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Aims: This work examines the available scientific evidence about the efficiency of essential oils (EO) as an alternative therapy to traditional treatment of fungal infections, including onychomycosis, assessing the effect of the three EO most frequently studied for their antifungal activity (thyme, cinnamon and tea tree EO) against three causative agents of fungal diseases in humans: Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex and Candida albicans. Methods and Results: The PRISMA statement protocol was followed to conduct a bibliographical search and 54 articles that met all the inclusion criteria were retrieved. Differences were observed in the MIC and MFC values depending on the micro‐organism strain and the EO used. The lowest MIC were observed with Cinnamomum zeylanicum EO (0.013–1120 μl ml−1) against the three micro‐organisms. For MFC, the lowest value was found for Thymus vulgaris EO (4.2 μl ml−1) against Trichophyton rubrum. Conclusions: The antifungal effects of EO could be a very promising solution to overcome the therapeutic shortcomings of antimycotic medication. More experiments are needed to examine the properties of these oils to devise effective and nonaggressive therapies for treatment of dermatophytosis. Significance and Impact of Study: The results indicate that EO remain good candidates for future treatments and could provide a solution for failed medications and/or adverse reactions to current pharmacological treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytes are the aetiological factors of a majority of superficial fungal infections. What distinguishes them from other pathogenic filamentous fungi is their unique ability to degrade keratin. The remarkable ability of this group of fungi to survive in different ecosystems results from their morphological and ecological diversity as well as high adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Paradoxically, despite the progress in medicine, the prevalence of dermatophyte infections is increasing from year to year. At the beginning of the third millennium, practical diagnostic and therapeutic options are still very limited. This review focuses on understanding the major problems in this aspect of dermatophyte infections and indicates future strategies and perspectives for novel approaches to identification and drugs for elimination of dermatophytes. Particular importance is placed on development of a strategy for a diagnostic pathway and implementation of rapid and reliable diagnostics methods designed by international teams. Furthermore, among compounds that currently arouse great interest, representatives of terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and essential oils deserve attention. Many of these compounds are undergoing clinical trials as potential antifungal agents, and future research should focus on attempts at determination of the applicability of tested substances. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages in implementation of new diagnostic paths and medicinal substances for routine use are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviews the book "Thallium Acetate in the Treatment of Ringworm at the Ecole Lallier."

The red thread that runs through this book is the overlap between the concepts of poison-plague and, consequently, of antidote-panacea, whereby the common denominator of both is the universality of their effects. 735, cc. 32r-v, 29 August 1580, a remedy for ringworm already tested in the Hospital SS. Giovanni e Paolo; I Ivi i , cc. 87v-88v, 10 May 1582, remedy to treat syphilis lesions tested at the Incurabili Hospital in Rome. [Extracted from the article]

Reviews several books. "Ringworm and Allied Parasitic Skin Diseases in Australia," by Henry Priestley; "Ringworm Epidemic Presenting a New Type of Fungus," by C. Norman Paul; "Dermato-Mycosis in Mice and Men," by Herman Lawrence.

(Mystery. 13-17) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the multifaceted and increasing application of photodynamic therapy (PDT), in recent years the antimicrobial employment of this therapy has been highlighted, because of the antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal activities that have already been demonstrated. In this context, research focussed on antimycological action, especially for treatment of superficial infections, presents promising growth due to the characteristics of these infections that facilitate PDT application as new therapeutic options are needed in the field of medical mycology. Among the more than one hundred classes of photosensitizers the antifungal action of hypericin (Hyp) stands out due to its ability to permeate the lipid membrane and accumulate in different cytoplasmic organelles of eukaryotic cells. In this review, we aim to provide a complete overview of the origin, physicochemical characteristics, and optimal alternative drug deliveries that promote the photodynamic action of Hyp (Hyp-PDT) against fungi. Furthermore, considering the lack of a methodological consensus, we intend to compile the best strategies to guide researchers in the antifungal application of Hyp-PDT. Overall, this review provides a future perspective of new studies and clinical possibilities for the advances of such a technique in the treatment of mycoses in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicylanilides are pharmacologically active compounds with a wide spectrum of biological effects. Halogenated salicylanilides, which have been used for decades in human and veterinary medicine as anthelmintics, have recently emerged as candidates for drug repurposing in oncology. The most prominent example of salicylanilide anthelmintic, that is intensively studied for its potential anticancer properties, is niclosamide. Nevertheless, recent studies have discovered extensive anticancer potential in a number of other salicylanilides. This potential of their anticancer action is mediated most likely by diverse mechanisms of action such as uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor, modulation of different signaling pathways as Wnt/β-catenin, mTORC1, STAT3, NF-κB and Notch signaling pathways or induction of B-Raf V600E inhibition. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge about the proposed mechanisms of action of anticancer activity of salicylanilides based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, or structural requirements for such an activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange peel waste (OPW), a discarded part of orange fruit, is a rich source of essential constituents that can be transformed into highly value-added bioproducts. OPW is being generated in million tonnes globally and returns to the environment without complete benefit. Thus, a high volume of annually produced OPW in the industry requires effective valorization. In this regard, limited data is available that summarizes the broader spectrum for the sustainable fate of OPW to produce value-added bioproducts. The main objective of this treatise is to explore the sustainable production of bioproducts from OPW. Therefore, this review covers all the aspects of OPW, from its production to complete valorization. The review encompasses the extraction technologies employed for extracting different valuable bioactive compounds, such as: essential oil (EO), pectin, and carotenoids, from OPW. Furthermore, the suitability of bioconversion technologies (digestion/fermentation) in transforming OPW to other useful bioproducts, such as: biochemicals (lactic acid and succinic acid), biopolysaccharides (xanthan and curdlan gum), and bioenergy (biomethane and bioethanol) is discussed. Also, it includes the concept of OPW-based biorefineries and their development that shall play a definite role in future to cover demands for: food, chemicals, materials, fuels, power, and heat. Lastly, this review focuses on OPW-supplemented functional food products such as: beverages, yogurts, and extruded products. In conclusion, insights provided in this review maximize the potential of OPW for commercial purposes, leading to a safe, and waste-free environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taro is an annual herbaceous plant grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Its various parts including corms and leaves are rich in vitamins (C, thiamine, and riboflavin), minerals (calcium and phosphorus), starch, and various bioactive compounds. The phytochemicals and pharmacological potential of taro are effective in mitigating various health maladies including neurological disorders, internal hemorrhage, and cancer. Furthermore, taro possessed various functional properties having various commercial aspects. Taro starch has multifarious potential in the food industry. Taro is a novel ingredient being used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and prebiotic for the development of various products. It is a rich source of mucilage used in the preparation of various products. The results of various studies endorsed that taro has promising prebiotic potential and is linked to the modulation of healthy gut microbiota. The nutritional, therapeutic, biological, pharmacological, and functional properties are in the limelight of the current review. Novelty impact statement: Taro and its parts, such as the stem, corm, and leaves, are high in fiber and vital nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits, including improved blood sugar management, gut health, and cardiovascular health. Taro starch has a wide range of applications in the food industry. It is a unique ingredient that has been used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and prebiotic in the development of a variety of food products. Various research has found that taro has key bioactive components and can be utilized to develop a variety of functional foods and nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high incidence of skin diseases of microbial origin along with the widespread increase of microbial resistance demand for therapeutic alternatives. Research on natural compounds has been opening new perspectives for the development of new therapies with health‐positive impacts. Propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees from plant exudates, is widely used as a natural medicine since ancient times, mainly due to its antimicrobial properties. More recently, antioxidant, anti‐tumour, anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory activities were also reported for this natural product, highlighting its high potential pharmacological interest. In the present work, an extensive review of the main fungi causing skin diseases as well as the effects of natural compounds, particularly propolis, against such disease‐causing micro‐organisms was organized and compiled in concise handy tables. This information allows to conclude that propolis is a highly effective antimicrobial agent suggesting that it could be used as an alternative skin treatment against pathogenic micro‐organisms and also as a cosmeceutical component or as a source of bioactive ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleome gynandra (Syn. Gynandropsis gynandra) is fast emerging as one of the most widely consumed leafy vegetables due to its nutrition and health-promoting properties. In addition to its high nutritional content, the plant has a rich pool of diverse antioxidant phytochemicals. The current review provides a critical appraisal on the increasing nutritional significance of Cleome gynandra due to its rich pool of natural bioactive compounds and beneficial health-promoting qualities. The rich nutritional content especially the high levels of macro- and micronutrients is an indication of its potential to mitigate malnutrition and the increasing incidence of diet-related obesity and non-communicable diseases. The presence of health-promoting natural compounds, notably polyphenols, glucosinates and terpernoids has been confirmed in Cleome gynandra using different analytical methods. Cleome gynandra possesses high levels of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. These nutritional compounds could be useful in food applications as supplements, colorants and extending shelf-life of food products. Cleome gynandra extracts have demonstrated promising effects in several biological assays using in vitro and in vivo systems. Clearly, diversified diets that include a regular intake of dark green leafy vegetables including Cleome