bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
eNOS Regulates Lymphatic Valve Specification by Controlling β-Catenin Signaling During Embryogenesis in Mice
Authors: Iyer Drishya , Mastrogiacomo Diandra M. , Li Kunyu , Banerjee Richa , Yang Ying , Scallan Joshua P. 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Lymphatic valves play a critical role in ensuring unidirectional lymph transport. Loss of lymphatic valves or dysfunctional valves are associated with several diseases including lymphedema, lymphatic malformations, obesity, and ileitis. Lymphatic valves first develop during embryogenesis in response to mechanotransduction signaling pathways triggered by oscillatory lymph flow. In blood vessels, eNOS (endothelial NO synthase; gene name:
Nos3
) is a well-characterized shear stress signaling effector, but its role in lymphatic valve development remains unexplored.

METHODS:

We used global
Nos3

−/−

mice and cultured human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells to investigate the role of eNOS in lymphatic valve development, which requires oscillatory shear stress signaling.

RESULTS:

Our data reveal a 45% reduction in lymphatic valve specification cell clusters and that loss of eNOS protein inhibited activation of β-catenin and its nuclear translocation. Genetic knockout or knockdown of eNOS led to downregulation of β-catenin target proteins in vivo and in vitro. However, pharmacological inhibition of NO production did not reproduce these effects. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays reveal that eNOS directly binds to β-catenin and their binding is enhanced by oscillatory shear stress. Finally, genetic ablation of the
Foxo1
gene enhanced FOXC2 expression and partially rescued the loss of valve specification in the eNOS knockouts.

CONCLUSIONS:
In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel, NO-independent role for eNOS in regulating lymphatic valve specification and propose a mechanism by which eNOS directly binds β-catenin to regulate its nuclear translocation and thereby transcriptional activity.
Inflammatory Cell–Derived MYDGF Attenuates Endothelial LDL Transcytosis to Protect Against Atherogenesis
Authors: Xu Jinling , Ma Huaxing , Shi Lingfeng , Zhou Hui , Cheng Yangyang , Tong Jiayue , Meng Biying , Xu Xiaoli , He Kaiyue , Ding Sheng , Zhang Jiajia , Yue Ling , Xiang Guangda 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:
Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. But little is known about the potential benefits of inflammatory cells to atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of inflammatory cells/endothelium axis and determine whether and how inflammatory cell–derived MYDGF (myeloid-derived growth factor) inhibited endothelial LDL (low-density lipoprotein) transcytosis.

METHODS:

In in vivo experiments, both loss- and gain-of-function strategies were used to evaluate the effect of inflammatory cell–derived MYDGF on LDL transcytosis. We generated monocyte/macrophage-targeted MYDGF-null mice on an Ldlr (LDL receptor)
−/−
background in the loss-of-function strategy and restored the inflammatory cell–derived MYDGF by bone marrow transplantation and inflammatory cell–specific overexpression of MYDGF mice model in the gain-of-function strategy. In in vitro experiments, coculture experiments between primary mouse aortic endothelial cells and macrophages and mouse aortic endothelial cells supplemented with or without recombinant MYDGF were conducted.

RESULTS:

