bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GSI CTA evaluation of the vertebrobasilar artery in normal adults at high altitude
Authors: Wei Jia , Hu Huiying , He Xin , Bao Haihua 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveVascular geometry is influenced by several factors during its growth and development. Here, we compared the differences in vertebrobasilar geometry among residents of a plateau region at different altitudes and investigated the relationship between vascular geometry and altitude.MethodsData of some adults in the plateau region who experienced vertigo and headache as the main symptoms but had no evident abnormalities found during imaging examination were collected. They were divided into three groups based on an altitude gradient: group A (1,800–2,500 masl), group B (2,500–3,500 masl), and group C (over 3,500 masl). They underwent head–neck energy-spectrum computed tomography angiography with a gemstone spectral imaging scanning protocol. The following indices were observed: (1) vertebrobasilar geometric configurations (walking, tuning fork, lambda, and no confluence), (2) vertebral artery (VA) hypoplasia, (3) the bending number of bilateral VA intracranial segment, (4) length and tortuosity of the basilar artery (BA), and (5) anteroposterior (AP)–mid–BA angle, BA–VA angle, lateral–mid–BA angle, and VA–VA angle.ResultsOf the 222 subjects, 84 of them were included in group A, 76 in group B, and 62 in group C. The number of participants in walking, tuning fork, lambda, and no confluence geometries was 93, 71, 50, and 8, respectively. As altitude increased, the tortuosity of the BA also increased (1.05 ± 0.06 vs. 1.06 ± 0.08 vs. 1.10 ± 0.13, P = 0.005), as did the lateral–mid–BA angle (23.18° ± 9.53° vs. 26.05° ± 10.10° vs. 31.07° ± 15.12°, P = 0.007) and the BA–VA angle (32.98° ± 17.85° vs. 34.51° ± 17.96° vs. 41.51° ± 19.22°, P = 0.024). There was a relatively weak positive correlation between the altitude and the tortuosity of the BA (rs = 0.190, P = 0.005), the lateral–mid–BA angle (rs = 0.201, P = 0.003), and the BA–VA angle (rs = 0.183, P = 0.006) which showed a significant difference. Compared with groups A and B, there were more multibending groups and fewer oligo-bending groups in group C (P &lt; 0.001). There was no difference found in the vertebral artery hypoplasia, actual length of the BA, VA–VA angle, and AP–mid–BA angle among the three groups.ConclusionAs the altitude increased, the tortuosity of the BA and the sagittal angle of the vertebrobasilar arterial system also increased. The increase in altitude can lead to changes in vertebrobasilar geometry.
Effects of fluoride on in vitro hydroxyapatite demineralisation analysed by 19F MAS-NMR
Authors: Ferizoli Bajram , Cresswell-Boyes Alexander J. , Anderson Paul , Lynch Richard J. M. , Hill Robert G. 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionFluoride plays a major role in inhibiting enamel dissolution and promoting fluorapatite formation. Porous hydroxyapatite (HAP) discs can be used as an enamel analogue in artificial demineralisation/remineralisation studies.MethodThe aim of the study was to monitor the fluoride-mineral phases formed on HAP surfaces as a function of fluoride concentration ([F−]) under demineralising conditions, using 19F magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) spectroscopy, and compare the results with a previous study using an enamel substrate. Porous HAP blocks were immersed in demineralisation solutions (0.1 M acetic acid, pH 4.0) with increasing [F−] (0–1450 ppm).ResultsAt below 50 ppm [F−], 19F MAS-NMR showed fluoride-substituted apatite formation; above 50 ppm [F−], calcium fluoride (CaF2) was formed in increasing proportions. These results mirrored those of previous similar studies with an enamel substrate. Further increases in fluoride caused no further measurable reduction in demineralisation but increased the proportion of CaF2 formed. The total calcium concentration [Ca] and total phosphorus [P] concentrations in the solution were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. At high fluoride concentrations, the solution total [P] increased, and the molar Ca:P ratios decreased to values consistent with the formation of CaF2. However, Ca:P ratios found at low [F−] were higher than those in the previous enamel study and consistent with the formation of a partially fluoridated apatite.ConclusionsUnder demineralising conditions, CaF2 formed on HAP at an [F−] of 50 ppm and above, whereas fluoridated apatite formed at an [F−] below 50 ppm. The results were consistent with those obtained when an enamel substrate was used.
New insights into geological setting of the summit area of mount Etna volcano (Italy) inferred from 2D gravity data modelling
Authors: Pánisová Jaroslava , Greco Filippo , Carbone Daniele , Branca Stefano Felice , Vajda Peter 
Published: May 2023

Gravimetric observations were carried out in 2015, to image the uppermost portion of the volcanic plumbing system of Mt. Etna (Italy). Gravity measurements were performed using two relative gravimeters, along a profile that crosses the summit craters area (elevations between 2,820 and 3,280 m a.s.l.). Accurate positioning of the gravity observation points was determined through GPS measurements. After applying elevation and terrain corrections, the reduced gravity data were used to build a 2D density model of the uppermost part of the volcano edifice. This model was constrained using to-date knowledge of the structural setting of the area and the available volcanological data. We highlighted the presence of low-density material below the summit craters, down to the depth of about 2.1 km, interpreted as highly altered, fumarolized and structurally weakened material. It is also likely that the close presence of the conduits feeding the summit craters of the volcano contributes to the gravity low in the SW half of the measurement profile. Conversely, the gravity low observed at the northern edge of the profile could reflect the high concentration of faults and eruptive fissures in the Pizzi Deneri area, in correspondence of the Ellittico caldera rim.
Specific dilation pattern in placental circulation and the NO/sGC role in preeclampsia placental vessels
Authors: Tang Jiaqi , Zhang Yumeng , Zhang Ze , Tao Jianying , Wu Jue , Zheng Qiutong , Xu Ting , Li Na , Xu Zhice 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveEndothelial functions in controlling blood flow in placental circulation are still unclear. The present study compares vascular dilations between placental circulation and other vessels, as well as between normal and preeclampsia placental vessels.MethodsPlacental, umbilical, and other vessels (cerebral and mesenteric arteries) were collected from humans, sheep, and rats. Vasodilation was tested by JZ101 and DMT. Q-PCR, Western blot, and Elisa were used for molecular experiments.ResultsEndothelium-dependent/derived vasodilators, including acetylcholine, bradykinin, prostacyclin, and histamine, mediated no or minimal dilation in placental circulation, which was different from that in other vessels in sheep and rats. There were lower mRNA expressions of muscarinic receptors, histamine receptors, bradykinin receptor 2, endothelial nitric oxide synthesis (eNOS), and less nitric oxide (NO) in human umbilical vessels when compared with placental vessels. Exogenous NO donors (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activators (Bay41-2272) decreased the baseline of vessel tone in placental circulation in humans, sheep, and rats, but not in other arteries. The sGC inhibitor ODQ suppressed the reduced baseline caused by the SNP. The decreased baseline by SNP or Bay41-2272 was higher in placental vessels than in umbilical vessels, suggesting that the role of NO/sGC is more important in the placenta. NO concentrations in preeclampsia placental vessels were lower than those in control, while no significant change was found in umbilical plasma between the two groups. eNOS expression was similar between normal and preeclampsia placental vessels, but phosphorylated eNOS levels were significantly lower in preeclampsia. Following serotonin, SNP or Bay41-2272-mediated dilations were weaker in preeclampsia placental vessels. The decreased amplitude of SNP- or Bay41-2272 at baseline was smaller in preeclampsia. The decreased amplitudes of ODQ + SNP were comparable between the two groups. Despite higher beta sGC expression, sGC activity in the preeclampsia placenta was lower.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent dilation in placental circulation was significantly weaker than other vessels in various species. The results, showed firstly, that exogenous NO played a role in regulating the baseline tone of placental circulation via sGC. Lower NO production and decreased NO/sGC could be one of the reasons for preeclampsia. The findings contribute to understanding specific features of placental circulation and provide information about preeclampsia in placental vessels.
Validity of CSF alpha-synuclein to predict psychosis in prodromal Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Monge-García Sonia , García-Ayllón María-Salud , Sánchez-Payá José , Gasparini-Berenguer Ruth , Cortés-Gómez María-Ángeles , Sáez-Valero Javier , Monge-Argilés José-Antonio 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) accompanied by psychotic symptoms (PS) has a poor prognosis and may be associated with imbalances in key neural proteins such as alpha-synuclein (AS).AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic validity of AS levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a predictor of the emergence of PS in patients with prodromal AD.Materials and methodsPatients with mild cognitive impairment were recruited between 2010 and 2018. Core AD biomarkers and AS levels were measured in CSF obtained during the prodromal phase of the illness. All patients who met the NIA-AA 2018 criteria for AD biomarkers received treatment with anticholinesterasic drugs. Follow-up evaluations were conducted to assess patients for the presence of psychosis using current criteria; the use of neuroleptic drugs was required for inclusion in the psychosis group. Several comparisons were made, taking into account the timing of the emergence of PS.ResultsA total of 130 patients with prodromal AD were included in this study. Of these, 50 (38.4%) met the criteria for PS within an 8-year follow-up period. AS was found to be a valuable CSF biomarker to differentiate between the psychotic and non-psychotic groups in every comparison made, depending on the onset of PS. Using an AS level of 1,257 pg/mL as the cutoff, this predictor achieved at least 80% sensitivity.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study represents the first time that a CSF biomarker has shown diagnostic validity for prediction of the emergence of PS in patients with prodromal AD.
Long-term follow-up of nutritional status in children with GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome treated with classic ketogenic diet: a 5-year prospective study
Authors: De Amicis Ramona , Leone Alessandro , Pellizzari Marta , Foppiani Andrea , Battezzati Alberto , Lessa Chiara , Tagliabue Anna , Ferraris Cinzia , De Giorgis Valentina , Olivotto Sara , Previtali Roberto , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Bertoli Simona 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe classic ketogenic diet (cKD) is an isocaloric, high fat, low-carbohydrate diet that induces the production of ketone bodies. High consumption of dietary fatty acids, particularly long-chain saturated fatty acids, could impair nutritional status and increase cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of a 5-year cKD on body composition, resting energy expenditure, and biochemical parameters in children affected by Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency Syndrome (GLUT1DS).MethodsThis was a prospective, multicenter, 5-year longitudinal study of children with GLUT1DS treated with a cKD. The primary outcome was to assess the change in nutritional status compared with pre-intervention, considering anthropometric measurements, body composition, resting energy expenditure, and biochemical parameters such as glucose and lipid profiles, liver enzymes, uric acid, creatinine, and ketonemia. Assessments were conducted at pre-intervention and every 12 months of cKD interventions.ResultsKetone bodies increased significantly in children and adolescents, and remained stable at 5 years, depending on the diet. No significant differences were reported in anthropometric and body composition standards, as well as in resting energy expenditure and biochemical parameters. Bone mineral density increased significantly over time according to increasing age. Body fat percentage significantly and gradually decreased in line with the increase in body weight and the consequent growth in lean mass. As expected, we observed a negative trend in respiratory quotient, while fasting insulin and insulin resistance were found to decrease significantly after cKD initiation.ConclusionLong-term adherence to cKD showed a good safety profile on anthropometric measurements, body composition, resting energy expenditure, and biochemical parameters, and we found no evidence of potential adverse effects on the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
Integrated high-throughput analysis identifies super enhancers in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Zeng Jie , Chen Jiahong , Li Maozhang , Zhong Chuanfan , Liu Zezhen , Wang Yan , Li Yuejiao , Jiang Funeng , Fang Shumin , Zhong Weide 
Published: May 2023

