Submit to JPM Review for JPM

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

J. Pers. Med., Volume 15, Issue 11 (November 2025) – 6 articles

Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.

Order results

Result details

Section

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

14 pages, 1182 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Specific Risk Factors for Dynapenia in Korean Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014–2019

by Hyunjae Yu, Hye-Jin Kim, Heeji Choi, Chulho Kim and Jae Jun Lee

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(11), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15110507 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Dynapenia, characterized by an age-related decline in muscle strength, has recently gained attention as a major public health concern. While prior studies identified individual risk factors, little is known about how these factors cluster differently by sex. This study investigated sex-specific risk factors and their combinations associated with dynapenia among Korean middle-aged and older adults. Methods: We analyzed 22,850 participants aged ≥ 40 years from the 2014–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength < 28 kg in men and <18 kg in women. Sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors, and association rule mining (ARM) detected synergistic risk factor combinations. Results: Dynapenia was more prevalent in women (13.9%) than in men (8.5%). Advancing age, physical inactivity, lack of resistance exercise, and a high incidence of diabetes and stroke were consistent risk factors in both sexes. However, ARM revealed distinct clustering patterns: behavioral factors predominated in men, whereas socioeconomic disadvantage and metabolic comorbidities were more relevant in women with dynapenia. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for sex-specific prevention strategies for dynapenia, promoting resistance exercise among men and addressing both inactivity and socioeconomic barriers in women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight into Aging and Geriatric Syndromes: Clinical Updates and Perspectives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1196 KB

Open AccessArticle

Traditional Growth-Friendly Implants Result in Improved Health-Related Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy Patients with Early-Onset Scoliosis

by Nicholas J. Buckler, Margaret Sun, Mason Al Nouri, Jason J. Howard, Majella Vaughan, Tricia St. Hilaire, Hiroko Matsumoto, Paul D. Sponseller, John T. Smith, George H. Thompson, Pediatric Spine Study Group and Ron El-Hawary

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(11), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15110506 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In an effort to promote personalized medicine, the purpose was to (1) analyze health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cerebral palsy (CP) patients treated with growth-friendly implants for early-onset scoliosis (EOS), and (2) compare traditional implants (traditional growing rods [TGRs], VEPTR) with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs). Methods: Twenty-four patients with CP and EOS were identified from an international multicenter database. Mean EOSQ-24 domain and total scores and absolute differences from pre-index surgery to the minimum two-year follow-up were compared. Results: For all patients: Pre-index surgery EOSQ-24 total score: 48.9 vs. follow-up: 53.8. Follow-up scores were greater than at pre-op for 10 of the 12 domains, with the only significant difference being activities of daily living. Growth-friendly implants had positive absolute differences for 8 of the 12 domains and in the total score. Nine traditional implant patients had a pre-index surgery EOSQ-24 total of 45.8 points, while 15 MCGRs patients had a score of 50.8 points. At follow-up, traditional implant patients had greater scores than at pre-index surgery for all 12 domains, with total score of 55.1 points, and positive absolute differences for all domains (non-significant). MCGRs had greater scores than at pre-index surgery for six domains, with a total score of 53.1 points (non-significant), and positive absolute differences for seven domains. Traditional implants had a significantly greater absolute difference for emotion than MCGRs (p = 0.030). Conclusions: At the minimum two-year follow-up, CP patients had small, but statistically non-significant, improvements in HRQoL following growth-friendly surgery. Compared to MCGRs, traditional implants provided a modest additional benefit in HRQoL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Approaches to Spine Surgery: Innovations and Future Directions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 813 KB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Complex Genetic and Drug–Drug Interactions on Tamoxifen Metabolism and Efficacy

by Ibtissam Saad, Kaoutar Bentayebi, Soukaina Ettoury, Oumaima Zarrik, Ilhame Bourais, Saber Boutayeb, Caroline Samer, Youssef Daali, Rachid Eljaoudi and Sara Louati

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(11), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15110505 - 23 Oct 2025

Abstract

Tamoxifen remains the standard treatment for hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, significant interindividual variability in treatment response is observed. This variability may be partially explained by differences in the biotransformation of tamoxifen, a prodrug, into its active metabolites. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across several databases to examine current evidence on single-gene and multi-gene variations throughout the metabolic and transport pathways of tamoxifen and their impact on pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy. We also explore the influence of drug–drug–gene interactions and review clinical strategies currently employed to manage treatment variability. Overall, growing evidence highlights the influence of pharmacogenetic variability, particularly CYP2D6 polymorphisms, on tamoxifen metabolism. Although its clinical use remains cautious and limited, a combined approach involving pharmacogenetic testing and therapeutic monitoring or phenotyping may help address treatment variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacogenetics)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

30 pages, 1399 KB

Open AccessReview

From Architecture to Outcomes: Mapping the Landscape of Digital Twins for Personalized Diabetes Care—A Scoping Review

by Danilo Andrés Cáceres-Gutiérrez, Diana Marcela Bonilla-Bonilla, Yamil Liscano and Jhony Alejandro Díaz Vallejo

