bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and bother of nocturia, and causes of sleep interruption in a Danish population of men and women aged 60–80 years
Authors: BING METTE H. , MOLLER LARS A. , JENNUM POUL , MORTENSEN SVEND , SKOVGAARD LENE T. , LOSE GUNNAR 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVETo study the prevalence and bother of nocturia, and sleep interruptions in an unselected population of Danish men and women aged 60–80 years.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA postal questionnaire was sent to 2000 women and 2000 men aged 60, 65, 70, 75, and 80 years. The population was selected at random from The Danish Civil Registration System, in which every person living in Denmark is identified. The Nocturia, Nocturnal Enuresis and Sleep‐interruption Questionnaire (NNES‐Q) was used to evaluate nocturia and bother, and sleep interruptions. Nocturia was defined as waking at night to void, according to the International Continence Society definition.RESULTSIn all, 92% (3664) subjects returned the questionnaire; 71% completed the questionnaire satisfactorily and were included in the study. The prevalence of nocturia increased with age. The overall prevalence of nocturia was 77% and there was no difference between men and women (P = 0.11), but men had slightly more severe nocturia than women. The bother caused by nocturia in men and women increased with the severity of nocturia, and women were slightly more bothered than men when the degree of nocturia was >2 voids/night. Nocturia was the most frequent self‐reported reason for waking at night, followed by thirst.CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of nocturia increased with age. There was no difference between the genders in the overall prevalence of nocturia, but nocturia of ≥ 2 voids/night was more frequent in men. The degree of bother increased with the severity of nocturia, even after correcting for generic quality of life, and the younger groups were the most bothered. Nocturia was the major reason for waking at night, followed by thirst.
A Market for Time Fairness and Efficiency in Waiting Lines
Authors: Oberholzer‐Gee Felix 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARYIn situations of excess demand, many firms use waiting lists to allocate products and services among their customers. The resulting allocation is likely to be inefficient, creating opportunities for Pareto improving trades among those who are waiting in line. Yet, in the queuing context, the trading of places is rare and inefficiencies often persist over time. In this paper, I report the results of a field experiment which allows randomly selected customers to earn up to $10 for letting a stranger cut in line. The higher the offer, the more likely it is that individuals let someone cut in. But while a majority agrees to wait longer, only a small minority accepts the monetary reward. Trading in this market is constrained by multiple social concerns. The obligation not to exploit situations of excess demand and efficiency considerations influence the willingness to let a stranger jump the queue.
Prey preferences of the spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) and degree of dietary overlap with the lion (Panthera leo)
Authors: Hayward M. W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSpotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta were once considered mere scavengers; however, detailed research revealed that they are very efficient predators. Information on what spotted hyaenas actually prefer to prey on and what they avoid is lacking, as well as the factors that influence prey selection. Data from 14 published and one unpublished study from six countries throughout the distribution of the spotted hyaena were used to determine which prey species were preferred and which were avoided using Jacobs' index. The mean of these values for each species was used as the dependent variable in multiple regression, with prey abundance and prey body mass as predictive variables. In stark contrast to the rest of Africa's large predator guild, spotted hyaenas do not preferentially prey on any species. Also surprisingly, only buffalo, giraffe and plains zebra are significantly avoided. Spotted hyaena most prefer prey within a body mass range of 56–182 kg, with a mode of 102 kg. The dietary niche breadth of the spotted hyaena is similar to that of the lion Panthera leo, and the two species have a 58.6% actual prey species overlap and a 68.8% preferred prey species overlap. These results highlight the flexible and unselective nature of spotted hyaena predation and are probably a reason for the species' success throughout its range, despite a large degree of dietary overlap with lions.
Prey preferences of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) (Felidae: Carnivora): morphological limitations or the need to capture rapidly consumable prey before kleptoparasites arrive?
Authors: Hayward M. W. , Hofmeyr M. , O'Brien J. , Kerley G. I. H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAs a charismatic carnivore that is vulnerable to extinction, many studies have been conducted on predation by the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus. Cheetah are generally considered to capture medium‐sized prey; however, which species are actually preferred and why has yet to be addressed. We used data from 21 published and two unpublished studies from six countries throughout the distribution of the cheetah to determine which prey species were preferred and which were avoided using Jacobs' index. The mean Jacobs' index value for each prey species was used as the dependent variable in multiple regression, with prey abundance and prey body mass as predictive variables. Cheetah prefer to kill and actually kill the most available prey present at a site within a body mass range of 23–56 kg with a peak (mode) at 36 kg. Blesbok, impala, Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, and springbok are significantly preferred, whereas prey outside this range are generally avoided. The morphological adaptations of the cheetah appear to have evolved to capture medium‐sized prey that can be subdued with minimal risk of injury. Coincidentally, these species can be consumed rapidly before kleptoparasites arrive. These results are discussed through the premise of optimality theory whereby decisions made by the predator maximize the net energetic benefits of foraging. Information is also presented that allows conservation managers to determine which prey species should be in adequate numbers at cheetah reintroduction sites to support a cheetah population. Conversely, these results will illustrate which potential prey species of local conservation concern should be monitored for impact from cheetahs as several species are likely to be preyed upon more frequently than others.
Glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor and neurturin regulate the expressions of distinct miRNA precursors through the activation of GFRα2
Authors: Yoong Li Foong , Wan Guoqiang , Too Heng‐Phon 
Published: July 2006

AbstractGlial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN) are structurally related neurotrophic factors that have both been shown to prevent the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo. NTN and GDNF are thought to bind with different affinities to the GDNF family receptor alpha‐2 (GFRα2), and can activate the same multi‐component receptor system consisting of GFRα2, receptor tyrosine kinase Ret (RET) and NCAM. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through translational repression or RNA degradation. miRNAs have diverse functions, including regulating differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis in several organisms. It is currently unknown whether GDNF and NTN regulate the expression of miRNAs through activation of the same multi‐component receptor system. Using quantitative real‐time PCR, we measured the expression of some miRNA precursors in human BE(2)‐C cells that express GFRα2 but not GFRα1. GDNF and NTN differentially regulate the expression of distinct miRNA precursors through the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2). This study showed that the expression of distinct miRNA precursors is differentially regulated by specific ligands through the activation of GFRα2.
Linear patterns of Alzheimer's disease mutations along α‐helices of presenilins as a tool for PS‐1 model construction
Authors: Jozwiak Krzysztof , Zekanowski Cezary , Filipek Slawomir 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe performed an analysis of mutation patterns in all 10 hydrophobic regions (HRs) of presenilin‐1 (PS‐1) and PS‐2 using a recent database of Alzheimer's disease (AD) mutations. The linear patterns were confirmed and extended to areas spanning as many as three faces of a given HR. The complementary areas of residues free of AD mutations were identified based on the location of non‐pathogenic polymorphisms and PS‐1 versus PS‐2 amino acid discordances. Taking into account the location of areas of AD mutations and mutation‐free areas/regions, we proposed a preliminary model of PS‐1 structure using a general stick‐out‐mutation rule. To build a molecular structure of PS‐1 and preserve features of the preliminary model, we used bacteriorhodopsin template in homology/comparative modelling. Two molecular models were built differing in the location of C‐terminal fragment helices. The models properly distinguish residues belonging to AD‐affected sites and non‐pathogenic areas, and may be used for classification purposes. They also comply with experimental results, such as differences in accessibility of the catalytic residues in uncleaved PS‐1, and binding of PEN‐2 by the PS‐1 NF motif.
Developmental expression of the SRF co‐activator MAL in brain: role in regulating dendritic morphology
Authors: Shiota Jun , Ishikawa Mitsuru , Sakagami Hiroyuki , Tsuda Masaaki , Baraban Jay M. , Tabuchi Akiko 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe dynamic changes in dendritic morphology displayed by developing and mature neurons have stimulated interest in deciphering the signaling pathways involved. Recent studies have identified megakaryocytic acute leukemia (MAL), a serum response factor (SRF) co‐activator, as a key component of a signaling pathway linking changes in the actin cytoskeleton to SRF‐mediated transcription. To help define the role of this pathway in regulating dendritic morphology, we have characterized the pattern of MAL expression in the developing and adult brain, and have examined its role in regulating dendritic morphology in cultured cortical neurons. In histological studies of mouse brain, we found prominent expression of MAL in neurons in adult hippocampus and cerebral cortex. MAL immunostaining revealed localization of this protein in neuronal cell bodies and apical dendrites. During development, an increase in MAL expression occurs during the second post‐natal week. Expression of dominant negative MAL constructs or MAL siRNA in cortical neurons grown in primary culture reduces the number of dendritic processes and decreases the basal level of SRF‐mediated transcription. Taken together, these findings indicate that the MAL‐SRF signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating dendritic morphology.
