Prevalence of nocturia and fecal and urinary incontinence and the association to childhood obesity: a study of 6803 Danish school children.

INTRODUCTION: Fecal and urinary incontinence are common disorders in children. Obesity and its associated comorbidities have become increasingly common, and a relation between obesity, nocturia, incontinence, and nocturnal enuresis has been suggested. OBJECTIVE: This large scale population study aims to determine the prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI), daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), nocturnal enuresis (NE), and nocturia in children at school entry and in adolescence and to clarify whether obesity is associated to any of the aforementioned symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: First-grade children and their parents and adolescents in the seventh to ninth grades were interviewed in relation to school nurse visits. The interview included questions on whether incontinence or nocturia were experienced at least once per month. The participants' age was recorded, and weight and height were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and age standardized by the use of BMI-standard deviation score (SDS), with reference to World Health Organization normative BMI data. Obesity was defined as BMI-SDS >2. Associations between obesity and incontinence and nocturia were quantified by odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Completed interview questionnaires and measurements were obtained from 4002 children (95.1%) in the child population and 2801 adolescents (84.4%) in the adolescent population. The mean age of children was 6.45 ± 0.39 years, and 4.4% were obese. Overall 11.2% reported FI, 21.8% DUI, 16.8% NE, and 31.4% experienced nocturia. Obesity was associated with FI in first-grade boys (OR 1.86 compared with normal weight). Mean age of adolescents was 13.9 ± 0.85 years, and 7.6% of adolescent boys and 5.5% of the girls were obese. Fecal incontinence was reported by 2.1% of the adolescents, 4.5% had DUI, 1.0% stated to have NE, and 32.3% reported nocturia. Obesity was significantly associated with nocturia in adolescents (OR 1.74-2.01). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of nocturia seems constant throughout childhood and adolescent life; this has not previously been documented. Incontinence is very common at school entry, with DUI reported more frequently than enuresis by both children and adolescents. Obesity is associated with nocturia in adolescents and FI in first-grade boys, but no significant association between obesity and NE or DUI is found. Strength of this study is the very high participation rates, but the study does not reveal information on previous treatment, subtype, or severity of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Incontinence is very common in children. One-third of both children and adolescents experience nocturia. Obesity is associated with FI in first-grade boys and nocturia in adolescents.

Single-transverse-spin asymmetries of identified charged hadrons in polarized pp collisions at sqrt[s]=62.4 GeV.

The first measurements of xF-dependent single-spin asymmetries of identified charged hadrons, pi+/-, K+/-, and protons, from transversely polarized proton-proton collisions at 62.4 GeV at RHIC are presented. Large asymmetries are seen in the pion and kaon channels. The asymmetries in inclusive pi+ production, AN(pi+), increase with xF from 0 to approximately 0.25 and AN(pi-) decrease from 0 to approximately -0.4. Observed asymmetries for K- unexpectedly show positive values similar to those for K+, increasing with xF, whereas proton asymmetries are consistent with zero over the measured kinematic range. Comparisons of the data with predictions of QCD-based models are presented.

Production of mesons and baryons at high rapidity and high p(T) in proton-proton collisions at square root[s] = 200 GeV.

We present particle spectra for charged hadrons pi(+/-), K(+/-), p, and p[over] from pp collisions at square root[s] = 200 GeV measured for the first time at forward rapidities (2.95 and 3.3). The kinematics of these measurements are skewed in a way that probes the small momentum fraction in one of the protons and large fractions in the other. Large proton to pion ratios are observed at values of transverse momentum that extend up to 4 GeV/c, where protons have momenta up to 35 GeV. Next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations describe the production of pions and kaons well at these rapidities, but fail to account for the large proton yields and small p[over]/p ratios.

Internal locus of control and choice in health service shift workers.

This study examined the relationship between shift work-specific locus of control (SH-LOC), active choice of work schedule and health outcomes, personal initiatives and coping behaviours in 1611 Danish Health Service shift workers. The 20-item SH-LOC scale was administered as part of a battery of measures. Multivariate analysis of covariance (controlling for age, workplace experience and weekly work hours) tested for differential responses to shift working and coping strategies. Interactive effects of internality and type of work rota were examined. Higher internality was linked to better tolerance to shift work. This did not appear to be a result of greater personal action in higher internals. The importance of control as a potential moderating factor to shift work exposure and the possible use of this measure in the process of shift worker monitoring is highlighted.

