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Biomedical subjects

L Bodin

Publications and source records attributed to L Bodin.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Epiglottitis in Sweden before and after introduction of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b.

BACKGROUND: Acute epiglottitis is an important manifestation of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection. In 1992 and 1993 Hib vaccination was introduced in the general childhood vaccination program in Sweden. The aim of the present investigation was to study the impact of Hib vaccination on the diagnosis of epiglottitis in Sweden in children as well as adults. METHODS: A retrospective national population-based study on the incidence of epiglottitis in Sweden was performed for the 10-year period 1987 to 1996. The incidence calculations were based on figures from the national register of all patients treated at Swedish hospitals. The incidence (cases/100,000/year) for the prevaccination period 1987 to 1991 was compared with the incidence after Hib vaccination was introduced. RESULTS: In children a substantial decrease was found after introduction of large scale vaccination against Hib. Below 5 years of age the annual incidence decreased from 20.9 in 1987 to 0.9 in 1996. In adults a tendency toward a decrease in incidence was evident. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of Hib vaccination in a general childhood program was followed not only by a >90% reduction in the incidence in the youngest age group but also by a reduction in the incidence in the older age groups and among adults.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Genetic variability in plasma melatonin in sheep is due to pineal weight, not to variations in enzyme activities.

This study was conducted to determine the origin of the high variability in the mean nocturnal plasma melatonin concentration (MC) in sheep. Two extreme groups of 25 lambs each [low (L) and high (H)] were obtained by calculating their genetic value on the basis of the MC of their parents. The MC of lambs was significantly higher in the H group than in the L group (L: 189.7 +/- 24.4 vs. H: 344.1 +/- 33.0 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Within each group, 13 lambs were slaughtered during the day (D) and 12 lambs during the night (N). Pineal weight was significantly higher in the H group than in the L group (L: 83.5 +/- 6.7 vs. H: 119.1 +/- 9.2 mg, P < 0.01) but did not differ between D and N. The amount of melatonin released in vitro per milligram of pineal gland, the arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) activity, the AANAT protein content, and the level of AANAT mRNA differed significantly between D and N but not with genetic group. Hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase activity did not differ significantly between D and N or between genetic groups. Therefore, the genetic difference in MC between the two groups of lambs was attributed to a difference in pineal size, not in enzymatic activity of the pinealocytes.

Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase↗
PubMed1999

Blood lead in Swedish police officers.

BACKGROUND: Shooting with lead-containing ammunition in firing ranges is a well-known source of lead exposure in adults, and police officers may be at risk of lead intoxication. More stringent national lead regulations stimulated a survey of blood lead (PbB) in Swedish police officers with regular shooting habits. METHODS: Police officers considered as the most active shooters on and/or off duty responded to a questionnaire about health, lifestyle, shooting habits, and potential lead exposure. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for PbB and a multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean PbB in male officers (n = 75) was 0.24 mumol/L (5.0 micrograms/dL); range 0.05-0.88 mumol/L (1.0-18.2 micrograms/dL), and in female officers (n = 3) it was even lower (0.18 mumol/L; 3.7 micrograms/dL). For both sexes combined, a positive correlation (r = 0.55; P < 0.001) of PbB with the number of bullets annually fired both on and off duty was observed, and this finding remained in a multiple regression analysis including age, smoking habits, and latency from last shooting exercise. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, occupational and recreational lead exposure from firing ranges still seems to be a source of lead exposure in Swedish police officers, but it no longer appears to be a health risk. Lead-free communication and well-ventilated indoor firing ranges may have been decisive for this encouraging finding.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Multimodal cognitive-behavioural treatment for workers with chronic spinal pain: a matched cohort study with an 18-month follow-up.

An outpatient multimodal cognitive-behavioural treatment program (MMCBT) for chronic spinal pain was evaluated during an 18-month follow-up period. The treatment included a 1-day course for the patients' work supervisors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term effect of the treatment program as well as the effect of a work supervisor-training program on the patients' return to work. The design was a matched cohort study with four repeated measures. Two groups of subjects suffering from non-specific spinal pain (treatment group n=67, no treatment control group n=29) were assessed with regard to pain intensity, sick-leave, pain coping ability and behavioural changes at work and in personal life. Recordings on supervisors attending the course and changes of supervisory behaviour were also obtained. The results show a significant between group difference in pain intensity and perceived pain coping ability at work, favouring the MMCBT group. Further, the MMCBT intervention enhances self-reported behavioural changes in areas within the subjects' own control. There is not sufficient statistical support to accept the assumption of MMCBT being superior in reducing sick-leave, either with or without the education of supervisors. Even when supervisors changed their behaviour as reported by the patient, no significant effect was found on patients' return to work. In conclusion, the MMCBT do not seem to be effective in reducing sick-leave compared to no treatment, but the MMCBT program is superior in decreasing pain intensity, enhancing self-reported behavioural changes in personal life and improving pain coping ability at work.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The large variability in melatonin blood levels in ewes is under strong genetic influence.

The present study was conducted to assess the degree of genetic determination of the variability in the mean nocturnal plasma concentration of melatonin in sheep. Three hundred twelve ewes born from 18 males and with known genealogy were sampled at the summer and the winter solstices. The nocturnal plasma melatonin concentration was defined as the mean of four plasma samples taken at hourly intervals in the middle of the night (2200-0200). Identity of the father (P < 0.001) and the solstice (P < 0.05) were significant. Melatonin concentrations varied considerably among individuals [338.4 +/- 197.5 (SD) pg/ml; range 26.6-981.3 pg/ml] and between rams regarding the melatonin concentrations of their daughters (range from 202.9 to 456.3 pg/ml). Inheritance was analyzed by a statistical model that allows discrimination of genetic effects from nongenetic effects and that estimates repeatability and heritability coefficients. Both the repeatability coefficient between solstices (0.60) and heritability coefficient [0.45 +/- 0.07 (SE)] were high. These results demonstrate that the variability in plasma melatonin concentration in ewes is under strong genetic control.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Genetic variability in melatonin concentrations in ewes originates in its synthesis, not in its catabolism.

We investigated whether the genetic difference in plasma melatonin concentration in ewes was due to differences in the synthesis pathway from the pineal gland or in the catabolism of the hormone. Two groups of ewes [9 low (L) and 10 high (H)] were selected according to the breeding value of their mean nighttime plasma melatonin concentrations estimated at winter and summer solstices. In response to an identical dose of melatonin administered intravenously at 9:00 AM, no differences between groups were observed for any of the kinetic parameters: clearance rate, steady-state volume of distribution, terminal half-lives, and mean residence times. In the second experiment, two series of frequent blood samples were performed, one in the middle of the dark phase with samples taken every 5 min, and the other over 24 h with hourly samples. Highly significant differences between groups in nocturnal melatonin production rate were observed (L: 25.7 +/- 2.8 vs. H: 63.1 +/- 8.9 microg . kg-1 . h-1, P < 0.01). Thus the genetic differences in plasma melatonin concentrations in ewes originate in the synthesis pathway of the melatonin from the pineal gland rather than from differences in the catabolism of the hormone.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Protective effect of breastfeeding on invasive Haemophilus influenzae infection: a case-control study in Swedish preschool children.

BACKGROUND: In Orebro County a 2.5-fold increase in the incidence of Haemophilus influenzae (HI) meningitis was found between 1970 and 1980, an observation that initiated the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to search for associations between morbidity in invasive HI infection and possible risk factors, a case-control study was conducted over a 6-year period from 1987 to 1992, before general Hib vaccination was introduced in Sweden. Fifty-four cases with invasive HI infection 139 matched controls were studied for possible risk factors such as day-care outside the home, short duration of breastfeeding, passive smoking, low socioeconomic level of the household, many siblings in the family, allergy, frequent, infections, repeated antibiotic treatments and immunoglobulin deficiency. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between invasive HI infection and two independent factors, i.e. short duration (< 13 weeks) of exclusive breastfeeding, odds ratio (OR) 3.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-8.8) and history of frequent infections, OR 4.49 (95% CI : 1.0-21.0). For the age at onset 12 months or older, the associations were stronger, OR 7.79 (95% CI : 2.4-26.6) and 5.86 (95% CI : 1.1-30.6), respectively. When breastfeeding duration in weeks was analysed as a continuous variable the OR was 0.95 (95% CI : 0.92-0.99), indicating a decreased risk with each additional week. Increased OR were observed for other risk factors as well but not of the magnitude found for short duration of breastfeeding. DISCUSSION: The association of decreased risk for invasive HI infection and long duration of breastfeeding was persisting beyond the period of breastfeeding itself. This finding supports the hypothesis of a long-lasting protective effect of breastfeeding on the risk for invasive HI infection. CONCLUSION: A decreased risk for invasive HI infection with long duration of breastfeeding was found. Our results do have implications for strategies in breastfeeding promotion, especially in countries where Hib vaccination is too costly and not yet implemented.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed1997

Impact of nocturnal bruxism on mercury uptake from dental amalgams.

