1. |
- Engström, Gunnar, et al.
(author)
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Pulmonary function and atherosclerosis in the general population : causal associations and clinical implications
- 2024
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In: European Journal of Epidemiology. - : Springer Nature. - 0393-2990 .- 1573-7284. ; 39:1, s. 35-49
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Reduced lung function is associated with cardiovascular mortality, but the relationships with atherosclerosis are unclear. The population-based Swedish CArdioPulmonary BioImage study measured lung function, emphysema, coronary CT angiography, coronary calcium, carotid plaques and ankle-brachial index in 29,593 men and women aged 50–64 years. The results were confirmed using 2-sample Mendelian randomization. Lower lung function and emphysema were associated with more atherosclerosis, but these relationships were attenuated after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Lung function was not associated with coronary atherosclerosis in 14,524 never-smokers. No potentially causal effect of lung function on atherosclerosis, or vice versa, was found in the 2-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Here we show that reduced lung function and atherosclerosis are correlated in the population, but probably not causally related. Assessing lung function in addition to conventional cardiovascular risk factors to gauge risk of subclinical atherosclerosis is probably not meaningful, but low lung function found by chance should alert for atherosclerosis.
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2. |
- Oldgren, Jonas, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation estimated risk and prevalent subclinical atherosclerosis in coronary and carotid arteries: A population-based cohort analysis from the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study
- 2021
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In: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2047-4873 .- 2047-4881. ; 28:3, s. 250-259
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background It is not clear if the European Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation algorithm is useful for identifying prevalent subclinical atherosclerosis in a population of apparently healthy individuals. Our aim was to explore the association between the risk estimates from Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation and prevalent subclinical atherosclerosis. Design The design of this study was as a cross-sectional analysis from a population-based study cohort. Methods From the general population, the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study randomly invited individuals aged 50-64 years and enrolled 13,411 participants mean age 57 (standard deviation 4.3) years; 46% males between November 2013-December 2016. Associations between Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation risk estimates and coronary artery calcification and plaques in the carotid arteries by using imaging data from a computed tomography of the heart and ultrasonography of the carotid arteries were examined. Results Coronary calcification was present in 39.5% and carotid plaque in 56.0%. In men, coronary artery calcium score >0 ranged from 40.7-65.9% and presence of carotid plaques from 54.5% to 72.8% in the age group 50-54 and 60-65 years, respectively. In women, the corresponding difference was from 17.1-38.9% and from 41.0-58.4%. A doubling of Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation was associated with an increased probability to have coronary artery calcium score >0 (odds ratio: 2.18 (95% confidence interval 2.07-2.30)) and to have >1 carotid plaques (1.67 (1.61-1.74)). Conclusion Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation estimated risk is associated with prevalent subclinical atherosclerosis in two major vascular beds in a general population sample without established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. Thus, the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation risk chart may be of use for estimating the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis.
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3. |
- Bergström, Göran, 1964, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of Subclinical Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis in the General Population
- 2021
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In: Circulation. - Philadelphia : American Heart Association. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 144:12, s. 916-929
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Early detection of coronary atherosclerosis using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in addition to coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring, may help inform prevention strategies. We used CCTA to determine the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis and its association with CAC scores in a general population.Methods: We recruited 30 154 randomly invited individuals age 50 to 64 years to SCAPIS (the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study). The study includes individuals without known coronary heart disease (ie, no previous myocardial infarctions or cardiac procedures) and with high-quality results from CCTA and CAC imaging performed using dedicated dual-source CT scanners. Noncontrast images were scored for CAC. CCTA images were visually read and scored for coronary atherosclerosis per segment (defined as no atherosclerosis, 1% to 49% stenosis, or ≥50% stenosis). External validity of prevalence estimates was evaluated using inverse probability for participation weighting and Swedish register data.Results: In total, 25 182 individuals without known coronary heart disease were included (50.6% women). Any CCTA-detected atherosclerosis was found in 42.1%; any significant stenosis (≥50%) in 5.2%; left main, proximal left anterior descending artery, or 3-vessel disease in 1.9%; and any noncalcified plaques in 8.3% of this population. Onset of atherosclerosis was delayed on average by 10 years in women. Atherosclerosis was more prevalent in older individuals and predominantly found in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Prevalence of CCTA-detected atherosclerosis increased with increasing CAC scores. Among those with a CAC score >400, all had atherosclerosis and 45.7% had significant stenosis. In those with 0 CAC, 5.5% had atherosclerosis and 0.4% had significant stenosis. In participants with 0 CAC and intermediate 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease according to the pooled cohort equation, 9.2% had CCTA-verified atherosclerosis. Prevalence estimates had excellent external validity and changed marginally when adjusted to the age-matched Swedish background population.Conclusions: Using CCTA in a large, random sample of the general population without established disease, we showed that silent coronary atherosclerosis is common in this population. High CAC scores convey a significant probability of substantial stenosis, and 0 CAC does not exclude atherosclerosis, particularly in those at higher baseline risk.
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4. |
- Bergström, Göran, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of Subclinical Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis in the General Population
- 2021
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In: Circulation. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 144:12, s. 916-929
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Early detection of coronary atherosclerosis using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in addition to coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring, may help inform prevention strategies. We used CCTA to determine the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis and its association with CAC scores in a general population.Methods: We recruited 30 154 randomly invited individuals age 50 to 64 years to SCAPIS (the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study). The study includes individuals without known coronary heart disease (ie, no previous myocardial infarctions or cardiac procedures) and with high-quality results from CCTA and CAC imaging performed using dedicated dual-source CT scanners. Noncontrast images were scored for CAC. CCTA images were visually read and scored for coronary atherosclerosis per segment (defined as no atherosclerosis, 1% to 49% stenosis, or ≥50% stenosis). External validity of prevalence estimates was evaluated using inverse probability for participation weighting and Swedish register data.Results: In total, 25 182 individuals without known coronary heart disease were included (50.6% women). Any CCTA-detected atherosclerosis was found in 42.1%; any significant stenosis (≥50%) in 5.2%; left main, proximal left anterior descending artery, or 3-vessel disease in 1.9%; and any noncalcified plaques in 8.3% of this population. Onset of atherosclerosis was delayed on average by 10 years in women. Atherosclerosis was more prevalent in older individuals and predominantly found in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Prevalence of CCTA-detected atherosclerosis increased with increasing CAC scores. Among those with a CAC score >400, all had atherosclerosis and 45.7% had significant stenosis. In those with 0 CAC, 5.5% had atherosclerosis and 0.4% had significant stenosis. In participants with 0 CAC and intermediate 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease according to the pooled cohort equation, 9.2% had CCTA-verified atherosclerosis. Prevalence estimates had excellent external validity and changed marginally when adjusted to the age-matched Swedish background population.Conclusions: Using CCTA in a large, random sample of the general population without established disease, we showed that silent coronary atherosclerosis is common in this population. High CAC scores convey a significant probability of substantial stenosis, and 0 CAC does not exclude atherosclerosis, particularly in those at higher baseline risk.
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5. |
- Persson, Helén, et al.
(author)
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I bygdespelens förlovade land – Ingegerd som lokalhistorisk pjäsförfattare
- 2023
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In: På dragande kall och ämbetes vägnar : En vänskrift till Ingegerd Christiansson - En vänskrift till Ingegerd Christiansson. - 9789152758120 - 9789152758137 ; , s. 59-64
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Book chapter (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Om bygdespels historia och Ingegerd Christiansson som lokalhistorisk pjäsförfattare.
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6. |
- Aboagye, Emmanuel, et al.
(author)
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Manual therapy versus advice to stay active for nonspecific back and/or neck pain : A cost-effectiveness analysis
- 2022
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In: Chiropractic and Manual Therapies. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-709X. ; 30:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Low back and neck pain are the most common musculoskeletal disorders worldwide, and imply suffering and substantial societal costs, hence effective interventions are crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of manual therapy compared with advice to stay active for working age persons with nonspecific back and/or neck pain.METHODS: The two interventions were: a maximum of 6 manual therapy sessions within 6 weeks, including spinal manipulation/mobilization, massage and stretching, performed by a naprapath (index group), respectively information from a physician on the importance to stay active and on how to cope with pain, according to evidence-based advice, at 2 occasions within 3 weeks (control group). A cost-effectiveness analysis with a societal perspective was performed alongside a randomized controlled trial including 409 persons followed for one year, in 2005. The outcomes were health-related Quality of Life (QoL) encoded from the SF-36 and pain intensity. Direct and indirect costs were calculated based on intervention and medication costs and sickness absence data. An incremental cost per health related QoL was calculated, and sensitivity analyses were performed.RESULTS: The difference in QoL gains was 0.007 (95% CI - 0.010 to 0.023) and the mean improvement in pain intensity was 0.6 (95% CI 0.068-1.065) in favor of manual therapy after one year. Concerning the QoL outcome, the differences in mean cost per person was estimated at - 437 EUR (95% CI - 1302 to 371) and for the pain outcome the difference was - 635 EUR (95% CI - 1587 to 246) in favor of manual therapy. The results indicate that manual therapy achieves better outcomes at lower costs compared with advice to stay active. The sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main results.CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that manual therapy for nonspecific back and/or neck pain is slightly less costly and more beneficial than advice to stay active for this sample of working age persons. Since manual therapy treatment is at least as cost-effective as evidence-based advice from a physician, it may be recommended for neck and low back pain. Further health economic studies that may confirm those findings are warranted. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN56954776. Retrospectively registered 12 September 2006, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN56954776 .
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8. |
- Andersson, Erika, et al.
(author)
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A contrast variation SANS and SAXS study of soil derived dissolved organic matter, and its interactions with hematite nanoparticles
- 2023
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In: JCIS Open. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Soil derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component of the carbon cycle and influences numerous biogeochemical processes, including the formation of mineral-organic associations. DOM ranges in size from small organic molecules to macromolecules and colloidal aggregates. In this study we have used small angle neutron (SANS) and X-ray (SAXS) scattering to characterize the colloidal DOM fraction from the organic layer of a boreal forest soil, and its interactions with hematite (α-Fe2O3) mineral nanoparticles. Comparison between SAXS and contrast variation SANS patterns revealed that the scattering form factor of the colloidal DOM aggregates was essentially independent of the scattering contrast, implying that the colloidal aggregates have an essentially homogeneous chemical composition, down to the nanometre length scale. Variation of the D2O/H2O ratio of the solvent yielded a SANS intensity minimum at ca. 40 vol % D2O, which was consistent with colloids composed of mainly polysaccharides. At pH 5.5 the pure hematite nanoparticles were colloidally stable in water and characterized by a ζ-potential of +25 mV and a hydrodynamic radius of ca. 70 nm. In the presence of DOM, the hematite nanoparticles lost the colloidal stability and aggregated into larger clusters, displaying a negative ζ-potential of ca. −25 mV. The charge reversal suggested that negatively charged polyanions of DOM adsorbed onto the hematite particles, possibly leading to bridging flocculation. Our results suggested that mainly low molecular weight components induced hematite aggregation because no or very limited interactions between DOM colloids and hematite were detected.
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9. |
- Andersson, Erika, et al.
(author)
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Generation and properties of organic colloids extracted by water from the organic horizon of a boreal forest soil
- 2023
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In: Geoderma. - : Elsevier BV. - 0016-7061. ; 432
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Organic colloids are an important part of dissolved organic matter (DOM) yet many of their properties remain elusive. The main aims of this study were to assess how the colloidal properties of DOM extracted with water from an organic boreal soil horizon varied with the extraction protocol, and thereby provide insight into the nature of the DOM colloids and develop a mechanistic understanding of how the colloids were generated from the parent soil aggregates. This was accomplished by systematic variations of extraction temperature (4 °C–100 °C), time, mechanical agitation, and pH, together with a combination of chemical analyses, and light and X-ray scattering. Our results agreed with the previous identification of two main colloidal DOM species, one fractal cluster and a second, smaller colloidal DOM species described as chains or coils. Fractal clusters completely dominated the colloidal DOM in extracts from our soil at room temperature and below. Colloidal coils only existed in DOM extracted above room temperature, and their amount increased significantly between 50 °C–100 °C. Moreover, the temperature variation indicated that the fractal clusters partly dissolved into colloidal coils at elevated temperatures. Mechanical agitation at 4 °C significantly increased the amount of DOM extracted, increasing the concentrations of both fractal clusters and low-molecular weight organic compounds. While the clusters were extracted from agitated and non-agitated soil suspensions, the low molecular weight organics were mainly released by agitation. Based on the experimental observations, we propose a conceptual model where parent soil aggregates contain the fractal clusters in mobile and occluded forms, and that the occluded clusters co-exist with occluded low molecular weight organics. These occluded forms may be released by mechanical forces, increasing pH and temperature. At higher temperatures, the soil aggregates and the fractal clusters start to break up, and subsequently individual colloidal coils, presumably carbohydrates, disperse in the water phase. The model explains the origin and properties of the fractal clusters that completely dominate the colloidal DOM extracted from our soil at room temperature and below.
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10. |
- Arvidsson, Inger, et al.
(author)
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Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Associations between Occupational Factors, Signs of Exhaustion, and the Intention to Change Workplace among Swedish Principals
- 2023
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In: Sustainable Healthy Working Life for All Ages. - : MDPI Books. ; , s. 139-158
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- A high turnover among principals may disrupt the continuity of leadership and negativelyaffect teachers and, by extension, the students. The aim was to investigate to what extent variouswork environment factors and signs of exhaustion were associated with reported intentions tochange workplace among principals working in compulsory schools. A web-based questionnaire wasadministered twice, in 2018 and in 2019. Part I of the study involved cross-sectional analyses of theassociations 2018 (n = 984) and 2019 (n = 884) between occupational factors, signs of exhaustion, andthe intention to change workplace, using Generalized Estimating Equations models. Part II involved631 principals who participated in both surveys. The patterns of intended and actual changes ofworkplace across two years were described, together with associated changes of occupational factorsand signs of exhaustion. Supportive management was associated with an intention to stay, whiledemanding role conflicts and the feeling of being squeezed between management and co-workers(buffer-function) were associated with the intention to change workplace. The principals whointended to change their workplace reported more signs of exhaustion. To increase retention amongprincipals, systematic efforts are probably needed at the national, municipal, and local level, in orderto improve their working conditions
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