gynandra, holds great promise in ensuring food and nutrition security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphotericin B (AmB) is an important antifungal agent available in the clinical practice with the action mechanism related to the inhibition of ergosterol molecule present in the fungal cell wall. Given this, in order to expand AmB knowledge, this review article gathers important information of the AmB physical, chemical, and biological properties. In addition, the main analytical methods for quantifying and determining the AmB were also reported in this review, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS/MS), immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA), capillary zone electrophoresis (CE) stands out and among others. Based in this review article, the scientific community will have important information to choose the best method for analysis in their scientific or clinical research, providing greater security and reliability in the obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of common diseases. Some superb dietary choices such as functional foods and nutriments can surely help fight against certain diseases and provide various advantages to an individual's health. Plants have been regarded as a primary source of highly effective conventional drugs leading to the development of potential novel agents, which may boost the treatment. Growing demand for functional foods acts as an aid for the producers to expand in agriculture and pave the way for innovation and research by the nutraceutical industry. The given review highlights how various functional foods such as tomatoes, chocolates, garlic and flaxseed are currently being defined, their sources, benefit in treating various ailments and the challenges with their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micafungin is characterized as one of the most active available drugs for candidemia treatment; however, their use is also associated in prophylaxis protocols in cases of invasive fungal infections. The use of this drug is widely appreciated in the medical field due to be the most active echinocandin available for invasive fungal infections. In order to provide important parameters related to the chemical, physical, biological and therapeutic characteristics, this review article gathers important research results that demonstrate the biological potential of this drug, as well as to present analytical methods that can be used to determine the antifungal potential and a monitoring of administered dosages. Important studies about the methods most commonly used in biological activity evaluation and determination/quantification by analytical methods are provided in this review article. With the data provided, the scientific community will have the possibility to choose the analytical methods and biological that can be employed in clinical and scientific research to provide greater safety and reliability of the results to be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review is presented of the book "White Girls," by Hilton Als.

The review aims to focus on the processing and economic challenges of these oil industries (lack of organized cultivation, collection, processing, research, and market linking) and fetch the attention toward the application of green technology. The present article provides a systematic view to open a new sphere of understanding for unconventional oilseeds with its geographical distribution, chemical composition, health benefits, and research. Further, new sources of unconventional oil (cottonseed, rice bran, sal seed, mango kernel, etc.) may impart an alternative source of edible oil, which can fulfill the country's edible oil deficit with economic contribution. In inference, the combined evidence supports the assertion that unconventional sources of oils may provide an alternatives to major seed oils. Practical applications: Unconventional oils are the new boosting area to upthrust the production of edible oils and reduce the dependence of oil import from other countries. The emerging green technologies for oil extraction shall consider as high oil yield methods. There are many unconventional oil seeds which are still required to be the area for research and commercial application. The present article focused on the market scenario, health benefits of these oil seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepal ranks 49th in the world for biodiversity richness. Among 577 cultivated species in Nepal, 484 are indigenous and 93 are introduced. About 85% of these cultivated crop species are neglected and underutilized. The use of landraces in research and breeding is only about 5%. Just three crops, viz., rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and maize (Zea mays L.), cover 83% of the total cultivated area. Monogenotyping (the use of genotypes containing genetic material from a single parent) field, kitchen, market, and food items have triggered new problems. In Nepal, neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are those crop species that are not included in formal research, education, and development. Future smart crops (FSCs) are NUS that are known for their high potential for food, nutritional security, and high adaptability to changing climate. FSCs have tremendous potential to contribute to food security, nutrition, dietary and culinary diversification, health, income generation, and are well adapted to marginal soils and harsh climatic conditions. To manage (conserve and utilize) all agricultural genetic resources, including NUS and FSC, 25 conservation methods, along with more than 30 good practices, have been practiced in Nepal. Many of the NUS have not been adequately studied for their nutritional value and adaptability to harsh environments. This paper provides current status and potential of NUS and FSCs for developing site-specific staple, nutritious, diversified products and climate-resilient varieties. This review also addresses the prospects of long-term conservation and sustainable agriculture systems in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the book "The Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy Through Adolescence, 4 volumes," edited by Kristine Krapp and Jeffrey Wilson.