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Figueroa ML, Hiemstra LA. How do we treat our male and female patients? - A primer on gender-based health care inequities. J ISAKOS 2024; 9:774-780. [PMID: 38604569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Health is a fundamental human right, yet disparities in healthcare, based on gender, persist for women. These inequities stem from a patriarchal society that has regarded men as the default standard, leading to women being treated merely as smaller men. Contributing to these disparities are the gender stereotypes that pervade our society. Women possess differences in anatomy, physiology, psychology and social experience than men. To achieve health equity, it is vital to understand and be open to consider and evaluate these aspects in each individual patient. This requires an understanding of our own biases and a commitment to valuing diversity in both patient and caregiver. Improving equity and diversity throughout all aspects of the medical system will be necessary to provide optimal patient care for all.
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Biz C, Khamisy-Farah R, Puce L, Szarpak L, Converti M, Ceylan Hİ, Crimì A, Bragazzi NL, Ruggieri P. Investigating and Practicing Orthopedics at the Intersection of Sex and Gender: Understanding the Physiological Basis, Pathology, and Treatment Response of Orthopedic Conditions by Adopting a Gender Lens: A Narrative Overview. Biomedicines 2024; 12:974. [PMID: 38790936 PMCID: PMC11118756 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12050974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the biomedical field, the differentiation between sex and gender is crucial for enhancing the understanding of human health and personalizing medical treatments, particularly within the domain of orthopedics. This distinction, often overlooked or misunderstood, is vital for dissecting and treating musculoskeletal conditions effectively. This review delves into the sex- and gender-specific physiology of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, highlighting how hormonal differences impact the musculoskeletal system's structure and function, and exploring the physiopathology of orthopedic conditions from an epidemiological, molecular, and clinical perspective, shedding light on the discrepancies in disease manifestation across sexes. Examples such as the higher rates of deformities (adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis and hallux valgus) in females and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women illustrate the critical role of sex and gender in orthopedic health. Additionally, the review addresses the morbidity-mortality paradox, where women, despite appearing less healthy on frailty indexes, show lower mortality rates, highlighting the complex interplay between biological and social determinants of health. Injuries and chronic orthopedic conditions such osteoarthritis exhibit gender- and sex-specific prevalence and progression patterns, necessitating a nuanced approach to treatment that considers these differences to optimize outcomes. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of recognizing the unique needs of sexual minority and gender-diverse individuals in orthopedic care, emphasizing the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on aspects like bone health and perioperative risks. To foster advancements in sex- and gender-specific orthopedics, we advocate for the strategic disaggregation of data by sex and gender and the inclusion of "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" (SOGI) data in research and clinical practice. Such measures can enrich clinical insights, ensure tailored patient care, and promote inclusivity within orthopedic treatments, ultimately enhancing the precision and effectiveness of care for diverse patient populations. Integrating sex and gender considerations into orthopedic research and practice is paramount for addressing the complex and varied needs of patients. By embracing this comprehensive approach, orthopedic medicine can move towards more personalized, effective, and inclusive treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Biz
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DiSCOG), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.C.); (P.R.)
| | - Rola Khamisy-Farah
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel;
- Clalit Health Service, Akko 2412001, Israel
| | - Luca Puce
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Lukasz Szarpak
- Department of Clinical Research and Development, LUXMED Group, 02-676 Warsaw, Poland;
- Henry JN Taub Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Manlio Converti
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit ASL Napoli 2 Nord, 80027 Naples, Italy;
| | - Halil İbrahim Ceylan
- Department of Physical Education of Sports Teaching, Faculty of Kazim Karabekir Education, Atatürk University, Erzurum 25030, Turkey;
| | - Alberto Crimì
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DiSCOG), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.C.); (P.R.)
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Department of Food and Drugs, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Pietro Ruggieri
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DiSCOG), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.C.); (P.R.)
