Exploring the clinical studies of surgical acne scar management: a 10-year systematic review of modalities and outcomes

Acne scars are permanent sequelae of acne vulgaris, classified into hypertrophic, keloid, and atrophic types. Treatment strategies include non-invasive, minimally invasive, and invasive modalities. This systematic review evaluates clinical studies from the past decade on surgical and related interventions for acne scars. Using PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Epistemonikos with keywords related to "acne scar" and "surgical therapy." Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria out of 396 screened articles. The modalities examined encompass TCA CROSS, radiofrequency (RF) micro-needling, fractional microplasma RF, fractional bipolar RF, fractional CO₂ laser, erbium YAG (2940 nm), 1550 nm erbium, 1540 nm erbium glass, subcision, punch techniques, microdermabrasion, needling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid fillers, hybrid energy devices, trifractional technology, and human adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (ASCE). Results demonstrated variable efficacy, with predominantly positive outcomes across modalities. Specific treatments showed better suitability for certain scar types; however, all carry potential risks of adverse effects, emphasizing the need for cautious application and patient management. Limitations include small sample sizes and heterogeneity among studies, which may affect the generalizability of findings. This review highlights the diversity of surgical and minimally invasive options for acne scar management, supporting tailored treatment approaches based on scar morphology and patient factors

Successful treatment of umbilical granuloma in infants using topical application of common salt: a serial case report

An umbilical granuloma is a small, granulation tissue-filled swelling at the base of the umbilicus, commonly occurring in newborns. Various treatment options are available, including the topical application of common salt; however, its availability varies across healthcare facilities, and the most effective method remains uncertain. This serial case report describes infants presenting with umbilical masses accompanied by discharge. Physical examination revealed a flesh-like, protruding mass from the umbilicus, associated with yellowish and reddish discharge and surrounding normal skin. The granuloma was resolved entirely through the topical application of common salt. Our findings suggest that common salt is an effective, simple, and inexpensive treatment for umbilical granuloma. With regular monitoring, this approach could serve as a viable alternative to more advanced therapies

Factors affecting quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis in Semarang, Indonesia

The quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) reflects how well an individual's needs are met across three physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Measuring a patient's quality of life (QoL) helps evaluate the effectiveness of CKD therapies. This study compares patients' clinical conditions categorised by their quality of life while undergoing hemodialysis therapy for chronic kidney failure. This study compares the clinical conditions of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis based on their QoL, using a cross-sectional design involving 82 patients from Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital, Semarang. QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and demographic data were collected through interviews. Clinical data was sourced from electronic medical records. Logistic regression analysis identified influencing variables on QoL. The sample was predominantly female (62.2%), with most patients over 45 years old, meeting minimum education standards (61%), and 67.1% unemployed. Most identified as Muslim and married, with 98.8% reporting strong family support. While bivariate analysis showed no significant impact of demographic or clinical variables on QoL, multivariate analysis indicated a significant relationship with haemoglobin levels. While other factors like family support and knowledge contribute to well-being, further research with larger, more varied samples is needed to better understand the quality-of-life influences for CKD patients on hemodialysis

Prognostic significance of tumor angiogenesis markers in advanced cervical cancer undergoing chemotherapy

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Despite advancements in screening programs and vaccination efforts, a significant proportion of patients present with advanced-stage disease, characterized by severe manifestations and a poor prognosis. Clinical evidence highlights substantial variability in the sensitivity of chemotherapy regimens among cervical cancer patients, often resulting in suboptimal therapeutic outcomes and increased risk of complications. This underscores the need for reliable molecular markers to predict prognosis and optimize therapy. Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of solid tumors, including cervical cancer. Key tumor angiogenesis markers, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR), are critical in driving tumor progression in advanced cervical cancer. Studies have demonstrated significant correlations between VEGF levels and important prognostic parameters, including tumor size, metastasis, and chemotherapy response. Consequently, tumor angiogenesis markers like VEGF and VEGFR hold potential as valuable predictive tools to guide the management of advanced cervical cancer, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy

Antioxidant activity and phytochemical profiling of peaches, Arabica coffee, and their combination

Antioxidant compounds scavenge unstable free radical reactions and are abundant in certain plants. Peaches (Prunus persica L.) are rich in phytochemicals such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, while Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity and phytochemical profile of peaches, Arabica coffee, and their combination using ethanol, ethyl acetate, and water as solvents. Extraction was performed via maceration with 96% ethanol and fractionation using water and ethyl acetate. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and phytochemical tests evaluated secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids/terpenoids, tannins, and saponins. Results indicated that the ethyl acetate extract of peaches showed moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 = 141.91 ppm), while the water extract of Arabica coffee exhibited robust activity (IC50 = 22.30 ppm). Notably, combining water extracts from both sources demonstrated enhanced antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 37.85 ppm), improving peach extract activity by over threefold. These findings underscore the potential synergistic effects of combining these natural sources for health-promoting antioxidants

Culture and sensitivity analysis in rhinitis atrophic: case series

Atrophic rhinitis is a rare condition affecting the nasal mucosa, characterized by progressive nasal congestion, foul odor, and thick nasal secretions. It is classified into two types: primary (idiopathic), where the cause remains unknown, and secondary, which develops due to another underlying condition. Primary atrophic rhinitis, often called ozaena (from the Greek word for "stench"), has also been described as acute necrotizing rhinitis, catarrhal atrophic rhinitis, or coryza foetida. This condition predominantly affects women, with a reported ratio of 6:1.5. It is more prevalent in tropical regions and among populations with low socioeconomic status and poor hygiene, although its exact etiology remains unclear. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on a triad of symptoms: fetor, greenish nasal crusts, and an abnormally wide nasal cavity, often observed in advanced cases. This case series presents two rare instances of atrophic rhinitis, highlighting distinct characteristics and risk factors while contributing valuable insights into understanding this uncommon disorder

Ovarian cyst mimicking acute appendicitis in children: a case report

Pediatric acute appendicitis is common; however, it is different from torsion ovarian cysts. The estimated incidence of ovarian torsion in children is 5 per 100,000 girls. Herein, we report two cases of ovarian torsion mimicking pediatric acute appendicitis mimicking ovarian cyst. In the first case, a girl who was being assessed for acute appendicitis was identified to have torsion of the ovarian cyst during the surgery. In the second case, a girl experienced a ruptured ovarian cyst but then got severe appendicitis following the surgical procedure. The simultaneous occurrence of appendicitis and ovarian cysts is rare. These two patients' acute gastrointestinal complaints and symptoms exhibit similarities and may coincide. Both patients underwent salpingo-oopherectomy and appendectomy. Both patients were healthy on hospital discharge in a healthy condition. Female patients with severe abdominal pain and amenorrhea should be evaluated for ovarian torsion. Diagnosing the condition may be challenging due to non-specific clinical signs

Locally sourced supplementary feeding programs as a strategic intervention to address weight faltering in children: insights from a primary health center study

Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT), a supplementary food program using local ingredients, is a targeted intervention to address toddler malnutrition and weight faltering in Indonesia. Despite its widespread implementation, the long-term efficacy of the 14-day PMT program in sustaining growth recovery remains to be determined. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 14-day PMT intervention on weight gain and growth stability in children aged 6–59 months experiencing weight faltering. A prospective cohort study was conducted from May to August 2024 at Primary Health Center (Puskesmas) Ajibarang 1 in Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia. The intervention consisted of 11 snacks and 3 main meals to meet 30–50% of daily caloric needs. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight (BW) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), were collected pre- and post-intervention. 120 children participated, with baseline averages of 11.2 ± 1.5 kg for BW and 13.4 ± 1.7 cm for MUAC. Significant improvements were observed post-intervention, with averages of 12.9 ± 1.2 kg (BW) and 15.0 ± 1.4 cm (MUAC). A moderate positive correlation was identified between BW gain and MUAC (Spearman analysis). In conclusion, the PMT program effectively improves BW and MUAC in children at risk of growth faltering, highlighting its potential as a scalable intervention. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored nutritional programs during early childhood, a critical period for ensuring long-term health and developmental benefits. Advocacy and policy reforms are essential to support consistent implementation and global accessibility of nutritional interventions

Association between extramarital sexual activity, number of sexual partners, and HIV incidence among productive-age adults at H. Adam Malik general hospital, Medan

HIV/AIDS remains a critical global health challenge, characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. In 2022, Medan reported 1,543 HIV/AIDS cases, with the majority occurring in individuals aged 15–64 years. This study investigates the associations between extramarital sexual activity, the number of sexual partners, and the incidence of HIV among productive-age adults treated at H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia. An analytical observational case-control study was employed with 108 participants (54 cases and 54 controls). The analysis identified significant associations between extramarital sexual activities, the number of sexual partners, and HIV infection risk. These findings highlight the urgent need for strengthened global initiatives such as the "Getting to Zero" campaign, youth empowerment through NGOs, and enhanced public health education. Collaborative efforts involving the healthcare sector and government agencies are critical to improving HIV prevention strategies and reducing transmission rates

Effect of Nigella sativa extract on nasal mucosal inflammation in rats exposed to cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke contains toxic compounds that can initiate an inflammatory reaction and infiltrate inflammatory cells. The nasal mucosa is the initial part of the respiratory system that comes into contact with irritating chemicals such as cigarettes. Prior studies indicated that Nigella sativa extract (NS) has thymoquinone, a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Our study aims to determine the effect of different doses of NS on inflammation of the nasal mucosa in Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke. The study employed an experimental post-test-only control group design. Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of the five groups: negative control (K-), positive control (K+), and three treatment groups of P1, P2, and P3 receiving NS at the dose of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg bw/day, respectively. All treatment groups and the positive control group were exposed to smoke from 4 cigarettes/day for 28 days. The degree of inflammatory cell infiltration was evaluated using a histological scoring : 0 if normal; 1 if infiltration was less than 1/3; 2 if infiltration was between 1/2 and 2/3, 3 if infiltration of more than 2/3 indicating normal, less than 1/3, 1/3 to 2/3, and more than 2/3, respectively. The degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in group: K(-): 1.00 ±0.00, K(+): 1.00±0.00, P1: 1.00±0.00, P2: 1.00±0.37, and P3: 1.00±0.33. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a p-value of 0.001, indicating a significant difference. The Mann-Whitney test revealed significant differences between the K+ and P2 groups (p=0.032), K+ and P3 groups (p=0.013), and P1 and P3 groups (p=0.049). In conclusion, NS can decrease the presence of inflammatory cells in the nasal mucosa in Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke