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The Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Outpatient Dermatology Clinics: A Systematic Review

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2024 May 19:llae204. doi: 10.1093/ced/llae204. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition involving a preoccupation with physical appearance disproportionate to physical findings, which are often absent altogether. Previously published data has estimated its prevalence at 11.3-11.9% approximately, across various medical specialties. No recent systematic reviews strictly related to dermatology clinics and the prevalence of BDD have been published. The goal of the review was to gather a pooled prevalence of BDD in outpatient dermatology clinics around the world and further underline the importance of its recognition and appropriate treatment. Twenty-one articles tackling BDD in outpatient cosmetic and general dermatology clinics were selected. Studies were graded based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) was used to a calculate a mean for the pooled prevalence, yielding a weighted mean prevalence of 12.5% among general dermatology patients and 25.01% among cosmetic dermatology patients. The mean prevalence of BDD among general dermatology patients fell within previously reported numbers. It was, however, markedly higher than previously reported in cosmetic dermatology patients, which we postulate could be due to dermatologists being at the forefront of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. As such, we conclude that given the high prevalence of BDD among dermatology patients, we highlight the importance of keeping a high index of suspicion of BDD among dermatologists, ways to uncover it in a clinical setting, and additional data showcasing the importance of psychiatric treatment of these patients for better outcomes, all while avoiding unnecessary interventions.

PMID:38762899 | DOI:10.1093/ced/llae204

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The role of perspective in refereeing: Insights from a video-based decision-making experiment

J Sports Sci. 2024 May 19:1-9. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2356439. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Decision accuracy is a crucial factor in the evaluation of refereeing performance. In sports research, officials’ decision-making is frequently assessed outside real games through video-based decision experiments, where they evaluate recorded game situations from a third-person perspective. This study examines whether the inclusion of the first-person perspective influences decision accuracy and certainty. Twenty-four professional officials from the first and second German basketball leagues participated in the study. The officials assessed 50 game situations from both first-person and third-person perspectives, indicating their decisions and certainty levels. The statistical analysis utilises signal detection theory to evaluate the efficacy of the first-person perspective compared to the third-person perspective in identifying rule violations and no-calls in video recordings. The findings indicate that the first-person perspective does not yield superior accuracy in identifying foul calls. However, scenes from the first-person perspective exhibit a significant 9% increase in correctly identifying no-calls. Furthermore, officials report significantly higher levels of decision certainty and comfort when using the first-person perspective. The study suggests that sports officials may benefit from incorporating additional scenes from the first-person perspective into video-based decision training. Future studies should explore whether this additional perspective improves the training effect and translates into enhanced in-game performance.

PMID:38762895 | DOI:10.1080/02640414.2024.2356439

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Epidemiology and primary site of Merkel cell carcinoma among black patients: results from a national cancer registry

Arch Dermatol Res. 2024 May 19;316(5):182. doi: 10.1007/s00403-024-02919-z.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:38762833 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-024-02919-z

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A mathematical model for HIV dynamics with multiple infections: implications for immune escape

J Math Biol. 2024 May 19;89(1):6. doi: 10.1007/s00285-024-02104-w.

ABSTRACT

Multiple infections enable the recombination of different strains, which may contribute to viral diversity. How multiple infections affect the competition dynamics between the two types of strains, the wild and the immune escape mutant, remains poorly understood. This study develops a novel mathematical model that includes the two strains, two modes of viral infection, and multiple infections. For the representative double-infection case, the reproductive numbers are derived and global stabilities of equilibria are obtained via the Lyapunov direct method and theory of limiting systems. Numerical simulations indicate similar viral dynamics regardless of multiplicities of infections though the competition between the two strains would be the fiercest in the case of quadruple infections. Through sensitivity analysis, we evaluate the effect of parameters on the set-point viral loads in the presence and absence of multiple infections. The model with multiple infections predict that there exists a threshold for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to minimize the overall viral load. Weak or strong CTLs immune response can result in high overall viral load. If the strength of CTLs maintains at an intermediate level, the fitness cost of the mutant is likely to have a significant impact on the evolutionary dynamics of mutant viruses. We further investigate how multiple infections alter the viral dynamics during the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The results show that viral loads may be underestimated during cART if multiple-infection is not taken into account.

PMID:38762831 | DOI:10.1007/s00285-024-02104-w

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Soft-tissue profile changes in adult patients treated with premolar extractions

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2024 May 18:S0889-5406(24)00149-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.04.011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to identify the soft-tissue profile changes and the potential pretreatment cephalometric parameters that clinicians could use to predict the lip response after premolar extraction treatment in adult patients.

METHODS: Pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms of 75 white patients treated with premolar extractions were analyzed. The following initial cephalometric measurements were recorded: upper and lower lip to E-plane, vermilion thickness, lip length, maxillary and mandibular incisor inclination, and mentolabial and nasolabial angle. Pretreatment and posttreatment radiographs were superimposed using the Björk structural method to record lip retraction and incisor/lip retraction ratio. Pearson correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare lip retraction and incisor/lip retraction ratio with the cephalometric variables. The sample was divided according to different extraction patterns.

RESULTS: The mean upper and lower lip retraction values were 1.4 mm and 1.7 mm, respectively. Vermilion thickness showed a negative and statistically significant correlation (P <0.05) with lip retraction and incisor/lip retraction ratio. In addition, the mean incisor/lip retraction ratio was 61% and 98% for the upper and lower thin lip, respectively, whereas the mean incisor/lip retraction ratio was 17% and 44% for the upper and lower thick lip, respectively. The comparison among extraction patterns did not highlight any noticeable difference.

CONCLUSIONS: The choice of a specific extraction pattern did not impact lip response. The vermilion thickness was the key factor influencing lip retraction: an increase in this parameter was related to a decrease in lip retraction and vice versa.

PMID:38762811 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.04.011

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Efficacy and safety of spironolactone versus bicalutamide in female pattern hair loss: A retrospective comparative study

Australas J Dermatol. 2024 May 19. doi: 10.1111/ajd.14306. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is characterized by decreased scalp hair density, thinning of hair shafts, and progressive miniaturization of hair follicles.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of spironolactone versus bicalutamide in female pattern hair loss [FPHL].

METHODS: The study design was retrospective, and all eligible females aged between 18 years and 50 years with FPHL were included. We identified 120 patients from our database who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and patients were then categorized into two groups, Group A comprising patients who were taking 100 mg of spironolactone once daily and Group B comprising patients who were taking 50 mg of bicalutamide once daily along with topical minoxidil 2% in both groups. Patient were analysed at approximately at 24 weeks from the commencement of the treatment.

RESULTS: Mean reduction in hair loss severity score on Sinclair scale was 19.51% in spironolactone group compared to 28.20% in bicalutamide group at 24 weeks, which was statistically significant. On global photographic assessment, marked improvement was seen in bicalutamide group compared to spironolactone group (p = 0.139).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study, though limited by its retrospective design and small sample size, showed that bicalutamide has greater efficacy and better safety profile in comparison to spironolactone in the treatment of FPHL.

PMID:38762801 | DOI:10.1111/ajd.14306

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Bisoprolol in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at High Risk of Exacerbation: The BICS Randomized Clinical Trial

JAMA. 2024 May 19. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.8771. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Observational studies report that β-blocker use may be associated with reduced risk of COPD exacerbations. However, a recent trial reported that metoprolol did not reduce COPD exacerbations and increased COPD exacerbations requiring hospital admission.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether bisoprolol decreased COPD exacerbations in people with COPD at high risk of exacerbations.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Bisoprolol in COPD Study (BICS) was a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial conducted in 76 UK sites (45 primary care clinics and 31 secondary clinics). Patients with COPD who had at least moderate airflow obstruction on spirometry (ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration [FEV1] to forced vital capacity <0.7; FEV1 <80% predicted) and at least 2 COPD exacerbations treated with oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, or both in the prior 12 months were enrolled from October 17, 2018, to May 31, 2022. Follow-up concluded on April 18, 2023.

INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to bisoprolol (n = 261) or placebo (n = 258). Bisoprolol was started at 1.25 mg orally daily and was titrated as tolerated during 4 sessions to a maximum dose of 5 mg/d, using a standardized protocol.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary clinical outcome was the number of patient-reported COPD exacerbations treated with oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, or both during the 1-year treatment period. Safety outcomes included serious adverse events and adverse reactions.

RESULTS: Although the trial planned to enroll 1574 patients, recruitment was suspended from March 16, 2020, to July 31, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two patients in each group were excluded postrandomization. Among the 515 patients (mean [SD] age, 68 [7.9] years; 274 men [53%]; mean FEV1, 50.1%), primary outcome data were available for 514 patients (99.8%) and 371 (72.0%) continued taking the study drug. The primary outcome of patient-reported COPD exacerbations treated with oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, or both was 526 in the bisoprolol group, with a mean exacerbation rate of 2.03/y, vs 513 exacerbations in the placebo group, with a mean exacerbation rate of 2.01/y. The adjusted incidence rate ratio was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.84-1.13; P = .72). Serious adverse events occurred in 37 of 255 patients in the bisoprolol group (14.5%) vs 36 of 251 in the placebo group (14.3%; relative risk, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.62-1.66; P = .96).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among people with COPD at high risk of exacerbation, treatment with bisoprolol did not reduce the number of self-reported COPD exacerbations requiring treatment with oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, or both.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN10497306.

PMID:38762800 | DOI:10.1001/jama.2024.8771

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Pamrevlumab for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: The ZEPHYRUS-1 Randomized Clinical Trial

JAMA. 2024 May 19. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.8693. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Current treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis slow the rate of lung function decline, but may be associated with adverse events that affect medication adherence. In phase 2 trials, pamrevlumab (a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits connective tissue growth factor activity) attenuated the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis without substantial adverse events.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of pamrevlumab for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Phase 3 randomized clinical trial including 356 patients aged 40 to 85 years with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who were not receiving antifibrotic treatment with nintedanib or pirfenidone at enrollment. Patients were recruited from 117 sites in 9 countries between July 18, 2019, and July 29, 2022; the last follow-up encounter occurred on August 28, 2023.

