Nevin Manimala

BMC Med Res Methodol. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1186/s12874-026-02812-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To address the challenge of constructing valid confidence intervals (CIs) for Poisson means in biomedical low-count experiments (e.g., radiation or molecular counting) with known background signals, where existing methods yield overly conservative intervals due to constraints in parameter space.

METHODS: We propose a fiducial framework that redefines the fiducial distribution by adjusting for conditional probability within the restricted parameter space. This computationally efficient approach eliminates empty intervals and leverages parameter constraints to ensure frequentist validity.

RESULTS: Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed CIs are narrower than conventional methods while maintaining nominal coverage probabilities, particularly near boundary conditions. The method was validated using three real-world biomedical/physics datasets.

CONCLUSION: The fiducial approach provides a robust, statistically efficient solution for Poisson mean inference in restricted spaces. It offers improved precision without compromising coverage, making it highly suitable for analyzing low-count data in biomedical and physical sciences.

PMID:41735893 | DOI:10.1186/s12874-026-02812-5

BMC Psychiatry. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1186/s12888-026-07897-2. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41735884 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-026-07897-2

BMC Pediatr. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1186/s12887-026-06616-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Motor skills of school-age children have an impact on learning, school results, and leading a healthy life. However, prevalence rates of motor developmental delays are increasing. Still there is a lack of understanding interrelationships between developmental domains of preschool aged children.

METHODS: We used data from the project “GIF MV”, a prospective dynamic cohort study. In this study, cross sectional data was used from the survey year 2023. To detect developmental delays of pre-schoolers a standardized, objective and valid screening method was used (“Dortmund Developmental Screening for Preschools-Revision (DESK 3-6 R)”). We determined associated variables for fine and gross motor developmental risks in preschoolers using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (n = 7,542 children).

RESULTS: Fine motor risks were observed in 16.8% of the children (gross motor risks: 12.2%). A gross motor developmental risk was strongest associated with a fine motor developmental risk (and vice versa). Nevertheless, gender and almost all other developmental domains are statistically significantly associated with motor developmental risks, e.g., with developmental risks in the DESK domains “Basic competencies in mathematics” (OR: 4.34, 95% CI: 2.03; 9.27) and “Attention and concentration” (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.8; 7.91).

CONCLUSION: Since analysis on variables revealed statistically significant associations between motor risks and risks in the remaining developmental domains and gender, activities designed to promote motor skills should include more than just motor developmental domains.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered on 29 October 2018 in the German Clinical Trial Register (ID: DRKS00015134).

PMID:41735878 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-026-06616-w

J Pediatr Nurs. 2026 Feb 23;88:117-126. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.02.015. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of nighttime use of eye masks and earplugs in preventing delirium and reducing pain levels among awake, spontaneously breathing pediatric intensive care patients aged 6-12 years.

STUDY DESIGN: This single-center, parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary university hospital in western Turkey between August 2024 and June 2025. Seventy-four children aged 6 to 12 years were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received standard care plus eye masks and earplugs at night, while the control group received standard care only. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium assessed over three consecutive days using the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium, while the secondary outcome was pain severity assessed over the same period using a faces-based numeric pain rating approach.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov (NCT06867523).

RESULTS: The intervention group had a significantly lower incidence of delirium on Days 2 and 3 compared to the control group (Day 3: 2.7% vs 37.8%; OR = 21.91, 95% CI [2.69-178.07], p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding pain scores at any assessment point (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Nighttime use of eye masks and earplugs significantly reduced early-onset delirium in awake, spontaneously breathing intensive care patients aged 6-12 years; however, no statistically significant effect on pain levels was observed.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Simple, low-cost environmental modifications such as eye masks and earplugs may help reduce early-onset delirium in stable, non-sedated PICU patients aged 6-12 years and can be feasibly integrated into routine nursing care.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06867523).

PMID:41734419 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2026.02.015

JACC Adv. 2026 Feb 23;5(3):102622. doi: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2026.102622. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sex-based disparities persist in the management of patients with coronary artery disease undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sex differences in early and late outcomes among patients undergoing mechanical circulatory support (MCS)-assisted complex PCI.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of hemodynamically stable patients who underwent complex PCI assisted with either an intra-aortic balloon pump or Impella (Abiomed) at a single center between 2017 and 2022. The primary endpoint was 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Secondary endpoints included individual MACE components, target vessel revascularization, bleeding, and procedural complications.

RESULTS: Among the 605 included patients, 24% were women (n = 145). Women had a higher comorbidity burden, presented more frequently with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and experienced significantly more in-hospital complications, particularly bleeding. At 1 year, women had higher rates of MACE compared with men (25.5% vs 13.8%; P = 0.002), driven largely by excess mortality (20.8% vs 10.2%; P = 0.003), irrespective of MCS device type. After multivariable adjustment, the difference in MACE was no longer statistically significant (adjusted HR: 1.34; 95% CI: 0.74-3.03; P = 0.337).

CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing complex PCI with MCS support experienced higher procedural risk and worse early outcomes, yet adjusted 1-year MACE rates were comparable to men. The marked absolute differences in bleeding and mortality highlight the need for sex-specific approaches to patient selection, procedural planning, and post-PCI management in this high-risk population.

PMID:41734415 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacadv.2026.102622

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2026 Feb 24:tpmd250662. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.25-0662. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Rheumatic manifestations are the third most common clinical features of Hansen’s disease (HD), after cutaneous and neurological involvement. However, few studies have systematically characterized these manifestations, and most lack appropriate controls and standardized assessments. To address this gap, the present cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the rheumatic manifestations associated with HD. The study included 23 patients with HD and 23 age- and sex-matched non-HD controls from Puerto Rico. All participants underwent a standardized evaluation and examination for rheumatic features. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and pharmacologic treatments were documented. Statistical analyses were performed using bivariate methods. The mean (SD) age of HD patients was 51.3 (15.7) years, and 60.8% were female. Regarding treatment status, 8.7% had received <1 year of multidrug therapy (MDT), 8.7% had received at least 1 year of MDT, and 82.6% had completed therapy. Overall, 87% of HD patients presented with rheumatic manifestations, most commonly arthralgia (73.9%) and arthritis (69.6%). Compared with controls, HD patients exhibited a significantly higher proportion of arthritis, particularly involving the small joints of the hands, as well as tendinopathy, dactylitis, and swollen hand and foot syndrome. These manifestations were significantly associated with leprosy reactions and multibacillary disease. In conclusion, rheumatic manifestations were present in 87% of HD patients, with several being significantly more frequent than in controls. Moreover, a substantial proportion of patients continued to experience persistent rheumatic manifestations despite receiving or completing MDT. Given their potential to substantially impair functional status, these manifestations should be recognized early to ensure timely and appropriate management.

PMID:41734397 | DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.25-0662

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2026 Feb 24:tpmd250558. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.25-0558. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a global health concern exacerbated by rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially in developing countries where empirical therapy is common. Untreated UTIs can progress to sepsis with a poor prognosis. Understanding local AMR profiles of uropathogens is crucial for effective UTI treatment. This study aimed to identify the predominant uropathogens and determine their AMR profiles against a range of commonly used antimicrobials. This study was a 5-year retrospective cross-sectional surveillance study conducted on urine cultures processed from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024 at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali. In total, 2,921 positive urine cultures and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing results were recorded and analyzed by pathogen and across care settings. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Associations were evaluated at a 5% significance level. This study found that among 2,921 isolates, Escherichia coli (64%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.9%) were the predominant uropathogens. High resistance rates were observed against commonly used antibiotics, such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (>88%), third-generation cephalosporins (51-75%), and fluoroquinolones (∼55%) in both species, with K. pneumoniae showing a more extensive resistance profile. Conversely, the isolates were less resistant to carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem) and amikacin (<20%) across care settings. The findings reveal a significant burden of multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship and sustained surveillance. Such measures are essential to preserve the efficacy of critical antibiotics, particularly carbapenems and aminoglycosides, and to guide effective clinical management.

PMID:41734396 | DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.25-0558

J Clin Psychiatry. 2026 Feb 18;87(1):25m16125. doi: 10.4088/JCP.25m16125.

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study describes recent trends in benzodiazepine prescribing to US adults and characterizes patients who receive benzodiazepines and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.

Method: This repeated cross-sectional study analyzed benzodiazepine use by adults (ages ≥18 years) in the 2018-2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys, which are nationally representative surveys of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. We examined sex-adjusted annual trends (2018-2022) in benzodiazepine use by age group (ages 18-35, 36-55, and ≥56 years) and pooled marginal differences by age group in any benzodiazepine use and in benzodiazepine use and other CNS-depressant medications, stratified by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Results: The analysis involved 104,231 participants. Between 2018 and 2022, annual benzodiazepine use by US adults decreased from 4.7% to 3.4%. This included a greater decrease for adults ages ≥56 years (7.2% to 4.7%) than for those ages 36-55 years (4.4% to 3.4%) or 18-35 years (2.1% to 1.8%). Approximately 41.6% adults treated with benzodiazepines also received other CNS-depressant medications in the same year including a higher percentage aged 36-55 years (44.6%) or ≥56 years (42.9%) than 18-35 years (30.0%). Most benzodiazepine-treated adults with fair or poor general health (72.0%) or with serious psychological distress (62.9%) also received other CNS-depressant medications.

