| 1. |
- Allard, Christina, et al.
(författare)
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Rasbiologiskt språkbruk i statens rättsprocess mot sameby : DN Debatt 2015-06-11
- 2015
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Annan publikation (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Statens hantering av forskningsresultat i rättsprocessen med Girjas sameby utgör ett hot mot Sverige som rättsstat och kunskapsnation. Åratal av svensk och internationell forskning underkänns och man använder ett språkbruk som skulle kunna vara hämtat från rasbiologins tid. Nu måste staten ta sitt ansvar och börja agera som en demokratisk rättsstat, skriver 59 forskare.
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| 2. |
- Demmelmaier, Ingrid, 1960-, et al.
(författare)
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Does exercise intensity matter for fatigue during (neo-)adjuvant cancer treatment? The Phys-Can randomized clinical trial
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. - : Wiley. - 0905-7188 .- 1600-0838. ; 31:5, s. 1144-1159
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Exercise during cancer treatment improves cancer-related fatigue (CRF), but the importance of exercise intensity for CRF is unclear. We compared the effects of high- vs low-to-moderate-intensity exercise with or without additional behavior change support (BCS) on CRF in patients undergoing (neo-)adjuvant cancer treatment. This was a multicenter, 2x2 factorial design randomized controlled trial (Clinical Trials NCT02473003) in Sweden. Participants recently diagnosed with breast (n = 457), prostate (n = 97) or colorectal (n = 23) cancer undergoing (neo-)adjuvant treatment were randomized to high intensity (n = 144), low-to-moderate intensity (n = 144), high intensity with BCS (n = 144) or low-to-moderate intensity with BCS (n = 145). The 6-month exercise intervention included supervised resistance training and home-based endurance training. CRF was assessed by Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI, five subscales score range 4-20), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale (FACIT-F, score range 0-52). Multiple linear regression for main factorial effects was performed according to intention-to-treat, with post-intervention CRF as primary endpoint. Overall, 577 participants (mean age 58.7 years) were randomized. Participants randomized to high- vs low-to-moderate-intensity exercise had lower physical fatigue (MFI Physical Fatigue subscale; mean difference −1.05 [95% CI: −1.85, −0.25]), but the difference was not clinically important (ie <2). We found no differences in other CRF dimensions and no effect of additional BCS. There were few minor adverse events. For CRF, patients undergoing (neo-)adjuvant treatment for breast, prostate or colorectal cancer can safely exercise at high- or low-to-moderate intensity, according to their own preferences. Additional BCS does not provide extra benefit for CRF in supervised, well-controlled exercise interventions.
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| 3. |
- Houltz, Birgitta, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Left ventricular diastolic function and right atrial size are important rhythm outcome predictors after intraoperative ablation for atrial fibrillation.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.). - : Wiley. - 1540-8175 .- 0742-2822. ; 27:8, s. 961-8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and right atrial (RA) size are not routinely included in preoperative echocardiographic examination in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with concomitant ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of echocardiographic variables including LV diastolic function and RA area in long-term rhythm outcome prediction, in patients with documented AF undergoing intraoperative ablation concomitant to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients, scheduled for CABG, and with a history of paroxysmal or permanent AF for 8.5 ± 11.3 years (mean ± SD) (median 5.8 years), were included in this prospective study. Echocardiography was performed prior to and 2.3 ± 0.4 years after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Both LA and RA areas, LV diastolic function, paroxysmal AF, and sinus rhythm (SR) preoperatively were associated with SR at long-term follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, RA area (P = 0.004), and decreased LV diastolic function preoperatively, measured as the maximal LV long-axis relaxation velocity (P = 0.02), predicted SR at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: RA size and LV diastolic function may be important variables in prediction of long-term rhythm outcome after intraoperative ablation for AF.
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| 4. |
- Johansson, Birgitta, 1960, et al.
(författare)
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Short-term sinus rhythm predicts long-term sinus rhythm and clinical improvement after intraoperative ablation of atrial fibrillation.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1532-2092. ; 10:5, s. 610-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS: Our aim was to compare the long-term effects on rhythm and quality of life (QoL) after left atrial epicardial radiofrequency (RF) ablation vs. no ablation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with ECG documented atrial fibrillation (AF) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without concomitant valve surgery were consecutively elected for epicardial RF ablation. Thirty-nine age- and gender-matched patients scheduled for CABG with or without concomitant valve surgery only and with documented AF served as controls. The follow-up after ablation was 32 +/- 11 months. The percentage of patients in sinus rhythm (SR) at long-term follow-up was 62 vs. 33% (P = 0.03) after ablation and no ablation, respectively. SR at 3 months was highly predictive of that at 32 months (sensitivity 95%, positive predictive value 86%). Long-term SR was associated with better QoL, fewer symptoms, higher ejection fraction, and smaller left and right atria than AF. CONCLUSION: SR at 3 months was highly predictive of long-term SR that was associated with clinical improvement when compared with patients still in AF. AF at 3 months did not preclude a later stabilization to SR.
