bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studying gender in the experiences of patients with heart failure: A scoping review of qualitative studies and methodological recommendations
Authors: Thomas Elias , Verdonk Petra , Roeters-van Lennep Jeanine , Rhodius-Meester Hanneke , Handoko Louis , Schoonmade Linda , Muller Majon , Muntinga Maaike 
Published: January 2025

Background: Considering how gendered experiences play a role in the lives of patients with heart failure (HF) is critical in order to understand their experiences, optimise clinical care and reduce health inequalities. Objectives: The aim of our study was to review how gender is being studied in qualitative research in HF, specifically to (1) analyse how gender is conceptualised and applied in qualitative HF research; and (2) identify methodological opportunities to better understand the gendered experiences of patients with HF. Eligibility criteria: We conducted a systematic search of literature, including qualitive or mixed-methods articles focussing on patients’ perspectives in HF and using gender as a primary analytical factor, excluding articles published before 2000. Sources of evidence: Our search returned 3121 records, which were independently screened by two authors, resolving disagreements through a consensus procedure. Charting methods: Two reviewers extracted the characteristics of the included studies and methodological quality. We applied the Integrating Sex and Gender Checklist and gender theory as an analytical tool to synthesise results relating to the conceptualisation and application of gender in the included studies. Results: We included 11 qualitative articles that used interviews ( n = 10) or focus groups ( n = 1) to investigate the role of gender in experiences of patients with HF. None of the included studies defined their conceptual approach to gender, or used gender-related theoretical frameworks. This led to results and conclusions which were drawn along binary lines – representing gender as two separate, oppositional and mutually exclusive categories, and paying little attention to the dynamic, relational and context-dependent aspects of gender. Conclusions: Although researchers have investigated the role of gender in the experiences of patient with HF, methodological improvements are needed to prevent the current retelling of gender as a binary variable with two opposed and mutually exclusive categories. To better understand gendered experiences in HF, researchers need to avoid a reductionist and essentialist approach to gender. To this end, researchers should clearly state their conceptual approach to gender and analyse their findings using state-of-the-art gender theoretical frameworks and intersectional approaches. Ultimately, this will allow the development of tailored and effective clinical care.
Life cycle assessment and optimisation of surgical instrument trays for reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Klarenbeek Isabella C , van der Eijk Anne C , Janssen Esther RC , Hollman Freek , Willems Paul C , Lambers Heerspink Okke 
Published: January 2025

Objectives Shoulder arthroplasty has a large environmental impact. Part of the environmental impact is caused by the sterilisation of surgical instruments. This study examines the effect of optimising surgical instrument trays for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), to reduce the environmental impact. Methods An adjusted LEAN 5s method was used to optimise the number of instruments of shoulder arthroplasty specific trays. A Life Cycle Assessment was performed to calculate the CO2-eq. Results After careful selection, 139 of the 254 (55%) instruments were removed from the original RSA trays. Out of the 139 removed instruments, 19 were placed in a supplemental tray. The number of base trays was reduced with 3 trays. The estimated impact by reducing these trays from the standard pre-operative setup is a reduction of 28% of the environmental impact annually (524 kg CO2 equivalent). Discussion This study confirms the feasibility of optimising instrument trays for RSA, offering a straightforward method to reduce the environmental impact of shoulder arthroplasty. Our results show that strategic instrument selection can contribute to lowering the environmental impact of orthopaedic surgery.
Evaluation of the Femoral Condyle Radius of Curvature at the Chondral Surface Shows Significant Correlation With the Anterior-Posterior Length
Authors: Jerban Saeed , Tabbaa Suzanne M. , Caldwell Paul E. , Jones Kristofer J. , Bugbee William , Crawford Dennis C. , Chang Eric Y. 
Published: January 2025

