Tag: pubmed

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2026 Jun 28. doi: 10.1080/14712598.2026.2694688. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess prescription patterns and describe the long-term real-life effectiveness of different TNF inhibitors (TNFi) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis related uveitis (JIA-U).

METHODS: Patients with JIA-U treated with TNFi were retrospectively enrolled.

RESULTS: 96 JIA-U patients (77% female) with an age at diagnosis of 2.44 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.56-3.81] and a median follow-up of 19 years were included. Adalimumab was the most frequently prescribed TNFi (61%), followed by etanercept (19%), infliximab (15%) and golimumab (5%). Overall, adalimumab showed the lowest complications rate (51%; p < 0.001) and median number of uveitis relapse (1; IQR 0-2; p = 0.012). Conversely etanercept showed the highest median number of uveitis relapses (4; IQR 1-5). The cumulative incidences curves for ‘uveitis relapse’ were similar among TNFi. Conversely, when ‘treatment change’ was considered as the event, a significantly higher risk for patients treated with infliximab compared with those receiving adalimumab emerged (HR 3.06, 95% CI 1.41-6.63; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: All TNFi appear to be effective for long-term management of JIA-U. We observed some differences in number of uveitis relapses and ocular complication rates favoring adalimumab over infliximab and etanercept, findings to be further confirmed in prospective studies.

PMID:42365450 | DOI:10.1080/14712598.2026.2694688

Med Sci Monit. 2026 Jun 28;32:e951082. doi: 10.12659/MSM.951082.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Migraine, a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe headache, significantly impacts individuals worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate migraine prevalence, identify key risk factors, assess the impact on job performance, and explore commonly used management strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study involved corporate sector employees visiting outpatient neurology departments in Pakistan. A questionnaire was developed to quantify the overall burden of migraine. Inferential statistics, including the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test, were used to evaluate group differences. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to confirm the questionnaire’s structural validity. RESULTS The questionnaire showed strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.81) and validity (S-CVI=0.86, KMO=0.82, P<0.001). Migraines significantly impacted job efficiency (p=0.015), with 43.8% experiencing episodes lasting 4 to 8 h. Gender (P=0.012), age (P=0.029), and income (P=0.045) were significantly associated with migraine burden. The most common triggers were stress (27.7%) and sleep deprivation (23.2%), while over-the-counter medication (62.5%) was the most commonly used treatment. Gender (ß=0.23, P=0.012), age (ß=-0.19, P=0.029), and income (ß=-0.17, P=0.045) significantly predicted the migraine burden. A higher migraine burden significantly predicted lower job efficiency (ß=-0.31, P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS Migraines have a significant impact on job efficiency in the Pakistani corporate sector, necessitating comprehensive management strategies and targeted interventions to mitigate their effects.

PMID:42365430 | DOI:10.12659/MSM.951082

J Tradit Chin Med. 2026 Jun;46(3):715-725. doi: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2026.03.011.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients at Guang’anmen Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, during the period from April 9, 2023, to July 2, 2024. Data were collected on participants’ common sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, scores on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI), and TCM constitution classification. Statistical analyses employed independent samples t-test, χ ² test, Fisher’s exact test, one-way analysis of variance, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 279 eligible breast cancer patients enrolled in this study. The most prevalent TCM constitutions were ‘Qi-depression’, ‘Peaceful’ and ‘Yang-deficiency’. All nine TCM constitutions of breast cancer patients exhibited significant correlations with FCR scores. The strongest positive correlation was observed between ‘Qi-stagnation’ and FCR (r= 0.5576, P < 0.0001), followed by ‘Qi-deficiency’ (r = 0.4465, P < 0.0001). By contrast, the Peaceful correlation showed a significant negative correlation with FCR (r = －0.363, P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TCM constitution, lymph node metastasis, and endocrine therapy were influencing factors for FCR in breast cancer patients (P < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TCM constitution in breast cancer patients. After adjusting for potential confounding factors including age, disease stage, pathological type, immunohistochemical status, lymph node metastasis, disease duration, and treatment modality, FCR, disease stage, age, and surgical modality were found to be significantly associated with TCM constitution (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant association between TCM constitution and FCR in breast cancer patients, suggesting that FCR can potentially be interpreted within the theoretical framework of TCM. These findings thus provide a theoretical foundation for TCMC-informed management strategies targeting FCR in breast cancer patients.