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| 5. |
- Langegård, Ulrica, 1969, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of quality of care in relation to health-related quality of life of patients diagnosed with brain tumor : a novel clinic for proton beam therapy
- 2019
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Ingår i: Supportive Care in Cancer. - : Springer. - 0941-4355 .- 1433-7339. ; 27:7, s. 2679-2691
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Patients with brain tumors constitute a vulnerable group, and it is important that they receive the highest quality of care (QoC). The study aim was to describe the perceptions of QoC and its association with health-related quality of life in brain tumor patients undergoing proton beam therapy in a newly established clinic.Method: Data were collected at the start of treatment and after 3 and 6weeks. Adult patients (18years old) with brain tumors (n=186) completed two self-administered questionnaires: a modified Quality from the Patients' Perspective, which measures perceived reality and subjective importance of care, and the EORTC QLQ-C30. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests.Results: The perceived QoC was highest for treatment information and lowest for dietician and smoking information, whereas interaction with doctors and nurses was rated as the most important aspect of quality of care. Subjective importance ratings were significantly higher than perceived reality ratings for 60% of items. A better global health was moderately correlated with a higher perceived support for fatigue.Conclusions: A need for quality improvement was identified for several aspects of patient care. Greater symptom distress during the treatment period led to greater perceived importance of symptom support. Ensuring QoC is complex and collaboration with other health care professionals is essential.Relevance to clinical practice: The clinic could improve QoC regarding information about possible symptoms, adjust care according to patient perceptions of importance, and involve patients in care decisions.
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| 6. |
- Langegård, Ulrica, 1969, et al.
(författare)
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Health-related quality of life in patients with primary brain tumors during and three months after treatment with proton beam therapy
- 2021
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Ingår i: Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2405-6324. ; 17, s. 5-17
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Proton beam therapy (PBT) is increasingly administered to patients with primary brain tumors. Benefits of new treatments must be weighed against side effects and possible deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to describe and compare HRQoL, including acute symptom experiences and associated factors, in patients with malignant and benign brain tumors treated with PBT. Materials and Methods Adult PBT-treated patients with primary brain tumors (n=266) were studied. HRQoL was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-BN20, HADS, ISI and MFI before, during and three months after treatment. Associations with demographic and medical factors were explored. Results Between baseline and three months post-treatment: HRQoL decreased significantly in the global health/QOL domains physical functioning, role functioning and cognitive functioning in the malignant group, global health/QOL and physical functioning decreased significantly in the benign group, more comorbidity was significantly associated with increased motor dysfunction, leg weakness, headache and future uncertainty. Fatigue and depression were the most frequent symptoms in both groups. Independent predictors of risk factor recognition were age, sex, chemotherapy, comorbidity and education level. Discussion Global health/QOL in patient with brain tumors is very complex and multidimensional. Symptoms are interrelated and related to patient, tumor and treatment factors. It is important to identify aspects of HRQoL that may be affected by treatment. These include both benefits, expected to improve HRQoL, and negative changes such as symptom experience and influencing factors. Evidence-based guidelines are needed for symptom management, and for high quality of care for patients experiencing low PBT-related HRQoL.
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| 7. |
- Langegård, Ulrica, 1969, et al.
(författare)
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The Art of Living With Symptoms : A Qualitative Study Among Patients With Primary Brain Tumors Receiving Proton Beam Therapy
- 2020
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Ingår i: Cancer Nursing. - Philadelphia : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 0162-220X .- 1538-9804. ; 43:2, s. E79-E86
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Symptom management in conjunction with proton beam therapy (PBT) from patient's perspective has not been explored. Such knowledge is essential to optimize the care in this relatively new treatment modality.Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the process of symptom management in patients with brain tumor receiving PBT.Methods: Participants were 22 patients with primary brain tumor who received PBT, recruited in collaboration with a national center for proton therapy and 2 oncology clinics at 2 university hospitals in Sweden. Interviews using open-ended questions were conducted before, during, and/or after treatment. Verbatim interview transcripts were analyzed using classic Grounded Theory.Results: "The art of living with symptoms" emerged as the core concept. This encompassed 3 interconnected symptom management concepts: "Adapting to limited ability," "Learning about oneself," and "Creating new routines." These concepts were summarized in a substantive theoretical model of symptom management. Despite the struggle to manage symptoms, participants lived a satisfactory life.Conclusions: Symptom management in conjunction with PBT comprises a process of action, thoughts, and emotions. The concepts that emerged indicated patients' symptom management strategies were based on their own resources.Implications for Practice: It is important that PBT facilities develop an approach that facilitates the symptom management process based on patients' experiences of symptoms, as well as their actions and available resources.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Ax, Anna-Karin, 1980-, et al.
