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1.
Occup Med (Lond) ; 74(1): 45-52, 2024 02 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37040624

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There may be differential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and burnout rates of healthcare professionals (HCPs) performing different roles. AIMS: To examine mental health and burnout rates, and possible drivers for any disparities between professional roles. METHODS: In this cohort study, online surveys were distributed to HCPs in July-September 2020 (baseline) and re-sent 4 months later (follow-up; December 2020) assessing for probable major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), insomnia, mental well-being and burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization). Separate logistic regression models (at both phases) compared the risk of outcomes between roles: healthcare assistants (HCAs), nurses and midwives (nurses), allied health professionals (AHPs) and doctors (reference group). Separate linear regression models were also developed relating the change in scores to professional role. RESULTS: At baseline (n = 1537), nurses had a 1.9-fold and 2.5-fold increased risk of MDD and insomnia, respectively. AHPs had a 1.7-fold and 1.4-fold increased risk of MDD and emotional exhaustion, respectively. At follow-up (n = 736), the disproportionate risk between doctors and others worsened: nurses and HCAs were at 3.7-fold and 3.6-fold increased risk of insomnia, respectively. Nurses also had a significantly increased risk of MDD, GAD, poor mental well-being and burnout. Nurses also had significantly worsened anxiety, mental well-being and burnout scores over time, relative to doctors. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses and AHPs had excess risk of adverse mental health and burnout during the pandemic, and this difference worsened over time (in nurses especially). Our findings support adoption of targeted strategies accounting for different HCP roles.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , COVID-19 , Depressive Disorder, Major , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/complications , Mental Health , Pandemics , Cohort Studies , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/complications , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Burnout, Professional/etiology , Burnout, Professional/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires
2.
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek ; 116(4): 303-326, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36683073

ABSTRACT

Plants are continuously challenged by different pathogenic microbes that reduce the quality and quantity of produce and therefore pose a serious threat to food security. Among them bacterial pathogens are known to cause disease outbreaks with devastating economic losses in temperate, tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Bacteria are structurally simple prokaryotic microorganisms and are diverse from a metabolic standpoint. Bacterial infection process mainly involves successful attachment or penetration by using extracellular enzymes, type secretion systems, toxins, growth regulators and by exploiting different molecules that modulate plant defence resulting in successful colonization. Theses bacterial pathogens are extremely difficult to control as they develop resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, attempts are made to search for innovative methods of disease management by the targeting bacterial virulence and manipulating the genes in host plants by exploiting genome editing methods. Here, we review the recent developments in bacterial disease management including the bioactive antimicrobial compounds, bacteriophage therapy, quorum-quenching mediated control, nanoparticles and CRISPR/Cas based genome editing techniques for bacterial disease management. Future research should focus on implementation of smart delivery systems and consumer acceptance of these innovative methods for sustainable disease management.


Subject(s)
Bacterial Infections , Plants , Plants/microbiology , Gene Editing/methods , Bacteria/genetics , Anti-Bacterial Agents
3.
Br J Dermatol ; 185(2): 323-334, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33544883

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The phase III reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2 (NCT01722331/NCT01729754) trials of the anti-interleukin-23p19 monoclonal antibody tildrakizumab (TIL) for psoriasis treatment are complete. OBJECTIVES: We present 5-year pooled data from reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2. METHODS: reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2 were double-blind, randomized, controlled studies with optional long-term extensions. Adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis were randomized 2 : 2 : 1 to TIL 100 mg (TIL 100) or 200 mg (TIL 200) or placebo at weeks 0 and 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter [reSURFACE 2 included an etanercept (ETN) arm]. Efficacy outcomes included proportions of patients achieving absolute and relative improvement from baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score through week 244 in TIL responders (≥ 75% improvement from baseline PASI; PASI 75 response) continuously receiving the same dose and ETN partial responders and nonresponders (PASI < 75 response) switched to TIL 200 at week 28. Safety was assessed from adverse events (AEs) in all patients as treated. RESULTS: Efficacy analyses included 329 and 227 week 28 responders to TIL 100 and TIL 200, respectively, and 121 ETN partial responders/nonresponders switched to TIL 200 at week 28. Of TIL 100 or TIL 200 responders and ETN partial responders/nonresponders entering the extensions, 235/302, 176/213 and 85/107, respectively, were evaluated at week 244, and 88·7%, 92·5% and 81·3%, respectively, achieved PASI 75 response. Exposure-adjusted rates of serious AEs were 6·3 and 6·0 patients with events per 100 patient-years of TIL 100 and TIL 200, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TIL treatment provided sustained disease control over 5 years in week 28 TIL responders and ETN partial responders/nonresponders, with a reassuring safety profile.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Psoriasis , Adult , Humans , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome
4.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 35(8): 1628-1641, 2021 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33763903

