| 1. |
- Roswall, N., et al.
(author)
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Long-Term Exposure to Transportation Noise and Risk of Incident Stroke: A Pooled Study of Nine Scandinavian Cohorts
- 2021
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In: Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 0091-6765 .- 1552-9924. ; 129:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Transportation noise is increasingly acknowledged as a cardiovascular risk factor, but the evidence base for an association with stroke is sparse. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association between transportation noise and stroke incidence in a large Scandinavian population. METHODS: We harmonized and pooled data from nine Scandinavian cohorts (seven Swedish, two Danish), totaling 135,951 participants. We identified residential address history and estimated road, railway, and aircraft noise for all addresses. Information on stroke incidence was acquired through linkage to national patient and mortality registries. We analyzed data using Cox proportional hazards models, including socioeconomic and lifestyle confounders, and air pollution. RESULTS: During follow-up (median = 19.5 y), 11,056 stroke cases were identified. Road traffic noise (Lden) was associated with risk of stroke, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.08] per 10-dB higher 5-y mean time-weighted exposure in analyses adjusted for individual- and area-level socioeconomic covariates. The association was approximately linear and persisted after adjustment for air pollution [particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of <= 2.5 mu m (PM2.5) and NO2]. Stroke was associated with moderate levels of 5-y aircraft noise exposure (40-50 vs. <= 40 dB) (HR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.27), but not with higher exposure (>= 50 dB, HR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.11). Railway noise was not associated with stroke. DISCUSSION: In this pooled study, road traffic noise was associated with a higher risk of stroke. This finding supports road traffic noise as an important cardiovascular risk factor that should be included when estimating the burden of disease due to traffic noise.
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| 2. |
- Sampson, Joshua N., et al.
(author)
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Analysis of Heritability and Shared Heritability Based on Genome-Wide Association Studies for 13 Cancer Types
- 2015
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In: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0027-8874 .- 1460-2105. ; 107:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Studies of related individuals have consistently demonstrated notable familial aggregation of cancer. We aim to estimate the heritability and genetic correlation attributable to the additive effects of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for cancer at 13 anatomical sites. Methods: Between 2007 and 2014, the US National Cancer Institute has generated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for 49 492 cancer case patients and 34 131 control patients. We apply novel mixed model methodology (GCTA) to this GWAS data to estimate the heritability of individual cancers, as well as the proportion of heritability attributable to cigarette smoking in smoking-related cancers, and the genetic correlation between pairs of cancers. Results: GWAS heritability was statistically significant at nearly all sites, with the estimates of array-based heritability, h(l)(2), on the liability threshold (LT) scale ranging from 0.05 to 0.38. Estimating the combined heritability of multiple smoking characteristics, we calculate that at least 24% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14% to 37%) and 7% (95% CI = 4% to 11%) of the heritability for lung and bladder cancer, respectively, can be attributed to genetic determinants of smoking. Most pairs of cancers studied did not show evidence of strong genetic correlation. We found only four pairs of cancers with marginally statistically significant correlations, specifically kidney and testes (rho = 0.73, SE = 0.28), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and pediatric osteosarcoma (rho = 0.53, SE = 0.21), DLBCL and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (rho = 0.51, SE = 0.18), and bladder and lung (rho = 0.35, SE = 0.14). Correlation analysis also indicates that the genetic architecture of lung cancer differs between a smoking population of European ancestry and a nonsmoking Asian population, allowing for the possibility that the genetic etiology for the same disease can vary by population and environmental exposures. Conclusion: Our results provide important insights into the genetic architecture of cancers and suggest new avenues for investigation.
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| 3. |
- Kriit, Hedi Katre, et al.