(författare)
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Cost-effectiveness of different exercise intensities during oncological treatment in the Phys-Can RCT
- 2023
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Ingår i: Acta Oncologica. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 62:4, s. 414-421
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundCost-effectiveness is important in the prioritisation between interventions in health care. Exercise is cost-effective compared to usual care during oncological treatment; however, the significance of exercise intensity to the cost-effectiveness is unclear. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of the randomised controlled trial Phys-Can, a six-month exercise programme of high (HI) or low-to-moderate intensity (LMI) during (neo)adjuvant oncological treatment.MethodsA cost-effectiveness analysis was performed, based on 189 participants with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer (HI: n = 99 and LMI: n = 90) from the Phys-Can RCT in Sweden. Costs were estimated from a societal perspective, and included cost of the exercise intervention, health care utilisation and productivity loss. Health outcomes were assessed as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), using EQ-5D-5L at baseline, post intervention and 12 months after the completion of the intervention.ResultsAt 12-month follow-up after the intervention, the total cost per participant did not differ significantly between HI (€27,314) and LMI exercise (€29,788). There was no significant difference in health outcome between the intensity groups. On average HI generated 1.190 QALYs and LMI 1.185 QALYs. The mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio indicated that HI was cost effective compared with LMI, but the uncertainty was large.ConclusionsWe conclude that HI and LMI exercise have similar costs and effects during oncological treatment. Hence, based on cost-effectiveness, we suggest that decision makers and clinicians can consider implementing both HI and LMI exercise programmes and recommend either intensity to the patients with cancer during oncological treatment to facilitate improvement of health.
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| 10. |
- Ax, Anna-Karin, 1980-, et al.
(författare)
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Long-term resource utilisation and associated costs of exercise during (neo)adjuvant oncological treatment : the Phys-Can project
- 2022
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Ingår i: Acta Oncologica. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 61:7, s. 888-896
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Exercise during oncological treatment is beneficial to patient health and can counteract the side effects of treatment. Knowledge of the societal costs associated with an exercise intervention, however, is limited. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the long-term resource utilisation and societal costs of an exercise intervention conducted during (neo)adjuvant oncological treatment in a randomised control trial (RCT) versus usual care (UC), and to compare high-intensity (HI) versus low-to-moderate intensity (LMI) exercise in the RCT.METHODS: We used data from the Physical Training and Cancer (Phys-Can) project. In the RCT, 577 participants were randomised to HI or to LMI of combined endurance and resistance training for 6 months, during oncological treatment. The project also included 89 participants with UC in a longitudinal observational study. We measured at baseline and after 18 months. Resource utilisation and costs of the exercise intervention, health care, and productivity loss were compared using analyses of covariance (RCT vs. UC) and t test (HI vs. LMI).RESULTS: Complete data were available for 619 participants (RCT HI: n = 269, LMI: n = 265, and UC: n = 85). We found no difference in total societal costs between the exercise intervention groups in the RCT and UC. However, participants in the RCT had lower rates of disability pension days (p < .001), corresponding costs (p = .001), and pharmacy costs (p = .018) than the UC group. Nor did we find differences in resource utilisation or costs between HI and LMI exercise int the RCT.CONCLUSION: Our study showed no difference in total societal costs between the comprehensive exercise intervention and UC or between the exercise intensities. This suggests that exercise, with its well-documented health benefits during oncological treatment, produces neither additional costs nor savings.
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| 11. |
- Basic, Carmen, 1975, et al.