ABSTRACT

Nondermatophyte moulds (NDMs) onychomycosis is often difficult to diagnose as NDMs have been considered contaminants of nails. There are several diagnostic methods used to identify NDMs, however, repeated laboratory isolation is recommended to validate pathogenicity. With NDM and mixed infection (dermatophytes plus NDM) onychomycosis on the rise, accurate clinical diagnosis along with mycological tests is recommended. Systemic antifungal agents such as itraconazole and terbinafine (e.g. pulse regimen: 1 pulse = every day for one week, followed by no treatment for three weeks) have shown efficacy in treating onychomycosis caused by various NDMs such as Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and Onychocola canadensis. Studies investigating topical therapy and devices for NDM onychomycosis are limited. The emergence of antifungal resistance necessitates the incorporation of antifungal susceptibility testing into diagnosis when possible, for the management of recalcitrant infections. Case studies documented in the literature show newer azoles such as posaconazole and voriconazole as sometimes effective in treating resistant NDM onychomycosis. Treatment with broad-spectrum antifungal agents (e.g. itraconazole and efinaconazole) and other combination therapy (oral + oral and/or oral + topical) may be considerations in the management of NDM onychomycosis.


Subject(s)
Onychomycosis , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Humans , Itraconazole/therapeutic use , Onychomycosis/diagnosis , Onychomycosis/drug therapy , Onygenales , Terbinafine
5.
Br J Dermatol ; 182(2): 287-299, 2020 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31120134

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and nondermatophyte moulds that accounts for approximately 50% of all nail-related disease. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of monotherapy and combination treatments for toenail onychomycosis using a network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: Quality of evidence was assessed using Cochrane-compliant rules and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Efficacy and safety outcomes were compared using a random-effects NMA to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) of direct and indirect comparisons among oral and topical treatments (PROSPERO 2015: CRD42018086912). There were not enough eligible combination and device-based therapy trials to include in the NMA. RESULTS: Of 77 randomized controlled trials, 26 were included in the ORs (8136 patients). There were no significant inconsistencies between the direct and indirect evidence. Relative effects show that the odds of mycological cure with continuous terbinafine 250 mg or continuous itraconazole 200 mg are significantly greater than topical treatments. Fluconazole, pulse regimens of terbinafine and itraconazole, and topical treatments did not differ significantly in the odds of achieving mycological cure. The ORs of adverse events occurring with oral or topical treatments were not significantly different from each other. For mycological cure, evidence was of moderate or high quality while evidence ranged from very low to high quality for adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Our review suggests that oral and topical treatments for toenail onychomycosis are safe and effective in producing mycological cure. What's already known about this topic? Topical treatments traditionally have lower success rates than oral treatments. Oral treatments have the advantage of shorter treatment durations, but also present challenges in cases of drug-drug interactions or immunosuppression. A network meta-analysis (NMA) gathers data from indirect evidence to gain confidence about all treatment comparisons and allows for estimation of comparative effects that have not been investigated in head-to-head randomized clinical trials (RCTs). What does this study add? This NMA of efficacy and safety includes all RCTs of oral, topical, combination and device-based treatments for toenail onychomycosis, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for NMA. The odds of achieving mycological cure with continuous terbinafine 250 mg or continuous itraconazole 200 mg were significantly greater than topical treatments. Fluconazole, pulse regimens of terbinafine and itraconazole, and topical treatments did not differ significantly in the odds of achieving mycological cure.


