bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LINE‐1 hypomethylation in spermatozoa is associated with Bisphenol A exposure
Authors: Miao M. , Zhou X. , Li Y. , Zhang O. , Zhou Z. , Li T. , Yuan W. , Li R. , Li D.‐K. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor with potentially harmful effects on humans. However, epigenetic mechanisms that modulate the effects of BPA remain unclear. Methylation of long interspersed nucleotide elements (LINE‐1) is a marker of genome‐wide methylation status. This study aims to examine whether BPA exposure was associated with LINE‐1 methylation changes in men. Male factory workers in Hunan, China (N = 149) were studied, 77 with BPA exposure in workplace (BPA‐exposed group) and 72 without BPA exposure in workplace (control group). Pre‐shift and post‐shift urine samples were collected from the BPA‐exposed group and spot urine samples were collected from the control group. Urine samples were assessed for BPA. In addition, blood and semen samples were collected from both groups for LINE‐1 methylation analysis. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, education, smoking habits and alcohol consumption, sperm LINE‐1 methylation level was significantly lower in BPA exposed workers (p < 0.001) compared to that in the unexposed workers. Linear regression analysis also showed that log‐transformed urine BPA levels were inversely associated with sperm LINE‐1 methylation (p < 0.0001), but not peripheral blood cell LINE‐1 methylation. Moreover, the association between urine BPA level and semen quality was not attenuated after adjustments for LINE‐1 level. In summary, the observed independent relationship between BPA exposure and LINE‐1 methylation may have public health implications on reproductive health in men because of ubiquitous exposure to BPA.
Capacitation and Ca2+ influx in spermatozoa: role of CNG channels and protein kinase G
Authors: Cisneros‐Mejorado A. , Hernández‐Soberanis L. , Islas‐Carbajal M. C. , Sánchez D. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryCyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) has been recently shown to modulate in vitro capacitation of mammalian spermatozoa, but the mechanisms through which it influences sperm functions have not been clarified. There are at least two targets of cGMP, cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channels and cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG), involved in several physiological events in mammalian spermatozoa. It has been suggested that CNG channels allow the influx of Ca2+ to cytoplasm during capacitation, whereas PKG could trigger a phosphorylation pathway which might also, indirectly, mediate calcium entry. Using the patch‐clamp technique in whole‐cell configuration, we showed how l‐cis‐Diltiazem (a CNG‐channel inhibitor) and KT5823 (a PKG inhibitor) decreased significantly the amplitude of macroscopic ion currents in a dose–response manner, and decreased in vitro capacitation. The inhibition of CNG channels completely abolishes the Ca2+ influx induced by cyclic nucleotides in mouse spermatozoa. This work suggests that the downstream cGMP pathway is required in mammalian sperm capacitation and the mechanisms involved include CNG channels and PKG, highlighting these molecules as important therapeutic targets for infertility treatments or to develop new male contraceptives.
Effect of Fe Doping on Layered GdBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ Perovskite Cathodes for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Kim Junyoung , Jun Areum , Shin Jeeyoung , Kim Guntae 
Published: December 2013

Layered perovskite cathode materials have received considerable attention for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs) because of their fast oxygen ion diffusion through pore channels and high catalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at low temperatures. In this study, we have investigated the effects of Fe substitution for the Co site on electrical and electrochemical properties of a layered perovskite, GdBa0.5Sr0.5Co2−xFexO5+δ (x = 0, 0.5, and 1.0), as a cathode material for IT‐SOFCs. Furthermore, electrochemical properties of GdBa0.5Sr0.5CoFeO5+δ–yGDC (y = 0, 20, 40, and 50 wt%) cathodes were evaluated to determine the optimized cell performance. At a given temperature, the electrical conductivity and the area‐specific resistances (ASRs) of GdBa0.5Sr0.5Co2−x FexO5+δ decrease with Fe content. The lowest ASR of 0.067 Ω·cm2 was obtained at 873 K for the GdBa0.5Sr0.5CoFeO5+δ. The GdBa0.5Sr0.5CoFeO5 + δ composite with 40 wt% GDC was identified as an optimum cathode material, showing the highest maximum power density (1.31 W/cm2) at 873 K, and other samples also showed high power density over 1.00 W/cm2.
