Keratinous Research Articles

Volumetric changes of porcine collagen matrix and free gingival grafts for soft-tissue grafting to increase the width of keratinized tissue around dental implants: a retrospective clinical study.

To compare three-dimensional changes of aporcine derived collagen matrix (CM) and free gingival grafts (FGG) for increasing keratinized tissue (KT) at dental implants over a 24-month follow-up period. This retrospective study enrolled 25 patients exhibiting 41 implants with deficient KT width (i.e., < 2mm) who underwent soft tissue augmentation using either CM (11 patients/15 implants) or FGG (14 patients/26 implants). The primary outcome was tissue thickness change (mm) at treated implant sites between 1- (S0), 12- (S1), and 24-months (S2). Secondary outcome was the changes of KT width over a 24-month follow-up period. Dimensional analyses from S0 to S1 and from S0 to S2 revealed a mean decrease in tissue thickness of -0.05 ± 0.35mm and - 0.31 ± 0.41mm in the CM group, and - 0.23 ± 0.38mm and - 0.22 ± 0.81mm in the FGG group, with no significant differences found between the groups (S0-S1: p = 0.14, S0-S2: p = 0.58). Within S1 and S2, the CM and FGG groups displayed comparable tissue thickness reduction (CM: -0.32 ± 0.53mm, FGG: -0.02 ± 0.21mm; p = 0.07). The FGG group exhibited a significantly greater KT gain 24-months compared to the CM group (CM: 1.50 ± 1.14mm, FGG: 4.04 ± 1.65mm; p < 0.001). CM and FGG were associated with comparable three-dimensional thickness changes over a period of 24 months. A significantly wider KT band could be established in the FGG group.

Preclinical Investigation on the Effect of Collagen Matrix With Polydeoxyribonucleotide at Buccally Positioned Implants.

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of collagen matrix with polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) at two concentrations on keratinized tissue (KT) regeneration for buccally positioned implants in canines. Four implants were placed in the edentulous mandible of five dogs simultaneously with KT removal. The implants were positioned buccally with respect to the ridge crest. After 2 months, KT augmentation was performed applying the following treatment modalities:(1) free gingival graft (FGG), (2) xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM), (3) XCM loaded with 2 mg/mL PDRN (PDRN2), and (4) XCM loaded with 4 mg/mL PDRN (PDRN4). All animals were sacrificed 3 months later. Outcomes included clinical (KT height) and histomorphometric measurements (KT height/length, level of the mucosa, mucosal thickness, supracrestal soft tissue height). Clinical and histomorphometric KT formation at 3 months was greatest in groups with FGG (4.70 ± 1.00/3.94 ± 0.93 mm) and PDRN2 (4.85 ± 1.43/3.95 ± 0.87 mm). Group PDRN2 (1.87 ± 1.50 mm) showed a higher marginal mucosal level with respect to the implant platform compared to other groups (range: 0.57 ± 0.97-0.69 ± 1.14 mm). All groups presented a soft tissue thickness of < 2 mm on the buccal aspect of the implants. Based on the limitations of this pilot preclinical study, XCM with 2 mg/mL of PDRN demonstrated a potential for KT augmentation.

Nanoparticulate Herbal Formulation for the Management of Fungal Infection

Abstract: Fungal infections have been more common during the past few years as a result of an increase in the population of immunocompromised people, including those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and organ transplant recipients. It has been reported that fungal infection is brought on by different pathogens. The main focus of this review is the use of nanosized plant components to stop fungal infections for the pharmaceutical industry and research projects. According to research about 40 million people have fungal infections. Echinocandins, griseofulvin, azoles, allylamines, and flucytosine are only a few antifungal medications used in clinical settings to treat fungal infections. Skin infections caused by fungi are among the most prevalent dermatological issues of today. Fungal infections at the skin's surface or under the skin's surface may harm the skin, keratinous tissues, and mucous membranes. Therefore, there is a high need for producing an antifungal agent that may act selectively on new targets while having minor side effects and can belong to a variety of structural classes. Natural goods offer limitless prospects for innovative medicine development due to their typically unrivaled chemical variety, whether in the form of pure phyto-compounds or standardized plant extracts. Plants have been an excellent source of medicine since the beginning of time. When compared to synthetically produced medications, phytochemicals from various plant species have been versicolor as a more potent source of therapy. Novel cell targets and antifungal chemicals, as well as new methods for the delivery of drugs based on nanotechnology, are all currently being studied.