PMID:42365418 | DOI:10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2026.03.011

J Tradit Chin Med. 2026 Jun;46(3):684-694. doi: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20251030.001.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the characteristics of acupoint sensitization in patients with essential hypertension, analyze the mechanical pain threshold and tenderness threshold of each acupoint, and summarize the clinical characteristics of high-sensitivity acupoints.

METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional matched case-control design and enrolled a total of 448 volunteer participants, including 224 patients with hypertension and 224 healthy controls. The main outcome measures included measuring the mechanical pain threshold and tenderness threshold of 16 highly sensitive acupoints in both hypertensive subjects and healthy controls. The receiver operating characteristic curve method was used to evaluate the sensitivity of each acupoint. Additionally, the rules of mechanical pain threshold, tenderness threshold sensitization rate, and degree of sensitization of each acupoint in hypertension patients were summarized to identify the optimal highly sensitive acupoints related to hypertension.

RESUITS: The mechanical pain threshold and tenderness threshold of hypertensive patients were significantly lower than those of healthy subjects, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001), indicating that the mechanical pain threshold and tenderness threshold of hypertensive patients at various points had a downward trend. Acupoints with high incidence of sensitization in hypertensive patients include Quchi (LI11), Taichong (LR3), Fenglong (ST40), Xingjian (LR2), Taixi (KI3) and Renying (ST9).

CONCLUSION: This study successfully achieved the objective of exploring acupoint sensitization in patients with primary hypertension. Hypertensive patients exhibited significantly lower mechanical pain thresholds and pressure pain thresholds compared to healthy subjects. These findings provide clinical evidence for acupoint selection in acupuncture treatment for primary hypertension.

PMID:42365415 | DOI:10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20251030.001

BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s40360-026-01171-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral ivermectin is commonly used as a second-line treatment for classic scabies, particularly in cases of treatment failure or poor adherence to topical permethrin, the standard of care. However, the comparative efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin, alone or in combination with permethrin, remains unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of these treatments to guide clinicians and policymakers.

METHODS: On April 17, 2022, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including MEDLINE and CENTRAL, as well as secondary sources for randomized controlled trials comparing oral ivermectin, alone or in combination with topical permethrin, and topical permethrin, or any of the three with other scabicides or placebo/vehicle/no treatment among patients with classic scabies. The primary outcomes were clinical cure and serious adverse events. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 and evaluated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Network meta-analyses were performed using available case analysis and a random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses explored the impact of methodologic decisions and known effect modifiers. Effect estimates and certainty of evidence ratings were presented in the Summary of Findings tables.

RESULTS: We included 38 RCTs (N = 4879), most of which had moderate or high overall risk of bias. Oral ivermectin, given in varying dosing regimens (single dose, two-dose, or flexible dosing) showed little or no difference in clinical cure rates compared to permethrin, which was also administered in different dosing schedules, at one to two weeks post-treatment (network RR 0.95, 95% CI [0.89, 1.02]; 30 RCTs, N = 3469; global inconsistency P = 0.42; low certainty evidence). Serious adverse events were rare (1/3212; 0.03%, 95% CI [0.000079, 0.17]; 29 RCTs; very low certainty evidence). One child who received oral ivermectin was hospitalized for cellulitis but eventually recovered. Limited data (1 RCT; n = 100) suggested that combination oral ivermectin/permethrin may be as effective or more effective than permethrin for clinical cure at one to two weeks (network RR 1.21, 95% CI [0.94, 1.56]; low certainty evidence).

