Candida albicans skin infection in diabetic patients: An updated review of pathogenesis and management.

Candida species, commensal residents of human skin, are recognized as the cause of cutaneous candidiasis across various body surfaces. Individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those with immunosuppressive conditions, are significantly more susceptible to this infection. Diabetes mellitus, a major metabolic disorder, has emerged as a critical factor inducing immunosuppression, thereby facilitating Candida colonization and subsequent skin infections. This comprehensive review examines the prevalence of different types of Candida albicans-induced cutaneous candidiasis in diabetic patients. It explores the underlying mechanisms of pathogenicity and offers insights into recommended preventive measures and treatment strategies. Diabetes notably increases vulnerability to oral and oesophageal candidiasis. Additionally, it can precipitate vulvovaginal candidiasis in females, Candida balanitis in males, and diaper candidiasis in young children with diabetes. Diabetic individuals may also experience candidal infections on their nails, hands and feet. Notably, diabetes appears to be a risk factor for intertrigo syndrome in obese individuals and periodontal disorders in denture wearers. In conclusion, the intricate relationship between diabetes and cutaneous candidiasis necessitates a comprehensive understanding to strategize effective management planning. Further investigation and interdisciplinary collaborative efforts are crucial to address this multifaceted challenge and uncover novel approaches for the treatment, management and prevention of both health conditions, including the development of safer and more effective antifungal agents.

Ultrasensitive Nonenzymatic Real-Time Hydrogen Peroxide Monitoring Using Gold Nanoparticle-Decorated Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Electrodes.

An amperometric enzyme-free hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was developed by catalytically stabilizing active gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of 4-5 nm on a porous titanium dioxide nanotube (TiO2 NTs) electrode. The Au NPs were homogeneously distributed on anatase TiO2 NTs with an outer diameter of ~102 nm, an inner diameter of ~60 nm, and a wall of thickness of ~40 nm. The cyclic voltammogram of the composite electrode showed a pair of redox peaks characterizing the electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2. The entrapping of Au NPs on TiO2 NTs prevented aggregation and facilitated good electrical conductivity and electron transfer rate, thus generating a wide linear range, a low detection limit of ~104 nM, and high sensitivity of ~519 µA/mM, as well as excellent selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability, and stability over 60 days. Furthermore, excellent recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) were achieved in real samples, which were tap water, milk, and Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria, thereby verifying the accuracy and potentiality of the developed nonenzymatic sensor.

A Concise Review of Extraction and Characterization of Chondroitin Sulphate from Fish and Fish Wastes for Pharmacological Application.

Chondroitin sulphate (CS) is one of the most predominant glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) available in the extracellular matrix of tissues. It has many health benefits, including relief from osteoarthritis, antiviral properties, tissue engineering applications, and use in skin care, which have increased its commercial demand in recent years. The quest for CS sources exponentially increased due to several shortcomings of porcine, bovine, and other animal sources. Fish and fish wastes (i.e., fins, scales, skeleton, bone, and cartilage) are suitable sources of CS as they are low cost, easy to handle, and readily available. However, the lack of a standard isolation and characterization technique makes CS production challenging, particularly concerning the yield of pure GAGs. Many studies imply that enzyme-based extraction is more effective than chemical extraction. Critical evaluation of the existing extraction, isolation, and characterization techniques is crucial for establishing an optimized protocol of CS production from fish sources. The current techniques depend on tissue hydrolysis, protein removal, and purification. Therefore, this study critically evaluated and discussed the extraction, isolation, and characterization methods of CS from fish or fish wastes. Biosynthesis and pharmacological applications of CS were also critically reviewed and discussed. Our assessment suggests that CS could be a potential drug candidate; however, clinical studies should be conducted to warrant its effectiveness.