Background: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a highly aggressive stage of prostate cancer, and non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming plays a critical role in its progression. Super enhancers (SE), epigenetic elements, are involved in multiple tumor-promoting signaling pathways. However, the SE-mediated mechanism in mCRPC remains unclear.Methods: SE-associated genes and transcription factors were identified from a cell line (C4-2B) of mCRPC by the CUT&amp;Tag assay. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between mCRPC and primary prostate cancer (PCa) samples in the GSE35988 dataset were identified. What’s more, a recurrence risk prediction model was constructed based on the overlapping genes (termed SE-associated DEGs). To confirm the key SE-associated DEGs, BET inhibitor JQ1 was applied to cells to block SE-mediated transcription. Finally, single-cell analysis was performed to visualize cell subpopulations expressing the key SE-associated DEGs.Results: Nine human TFs, 867 SE-associated genes and 5417 DEGs were identified. 142 overlapping SE-associated DEGs showed excellent performance in recurrence prediction. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed strong predictive power at 1 year (0.80), 3 years (0.85), and 5 years (0.88). The efficacy of his performance has also been validated in external datasets. In addition, FKBP5 activity was significantly inhibited by JQ1.Conclusion: We present a landscape of SE and their associated genes in mCPRC, and discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings in terms of their translation to the clinic.
Efficacy of closed cell wet-suit at various depths and gas mixtures for thermoprotection during military training dives
Authors: Kelly Karen R. , Palombo Laura J. , Jensen Andrew E. , Bernards Jake R. 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To evaluate a closed-cell wet-suit for thermal protective capability during extreme cold water exposure at various depths.Methods: Thirteen (n = 13) elite military divers who were tasked with cold-water training, participated in this study. To mimic various depths, the Ocean Simulation Facility (OSF) at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) was pressurized to simulate dive depths of 30, 50, and 75fsw. Water temperature remained at 1.8–2.0°C for all dives. Four divers dove each day and used the MK16 underwater breathing apparatus with gas mixes of either N202 (79:21) or HeO2 (88:12). Mean skin temperature (TSK) (Ramanathan, 1964), core temperature (Tc), hand and foot readings were obtained every 30 min for 30 and 50fsw and every 15 min during the 75fsw dive.Results: TC was significantly reduced across all dives (p = 0.004); however, was preserved above the threshold for hypothermia (post dive Tc = 36.5 ± 0.4). There was no effect of gas mix on TC. TSK significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.001) across all dives independent of depth and gas. Hand and foot temperatures resulted in the termination of three of the dives. There were no significant main effects for depth or gas, but there were significant main effects for time on hand temperature (p &lt; 0.001) and foot temperature (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: Core temperature is maintained above threshold for hypothermia. Variatioins in TC and TSK are a function of dive duration independent of depth or gas for a closed-cell wet-suit in cold water at various depths. However, both hand and foot temperatures reached values at which dexterity is compromised.
Understanding decision making in security operations centres: building the case for cyber deception technology
Authors: Reeves Andrew , Ashenden Debi 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionA Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a command centre where analysts monitor network activity, analyse alerts, investigate potential threats, and respond to incidents. By analysing data activities around the clock, SOC teams are crucial in ensuring the prompt detection and response to security incidents. SOC analysts work under considerable pressure to triage and respond to alerts in very short time frames. Cyber deception technology offers the promise of buying SOC analysts more time to respond by wasting the resources and time of attackers, yet such technology remains underutilised.MethodWe carried out a series of interviews with experts to uncover the barriers which prevent the effective implementation of cyber deception in SOCs.ResultsBy using thematic analysis on the data, it was clear that while cyber deception technology is promising it is hindered by a lack of use cases, limited empirical research that demonstrates the efficacy of the technology, hesitancy to embrace a more active form of cyber defence, issues surrounding the over promising of results by off-the-shelf vendors, and an aversion to interrupting the decision-making processes of SOC analysts.DiscussionTaking this last point about the decision-making processes of SOC analysts we make the case that naturalistic decision making (NDM) would help us better understand how SOC analysts make decisions and how cyber deception technology could be used to best effect.
Validation and reliability test of Chinese language patient-reported impact of symptoms in schizophrenia scale
Authors: Lin Xiao , Tian Hongjun , Wang Lina , Li Ranli , Ma Xiaoyan , Sun Yun , Cai Ziyao , Ping Jing , Chen Langlang , Zhuo Chuanjun , Yu Haiping 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundPatient-reported outcomes, or subjective evaluations directly reflecting the patient’s views, feelings, and judgments, are now being used to evaluate the outcomes of care and treatment of people with schizophrenia. In this study, we used an updated tool, the patient-reported impact of symptoms in schizophrenia scale (PRISS), translated into Chinese languages to assess the subjective experiences of schizophrenia patients.ObjectiveThis study aimed to test the psychometrics of the Chinese languages PRISS (CL-PRISS).MethodThis study used the Chinese version of PRISS (CL-PRISS), acquired from the harmonized English-language version. A total of 280 patients enrolled in this study were asked to complete the CL-PRISS, the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS). Construct and concurrent validity was tested using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Spearman correlation coefficient, respectively. The reliability of CL-PRISS was tested using Cronbach’s α coefficient and the internal correlation coefficient.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis (CFA) analysis demonstrated three major factors in CL_PRISS: the first factor is productive experiences, the second factor is affective-negative, and the third factor experiences. The factor loadings between items and factors ranged from 0.436 to 0.899 (RMSEA = 0.029, TLI = 0.940, CFI = 0.921). The correlation coefficient between the CL_PRISS and PANSS was 0.845, and between the CL-PRISS and WHO-DAS was 0.886. The ICC of the total CL_PRISS was 0.913, and Cronbach’s α was 0.903.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the PRISS (CL_PRISS) can be effectively used for assessing the subjective experience of Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
Clinicians’ perceptions of family involvement in the treatment of persons with psychotic disorders: a nested qualitative study
Authors: Hestmark Lars , Romøren Maria , Hansson Kristiane Myckland , Heiervang Kristin Sverdvik , Pedersen Reidar 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundFamily involvement in mental health care ranges from basic practices to complex interventions such as Family psychoeducation, the latter being a well-documented treatment for psychotic disorders. The aim of this study was to explore clinicians’ perceptions of the benefits and disadvantages of family involvement, including possible mediating factors and processes.MethodsNested in a randomised trial, which purpose was to implement Basic family involvement and support and Family psychoeducation in Norwegian community mental health centres during 2019–2020, this qualitative study is based on eight focus groups with implementation teams and five focus groups with ordinary clinicians. Using a purposive sampling strategy and semi-structured interview guides, focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed with reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFour main themes were identified as perceived benefits: (1) Family psychoeducation—a concrete framework, (2) Reducing conflict and stress, (3) A triadic understanding, and (4) Being on the same team. Themes 2–4 formed an interconnected triad of mutually reinforcing elements and were further linked to three important clinician-facilitated sub-themes: a space for relatives’ experiences, emotions and needs; a space for patients and relatives to discuss sensitive topics and an open line of communication between clinician and relative. Although far less frequent, three main themes were identified as perceived disadvantages or challenges: (1) Family psychoeducation—occasional poor model fit or difficulties following the framework, (2) Getting more involved than usual, and (3) Relatives as a potentially negative influence—important nonethelessConclusionsThe findings contribute to the understanding of the beneficial processes and outcomes of family involvement, as well as the critical role of the clinician in achieving these and possible challenges. They could also be used to inform future quantitative research on mediating factors and implementation efforts.