Double‐duty caregivers: healthcare professionals juggling employment and informal caregiving. A survey on personal health and work experiences
Authors: Boumans Nicolle P.G. , Dorant Elisabeth 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimsThis study compared the work‐related experiences and personal health status of double‐duty caregivers with those of caregivers who do not provide informal care to a family member or close friend in need.BackgroundThe interest in providing informal care alongside employment is growing. However, little attention has been paid to the dual role of the healthcare professional who also has caregiving responsibilities for a needy person in his/her private situation. It is important to study the negative and positive consequences of this combination of professional and family care giving.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsIn 2011, we distributed a digital questionnaire to employees with a professional care function working at a healthcare organization in the Netherlands. Descriptive statistics, analyses of covariance and tests of linearity were performed.ResultsAnalyses of variance demonstrated that as professional healthcare workers provide more hours of informal care in their private lives, their mental and physical health significantly worsens, while their need for recovery increases. Also, statistical significant increases were seen for emotional exhaustion, presenteeism and negative experiences with Work–Home and Home–Work Interferences. Remarkably, positive Home–Work Interference increased significantly with increasing hours of informal care. Double‐duty caregivers appeared to be equally motivated and satisfied with their work as their co‐workers. No differences were seen with respect to absenteeism.ConclusionDouble‐duty caregivers prove to be employees who are at risk of developing symptoms of overload. This finding calls for special attention, with long‐term solutions at both legislative and organizational level.
Dietary intake in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Analysis from Japan Diabetes Complications Study
Authors: Horikawa Chika , Yoshimura Yukio , Kamada Chiemi , Tanaka Shiro , Tanaka Sachiko , Takahashi Akane , Hanyu Osamu , Araki Atsushi , Ito Hideki , Tanaka Akira , Ohashi Yasuo , Akanuma Yasuo , Yamada Nobuhiro , Sone Hirohito 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionThough there are many differences in dietary habits and in the metabolic basis between Western and Asian people, the actual dietary intake in Asian patients with diabetes has not been investigated in a nationwide setting, unlike in Western countries. We aimed to clarify dietary intake among Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes, and identify differences in dietary intake between Japanese and Western diabetic patients.Materials and MethodsNutritional and food intakes were surveyed and analyzed in 1,516 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 40–70 years from outpatient clinics in 59 university and general hospitals using the food frequency questionnaire based on food groups (FFQg).ResultsMean energy intake for all participants was 1737 ± 412 kcal/day, and mean proportions of total protein, fat, and carbohydrate comprising total energy intake were 15.7, 27.6 and 53.6%, respectively. They consumed a ‘low‐fat energy‐restricted diet’ compared with Western diabetic patients, and the proportion of fat consumption was within the suggested range that has been traditionally recommended in Western countries. As a protein source, consumption of fish (100 g) and soybean products (71 g) was larger than that of meat (50 g) and eggs (29 g). These results imply that dietary content and food patterns among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes are quite close to those reported as suitable for prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and total mortality in Europe and America.ConclusionsA large difference was shown between dietary intake by Japanese and Western patients. These differences are important to establish ethnic‐specific medical nutrition therapy for diabetes.
