Tag: statistics

Arch Dermatol Res. 2025 Feb 26;317(1):499. doi: 10.1007/s00403-025-04019-y.

ABSTRACT

This review addresses gaps in understanding isotretinoin’s side effects for acne vulgaris. While effective, the risks are often underestimated. It emphasizes careful patient selection and monitoring to optimize outcomes and minimize harm. By providing a comprehensive evaluation, the review aims to enhance patient safety and inform clinical decision-making. This review examined isotretinoin’s side effects through case reports and observational studies. A literature search on Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science covered publications from 2000 to 2024 using terms like “isotretinoin” and “side effects,” focusing on English-language studies. Inclusion criteria targeted studies detailing adverse effects across dermatological, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, ocular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and renal areas. Data included population size, dosage, treatment duration, and side effects. No statistical analysis was performed. This review underscores a wide array of side effects associated with isotretinoin, ranging from common issues such as dry skin and cheilitis to more serious conditions including psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal complications, and autoimmune diseases. Notably, rare side effects like psychosis and rhabdomyolysis have also been observed. The review emphasizes the necessity for meticulous patient selection, thorough risk assessment, and vigilant monitoring, especially for at-risk populations such as women of reproductive age. This review emphasizes the need for personalized evaluations and monitoring during isotretinoin treatment, particularly for high-risk groups like women of reproductive age. Healthcare providers must consider the risk-benefit ratio due to potential side effects. Regular check-ups and proactive management are crucial to optimize outcomes and minimize risks.

PMID:40009222 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-025-04019-y

J Math Biol. 2025 Feb 26;90(4):34. doi: 10.1007/s00285-025-02195-z.

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we propose a free boundary problem to model the spread of an epidemic by introducing a spatial segregation control strategy. The model consists of two coupled reaction-diffusion equations along with an ordinary differential equation, while the free boundary is described by an integro-differential equation. The results reveal a trichotomy in which the epidemic can shrink, reach equilibrium, or expand spatially. Moreover, we establish the final size of the cumulative number of infected populations and characterize the threshold phenomenon of epidemic outbreak using the principal eigenvalue of an elliptic operator. Additionally, we apply this model to simulate the spatial spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in Xi’an, China, during 2021-2022. This study provides valuable model references for dynamically designing spatial isolation control strategies for newly emerging major infectious diseases.

PMID:40009217 | DOI:10.1007/s00285-025-02195-z

Clin Teach. 2025 Apr;22(2):e70056. doi: 10.1111/tct.70056.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A teaching style is the approach a teacher uses in choosing instructional methods. Grasha’s model categorises them as ‘expert’, ‘formal authority’, ‘personal model’, ‘facilitator’ and ‘delegator’. The teaching styles of doctors in Singapore have yet to be studied. In the author’s department, teaching is often didactic. This study aimed to explore senior doctors’ preferred teaching styles and whether these styles explained the consistent use of didactic approaches.

METHODS: A web-based survey using Grasha’s Teaching Styles Inventory (TSI) was conducted among senior doctors in the Department of General Medicine at Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore from September 2020 to February 2021. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Due to non-normal distribution, TSI scores were analysed using non-parametric tests, while additional demographic data offered insights into factors influencing these preferences.

FINDINGS: Out of 68 senior doctors, 40 responded, showing the strongest preference for ‘facilitator’ teaching style. Female doctors were less likely to adopt ‘expert’, ‘formal authority’ and ‘personal model’ styles than males. Those with formal education training endorsed all teaching styles more than those without, although not all differences were statistically significant. Only 35% of the senior doctors preferred a combination of teaching styles associated with didactic lectures.

CONCLUSION: The study showed a preference for student-centred teaching styles among senior doctors and highlighted a disparity between actual teaching practices and preferred teaching styles. These findings provide valuable information for instructional designers to enhance their faculty development programmes and call for further investigation into the persistence of didactic lectures in medical education.

PMID:40008485 | DOI:10.1111/tct.70056

Death Stud. 2025 Feb 26:1-11. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2469138. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Factors shaping participation in longitudinal cohorts may introduce bias, but there is a lack of research concerning participation patterns in cohorts of bereaved. Our aim was to study this in a longitudinal cohort of parents with a loss in pregnancy or during the neonatal period. Using data from the Danish national registers we identified all parents who experienced a pregnancy or neonatal loss in 2016-2018 and linked that with data on participants from the Life After the Loss cohort. Analyzing 725 parents, baseline participation was 25.7%, with 72.6% and 59.7% continuing at the seven- and 13-month follow-up. Partners and parents with lower education were underrepresented at baseline and at follow-up. Although not statistically significant, substantial underrepresentation of parents with mental health conditions and of parents who lived alone was observed at baseline. Although initial participation was low, after enrollment, most parents engaged in follow-up, minimizing the risk of attrition bias.

PMID:40008484 | DOI:10.1080/07481187.2025.2469138

Ir Med J. 2025 Jan 27;118(1):3.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the role of paediatric ocular imaging in paediatric ophthalmology through a case series, defining the retinal features observed in various paediatric pathological and trauma-related (abusive or non-abusive) conditions in patients aged four weeks to 16 years in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Dublin, Ireland.