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(11), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15110504 - 23 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Digital twins are emerging as a transformative technology in diabetes management, promising a shift from standardized protocols to highly personalized care. This scoping review aims to systematically map the current landscape of digital twin applications in diabetes, synthesizing evidence on their implementation architectures, analytical models, performance metrics, and clinical integration strategies to identify key trends and critical gaps. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five electronic databases in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines to identify empirical studies on digital twins for diabetes. Data from the selected articles were extracted to analyze bibliographic characteristics, population data, technological components, performance outcomes, and integration levels. A narrative synthesis was performed to map the evidence. Results: Seventeen studies were included, revealing a rapid increase in publications since 2022, with a notable concentration of research in India. The technological architecture shows a convergence toward machine learning models (e.g., LSTM) powered by data from IoT devices and wearables. Certain interventional studies have reported significant clinical impacts, including HbA1c reductions of up to 1.9% and T2DM remission rates as high as 76.5% in one trial. However, major implementation barriers were identified, including fragmented interoperability standards and low rates of full integration into clinical workflows (35.3%). Conclusions: Digital twins are emerging as powerful tools that show the potential to drive significant clinical outcomes in diabetes care. However, to translate this promise into widespread practice, future efforts must focus on overcoming the critical challenges of standardized interoperability and deep clinical integration. Rigorous, independently validated, long-term trials in diverse populations are essential to confirm these promising findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diabetes Mellitus: Current Research and Future Perspectives, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 725 KB

Open AccessReview

Digital Twins in Personalized Medicine: Bridging Innovation and Clinical Reality

by Abigail Silva and Nuno Vale

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(11), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15110503 - 22 Oct 2025

Viewed by 33

Abstract

Digital Twins (DTs) are poised to transform personalized medicine by enabling real-time, multiscale simulations of individual patients. By integrating genomics, imaging, wearable sensor data, and clinical records, DTs offer a powerful platform for predictive, adaptive, and patient-centered decision-making. Recent advances have highlighted their potential across a range of clinical domains, including cardiology, oncology, pharmacogenomics, and neurology. Yet, their routine application in clinical practice remains limited, underscoring a growing translational gap between digital innovation and healthcare delivery. In this review, we explore the scientific maturity and emerging clinical use cases of DTs, while critically analyzing the systemic, regulatory, ethical, and infrastructural barriers that hinder their widespread adoption. We outline a translational roadmap that emphasizes dynamic model validation, clinician co-development, equitable data representation, and regulatory harmonization. Uniquely, we reframe DTs as cognitive tools for clinical reasoning and decision support. We further clarify translational pathways through explicit evaluation and reporting recommendations. By positioning DTs within this practical framework, we outline how responsible, inclusive, and interdisciplinary implementation can establish them as foundational elements of 21st century precision medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Diagnostics in Personalized Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 427 KB

Open AccessArticle

Patient Life Engagement and Metabolic Profile Improve After Switching from First-/Second-Generation Antipsychotics to Brexpiprazole: A Real-World Study in Patients with Schizophrenia

by Marco Di Nicola, Maria Pepe, Miriam Milintenda, Marco Massetti, Lorenzo Moccia, Isabella Panaccione and Gabriele Sani

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(11), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15110502 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder requiring long-term pharmacological treatment. Many patients experience inadequate response and adverse effects, often leading to poor adherence and need for antipsychotic switch or polypharmacotherapy. In this context, brexpiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic with favorable tolerability profile, may offer clinical benefits following previous treatment failure or intolerance. However, real-world evidence after treatment switch remains limited. Methods: This retrospective, observational study included 50 outpatients with schizophrenia switched to brexpiprazole (2–4 mg/day) via cross-titration and evaluated over 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in Patient Life Engagement, assessed through a 14-item subset of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), along with response/remission rates. Secondary outcomes included changes in subjective well-being, quality of life, sexual functioning (based on Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptics—Short Form [SWN-S], WHO-5 Well-Being Index [WHO-5], and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale [ASEX] scores, respectively), metabolic parameters, and prolactin levels. Results: Life engagement improved significantly (p < 0.001) across all domains, and clinical response was achieved in 40% of patients. Significant improvements were observed in SWN-S and WHO-5 scores (both p < 0.001). Weight and BMI significantly decreased (–2.64 kg, p = 0.013, and –0.91 kg/m², p = 0.006, respectively). Numerical non-significant reductions were found in ASEX (p = 0.067) and prolactin levels (–30.7 ng/mL, p = 0.077). Overall, treatment was well-tolerated. Conclusions: Switching to brexpiprazole was associated with improvements in psychopathological, functional, and physical health domains. These findings support its potential role in real-world, personalized therapeutic strategies for patients with schizophrenia following suboptimal outcomes with prior antipsychotic treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures