| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Hoffland, Ellis, et al.
(författare)
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The role of fungi in weathering
- 2004
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Ecology and Environment. - 1540-9295 .- 1540-9309. ; 2:5, s. 258-264
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- No rock at the Earth’s surface escapes weathering. This process is the primary source of all the essential elements for organisms, except nitrogen and carbon. Since the onset of terrestrial life, weathering has been accelerated under the influence of biota. The study of biological weathering started at the end of the 19th century. Although the role of bacteria (Eubacteria, Archaea) has attracted a lot of interest, until recently the role of fungi has largely been neglected. More recently, however, fungal weathering has become an increasingly important focus of biogeochemical research.
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| 3. |
- Holmström, Anna-Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Effect on orofacial pain in patients with chronic pain participating in a multimodal rehabilitation programme : a pilot study
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Pain. - : Walter de Gruyter. - 1877-8860 .- 1877-8879. ; 23:4, s. 656-661
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Orofacial pain in patients taking part in a multimodal rehabilitation programme (MMRP) due to chronic bodily pain is common but it is not known whether such a rehabilitation programme can also have an effect on the presence of orofacial pain. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an MMRP on orofacial pain frequency. The second aim was to evaluate differences in the effect on quality of life and on psychosocial factors related to chronic pain.METHODS: MMRP was evaluated through validated questionnaires from the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP). Fifty-nine patients participating in MMRP filled out the two screening questions for orofacial pain in addition to the SQRP questionnaires before and after participation in MMRP during the period August 2016 to March 2018.RESULTS: Pain intensity decreased significantly after the MMRP (p=0.005). Fifty patients (69.4 %) reported orofacial pain before MMRP and no significant decrease after the programme (p=0.228). Among individuals with orofacial pain, the self-reported level of depression decreased after participation in the programme (p=0.004).CONCLUSIONS: Even though orofacial pain is common among patients with chronic bodily pain, participation in a multimodal pain programme was not enough to reduce frequent orofacial pain. This finding implies that specific orofacial pain management including information about jaw physiology could be a justified component of patient assessment prior to a multimodal rehabilitation programme for chronic bodily pain.
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| 4. |
- Holmström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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SIMSAM-nätverket i Umeå strävar mot att bli ett framstående center för registerforskning som knyter samman barndomen med livslång hälsa och välfärd
- 2011
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Ingår i: SVEPET - Medlemstidning för Svensk Epidemiologisk Förening (SVEP). - Göteborg : Svensk epidemiologisk förening. - 1101-4385. ; 29:3, s. 8-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Vetenskapsrådets SIMSAM initiativ syftar till att stärka multidisciplinär registerforskning i Sverige. Inom SIMSAM-nätverket i Umeå arbetar vi tvärvetenskapligt med sikte på att utvecklas till ett center med excellens kring mikrodataforskning som knyter samman barndomen med livslång hälsa och välfärd. Just nu fokuserar vi på att få tillgång till sammanlänkade data från ett flertal nationella och regionala register för att komma vidare med vår planerade forskning. Dessutom har Umeå-nätverket nyligen fått i uppdrag att leda den nationella samordningen av SIMSAM initiativet.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Lindgren, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Regions of importance for interaction of puumala virus nucleocapsid subunits
- 2006
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Ingår i: Virus genes. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0920-8569 .- 1572-994X. ; 33:2, s. 169-174
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Puumala virus (PUUV) is a hantavirus that causes a mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in northern and central Europe, and in large parts of Russia. The nucleocapsid (N) protein encoded by hantaviruses plays an important role in the life-cycle of these viruses, and one important function for the N-protein is to oligomerize, surround and protect the viral RNAs. We have identified amino- and carboxy-terminal regions involved in PUUV N-N interactions, which comprise amino acids 100-120 and 330-405. Our findings strengthen the hypothesis that the amino-terminus of the N-protein of hantaviruses holds a more regulatory function regarding N-N interactions, while conserved residues in the carboxy-terminal region, F335 together with F336 and W392, in concert with Y388 and/or F400 seems to play a more critical role in the PUUV N-N formation. This study provides evidence that the amino-terminal regions involved in the N-N interaction of Puumala virus are similar to those reported for Seoul virus (SEOV) and to some extent Hantaan virus (HTNV), even though the identity between PUUV N and SEOV/HTNV N is markedly lower than between PUUV N and Tula virus (TULV) N or Sin Nombre virus (SNV) N.
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| 7. |
- Majeed, Ammar, et al.
(författare)
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Thromboembolic safety and efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrates in the emergency reversal of warfarin coagulopathy
- 2012
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Ingår i: Thrombosis Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0049-3848 .- 1879-2472. ; 129:2, s. 146-151
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND:There is uncertainty regarding the efficacy and incidence of thromboembolic events in patients treated with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) for the emergency reversal of warfarin effect.METHODS:During 2002 to 2010 we prospectively included 160 patients treated with PCC for emergency reversal of warfarin either for bleeding or because of the need of emergency surgery. A possible relationship to PCC was considered if objectively verified thromboembolism occurred within 7days of PCC administration. Efficacy was adjudicated as good if the bleeding was controlled promptly or if the surgeon did not report excessive perioperative bleeding.RESULTS:We included 160 patients; 72% received PCC for bleeding. The median international normalized ratio (INR) before and after treatment with PCC was 3.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.6-5.4) and 1.4 (IQR 1.2-1.6). The mean dose of PCC was 1800IU (IQR 1200-2000). In addition to PCC, 74% of the patients received vitamin K and 34% received plasma. Six patients (3.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-8.0%) developed thromboembolic events (3 strokes, 1 myocardial infarction, 1 deep vein thrombosis, 1 splenic infarction), possibly related to PCC. The clinical efficacy was good in 146 (91%), moderate in 6 (4%), poor in 4 (2.5%) and non-evaluable in 4 patients.CONCLUSION:The administration of PCC for the emergency reversal of warfarin may be associated with a low risk of thromboembolism. The contribution of an unmasked thrombotic process by cessation of anticoagulation or of activation of coagulation by the hemorrhagic event should also be considered.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Baaz, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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Appreciating Lessons Learned
- 2010
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Ingår i: IEEE Software. ; 27:4, s. 72-79
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 13. |
- Berger, Urs, et al.
(författare)
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Fish consumption as a source of human exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances in Sweden : analysis of edible fish from Lake Vättern and the Baltic Sea
- 2009
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Ingår i: Chemosphere. - : Elsevier BV. - 0045-6535 .- 1879-1298. ; 76:6, s. 799-804
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) were analyzed in muscle tissue from edible fish species caught in the second largest freshwater lake in Sweden, Lake Vättern (LV), and in the brackish water Baltic Sea (BS). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant PFAS found. PFOS concentrations were higher in LV (medians 2.9-12 ng g(-1) fresh weight) than in BS fish (medians 1.0-2.5 ng g(-1) fresh weight). Moreover, LV fish was more contaminated with several other PFAS than BS fish. This may be due to anthropogenic discharges from urban areas around LV. The PFAS pattern differed between LV and BS fish, indicating different sources of contamination for the two study areas. Human exposure to PFOS via fish intake was calculated for three study groups, based on consumption data from literature. The groups consisted of individuals that reported moderate or high consumption of BS fish or high consumption of LV fish, respectively. The results showed that PFOS intake strongly depended on individual fish consumption as well as the fish catchment area. Median PFOS intakes were estimated to 0.15 and 0.62 ng kg(-1) body weight (bw) d(-1) for the consumers of moderate and high amounts of BS fish, respectively. For the group with high consumption of LV fish a median PFOS intake of 2.7 ng kg(-1)bw d(-1) was calculated. Fish consumption varied considerably within the consumer groups, with maximum PFOS intakes of 4.5 (BS fish) or 9.6 ng kg(-1)bw d(-1) (LV fish). Comparison of our results with literature data on PFOS intake from food suggests that fish from contaminated areas may be a significant source of dietary PFOS exposure.
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| 14. |
- Bindler, Richard, et al.
(författare)
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Early medieval origins of iron mining and settlement in central Sweden : multiproxy analysis of sediment and peat records from the Norberg mining district
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0305-4403 .- 1095-9238. ; 38:2, s. 291-300
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The historical Norberg mining district in central Sweden with its shallow, easily accessible iron ores figures prominently in the earliest documents from the 14th century concerning mining or metallurgy. This 1000-km2 district is considered to be one of the first areas in Sweden exploited for iron ores and, in fact, Europe’s oldest known blast furnace, Lapphyttan, is located in the Norberg district about 10 km from the mines in the village of Norberg (Norbergsby). Earlier archaeological excavations suggest the furnace was in operation as early as the 11th or 12th century (870 and 930 14C yr BP), and a number of other sites in the district have been dated to the 13th–15th centuries. Here, we have analyzed two lake sediment records (Kalven and Noren) from the village of Norberg and a peat record from Lapphyttan. The Lapphyttan peat record was radiocarbon dated, whereas the sediment from Kalven is annually laminated, which provides a fairly precise chronology. Our pollen data indicate that land use in the area began gradually as forest grazing by at least c. AD 1050, with indications of more widespread forest disturbance and cultivation from c. 1180 at Lapphyttan and 1250 at Kalven. Based on 206Pb/207Pb isotope ratios in Kalven’s varved sediment record, there is an indication of mining or metallurgy in the area c. 960, but likely not in immediate connection to our sites. Evidence of mining and metallurgy increases gradually from c. 1180 when there is a decline in 206Pb/207Pb ratios and an increase in charcoal particles at Lapphyttan, followed by increasing inputs of lithogenic elements in Noren’s sediment record indicating soil disturbance, which we attribute to the onset of mining the iron ore bodies surrounding Noren. From AD 1295 onwards evidence of mining and metallurgy are ubiquitous, and activities accelerate especially during the late 15th century; the maximum influence of Bergslagen ore lead (i.e., the minimum in 206Pb/207Pb isotope ratios) in both Kalven and Noren occurs c. 1490–1500, when also varve properties change in Kalven and in Noren sharp increases occur in the concentrations of a range of other ore-related metals (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, mercury and zinc). From the 15th century onwards mining and metallurgy are the dominant feature of the sediment records.
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| 15. |
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Bonamy, Anna-Karin E., et al.
(författare)
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Preterm Birth and Later Retinal Detachment
- 2013
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Ingår i: Ophthalmology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0161-6420 .- 1549-4713. ; 120:11, s. 2278-2285
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Ophthalmologic complications after preterm birth are common. Small studies show an association between retinopathy of prematurity and later retinal detachment. There are no population-based studies of preterm birth and risk of retinal detachment, which was the objective of the current investigation.Design: Nationwide Swedish cohort study based on population registries.Participants: Of 3 423 697 subjects born in Sweden, 1 271 725 were born between 1973 and 1986 (i.e., before the national screening program for retinopathy of prematurity started), and 2 151 972 were born between 1987 and 2008. The participants were followed up from 1 year of age until 2009.Methods: Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for retinal detachment were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression.Main Outcome Measures: Incident retinal detachment, as defined by a diagnosis in the Swedish Patient Register (both inpatient and hospital-based outpatient data).Results: During follow-up (median follow-up, 17.4 years), 1749 subjects were diagnosed with retinal detachment. Among the 188 852 subjects born prematurely (i.e., at < 37 weeks of gestation), there were 124 cases of retinal detachment, of which 42 occurred in the 20 470 subjects born before 32 weeks of gestation. Compared with subjects born at term (37-41 weeks), the adjusted HR for retinal detachment after extremely preterm birth (< 28 weeks of gestation) was 19.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.3-35.8) for births between 1973 and 1986 and 8.95 (95% CI, 3.98-20.1) for births between 1987 and 2008. The corresponding HRs in subjects born very prematurely (28-31 weeks) were 4.32 (95% CI, 2.70-6.90) and 2.80 (95% CI, 1.38-5.69), respectively. Moderately preterm birth (32-36 weeks) was not associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment.Conclusions: Birth before 32 weeks of gestation is associated with a substantially increased relative risk of retinal detachment. These findings may have implications for ophthalmologic follow-up of children and adults born very prematurely.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Chiang, Michael F., et al.
