| 1. |
- Akhtar, Sultan, et al.
(author)
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Visualization of functionalization of nano-particles and graphene in the TEM
- 2010
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In: Advanced Materials Workshop 2010.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently, the activity on functionalized nano-objects has strongly increased. Yet, there are, to our knowledge no techniques available that visualize the attachment of molecules to nano-entities such as nanoparticles and graphene. In this work, we show a methodology to analyse the attachment of molecules to nanoparticles and graphene. The difficulty of such transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization consists in the high beam sensitivity of these nanoobjects. We employed a high resolution- as well as diffraction contrast-imaging methods to characterize graphene. First, we have developed a method to measure the thickness of free-standing graphene-like layers. The refinement of these imaging techniques enabled the imaging of functionalized C60 (fullerene) on top of a few-layer graphene flake by TEM. We also developed a methodology to visualize the attachment of functionalized gold and magnetic nanoparticles (different sizes) to nonstained and unlabeled single strand DNA-coils. This technique can be used to understand the interaction of a large variety of functionalized nanoparticles with their solution environment and/or macromolecular structures for their large applications.
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| 2. |
- Almquist-Tangen, Gerd, et al.
(author)
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Influence of neighbourhood purchasing power on breastfeeding at four months of age : a Swedish population-based cohort study
- 2013
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In: BMC Public Health. - London : BioMed Central. - 1471-2458. ; 13:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Parental socioeconomic status (SES) is an important determinant in child health, influencing beneficial factors such as breastfeeding. A better understanding of the influence of neighbourhood-level SES measures, relating to spatial determinants, might lead to targeted actions to promote breastfeeding during infancy.METHODS: A cross-sectional study analysis the association between breastfeeding at four months of age and neighbourhood purchasing power, taking account of individual-level variables including maternal age, smoking and parental level of education. Data were obtained from a prospective population- based cohort study recruited from birth in 2007-2008 in the Halland region, southwestern Sweden. Questionnaire data on the individual-level variables and the outcome variable of breastfeeding at four months (yes/no) were used (n=2,407). Each mother was geo-coded with respect to her residential parish (there are 61 parishes in the region) and then stratified by parish-level household purchasing power. It emerged that four neighbourhood characteristics were reasonable to use, viz. <10%, 10-19%, 20-29% and ≥ 30% of the resident families with low purchasing power.RESULTS: The proportion of mothers not breastfeeding at four months of age showed a highly significant trend across the neighbourhood strata (p=0.00004): from 16.3% (< 10% with low purchasing power) to 29.4% (≥ 30% with low purchasing power), yielding an OR of 2.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.45-3.16). After adjusting for the individual-level variables, the corresponding OR=1.63 (1.07-2.56) was significant and the trend across the strata was still evident (p=0.05). A multi-level analysis estimated that, in the neighbourhoods with ≥ 30% of the families with low purchasing power, 20% more mothers than expected, taking account of the individual-level factors, reported no breastfeeding at four months of age (≥ 95% posterior probability of an elevated observed-to-expected ratio).CONCLUSION: The neighbourhood purchasing power provided a spatial determinant of low numbers of mothers breastfeeding at four months of age, which could be relevant to consider for targeted actions. The elevated observed-to-expected ratio in the neighbourhoods with the lowest purchasing power points toward a possible contextual influence. © 2013 Almquist-Tangen et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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| 3. |
- Axelson, Ulf, et al.
(author)
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Borrow cheap, buy high? : the determinants of leverage and pricing in buyouts
- 2013
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In: Journal of Finance. - : Wiley: No OnlineOpen. - 1540-6261 .- 0022-1082. ; 68:6, s. 2223-2267
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Private equity funds pay particular attention to capital structure when executing leveraged buyouts, creating an interesting setting for examining capital structure theories. Using a large, international sample of buyouts from 1980 to 2008, we find that buyout leverage is unrelated to the cross-sectional factors, suggested by traditional capital structure theories, that drive public firm leverage. Instead, variation in economy-wide credit conditions is the main determinant of leverage in buyouts. Higher deal leverage is associated with higher transaction prices and lower buyout fund returns, suggesting that acquirers overpay when access to credit is easier.
