1. |
- Rask-Andersen, Anna, 1952-, et al.
(author)
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Health-related quality of life as associated with asthma control, psychological status and insomnia
- 2022
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In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - Uppsala : Upsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 127
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Asthma is associated not only with lower health-related quality of life (HRQL) but also with psychological health and insomnia. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between HRQL, asthma symptoms, psychological status and insomnia in adults from three Nordic countries.Methods: This study comprised 2,270 subjects aged 29–55 from Sweden, Iceland and Norway. HRQL was measured with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The physical (PCS) and mental health (MCS) component scores were calculated with higher values, indicating better health status. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Insomnia was assessed with the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. An asthma score consisting of a sum of the positive answers to five respiratory symptoms was used in the analysis. Spirometry and allergy tests were also performed.Results: High HADS and sleep disturbance scores were both related to a low PCS and MCS, respectively, after adjusting for confounders. High age and high body mass index (BMI) were associated with low scores on the PCS, whilst the opposite was found for the MCS. A higher asthma score was related to a low PCS. An interaction between the HADS and the asthma symptom score was observed for the PCS (P = 0.0002), where associations between psychological status and the PCS were more pronounced for individuals with more symptoms than for individuals without symptoms.Conclusions: In this study, we found that HRQL of life was independently related to the HADS, insomnia and asthma symptoms. Further prospective studies to identify the most efficient target for intervention in order to improve asthma control are needed.
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2. |
- Leander, Mai, et al.
(author)
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Impact of anxiety and depression on respiratory symptoms
- 2014
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In: Respiratory Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0954-6111 .- 1532-3064. ; 108:11, s. 1594-1600
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression are prevalent in patients with asthma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between respiratory symptoms and psychological status and to estimate the importance of psychological status in comparison with other factors that are known to be associated with respiratory symptoms. This study included 2270 subjects aged 20-44 (52% female) from Sweden, Iceland, and Norway. Each participant underwent a clinical interview including questions on respiratory symptoms. Spirometry and methacholine challenge were performed. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Eighty-two percent of the subjects reported no anxiety or depression whatsoever, 11% reported anxiety, 2.5% depression and 4% reported both anxiety and depression. All respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, breathlessness and nightly symptoms, were more common, at a statistically significant level, in participants who had depression and anxiety, even after adjusting for confounders (ORs 1.33-1.94). The HADS score was the most important determinant for nightly symptoms and attacks of breathlessness when at rest whereas bronchial responsiveness was the most important determinant for wheezing, and breathlessness when wheezing. The probability of respiratory symptoms related to HADS score increased with increasing HADS score for all respiratory symptoms. In conclusion, there is a strong association between respiratory symptoms and psychological status. There is therefore a need for interventional studies designed to improve depression and anxiety in patients with respiratory symptoms. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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3. |
- Arakelian, Erebouni, 1973-, et al.
(author)
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I Stay : Swedish Specialist Nurses in the Perioperative Context and Their Reasons to Stay at Their Workplace
- 2019
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In: Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1089-9472 .- 1532-8473. ; 34:3, s. 633-644
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose To investigate why nurse anesthetists and operating room nurses choose to stay in the same workplace.Design Qualitative design.Methods Individual interviews were conducted with 15 nurse specialists from four hospitals in Sweden. Two men and 13 women aged between 43 and 63 participated. Data were analyzed with systematic text condensation according to Malterud.Findings Three themes were identified. (1) Organizational stability contributed to low staff turnover, with good spirits between colleagues, representing everyone’s equal value and resulting in a feeling of homelikeness. (2) Sustained development in one’s own profession. (3) A humane head nurse who was at hand, who was a facilitator, who knew staff members, and eliminated obstacles for them.Conclusions In a nonhierarchical and stable organization with a head nurse with caritative leadership skills, a welcoming working environment with opportunities for professional development is created. Thus, nurse specialists choose to stay, contributing to organizational development.
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4. |
- Arakelian, Erebouni, 1973-, et al.
