bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Anode/Cathode Operating Pressures on the Liquid Water Content and Performance of a PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Iranzo A. , Salva J. A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe operating pressure has a significant influence in the performance of a fuel cell, as it influences the output voltage via activation, ohmic, and mass transport losses. In this work, experiments with a 50 cm2 polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell with serpentine flow field have been carried out to investigate the effects of the operating pressure on the cell performance, with a particular analysis of the liquid water distribution within the cell. A comprehensive matrix of anode and cathode pressures was analyzed, varying the anode and cathode pressure from 1.25 to 2.00 bar (abs). Neutron imaging was used to determine the liquid water distributions within the cell for each operating condition and to assess the effect of the different operating pressures. Cell voltage was also monitored during the experiments and included in the analysis. A certain accumulation of liquid water was found in the cathode channels, were the overall liquid water accumulation was found to be more significant for higher pressures. This dependence on the operating pressure was more pronounced for lower current densities, and it was more significant for cathode pressure than for anode pressure.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor use and risk of fractures in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khanassov Vladimir , Hu Jingyi , Reeves David , van Marwijk Harm 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) use and risk of fractures in older adults.MethodsWe systematically identified and analyzed observational studies comparing SSRI/SNRI use for depression with non‐SSRI/SNRI use with a primary outcome of risk of fractures in older adults. We searched for studies in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, DARE (Database of Abstracts or Reviews of Effects), the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science clinical trial research registers from 2011 for SSRIs and 1990 for SNRIs to November 29, 2016.ResultsThirty‐three studies met our inclusion criteria; 23 studies were included in meta‐analysis: 9 case‐control studies and 14 cohort studies. A 1.67‐fold increase in the risk of fracture for SSRI users compared with nonusers was observed (relative risk 1.67, 95% CI 1.56‐1.79, P = .000). The risk of fracture increases with their long‐term use: within 1 year, the risk is 2.9% or 1 additional fracture in every 85 users; within 5 years, the risk is 13.4% or 1 additional fracture in every 19 users. In meta‐regression, we found that the increase in risk did not differ across age groups (odds ratio = 1.006; P = .173). A limited number of studies on SNRI use and the risk of fractures prevented us from conducting a meta‐analysis.ConclusionsOur systematic review showed an association between risk of fracture and the use of SSRIs, especially with increasing use. Age does not increase this risk. No such conclusions can be drawn about the effect of SNRIs on the risk of fracture because of a lack of studies.
Measuring the patient experience in community mental health services for older people: A study of the Net Promoter Score using the Friends and Family Test in England
Authors: Wilberforce Mark , Poll Sarah , Langham Heather , Worden Angela , Challis David 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThe research aimed to explore the value of the Net Promoter Score as a service improvement tool and an outcome measure. The study objectives were to (1) explore associations between the Net Promoter Score with patient and service‐receipt characteristics; (2) evaluate the strength of association between the Net Promoter Score and a satisfaction score; and (3) evaluate its test‐retest reliability.MethodsA postal survey was sent to service users on caseloads of community mental health teams for older people in four localities of England. The survey collected the Net Promoter Score, a single satisfaction question, and data on socio‐demographics, clinical profile, and service receipt. Analysis used non‐parametric tests of association and exploratory least squares regression. A second survey was administered for test‐retest reliability analysis. Fieldwork concluded in April 2016.ResultsFor 352 respondents, the Net Promoter Score was negatively related to age and was lowest for those still within 6 months of their initial referral. Receiving support from a psychiatrist and/or support worker was linked to higher scores. A strong but imperfect correlation coefficient with the satisfaction score indicates they evaluate related but distinct constructs. It had a reasonable test‐retest reliability, with a weighted kappa of 0.706.ConclusionsDespite doubts over its validity in community mental health services, the Net Promoter Score may produce results of value to researchers, clinicians, service commissioners, and managers, if part of wider data collection. However, multi‐item measures would provide greater breadth and improved reliability.
Day care vs home care: Effects on functional health outcomes among long‐term care beneficiaries with dementia in Korea
Authors: Lee Tae Wha , Yim Eun Shil , Choi Hyoung Shim , Chung Jane 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesFirst, to compare changes in cognitive function, behavioral symptoms, and physical function for Korean Long‐Term Care Insurance (LTCI) beneficiaries with dementia in day care (DC) and home care (HC) settings over 1 year. Second, to examine the association between LTCI service type and the aforementioned health outcomes.MethodsA retrospective matched cohort study was conducted using the national data set of the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. We identified 7822 beneficiaries with dementia who received either DC or HC services consistently for 1 year from 2008 to 2009. The propensity score matching method was used, yielding 416 participants in each group. Paired samples t‐tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsBaseline differences between the two groups are present. According to multiple regression models, DC, when compared with HC, was related to less deterioration in cognitive and physical function but was associated with less improved behavioral symptoms 1 year after the LTCI enrollment. In the comparison between matched cohorts, DC, when compared with HC, was associated with less cognitive decline, less disability progression, and similar decrease in behavioral symptoms.ConclusionsCognitive function and disability declined less in the DC group, compared with the HC group. Conversely, behavioral symptoms showed a similar decrease between the two groups after 1‐year follow‐up. Further research is necessary to examine key features of DC services that have helped delay functional deterioration and alleviate behavioral symptoms.