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| 4. |
- Bengtsson, Bertil, et al.
(author)
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Miljöbalken : en kommentar
- 2012
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Book (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Detta är en utförlig, paragrafvis, kommentar till miljöbalken som trädde i kraft den 1 juli 1999.– Kapitel 1-6 innehåller kommentarer till de övergripande bestämmelserna som reglerar alla verksamheter och åtgärder som har anknytning till miljöbalkens tillämpningsområde.– Kapitel 7-8 kommenterar naturvårdslagstiftningen och föreskrifter om skyddsområden.– Kapitel 9-15 kommenterar reglerna om miljöfarlig verksamhet, förorenade områden, vattenverksamhet, kemiska produkter samt avfall och producentansvar.– Kapitel 31-33 kommenterar reglerna om ersättning och skadestånd m.m.
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| 5. |
- Engdahl, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Uptake of atrial fibrillation screening aiming at stroke prevention: geo-mapping of target population and non-participation
- 2013
-
In: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 35, s. 163-164
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In a screening study for silent atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a frequent source of cardiac emboli with ischemic stroke, the proportion of non-participants was considerable and their clinical profile differed from the participants' profile. We intended to geo-map the target population and non-participation in an attempt to understand factors related to screening uptake and, thereby, obtain useful information needed to intervene for improved uptake. Method: In the municipality of Halmstad, Sweden, all residents born in 1934-1935 were invited to the screening study during April 2010 to February 2012. The total study group included 848 participants and 367 non-participants from 12 parishes. Geo-maps displaying participation, along with target-population-based geo-maps displaying proportion of immigrants and ischemic stroke incidence, were used. Results: Smoothed non-participation ratios (SmNPR) varied from 0.81 to 1.24 across different parishes (SmNRP = 1 corresponds to the expected participation based on the total study group). Among high risk individuals, the geographical variation was more pronounced (SmNPR range 0.75-1.51). Two parishes with higher share of immigrants and elevated population-based ischemic stroke incidence showed markedly lower participation, particularly among high-risk individuals. Conclusion: AF screening uptake varied evidently between parishes, particularly among high-risk individuals. Geo-mapping of target population and non-participation yielded useful information needed to intervene for improved screening uptake.
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| 6. |
- Engström, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Chronic exposure to cadmium and arsenic strongly influences concentrations of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in urine.
- 2010
-
In: Free Radical Biology & Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0891-5849 .- 1873-4596. ; 48:9, s. 1211-1217
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may generate oxidative stress, which can be assessed by 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in urine, a sensitive marker of oxidatively damaged DNA. We have evaluated oxidative stress induced by mixed chronic exposure to As, Cd, Pb, as well as the influence of As metabolism and nutritional status, i.e. ferritin (Ft), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and body weight. 8-oxodG was measured in urine from 212 women in early pregnancy from Matlab, rural Bangladesh, using LC-MS/MS. Cd and Pb were analyzed in urine and erythrocytes, while Se, Mn and Zn were analyzed in erythrocytes, all by ICPMS. As and As metabolites were analyzed in urine by HPLC-ICPMS. Ferritin was analyzed in plasma by radioimmunoassay. Median concentration of 8-oxodG was 8.3 nmol/L (adjusted for specific gravity), range 1.2-43, corresponding to a median of 4.7 mug/g creatinine, range 1.8-32. 8-oxodG was positively associated with urinary Cd (ss=0.32, p<0.001), urinary As (ss=0.0007, p=0.001), fraction of the monomethylated arsenic metabolite (MMA) in urine (ss=0.0026, p=0.004) and plasma Ft (ss = 0.20, p<0.001). A joint effect was seen for U-Cd and U-As, but whether this effect was additive or multiplicative was difficult to discern.