(author)
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Nurse managers in perioperative settings and their reasons for remaining in their jobs : A qualitative study
- 2020
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In: Journal of Nursing Management. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0966-0429 .- 1365-2834. ; 28:6, s. 1191-1198
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: The study describes what helps nurse managers maintain the strength to keep going as leaders.BACKGROUND: Good leadership is important for the quality of patient care, patient satisfaction in care and efficiency. Many nurse managers stay on despite challenges at work.METHODS: Twelve nurse managers were interviewed. Data were analysed by systematic text condensation according to Malterud.RESULTS: The results were as follows: A-Walking side by side with my employees; B-Knowing that I mean something to my employees; C-Talking to myself-asking myself tough questions; D-Having someone to talk to, to decrease the feeling of being alone; E-Leading and managing in my own way-the fear of not succeeding is my motivation.CONCLUSION: The nurse managers built their own strategies to get through and get on when difficult situations arose. In order to succeed in leading their employees, the nurse managers gathered their inner strength through moving caritatively back and forth between the 'secret room' and the 'staff room' in the house of leadership.IMPLICATIONS IN NURSING MANAGEMENT: The manuscript gives insights into where nurse managers found sources of strengths in their everyday work. To realize their employees' strengths and motivation made a difference for nurse managers as a driving force. By having someone to talk to and by asking themselves tough questions, they were prepared for the challenges that came.
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5. |
- Kisiel, Marta, 1984-, et al.
(author)
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Medical students experience mistreatment, with a focus on gender discrimination. Cross-sectional study at one Swedish medical school
- 2023
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In: Cogent Social Sciences. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2331-1886. ; 9:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim was to study discrimination, with a focus on gender and sexual harassment among medical students at Uppsala University in Sweden. A survey was sent via email to all registered medical students in the spring semester of 2020. Data were compared with two previous studies. Questions about gender and sexual harassment were the same as in the study conducted in 2002 and 2013. In addition, the 2020 survey included a question about other grounds of discrimination. Forty percent, that is, 453 out of 1,130 medical students, participated. The proportion of students reporting gender-based discrimination during the preclinical semesters was similar for females and males. During the clinical semesters, significantly more females than males reported gender discrimination (41% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.005) and sexual harassment (22% vs. 5%, p = 0.001). Physicians were the most commonly reported perpetrator. Reports about not being respected had increased from 2% to 20% between 2013 and 2020 among female clinical students. The prevalence of those who experienced several sexually harassing behaviors increased for the female and male clinical students and the female preclinical students. Receiving an unwelcome touch increased from 1% to 7% for the female clinical students. Discrimination due to ethnicity was reported by 36% of the students born in a country other than Sweden compared to 3% of those born in Sweden. Our findings confirm that experiences of different forms of discrimination exist in this medical school, and females and minorities are particularly affected.
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6. |
- Kisiel, Marta, 1984-, et al.
(author)
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Medical students' self-reported gender discrimination and sexual harassment over time
- 2020
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In: BMC Medical Education. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6920. ; 20:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Gender discrimination (GD) and sexual harassment (SH) occur at all academic institutions worldwide. Medical students report high prevalence of GD and SH, which may negatively affect their education and health. There are indications that policies and reforms on reducing GD/SH are insufficient. Swedish medical students' experiences of GD/SH are monitored by course-evaluations and bi-annual student union evaluations; however, the response rate is usually low. The aim of this study was to compare the exposure to and context of self-reported GD/SH over an 11-year period amongst medical students at a Swedish university.METHODS: In 2002, a questionnaire (n = 622) was mailed to medical students' home addresses. It was repeated in 2013 and then distributed during mandatory lectures (n = 856). The questions used a behavioristic approach and asked about specific GH/SH experiences. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The changes in prevalence over time were calculated by sampling weights in order to obtain comparable estimates, representative of both cohorts.RESULTS: The response frequency was 55% (62% women) in 2002 and 81% (59% women) in 2013. The prevalence of GD tended to decrease for male and clinical students in comparison to female and pre-clinical peers. However, the prevalence of SH increased for female compared to male students. The ratio of SH for female pre-clinical students doubled in many instances; most often, the mistreatment occurred in the clinic. Medical doctors were indicated as perpetrators up to five times more often by all students in 2013.CONCLUSION: Our results show a disproportional change in exposure to GD/SH between female and male medical students, resulting in a widening of the gender gap regarding prevalence of GD and SH between 2002 and 2013. In particular, personal experiences of SH increased for both sexes. It is proof that institutional efforts to fight mistreatment might be ineffective.