(författare)
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Heart failure outcomes in low-risk patients with atrial fibrillation: a case-control study of 680 523 Swedish individuals
- 2023
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Ingår i: Esc Heart Failure. - 2055-5822. ; 10:4, s. 2281-2289
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AimsKnowledge of long-term outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains limited. We sought to evaluate the risk of new-onset heart failure (HF) in patients with AF and a low cardiovascular risk profile. Methods and resultsData from the Swedish National Patient Register were used to identify all patients with a first-time diagnosis of AF without underlying cardiovascular disease at baseline between 1987 and 2018. Each patient was compared with two controls without AF from the National Total Population Register. In total, 227 811 patients and 452 712 controls were included. During a mean follow-up of 9.1 (standard deviation 7.0) years, the hazard ratio (HR) for new-onset HF was 3.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.51-3.60] in patients compared with controls. Women with AF (18-34 years) had HR for HF onset 24.6 (95% CI 7.59-80.0) and men HR 9.86 (95% CI 6.81-14.27). The highest risk was within 1 year in patients 18-34 years, HR 103.9 (95% CI 46.3-233.1). The incidence rate within 1 year increased from 6.2 (95% CI 4.5-8.6) per 1000 person-years in young patients (18-34 years) to 142.8 (95% CI 139.4-146.3) per 1000 person-years among older patients (>80 years). ConclusionsPatients studied had a three-fold higher risk of developing HF compared with controls. Young patients, particularly women, carry up to 100-fold increased risk to develop HF within 1 year after AF. Further studies in patients with AF and low cardiovascular risk profile are needed to prevent serious complications such as HF.
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| 12. |
- Berntsen, Sveinung, et al.
(författare)
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Design of a randomized controlled trial of physical training and cancer (Phys-Can) - the impact of exercise intensity on cancer related fatigue, quality of life and disease outcome
- 2017
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Ingår i: BMC Cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2407. ; 17:1, s. 1-12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Cancer-related fatigue is a common problem in persons with cancer, influencing health-related quality of life and causing a considerable challenge to society. Current evidence supports the beneficial effects of physical exercise in reducing fatigue, but the results across studies are not consistent, especially in terms of exercise intensity. It is also unclear whether use of behaviour change techniques can further increase exercise adherence and maintain physical activity behaviour. This study will investigate whether exercise intensity affects fatigue and health related quality of life in persons undergoing adjuvant cancer treatment. In addition, to examine effects of exercise intensity on mood disturbance, adherence to oncological treatment, adverse effects from treatment, activities of daily living after treatment completion and return to work, and behaviour change techniques effect on exercise adherence. We will also investigate whether exercise intensity influences inflammatory markers and cytokines, and whether gene expressions following training serve as mediators for the effects of exercise on fatigue and health related quality of life. Methods/design: Six hundred newly diagnosed persons with breast, colorectal or prostate cancer undergoing adjuvant therapy will be randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design to following conditions; A) individually tailored low-to-moderate intensity exercise with or without behaviour change techniques or B) individually tailored high intensity exercise with or without behaviour change techniques. The training consists of both resistance and endurance exercise sessions under the guidance of trained coaches. The primary outcomes, fatigue and health related quality of life, are measured by self-reports. Secondary outcomes include fitness, mood disturbance, adherence to the cancer treatment, adverse effects, return to activities of daily living after completed treatment, return to work as well as inflammatory markers, cytokines and gene expression. Discussion: The study will contribute to our understanding of the value of exercise and exercise intensity in reducing fatigue and improving health related quality of life and, potentially, clinical outcomes. The value of behaviour change techniques in terms of adherence to and maintenance of physical exercise behaviour in persons with cancer will be evaluated. Trial registration:NCT02473003 , October, 2014.
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| 13. |
- Blomström-Lundqvist, Carina, et al.
(författare)
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A randomized double-blind study of epicardial left atrial cryoablation for permanent atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery: the SWEDish Multicentre Atrial Fibrillation study (SWEDMAF).
- 2007
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Ingår i: European heart journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 28:23, s. 2902-8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS: The efficacy of epicardial left atrial (LA) cryoablation in eliminating atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery (MVS) is unknown. We hypothesized that MVS combined with LA cryoablation is superior to MVS alone. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients with permanent AF, included at four centres, underwent MVS with or without epicardial LA cryoablation. The primary endpoint was regained sinus rhythm. Risk factors for failed AF cryoablation were elucidated. Sixty-five out of 69 patients reached the primary endpoint. At 6 and 12 months follow-up, 73.3% of patients who underwent cryoablation had regained sinus rhythm at both follow-ups, compared with 45.7 and 42.9% of patients, respectively, who underwent MVS alone (group differences, at 6 months P = 0.024, after 12 months P = 0.013). The in-hospital complication rate was 11.4% in the MVS group and 26.5% in the cryoablation group (P = 0.110). Risk factors for failed elimination of AF by cryoablation were duration of permanent AF (P = 0.012) and presence of coronary artery disease (P = 0.047), according to multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: This first prospective randomized study showed that combining MVS with epicardial LA cryoablation is significantly better in eliminating pre-operative permanent AF than MVS alone.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Grönqvist, Helena, 1975-, et al.