Basal insulin requirement of youth with type 1 diabetes differs according to age
Authors: Urakami Tatsuhiko , Kuwabara Remi , Habu Masako , Okuno Misako , Suzuki Junichi , Takahashi Shori 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe investigated the percentage of total basal insulin dose to total daily insulin dose (%TBD) among Japanese youth of different ages with type 1 diabetes. The study enrolled 69 patients with type 1 diabetes who were treated with multiple daily injections of insulin. The participants were divided into the following age groups: group A, 0 to <10 years (n = 18); group B, 10 to <20 years (n = 31) and group C, 20 to <25 years (n = 20). We found no difference in the sex ratio, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin and 2‐h postprandial C‐peptide levels among the three groups. Participants assigned to group B had a significantly higher percentage of total daily insulin dose than those in group A and group C (49.7 ± 10.4% vs 38.5 ± 13.7% and 38.3 ± 8.2%, P = 0.0005). In conclusion, the basal insulin requirements of Japanese youth with type 1 diabetes might have an age effect that is associated with puberty.
Correlation between sudomotor function, sweat gland duct size and corneal nerve fiber pathology in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ishibashi Fukashi , Kojima Rie , Kawasaki Asami , Yamanaka Emi , Kosaka Aiko , Uetake Harumi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo study the correlation between sudomotor function, sweat gland duct size and corneal nerve fiber pathology in type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsSudomotor function was quantified by Neuropad test, and sweat gland duct and corneal nerve fibers were visualized by confocal microscopy in 78 patients with type 2 diabetes stratified by diabetic neuropathy and 28 control participants.ResultsIn patients with diabetic neuropathy, sudomotor function, as judged by the time required for complete color change of a Neuropad, was impaired compared with that of controls (P < 0.0001), thereby showing deterioration was related to the severity of diabetic neuropathy (P < 0.0001). Sweat gland ducts were smaller in patients without neuropathy than in controls (P < 0.0001), and further shrinking was seen in patients with severe diabetic neuropathy (P < 0.05). Patients without diabetic neuropathy showed reduced density and length (P < 0.001) of corneal nerve fibers and beading frequency (P < 0.0001), and increased tortuosity (P < 0.0001) compared with controls, and these changes deteriorated in patients with severe diabetic neuropathy. Sudomotor function was negatively associated with corneal nerve fibers (P < 0.002) and branches (P < 0.01), and influenced by the severity of diabetic neuropathy (P < 0.0001); sweat gland duct size correlated with serum triglycerides (P < 0.02), uric acid (P < 0.01), corneal nerve branch (P < 0.03), sudomotor function (P < 0.03) and severity of neuropathy (P < 0.03).ConclusionsType 2 diabetic patients had sudomotor dysfunction and smaller sweat gland ducts compared with controls. The stage of diabetic neuropathy and corneal nerve fiber pathology were independent predictors of sudomotor dysfunction, and serum triglycerides, uric acid, corneal nerve branch, stage of diabetic neuropathy and sudomotor function were predictors of sweat gland duct size.
Prevalence and clinical profile of diabetes mellitus in productive aged urban Indonesians
Authors: Mihardja Laurentia , Soetrisno Uken , Soegondo Sidartawan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo estimate the prevalence and clinical profile of diabetes mellitus in productive aged urban Indonesians based on the National Basic Health Research 2007.Materials and MethodsThe statistical analyses of a cross‐sectional survey included the data of 15,332 adults, aged 18–55 years, living in an urban area. Blood glucose was measured by an automatic clinical chemistry analyzer by 2‐h, 75‐g post glucose load after an overnight fast. Weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure data were measured and recorded, whereas the sociodemographic and prior illness data were collected by interviewing the participants.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus in productive age urban Indonesians was 4.6%, consisting of 1.1% previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus and 3.5% undiagnosed diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus affected more women than men, which increased with age, was higher among the high socioeconomic group and increased with increasing body mass index. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was higher in centrally obese people. Hypertension was highly related with diabetes mellitus occurrence. The prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus with overweight or obese was 68.4%, with central obesity 41.7%, with hypertension 41.4% and with dyslipidemia more than 50%. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes respondents with overweight or obese was 68,7%, with central obesity 43.8%, with hypertension 49.4% and with dyslipidemia more than 50%.ConclusionsThese results show that comprehensive strategies for the prevention and control of the problem of diabetes are urgently required.
