| 1. |
- Beskow, Jonas, et al.
(författare)
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Hearing at Home : Communication support in home environments for hearing impaired persons
- 2008
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Ingår i: INTERSPEECH 2008. - BAIXAS : ISCA-INST SPEECH COMMUNICATION ASSOC. - 9781615673780 ; , s. 2203-2206
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Hearing at Home (HaH) project focuses on the needs of hearing-impaired people in home environments. The project is researching and developing an innovative media-center solution for hearing support, with several integrated features that support perception of speech and audio, such as individual loudness amplification, noise reduction, audio classification and event detection, and the possibility to display an animated talking head providing real-time speechreading support. In this paper we provide a brief project overview and then describe some recent results related to the audio classifier and the talking head. As the talking head expects clean speech input, an audio classifier has been developed for the task of classifying audio signals as clean speech, speech in noise or other. The mean accuracy of the classifier was 82%. The talking head (based on technology from the SynFace project) has been adapted for German, and a small speech-in-noise intelligibility experiment was conducted where sentence recognition rates increased from 3% to 17% when the talking head was present.
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| 2. |
- Blecken, Godecke-Tobias, et al.
(författare)
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Dataset on stormwater bioretention column studies: Impact of temperature, salt and a submerged zone on the removal of metals, nutrients and suspended solids
- 2022
-
Annan publikationabstract
- This data set presents the full raw data from bioretention column studies conducted at Luleå University of Technology in 2010-2014. The pilot scale columns were watered with synthetic stormwater. Influent and effluent samples were collected and analysed for pollutants including total and dissolved metals, nutrients, pathogens and suspended sediment. Further, supporting parameters (e.g. pH, conductivity) are included. The data enables quantifying the impact of bioretention design factors (submerged zone) and ambient factors (salinity in stormwater inflow, temperature) on the removal of these pollutants by bioretention. All filters utilised the same general column design and filter material as well as stormwater preparation. This enables inter-comparability between the different studies. Synthetic stormwater inflow concentrations and bioretention effluent concentrations are presented in the data set. Further, metal concentrations in the filter material and plant tissue have been analysed. The data set enables further analyses of bioretention performance, comparison with similar work performed elsewhere and can be used in modelling of bioretention removal performance and processes. Scientific papers describing the data have been published (see Publications)
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| 3. |
- Brendler-Lindqvist, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Overqualification at work and risk of hospitalization for psychiatric and somatic diseases among immigrants in Sweden : a prospective register-based study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - : Nordic Association of Occupational Safety and Health (NOROSH). - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; 48:8, s. 632-640
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: This study aimed to (i) describe the prevalence of overqualification at work among immigrants in Sweden and (ii) analyze any association between overqualification and the risk of hospitalization for somatic and psychiatric disease among refugees and labor immigrants.Methods: We performed a prospective register study in a cohort of 120 339 adults who immigrated to Sweden in 1991-2005 and were employed in 2006. Education-occupation status was defined as the combination of an individual's highest level of education and their occupation skill level. Individuals were followed from 2007 to 2016 with regard to hospitalization for a psychiatric, cardiovascular, respiratory or musculoskeletal disease or diabetes. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in a multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, reason for residence and duration of residence.Results: The overall prevalence of overqualification among immigrants with an academic education was 39%. Overqualified individuals had an increased risk of hospitalization for any disease (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.21-1.46) compared to "job-matched with an academic education". However, the risk estimates were lower than that of "job-matched with no academic education" (HR 1.56, 1.46-1.68). The increased risk of hospitalization for a psychiatric disease of overqualified individuals did not differ from that of job-matched with no academic education.Conclusion: Our study showed that being overqualified was associated with poorer health outcomes than job-matched individuals with an academic education. Considering the high prevalence of overqualification in immigrants, this constitutes a concern, for both society and individuals.
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| 4. |
- Carlsson, Axel C., et al.
(författare)
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Country of birth-specific and gender differences in prevalence of diabetes in Sweden
- 2013
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Ingår i: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-8227 .- 1872-8227. ; 100:3, s. 404-408
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim was to investigate country or region of birth-specific prevalence and gender differences of diabetes in residents in Sweden, using Swedish-born men and women as referent. Methods: The Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk (AMORIS) cohort was used (184,000 men and 151,453 women) aged between 20 and 80 years, with data from the CALAB laboratory, Stockholm, 1985-1996. Diabetes was defined as fasting glucose >= 7.0 mmol/L or a hospital diagnosis of diabetes. Country of birth was obtained by linkage to Swedish Censuses 1970-1990. Standardized prevalence rate ratios (SPRR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. Results: Five groups of women and one group of men had a significantly higher prevalence than Swedish-born (based on SPRR): women born in Iraq (6.0 (95% CI 1.3-28.9)), North Africa (6.9 (95% CI 3.1-15.3)), South Asia (3.1 (95% CI 1.0-10.0)), Syria (5.3 (95% CI 1.8-16.0)), Turkey (3.7 (95% CI 1.2-10.9)) and men born in other Middle Eastern countries (2.3 (95% CI 1.0-5.5)). Swedish-born men had a higher age-standardized prevalence of diabetes (3.9%) than Swedish born women ( 2.5%). A higher prevalence among men was also seen in other Western countries. In contrast, a higher age-standardized prevalence among women was observed in immigrants from Turkey (8.9% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001), Syria (13.1% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.002), and North Africa (16.8% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Female immigrants to Sweden from Iraq, North Africa, South Asia, Syria, and Turkey have an increased prevalence of diabetes of substantial public health concern.
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| 5. |
- Davitt, C. J. H., et al.
(författare)
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Alpha-galactosylceramide enhances mucosal immunity to oral whole-cell cholera vaccines
- 2019
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Ingår i: Mucosal Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1933-0219. ; 12, s. 1055-1064
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) that results in 3–4 million cases globally with 100,000–150,000 deaths reported annually. Mostly confined to developing nations, current strategies to control the spread of cholera include the provision of safe drinking water and improved sanitation and hygiene, ideally in conjunction with oral vaccination. However, difficulties associated with the costs and logistics of these strategies have hampered their widespread implementation. Specific challenges pertaining to oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) include a lack of safe and effective adjuvants to further enhance gut immune responses, the complex and costly multicomponent vaccine manufacturing, limitations of conventional liquid formulation and the lack of an integrated delivery platform. Herein we describe the use of the orally active adjuvant α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) to strongly enhance intestinal bacterium- and toxin-specific IgA responses to the OCV, Dukoral ® in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. We further demonstrate the mucosal immunogenicity of a novel multi-antigen, single-component whole-cell killed V. cholerae strain and the enhancement of its immunogenicity by adding α-GalCer. Finally, we report that combining these components and recombinant cholera toxin B subunit in the SmPill ® minisphere delivery system induced strong intestinal and systemic antigen-specific antibody responses. © 2019, The Author(s).
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| 6. |
- Flanagan, Kelsey, et al.
(författare)
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Contamination of Urban Stormwater Pond Sediments : A Study of 259 Legacy and Contemporary Organic Substances
- 2021
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 55:5, s. 3009-3020
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stormwater ponds improve water quality by facilitating the sedimentation of particles and particulate contaminants from urban runoff. Over time, this function entails the accumulation of contaminated sediments, which must be removed periodically to maintain a pond’s hydraulic and treatment capacity. In this study, sediments from 17 stormwater sedimentation facilities from four Swedish municipalities were analyzed for 259 organic substances likely to be found in the urban environment. A total of 92 substances were detected in at least one sample, while as many as 52 substances were detected in a single sample. A typical profile of urban contamination was identified, including polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organotins, aliphatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, aldehydes, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, perfluorinated substances, and alkylphenols. However, levels of contamination varied greatly between ponds, influenced heavily by the dilution of urban pollutants and wear particles from other sources of particles such as eroded soil, sand, or natural organic matter. For 22 of 32 samples, the observed concentrations of at least one organic substance exceeded the regulatory threshold values derived from toxicity data for both sediment and soil.
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| 7. |
- Galfi, Helen, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of indicator bacteria concentrations obtained by automated and manual sampling of urban stormwater runoff
- 2014
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Ingår i: Water, Air and Soil Pollution. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0049-6979 .- 1573-2932. ; 225:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A comparative study of indicator bacteria concentrations obtained by laboratory analysis of grab samples of storm water, which were collected manually or by automatic samplers, was carried out in two urban catchments. Samples were analyzed for four types of indicator bacteria, total coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens and further documented by measurements of total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity. Analysis of complete data sets (N=198) indicated no statistically significant differences in the geometric means of all the constituent samples collected automatically or manually, but there were some small differences between the results produced by the two sampling methods applied. Total coliform concentrations were positively biased in samples collected by automatic samplers, but for the three remaining indicator bacteria (E. coli, enterococci, and C. perfringens), the opposite was true. Risk of sample cross-contamination in automatic samplers was assessed in the laboratory by sampling consecutively synthetic storm water with high and low concentrations of E. coli and enterococci. The first low-concentration samples preceded by high-concentration samples were cross-contaminated and the measured concentrations were positively biased. This cross-contamination was explained by storm-water residue in the sampling line. Such a residue remained in place even after line purging by compressed air, and its mass depended on the sampling line length (tested up to 5 m), as verified by measurements in the laboratory. The study findings should be helpful for improving field protocols for indicator bacteria sampling.
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| 8. |
- Galfi, Helen, et al.
