Fungal Skin Diseases Research Articles

Algorithms for topical therapy of mycoses at the daily appointment of a dermatologist

This article discusses the immediacy of the problem of rising incidence of common mycoses that dermatovenerologists deal with at outpatient visits, the reasons for their occurrence, conversion from one course of the disease to another and the use of etiological effective treatments. The author described the mechanisms of development of different mycoses according to their etiology, comorbid disorders accompanying mycoses and the features of the clinical picture based on etiological factors and sites of infection. The article places special emphasis on the reasons for infection with fungal invasions in humans, conditions and numerous contact routes. Modern features of the course of fungal skin diseases include formation of biofilms in the sites of infection, multicentricity, extension of the pathological process, frequent formation of granulomas, follicles, occurrence of numerous mycoides, as well as the low virulence of dermatophytes. The publication also presents various clinical cases of somatically healthy patients suffering from various mycoses caused by variant factors, which have pathological processes located in different sites. According to the doctor’s prescription, patients used conventional treatment regimens that included external/ topical treatment and general therapy, strictly in accordance with clinical guidelines – the use of highly active broad-spectrum antifungal drugs with fungicidal, fungistatic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic action. These properties ensure a low probability resistance of microorganisms or relapses during treatment with topical dosage forms of antifungal drugs for cutaneous application. Upon completion of the course of treatment, patients reported a significant improvement in their skin condition resulting in minimization of disease symptoms, disappearance of skin rashes, skin itching, and elimination of exfoliation.

Global, regional, and national burden of fungal skin diseases in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021: An analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021.

Fungal skin diseases are common skin diseases with a heterogeneous distribution worldwide. This study aimed to analyse the spatiotemporal trends in the burden of fungal skin diseases at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2021. Based on the data obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, we described the incident cases, prevalent cases, number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and corresponding age-standardised rates (ASRs) for fungal skin diseases in 1990 and 2021 by sex, age, socio-demographic index (SDI), 21 GBD regions, and 204 countries and territories. We used Joinpoint regression analysis to assess the temporal trends in burden of fungal skin diseases during 1990 to 2021. Spearman's rank test was used to analyse the relationship between disease burden and potential factors. From 1990 to 2021, the incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs for fungal skin diseases worldwide increased by 67.93%, 67.73%, and 66.77%, respectively. Globally, the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardised prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardised DALYs rate (ASDR) for fungal skin diseases in 2021 were 21668.40 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 19601.19-23729.17), 7789.55 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 7059.28-8583.54), and 43.39 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 17.79-89.10), respectively. Between 1990 and 2021, the ASIR, ASPR, and ASDR for fungal skin diseases have modestly increased, with AAPC of 11.71% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.03%-12.39%), 19.24% (95% CI: 18.12%-20.36%), and 20.25% (95% CI: 19.33%-21.18%), respectively. Males experienced a higher burden of fungal skin diseases than females. The incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs for fungal skin diseases were highest at the age of 5-9, while the ASRs were highest among the elderly. At national level, the highest ASRs were observed in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Mali. Overall, SDI was negatively correlated with the ASRs, whereas Global Land-Ocean Temperature Index (GLOTI) was remarkably positively correlated with the burden of fungal skin diseases. Between 1990 and 2021, the global burden of fungal skin diseases has increased, causing a high disease burden worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped regions and among vulnerable population such as children and the elderly. With global warming and aging of the population, the burden of fungal skin diseases may continue to increase in the future. Targeted and specific measures should be taken to address these disparities and the ongoing burden of fungal skin diseases.

Clinical study of common bacterial, fungal and parasitic skin diseases in cats

Background: The skin is a big, metabolically active organ that has a significant need for other nutrients and protein in its body. The study pointed high significant infection with fungal, scabies, alopecia, bacterial and wounds in the white color cats more than the others because it is represented the better color choice for the families then the orange and grey colors while the black color is the less in number of domestic cats. The aim of present study was investigated of some skin disease in cats in Basrah, Iraq.Methods: The present study includes two hindered animals of both sexes with different ages, colors, weights and sizes were studied clinically in Basrah veterinary hospital and the private veterinary clinics in Basrah. The study extended from October 2022 to March 2023 during the winter season. Clinical signs were reported carefully, and the initial diagnosis of skin diseases was confirmed by apparent lesions on the skin, the skin samples of the cases were collected for laboratory diagnosis in veterinary medicine college ̸ Basrah University and Basrah veterinary hospital laboratories to confirmed diagnosis.Results: Clinical signs were reported carefully and the initial diagnosis of skin diseases. The two hindered sample cases were divided according to cases in Basrah veterinary hospital and Basrah private clinic: 60 Cases fungal infection, 40 cases scabies, 10 case alopecia, 50 cases of bacterial infection and 40 cases of wound. Conclusion: The present study shows the fungal diseases were common causes for skin diseases in Cats follow by Bacterial, Parasitic and Alopecia respectively.Keywords: Cat infection; Skin diseases in cat; Scabies; Fungal disease

Global burden of fungal skin diseases: An update from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019.

Fungal skin diseases are the most common and widespread fungal infections, exerting a significant impact on patients' socio-psychological health and the quality of life. To assess and compare the global burden of fungal skin diseases in 2019 and over the past 30 years. Data were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) were used to assess the burden of fungal skin diseases. A total of 204 countries and territories were hierarchically organised into 21 regions and seven super-regions. Data were presented as absolute numbers and rates per 100,000 population, stratified by sex, age, year and location. In 2019, the global incidence rate and YLD rate of fungal skin diseases were 21,277 (95% UI 19 298-23,399) and 42 (95% UI 17-88) per 100,000 population, respectively. Sub-Saharan Africa bore the heaviest disease burden, especially children aged 5-9 years had a significantly higher incidence rate, YLD rate and YLDs to incidence ratio compared to other regions. Moreover, more than half of the incident cases among the elderly came from high-income regions and Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. Over the past 30 years, the number of incident cases and YLDs of fungal skin diseases has been continuously increasing worldwide, but the incidence rates and YLD rates have not shown significant changes. The global burden of fungal skin diseases has been continuously rising. Children in Sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing higher disease incidence and severity compared to other regions.

Modeling, the Optimization of the Composition of Emulgels with Ciclopirox Olamine, and Quality Assessment.

The design and development of pharmaceutical products require specific knowledge, time, and investment. Response surface methodology (RSM) is a widely used technique in the design of experiments (DoE) to optimize various processes and products. The aim of this study was to model and produce experimental emulgels containing 1% ciclopirox olamine and to evaluate their physical, rheological, and mechanical properties and their ability to release ciclopirox olamine. The objective was to optimize the composition of the experimental emulgel containing 1% ciclopirox olamine by applying a central composite design based on selected criteria. The surfactant (polysorbate 80) had the greatest influence on the physical, rheological, and mechanical properties of the emulgels, as well as on the release of ciclopirox olamine from these systems. During the optimization process, an emulgel of optimal composition was generated containing 38.27% mineral oil, 6.56% polysorbate 80, and 55.17% hydrogel containing 1% ciclopirox olamine, meeting specified criteria (dependent variables) including the maximum flux of ciclopirox olamine, the minimum sol-gel transition temperature (Tsol/gel), and the minimum particle size of the oil phase. The oil phase particle size (D50) of this emulgel was determined to be 0.337 µm, the system Tsol/gel was 9.1 °C, and the flux of ciclopirox olamine from this gel matrix was calculated to be 1.44 mg/cm2. This emulgel of optimal composition could be used to treat fungal skin diseases.

«A brilliant teacher and popularizer»: Professor Pavel Nikolaevich Kashkin (1902-1991)

The essay based on archival materials reveals the major milestones in the biography, scientific, pedagogical, and public activities of the eminent scientist, professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Candidate of Biological Sciences, P.N. Kashkin, who headed the Department of Microbiology at the Leningrad Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute. He was not only the founder but also one of the initiators of the reorganization of the Chemical-Pharmaceutical Faculty of the 1st Leningrad Medical Institute in the period 1936-1937 and the establishment of the Leningrad Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute as an independent university. P.N. Kashkin was the author of numerous discoveries, a mentor who raised and inspired a whole generation of scientists. P.N. Kashkin became the initiator and organizer of the world's first Engineering Microbiology Faculty at the LCFI, where he served as the dean. His main task was the training of highly qualified specialists for the developing industry of antibiotics, including antifungal drugs. P.N. Kashkin is the founder of mycosis epidemiology in our country. The name of Professor P.N. Kashkin as a prominent specialist became known among mycologists thanks to his work on organizing the fight against fungal skin diseases. The name of the founder of domestic microbiology, P.N. Kashkin, was assigned to the St. Petersburg Research Institute of Medical Mycology, and in 2005 a monument to this remarkable scientist was erected on the institute's premises.

Development of antifungal gel, composition and technology based on pomiferin metabolite isolated from fruits of Maclura aurantiaca growing in Kazakhstan

The aim. The purpose of this study is to develop the optimal composition and rational gel technology under the conventional name "Kaz-P7" based on the antifungal pomiferin.
 Materials and methods. The object of the study is the substance pomiferin.
 Based on the physicochemical properties of the gel (poorly soluble in water) and technological properties structurant - Carbopol Ultrez 20 (swelling) chosen optimal solvent system: DMSO-PG-water (1:4:1) corresponding to the maximum solubility of drug and polymer provides swelling.
 Following the requirements of GF RK I, vol. 1, 2.2.8, 2.2.10 was determined by rotational viscometric method. Rheological properties of the sample are determined using rotational viscometer "Rheolab QC" (firm "Anton Paar", Austria) with coaxial cylinders CC27/S-SN29766 determined. The rheological parameters were studied at a temperature of 20 °C – 35 °C using the MLM U15c thermostat included in the rheostat.
 Results. Gel dosage forms provide better bioavailability of the drug substance. In addition, gels are a more modern dosage form, pleasant in terms of organoleptic characteristics.
 The technology of gel manufacturing consists of two parallel processes: preparation of the drug substance solution and its introduction into the base. From the point of view of biopharmacy, which studies the biological effect of drugs depending on their physical properties, dosage form and preparation technology, the greatest release of the drug substance occurs when it is introduced into the dosage form in dissolved form.
 Pomiferin administered in the dissolved state has the most therapeutic effect on the gel base. At the same time, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) were dissolved in different solvents with gradual heating. The ratio of solvents DMSO-PG-water (1:4:1) at which the developed dosage form will be more structured, stable, and thixotropic gel is established.
 Conclusions. Fungal skin diseases are among the most frequently discussed problems in the literature. The relevance of this topic is determined by the high prevalence of pathogens, which account for 37-42 % of all skin diseases. It was experimentally established that for the complete neutralization of one gm of carbopol Ultraz 20 in the DMSO-PG-water solvent system (1:4:1), one gm of triethanolamine (pH 7.0) is consumed. The optimal diluent consisting of DMSO-PG- water in the ratio (1:4:1) was selected by physico-chemical analysis methods, and one gm of triethanolamine (pH 7.0) was selected as the neutralizing agent. The following composition was chosen as the optimal gel model: API-3.0, DMSO-3.0, PG-50.0, Carbopol Ultrez 20-1.0, and Triethanolamine-1.0. The optimal composition and technology of the gel codenamed "Kaz-P7" based on the substance obtained by pomiferin was developed

Justification of the composition of the base of the emulsion ointment for the fungal diseases skin treatment

The relevance and socio-economic significance of the problem is determined by the prevalence of fungal diseases, which are affected by every fifth inhabitant of the planet (according to the World Health Organization). Among fungal diseases, dermatomycoses, which are complicated by infection and keratization of the skin, are of particular importance.
 In the treatment of dermatomycoses, a significant place belongs to external therapy (soft and liquid medicinal products). Dermatological medicinal products in Ukraine are mainly represented by drugs of foreign production – 58.2%.The range of multicomponent drugs affecting all links of the pathological process is 21%. Therefore, the development of a scientifically based composition and technology of a multicomponent soft medicine for the treatment of dermatomycoses is an urgent problem of our time.
 The goal of our research was to develop the optimal composition of the emulsion ointment base for the treatment of fungal skin diseases.
 The objects of the study were combinations in different ratios of surface-active substances, hydrophilic non-aqueous substances and emulsifiers. The osmotic properties of the experimental bases were studied using dialysis through a semipermeable membrane. The study of the rheological properties of the samples was carried out on a rotary viscometer Reotest-2 (USA) with a water circulation heater. Determination of colloidal stability (for emulsion systems) was carried out according to DSTU 4765:2007 «Cosmetic creams. General technical conditions». Determination of thermal stability was carried out according to DSTU 4765:2007 «Cosmetic creams. General technical conditions».
 Based on the conducted experimental studies, the composition of the base of the emulsion ointment was substantiated. Rheological studies have established the optimal concentration of surface-active substances in emulsions. The study of the osmotic activity of model emulsions made it possible to establish the optimal ratio of hydrophilic-non-aqueous solvents in the composition of model samples.
 On the basis of the conducted structural-mechanical and pharmacological studies, the composition of the emulsion base of the o/w type emulsion ointment was substantiated for treatment of fungal skin lesions: petroleum jelly (20.0 g), emulsifier No. 1 (5.0 g), PEO-400 (5.0 g), glycerin (5.0 g), Na-KMC (1.0 g), purified water up to 100.0 g.

Express quantitative spectrophotometric determination of 2-(((3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 5-thio-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)imino)methyl)phenol as an active substance of a medicinal product for the treatment of mycoses

Foot fungus (Candida, molds, dermatophytes) is a fairly common problem. According to the WHO, one-fifth of the world’s population is affected by fungal skin diseases. The prevalence of mycosis of the feet, which affects every second person, is especially increasing. Such a pathology can appear quite unexpectedly and at an inappropriate time. Today, Ukraine is under aggressive pressure from its northern neighbor, and military personnel are not only constantly at risk of receiving combat injuries and wounds, but also due to active hostilities, they may not have access to the necessary hygiene products, get cold, overheat in the sun, or not have time to change their clothes in time. and shoes. The reality is the absence or delay of treatment; the disease progresses and can spread quickly. If mycosis has appeared in one soldier, it can quickly affect others. Therefore, the problem of providing medical and pharmaceutical care is an urgent issue today. Expanding the assortment of drugs with the above action will ensure the needs of the Armed Forces and civilian patients with this dermatological pathology. It will be able to optimize antifungal therapy regimens. For quite a long time, 1,2,4-triazole derivatives have been a promising class of organic compounds that attract the attention of scientists from various fields. It has been proven that 2-(((3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-thio-4H-1,2,4-triazole-4-yl)imino)methyl)phenol has high antifungal activity. A potential medicinal product based on this medicinal substance can be used for the treatment of various dermatological diseases. To continue the creation of new effective dosage forms for the effective therapy of mycosis of the feet, the urgent task of today is the development of an express, accurate, reliable, and affordable method of quantitative determination of the substance under study. The aim of the work is to develop an express, sensitive and easy-to-implement UV-method for the quantitative determination of 2-(((3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-thio-4H-1,2,4-triazole-4-yl)imino)methyl)phenol. Materials and methods. The research object is a working standard sample of 2-(((3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-thio-4H-1,2,4-triazole-4-yl)imino)methyl)phenol provided by NUNVF, LLC “Brovapharma” according to the “Research and production technological regulations for the production of 2-(((3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-thio-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)imino)methyl)phenol” developed based on scientific developed by the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy in conjunction with the National Military Medical Clinical Center “Main Military Clinical Hospital” (term of validity of the regulations until 12/31/2034). Isopropanol of grade “chemically pure” was used as a solvent. Analytical equipment: spectrophotometer Specord 200, electronic scales Radwag XA 210.4Y, class A measuring vessels. Results. An express, eco-friendly spectrophotometric method was developed for the quantification of 2-(((3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-thio-4H-1,2,4-triazole-4-yl)imino)methyl)phenol in isopropanol area, having analytically maximum at 310 nm. The studied solutions are stable for 30 minutes. The analytical technique is linear in the range of concentrations 0.440–0.754 mg/100 ml (70–130 %). The detection and quantification limits were 5.80 % and 15.70 % respectively. The score was 0.76, according to the “greenness” icon of the analytical technique, using the tools AGREE. The prediction of the total uncertainty of the results of the developed method is 1.70 % (max∆As 2.00 %). The proposed method is relevant according to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine. Conclusions. Pharmaceutical development, introduction into industrial production and further prescribing by dermatovenerologists of an effective, safe, and harmless medicinal product will help to expand the range and reduce the level of high import dependence of the domestic market of medicinal products, which will create a more complete and balanced system of medicinal supply in Ukraine and optimize antifungal therapy schemes.

