Prevalence and patterns of self-medication practices in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Self-medication is a growing concern globally, particularly in countries like India, due to its potential implications on public health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of self-medication practices in India. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Embase were searched for studies reporting on the prevalence of self-medication in India and published between 2000 and October 2023.

Serum levels of trace elements in patients with prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is a major health concern and may be influenced by trace elements (TEs) like copper, selenium, manganese, and iron. This study aimed to analyze the difference in serum levels of these TEs in PC patients versus healthy controls.

Methods: A comprehensive search for relevant literature was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar, including studies up to December 2024.

A clinico-epidemiological study, assessing possible predictors of mortality and health-related quality of life for people living with visceral leishmaniasis - human immune virus (VL-HIV) co-infection in a high burden kala-azar endemic state of India: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis-human immunodeficiency virus (VL-HIV) co-infection has emerged as a serious concern, which could adversely affect the VL elimination efforts of the country. These patients have a poor VL therapeutic success rate, more drug-related toxicity, and relapses resulting in high mortality. Despite the emerging pattern of VL-HIV co-infection, there have been limited studies analyzing the presentation of VL-HIV co-infection in Bihar, India.

Unravelling the Treatment Strategies for Monkeypox Virus: Success and Bottlenecks.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus (ORXV) that causes a significant public health concern due to its potential for human-to-human transmission and ability to cause severe disease. Despite the availability of a vaccine, there is currently no specific antiviral treatment for MPXV. The development of effective therapeutic strategies for MPXV is essential to mitigate its harmful impact on society.

Alpha-asarone protects against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of alpha-asarone on biochemical, behavioral, neurochemical, and histopathological alterations induced by rotenone in a rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: Male rats were divided into six groups: control, alpha-asarone alone (15 mg/kg, oral), rotenone alone (2 mg/kg, subcutaneous), rotenone with levodopa + carbidopa (15 + 3.75 mg/kg, oral), and rotenone with alpha-asarone at two doses (7.

Prevalence and associated factors of self-medication with antibiotics among pediatric population in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Antibiotic resistance presents a substantial threat to global public health. One of the primary contributors to antibiotic resistance is the irrational use of antibiotics. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence and associated factors of antibiotic self-medication (ASM) practices among the pediatric population in India.

Serum Levels of Zinc and Copper in Patients with Endometrial Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the leading gynecologic cancer in developed nations. Recent studies suggest that trace elements like zinc and copper may be involved in cancer development due to their involvement in essential biological processes. However, there is inconsistency regarding their serum levels in EC patients.

Engineering flux-controlled flat bands and topological states in a Stagome lattice.

We present the Stagome lattice, a variant of the Kagome lattice, where one can make any of the bands completely flat by tuning an externally controllable magnetic flux. This systematically allows the energy of the flat band to coincide with the Fermi level. We have analytically calculated the compact localized states associated to each of these flat bands appearing at different values of the magnetic flux.

Serum Levels of Heavy Metals in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Prostate cancer (PC) is a common malignancy among men globally. Although genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contribute to its development, the role of heavy metals remains unclear. This study evaluated serum levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and nickel in PC patients compared to healthy controls.

Combination Therapy for Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis: A Literature Review of Current Evidence.

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a neglected skin disease that has tremendous epidemiological significance as a reservoir of Leishmania parasites. Relapse, drug resistance, non-compliance to prolonged treatment, poor health-seeking behaviour, along with limited therapeutic options pose a significant impact on the management of PKDL. In this study, we aimed to review the efficacy, safety and tolerability data of combination therapies for PKDL in the published literature.

Impact of fluorosis on molecular predictors in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes associated microvascular complications.

Aim: This review presents specific insights on the molecular underpinnings of the connection between fluorosis, type 2 diabetes, and microvascular complications, along with the novel biomarkers that are available for early detection.