Subject(s)
Foot Dermatoses , Onychomycosis , Antifungal Agents/adverse effects , Foot Dermatoses/drug therapy , Humans , Itraconazole , Nails , Naphthalenes , Network Meta-Analysis , Onychomycosis/drug therapy , Treatment Outcome
6.
Anal Bioanal Chem ; 412(5): 1097-1110, 2020 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31907592

ABSTRACT

A three-layered composite wipe was fabricated by laminating individual layers of non-woven polypropylene, activated carbon fabric (ACF) and aramid fabric for the sampling and investigation of chemical warfare agents (CWA)-contaminated urban porous and non-porous surfaces. The material of main ACF layer was characterized to ascertain its suitability to act as an efficient adsorbent for the surface wipe sampling. The performance of ACF-based composite wipe was determined by evaluating its extraction efficiency, wiping efficacy and adsorption capacity for the sampling of blister and nerve agent class of CWA-contaminated surfaces using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Parameters like amount of wipe required, solvent selection, amount of solvent, time of extraction etc. were optimized to achieve the maximum recovery of contaminating analytes required for the forensic investigations. Overall recoveries of contaminating analytes after sampling and extraction were found to be in the range of 45-85% for all types of surfaces. No breakthrough in wiping process was noticed up to contamination density (CD) 1.6 mg/cm2 for non-porous surface and 3.2 mg/cm2 for porous surfaces. ACF-based wipe was found capable to significantly reduce the vapour hazards from liquid sulphur mustard (HD) and sarin (GB). Contamination from surfaces could be preserved within the wipe up to 15 days for the extended forensic investigation purposes. Limit of detections (LOD) of contaminants was determined in the range of 0.8-6.8 ng/cm2 while limit of quantitation (LOQ) was achieved up to the range of 2.4-14.4 ng/cm2 for wipe sampling of different surfaces. Graphical abstract.


Subject(s)
Chemical Warfare Agents/analysis , Mustard Gas/analysis , Sarin/analysis , Specimen Handling/instrumentation , Textiles , Adsorption , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods , Limit of Detection , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Reference Standards , Solvents/chemistry , Surface Properties
7.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 34(7): 1564-1568, 2020 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31981260

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent condition that presents as painful, suppurating lesions in the apocrine gland-bearing skin regions. HS has been associated with increased suicidal behaviours (SB), independent of any treatment. TNF-alpha antagonists are used to treat moderate-to-severe HS and have also been associated with SB, a factor that could confound the decision to use the TNF-α antagonists in the moderately to severely affected HS patients, who may already be experiencing increased SB risk. OBJECTIVES: To determine presence or absence of a safety signal for SB when HS is treated with TNF-α antagonists. METHODS: We calculated the reporting odds ratios (ROR) with 95% CI of SB associated with treatment for HS with TNF-α antagonists vs. the reference group of all other treatments for HS in the US Food and Drug Administration pharmacovigilance database from 1 January 2004 to 31 March 2019. A second analysis excluded isotretinoin (which has been used to treat HS and has also been associated with SB) from the reference group. RESULTS: There was a signal for decreased risk of SB with TNF-α antagonists (ROR = 0.1959, 95% CI 0.1247-0.3079; z = 7.071, P < 0.0001] vs. all other HS treatments; the ROR did not change significantly after isotretinoin was excluded from the reference group. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of HS with TNF-α antagonists is associated with a decreased risk of SB.


Subject(s)
Hidradenitis Suppurativa , Suicidal Ideation , Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/drug therapy , Humans , Pharmacovigilance , United States/epidemiology , United States Food and Drug Administration
8.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 34(3): 580-588, 2020 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31746067

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a chronic, fungal infection of the nails. Complete cure remains challenging, but oral antifungal medications have been successful in managing the fungus for a significant proportion of patients. Treatment with these drugs can be continuous or intermittent, albeit the evidence on their relative efficacies remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative effectiveness and safety of pulse versus continuous administration, of three common oral therapies for dermatophyte onychomycosis, by conducting multiple-treatment meta-analysis. METHODS: This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the efficacy (as per mycological cure) and adverse event rates of three oral antifungal medications in the treatment of dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis, namely terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole. A total of 30 studies were included in the systematic review, while 22 were included in the network meta-analysis. RESULTS: The likelihood of mycological cure was not significantly different between continuous and pulse regimens for each of terbinafine and itraconazole. Use of continuous terbinafine for 24 weeks - but not 12 weeks - was significantly more likely to result in mycological cure than continuous itraconazole for 12 weeks or weekly fluconazole for 9-12 months. Rank probabilities demonstrated that 24-week continuous treatment of terbinafine was the most effective. There were no significant differences in the likelihood of adverse events between any continuous and pulse regimens of terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole. Drug treatments were similar to placebo in terms of their likelihood of producing adverse events. CONCLUSION: More knowledge about the fungal life cycle and drugs' pharmacokinetics in nail and plasma could further explain the relative efficacy and safety of the pulse and continuous treatment regimens. Our results indicate that in the treatment of dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis, the continuous and pulse regimens for terbinafine and itraconazole have similar efficacies and rates of adverse events.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Fluconazole/administration & dosage , Itraconazole/administration & dosage , Onychomycosis/drug therapy , Terbinafine/administration & dosage , Administration, Oral , Antifungal Agents/adverse effects , Humans , Treatment Outcome
9.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 34(9): 1972-1990, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32239567

