bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conversion Painful Ankle Arthrodesis to Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Case Series and Literature Reviews
Authors: Chen Jen-Hung 
Published: December 2024

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Pain following an ankle arthrodesis continues to be a challenging problem. Degenerative changes in the adjacent joints also have been reported by several authors. Extending the fusion to the hindfoot may increase the nonunion rate and, hence, undermine the results of the procedure, while limiting function. Given the complexity of this clinical situation, conversion total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has arisen as a valid treatment choice. Methods: From 2018 to 2023, twelve total ankle arthroplasties with Inbone II (Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, Tennessee) were performed in patients who had undergone a prior ankle arthrodesis. Five of them were nonunion of previous ankle arthrodesis and seven of them were due to adjacent hindfoot arthritis. The mean period of ankle arthrodesis status was 18.5 years (range, 1 to 26). The mean age was 63.7 years old (range, 55 to 77). The preoperative ankle joint weight-bearing plain films, lower limbs split scanography and CT were obtained. Due to hindfoot adjacent arthritis following previous ankle arthrodesis, concomitant subtalar arthrodesis was performed in all three patients and talonavicular arthrodesis was performed in two patients. Immediate weight bearing ambulation with protection was allowed postoperatively. The mean follow-up duration was 42.6 months (range, 8 to 65). Results: The mean visual analog scale pain score improved from 75 preoperatively to 10 at the latest follow up. The mean AOFAS hindfoot score increase from 32.5 to 76. The mean range of motion of ankle joints from 5.2 degree (range, 0~10) to 37.5 degree (range, 20~50). Eleven patients were satisfied with the results, but one were still unsatisfied. Preoperative pain improved much more about 6 weeks postoperatively and gait improved about 3 months postoperatively. No complications including infection, wound poor healing, or early prosthesis failure were found during follow-up. Conclusion: Ankle arthrodesis takedown with conversion to TAA has been proposed to patients with pain related to an ankle arthrodesis in an effort to improved functional outcomes. Short-term follow-up after conversion of ankle arthrodesis to TAA demonstrated pain relief and improved function in a majority of patients. The rate of complications, particularly talar component settling and migration, is cause for concern. By means of takedown ankle arthrodesis to TAA and arthrodesis of the hindfoot adjacent arthritic joints simultaneously, the ankle joint movement was regained and hindfoot pain was relieved. Long-term follow up is still needed.
Distance Mapping of Subtalar Joint after Total Ankle Arthroplasty - A Pilot Study
Authors: Acker Antoine , Scala Victoria A. , Talaski Grayson M. , Luo Emily Joan , Wu Kevin , Carvalho Kepler A.M. , Acker Antoine , Casas Erik Jesus Huanuco , Valvecchi Tommaso Forin , Easley Mark E. , de Cesar Netto Cesar 
Published: December 2024

Category: Hindfoot; Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Patients with ankle arthritis often present with concomitant subtalar joint deformity, as the subtalar joint may compensate for ankle malalignment. This compensation in the subtalar joint may manifest as joint space narrowing and sinus tarsi impingement. The objective of this study was to use 3D distance maps (DMs) from weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) images to see if altering alignment of the tibiotalar joint with total ankle arthroplasty alters alignment of the subtalar joint. We hypothesized that, in patients with ankle arthritis, improving alignment of the tibiotalar joint from total ankle arthroplasty would increase the mean distances across the subtalar joint, indicative of improved alignment. Methods: A retrospective review of WBCT data of randomly selected patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty between February 2022-July 2023 was performed as a pilot study. Using principal components analysis, the calcaneus was divided into 9 regions on the posterior facet, 4 regions in the sinus tarsi, 1 region in the middle facet, and 1 region in the anterior facet of the subtalar joint, as shown in Figure 1. 3D distance technique was used to objectively measure joint space across the subtalar joint. DMs were measured in millimeters, and DMs of the posterior facet and sinus tarsi were also averaged. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results: A total of 15 patients were included – 10 patients with preoperative and 5 patients with postoperative WBCT scans. The mean DMs in all regions increased postoperatively, showing a trend toward improved alignment. The greatest change in mean DM was seen in the middle facet articulation, from 1.78 mm preoperatively to 2.44mm postoperatively. The sinus tarsi was the second highest change, from a mean DM of 2.45 mm preoperatively to 2.80 postoperatively. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates that improved tibiotalar alignment through total ankle arthroplasty results in changes in the subtalar joint. Further study with adequate power is warranted to quantify the effect that improved tibiotalar alignment has on subtalar alignment.
Effect of Arthrodesis of the First-Metatarsophalangeal Joint on the Alignment and Stability of the First-Tarsometatarsal Joint: A Large Sample-Sized Radiographic Study
Authors: Guo Yi , Hirpara Ankit , Zhu Mingjie , Carpenter Melissa L. , Joseph Stephan , Huo Donglai , Singh Navsharan , Mardakhaev Edward , Hunt Kenneth , Myerson Mark , Li Shuyuan 
Published: December 2024

