Titanium Dioxide in Sunscreen

Titanium dioxide has been used in various industrial and cosmetic applications due to its unique elemental properties. This substance has a refractive index higher than most other compounds (n = 2.6142, in comparison to water at 20℃ n = 1.33). This allows titanium dioxide to have an iridescent and bright quality. It has been used in the cosmetics industry for “whitening” and “thickening” in multiple make-up brands. As titanium dioxide has the ability to greatly absorb UV light, it has been used as a physical sunscreen for many years. Over time, newer formulations, including “nanoparticle” formulations, have been marketed for ease of consumer use. We aim to discuss the evolution of titanium dioxide in sunscreens over time, discuss its mechanisms of actions, and comment on the efficacy and safety of these products

The metabolomics of psoriatic disease.

Metabolomics is an emerging new "omics" field involving the systematic analysis of the metabolites in a biologic system. These metabolites provide a molecular snapshot of cellular activity and are thus important for understanding the functional changes in metabolic pathways that drive disease. Recently, metabolomics has been used to study the local and systemic metabolic changes in psoriasis and its cardiometabolic comorbidities. Such studies have revealed novel insights into disease pathogenesis and suggest new biochemical signatures that may be used as a marker of psoriatic disease. This review will discuss common strategies in metabolomics analysis, current findings in the metabolomics of psoriasis, and emerging trends in psoriatic metabolomics

Antimicrobial and Hepatoprotective Potential of Pterospermum acerifollium leaves Extracts on Swiss albino mice

The objective of present study to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of hydro-alcohollic extract leaves of Pterospermum acerifollium against antitubercular drug induced liver damage in swiss albino mice and also performs antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion assay. Successive extractions was performed with different organic solvents viz; hydroalcohollic by cold maceration. The extract was analysed as antioxidant activity as a content of Total phenolic content, Total flavanoid content, Reducing power assay and DPPH Scavenging assay. Antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract was estimated by Agar well diffusion method. Antitubercular drug induced is used as toxicants in hepatoprotective studies in acute condition was analysed by serum biochemical estimations by AST, ALT, ALP and Total Bilirubin. In-vivo Antioxidant activity was performed by LPO, GSH, SOD and Catalase. During the collection of tissue for biochemical estimation piece of tissue cut and transferred for Histopathological estimation. The levels were measured and it indicated that the extract had significant antioxidant activity however the results obtained were dose dependent the higher the dose (400 mg/kg) the better activity. The extract administered at dose 400 mg/kg showed better activity. The treatment with hydroalcohollic extract of Pterospermum acerifillium reduced the elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, TB and also reversed the hepatic damage towards normal which further supports the hepatoprotective activity. Keywords: Succesive extraction, In-vivo, Serum biochemical, Cold maceratio

Effect of Phaseolus vulgaris on E. coli induced peritonitis and bacteraemia in mice

Infectious or non-infectious peritonitis leads to systemic inflammation due to violation of the peritoneum which is often fatal. Evidences suggest that common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a source of nutrients and contains phenolic compounds having antioxidant activity and its consumption has been linked with improved health benefits. The aim of the present investigation was evaluate the in vitro antibacterial, antioxidant activity and protective potential of the methanolic extract of P. vulgaris in E. coli induced model of peritonitis in albino wistar rats. Rats were pre-treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg/bwt dose for 3 days and fourth day with E. coli (1×108 CFU/ml) strain and consecutively 3 days treatment. Mortality was monitored for 14 days. After the death of rats or completion of the experiment rats were sacrifice and kidney were used for our protocol. Colonies were count and statically analysis was done. Results showed dose dependent antibacterial activity. Thus the methanolic extract of P. vulgaris exhibited significant protection against E. coli induced peritonitis in normal rats. It significantly reduced the viable cells of E. coli when inoculated in rats. Activity is attributed to flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The present study thus suggests that methanolic extract of P. vulgaris significantly reverses peritoneal infection by E. coli in rats. It can be suggest that this medicinal formulation will be used as herbal medicine with no side effects. The high content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of P. vulgaris indicate that they may impart health benefits when consumed and should be regarded as a valuable source of antioxidants. Thus, consumption of P. vulgaris seed along with coats might be recommended to gaining better nutritive benefits. Keywords:  P. vulgaris, Peritonitis, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, E. col

The metabolomics of psoriatic disease

Metabolomics is an emerging new "omics" field involving the systematic analysis of the metabolites in a biologic system. These metabolites provide a molecular snapshot of cellular activity and are thus important for understanding the functional changes in metabolic pathways that drive disease. Recently, metabolomics has been used to study the local and systemic metabolic changes in psoriasis and its cardiometabolic comorbidities. Such studies have revealed novel insights into disease pathogenesis and suggest new biochemical signatures that may be used as a marker of psoriatic disease. This review will discuss common strategies in metabolomics analysis, current findings in the metabolomics of psoriasis, and emerging trends in psoriatic metabolomics

The use of topical Nitrosomonas eutropha for cosmetic improvement of facial wrinkles