METHODS: A retrospective record-based study was conducted at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Temple Street, analysing ocular images of patients aged four weeks to 16 years, spanning five years, from 2018 to 2022. Following pupillary dilation, retinal examinations were performed using the ‘RetCam 3’, a handheld device for supine examinations in younger children, or the ‘Topcon KR 800’ for older patients. Images were reviewed with haemorrhages categorised by number, size, and location. Demographic and clinical details were tabulated, with counts and percentages calculated for categorical variables. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived using the Mantel-Haenszel method, with statistical significance set at p-value <0.05.

RESULTS: Of the 25 cases that met the age category of four weeks to 16 years, RHs were most common in infants (16 cases). Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was identified in nine cases (age range: 2 mo – 19 mo, mean age 7 mo), presumed trauma in five cases (age range: 2 mo – 10 mo, mean age 6 mo), metabolic/genetic conditions in four cases (age range: 8 mo – 8 years), infections in two cases, tumours in two cases, and three cases with no confirmed diagnosis. Most RHs were few, intraretinal, located in the posterior pole and periphery of the eye. RH incidence was significantly higher in ROP and trauma cases (p = 0.027), with an odds ratio of 1.4 (95% CI: 0.08 – 25.14). ROP cases showed small, localised haemorrhages, while cases of presumed trauma had multilayer and large (> 5 disc diameter (DD)) haemorrhages (p = 0.058) that extend to the ora serrata (p = 0.018).

DISCUSSION: The study highlights paediatric ocular imaging’s role in documenting RH patterns, aiding differential diagnosis across paediatric conditions. Paediatric ocular imaging’s detailed capabilities provide clinical insights, reducing the need for multiple exams while promoting standardised documentation. Integrating ocular imaging technology supports establishing national guidelines and training programs that improve accessibility across diverse healthcare settings. Future research should validate these findings through multi-modal approaches and standardised practices, exploring paediatric ocular imaging utility in routine paediatric care. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) can further improve retinal examination efficiency, ultimately enhancing paediatric ophthalmology and child welfare in Ireland.

PMID:40008479

Otolaryngol Pol. 2025 Feb 26;79(2):1-7. doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0055.0000.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; External ears are distinct and do not alter with age. Ear traits may be as reliable as fingerprints in identifying people. An external ear morphological analysis and observation of Basrah population ear features were undertaken to assess how beneficial the ear is for identification.&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; This study gathered comprehensive data on the external ear phenotypic variations in the Basrah population.&lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; A cross-sectional study of 608 patients aged 7-70 years (308 men, 300 women). Abnormal ears were omitted. Photographs and population statistics were randomly collected.&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The predominant ear shape among our population is oval, including 38.7% of males and 42.7% of females. Females predominantly exhibit tongue-type earlobes (44.7%), while males are more likely to possess arched lobes (39.6%). In both genders, the attached earlobe is the second most prevalent ear type, behind the free earlobe (41.2% in males and 60.0% in females). The long variety of the tragus is uncommon, while the knob-shaped variant is more prevalent, seen in 46.8% of males and 51.3% of females. The normal rolled helix is common in both genders. Many individuals in our population lack Darwin’s tubercle.&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; External ear forms vary according to heredity. Despite minor gender and country variations, it is useful in forensics, plastic surgery, and anomaly identification.

PMID:40008474 | DOI:10.5604/01.3001.0055.0000

Otolaryngol Pol. 2025 Feb 26;79(2):1-6. doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0054.9674.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are frequently comorbid diseases caused by type 2 inflammation. The complete etiology of these forms still remains unexplained, which makes causal and fully effective therapeutic management impossible. New therapeutic options using the knowledge of Th2 inflammatory endotype are based on anti-IL5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab), anti-IL5R (benralizumab), anti-IgE (omalizumab), and anti-IL4/IL13 (dupilumab) monoclonal antibodies. Recently, biological therapy has provided a new personalized therapeutic option for patients with CRSw NP.&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of mepolizumab, benralizumab, omalizumab, and dupilumab in the reduction of rhinological symptoms in severe asthmatic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.&lt;b&gt;Materials and methods:&lt;/b&gt; In 32 (9 male, 18%) patients with CRSwNP and severe bronchial asthma treated with biologics – mepolizumab (19, 59%), omalizumab (5, 15%), benralizumab (6, 19%), and dupilumab (2, 6%) for 6 months, a subjective evaluation of rhinologic symptoms was conducted (TNSS, SNOT, smell evaluation).&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; In all analyzed groups, 6-month treatment with mepolizumab, omalizumab, and benralizumab resulted in significant improvement in rhinitis symptoms assessed by TNSS and SNOT scales as well as in the sense of smell. Due to the small group of patients treated with dupilumab, statistical analysis in this group was not performed.&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Our real-life observation confirmed that biological therapy based on phenotyping enables achieving optimal therapeutic effects for patients with CRSwNP and severe bronchial asthma. Biological therapy should be conducted through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.