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7. |
- Löfstedt, Håkan, 1963-, et al.
(author)
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Respiratory symptoms and lung function in relation to wood dust and monoterpene exposure in the wood pellet industry
- 2017
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In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 122:2, s. 78-84
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Wood pellets are used as a source of renewable energy for heating purposes. Common exposures are wood dust and monoterpenes, which are known to be hazardous for the airways. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of occupational exposure on respiratory health in wood pellet workers.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine men working with wood pellet production at six plants were investigated with a questionnaire, medical examination, allergy screening, spirometry, and nasal peak expiratory flow (nasal PEF). Exposure to wood dust and monoterpenes was measured.RESULTS: The wood pellet workers reported a higher frequency of nasal symptoms, dry cough, and asthma medication compared to controls from the general population. There were no differences in nasal PEF between work and leisure time. A lower lung function than expected (vital capacity [VC], 95%; forced vital capacity in 1 second [FEV1], 96% of predicted) was noted, but no changes were noted during shifts. There was no correlation between lung function and years working in pellet production. Personal measurements of wood dust at work showed high concentrations (0.16-19 mg/m(3)), and exposure peaks when performing certain work tasks. Levels of monoterpenes were low (0.64-28 mg/m(3)). There was no association between exposure and acute lung function effects.CONCLUSIONS: In this study of wood pellet workers, high levels of wood dust were observed, and that may have influenced the airways negatively as the study group reported upper airway symptoms and dry cough more frequently than expected. The wood pellet workers had both a lower VC and FEV1 than expected. No cross-shift changes were found.
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8. |
- Lögde, Ann, et al.
(author)
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I am quitting my job : Specialist nurses in perioperative context and their experiences of the process and reasons to quit their job
- 2018
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In: International Journal for Quality in Health Care. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1353-4505 .- 1464-3677. ; 30:4, s. 313-320
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The lack of specialist nurses in operating theatres is a serious problem. The aim of this study was to describe reasons why specialist nurses in perioperative care chose to leave their workplaces and to describe the process from the thought to the decision. Twenty specialist nurses (i.e. anaesthesia, NA, and operating room nurses) from seven university- and county hospitals in Sweden participated in qualitative individual in-depth interviews. Data were analysed by systematic text condensation. We identified four themes of reasons why specialist nurses quitted their jobs: the head nurses' betrayal and dismissive attitude, and not feeling needed; inhumane working conditions leading to the negative health effects; not being free to decide about one's life and family life being more important than work; and, colleagues' diminishing behaviour. Leaving one's job was described as a process and specialist nurses had thought about it for some time. Two main reasons were described; the head nurse manager's dismissive attitude and treatment of their employees and colleagues' mistreatment and colleagues' diminishing behaviour. Increasing knowledge on the role of the head nurse managers in specialist nurses' decision making for leaving their workplace, and creating a friendly, non-violent workplace, may give the opportunity for them to take action before it is too late.
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9. |
- Rask-Andersen, Anna, 1952-, et al.
(author)
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Determinant of persistent asthma and new asthma onset in a longitudinal study with special reference to atopic sensitization
- 2011
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In: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. - 1073-449X .- 1535-4970. ; 183, s. A4307-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Our knowledge about atopy as a longitudinal predictor of asthma is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognosis of asthma and risk factors for asthma onset, especially sensitization of specific allergens in a population sample.A cohort responded to a respiratory questionnaire in 1990 and 2003. At baseline, 1851 subjects who, in the screening questionnaire, reported respiratory symptoms and 447 controls were investigated with interviews, spirometry and skin prick test. A total of 721 asthmatics and 976 subjects without respiratory disease were clinically verified. At follow-up in 2003, 340 subjects with persistent asthma and 186 subjects with asthma remission were identified while 76 subjects reported new asthma onset.Sensitisation to pets and a high symptom score were significant determinants of persistent asthma (Odds Ratio [ORs] 3.2 [95% CI 1.9-5.6], and 5.7 [2.5-13.3] respectively), and onset of asthma, (ORs 2.6 [1.1-6.0], and 1.7 [1.2-2.3], respectively). A high self-reported responsiveness to airway irritants (OR 1.6 [1.1-2.2]), and more asthma medications (OR 2.0 [1.3-2.9]) were additional risk factors for persistent asthma at the follow-up. Belonging to the older age group decreased the risk both of having persistent asthma and asthma onset.In conclusion, asthmatics sensitised to pets have a more severe outcome than asthmatics not sensitised to pets. Sensitisation to pets was also a strong predictor for onset of asthma. Our study also indicates that special attention should be given to asthmatics that report having severe symptoms and problems with airway irritants as such patients are more likely to have persistent problems.
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10. |
- Rask-Andersen, Anna, 1952-, et al.
(author)
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Gör ett totalt omtag
- 2013
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In: Läkartidningen. - 0023-7205 .- 1652-7518. ; 110:15, s. 775-
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)
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11. |
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12. |
- Rask-Andersen, Anna, 1952-, et al.
(author)
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Sveriges lagar gäller även här
- 2013
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In: Läkartidningen. - 0023-7205 .- 1652-7518. ; 110:13, s. 698-
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)
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13. |
- Uddenfeldt, Monica, et al.
(author)
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Sensitization to pets is a major determinant of persistent asthma and new asthma onset in Sweden
- 2013
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In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 118:2, s. 111-121
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction. Our knowledge about atopy as a longitudinal predictor of asthma is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognosis of asthma and risk factors for asthma onset, especially sensitization of specific allergens in a population sample. Material and methods. A cohort responded to a respiratory questionnaire in 1990 and 2003. At baseline, 2,060 subjects who, in the screening questionnaire, reported respiratory symptoms and 482 controls were investigated with interviews, spirometry, and skin-prick test. A total of 721 asthmatics and 976 subjects without respiratory disease were clinically verified. At follow-up in 2003, 340 subjects with persistent asthma and 186 subjects with asthma remission were identified, while 76 subjects reported new asthma onset.Results. Sensitization to pets and a high symptom score were significant determinants of persistent asthma (odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% CI 1.9-5.6) and 5.7 (2.5-13.3), respectively) and onset of asthma (OR 2.6 (1.1-6.0), and 1.7 (1.2-2.3)). A high self-reported responsiveness to airway irritants (OR 1.6 (1.1-2.2)), and more asthma medications (OR 2.0 (1.3-2.9)) were additional indicators of persistent asthma at the follow-up. Belonging to the older age group decreased the risk both of having persistent asthma and asthma onset. Discussion. Asthmatics sensitized to pets have a more severe outcome than asthmatics not sensitized to pets. Sensitization to pets was also a strong predictor for onset of asthma. Special attention should be given to asthmatics who report having severe symptoms and problems with airway irritants as such patients are more likely to have persistent problems.
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14. |
- Victor, Susanne, et al.