Charged meson rapidity distributions in central Au+Au collisions at square root(sNN) = 200 GeV.

We have measured rapidity densities dN/dy of pi+/- and K+/- over a broad rapidity range (-0.1 < y < 3.5) for central Au + Au collisions at square root(sNN) = 200 GeV. These data have significant implications for the chemistry and dynamics of the dense system that is initially created in the collisions. The full phase-space yields are 1660 +/- 15 +/- 133 (pi+), 1683 +/- 16 +/- 135 (pi-), 286 +/- 5 +/- 23 (K+), and 242 +/- 4 +/- 19 (K-). The systematics of the strange to nonstrange meson ratios are found to track the variation of the baryochemical potential with rapidity and energy. Landau-Carruthers hydrodynamics is found to describe the bulk transport of the pions in the longitudinal direction.

Centrality dependence of charged-particle pseudorapidity distributions from d + Au collisions at sqrt[sNN] = 200 GeV.

Charged-particle pseudorapidity densities are presented for the d + Au reaction at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV with -4.2 < or = eta < or = 4.2. The results, from the BRAHMS experiment at BNL Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider, are shown for minimum-bias events and 0%-30%, 30%-60%, and 60%-80% centrality classes. Models incorporating both soft physics and hard, perturbative QCD-based scattering physics agree well with the experimental results. The data do not support predictions based on strong-coupling, semiclassical QCD. In the deuteron-fragmentation region the central 200 GeV data show behavior similar to full-overlap d+Au results at sqrt[s(NN)] = 19.4 GeV.

Nuclear stopping in Au+Au collisions at square root of S(NN)=200 GeV.

Transverse momentum spectra and rapidity densities, dN/dy, of protons, antiprotons, and net protons (p-p) from central (0%-5%) Au+Au collisions at square root of S(NN)=200 GeV were measured with the BRAHMS experiment within the rapidity range 0

Evolution of the nuclear modification factors with rapidity and centrality in d + Au collisions at (sqrt)[N(S)N]=200 GeV.

We report on a study of the transverse momentum dependence of nuclear modification factors R(dAu) for charged hadrons produced in deuteron + gold collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV, as a function of collision centrality and of the pseudorapidity (eta=0, 1, 2.2, 3.2) of the produced hadrons. We find a significant and systematic decrease of R(dAu) with increasing rapidity. The midrapidity enhancement and the forward rapidity suppression are more pronounced in central collisions relative to peripheral collisions. These results are relevant to the study of the possible onset of gluon saturation at energies reached at BNL RHIC.

Transverse-momentum spectra in Au+Au and d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV and the pseudorapidity dependence of high-p(T) suppression.

We present spectra of charged hadrons from Au+Au and d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV measured with the BRAHMS experiment at RHIC. The spectra for different collision centralities are compared to spectra from p+(-)p collisions at the same energy scaled by the number of binary collisions. The resulting ratios (nuclear modification factors) for central Au+Au collisions at eta=0 and eta=2.2 evidence a strong suppression in the high p(T) region (>2 GeV/c). In contrast, the d+Au nuclear modification factor (at eta=0) exhibits an enhancement of the high p(T) yields. These measurements indicate a high energy loss of the high p(T) particles in the medium created in the central Au+Au collisions. The lack of suppression in d+Au collisions makes it unlikely that initial state effects can explain the suppression in the central Au+Au collisions.

Shift work and subfecundity: a causal link or an artefact?

AIMS: The Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) was used to examine whether shift work is associated with reduced fecundity as estimated by time to pregnancy (TTP). METHODS: From 1 March 1998 to 1 May 2000, 39 913 pregnant women were enrolled in the DNBC. Data on job characteristics and TTP (0-2, 3-5, 6-12, and >12 months) were used for 17 531 daytime workers and 3907 shift workers who had planned the pregnancy. Fecundity odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals using the discrete time survival analysis techniques performed by logistic regression. An OR above 1 expresses a shorter TTP and then a higher fecundity. Potential confounders, such as age at conception, gravidity, prepregnant body mass index, smoking, and alcohol consumption, as well as occupational characteristics, were also included in the model. RESULTS: Fixed evening workers and fixed night workers had a longer TTP. Compared with daytime workers, the adjusted ORs were 0.80 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.92) for fixed evening workers, 0.80 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.00) for fixed night workers, 0.99 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.07) for rotating shift (without night) workers, and 1.05 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.14) for rotating shift (with night) workers. When analysis was restricted to nulliparous women, the estimates remained unchanged. The proportions of unplanned pregnancies and contraceptive failures were higher among fixed evening and fixed night workers. CONCLUSIONS: There was no unequivocal evidence of a causal association between shift work and subfecundity. The slightly reduced fecundity among fixed evening workers and fixed night workers may be mediated by pregnancy planning bias or differential options for sexual contacts.