МИЦЕЛЛЯРНАЯ ВОДНАЯ СИСТЕМА НА ОСНОВЕ N-ДЕЦИЛПИРИДИНИЙ ХЛОРИДА ДЛЯ СПЕКТРОФОТОМЕТРИЧЕСКОГО ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ 5-НИТРО-4,6-ДИХЛОРБЕНЗОФУРОКСАНА

Biologically active compound 5-nitro-4,6-dichlorobenzofuroxane (5NDCBFO) has a pronounced acaricidal, fungicidal activity and is a part of veterinary preparations used in the treatment of fungal skin diseases of animals and demodecosis caused by scabies mites of Psoroptes cuniculi species. In this connection, the determination of 5NDCBFO content is relevant. To improve the analytical performance, the determination of the analyte was carried out in a micellar system of N-decylpyridinium chloride (DPC) + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + water. Optimum conditions for spectrophotometric analysis were obtained by applying response surface methodology and Box-Benken plans. The Box-Behnken design was used to obtain the systems with the highest light absorption of 5NDCBFO. The independent factors chosen for the experiment planning were the concentration of DPX (X1), pH of the medium (X2) and the volume fraction of DMSO in the binary solvent (DMSO) (X3), the intensity of the absorption band A382 served as the target function. The optimal matrix of the system DPC + DMSO + water we found has the composition X1 = 0.94; X2 = 1; X3 = 1, or in decoded values C (DPC) = 0.087 mol/L; pH = 7.6; DMSO = 0.2. The calibration graph under optimum conditions is as follows: Y = A382= 0.046 + 8760 C (5NDCBFO) mol/L, R2 = 0.999, l = 1 cm, t = 25 C. The influence of sample components on the results of analytical determinations was studied and it was found that the spectrophotometric determination of the analyte was not hindered by their presence within wide limits. The correctness of the analytical determinations was established by the results of applying the technique to the analysis of a model mixture including a known amount of the determined substances. The consistency of the analyte contents found in relation to the quantities introduced was shown. The use of response surface methodology for the determination of 5-nitro-4,6-dichlorobenzofuroxane in biologically active preparations allowed to develop a selective and accurate technique using micellar media and spectrophotometric method of analysis.

Chemical profiling of antifungal Dicerocaryum senecioides and Diospyros mespiliformis extracts using TLC-p-iodonitrotetrazolium violet assay and GC–MS/MS

BackgroundDespite the availability of conventional medication for fungal skin diseases, dermatophytic infections are now a major crisis in the whole world due to multidrug resistance. In an effort to search for complementary and alternative remedies, this study evaluated the chemical composition of Dicerocaryum senecioides and Diospyros mespiliformis leaf and fruit extracts, respectively, exhibiting significant in vitro antifungal activity. Ethyl acetate extracts of each plant were screened for antifungal activity against three fungi species: Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum using disc diffusion and poisoned food assays. Gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) was used to evaluate the chemical composition after isolation of active bands by thin-layer chromatography-p-iodonitrotetrazolium chloride assay.ResultsThe composite crude ethyl acetate extracts of D. mespiliformis and D. senecioides (1:1) exhibited concentration-dependent antifungal potencies. C. albicans was susceptible to the crude extracts up to a minimum concentration of 6.25%. E. floccosum and T. rubrum were more susceptible up to a minimum extract concentrations of 1%. GC–MS/MS analysis of the isolated active TLC bands revealed bioactive compounds including flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin), together with their O-glycosylated counter parts and the C-monoglycosylated flavonoids (vitexin, orientin, isovitexin and isoorientin), terpenoids, esters and other phenolic acids. Some of the compounds were common to both plants.ConclusionThe findings of this study show that D. senecioides and D. mespiliformis extracts consist of important bioactive compounds to warrant their use in complementary and alternative poly-herbal formulations against fungal infections.