Summary: Fluoride is an essential trace element for the mineralization of teeth and bones in humans. Exposure to higher concentrations of fluoride has harmful effects that significantly outweigh its advantageous ones.

miRNA-Targeted Vaccines: A Promising Approach for Viral Attenuation and Immunogenicity Enhancement.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a significant tool in the realm of vaccinology, offering novel approaches to vaccine development. This study investigates the potential of miRNAs in the development of advanced vaccines, with an emphasis on how they regulate immune response and control viral replication. We go over the molecular features of miRNAs, such as their capacity to direct post-transcriptional regulation toward mRNAs, hence regulating the expression of genes in diverse tissues and cells.

Ophthalmic adverse effects of miltefosine in the treatment of leishmaniasis: a systematic review.

Objective: Miltefosine stands as the sole oral medication approved for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The appearance of severe ophthalmic toxicities induced by miltefosine in the context of leishmaniasis treatment is a matter of significant concern. The main objective of this study is to present a comprehensive summary of the ophthalmic adverse effects associated with miltefosine when used in the treatment of leishmaniasis.

A Study on Drug Prescribing Patterns in Vitiligo Patients of Andhra Pradesh in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

Background: Vitiligo is a dermatological condition characterized by the appearance of white spots or patches on the skin due to the loss of skin pigment called melanocytes. The estimated prevalence of vitiligo is about 0.5-2% of the world population, but in India, the prevalence rate varies from 2 to 8%, depending on the region.

Nonadherence to antiepileptic medication and associated factors among persons with epilepsy in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a prevalent issue in India, contributing to suboptimal seizure control, higher morbidity and mortality, increased hospitalization rates, and a substantial effect on the overall quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.

Objectives: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of medication adherence among individuals with epilepsy in India and to identify factors associated with nonadherence.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar for studies on AED adherence in India.

Prevalence of self-medication practices among pregnant women in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Self-medication practice among pregnant women is a global concern. However, its understanding in the Indian context is limited due to a lack of comprehensive studies.

Purpose: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of self-medication, the medications used for self-medication, diseases/conditions associated with self-medication, and the reasons for self-medication among Indian pregnant women.

Serum Levels of Vitamins and Trace Elements in Patients with Visceral Leishmaniasis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a fatal disease prevalent in more than 70 countries, poses significant health challenges, particularly in poor communities with limited access to healthcare. Vitamins and trace elements play a crucial role in immune function and may influence susceptibility to VL. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the differences in serum vitamin and trace element levels in VL patients compared to healthy individuals.

Allergic contact dermatitis to lip care cosmetic products - a systematic review.

Lip care cosmetics products are any external preparation used by people to prevent drying, chapping, dullness, and beautification of lips. This study aimed to review the literature on allergic reactions induced by different types of lip care cosmetic products. A literature search was performed in PubMed from inception to June 2022.

Development and Analytical Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Electrochemical Biosensor for Rapid and Accurate SARS-CoV-2 Detection.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for rapid and accurate screening and diagnostic methods for potential respiratory viruses. Existing COVID-19 diagnostic approaches face limitations either in terms of turnaround time or accuracy. In this study, we present an electrochemical biosensor that offers nearly instantaneous and precise SARS-CoV-2 detection, suitable for point-of-care and environmental monitoring applications.

Barriers to the effective management and prevention of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in the Indian subcontinent.

Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a skin disease that usually occurs among individuals with a past history of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). PKDL cases act as a reservoir of parasites and may play a significant role in disease transmission. Hence, prompt detection and complete treatment of PKDL cases are crucial for the control and elimination of VL.

Serum Zinc Level and Efficacy of Zinc Therapy in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic skin disease prevalent in many parts of the world. Zinc has been investigated for its potential role in the immune response against Leishmania parasites. This study aimed to systematically review the literature and conduct meta-analyses to evaluate the serum zinc level and efficacy of zinc therapy in cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Adverse events of clenbuterol among athletes: a systematic review of case reports and case series.

Clenbuterol is a potent beta-2 agonist widely misused by professional athletes and bodybuilders. Information on clenbuterol associated adverse events is present in case reports and case series, though it may not be readily available. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the evidence of adverse events associated with clenbuterol among athletes.