A Strip Free Gingival Graft and a Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix to Increase Keratinized Tissue After Vertical Bone Augmentation.

After vertical bone augmentation (VBA) surgery, loss of both keratinized tissue (KT) and vestibule depth (VD) take place. This article evaluated KT gain, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic outcomes after a modified apically repositioned flap (ARF) in combination with a strip-free gingival graft (FGG) harvested from the palate and a xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) to correct mucogingival distortion (MGD) after VBA. This technique minimizes patient morbidity by reducing the need for extensive masticatory mucosa grafts. The study included 12 patients with ≤3 mm KT after vertical augmentation procedures. Keratinized tissue gain and tissue thickness were measured. Patient morbidity and aesthetic outcomes were also evaluated. Twenty-four months after surgery, significant VD gain was observed, obtaining a vertical KT augmentation of 5.38 ± 2.06 mm, although tissue thickness increase was only 0.42 ± 0.42mm. Regarding patient satisfaction, aesthetic results evaluating tissue color and texture were satisfactory; the pain was slight, obtaining a score of 2.10 ± 1.13 out of 10, measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The present retrospective case series study shows that using an apically repositioned flap combined with a strip FGG and an XCM might offer a valid means of achieving KT gain.

Gingival open-wound to increase keratinized tissue in implant rehabilitation—A technical note

Keratinized tissue augmentation around implants guarantees long-term success and maintenance of implant rehabilitations.Free gingival grafting is often described as the gold standard, especially when dealing with limited residual keratinized tissue height. Traditionally, an epithelio-conjunctive graft is harvested, either on the palate or the tuberosity, to reconstruct the missing keratinized soft tissues. This article introduces an innovative approach to increase keratinized tissue around implants, benefiting from second-intention gingival healing. This original surgical approach is interesting because it does not involve autogenous grafting or biomaterials. Its main goals are to enhance predictability while reducing the numerous per and post-operative risks related to autogenous harvesting. The success of this technique depends on the observance of fundamental principles: protection against bacterial contamination (immunocompetence of the patient), phenotypic induction (preoperative presence of keratinized tissue), space maintenance, and stabilization of flaps.

The StuA Transcription Factor and Alternative Splicing Mechanisms Drive the Levels of MAPK Hog1 Transcripts in the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum.

Trichophyton rubrum is a human fungal pathogen that causes dermatophytosis, an infection that affects keratinized tissues. Integrated molecular signals coordinate mechanisms that control pathogenicity. Transcriptional regulation is a core regulation of relevant fungal processes. Previous RNA sequencing data revealed that the absence of the transcription factor StuA resulted in the differential expression of the MAPK-related high glycerol osmolarity gene (hog1) in T. rubrum. Here we validated the role of StuA in regulating the transcript levels of hog1. We showed through RT-qPCR that transcriptional regulation controls hog1 levels in response to glucose, keratin, and co-culture with human keratinocytes. In addition, we also detected hog1 pre-mRNA transcripts that underwent alternative splicing, presenting intron retention in a StuA-dependent mechanism. Our findings suggest that StuA and alternative splicing simultaneously, but not dependently, coordinate hog1 transcript levels in T. rubrum. As a means of preventing and treating dermatophytosis, our results contribute to the search for new potential drug therapies based on the molecular aspects of signaling pathways in T. rubrum.

