bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anonymous view on transgender soldiers: content analysis of online news headlines and comments in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jeehye , Ryu Dong-Hee , Lee Su-Jin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
The inclusion of transgender soldiers in the military service raises a fundamental question about the dichotomous categorization of human sexes based on anatomy and gender role within a specialized organization where the most masculine is commonly accepted. In March 2021, Hee-Soo Byun, the first transgender soldier in Korea to come out in public, and who was forcefully discharged after gender affirming surgery, died by suicide. With no anti-discrimination laws, the cultural background of the Korean society hardly creates an LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) — friendly environment and shows a negative attitude towards gender minorities.

Methods
A total of 193 online news article headlines were analyzed, and 1046 comments were categorized inductively based on the presented rationales.
Results: Before Byun’s public appearance, the frequent use of provocative expressions, which could evoke prejudice and discrimination, was found in published article headlines. Of the 724 comments that presented opinions on transgender soldiers, approximately 75% opposed Byun serving in the military in any form, including as a female soldier.

Conclusions
This study aimed to investigate online news articles and the comments regarding Byun’s case to estimate the acceptability of transgender people serving in the military. The results of this study are expected to serve as a basis for the formulation of policies that protect the human rights of transgender people.
Thromboprophylaxis with unilateral pneumatic device led to less edema and blood loss compared to enoxaparin after knee arthroplasty: randomized trial
Authors: Maradei-Pereira João Alberto Ramos , Sauma Marcel Lobato , Demange Marco Kawamura 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Pharmacological and mechanical thromboprophylaxis are frequently used together after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Most studies in this context compare anticoagulants versus a combination of these drugs with an intermittent pneumatic compression device (IPCD). However, there is uncertainty about the need for the combination of both and whether a unilateral IPCD would alone affect other important clinical outcomes: edema and blood loss. We compared the effects of enoxaparin versus unilateral portable IPCD after TKA on edema and blood loss. We hypothesised that unilateral IPCD would cause the same level of edema and the same blood loss as enoxaparin.

Methods
In this open, randomized trial (1:1), adults with no history of coagulation disorders, anticoagulant use, venous thromboembolism, liver or malignant diseases underwent TKA. For 10 days, participants received the IPCD, used 24 h/day on the operated leg from the end of surgery, or 40 mg of enoxaparin, starting 12 h after surgery. All underwent the same rehabilitation and were encouraged to walk on the same day of surgery. We measured edema (thigh, leg and ankle circumference) before and on the third postoperative day. Blood loss (volume accumulated in the suction drain and drop of hemoglobin and hematocrit in 48 h) was a secondary outcome.

Results
We randomized 150 patients and lost 3 to follow-up with enoxaparin and 2 with IPCD. There was no case of symptomatic venous thromboembolism. Four patients needed transfusions (three receiving enoxaparin), one had infection and one hemarthrosis (both in the enoxaparin group). Leg circumference increased by approximately 2 cm for enoxaparin group and 1.5 cm in IPCD (p <  0.001). The increase in ankle circumference was about 1.5 cm in the enoxaparin group (p <  0.001), and almost zero in IPCD (p = 0.447). Enoxaparin group lost 566.1 ml (standard deviation, SD, 174.5) of blood in the first 48 h, versus 420.8 ml (SD 142.5) in the IPCD.

Conclusions
Exclusively mechanical prophylaxis after TKA with portable IPCD only on the operated leg reduces leg and ankle swelling and post-operative blood loss compared to exclusively pharmacological prophylaxis with enoxaparin. Portable devices that can prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism without increasing blood loss or other risks should be further investigated.

Trial registration
REBEC RBR-8k2vpx. Registration date: 06/04/2019.
Comparison of outcomes between flexible ureteroscopy and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of upper calyceal calculi larger than 2 cm
Authors: Xuan Hanqing , Du Zhebin , Xia Lei , Cao Yang , Chen Qi , Xue Wei 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objective
To compare the outcomes of FURSL and m-PNL in the management of upper calyceal calculi larger than 2 cm.

Methods
A total of 75 patients with upper calyceal calculi larger than 2 cm that were treated by FURSL (n = 37) or mini-PNL (n = 38) were retrospectively analysed. The mean age, sex, stone burden, operative time, complications, length of hospitalization, and stone-free rate (SFR) were compared between the groups. The success of the procedure was defined by the absence of residual stones or residual fragments smaller than 4 mm on computed tomography at 4 weeks postoperatively.