ABSTRACT

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, causing discoloration and thickening of the affected nail plate, and is the most common nail infection worldwide. Onychomycosis was initially thought to be predominantly caused by dermatophytes; however, new research has revealed that mixed infections and those caused by non-dermatophyte moulds (NDMs) are more prevalent than previously thought, especially in warmer climates. Microscopy and fungal culture are the gold standard techniques for onychomycosis diagnosis, but high false-negative rates have pushed for more accurate methods, such as histology and PCR. As NDMs are skin and laboratory contaminants, their presence as an infectious agent requires multiple confirmations and repeated sampling. There are several treatment options available, including oral antifungals, topicals and devices. Oral antifungals have higher cure rates and shorter treatment periods than topical treatments, but have adverse side effects such as hepatotoxicity and drug interactions. Terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole are most commonly used, with new oral antifungals such as fosravuconazole being evaluated. Topical treatments, such as efinaconazole, tavaborole, ciclopirox and amorolfine have less serious side effects, but also have generally lower cure rates and much longer treatment regimens. New topical formulations are being investigated as faster-acting alternatives to the currently available topical treatments. Devices such as lasers have shown promise in improving the cosmetic appearance of the nail, but due to a high variation of study methods and definitions of cure, their effectiveness for onychomycosis has yet to be sufficiently proven. Recurrence rates for onychomycosis are high; once infected, patients should seek medical treatment as soon as possible and sanitize their shoes and socks. Prophylactic application of topicals and avoiding walking barefoot in public places may help prevent recurrence.


Subject(s)
Onychomycosis , Administration, Topical , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Fluconazole/therapeutic use , Humans , Itraconazole/therapeutic use , Onychomycosis/diagnosis , Onychomycosis/drug therapy , Onychomycosis/epidemiology , Terbinafine/therapeutic use
10.
Niger J Clin Pract ; 23(12): 1711-1720, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33355825

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to determine the occurrence of frailty in elderly patients presenting with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The secondary objective was to study the association between the deficits in health with the severity of ACS at presentation among them. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in the Departments of Medicine, Community Medicine and Biochemistry in a tertiary care teaching hospital, Delhi, India between November 2014 and April 2016. Patients (≥60 years age) presenting with any one of the spectra of ACS (STEMI, UA, NSTEMI) and giving informed written consent were assessed for frailty and health deficits using questionnaires. ACS assessed by ECG within 24 h and other relevant investigations. Appropriate statistical tests of significance like the Chi-square test were used and correlation coefficients were analyzed. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Seven risk factors apart from old age were studied, in which smoking and dyslipidemia played a major role. 44% of the subjects were frail with the range of frailty scores between 3 and 5. Every one-unit increase in hemoglobin was associated with a reduction in the odds (OR 0.72) for being frail. No association was noted between the severity of ACS and established risk factors like smoking, hypertension, diabetes, family history of CAD, increased waist circumference, dyslipidemia, and male gender. On multivariable linear regression, presence of frailty and depression were associated with severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one in two patients presenting with ACS were found frail. Depression and frailty were associated with poorer ejection fraction and severe disease. Correction of anemia and improvement of low-normal hemoglobin levels could reduce frailty and in-turn improve outcomes in ACS.