Inflammatory cell–derived MYDGF deficiency aggravated endothelial LDL transcytosis, drove LDL uptake by artery wall, and thus exacerbated atherosclerosis in vivo. Inflammatory cell–derived MYDGF restoration by bone marrow transplantation and inflammatory cell MYDGF overexpression alleviated LDL transport across the endothelium, prevented LDL accumulation in the subendothelial space, and subsequently ameliorated atherosclerosis in vivo. Furthermore, in the in vitro study, macrophages isolated from MYDGF
+/+
mice and recombinant MYDGF attenuated LDL transcytosis and uptake in mouse aortic endothelial cells. Mechanistically, MYDGF inhibited MAP4K4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase isoform 4) phosphorylation, enhanced activation of Akt (protein kinase B)-1, and diminished the FoxO (forkhead box O) 3a signaling cascade to exert protective effects of MYDGF on LDL transcytosis and atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS:
The findings support a role for inflammatory cell–derived MYDGF served as a cross talk factor between inflammatory cells and endothelial cells that inhibits LDL transcytosis across endothelium. MYDGF may become a novel therapeutic drug for atherosclerosis, and the beneficial effects of inflammatory cell in atherosclerosis deserve further attention.
With What Voice Does China Speak? Sinology, Orientalism and the Debate on Sinologism
Authors: Sobral Pedro 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The arrival of postcolonial theory in China and the country’s global rise came with the realization that its self-image is often distorted by Western ideological discourse, conveyed through Western Sinology. Drawing from Edward Said’s Orientalism, some Chinese scholars have classified the ideological dimensions of Western Sinology as Sinologism, and have pointed out its implications for China’s capacity to think of itself on its own terms. The concept has sparked debate mainly inside Chinese academia about the objective quality of Western Sinology. This article will attempt a critical overview of two major formulations of Sinologism, underlining its major presuppositions and placing the notion in the broader context of China’s anxieties of “academic colonization” by Western intellectual practices. It will conclude by arguing that attempts to discredit Western Sinology rely on some problematic assumptions and suggests East-West comparative studies as an alternative way of dialectically constructing Chinese identity.
Visual results and subjective satisfaction after implantation of two different trifocal diffractive intraocular lenses models (AcrySof IQ PanOptix and AT LISA tri 839 MP)
Authors: Boris Malyugin , Olga Fomina , Nikolay Sobolev , Alexander Belokopytov , Eliya Levinger , Boris Knyazer , Krauthammer Mark , Yahalomi Tal , Asaf Achiron 
Published: September 2023

Background This study aimed to compare visual results following the implantation of two distinct diffractive trifocal IOLs utilizing various vision evaluation techniques and subjective satisfaction. Methods The study included 32 eyes receiving AcrySof IQ PanOptix implantation and 32 receiving AT LISA tri 839 MP. Post-operative examination at one year included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), distance-corrected visual acuity (DCVA) at 4 m, 80 cm, 60 cm, and 40 cm, Contrast sensitivity under photopic and mesopic conditions, and a questionnaire on subjective quality of vision, optical phenomena, and spectacle independence. Results The two groups were similar in baseline demographics, pre-operative visual, biometric data (except for axial length), and surgical paraments. The PanOptix outperformed the AT LISA tri in the intermediate range when using the standard visual acuity testing (UCVA: 0.23 ± 0.14 logMAR vs. 0.31 ± 0.17 logMAR, p = 0.04; BCVA: 0.21 ± 0.12 vs. 0.28 ± 0.14, p = 0.03) and in the intermediate and far range when using the interactive computer program (intermediate: UNVA “E” optotype test: 0.05 ± 0.12 vs. 0.12 ± 0.13, p = 0.03; Far: UNVA “E” optotype: 0.07 ± 0.12 vs. 0.13 ± 0.10, p = 0.05). In addition, the PanOptix group had higher contrast sensitivity under photopic and mesopic conditions with and without glare at all spatial frequencies. There was no difference in subjective outcomes between the groups. Conclusions Patients who received PanOptix IOL had better visual outcomes for intermediate and far with higher contrast sensitivity under various conditions. Based on patients ‘ needs and demands, these results could support discussion when tailoring the optimal multifocal IOl.
Client experiences with telehealth using LINE for consultation and assessment of adverse effects of contraceptive implants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand
Authors: Phianphitthayakul On-anya , Li Jiayu , Rongkapich Ratthapong , Karroon Parichart , Vatrasresth Jarika , Jaisamrarn Unnop , Santibenchakul Somsook 
Published: September 2023

