Micro Labs (India)

Background: Despite several clinical studies regarding the effectiveness of sertaconazole in various cutaneous fungal infections, there is a dearth of studies among clinicians. So, this study aims to assess clinician preferences and perceived efficacy of sertaconazole in the management of fungal infections across multiple dermatological indications. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 599 dermatologists, and data were collected using a structured 23-item questionnaire regarding clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, treatment preferences, and perceived efficacy for topical antifungals, with a specific focus on sertaconazole usage. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. Results: Out of 599 dermatologists, the majority (52.85%) preferred sertaconazole as the topical azole of choice for tinea pedis, while nearly 61% preferred it for tinea corporis. Clinical efficacy was rated as “very good” by approximately 42% of respondents, and 51% attributed sertaconazole’s superiority to its dual fungistatic and fungicidal activity. Occasional use was reported in pityriasis versicolor (72.56%) and seborrheic dermatitis (68.09%). About 62% of clinicians cited good efficacy as the key advantage, while 39% highlighted a combination of efficacy, tolerability, and sustained effect. The cream formulation was preferred by about 87% of participants. Conclusions: Sertaconazole is strongly preferred by clinicians for managing fungal infections in dermatology, particularly tinea pedis and tinea corporis, owing to its dual fungistatic and fungicidal activity, high perceived efficacy, and tolerability. Its expanding use in pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis indicates growing recognition of its broader therapeutic potential.

Atmospheric PM2.5 affects climate by altering radiative forcing and harms human health. Organosulfates (OSs) intensify these impacts, as cloud condensation nuclei modify the radiation balance and increase toxicological risks. We synthesized OSs reference standards and optimized a sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method, enabling precise quantification to mitigate PM2.5 pollution on climate and health. We synthesized five organosulfates (ethyl-, 3-methylbenzyl-, cyclohexyl-, benzyl-, and phenethyl sulfate) as reference standards. These, combined with four commercial standards (methyl-, phenyl-, octyl-, and 4-nitrophenyl sulfate), were quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Separation used a Waters HSS T3 column with a gradient mobile phase (0.1% formic acid in H2O/CH3OH). ESI in negative mode enabled sensitive MS/MS detection. A nine-point calibration curve ranging from 0.08 to 20 ng mL-1 of standards in solvent was used to establish instrument response. The method was validated by analysis of three replicate environmental samples fortified with 5 ng mL-1 of mixed standard. The recoveries of various OSs were 44%-126%, and their method detection limits were 0.10 ng mL-1 and the method limits of quantification were 0.50 ng mL-1. The optimized UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method was successfully applied for the determination of various OSs in PM2.5 collected from Tianjin, China. It enables the precise measurement of OSs in aerosols that provide a critical tool to improve air quality monitoring and develop strategies to reduce pollution-related health impacts.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate hyaluronic acid (HA), sometimes referred to as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, as well as its derivatives and how they are used in cosmetic formulations. N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid are the two disaccharides that make up HA, a glycosaminoglycan that was first isolated from the vitreous humor of the eye and then found in other tissues and fluids, including the synovial fluid and articular cartilage. It is found in all vertebrates, including humans, and has a variety of roles in biological processes, such as wound healing, inflammation, cell differentiation, and embryological development. With its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, HA offers numerous advantages over other chemicals used in skin regeneration. The biological activity and skin penetration of HA are influenced by its molecular weight. The current study outlines the key elements of hyaluronic acid's usage in cosmetology, given its broad range of uses and applications in ophthalmology, arthrology, pneumology, rhinology, aesthetic medicine, cancer, nutrition, and cosmetics. There is a discussion of the biological impact of HA at the skin's level as well as any possible negative consequences. From the brand portfolios of the most well-known manufacturers, a few readily available cosmetic items containing HA have been discovered, and their composition has been assessed.

Physician perspectives on the use of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and urea combination in dermatology practice in Indian settings - IJCED- Print ISSN No: - 2581-4710 Online ISSN No:- 2581-4729 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.ijced.2025.027, IP Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology-IP Indian J Clin Exp D

Objective: To evaluate clinicians' preferences, prescribing patterns, and clinical experiences with brivaracetam compared to other antiepileptic drugs, particularly levetiracetam, in the management of epilepsy across different patient populations. Methodology: This cross-sectional study used a 24-item multi-response questionnaire to gather expert opinion across different Indian settings regarding their perspectives on epilepsy and brivaracetam. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, with results reported as frequencies and percentages. Results: The survey included 360 participants. Clinicians showed a strong preference for brivaracetam as the first-line antiepileptic drug in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy, with 72% favoring it for younger patients and 74% for elderly. This preference was particularly notable for managing partial-onset seizures, as cited by 71% of clinicians. Additionally, 65% reported that partial-onset seizures were the primary reason for switching to brivaracetam from other antiepileptics. Behavioral and psychiatric adverse effects were cited by 60% of clinicians as the main reasons for transitioning from levetiracetam to brivaracetam. Moreover, 47% reported that 10-20% of patients experiencing behavioral changes on levetiracetam were switched to brivaracetam, with 49% noting improved efficacy and behavioral outcomes in 20-30% of these cases. The minimal psychiatric and behavioral side effects of brivaracetam were noted as its main advantage by 41% of clinicians in managing partial-onset seizures. Furthermore, 70% of clinicians preferred brivaracetam for treatment-resistant epilepsy, and approximately half of them preferred it for pediatric partial seizures. Conclusion: This study highlighted brivaracetam as a preferred antiepileptic drug in clinical practice, especially for managing partial-onset seizures. It serves as an effective alternative for patients experiencing adverse effects with levetiracetam.

