K-Means clustering of dermatology journals: comparing the distribution of "free-to-publish" and "pay-to-publish" models.

This study investigates the impact of Free-to-Publish (F2P) versus Pay-to-Publish (P2P) models in dermatology journals, focusing on their differences in terms of journal metrics, Article Processing Charges (APCs), and Open Access (OA) status. Utilizing k-means clustering, the research evaluates dermatology journals based on SCImago Journal Rankings (SJR), H-Index, and Impact Factor (IF), and examines the correlation between these metrics, APCs, and OA status (Full or Hybrid). Data from the SCImago Journal Rank and Journal Citation Report databases were used, and metrics from 106 journals were normalized and grouped into three tiers.The study reveals a higher proportion of F2P journals, especially in higher-tier journals, indicating a preference for quality-driven research acceptance. Conversely, a rising proportion of P2P journals in lower tiers suggests potential bias towards the ability to pay. This disparity poses challenges for researchers from less-funded institutions or those early in their careers. The study also finds significant differences in APCs between F2P and P2P journals, with hybrid OA being more common in F2P.Conclusively, the study highlights the disparities in dermatology journals between F2P and P2P models and underscores the need for further research into authorship demographics and institutional affiliations in these journals. It also establishes the effectiveness of k-means clustering as a standardized method for assessing journal quality, which can reduce reliance on potentially biased individual metrics.

Observation of lymphadenopathy, systemic symptoms, and treatment in suspected indolent cutaneous B-cell lymphomas.

BACKGROUND: Following the initial diagnosis of a marginal zone or follicle center lymphoma on skin biopsy, patients undergo staging to determine the extent of disease. OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize the frequency that these patients were found to have a systemic nodal disease upon work-up as well as the impact of imaging on disease management. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with a working diagnosis of PCMZL or PCFCL treated at The Ohio State University from 1990 to 2022. Data collected included: patient history, progress notes, virtual encounters, laboratory results, presentation features, imaging, and pathology. Biomarkers included ANA, SSA/SSB, BCL6 and H. Pylori labs, bone marrow biopsies, positive imaging, and need of systemic medication and mortality. RESULTS: 71 patients with suspected PCMZL and PCFCL were identified. 66 of 71 patients underwent imaging. Of this group, 12 patients (9 with suspected PCFCL and 3 with suspected PCMZL) demonstrated lymphadenopathy on imaging. Of these 12 patients, 5 underwent biopsy of suspected lymph nodes, and 3 had biopsy-proven nodal involvement and received systemic therapy. Of the remaining 7 patients with evidence of lymphadenopathy on imaging, 4 were thought to have reactive lymph nodes, and 3 were treated empirically with systemic chemotherapy due to the extent or progression of their disease. Of patients with imaging negative for lymphadenopathy, 3 of 52 (5.8%) patients with received systemic treatment, while 49 of 52 patients (94.2%) received localized treatment. LIMITATIONS: Most of the relationships between this data were correlational and patients selected for this study were limited to a single institution. CONCLUSION: Prospective study of the role of imaging without subsequent lymph biopsy to direct treatment decisions is warranted.

Frequency of infections during rituximab treatment of autoimmune blistering diseases.

This study investigates the frequency of infections in autoimmune blistering disease (AIBD) patients treated with rituximab and evaluates the difference in infectious complications in patients on concomitant antibiotic and/or antiviral prophylaxis. The study retrospectively reviewed 43 AIBD patients who received rituximab over a five-year interval. The patients were categorized based on prophylaxis type (antibiotic, antiviral, or both) and concomitant immunosuppression status, which we defined as treatment with an immunosuppressive medication during the time frame they were given Rituximab. Our findings suggest that concomitant immunosuppression alongside rituximab did not significantly increase the risk of developing infectious complications compared to rituximab monotherapy. Results revealed that 34.4% of patients with concomitant immunosuppression had a secondary bacterial infection, defined as bacterial complications requiring hospitalization, consistent with prior studies. Moreover, antibiotic prophylaxis did not significantly reduce infection risk in patients on rituximab, with 45.1% of these patients experiencing bacterial complications. There was an absence of pneumocystis pneumonia in the study population. Despite the small sample size and limited timeline, this study suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis may not significantly mitigate the risk of infections in AIBD patients receiving rituximab, and the risk of infection with concomitant immunosuppression with rituximab requires additional investigation for definitive causal risk.

Gender distribution and NIH funding rank in dermatology leadership: a cross-sectional analysis.

In examining the influence of National Institute of Health (NIH) funding on gender distribution within dermatology leadership roles, a cross-sectional analysis of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited dermatology residencies was conducted. The gender of leadership faculty was verified using online resources, while institutions were categorized by their 2022 NIH dermatology funding status. Results revealed that male dermatologists predominantly occupied department chair roles, whereas female dermatologists were more frequently found in associate program director roles, regardless of funding status. Notably, women held most program director positions in the top NIH-funded group, though this difference was not statistically significant due to a smaller sample size. The overall gender distribution has shown progress from 2021, with a significant rise in female associate program directors and a narrowing gender gap for chairs and program directors. Despite NIH funding rank playing a minimal role in gender distribution, our study underscores positive strides towards gender equality in dermatology leadership. Further advocacy for gender balance and additional research on underlying factors are essential for continued progress.