(författare)
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Indicator bacteria variation in separate sewersystems in Östersund, Sweden - Preliminary results : [La variation des indicateurs bactériens et des flux de MES dans les systèmes séparatifs d'eaux pluviales à Östersund, en Suède - Résultats préliminaires]
- 2013
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Faecal bacteria are a major pollution threat of water bodies designated for multipurpose use including drinking water sources or recreational purposes. Even though stormwater discharges may contribute significantly to microbiological pollution, they have not been fully investigated in the European context. We have studied the presence of indicator bacteria and total suspended solids (TSS) in stormwater discharged from four urban catchments, with areas between 5 and 40 ha, in Östersund, Sweden. The aim was to determine local variation of standard bacteria strains and TSS in Swedish urban catchments with specific land uses. Further, intra event variations were investigated. During dry weather, indicator bacteria concentrations in sewers conveying baseflow did not exceed 100 CFU/100 mL. During storm runoff, total coliform and int. enterococci concentrations increased 102 to 103 times, compared to those in baseflow. Compared to these two parameters, considerably lower concentrations were observed for E. coli and C. perfringens. Bacteria concentrations differed significantly among the sampling sites and partly, a first flush phenomenon was observed. Partly, significant correlations between TSS and indicator bacteria were observed. These were catchment specific and need a more detailed assessment. Further research will focus on seasonal variations and influential factors.
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| 9. |
- Galfi, Helen, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of sampling methods on the measurements of urban stormwater quality constituents - Preliminary results : [Influence des méthodes d'échantillonnage pour la mesure de la qualité des eaux pluviales urbaines - Résultats préliminaires]
- 2013
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The choice between automatic and manual sampling of urban stormwater quality has been addressed in the past as an issue of economic efficiency, field safety, and practicality. Nevertheless, there is experimental evidence that both types of sampling may yield statistically different stormwater quality data. While the past attention focused on differences in sampled solids, a new issue was addressed in this study, the potential impacts of sampling methods on concentrations of indicator bacteria. Towards this end, four indicator bacteria (coliforms, E. coli, enterococci and C. perfringens) were sampled in storm sewers of two urban catchments in Östersund, Sweden, using both automatic samplers and manual sampling. Such data were further supplemented by measurements of total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity, recognizing that bacteria are mostly transported in the attachment to solids. Preliminary results indicate that there may be large differences between indicator bacteria in automatic and manual samples, with E. coli measurements yielding the least differences, and turbidity readings were correlated well with all the indicator bacteria and particularly E. coli. These findings will be used in the continuation of this study for refining the existing experimental design and developing practical guidance for surveys of municipal storm sewers for faecal pollution.
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| 10. |
- Galfi, Helen, et al.
(författare)
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Inter-Event and Intra-Event Variations of Indicator Bacteria Concentrations in the Storm Sewer System of the City of Östersund, Sweden
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Journal of environmental engineering. - 0733-9372 .- 1943-7870. ; 142:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An episode of microbiological contamination of the drinking water supply of the City of Östersund, Sweden (63°10′45″N; 14°38′09″E) prompted a study of fecal pollution in four storm drainage catchments discharging in the vicinity of the water treatment plant intake, with the overall aim of determining the presence and variation of standard fecal indicator bacteria strains and total suspended solids (TSS) in stormwater from urban catchments with specific land uses and sizes varying from 5 to 40 ha. Four bacteria strains used as indicators of fecal pollution in Sweden were studied: total coliforms, enterococci, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). In dry weather, indicator bacteria concentrations in storm sewers conveying baseflow did not exceed 100 colony forming units (CFU)/100 mL 100 colony forming units (CFU)/100 mL, but during wet weather, total coliform and enterococci concentrations increased 10 2 102 to 10 3 103 times, compared to those in baseflow, and considerably less in the case of E. coli and C. perfringens. Bacteria concentrations differed significantly among the sampling sites and in the majority of events observed in the four catchments; higher bacteria concentrations were observed during the early phases of runoff. Only in one catchment, positive correlations were observed between TSS and total coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci, suggesting similar sources; in the remaining catchments, no such correlations were observed. The collected indicator bacteria data represent a useful addition to the available data on indicator bacteria in stormwater in cold-climate regions.
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| 11. |
- Helgesson, Magnus, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Healthy migrant effect in the Swedish context: a register-based, longitudinal cohort study
- 2019
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Ingår i: BMJ open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 9:3, s. e026972-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Studies have found a ‘healthy-migrant effect’ (HME) among arriving migrants, that is, a better health status compared with others in the home country, but also in comparison with the population in the host country. The aims were to investigate whether the HME hypothesis is applicable to the Swedish context, that is, if health outcomes differed between a group of mainly labour migrants (Western migrants) and a group of mainly refugee/family reunion migrants (non-Western migrants) compared with the native Swedish population, and if there were any correlations between labour market attachment (LMA) and these health outcomes.DesignRegister-based, longitudinal cohort study.ParticipantsThe cohort was defined on 31 December 1990 and consisted of all migrants aged 18–47 years who arrived in Sweden in 1985–1990 (n=74 954) and a reference population of native Swedes (n=1 405 047) in the same age span. They were followed for three consecutive 6-year periods (1991–1996, 1997–2002 and 2003–2008) and were assessed for five measures of health: hospitalisation for cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders, mortality, disability pension, and sick leave.ResultsWestern migrants had, compared with native Swedes, lower or equal HRs for all health measures during all time periods, while non-Western migrants displayed higher or equal HRs for all health measures, except for mortality, during all time periods. Age, educational level, occupation and LMA explained part of the difference between migrants and native Swedes. High LMA was associated with higher HRs for cardiovascular disorders among Western migrants, higher HRs of psychiatric disorders among non-Western migrants and higher HRs of mortality among both migrant groups compared with native Swedes.ConclusionsThere were indications of a HME among Western migrants, while less proof of a HME among non-Western migrants. Stratification for LMA and different migrant categories showed some interesting differences, and measurements of the HME may be inconclusive if not stratified by migrant category or other relevant variables.