Objective This study aimed to examine clients’ experiences with telehealth use for contraceptive implant consultation. Methods An online, self-administered survey was conducted with women who used contraceptive implants and faced adverse effects, inquired about side effects, or had concerns. Clients received consultations via LINE, which is a free chat application widely used in Thailand. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their experiences and satisfaction within 7 days after using the service and a follow-up questionnaire to inquire about the need for in-person services 30 days after using the service. Results The participants were 200 women, with a response rate of 82%. Overall, 94% of participants were satisfied with the consultation. Moreover, 37.5% received a message response within 6 hours, and most (89.5%) got a response within 24 hours. The three most frequently reported symptoms were abnormal bleeding or spotting, mood swings, and itching or pain at the surgical site. Most adverse effects were managed through online consultation. Approximately one-third of the participants required in-person visits 30 days after telehealth consultation. Conclusions Telehealth consultation for contraceptive implant follow-up resulted in high client satisfaction. Most adverse effects could be managed using telehealth services. Therefore, telehealth could ensure sustained accessibility to reproductive healthcare during and post-COVID-19.
Combining augmented and virtual reality simulation training to improve geriatric oral care performance in healthcare assistants: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Yi-Ching , Lin Pei-Chen , Lin Pei-Chao , Lin Cheng-Yu , Kabasawa Yuji , Choi Yong-Keum , Huang Hsiao-Ling 
Published: September 2023

Objective Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are frontline caregivers for older adults. This study evaluated the effectiveness of combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to implement oral healthcare simulation training for HCAs. Methods An experimental design was adopted. HCAs were recruited and randomly assigned to an AR/VR group ( n = 40) or a control group ( n = 40). The AR/VR group received 2.5 h of AR/VR training. Participants were trained on the Bass brushing technique through AR and on scenario-based oral care procedures for various physical and oral health conditions in older adults through VR. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect data before and after the training. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the differences between pretest and posttest results. Results After the training, the HCAs in the AR/VR group achieved a significantly greater increase in their level of oral care-related knowledge (β = 2.55, effect size [ES] = 1.62), self-efficacy (β = 4.23, ES = 0.75), and behavioral intention (β = 2.10, ES = 0.55) relative to the control group. Conclusion This study revealed that the application of an AR/VR simulation system can effectively improve the geriatric oral care performance of HCAs.
Establishment and validation of a prognosis nomogram for MIMIC-III patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Yan Wansheng , Yao Zhihui , Ou Qiutong , Ye Gang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduce
The purpose of this study was to establish a comprehensive prognosis nomogram for patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to evaluate the predictive value of the nomogram.

Method
This study analyzed 620 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with HE from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III(MIMIC-III) database. The patients were randomly divided into two groups in a 7-to-3 ratio to form a training cohort (n = 434) and a validation cohort (n = 176). Cox regression analyses were used to identify associated risk variables. Based on the multivariate Cox regression model results, a nomogram was established using associated risk predictor variables to predict the 90-day survival rate of patients with cirrhosis complicated with HE. The new model was compared with the Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scoring model in terms of the concordance index (C-index), the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the net reclassification improvement (NRI), the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results
This study showed that older age, higher mean heart rate, lower mean arterial pressure, lower mean temperature, higher SOFA score, higher RDW, and the use of albumin were risk factors for the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with HE. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) was a protective factor. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated using the C-index, AUC, IDI value, NRI value, and DCA curve, showing that the nomogram was superior to that of the SOFA model alone. Calibration curve results showed that the nomogram had excellent calibration capability. The decision curve analysis confirmed the good clinical application ability of the nomogram.

Conclusion
This study is the first study of the 90-day survival rate prediction of cirrhotic patients with HE in ICU through the data of the MIMIC-III database. It is confirmed that the eight-factor nomogram has good efficiency in predicting the 90-day survival rate of patients.
Factors contributing to flares of ulcerative colitis in North India- a case-control study
Authors: Rana Vishavdeep Singh , Mahajan Gaurav , Patil Amol N. , Singh Anupam K. , Jearth Vaneet , Sekar Aravind , Singh Harjeet , Saroch Atul , Dutta Usha , Sharma Vishal 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing and remitting disease that may be associated with flares. The causes of flares in the Indian setting are not well recognized.