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Darphin X, Moor J, da Silva CE, Richters A, Özdemir BC. Awareness of the impact of sex and gender in the disease risk and outcomes in hematology and medical oncology-a survey of Swiss clinicians. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1961. [PMID: 38258483 PMCID: PMC10849995 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although male and female cancer patients are distinct in many ways, there is a limited understanding in the differences between male and female biology and differing pharmacokinetic responses to cancer drugs. In fact, sex and gender are currently not considered in most treatment decisions in the fields of oncology and hematology. The lack of knowledge about potential sex differences in both disciplines may lead to differences in treatment efficacy, toxicity, and the overall survival (OS) of patients. AIM To evaluate their awareness about sex and gender in clinical practice we surveyed Swiss hematologists and oncologists from September to November 2022. METHODS We collected data about the clinical knowledge, experimental research, palliative care, quality of life, as well as the participant perception of the importance of sex and gender. We identified 767 eligible clinicians, of whom 150 completed the survey (20% response rate). RESULTS While most participants agreed that sex and gender were relevant when treating patients, it became clear that fewer participants knew about sex and gender differences in treatment toxicity and survival, which in turn would affect the treatment of their patients. Most participants agreed that this topic should be integrated into continuing education and research. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate the need for more awareness and training on sex and gender in cancer research and clinical care among oncologists and hematologists. Ideally, by better educating medical students and health professionals, a demand is created for improving research policies, publications and therefore patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Darphin
- Department of HematologySpital LimmattalSchlierenSwitzerland
| | - Jeanne Moor
- Department of Internal MedicineBern University HospitalBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Anke Richters
- Department of Research and DevelopmentThe Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer OrganisationUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Berna C. Özdemir
- Department of Medical OncologyBern University HospitalBernSwitzerland
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Gilmer G, Bean AC, Iijima H, Jackson N, Thurston RC, Ambrosio F. Uncovering the "riddle of femininity" in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of menopausal animal models and mathematical modeling of estrogen treatment. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023; 31:447-457. [PMID: 36621591 PMCID: PMC10033429 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-menopausal women are disproportionately affected by osteoarthritis (OA). As such, the purpose of this study was to (1) summarize the state-of-the-science aimed at understanding the effects of menopause on OA in animal models and (2) investigate how dosage and timing of initiation of estrogen treatment affect cartilage degeneration. DESIGN A systematic review identified articles studying menopausal effects on cartilage in preclinical models. A meta-analysis was performed using overlapping cartilage outcomes in conjunction with a rigor and reproducibility analysis. Ordinary differential equation models were used to determine if a relationship exists between cartilage degeneration and the timing of initiation or dosage of estrogen treatment. RESULTS Thirty-eight manuscripts were eligible for inclusion. The most common menopause model used was ovariectomy (92%), and most animals were young at the time of menopause induction (86%). Most studies did not report inclusion criteria, animal monitoring, protocol registration, or data accessibility. Cartilage outcomes were worse in post-menopausal animals compared to age-matched, non-menopausal animals, as evidenced by cartilage histological scoring [0.75, 1.72], cartilage thickness [-4.96, -0.96], type II collagen [-4.87, -0.56], and c-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) [2.43, 5.79] (95% CI of Effect Size (+greater in menopause, -greater in non-menopause)). Moreover, modeling suggests that cartilage health may be improved with early initiation and higher doses of estrogen treatment. CONCLUSIONS To improve translatability, animal models that consider aging and natural menopause should be utilized, and more attention to rigor and reproducibility is needed. Timing of initiation and dosage may be important factors modulating therapeutic effects of estrogen on cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gilmer
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding, Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - A C Bean
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - H Iijima
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - N Jackson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - R C Thurston
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - F Ambrosio
- Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding, Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Sharma A, Michels LV, Pitsillides AA, Greeves J, Plotkin LI, Cardo V, Sims NA, Clarkin CE. Sexing Bones: Improving Transparency of Sex Reporting to Address Bias Within Preclinical Studies. J Bone Miner Res 2023; 38:5-13. [PMID: 36301601 PMCID: PMC10099537 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite knowledge that sexually dimorphic mechanisms regulate bone homeostasis, sex often remains unreported and unconsidered in preclinical experimental design. Failure to report sex could lead to inappropriate generalizations of research findings and less effective translation into clinical practice. Preclinical sex bias (preferential selection of one sex) is present across other fields, including neuroscience and immunology, but remains uninvestigated in skeletal research. For context, we first summarized key literature describing sexually dimorphic bone phenotypes in mice. We then investigated sex reporting practices in skeletal research, specifically how customary it is for murine sex to be included in journal article titles or abstracts and then determined whether any bias in sex reporting exists. Because sex hormones are important regulators of bone health (gonadectomy procedures, ie, ovariectomy [OVX] and orchidectomy [ORX], are common yet typically not reported with sex), we incorporated reporting of OVX and ORX terms, representing female and male mice, respectively, into our investigations around sex bias. Between 1999 and 2020, inclusion of sex in titles or abstracts was low in murine skeletal studies (2.6%-4.06%). Reporting of OVX and ORX terms was low (1.44%-2.64%) and reporting of OVX and ORX with sex uncommon (0.4%-0.3%). When studies were combined to include both sexes and OVX (representing female) and ORX terms (representing male), a bias toward reporting of female mice was evident. However, when the terms OVX and ORX were removed, a bias toward the use of male mice was identified. Thus, studies focusing on sex hormones are biased toward female reporting with all other studies biased in reporting of male mice. We now call upon journal editors to introduce consistent guidance for transparent and accessible reporting of murine sex in skeletal research to better monitor preclinical sex bias, to diversify development of treatments for bone health, and to enable global skeletal health equity. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikta Sharma