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| 7. |
- Engström, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of the impact of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione-related genes on the association between methylmercury or n-3 polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids and risk of myocardial infarction : a case-control study
- 2011
-
In: Environmental Health. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1476-069X. ; 10:33
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which are present in fish, are protective against myocardial infarction. However, fish also contains methylmercury, which influences the risk of myocardial infarction, possibly by generating oxidative stress. Methylmercury is metabolized by conjugation to glutathione, which facilitates elimination. Glutathione is also an antioxidant. Individuals with certain polymorphisms in glutathione-related genes may tolerate higher exposures to methylmercury, due to faster metabolism and elimination and/or better glutathione-associated antioxidative capacity. They would thus benefit more from the protective agents in fish, such as eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic acid and selenium. The objective for this study was to elucidate whether genetic polymorphisms in glutathione-related genes modify the association between eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic acid or methylmercury and risk of first ever myocardial infarction. Methods: Polymorphisms in glutathione-synthesizing (glutamyl-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, GCLC and glutamyl-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, GCLM) or glutathione-conjugating (glutathione S-transferase P, GSTP1) genes were genotyped in 1027 individuals from northern Sweden (458 cases of first-ever myocardial infarction and 569 matched controls). The impact of these polymorphisms on the association between erythrocyte-mercury (proxy for methylmercury) and risk of myocardial infarction, as well as between plasma eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic acid and risk of myocardial infarction, was evaluated by conditional logistic regression. The effect of erythrocyte-selenium on risk of myocardial infarction was also taken into consideration. Results: There were no strong genetic modifying effects on the association between plasma eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic acid or erythrocyte-mercury and risk of myocardial infarction risk. When eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic acid or erythrocyte-mercury were divided into tertiles, individuals with GCLM-588 TT genotype displayed a lower risk relative to the CC genotype in all but one tertile; in most tertiles the odds ratio was around 0.5 for TT. However, there were few TT carriers and the results were not statistically significant. The results were similar when taking plasma eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic acid, erythrocyte-selenium and erythrocyte-mercury into account simultaneously. Conclusions: No statistically significant genetic modifying effects were seen for the association between plasma eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic acid or erythrocyte-mercury and risk of myocardial infarction. Still, our results indicate that the relatively rare GCLM-588 TT genotype may have an impact, but a larger study is necessary for confirmation.
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| 8. |
- Engström, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Low 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and influence of genetic background in an Andean population exposed to high levels of arsenic.
- 2010
-
In: Mutation Research - Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-2871 .- 0027-5107. ; 683:1-2, s. 98-105
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Arsenic (As) causes oxidative stress through generation of reactive oxygen species. 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), a sensitive marker of oxidative DNA damage, has been associated with As exposure in some studies, but not in others, possibly due to population-specific genetic factors. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between As and 8-oxodG in urine in a population with a low urinary monomethylated As (%MMA) and high dimethylated As (%DMA), as well as the genetic impact on (a) 8-oxodG concentrations and (b) the association between As and 8-oxodG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women (N=108) in the Argentinean Andes were interviewed and urine was analyzed for arsenic metabolites (ICPMS) and 8-oxodG (LC-MS/MS). Twenty-seven polymorphisms in genes related to oxidative stress and one in As(+III)methyltransferase (AS3MT) were studied. RESULTS: Median concentration of 8-oxodG was 4.7nmol/L (adjusted for specific weight; range 1.6-13, corresponding to 1.7mug/g creatinine, range 0.57-4.8) and of total urinary As metabolites (U-As) 290mug/L (range 94-720; 380mug/g creatinine, range 140-1100). Concentrations of 8-oxodG were positively associated with %MMA (strongest association, p=0.013), and weakly associated with U-As (positively) and %DMA (negatively). These associations were strengthened when taking ethnicity into account, possibly reflecting genetic differences in As metabolism and genes regulating oxidative stress and DNA maintenance. A genetic influence on 8-oxodG concentrations was seen for polymorphisms in apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APEX1), DNA-methyltransferases 1 and 3b (DNMT1, DNMT3B), thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) and 2 (TXNRD2) and glutaredoxin (GLRX). CONCLUSION: Despite high As exposure, the concentrations of 8-oxodG in this population were low compared with other As-exposed populations studied. The strongest association was found for %MMA, stressing that some inconsistencies between As and 8-oxodG partly depend on population variations in As metabolism. We found evidence of genetic impact on 8-oxodG concentrations.
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| 9. |
- Gad, Helge, et al.
(author)
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MTH1 inhibition eradicates cancer by preventing sanitation of the dNTP pool
- 2014
-
In: Nature. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 508:7495, s. 215-221
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cancers have dysfunctional redox regulation resulting in reactive oxygen species production, damaging both DNA and free dNTPs. The MTH1 protein sanitizes oxidized dNTP pools to prevent incorporation of damaged bases during DNA replication. Although MTH1 is non-essential in normal cells, we show that cancer cells require MTH1 activity to avoid incorporation of oxidized dNTPs, resulting in DNA damage and cell death. We validate MTH1 as an anticancer target in vivo and describe small molecules TH287 and TH588 as first-in-class nudix hydrolase family inhibitors that potently and selectively engage and inhibit the MTH1 protein in cells. Protein co-crystal structures demonstrate that the inhibitors bindin the active site of MTH1. The inhibitors cause incorporation of oxidized dNTPs in cancer cells, leading to DNA damage, cytotoxicity and therapeutic responses in patient-derived mouse xenografts. This study exemplifies the non-oncogene addiction concept for anticancer treatment and validates MTH1 as being cancer phenotypic lethal.
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| 10. |
- Gallo, Valentina, et al.
(author)
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STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology - Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME): An extension of the STROBE statement
- 2012
-
In: Mutagenesis. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0267-8357 .- 1464-3804. ; 27:1, s. 17-29
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early biological change, susceptibility and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for investigating interactions between external and / or endogenous agents and body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific research led to influential statements of recommendations such as the STrengthening Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22 items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three main study designs: cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. The present STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology - Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME) initiative builds on the STROBE statement implementing nine existing items of STROBE and providing 17 additional items to the 22 items of STROBE checklist. The additions relate to the use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies, concerning collection, handling and storage of biological samples; laboratory methods, validity and reliability of biomarkers; specificities of study design; and ethical considerations. The STROBE-ME recommendations are intended to complement the STROBE recommendations.
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| 11. |
- Gallo, Valentina, et al.
(author)
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STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology: Molecular Epidemiology STROBE-ME. An extension of the STROBE statement
- 2012
-
In: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. - : BMJ. - 1470-2738 .- 0143-005X. ; 66:9, s. 844-854
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early biological change, susceptibility, and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for investigating the interactions between external and/or endogenous agents and the body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific research led to influential statements of recommendations such as STrengthening Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22 items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three main study designs: cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. The present STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology - Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME) initiative builds on the STROBE Statement implementing 9 existing items of STROBE and providing 17 additional items to the 22 items of STROBE checklist. The additions relate to the use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies, concerning collection, handling and storage of biological samples; laboratory methods, validity and reliability of biomarkers; specificities of study design; and ethical considerations. The STROBE-ME recommendations are intended to complement the STROBE recommendations.
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| 12. |
- Gallo, Valentina, et al.
(author)
-
STrengthening the reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology-Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME): an extension of the STROBE statement
- 2011
-
In: European Journal of Epidemiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1573-7284 .- 0393-2990. ; 26:10, s. 797-810
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early biological change, susceptibility, and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for investigating the interactions between external and/or endogenous agents and the body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific research led to influential statements of recommendations such as STrengthening Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22 items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three main study designs: cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. The present STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology-Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME) initiative builds on the STROBE Statement implementing 9 existing items of STROBE and providing 17 additional items to the 22 items of STROBE checklist. The additions relate to the use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies, concerning collection, handling and storage of biological samples; laboratory methods, validity and reliability of biomarkers; specificities of study design; and ethical considerations. The STROBE-ME recommendations are intended to complement the STROBE recommendations.
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| 13. |
- Gallo, Valentina, et al.