PMID:40008473 | DOI:10.5604/01.3001.0054.9674

Lab Chip. 2025 Feb 26. doi: 10.1039/d4lc00935e. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Conductive hydrogels based on liquid metal microdroplets are widely used as wearable electronic devices. Droplet uniformity affects sensor sensitivity for weak signals, such as heart rate and pulse rate. Surface acoustic waves at micrometer wavelengths allow precise control of a single droplet, and have the potential to make uniformly discrete liquid metal droplets and distribute them in hydrogels. But the control law of liquid metal droplet size and its spatial configuration by acoustic surface waves is not clear. The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of the acoustic regulation mechanism in the interfacial evolution of fluids with high interfacial tension coefficients, and to investigate the influence of microdroplet generation characteristics (size and spacing) on the conductive and mechanical properties of conductive hydrogels. The results showed that the combined action of acoustic radiation force, shear force and pressure difference force helped to overcome interfacial tension and speed up the interfacial necking process during the filling and squeezing stages. The use of acoustic surface waves serves to diminish the influence of droplet size on the two-phase flow rate. This provides an effective approach for achieving decoupled control of microdroplet size and spacing, alongside the formation of a homogenous array of liquid metal droplets. The acoustic surface wave effect makes the liquid metal microdroplets more uniform in size and spacing. As the liquid metal content relative to the hydrogel substrate solution increases, the liquid metal size decreases. The hydrogel’s initial conductivity and conductivity after self-healing increase by 10% and 25%, respectively, which can realize the effective monitoring of ECG and EMG signals. This study helps to reveal the evolution mechanism of liquid-metal interfaces induced by acoustic surface waves, elucidate the effects of microdroplet size and spacing on the conductive and mechanical properties of hydrogels, and provide theoretical guidance for the high-precision preparation of wearable electronic devices.

PMID:40008441 | DOI:10.1039/d4lc00935e

Equine Vet J. 2025 Feb 26. doi: 10.1111/evj.14491. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exercising arrhythmias are common in horses participating in eventing competitions. Heart rate variability (HRV) and a specific measure of the degree of heart rate fluctuation (Detrended Fluctuation Analysis alpha1; DFA-α1) are proposed as exercise intensity and fatigue markers.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe exercising arrhythmias and DFA-α1 values during 2-4* level eventing cross-country competitions in horses from two European countries; (2) to identify associations between exercising arrhythmias, DFA-α1 and competition results and (3) to evaluate whether markers of the intensity of exercise are associated with exercising arrhythmias, DFA-α1 or competition results.

METHODS: A convenience sample of exercising ECGs and competition results from horses during cross-country eventing competitions was examined. Statistical analysis was conducted using multivariable mixed-effects logistic, Poisson and linear regression models.

RESULTS: Arrhythmias were frequent during 69 cross-country competition ECGs from 43 horses. Detrended fluctuation analysis α1 was not associated with performance during cross-country, but a higher DFA-α1 during cross-country was associated with fewer showjumping phase penalties. More premature complexes, the presence of complex arrhythmias and arrhythmias during recovery were associated with fewer time penalties during cross-country. The presence of complex arrhythmias and arrhythmias during recovery of the cross-country phase was associated with more penalties during the showjumping phase. Higher blood lactate concentration, higher HR_peak and higher HR_mean were associated with fewer time penalties during cross-country.

MAIN LIMITATIONS: The arrhythmias observed do not allow conclusions to be drawn about the consequences of more severe arrhythmias. The associations described here were often of small magnitude or with large confidence intervals and must be interpreted cautiously.

CONCLUSIONS: Arrhythmias during the cross-country test of eventing competitions were frequently associated with positive competition results during the cross-country phase and negative results during the showjumping phase. The specific arrhythmia types and circumstances that should raise concern about performance and safety remain relevant but unanswered questions for equine practitioners.

PMID:40008417 | DOI:10.1111/evj.14491

J Pain Res. 2025 Feb 21;18:827-836. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S500984. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine whether reported pain intensity over time is related to the single nucleotide polymorphisms of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT rs4680) and mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1 rs1799971) in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) choosing treatment with extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) or opioid agonist treatment (OAT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This exploratory study was part of a 24-week, open-label clinical prospective trial of patients with OUD who chose intramuscular XR-NTX, and patients receiving OAT. Men and women aged 18 to 65 years with OUD per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition were included. Pain intensity was measured at baseline and at 24-week follow-up using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale-11 and genotyping was performed by TaqMan technology. Data were analyzed with ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS: Of 317 participants included at baseline, 210 samples were obtained and analyzed. In the OAT group, there was a negative significant association between pain intensity and having the Val/Val allele of COMT rs4680 (wild-type = most common type) and the rare allele G of OPRM1 rs1799971 at 24-week follow-up. No such effects were seen in the XR-NTX group.

CONCLUSION: The wild-type allele Val/Val of COMT rs4680 and the rare allele G of OPRM1 rs1799971 may have a possible protective effect regarding pain intensity in patients with OUD receiving OAT. Given relatively low sample size, particularly low number of female participants in the XR-NTX group and other possible confounders, our findings should be interpreted with caution.

PMID:40008400 | PMC:PMC11853772 | DOI:10.2147/JPR.S500984