Subject(s)
Acute Coronary Syndrome , Frailty , Acute Coronary Syndrome/epidemiology , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/epidemiology , Frailty/epidemiology , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Phenotype , Risk Factors
11.
Sleep Breath ; 23(1): 171-178, 2019 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30032465

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been estimated to affect 4-11% of the population and causes systemic inflammation which leads to metabolic syndrome (MS). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is also associated with MS whether NAFLD is an additional risk factor for the systemic inflammation that occurs in OSA is unclear. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to analyze the association of OSA and NAFLD with MS and systemic inflammation in Asian Indians. METHODS: Total 240 (132 males and 108 females) overweight/obese subjects [body mass index (BMI > 23 kg/m2)] were recruited; of these, 124 subjects had OSA with NAFLD, 47 had OSA without NAFLD, 44 did not have OSA but had NAFLD and 25 had neither OSA nor without NAFLD. Severity of NAFLD was based on abdomen ultrasound and of OSA on overnight polysomnography. Clinical examinations, anthropometry, body composition, metabolic parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers were recorded. RESULTS: Serum levels of leptin, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly higher, and adiponectin levels were significantly lower in OSA with NAFLD subjects. Prevalence of MS was significantly increased in OSA and NAFLD subjects (p = 0.001). There was a strong association and correlation between leptin, IL-6, Hs-CRP, MIF, and TNF-α in OSA and NAFLD subjects. Multivariate logistic regression showed that OSA was positively associated with the NAFLD [odds ratio (OR), (95% confidence interval (CL) 3.12 (2.58-7.72), (P = 0.002)]. CONCLUSION: NAFLD is an additional risk factor in OSA subject which contributes to systemic inflammation in Asian Indians.


Subject(s)
Asian People , Inflammation/etiology , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/complications , Obesity/complications , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/complications , Adult , Biomarkers , Body Mass Index , Female , Humans , Inflammation/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/blood , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/blood , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/physiopathology
12.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 33(2): 281-287, 2019 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30005134

ABSTRACT

Due to the high relapse rates and the rise of predisposing factors, the need for curing onychomycosis is paramount. To effectively address onychomycosis, the definition of cure used in a clinical setting should be agreed upon and applied homogeneously across therapies (e.g. oral, topical and laser treatments). In order to determine what is or what should be used to define cure in a clinical setting, a literature search was conducted to identify methods used to evaluate treatment success. The limitations, strengths, prevalence and utility of each outcome measure were investigated. Seven ways to measure treatment success were identified; mycological cure, patient/investigator assessments, complete cure, quality of life instruments, severity indexes, clinical cure and temporary clearance. Despite its shortcomings, mycological cure is the most objective and consistent outcome measure used across onychomycosis studies. It is suggested that diagnostic goals of onychomycosis should be used to define cure in a clinical setting. Modifications to outcome measures such as incorporating molecular-based techniques could be a future avenue to explore.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Laser Therapy/methods , Onychomycosis/diagnosis , Onychomycosis/drug therapy , Quality of Life , Administration, Oral , Administration, Topical , Attitude of Health Personnel , Female , Foot Dermatoses/diagnosis , Foot Dermatoses/drug therapy , Humans , Male , Onychomycosis/surgery , Physician-Patient Relations , Prognosis , Recurrence , Risk Assessment , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome
13.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 33(7): 1393-1397, 2019 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30835851

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of sexual dysfunction side-effects associated with finasteride use in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is thought to be less prevalent than is publicized. There is a need to investigate sexual dysfunction among finasteride users with population-based controls. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of sexual dysfunction in men using finasteride or not using finasteride. METHOD: Adult men visiting a dermatologist's office for any reason were asked to complete a survey including a modified version of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) to assess the presence of sexual dysfunction with and without finasteride use. RESULTS: Data from 762 men aged 18-82 were collected: 663 finasteride users and 99 non-finasteride users. There were no significant differences between finasteride users and non-user controls in reporting sexual dysfunction using the ASEX. Regression analysis indicated that self-reporting libido loss and reduced sexual performance, not finasteride use, predict a higher ASEX score. CONCLUSION: The use of finasteride does not result in sexual dysfunction in men with AGA. These data are consistent with other large survey-based controlled studies.