Methods
The present prospective case-control study was conducted at a single center in North India. Cases were defined as patients admitted for flare of ulcerative colitis, while controls were patients in remission enrolled from the outpatient department. The basis of the diagnosis of flare was a simple clinical colitis activity index (SCCAI) of ≥ 5 and endoscopic activity, while remission was based on SCCAI < 4 and a normal fecal calprotectin. A questionnaire evaluating recent infections, stress, drug intake (antibiotics, pain medication), adherence to therapy, and use of complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) was administered.

Results
We included 84 patients (51 with flare and 33 in remission) with a median age of 38 years, of whom 47 (55.9%) were males. The two groups were similar for baseline parameters, including age (38, 23–50 and 38, 25.5–48.5 years), male gender (52.9% and 60.6%), extent of disease, extraintestinal manifestations (21.6% and 12.1%), use of 5-aminosalicylates (76.5% and 90.9%). The thiopurine use was lower in those having a flare (15.7% and 36.4%). Amongst the predictors of flare, the recent infections (39.2% and 30.3%), recent travel (31.4 and 27.3%), eating outside food (47.1% and 39.4%), consumption of milk products (88.2% and 75.8%), use of pain medication (43.1% and 33.3%) and recent stress (62.7% and 60.6%) were similar between cases and controls. The rates of antibiotic use (29.4% and 6.1%), lack of adherence (50.9% and 15.2%), and intake of CAM (70.6% and 33.3%) were higher in those with flare. Patients attributed a lack of adherence to the cost of therapy, presumed cure (due to lack of symptoms), and fear of adverse effects.

Conclusion
Lack of adherence to inflammatory bowel disease therapies and recent CAM and antibiotic intake was higher in patients with flares of UC. The study makes ground for educational intervention(s) promoting knowledge and adherence to IBD therapies.
Support in acute situations when a community health nurse is called: experiences of older patients, their significant others, and involved healthcare professionals- a qualitative interview study
Authors: Forsgärde Elin-Sofie , Rööst Mattias , Svensson Anders , Fridlund Bengt , Elmqvist Carina 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Care decisions for older patients in acute situations are challenging to make, and there is limited knowledge of support in home healthcare settings, where older patients receive ongoing health care from, for example, community health nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the support for all involved in acute situations when a community health nurse was called, as experienced by older patients, their significant others and healthcare professionals involved.

Methods
The study was conducted using a phenomenological reflective lifeworld research approach, in which meanings of the study phenomenon were analyzed. The included participants were those who had been involved in acute situations. Twelve participants from four acute situations were interviewed. The participant included three older patients, one significant other, four community health nurses, one registered nurse student, one specialist in general practice, and two ambulance personnel, with one being a registered nurse and the other a specialist ambulance nurse.

Results
Support in decision-making was received from the knowledge of temporality, which provided a comprehensive understanding based on past and present knowledge of the older patient. The knowledge of temporality allowed for the early detection of new symptoms and facilitated care decisions tailored to the older patient. There was a dependency on pre-existing mutual interpersonal support, and confidence developed through relational, caring, and medical competence.