(författare)
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International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity, Third Edition
- 2021
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Ingår i: Ophthalmology. - : Elsevier. - 0161-6420 .- 1549-4713. ; 128:10, s. 51-68
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity is a consensus statement that creates a standard nomenclature for classification of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). It was initially published in 1984, expanded in 1987, and revisited in 2005. This article presents a third revision, the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity, Third Edition (ICROP3), which is now required because of challenges such as: (1) concerns about subjectivity in critical elements of disease classification; (2) innovations in ophthalmic imaging; (3) novel pharmacologic therapies (e.g., antievascular endothelial growth factor agents) with unique regression and reactivation features after treatment compared with ablative therapies; and (4) recognition that patterns of ROP in some regions of the world do not fit neatly into the current classification system.Design: Review of evidence-based literature, along with expert consensus opinion. Participants: International ROP expert committee assembled in March 2019 representing 17 countries and comprising 14 pediatric ophthalmologists and 20 retinal specialists, as well as 12 women and 22 men.Methods: The committee was initially divided into 3 subcommittees-acute phase, regression or reactivation, and imaging-each of which used iterative videoconferences and an online message board to identify key challenges and approaches. Subsequently, the entire committee used iterative videoconferences, 2 in-person multiday meetings, and an online message board to develop consensus on classification.Main Outcome Measures: Consensus statement.Results: The ICROP3 retains current definitions such as zone (location of disease), stage (appearance of disease at the avascular-vascular junction), and circumferential extent of disease. Major updates in the ICROP3 include refined classification metrics (e.g., posterior zone II, notch, subcategorization of stage 5, and recognition that a continuous spectrum of vascular abnormality exists from normal to plus disease). Updates also include the definition of aggressive ROP to replace aggressive-posterior ROP because of increasing recognition that aggressive disease may occur in larger preterm infants and beyond the posterior retina, particularly in regions of the world with limited resources. ROP regression and reactivation are described in detail, with additional description of long-term sequelae.Conclusions: These principles may improve the quality and standardization of ROP care worldwide and may provide a foundation to improve research and clinical care.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Ekman, Urban, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of a Novel Psychological Intervention Tailored for Patients With Early Cognitive Impairment (PIPCI) : Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
- 2020
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-1078. ; 11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Individuals with early phase cognitive impairment are frequently affected by existential distress, social avoidance and associated health issues (including symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression). The demand for efficient psychological support is crucial from both an individual and a societal perspective. We have developed a novel psychological intervention (Psychological Intervention tailored for Patients with Cognitive Impairment, PIPCI) manual for providing a non-medical path to enhanced psychological health in the cognitively impaired population. The current article provides specific information on the randomized controlled trial (RCT)-design and methods. The main hypothesis is that participants receiving PIPCI will increase their psychological flexibility (the ability to notice and accept interfering thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without acting on them, when this serves action in line with personal values) compared to participants in the active control (cognitive training) group and the waiting list control group. The secondary hypotheses are that participants receiving PIPCI will improve psychological health (stress measures, quality of life, depression, and general health) compared to participants in the active control group and the waiting list control group.Materials and Methods: This three-arm RCT will recruit participants from the cognitive centers at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm and randomize approximately 120 individuals in the early phase of cognitive impairment to either an experimental group (psychological intervention once a week for 10 weeks), an active control group (cognitive training once a week for 10 weeks) or a waiting list control group. Intervention outcome will be evaluated with self-report questionnaires on physical and psychological aspects of health, cognitive assessment, biological markers (obtained from blood and saliva) and health care costs. Assessments will be performed at pre- (1 week before the interventions) and post-intervention (1 week after the interventions), as well as at a 6-month follow-up.Discussion: The development of a potentially feasible and effective psychological intervention tailored for early phase cognitive impairment (PIPCI) has the potential to advance the non-pharmacological intervention field. This is especially important given the extensive burden for many affected individuals and their families and the current lack of effective treatments. If the psychological intervention discussed here shows feasibility and efficacy, there is potential for far-reaching healthcare implications for patients with early cognitive impairment at risk of developing dementia.
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| 24. |
- Fahnehjelm, Kristina Teär, et al.
(författare)
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Ocular characteristics in 10 children with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency : a cross-sectional study with long-term follow-up.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 1395-3907 .- 1600-0420 .- 1755-375X .- 1755-3768. ; 86:3, s. 329-337
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE To present long-term ocular complications and electroretinographic (ERG) findings in children with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency - a life-threatening metabolic disease - and the relation to age at diagnosis, treatment and other clinical parameters. METHODS Ten children with LCHAD deficiency underwent repeated ophthalmological evaluations including ERG. RESULTS All 10 children developed chorioretinal pathology. Regardless of age at diagnosis, initiation of treatment and age at examination, inter-individual differences were present. Profound chorioretinal atrophy, severe visual impairment and progressive myopia had developed in two teenagers. Milder chorioretinopathy with or without subnormal visual acuity was present in all other children. ERG was pathological in seven children. The chorioretinopathy often started in the peripapillary or perimacular areas. In one patient, unilateral visual impairment was associated with fibrosis. CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and adequate therapy might delay but not prevent the progression of retinal complications. Late diagnosis with severe symptoms at diagnosis, neonatal hypoglycaemia and frequent decompensations may increase the progression rate of the chorioretinopathy. LCHAD deficiency, a potentially lethal disease, is sometimes difficult to diagnose. Unusual chorioretinal findings should alert the ophthalmologist to the long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, especially if there is a history of neonatal hypoglycaemia or failure to thrive.
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| 25. |
- Felton, Adam, et al.
