Comparative Study Of Efficacy Research Articles

A comparative study of the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal instillation of diluted bupivacaine versus non-diluted bupivacaine after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a prospective single-blinded controlled randomized study

ABSTRACT Intraperitoneal (IP) bupivacaine instillation for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been reported in many studies as either diluted or non-diluted, with conflicting results and no standard recommendations. Objective Our study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal instillation of diluted versus non-diluted bupivacaine after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods In this prospective, single-blinded, controlled and randomized study, we included 50 patients undergoing LC. They were randomly divided into two groups, with 25 patients each. At the end of surgery, the first group received intraperitoneal 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5% (100 mg), added to 480 ml normal saline, diluted bupivacaine group (DBG) and the second group received intraperitoneal 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5% (100 mg); non-diluted bupivacaine group (NBG). Pain was assessed and recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS) for 24 h. Time to the first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption in 24 h, incidence of negative effects after LC, such as nausea, vomiting and shoulder pain, any side effects due to local anesthetic used as hypotension, bradycardia or respiratory depression and hemodynamic parameters were also recorded. Results Postoperative VAS values were significantly lower in DBG than NBG in the 1st 24 h (P value ≤ 0.003). The duration of analgesia (the 1st time analgesic request) was significantly longer in DBG (20.16 ± 3.52 h) than that in NBG (6.19 ± 2.93 h) (P value = 0.0001). Also, the total amount of postoperative analgesic consumption (tramadol) was less in DBG (7.2 ± 19.9 mg) than NBG (63 ± 31.16 mg) (P value = 0.0001). In relation to negative effects after LC, side effects due to analgesic drugs and hemodynamic parameters, the results were comparable in both groups. Conclusion Intraperitoneal instillation of diluted bupivacaine at the end of laparoscopic cholecystectomy decreases postoperative pain, delays request for rescue analgesia and reduces the amount of analgesics in the 1st 24 h postoperatively, more than non-diluted bupivacaine, with comparable results in incidence-negative effects after LC, side effects due to analgesic drugs and comparable hemodynamic parameters.

An Open-Labelled Randomized Comparative Efficacy Study of Unani Formulations and Hijama Bila Shart in Tashanuji Usr al-Tamth (Spasmodic Dysmenorrhea)

An Open-Labelled Randomized Comparative Efficacy Study of Unani Formulations and Hijama Bila Shart in Tashanuji Usr al-Tamth (Spasmodic Dysmenorrhea)

Comparative Study of efficacy of various solvent systems in extraction of morphine from viscera

Morphine, the main alkaloid of opium, was first obtained from poppy seeds in 1805. It is a potent analgesic, though its use is limited due to tolerance, withdrawal, and the risk of abuse. Morphine is still routinely used today, though there are a number of semi-synthetic opioids of varying strength such as codeine, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, and oxycodone. Morphine is used for the management of chronic, moderate to severe pain. Opioids, including morphine, are effective for the short term management of pain. Patients taking opioids long term may need to be monitored for the development of physical dependence, addiction disorder, and drug abuse.

A novel hydrogel-based moisturizing cream composed of hyaluronic acid for patients with xerosis: An intraindividual comparative analysis.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is mainly used to treat xerosis. It also exerts wound-healing, moisturizing, and antiaging effects. Although HA is considered an effective and safe ingredient in cosmetics, there is a constant demand for a more money-saving and effective formulation. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel hydrogel-based moisturizer containing HA cross-linked with silicone polymers, produced solely through irradiation without the use of cross-linking agents. A safety study enrolled 30 participants with healthy skin to perform patch and photopatch tests while recording adverse events. For the efficacy study, 30 participants with xerosis were compared before and after using the novel hydrogel, evaluating the cutaneous barrier function, xerosis severity scale (XSS) score, participant's satisfaction, and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA). Furthermore, the efficacy of the novel hydrogel-based moisturizer was evaluated by comparing it with a conventional moisturizer, Physiogel, in another 30 participants with xerosis. In the safety study, no serious adverse events were observed. In the efficacy study before and after use, skin hydration and skin surface lipid increased (p<0.05) whereas the XSS scores decreased (p<0.05) with time. In the comparative efficacy study with Physiogel, skin hydration increased whereas the XSS scores decreased (p<0.05) over time in both groups. Furthermore, IGA improved in 100% of participants in both groups. Also, 100% and 93% of participants were satisfied with the novel hydrogel-based moisturizer and Physiogel, respectively. The novel hydrogel-based moisturizer proved to be safe and effective for xerosis, showing comparable results to the conventional moisturizer.

