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A sulfate-bridged complex [Cu(µ2-SO4)(Im)4] (1) was prepared and structurally characterized, where Im: imidazole. The X-ray structure analysis reveals that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group C2/c. The octahedral coordination around the metal center is made up of four distinct imine nitrogen atoms in the equatorial plane, and two sulfate oxygen atoms occupying the axial sites. The covalent linkage between metals via the sulfate group, forming infinite 1D zigzag chains, ensures the entanglement of the structure. These chains, in turn, are further assembled into a 2D network through NH⋯O hydrogen bonding. Thermal analyses underline the high thermal stability of our complex, which starts to decompose at 200 °C. The infrared spectrum confirms the results obtained from the crystallographic analysis. Optical studies reveal the presence of a hypsochromic effect noticed in the absorption and photoluminescence spectra. The synthesized compound was found to reduce both oxidative injury and histopathological features, which are associated with skeletal metastases as a result of malignant Walker 256/B breast cancer cells.

This study reported the fabrication and characterization of gastric dressing, composed of gelatine (GEL), chitosan (CH), and pomegranate peel (PP) extract. The structural changes occurring after γ-irradiation of GEL–CH–PP dressing were reported. The results showed that the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of un-irradiated GEL–CH–PP showed two paramagnetic centers, which corresponded to g = 2.19 and g = 2.002. After irradiation, a new active centre appeared at g = 2.0035 at 10 kGy. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed an increase in peak intensity at C–H chains, as well as the C=O carboxyl groups at 10 kGy, due to the cross-linking phenomenon. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed a low change of crystallinity between the range of 2θ (15–30°). Moreover, γ-rays enhanced scavenging DPPH radical activity (51±%) and chelating power activities 79.12%. A significant inhibition of antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities (p < 0.01) was noticed. The hemolysis rates showed 0.42%, suggesting a high hemocompatibility, and exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in vitro (48%). In vivo, the healing effects of GEL–CH–PP dressing showed that the incidence and severity of gastric histopathological lesions decreased, compared with the ulcerated group, which could explain the bioavailability and the pharmacokinetic findings. The results highlight the loading of bioactive agents into polymer-based gastric dressings, with promising pharmacokinetics properties and effects on the induced ulcera in rabbits.

Ducrosia flabellifolia Boiss. is a rare desert plant known to be a promising source of bioactive compounds. In this paper, we report for the first time the phytochemical composition and biological activities of D. flabellifolia hydroalcoholic extract by using liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) technique. The results obtained showed the richness of the tested extract in phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Twenty-three phytoconstituents were identified, represented mainly by chlorogenic acid, followed by ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and sinapic acid. The tested hydroalcoholic extract was able to inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria and yeast on agar Petri dishes at 3 mg/disc with mean growth inhibition zone ranging from 8.00 ± 0.00 mm for Enterococcus cloacae (E. cloacae) to 36.33 ± 0.58 mm for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Minimal inhibitory concentration ranged from 12.5 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL and the hydroalcoholic extract from D. flabellifolia exhibited a bacteriostatic and fungistatic character. In addition, D. flabellifolia hydroalcoholic extract possessed a good ability to scavenge different free radicals as compared to standard molecules. Molecular docking studies on the identified phyto-compounds in bacterial, fungal, and human peroxiredoxin 5 receptors were performed to corroborate the in vitro results, which revealed good binding profiles on the examined protein targets. A standard atomistic 100 ns dynamic simulation investigation was used to further evaluate the interaction stability of the promising phytocompounds, and the results showed conformational stability in the binding cavity. The obtained results highlighted the medicinal use of D. flabellifolia as source of bioactive compounds, as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal agent.

This study investigated the druggability, pharmacokinetics and ethyl acetate extract of Teucrium polium (EA T. polium), from Ha'il, and the protective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver cirrhosis in rats. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and scavenging activity of the extract were examined. The in vivo protective study was based on the use of an animal model of CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis. Four groups of rats have been used: Group I: control rats; Group II: received CCl4 in olive oil (0.5 mL/kg); Group III: received the EA T. polium (25 mg/kg) of pretreatment for seven days by gavage then CCl4 in olive oil by gavage for 15 days. Group IV: received the EA of T. polium for seven days (25 mg/kg). EA T. polium was found to possess significant antioxidant capacity. CCl4 caused a hepatotoxicity associated increase in both levels of AST and ALT, which were reduced back to normal values following EA T. polium pretreatment. Hepatotoxicity associated structural modifications of liver tissues and increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and carbonyl proteins (CP), associated decreases in several assessed antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). The in vivo findings on the protective effect of T. polium were supported by its druggability, its pharmacokinetic properties and molecular docking assays. These results confirm the modulatory antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of T. polium in this experimental liver cirrhosis model. T. polium phytochemicals are good candidates for further pharmaceutical explorations and drug design.