Microemulsions, nanoemulsions and emulgels as carriers for antifungal antibiotics.

According to estimates, up to 25% of the world's population has fungal skin diseases, making them the most prevalent infectious disease. Several chemical classes of antifungal drugs are available to treat fungal infections. However, the major challenges of conventional formulations of antifungal drugs include poor pharmacokinetic profiles like solubility, low permeability, side effectsand decreased efficacy. Novel drug delivery is a promising approach for overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations and increasing the effectiveness of antibiotics. In this review, we have shed light on microemulsions, nanoemulsions, and emulgels as novel drug delivery approaches for the topical delivery of antifungal antibiotics. We believe these formulations have potential translational value and could be developed for treating fungal infections in humans.

Clinico-epidemiological pattern of pityriasis versicolor in Sudanese patients at Khartoum dermatology and venerology hospital, Khartoum State, Sudan, 2012-2013

Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal skin disease, chronic and superficial in the course, characterized by skin pigmentary changes that psychologically impact the patient's quality of life. This paper intended to determine the clinico-epidemiological pattern of the Pityriasis versicolor in patients who attended the outpatient clinic of Khartoum dermatology teaching hospital (KDTH) from June 2012 to February 2013. Method: This descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional hospital-based study used a quantitative method. A total convenient sample technique enrolled 110 patients during the study period. Results: The 30.9% of the participants were between 11 and 20 years old, 67.3% were males, and 37.1% were of low socioeconomic status, 47.2% had a family history of the disease, 68.1% had first-degree relatives, 56.4% and 60% had a history of a similar condition in the summer, respectively. 57.3% were originally from a pure Arab tribe, compared to 0.9% from purely African tribes. There were significant associations between being male with a positive family history, the onset of the disease, color of the lesions, and having disease (p=0.02, 0.05, 0.04, respectively). Also, between the age with a history of similar condition and the associated symptoms (p=0.00 and 0.03 respectively). Conclusions: Most participants were young males who had the disease in the summer with a high recurrence rate. There were multiple significant associations between gender and age with some clinical and epidemiological patterns. Determining any genetic association with pityriasis versicolor, improving counselling, and raising awareness to understand age the predisposing factors were recommended in this paper.

Formulation and optimization of lipid- and Poloxamer-tagged niosomes for dermal delivery of terbinafine: preparation, evaluation, and in vitro antifungal activity

Fungal skin diseases are recognized as a global burden disease that affect human quality adjusted life. Terbinafine belongs to allylamine and broad-spectrum antifungal drugs but considered practically insoluble. Different lipids/surfactant with two different molar ratios were investigated with Span 40-based niosomes; characterized for size, morphology, loading capacity (EE%), in vitro release, kinetics, and antifungal activities. Vesicle sizes (0.19–1.23 µm), EE% (25–99%), zeta potential (> −32 mV), and in vitro release rates were dependent on both lipid types and ratios. Higher ratios of Poloxamer 407 preferably formed mixed micelles rather than forming noisome bilayers. Both Compritol and Precirol were deemed to be potential alternatives to cholesterol as bilayer membrane stabilizers. Terbinafine-loaded Compritol and Precirol stabilized niosomes were successfully prepared and demonstrated superior antifungal activities in vitro (inhibition zones) using Candida albicans ATCC 60913.

Fungal Skin Disease Classification Using the Convolutional Neural Network.

Skin is the outer cover of our body, which protects vital organs from harm. This important body part is often affected by a series of infections caused by fungus, bacteria, viruses, allergies, and dust. Millions of people suffer from skin diseases. It is one of the common causes of infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Skin disease can also be the cause of stigma and discrimination. Early and accurate diagnosis of skin disease can be vital for effective treatment. Laser and photonics-based technologies are used for the diagnosis of skin disease. These technologies are expensive and not affordable, especially for resource-limited countries like Ethiopia. Hence, image-based methods can be effective in reducing cost and time. There are previous studies on image-based diagnosis for skin disease. However, there are few scientific studies on tinea pedis and tinea corporis. In this study, the convolution neural network (CNN) has been used to classify fungal skin disease. The classification was carried out on the four most common fungal skin diseases: tinea pedis, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, and tinea unguium. The dataset consisted of a total of 407 fungal skin lesions collected from Dr. Gerbi Medium Clinic, Jimma, Ethiopia. Normalization of image size, conversion of RGB to grayscale, and balancing the intensity of the image have been carried out. Images were normalized to three sizes: 120 × 120, 150 × 150, and 224 × 224. Then, augmentation was applied. The developed model classified the four common fungal skin diseases with 93.3% accuracy. Comparisons were made with similar CNN architectures: MobileNetV2 and ResNet 50, and the proposed model was superior to both. This study may be an important addition to the very limited work on the detection of fungal skin disease. It can be used to build an automated image-based screening system for dermatology at an initial stage.

Development and research of ointment with essential oil of thyme for the treatment of the scalp and hair parts of the head

Dermatological diseases are the most widespread in the whole world. According to WHO, 20–30% of the world's population suffers from fungal skin diseases and 25–35% from pustular diseases. Pustular diseases (pyoderma) are the result of pathogenic staphylococci and streptococci, and fungal diseases (dermatomycoses) are caused by various types of fungi. Today, these diseases are treated with various types of drugs, but the active ingredient in almost all of them is synthetic compounds (antibiotics, sulfonamides, imidazole derivatives, etc.). Medicines of natural origin are scarce. In order to increase the number of phytoremedies for external use (ointments), which have medicinal plant active components, a study was conducted using standardized essential oil of common thyme.
 The aim of the work was to study the effect of excipients on the ointment base by the method of mathematical planning of the experiment for the development of the optimal composition of the dermatological ointment with the essential oil of common thyme.
 Excipiennts for ointment bases of hydrophobic and emulsion composition were used to develop the optimal composition of the ointment. The concentration of thyme essential oil was 5% in all samples. The degree of thymol release in an in vitro study using the equilibrium dialysis method was chosen as the criterion for choosing the optimal composition. Excipiennts allowed in pharmacy, with known characteristics, safety profile, and application experience were used as auxiliary substances. Using Duncan's multiple criterion, a number of advantages were created: а7 > а8 > а9 > а10 > а6 >а2 > а5 > а3 > а1 > а4.
 On the basis of the conducted studies, the optimal composition of the ointment was chosen for the treatment of lesions of the scalp and hair. The studied organoleptic and technological properties and quality indicators (homogeneity, colloidal stability, thermal stability, microbiological purity) of ointment with thyme essential oil during long-term storage at a temperature of +2–+8 °C established the stability of the developed composition of the ointment during two years of observation. The creation of a new local remedy for the treatment of lesions of the scalp and its hair part will allow to expand the arsenal of safe and effective remedies.

The burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019.

The small number of existing integrative studies on the global distribution and burden of all types of skin and subcutaneous diseases hinders relevant comparisons. This study aimed to determine the latest distribution, epidemiological differences, and factors potentially influencing each skin and subcutaneous disease and the policy implications. Data on the skin and subcutaneous diseases were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and deaths due to skin and subcutaneous diseases in 204 countries and regions from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed and stratified by sex, age, geographical location, and sociodemographic index (SDI). The annual age-standardized rate of change in the incidence was obtained to evaluate temporal trends. Of 4,859,267,654 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 4,680,693,440-5,060,498,767) new skin and subcutaneous disease cases that were identified, most were fungal (34.0%) and bacterial (23.0%) skin diseases, which accounted for 98,522 (95% UI 75,116-123,949) deaths. The burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases measured in DALYs was 42,883,695.48 (95%UI, 28,626,691.71-63,438,210.22) in 2019, 5.26% of which were years of life lost, and 94.74% of which were years lived with disability. The highest number of new cases and deaths from skin and subcutaneous diseases was in South Asia. Globally, most new cases were in the 0-4-year age group, with skin and subcutaneous disease incidence slightly higher in men than in women. Fungal infections are major contributors to skin and subcutaneous diseases worldwide. Low-middle SDI states had the highest burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases, and this burden has increased globally. Targeted and effective management strategies based on the distribution characteristics of each country are, thus, required to reduce the burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases.

Recent advances in Raman spectroscopy for skin diagnosis

The skin is the largest organ in humans. It comprises about 16% of our body. Many diseases originate from the skin, including acne vulgaris, skin cancer, fungal skin disease, etc. As a common skin cancer in China, melanoma alone grows at year rate of nearly 4%. Therefore, it is crucial to develop an objective, reliable, accurate, non-invasive, and easy-to-use diagnostic method for skin diseases to support clinical decision-making. Raman spectroscopy is a highly specific imaging technique, which is sensitive, even to the single-cell level in skin diagnosis. Raman spectroscopy provides a pattern of signals with narrow bandwidths, making it a common and essential tool for researching individual characteristics of skin cells. Raman spectroscopy already has a number of clinical applications, including in thyroid, cervical and colorectal cancer. This review will introduce the advantages and recent developments in Raman spectroscopy, before focusing on the advances in skin diagnosis, including the advantages, methods, results, analysis, and notifications. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and future progress of Raman spectroscopy in the context of skin diagnosis.

Together or Alone: Evaluating the Pathogen Inhibition Potential of Bacterial Cocktails against an Amphibian Pathogen.

The amphibian fungal skin disease Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused major biodiversity losses globally. Several experimental trials have tested the use of Janthinobacterium lividum to reduce mortality due to Bd infections, usually in single-strain amendments. It is well-characterized in terms of its anti-Bd activity mechanisms. However, there are many other microbes that inhibit Bd in vitro, and not all experiments have demonstrated consistent results with J. lividum. We used a series of in vitro assays involving bacterial coculture with Bd lawns, bacterial growth tests in liquid broth, and Bd grown in bacterial cell-free supernatant (CFS) to determine: (i) which skin bacteria isolated from a locally endangered amphibian, namely, the Colorado boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas), are able to inhibit Bd growth; (ii) whether multistrain combinations are more effective than single-strains; and (iii) the mechanism behind microbe-microbe interactions. Our results indicate that there are some single strain and multistrain probiotics (especially including strains from Pseudomonas, Chryseobacterium, and Microbacterium) that are potentially more Bd-inhibitive than is J. lividum alone and that some combinations may lead to a loss of inhibition, potentially through antagonistic metabolite effects. Additionally, if J. lividum continues being developed as a wild boreal toad probiotic, we should investigate it in combination with Curvibacter CW54D, as they inhibited Bd additively and grew at a higher rate when combined than did either alone. This highlights the fact that combinations of probiotics function in variable and unpredictable ways as well as the importance of considering the potential for interactions among naturally resident host microbiota and probiotic additions. IMPORTANCE Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a pathogen that infects amphibians globally and is causing a biodiversity crisis. Our research group studies one of the species affected by Bd, namely, the Colorado boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas). Many researchers focus their studies on one probiotic bacterial isolate called Janthinobacterium lividum, which slows Bd growth in lab cultures and is currently being field tested in Colorado boreal toads. Although promising, J. lividum is not consistently effective across all amphibian individuals or species. For Colorado boreal toads, we addressed whether there are other bacterial strains that also inhibit Bd (potentially better than does J. lividum) and whether we can create two-strain probiotics that function better than do single-strain probiotics. In addition, we evaluate which types of interactions occur between two-strain combinations and what these results mean in the context of adding a probiotic to an existing amphibian skin microbiome.

Implementasi Sistem Pakar Mendiagnosa Penyakit Kulit Akibat Jamur Pada Manusia Berbasis Web Menggunakan Metode Forward Chaining Dan Naive Bayes

In general, fungal skin disease is not a deadly disease. Most people who have been infected often leave it alone and think that the disease will heal on its own. However, if left untreated or without prompt treatment, the impact can worsen the patient's condition, one of which is permanent baldness if the fungal skin disease infects the scalp. The importance of early detection and treatment of fungal skin diseases is essential. While the current process requires a person to go to a hospital or a skin and genital specialist doctor, so they have to spend time and money to do early detection and treatment, the availability of expert doctors or experts who know a particular field is quite limited. At the same time, many patients must be diagnosed with the disease immediately and treated immediately. In a clinic, medical officers often experience difficulties when receiving patients who complain of skin diseases caused by fungi.