Inequalities in living well with dementia—The impact of deprivation on well‐being, quality of life and life satisfaction: Results from the improving the experience of dementia and enhancing active life study
Authors: Wu Yu‐Tzu , Clare Linda , Jones Ian Rees , Martyr Anthony , Nelis Sharon M. , Quinn Catherine , Victor Christina R. , Lamont Ruth A. , Rippon Isla , Matthews Fiona E. ,   On behalf of the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) study
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesArea level factors, such as deprivation and urban/rural settings, have been associated with variation in local resources and services and health inequality in later life. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential impact of deprivation and urban/rural areas on capability to live well with dementia and to examine whether availability of informal carers modified the associations.MethodsThe analysis was based on a large cohort study of 1547 community‐dwelling people with dementia across Great Britain. Quality of life, life satisfaction, and well‐being were measured as indices of “living well.” Multivariate modelling was used to investigate differences in living well measures across deprivation quintiles and urban/rural areas adjusting for sociodemographic factors and number of comorbidities and stratifying by three groups: those living with a carer, those with a noncoresident carer and those without a carer.ResultsNegative dose‐response relationships between deprivation and measures of quality of life (−2.12; 95% CI: −3.52, −0.73), life satisfaction (−1.27; 95% CI: −2.70, 0.16), and well‐being (−5.24; 95% CI: −10.11, −0.36) were found in participants living with a carer. The associations were less clear in those with a noncoresident carer and those without a carer but these two groups generally reported lower scores on living well indicators than participants living with a carer. There was no urban/rural difference.ConclusionsThe findings suggest inequalities in living well with dementia according to levels of deprivation. Additional resources are needed to improve postdiagnostic care in highly deprived areas and support those who have no informal carer.
Validation of a European Cross‐Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB) for evaluation of dementia
Authors: Nielsen T. Rune , Segers Kurt , Vanderaspoilden Valérie , Beinhoff Ulrike , Minthon Lennart , Pissiota Anna , Bekkhus‐Wetterberg Peter , Bjørkløf Guro Hanevold , Tsolaki Magda , Gkioka Mara , Waldemar Gunhild 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to establish the diagnostic accuracy of the European Cross‐Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB) for dementia in different ethnic populations in Western Europe, to examine its ability to differentiate cognitive impairment profiles for dementia subtypes, and to assess the impact of demographic variables on diagnostic properties.MethodsThe study was a Western European cross‐sectional multi‐center study. A total of 66 patients with dementia and 118 cognitively intact participants were included across six memory clinics; 93 had ethnic minority background and 91 had ethnic majority background. Tests in the CNTB cover global cognitive function, memory, language, executive functions, and visuospatial functions.ResultsSignificant differences with moderate to large effect sizes were present between patients with dementia and control participants on all CNTB measures. Area under the curves (AUC) ranged from .62 to .99 with a mean AUC across all measures of .83. Comparison of ethnic minority and majority groups generally revealed higher sensitivity in the minority group but no significant difference in the mean AUC's across all measures (.84 vs78, P = .42). Comparison of impairment profiles for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non‐AD dementia revealed that AD patients were significantly more impaired on the memory domain, whereas patients with non‐AD dementia were more impaired on the executive functions domain.ConclusionsThe CNTB was found to have promising cross‐cultural diagnostic properties for evaluation of dementia in the targeted minority and majority populations and could represent a valid cross‐cultural alternative to other well‐established neuropsychological test batteries when assessing patients from these populations.