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lysanne V Michels
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew A Pitsillides
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Julie Greeves
- Army Health and Performance Research, Ministry of Defence, Andover, UK
| | - Lillian I Plotkin
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Valentina Cardo
- Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, Winchester, UK
| | - Natalie A Sims
- Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Claire E Clarkin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Mondini Trissino da Lodi C, Salerno M, Merli G, Brama P, Jenner F, Filardo G. Tendinopathy: sex bias starts from the preclinical development of tendon treatments. A systematic review. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:44. [PMID: 35908065 PMCID: PMC9338527 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00453-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendinopathies are common overuse disorders that arise both in athletes and the general population. Available tendon treatments are used both for women and men without distinction. However, the existence of a sex-based difference in tendon biology is widely demonstrated. Since basic research represents the foundation for treatment development, an equal female–male representation should be pursued in preclinical studies. This systematic review quantified the current evidence by analyzing 150 studies on 8231 animals. Preclinical studies largely neglected the importance of sex, none analyzed sex-based differences, and only 4% of the studies reported disaggregated data suitable for the analysis of treatment results in males and females. There is an alarming female under-representation, in particular in the field of injective therapies. Despite the growing awareness on the importance of investigating treatments in both males and females, the investigated field proved resistant from properly designing studies including both sexes, and the lack of sex-representation remains critical. Tendinopathy has sex-specific features, with sex hormones affecting tendon metabolism, structure, biomechanical properties, and injury risk. The preclinical research on tendinopathy treatments still neglects sex-based differences, leading to translation of male data to females which may affect clinical effectiveness in women. None of the reviewed studies looked at differences between sexes, and only 4% of the studies reported disaggregated data. Besides, female animals are under-represented. The lack of sex-representation in tendinopathy research remains critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Salerno
- Applied and Translational Research Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Merli
- Applied and Translational Research Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Pieter Brama
- Section Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, 4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Florien Jenner
- Equine Surgery Unit, University Equine Hospital, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Filardo
- Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgery, EOC, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland.,Applied and Translational Research Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136, Bologna, Italy.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università Della Svizzera Italiana, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
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7
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Bibliometric Analysis of the English Musculoskeletal Literature over the Last 30 Years. ScientificWorldJournal 2021; 2021:5548481. [PMID: 33994881 PMCID: PMC8096573 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5548481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Publication and authorship are important in academia for career advancement, obtaining grants, and improved patient care. There has been a recent interest in bibliometric changes over time, especially regarding the gender gap. The purpose of this study was to explore bibliometric changes in the musculoskeletal literature. Bibliometric variables (number of authors, institutions, countries, pages, references, corresponding author position, author gender, geographic region of origin, and editorial board makeup) were analyzed for 5 basic science and 12 clinically oriented musculoskeletal journals from 1985 through 2016. Statistical analyses comprised bivariate analyses, multifactorial ANOVAs, and logistic regression analyses. A p < 0.005 was considered significant. Nearly, all variables increased over time. Asia had the highest number of authors and corresponding author positions, Australia/New Zealand the highest number of institutions and references, North America the highest number of pages, and Europe the highest number of countries. Those with a female first author had more authors, institutions, countries, references, and pages. Likewise, those with a female corresponding author had more authors, institutions, countries, references, and pages. Single-authored manuscripts decreased over time. The percentage of female first authors rose from 10.8% in 1985-1987 to 23.7% in 2015-2016. There were more female 1st authors in the basic science journals compared to the clinical journals (33.2% vs. 12.7%). Single-authored manuscripts were more likely to be written by males (5.1 vs. 2.4%) and decreased over time. The many differences by geographic region of origin likely reflect different socio/cultural attitudes regarding academia and research, as well as the gender composition of the disciplines by geographic region. Overall, there has been an increase in the number of female 1st and corresponding authors, editorial board members, and chief editors, indicating a slow but progressive narrowing of the gender gap.