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| 12. |
- Helgesson, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Sickness absence at a young age and later sickness absence, disability pension, death, unemployment and income in native Swedes and immigrants
- 2013
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Public Health. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X. ; 23:4, s. 606-610
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Youth unemployment is an increasing problem for societies around the world. Research has revealed negative health effects of unemployment, and this longitudinal register-based cohort study examined the relationship between unemployment and later sickness absence, disability pension and death among youth in Sweden.Method: The study group of 199 623 individuals comprised all immigrants born between 1968 and 1972 who immigrated before 1990 (25 607) and a random sample of native Swedes in the same age-range (174 016). The baseline year was 1992, and the follow-up period was from 1993 to 2007. Subjects with unemployment benefit in 1990–91, disability pension in 1990–92, severe disorders leading to hospitalization in 1990–92 and subjects who emigrated during follow-up were excluded.Results: Those who were unemployed in 1992 had elevated risk of ≥60 days of sickness absence (OR 1.02–1.49), disability pension (HR 1.08–1.62) and all except native Swedish women had elevated risk of death (HR 1.01–1.65) during follow-up compared with non-unemployed individuals. The risk of future sickness absence increased with the length of unemployment in 1992 (OR 1.06–1.54), and the risk of sickness absence increased over time. A larger part of the immigrant cohort was unemployed at baseline than native Swedes. Selection to unemployment by less healthy subjects may explain part of the association between unemployment and the studied outcomes.Conclusion: Unemployment at an early age may influence the future health of the individual. To a society it may lead to increased burdens on the welfare system and productivity loss for many years.
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| 13. |
- Helgesson, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Sickness absence at a young age and later sickness absence, disability pension, death, unemployment and income in native Swedes and immigrants
- 2015
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Ingår i: European Journal of Public Health. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X. ; 25:4, s. 688-692
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Sickness absence with cash benefits from the sickness insurance gives an opportunity to be relieved from work without losing financial security. There are, however, downsides to taking sickness absence. Periods of sickness absence, even short ones, can increase the risk for future spells of sickness absence and unemployment. The sickness period may in itself have a detrimental effect on health. The aim of the study was to investigate if there is an association between exposure to sickness absence at a young age and later sickness absence, disability pension, death, unemployment and income from work. Methods: Our cohort consisted of all immigrants aged 21-25 years in Sweden in 1993 (N=38 207) and a control group of native Swedes in the same age group (N=225 977). We measured exposure to sickness absence in 1993 with a follow-up period of 15 years. We conducted separate analyses for men and women, and for immigrants and native Swedes. Results: Exposure to >= 60 days of sickness absence in 1993 increased the risk of sickness absence [hazard ratio (HR) 1.6-11.4], unemployment (HR 1.1-1.2), disability pension (HR 1.2-5.3) and death (HR 1.2-3.5). The income from work, during the follow-up period, among individuals with spells of sick leave for >= 60 days in 1993 was around two-thirds of that of the working population who did not take sick leave. Conclusions: Individuals on sickness absence had an increased risk for work absence, death and lower future income.
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| 14. |
- Helgesson, Magnus, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Sustainable Earnings among Immigrants, and the Role of Health Status for Self-Sufficiency : A 10-Year Follow-Up Study of Labour Immigrants and Refugees to Sweden 2000–2006
- 2023
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 20:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed to investigate economic self-sufficiency for immigrants, and how health status affected self-sufficiency. The proportion of self-sufficiency during years 1–10 after receiving a residence permit is presented for all non-European labour immigrants (n = 1259) and refugees (n = 23,859), aged 18–54, who immigrated to Sweden 2000–2006, and compared to a control group of Swedish-born (n = 144,745). The risk of not being self-sufficient in year 10 was analysed with Cox regression models, and the results are presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, the impact on the self-sufficiency of having a diagnosis from specialised health care during the first five years in Sweden was analysed. The results showed that half of the refugees and three-quarters of the labour immigrants were self-sufficient 10 years after residency. The adjusted risk of not being self-sufficient at year 10 was 80% higher among labour immigrants (HR = 1.8; CI = 1.6–2.0) and more than two-fold among refugees (HR = 2.7; CI = 2.6–2.8) compared to the Swedish-born. Having a diagnosis from specialised health care during the first five years in Sweden had an impact on self-sufficiency in all groups; however, the impact of having a diagnosis did not differ between refugees and Swedish-born. Measures must be taken to increase immigrants’ work participation.
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| 15. |
- Helgesson, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Unemployment at a young age and later sickness absence, disability pension and death in native Swedes and immigrants
- 2013
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Public Health. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X. ; 23:4, s. 606-610
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND:Youth unemployment is an increasing problem for societies around the world. Research has revealed negative health effects of unemployment, and this longitudinal register-based cohort study examined the relationship between unemployment and later sickness absence, disability pension and death among youth in Sweden.METHOD: The study group of 199 623 individuals comprised all immigrants born between 1968 and 1972 who immigrated before 1990 (25 607) and a random sample of native Swedes in the same age-range (174 016). The baseline year was 1992, and the follow-up period was from 1993 to 2007. Subjects with unemployment benefit in 1990-91, disability pension in 1990-92, severe disorders leading to hospitalization in 1990-92 and subjects who emigrated during follow-up were excluded.RESULTS: Those who were unemployed in 1992 had elevated risk of ≥60 days of sickness absence (OR 1.02-1.49), disability pension (HR 1.08-1.62) and all except native Swedish women had elevated risk of death (HR 1.01-1.65) during follow-up compared with non-unemployed individuals. The risk of future sickness absence increased with the length of unemployment in 1992 (OR 1.06-1.54), and the risk of sickness absence increased over time. A larger part of the immigrant cohort was unemployed at baseline than native Swedes. Selection to unemployment by less healthy subjects may explain part of the association between unemployment and the studied outcomes.CONCLUSION:Unemployment at an early age may influence the future health of the individual. To a society it may lead to increased burdens on the welfare system and productivity loss for many years.
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| 16. |
- Helgesson, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Unemployment at a Young Age and Later Unemployment in Native Swedish and Immigrant Young Adults
- 2014
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Ingår i: Modern Economy. - : Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.. - 2152-7245 .- 2152-7261. ; 5:1, s. 24-31
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The youth unemployment rate is increasing in many countries and unemployment affects future work participa- tion. Immigrants have more difficulties than natives in succeeding on the labour market. This study examined the long-term effect of unemployment on future unemployment in Sweden. All immigrants born during 1968- 1972 and a random sample of native Swedes of the same age are included. The follow-up period was 15 years, 1993-2007. Unemployed individuals had an elevated risk of unemployment during follow-up. The risk of unem- ployment increased with the length of unemployment in 1992. Immigrants had a higher risk of unemployment both at baseline and follow-up compared with native Swedes, but followed the same pattern as native Swedes when exposed to unemployment. For individuals with ≥100 days of unemployment in 1992, participation in an Active Labour Market Program (ALMP) increased the risk of future unemployment, whereas both higher edu- cational level at baseline and attainment of a higher educational level between 1993 and 1997 decreased the risk. In addition to the human suffering caused, this can result in increased welfare payments and loss of productivity and tax income to a society. Immigrants seem not to be more vulnerable to unemployment than native Swedes.
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| 17. |
- Kisiel, Marta, 1984-, et al.
(författare)
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Patterns and predictors of sick leave among Swedish non-hospitalized healthcare and residential care workers with Covid-19 during the early phase of the pandemic
- 2021
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 16:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Healthcare and residential care workers represent two occupational groups that have, in particular, been at risk of Covid-19, its long-term consequences, and related sick leave. In this study, we investigated the predictors of prolonged sick leave among healthcare and residential workers due to non-hospitalized Covid-19 in the early period of the pandemic. This study is based on a patient register (n = 3209) and included non-hospitalized healthcare or residential care service workers with a positive RT- PCR for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 433) between March and August 2020. Data such as socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, and the length of sick leave because of Covid-19 and prior to the pandemic were extracted from the patient’s electronic health records. Prolonged sick leave was defined as sick leave ≥ 3 weeks, based on the Swedish pandemic policy. A generalized linear model was used with a binary distribution, adjusted for age, gender, and comorbidity in order to predict prolonged sick leave. Of 433 (77% women) healthcare and residential care workers included in this study, 14.8% needed longer sick leave (> 3 weeks) due to Covid-19. Only 1.4% of the subjects were on sick leave because of long Covid. The risk of sick leave was increased two-fold among residential care workers (adjusted RR 2.14 [95% CI 1.31–3.51]). Depression/anxiety (adjusted RR 2.09 [95% CI 1.31–3.34]), obesity (adjusted RR 1.96 [95% CI 1.01–3.81]) and dyspnea at symptom onset (adjusted RR 2.47 [95% CI 1.55–3.92]), sick leave prior to the pandemic (3–12 weeks) (adjusted RR 2.23 [95% CI 1.21–4.10]) were associated with longer sick leave. From a public health perspective, considering occupational category, comorbidity, symptoms at onset, and sick leave prior to the pandemic as potential predictors of sick leave in healthcare may help prevent staff shortage.
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| 18. |
- Kisiel, Marta, 1984-, et al.
(författare)
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Predictors of post-COVID-19 and the impact of persistent symptoms in non-hospitalized patients 12 months after COVID-19, with a focus on work ability
- 2022
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Ingår i: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Upsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 127:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Better knowledge of long-term symptoms following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the so-called post-COVID-19, in non-hospitalized patients is needed. The aim of this study was to study persisent symptoms up to 12 months after COVID-19 in non-hospitalized patients and their impact on work ability. We also investigated predictors of persistent symptoms.Methods: This study encompassed non-hospitalized adult subjects with a COVID-19 infection confirmed via positive nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction test during the first wave of the pandemic in Uppsala, Sweden. In total, 566 subjects were sent a survey via e-mail or post with an invitation to participate in the survey 12 months post-diagnosis. The majority of subjects were healthcare workers, as this group was prioritized for testing.Results: A total of 366 subjects responded, with 47% reporting persistent symptoms 12 months after their COVID-19 diagnosis. The most commonly reported symptoms at this time were impaired sense of smell and/or taste and fatigue. Among the predictors of persistent symptoms were being born abroad, lower physical fitness compared with peers before COVID-19, body mass index >25 kg/m2, cooccurrence of hypertension and chronic pain, and having more than seven of the general COVID-19 symptoms at the onset. Respondents with symptoms after 12 months self-reported negatively about their general health and work ability.Conclusions: This study indicated that many people who had mild COVID-19 might have a variety of long-term symptoms. It highlights the importance of considering work ability after mild COVID-19.
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| 19. |
- Lange, Katharina, et al.
(författare)
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Abundance, distribution, and composition of microplastics in the filter media of nine aged stormwater bioretention systems
- 2023
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Ingår i: Chemosphere. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0045-6535 .- 1879-1298. ; 320
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bioretention systems are designed for quality treatment of stormwater. Particulate contaminants are commonly treated efficiently and accumulate mainly in the surface layer of the bioretention filter material. However, concerns exist that microplastic particles may not show equal accumulation behavior as other sediment particles. So far only two field and two laboratory studies are available on the fate of microplastics in few relatively newly built bioretention systems. Therefore, this study investigated the abundance and distribution of microplastics in nine 7–12 years old stormwater bioretention systems. It was found that microplastics generally accumulate on the surface of bioretention systems. Microplastic median particle concentrations decreased significantly from the surface layer (0–5 cm) of the filter material to the 10–15 cm depth layer from 448 to 136 particles/100 g, respectively. The distance to the inlet did not significantly affect the surface accumulation of microplastic particles, suggesting modest spatial variability in microplastics accumulation in older bioretention systems. Further, this study investigated the polymer composition in bioretention systems. It was shown that PP, EVA, PS and EPDM rubber are the most abundant polymer types in bioretention systems. Also, it was found that large percentages of microplastic particles are black particles (median percentage of black particles: 39%) which were found in 28 of the 33 investigated samples. This underlines the importance of including black particles in microplastic studies on stormwater, which has been overlooked in most previous studies.
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| 20. |
- Liu, Bojing, et al.
(författare)
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Working conditions, serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and anxiety disorders : a prospective cohort study
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Affective Disorders. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-0327 .- 1573-2517. ; 151:2, s. 652-659
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The etiology and pathology of anxiety disorders involve both genetic and environmental influences. Adverse working conditions may contribute to the development of anxiety. The serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been implicated in stress sensitivity. Therefore, we investigated the potential interplay between 5-HTTLPR and job-related risk factors in the prediction of the occurrence of anxiety.METHODS: We conducted a prospective study using the first two waves of a Swedish population-based cohort. At Wave I, 1585 individuals without anxiety, depression or dysthymia who were active in the labor market during both waves were included. Information on job demands, skill discretion, decision authority and social climate was collected at Wave I. After a three year interval, the presence of anxiety disorders was determined at Wave II. All 1585 participants were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR. Both additive and multiplicative models were considered in examining the potential interaction between 5-HTTLPR and adverse working conditions on the development of anxiety.RESULTS: Anxiety was associated with high job demands but not with 5-HTTLPR. An interaction was observed between 5-HTTLPR and high job demands among females. Individuals with 5-HTTLPR high expression genotype (LL) developed anxiety disorders more frequently when exposed to high job demands compared to 'LS/SS' carriers.LIMITATIONS: A limited number of participants developed anxiety.CONCLUSIONS: High job demands predict the development of anxiety. The 5-HTT polymorphism has a moderating effect on the relationship between high job demands and anxiety among females.
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| 21. |
- Palm, Peter, 1975-, et al.
(författare)
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Exposure to Upper Arm Elevation During Work Compared to Leisure Among 12 Different Occupations Measured with Triaxial Accelerometers.
- 2018
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Ingår i: Annals of Work Exposures and Health. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2398-7308 .- 2398-7316. ; 62:6, s. 689-698
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Regarding prevention of neck and shoulder pain (NSP), unsupported arm elevation is one factor that should be taken into account when performing work risk assessment. Triaxial accelerometers can be used to measure arm elevation over several days but it is not possible to differentiate between supported and unsupported arm elevation from accelerometers only. Supported arm elevation is more likely to exist during sitting than standing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of whole workday measurements of arm elevation with accelerometers to assess potentially harmful work exposure of arm elevation, by comparing arm elevation at work with arm elevation during leisure, in a population with diverse work tasks, and to assess how the exposure parameters were modified when upper arm elevation during sitting time was excluded. The participants, 197 workers belonging to 12 occupational groups with diverse work tasks, wore triaxial accelerometers on the dominant arm, hip, and back for 1-4 days to measure arm elevation and periods of sitting. None of the groups were found to have higher exposure to arm elevation during work compared to leisure. Even though some occupations where known to have work tasks that forced them to work with elevated arms to a large extent. A high proportion of arm elevation derived from sitting time, especially so during leisure. When arm elevation during sitting time was excluded from the analysis, arm elevation was significantly higher at work than during leisure among construction workers, garbage collectors, manufacturing workers, and domestic cleaners. Together this illustrates that it is not suitable to use whole workday measurments of arm elevation with accelerometer as a sole information source when assessing the risk for NSP due to arm elevation. Information on body posture can provide relevant contextual information in exposure assessments when it is known that the potential harmful exposure is performed in standing or walking.
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| 22. |
- Tondel, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Cancer incidence in a male adult population in relation to estimated protracted colon dose – A nested case control study in Northern Sweden after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident
- 2022
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Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 838:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Uncertainty in the dose-response of low dose radiation raised concern of an increased cancer incidence in Sweden after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) accident. Material and methods: A closed cohort was created of all males ≥18 years of age living in the Northern Sweden in 1986. In total 826,400 individuals were enrolled including 40,874 hunters. A nested case-control design was used with five controls randomly selected for each cancer case matched on year of diagnosis and year of birth. Individual absorbed colon dose was calculated 1986 to 2015. Allowing for a 5-year latency period Hazard Ratios (HR) per mGy with 95%Confidence Intervals (95%CI) were calculated in a conditional logistic regression adjusted by rural/non-rural living, length of education and pre-Chernobyl cancer incidence 1980 to 1985. A total of 127,109 cancer cases occurred from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 2015. Cancer was classified in: 1) Organ-specific (stomach, colon, liver, lung, prostate, urinary bladder, thyroid and leukaemia), 2) Other and 3) Not previously associated to ionizing radiation. Results: The average colon dose in cases was 1.77 mGy compared to controls 1.73 mGy. Hunters average colon dose was 2.32 mGy. Organ-specific cancers showed the highest HR per mGy both in the full cohort, adj HR 1.019 (1.014–1.024) and the hunter subcohort, adj HR 1.014 (1.001–1.027) during follow-up 1991 to 2015. Other cancer and Not previously associated with ionizing radiation showed lower HR per mGy. Therefore, the adj HR per mGy for Total cancer, 1.013 (1.009–1.017) was explained by Organ-specific cancer. Increased adj HR per mGy was seen in stomach, colon and prostate cancer, respectively in the full cohort and lung cancer in hunters. Conclusions: Some cancer sites previously associated with ionizing radiation showed a positive adjusted HR per mGy both in the full cohort and in the hunter subcohort.
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| 23. |
- Tondel, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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COVID-19 : incidence and mortality in Sweden comparing all foreign-born to all Swedish-born individuals in different occupations in an unvaccinated cohort of year 2020
- 2024
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Ingår i: Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 1351-0711 .- 1470-7926. ; 81:3, s. 136-141
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesThe aim was to analyse the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in immigrants compared with Swedish born in inpatients and outpatient registers, respectively.MethodsThe study population included all persons 20-88 years of age living in Sweden, 31 December 2019, including 1 676 516 foreign-born persons and 6 037 151 Swedish-born persons. The outcome was clinical cases of COVID-19 with a positive PCR test (ICD-10 U07.01) or without a positive PCR test (U07.2) from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Persons 20-64 years of age were classified with occupational titles according to the Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations. Residing municipality of each individual was coded according to the Swedish Association of Local Authorities. Relative risks (RR) were calculated by sex in 5 years age bands using Swedish born as reference. Age-adjusted RRs (adj RR) with 95% CIs were calculated in a Poisson regression model. Rural municipalities were used as the reference category.ResultsForeign born had consistently higher RRs in COVID-19, regardless of sex, with a peak in 50-69 years of age. Foreign born had a higher RR of death in COVID-19 above 50 years and 40 years of age in women and men, respectively. Among occupations, male drivers had the highest adj RR 4.37 (95% CI 3.45 to 5.54) and 5.09 (4.26 to 6.07) in outpatients and inpatients, respectively (U07.1). Persons living in commuting municipalities did not show any consistent increased risk for COVID-19.ConclusionForeign born have a higher risk of COVID-19 compared with Swedish-born individuals at any age and occupation before vaccination began in 2021.