Recent advances in systems biology have shifted vaccine development from a largely trial-and-error approach to an approach that promote rational design through the search for immune signatures and predictive correlates of protection. These advances will doubtlessly accelerate the development of a vaccine for schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that currently affects over 250 million people. For over 15 years and with contributions of over 120 people, we have endeavored to test and optimize Sm-p80-based vaccines in the non-human primate model of schistosomiasis. Using RNA-sequencing on eight different Sm-p80-based vaccine strategies, we sought to elucidate immune signatures correlated with experimental protective efficacy. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the role of antibodies through in vivo passive transfer of IgG obtained from immunized baboons and in vitro killing of schistosomula using Sm-p80-specific antibodies. We report that passive transfer of IgG from Sm-p80-immunized baboons led to significant worm burden reduction, egg reduction in liver, and reduced egg hatching percentages from tissues in mice compared to controls. In addition, we observed that sera from Sm-p80-immunized baboons were able to kill a significant percent of schistosomula and that this effect was complement-dependent. While we did not find a universal signature of immunity, the large datasets generated by this study will serve as a substantial resource for further efforts to develop vaccine or therapeutics for schistosomiasis.

For decades, mass drug treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) has been utilized to treat schistosomiasis, yet reinfection and the risk of drug resistance are among the various factors precluding successful elimination of schistosomiasis. Tractable models that replicate “real world” field conditions are crucial to effectively evaluate putative schistosomiasis vaccines. Herein, we describe the cellular immune responses and cytokine expression profiles under field conditions that include prior infection with schistosomes followed by treatment with PZQ. Baboons were exposed to Schistosoma mansoni cercariae through trickle infection over 5 weeks, allowed for chronic disease to develop, and then treated with PZQ. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were monitored for cellular immune response(s) at each disease stage and PZQ therapy. After initial infection and during chronic disease, there was an increase in non-classical monocytes, NK and NKT cells while the CD4:CD8 T cell ratio inverted from a 2:1 to 1:2.5. The cytokine expressions of PBMCs after trickle infections were polarized more toward a Th2 response with a gradual increase in Th1 cytokine expression at chronic disease stage. Following PZQ treatment, with the exception of an increase in B cells, immune cell populations reverted back toward naïve levels; however, expression of almost all Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines was significantly increased. This preliminary study is the first to follow the cellular immune response and cytokine expression profiles in a non-human primate model simulating field conditions of schistosomiasis and PZQ therapy, providing a promising reference in predicting the immune response to future vaccines for schistosomiasis.

Fighting against the emergent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains a big challenge at the front of the world communities. Recent research has outlined the potential of various medicinal herbs to counteract the infection. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the Artemisia genus, and its derivatives with the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. To assess their potential use against COVID-19, the interactions of the main active principle of Artemisia with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) was investigated through in silico probing. Our results showed that artemesinin and its derivatives manifested good oral absorption and bioavailability scores (0.55). They potently bound to the Mpro site of action—specifically, to its Cys145 residue. The selected compounds established two to three conventional hydrogen bonds with binding affinities ranging between −5.2 and −8.1 kcal/mol. Furthermore, artemisinin interactions with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were dependent on the ACE2 allelic variants. The best score was recorded with rs961360700. A molecular dynamic simulation showed sufficient stability of the artemisinin–Mpro complex on the trajectory of 100 ns simulation frame. These binding interactions, together with drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic findings, confirmed that artemisinin might inhibit Mpro activity and explain the ethnopharmacological use of the herb and its possible antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection inducing COVID-19. Nevertheless, it interacted differently with the various ACE2 allelic variants reported to bind with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Zingiber officinale roscoe and Allium subhirsutum aqueous extracts were examined in a carrageenan-induced acute inflammation model. Some markers of inflammation such as hematological parameters, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein were measured. Variables reflecting oxidative stress included thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation of protein products (AOPP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione were determined in both inflamed foci and erythrocytes. The in silico molecular docking simulation showed that the main components of Zingiber officinale roscoe and Allium subhirsutum bound to toll-like receptor 6 (TLR6) with high affinities. Moreover, histological examinations of paw edema were carried out. Both Zingiber officinale roscoe and Allium subhirsutum ameliorated the induced inflammation and oxidative stress status as outlined by anti-edematous, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our investigation lends pharmacological support to the medical uses of these spices in the management of inflammatory disorders and oxidative damage. The results of the in silico assay satisfactory explain the in vivo effects as compared with indomethacin.

This work is concerned with magnetic and torque analysis of BLDCM and with development of a method of designing BLDCM that have symmetric winding on the rotor .make significant contribution to the rotor inductance position difficult. It is also show that the prediction detent torque can be extremely sensitive to the permanent magnet by altering magnet arc width. Finally, simple lumped models that allow one to predict motor performance and characteristics as a function of main dimension, magnet residual flux density and phase current are developed. These models are used as a basis for an approach to designing BLDCM

This paper investigates the saturable transformer from modeling and control point of view. After implementing the Simulink model of the three phase transformer simulation of a three phase, two-winding transformer is used to examine the transformer under two operating conditions.The first is the secondary terminal short circuited and the second is the secondary terminals connected to a non-unity power factor load to verify the results obtained with those predicted from any analysis using the equivalent circuit. The graphical user interface is used for modeling transformer parameters, obtaining the results, check the stability of the control system, the settling time, the Bode plot, Nyquist and Nicols chart finally recording all currents, voltages and phase shift between them in the steady state condition, initial values of states variables for the nonlinear circuit parameters.

This work is concerned with magnetic and torque analysis of BLDCM and with development of a method of designing BLDCM that have symmetric winding on the rotor .make significant contribution to the rotor inductance position difficult. It is also show that the prediction detent torque can be extremely sensitive to the permanent magnet by altering magnet arc width. Finally, simple lumped models that allow one to predict motor performance and characteristics as a function of main dimension, magnet residual flux density and phase current are developed. These models are used as a basis for an approach to designing BLDCM.

This paper investigates the saturable transformer from modeling and control point of view. After implementing the Simulink model of the three phase transformer simulation of a three phase, two-winding transformer is used to examine the transformer under two operating conditions. The first is the secondary terminal short circuited and the second is the secondary terminals connected to a non-unity power factor load to verify the results obtained with those predicted from any analysis using the equivalent circuit. The graphical user interface is used for modeling transformer parameters, obtaining the results, check the stability of the control system, the settling time, the Bode plot, Nyquist and Nicols chart finally recording all currents, voltages and phase shift between them in the steady state condition, initial values of states variables for the nonlinear circuit parameters.

Abstract Freshwater fishes are among the most threatened taxa worldwide owing to changes in land use, species introductions, and climate change. Although more than half of the freshwater fishes in the Chilean Mediterranean ecoregion are considered vulnerable or endangered, still little is known about their biogeography. Fishes of the family Perciliidae are endemic of this region and ideal cases to study potential implications of global warming given their endangered conservation status, small size, restricted range, and limited dispersal capacity in fragmented habitats. Here, we model the spatial distribution of habitats for Percilia irwini and P. gillissi under current (1970–2000) and future (2050–2080) climatic scenarios (SSP245, SSP585). We implement maximum entropy (MaxEnt) models adapted for stream networks using high-resolution datasets of selected geophysical and climatic variables. At present, both species inhabit relatively low-quality habitats. In the future (SSP585), suitable habitats for P. irwini are predicted to be reduced drastically (99%) with potential local extirpations in its northern range. Similarly, up to 62% of suitable habitats for P. gillissi would also be reduced in the future. Our study provides insights about assessing future threats and vulnerability of endemic, endangered, range-restricted, and small-bodied freshwater species in this region and elsewhere.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has emerged as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach with diverse biological applications. This study presents synthesis of AgNPs-LS using a probiotic strain Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) and explores their multifaceted biological activities, including antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-quorum sensing, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, anticoagulant and thrombolytic properties. The biosynthesis of AgNPs-LS was successfully achieved using L. salivarius cell free supernatants, resulting in well-characterized nanoparticles as confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis. The AgNPs-LS demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against different pathogenic bacteria (C. violaceum, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli and S. marcescens), emphasizing their potential in combating bacterial infections. Moreover, these AgNPs-LS were effective in inhibiting biofilm formation (>60 % at 1/2 MIC), a key mechanism of bacterial virulence, highlighting their utility in preventing biofilm-related infections. AgNPs-LS exhibited anti-quorum sensing activity, disrupting bacterial communication systems and potentially reducing virulence factor such as, violacein production in C. violaceum, pyocyanin production in P. aeruginosa and prodigiosin production in S. marcescens. Additionally, AgNPs-LS also exhibited notable antifungal activity towards a different pathogenic fungus (F. proliferatum, P. purpurogenum, A. niger and R. stolonifer). In terms of health applications, the AgNPs-LS displayed significant antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging DPPH• (IC50 = 42.65 μg/mL) and ABTS•+ (IC50 = 53.77 μg/mL) free radicals. Furthermore, AgNPs-LS showed cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) (IC50 = 52.29 μg/mL), positioning them as promising candidates for cancer therapy. Moreover, AgNPs-LS were also shown promising anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities under practical conditions. Therefore, the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs-LS using L. salivarius offers a sustainable and cost-effective route for producing AgNPs with an array of biological activities. These AgNPs-LS have the potential to address various challenges in healthcare, ranging from antimicrobial, anticancer applications to biofilm inhibition, antioxidant therapy, anticoagulant and thrombolytic agents.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the complex response techniques employed to halt its spread, are both detrimental to mental and emotional well-being. Students’ lives have been damaged by social alienation and self-isolation. These effects must be detected, analyzed, and dealt with to make sure the well-being of individuals, specifically students. This research examines the impact of parent–child relationships, parental autonomy support, and social support on enhancing students’ mental well-being using data collected from post-COVID-19. The Potential participants were students from several universities in Pakistan. For this reason, we chose Pakistan’s Punjab province, with 8 prominent institutions, as the primary focus for data collection. A questionnaire was created to gather information from 355 students. For descriptive statistics, SPSS was used, while AMOS structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses. The findings revealed that social support on mental well-being (standardized β = 0.43, t = 7.57, p