Free Gingival Graft: A Viable Surgical Option for Treating Mandibular Anterior Thin Gingival Phenotype and Gingival Recession

Thin gingival phenotype and thin labial plate bone morphotype predispose lower anterior teeth to gingival recession. Free gingival graft has become one of the periodontal plastic surgeries of choice in dealing with aesthetic demand, impaired hygiene care, and dentin hypersensitivity secondary to the gingival recession. The prognosis of free gingival graft as a single augmentation procedure for root coverage is usually good and predictable with proper post-surgery care and maintenance. In this case report, a 28-year-old female patient having gingival recession that was associated with interproximal attachment loss less than to the buccal site, limited keratinised tissues, and thin gingival phenotype in relation to teeth 31 and 41 that was treated using autogenous graft which harvested from hard palate mucosa with satisfactory postoperative results.

Molecular Pathway, Epidemiological Data and Treatment Strategies of Fungal Infection (Mycoses): A Comprehensive Review.

The recent increase in fungal infections is a health crisis. This surge is directly tied to the increase in immunocompromised people caused by changes in medical practice, such as the use of harsh chemotherapy and immunosuppressive medicines. Immunosuppressive disorders such as HIV have exacerbated the situation dramatically. Subcutaneous or superficial fungal infections can harm the skin, keratinous tissues, and mucous membranes. This category includes some of the most common skin disorders that impact millions of people worldwide. Despite the fact that they are seldom fatal, they can have a catastrophic impact on a person's quality of life and, in rare situations, spread to other people or become obtrusive. The majority of fungal infections under the skin and on the surface are simply and quickly cured. An opportunistic organism that preys on a weak host or a natural intruder can both result in systemic fungal infections. Furthermore, it might be exceedingly lethal and dangerous to one's life. Dimorphic fungi may pose a hazard to healthy populations that are not exposed to endemic fungi. Increased surveillance, the availability of quick, noninvasive diagnostic tests, monitoring the emergence of antifungal medication resistance, and research on the pathophysiology, prevention, and management of fungal infections are just a few potential solutions to these new health problems. The goal of this review is to summarize the data available for fungal infections and the different therapies which are involved in their treatment. Additionally, it also summarizes the molecular and scientific data of the plants which contain anti-fungal activity. Data are acquired using Google, PubMed, Scholar, and other online sources.

IJCM_155A: Socio-demographic profile of patients with Dermatophytoses in tertiary care hospitals in Coastal South India

Background: Dermatophytoses or Dermatophytic infections are diseases characterized by the infection of keratinized tissues. This study was done to study the epidemiological profile and factors associated with Dermatophytosis and the awareness towards the same among patients with such infections. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the tertiary hospitals affiliated with Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data, which was entered and analysed using SPSS version 25. The results were expressed as proportions. To compare the groups, the Chi-square test was used and p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the total 118 patients who were included in the study, 57% (n=67) were males. The mean age of the participants was 33.93 years (S.D-12.76). According to our study, among the 118 participants studied, 31% (n=37) of the infected cases belonged to the low-income group (Upper lower), and 63% (n=74) of infected cases belonged to the middle-income group. The study population attributed the occurrence of dermatophytosis to poor skin hygiene (24.5%) followed by occupational exposure (20.1%). A higher proportion, 73% of the patients have increased exposure to water, soil/organic matter, or both. Overall, 90.6% (n=107) were unaware of the complications of the disease and 83.9% (n=99) patients didn’t know of the safety practices followed to prevent it. Conclusion: The occurrence of dermatophytosis is the highest among middle and lower socioeconomic strata people. Poor hygiene, contact with patients and reduced immunity are important risk factors for the disease.

Soft Tissue Substitutes in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Augmentation: A Systematic Review.