Conclusions: Benzodiazepine treatment decreased among US adults between 2018 and 2022, with a greater decline among adults ≥56 years than those 36-55 or 18-35 years. Prescription of benzodiazepines to adults who also received other CNS depressants was common, especially among adults in fair or poor general health or with serious psychological distress.

PMID:41734365 | DOI:10.4088/JCP.25m16125

JMIR Form Res. 2026 Feb 24;10:e79978. doi: 10.2196/79978.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rare genetic diseases pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, often leading to delayed diagnoses, misinformation, and patient isolation. Social media platforms have emerged as prominent spaces for health information dissemination and community building among patients with rare diseases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the role of TikTok videos in patient education, community engagement, and information quality related to 5 rare genetic conditions: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Wilson disease, and Gaucher disease.

METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 184 TikTok videos identified via disease-specific hashtags. Included videos were 15 seconds to 4 minutes long and directly discussed the target diseases. Advertisements, promotional content, and product marketing were excluded. Videos were categorized by creator type: physicians, medical professionals, patients, influencers, nonprofit organizations, and others. Content quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and a modified DISCERN tool (mDISCERN). Engagement metrics (views, likes, and shares) were recorded. Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests evaluated differences across creator categories.

RESULTS: Of the 184 TikTok videos, 88 (47.8%) were created by patients or family members; 31 (16.8%) by influencers, 24 (13.0%) by physicians, 17 (9.2%) by nonprofit organizations, 15 (8.2%) by general users, and 9 (4.9%) by others. Collectively, the videos amassed more than 123 million views. Influencer-generated content accounted for the highest cumulative view count, totaling approximately 60.9 million views. Content produced by medical professionals and physicians demonstrated higher information quality, with mean GQS scores of 3.89 (SD 0.66) and 3.62 (SD 0.71) and mDISCERN scores of 3.11 (SD 0.58) and 3.21 (SD 0.65), respectively. In contrast, videos by influencers and patients exhibited lower quality scores (influencers: GQS mean 1.48, SD 0.60; mDISCERN mean 1.42, SD 0.55; patients: GQS mean 1.57, SD 0.58; mDISCERN mean 1.38, SD 0.52). For Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (n=40 videos, 21.7%), Wilson disease (n=40 videos, 21.7%), and cystic fibrosis (n=34 videos, 18.5%), significant differences in quality scores among creator types were observed (P<.001, P<.001, and P≤.04, respectively). For Marfan syndrome (n=40 videos, 21.7%) and Gaucher disease (n=30 videos, 16.3%), no significant differences were observed (P=.43 and P=.07, respectively). Chi-square analysis indicated no association between creator type and inclusion of peer-reviewed references (χ25=10.6; P=.07). Overall, only 7 (3.8%) videos cited scientific literature.

CONCLUSIONS: TikTok serves as a key platform for rare disease awareness and community engagement, although the quality and accuracy of health information vary widely. Although medical professionals produced higher-quality content, it tended to receive less visibility. Increasing the presence of health care professionals and improving visibility of evidence-based content could enhance patient education and safer health information sharing.

PMID:41734363 | DOI:10.2196/79978

J Clin Oncol. 2026 Feb 24:JCO2501796. doi: 10.1200/JCO-25-01796. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) alone has shown limited efficacy in improving survival among patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This phase II trial compared TACE combined with camrelizumab (anti-PD-1 antibody) and rivoceranib (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor) versus TACE in unresectable HCC.

METHODS: Patients with unresectable HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A to C without extrahepatic metastases) and Child-Pugh class A liver function were randomly assigned (1:1), stratified by macrovascular invasion, previous tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, and number of previous TACE procedures, to receive TACE combined with camrelizumab (200 mg once every 3 weeks) and rivoceranib (250 mg once daily; TACE-C-R) or TACE alone. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) per composite criteria (progression per Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer of the Liver version 5, transient deterioration to Child-Pugh class C, or TACE failure or refractoriness) in the intention-to-treat population.

RESULTS: Between December 28, 2020, and October 29, 2023, 200 patients were randomly assigned (100 in each group). Median PFS per composite criteria was significantly longer with TACE-C-R than with TACE (10.8 months [95% CI, 8.8 to 13.7] v 3.2 months [95% CI, 2.4 to 4.2]; hazard ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.24 to 0.50], P < .001). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 74.5% (70 of 94) of patients with TACE-C-R and 22.3% (23 of 103) of patients with TACE, with the most common being increased AST (29 [30.9%] and 13 [12.6%]) and increased ALT (23 [24.5%] and 14 [13.6%]).

CONCLUSION: The addition of camrelizumab and rivoceranib to TACE showed statistically significant improvement in PFS for patients with unresectable HCC, with a manageable safety profile. Follow-up for further overall survival analysis is ongoing.

PMID:41734362 | DOI:10.1200/JCO-25-01796