The mercury (Hg) release from dental amalgam fillings increases by mechanical stimulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible impact of nocturnal bruxism on Hg exposure from dental amalgams and to evaluate the effect of an occlusal appliance. 88 female patients from an orofacial pain clinic with a complete maxillary and mandibular dentition, a normal frontal vertical overbite with cuspid guidance, and at least 4 occlusal amalgam fillings in contact with antagonists in intercuspidal position, were examined with the Bruxcore bruxism monitoring device to measure the level of on-going nocturnal bruxism. Based on the degree of abrasion recorded, the subjects were divided into a group defined as bruxists, (n = 29), another group defined as non-bruxists, (n = 32), serving as controls, the intermediate group being discarded. The Hg exposure was assessed from the Hg concentration in plasma and urine, corrected for the creatinine content. In a regression model with bruxism as the only explanatory variable, no significant effect of bruxism was found, but when the number of amalgam fillings, chewing gum use, and other background variables were taken into account, there was a limited impact of bruxism on Hg in plasma. The nocturnal use of an occlusal appliance did not, however, significantly change the Hg levels. This study indicates that mechanical wear on amalgams from nocturnal bruxism may increase the Hg uptake, but the magnitude of this effect seems to be less than from the use of chewing gum.

Absorption↗
PubMed1997

Bottle-blowing in hospital-treated patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

A study was carried out to determine whether bottle-blowing has any positive effects in patients with pneumonia. In a prospective open study 145 adults with untreated community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization were randomized to early mobilization (group A), to sit up and take 20 deep breaths on 10 occasions daily (group B), or to sit up and to blow bubbles in a bottle containing 10 cm water through a plastic tube 20 times on 10 occasions daily (group C). Peak expiratory flow (PEF), vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined on admission, and on days 4 and 42. Fever duration and hospital stay were recorded. In a subset of 16 patients, single breath diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was measured on 3 occasions. The patients in group A were hospitalized for a mean of 5.3 days, group B for 4.6 days and group C for 3.9 days. Treatment was a significant factor (p = 0.037) in a Cox regression model, with group C significantly better than group A (p = 0.01). The number of days with fever was 2.3, 1.7 and 1.6 in groups A, B and C respectively. These differences were not significant (p = 0.28). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding CRP, PEF, VC, FEV1, or diffusion capacity. Intensive bottle-blowing shortens the hospital stay in patients with pneumonia. The underlying mechanism is not clear.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Reference spirometric values in healthy Nicaraguan male workers.

The main objective was to derive reference equations for the FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio for healthy Nicaraguan male workers without current occupational exposure to agents hazardous to the lungs. Age, height, and weight were included as independent variables in the analysis, but only age and height showed significant effects on the indices studied. A nonlinear relationship with age was observed for FVC and FEV1, with a shift in the slope at the age of 32 years. Linear, quadratic, and multiphase models were tested in order to assess the best reference equation. The multi-phase model most closely fitted the values measured. The FEV1/FVC ratio showed a significant linear negative correlation with age. A comparison between the equations derived from this material and those reported in other studies revealed substantial differences. Racial, genetic, nutritional, work and sociocultural factors could account for the differences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Shift work, nitrous oxide exposure and subfertility among Swedish midwives.

BACKGROUND: Shift work and nitrous oxide exposure have both been suspected of having adverse influence on the reproductive performance of health workers. Time to pregnancy has been suggested as a sensitive measure of fecundity in occupationally exposed groups. We investigated the effects of shift work and nitrous oxide exposure on the fertility of Swedish midwives. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to all members of the Swedish Midwives Association who were born 1940 or thereafter, 3985 in all. Eighty-four per cent responded. Detailed information on the number of menstrual cycles required to achieve pregnancy and the working conditions during that period were obtained concerning the most recent, planned pregnancy occurring after 1983. The per cycle probability of becoming pregnant was calculated for each exposure category, and the relation to the unexposed was expressed as fecundability ratios. RESULTS: Midwives who worked two-shift, three-shift rotas, or only nights had reduced fertility compared to those working in the day time. The fecundability ratios were 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.94), 0.77 (95% CI: 0.60-0.98), and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.64-1.03), respectively, after adjustment for covariates. No effect of nitrous oxide exposure was noted except in the small group reporting that they assisted at more than 30 deliveries per month when nitrous oxide was used (fecundability ratio = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44-0.95). CONCLUSION: Shift work and frequent, high occupational exposure to nitrous oxide may have a negative influence on the ability of women to become pregnant.

Female↗
PubMed1996

High repeatability of the amplitude and duration of the nycthemeral rhythm of the plasma melatonin concentration in the Ile-de-France ewe.