Hypochlorous acid induces apoptosis of cultured cortical neurons through activation of calpains and rupture of lysosomes
Authors: Yap Yann Wan , Whiteman Matthew , Bay Boon Huat , Li Yuhong , Sheu Fwu‐Shan , Qi Robert Z. , Tan Chee Hong , Cheung Nam Sang 
Published: July 2006

Abstract3‐Chlorotyrosine, a bio‐marker of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in vivo, was reported to be substantially elevated in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Thus, HOCl might be implicated in the development of AD. However, its effect and mechanism on neuronal cell death have not been investigated. Here, we report for the first time that HOCl treatment induces an apoptotic‐necrotic continuum of concentration‐dependent cell death in cultured cortical neurons. Neurotoxicity caused by an intermediate concentration of HOCl (250 µm) exhibited several biochemical markers of apoptosis in the absence of caspase activation. However, the involvement of calpains was demonstrated by data showing that calpain inhibitors protect cortical neurons from apoptosis and the formation of 145/150 kDa α‐fodrin fragments. Moreover, an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration was associated with HOCl neurotoxicity and Ca2+ channel antagonists, and Ca2+ chelators prevented cleavage of α‐fodrin and the induction of apoptosis. Finally, we found that calpain activation ruptured lysosomes. Stabilization of lysosomes by calpain inhibitors or imidazoline drugs, as well as inhibition of cathepsin protease activities, rescued cells from HOCl‐induced neurotoxicity. Our results showed for the first time that HOCl induces apoptosis in cortical neurons, and that the cell death process involves calpain activation and rupture of lysosomes.
Estimating the Effect of Smoking Cessation on Weight Gain: An Instrumental Variable Approach
Authors: Eisenberg Daniel , Quinn Brian C. 
Published: July 2006

Objective. To propose and test a method that produces an unbiased estimate of the average effect of smoking cessation on weight gain. Previous estimates may be biased due to unobservable differences in attributes of quitters and continuing smokers. An accurate estimate of weight gain due to cessation is important for policymakers, health managers, clinicians, consumers, and developers of smoking cessation aids.Study Setting. Our analysis consisted of an instrumental variables (IVs) approach in which treatment assignment in randomized smoking cessation trials served as a random source of variation in probability of quitting.Data Collection. We searched the medical literature for previously conducted smoking cessation trials that contained data suitable for our reanalysis.Principal Findings. We identified one trial for our reanalysis, the Lung Health Study, a randomized smoking cessation trial with 5,887 smokers aged 35–60 from 1986 to 1994 in several sites across the United States. In our IV reanalysis, we estimated a 9.7 kg weight gain over 5 years due to cessation, as compared with the conventional estimate of 5.3 kg.Conclusions. The true effect of smoking cessation on weight gain may be larger than previously estimated. This result indicates the importance of fully understanding the possible weight effects of cessation and underscores the need to accompany cessation programs with weight management interventions. The result, however, does not overturn the conclusion that the net health benefits of quitting are positive and very large. The application of the IV technique we propose is likely to be useful in a variety of contexts in which one is interested in the effect of one health condition on another.
A study of women's knowledge regarding human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccines
Authors: GILES Michelle , GARLAND Suzanne 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims:  Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted viral infection and is associated with the development of cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are now undergoing phase 3 clinical trials in Australia. It is likely that an HPV vaccine will become licensed for use in the near future.Methods:  Ninety women aged 18–30 years from three different groups (those attending a dysplasia clinic, a local university health service and participants currently involved in a phase 3 HPV vaccine trial) completed a questionnaire assessing their knowledge base regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, Pap tests and HPV vaccines.Results:  Respondents demonstrated good understanding of the Pap test and interpretation of an abnormal result. Most respondents (89%) had heard of HPV and attributed a number of different clinical symptoms to infection. For women who had not heard of an HPV vaccine, 79% of respondents stated that the most common resource they would use to obtain further information is their general practitioner.Discussion:  Many women do not understand the risk factors for HPV infection, the clinical problems it may cause and the potential long‐term complications of infection. Few women have heard of a HPV vaccine, but most women surveyed would approach their general practitioner for more information if one became available.Conclusion:  This study highlights the need for further education regarding HPV infection and the potential long‐term complications such as cervical cancer. It also demonstrates that education of general practitioners regarding an HPV vaccine is essential, as this is the most likely resource women will use to obtain further information in the future.
