Posted by admin on Jan 31, 2026 in |
Background: Chronic pharyngitis, often associated to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), presents significant therapeutic challenges. Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of 2% w/v Povidone-Iodine (PI) and 0.15% w/v Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BZ) gargles in patients with chronic pharyngitis secondary to LPRD/GERD. Methods: This prospective, randomized, open-label study compared the efficacy of PI and BZ topical gargles, combined with Omeprazole (20 mg) and Cinitapride (3 mg) once daily orally. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, day 15, and day 30. Results: Both groups exhibited significant improvement (p<0.05) in RSI and VAS scores over 30 days. BZ group showed effective pain reduction (VAS: 0.48±0.58 vs. 0.62±0.70; *p=0.014) and higher rates of complete pain resolution (56% vs. 50%) compared to PI group. PI achieved 100% resolution in reflux-associated symptoms (heartburn, postprandial cough), while BZ mainly improved neurogenic symptoms (globus sensation: 96.9% vs. 90%; hoarseness of voice: 92% vs. 78.3%). However, composite RSI reduction was comparable (BZ: 85.6%...
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Posted by admin on Jan 31, 2026 in |
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer management but is often accompanied by significant toxicity and economic burden. Drug Utilization Studies (DUS) are essential for evaluating prescribing practices and ensuring rational, cost-effective therapy. This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed the drug utilization patterns of 400 oncology patients at Goa Medical College between February and March 2024. Data was assessed using WHO prescribing indicators and descriptive statistics. Of the patients, 70% were female, and breast cancer being the most common diagnosis (49.5%). Paclitaxel (38%), trastuzumab (35%), and cyclophosphamide (28%) were the most frequently prescribed chemotherapeutic agents. The supportive drugs included palonosetron (82%), dexamethasone (70%), and ranitidine (63%). Advanced agents such as Zoledronic Acid and Leuprolide were used for bone metastases and hormone-sensitive cancers. High-cost biologics, such as Bevacizumab and Rituximab, were provided under the MJPJAY scheme, ensuring universal access. Injectable formulations accounted for 87% of prescriptions, 97.3% of which were prescribed by generic name, and 100% were listed in the WHO Essential Medicines List. Antibiotic use was low (3%), indicating strong antimicrobial...
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Posted by admin on Jan 31, 2026 in |
Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSI) refer to the presence of microorganisms in blood, which constitute one of the most serious situations among infectious diseases; as they are a threat to every organ in the body. Septicemia is a condition in which bacteria circulate and actively multiply in the bloodstream and may produce their products (e.g. toxins) that cause harm to the host Similarly, the presence of viruses, parasites and fungi in blood can be described as ‘viremia’, ‘parasitemia’ and ‘fungemia’ respectively. Material and Method: This study was conducted over two years, during which 3,145 BSI suspected patients’ blood culture samples were analyzed using the Bact/Alert 3D automated system. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were initially identified based on colony morphology and Gram stain followed by final confirmation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Vitek 2 Compact system, employing GP and P628 cards. Result: In our study, out of 3,145 patients blood samples 315(10.01%) samples showed growth on culture media. Out of 315 culture positive samples 61 (19.36%) was identified as S. aureus. Prevalence...
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Posted by admin on Dec 31, 2025 in |
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has severely undermined the efficacy of conventional antibiotics, necessitating the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), a crucial enzyme in bacterial DNA synthesis, presents a validated target for the design of new antimicrobial therapies. In this study, a new series of pyrazolyl-pyrimidine and pyridine-based derivatives was synthesized and systematically evaluated for DHFR inhibition and antimicrobial activity. The compounds were screened against a panel of pathogenic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Notably, compound 4c emerged as a lead molecule, displaying excellent antimicrobial potency with MIC values of 16 µg/mL against S. aureus and C. albicans. Additionally, it demonstrated a potent inhibitory effect on DHFR (IC50 = 5.53 ± 0.26 µM) and achieved a docking score of –12.114 kcal/mol, indicating strong binding affinity. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that the presence of an imino group at position 2 and a small methyl group at position 6 conferred superior binding characteristics, while bulkier substitutions diminished efficacy due...
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Posted by admin on Dec 31, 2025 in |
Beta-lactam antibiotics remain essential in treating bacterial infections due to their broad-spectrum efficacy and low toxicity. However, the increasing prevalence of beta-lactamase-mediated resistance, particularly among multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, undermines their clinical effectiveness. Recent advances in structural modification and new beta-lactamase inhibitors, such as Cefiderocol, Avibactam, Relebactam, and taniborbactam, have shown promising results against resistant pathogens like Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies significantly improved antibiotic stability, bacterial membrane penetration, and resistance evasion. Innovative approaches, including monocyclic beta-lactams and siderophore-conjugated antibiotics, further expand therapeutic options. Additionally, targeted modifications against penicillin-binding proteins have enhanced beta-lactam efficacy. Despite these improvements, challenges persist, notably variability in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), limited inhibitor spectrums, and rapid resistance emergence. Future research should prioritize developing broad-spectrum, irreversible beta-lactamase inhibitors with optimized pharmacokinetics and minimal adverse effects, to maintain beta-lactams as effective tools against antimicrobial...
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