Publications by authors named "Matilda Nicholas"

Article Synopsis
  • Clinical images used for evaluations are often of low quality, and the research aims to create a deep learning tool to assess these images for better quality control.
  • The VGG16 model was fine-tuned with a dataset of images labeled for quality, achieving a strong performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.885 in the test set and 0.864 in a separate validation set.
  • The study suggests that while users might need to take extra images, the benefits include enhanced efficiency and improved workflow for healthcare teams.
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Since 2006, iPLEDGE, a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS), has attempted to prevent fetal exposures in people taking isotretinoin through contraceptive requirements and regular pregnancy testing. There has been criticism of iPLEDGE's requirements, results, and accessibility. iPLEDGE has placed significant burdens on physicians, patients, and administrative staff.

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With recent advances in topical therapies for atopic dermatitis (AD), steroid-sparing options like calcineurin inhibitors, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors are becoming mainstays in therapy, underscoring the importance of careful selection and usage of topical corticosteroids (TCSs) to minimize side effects. Alongside the necessity of emollient use, these steroid-sparing alternatives offer rapid itch relief and efficacy in improving disease severity. While TCSs still hold a prominent role in AD management, promising novel topical treatments like tapinarof and live biotherapeutics to modulate the skin microbiome are also discussed.

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Article Synopsis
  • Teledermatology (TD) improves access to dermatological care by leveraging primary care providers to submit images and referrals for specialist review, followed by quick video consultations.
  • The study used the EPIS and RE-AIM frameworks at Duke to implement a hybrid TD model across four primary care clinics, documenting patient satisfaction and identifying barriers to implementation.
  • Results showed high patient satisfaction and variability in TD adoption rates among clinics, pinpointing time constraints and clinic workflow as major barriers while highlighting opportunities for improvement, such as easier referral protocols.
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Article Synopsis
  • High-quality clinical photography is essential in dermatology for patient evaluation, education, and research.
  • Advances in smartphone technology have enabled dermatologists to use photography in their practices, but capturing quality images can still be challenging.
  • A best practice guide is proposed to improve photo quality and integrate clinical photography into the workflow, ultimately enhancing patient care.
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We sought to project the 1-year cost utility of nonpregnancy laboratory monitoring cessation among patients initiating isotretinoin. We conducted a model-based cost utility analysis comparing (i) current practice (CP) and (ii) cessation of nonpregnancy laboratory monitoring. Simulated 20-year-old persons initiating isotretinoin were maintained on therapy for 6 months, unless taken off because of laboratory abnormalities in CP.

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Purpose Of Review: Atopic dermatitis (AD) remains a dermatological disease that imposes a significant burden on society. Air pollution has previously been linked to both the onset and severity of atopic dermatitis. As air pollution remains a critical environmental factor impacting human health, this review seeks to provide an overview of the relationship between different air pollutants and AD.

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Background: Teledermatology (TD) is an evidence-based practice that may increase access to dermatologic care. We sought to evaluate implementation of TD at four Duke primary care practices.

Methods: We implemented a hybrid TD program where trained primary care providers (PCPs) sent referrals with clinical and dermatoscopic images to dermatology.

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Importance: Patient-submitted images vary considerably in quality and usefulness. Studies that characterize patient-submitted images in a real-life setting are lacking.

Objective: To evaluate the quality and perceived usefulness of patient-submitted images as determined by dermatologists and characterize agreement of their responses.

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Background: Store-and-forward (SAF) teledermatology uses electronically stored information, including patient photographs and demographic information, for clinical decision-making asynchronous to the patient encounter. The integration of SAF teledermatology into clinical practice has been increasing in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this growth, data regarding the outcomes of SAF teledermatology are limited.

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Purpose Of Review: The review provides an update on the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

Recent Findings: Diagnostic challenges exist in better defining CLE as an independent disease distinct from systemic lupus erythematosus with cutaneous features and further classifying CLE based on clinical, histological, and laboratory features. Recent mechanistic studies revealed more genetic variations, environmental triggers, and immunologic dysfunctions that are associated with CLE.

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We strive to educate medical providers of the possibility of cellular transformation occurring as a parastomal complication and to emphasize the importance of close monitoring, as there is a risk, although low, of subsequent malignant transformation.

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Flipped and traditional classroom models were compared in the Duke University Medical Center (Durham, North Carolina) dermatology residency program for the 2014-2015 academic year. The residents participated in 12 lectures-6 traditional and 6 flipped-that were paired for similar content. Each lecture was followed by a survey comprised of 10 factual questions and 10 perception questions.

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