(author)
-
STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology - Molecular Epidemiology STROBE-ME: an extension of the STROBE statement
- 2011
-
In: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-5921 .- 0895-4356. ; 64:12, s. 1350-1363
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early biological change susceptibility and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for investigating the interactions between external and/or endogenous agents and body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific research led to influential statements of recommendations such as the STrengthening Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22 items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three main study designs: cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. The present STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology - Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME) initiative builds on the STROBE statement implementing 9 existing items of STROBE and providing 17 additional items to the 22 items of STROBE checklist. The additions relate to the use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies, concerning collection, handling and storage of biological samples; laboratory methods, validity and reliability of biomarkers; specificities of study design; and ethical considerations. The STROBE-ME recommendations are intended to complement the STROBE recommendations. (C) 2011 The Authors. All rights reserved.
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| 14. |
- Gallo, Valentina, et al.
(author)
-
STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology - Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME): An extension of the STROBE statement
- 2011
-
In: Preventive Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1096-0260 .- 0091-7435. ; 53:6, s. 377-387
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early biological change, susceptibility and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for investigating the interactions between external and/or endogenous agent.; and the body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific research led to influential statements of recommendations such as the STrenghtening Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22 items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three main study designs: cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. The present STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology - Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME) initiative builds on the STROBE Statement implementing 9 existing items of STROBE and providing 17 additional items to the 22 items of STROBE checklist. The additions relate to the use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies, concerning collection, handling and storage of biological samples; laboratory methods. validity and reliability of biomarkers; specificities of study design; and ethical considerations. The STROBE-ME recommendations are intended to complement the STROBE recommendations. (C) 2011 V. Gallo. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 15. |
- Gallo, Valentina, et al.
(author)
-
STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology - Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME): An extension of the STROBE statement.
- 2012
-
In: European Journal of Clinical Investigation. - : Wiley. - 0014-2972. ; 42:1, s. 1-16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SUMMARY POINTS: Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early biological change, susceptibility and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for investigating interactions between external and/or endogenous agents and body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific research led to influential statements of recommendations such as the STrengthening Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22 items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three main study designs: cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. The present STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology -Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME) initiative builds on the STROBE statement implementing nine existing items of STROBE and providing 17 additional items to the 22 items of STROBE checklist. The additions relate to the use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies, concerning collection, handling and storage of biological samples; laboratory methods, validity and reliability of biomarkers; specificities of study design; and ethical considerations. The STROBE-ME recommendations are intended to complement the STROBE recommendations.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Hansson, Gert-Åke, et al.
(author)
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Physical workload in various types of work: Part II. Neck, shoulder and upper arm
- 2010
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In: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 40:3, s. 267-281
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To explore the correlation between, and the variation in, various measures of exposure to potential risk factors for work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UE-WMSDs), physical workload was measured in 43 types of work (713 individuals), using inclinometry for the head and upper arms, and electromyography (EMG) for the trapezius muscles. Many exposure measures were highly correlated. Head flexion (90th percentile), extension (1st percentile), and movements (50th percentile); arm elevation (99th percentile) and movements (50th percentile); trapezius muscular rest (fraction of time) and peak load (90th percentile), constitute main exposure dimensions. The variations were large: head: flexion 9 degrees-63 degrees, extension -39 degrees-4 degrees, movements 2.3-33 degrees/s; arm: elevation 49 degrees-124 degrees, movements 3.0-103 degrees/s; trapezius: muscular rest 0.8%-52% of time, peak load 3.1%-24% of maximal EMC. Even within work categories, e.g. "repetitive industrial", there were large variations. Somewhat higher loads were recorded on the right as compared to the left side (differences: arm elevation 2, arm movements 19%; trapezius peak load 18%), but these were small compared to the differences due to work. There were high correlations between movements of arm and head (r(s) = 0.96), as well as arm and wrist (r(s) = 0.92), and between, on the one hand, trapezius muscular rest and peak load, and on the other, arm and head movements (vertical bar r(s)vertical bar = 0.47-0.62), as well as arm elevation (vertical bar r(s)vertical bar = 0.54-0.85), which has to be considered when assessing exposure-response relations. Relevance to industry: Direct measurements provide objective and quantitative data of the main physical risk factors for UE-WMSDs, appropriate for estimating the risk, as well as giving priority to and evaluating interventions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Harari, Raul, et al.