Edible Insects Acceptance by Belgian Consumers: Promising Attitude for Entomophagy Development
Authors: Caparros Megido Rudy , Sablon Ludovic , Geuens Mélodie , Brostaux Yves , Alabi Taofic , Blecker Christophe , Drugmand Didier , Haubruge Éric , Francis Frédéric 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEntomophagy is not well accepted in Western European populations but it is common in the world. In the future, populations from developed countries should adapt to other sources of animal proteins because traditional breeding of beef, poultry or pork will become unsustainable.This study was performed to assess the perception of entomophagy in the Belgian population. A slight neophobia was detected but people agreed to evaluate insect preparations. Various insect formulations (mealworms and house crickets) were prepared, and insects associated with known flavors and crispy textures were preferred. After a hedonic test, people seemed to be willing to eat and cook insects in the near future.The opportunity to introduce entomophagy in food habits of Western European populations was positively concluded. Integration of edible insects in human food is a potential solution to replace other animal protein sources in a much more sustainable development and will deserve more attention in the future.Practical ApplicationsThis study shows the edible insects' potential to become a usual food ingredient in Western European populations. Our results show that consumers are ready to buy and cook insects at home if they are able to associate them with familiar flavors.
The inheritance of extra‐hepatic portosystemic shunts and elevated bile acid concentrations in Maltese dogs
Authors: O'Leary C. A. , Parslow A. , Malik R. , Hunt G. B. , Hurford R. I. , Tisdall P. L. C. , Duffy D. L. 
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVESTo determine the heritability of extra‐hepatic portosystemic shunts and elevated post‐prandial serum bile acid concentrations in Maltese dogs.MATERIALS AND METHODSMaltese dogs were recruited and investigated by a variable combination of procedures including dynamic bile acid testing, rectal ammonia tolerance testing, ultrasonography, portal venography, surgical inspection or necropsy. In addition, nine test matings were carried out between affected and affected dogs, and affected and unaffected dogs.RESULTSIn 135 variably related Maltese, shunt status could be confirmed in 113, including 19 with an extra‐hepatic portosystemic shunt (17 confirmed at surgery, 2 at necropsy). Rectal ammonia tolerance testing results and post‐prandial serum bile acid concentrations were retrievable for 50 and 88 dogs, respectively. Pedigree information was available for these 135 and an additional 164 related dogs. Two consecutive test matings were carried out between two affected animals (whose shunts had been attenuated), with 2 of 8 (25%) of offspring having an extra‐hepatic portosystemic shunt. Six test matings were carried out between an affected and an unaffected animal, with 2 of 22 (9%) offspring affected. Heritability of extra‐hepatic portosystemic shunt was 0·61 calculated using variance components analysis [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·14 to 1·0,P=0·001]. The best fitting model from segregation analysis was a common, partially penetrant, recessive model (allele frequency 0·34, penetrance 0·99,CI0·09 to 1·0). The heritability of elevated post‐prandial serum bile acid (and thus likely portal vein hypoplasia) was 0·81 (CI0·43 to 1·0,P=0·2) after logarithmic transformation of post‐prandial serum bile acid concentrations.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThere is strong support for extra‐hepatic portosystemic shunts and elevated post‐prandial serum bile acid concentrations both being inherited conditions in Maltese.
Effects of Multiple Sclerosis on Female Sexuality: A Controlled Study
Authors: Gumus Haluk , Akpinar Zehra , Yilmaz Halim 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on female sexuality.

Methods
Present study included 142 females (70 MS patients, 72 healthy controls). MS patients were evaluated by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for functional status, by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for severity of depression, by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for severity of pain, and by Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) for sexual function.

Main Outcome Measures
FSFI, BDI, EDSS, and VAS were the main outcome measures.