The routine use of oxytocin after oral misoprostol for labour induction in women with an unfavourable cervix is not of benefit
Authors: DE Arunangsu , BAGGA Rashmi , GOPALAN Sarala 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  Induction of labour with misoprostol is often augmented with oxytocin with the possible consequence of uterine hypercontractility. It is important to determine whether the use of oxytocin in this circumstance has benefit as well as risk.Aim:  To compare two regimens for labour induction in women with an unfavourable cervix: oral misoprostol vs. oral misoprostol routinely followed by oxytocin.Methods:  A prospective randomised trial in which 200 women with an unfavourable cervix received either oral misoprostol 25 µg every 3 h (group 1, n = 100) or two such doses routinely followed by oxytocin (group 2, n = 100). Outcomes included change in Bishop score, induction delivery interval, oxytocin requirement, contraction abnormalities, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome.Result:  The improvement in Bishop score with two misoprostol doses in all 200 women was highly significant (2.9 ± 1.5 to 6.6 ± 1.9, P < 0.0001). The induction delivery interval, Caesarean delivery rate, vaginal delivery rate within 24 h, contraction abnormalities and neonatal outcome were similar in both groups. Contraction abnormalities were remarkably low with either regimen (1%). Routine addition of oxytocin 3 h after the second misoprostol dose (group 2) resulted in the maximum oxytocin dose (64 mU/min) being given to more women (66% in group 2; 36% in group 1).Conclusion:  There was no benefit of routine addition of oxytocin after two doses of misoprostol. Reduced oxytocin requirement was observed when it was added only if needed. Both regimens achieved 85–87% vaginal deliveries with low incidence of hypercontractility.
Hormones down under: Hormone therapy use after the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: TRAVERS Catherine , O’NEILL Sheila M. , KHOO Soo‐Keat , KING Robert 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims:  The primary objective was to describe the usage pattern of hormone therapy (HT) in a sample of urban Australian women in 2001 and to assess the characteristics of users vs. non‐users. The second objective was to determine whether there had been any change in usage since the publication of the results of the combined oestrogen plus progestagen arm of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) in 2002.Methods:  A cohort of 374 postmenopausal women aged 50–80 years participated in this substudy of the LAW (Longitudinal Assessment of Ageing in Women) project: a 5‐year multidisciplinary, observational study. Participants completed an annual medical assessment including details of the use of HT and the reasons for use, as well as demographic and psychosocial data.Results:  In December 2001, 30.8% of the participants were using HT, whereas 55.4% were ever users. The management of vasomotor symptoms and mood disturbance were the primary reasons for use. Of those who had been using HT in December 2001 (24.4%) women ceased using HT in the 3 months following publication of the WHI results. The percentage of women using HT in December 2003 (13.9%) was less than half of that of December 2001.Conclusion:  The rate of HT use and the reasons for use, in 2001 in Brisbane was similar to that of other Australian regions. Usage of HT decreased since the publication of the WHI results in 2002 which may reflect changing attitudes by patients and practitioners regarding HT.
Predicting post‐operative delirium in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture
Authors: GOLDENBERG Gregory , KISELEV Pavel , BHARATHAN Thayylathil , BACCASH Emil , GILL Lovelyn , MADHAV Vinkatesh , DHILLON Perminder , THAKUR Chantrapal 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  Delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture has a significant negative influence on the disease course. Awareness of risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) may lead to the development of effective preventive strategies. The aims of this study were: to find patients’ features that are predictors of POD, and; to develop a model predicting the risk for POD.Patients and methods:  Seventy‐seven elderly patients (81.9 years of age, SD 7.5 years) were non‐delirious prior to surgery and enrolled in the study. Delirium was diagnosed by Confusion Assessment Method and Algorrhithm. Patients’ characteristics as potential predictors of POD were analyzed by logistic regression analysis on SAS software.Results:  Postoperative delirium was diagnosed in 37 patients. Use of multiple (>3) medications, lower scores on cognitive tests (<20 on Set Test and <24 on Mini‐mental Status Exam), albumin level less than 3.5 g/dL, hematocrit level less than 33% and age over 81 years were predictors of POD. A logistic regression formula including these predictors weighed by their parameter estimates can be used to calculate the probability of POD. The model had a good fit and a good predictive power. A Delirium Predicting Scale was derived based on parameter estimates of these predictors. Patients can be classified as low‐, intermediate‐ or high‐risk for POD.Conclusions:  A logistic regression model, which includes patients’ age, medication history, cognitive performance measured by Set Test and Mini‐Mental Status Exam, albumin and hematocrit levels, can be used to predict risk for POD after surgical repair of fractured hip in elderly patients.
Onset of schizophrenia in late eighties: very‐late‐onset schizophrenia‐like psychosis or late paraphrenia?
Authors: ARORA Manu , PRAHARAJ Samir Kumar 
Published: July 2006

AbstractLate‐onset schizophrenia and very‐late‐onset schizophrenia‐like psychosis, although uncommon, have been described in the literature. We report a case of paranoid schizophrenia with onset of illness at 88 years, who fits well with the description of late paraphrenia as well. It is suggested that the term late paraphrenia would be more appropriate for such cases with late‐onset schizophrenia‐like psychosis, in order to remove the ambiguity in the terminology.