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Bunion Introduction/Purpose: The hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint plays an important role in maintaining mobility of the first ray and arthrodesis of this joint is used to treat a variety of deformities. Intuitively, fusion of a joint may cause instability of an adjacent joint, however, recent studies have shown that hallux MTP arthrodesis in patients with hallux valgus can improve the stability of the first-tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. The goal of this study was to investigate the impacts of hallux MTP arthrodesis on the alignment of the first TMT joint in a large sample-sized cohort. Methods: This was a retrospective study that included one group of patients without hallux valgus (Control Group ) and one group with hallux valgus deformity. Pre-operative and six-month post-operative weight-bearing radiographs were used to evaluate the alignment of the hallux and the first TMT joint. The parameters included the hallux valgus angle (HVA), 1-2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), first metatarsal–medial cuneiform angle (1MCA), medial cuneiform–first metatarsal angle (MC1A), relative cuneiform slope (RCS), and distal medial cuneiform angle (DMCA). A paired t-test was used to study the impact of first MTP arthrodesis on the above parameters, and an independent t-test was used to compare the difference of the surgical effect on those parameters between the two groups. Possible linear regression relationship was analyzed among those variants. Results: There were 32 patients in the control group (age 57.93 ±9.07) and 62 patients in hallux valgus group (age 65.26± 12.84). In control group, except for HVA, there was no change in any of the above parameters between the pre and post surgical images; while in hallux rigidus group, the HVA, IMA, 1MCA, MC1A, and RCS were significantly reduced after surgery (p < 0.05). The RCS increased slightly in control group, but decreased significantly in hallux rigidus group (p < 0.05). Between the two groups, there was a significant difference in the impact of surgery on HVA, IMA, MC1A and RCS. In hallux rigidus group, correlation detected between pre-post operative IMA with HVA and MC1A, HVA with 1MCA, 1MCA with RCS and DMCA, MC1A with RCS, RCS with DMCA. Conclusion: Hallux MTP arthrodesis improved the alignment of the first-TMT joint in patients with hallux valgus, but this change had no correlation with either the pre and postoperative IMA or HVA changes. There was no significant improvement nor worsening of the TMT alignment in patients without hallux valgus.
Blood RNA transcripts show changes in inflammation and lipid metabolism in Alzheimer's disease and mitochondrial function in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Iga Jun-ichi , Yoshino Yuta , Ozaki Tomoki , Tachibana Ayumi , Kumon Hiroshi , Funahashi Yu , Mori Hiroaki , Ueno Mariko , Ozaki Yuki , Yamazaki Kiyohiro , Ochi Shinichiro , Yamashita Masakatsu , Ueno Shu-ichi 
Published: December 2024

Background Abnormal immunity in the periphery has been reported in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Objective In this study, blood transcriptome analyses of patients with AD, those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD, and heathy controls were performed to elucidate immune-related pathophysiology. Methods The sample included 63 participants from a complete enumeration study of elderly people in Nakayama town (the Nakayama Study), who were over 65 years of age, diagnosed as (1) healthy controls (N = 21, mean age: 83.8 years), (2) having MCI due to AD (N = 20, mean age: 82.6 years), or (3) having AD (N = 21, mean age: 84.2 years). Every participant underwent blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging, and questionnaires about lifestyle and cognitive function. With transcriptome analysis, differential gene expressions in the blood of the three groups were evaluated by gene ontology, pathway enrichment, and ingenuity pathway analyses, and quantitative real-time PCR was performed. Results Neutrophil extracellular trap signaling was increased, and lipid metabolism (FXR/RXR activation, triacylglycerol degradation) was decreased in AD, whereas MCI showed protective responses via decreased neutrophil extracellular trap signaling and mitochondrial functions such as upregulation of the sirtuin pathway and downregulation of oxidative stress. Conclusions Based on these findings and consistent with other published studies, immune cells appear to have important roles in the pathogenesis of AD, and the transcriptome in blood may be useful as a biomarker for diagnosis via monitoring immunity in MCI and AD.
Bio-cultural Aspects of First-feeding Practices Among Hilly Tribal Infants: A Qualitative Observational Study
Authors: Samakya Srividhya 
Published: December 2024