(author)
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Exposure and toxic effects of elemental mercury in gold-mining activities in Ecuador
- 2012
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In: Toxicology Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-3169 .- 0378-4274. ; 213:1, s. 75-82
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Traditional gold mining, using metallic mercury (Hg-0) to form gold amalgam, followed by burning to remove the Hg-0, is widely used in South America, Africa and Asia. The gold is sold to merchants who burn it again to eliminate remaining Hg-0. In Ecuador, 200 gold miners, 37 gold merchants and 72 referents were studied. The median Hg concentrations in urine (U-Hg) were 3.3 (range 0.23-170), 37 (3.2-420), and 1.6 (0.2-13) mu g/g creatinine, respectively, and in whole blood (B-Hg) were 5.2, 30, and 5.0 mu g/L, respectively. Biomarker concentrations among merchants were statistically significantly higher than among miners and referents; also the miners differed from the referents. Burning of gold amalgam among miners was intermittent; U-Hg decreased in the burning-free period. In computerized neuromotor examinations, B-Hg and U-Hg concentrations were associated with increases in the centre frequency of the tremor, as well as in reaction time and postural stability. Retention of Hg (B-Hg), and the elimination rate (U-Hg) appears to be modified by polymorphism in a gene of an enzyme in the glutathione synthesis (GCLM), but there were no significant genetic modifications for the associations between exposure and neurotoxicity. Thus, the gold merchants have a much higher exposure and risk than the miners, in whom the exposure varies over time. The metabolism of Hg is modified by genetic traits. The present exposure to Hg had limited neurotoxic effects. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 20. |
- Hernandez, Danilo, et al.
(author)
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Respiratory Symptoms among Waste-Picking Child Laborers A Cross-Sectional Study
- 2010
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In: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. - 1077-3525. ; 16:2, s. 124-135
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study evaluates respiratory symptoms, lung function, and exposure to airborne particles among waste-picking children. We enrolled 103 waste-picking children at a dump in Managua, Nicaragua and 103 children who do not pick waste. Exposure to airborne particles was assessed by area sampling. Health data were obtained from a questionnaire, clinical examination, and spirometry. Exposure effects were evaluated with multivariate regression analysis. Exposure to particles exceeded national and international standards. Wheezing among children was related to exposure status, with waste-picking children who are both "never highly exposed" and "ever highly exposed" having greater prevalence of wheezing compared to the children who do not pick waste. FEV1 among "ever highly exposed" waste-picking children with wheeze was 13% lower than non-waste-picking children with wheeze. Exposure to small particles was unacceptably high and associated with wheeze and decreased lung function.
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| 21. |
- Holmen, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Tobacco use and caries risk among adolescents - a longitudinal study in Sweden
- 2013
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In: BMC Oral Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6831. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco have a detrimental impact on general and oral health. The relationship to dental caries is however still unclear. As caries is a multi-factorial disease with clear life-style, socio-economic and socio-demographic gradients, the tobacco use may be a co-variable in this complex rather than a direct etiological factor. Our aim was to analyze the impact of tobacco use on caries incidence among adolescents, with consideration to socio-economic variables by residency, using epidemiological data from a longitudinal study in the region of Halland, Sweden. Methods: The study population consisted of 10,068 adolescents between 16-19 years of age from whom yearly data on caries and tobacco use (cigarette smoking and use of smokeless tobacco) were obtained during the period 2006-2012. Reported DMFS increment between 16 and 19 years of age (Delta DMFS) for an individual was considered as the primary caries outcome. The outcome data were compared for self-reported never vs. ever users of tobacco, with consideration to neighborhood-level socio-economy (4 strata), baseline (i.e., 16 years of age) DMFS and sex. The region consists of 65 parishes with various socio-economic conditions and each study individual was geo-coded with respect to his/her residence parish. Neighborhood (parish-level) socio-economy was assessed by proportion of residing families with low household purchasing power. Results:Delta DMFS differed evidently between ever and never users of tobacco (mean values: 1.8 vs. 1.2; proportion with Delta DMFS > 0: 54.2% vs. 40.5%; p < 0.0001). Significant differences were observed in each neighborhood-level socio-economic stratum. Even after controlling for baseline DMFS and sex, Delta DMFS differed highly significantly between the ever and never users of tobacco (overall p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Tobacco use was clearly associated with increased caries increment during adolescence. Hence, this factor is relevant to consider in the clinical caries risk assessment of the individual patient as well as for community health plans dealing with oral health.