(författare)
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Fifteen Challenges in Establishing a Multidisciplinary Research Program on eHealth Research in a University Setting : A Case Study
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1438-8871. ; 19:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND:U-CARE is a multidisciplinary eHealth research program that involves the disciplines of caring science, clinical psychology, health economics, information systems, and medical science. It was set up from scratch in a university setting in 2010, funded by a governmental initiative. While establishing the research program, many challenges were faced. Systematic documentation of experiences from establishing new research environments is scarce.OBJECTIVE:The aim of this paper was to describe the challenges of establishing a publicly funded multidisciplinary eHealth research environment.METHODS:Researchers involved in developing the research program U-CARE identified challenges in the formal documentation and by reflecting on their experience of developing the program. The authors discussed the content and organization of challenges into themes until consensus was reached.RESULTS:The authors identified 15 major challenges, some general to establishing a new research environment and some specific for multidisciplinary eHealth programs. The challenges were organized into 6 themes: Organization, Communication, Implementation, Legislation, Software development, and Multidisciplinarity.CONCLUSIONS:Several challenges were faced during the development of the program and several accomplishments were made. By sharing our experience, we hope to help other research groups embarking on a similar journey to be prepared for some of the challenges they are likely to face on their way.
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| 16. |
- Henriksson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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The Phys-Can study : meaningful and challenging - supervising physical exercise in a community-based setting for persons undergoing curative oncological treatment
- 2022
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Ingår i: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0959-3985 .- 1532-5040. ; 38:1, s. 141-150
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Supervised exercise may improve physical function and quality of life during oncological treatment. Providing supervised exercise to all patients at hospitals may be impractical, with community-based settings (e.g. public gyms) as a possible alternative. To facilitate implementation, knowledge about the experiences of professionals who deliver exercise programs in community-based settings is crucial.Objective: To explore how physical therapists and personal trainers experience supervising exercise in a community-based setting for persons undergoing curative oncological treatment.Methods: Nine physical therapists and two personal trainers (coaches) were interviewed individually. The semi-structured interviews lasted 33-67 minutes and were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Two main themes emerged: "A meaningful task" and "A challenging task," with nine sub-themes. The coaches experienced supervising exercise for persons undergoing treatment as meaningful, as they became a link between oncology care and health promotion. They grew more confident in the role and ascertained that exercising during treatment was feasible. Challenges included managing side effects of treatment and contradictory information from oncology care staff at hospitals, advising patients not to exercise.Conclusion: Supervising exercise for persons undergoing oncological treatment in a community-based setting may be highly rewarding for professionals who deliver exercise programs, which is promising for implementation. However, patients receive contradictory information about exercise, which may prevent physical activity. Also, supervising exercise for persons undergoing oncological treatment requires skills training; this is suggested for inclusion in educational programs for physical therapists and others. Future research should focus on strategies for cooperation between oncology care and health promotion.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Holmberg, Mats, 1958, et al.
(författare)
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Structural brain changes in hyperthyroid Graves' disease: protocol for an ongoing longitudinal, case-controlled study in Göteborg, Sweden-the CogThy project.
- 2019
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Ingår i: BMJ open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 9:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cognitive impairment and reduced well-being are common manifestations of Graves' disease (GD). These symptoms are not only prevalent during the active phase of the disease but also often prevail for a long time after hyperthyroidism is considered cured. The pathogenic mechanisms involved in these brain-derived symptoms are currently unknown. The overall aim of the CogThy study is to identify the mechanism behind cognitive impairment to be able to recognise GD patients at risk.The study is a longitudinal, single-centre, case-controlled study conducted in Göteborg, Sweden on premenopausal women with newly diagnosed GD. The subjects are examined: at referral, at inclusion and then every 3.25 months until 15 months. Examinations include: laboratory measurements; eye evaluation; neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological testing; structural MRI of the whole brain, orbits and medial temporal lobe structures; functional near-infrared spectroscopy of the cerebral prefrontal cortex and self-assessed quality of life questionnaires. The primary outcome measure is the change in medial temporal lobe structure volume. Secondary outcome measures include neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, hormonal and autoantibody variables. The study opened for inclusion in September 2012 and close for inclusion in October 2019. It will provide novel information on the effect of GD on medial temporal lobe structures and cerebral cortex functionality as well as whether these changes are associated with cognitive and affective impairment, hormonal levels and/or autoantibody levels. It should lead to a broader understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and future treatment perspectives.The study has been reviewed and approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Göteborg, Sweden. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conference presentations and among patient organisations after an appropriate embargo time.44321 at the public project database for research and development in Västra Götaland County, Sweden (https://www.researchweb.org/is/vgr/project/44321).