(författare)
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Replacing monocultures with mixed-species : Ecosystem service implications of two production forest alternatives in Sweden
- 2016
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Ingår i: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 45:Suppl. 2, s. 124-139
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Whereas there is evidence that mixed-species approaches to production forestry in general can provide positive outcomes relative to monocultures, it is less clear to what extent multiple benefits can be derived from specific mixed-species alternatives. To provide such insights requires evaluations of an encompassing suite of ecosystem services, biodiversity, and forest management considerations provided by specific mixtures and monocultures within a region. Here, we conduct such an assessment in Sweden by contrasting even-aged Norway spruce (Picea abies)-dominated stands, with mixed-species stands of spruce and birch (Betula pendula or B. pubescens), or spruce and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). By synthesizing the available evidence, we identify positive outcomes from mixtures including increased biodiversity, water quality, esthetic and recreational values, as well as reduced stand vulnerability to pest and pathogen damage. However, some uncertainties and risks were projected to increase, highlighting the importance of conducting comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluations when assessing the pros and cons of mixtures.
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| 26. |
- Felton, Adam, et al.
(författare)
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Replacing monocultures with mixed-species stands : Ecosystem service implications of two production forest alternatives in Sweden
- 2016
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Ingår i: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 45, s. 124-139
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Whereas there is evidence that mixed-species approaches to production forestry in general can provide positive outcomes relative to monocultures, it is less clear to what extent multiple benefits can be derived from specific mixed-species alternatives. To provide such insights requires evaluations of an encompassing suite of ecosystem services, biodiversity, and forest management considerations provided by specific mixtures and monocultures within a region. Here, we conduct such an assessment in Sweden by contrasting even-aged Norway spruce (Picea abies)-dominated stands, with mixed-species stands of spruce and birch (Betula pendula or B. pubescens), or spruce and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). By synthesizing the available evidence, we identify positive outcomes from mixtures including increased biodiversity, water quality, esthetic and recreational values, as well as reduced stand vulnerability to pest and pathogen damage. However, some uncertainties and risks were projected to increase, highlighting the importance of conducting comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluations when assessing the pros and cons of mixtures.
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| 27. |
- Fredriksson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Downstream Supply Chain Effects of Direct Digital Kitting in the Construction Industry
- 2023
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Ingår i: 30th Euroma conference. ; 30
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Solutions that improve operational efficiency in the construction industry is crucial. Direct digital kitting (DDK) is suggested for enhancing supply chain performance and reducing manhours throughout the supply chain and at construction site. We examine, by a single case, the downstream impacts of DDK enabled by a digital product innovation for components of inner walls. Potentials of DDK in construction supply chains have been assessed. The study provides insights on performance effects of DDK, requirements for its implementation, and conditions that alter the effects.
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| 28. |
- Fredriksson, Mio, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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Caesarean section on maternal request : a qualitative study of conflicts related to shared decision-making and person-centred care in Sweden
- 2024
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Ingår i: Reproductive Health. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1742-4755. ; 21:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundToday, person-centred care is seen as a cornerstone of health policy and practice, but accommodating individual patient preferences can be challenging, for example involving caesarean section on maternal request (CSMR). The aim of this study was to explore Swedish health professionals' perspectives on CSMR and analyse them with regard to potential conflicts that may arise from person-centred care, specifically in relation to shared decision-making.MethodsA qualitative study using both inductive and deductive content analysis was conducted based on semi-structured interviews. It was based on a purposeful sampling of 12 health professionals: seven obstetricians, three midwives and two neonatologists working at different hospitals in southern and central Sweden. The interviews were recorded either in a telephone call or in a video conference call, and audio files were deleted after transcription.ResultsIn the interviews, twelve types of expressions (sub-categories) of five types of conflicts (categories) between shared decision-making and CSMR emerged. Most health professionals agreed in principle that women have the right to decide over their own body, but did not believe this included the right to choose surgery without medical indications (patient autonomy). The health professionals also expressed that they had to consider not only the woman's current preferences and health but also her future health, which could be negatively impacted by a CSMR (treatment quality and patient safety). Furthermore, the health professionals did not consider costs in the individual decision, but thought CSMR might lead to crowding-out effects (avoiding treatments that harm others). Although the health professionals emphasised that every CSMR request was addressed individually, they referred to different strategies for avoiding arbitrariness (equality and non-discrimination). Lastly, they described that CSMR entailed a multifaceted decision being individual yet collective, and the use of birth contracts in order to increase a woman's sense of security (an uncomplicated decision-making process).ConclusionsThe complex landscape for handling CSMR in Sweden, arising from a restrictive approach centred on collective and standardised solutions alongside a simultaneous shift towards person-centred care and individual decision-making, was evident in the health professionals' reasoning. Although most health professionals emphasised that the mode of delivery is ultimately a professional decision, they still strived towards shared decision-making through information and support. Given the different views on CSMR, it is of utmost importance for healthcare professionals and women to reach a consensus on how to address this issue and to discuss what patient autonomy and shared decision-making mean in this specific context. Person-centered care is today a widespread approach, but accommodating individual patient preferences can be challenging, for example involving caesarean section on maternal request (CSMR). This study examines Swedish health professionals' views on CSMR. Interviews with 12 health professionals reveal conflicts between CSMR and key aspects of person-centered care, in particular shared decision-making. While professionals acknowledge women's autonomy, they question CSMR without medical need. Concerns include for example treatment quality and patient safety, and avoiding treatments that harm others. The Swedish context, balancing collective solutions with individualized care, complicates decision-making. Unlike countries with more private healthcare, where CSMR support might be higher, Swedish health professionals emphasize shared decision-making despite viewing the mode of delivery as primarily a professional decision. This study sheds light on the challenges in integrating CSMR into person-centered care frameworks.
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| 29. |
- Frithz-Lindsten, Elisabet, et al.
(författare)
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Functional conservation of the effector protein translocators PopB/YopB and PopD/YopD of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
- 1998
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Ingår i: Molecular Microbiology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0950-382X .- 1365-2958. ; 29:5, s. 1155-1165
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Virulent Yersinia species cause systemic infections in rodents, and Y. pestis is highly pathogenic for humans. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, on the other hand, is an opportunistic pathogen, which normally infects only compromised individuals. Surprisingly, these pathogens both encode highly related contact-dependent secretion systems for the targeting of toxins into eukaryotic cells. In Yersinia, YopB and YopD direct the translocation of the secreted Yop effectors across the target cell membrane. In this study, we have analysed the function of the YopB and YopD homologues, PopB and PopD, encoded by P. aeruginosa. Expression of the pcrGVHpopBD operon in defined translocation-deficient mutants (yopB/yopD) of Yersinia resulted in complete complementation of the cell contact-dependent, YopE-induced cytotoxicity of Y. pseudotuberculosis on HeLa cells. We demonstrated that the complementation fully restored the ability of Y. pseudotuberculosis to translocate the effector molecules YopE and YopH into the HeLa cells. Similar to YopB, PopB induced a lytic effect on infected erythrocytes. The lytic activity induced by PopB could be prevented if the erythrocytes were infected in the presence of sugars larger than 3 nm in diameter, indicating that PopB induced a pore of similar size compared with that induced by YopB. Our findings show that the contact-dependent toxin-targeting mechanisms of Y. pseudotuberculosis and P. aeruginosa are conserved at the molecular level and that the translocator proteins are functionally interchangeable. Based on these similarities, we suggest that the translocation of toxins such as ExoS, ExoT and ExoU by P. aeruginosa across the eukaryotic cell membrane occurs via a pore induced by PopB.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Hakimnia, Roya, et al.
(författare)
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Doing gender in the context of telenursing : Analyses of authentic calls to a telenursing site in Sweden
- 2015
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Ingår i: Clinical Nursing Studies. - : Sciedu Press. - 2324-7940 .- 2324-7959. ; 3:2, s. 24-30
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze authentic health calls to a telenursing site in Sweden regardingreasons for calling and outcome of the calls with focus on a gender perspective. Background: Telephone advice nursing isan expanding service in many Western countries. In Sweden, all regions are now connected to a national telenursing service.Healthcare in Sweden is stipulated by law to be equitable. This includes the teleursing service, which is a new actor in Swedishhealthcare system, and which often is a citizen’s first contact with healthcare.Methods: The study had a descriptive and comparative design. 800 authentic calls to SHD were analysed regarding reasons forcalling, and outcome of the calls.Results: The results showed that men, and especially fathers, received more referrals to general practitioners than women. Themost common caller was a woman fluent in Swedish (64%), and the least likely caller was a man non-fluent in Swedish (3%).All in all, 70% of the callers were women. When the calls concerned children, 78% of the callers were female. In total, 9% ofthe calls were made by a man calling for another person. Callers were predominately young (mean age 29 years for women and33 for men).Conclusions: It is important that telenursing does not become a “feminine” activity, only suitable for young callers fluent inSwedish. Given the telenurses’ gatekeeping role, there is a risk that differences on this first level of health care can be reproducedthroughout the whole healthcare system. In striving for more equitable telenursing services, future research might investigate ifcampaigns encouraging men to call, and more frequent use of translators could enhance access to telenursing services.
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| 32. |
- Hakimnia, Roya, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring the communication between telenurse and caller – A critical discourse analysis.
- 2014
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Ingår i: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1748-2623 .- 1748-2631. ; 24:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Telenursing is an expanding service in most Western societies. Sweden is a front-line country, with all of its 21 counties connected to Swedish Healthcare Direct (SHD) 1177. The intention of the service is twofold: to make health care more efficient, while also making it more accessible and safe for patients. Previous research has shown, however, that the service is not used equitably. Gender, age, socio-economic, and ethnicity differences have been reported as determining factors for the use of the service and the advice given.Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the communication between telenurses and callers in authentic calls to SHD 1177.Methodology: A qualitative method, using critical discourse analysis (CDA), was chosen. The approach was deductive, that is, the analysis was made in view of a predetermined framework of theory. Twenty calls were strategically chosen and included in the study.Results: The CDA resulted in five types of calls, namely a gatekeeping call, a gendered call, a call marked by impersonal traits, a call with voices of the life world, and finally a counter discourse call. The dominating patterns in the calls were of gatekeeping and biomedical character. Patterns of the societal gender order were found, in that representations of the reluctant male caller and the ideal female caller were identified, but also a call representing a counter discourse. The service seemed difficult to use for patients with low language proficiency.Conclusion: Telenursing could potentially challenge inequalities in health care. However, the discourse of telenursing is dialectically related to neoliberal ideology and the ideology of medicine. It is also situated in a gendered context of ideal femininity and hegemonic masculinity. Through better awareness of gender biases and the callers’ different resources for making themselves heard, the communication between telenurse and caller might become more equal and thereby better suitable for all callers.
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| 33. |
- Hellström, Ann, 1959, et al.
(författare)
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Retrospective evaluation of ophthalmological and neurological outcomes for infants born before 24 weeks gestational age in a Swedish cohort
- 2022
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Ingår i: Bmj Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 12:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives To retrospectively evaluate ophthalmological and neurological outcomes in a Swedish cohort of infants born before 24 weeks gestational age (GA) and explore risk factors for visual impairment. Setting Eye and paediatric clinics in Sweden. Participants Infants screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (n=399), born before 24 weeks GA, 2007-2018. Cases were excluded if ophthalmological follow-up records could not be traced. Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcomes were ophthalmological, including visual acuity (VA), refractive error, strabismus, nystagmus and cerebral visual impairment (CVI). Secondary outcomes comprised neonatal and neurological morbidities. Data were retrospectively retrieved from medical records. Results The 355 assessed children had a median GA of 23 weeks and 2 days and a median birth weight of 565 g. At the last available ophthalmological examination, the median age was 4.8 years (range 0.5-13.2 years). Nystagmus was recorded in 21.1%, strabismus in 34.8%, and 51.0% wore spectacles. Seventy-three of 333 (21.9%) were visually impaired, defined as being referred to a low vision clinic and/or having a VA less than 20/60 at 3.5 years of age or older. ROP treatment was a significant risk factor for visual impairment (OR 2.244, p=0.003). Visually impaired children, compared with children without visual impairment, more often had neurological deficits such as intellectual disability 63.8% versus 33.3% (p<0.001), epilepsy 21.1% versus 7.5% (p=0.001) and autism spectrum disorders 32.8% versus 20.9% (p=0.043). Nine of the 355 children had been diagnosed with CVI. Conclusions Children born before 24 weeks GA frequently had visual impairment in association with neurological deficits. CVI was rarely diagnosed. A multidisciplinary approach for the evaluation and habilitation of these vulnerable infants is warranted. National follow-up guidelines need to be developed and implemented.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Holmström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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LcrV is a channel size-determining component of the Yop effector translocon of Yersinia
- 2001
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Ingår i: Molecular Microbiology. - : Blackwell Publishing. - 0950-382X .- 1365-2958. ; 39:3, s. 620-632
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Delivery of Yop effector proteins by pathogenic Yersinia across the eukaryotic cell membrane requires LcrV, YopB and YopD. These proteins were also required for channel formation in infected erythrocytes and, using different osmolytes, the contact‐dependent haemolysis assay was used to study channel size. Channels associated with LcrV were around 3 nm, whereas the homologous PcrV protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa induced channels of around 2 nm in diameter. In lipid bilayer membranes, purified LcrV and PcrV induced a stepwise conductance increase of 3 nS and 1 nS, respectively, in 1 M KCl. The regions important for channel size were localized to amino acids 127–195 of LcrV and to amino acids 106–173 of PcrV. The size of the channel correlated with the ability to translocate Yop effectors into host cells. We suggest that LcrV is a size‐determining structural component of the Yop translocon.
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| 37. |
- Holmström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Virulence plasmid-encoded YopK is essential for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to cause systemic infection in mice.
- 1995
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Ingår i: Infection and Immunity. - : American Society for Microbiology. - 0019-9567 .- 1098-5522. ; 63:6, s. 2269-2276
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The virulence plasmid common to pathogenic Yersinia species encodes a number of secreted proteins denoted Yops (Yersinia outer proteins). Here, we identify and characterize a novel plasmid-encoded virulence determinant of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, YopK. The yopK gene was found to be conserved among the three pathogenic Yersinia species and to be homologous to the previously described yopQ and yopK genes of Y. enterocolitica and Y. pestis, respectively. Similar to the other Yops, YopK expression and secretion were shown to be regulated by temperature and by the extracellular Ca2+ concentration; thus, yopK is part of the yop regulon. In addition, YopK secretion was mediated by the specific Yop secretion system. In Y. pseudotuberculosis, YopK was shown neither to have a role in this bacterium's ability to resist phagocytosis by macrophages nor to cause cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. YopK was, however, shown to be required for the bacterium to cause a systemic infection in both intraperitoneally and orally infected mice. Characterization of the infection kinetics showed that, similarly to the wild-type strain, the yopK mutant strain colonized and persisted in the Peyer's patches of orally infected mice. A yopE mutant which is impaired in cytotoxicity and in antiphagocytosis was, however, found to be rapidly cleared from these lymphoid organs. Neither the yopK nor the yopE mutant strain could overcome the primary host defense and reach the spleen. This finding implies that YopK acts at a different level during the infections process than the antiphagocytic YopE cytotoxin does.
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| 38. |
- Holmström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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YopK of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis controls translocation of Yop effectors across the eukaryotic cell membrane
- 1997
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Ingår i: Molecular Microbiology. - : Wiley. - 0950-382X .- 1365-2958. ; 24:1, s. 73-91
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction of anti-host factors into eukaryotic cells by extracellular bacteria is a strategy evolved by several Gram-negative pathogens. In these pathogens, the transport of virulence proteins across the bacterial membranes is governed by closely related type III secretion systems. For pathogenic Yersinia, the protein transport across the eukaryotic cell membrane occurs by a polarized mechanism requiring two secreted proteins, YopB and YopD. YopB was recently shown to induce the formation of a pore in the eukaryotic cell membrane, and through this pore, translocation of Yop effectors is believed to occur (Håkansson et al., 1996b). We have previously shown that YopK of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is required for the development of a systemic infection in mice. Here, we have analysed the role of YopK in the virulence process in more detail. A yopK-mutant strain was found to induce a more rapid YopE-mediated cytotoxic response in HeLa cells as well as in MDCK-1 cells compared to the wild-type strain. We found that this was the result of a cell-contact-dependent increase in translocation of YopE into HeLa cells. In contrast, overexpression of YopK resulted in impaired translocation. In addition, we found that YopK also influenced the YopB-dependent lytic effect on sheep erythrocytes as well as on HeLa cells. A yopK-mutant strain showed a higher lytic activity and the induced pore was larger compared to the corresponding wild-type strain, whereas a strain overexpressing YopK reduced the lytic activity and the apparent pore size was smaller. The secreted YopK protein was found not to be translocated but, similar to YopB, localized to cell-associated bacteria during infection of HeLa cells. Based on these results, we propose a model where YopK controls the translocation of Yop effectors into eukaryotic cells.
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| 39. |
- Holmström, Christine, 1969-, et al.
(författare)
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Involvement of multinational corporations in social innovation: Exploring an emerging phenomenon
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Business Research. - : Elsevier. - 0148-2963 .- 1873-7978. ; 151, s. 207-221
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- While studies on social innovation (SI) have expanded significantly, our understanding of multinational corporations (MNCs) in the “social” innovation arena remains in its infancy. Through a systematic literature review, we consolidate and examine literature linking the MNC with the ongoing discussion of SI based activities. Based on a qualitative content analysis of 60 articles, this review explores how the MNC is portrayed with regard to its involvement in SI. The analysis identifies a fragmented view of MNCs involvement in SI and reveals a variety of theoretical approaches and conceptualisations in prior research. Our review presents a framework of ‘MNC involvement in SI’ encompassing: differentiated conceptualisations, a dual value approach, five generic MNC roles, proactive and/or responsive motives, and specific barriers connected to the involvement in SI activities. From this, we suggest a number of implications for theory and practice as well as some directions for future research.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Holmström, Inger K., 1960-, et al.