Comparative Study of Efficacy Between Cyclosporine and Alitretinoin in Patients With Chronic Hand Eczema.

Background: Systemic remedies such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, and retinoids are off-license treatment options that are considered for severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) that is resistant to first-line treatment. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the optimal treatment of CHE patients, including those with atopic Dermatitis®, and to compare the efficacy between cyclosporine and alitretinoin. Methods: This study was retrospective and included CHE patients who visited the Department of Dermatology at Hanyang University Seoul Hospital in Korea between March 2013 and February 2020. Results: A total of 95 CHE patients was included in this study. In the cyclosporine treatment group, there were more patients with severe baseline Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) (P = 0.033) and higher immunoglobulin E (IgE) level (P = 0.019). The mean recurrence duration was 15.9 weeks in the alitretinoin group and 22.9 weeks in the cyclosporine group, the difference between which was not statistically significant. In a subgroup analysis according to treatment drug, only the low IgE group showed a better recurrence profile for alitretinoin treatment compared to cyclosporine treatment (P = 0.039). When comparing the cumulative recurrence rate during the treatment period and subsequent follow-up periods, the cyclosporine group showed a greater incidence of recurrence than the alitretinoin group in all follow-up periods. The results of our study are consistent with the previously reported efficacy of alitretinoin. Despite the rapid response in the cyclosporine group, 12 weeks of CHE treatment with alitretinoin showed superior efficacy compared to cyclosporine treatment. Conclusions: Both alitretinoin and cyclosporine groups showed efficacy in patients with CHE. Cyclosporine is an alternative treatment of CHE that is refractory to alitretinoin or relapses after its use, especially in the presence of atopic Dermatitis®.

Do the Outcomes of Clinical Efficacy Trials Matter in Regulatory Decision-Making for Biosimilars?

There is an increasing body of evidence supporting a more flexible approach in clinical data requirements for the approval of more complex biosimilar substances such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The aim of this paper is to further analyse the role of quality/chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) and clinical data for the conclusion on biosimilarity and the decision on marketing authorisation (MA). In the present study, we analysed the MA applications (MAAs) of all 33 mAbs and three fusion proteins evaluated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) between July 2012 and November 2022 with special emphasis on all submitted rituximab (four products) and trastuzumab (seven products) biosimilar candidates, including withdrawn applications. For the two withdrawn applications, the comparative efficacy trials suggested biosimilarity, but the quality/CMC package was not accepted by EMA. We therefore investigated whether a negative MAA outcome could have been predicted based on the evidence generated in the quality/CMC packages, regardless of clinical trial data. For this purpose, we reviewed the respective European Public Assessment Reports (EPARs) or withdrawal assessment reports, and the first regulatory assessments for all these 36 MAAs (i.e. day 120 of the centralized procedure), which are not publicly available. During EMA review, where significant issues are identified which would preclude a marketing authorisation, these issues are raised as questions to the applicant and are classified as major objections (MO). In 67% of cases, the outcome of the quality and clinical assessment was the same, i.e. both the quality and clinical assessments either supported approval or did not support approval. In 11% of cases, MO were identified in the quality part of the submission but not in the clinical data. In 22% of cases, MO were raised on the clinical data package but not on the quality data. However, we found no instance where seemingly negative clinical data, including failed efficacy trials, led to a negative overall decision. In each instance, the failure to confirm similar clinical performance in all investigated aspects was eventually viewed as not being related to the biosimilar per se but as being due to imbalances in the trial arms, immaturity of secondary endpoint results, change in the reference product, or even chance findings. Furthermore, when performing an in-depth analysis of the quality and clinical packages of trastuzumab and rituximab biosimilars, we found that in no case were clinical trial data necessary to resolve residual uncertainties regarding the quality part. The results further support the argument that sufficient evidence for biosimilarity can be obtained from a combination of analytical and functional testing and pharmacokinetic studies which may also generate immunogenicity data. This calls into question the usefulness of comparative efficacy studies for the purposes of regulatory decision-making when approving biosimilar mAbs and fusion proteins.