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| 24. |
- Tondel, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Increased cancer risk in male hunters compared to the general male population in Northern Sweden after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident?
- 2020
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Ingår i: Environmental Epidemiology. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 2474-7882. ; 4:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Male hunters in Swedish counties with high fallout of 137Cs after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) accident have higher radiation exposure due to higher consumption of game compared with the general population. Methods: Cancer incidence in Sweden was studied in 9 counties with different 137Cs fallout after the Chernobyl NPP accident in 1986. In total, 9,267 cancer cases occurred in hunters and 138,909 cancer cases in non-hunters to 31 December 2015. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unexposed hunters, or non-hunters, as reference to study internal radiation exposure or hunter life style, respectively. Results: Directly age standardized total cancer incidence showed an increasing trend in non-hunters. For hunters, the total cancer incidence was significantly lower up to 2001 when the total cancer incidence crossed over the weaker non-hunter trend and remained higher for the following 15 years. IRRs for total cancer in hunters versus non-hunters for each county did not show any clear exposure response pattern. IRRs for hunters versus non-hunters were higher regardless of rural/non-rural status with slightly higher risk estimates for the rural settings. The IRR for hunters was 1.06 (95% CI 1.04–1.08) 1986–2015, representing an excess of 531 cancer cases in hunters. Conclusion: An increased total incidence of cancer was identified for male hunters compared with male non-hunters. No obvious association between cancer and 137Cs from the Chernobyl NPP accident could be identified, although the exposure classification was too crude to exclude such an association.
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| 25. |
- von Mentzer, Astrid, 1983, et al.
(författare)
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Identification and characterization of the novel colonization factor CS30 based on whole genome sequencing in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)
- 2017
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The ability to colonize the small intestine is essential for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) to cause diarrhea. Although 22 antigenically different colonization factors (CFs) have been identified and characterized in ETEC at least 30% of clinical ETEC isolates lack known CFs. Ninety-four whole genome sequenced "CF negative" isolates were searched for novel CFs using a reverse genetics approach followed by phenotypic analyses. We identified a novel CF, CS30, encoded by a set of seven genes, csmA-G, related to the human CF operon CS18 and the porcine CF operon 987P (F6). CS30 was shown to be thermo-regulated, expressed at 37 degrees C, but not at 20 degrees C, by SDS-page and mass spectrometry analyses as well as electron microscopy imaging. Bacteria expressing CS30 were also shown to bind to differentiated human intestinal Caco-2 cells. The genes encoding CS30 were located on a plasmid (E873p3) together with the genes encoding LT and STp. PCR screening of ETEC isolates revealed that 8.6% (n = 13) of "CF negative" (n = 152) and 19.4% (n = 13) of " CF negative" LT + STp (n = 67) expressing isolates analyzed harbored CS30. Hence, we conclude that CS30 is common among " CF negative" LT + STp isolates and is associated with ETEC that cause diarrhea. RAHAM JM, 1985, PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Wålinder, Robert, et al.
(författare)
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A supportive climate and low strain promote well-being and sustainable working life in the operation theatre.
- 2018
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Ingår i: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 123:3, s. 183-190
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Shortage of health-care workers e.g. in operating theatres is a global problem. A shortage of staff negatively affects patient outcomes, making it important to keep the employees from quitting. The aim of this survey was to study if well-being, zest for work, and thoughts about leaving work in an operating theatre can be related to the psychosocial work environment, as described by the job demand-control-support (JDCS) model.METHODS: A questionnaire was provided to personnel in operating theatres of seven Swedish hospitals (n = 1405, with a response rate of 68%) that included the JDCS model, personal factors, work ability, well-being, zest for work, and thoughts about leaving their position. Ordinal scale regression was used for analyses.RESULTS: A majority reported moderate to high zest for work (76%). A minority (30%) had sometimes thought during at least one month in the last year of leaving their position. Lower social support scores and high demands together with low control (high-strain) scores were related to lower well-being, lower zest for work, and more thoughts about leaving the position. Anaesthetists scored in the low-strain field, nurse anaesthetists and assistant nurses in the passive field, and operating nurses in the active field, in comparison to all personnel.CONCLUSION: According to the JDCS model, both lower social support and high strain were related to lower well-being and negative thoughts about the position. Social support scores were about the same for different occupational groups in the operating theatre, and no occupation scored on average in the high-strain field.
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