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| 19. |
- Igelström, Helena, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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Exercise during and after curative oncological treatment : a mapping review
- 2017
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Ingår i: Physical Therapy Reviews. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1083-3196 .- 1743-288X. ; 22:3/4, s. 103-115
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: By mapping the existing literature on exercise oncology, gaps in knowledge can be identified, and future directions for research can be pointed out.Objectives: This review aimed to map diagnoses and outcome measures targeted in reviews and describe the effects on those outcomes. Further, the aim was to map exercise intervention characteristics being reviewed and the effects depending on these characteristics, and to discuss implications for future research.Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Cinahl, PSYCHInfo, and Cochrane Library. Reviews including physical activity and exercise intervention trials in adult patients during or after curative oncological treatment were included. Reference lists were scanned in order to find additional relevant papers.Results: Twenty-three reviews were included in the present study. The majority included mixed forms of cancers. Significant improvements were reported on physical fitness, cancer-related fatigue (CRF), health-related quality of life, physical function, psychological outcomes, lymphedema-related symptoms, biological markers, and physical activity level. Four reviews targeted time point for implementation of exercise intervention. There were slightly greater effects on CRF, physical fitness, and walking distance from implementation after completed treatment. Two reviews comparing exercise types reported superior effects from combinations of aerobic exercise and resistance training compared to aerobic or resistance training alone. One review targeted exercise intensity, and the results indicated a greater effect from moderately intense exercise compared to high intense exercise. One review assessed behaviour change techniques in exercise trials and suggested the use of programme goal-setting, self-monitoring, and generalization of behaviour to promote adoption and maintenance of exercise behaviour.Conclusion: Exercise seems to be beneficial during and after curative oncological treatment in several types of cancer. A higher reporting of exercise intervention details is essential in future exercise intervention trials and there is still a need for large, randomized trials, especially in forms of cancer other than breast cancer.
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| 20. |
- Johansson, Birgitta, 1960
(författare)
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Aspects of Intraoperative Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
- 2009
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Increasing knowledge about mechanisms that trigger and maintain atrial fibrillation (AF) has influenced the possibilities for treatment and even cure of AF. The surgical Cox Maze III procedure is still the gold standard for the curative treatment of AF. The development of new technologies has made it possible to mimic most of the Cox Maze III procedure, including isolation of the pulmonary veins, by means of intraoperative ablation using an epicardial lesion set. Aim: To assess the efficacy of intraoperative epicardial ablation in patients with a primary indication for cardiac surgery and with documented AF. To assess whether sinus rhythm (SR) after surgery is of clinical benefit to the patient. To identify preoperative factors that can help to predict SR postoperatively. Method: Intraoperative ablation was performed with radiofrequency energy (RF) in papers I and IV or with cryo energy in II, III and IV. The lesion set was identical in all studies. The study design was randomization in paper II and with age and gender matched controls in papers I and III. Assessment of quality of life (QoL) and symptoms at long-term follow-up was made in paper I and of echocardiographic effects in relation to rhythm before and after coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) in paper III. The effects of intraoperative ablation and mitral valve surgery (MVS) were studied in paper II. In paper IV an assessment of potential preoperative echocardiographic predictors for SR after surgery was made in patients from papers I and III. Results: In papers I, II and III concomitant intraoperative epicardial ablation with RF or cryo energy was significantly more effective in restoring SR than CABG or valve surgery alone. At 32±11 months after heart surgery and intraoperative RF ablation, patients in SR had better QoL and fewer symptoms than patients with AF. In paper III atrial and ventricular function was slightly decreased 22±6 months postoperatively, but still within or close to reference limits for patients in SR before and after surgery. There was a continued deterioration of echocardiographic variables in patients with AF pre- and postoperatively. Preoperative right atrial size and left ventricular diastolic function predicted long-term rhythm outcome (IV). SR at three months was a strong predictor of long-term SR (I and III). Independent preoperative predictors for SR at follow-up were paroxysmal/persistent AF (I), low BMI (I), short duration of AF (II), no coronary artery disease (II), SR before surgery (III) and a small left atrial area (III). Conclusions: Concomitant intraoperative ablation was significantly more effective than CABG or valve surgery alone in restoring and maintaining SR. Patients with SR at long-term follow-up had better QoL and fewer symptoms. Preoperative predictors for SR postoperatively were right atrial size and left ventricular diastolic function. SR at three months was a strong predictor of long-term SR. The findings speak in favour of offering intraoperative ablation as a concomitant procedure to patients scheduled for CABG or valve surgery and with documented AF. Key words: atrial fibrillation, radiofrequency, cryo, epicardial, intraoperative ablation, quality of life, atrial function, predictors of rhythm ISBN 978-91-628-7739-2 Gothenburg 2009
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| 21. |
- Johansson, Birgitta, 1960, et al.