(författare)
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A survey of nursing teachers’ awareness of discrimination and inequity in telephone nursing care
- 2021
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Ingår i: BMC Nursing. - : Springer. - 1472-6955. ; 20:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundNursing care should be respectful of and unrestricted by patients’ age, ethnicity, gender, dis/abilities or social status, and such values should be taught to nursing students. Nursing teachers are crucial as role models, and their values are essential. In telephone nursing, only age, sex and ethnicity are known to the registered nurses, which can be challenging. The aim of this study was to explore awareness of discrimination and inequity in telephone nursing among nursing teachers.MethodsA study specific survey was filled in by 135 nursing teachers from three universities in Sweden. The survey included short descriptions of 12 fictive persons who differed in age, ethnicity and sex and with questions about their estimated life situation. The teachers’ estimations of life situation were ranked from lowest probability to highest probability. A ‘good life index’ was constructed and calculated for each fictive person. It included quality of life, power over one’s own life and experience of discrimination.ResultsThe results indicate that the nursing teachers were aware of how power and age, ethnicity and sex are related; that is, they were aware of discrimination and inequity in healthcare. The persons assessed to be most likely to lead a good life were males of Swedish origin, followed by females of Swedish origin. Persons with non-European origin were estimated to have the highest probability of experiencing discrimination.ConclusionsThe nursing teachers were aware of discrimination and inequity in healthcare. They were able to estimate a fictive person’s life situation based on the limited knowledge of age, ethnicity and sex. This is important, as their values are pivotal in theoretical and practical nursing education.
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| 42. |
- Holmström, Inger K., 1960-, et al.
(författare)
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Frequent callers in primary health care : a qualitative study with a nursing perspective
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Advanced Nursing. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0309-2402 .- 1365-2648. ; 73:3, s. 622-632
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: To: (a) describe how telephone nurses define a frequent caller; and (b) describe their experiences with calls from frequent callers to primary healthcare centres.BACKGROUND: Telephone nursing has been noted to be a cost-effective method to enhance access to and use of health care. Some patients use these services extensively and are called 'frequent callers'. Little is known about this group of callers, the reasons behind these calls and telephone nurses' experiences and strategies to manage the calls.DESIGN: Descriptive design with a qualitative inductive approach.METHODS: Interviews were conducted with ten telephone nurses in Sweden in 2015. Qualitative content analysis was conducted.RESULTS: A main theme was established, called 'Balancing between the experienced and assessed needs', which described the telephone nurses' experiences with calls made by frequent callers to primary healthcare centres and was further described in five categories with 15 subcategories. The categories described telephone nurses' definitions of frequent callers, telephone nurses' views of the underlying reasons for the calls, challenges related to frequent callers, experiences with an increased work load and strategies used to manage and help frequent callers.CONCLUSION: Frequent callers were commonly encountered by telephone nurses' in this study. Their calls were experienced as complex and demanding to manage. The findings point to needs for guidelines and routines to improve the care of frequent callers. In addition, support and training in communication skills to encounter this group of callers in an optimal and safe way may be required.
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| 43. |
- Holmström, Inger K., et al.
(författare)
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Nursing students' awareness of inequity in healthcare - An intersectional perspective.
- 2017
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Ingår i: Nurse Education Today. - : Elsevier BV. - 0260-6917 .- 1532-2793. ; 48, s. 134-139
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: The overall aim of the present study was to explore awareness of inequity in healthcare and the intersection between different structures of power among nursing students. Another aim was to delineate the knowledge and use of Swedish Healthcare Direct in this group.DESIGN: The study had a descriptive design with a quantitative approach.PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 157 nursing students from three universities in central Sweden.METHODS: The students filled out a study specific questionnaire in class. The questionnaire consisted of short descriptions of twelve fictive persons who differed in gender, age, and ethnicity, with questions about their life situation. The mean was calculated for each assessed fictive person for every item. In the next step, the assessments were ranked from the lowest probability to the highest probability. A 'Good life-index' consisting of quality of life, power over own life, and experience of discrimination, was also calculated. Free text comments were analysed qualitatively.RESULTS: People with Swedish names were assessed to have the highest probability of having a good life. Among those with Swedish names, the oldest woman was assessed as having the lowest probability of a good life. All students had knowledge about Swedish Healthcare Direct, but more female students had used the service compared to male students.CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the nursing students had awareness of how power and gender, ethnicity and age, are related. Based on the free text comments, the questions and the intersectional perspective seemed to evoke some irritation which points to their sensitive nature. Therefore, the questionnaire could be used as a tool to start a discussion of equity in healthcare and in interventions where the aim is to raise awareness of inequality and intersectionality.
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
- Holmström, Inger, et al.
(författare)
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The faceless encounter : ethical dilemmas in telephone nursing
- 2007
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Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - : Wiley. - 0962-1067 .- 1365-2702. ; 16:10, s. 1865-1871
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim. This paper aims to present the findings of a study designed to describe ethical dilemmas, in the form of conflicting values, norms and interests, which telenurses experience in their work.Background. Telephone nursing is an expanding part of health care. Telephone nurses in Sweden assess care needs, provide advice, support and information, and recommend and coordinate healthcare resources. Lately, ethical demands on healthcare professionals in general have increased. The reasons include new biomedical competence, an ageing population and constrained resources which have made priority setting a primary concern for doctors and nurses. When ethical problems arise, colleagues need open dialogue. Despite this, nurses lack such a dialogue.Method. A purposeful sample of 12 female telenurses in Sweden was interviewed twice during 2004 and 2005. The transcribed interviews were analysed thematically.Results. Five themes were found: talking through a third party; discussing personal and sensitive problems over the phone; insufficient resources and the organization of health care; balancing callers' information needs with professional responsibility; and differences in judging the caller's credibility.Conclusion. The present study has identified five different themes in which Swedish telenurses experience ethical dilemmas in their work. This shows how ethical dilemmas in various forms are present in telenursing. Questions of autonomy, integrity and prioritizing are particularly highlighted by the participating nurses. Telenurses in Sweden also experience new ethical demands due to a multicultural society. Although several of the identified dilemmas also occur in other areas of nursing we argue that these situations are particularly challenging in telenursing.Relevance to clinical practice. The work organization should provide opportunities for ethical competence-building, where ethical dilemmas in telenursing are highlighted and discussed. Such a strategy might lead to decreased moral uncertainty and distress among telenurses, with positive consequences for callers.
