bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Oral, Topical, and Intradermal Tranexamic Acid in Patients with Melasma — A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Panchal Viraj S. , Patel Yatri S. , Dalal Yagnya D. , Parikh Amrita P. , Dalal Archana D. , Rana Devang A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and Objective:
Tranexamic acid (TXA) has recently shown promising results in the treatment of melasma. The objective of this study was to generate statistical evidence on the efficacy of TXA with different routes.

Materials and Methods:
We searched studies in PubMed, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. A change in melasma area and severity index (MASI)/modified MASI score from the baseline at the end of 8 and 12 weeks was seen. Inverse variance method was used for continuous data to measure standard mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). RevMan version 5.4 was used for analysis, and statistical heterogeneity across studies was reported using I2 statistics. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
Totally, 28 randomized control trials were included. At 8 weeks, oral TXA showed a significant change in SMD of 1.61, 95% CI 0.44–2.79, P = 0.007; at 12 weeks, oral TXA showed SMD of 2.39, 95% CI 1.42–3.35, P < 0.00001 compared to adjuvant treatment. At 8 weeks, topical TXA did not show a significant change with SMD of -0.05, 95% CI -1.08–0.97, P = 0.92; at 12 weeks, topical TXA did not show a significant change with SMD of 0.66, 95% CI -0.10–1.42, P = 0.09 compared to adjuvant treatment. Similarly, for intradermal TXA at 8 weeks, results were not significant with SMD of 1.21, 95% CI -0.41–2.83, P = 0.14, and at 12 weeks, SMD was -0.55, 95% CI -2.27–1.18, P = 0.54 compared to adjuvant treatment.

Conclusion:
Tranexamic acid in an oral formulation can be used along with adjuvant treatment for the management of melasma. Data are still required for topical and intradermal routes. Owing to the fact that our included studies had a lot of heterogeneity, more research is needed along with addressing the adverse effects of tranexamic acid as well as its variation in different skin colors.
Prescription Practices Regarding the use of Systemic Drugs in the Management of Patients with Chronic Pruritus amongst Indian Dermatologists – A Questionnaire Based Survey
Authors: Vyas Kapil , Maheshwari Kriti , Reddy Praveen K. Shanmugam , Verma Rajesh , Hasan Iffat , Mittal Asit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Chronic pruritus poses a significant challenge to treating physicians due to multitude of underlying causes and varying treatment strategies. Several topical, systemic, and physical modalities have been tried with variable success. Prescription practices in chronic pruritus are influenced by differential knowledge and experience of physicians, patient-related factors, and resource availability.

Aim:
The purpose of this survey was to observe the current pattern of practice in Indian dermatologists in the management of chronic pruritus and to identify practice gaps particularly regarding the use of various systemic agents as antipruritics.

Materials and Methods:
A previously validated questionnaire was sent to consultant dermatologists across India between January 2020 and July 2020. The questionnaire was comprised of six questions (multiple-choice questions as well as open-ended questions) regarding the use of antidepressants, cyclic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogues, opioid antagonists, antihistamines, and alternate therapies in the management of chronic pruritus.

Results:
A total of 700 dermatologists completed the questionnaire (response rate 70%). Overall, antihistamines were the most common drug prescribed in chronic pruritus (more than 95% respondents). Other systemic agents such as opioid antagonists, gabapentinoids, and antidepressants were prescribed by 22.42%, 71.85%, and 75.29% respondents, respectively, in chronic pruritus as either monotherapy or in combination with antihistamines in specific types of itches. Among antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (69.29%) were prescribed most often, followed by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (32.29%) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (9.14%). Other treatment options such as omalizumab, thalidomide, ondansetron, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and rifampicin were used by 10% respondents to alleviate pruritus in special situations.