Subject(s)
Alopecia/drug therapy , Dermatologic Agents/adverse effects , Finasteride/adverse effects , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/chemically induced , Adolescent , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Humans , Libido , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
14.
Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol ; 51(2): 236-245, 2018 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28295775

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare virtual autopsy using postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with conventional autopsy with respect to phenotypic characterization of stillbirths and malformed fetuses, and acceptability to parents. METHODS: This was a prospective diagnostic evaluation study, conducted from June 2013 to June 2015, including stillbirths and pregnancies terminated owing to fetal malformation at ≥ 20 weeks' gestation, for which parental consent to both conventional autopsy and postmortem MRI was obtained. Cases of maternal and obstetric cause of fetal demise were excluded. Whole-body postmortem MRI (at 1.5 T) was performed prior to conventional autopsy. Taking conventional autopsy as the diagnostic gold standard, postmortem MRI findings alone, or in conjunction with other minimally invasive prenatal and postmortem investigations, were assessed and compared for diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Parental consent for both conventional autopsy and postmortem MRI was obtained in 52 cases of which 43 were included in the analysis. In 35 (81.4%) cases, the final diagnosis based on virtual autopsy with postmortem MRI was in agreement with that of conventional autopsy. With conventional autopsy as the reference standard, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of postmortem MRI were, respectively: 77.7%, 99.8%, 97.4% and 98.0% for whole-body assessment; 93.1%, 99.0%, 87.1% and 99.5% for the nervous system; 61.0%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 96.7% for the cardiovascular system; 91.1%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 98.0% for the pulmonary system; 80.6%, 99.8%, 96.7% and 98.7% for the abdomen; 96.2%, 99.7%, 96.2% and 99.7% for the renal system; and 66.7%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 97.2% for the musculoskeletal system. Virtual autopsy was acceptable to 96.8% of families as compared with conventional autopsy to 82.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual autopsy using postmortem MRI and other minimally invasive investigations can be an acceptable alternative to conventional autopsy when the latter is refused by the parents. Postmortem MRI is more acceptable to parents and can provide additional diagnostic information on brain and spinal cord malformations. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.


Subject(s)
Autopsy/methods , Congenital Abnormalities/pathology , Fetal Death/etiology , Fetus/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Stillbirth , Female , Fetus/abnormalities , Gestational Age , Humans , India , Parental Consent , Predictive Value of Tests , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies
15.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 32(8): 1373-1376, 2018 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29194783

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Incidences of sexual dysfunction due to the use of 5 α-reductase inhibitors have been suggested. Despite low sexual dysfunction reported in clinical trials, an analysis of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database revealed a significant disproportionality in the reporting of sexual dysfunction with the use of finasteride. Therefore, it is likely that a similar relationship with dutasteride may exist. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dutasteride use leads to a higher risk of sexual dysfunction compared to a baseline risk for all other drugs using the FAERS database. METHODS: A case by non-case disproportionality approach was used whereby a reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Cases of dutasteride-associated sexual dysfunction were compared to a reference risk of sexual dysfunction for all other drugs in the database. RESULTS: A significant disproportionality in reporting of sexual dysfunction with the use of dutasteride was observed. The disproportionality was present for all age ranges except for 31-45 years where there were few overall reports of adverse events. LIMITATIONS: Adverse events can be underreported, and selection bias is inherent in the FAERS. CONCLUSION: Dutasteride use is associated with an increase in reports of sexual dysfunction.


Subject(s)
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Dutasteride/adverse effects , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/chemically induced , Adolescent , Adult , Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alopecia/drug therapy , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , United States , United States Food and Drug Administration , Young Adult
16.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 32(12): 2112-2125, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29797431

ABSTRACT

Androgenetic alopecia, or male/female pattern baldness, is the most common type of progressive hair loss disorder. The aim of this study was to review recent advances in non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia and identify the most effective treatments. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted of the available literature of the six most common non-surgical treatment options for treating androgenetic alopecia in both men and women; dutasteride 0.5 mg, finasteride 1 mg, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), minoxidil 2%, minoxidil 5% and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Seventy-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and 22 studies had the data necessary for a network meta-analysis. Relative effects show LLLT as the superior treatment. Relative effects show PRP, finasteride 1 mg (male), finasteride 1 mg (female), minoxidil 5%, minoxidil 2% and dutasteride (male) are approximately equivalent in mean change hair count following treatment. Minoxidil 5% and minoxidil 2% reported the most drug-related adverse events (n = 45 and n = 23, respectively). The quality of evidence of minoxidil 2% vs. minoxidil 5% was high; minoxidil 5% vs. placebo was moderate; dutasteride (male) vs. placebo, finasteride (female) vs. placebo, minoxidil 2% vs. placebo and minoxidil 5% vs. LLLT was low; and finasteride (male) vs. placebo, LLLT vs. sham, PRP vs. placebo and finasteride vs. minoxidil 2% was very low. Results of this NMA indicate the emergence of novel, non-hormonal therapies as effective treatments for hair loss; however, the quality of evidence is generally low. High-quality randomized controlled trials and head-to-head trials are required to support these findings and aid in the development of more standardized protocols, particularly for PRP. Regardless, this analysis may aid physicians in clinical decision-making and highlight the variety of non-surgical hair restoration options for patients.