CONCLUSION: There may be little or no difference between oral ivermectin and permethrin in clinical cure. However, combination therapy with oral ivermectin and permethrin may be as good as or better than permethrin alone. The rate of serious adverse events is uncertain. Further well-designed RCTs should be conducted to confirm the findings and inform clinical practice and public health policy on scabies control.

STUDY REGISTRATION: UPM RGAO-2021-1058; PHRR230322-005013; PROSPERO CRD42022278007.

PMID:42365388 | DOI:10.1186/s40360-026-01171-7

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07932-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional comparative study examined differences in body mass index (BMI), nutritional knowledge, and eating behaviors between dancer and non-dancer university students. Given the physical and aesthetic demands of dance, understanding potential differences in health-related characteristics in this population is of particular importance.

METHODS: Seventy female undergraduates (35 dancers and 35 non-dancers, aged 17-22 years) were recruited. Height, weight, and BMI were measured using the InBody 970 analyzer. Nutritional knowledge was assessed using the Chinese version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (C-GNKQ), and disordered eating risk was evaluated using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26)©. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, with effect sizes (Cohen’s d) calculated to estimate the magnitude of differences.

RESULTS: Dancers were significantly taller than non-dancers (P = 0.003, d = 0.74) and had a lower BMI (P = 0.023, d = 0.82). No statistically significant difference was observed in overall C-GNKQ scores (P = 0.128, d = 0.37), although dancers scored higher in the dietary knowledge subscale (P = 0.037, d = 0.52). EAT-26© scores were higher in dancers, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.147, d = 0.35). Additional Spearman correlation analyses revealed no significant associations among BMI, C-GNKQ scores, and EAT-26© scores (P > 0.05).

PMID:42365379 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07932-1

J Eat Disord. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s40337-026-01649-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Barcelona Bipolar Eating Disorder Scale (BEDS), which can facilitate screening for comorbid eating disorders (EDs) in bipolar disorder (BD) patients.

METHODS: A total of 100 BD patients and 129 healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study conducted at Ankara Etlik City Hospital Psychiatry Clinic. These patients were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Sociodemographic forms, the Turkish version of the BEDS, the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE), and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) were used to assess validity and reliability.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the patient and control groups regarding the BITE and BEDS total scores. For the DEBQ, no significant group differences were observed in the total, restrained eating, or external eating scores, whereas the healthy control group had higher emotional eating scores. The correlation coefficient between each item and the total score ranged from 0.313 to 0.644. Cronbach’s alpha for the scale was 0.821. The removal of any items from the original scale did not lead to an improvement in Cronbach’s alpha. The BEDS score was found to be significantly correlated with the BITE score, DEBQ total score, emotional eating score, and external eating score (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the BEDS score and the DEBQ restrictive eating subscale, YMRS, BPRS, or HAM-D scale scores.

CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the BEDS is a valid and reliable scale that can be used as an assessment tool in the evaluation of eating disorders in the Turkish BD population.

PMID:42365363 | DOI:10.1186/s40337-026-01649-z

Adv Rheumatol. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s42358-026-00559-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis (SA) is a rapidly progressive joint disease that can lead to cartilage damage if not treated promptly. A prompt and accurate distinction between SA and inflammatory arthritis (IA) is essential for establishing an optimal treatment plan. Progranulin (PRGN), an anti-inflammatory glycoprotein involved in various autoimmune diseases, has rarely been studied as a diagnostic biomarker for infectious arthritis. However, its precise role in this context remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of synovial fluid PRGN (SF-PRGN) in distinguishing SA from IA and osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS: This single-center, cross-sectional study included 59 patients who underwent synovial fluid aspiration and were categorized into three groups: SA (n = 23), IA (n = 18), and OA (n = 18). SA was diagnosed based on a positive synovial fluid culture or fulfillment of clinical criteria suggestive of infection. SF-PRGN levels were measured using ELISA, and synovial fluid C-reactive protein (SF-CRP) levels were determined using an immunoturbidimetric assay.