Results
The two groups had comparable preoperative parameters. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the mini-PNL group than in the FURSL group (87.8 vs. 69.8 min, p < 0.001). The length of hospitalization was greater in the mini-PNL group than in the FURSL group (2.5 vs. 1.3 days, p < 0.001). Although the perioperative complication rate was higher in the mini-PNL group (23.7%) than in the FURSL group (13.5%), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.258). The SFR for the mini-PNL group was 89.5%, and that of the FURSL group was 81.1%; the difference was not significantly different (p = 0.304).

Conclusions
Both FURSL and mini-PNL are effective and safe for the management of upper calyceal calculi larger than 2 cm. Of these two procedures, mini-PNL is less time consuming, FURSL is associated with faster recovery. FURSL can be considered a good alternative treatment in selected patients.
Reconstruction of vertical alveolar ridge deficiencies utilizing a high-density polytetrafluoroethylene membrane /clinical impact of flap dehiscence on treatment outcomes: case series/
Authors: Palkovics Daniel , Bolya-Orosz Fanni , Pinter Csaba , Molnar Balint , Windisch Peter 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of membrane exposure during vertical ridge augmentation (VRA) utilizing guided bone regeneration with a dense polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE) membrane and a tent-pole space maintaining approach by registering radiographic volumetric, linear and morphological changes.

Methods
In 8 cases alveolar ridge defects were accessed utilizing a split-thickness flap design. Following flap elevation VRA was performed with tent-pole space maintaining approach utilizing the combination of a non-reinforced d-PTFE membrane and a composite graft (1:1 ratio of autogenous bone chips and bovine derived xenografts). Three-dimensional radiographic evaluation of hard tissue changes was carried out with the sequence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image segmentation, spatial registration and 3D subtraction analysis.

Results
Class I or class II membrane exposure was observed in four cases. Average hard tissue gain was found to be 0.70 cm3 ± 0.31 cm3 and 0.82 cm3 ± 0.40 cm3 with and without membrane exposure resulting in a 17% difference. Vertical hard tissue gain averaged 4.06 mm ± 0.56 mm and 3.55 mm ± 0.43 mm in case of submerged and open healing, respectively. Difference in this regard was 14% between the two groups. Horizontal ridge width at 9-month follow-up was 5.89 mm ± 0.51 mm and 5.61 mm ± 1.21 mm with and without a membrane exposure respectively, resulting in a 5% difference.

Conclusions
With the help of the currently reported 3D radiographic evaluation method, it can be concluded that exposure of the new-generation d-PTFE membrane had less negative impact on clinical results compared to literature data reporting on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes.
Effect of sintering time on the marginal and internal fit of monolithic zirconia crowns containing 3–4 mol% Y2O3
Authors: Ozden Yunus Emre , Guncu Mustafa Baris , Aktas Guliz , Canay Senay 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Short-term sintering may offer advantages including saving time and energy but there is limited evidence on the effect that altering sintering time has on the accuracy of monolithic zirconia crowns. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of shortened sintering time on the marginal and internal fit of 3Y-TZP and 4Y-TZP monolithic crowns.

Methods
Sixty monolithic zirconia crowns were fabricated for the maxillary first molar tooth on the prefabricated implant abutment. Groups were created according to the material composition: 3Y-TZP Generation 1, 3Y-TZP Generation 2 and 4Y-TZP. Two different sintering protocols were performed: same final sintering temperature (1500 °C) and various rates of heating (10 °C/min and 40 °C/min), cooling down speed (− 10 °C/min and − 40 °C/min), holding time (45 and 120 minutes), and total sintering time (approximately 2 and 7 hours, respectively). The marginal and internal fit of the crowns were determined using the silicone replica technique. Comparisons between groups were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Pairwise multiple comparisons were performed using t-test (p < 0.05).

Results
The mean marginal gap values of 4Y-TZP zirconia revealed statistically significant increase for the short-term sintering protocol (p < 0.0001), while no difference was observed between the sintering protocols for the mean marginal gap values of 3Y-TZP groups. Although all groups showed clinically acceptable gap values, altering the sintering time had an effect on marginal fit of the crowns manufactured from 4Y-TZP zirconia.

Conclusions
Shortening the sintering time may lead to differences within clinically acceptable limits. The manufacturer’s recommendations according to material composition should be implemented with care.
Evolution of a chronic pain management program in a Northwestern Ontario community: from structural elements to practical application
Authors: Shojaei Hadi , Lakha Shehnaz Fatima , Lyon Ashley , Halabecki Mark , Donaghy Mary , Mailis Angela 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic pain is a highly prevalent health problem especially in rural regions. There is a dearth of comprehensive pain management programs particularly in rural areas.

Aim
The objectives of this paper are to describe the evolution of an interprofessional chronic pain team employing a patient-centered model of care with a biopsychosocial approach, and health services metrics.