Subject(s)
Alopecia/drug therapy , Alopecia/radiotherapy , Dutasteride/therapeutic use , Finasteride/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy , Minoxidil/therapeutic use , 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Humans , Network Meta-Analysis , Platelet-Rich Plasma , Vasodilator Agents/therapeutic use
17.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 32(12): 2264-2274, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29797669

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is the most common cutaneous fungal infection in children. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to evaluate the differences that exist between medications for the treatment of tinea capitis, to determine whether there are any significant adverse effects associated and to define the usefulness of sample collection methods. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search of available papers using the databases PubMed, OVID, Cochrane Libraries and ClinicalTrials.gov. Twenty-one RCTs and 17 CTs were found. RESULTS: Among the different antifungal therapies (oral and combination thereof), continuous itraconazole and terbinafine had the highest mycological cure rates (79% and 81%, respectively), griseofulvin and terbinafine had the highest clinical cure rates (46% and 58%, respectively) and griseofulvin and terbinafine had the highest complete cure rate (72% and 92%, respectively). Griseofulvin more effectively treated Microsporum infections; terbinafine and itraconazole more effectively cured Trichophyton infections. Only 1.0% of children had to discontinue medication based on adverse events. T. tonsurans was the most common organism found in North America, and hairbrush collection method is the most efficient method of sample collection. Additionally, using a hairbrush, toothbrush or cotton swab to identify the infecting organism(s) is the least invasive and most efficient method of tinea capitis sample collection in children. CONCLUSIONS: Current dosing regimens of reported drugs are effective and safe for use in tinea capitis in children.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Griseofulvin/therapeutic use , Itraconazole/therapeutic use , Terbinafine/therapeutic use , Tinea Capitis/diagnosis , Tinea Capitis/drug therapy , Administration, Cutaneous , Administration, Oral , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Child , Drug Therapy, Combination , Fluconazole/therapeutic use , Griseofulvin/administration & dosage , Humans , Itraconazole/administration & dosage , Ketoconazole/therapeutic use , Microsporum/isolation & purification , Specimen Handling/methods , Terbinafine/administration & dosage , Tinea Capitis/microbiology , Trichophyton/isolation & purification
18.
J Postgrad Med ; 64(4): 206-211, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29943747

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The role of physicians often extends beyond provision of direct patient care and includes appearance in courts as professional or expert witnesses to give their testimony in various legal cases. This often consumes precious time and resources of the doctors and the hospitals. This study was taken up to evaluate the present system of the physical appearance of the doctors to various courts and compare it with the videoconferencing mode of giving testimony (tele-evidence). Materials and Methods: Available records of summons and vehicles used were analyzed to calculate the cost involved and man-hours consumed in honoring the court summons. Telemedicine facility, available in our institute, was used for conducting tele-evidence with selected courts of the two states as a pilot, which was later expanded. A survey was also done to assess the experience of the physicians with physical appearance and videoconferencing using structured questionnaire after approval from the Institute's Ethics Committee. Likert scale of 0-10 points was used to measure satisfaction. Results: There was 43% drop in the monthly mileage of vehicles, 49% reduction in the fuel cost per month, and 28% savings in terms of time consumed for court duties. Satisfaction score for parameters of time consumed, physical strain, mental strain, communication with Honorable Judges, and overall experience was 87% through tele-evidence as compared to 31% with physical appearance. Conclusion: Tele-evidence is an acceptable and implementable mode of testifying and has led to tremendous resource savings in our tertiary care setting. The model needs to be replicated for deliverance of justice and is in consonance with Government's push toward Digital India.