Conclusion:
This survey revealed the redundant practice of prescribing antihistamines in chronic pruritus irrespective of etiology among Indian dermatologists. It also revealed a differential approach regarding use of systemic agents such as gabapentinoids, opioid antagonists, and antidepressants, in academic and non-academic institutions. The survey emphasized a barrier in writing prescription of systemic agents such as opioid antagonist and SNRIs due to lack of knowledge and experience, fear of side effects, and inadequate available evidence.
A Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Fixed Drug Eruption with a Special Focus on the Causative Agent and the Clinical Patterns
Authors: Halder Dishari , Das Sudip , De Abhishek 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Fixed drug reaction (FDE) is characterized by the development of well-circumscribed, round, erythematous macules and plaques on cutaneous or mucosal surface following ingestion of the offending drug.

Aim and Objectives:
To study the etiological agents responsible for FDE and to study the clinical patterns of FDE due to different drugs.

Materials and Methods:
It was a hospital-based observational cross-sectional clinical study. The study period was 24 months. Fifty patients were included. The study was done after a literature search, hypothesis generation, protocol write-up, ethical submission, ethical clearance, patient enrollment, data collection, data analysis, and research. The patients were selected on the basis of the Naranjo scoring system. The patients with a history of combination drug intake were not included in the study.

Results:
A total of 0.11% patients presented with FDE in the study period. Out of them, 52% of the patients belonged to 20–39 years age group, having sex ratio of 1.6:1. About 64% of the patients presented with multiple lesions, whereas 36% had a single lesion. A total of 46% patients presented with first episode and 54% had recurrent episodes. The mean time intervals of first and subsequent episodes were 6.5 days and 4.3 hours, respectively. Also, 16% patients had a history of herpes infection. Extremities were more affected followed by trunk and mucosa. Fluoroquinolones were the most common etiological agent found in 56% patients having cutaneous (48%) and mucosal lesions (14%). The most common drug was norfloxacin (36%) followed by both paracetamol (12%) and metronidazole (12%). Fluoroquinolones were the most common drugs implicated in bullous lesions and generalized bullous FDE.

Limitations:
The study population was small and the study was for a limited period of time.

Conclusion:
The patient should be aware of the offending drug and opt for any alternative agent after visiting the physician.
IADVL SIG Recalcitrant Dermatophytosis Position Statement on Super Bioavailable Itraconazole
Authors: Patel Nayankumar H. , Sardana Kabir , Shenoy Manjunath M. , Rengasamy Madhu , Khurana Ananta , Ghate Sunil , Venkata Chalam Konakanchi , Marfatiya Yogesh , Bhunia Deblina , Jayaraman Jyothi , Das Anupam , Jain Akshay Kumar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Itraconazole (ITZ) has been the mainstay of oral antifungal treatment for the current epidemic of recalcitrant dermatophytosis (RD) in India. Recently, a newer formulation of ITZ, super bioavailable itraconazole (SUBA-ITZ), is made available in the market by many pharmaceutical companies. It is important for dermatologists to understand the pharmacokinetic properties of SUBA-ITZ vis-a-vis conventional pellet formulation to use it effectively and safely. Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) has established a special interest group for recalcitrant dermatophytosis (SIG-RD) to strengthen research, continuing medical education, and industry collaboration on the subject. This position statement on SUBA-ITZ by SIG-RD is an attempt to address current pieces of evidence and the position of this new formulation in the management of RD.
Rehabilitation of patient using a patient-specific implant with bar-retained maxillary obturator and orbital prosthesis postoperated rhino-orbital mucormycosis
Authors: Jain Vaibhav , Nagori Shakeel 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
The “black fungus” or Mucor mycosis affected a significant number of COVID patients during the pandemic. Aggressive surgical intervention of these cases resulted in large palatal & orbital defects that required prosthetic rehabilitation. This is a painstaking process due to compromised retention and minimum residual bone. In this dental centre, two case was rehabilitated with 3D printed titanium patient specific implants (PSI) followed by prosthetic rehabilitation.A 36-year-old male diabetic COVID patient was diagnosed with mucormycosis and underwent right orbital exenteration & maxillectomy. Upon recovery, a PSI was designed and 3D printed to provide support for orbital and maxillary prosthesis. PSI was fixed to the orbital rims and remaining zygomatic bone for supporting the prostheses and Bar-clip retained prostheses were fabricated using the conventional method.During COVID-19 pandemic, patients who contracted Mucormycosis had a poor prognosis with conventional prostheses since all the supporting structures had been affected by the infection. Conventional prostheses for maxillofacial defects do not have adequate supporting hard & soft tissues to provide retention and support. The PSI with Bar retained protheses have been selected as a treatment option for such types of defects.PSIs can be valuable aids in rehabilitating patients with large maxillofacial defects.
Evaluation of the three different doses of cisatracurium during general anaesthesia: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Vats Jyoti , Kaur Kiranpreet , Sharma Jyoti , Johar Sanjay 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
The present study was conducted to determine the optimal dose of cisatracurium for intubating conditions and onset and offset of neuromuscular blockade. Data in Indian population are scarce, and hence, the present study was planned to evaluate different doses of cisatracurium.

Material and Methods:
The prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted on 180 patients of either sex in the age group of 20-60 yrs., having physical status class I to III, scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia. After exclusion 154 patients were randomly divided into three groups comprising 52, 51, and 51, respectively, in Group A, Group B, and group C. They received 0.1 mgkg-1, 0.2 mgkg-1, and 0.3 mgkg-1 of cisatracurium, respectively, to facilitate endotracheal intubation. Time of onset, intubating conditions, hemodynamic parameters, signs of histamine release, and recovery time were noted.

Results:
Mean time to onset was maximum in group A (4.37 ± 0.48 minutes) and minimum in group C (2.33 ± 0.43 minutes). Intubating conditions were found excellent in 88% patients in group. Change in HR was found to be non-significant at all time periods, but decrease in MAP was found between 2 and 10 minutes in group C. Duration of action was longest in group C.

Conclusion:
We conclude that cisatracurium in dose of 0.2 mgkg-1 and 0.3 mgkg-1 provides good-to-excellent intubating conditions within less than 3 minutes.
Installation of dental implants in distracted anterior alveolar bone
Authors: Harouna Mohamed S. , Shoushana Mohamed M. , Nowaira Ibrahim M. , Ibrahim Marwa T. 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This study was planned to evaluate the success of dental implants installed in distracted alveolar bone using extra-osseous vertical distractor.

Patients and methods
This is a prospective noncontrolled clinical study that was carried out on eight patients with age range from 20 to 50 years old who complained from vertical alveolar defect in anterior area and underwent vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis using extra-osseous distractor device followed by implant installation.

Results
Clinically there was a significant increase in vertical height of alveolar bone after distraction at P value of 0.007. Radiographically, by cone-beam computed tomography there was a significant increase in alveolar bone height and implants installed in distracted anterior alveolar bone were successful.

Conclusion
Alveolar distraction osteogenesis was a predictable method for restoring alveolar ridge height prior to implant placement. Distraction osteogenesis is ideally suited for recreating missing tissues in the anterior esthetic zone. The bone gain reached at the end of distraction appears to be lasting.
Evaluation of time-dependent ion-release and antibacterial activity of three adhesive resin cements
Authors: Gamal Susan M. , Masoud Gaber I. , El-Dessouky Radwa A. 
Published: March 2024

Aim
This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate time-dependent ion-release and antibacterial activity of three self-adhesive resin cements.

Materials and methods
Sixty cement discs of the three tested self-adhesive resin cements were fabricated according to the manufacturer’s instructions in a plastic transparent mold, their dimensions were 6 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. They were divided into three main experimental groups according to the self-adhesive resin cement type: group A (Thera-Cem), group B (G-Cem), and group C (RelyX Unicem 2) (20 each). Then, each main group was further subdivided into subgroup 1 (n = 10) for antibacterial assessment against Streptococcus mutans and subgroup 2 (n = 10) for ion-release assessment of fluoride and calcium. Direct contact test was used to monitor the bacterial outgrowth. Fluoride and calcium ions release were measured by ion chromatography and atomic absorption spectrometer respectively. All results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance then multiple comparison Tukey’s test.

