bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dermoscopic Findings and Assessment of Treatment Response in Patients with Tinea Incognito: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yadav Sheetal , Pandhi Deepika , Grover Chander , Das Shukla 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Tinea incognito presents with atypical, widespread, and recurrent lesions. Dermoscopy can aid its rapid diagnosis.

Aim and Objectives:
This study aimed at assessing dermoscopic features and response to treatment in patients with tinea incognito.

Materials and Methods:
An evaluation of 62 patients with tinea of glabrous skin (Group A (cases)—31 steroid modified and Group B (controls)—31 treatment naïve) was done. Clinical, dermoscopic, and mycological evaluations were done for both groups at baseline, 2, and 4 weeks of terbinafine therapy. Clinical severity (Clinical Assessment Severity Score (CASS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) and frequency of various dermoscopic changes were compared at 0 and 4 weeks between cases and controls, using unpaired Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:
Baseline dermoscopic features for both groups were significantly different with respect to frequency of broken hair, bent hair, micropustules and Morse code hair. Earliest feature to resolve with treatment was micropustules at 2 weeks. Significant reduction in frequency of morphologically altered hair was evident at 4 weeks. Telangiectasia, dotted vessels, I-hair, and broken hair persisted for a longer period of time. Terbinafine for 4 weeks was an effective treatment, producing complete cure in 73% of cases and 93% of controls. Persistent dermoscopic changes at 2 weeks were found to be associated with treatment failure at 4 weeks, highlighting the role of dermoscopy in identifying patients requiring prolonged treatment.

Conclusions:
Dermoscopy can be used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for tinea of glabrous skin.
Patient Perspectives of the Impact of Psoriatic Disease on Quality-of-Life in India: Sub-analysis from the Global Psoriasis and Beyond Survey
Authors: Chandrashekar B S , Nayak Chitra S. , Kar Bikash R. , Salloju Vineeth 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Psoriatic disease (PsD), including plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), comprises a wide spectrum of manifestations and significantly impacts quality-of-life (QoL). Here, we assessed patients’ understanding of PsO and PsA as a systemic disease, its impact on their physical and emotional well-being, and patients’ experiences with healthcare professionals for shared treatment decision-making.

Materials and Methods:
The Global Psoriatic Disease and Beyond Survey was a cross-sectional, qualitative, online survey conducted on patients with moderate-to-severe PsO with/without concomitant PsA. This analysis reports findings from Indian patients.

Results:
Of the 261 surveyed patients, 27% with PsO reported concomitant PsA, of whom 89% reported PsA severity as moderately or highly active. Overall, 92% had heard the term “PsD,” and 90% knew their condition was a systemic disease. Few were aware of PsD manifestations (palmoplantar psoriasis, 49%; nail psoriasis, 43%; axial symptoms, 40%; PsA, 34%) and comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, 33%; obesity, 30%; diabetes, 28%). Eighty-nine percent of patients indicated their skin problems had a “very-large” to “extreme-large” impact on QoL. Ninety-seven percent of patients experienced discrimination and stigmatization from others. Eighty-one percent of patients were not involved in deciding treatment goals. Few (PsO, 6%; PsA, 9%) patients were dissatisfied with current treatment; ≥50% patients reported incomplete relief of skin symptoms (PsO) and joint symptoms (PsA) as the reason for dissatisfaction.

Conclusion:
Lack of awareness of the manifestations and comorbidities associated with PsD and poor QoL highlights the need for patient education, shared treatment decision-making, and a multidimensional approach to PsD management in India.
Role of FoxO1 in Acne and Effect of Isotretinoin on FoxO1 Expression
Authors: Kamboj Parul , Khullar Geeti , Handa Sanjeev , Pal Arnab , Saikia Uma Nahar , De Dipankar 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Nodulocystic acne is a severe type of acne that is known to improve after treatment with isotretinoin. Melnik has hypothesized a unifying concept on the mechanism of acne pathogenesis involving altered expression of Forkhead box O transcription factor (FoxO1) and role of isotretinoin in improving acne via modulating this pathway.

Aim:
To evaluate the pathway proposed by Melnik in acne pathogenesis by analysing the difference in the expression of FoxO1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ), and androgen receptor (AR) between acne patients and non-acne controls and the effect of treatment with isotretinoin on change in expression of these genes in acne patients.

Results:
The gene expression of FoxO1 was non significantly higher in acne patients as compared to controls. After treatment with isotretinoin, a significant decrease in FoxO1 expression in acne patients at mRNA (P = 0.05) level was observed. There was a significant decrease in grade 3 positivity of FoxO1 at protein level (P = 0.0009). A decrease in androgen receptor positivity (P = 0.055) at protein level was also observed.

Conclusion:
Reduction in FoxO1 expression appears to be an important mechanism of action of isotretinoin in acne.
Linear and Whorled Nevoid Hypermelanosis – A Case of Pigmentary Mosaicism
Authors: Jahnavi Yatham , Akshaya RC , Sathyanarayanan R , Narasimhalu C.R.V 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis is a rare skin pigmentation disorder, characterized by linear streaks and whorls of hyperpigmented macules along Blaschko’s lines. Lesions are commonly restricted to the trunk, neck, and extremities, sparing the face, palms, soles, and mucosae. Associated with this, certain cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, and developmental anomalies have been reported in the literature. Herein, we present a rare case of linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis involving the face, with musculoskeletal, genital, aural, and ocular abnormalities.
To assess the analgesic efficacy of adjuvant magnesium sulfate added with ropivacaine over ropivacaine alone as a continuous infiltration in total abdominal hysterectomy wound: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Goswami Devalina , Arora Mahesh K. , Iyer Karthik V. , Tangirala Nageswara Rao , Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Kumar Sunesh , Kalaivani Mani 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been demonstrated to have analgesic property in various clinical settings. This study explores if addition of MgSO4 to ropivacaine increases its analgesic efficacy when infiltrated continuously in the postsurgical wound following total abdominal hysterectomy.

Material and Methods:
This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care referral hospital in New Delhi, India. Fifty-two patients were randomized into two groups to receive the intervention of which 48 were able to complete the study. The first group (n = 26) received 0.25% ropivacaine infiltration and the second group (n = 26) received 0.25% ropivacaine with 5% MgSO4 at the incision site for 48 h postoperatively. Primary objective was to compare the total postoperative opioid (morphine) consumption by the study participants in both the groups and the secondary objectives were pain scores at rest and at movement, patient satisfaction score, and wound quality of life on the 7th postoperative day among the two groups.

Results:
Both the groups were comparable in their demographic characteristics. The median morphine consumed at 48 h postoperatively was 16.5 [0–77] mg in the ropivacaine group and 13[1–45] mg in the ropivacaine with MgSO4 group and the difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.788). There was no statistical difference between the groups with respect to the pain scores, patient satisfaction, or wound quality of life at 7 days.

Conclusion:
The addition of MgSO4 to ropivacaine does not confer any additional postoperative analgesic benefits over ropivacaine alone in continuous wound infiltration following total abdominal hysterectomy.
A comparative study of key quality performance indicators in anesthesia and surgery in operation theatre at a tertiary care hospital in Rishikesh
Authors: Gupta Bhavna , Agrawal Sanjay , Agarwal Anubha 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
A Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is a critical metric measuring organizational success or specific activities, reflecting the periodic achievement of operational goals aligned with strategic objectives.

Material and Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study of key quality performance indicators, (CQI-NABH) concerning anesthesia and surgical services was conducted at a tertiary care hospital after taking institutional ethical clearance (AIIMS/IEC/21/150). It was as per COP 13, COP 14, and COP 15 standards of NABH 4th edition published in 2015. The study was conducted at the department of anesthesiology at a tertiary care hospital, and data were retrospectively analyzed from 01 October 2019, till November 2020. All patients undergoing elective or emergency surgical procedures under monitored anesthesia care and regional or general anesthesia during the study period were considered.The primary objective was to analyze Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in perioperative services, with secondary goals including gap identification, suggesting corrective actions, and examining quality indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Results:
Out of 8574 patients operated during the study, 6705 were in the four months before the pandemic, and 1869 were operated during the COVID-19 scenario. In the pre-COVID era, many of the cases were performed on an elective basis (71.23%), and emergencies constituted 16.9% of the total number of cases. In the COVID era, most of the cases were emergencies (45.4%) and semi-emergencies (40.25%), and elective cases were only 14.05% of the total cases performed. The percentage of modification of anaesthesia plans ranged from 0-3.34%. Adverse anaesthesia events were observed in 0-2.1%, primarily related to cardiovascular, respiratory, and airway issues. No anaesthesia-related mortality was reported. Prophylactic antibiotic administration within one hour of surgery ranged from 88-100%.

Conclusions:
Monitoring and evaluating healthcare performance, specifically through KPIs, is vital for optimizing care and resource utilization. These indicators provide an overview of hospital service efficiency, aiding in key areas such as patient treatment, satisfaction, healthcare quality improvement, cost reduction, and optimal resource utilization. Addressing identified issues ensures effective and sustainable quality improvement in anaesthesia services, emphasizing ongoing monitoring as a foundation for hospital quality assurance.
Evaluation of bone regeneration using human derived-gingival mesenchymal stem cells loaded on beta tricalcium phosphate and hyaluronic acid: an experimental study
Authors: Abo-Zaid Mohammed Abd-ElFattah , El Razzak Mona Y. A. , Sarhan Naglaa I. , Alkaleny Heba H. , Badr Ahamed M. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Healing of critical-sized bone defects (CSDs) is a challenging problem in both clinical and research settings.

Aim
The present study aimed to assess the regenerative capacity of human gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) loaded on beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold (β-TCP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) gel in surgically created standardized CSDs in rabbit’s femurs.

Materials and methods
To achieve this aim, CSDs of 6 mm diameter each, were unilaterally created in femur of adult New Zeeland male white rabbits (n = 18). The rabbits were then divided randomly into three groups and received the following treatment modalities: group A (study group): six defects were treated with hGMSCs loaded on β-TCP scaffold combined with HA gel; group B (positive control group): six defects (n = 6 rabbits) were treated with β-TCP combined with HA gel; group C (negative control group): three defects were left without intervention. Two rabbits from groups A, B and one rabbit from group C were sacrificed at 6 weeks, femurs were dissected out to evaluate bone healing histologically and histomorphometrically.

Results
The findings of this study indicate that, hGMSCs exhibited fibroblast like morphology and expressed phenotypic MSCs markers (positive for cluster of differentiation CD105 and negative for CD34). Histologically, local application of hGMSCs loaded on β-TCP scaffold with HA gel showed enhanced pattern of bone regeneration as compared to the unloaded scaffold. Histomorphometrically, there was a statistically significant difference in the newly formed bone between the bony defects treated with hGMSCs and control groups.

Conclusion
GMSCs can be considered as a dependent source of MSCs with bone tissue regenerative capacity.
Spectrophotometric determination of amoxicillin in pharmaceutical formulations using normal and reverse flow injection analysis systems: A comparison study
Authors: Mohammed Tabarak , Hadi Hind 
Published: March 2024

The combination of flow injection technique and spectrophotometric detection can be employed for the rapid and low-cost methods for antibiotic assay. In this work, two flow injection analysis (FIA) systems, normal and reverse (nFIA and rFIA), combined with UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique were used for amoxicillin determination in its pure and pharmaceutical preparations. A colorimetric coupling reaction between amoxicillin and diazotized p-toluidine produced a bright yellow azo dye and quantified at a maximum wavelength of 426 nm. For nFIA and rFIA procedures, the amoxicillin calibration graphs had an RSD of less than 2% and were linear in the ranges of 5-200 and 1-140 µg/mL, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were 1.41 and 4.71 µg/mL of amoxicillin for nFIA and 0.39 and 1.31 µg/mL for rFIA, respectively. The physical and chemical factors that could influence color sensitivity were investigated. Various commercial formulations containing different amounts of amoxicillin were successfully tested using the developed approaches, which demonstrated to be easy, rapid, reproducible, and interference-free.
KEY WORDS: Amoxicillin, Normal FIA, Reverse FIA, p-Toluidine, Diazotization reaction
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 577-590.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.3
Forensic investigation of the Gouache landslide disaster, Western Region, Cameroon
Authors: Wantim Mabel Nechia , Ughe Wai Glory , Kwah Dimo Cedric , Bah Tebid Caprice , Quinette Nguh , Ayonghe Samuel N. 
Published: March 2024