(författare)
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Low Mortality and Low Rate of Perceived and Documented Arrhythmias after Cox Maze III Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE. - : Wiley. - 1540-8159 .- 0147-8389. ; 37:2, s. 147-156
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: To report a long-term single-site experience of the cut-and-sew Cox maze III procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: A total of 232 consecutive patients underwent the Cox maze III procedure for symptomatic therapy-refractory AF, with concomitant surgery in 34 patients. Follow-up data were obtained from electrocardiograms, patient visits, questionnaires, and medical files. Results: There were 103 patients (44%) with paroxysmal AF during 8.8 ± 6.5 years and 129 patients (56%) with nonparoxysmal AF for 7.3 ± 6.7 years. The preoperative New York Heart Association class was better in patients with paroxysmal AF (P < 0.0001); the left ventricular ejection fraction was 59 ± 7% versus 56 ± 8%, P = 0.003, and the left atrial area 24 ± 6 versus 27 ± 6cm 2 ,P = 0.01. Early and late postoperative adverse events occurred at similar rates. Four patients from each group died of reasons unrelated to surgery. The mean follow-up was 66 ± 42 (5–155) months. In total, 184/229 (80%) patients were free of documented AF/atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia (AF/AFl/AT) off antiarrhythmic drugs (AA) and 189/229 (83%) on or off AA. The hazard ratio (HR) for paroxysmal versus nonparoxysmal AF patients regarding documented AF/AFl/AT was 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–1.4; P = 0.40). For patients without versus with concomitant surgery, the corresponding HR was 0.4 (95% CI 0.2–0.8; P = 0.008). Of 197 patients (89%) responding to the questionnaire, 41 had sought care for symptoms of arrhythmia, 29 of whom had documented AF/AFl/AT, whereas another six had other arrhythmias. Conclusion: Cut-and-sew Cox maze III surgery provided long-lasting high efficacy, also in patients with nonparoxysmal AF of long duration and/or concomitant surgery, and was associated with low rates of subsequent adverse events. (PACE 2014; 37:147–156)
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| 22. |
- Johansson, Birgitta, 1959-, et al.
(författare)
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The effect of internet-administered support (carer eSupport) on preparedness for caregiving in informal caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer compared with support as usual: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
- 2024
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Ingår i: BMC cancer. - 1471-2407. ; 24:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Informal caregivers (ICs) of patients with cancer provide essential and mainly uncompensated care. A self-perceived preparedness to care for the patient is associated with a lower caregiver burden, described as the extent to which caregiving is perceived as having adverse effects on IC functioning and well-being. ICs' well-being is associated with patient-perceived quality of care, suggesting that interventions to optimize ICs' health are essential in order to improve patient care. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common malignant disease in the world. The disease and its treatment have a significant negative impact on the patient's health and quality of life. Symptoms usually interfere with swallowing, food and fluid intake, breathing, speaking, and communication. ICs frequently manage patients' symptoms and side effects, especially problems related to nutrition and oral pain, without being properly prepared. Carer eSupport is an Internet-administered intervention, based on focus group discussions with ICs, developed in collaboration with ICs and healthcare professionals, tested for feasibility, and deemed feasible. This study protocol outlines the methods of investigating the effects of Carer eSupport plus support as usual (SAU) on self-reported preparedness for caregiving, caregiver burden, and well-being in the ICs of patients with HNC, compared with ICs receiving SAU only.In this randomized controlled trial, 110 ICs of patients with HNC, undergoing radiotherapy combined with surgery and/or medical oncological treatment, will be randomized (1:1) to Carer eSupport plus SAU or SAU only. Data will be collected at baseline (before randomization), post-intervention (after 18 weeks), and 3 months after post-intervention. The primary outcome is self-reported preparedness for caregiving. Secondary outcomes are self-reported caregiver burden, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life. The effect of Carer eSupport plus SAU on preparedness for caregiving and secondary outcomes, compared with SAU only, will be evaluated by intention to treat analyses using linear regression models, mixed-model regression, or analysis of covariance.If proven effective, Carer eSupport has the potential to significantly improve ICs' preparedness for caregiving and their wellbeing, thereby improving patient-perceived quality of care and patient wellbeing.ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT06307418, registered 12.03.2024 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/search? term=NCT06307418).