Results
All the evaluated cements exhibited antibacterial effects against S. mutans; fluoride and calcium were released by all the three cements in varying concentrations after aging.

Conclusion
Based on the results of this in-vitro study and within its limitations, it can be concluded that self-adhesive resin cements seem to provide promising antibacterial and remineralizing effects as being bioactive materials.
Institutional Quality, Government Expenditure and Economic Growth Nexus in Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Nathan , Usifoh Kingsley Stanley , Adu Melford Jonathan 
Published: March 2024

Low economic growth often correlates with the escalation of poverty, deindustrialization, unemployment, a decline in living standards, inadequate investments in human capital, and heightened social and economic disparities. Therefore, comprehending the factors that contribute to economic growth is essential for steering an economy in the correct direction. The economic literature has identified institutional quality and government expenditure as factors that drive economic growth. This study specifically examines the impact of government expenditure and institutional quality on economic growth. The study employed the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) method to analyse time series data from 1990 to 2022. The findings indicate that government spending has a substantial and favourable effect on economic growth. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that the presence of institutions had a substantial and favourable impact on the economic development of Nigeria. According to these findings, the study suggests that government spending should be consistently increased, but this should be accompanied with fiscal discipline through the execution of the regulatory framework of the Nigerian government.
<i>Tarantula cubensisalcohol</i> extract enhances the tumoricidal effect of capecitabine via multiple pathways in azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in rats
Authors: Akcakavak Gokhan , Celik Zeynep , Karatas Ozhan , Dogan Osman , Ozdemir Ozgur , Tuzcu Mehmet 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a combination of Tarantula cubensis alcohol extract (TCAE) and capecitabine (CAP) in the treatment of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods: Forty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into 7 groups with 6 rats in each group. The groups consisted of Control (C), Control+TCAE (C-TCAE), Control+CAP (C-CAP), Cancer control (CC), Cancer+TCAE (CC-TCAE), Cancer+CAP (CC-CAP) and Cancer+CAP+TCAE (CC-CAP+TCAE). To induce CRC, AOM (15 mg/kg) was administered to rats subcutaneously (sc) twice at a one-week interval to all the groups except control. From the 15th week, TCAE (0.2 mL/rat sc) was administered to CC-TCAE group every 3 days for 4 weeks, and CAP (40 mg/kg/day) was administered by gavage to CC-CAP group for 4 weeks. In CC-CAP+TCAE group, TCAE (0.2 mL/rat sc) was administered every 3 days for 4 weeks, and CAP (40 mg/kg/day) was administered gavage for 4 weeks. Animals were treated for 18 weeks. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were evaluated histopathologically among CC, CC-TCAE, CC-CAP, and CC-CAP+TCAE groups. β-catenin, CD15, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), and Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression levels were immunohistochemically compared among all groups.
Results: Histopathologically, ACF scores were significantly increased in CC group, while a significant decrease in the relevant scores (p < 0.001) was observed in CC-CAP and CC-CAP+TCAE treatment groups, and the lowest scores were in CC-CAP+TCAE group. Immunohistochemically, in CC group, β-catenin, Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB), Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and CD15 expressions were highly irregular. CC-CAP and CC-CAP+TCAE groups had significantly reduced expressions (p < 0.001), and the lowest expressions were in CC-CAP+TCAE group.
Conclusion: The combined use of TCAE and CAP in treatment of CRC has a synergistic effect and increases the anticancer efficacy of TCAE, and CAP. More studies at the molecular level are needed in the future to demonstrate the clinical benefit of TCAE supplementation during the treatment of CRC with CAP.
Исследование геотермального энергетического потенциала Апшеронского района для производства электроэнергии с использованием технологии бинарного цикла
Authors: Mammadov P.Y. 
Published: March 2024