This study made use of a disaster forensic approach to investigate the root causes of the landslide disaster which occurred in Gouache, West Region, Cameroon on 29th of October, 2019 that registered 49 to 60 deaths. The aims of the study were to;1) identify the natural and man-made causes of the landslide; 2) determine household vulnerability factors; and 3) identify the administrative weaknesses that led to the disaster. To achieve this, geological data was collected from field observations; rainfall data for a period of 30 years (1988 to 2018) with additional monthly data (January to December) for 2019 was obtained from the National observatory on Climate change (ONACC), Yaounde; satellite imagery from Landsat ETM+ and 8 (2001 and 2020) and SRTM DEM were used to assess land use/ landcover changes and slope respectively; questionnaire administration, household and key informant interviews were used as primary data collection tools. Findings revealed that the root causes were: heavy rainfall that occurred prior to and during this event; the presence of weathered granitic rocks on steep slopes, and springs that increased landslide susceptibility. Susceptibility to landslides was fostered by human activities such as: significant reduction of the savannah vegetation and cutting of the slope for house construction. Household vulnerability factors were lack of awareness of landslide hazards and large household sizes (4-6 persons). Over 70 % of the landowners constructed without a building permit and had no land certificate. The administrative authorities acknowledged that Gouache was officially recognized as a landslide susceptible zone. The findings generated in this study would be useful for the government to strengthen or re-adjust existing policies or strategies of disaster risk reduction in the area.
Optimization of ticagrelor tablet for gastro-retentive drug delivery using full factorial design
Authors: Lee Yong Seong , Kang Jae Seon , Kim Kang Min , Pyo Jae Sung 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To identify the optimized region of formulation using quality by design for developing ticagrelor gastro-retentive (GR) tablets.
Methods: A 23 + 3 full factorial design of experiments study was used to identify three factors (polyethylene oxide (PEO), compression, and volume of granulating fluid) involved in the wet granulation and compression process of ticagrelor GR tablets. Hardness, friability, content, dosage unit uniformity, and pH 1.2 dissolution rate (at 4, 8, and 12 h) were evaluated as critical quality attributes via analysis of variance using Design Expert software.
Results: All seven models were significantly influenced based on analysis of variance results (p < 0.05). Hardness and friability were significantly affected by compression (p < 0.0001). Content uniformity was significantly affected by the interaction between compression and granulating water volume for wet granulation (p < 0.05), and dosage unit uniformity was significantly affected by the volume of granulating fluid for wet granulation (p < 0.05). However, all results were within acceptable ranges. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) (4 h, p < 0.05; 8 h, p < 0.05; 12 h, p < 0.05) and compression (4 h, p < 0.05; 8 h, p < 0.05; 12 h, p < 0.05) had negative effect on pH 1.2 dissolution rate.
Conclusion: Design of experiment (DoE) approach has been used to optimize region of PEO, compression, and volume of granulating fluid for formulation development. This outcome is expected to be a basis for further research to develop TCG GR tablets on a large production scale.
Anti-melanogenic effect of <i>Amaranthus tricolorextract</i> on UV radiation-exposed melanoma cells
Authors: Ngo Dai-Hung , Kim Young-Sang , Ngo Dai-Nghiep , Vo Thanh Sang 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To determine the inhibitory effect of A. tricolor extract (ATE) on melanogenesis in UV radiation-exposed B16F10 cells.
Methods: Total phenolic and anthocyanin contents of ATE were examined by Folin-Ciocalteu and pH differential methods, respectively. The tyrosinase inhibitory effect of ATE was investigated using L-DOPA as a substrate and the suppressive effect of ATE on melanin production was determined in melanoma cells. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH method and reactive oxygen species formation while protein expression levels were evaluated by western blot method.
Results: The total phenolic and anthocyanin contents were identified up to 35 mg/g extract and 0.85 mg/g extract, respectively. ATE was found to inhibit both mushroom and cellular tyrosinase at IC50 values of 242.2 ± 9.5 μg/mL and 202.9 ± 11.6 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, ATE treatment reduced melanin production up to (30 ± 5) % and suppressed p38 MAPK phosphorylation at the concentration of 400 μg/mL. In addition, ATE significantly scavenged DPPH radical with EC50 value of 189.2 ± 8.9 μg/mL and abolished ROS formation in the cells.
Conclusion: These results indicate that A. tricolor extract has a potential protective effect against melanin production, suggesting its potential value in skin-lightening formulations.
Effect of complex micronutrient supplement and vitamin D as adjunct to insulin therapy in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fu Fan , Yu Juan , Wang Lulu 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To determine the effect of complex micronutrient supplements and vitamin D as adjunct therapy on pancreatic function, oxidative stress, glucose metabolism and pregnancy outcomes in patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Methods: 100 GDM patients admitted to Hangzhou Linping District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, China between March 2022 and February 2023, were randomly allocated to control and study groups (50 patients each). Control group received insulin injections, whereas study group received complex micronutrients with vitamin D as supplements to insulin. Differences in terms of pancreatic function (homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), homeostatic model assessment-beta-cell function index (HOMA-β)), oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA)), glucose metabolism indicators (fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)) and pregnancy outcomes was assessed.
Results: After treatment, both groups showed reductions in serum levels of FBG, 2hPG and HbA1c, but study group exhibited a considerably greater decrease (p < 0.05). In addition, study group had lower HOMA-IR and MDA levels as well as higher HOMA-β and TAC levels (p < 0.05). Negative delivery outcomes occurred less frequently in study group than in control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Complex micronutrient supplements (rich in magnesium, calcium, and zinc) in combination with vitamin D as adjunct to insulin treatment effectively reduce pancreatic function and oxidative stress, significantly control blood glucose levels and lower the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients. Further studies will be required in a larger more diverse population to determine the mechanism of enhancing pancreatic function.
Effect of furosemide combined with continuous renal replacement therapy on cardiorenal function and inflammatory response in patients with chronic renal and heart failure after hemodialysis
Authors: Pan Yuxiang , Yang Shanshan , Li Jinguo 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To determine the effect of furosemide combined with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on cardiorenal function and inflammatory response in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and heart failure after hemodialysis.
Methods: 130 patients with both CRF and heart failure, who underwent hemodialysis at the Second Hospital Affiliated to Hainan Medical College, China, from October 2020 to October 2022 were recruited as study subjects. They were randomly divided into two groups, with control group administered the Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) while study group received furosemide in addition. The study assessed the clinical outcomes, cardiorenal function and inflammatory factors before and after treatment. Additionally, adverse reactions during treatment were documented for both groups.
Results: Study group exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.001) total response rate compared to control group. Post-treatment, both groups displayed significant increases (p < 0.05) in left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output and stroke volume, with study group showing significantly superior results (p < 0.05). Furthermore, post-treatment, both groups experienced significant reductions (p < 0.05) in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24-hour urinary protein levels, with study group displaying significantly lower levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, the interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels decreased significantly in both groups post-treatment, with study group exhibiting significantly lower levels (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse reaction incidence between the two groups.
Conclusion: Furosemide combined with CRRT significantly improves cardiorenal function and reduces inflammatory response in patients with CRF and heart failure after hemodialysis. Future research could optimize dosage and administration protocols, explore long-term effects and assess applicability in diverse patient populations.