Rapidity dependence of charged antihadron to hadron ratios in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV.

We present ratios of the numbers of charged antihadrons to hadrons (pions, kaons, and protons) in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV as a function of rapidity in the range y=0-3. While the ratios at midrapidity are approaching unity, the K(-)/K(+) and p;/p ratios decrease significantly at forward rapidities. An interpretation of the results within the statistical model indicates a reduction of the baryon chemical potential from mu(B) approximately 130 MeV at y=3 to mu(B) approximately 25 MeV at y=0.

Pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles from Au + Au collisions at the maximum RHIC energy, square root[s(NN)] = 200 GeV.

We present charged-particle multiplicities as a function of pseudorapidity and collision centrality for the 197Au+197Au reaction at square root[s(NN)] = 200 GeV. For the 5% most central events we obtain dN(ch)/deta/(eta = 0) = 625+/-55 and N(ch)/(-4.7< or =eta < or =4.7) = 4630 +/- 370, i.e., 14% and 21% increases, respectively, relative to square root[s(NN)] = 130 GeV collisions. Charged-particle production per pair of participant nucleons is found to increase from peripheral to central collisions around midrapidity. These results constrain current models of particle production at the highest RHIC energy.

Two-kaon correlations in central Pb+Pb collisions at 158 a GeV/c.

Two-particle interferometry of positive kaons is studied in Pb+Pb collisions at mean transverse momenta approximately 0.25 and 0.91 GeV/c. A three-dimensional analysis was applied to the lower p(T) data, while a two-dimensional analysis was used for the higher p(T) data. We find that the source-size parameters are consistent with the m(T) scaling curve observed in pion-correlation measurements in the same collisions, and that the duration time of kaon emission is consistent with zero within the experimental sensitivity.

Rapidity dependence of antiproton-to-proton ratios in Au+Au collisions at square root of (sNN) = 130 GeV.

Measurements, with the BRAHMS detector, of the antiproton-to-proton ratio at midrapidities and forward rapidities, are presented for Au+Au reactions at square root of [s(NN)] = 130 GeV, and for three different collision centralities. For collisions in the 0%-40% centrality range, we find N(&pmacr;)/N(p) = 0.64+/-0.04((stat))+/-0.06((syst)) at y approximately 0, 0.66+/-0.03+/-0.06 at y approximately 0.7, and 0.41+/-0.04+/-0.06 at y approximately 2. The ratios are found to be nearly independent of collision centrality and transverse momentum. The antiproton and proton rapidity densities vary differently with rapidity, and indicate a significant degree of collision transparency, although a net-baryon free midrapidity plateau (Bjorken limit) is not yet reached.

Intervention in shift scheduling and changes in biomarkers of heart disease in hospital wards.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of introducing regularity, few consecutive night shifts, more weekends off, and only 2 different types of shifts (day-evening or day-night) into shift scheduling on biomarkers of heart disease was studied. METHODS: Ergonomic shift criteria were introduced in a quasi-experimental controlled intervention in 4 hospital wards. Six wards participated as controls. Altogether 101 nurses and nurses' aides were followed for 6 months with measurements of cholesterol and triglycerides. The intervention led to more regular schedules and more staff having 2 shifts in 2 of the intervention wards 1 year after the intervention. The schedules among the controls became less regular and less predictable. The number of consecutive night shifts remained unchanged. RESULTS: After 6 months the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level had increased in the intervention group, and the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and the total:HDL cholesterol ratio had decreased. Regardless of the intervention, changes in regularity were associated with the triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels and also with the total:HDL cholesterol ratio. More ergonomic changes were associated with lower LDL cholesterol levels, a lower total:HDL cholesterol ratio, and higher HDL cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: Increased ergonomic scheduling was possible. Lipids and lipoproteins changed as predicted, both when the changes were assessed in respect to the changes in schedules that resulted from the intervention and the changes that occurred regardless of the intervention. The study suggests that scheduling based on ergonomic criteria is a possible means for reducing the risk of heart disease among shift workers.