Objective This study delves into the biocultural aspects of first-feeding practices among Porja hilly tribe living in Andhra Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods This community-based qualitative observational study was conducted among 44 tribal infants whose mothers were purposively selected through the inclusion of criteria of having given birth in the last 60 days. The study period was carried out between May 2023 and October 2023. Semi-structured household surveys and in-depth interview schedules guided the study. Qualitative data was analysed using the thematic framework approach, which allows the analysis of the interview transcripts, field notes and informal conversations to find the associations between the expressions without missing the gut feelings and ingrained cultural notions around the practices. Results Three major themes with two sub-themes were generated from thematic analysis, such as (1) first feeding, (2) denied feeding and (3) delayed feeding. These findings provided the details account for the cultural reasons for pre-lacteal feeding by practicing colostrum avoidance and delayed breastfeeding practices on the Porja tribal neonates Discussion The persistence of culture-specific traditional beliefs in shaping neonatal health is a pressing issue. The study’s findings highlight the importance of preserving beneficial traditional methods while addressing harmful practices. This approach could significantly improve the health status of tribal newborn babies, particularly in resource-poor settings with inadequate neonatal services.
CAR T-cell therapies for T-cell malignancies: does cellular immunotherapy represent the best chance of cure?
Authors: Maciocia Nicola , Wade Brandon , Maciocia Paul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has proven successful for B-cell lymphomas and leukemias. This success has inspired the development of CAR-T for T-cell malignancies. T-cell lymphomas and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) are highly heterogenous diseases but are united by poor prognosis in the relapsed/refractory setting and the lack of any novel, targeted therapies. CAR-T therapy is a promising solution for these diseases but carries a number of challenges, principally that target antigens are typically shared between malignant and normal T cells. This can cause issues with fratricide and T-cell aplasia. In this review we discuss the current state of CAR-T treatment for T-ALL and T-cell lymphomas, highlighting recent novel clinical data for T-cell malignancies and discuss lessons that can be learned for future research in this area.
Distinct patterns of cell adhesion, migration, and morphology in olfactory neuroepithelium cells of bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Delgado-Sequera Alejandra , Pérez-Revuelta Jose I. , Caballero-García Andres , Durán-Ruiz MªCarmen , Romero-Lopez-Alberca Cristina , García-Mompó Clara , González-Saiz Francisco , Rodríguez-Iglesias Manuel , Sanchez-Morillo Daniel , Robledo Patricia , Perez Victor , Berrocoso Esther , Hidalgo-Figueroa Maria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, chronic mental illness that remains difficult to diagnose due to the lack of specific biomarkers, relying primarily on clinical assessments. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving prognosis and lowering suicide risk. This study aimed to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets by utilizing olfactory neuroepithelium (ONE) cells from patients with BD and controls.

Methods
Immunofluorescence of ONE cells, along with proteomic and RNA sequencing analyses, was performed to investigate cytoskeletal changes and pathways involved in cell adhesion, movement, and morphology. Additionally, potential biomarkers were investigated in blood samples to improve clinical accessibility.

Results
Thus, according to functional assays, ONE cells derived from BD patients exhibited decreased substrate adhesion, reduced cell migration, and morphological changes compared to control cells. In addition, proteomic and RNAseq analyses in ONE cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) revealed alterations in pathways such as RhoA/PAK/Integrin and Actin Cytoskeleton Signaling, as well as significant changes in inflammatory and immunological pathways. AUROC analysis identified proteins like PTK2 as potential diagnostic biomarkers, showing altered expression in both ONE cells and PBMCs. PTK2 RNA expression correlated with distinct morphological traits in BD ONE cells.

Conclusions
In summary, this study identified cytoskeletal alterations, reduced adhesion, and disrupted migration patterns in BD ONE cells, highlighting molecular mechanisms underlying these changes and emphasizing PTK2’s role as a potential diagnostic biomarker for BD.
Translation and psychometric validation of the Heart Failure Symptom Tracker (HFaST)
Authors: Perez Maria Inês , Seringa Joana , Magalhães Teresa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Heart Failure (HF) is a global public health issue with high morbidity and mortality rates. Symptom management improves HF patients’ quality of life and demonstrates a potential reduction in hospitalisation, particularly among individuals aged 65 and over. Early identification of patients at higher risk of hospitalisation is essential to guide patient-centred interventions. This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Heart Failure Symptom Tracker (HFaST) tool for the Portuguese population. Additionally, it aimed to test the hypothesis that higher scores of the HFaST are associated with increased hospitalisations due to HF decompensation.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved the linguistic translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the HFaST tool into European Portuguese. Content validity was assessed by a panel of ten experts, who evaluated the clarity, relevance and equivalence of the pre-final version. A pre-test, using cognitive interviews with a sample of forty individuals was conducted to assess the item comprehensibility of the adapted tool. The second phase involved the psychometric validity in a sample of sixty HF patients. Participants completed a demographical and clinical assessment, the Portuguese version of the HFaST tool and the Portuguese version of the KCCQ-23 questionnaire. Additionally, the association between HFaST scores and HF hospitalisations were analysed.