Prospects for the Use of Monofocal IOLs with Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Instead of Traditional Multifocal (Trifocal) IOLs in Cataract Surgery

Purpose — a literature review of comparative studies of the clinical efficacy of IOLs based on extended depth of focus technology (EDOF) and trifocal IOLs (TFIOLs). Methods. Literature analysis was performed in the international database “PubMed”.The search keywords were “IOL with extended depth of focus (EDOF)”, “Trifocal IOL”, “Contrast sensitivity”, “Aberrometry”, “Defocus curve”. The choice of sources for the review was carried out in accordance with the criteria for prospective or retrospective studies. A total of 158 sources were analyzed, further using systematic review filters and the authors’ knowledge of the topic. The duration of the retrospective analysis was 8 years (2015–2022), some of the considered works were dated 2023. Results. The values of visual acuity for distance, near and at an intermediate distance in both studied groups did not differ significantly. When analyzing the defocusing curve, the preservation of visual acuity under load conditions from +1.0 to +3.0 diopters was determined for both types of IOL, respectively. At the same time, visual acuity was significantly better in the TPIOL group than in the EDOF group in the optical load range from -2.5 to -4.0 diopters. Most studies did not report significant difference between EDOF and TFIOL in terms of contrast sensitivity, the likelihood of postoperative “halo” effects, and “independence” of spectacle correction. The stated provisions are fully consistent with the results of the medical and technical evaluation of EDOF presented in the literature. Conclusion. The development of a new type of EDOF IOL seems to be a promising direction in cataract surgery, especially taking into account the possibility of using patients whose professional activities are associated with long-term visual work at intermediate distances (for example, users of personal computers). Further accumulation of clinical material is required in the context of the role and place of EDOF in the general system of aphakia correction, taking into account the IOL model and the conditions of the patient’s professional visual activity.

Comparative Study of Efficacy Between Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

Background: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as "tennis elbow," is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the outer part of the elbow. Managing lateral epicondylitis is essential to relieve discomfort and improve the patient's quality of life. Various treatment options are available for lateral epicondylitis, including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and corticosteroid injections. The technique if proved better in pain control would be later on preferred as it will contribute significantly to reduce indoor patient burden, earlier recovery of patients and to their overall satisfaction. Objective: To assess and comparative effectiveness of corticosteroid injections with platelet-rich plasma injections in the management of lateral epicondylitis. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (RCT). Settings: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, PIMS, Islamabad Pakistan. Duration: From December 2019 to May 2020. Methods: Overall, 162 adult patients having clinical features of chronic lateral epicondylitis unilateral/bilateral not responding to conservative management of either gender with age between 18-60 years were included. Patients were randomly assigned into two intervention groups. Patients of Group A underwent local steroid injections, while Group B received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Patients of the PRP group, were administered 2 mL of PRP, derived from their own blood, at the most sensitive spot on the lateral epicondyle. Patients of the steroid group, were given 2 mL of methylprednisolone (40 mg/mL). Following the injections, patients were instructed to rest for 15 minutes and advised against massaging the treated area. VAS score was calculated at baseline before giving treatment in both groups and was subsequently assessed at 6th week, 3rd month and 6th month post therapy. VAS score was compared in both groups at different time intervals using student-t test for independent samples. Results: Mean age in group A was 47.4 ± 7.5 years and in group B was 48.1 ± 8.2 years. In group A, 56.8% of the participants were males, and 43.2% were females, whereas in group B, 54.3% were males, and 45.6% were females. Baseline average score of VAS was almost equal among both groups at baseline (7.69 ± 1.03 and 7.74 ± 1.06) in group A and B respectively. At 6th weeks, average score of VAS in steroid group was 3.7 ± 1.79 and in PRP group was 3.23 ± 2.05 (P=0.440). At 3 months, average score of VAS in steroid group was 2.73 ± 1.48 and it was 2.53 ± 1.82 SD in PRP group (P=0.451). At 6 months, VAS average score was noted significantly decreased 2.11±1.29 compared to steroid group was 4.83 ± 2.11 (P=0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed that PRP injections are more effective than local steroid injections for chronic lateral epicondylitis. Initial VAS scores were similar for both treatments up to three months, but PRP showed significantly better results at the 6-month follow-up, indicating its long-term effectiveness.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels kernels of the Hot and Cold Extraction and the Effect of Solvents Varying Polarities and the Heat Treatment on Yield and Activity Variance

A comparative antifungal efficacy study of argan kernels was performed using different solvent fractions obtained by the two extraction methods: cold extraction by maceration at room temperature (1) and hot extraction by Soxhlet apparatus (2). Results demonstrated that the two extraction methods induce different yields among each solvent used. Maceration promoted the maximum contents of crude extract in hexane (42.15%), diethyl ether (2.59%), dichloromethane (4.22%), and ethyl acetate (2.52%). Whereas the hot extraction yielded higher extractives in the case of methanol (22.97%) and water (5.88%) compared to cold extraction. The MIC values of the fractionated extracts obtained by maceration were in the range of 0.051 ± 0.002 and 0.223 ± 0.005 g/ml, whilst they were in the range of 0.101 ± 0.002 and 0.286 ± 0.005 g/ml for the Soxhlet extracts. According to total activity (TA) interpretation, dichloromethane was the most effective solvent to extract active antifungal components, revealing the strongest ability to suppress the growth of fungi at much lower MIC values (0.051 ± 0.002 to 0.156 ± 0.005 g/ml) than the rest of fractions. The effect of heating resulted in an increase of the MICs values of the Soxhlet extracts from 10 to 25 times higher than macerated ones, resulting in lower antifungal activity.

A randomized comparative study of efficacy of microneedling with 5% 5-FU and microneedling with 0.1% tacrolimus in treatment of vitiligo

Background: Vitiligo is an amelanotic disorder affecting 0.5% to 2% of the world’s population. Several treatment modalities have been tried and it has been reported that combination therapies augment the repigmentation in vitiligo. Objective: To compare the efficacy of microneedling with 5% 5-FU and microneedling with 0.1% tacrolimus in treatment of vitiligo. Methods: Twenty-five patients with localized stable vitiligo were subjected to microneedling of two patches with dermaroller of size 2 mm, then application of 5-fluorouracil to one patch and tacrolimus on the other patch. This procedure was repeated every month for maximum 6 months (six sessions). The patients were followed up for 3 to 4 months after the last session. Results: The overall repigmentation was slightly higher in 5-FU treated patches than tacrolimus treated patches. Very much improved to much improvement in VASI score was seen in 14 patches (64%) in 5% 5FU treated patches and 11 patches (44%) in 0.1% tacrolimus treated patches. Improved and minimally improved lesions, that is, eight patches (32%) and 11 patches (44%) respectively treated with 5% 5FU and 0.1% tacrolimus. Three patients (12%) showed no improvement. However, there was significant difference between the two drugs, regarding inflammation, ulceration, and hyperpigmentation which occurred with 5-FU. Conclusion: Microneedling combined with 5% 5-fluorouracil or tacrolimus is effective though 5-FU achieved better repigmentation.