Subject(s)
Expert Testimony/methods , Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Videoconferencing/statistics & numerical data , Humans , India , Retrospective Studies
19.
Homeopathy ; 107(3): 161-171, 2018 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29871023

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is endemic to certain parts of India, with limited treatment options. In our initial exploratory comparative observational study of 151 patients with AES, there was significantly reduced mortality with adjunctive homeopathy compared to institutional management protocol (IMP). The present randomized placebo-controlled trial brings more statistical rigor to this research program. METHODS: This study was conducted at a pediatric unit from 2013 to 2015. Children aged > 6 months and ≤ 18 years and receiving IMP were randomized to receive adjunctive homeopathy (n = 325) or placebo as control (n = 323). The primary effectiveness analysis was based on Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Morbidity was assessed using the Liverpool Outcome Score for Assessing Children at Follow-up. Analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS: A total of 612 children were analyzed (Homeopathy [H] = 304; Control [C] = 308). The primary outcome, GOS, differed significantly between H and C groups. There was 14.8% death/neuro-vegetative state in the H group compared to 29.8% in the C group. Relative risk was 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36 to 0.68), with absolute risk reduction of 15.0% (95% CI: 8.6 to 21.6%). Number needed to treat to prevent one additional death/neuro-vegetative state was 6.6 (95% CI: 4.6 to 11.6). Proportional-odds analysis also revealed a greater effect in the H group: odds ratio, 0.40 (95% CI: 0.27 to 0.60). The most frequently used medicines were Belladonna (n = 116), Stramonium (n = 33), Arsenicum album (n = 25), Sulfur (n = 18), Opium (n = 17), and Nux vomica (n = 10). CONCLUSION: Adjunctive homeopathic medicines may improve clinical outcomes associated with AES. Further randomized and controlled studies, using double-blinded trial design, are recommended to discover if the current findings may be corroborated.


Subject(s)
Acute Febrile Encephalopathy/drug therapy , Homeopathy/methods , Materia Medica/therapeutic use , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Combined Modality Therapy , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Research Design , Treatment Outcome
20.
Environ Monit Assess ; 190(7): 401, 2018 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29904796

ABSTRACT

With the availability of satellite data from free data domain, remote sensing has increasingly become a fast-hand tool for monitoring of land and water resources development activities with minimal cost and time. Here, we verified construction of check dams and implementation of plantation activities in two districts of Tripura state using Landsat and Sentinel-2 images for the years 2008 and 2016-2017, respectively. We applied spectral reflectance curves and index-based proxies to quantify these activities for two time periods. A subset of the total check dams and plantation sites was chosen on the basis of site condition, nature of check dams, and planted species for identification on satellite images, and another subset was randomly chosen to validate identification procedure. The normalized difference water index (NDWI) derived from Landsat and Senitnel-2 were used to quantify water area evolved, qualify the water quality, and influence of associated tree shadows. Three types of check dams were observed, i.e., full, partial, and fully soil exposed on the basis of the presence of grass or scrub on the check dams. Based on the nature of check dam and site characteristics, we classified the water bodies under 11-categories using six interpretation keys (size, shape, water depth, quality, shadow of associated trees, catchment area). The check dams constructed on existing narrow gullies totally covered by branches or associated plants were not identified without field verification. Further, use of EVI enabled us to approve the plantation activities and adjudge the corresponding increase in vegetation vigor. The plantation activities were established based on the presence and absence of existing vegetation. Clearing on the plantation sites for plantation shows differential increase in EVI values during the initial years. The 403 plantation sites were categorized into 12 major groups on the basis of presence of dominant species and site conditions. The dominant species were Areca catechu, Musa paradisiaca, Ananas comosus, Bambusa sp., and mix plantation of A. catechu and M. paradisiaca. However, the highest maximum increase in average EVI was observed for the pine apple plantation sites (0.11), followed by Bambussa sp. (0.10). These sites were fully covered with plantation without any exposed soil. The present study successfully demonstrates a satellite-based survey supplemented with ground information evaluating the changes in vegetation profile due to plantation activities, locations of check dams, extent of water bodies, downstream irrigation, and catchment area of water bodies.


Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring/methods , Remote Sensing Technology , Water Resources/supply & distribution , India , Plants , Satellite Imagery , Soil , Trees
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