Different extracellular matrix (ECM)-based technologies in periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue augmentation have been proposed in the market. The present review compared the efficacy of soft tissue substitutes (STSs) and autogenous free gingival grafts (FGGs) or connective tissue grafts (CTGs) in mucogingival procedures to increase keratinized tissue (KT) width around teeth and implants. Two independent examiners performed an electronic search on MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library based on the following PICOS format: (P) adult patients; (I) soft tissue substitutes and FGGs/CTGs; (C) STSs vs. CTGs; STSs vs. FGGs; STSs vs control; (O) KT width gain; (S) systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials. Studies published before November 2023 were included. Around teeth, all biomaterials showed superior performance compared to a coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone for treating gingival recessions. However, when compared to CTGs, acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) yield the most similar outcomes to the gold standard (CTGs), even though in multiple recessions, CTGs continue to be considered the most favorable approach. The use of STSs (acellular matrix or tissue-engineered) in combination with apically positioned flaps (APF) resulted in significantly less gain in KT width compared to that achieved with FGGs and APFs. Around dental implants, free gingival grafts were deemed more effective than soft tissue substitutes in enhancing keratinized mucosa width. Based on the available evidence, questions remain about the alternative use of soft tissue substitutes for conventional grafting procedures using free gingival grafts or connective tissue grafts around teeth and implants.

Efficacy of Fibro-Gide® in coronally advanced flap for the treatment of multiple gingival recession: A prospective clinical study

Abstract Aim: The study aims to compare connective tissue graft (CTG) with Fibro-Gide® as an adjunct to the coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique for treating class I and class II gingival recession based on Miller’s classification. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 participants with bilateral Miller’s class I or class II multiple gingival recession contributing to 60 multiple gingival recession sites were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. Recession sites were categorized into two groups. Group 1 (CAF+ CTG; n = 30 sites) and group 2 (CAF+ Fibro-Gide®; n = 30 sites). Clinical parameters, such as gingival recession depth (GRD), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession width (GRW), and keratinized tissue (KT) were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed for intergroup comparison using an independent t test and for intra-group comparison using paired t test. Results: At baseline, the mean GRD for groups 1 and 2 were 3.5 ± 0.8 and 3.4 ± 0.8, whereas GRW for group 1 and group 2 were 3.1 ± 0.1 and 3.1 ± 0.2 respectively. At 12-month follow-up, the reduction in GRD and GRW was statistically significant. The gain of KT accounted to 3.9 ± 5.5 and 3.0 ± 0.8 in group 1 and group 2, respectively, but CAL showed a significant decrease from 5.4 ± 1.02 and 5.4 ± 1.03 to 2.3 ± 0.7 and 2.4 ± 0.7 in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Conclusion: Fibro-Gide® along with CAF improved gingival recession in terms of depth and width as comparable with those of CTG. In terms of KT, CTG has better long-term stability than Fibro-Gide® when combined with the CAF technique in treating multiple gingival recessions.

Augmentation of keratinized tissue using autogenous soft-tissue grafts and collagen-based soft-tissue substitutes at teeth and dental implants: Histological findings in a pilot pre-clinical study.

To histomorphometrically assess three treatment modalities for gaining keratinized tissue (KT) at teeth and at dental implants. In five dogs, the distal roots of the mandibular second, third and fourth premolars were extracted. Dental implants were placed at the distal root areas 2 months later. After another 2 months, KT augmentation was performed at both distal (implants) and at mesial root (teeth) areas in the presence (wKT groups) or absence (w/oKT groups) of a KT band at the mucosal/gingival level. Three treatment modalities were applied randomly: apically positioned flap only (APF), free gingival grafts (FGGs) and xenogeneic collagen matrices (XCMs). A combination of the above produced six groups. Two months later, tissue sections were harvested and analysed histomorphometrically. The median KT height and length were greatest at implants with FGG in both wKT (3.7 and 5.1 mm, respectively) and w/oKT groups (3.7 and 4.6 mm), and at teeth with FGG in wKT groups (3.7 and 6.1 mm) and with APF in the w/oKT groups (3.9 and 4.4 mm). The XCM and APF produced more favourable results at teeth than at implants. FGG was advantageous in gaining KT, especially at implants.