Work environment of Danish shift and day workers.

OBJECTIVES: Both shift work and other work environment factors have been shown to be related to heart disease. This study examined whether shift work is associated with other work environment factors related to heart disease in a random sample of the population. If so, shift work could be acting as a proxy for work environment differences. METHODS: Data on 5940 employees in the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study from 1990 were reanalyzed. The information included work schedules [permanent day work, irregular workhours (including morning work), 2-shift or fixed evening and 3-shift or fixed night], length of workweek, physical factors (noise, heat, dust, passive smoking, walking, standing and monotonous repetitive tasks), and psychosocial factors (including demands and control dimensions, social support, conflicts and job insecurity). RESULTS: At least 1 group of shift workers had a higher prevalence of nearly every unfavorable work environment factor investigated. Exceptions were dust exposure and quantitative demands. Especially conflicts at work and low decision latitude were higher among all the groups of shift workers, and all-day walking or standing work and part-time jobs were more often found among female shift workers. The 3 different shiftwork groups were exposed to different parts of the work environment, and also men and women in shift work differed in relation to the work environment. Age and social class influenced the relationship, but not in any particular pattern. CONCLUSIONS: In a heterogenous population shift work was found to be associated with other work environment factors suspected to cause heart disease.

Antideuteron production in 158A GeV/c Pb + Pb collisions

The invariant cross section as a function of transverse momentum for antideuterons produced in 158A GeV/c per nucleon Pb+Pb central collisions has been measured by the NA44 experiment at CERN. This measurement, together with a measurement of antiprotons, allows for the determination of the antideuteron coalescence parameter. The extracted coalescence radius is found to agree with the deuteron coalescence radius and radii determined from two particle correlations.

[Shift work, social class and ischemic heart disease in middle-aged and elderly men. A 22-year follow-up in the "Copenhagen Male Study"]. / Skiftearbejde, socialklasse og iskaemisk hjertesygdom hos midaldrende og aeldre maend. 22-års opfølgning i "Copenhagen Male Study".

Shift work has been reported as a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. Most studies have only partly controlled for social class differences, a recognized risk factor for ischaemic heart disease (IHD), and the relative risk of 1.4 could be a result of confounding. The Copenhagen Male Study was established in 1971 as a prospective cohort study of 5,249 men, and included questions on working time, social class and other potential confounders. The cohort was followed through registers for 22 years. Risk of IHD and all cause mortality did not differ between shift and day workers, the adjusted relative risk for IHD being 0.9 (0.7-1.1). Restriction to social class III led to lower risk estimates, with an adjusted relative risk of 0.7 (0.5-1.0). The study gave no support to the hypothesis that shift work is an independent risk factor for IHD. The role of shift work as an independent risk factor for IHD is still controversial.

Shiftwork and cardiovascular disease: review of disease mechanisms.

This paper reviews the main findings concerning mechanisms explaining the increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in shiftworkers. We discuss a conceptual model, in which three main shiftwork pathways to CHD are postulated--social problems, behavioral change, and disturbed circadian rhythm. Social problems that are associated with shiftwork might lead to stress. Significant shiftwork-related behavioral problems are smoking and unhealthy food habits. Disturbed circadian rhythm might result in sleep deprivation. Unphysiologic timing of physical activity and food intake in relation to circadian rhythms is another possible explanation for the negative impact on the cardiovascular system.

Shift work, risk factors and cardiovascular disease.

The literature on shift work, morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, and changes in traditional risk factors is reviewed. Seventeen studies have dealt with shift work and cardiovascular disease risk. On balance, shift workers were found to have a 40% increase in risk. Causal mechanisms of this risk via known cardiovascular risk factors, in relation to circadian rhythms, disturbed sociotemporal patterns, social support, stress, behavior (smoking, diet, alcohol, exercise), and biochemical changes (cholesterol, triglycerides, etc) are discussed. The risk is probably multifactorial, but the literature has focused on the behavior of shift workers and has neglected other possible causal connections. In most studies methodological problems are present; these problems are related to selection bias, exposure classification, outcome classification, and the appropriateness of comparison groups. Suggestions for the direction of future research on this topic are proposed.