(author)
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Levels of horse allergen Equ c 4 in dander and saliva from ten horse breeds
- 2019
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In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : WILEY. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 49:5, s. 701-711
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Horses are an important source of allergens, but the distribution of horse allergens is poorly understood. Five horse allergens have been identified, Equ c 1-4 and 6. Equ c 4 seems to be an important allergen, with an IgE-binding frequency of 77% in horse-sensitized individuals.0000 Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate levels of horse allergen Equ c 4 in dander, saliva and urine from ten horse breeds. Method: The study population included 170 horses (87 mares, 27 stallions, 56 geldings) from ten breeds. Horse dander, saliva and urine samples were collected. Levels of horse allergen Equ c 4 were quantified using a two-site sandwich ELISA (mAb 103 and 14G4) and were expressed as Equ c 4 U/mu g protein. Results: The horse allergen Equ c 4 was present in all dander and saliva samples from ten horse breeds, with high within-breed and inter-breed variations; GM values were 639 Equ c 4 U/mu g protein (range 5-15 264) for dander and 39.5 (4-263) for saliva. Equ c 4 was found in 19/21 urine samples. Adjusted for age, sex and changes over time, no differences between breeds could be seen in dander, while in saliva the North Swedish horse showed lower levels of Equ c 4 than any other breed. The levels of Equ c 4 protein in dander and saliva were significantly higher in samples from stallions compared to mares and geldings, independent of breed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The results show a high variability in allergen levels of Equ c 4 in dander and saliva both within and between breeds. Significantly higher levels were found in stallions compared to mares and geldings, independent of breed. Results suggest that none of the horse breeds studied can be recommended for individuals allergic to Equ c 4.
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15. |
- Victor, Susanne, et al.
(author)
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Measurement of Horse Allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 : A Comparison among Breeds
- 2022
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In: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 183:11, s. 1166-1177
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Horse allergens are less studied than allergens from other furry animals and these allergens must be evaluated to understand the complexity of allergy to horses. The aims of this study were to develop assays for the horse allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 in dander and saliva and to determine their levels in ten horse breeds. The study also included a comparison of these findings with previous results on the levels of Equ c 4 performed on the same study population. Method: The study population included 170 horses from 10 horse breeds including American Curly and Russian Bashkir horse, which have been suggested to be hypoallergenic. Competitive ELISA assays were developed, with polyclonal antibodies as capture antibodies, for the detection of Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 in dander and saliva samples. Results: The horse allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 were found in all dander and saliva samples from the ten horse breeds. The GM level (ng/mu g protein) of Equ c 1 in dander was 470 (range 129-2,569) and in saliva samples, 40 (range 6-160). The GM level of Equ c 2 in dander was 138 (range 18-1,650) and in saliva samples, 0.8 (range 0.03-17). In dander, there were no significant differences in Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 GM levels between stallions, mares, and geldings. Conclusion: Our results show high intra- and inter-breed variability. Neither the American Curly horse nor the Russian Bashkir horse, earlier categorized as hypoallergenic breeds, was associated with lower allergen levels of Equ c 1, Equ c 2, or Equ c 4 than the other horse breeds investigated.
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16. |
- Wålinder, Robert, et al.
(author)
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A supportive climate and low strain promote well-being and sustainable working life in the operation theatre.
- 2018
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In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 123:3, s. 183-190
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Shortage of health-care workers e.g. in operating theatres is a global problem. A shortage of staff negatively affects patient outcomes, making it important to keep the employees from quitting. The aim of this survey was to study if well-being, zest for work, and thoughts about leaving work in an operating theatre can be related to the psychosocial work environment, as described by the job demand-control-support (JDCS) model.METHODS: A questionnaire was provided to personnel in operating theatres of seven Swedish hospitals (n = 1405, with a response rate of 68%) that included the JDCS model, personal factors, work ability, well-being, zest for work, and thoughts about leaving their position. Ordinal scale regression was used for analyses.RESULTS: A majority reported moderate to high zest for work (76%). A minority (30%) had sometimes thought during at least one month in the last year of leaving their position. Lower social support scores and high demands together with low control (high-strain) scores were related to lower well-being, lower zest for work, and more thoughts about leaving the position. Anaesthetists scored in the low-strain field, nurse anaesthetists and assistant nurses in the passive field, and operating nurses in the active field, in comparison to all personnel.CONCLUSION: According to the JDCS model, both lower social support and high strain were related to lower well-being and negative thoughts about the position. Social support scores were about the same for different occupational groups in the operating theatre, and no occupation scored on average in the high-strain field.
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