In order to determine individual variability in the amplitude and duration of the nycthemeral rhythm of the plasma melatonin concentration, 12 ovariectomized estradiol-treated Ile-de-France ewes were submitted to a sequence of 34 long days (LD1, 16L:8D), 21 short days (SD, 8L:16D), and 21 LD (LD2). Intensive blood sampling (hourly from 1 hr before dusk to 1 hr after dawn) was performed for 4 consecutive nights in each of the photoperiodic situations (LD1, SD, LD2), i.e., a total of 12 nights per ewe. Plasma melatonin was assayed by radioimmunoassay. Instantaneous amplitude (difference between each hourly measurement of the plasma melatonin concentration during the nocturnal elevation and the mean diurnal melatonin concentration), mean individual amplitude (same definition but using the mean melatonin concentration during the nocturnal elevation) and duration of elevation of plasma melatonin concentrations were calculated for each ewe and each night and analyzed by variance analysis. Instantaneous amplitude varied significantly with photoperiod, with night intra-photoperiod, with ewes, and time intra-night. Mean individual amplitude varied significantly with photoperiod and with ewe but not with night intra-photoperiod. Dramatic differences between individuals appeared in the amplitude and duration of melatonin rhythms. The lowest mean individual amplitude (all nights of measurement) found was 95 pg/ml and the highest was 544 pg/ml. Overall repeatability coefficient of the mean amplitude of melatonin elevation was 0.71 (P < 0.001). Duration of melatonin elevation varied significantly with photoperiod, with nights intra-photoperiod and with ewes. During LD periods, mean duration of melatonin elevation was equivalent to duration of the night (from 7 to 8 hr), while during SD it varied with ewes from 9 to 16 hr. Repeatability coefficient of the duration of melatonin elevation in SD was 0.57 (P < 0.05). It is concluded that amplitude and duration (in SD) of the nycthemeral rhythm of the plasma melatonin concentration are highly repeatable individual characteristics in the ewe.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Shift work, nitrous oxide exposure, and spontaneous abortion among Swedish midwives.

OBJECTIVES: To study the relation between irregular work hours, nitrous oxide (N2O) exposure, and the risk of spontaneous abortion. METHODS: All 3985 female members of the Swedish Midwives Association in 1989, born in 1940 or later, received a questionnaire on exposure before and during all of their pregnancies. Questions on work conditions covered occupation, extent of employment, workplace, work schedules, use of anaesthetics, and work load. The association between exposure variables and spontaneous abortion was analysed by logistic regression models. RESULTS: Night work and three shift schedules among midwives showed increased odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (95% CI)) 1.63 (0.95-2.81) and 1.49 (0.86-2.59), respectively. The ORs of late spontaneous abortions (after the 12th week of pregnancy) was increased for night work 3.33 (1.13-9.87). Use of N2O (> 50% of the deliveries) was not associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion OR 0.95 (0.62-1.47). Frequent or permanent shortage of staff was related to an increased risk of spontaneous abortions before the 13th week of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the hypothesis that night work and high work load increase the risk of spontaneous abortion.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1996

The impact of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination in Sweden.

The number of patients with meningitis and bacteremia due to Haemophilus influenzae was studied in Sweden over the period 1987-1994. Conjugated H. influenzae type b vaccines were introduced in Sweden in 1992, and all children born after December 31, 1992, were offered vaccination free of charge. A rapid decline of H. influenzae meningitis and bacteraemia was observed in the autumn of 1993, when the expected peak incidence failed to appear. In the prevaccination period 1987-1991, the average annual incidence (cases/100,000) was 34.4 in children aged 0-4 years. In 1994, the annual incidence fell to 3.5. No significant decline was observed in older children or adults. There was a 92% reduction in the number of meningitis cases and an 83% reduction in cases of bacteraemia. A similar decline was noted in 2 regions which followed different strategies for the introduction of the vaccination programme.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Variability in the quantification of abrasion on the Bruxcore device.

The rate of abrasion of dental surfaces during short periods of time is difficult to measure clinically, but one quantifiable method is the use of the Bruxcore bruxism monitoring device. The aim of this study was to estimate the interobserver and intraobserver variation in the Bruxcore system using different reading methods. Fifteen volunteers used individually fabricated Bruxcore devices during 4 consecutive nights, and this procedure was repeated after 6 weeks. The abraded areas of the 30 Bruxcore devices were measured by two observers on two occasions and with three methods: microscope without a reference scale; microscope with a reference scale; and a computer-aided system. Intraobserver variation was small (5%), but interobserver variation was statistically significant for all three methods. The computer-aided system was superior to the other two methods. The interaction between Bruxcore values and observers was statistically significant for the microscope methods but not for the computer method. This was a desired property, indicating stability of the computer-aided method over the range of Bruxcore values observed. Small measurement errors, independent of the size of the measurements, can be expected using a trained observer and a computer-aided method for reading the Bruxcore bruxism monitoring device.

Adult↗