INTERVENTIONS: Pamrevlumab (30 mg/kg administered intravenously every 3 weeks; n = 181) or placebo (n = 175) for 48 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was absolute change in forced vital capacity (FVC) from baseline to week 48. There were 5 secondary outcomes (including time to disease progression, which was defined as a decline of ≥10% in predicted FVC or death). The exploratory outcomes included patient-reported symptoms. Adverse events were reported.

RESULTS: Among 356 patients (mean age, 70.5 years; 258 [72.5%] were men; 221 [62.1%] were White), 277 (77.8%) completed the trial. There was no significant between-group difference for absolute change in FVC from baseline to week 48 (least-squares mean, -260 mL [95% CI, -350 to -170 mL] in the pamrevlumab group vs -330 mL [95% CI, -430 to -230 mL] in the placebo group; mean between-group difference, 70 mL [95% CI, -60 to 190 mL], P = .29). There were no significant between-group differences in any of the secondary outcomes or in the patient-reported outcomes. In the pamrevlumab group, there were 160 patients (88.4%) with treatment-related adverse events and 51 patients (28.2%) with serious adverse events vs 151 (86.3%) and 60 (34.3%), respectively, in the placebo group. During the study, 23 patients died in each group (12.7% in the pamrevlumab group vs 13.1% in the placebo group).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treated with pamrevlumab or placebo, there was no statistically significant between-group difference for the primary outcome of absolute change in FVC from baseline to week 48.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03955146.

PMID:38762797 | DOI:10.1001/jama.2024.8693

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Intraoperative Intraocular Lens Waste: Incidence, Cost and Reasons

Semin Ophthalmol. 2024 May 19:1-5. doi: 10.1080/08820538.2024.2354692. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and cost of intraocular lens(IOL) waste during IOL implantation, as well as the reasons for it.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 485 patients from the IOL waste registers of a single tertiary eye hospital in China during 2016-2020. The primary outcomes were the incidence, cost, and reasons for different IOL properties. Cases were examined to ascertain IOL material, design, procedural details, and causes of waste.

RESULTS: IOL waste occurred in 485 (6.62‰) of the 73,246 IOL implantations during the study period. The total cost of IOL waste was 429, 850.26 Chinese Yuan (CNY) related to waste with an average cost of 2, 442.33 CNY per procedure during the study period. Comparisons between IOL properties showed that polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material (39, 2.05%), three-piece design (142, 1.49%), and secondary IOL implantation (26, 2.16%) were associated with IOL wastage, and the difference was statistically significant. The causes of IOL waste were damage (107, 60.80%), patient reasons (37, 21.26%), aseptic errors (22, 12.50%), IOL quality problems (8, 4.55%), and loss (2, 1.14%).

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of IOL waste is low, but still leads to a significant cost burden due to a large number of cataract surgeries. PMMA material, three-piece design, and secondary implantation were identified as factors increasing IOL waste. Damage emerged as the primary reason for waste, largely attributed to human error. Therefore, the development of strategies to mitigate IOL waste is imperative.

PMID:38762793 | DOI:10.1080/08820538.2024.2354692

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The significance of Syndecan 1, a new marker for endothelial dysfunction, in cases of fetal growth retardation

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2024 May;91(5):e13858. doi: 10.1111/aji.13858.

ABSTRACT

PROBLEM: In the current study we aimed to investigate Syndecan 1 (SDC1) levels in pregnant women diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and the relationship between SDC1 levels and clinical and doppler parameters in FGR cases associated with endothelial dysfunction, angiogenesis and uteroplacental insufficiency METHOD OF STUDY: A total of 90 pregnant women included in the study, (45 with FGR, 45 healthy control) matched by week of gestation and maternal age. Venous blood samples were collected and plasma concentrations of SDC1 were determined by a specific immunoassay. Doppler examination was performed to evaluate the relationship between the SDC1 levels and placental blood supply.

RESULTS: Doppler parameters; mean UtA-PI (p < .001), CPR (p = .002) and CPUR (p < .001) were different between the groups, however MCA PI, umbilical artery PI and umbilical artery S/D were not (p > .05). While gestational age at delivery, birth weight, APGAR score at 1 and 5 min were significantly lower (all, p < .001) in the study group, non-reassure fetal heart rate tracing (p = .09) and NICU admission (p = .02) were significantly higher. SDC 1 level was 2,00 ± 1,47 ng/mL and 2,34 ± 1,12 ng/mL in the FGR and control groups, respectively (p = .008). In the study group SDC 1 level was 1,69 ± 2,00 in those with gestational age below 32 weeks and 2,13 ± 1,18 in those with gestational age above 32 weeks and there was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = .015). Plasma SDC 1 concentration of 2,1850 ng/mL or less had a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 72%, area under the ROC curve .65 (p < .005).

CONCLUSIONS: Low maternal plasma SDC1 level may be associated with placental insufficiency and FGR. Low levels of SDC1 may be helpful as a predictor for the development of FGR during gestation.

PMID:38762781 | DOI:10.1111/aji.13858