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
- Holmström, Katrin E., et al.
(författare)
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Temporal Trends of Perfluorinated Surfactants in Swedish Peregrine Falcon Eggs (Falco peregrinus), 1974-2007
- 2010
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Ingår i: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 44:11, s. 4083-4088
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are today known to beglobally distributed environmental contaminants. In the present study, concentrations of PFAS were analyzed in Swedish peregrine falcon eggs (Falco peregrinus), collected between 1974and2007.Analytesincludedinthestudywereperfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs; carbon chain lengths C6-C15), perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs; C4, C6, C8, and C10), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA). The predominant PFAS was perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS (83 ng/g wet weight (w wt) mean concentration in samples from 2006), followed by perfluorotridecanoate, PFTriA (7.2 ng/g w wt) and perfluoroundecanoate, PFUnA (4.2 ng/g w wt). PFCA concentrations increased exponentially over the studied time. In contrast, concentrations of PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) increased initially but leveled off after the mid 1980s. This is different from previously observed temporal trends in marine organisms. The present study is the first to establish temporal trends for PFAS in terrestrial biota. The results indicate potential differences between marine and terrestrial biota regarding sources of PFAS exposure and response to emission changes. The toxicological implications of PFAS exposure for the falcons are not known, but according to recent findings impaired hatching success and sublethal toxicological effects from PFOS exposure in the Swedish peregrine falcon cannot be ruled out.
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| 48. |
- Holmström, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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Economic incentives for preserving biodiverse semi-natural pastures with calves from dairy cows
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal for Nature Conservation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1617-1381 .- 1618-1093. ; 62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Economical profitability of pasture-based beef production is necessary for continued maintenance of semi-natural pastures. In a situation of decreased cattle stocks, there is a potential to castrate male calves from dairy cows and raise them as grazing steers instead of intact bulls reared indoors, which is the common way in the Nordic countries. We examined the profitability in model enterprises with either grazing steers or indoor bulls. Within the two genders (steer and bull), there were animals of two breed types (pure dairy breed and dairy x beef crossbreed), which were divided into an intensive or extensive production system. The intensive steer system had one summer on grass and slaughter at 21 months of age whereas the extensive steer system had two summers on grass and slaughter at 28 months of age. All bulls were reared indoors and slaughtered at 15 or 18 months of age. The profitability was calculated as contribution margin (CM; sigma revenues - sigma variable costs) in three different herd sizes (50, 100 and 150 slaughtered animals per year) and in three different regions in Sweden (the southern forest districts Gsk, the southern plain districts Gns, and the lower parts of the northern Nn). In the basic calculation, CM for all steers in large herds with 150 slaughtered animals per year was above zero for all cases in Gns, and for one case in Nn and in Gsk respectively. However, all steer cases had lower CM than the comparable bull system in the basic calculation. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate several possible ways of increasing the competitiveness of the grazing steers, compared to the bulls. Utilization of buildings without opportunity cost resulted in a CM above zero for all cases. Increasing the proportion of semi-natural pastures rendering high agrienvironmental payment and support was another effective mean. Decreasing the winter feed cost and labour demand on pasture reduced the costs, whereas producing premium-price certified pasture beef increased the revenue, all measures further contributing to an improved profitability. Pasture-based beef production from dairy-born steers can be economically viable, especially in large herds and with extensive production systems. Thereby, we conclude this system to has a potential to graze large areas of semi-natural pastures and thereby conserve their biodiversity and cultural values.
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| 49. |
- Holmström, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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Labour in suckler cow herds - a study on enterprises in southern Sweden
- 2024
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Ingår i: Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science. - 0906-4702 .- 1651-1972. ; 73, s. 49-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed at examining labour demand in Swedish suckler cow operations grazing biodiverse semi-natural grasslands. Labour time was successfully recorded by 49 randomly selected farmers and their employees using an application in their mobile phone to register time for different labour tasks every 8th day for one year, crop production excluded. Median labour time for all herds was 17 hours/cow/year with a general lower workload per cow for large herds compared to small herds. Labour demand during the grazing period was however more dependent on the structure of pastures than herd size. The calving period was the most labour-intensive period, whereas supervision on pasture was the most time-consuming task both during the grazing period and the entire year. Large variations among herds indicates that there are often great opportunities for achieving a decreased labour time, not the least in small herds.
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| 50. |
- Holmström, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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Merging Small Scattered Pastures into Large Pasture-Forest Mosaics Can Improve Profitability in Swedish Suckler-Based Beef Production
- 2018
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Ingår i: Land. - : MDPI AG. - 2073-445X. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A scattered structure of small pastures has negative effects on profitability in beef enterprises because small enclosures result in high labor costs per livestock unit. Moreover, larger enterprises distribute the costs across more livestock units and hence achieve lower operating costs. Creating larger coherent pastures makes it easier to increase herd size and yields positive effects due to economies of scale. This study on five Swedish organic cow-calf enterprises examined how profitability is affected by creating larger pastures from small scattered pastures and adjacent forest land. Additional income, additional costs, reduced income and reduced costs were taken into account using a partial budgeting technique. A change to larger coherent pastures was found to be profitable for all enterprises examined. Agri-environmental payments and supports were the most important benefit from creating larger pastures, followed by income increases and cost reductions resulting from economies of scale and improved consolidation. Income reductions due to premature final felling (clearcutting of forest land) and the opportunity cost of forest land did not have a major influence. To conclude, creating large coherent pasture-forest mosaics by merging small scattered enclosures is profitable for Swedish organic cow-calf enterprises.
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