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| 22. |
- Hruba, Frantiska, et al.
(author)
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Blood cadmium, mercury, and lead in children : An international comparison of cities in six European countries, and China, Ecuador, and Morocco
- 2012
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In: Environment International. - Oxford : Elsevier. - 0160-4120 .- 1873-6750. ; 41, s. 29-34
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Children's blood-lead concentration (B-Pb) is well studied, but little is known about cadmium (B-Cd) and mercury (B-Hg), in particular for central Europe. Such information is necessary for risk assessment and management. Therefore, we here describe and compare B-Pb, B-Cd and B-Hg in children in six European, and three non-European cities, and identify determinants of these exposures. About 50 school children (7-14 years) from each city were recruited (totally 433) in 2007-2008. Interview and questionnaire data were obtained. A blood sample was analyzed: only two laboratories with strict quality control were used. The European cities showed only minor differences for B-Cd (geometric means 0.11-0.17 mu g/L) and B-Pb (14-20 mu g/L), but larger for B-Hg (0.12-0.94 mu g/L). Corresponding means for the non-European countries were 0.21-0.26, 32-71, and 0.3-3.2 mu g/L, respectively. For B-Cd in European samples, traffic intensity close to home was a statistically significant determinant, for B-Hg fish consumption and amalgam fillings, and for B-Pb sex (boys higher). This study shows that European city children's B-Cd and B-Pb vary only little between countries; B-Hg differs considerably, due to varying tooth restoration practices and fish intake. Traffic intensity seemed to be a determinant for B-Cd. The metal concentrations were low from a risk perspective but the chosen non-European cities showed higher concentrations than the cities in Europe. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 23. |
- Lainscak, Mitja, et al.
(author)
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Self-care management of heart failure: practical recommendations from the Patient Care Committee of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
- 2011
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In: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEART FAILURE. - : Oxford University Press. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 13:2, s. 115-126
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Guidelines on heart failure (HF) stress the importance of lifestyle advice, although there is little evidence that such recommendations improve symptoms or prognosis. Patients experience symptoms of different intensities which impair their daily activities and reduce the quality-of-life. To cope with their clinical condition, many patients seek advice about lifestyle and self-management strategies when in contact with medical care providers, particularly specialized HF services. Self-care management is an important part of HF treatment, thus health professionals working with patients with HF have recognized the need for more specific recommendations on lifestyle advice. The present paper summarizes the available evidence, promotes self-care management, and aims to provide practical advice for health professionals delivering care to HF patients. It also defines avenues of research to optimize self-care strategies in a number of key areas to derive further benefits.
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| 24. |
- McDonagh, Theresa A, et al.
(author)
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European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association Standards for delivering heart failure care
- 2011
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In: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEART FAILURE. - : Oxford University Press. - 1388-9842. ; 13:3, s. 235-241
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The management of heart failure (HF) is complex. As a consequence, most cardiology society guidelines now state that HF care should be delivered in a multiprofessional manner. The evidence base for this approach now means that the establishment of HF management programmes is a priority. This document aims to summarize the key elements which should be involved in, as well as some more desirable features which can improve the delivery of care in a HF management programme, while bearing in mind that the specifics of the service may vary from site to site. We envisage a situation whereby all patients have access to the best possible care, including improved access to palliative care services, informed by and responsive to advances in diagnosis management and treatment. The goal should be to provide a seamless system of care across primary and hospital care so that the management of every patient is optimal, no matter where they begin or continue their health-care journey.
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| 25. |
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