Background: Cardiac arrest is a crucial problem because it has a short rescue time and requires optimal assistance competence. The global incidence of cardiac arrest is 50-60 per 100,000 per year, while in Indonesia it is 10,000 per year or 30 incidents every day. This is an important problem that must be addressed immediately, apart from improving skills, by using innovative supporting tools. This tool is still very limited and does not even exist in Indonesia.Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of digital resuscitation pads (petitions) on the accuracy of compression of cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation.Methods: The number of samples in this study was 46 respondents as the case group and as the control group. In the case group, we provided the innovative Digital Resuscitation Pad tool and the rhythm of tapping to perform compressions, while in the control group they were only guided by the rhythm of tapping. The inclusion criteria include respondents who have practiced CPR for lay people appropriately. The instrument uses a questionnaire with a validity test of r table 0.621 and reliability r table 0.539. The analysis uses the Wilcoxon test using total sampling.Results: Based on the researchers' findings in this research, in the control group, 56.52% of respondents performed inappropriate compression, meaning that 26 respondents, more than half of the respondents provided compression that was not of good quality. After being given the Digital Resuscitation Pad, compression quality increased to 86.95% or 29 respondents provided quality compression.Conclusions: There is an influence of the Digital Resuscitation Pad on the accuracy of Cardiac and Pulmonary Resuscitation compressions. Researchers concluded that the Pad Digital Resuscitation device could improve the quality of student compressions over a measurable distance even though BMI indirectly plays an important role in nurses' performance in providing optimal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

OBJECTIVE: Young adults living with episodic disabilities face unpredictable disruptions to their employment and health. Our study aimed to examine the impact of employment and income support interventions on the health and well-being of young adults living with episodic disabilities. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed intervention studies published in 2001–2021 in industrialized contexts. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full-texts. We undertook a narrative synthesis of eligible articles. RESULTS: Our search yielded 15 269 published articles, of which only five studies were eligible for evidence synthesis. All articles were appraised as being of medium quality. Four interventions focused on young adults living with mental health conditions. Two were based in clinical settings; three were based in community-based settings. Each employment intervention exhibited improvements in health outcomes. Three studies examined the impact of supported employment interventions that were particularly beneficial to improving work and health outcomes. CONCLUSION: Involvement in employment interventions could provide benefits for the health of young adults living with episodic disabilities. Our systematic review highlights the need for research to elaborate on the ways in which employment interventions can impact the health and well-being of young adults living with different episodic disabilities.

This literature review focuses on research related to Port State Control (PSC) inspections carried out on board ships, with a particular focus on areas of interest and data analysis methods adopted during research. The five steps involved in the literature review process include: (1) determining the research questions, (2) gathering works of literature for review, (3) conducting selection and screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, (4) analyzing the selected works of literature and ensuring the quality of the data, and (5) reporting the result of the literature review. Based on the comprehensive searches throughout various databases, the most high-impacted databases in sequence were Elsevier, Taylor & Francis Online, (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) MDPI, Springer, and others such as Emerald Insight, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. There were 2,023 articles published between 2018 and 2022 gathered during the initial search process, and the 41 final papers were ultimately selected for in-depth analysis after a selection process. The four main research focuses found from this literature review were (1) the selection of ships for PSC inspection, (2) the New Inspection Regime (NIR), (3) the identification of findings during PSC inspection, and (4) detention of ships under PSC inspection. From the literature review, 37% of the final selected articles focused on vessel selection, 33% noted the findings, 23% focused on vessel detention, and only 7% explored the New Inspection Regime (NIR). From the review, most articles used the Bayesian networks (BN) method for data analysis, followed by traditional analysis, Ideal Solution Similarity Order Priority Technique (TOPSIS), Hierarchical Analytical Process (AHP), Apriori Algorithm, and Gray Relational Analysis (GRA). This result could provide valuable information to professionals in the maritime industry, and this literature review signifies the importance of Port State Control (PSC) inspections in fostering the better development of the global maritime transportation system especially to ensure maritime safety.

This study investigated the druggability, pharmacokinetics and ethyl acetate extract of Teucrium polium (EA T. polium) and the protective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver cirrhosis in rats. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and scavenging activity of the extract were examined. The in vivo protective study was based on the use of an animal model of CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis. Four groups of rats have been used: Group I: control rats; Group II: received CCl4 in olive oil (0.5 mL/kg); Group III: received the EA T. polium (25 mg/kg) of pretreatment for seven days by gavage then CCl4 in olive oil by gavage for 15 days. Group IV: received the EA of T. polium for seven days (25 mg/kg). EA T. polium was found to possess significant antioxidant capacity. CCl4 caused a hepatotoxicity associated increase in both levels of AST and ALT, which were reduced back to normal values following EA T. polium pretreatment. Hepatotoxicity associated structural modifications of liver tissues and increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and carbonyl proteins (CP), associated decreases in several assessed antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). The in vivo findings on the protective effect of T. polium were supported by its druggability, its pharmacokinetic properties and molecular docking assays. These results confirm the modulatory antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of T. polium in this experimental liver cirrhosis model. T. polium phytochemicals are good candidates for further pharmaceutical explorations and drug design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U--Pb ages for detrital zircons from the Caspian region reveal the age ranges of basement terrains that supplied the sediment. One sample from the modern Volga river has groupings at c. 340-370 Ma, c. 900-1300 Ma and c. 1450-1800 Ma, with a small number of older zircons. This is consistent with derivation from the Precambrian basement of the East European Craton, and Palaeozoic arcs in the Urals. Mid- and Late Proterozoic components may be derived from beyond the present Volga drainage basin, such as the Sveconorwegian orogen. A Bajocian sandstone from the Greater Caucasus has 73% zircons that post-date 350 Ma. Ages cluster at c. 165-185 Ma, c. 220-260 Ma, c. 280-360 Ma and c. 440-460 Ma. This pattern suggests derivation from Palaeozoic basement of the Greater Caucasus itself and/or the Scythian Platform, and igneous rocks generated at a Jurassic arc in the Lesser Caucasus. Four samples from the Lower Pliocene Productive Series of the South Caspian Basin have common Phanerozoic grains, and groups between c. 900-1300 Ma and 1500-2000 Ma. Each sample contains zircons dated to c. 2700 Ma. The overall age patterns in the Productive Series samples suggest a combination of East European Craton and Greater Caucasus source components.

Background: Melasma, a common dermatological problem which has no standard recommended therapy. This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of combined trichloroacetic acid peel and ascorbic acid with trichloroacetic acid peel alone in epidermal melasma. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 148 patients with epidermal melasma, in the dermatology department of Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from August 2019 to January 2020. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; Group A (n=74) was given trichloroacetic acid peel 20% (weekly) plus ascorbic acid cream (once daily). Group B (n=74) was given trichloroacetic acid peel alone (weekly). Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores were calculated at baseline visit, 6th week and 3rd month. Efficacy was measured as a reduction in post-treatment MASI score to ≤10. Post-stratification Chi-square test was applied considering p-value ≤0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 31.63±8.20 years with a predominance of female gender 117(79.1%). The mean duration of persistence of melasma symptoms was 42.59±21.56 months while Fitzpatrick type IV (51%) was revealed as the dominant skin type. MASI score at the baseline, 6th week and 3rd month visits were 18.11±3.49, 12.48±3.16 and 7.74±3.91, respectively. Overall, the treatment was efficacious in 106(71.6%) patients. Reduction in MASI score was significantly higher in group A (83.8%) than group B (59.5%). Conclusion: The combination of trichloroacetic acid peel and ascorbic acid was more effective than trichloroacetic acid peel alone (p=0.001) in the treatment of epidermal melasma. Keywords: Ascorbic Acid; Trichloroacetic Acid; Melasma; Efficacy.