(author)
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Using Distributed Lag Non-Linear Models to Estimate Exposure Lag-Response Associations between Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure and Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Long-term air pollution exposure increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, but little is known about the temporal relationships between exposure and health outcomes. This study aims to estimate the exposure-lag response between air pollution exposure and risk for ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke incidence by applying distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs). Annual mean concentrations of particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5 ) and black carbon (BC) were estimated for participants in five Swedish cohorts using dispersion models. Simultaneous estimates of exposure lags 1–10 years using DLNMs were compared with separate year specific (single lag) estimates and estimates for lag 1–5-and 6–10-years using moving average exposure. The DLNM estimated no exposure lag-response between PM2.5 total, BC, and IHD. However, for PM2.5 from local sources, a 20% risk increase per 1 µg/m3 for 1-year lag was estimated. A risk increase for stroke was suggested in relation to lags 2–4-year PM2.5 and BC, and also lags 8–9-years BC. No associations were shown in single lag models. Increased risk estimates for stroke in relation to lag 1–5-and 6–10-years BC moving averages were observed. Estimates generally supported a greater contribution to increased risk from exposure windows closer in time to incident IHD and incident stroke. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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| 4. |
- Nilsson Sommar, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Long-term exposure to particulate air pollution and black carbon in relation to natural and cause-specific mortality: a multicohort study in Sweden
- 2021
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In: Bmj Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 11:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives To estimate concentration-response relationships for particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) in relation to mortality in cohorts from three Swedish cities with comparatively low pollutant levels. Setting Cohorts from Gothenburg, Stockholm and Umea, Sweden. Design High-resolution dispersion models were used to estimate annual mean concentrations of PM with aerodynamic diameter <= 10 mu m (PM10) and <= 2.5 mu m (PM2.5), and BC, at individual addresses during each year of follow-up, 1990-2011. Moving averages were calculated for the time windows 1-5 years (lag1-5) and 6-10 years (lag6-10) preceding the outcome. Cause-specific mortality data were obtained from the national cause of death registry. Cohort-specific HRs were estimated using Cox regression models and then meta-analysed including a random effect of cohort. Participants During the study period, 7 340 cases of natural mortality, 2 755 cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and 817 cases of respiratory and lung cancer mortality were observed among in total 68 679 individuals and 689 813 person-years of follow-up. Results Both PM10 (range: 6.3-41.9 mu g/m(3)) and BC (range: 0.2-6.8 mu g/m(3)) were associated with natural mortality showing 17% (95% CI 6% to 31%) and 9% (95% CI 0% to 18%) increased risks per 10 mu g/m(3) and 1 mu g/m(3) of lag1-5 exposure, respectively. For PM2.5 (range: 4.0-22.4 mu g/m(3)), the estimated increase was 13% per 5 mu g/m(3), but less precise (95% CI -9% to 40%). Estimates for CVD mortality appeared higher for both PM10 and PM2.5. No association was observed with respiratory mortality. Conclusion The results support an effect of long-term air pollution on natural mortality and mortality in CVD with high relative risks also at low exposure levels. These findings are relevant for future decisions concerning air quality policies.
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| 5. |
- Andersson, Eva, 1958-, et al.