Plasma and Shed-Skin Corticosterone Levels in a Population of Louisiana Pine Snakes (Pituophis ruthveni)

Abstract Measurement of corticosterone in various tissues has been used to investigate the stress response in reptile and amphibian species for decades. The tissue source from which corticosterone is measured reflects different periods of time and chronicity of stress levels in the subject, and different tissue collection methods differ in degree of invasiveness. Studies of corticosterone in keratinized tissues of reptiles, such as shed skin, are limited in number compared to hair and feather glucocorticoid studies in avian and mammalian species, but warrant continued research as they may reflect more different periods of time and chronicity of corticosterone levels than plasma or other tissues, and can be obtained in a minimally invasive manner. In this study, we measured corticosterone concentrations in both plasma and shed skin of Louisiana pine snakes (Pituophis ruthveni) that were all previously diagnosed with subclinical Cryptosporidium serpentis infection. We also tracked stressors experienced by different individuals to identify potential relationships between periods of increased stress and corticosterone levels in plasma and shed skin. There were no significant correlations between individual plasma and shed skin corticosterone levels, or between corticosterone levels in either tissue type and stressors experienced. This is the first study where corticosterone levels were measured in plasma and shed skin of P. ruthveni, and is the first known evaluation of plasma and shed skin corticosterone levels in a snake population previously testing positive for Cryptosporidium serpentis.

Management of the fungal infections and challenges associated with it

Fungal infections are becoming more common at an alarming rate, which poses a significant challenge to medical experts. This growth is directly linked to the rise in the number of people with impaired immune systems as a result of modifications to medical practice, including the use of immunosuppressive medications and intense chemotherapy. HIV and other illnesses that impair immunity have also had a role in this issue. Mucous membranes, keratinous tissues, and the skin are all impacted by superficial and subcutaneous fungal infections. This class includes some of the most common skin conditions that impact millions of people globally. They can have crippling consequences on a person's quality of life and, in certain cases, spread to other people or become invasive, even though they are rarely life-threatening. Fungal pathogens employ several tactics to compromise the immune system of the host and escalate infections. The range of antifungal drugs available is used to treat a number of superficial and systemic diseases. The well-established evidence of fungal resistance to most antifungal medicines complicates antifungal therapy and makes disease control challenging. Fungal resistance is caused by a range of genetic alterations, physiological alterations, and selection in the presence of antifungal drugs. The lack of a wide range of antifungal drugs, resistance building, and biofilm-conferred resistance are the main reasons for the need for novel therapeutics and other approaches to enhance treatment outcomes against mycoses.

The dentition of the Late Jurassic dwarf sauropod Europasaurus holgeri from northern Germany: ontogeny, function, and implications for a rhamphotheca-like structure in Sauropoda.

The basal macronarian sauropod Europasaurus holgeri is known only from the Late Jurassic of the Langenberg Quarry near Goslar, Lower Saxony, Germany. Europasaurus has been identified as an insular dwarf and shows a clear resemblance to Camarasaurus and Giraffatitan. This study provides a detailed description of the dentition of Europasaurus based on an array of fossils outstanding in their abundance, variety of preservation, and ontogenetic range. Dental morphology for the replacement and functional dentitions, the tooth replacement pattern, and implications for food intake are described for the Europasaurus dentition, which is characterized by broad-crowned teeth. Characteristic features for Europasaurus are the presence of denticles on replacement teeth, the wrinkled enamel, and large wear facets both on the apex and on the carinae of the tooth crowns. The partially articulated skull SNHM-2207-R and isolated tooth rows DfmMh/FV 580.1 and DfmMh/FV 896.7 suggest the presence of strong connective tissue partially covering the teeth. This connective tissue would have provided stability and protection for the teeth. Evidence for this connective tissue include exposed tooth necks, in-situ teeth with strongly resorbed roots which no longer would have been connected to the jaw bone, and wrinkled enamel and its surface pattern. The same features can be observed in other sauropod taxa as well. We therefore suggest that eusauropods in general possessed this connective tissue structure, which may be an autapomorphy of the group. Possibly, this hypothetical structure is homologous to the rhamphotheca in birds and some non-avian theropods, which, however rarely, show such a close integration of keratinous tissue and teeth that we hypothesize here.