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| 23. |
- Johansson, Karl-Axel, et al.
(författare)
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The quality assurance process for the ARTSCAN head and neck study - a practical interactive approach for QA in 3DCRT and IMRT.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-8140 .- 1879-0887. ; 87:2, s. 290-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: This paper describes the quality assurance (QA) work performed in the Swedish multicenter ARTSCAN (Accelerated RadioTherapy of Squamous cell CArcinomas in the head and Neck) trial to guarantee high quality in a multicenter study which involved modern radiotherapy such as 3DCRT or IMRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was closed in June 2006 with 750 randomised patients. Radiation therapy-related data for every patient were sent by each participating centre to the QA office where all trial data were reviewed, analysed and stored. In case of any deviation from the protocol, an interactive process was started between the QA office and the local responsible clinician and/or physicist to increase the compliance to the protocol for future randomised patients. Meetings and workshops were held on a regular basis for discussions on various trial-related issues and for the QA office to report on updated results. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This review covers the 734 patients out of a total of 750 who had entered the study. Deviations early in the study were corrected so that the overall compliance to the protocol was very high. There were only negligible variations in doses and dose distributions to target volumes for each specific site and stage. The quality of the treatments was high. Furthermore, an extensive database of treatment parameters was accumulated for future dose-volume vs. endpoint evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive QA programme increased the probability to draw firm conclusions from our study and may serve as a concept for QA work in future radiotherapy trials where comparatively small effects are searched for in a heterogeneous tumour population.
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| 24. |
- Langegård, Ulrica, 1969, et al.
(författare)
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Development and initial psychometric evaluation of a radiotherapy-related symptom assessment tool, based on data from patients with brain tumours undergoing proton beam therapy
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 35:3, s. 796-804
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Currently, no available tool easily and effectively measures both the frequency, intensity and distress of symptoms among patients receiving radiotherapy. A core symptom set (fatigue, insomnia, pain, appetite loss, cognitive problems, anxiety, nausea, depression, constipation, diarrhoea and skin reaction) has been identified and assessed across oncology research to better understand the pattern of symptoms and treatment side effects.Aim: The aim was to develop a tool measuring the multiple‐symptom experience in patients undergoing radiotherapy and evaluate its psychometric properties (validity, reliability and responsiveness).Design: This study has a prospective, longitudinal and quantitative design.Methods: We developed a patient‐reported outcome questionnaire, the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale to assess the frequency, intensity and distress associated with symptoms. Patients (n = 175) with brain tumours undergoing proton beam therapy completed the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale and the health‐related quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) during treatment. We assessed the validity, reliability and responsiveness of the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale and evaluated the validity against QLQ‐C30.Results: There were significant questionnaire–questionnaire correlations regarding selected items, primarily fatigue, insomnia and pain, indicating satisfactory criterion‐related validity. The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale had fair to good retest reliability.Conclusion: The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale is a valid instrument for assessing symptom intensity and distress in patients with brain tumour undergoing PBT, with psychometric properties within the expected range. The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale provides nurses with substantial information on symptom experience but requires little effort from the patient. Additional studies are required to further assess the psychometric properties in patients with different cancer diagnoses receiving conventional radiotherapy.
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| 25. |
- Langegård, Ulrica, 1969, et al.
(författare)
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Symptom Clusters in Patients With Brain Tumors Undergoing Proton Beam Therapy
- 2019
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Ingår i: Oncology Nursing Forum. - : Oncology Nursing Society. - 0190-535X .- 1538-0688. ; 46:3, s. 349-363
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To explore symptom clusters during proton beam therapy in patients with primary brain tumors and investigate associations among symptom clusters, demographic variables, and comorbidity in this patient population.SAMPLE & SETTING: Data were collected from 187 adult patients with primary brain tumors during their treatment periods in the Skandion Clinic in Uppsala, Sweden. Symptoms were assessed with the Radiotherapy-Related Symptoms Assessment Scale, and comorbidity was evaluated with the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire.METHODS & VARIABLES: The study used a quantitative and longitudinal design. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the underlying structure of symptom clusters.RESULTS: Three clusters were identified: mood, reduced appetite, and reduced energy. The mood cluster had the highest factor loadings (0.71-0.86). In addition, demographic and comorbidity characteristics were associated with symptom clusters in this group of patients.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Building knowledge about how these symptoms interact and are clustered will support healthcare professionals to more efficiently relieve symptom clusters during proton beam therapy.
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