Tropomyosin is a component of thin filaments that constitute myofibrils, the contractile apparatus of striated muscles. In vertebrates, except for fish, four TPM genes TPM1, TPM2, TPM3, and TPM4 are known. In zebrafish, there are six TPM genes that include the paralogs of the TPM1 (TPM1-1 & TPM1-2), the paralogs of the TPM4 gene (TPM4-1 & TPM4-2), and the two single copy genes TPM2 and TPM3. In this study, we have identified, cloned, and sequenced the TPM1-1κ isoform of the TPM1-1 gene and also discovered a new isoform TPM1-2ν of the TPM1-2. Further, we have cloned and sequenced the sarcomeric isoform of the TPM4-2 gene designated as TPM4-2α. Using conventional RT-PCR, we have shown the expression of the sarcomeric isoforms of TPM1-1, TPM1-2, TPM2, TPM3, TPM4-1, and TPM4-2 in heart and skeletal muscles. By qRT-PCR using both relative expression as well as the absolute copy number, we have shown that TPM1-1α, TPM1-2α, and TPM1-2ν are expressed mostly in skeletal muscle; the level of expression of TPM1-1κ is significantly lower compared to TPM1-1α in skeletal muscle. In addition, both TPM4-1α and TPM4-2α are predominantly expressed in heart. 2D Western blot analyses using anti-TPM antibody followed by Mass Spectrometry of the proteins from the antibody-stained spots show that TPM1-1α and TPM3α are expressed in skeletal muscle whereas TPM4-1α and TPM3α are expressed in zebrafish heart. To the best of our knowledge, this is by far the most comprehensive analysis of tropomyosin expression in zebrafish, one of the most popular animal models for gene expression study.

Background: Hair fall is a widespread problem among all genders, ages, and ethnicity with both physical and psychological effects. Objective: This clinical study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a hair serum formulation containing amla extract, freeze-dried coconut water, and the micronutrient selenium along with sandalwood odorant and peanut shell extract in healthy male and female volunteers with hair fall. Methods: A total of 42 subjects were enrolled and completed the study and they used the test product daily for 90 days. TrichoScan ® was used to evaluate the efficacy of the test product for improving hair growth rate, hair density, anagen hair, telogen hair, and the density of vellus and terminal hair. Hair thinning and hair fall reduction were compared to its basline by both dermatologists and subject self-assessment questionnaires. Result and Discussion: After 90 days of test product application, there was a significant improvement in hair growth rate (<0.0001), hair density (<0.0001), vellus hair density (<0.0001), and terminal hair density (<0.0001) in comparison to baseline. There was a significant reduction in hair fall with bulb (<0.0001) and without bulb (<0.0001), and hair thinning (<0.0001) compared to the baseline measurement. Adverse events were not recorded during the study. No skin intolerance was reported during the study, and the test product was considered dermatologically safe to use.

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder of pilosebaceous units. The therapy for mild-to-moderate acne includes topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. In this open-label, randomized monocentric study, we compared the efficacy of LactoSporin® 2% w/w cream with benzoyl peroxide in 64 male and female subjects with mild-to-moderate acne for three weeks. The efficacy parameters were evaluated based on the dermatologist visual assessment and instrumental measurements using Sebumeter® MPA580, Antera 3DTM and VISIA CR 2.2 and subject self-assessment questionnaires. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study period. In order to understand the mechanism of action and properties of LactoSporin, the pH stability, thermostability, antimicrobial activity and 5-alpha reductase activity were evaluated in vitro. A significant improvement was observed in the dermatological assessment of closed comedones (p < 0.0001), open comedones (p = 0.0069) and papules count (p < 0.0001) in comparison to the baseline in both LactoSporin and benzoyl peroxide groups. The antera analysis showed significant improvement in redness (p < 0.0001) and elevation (p < 0.0001) (small and medium) in both the treatment groups. The sebumeter analysis showed a significant decrease in sebaceous secretion (p < 0.0001) for LactoSporin, which resulted in reduced oiliness, pimples, acne spots and redness around the acne spot. The product was found to be safe without any irritancy. LactoSporin was stable at an acidic pH and temperature range of 70 to 90 °C, with antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes. It was also a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase activity. Thus, it can be concluded that the efficacy of LactoSporin is equivalent to benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne lesions and better than benzoyl peroxide for reducing the sebaceous secretion and oily, greasy nature of the skin, implying its efficacy in other sebohorriec conditions.

Background. SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a global threat due to its infectivity and rapid transmission. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of herbal and mineral formulation (ImmuActive) as an adjunct therapy in COVID-19 patients. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 100 COVID-19 patients in three centers in Southern India, and 92 subjects completed the study. Subjects were followed up until they were discharged from the hospital or for a maximum of 28 days, whichever was earlier. The primary outcome parameters were the mean change and time required to change the ordinal scale of disease severity by one unit. The secondary outcomes were the time required to turn RT-PCR negative or get discharged from the hospital, change in modified Jackson’s Symptom Severity score, and COVID-19 quality of life questionnaire. Results. The ordinal scale at the end of the study was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients supplemented with ImmuActive (0.57) than placebo (1.0), with a p value of 0.0043. The ordinal scale decreased by one unit within 2.35 days in ImmuActive-supplemented patients, while it took 3.36 days in placebo-supplemented patients. Days of hospitalization and time required to turn RT-PCR negative were comparatively lower in the ImmuActive arm than the placebo arm. Change in modified Jackson’s Symptom Severity Score and COVID-19 QOL were significant from screening to the end of the study in both ImmuActive and placebo arms. There were no adverse events observed during the study period. Conclusion. The study results suggest that ImmuActive could be a beneficial and safe adjunct treatment for effectively managing COVID-19 infection symptoms.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital abnormality of the heart. It results from incomplete closure of foramen ovale that persists in adulthood. Most individuals with PFO are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. The left atrial pressure is generally higher than the right atrial pressure, which prevents blood flow against the gradient; however, any medical condition that increases the pulmonary artery pressure can lead to reversal of blood flow from right to left by elevating right atrial pressure. We present a case of a 59-year-old female who presented with complaints of shortness of breath associated with bilateral lower-extremity edema and was found to have acute decompensated heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) with cardioversion was performed. Propofol was given for conscious sedation; however, the procedure was terminated as patient became hypoxemic and was noted to have moderately dilated right ventricle (RV) with hypokinesia and PFO with right-to-left shunting. It also demonstrated mild mitral regurgitation, mild left ventricular hypertrophy, and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 55-60%. In contrast to TEE findings, while the patient was having normal oxygen saturation, transthoracic echocardiogram showed left-to-right shunting instead of right-to-left and no RV hypokinesia was noted. In conclusion, this case draws attention to the relationship between acute hypoxemia and rightto-left shunting in a patient with PFO. This case illustrates and highlights the need for more prospective studies to establish a relationship between acute hypoxemia and right-to-left shunting in the presence of PFO.