Objective: The objective of the study was to gather clinician’s perspectives on the use of linagliptin monotherapy and the linagliptin + dapagliflozin fixed-dose combination (FDC) in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Indian clinical settings. Methodology: The cross-sectional study employed a 25-item, multiple-response questionnaire to collect expert opinions from specialists experienced in managing T2DM with CKD. The survey covered topics such as current prescribing practices, clinical observations, preferences, and experiences regarding the use of linagliptin monotherapy and linagliptin + dapagliflozin FDC in routine settings. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics. Results: Overall, 1848 participants were included and the majority (77%) of them preferred linagliptin as the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) of choice, while 65% observed improved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with linagliptin in their practice. Nearly 44% of the respondents noted that 11%–25% of patients needed multiple drugs alongside metformin for glycemic control. Nearly 76% favored linagliptin when combined with dapagliflozin, and 61% preferred the dapagliflozin + linagliptin FDC for elderly diabetic patients with obesity or cardiac/renal issues. Approximately 68% of the clinicians reported a 3–6 mmHg reduction in blood pressure with dapagliflozin. About 60% of the clinicians stated the occurrence of urinary tract infections with the DPP4i and sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor combination, and approximately 42% indicated effective synergy between dapagliflozin + linagliptin. Conclusion: The study findings indicated that linagliptin monotherapy and linagliptin + dapagliflozin FDC were preferred in managing T2DM with CKD due to their potency, minimal side effects, and efficacy. The study has also underscored the additional benefits conferred by linagliptin, including improved eGFR and reduced blood pressure.

Objective: To examine expert perspectives on the prescription practices and clinical uses of paracetamol for managing pediatric febrile illness in routine Indian healthcare settings. Methods: The study utilized multiple-response questionnaires distributed electronically to clinicians via email or online platforms. The survey comprised 30 questions pertaining to current clinical feedback, observations, prescription practices, clinical use of paracetamol, and experiences related to pediatric febrile illness in routine clinical settings. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The study included 341 experts, and the majority (72.43%) identified upper respiratory tract infections as the most common cause of pediatric acute febrile illness. About 50.73% of physicians encountered 40-50% of pediatric patients with fever in outpatient clinics, and seizures were the most commonly reported complication (66%). Oral temperature measurement (53.08%) and digital thermometers (67%) were commonly preferred for fever assessment. Paracetamol (49.56%) and paracetamol with mefenamic acid (42.82%) were the most commonly prescribed antipyretics. Viral infections were cited as the leading cause of fever cases (71%). About 60.41% clinicians reported low incidence of hepatotoxicity due to paracetamol and refrained from prescribing N-acetylcysteine for paracetamol toxicity (63%). Majority (66.57%) of the respondents reported the paracetamol suspension to be satisfactory, with strawberry (31.09%) and mango (32.55%) being the preferred flavors among pediatric patients. Conclusion: According to the survey results, paracetamol was favored as the first-line antipyretic, with many clinicians opting for combination therapy with mefenamic acid. Viral infections are highlighted as the primary cause of pediatric fevers. The survey also revealed positive perceptions regarding the flavor and packaging of paracetamol suspension.

: Although there is an array of empirical evidence regarding vitamin deficiencies in isolation, there is a dearth of particular data regarding multivitamin use in Indian contexts. So, the present survey-based study aims to gather clinicians' opinions regarding the multivitamin deficiencies noted in day-to-day practice in Indian settings.The cross-sectional, multi-response study employed an 18-item questionnaire to collect current feedback, clinical observations, and the clinical experience of specialists regarding multivitamin deficiencies observed in routine practice within Indian settings.Out of 191 participants, 53.93% opined that only a few patients have folic acid deficiency in most of the patients. More than half (51.83%) of patients have vitamin B12 deficiency. About 53% of the clinicians reported that zinc deficiency was seen in a few patients. Around 43% of the clinicians reported that 11 to 12 patients with diabetes using metformin were more likely to have a multivitamin deficiency.This study offered valuable insights into the multivitamin deficiencies observed by clinicians in their daily practice among Indian patients. The survey also underscored the importance of regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels in diabetic patients using metformin to reduce the risk of deficiency.