratory diagnostic method. The molecular technique called Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) has been used to characterize viral strains based on the basis of genetic differences on the hemagglutinin (H) gene of CDV has allowed the identification of 14 circulating lineages in the world. Two lineages, namely the America-1 and the Europe-1/South America-1 have been described in Chile. The goal of this work was to implement a multiplex RT-PCR protocol, which was built on the in silico design of primers based on the H gene nucleotide sequences stored in the Genbank® database. This method was capable of detecting the previously described two circulating genetic lineages of CDV in a differential way providing a supporting diagnostic tool for epidemiological studies in the country. These results suggest that the primers described here are extremely selective for the above-mentioned lineages. In addition, our initial screening indicated that most analyzed clinical samples corresponded to the America-1 lineage, stressing the need for a continuous surveillance in order to properly address the prevalence of both lineages in Chile.

Excipients are fundamental components of galenic formulations, critically influencing the safety and efficacy of the final medicinal product. This is of paramount importance in neonatal and pediatric populations, where physiological immaturity results in significant differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics compared to adults. This work provides a comprehensive overview of excipients and vehicles used in galenic preparations for these vulnerable groups. It highlights specific excipients known to be dangerous, detailing their mechanisms of toxicity, and suggests safer alternatives. The discussion covers formulations for oral solutions, suspensions, and topical dermatological use, including ready-to-use vehicles. The role of the prescribing physician and the verifying pharmacist is emphasized, underscoring the necessity of checking for efficacy, safety, incompatibilities, and microbiological compatibility. The results of a practical five-year local experience with an observational analysis are provided.Furthermore, innovative technologies such as 3D printing for pediatric dosage forms are discussed. The conclusion asserts that a rigorous, risk-based assessment of excipients is essential in neonatal and pediatric galenic practice to ensure patient safety.

Potato virus Y Potyvirus (PVY) is one of the most important aphid transmitted viral pathogen of potato worldwide. PVY affects potato plant (Solanum tuberosum L.), which is an important economic crop. PVY infection with potato viruses usually causing severe economic damage affecting both tubers quality and trade. PVY can degrease the production of certified seed and also crops grown for processing or fresh market. Potato is considered as one of the most economically important solanaceous crops cultivated in different regions that (PVY) has been studied in many parts of the world. Wide host plant range is a characteristic of viruses belonging to the Potyviridae. 495 species in 72 genera of 31 families were reported to be infected by PVY. Under field conditions, potato plants are subjected to attack by many viruses. The most cited virus could affect potato in the world is PVY. It has been long recognized as a threat to potato cultivation. Several studies carried out and reported that PVY is the most important virus infecting potato in different localities. Our review article is showed that PVY are the most frequently detected viruses in potato.

The consumption of dietary herbs and supplements may be associated with several physiological consequences including, but not limited to disturbances of acid-base homeostasis, minerals and electrolytes wasting, gastrointestinal disturbances as well as hemodynamic changes. Plants food based nutritional studies are important for assessing the effect of plants on human health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in acid-base status and electrolyte homeostasis following the consumption of lemongrass tea. The acute and sub-chronic effects of infusions prepared from 2, 4, and 8g lemongrass leaf powder on serum and urinary pH, and electrolytes levels were assessed in 105 subjects using an interventional study design. The results post-treatment were compared with baseline values. Plasma pH decreased from baseline value of 7.37 ± 0.02 to 7.20 ± 0.03, and 7.30 ± 0.02 at days 10 and 30 respectively for participants treated with infusion prepared from 2g of lemongrass leaf powder. For those treated with infusion prepared from 4g of lemongrass leaf powder, plasma pH decreased from baseline value of 7.35 ± 0.02 to 7.22 ± 0.02 and 7.29 ± 0.02 at days 10 and 30 respectively. Treatment with infusion prepared from 8g of lemongrass leaf powder caused a decrease in plasma pH from baseline value of 7.38 ± 0.02 to 7.15 ± 0.02 and 7.18 ± 0.02 at days 10 and 30 respectively. Corresponding changes in urinary pH were also observed. Furthermore, at days 10 and 30, plasma protein concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.05) in subjects treated with infusion prepared from 8g lemongrass leaf extract. There were also significant increases (p < 0.05) in urinary volume, urination frequency, and urinary electrolytes levels within the same period. The consumption of lemongrass tea may be associated with changes in acid-base balance and electrolyte homeostasis due to its varied biological constituents and their activities