Background Accurate donor-recipient matching of the femoral condyle radius of curvature (ROC) in osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation may aid in minimizing articular surface incongruities. Matching linear femorotibial dimensions, such as the femoral condyle anterior-posterior length (APL), femoral condyle width (lateral-medial length, LML), femoral hemicondyle width (HCW), and tibial plateau width (TPW), can provide similar results if they correlate well with ROC. This study investigates the relationship between femorotibial dimensions and ROC at the cartilage surface using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Deidentified MRI images of 63 patients (35 men, 33 ± 10 years old, and 28 women, 27 ± 8 years old) were analyzed. Axial images were used for APL, LML, and TPW (TPW-Ax) measurements, while coronal images were used for HCW and TPW (TPW-Cor) measurements. Cartilage was segmented in true sagittal images at the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and lateral femoral condyle (LFC) to calculate their specific cartilage surface ROCs. Linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between the femorotibial dimensions and ROC. Results Cartilage ROC was significantly correlated with all the linear femorotibial dimensions at the MFC ( P < 0.01, R2 = 0.78, 0.69, 0.67, 0.59, and 0.37 for ROC correlations with APL, LML, TPW-Ax, TPW-Cor, and HCW, respectively), and the LFC ( P < 0.01, R2 = 0.81, 0.61, 0.56, 0.54, and 0.41 for ROC correlations with APL, LML, TPW-Ax, TPW-Cor, and HCW, respectively). Conclusions The APL was the most predictive femorotibial dimension of the cartilage surface ROC. Donor-recipient APL matching in OCA transplantation may provide a similar level of matching to that achievable by direct ROC measurements. The APL matching may help reduce cartilage incongruities, particularly for patients with large osteochondral lesions, in which the ROC measurement cannot be accurately determined.
A proof-of-mechanism trial in asthma with lunsekimig, a bispecific nanobody® molecule
Authors: Deiteren Annemie , Krupka Emmanuel , Bontinck Lieselot , Imberdis Karine , Conickx Griet , Bas Selcuk , Patel Naimish , Staudinger Heribert W. , Suratt Benjamin T. 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundMonovalent biologics blocking thymic stromal lymphopoietin or interleukin-13 have been shown to elicit pharmacodynamic responses in asthma following a single dose. Therefore, dual blockade of these cytokines may result in an enhanced response compared to single targeting and has the potential to break efficacy ceilings in asthma. This study assessed the safety and tolerability of lunsekimig, a bispecific NANOBODY®molecule that blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin and interleukin-13, and its effect on Type 2 inflammatory biomarkers and lung function in asthma.MethodsThis was a Phase 1b, single-dose (subcutaneous lunsekimig 400 mg or placebo), randomised (2:1), double-blind, proof-of-mechanism study in 36 participants with mild-to-moderate asthma and elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (≥25 ppb), a marker of airway inflammation. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability through Day 71. The main pharmacodynamic secondary endpoint was change from baseline in fractional exhaled nitric oxide at Day 29.ResultsLunsekimig was well tolerated, with no serious treatment-emergent adverse events. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was significantly reduced from Day 8 through Day 29 after a single dose, with change from baseline of −40.9 ppb (90% CI: −55.43 to −26.39; p<0.0001)versusplacebo at Day 29. Blood-based Type 2 biomarkers at Day 29 were significantly reduced from baseline. Lung function, particularly small airway dysfunction, was numerically improved at Day 29, most notably in participants with impaired lung function at baseline.ConclusionsA single dose of lunsekimig was well tolerated, significantly suppressed Type 2 inflammation, and improved lung function in mild-to-moderate asthma.
Effectiveness and safety of tofacitinibversuscalcineurin inhibitor in interstitial lung disease secondary to anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis: a multi-centre cohort study
Authors: Wu Wanlong , Guo Bingpeng , Sun Wenjia , Chen Dan , Xu Wenwen , Chen Zhiwei , Fu Yakai , Ye Yan , Lyu Xia , Xue Zhixin , Wang Kaiwen , Zhao Jiangfeng , Xie Cuiying , Chen Yi , Ye Chunhua , Dai Min , Fan Wei , Li Jia , Wang Xiaodong , Xue Yu , Wan Weiguo , Sun Li , Wu Huaxiang , Luo Qun , Han Qian , Fu Qiong , Ye Shuang 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib (TOF)versuscalcineurin inhibitor (CNI) as initial immunosuppressive regimen for anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5-positive dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease (MDA5+DM-ILD).MethodsAdult Chinese patients with newly-diagnosed MDA5+DM-ILD (ILD course<3 months) from five tertiary referral centres between April 2014 and January 2023 were included for this retrospective cohort study. The primary effectiveness endpoint was lung transplantation-free survival within 1 year. Propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied for adjustment in this real-world study.Results: In the eligible cohort, a total of 94 (32.4%) and 105 (46.7%) patients died or underwent lung transplantation within 1 year in the TOF group (n=290) and the CNI group (n=225), respectively. After adjustment by IPTW, patients’ lung transplantation-free survival rate within 1 year was significantly higher in the TOF