Method
This descriptive case study approach includes an overview of the Chronic Pain Management Program (CPMP) services at St. Joseph Care Group in Thunder Bay, NW Ontario; the process involved in the development of an interprofessional chronic pain team employing a patient-centered model of care with a biopsychosocial approach; and metrics of the program’s operations.

Results
Established in 1998, CPMP has evolved to become inter-professional, providing consultations and management, with partial funding by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long term Care that has allowed expansion of services. The CPMP currently provides three distinct program streams as follows: a) Intensive 6-week, four half-days/week, outpatient program that offers an interdisciplinary team approach in groups and individual format; b) PACE-IT (Pain Assessment Collaborative Education Inter-professional Therapy), 8-week long, half-day/ week, interprofessional treatment program, in person; and c) Individual format for one-on-one services for patients not fitting in either the 6-Week or PACE-IT programs. In addition, Additional services provide virtual consultations and didactic videoteleconference sessions on opioid stewardship and pain management to health providers. Health services outcomes, research, and educational opportunities across the Northwestern Ontario Region, challenges and future needs are discussed.

Conclusion
The CPMP’s model of care can serve as a foundation for expert chronic pain care delivery across rural Canada, and as template for similar institutionally-based and publicly funded pain clinics.
Association between the triglyceride-glucose index and carotid plaque incidence: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Wu Zhuchao , Li Xiaona , Wei Jingkai , Zhang Qun , Wang Jianming 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Carotid plaque and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index are associated with insulin resistance. However, a highly debated question is whether there is an association between the TyG index and carotid plaque incidence. Thus we performed an in-depth longitudinal study to investigate the relationship between carotid plaque occurrence and the TyG index among Chinese individuals.

Methods
Two thousand and three hundred seventy subjects (1381 males and 989 females) were enrolled and followed up for three years. The subjects were stratified into four groups based on the quartile of the TyG index at baseline. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to examine the role of TyG played in the carotid plaque. The strength of association was expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
After three years of follow-up, 444 subjects were detected with newly formed carotid plaque. The overall 3-year cumulative carotid plaque incidence was 18.7%, and the risk of carotid plaque increased with elevated TyG index (p < 0.001). The Cox regression analysis showed that males (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.10–1.61), and people with higher systolic blood pressure (HR:1.01, 95% CI: 1.01–1.02), lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50–0.93), diabetes (HR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.64–2.97), and hypertension (HR:1.49, 95% CI: 1.23–1.81) had a significantly increased risk for the carotid plaque formation. Similar results remained in the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions
The TyG index can be used as a dose-responsive indicator of carotid plaque in the Chinese population. Elderly males with dyslipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension should be more vigilant about their TyG index since they are susceptible to developing carotid plaque. Physicians are encouraged to monitor the TyG index to help identify and treat patients with carotid plaque at an early stage.
Lactobacilli extracellular vesicles: potential postbiotics to support the vaginal microbiota homeostasis
Authors: Croatti Vanessa , Parolin Carola , Giordani Barbara , Foschi Claudio , Fedi Stefano , Vitali Beatrice 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Lactobacillus species dominate the vaginal microflora performing a first-line defense against vaginal infections. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by lactobacilli are considered mediators of their beneficial effects affecting cellular communication, homeostasis, microbial balance, and host immune system pathways. Up to now, very little is known about the role played by Lactobacillus EVs in the vaginal microenvironment, and mechanisms of action remain poorly understood.

Results
Here, we hypothesized that EVs can mediate lactobacilli beneficial effects to the host by modulating the vaginal microbiota colonization. We recovered and characterized EVs produced by two vaginal strains, namely Lactobacillus crispatus BC5 and Lactobacillus gasseri BC12. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and physically characterized by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). EVs protein and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) content was also evaluated. We explored the role of EVs on bacterial adhesion and colonization, using a cervical cell line (HeLa) as an in vitro model. Specifically, we evaluated the effect of EVs on the adhesion of both vaginal beneficial lactobacilli and opportunistic pathogens (i.e., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Enterococcus faecalis). We demonstrated that EVs from L. crispatus BC5 and L. gasseri BC12 significantly enhanced the cellular adhesion of all tested lactobacilli, reaching the maximum stimulation effect on strains belonging to L. crispatus species (335% and 269% of average adhesion, respectively). At the same time, EVs reduced the adhesion of all tested pathogens, being EVs from L. gasseri BC12 the most efficient.