The determination of a protein structure by using X-ray diffraction encompasses a series of sequential steps (including gene identification and cloning, protein expression and purification, crystallization, phasing model building, refinement, and validation), which need the application of several methodologies derived from molecular biology, bioinformatics, and physical sciences. This article thoroughly examines the complicated procedure of elucidating protein structures within plant biology, using X-ray diffraction as the primary methodology. Commencing with the gene identification process and progressing toward crystallography, this article explores the many obstacles and achievements in acquiring diffraction pictures and their subsequent conversion into electron density maps. The ensuing phases of model construction, refinement, and structural validation are thoroughly examined, providing insight into the inherent complexity associated with each stage. The paper also discusses the critical component of understanding the resultant model and scrutinizing its biological significance. By comprehensively examining these stages, this article presents a nuanced comprehension of the intricate procedure in ascertaining protein structures within plant biology. It offers valuable insights into the obstacles encountered and the biological importance of the acquired structural data.

For many years, chemical pesticides have been performed to control different pests and diseases and this may be due to their broad spectrum of action, easy of application and the relatively low cost. But these chemicals have environmental risks, thus alternative control agents are needed. Chitosan is one of the novel suggested solutions to reduce the economic losses associated with chemical pesticides. Chitosan is naturally-occurring compound, as well as safe and biodegradable which obtained from certain natural sources. Chitosan have unique properties which help to control viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, plant nematodes and other pests locally and systemically.

Introduction: The document introduces the topic of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) using misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue. It discusses the advantages and challenges of this method, and the research gap in the Gulf region and the Middle East. It also states the aim of the study, which is to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of misoprostol for MTP in Bahrain. Methods: The document describes the study design, data source, and inclusion criteria. It explains that the data was collected from the Hope system in King Hamad University Hospital and included women in the first and second trimester of pregnancy who were undergoing MTP as per the FIGO protocol. It also mentions the statistical analysis that was used to compare the outcomes of different regimens, dosages, and routes of administration of misoprostol. Results: The document reports the main findings of the study, such as the success and failure rates of MTP, the association between previous deliveries and MTP outcomes, the optimal number and route of misoprostol doses, the length of hospital stay, and the incidence of complications. It also presents some figures to illustrate the results. Discussion: The document interprets the results and compares them with previous studies. It highlights the high efficacy of the sublingual route of misoprostol but also acknowledges the side effects and limitations of this route. It suggests that two doses of 600mcg or 800mcg of misoprostol are sufficient for MTP. It also identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the study and proposes some future directions for research. Conclusion: The document concludes that the study provides a better understanding of the outcomes of misoprostol for MTP in a controlled environment. It asserts that misoprostol is a safe and effective option for women seeking abortion in the first and second trimester, especially in low-resource settings. It also emphasizes the need for evidence-based guidelines and counseling for misoprostol use.

The demand on non- fumigant nematicides was strongly increased in the last few years, and this interesting in nematicides are due to farmers are needed for safer pesticides and increasing of the regulatory pressure on many of the traditional nematicides. The control of plant parasitic nematodes with synthetic nematicides is the most widespread and preferred method, but not always effective enough. The most of synthetic nematicides especially non-fumigants are high toxic to non-target organisms. Thus, Novel non-fumigant nematicides were appeared as alternatives. The group of trifluoromethyl contains both fluensulfone and fluopyram which are different in mode of action than traditional nematicides as organophosphate and carbamate. Meanwhile, results indicated that fluensulfone and fluopyram are promising nematicides. These new nematicides are very different from traditional nematicides; they are more selective, less toxic and safer to use.