Placebo‐Controlled Randomized Trial of an Intestinal Bile Salt Transport Inhibitor for Pruritus in Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Shneider Benjamin L. , Spino Cathie , Kamath Binita M. , Magee John C. , Bass Lee M. , Setchell Kenneth D. , Miethke Alexander , Molleston Jean P. , Mack Cara L. , Squires Robert H. , Murray Karen F. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Rosenthal Philip , Karpen Saul J. , Leung Daniel H. , Guthery Stephen L. , Thomas Danny , Sherker Averell H. , Sokol Ronald J. ,   for the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Medically refractory, severe, cholestasis‐induced pruritus in Alagille syndrome may be improved by surgical interruption of the enterohepatic circulation. This multicenter trial (NCT02057692) tested the hypothesis that the intestinal bile acid transport inhibitor maralixibat would similarly reduce pruritus in Alagille syndrome. Thirty‐seven children with Alagille syndrome were randomly assigned to double‐blinded administration of placebo, 70, 140, or 280 µg/kg/day of maralixibat for 13 weeks. Pruritus was assessed by caregiver (itch‐reported outcome instrument [ItchRO]) and clinician report (range, 0‐4 [severe]). Liver chemistries and serum bile acids were measured. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to week 13 in ItchRO relative to placebo. In the a priori first analysis of the primary efficacy endpoint, the mean adjusted difference between participants receiving 140 or 280 µg/kg/day and placebo was –0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], –1.14, 0.20; P = 0.16). Statistically significant decreases were observed with doses of 70 and 140 µg/kg/day (mean adjusted difference, –0.89; 95% CI, –1.70, –0.08; P = 0.032; and mean adjusted difference, –0.91; 95% CI, –1.62, –0.19; P = 0.014) but not 280 µg/kg/day (mean adjusted difference, –0.04; 95% CI, –0.94, 0.86; P = 0.44) or all doses combined (mean adjusted difference, –0.61; 95% CI, –1.24, 0.20; P = 0.055). A 1‐point reduction in pruritus was more common in maralixibat‐treated versus placebo‐treated participants (caregiver ItchRO, 65% versus 25%; P = 0.06; clinician score, 76% versus 25%; P = 0.01). There were no significant changes in liver chemistries or bile acids relative to placebo. Adverse and serious adverse events were similar between maralixibat and placebo. Conclusion: Although the prespecified primary analyses of ItchRO were not all statistically significant, the data suggest that maralixibat is safe and may reduce pruritus in Alagille syndrome.
Application of information and communication technology for internationalization of Nigerian small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Gbadegeshin Saheed A. , Oyelere Solomon S. , Olaleye Sunday A. , Sanusi Ismaila T. , Ukpabi Dandison C. , Olawumi Olayemi , Adegbite Ayobami 
Published: September 2018

AbstractInformation and communication technology (ICT) has fundamentally transformed business transactions. While its uses have become ubiquitous in the advanced economies, emerging and developing economies are still struggling with the mode and manner of the deployment of ICT for business. Thus, this study seeks to investigate how small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) utilize ICT in Nigeria for business internationalization. To achieve the goal of the study, a mixed‐method was employed. A questionnaire was administered to 265 people consisting of SMEs staff, managers, and owners. Similarly, interviews were conducted with seven SME decision makers. Findings revealed that Nigerian SMEs used ICT tools, such as websites and social media platforms, for internationalization. The findings also revealed that the challenges of ICT did not affect its application by these SMEs, which contrasts with many previous studies. Furthermore, this study identified privacy concerns, internet problems, cyber insecurity, trust, and system anxiety as new challenges facing the application of ICT tools by SMEs. Similarly, the findings showed that lack of ICT competence and strategic focus of ICT applications are internal problems facing Nigerian SMEs. These findings provide insight for practitioners and academia on the internationalization of Nigeria SMEs and the application of ICT to promote business growth.
Retracted: Inhibitory role of lentivirus‐mediated aquaporin‐4 gene silencing in the formation of glial scar in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Yong Ya‐Xiong , Li Yu‐Ming , Lian Jia , Luo Chuan‐Ming , Zhong De‐Xia , Han Ke 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI), an acute degenerative pathology of the central nervous system, is a leading cause of death and disability. As the glial scar is a mechanical barrier to nerve regeneration, inhibitory molecules in the forming scar and methods to overcome them have suggested molecular modification strategies to allow neuronal growth and functional regeneration. Herein, we aim to investigate the effects of aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) gene silencing on the glial scar formation after TBI by establishing rat models. After modeling, TBI rats were transfected with AQP4 small hairpin RNA [shRNA] (AQP4 gene silencing by lentiviral vector–delivered shRNA) and empty vectors, respectively. Neurological functions of the rats were evaluated after TBI. The hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to observe histomorphological changes in rat brain tissues. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, fibronectin, laminin, and AQP4 were measured by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The ratio of positive expression area was calculated, and the glial scar was observed by immunohistochemistry. At the 7th, 14th, and 28th days after TBI, TBI rats treated with AQP4 shRNA showed improved neurological function and lessened histomorphological changes. AQP4 gene silencing mediated by lentivirus decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of GFAP, vimentin, fibronectin, and laminin, the number of positive cells, the ratio of positive expression area, and the glial scar. Our study demonstrates that lentivirus‐mediated AQP4 gene silencing could inhibit the formation of glial scar after TBI, which is beneficial to the recovery of neurological function.