Conclusions
Our observations suggest for the first time that EVs released by symbiotic Lactobacillus strains favor healthy vaginal homeostasis by supporting the colonization of beneficial species and preventing pathogens attachment. This study reinforces the concept of EVs as valid postbiotics and opens the perspective of developing postbiotics from vaginal strains to maintain microbiota homeostasis and promote women’s health.
Tumor cell-derived asymmetric dimethylarginine regulates macrophage functions and polarization
Authors: Chen Yi-Ling , Lowery AKaychia T. , Lin Samuel , Walker Ameae M. , Chen Kuan-Hui E. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), which is significantly elevated in the plasma of cancer patients, is formed via intracellular recycling of methylated proteins and serves as a precursor for resynthesis of arginine. However, the cause of ADMA elevation in cancers and its impact on the regulation of tumor immunity is not known.

Methods
Three mouse breast cell lines (normal breast epithelial HC11, breast cancer EMT6 and triple negative breast cancer 4T1) and their equivalent 3D stem cell culture were used to analyze the secretion of ADMA using ELISA and their responses to ADMA. Bone marrow-derived macrophages and/or RAW264.7 cells were used to determine the impact of increased extracellular ADMA on macrophage-tumor interactions. Gene/protein expression was analyzed through RNAseq, qPCR and flow cytometry. Protein functional analyses were conducted via fluorescent imaging (arginine uptake, tumor phagocytosis) and enzymatic assay (arginase activity). Cell viability was measured via MTS assay and/or direct cell counting using Countess III FL system.

Results
For macrophages, ADMA impaired proliferation and phagocytosis of tumor cells, and even caused death in cultures incubated without arginine. ADMA also led to an unusual macrophage phenotype, with increased expression of arginase, cd163 and cd206 but decreased expression of il10 and dectin-1. In contrast to the severely negative impacts on macrophages, ADMA had relatively minor effects on proliferation and survival of mouse normal epithelial HC11 cells, mouse breast cancer EMT6 and 4T1 cells, but there was increased expression of the mesenchymal markers, vimentin and snail2, and decreased expression of the epithelial marker, mucin-1 in EMT6 cells. When tumor cells were co-cultured ex vivo with tumor antigen in vivo-primed splenocytes, the tumor cells secreted more ADMA and there were alterations in the tumor cell arginine metabolic landscape, including increased expression of genes involved in arginine uptake, metabolism and methylation, and decreased expression of a gene that is responsible for arginine demethylation. Additionally, interferon-gamma, a cytokine involved in immune challenge, increased secretion of ADMA in tumor cells, a process attenuated by an autophagy inhibitor.

Conclusion
Our results suggest initial immune attack promotes autophagy in tumor cells, which then secrete ADMA to manipulate macrophage polarization favoring tumor tolerance.
The RNA demethylase ALKBH5 promotes the progression and angiogenesis of lung cancer by regulating the stability of the LncRNA PVT1
Authors: Shen Wenyi , Pu Juan , Zuo Zhi , Gu Shanye , Sun Jing , Tan Bing , Wang Lili , Cheng Jianmeng , Zuo Yangsong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common posttranscriptional modification of RNA and plays critical roles in human cancer progression. However, the biological function of m6A methylation requires further studied in cancer, especially in tumor angiogenesis.

Methods
A public database was used to analyze the expression and overall survival of ALKBH5 and PVT1 in lung cancer patients. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were performed to detect cell proliferation, a transwell assay was used to assess cell migration, and a tube formation assay was performed to assess angiogenic potential in vitro. A zebrafish lung cancer xenograft model was used to verify the function of ALKBH5 and PVT1 in vivo. Western blot assays were used to measure the relative protein expression in lung cancer cells. SRAMP predictor analysis and RNA stability experiments were used to examine the potential m6A modification.

Results
Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression levels of m6A-related genes were changed significantly in lung cancer tissues compared with normal lung tissues. We then identified that ALKBH5 was upregulated in lung cancer tissues and associated with poor prognosis of lung cancer patients by analyzing a public database. Knockdown of ALKBH5 inhibited the proliferation and migration of cultured lung cancer cell lines. Zebrafish lung cancer xenografts showed that ALKBH5 silencing also suppressed the growth and metastasis of lung cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of ALKBH5 inhibited the angiogenesis of lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that knockdown of ALKBH5 decreased the expression and stability of PVT1 in lung cancer cells. We next observed that PVT1 promoted the progression of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and regulated the expression of VEGFA and angiogenesis in lung cancer. Finally, rescue experiments revealed that ALKBH5 regulated the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of lung cancer cells, partially through PVT1.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that ALKBH5 promotes the progression and angiogenesis of lung cancer by regulating the expression and stability of PVT1, which provides a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for lung cancer patients.