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Spece H, Basgul C, Andrews CE, MacDonald DW, Taheri ML, Kurtz SM. A systematic review of preclinical in vivo testing of 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V for orthopedic applications, part I: Animal models and bone ingrowth outcome measures. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2021; 109:1436-1454. [PMID: 33484102 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
For Ti6Al4V orthopedic and spinal implants, osseointegration is often achieved using complex porous geometries created via additive manufacturing (AM). While AM porous titanium (pTi) has shown clinical success, concerns regarding metallic implants have spurred interest in alternative AM biomaterials for osseointegration. Insights regarding the evaluation of these new materials may be supported by better understanding the role of preclinical testing for AM pTi. We therefore asked: (a) What animal models have been most commonly used to evaluate AM porous Ti6Al4V for orthopedic bone ingrowth; (b) What were the primary reported quantitative outcome measures for these models; and (c) What were the bone ingrowth outcomes associated with the most frequently used models? We performed a systematic literature search and identified 58 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. We found that AM pTi was evaluated most often using rabbit and sheep femoral condyle defect (FCD) models. Additional ingrowth models including transcortical and segmental defects, spinal fusions, and calvarial defects were also used with various animals based on the study goals. Quantitative outcome measures determined via histomorphometry including ''bone ingrowth'' (range: 3.92-53.4% for rabbit/sheep FCD) and bone-implant contact (range: 9.9-59.7% for rabbit/sheep FCD) were the most common. Studies also used 3D imaging to report outcomes such as bone volume fraction (BV/TV, range: 4.4-61.1% for rabbit/sheep FCD), and push-out testing for outcomes such as maximum removal force (range: 46.6-3092 N for rabbit/sheep FCD). Though there were many commonalities among the study methods, we also found significant heterogeneity in the outcome terms and definitions. The considerable diversity in testing and reporting may no longer be necessary considering the reported success of AM pTi across all model types and the ample literature supporting the rabbit and sheep as suitable small and large animal models, respectively. Ultimately, more standardized animal models and reporting of bone ingrowth for porous AM materials will be useful for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Spece
- Implant Research Core, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cemile Basgul
- Implant Research Core, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Daniel W MacDonald
- Implant Research Core, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Steven M Kurtz
- Implant Research Core, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Exponent, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cachexia, a feature of cancer and other chronic diseases, is marked by progressive weight loss and skeletal muscle wasting. This review aims to highlight the sex differences in manifestations of cancer cachexia in patients, rodent models, and our current understanding of the potential mechanisms accounting for these differences. RECENT FINDINGS Male cancer patients generally have higher prevalence of cachexia, greater weight loss or muscle wasting, and worse outcomes compared with female cancer patients. Knowledge is increasing about sex differences in muscle fiber type and function, mitochondrial metabolism, global gene expression and signaling pathways, and regulatory mechanisms at the levels of sex chromosomes vs. sex hormones; however, it is largely undetermined how such sex differences directly affect the susceptibility to stressors leading to muscle wasting in cancer cachexia. Few studies have investigated basic mechanisms underlying sex differences in cancer cachexia. A better understanding of sex differences would improve cachexia treatment in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Research Service, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Teresa A Zimmers
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Research Service, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Mamlouk GM, Dorris DM, Barrett LR, Meitzen J. Sex bias and omission in neuroscience research is influenced by research model and journal, but not reported NIH funding. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100835. [PMID: 32070715 PMCID: PMC7225067 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuroscience research has historically demonstrated sex bias that favors male over female research subjects, as well as sex omission, which is the lack of reporting sex. Here we analyzed the status of sex bias and omission in neuroscience research published across six different journals in 2017. Regarding sex omission, 16% of articles did not report sex. Regarding sex bias, 52% of neuroscience articles reported using both males and females, albeit only 15% of articles using both males and females reported assessing sex as an experimental variable. Overrepresentation of the sole use of males compared to females persisted (26% versus 5%, respectively). Sex bias and omission differed across research models, but not by reported NIH funding status. Sex omission differed across journals. These findings represent the latest information regarding the complex status of sex in neuroscience research and illustrate the continued need for thoughtful and informed action to enhance scientific discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella M Mamlouk
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - David M Dorris
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Lily R Barrett
- Dept. of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - John Meitzen
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
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11
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Meunier A, Marignol L. The radiotherapy cancer patient: female inclusive, but male dominated. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 96:851-856. [PMID: 32162989 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1741720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: The sex-neutral language used in preclinical and clinical research intends to be inclusive of both the female and the male population, but the practice of data pooling prevents the detection of the impact of sex on cancer biology and response to medications and treatment. This study aimed to examine the consideration of sex as biological variable in the evaluation of radiation therapy in preclinical and clinical studies.Methods: Preclinical and clinical studies published over a 12-month period were reviewed for the reporting of cells, animal or patient sex and the inclusion of sex as a biological variable in both study design and data analysis.Results: A total of 321 articles met the inclusion criteria: 41 (13%) preclinical and 280 (87%) clinical studies. Two articles reported separate outcome data for males and females. Where the sex of participants was stated (230/280 (82%), 81% reported a larger number of male participants, compared to females. Less than half (45%) of studies used sex as a variable in data analysis. Sex disparity was not dependent on study location but may be more prominent in certain cancer sites. In preclinical studies, sex was at best stated in those reporting on animals (48% of studies).Conclusion: Referring to a radiotherapy cancer patient, the literature is female inclusive, but a gap does exist when it comes to consideration of sex in data analysis. The pooled analysis of female and male data could introduce statistical biases and prevent the identification of key sex-specific biological subtilities that do affect radiation responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armelle Meunier
- Translational Radiation Biology and Molecular Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laure Marignol
- Translational Radiation Biology and Molecular Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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12
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Trends and Characteristics of Spine Research From 2006 to 2015: A Review of Spine Articles in a High Impact General Orthopedic Journal. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2020; 45:141-147. [PMID: 31415470 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Literature review. OBJECTIVE To determine characteristics and trends in published spine research over a recent decade in a high impact, general orthopedic surgery journal. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Recent trends in published spine research in a high-impact orthopedic surgery journal are unknown. Such knowledge could guide future research in the field. METHODS A comprehensive literature review of clinical and basic science spine articles published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery from 2006 to 2015 was conducted. Articles were assessed for: title, year of publication, authorship, academic degrees of the authors, number of citations, institution of origin, and spine topic. Clinical articles were evaluated for: sex and race/ethnicity of the human subjects, level of evidence, and inclusion of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Basic science articles were evaluated for: type of study (animal, cadaver, cell-based), sex of the animals, cadavers or cells studied (male, female, or male and female), and presence of sex-based reporting (defined as reporting of results by sex). RESULTS A total of 203 spine articles were evaluated from the 10-year study period. At least 35 validated or nonvalidated patient-reported outcome measures were utilized in clinical spine research. The most commonly reported PROMs were the Oswestry Disability Index (24.4%), Short Form-36 Health Survey (23.7%), and Visual Analog Scale for Pain (19.3%). The average level of evidence improved from 3.25 in 2006 to 2.60 in 2015. Only 13.2% of clinical spine articles reported the race/ethnicity of the subjects. CONCLUSION A consensus regarding validated PROMs in spine research would be valuable. From 2006 to 2015, the level of evidence of spine articles in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery improved. Accurate and complete reporting of patient demographics is an area for improvement in spine research in light of studies demonstrating sex and race/ethnicity-related differences in clinical outcome after spine surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5.
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Buch T, Moos K, Ferreira FM, Fröhlich H, Gebhard C, Tresch A. Benefits of a factorial design focusing on inclusion of female and male animals in one experiment. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:871-877. [PMID: 30980104 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01774-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Disease occurrence, clinical manifestations, and outcomes differ between men and women. Yet, women and men are most of the time treated similarly, which is often based on experimental data over-representing one sex. Accounting for persisting sex bias in biomedical research is the misconception that the analysis of sex-specific effects would double sample size and costs. We designed an analysis to test the potential benefits of a factorial study design in the context of a study including male and female animals. We chose a 2 × 2 factorial design approach to study the effect of treatment, sex, and an interaction term of treatment and sex in a hypothetical situation. We calculated the sample sizes required to detect an effect of a given magnitude with sufficient power and under different experimental setups. We demonstrated that the inclusion of both sexes in experimental setups, without testing for sex effects, requires no or few additional animals in our scenarios. These experimental designs still allow for the exploration of sex effects at low cost. In a confirmatory instead of an exploratory design, we observed an increase in total sample sizes by 33%, at most. Since the complexities associated with this mathematical model require statistical expertise, we generated and provide a sample size calculator for planning factorial design experiments. For the inclusion of sex, a factorial design is advisable, and a sex-specific analysis can be performed without excessive additional effort. Our easy-to-use calculation tool provides help in designing studies with both sexes and addresses the current sex bias in preclinical studies. KEY MESSAGES: • Both sexes should be included into animal studies. • Exploratory study of sex effects can be conducted with no or small increase in animal number. • Confirmatory analysis of sex effects requires maximum 33% more animals per study. • Our calculation tool supports the design of studies with both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Buch
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Katharina Moos
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Bachemer Str. 86, 50931, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Data and Simulation Science (CDS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Filipa M Ferreira
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Fröhlich
- Bonn-Aachen International Center for IT (b-it), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Catherine Gebhard
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Achim Tresch
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Bachemer Str. 86, 50931, Cologne, Germany. .,Center for Data and Simulation Science (CDS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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