(author)
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Segregation och växande klyftor : En longitudinell studie
- 2021
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In: <em>Ungas uppväxtvillkor och integration </em>. - Stockholm. - 9789188021755
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- En utjämning av människors livschanser. Det har varit en bärande tanke i det svenska välfärdsbygget. I en marknadsekonomi som inte av sig själv ser till att utjämna klyftor kan välfärdsstaten hjälpa till att ge alla människor, oberoende av bakgrund, någorlunda likartade chanser den dag de tar steget ut i vuxenlivet och på egen hand ska ställas inför marknadens krav (Lindh, Malmberg, & Palme 2005). Den är en politik som tar sin början redan under fostertiden, med en mödravård som ska se till att de nyfödda ska ha en god hälsa. Och den fortsätter från förskoletiden ända fram till myndighetsdagen, och längre för dem som söker sig till högre utbildning. Huvuddelen av denna politik riktar sig direkt mot barnet och dess familj med hälsoinsatser, föräldraförsäkring, barnomsorg, undervisning, skolmåltider, socialförsäk- ringar, arbetslöshetsunderstöd, barnbidrag, försörjningsstöd, och även en arbetsmarknad med kollektivavtal och anställningstrygghet som ska ge inkomsttrygghet för vuxna individer, men därmed också inkomsttrygghet för deras barn. Vid sidan av denna individinriktade politik har välfärdsstaten också slagit vakt om uppväxtmiljön i en vidare bemärkelse. Även de bostadsområden där barn växer upp ska erbjuda stöd för deras utveckling till vuxna individer. Bostadsområden ska vara säkra och trygga, funktionella för lek, erbjuda närhet till förskola, skola och hälsovård samt kunna erbjuda fritidsaktiviteter. Bostadsområden ska dessutom föra med sig vuxna som kan vara goda förebilder och ett socialt stöd, varför t.ex. kriminalitet ska motverkas. Om man inom området socialpolitik till stöd för barns uppväxt i Sverige kommit långt i likvärdighet, så gäller inte detta förutsättningar knutna till barns och ungas geografiska hemvist, t.ex. i form av det egna bostadsområdet. Det framgår av tidigare forskning om barns och ungas geografiska kontext i Sverige att det skiljer sig stort i många avseenden (Andersson 2001).I detta kapitel belyser vi inkomstsegregation i Sverige, med särskilt fokus på fattiga områden och utrikes födda. Vi visar också vilka konsekvenser en uppväxt i fattiga områden får senare i livet vad gäller inkomst och utbildning. Vi undersöker även i vilken utsträckning unga, med och utan migrantbakgrund, bor kvar i fattiga områden som vuxna, och vilka faktorer som påverkar flyttningen bort från fattiga områden.
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| 6. |
- Lundtoft, Christian, et al.
(author)
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Strong Association of Combined Genetic Deficiencies in the Classical Complement Pathway With Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Primary Sjogren's Syndrome
- 2022
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In: Arthritis & Rheumatology. - : Wiley. - 2326-5191 .- 2326-5205. ; 74:11, s. 1842-1850
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective Complete genetic deficiency of the complement component C2 is a strong risk factor for monogenic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but whether heterozygous C2 deficiency adds to the risk of SLE or primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) has not been studied systematically. This study was undertaken to investigate potential associations of heterozygous C2 deficiency and C4 copy number variation with clinical manifestations in patients with SLE and patients with primary SS. Methods The presence of the common 28-bp C2 deletion rs9332736 and C4 copy number variation was examined in Scandinavian patients who had received a diagnosis of SLE (n = 958) or primary SS (n = 911) and in 2,262 healthy controls through the use of DNA sequencing. The concentration of complement proteins in plasma and classical complement function were analyzed in a subgroup of SLE patients. Results Heterozygous C2 deficiency-when present in combination with a low C4A copy number-substantially increased the risk of SLE (odds ratio [OR] 10.2 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.5-37.0]) and the risk of primary SS (OR 13.0 [95% CI 4.5-48.4]) when compared to individuals with 2 C4A copies and normal C2. For patients heterozygous for rs9332736 with 1 C4A copy, the median age at diagnosis was 7 years earlier in patients with SLE and 12 years earlier in patients with primary SS when compared to patients with normal C2. Reduced C2 levels in plasma (P = 2 x 10(-9)) and impaired function of the classical complement pathway (P = 0.03) were detected in SLE patients with heterozygous C2 deficiency. Finally, in a primary SS patient homozygous for C2 deficiency, we observed low levels of anti-Scl-70, which suggests a risk of developing systemic sclerosis or potential overlap between primary SS and other systemic autoimmune diseases. Conclusion We demonstrate that a genetic pattern involving partial deficiencies of C2 and C4A in the classical complement pathway is a strong risk factor for SLE and for primary SS. Our results emphasize the central role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of both SLE and primary SS.
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| 7. |
- Abrahamsen, R., et al.