Conclusions
The advantages of temporality, confidence and mutual interpersonal support in acute situations highlight the importance of enhancing relational continuity in home healthcare settings and establishing a structural collaboration among community health nurses, specialists in general practice, and ambulance personnel. This collaboration aims to provide support for making decisions regarding tailored care.
Empirical cefepime+vancomycin versus ceftazidime+vancomycin versus meropenem+vancomycin in the treatment of healthcare-associated meningitis: results of the multicenter Ephesus study
Authors: Sipahi Oguz Resat , Akyol Deniz , Ormen Bahar , Cicek-Senturk Gonul , Mermer Sinan , Onal Ugur , Amer Fatma , Saed Maysaa Abdallah , Ozdemir Kevser , Tukenmez-Tigen Elif , Oztoprak Nefise , Altin Ummugulsum , Kurtaran Behice , Popescu Corneliu Petru , Sakci Mustafa , Suntur Bedia Mutay , Gautam Vikas , Sharma Megha , Kaya Safak , Akcil Eren Fatma , Kaya Selcuk , Turunc Tuba , Ergen Pınar , Kandemir Ozlem , Cesur Salih , Bardak-Ozcem Selin , Ozgiray Erkin , Yurtseven Taskın , Erdem Huseyin Aytac , Sipahi Hilal , Arda Bilgin , Pullukcu Hüsnü , Tasbakan Meltem , Yamazhan Tansu , Aydemir Sohret , Ulusoy Sercan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Herein, we analyzed the efficacy of main antibiotic therapy regimens in the treatment of healthcare-associated meningitis (HCAM).

Materials/methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted in 18 tertiary-care academic hospitals Turkey, India, Egypt and Romania. We extracted data and outcomes of all patients with post-neurosurgical meningitis cases fulfilling the study inclusion criteria and treated with empirical therapy between December 2006-September 2018.

Results
Twenty patients in the cefepime + vancomycin-(CV) group, 31 patients in the ceftazidime + vancomycin-(CFV) group, and 119 patients in the meropenem + vancomycin-(MV) group met the inclusion criteria. The MV subgroup had a significantly higher mean Glasgow Coma Score, a higher rate of admission to the intensive care unit within the previous month, and a higher rate of antibiot herapy within the previous month before the meningitis episode (p < 0.05). Microbiological success on Day 3–5, end of treatment (EOT) clinical success (80% vs. 54.8%% vs 57.9%), and overall success (EOT success followed by one-month survival without relapse or reinfection 65% vs. 51.6% vs. 45.3%), EOT all cause mortality (ACM) and day 30 ACM (15% vs. 22.6% vs. 26%) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the three cohorts. No regimen was effective against carbapenem-resistant bacteria, and vancomycin resulted in an EOT clinical success rate of 60.6% in the methicillin-resistant staphylococci or ampicillin-resistant enterococci subgroup (n = 34).

Conclusions
Our study showed no significant difference in terms of clinical success and mortality among the three treatment options. All regimens were ineffective against carbapenem-resistant bacteria. Vancomycin was unsuccessful in approximately 40% of cases involving methicillin-resistant staphylococci or ampicillin-resistant enterococci.
Hippocampus segmentation after brain tumor resection via postoperative region synthesis
Authors: Tao Changjuan , Gu Difei , Huang Rui , Zhou Ling , Hu Zhiqiang , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaofan , Li Hongsheng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Accurately segmenting the hippocampus is an essential step in brain tumor radiotherapy planning. Some patients undergo brain tumor resection beforehand, which can significantly alter the postoperative regions’ appearances and intensity of the 3D MR images. However, there are limited tumor resection patient images for deep neural networks to be effective.

Methods
We propose a novel automatic hippocampus segmentation framework via postoperative image synthesis. The variational generative adversarial network consists of intensity alignment and a weight-map-guided feature fusion module, which transfers the postoperative regions to the preoperative images. In addition, to further boost the performance of hippocampus segmentation, We design a joint training strategy to optimize the image synthesis network and the segmentation task simultaneously.

Results
Comprehensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed method on the dataset with 48 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and 67 brain tumor patients observes consistent improvements over state-of-the-art methods.

Conclusion
The proposed postoperative image synthesis method act as a novel and powerful scheme to generate additional training data. Compared with existing deep learning methods, it achieves better accuracy for hippocampus segmentation of brain tumor patients who have undergone brain tumor resection. It can be used as an automatic contouring tool for hippocampus delineation in hippocampus-sparing radiotherapy.