Results
The number of weekly sexual intercourse, total FSFI, and FSFI subscale scores were lower in MS women compared with controls. FSFI total and FSFI subscale scores were statistically significantly lower in MS women with BDI score ≥17 compared with those with BDI score &lt;17. A negative correlation was found between total FSFI score and BDI, EDSS, VAS, age, and duration of complaint, but a positive correlation was found with education level in MS women.

Conclusions
Sexual functions are negatively affected in MS women. Sexual functions in MS women seem to be associated with enhanced disability, pain, duration of the disease, and degree of concomitant depression. Therefore, women with MS should also be evaluated in terms of sexual function during routine follow-ups.
‘Becoming a species by becoming a pest’ or how two maize pests of the genus Ostrinia possibly evolved through parallel ecological speciation events
Authors: Bourguet Denis , Ponsard Sergine , Streiff Rejane , Meusnier Serge , Audiot Philippe , Li Jing , Wang Zhen‐Ying 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNew agricultural pest species attacking introduced crops may evolve from pre‐existing local herbivores by ecological speciation, thereby becoming a species by becoming a pest. We compare the evolutionary pathways by which two maize pests (the Asian and the European corn borers, ACB and ECB) in the genus Ostrinia (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) probably diverged from an ancestral species close to the current Adzuki bean borer (ABB). We typed larval Ostrinia populations collected on maize and dicotyledons across China and eastern Siberia, at microsatellite and mitochondrial loci. We found only two clusters: one on maize (as expected) and a single one on dicotyledons despite differences in male mid‐tibia morphology, suggesting that all individuals from dicotyledons belonged to the ABB. We found evidence for migrants and hybrids on both host plant types. Hybrids suggest that field reproductive isolation is incomplete between ACB and ABB. Interestingly, a few individuals with an ‘ABB‐like’ microsatellite profile collected on dicotyledons had ‘ACB’ mtDNA rather than ‘ABB‐like’ mtDNA, whereas the reverse was never found on maize. This suggests asymmetrical gene flow directed from the ACB towards the ABB. Hybrids and backcrosses in all directions were obtained in no‐choice tests. In laboratory conditions, they survived as well as parental strain individuals. In Xinjiang, we found ACB and ECB in sympatry, but no hybrids. Altogether, our results suggest that reproductive isolation between ACB and ABB is incomplete and mostly prezygotic. This points to ecological speciation as a possible evolutionary scenario, as previously found for ECB and ABB in Europe.
Surrogate‐Based Optimization of Expensive‐to‐Evaluate Objective for Optimal Highway Toll Charges in Transportation Network
Authors: Chen Xiqun (Michael) , Zhang Lei , He Xiang , Xiong Chenfeng , Li Zhiheng 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article adopts a family of surrogate‐based optimization approaches to approximate the response surface for the transportation simulation input–output mapping and search for the optimal toll charges in a transportation network. The computational effort can thus be significantly reduced for the expensive‐to‐evaluate optimization problem. Meanwhile, the random noise that always occurs through simulations can be addressed by this family of approaches. Both one‐stage and two‐stage surrogate models are tested and compared. A suboptimal exploration strategy and a global exploration strategy are incorporated and validated. A simulation‐based dynamic traffic assignment model DynusT (Dynamic Urban Systems in Transportation) is utilized to evaluate the system performance in response to different link‐additive toll schemes implemented on a highway in a real road transportation network. With the objective of minimizing the network‐wide average travel time, the simulation results show that implementing the optimal toll predicted by the surrogate model can benefit society in multiple ways. The travelers gain from the 2.5% reduction (0.45 minutes) of the average travel time. The total reduction in the time cost during the extended peak hours would be around US$65,000 for all the 570,000 network users assuming a US$15 per hour value of time. Meanwhile, the government benefits from the 20% increase of toll revenue compared to the current situation. Thus, applying the optimized pricing scheme in real world can be an encouraging policy option to enhance the performance of the transportation system in the study region.