(author)
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Association of respiratory symptoms and asthma with occupational exposures: findings from a population-based cross-sectional survey in Telemark, Norway
- 2017
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In: Bmj Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and physiciandiagnosed asthma and assess the impact of current occupational exposure. Design: Cross-sectional analyses of the prevalence of self-reported respiratory health and association with current occupational exposure in a random sample of the general population in Telemark County, Norway. Settings: In 2013, a self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of the general population, aged 16-50, in Telemark, Norway. The overall response rate was 33%, comprising 16 099 responders. Outcome measures: The prevalence for respiratory symptoms and asthma, and OR of respiratory symptoms and asthma for occupational groups and exposures were calculated. Occupational exposures were assessed using self-reported exposure and an asthma-specific job-exposure matrix (JEM). Results: The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 11.5%. For the occupational groups, the category with agriculture/fishery workers and craft/related trade workers was associated with wheezing and asthma attack in the past 12 months, showing OR 1.3 (1.1 to 1.6) and 1.9 (1.2 to 2.8), respectively. The group including technicians and associated professionals was also associated with wheezing OR 1.2 (1.0 to 1.3) and asthma attack OR 1.4 (1.1 to 1.9). The JEM data show that exposure to flour was associated with wheezing OR 3.2 (1.4 to 7.3) and woken with dyspnoea OR 3.5 (1.3 to 9.5), whereas exposures to diisocyanates, welding/soldering fumes and exposure to vehicle/motor exhaust were associated with dyspnoea OR 2.9 (1.5 to 5.7), 3.2 (1.6 to 6.4) and 1.4 (1.0 to 1.8), respectively. Conclusions: The observed prevalence of physiciandiagnosed asthma was 11.5%. The 'manual' occupations were associated with respiratory symptoms. Occupational exposure to flour, diisocyanates, welding/soldering fumes and vehicle/motor exhaust was associated with respiratory symptoms in the past 12 months and use of asthma medication. However, prospective data are needed to confirm the observed associations.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Andersson, B, et al.
(author)
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Ökad fysisk aktivitet viktigt för att bromsa sjukfrånvaron
- 2015
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In: Dagens nyheter, DN.
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Försäkringskassans rapport (DN Debatt 27/11 2015) visar att sjukfrånvaron fortsätter att öka och lovar att kraftsamla i sjukförsäkringshandläggningen. Men, precis som Försäkringskassan skriver, kommer det inte att räcka för att nå regeringens mål. Regeringens åtgärdsprograms program i sju punkter för att minska sjukfrånvaron saknar en viktig komponent. Det måste kompletteras med fysisk aktivitet som ett åttonde område för att trenden ska kunna brytas, skriver 13 debattörer.
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| 10. |
- Fell, A. K. M., et al.
(author)
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Breath-taking jobs: a case-control study of respiratory work disability by occupation in Norway
- 2016
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In: Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : BMJ. - 1351-0711 .- 1470-7926. ; 73:9, s. 600-606
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The current knowledge on respiratory work disability is based on studies that used crude categories of exposure. This may lead to a loss of power, and does not provide sufficient information to allow targeted workplace interventions and follow-up of patients with respiratory symptoms. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify occupations and specific exposures associated with respiratory work disability. Methods In 2013, a self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of the general population, aged 16-50, in Telemark County, Norway. We defined respiratory work disability as a positive response to the survey question: Have you ever had to change or leave your job because it affected your breathing?' Occupational exposures were assessed using an asthma-specific job-exposure matrix, and comparison of risks was made for cases and a median of 50 controls per case. Results 247 workers had changed their work because of respiratory symptoms, accounting for 1.7% of the respondents ever employed. The breath-taking jobs' were cooks/chefs: adjusted OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 8.0); welders: 5.2 (2.0 to 14); gardeners: 4.5 (1.3 to 15); sheet metal workers: 5.4 (2.0 to 14); cleaners: 5.0 (2.2 to 11); hairdressers: 6.4 (2.5 to 17); and agricultural labourers: 7.4 (2.5 to 22). Job changes were also associated with a variety of occupational exposures, with some differences between men and women. Conclusions Self-report and job-exposure matrix data showed similar findings. For the occupations and exposures associated with job change, preventive measures should be implemented.
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