RESULTS: Mean SF-PRGN levels were higher in the SA (339.77 ± 142.16 ng/mL) and IA (300.52 ± 159.60 ng/mL) groups than in the OA group (133.44 ± 41.77 ng/mL), indicating a statistically significant difference between the inflammatory and non-inflammatory groups (p < 0.05). However, the SF-PRGN did not significantly differentiate between SA and IA (p = 0.803). In contrast, SF-CRP levels were markedly elevated in SA (61.91 ± 46.84 mg/L) and demonstrated strong discriminatory power between SA and IA (p < 0.001; AUC: 0.795, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Although SF-PRGN levels are elevated in inflammatory arthritis, they lack specificity for SA. SF-CRP exhibited superior diagnostic accuracy in differentiating SA from IA. These findings underscore the need for further research on reliable biomarkers of SA in larger patient cohorts.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number not applicable.

PMID:42365362 | DOI:10.1186/s42358-026-00559-7

BMC Health Serv Res. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-15042-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The global surge in cosmetic procedures has been accompanied by a rise in medical malpractice litigation. Cosmetic services differ fundamentally from therapeutic medicine in their elective nature, heightened patient expectations, and the growing participation of unlicensed providers, each contributing to distinct patterns of adverse outcomes and varying levels of judicial accountability. Therefore, clarifying the distinct risk patterns and legal consequences between medically qualified professionals and unauthorized providers is of critical importance; this research gap has been addressed in the present study.

METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed 525 medical malpractice complaint records registered at the Shahid Ghodosi Judicial Complex in Shiraz, Iran, between 2021 and 2023. Records were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted from judicial case files using a structured checklist including demographic, clinical, forensic, and legal variables. Descriptive statistics and the Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact Test were performed using SPSS version 25.

RESULTS: Of the 525 medical malpractice records reviewed, 253 (48.1%) met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. Statistically significant differences were observed between licensed and unlicensed providers across clinical outcomes, service settings, and judicial penalties (p < 0.001). Licensed providers were involved in 74.3% of cases and were primarily associated with technical complications in surgical procedures, particularly rhinoplasty (27.1%), leading mainly to structural deformities (86.4%) and dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes. In these cases, “Diyah” (financial compensation) alone was the predominant judicial outcome (96.8%). In contrast, unlicensed providers (25.7%) were significantly associated with minimally invasive procedures such as fillers and Botox (40.0%), frequently performed in informal settings including private homes (53.8%). These interventions were mainly linked to infections and tissue necrosis (62.2%) and resulted in significantly harsher judicial penalties, including imprisonment (52.3%) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Licensed and unlicensed providers exhibited distinct malpractice patterns and judicial outcomes. Licensed providers were primarily associated with technical complications resulting in Diyah penalties, whereas unlicensed providers were linked to severe adverse events in informal settings and harsher sanctions, including imprisonment. These findings highlight the need for targeted regulatory and patient-safety interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

PMID:42365359 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-026-15042-8

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07908-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A major problem with reviewing the statistical methodology in published medical articles is that extracting the necessary details from large sample sets is time-consuming. This paper demonstrates how a novel automated procedure can extract information about statistical reporting from literature. To illustrate this, we searched the PubMed Central database for original research articles published in 2021 and 2023 to identify the statistical software packages used for data analysis. A key element in terms of transparency and reproducibility is the reporting of the software used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A freely available Shiny App was created with the help of generative artificial intelligence, and it was used to retrieve automatically information from randomly selected samples of articles indexed in PubMed Central. We analyzed a large sample of articles (n = 1740) to determine the reporting of statistical software for nine study designs. We found that, across different study types, proprietary software such as IBM SPSS Statistics still dominates. Despite multiple calls for greater use of open-source research software, these programs are not used as frequently. In addition, a surprising number of articles did not report the software used. Furthermore, this is the first application of the recent Vibe Coding concept to statistical research methods.

PMID:42365353 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07908-1