group compared to the CNI group (log-rank p=0.013). Multivariable Cox analysis performed in the IPTW dataset revealed the hazard ratio of TOFversusCNI for 1-year survival was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.56 to 0.94, p=0.013). The adjusted difference of survival rate was 9.3% (95%CI 2.8% to 15.8%). Alternative analytic strategies yielded consistent results in sensitivity analyses. Patients less than 60 years old, without RPILD, or with baseline PaO2/FiO2≥300 mmHg might benefit more from TOF. Opportunistic infection was the major treatment-related serious adverse event, with generally comparable incidence (42.4%versus45.3%).ConclusionIn this large multi-centre cohort study, tofacitinib showed significantly more benefits for 1-year lung transplantation-free survival than calcineurin inhibitors in MDA5+DM-ILD.
Accelerated epigenetic aging worsens survival and mediates environmental stressors in fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Goobie Gillian C. , Marinescu Daniel-Costin , Adegunsoye Ayodeji , Bourbeau Jean , Carlsten Christopher , Clifford Rachel L. , Doiron Dany , Duan Qingling , Gibson Kevin F. , Grant-Orser Amanda , Hernandez Cordero Ana I. , Johannson Kerri A. , Kass Daniel J. , Kim Sharon E. , Leung Janice M. , Li Xiaoyun , Tan Wan , Xi Yang Chen , Nouraie S. Mehdi , Ryerson Christopher J. , Hackett Tillie L , Zhang Yingze 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe role of epigenetic aging in the environmental pathogenesis and prognosis of fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD) is unclear. We evaluated whether ambient particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and neighbourhood disadvantage exposures are associated with accelerated epigenetic aging, and whether epigenetic age is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with fILD.MethodsThis multicentre, international, cohort study included patients with fILD from the University of Pittsburgh (UPitt, n=306) and University of British Columbia (UBC, n=170). Five-year PM2.5exposures were estimated using satellite-derived models. Neighbourhood disadvantage was calculated using U.S. and Canadian Census-based metrics. Epigenetic age difference (EAD=epigenetic age – chronological age) was calculated using GrimAge analysis of blood DNA methylation data. Linear models assessed associations of exposures with EAD. Cox models assessed associations of EAD with transplant-free survival. Causal mediation analysis evaluated EAD mediation of exposure-survival relationships.ResultsMedian epigenetic age was 11.7 years older than chronological age in patients with fILD. In combined cohort analysis, each interquartile range (IQR) PM2.5increase was associated with 2.88 years (95%CI 1.39–4.38, p<0.001) increased EAD. In UPitt, each IQR neighbourhood disadvantage increase was associated with 1.16 years (95%CI 0.22–2.09, p=0.02) increased EAD. Increased EAD was associated with worse transplant-free survival (HR=1.17 per 1-year increase EAD, 95%CI 1.10–1.24, p<0.001), with EAD mediating 40% of PM2.5-survival relationship and 59% of neighbourhood disadvantage-survival relationships. Epigenetic age was also more strongly associated with transplant-free survival than chronological age.ConclusionsEpigenetic age acceleration is associated with worse survival and mediates adverse exposure impacts in fILD.
Single cell RNA sequencing improves the next generation of approaches to AML treatment: challenges and perspectives
Authors: Khosroabadi Zahra , Azaryar Samaneh , Dianat-Moghadam Hassan , Amoozgar Zohreh , Sharifi Mohammadreza 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is caused by altered maturation and differentiation of myeloid blasts, as well as transcriptional/epigenetic alterations, all leading to excessive proliferation of malignant blood cells in the bone marrow. Tumor heterogeneity due to the acquisition of new somatic alterations leads to a high rate of resistance to current therapies or reduces the efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), thus increasing the risk of relapse and mortality. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) will enable the classification of AML and guide treatment approaches by profiling patients with different facets of the same disease, stratifying risk, and identifying new potential therapeutic targets at the time of diagnosis or after treatment. ScRNA-seq allows the identification of quiescent stem-like cells, and leukemia stem cells responsible for resistance to therapeutic approaches and relapse after treatment. This method also introduces the factors and mechanisms that enhance the efficacy of the HSCT process. Generated data of the transcriptional profile of the AML could even allow the development of cancer vaccines and CAR T-cell therapies while saving valuable time and alleviating dangerous side effects of chemotherapy and HSCT in vivo. However, scRNA-seq applications face various challenges such as a large amount of data for high-dimensional analysis, technical noise, batch effects, and finding small biological patterns, which could be improved in combination with artificial intelligence models.
A comprehensive allele specific expression resource for the equine transcriptome
Authors: Heath Harrison D. , Peng Sichong , Szmatola Tomasz , Ryan Stephanie , Bellone Rebecca R. , Kalbfleisch Theodore , Petersen Jessica L. , Finno Carrie J. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Allele-specific expression (ASE) analysis provides a nuanced view of cis-regulatory mechanisms affecting gene expression.

Results
An equine ASE analysis was performed, using integrated Iso-seq and short-read RNA sequencing data from four healthy Thoroughbreds (2 mares and 2 stallions) across 9 tissues from the Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes (FAANG) project. Allele expression was quantified by haplotypes from long-read data, with 42,900 allele expression events compared. Within these events, 635 (1.48%) demonstrated ASE, with liver tissue containing the highest proportion. Genetic variants within ASE events were located in histone modified regions 64.2% of the time. Validation of allele-specific variants, using a set of 66 equine liver samples from multiple breeds, confirmed that 97% of variants demonstrated ASE.

Conclusions
This valuable publicly accessible resource is poised to facilitate investigations into regulatory variation in equine tissues. Our results highlight the tissue-specific nature of allelic imbalance in the equine genome.
Extracellular vesicle surface engineering with integrins (ITGAL & ITGB2) to specifically target ICAM-1-expressing endothelial cells
Authors: Bergqvist Markus , Park Kyong-Su , Karimi Nasibeh , Yu Lijuan , Lässer Cecilia , Lötvall Jan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are taken up by most cells, however specific or preferential cell targeting remains a hurdle. This study aims to develop an EV that targets cells involved in inflammation, specifically those expressing intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). To target these cells, we overexpress the ICAM-1 binding receptor “lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1” (LFA-1) in HEK293F cells, by sequential transfection of plasmids of the two LFA-1 subunits, ITGAL and ITGB2 (CD11a and CD18). The LFA-1 receptor was strongly overexpressed on the EVs released by the transfected cells. We further loaded these EVs with a therapeutic peptide, targeting myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (Myd88; EVMyd88), through a developed EV open-and-close procedure. Myd88 is a downstream common intracellular messenger for most TLR-receptors. EV expression of LFA-1 increases EV binding to ICAM-1-expressing cells, an effect that was dose-dependently inhibited by a specific neutralizing ICAM-1 antibody. Further, activated human endothelial cells treated with LFA-1 EVMyd88 had increased uptake of these EVs, resulting in dose-dependent inhibition of induced release of IL-8, presumably by targeting Myd88. We conclude that LFA-1-expressing EVMyd88 may be a candidate suitable for delivering therapeutic peptides in inflammatory diseases associated with TLR-activation.

Graphical Abstract
Reproductive health literacy scale: a tool to measure the effectiveness of health literacy training
Authors: Rauf Maha , Goliaei Zahra , Machta Lana , Chang Jenny , Thiel de Bocanegra Heike 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Refugee women’s reproductive health (RH) outcomes have been impacted by several factors, including experiencing war, lack of access to healthcare, and possible gender-based violence. After resettlement, low health literacy, financial difficulties, cultural and linguistic barriers, and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system also add to the preexisting barriers. Although several efforts have focused on health education and improving health literacy among refugee women, there has not been a validated tool to measure the effectiveness of these trainings and their possible impact. This study aims to adapt a culturally and linguistically appropriate survey that helps address this gap.

Methods
We conducted a literature review to identify the existing tools and identified possible domains and items supporting RH literacy measures. The identified items were collected and adapted as a single scale with three domains: (a) general health literacy, measured with HLS-EU-Q6, (b) digital health literacy, measured with eHEALS, and (c) reproductive health literacy, measured through a composite of the Cervical Cancer Literacy Assessment Tool (C-CLAT) and the Refugee Reproductive Health Network (ReproNet) postpartum literacy scale. After content validity and face validity of the adapted scale, it was translated into Dari, Arabic, and Pashto and was administered to participants of RH literacy training sessions.

Results
A total of 67 Dari, 53 Arabic, and 64 Pashto-speaking refugee women completed the survey. The mean scores obtained between the three language groups were similar in the domains of digital health literacy and reproductive health literacy (p > 0.05), whereas the scores for general health literacy were not (p > 0.05). The inter-item reliability score for the domains of general health literacy, digital health literacy and RH literacy across all three language groups was above α = 0.7.

Conclusion
This scale addresses the need for validated tools to measure reproductive health literacy. It has the promise to provide a tool for assessing the effectiveness of health interventions on health literacy. Future applications can utilize this scale to investigate the differences in health literacy in refugee populations speaking Dari, Pashto, and Arabic.
From research to practice: bridging the implementation gap on the use of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Pfister Robin M. , Pfister Benjamin F. , Hager Ronald L. , Sandholtz Nathan , Abulafia Daniel , Bradshaw David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The use of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has been shown to effectively reduce total blood loss and transfusion rates in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this paper is to evaluate the implementation lag and clinical uptake of the use of TXA for primary TKA after publication of two landmark studies. Additionally, it assessed the efficacy of TXA use in TKA in reducing post-operative blood transfusions and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods
A total of 763 patients aged over 18 years of age underwent primary TKA at a level 4 metropolitan hospital in Australia between January 2011 and December 2017. Primary outcome measure was use of TXA at operative induction. Secondary outcome measures were post-operative blood transfusion, haemoglobin levels and in-hospital length of stay.

Results
The rate of TXA uptake was ≥ 50% by April–June 2013, 1.5 years following landmark paper publication. TXA use was ≥ 90% by April–June 2015, equating to 3.5 years after landmark publication. For each additional year since publication, the odds that TXA was used in a TKA surgery increased by 254.3%, 95% CI (confidence interval) [195.2%, 334.1%]. There was a negative association between TXA use and blood transfusion rate (p < 0.001), while controlling for other variables. TXA use reduced the odds of blood transfusions occurring by 73.5%, 95% CI [35.8% and 89.8%]. Analysis showed that reduced LOS was seen even after controlling for post-operative blood transfusion (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
The implementation lag from research to clinical practice, using ≥ 90% TXA use in TKA as a proxy, was 3.5 years. The use of TXA reduced LOS and blood transfusion rate in TKA patients.