Relevance. Geothermal energy offers a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for electricity and heat generation. This study explores the potential for utilizing geothermal energy alongside existing oil production in the Bibiheybat field, Azerbaijan. The aim of this work is to assess the geothermal energy potential of the Bibiheybat field and evaluate its feasibility for electricity generation. Methods. The study analyzes well flow rates, temperatures, and pressure distributions within the X stratum of the field. Temperature and pressure distribution models are developed using Surfer software. Geothermal energy potential is calculated based on well data and formula application. Binary cycle technology is proposed for electricity conversion. Results.The X stratum exhibits an anticlinal fold structure with varying well depths and temperatures (46-24°C). The geothermal energy potential of the field is estimated at 307,578.56 kWh, with 25,090.15 kWh carried by oil and 282,488.41 kWh by water. Utilizing a binary cycle power plant, approximately 107,652.49 kWh of electrical energy could be generated.
Актуальность работы. Геотермальная энергия представляет собой экологически чистую и устойчивую альтернативу ископаемому топливу для производства электричества и тепла. В данном исследовании рассматривается потенциал использования геотермальной энергии наряду с существующей добычей нефти на месторождении Бибихейбат, Азербайджан. Целью данной работы является оценка геотермального энергетического потенциала месторождения Бибихейбат и его целесообразности для производства электроэнергии. Методы. В исследовании анализируются дебиты скважин, температура и распределение давления в пласте X месторождения. Модели распределения температуры и давления разработаны с помощью программы Surfer. Потенциал геотермальной энергии рассчитан с применением формул на основе данных скважин. Для преобразования электроэнергии предложена технология бинарного цикла. Результаты. Пласт X демонстрирует антиклинальную складчатую структуру с различной глубиной скважин и температурой (24–46°C). Геотермальный энергетический потенциал месторождения оценивается в 307578,56 кВт ч, из которых 25090,15 кВт ч приходится на нефть, а 282488,41 кВт ч – на воду. При использовании электростанции бинарного цикла может быть выработано около 107652,49 кВт ч электроэнергии.
Hip osteoarthritis and occupational mechanical exposures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jahn Alexander , Andersen Johan Hviid , Seidler Andreas , Christiansen David Høyrup , Dalbøge Annett 
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the association between occupational mechanical exposures and hip osteoarthritis.
METHODS: The study was registered in PROSPERO. A systematic literature search was conducted in six databases to identify relevant articles. Two authors independently excluded articles, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias of each included article, and graded the level of evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis using random-effects model and performed a sensitivity analysis stratifying articles based on the risk of bias assessment, study design, and the outcome measurement.
RESULTS: Twenty-four articles were eligible for inclusion. The highest pooled odds ratio (OR) was found for combined mechanical exposures [OR 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–2.0], non-neutral postures (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–2.1), lifting/carrying loads (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3–1.9), and climbing stairs (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2). The range of pooled OR for the remaining mechanical exposures (eg, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and sitting) was 0.6–1.6. Grading the quality of evidence, a moderate level of evidence was found for the combined mechanical exposures and for lifting/carrying loads. The remaining exposure categories were graded as having either low or very low levels of evidence.
CONCLUSIONS: Considerable heterogeneity was observed across the included studies, and high-quality literature using objective exposure measurements is warranted. Despite various limitations affecting the comparability, occupational mechanical exposures seem to influence the likelihood of developing hip osteoarthritis.
Potensi QRIS M-banking Bank Syariah sebagai Teknologi Pembayaran untuk Mendukung Inklusi Keuangan Syariah di Indonesia
Authors: Sodik Fajar , Riza Alex Fahrur 
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penerimaan aplikasi QRIS M-banking bank syariah sebagai teknologi pembayaran non-tunai dan faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi adopsi pengguna. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan multimethod dan purposive sampling. Penelitian ini melibatkan 134 responden pada tahap pertama dan 249 responden pada tahap kedua dari berbagai kota di Indonesia. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan SEM-PLS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 6 dari 10 hipotesis yang diajukan didukung dan terdapat 14 faktor utama yang mendorong nasabah menggunakan layanan QRIS M-banking bank syariah. Hasil dari penelitian ini dapat digunakan oleh industri QRIS M-banking bank syariah untuk meningkatkan kualitas layanannya dan memenuhi kebutuhan nasabah dalam ranah financial technology yang sesuai syariah.