372 Is the Mixing of Local Anaesthetic Agents for Perineal Block in TP Prostate Biopsy Patients Advantageous? a Comparative Study of Local Anaesthetic Efficacy

Abstract Aim Traditional mixing of short and long-acting local anaesthetics for perineal blocks for TP Biopsies might risk altering their pH and allow the use of suboptimal dose of the mixed agents. Method This is a prospective study in which we look at 102 patients who have had transperineal prostate biopsies. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of peri-prostatic local anaesthetic i.e. mixed (10mls of 1% lignocaine and 10 mls of 0.5% levobupivacaine) and non-mixed (20mls 0.5% levobupivacaine). Patients were asked to fill a pain score and satisfaction questionnaire after the procedure. Results The two groups were matched in their demographics including age, PSA and prostate volume. The pain threshold was similar in both groups during administration of the perineal block. The difference in pain threshold between the ‘mixed’ vs ‘non-mix’ group was statistically significant during the biopsy sampling i.e., 4(std 2) for the ‘mixed’ and 2(std1) for the ‘non-mix’ group. 84.8% of the ‘mixed’ group vs 97.7% of the ‘non-mix’ group said they would recommend the procedure. The response was the same when asked whether they would repeat the procedure if required (84.4% in ‘mixed’ vs 97.7% in ‘non-mix’). The cancer detection rate had no statistical difference between the 2 groups although core-length’s taken from target lesions were shorter in ‘mixed’ vs ‘non-mixed’ group (mean 7mm vs 9.5mm). Conclusions Our study confirms that using a pure agent gave better pain scores with the same cancer detection rates as compared to mixed agents.

Comparative study of diagnostic efficacy of sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens in community-acquired pneumonia children treated with fiberoptic bronchoscopy

BackgroundCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is usually diagnosed in children, and the type of respiratory specimen is critical. Differences in pathogens detection between induced sputum (IS) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) have not been evaluated.MethodsIn 2018, paired sputum and BALF samples from CAP hospitalised children with indications for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were subjected to multiplex PCR for the detection of 11 common respiratory pathogens.ResultsA total of 142 children with paired sputum and BALF were tested. The overall positivity rate was 85.9% (122/142) for sputum and 80.3% (114/142) for BALF. The two specimens presented almost perfect agreement between the detection on M. pneumoniae, influenza A, influenza B, bocavirus and RSV. In contrast, adenovirus had the lowest kappa value of 0.156, and a false negative rate (FNR) of 66.7%. Rhinovirus had the highest false positive rate (FPR) as 18.5%. The consistent rate was significantly higher in school-age children than those under 1 year old (p = .005). Bacterial co-infection in BALF specimens were observed in 14.8% (21/142). Of the 11 discordant pairs of specimens, 9 cases were sputum(+)/BALF(-) with adenovirus predominating.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the consistency of results between sputum and BALF is pathogen specific. Careful consideration needs to be given to whether sputum can be used as a substitute for BALF when children are young or co-infections with bacteria are suspected.

Comparative Study of Safety and Efficacy of Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers and Anti Amyloid-ß Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Amyloid-ß (Aß) plaques and Neurofibrillary tangles are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Recent advances to find a cure for AD have led to the exploration of Anti-Aß monoclonal antibodies and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs). The antibodies can decrease plaque formation or remove already formed plaques. ARBs increase angiotensin II (AT2) levels and decrease the effect of AT2 on the AT1 receptor (AT1R). This systematic analysis reviews evidence of monoclonal antibodies (Aducanumab, Lecanemab, Donanemab, and Solanezumab) and ARBs in managing AD. An in-depth methodical search was conducted across PubMed, Science Direct, and Mendeley. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed for this study. Randomized control trials for antibodies and ARBs and one retrospective cohort study were included. The comparison was made among studies that shared similar measured outcomes. Antibodies were found to be more effective than ARBs, with Aducanumab and Lecanemab being the most effective. ARBs, on the other hand, were found to be the safer choice. Further trials of longer duration and larger sample sizes are needed to explore both groups' long-term safety and efficacy.