BackgroundBoth topical and oral probiotics are becoming widely used. There is increasing interest in the cosmetic potential in topical probiotics. Nitrosomonas eutropha is an ammoniaâ oxidizing bacteria.AimThe purpose of this study was to assess whether there is any improvement in facial wrinkles with the use of Nitrosomonas eutropha, a topical probiotic.MethodsIn this prospective study, highâ resolution photographs were obtained in twentyâ nine participants at baseline and after using topical Nitrosomonas eutropha for seven days.ResultsThere was a significant difference in wrinkle depth and severity in the high concentration probiotic group. There was also a statistically significant improvement in pigmentation of the forehead and glabella in the higher concentration group.ConclusionsNitrosomonas eutropha may have aesthetic benefits in terms of reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Larger studies with longer treatment and followâ up periods are required.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154401/1/jocd13060_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154401/2/jocd13060.pd

Psychosocial and Behavioral Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Indian Population: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundDuring the year 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spread from China to the rest of the world, which prompted the world to implement a widespread mandated quarantine or social isolation. The impending uncertainty of the pandemic must have resulted in a variety of widespread mental health maladies. There has been documentation in the literature about a lot of these in small populations of the world but limited studies have been conducted in India, leading to limited evidence in the literature. ObjectiveThe main objective of our study is to investigate the mental health effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the general population in India both quantitatively and qualitatively. These results will help contribute to reducing the knowledge gap that is recognized in the literature, which is the result of the unprecedented and novel nature of the pandemic. MethodsWe designed and validated our own questionnaire and used the method of circulating the questionnaire via WhatsApp (Facebook Inc). WhatsApp is a social media app that is very popularly used in India; hence, it turned out to be an effective medium for gathering pilot data. We analyzed the pilot data and used them to validate the questionnaire. This was done with the expertise of our mentor, Nilima Shah, MD (psychiatry). We gathered pilot data on 545 subjects and used the results to determine the changes that were needed for the questionnaire while simultaneously validating the questionnaire. ResultsThe study protocol was approved in September 2020 by the institutional review board at Vadilal Sarabhai General Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. ConclusionsThe following preliminary assumptions can be made about the study based on the pilot data: the majority of the survey respondents were male (289/545, 53%), most of them were educated and employed as health care workers (199/545, 36.5%). The majority of the responders were self-employed (185/545, 33.9%), single (297/545, 54.5%), and stayed with their families (427/541, 79%) for the lockdown, which helped them psychologically. Findings that are specific to mental health have been elaborated upon in the manuscript. It is evident from the data collected in previous literature that the pandemic has had significant detrimental effects on the mental health of a vast proportion of the Indian population. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/2989

Progestins and acne vulgaris: a review

The role of exogenous progestin in the development of acne is unclear. Progestins are known for their androgenic potential, but newer generations of progestins have low or anti-androgenic activity. This review will evaluate the association between progestins found in hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptives (intrauterine devices and subdermal implants) and acne, as well as the role of oral contraceptives in acne management. Our review demonstrates that the cause and effect relationship between progestins and acne is difficult to establish and future studies that seek to understand how progestins modulate acne are necessary

Sustained Intraocular Pressure Rise after the Treat and Extend Regimen at 3 Years: Aflibercept versus Ranibizumab

Purpose. To determine the risk factors associated with sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) rise in patients enrolled in the treat and extend (T&E) protocol receiving aflibercept/ranibizumab therapy for 3 years. Design. Retrospective, observational chart review. Setting. Multicentric. Patients. 789 patients (1021 eyes; 602 males) enrolled in T&E using aflibercept/ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or macular edema in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Intervention. The history, examination (clinical and special investigations), and treatment records were thoroughly scrutinized. Sustained IOP rise was defined as a rise in IOP above baseline by ≥6 mmHg and/or >24 mmHg on 2 or more consecutive visits. The Wilk–Shapiro test was used for confirming normality of data. The Mantel–Haenszel test and generalized estimating equations were used to analyse multicentric data as well as to analyse data from both eyes of the same patients in the event that both eyes were under therapy. The relative risk, chi-square test (with and without Yates’ correction), and univariate and multivariate analysis were used wherever appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. The primary outcome measure was the determination of risk factors for sustained IOP rise with ranibizumab/aflibercept therapy. Secondary outcome measures included determining the incidence of IOP rise (short term and sustained), visual field, and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) changes. Results. The mean follow-up was 42.4 months. Male gender, South Asian ethnicity, older age, presence of AMD and vein occlusion, use of ranibizumab, higher number of injections, narrow angles, switch to bevacizumab/ranibizumab, and preexisting glaucoma were associated with sustained IOP rise. No significant visual field and RNFL changes were seen. The overall incidence was 8.91%. No patient required filtering surgery. No patient with IOP rise returned to baseline. Conclusion. IOP rise is an important consideration as the chronicity of the condition can eventually lead to glaucomatous changes in eyes with already compromised vision. Follow-ups and use of appropriate therapy can be determined correspondingly