Results
Equivalence between versions showed substantial to perfect agreement, with Fleiss’ k ranging from 0.678 to 1.000. Necessary adjustments were performed. Pre-test confirmed 95% comprehensibility. Internal consistency was acceptable, with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.724, moderate to strong inter-item correlations, and significant correlations between the HFaST and the KCCQ-23 items were observed. Higher HFaST scores were significantly associated with increased hospitalisations, highlighting its role as a predictive tool for clinical risk stratification.

Conclusions
The Portuguese version of the HFaST demonstrated to be a reliable and valid self-management tool for HF patients in Portugal. By predicting the likelihood of hospitalisation risk, the HFaST enables clinicians to implement early interventions, potentially reducing hospital admissions, improving patients’ outcomes and contributing to a better quality of life.

Clinical trial number
not applicable.
Accelerated risk of renal disease progression in pre-ESRD patients with proton pump inhibitors use: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Huang Chien-Huei , Tsai Chih-Jung , Su Chien-Chou , Yen Chi-Tai , Chen Ju-Ling , Cheng Ching-Lan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Although Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were mostly prescribed for gastrointestinal (GI) disease widely, there were numerous studies about PPIs and adverse renal outcome. Most evidence was to evaluate the risk of PPIs in patients with normal renal function and in the absence of the moderate to advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study focuses on the accelerated progression of renal function following proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use, and the increased risks of acute kidney injury (AKI) among moderate to advanced CKD (pre-ESRD) patients.

Patients and methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted by including adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3b to 5 who initiated PPI or H2 blocker (H2B) therapy between 2011 and 2018. The risk of renal events was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Sensitivity analyses were performed, including propensity score matching, as-treated analysis, and subgroup analysis.

Results
The cohort comprised 83,432 pre-ESRD patients, with 5,138 treated with H2B and 1,051 with PPIs. The progression to ESRD was significantly more likely in patients using PPIs compared to those using H2B (adjusted HR, 1.495; 95% CI: 1.198–1.867). Specifically, omeprazole (adjusted HR, 1.784; 95% CI: 1.079–2.951) and esomeprazole (adjusted HR, 1.847; 95% CI: 1.332–2.561) were associated with a notably higher risk of ESRD and AKI.

Conclusions
The study highlights the significance of the accelerated renal risk, especially for moderate to advanced CKD patients, when prescribing PPIs and to implicate the clinicians prescribed PPIs and H2B in pre-ESRD patients.
Sex differences in hypertension incidence and risk factors: a population-based cohort study in Southern Iran
Authors: Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Johari Masoumeh Ghoddusi , Baeradeh Najibullah , Seif Mozhgan , Hosseini Seyed Vahid 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Hypertension (HTN) is a major global public health concern. This study aims to identify gender differences to inform more effective prevention strategies and targeted management approaches.

Methods
This prospective cohort study included 7,710 participants aged 40 to 70 years, with a mean follow-up duration of 5.2 years. HTN was defined using European hypertension management guidelines. A Cox regression model was employed to determine factors associated with HTN, adjusting for confounding variables effects.

Results
During the mean follow-up period of 5.2 years, the incidence rate of hypertension was 21.54 per 1,000 person-years, with females exhibiting a higher incidence than males. Several significant predictors of HTN were identified. In men, key risk factors included age (60–70 years, 2.83-fold increase, 95% CI 2.05–3.92), high waist-to-height ratio (5.63-fold increase, 95% CI 2.42–13.07), smoking (2.68-fold increase, 95% CI 1.04–6.91), and opium use (1.93-fold increase, 95% CI 1.06–3.49). In women, significant predictors included age (60–70 years, 3.65-fold increase, 95% CI 2.59–5.15), contraceptive drug use (1.24-fold increase, 95% CI 1.01–1.52), high waist-to-height ratio (1.87-fold increase, 95% CI 1.19–2.92), pre-HTN (3.64-fold increase, 95% CI 3.01–4.40), and kidney stones (1.32-fold increase, 95% CI 1.06–1.65).

Conclusion
This study identified key predictors of hypertension (HTN) with notable gender differences. For men, significant risk factors included age, high waist-to-height ratio, smoking, and opium use; for women, the prominent predictors were age, contraceptive use, pre-HTN, and kidney stones. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific strategies in HTN prevention and management, focusing on modifiable risk factors by gender.