A comparative study of efficacy of ropivacaine (0.75%) with adjuvants – dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Background: Brachial plexus block is preferred to general anesthesia (GA) as it reduces many complications of GA, provides good intra and postoperative analgesia, adequate muscle relaxation. Addition of adjuvants along with LA is used to prolong block with improved quality of anesthesia and decrease dose of LA. This study was done to see the efficacy of Ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in terms of duration of action and pain relief. Aims and Objectives: Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl along with Ropivacaine in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries, the onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade as well as post op analgesia is compared. Materials and Methods: Prospective Randomized Comparative study with three groups randomly divided received total volume of 30 mL of drug in peripheral nerve stimulator guided supraclavicular blocks in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. Group Dexmedetomidine received 28 cc of 0.75% Ropivacaine and Dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg), Group Fentanyl patients received 28 cc of 0.75% Ropivacaine and fentanyl (1 mcg/kg), whereas, group plain Ropivacaine patients received 28 cc of 0.75% Ropivacaine and 2 mL of normal saline. Haemodynamics, sensory and motor block (MB) were evaluated by VAS and modified Bromage scale. Results: The onset of sensory block and MB in the dexmedetomidine group, fentanyl group, and ropivacaine groups was 3.57±0.50 min and 4.47±0.51 min, 5.50±0.51 min and 7.53±0.51 min, and 8.07±0.79 min and 10.07±0.79 min respectively which were statistically significant. The duration of MB in the dexmedetomidine group, fentanyl group, and ropivacaine group were 6.57±0.50 h, 4.47±0.51 h, and 2.50±0.51 h respectively which was statistically significant (P=0.0000). The duration at which first postoperative analgesia was required in the dexmedetomidine group, fentanyl group, and ropivacaine group were 8.57±0.50 h, 6.57±0.50 h, and 5.30±0.47 h respectively. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is better as an adjuvant to Ropivacaine for brachial plexus block in terms of onset and duration.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interactions: Research Methods and Applications.

Because of the high research and development cost of new drugs, the long development process of new drugs, and the high failure rate at later stages, combining past drugs has gradually become a more economical and attractive alternative. However, the ensuing problem of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) urgently need to be solved, and combination has attracted a lot of attention from pharmaceutical researchers. At present, DDI is often evaluated and investigated from two perspectives: pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. However, in some special cases, DDI cannot be accurately evaluated from a single perspective. Therefore, this review describes and compares the current DDI evaluation methods based on two aspects: pharmacokinetic interaction and pharmacodynamic interaction. The methods summarized in this paper mainly include probe drug cocktail methods, liver microsome and hepatocyte models, static models, physiologically based pharmacokinetic models, machine learning models, in vivo comparative efficacy studies, and in vitro static and dynamic tests. This review aims to serve as a useful guide for interested researchers to promote more scientific accuracy and clinical practical use of DDI studies.

A Prospective Comparative Study of Efficacy of Intralesional Bleomycin Injection with Intralesional 5-FU Injection in Resistant Palmo-Plantar Warts

Background: Treating of recalcitrant viral verrucae either individually or in combination is inconvenient and frustrating both for patients and treating physician. There is no treatment, which is 100% effective for warts. Objectives: To compare the use of intralesional 5-flourouracil and intralesional bleomycin with respect to efficacy and side effects in treatment of recalcitrant palmo-plantar verrucae. Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted toassess the eeficacy of intralesional bleomycin injection with intralesional 5-Fluoro Uracil (FU) in resistant palmo-plantar warts. Results: Intralesional bleomycin was found to be more efficacious than intralesional 5-FU in treatment of recalcitrant palmo-plantar warts however much more side effects were noted in intralesional bleomycin than intralesional 5-FU. None of the side-effects were found to be life threatening. Moreover 5-FU is cheaper and easily procurable than injection bleomycin. Conclusion: Both intralesional bleomycin and 5-FU injections can be safely used in the treatment of recalcitrant palmo-plantar verrucae.

In-vitro Comparative Study of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Combined Nutmeg, Aloe Vera and Neem as an Intracanal Medicament with Calcium Hydroxide on Enterococcus Faecalis

Background: Ideal requirement of an intracanal medicament is that it should have an antibacterial action for the success of endodontic procedures. The "golden standard" intracanal medication is calcium hydroxide, but it still has drawbacks like internal root resorption. The search for an ideal intracanal medication that works well is an ongoing process that is still unsuccessful. In this pilot study, we attempted to search for new materials by drawing motivation from the earlier time. Ayurveda, started in India 3000 years back. Since many herbal products have demonstrated antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic properties, there has been renewed interest in them in recent years.&#x0D; Aim: To compare in-vitro, the antibacterial efficacy of a combination of herbal extracts i.e nutmeg + aloe vera, nutmeg + neem and nutmeg + distilled water with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament on Enterococcus faecalis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The ATCC strain 29212 of the bacterium E. faecalis was used in the study. Mueller Hinton agar plate was vaccinated with E. faecalis. The herbal extract mixtures were pipetted into the agar wells on this agar plate, which had four wells with diameters ranging from 8 to 10 millimeters. After using calcium hydroxide as a control, which is the gold standard for intracanal medication, the plate was incubated. The width of the restraint zones around every one of the wells were estimated physically after hatching for 48 hrs.&#x0D; Results: The highest zone of inhibition was seen around the wells containing Nutmeg and its combinations. Nutmeg showed better antibacterial efficacy when compared to calcium hydroxide.&#x0D; Conclusion: Nutmeg shows promising results for its use as an antibacterial intracanal medicament.

A comparative study of efficacy of CO2 laser treatment alone and in combination with platelet-rich plasma for vulvovaginal atrophy

A comparative study of efficacy of CO2 laser treatment alone and in combination with platelet-rich plasma for vulvovaginal atrophy

Comparative study of the clinical efficacy of all-inside and traditional techniques in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Many studies have focused on the femoral tunnel technique and fixation method, but few studies have involved the tibial tunnel technique and fixation method. The all-inside technique is one of the new techniques that has been described in recent years. All-inside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is based on a tibial socket instead of a full tunnel. This method has many potential advantages. To compare clinical outcomes of knee ACL autograft reconstruction using all-inside quadrupled semitendinosus (AIST) and traditional hamstring tendon (TBT) techniques. From January 2017 to October 2019, the clinical data of 80 patients with ACL reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed, including 67 males and 13 females. The patients had an average age of 24.3 ± 3.1 years (age range: 18-33 years). The AIST technique was used in 42 patients and the TBT technique was used in 38 patients. The time between operation and injury, operative duration, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score and knee functional recovery were recorded and compared between the two groups. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scoring system were used to comprehensively evaluate clinical efficacy. Eighty patients were followed for 24-36 mo, with an average follow-up duration of 27.5 ± 1.8 mo. There were no significant differences in the time between surgery and injury, operative duration, IKDC and Lysholm scores of the affected knee at the last follow-up evaluation between the two groups. There were significant differences in VAS scores 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 2 wk and 1 mo after surgery (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score at 3 mo, 6 mo and 1 year after operation. The efficacy of the AIST ACL reconstruction technique was comparable to the TBT technique, but the postoperative pain was less with the AIST technique. Thus, the AIST technique is an ideal treatment choice for ACL reconstruction.

A Comparative Study of Clinical Efficacy of 35% Glycolic Acid and 20% Salicylic Acid Peels in Melasma

A Comparative Study of Clinical Efficacy of 35% Glycolic Acid and 20% Salicylic Acid Peels in Melasma