Bibliometric Assessment of the Global Scientific Production of Nitazoxanide

Abstract

IntroductionNitazoxanide is a member of a new class of drug, thiazolides, and it was discovered in 1984 with antimicrobial activity effect against anaerobic bacteria, Hepatitis virus, protozoa, and helminths.MethodsA bibliometric study on four databases (1984-2016) – Medline, Scopus, LILACS, and SciELO – characterizing the global scientific production of nitazoxanide. We determined the quantity, quality (number of citations), and types of studies developed by each country, characterizing them by years, international cooperation, development, place of publication, authors (with its H-index), and groups with higher impact.ResultsThere were 512 articles in Medline – the higher scientific production is from the USA (19.71%), Switzerland (7.51%), and Mexico (7.27%). There were 1,440 articles in Scopus – from the USA (8.98%), Mexico (2.13%), and India (1.65%). There were 405 articles in LILACS – from Mexico (4.69%), the USA (4.2%), and Peru (2.47%). There were 47 articles in SciELO – from Brazil (34.04%), Venezuela (21.28%), and Colombia (14.89%). The H-index of nitazoxanide is 75 – the USA (26), Egypt (12), and Canada (10) were the countries contributing more with that.ConclusionsNitazoxanide research has been highly important. Nevertheless, it is relatively limited when compared with other drugs. Its research has been led by the USA, as revealed in this bibliometric assessment. Although some developing countries, where it is used especially for protozoa and helminths, probably have its influence, and this explains the fact that Mexico and India, among others, are the top countries in the scientific production of this anti-infective agent. This bibliometric study evidenced a relatively low number of publications, however, it has been increased in recent years.

Dissolution Advantage of Nitazoxanide Cocrystals in the Presence of Cellulosic Polymers

“…Herein, two cocrystals, viz., NTZ-GLU and NTZ-SUC (GLU = glutaric acid; SUC = succinic acid), were chosen to evaluate the effect of two cellulosic polymers, namely hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and methylcellulose (Methocel ® 60 HG) (Scheme 1), on the dissolution performance of the API, in comparison with pure NTZ, a commercially available NTZ medicine and the respective physical mixtures of NTZ and the coformer. Our study includes an API widely used in treatments concerning tropical neglected diseases, even though scarcely studied [45]. The purpose of this work was to study the behavior of NTZ cocrystals in solution and the conditions to sustain supersaturation levels since these conditions cannot be apparent and must be studied case-by-case.…”

Bibliometric analysis of Scopus indexed publications on polymyxin resistance (2009-2018)

“…Previously, various drugs have been studied with bibliometric indicators [17,18], as in the case of some antiparasitics such as antimalarial drugs [19], and antifungals such as triazoles [20]. Antibiotic resistance has also been studied in a general way [21] or individually, either focusing on which organ or system is affected, such as antimicrobial resistance to uropathogens [22], or according to the class of antibiotic, for example those resistant to carbapenem [23].…”

Introductory Chapter: Giardiasis - Still a Globally Relevant Protozoan and Zoonotic Disease

“…The efect of nitazoxanide in Giardia trophozoite includes ultrastructural changes in the cell morphology, swelling, and the formation of large empty areas in the cytoplasm and the disruption of the plasma membrane. An overall response rate of 75-94%, usually well tolerated, and a few adverse efects are the reason to choose this medicament [1,22]. Some patients, who are being treated with the standard treatment that cures other patients, can continue with symptoms.…”

“…For this reason, the combination of the therapy should be reserved when single primary agents have failed to clear the infection. However, it also should be considered that administration of two or three drugs may have more profound physiological consequences, alter the intestinal microbiota, and increase the drug-related adverse events and health care costs [8,9,22].…”

“…Whereas medical opposition may limit the use of some of them in singular cases, as in pediatrics, where their dose requirements make diicult the administration of tablet formulations to children. Finally, in the follow-up of some patients after treatment to evaluate the response to antigiardial drugs, a therapeutic failure is identiied [4,7,21,22].…”