Bacterial cellulose matrix and acellular dermal matrix seeded with fibroblasts grown in platelet-rich plasma supplemented medium, compared to free gingival grafts: a randomized animal study.

Mucogingival defects (MGDs), such as dental root recessions, decreased vestibular depth, and absence of keratinized tissues, are commonly seen in dental clinics. MGDs may result in functional, aesthetic, and hygienic concerns. In these situations, autogenous soft tissue grafts are considered the gold-standard treatment. This study compares the healing process of free gingival grafts (FGGs) to bacterial cellulose matrix (BCM) and human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) seeded with fibroblasts from culture supplemented with platelet-rich plasma in a rat model. Surgical defects were made in rats, which received the following treatments in a randomized manner: group I, negative control (defect creation only); group II, positive control (FGG); group III, BCM; group IV, BCM + fibroblasts; group V, ADM; and group VI, ADM + fibroblasts. Clinical, histological, and immunological analyses were performed 15 days after grafting. Clinical examinations recorded epithelium regularity and the presence of ulcers, erythema, and/or edema. The histological analysis revealed the degree of reepithelization, width, regularity, and presence of keratin. The Fisher exact statistical test was applied to the results (P<0.05). No groups showed ulcers except for group I. All groups had regular epithelium without erythema and without edema. Histologically, all groups exhibited regular epithelium with keratinization, and myofibroblasts were present in the connective tissue. The groups that received engineered grafts showed similar clinical and histological results to the FGG group. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that BCM and ADM can be used as cell scaffolds, with ADM yielding the best results. This study supports the use of this technical protocol in humans.

Nailing it: Investigation of elephant toenails for retrospective analysis of adrenal and reproductive hormones.

Hormone monitoring of at-risk species can be valuable for evaluation of individual physiological status. Traditional non-invasive endocrine monitoring from urine and faeces typically captures only a short window in time, poorly reflecting long-term hormone fluctuations. We examined toenail trimmings collected from African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants during routine foot care, to determine if long-term hormone patterns are preserved in these slow-growing keratinized tissues. We first measured the growth rate of elephant toenails biweekly for one year, to establish the temporal delay between deposition of hormones into nail tissue (at the proximal nail bed) and collection of toenail trimmings months later (at the distal tip of the nail). In African elephants, toenails grew ~0.18 ± 0.015mm/day (mean ± SEM) and in Asian elephants, toenails grew ~0.24 ± 0.034mm/day. This slow growth rate, combined with the large toenail size of elephants, may mean that toenails could contain a 'hormone timeline' of over a year between the nail bed and nail tip. Progesterone, testosterone and cortisol were readily detectable using commercial enzyme immunoassays, and all assays passed validations, indicating that these hormones can be accurately quantified in elephant toenail extract. In most cases, variations in hormone concentrations reflected expected physiological patterns for adult females and males (e.g. ovarian cycling and musth) and matched individual health records from participating zoos. Progesterone patterns aligned with our calculations of temporal delay, aligning with female ovarian cycling from over sixmonths prior. Unexpectedly, male testosterone patterns aligned with current musth status at the time of sample collection (i.e. rather than prior musth status). Though this sample type will require further study, these results indicate that preserved hormone patterns in elephant toenails could give conservationists a new tool to aid management of elephant populations.

Luliconazole promising drug for Dermatophytes: A Review

Background: Dermatophytic infections, primarily affecting keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails, pose significant therapeutic challenges. Luliconazole, a novel imidazole antifungal agent, has garnered attention for its efficacy against these infections. This review article aims to synthesize current knowledge on luliconazole, focusing on its chemical properties, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and application in treating dermatophytoses. Methods: A comprehensive review of recent studies and clinical trials involving luliconazole was conducted. Key focus areas included its antifungal spectrum, particularly against dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypseum, and Epidermophyton floccosum, and its pharmacokinetic properties that contribute to its effectiveness in treating dermatophytic infections. Results: Luliconazole exhibits potent activity against filamentous fungi, including dermatophytes. It interferes with ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes, leading to increased membrane permeability and cell death. Formulated as a 1% topical cream and a 10% solution, luliconazole has shown significant efficacy in treating conditions such as tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and onychomycosis. Clinical studies demonstrate luliconazole's superiority over other antifungals like clotrimazole, with higher cure rates and rapid symptom resolution. Furthermore, its unique molecular structure enhances penetration into the nail plate, making it effective against onychomycosis. Conclusion: Luliconazole represents a significant advancement in antifungal therapy, offering a potent and targeted option for dermatophytosis treatment. Its broad-spectrum activity, combined with favorable pharmacokinetic properties, underscores its potential as a first-line treatment for various dermatophyte-related infections. Future research should focus on long-term efficacy, resistance patterns, and potential systemic applications of luliconazole.

The Assessment of Quality of Life Among Pediatric Patients Having Dermatophytosis

Introduction: Dermatophytosis constitutes a group of superficial fungus infections of keratinized tissues. Presently, there is not much data on what impact dermatophytosis has on the quality of life among pediatric patients. With the growing prevalence of dermatophytosis, it has become the time to assess the impact of this infection on the quality of life of the children affected. There is a dearth of quality of life (QoL) studies assessing children in dermatophytosis. The aim and objective of this study is to assess the quality of life among pediatric patients suffering from dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients with clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis presenting in the Department of Dermatology at Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, from April 2021 to May 2022 were evaluated for inclusion in this study. The questionnaire applied is a validated Hindi version of the children dermatology life quality index (CDLQI). SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 100 patients, 75 were male and 25 were female. The mean ± SD CDLQI score in our study was13.88 ± 5.3. The majority 66.0% of the cases had very large to extremely large effect on the quality of life due to disease, followed by a moderate effect (33.0%). Most patients belonged to class 2 socio-economic classes (31%) with a mean duration of illness 4.75 ± 1.93 months. Conclusion: Dermatophytosis was found to have a very large effect on the QoL of affected children. The CDLQI score was largely influenced by the patient’s age, the disease duration, the number of lesions, size of the family and the total body surface area involved. It was affected more in females. This study also underscores the feasibility of CDLQI score-based QoL assessment in dermatophytosis.

A validated LC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of key glucocorticoids in animal hair for applications in conservation biology

A new method for the determination of main glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone, and corticosterone) in hair by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed. Glucocorticoids were extracted from hair shafts using methanol followed by solid-phase extraction. A validation test was performed using hair from three species of wild mammals with different body size (0.2–800 kg), lifestyle (terrestrial, burrowing and arboreal species), social organization (living in herds or solitary), and different predicted type of hair glucocorticoids: European bison (Bison bonasus), European hamster (Cricetus cricetus), and Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). Regardless of the species evaluated, the method shows good linearity for all analytes accompanied by satisfactory accuracy (91–114%) and precision (RSD < 13%). Depending on the analyte and hair origin, the calculated limits of quantification were between 0.05 and 1.19 ng/mL, which corresponds to 1.28–31.51 pg/mg. Using cortisol and cortisone as examples, we have demonstrated that measuring multiple glucocorticoids simultaneously provides more comprehensive information than solely concentrating on one, thereby contributing to a more balanced and reliable interpretation of the acquired results. However, the utility of cortisol metabolites as markers of stress response in keratinized tissues should be substantiated by additional experimental studies on targeted animals. We posit that this paper could serve as a crucial catalyst to prompt such experiments.