MiR‐218 regulated cardiomyocyte differentiation and migration in mouse embryonic stem cells by targeting PDGFRα
Authors: Xu Tingting , Liu Nuoya , Shao Ying , Huang Yujie , Zhu Danyan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as key players in cardiogenesis and heart pathophysiological processes. However, many miRNAs are still not recognized for their roles in cardiomyocytes differentiation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of microRNA‐218 (miR‐218) in cardiomyocyte differentiation of the mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro. The percentage of the beating embryoid bodies (EBs) in miR‐218 mimic‐treated cells was reduced to 32% compared with miR‐218 mimic negative control (56%) on day 5 + 3. The amplitude of the intracellular Ca2+ transients in the cardiomyocytes derived from ESCs was reduced upon miR‐218 overexpression, followed by the decreased calcium‐related proteins and cell junction proteins expressions. Besides, miR‐218 expression in ESCs was related to the directional spreading ability of EBs during differentiation. The increased expression of miR‐218 could promote the migration of ESCs in vitro, while the decreased expression of miR‐218 could inhibit the migration by the transwell experiment. Meanwhile, miR‐218 could regulate cell migration–related proteins Cdc42 and Rac1. Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) was further confirmed to be a direct target of miR‐218 both physically and functionally by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Our data further described that overexpression of PDGFRα rescued the miR‐218‐mediated inhibition of cardiomyocyte differentiation and restored the miR‐218‐mediated promotion of cell migration. In conclusion, miR‐218 was demonstrated to exert an inhibitory function and promoted cell migration via targeting PDGFRα during cardiomyocyte differentiation from ESCs. The current study revealed the role of miR‐218 and may provide an important hint for cardiomyocyte differentiation of ESCs and induced pluripotent stem cells.
Basolateral presence of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor ‐α and secretions from adipocytes and macrophages reduce intestinal sugar transport
Authors: Castilla‐Madrigal Rosa , Gil‐Iturbe Eva , Sáinz Neira , Moreno‐Aliaga María J. , Lostao María Pilar 
Published: September 2018

We have previously demonstrated in Caco‐2 cells that tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) inhibits sugar uptake, acting from the apical membrane, by decreasing the expression of the Na+‐glucose cotransporter SGLT1 in the brush border membrane. The goal was to investigate the hypothesis that TNF‐α from abdominal adipose tissue (adipocytes and macrophages) would decrease sugar and amino acid transport acting from the basolateral membrane of the enterocytes. TNF‐α placed in the basal compartment of Caco‐2 cells decreased α‐methyl‐
d‐glucose (αMG) and glutamine uptake. The apical medium derived from these Caco‐2 cells apically placed in another set of cells, also reduced sugar and glutamine transport. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated upregulation of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and MCP1 expression in Caco‐2 cells exposed to basal TNF‐α. Similarly, αMG uptake was inhibited after Caco‐2 cells were incubated, in the basal compartment, with medium from visceral human mesenchymal stem cells‐derived adipocytes of overweight individuals. The apical medium collected from those Caco‐2 cells, and placed in the upper side of other set of cells, also decreased sugar uptake. Basal presence of medium derived from lipopolysaccharide‐activated macrophages and nonactivated macrophages decreased αMG uptake as well. Diet‐induced obese mice showed an increase in the visceral adipose tissue surrounding the intestine. In this physiological condition, there was a reduction on αMG uptake in jejunal everted rings.Altogether, these results suggest that basolateral TNF‐α, which can be produced by adipocytes and macrophages during obesity, would be able to activate TNF‐α and other proinflammatory proteins expression in the small intestine and diminish intestinal sugar and amino acids transport.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis by regulating miR‐23a‐3p/SMC1A in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhao Chen , Wang Shanshan , Zhao Yang , Du Feng , Wang Weiyao , Lv Peng , Qi Ling 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the function of the NEAT1/miR‐23a‐3p/SMC1A axis in cell proliferation and apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Microarray analysis was used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs/miRNAs/mRNAs in primary AML cells. The expression of nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), miR‐23a‐3p, and structural maintenance of chromosome 1 alpha (SMC1A) in primary AML cells and THP‐1 cells were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). A Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay was used to analyze proliferation. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were examined by flow cytometry. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual‐luciferase assays were performed to determine the correlation between miR‐23a‐3p and NEAT1 or SMC1A. The qRT‐PCR illustrated that NEAT1 and SMC1A expression was decreased but that miR‐23a‐3p expression was increased in primary AML cells and THP‐1 cells compared with that in normal cells. The RIP assay and dual‐luciferase assay revealed the targeting relationship between miR‐23a‐3p and NEAT1 or SMC1A. The CCK‐8 assay showed that the overexpression of NEAT1 and SMC1A or repression of miR‐23a‐3p inhibited cell proliferation. Flow cytometry showed that the upregulation of NEAT1 and SMC1A or repression of miR‐23a‐3p promoted apoptosis and affected the cell cycle. NEAT1 repressed the expression of miR‐23a‐3p, and therefore promoted SMC1A, which in turn suppressed myeloid leukemia cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis.