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PubMed1990

[Family characteristics and the labor market in developed countries: a clear distinction between north and south].

The relationship between family characteristics and the labor market is explored using data concerning 15 OECD countries. Several distinct geographical groupings are identified, including the Mediterranean countries, Scandinavia, North America, and Japan and West Germany. Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom occupy a middle ground and are less specifically defined. Furthermore, "the statistical map shows a strong relationship which manifests itself in two opposite ways. On the one hand, it shows the link between a traditional family structure and a weak integration of women in the working population (Spain, Ireland), and, on the other hand, it shows a close link between a divided family and the fact women have a paying job, often just part time (Sweden, Denmark)." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA)

Developed Countries↗
PubMed2002

Long-term care. No grey areas.

The government policy on the future of long-term care is unclear. The debate has been narrowly focused on home closures and users' interests have been marginalised. The government's U-turn on care standards in July sent out worrying messages about whose interests are being protected. The NHS may have a role in providing capital investment for new developments. Experience in Scandinavia suggests more intense home support could lessen reliance on residential services.

Aged↗
PubMed1976

Central pontine myelinolysis. A case report.

The first case of central pontine myelinolysis in Scandinavia is presented. A premortem diagnosis was established on the basis of the history of chronic alcoholism, the picture of severe electrolyte disturbance and the development of the neurological syndrome. The postmortem findings verified the clinical diagnosis. A possible aetiological mechanism is postulated. The cause is believed to be a damage to the energy dependent electrolyte transport across the cell membrane, resulting in a cytotoxic oedema and death of the oligodendroglial cells of the brainstem which are particularly vulnerable.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed2003

Pulmonary disease caused by M. malmoense in HIV negative patients: 5-yr follow-up of patients receiving standardised treatment.

The literature concerning the management of pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium malmoense consists of retrospective reports on small series of patients. A recent multicentre trial conducted by the British Thoracic Society provided an opportunity to prospectively document the clinical features and response to treatment of this relatively rare but challenging disease in a substantial number of patients. When two positive cultures were confirmed by the Mycobacterium Reference Units for England, Wales, Scotland or Scandinavia, the coordinating physician invited the patient's physician to enrol the patient, who was then treated on a random basis with either rifampicin plus ethambutol or rifampicin, ethambutol and isoniazid for 2 yrs. Clinical, bacteriological and radiological progress were monitored at set intervals for 5 yrs. In over 5 yrs a total of 106 patients were recruited to the study. The mean age was 58 yrs, range 24-89 A total of 58% were male and just over half previously or at the time ofthe study had other lung diseases. Sputum was positive on direct smear in 58%. Cavitation was seen on the chest radiographs of 74%, the majority having cavities of > or = 2 cm in diameter. Less than half of the patients showed bilateral disease, 26% having involvement of more than three lung zones. Disease was confined to the upper zone(s) in 30%. Other lung diseases were evident in 52%. Although clinical response was judged satisfactory at most reviews (90%), one in three patients died within 5 yrs and <5% were thought to have died primarily because of M. malmoense. There were three failures of treatment and eight relapses after the end of treatment. There was no correlation between failure of treatment/relapse and in vitro resistance. A total of 63 (59%) of patients were alive at 5 yrs, of whom 44 (42% of the total entry) were known to be cured. Pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium malmoense is a serious condition that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The results of standard susceptibility tests do not correlate with the bacteriological response of the disease to chemotherapy. Rifampicin and ethambutol, with or without isoniazid, cured only 42% of patients but were better tolerated than previously described, more complex regimens of equal or lesser efficacy. There is a need for more effective regimens that will reduce mortality and failure of treatment/relapse rates, but, in addition, attention should be directed at improving management of comorbid conditions and improving the general health of the patient.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

CO2 deficit in temperate forest soils receiving high atmospheric N-deposition.

Evidence is provided for an internal CO2 sink in forest soils, that may have a potential impact on the global CO2-budget. Lowered CO2 fraction in the soil atmosphere, and thus lowered CO2 release to the aboveground atmosphere, is indicated in high N-deposition areas. Also at forest edges, especially of spruce forest, where additional N-deposition has occurred, the soil CO2 is lowered, and the gradient increases into the closed forest. Over the last three decades the capacity of the forest soil to maintain the internal sink process has been limited to a cumulative supply of approximately 1000 and 1500 kg N ha(-1). Beyond this limit the internal soil CO2 sink becomes an additional CO2 source, together with nitrogen leaching. This stage of "nitrogen saturation" is still uncommon in closed forests in southern Scandinavia, however, it occurs in exposed forest edges which receive high atmospheric N-deposition. The soil CO2 gradient, which originally increases from the edge towards the closed forest, becomes reversed.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2003

[Cloudberry: an important source of ellagic acid, an anti-oxidant].

Cloudberry, Rubus chamaemorus L. (Rosaceae) is an herbaceous plant with a boreal, circumpolar distribution. Its fruit is of economic importance in northern Scandinavia; furthermore, this plant is of significance in Norwegian tradition. We present a review of its biology, secondary metabolites as well as cloudberry applications. The compounds of primary interest in cloudberry are vitamin C and ellagotannins with a high level of ellagic acid that exhibits biological activities. Ellagic acid, a dietary phenolic, offers considerable promise as anticarcinogen, antimutagen and antioxidant. The ellagic acid content in cloudberries could have health benefits.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed1992

Sarcoptic mange in Swedish wildlife.

Mange caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. vulpes appeared among red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Scandinavia (south-west Finland) for the first time in this century in 1967. The disease was most probably introduced by foxes crossing the Gulf of Finland from Estonia. The mange epizootic spread northwards through Finland and reached Sweden in late 1975, when mangy foxes appeared in the northern part of the country. In 1984, mange was observed in most parts of Sweden. The disease was observed to spread rapidly in boreal areas, whereas it spread more slowly in agricultural areas. Mortality due to mange was very high. The duration of the disease before death due to emaciation has been shown experimentally to be over 90 days. An outbreak of fox mange among Arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) occurred in 1986. The local population of Arctic foxes was caught and successfully treated. The following year, treated foxes were caught again and no signs of disease were found. Sporadic cases of fox mange have also been diagnosed in lynx (Lynx lynx), pine marten (Martes martes) and domestic dogs. Single cases have been observed in other species: wolf (Canis lupus), mountain hare (Lepus timidus), domestic cat and horse. No cases of sarcoptic mange have been recorded in the badger (Meles meles). At present, although fox mange occurs as an epizootic in local populations, the number of foxes has increased again in many parts of Sweden.

Animals↗
PubMed1961

Staphylococcal carriage in man. An attempt at a quantitative survey.

The author reviews the published findings on the carriage of Staphylococcus pyogenes var. aureus during the last two decades, dealing mainly with observations made in British Commonwealth countries, Scandinavia and the USA. The importance of the role played by staphylococcal carriers in the spread of infection both in hospitals and among adults and children in the general population is clearly brought out and is of particular interest in view of the current increase in resistance of staphylococcal strains to antibiotics.There does not appear to have been any well-defined trend towards either an increase or a decrease in staphylococcal carriage in the past twenty years; annual variations have been quite considerable and the precipitate drop in the carriage rate in hospitals in 1949 (perhaps due to the extensive use of penicillin) has since been made up. A particularly high carriage rate was found among hospital staff and twice as high a rate among children born in hospitals as among those delivered at home.Closer study and better control of staphylococcal infections in hospital wards are clearly necessary. It is appreciated, however, that, before more effective control measures can be taken, there must be improvements in the present methods of sampling, in the testing of strains for pathogenicity and in other techniques.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intensive respiratory care service--our eight-year experience.

Intensive respiratory care service has come a long way from the beginning in Scandinavia in early 1952. Intensive care service (IRCU) was started at our institute in 1983 as tetanus and respiratory care ward which has developed into Department of respiratory diseases over years. We are reporting our experience of 886 cases of acute respiratory failure (ARF) treated from Jan, 1983 upto April 1990.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

National mesothelioma incidence and the past use of asbestos.

In Western Europe, Scandinavia, North America and Australia the manufacture and use of asbestos products peaked in the 1970's. The current incidence of mesothelioma ranges from 14 to 35 cases/million/year in eleven industrialized countries which had used asbestos 2.0 to 5.5 kg/capita/year about 25 years earlier. A significant linear correlation (r = 0.80, p = 0.01) exists between the two variables. Accordingly, about 170 tons of produced and consumed asbestos will cause at least one death from mesothelioma, most often as a consequence of occupational exposure.

Asbestos↗
PubMed2003

[Expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and its receptor in plasma of patients with cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To measure the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (UPA) and its receptor (UPAR) in the plasma of patients with cerebral infarction and to study the effects of UPA and UPAR on cerebral infarction. METHODS: ELISA sandwich method was used to measure the plasma levels of UPA and UPAR in 89 patients with acute cerebral infarction, subdivided into mild, moderate and severe subgroups according to the modified Edinburgh-Scandinavia stroke scale (mESSS), and 30 patients with other disease and 30 healthy persons as controls. RESULTS: Within 2 days after the onset of cerebral infarction the UPA and UPAR levels were (1663.7 +/- 384.2) ng/L and (1 375.3 +/- 303.0) ng/L respectively, both significantly higher than those of the patients with other diseases [(1 033.0 +/- 122.7) ng/L and (978.3 +/- 120.0) ng/L respectively (P = 0.038 and P = 0.000)] and those of the normal control group [(1 005.0 +/- 128.9) ng/L and (904.7 +/- 158.6) ng/L respectively, both P = 0.000]. Two weeks after the onset of stroke, the plasma UPA level was (1 185.5 +/- 384.6) ng/L, not significantly different from those of the 2 control groups (both P > 0.05); while the plasma UPAR level in the cerebral infarction was (1 159.3 +/- 261.2) ng/L, significantly higher than those in the 2 control groups (P < 0.01). Within 2 days after the onset of infarction the plasma UPA and UPAR levels of the severe subgroup were (1 938.9 +/- 256.5) ng/L and (1 510.8 +/- 378.7) ng/L respectively, both significantly higher than those of the moderate subgroup [(1 593.7 +/- 204.8) ng/L and (1 296.6 +/- 151.2) ng/L respectively, both P < 0.01] and those of the mild subgroup [1 358.5 +/- 175.9] ng/L and (1 226.8 +/- 98.3) ng/L respectively, both P < 0.01], Two weeks after the onset of stroke,the plasma UPA and uPAR levels of the severe subgroup remained significantly higher than those of the mild subgroup [(1 152.6 +/- 170.3) ng/L vs (1 041.9 +/- 187.0) ng/L, (P < 0.05)] and [(1 186.4 +/- 158.3) ng/L vs (1 053.9 +/- 109.4) ng/L, (P < 0.01)]. In addition, the plasma UPA and UPAR levels of the patients who died from cerebral infarction at last were the highest among all the groups. CONCLUSION: The plasma levels pf UPA and UPAR increase in patients with cerebral infarction and may be related with the severity of disease. The UPA and UPAR genes may play an important role via proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane during the development of cerebral infarction.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Migration of alternative de-icers in unsaturated zone of aquifers--in vitro study.

The migration of organic de-icers in the shallow aquifers typical in Finland is not well known and we need to find solutions to minimise the negative impacts of de-icing on groundwater quality. The objective of the MIDAS project is to find de-icers which have the least harmful impacts on groundwater quality. Migration of sodium chloride as a tracer and five alternative de-icers in aquifers was studied. The alternative de-icers were calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium-magnesium-acetate, potassium acetate and potassium formate. The research consists of leaching of heavy metals from roadsides in the area of Highway 1 in southern Finland; an in vitro study, which represented the full length of winter at low temperatures; and the subsequent on-going field research in south-eastern Finland. So far, in our studies potassium formate caused fewer changes to the quality of the infiltrated water than the chlorides and acetates. After finishing the on-going research the results will be used to choose a preferred de-icer from the existing chemicals and for the development of new less harmful de-icers. The information will be used mainly in Scandinavia and North America where the hydrogeological conditions are similar to those in Finland.

Calcium Chloride↗
PubMed2003

[The genetic basis of muscle disease].

BACKGROUND: Our understanding of the genetic basis of muscle disease has grown dramatically over the last few years. Gene tests are now available for the diagnosis of several conditions and molecular research is providing greater understanding of pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article reviews some of these advances. RESULTS: Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are allelic disorders that differ in age of onset and severity. This can be explained at the genetic level by different types of mutations, one giving total protein loss (Duchenne) whereas the other results in a less severe deficiency (Becker). Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is associated with deletion involving repeated DNA in the sub-telomeric region of chromosome 4. No single gene responsible for this disorder has been identified, but we know that deletion size correlates with disease severity. Interestingly, complete removal of this region does not result in disease. Limb girdle muscular dystrophies share a similar phenotype, but genetic and protein studies show that this can be the result of mutation in very different types of protein including a protease. There are now two forms of myotonic dystrophy, both caused by what are called expansions, an increased number of triplet repeats. Both forms demonstrate multisystem involvement and in both cases more than one genetic mechanism has been shown to be active. Certain muscle diseases appear more common in Scandinavia. Amongst these are the distal myopathies in which one type prevalent in Finland has been linked to defects in the titin protein. INTERPRETATION: The challenge is now to translate the advances in our understanding of genetic mechanism into potential forms of treatment. Unfortunately, while much research is focused on techniques such as gene therapy, myoblast transplantation and the use of stem cells, these have not yet born fruit.

Genetic Techniques↗
PubMed2004

[Cryptococcal meningitis].

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus neoformans causes systemic disease in patients with immunodeficiency. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis has increased in parallel with that of HIV infection. Cancer is also a known predisposing factor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present two case reports and a review of the literature concerning the epidemiology, diagnostics and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. RESULTS: The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis in Scandinavia seems to be lower than in other parts of the world. Clinical signs and symptoms are often uncharacteristic. Detection of antigen in spinal fluid is a sensitive and fast test. INTERPRETATION: Cryptococcal meningitis is a rare disease, often with uncharacteristic symptoms. Patients with haematological malignancies have a higher risk of contracting this disease. It is a differential diagnosis when neurological symptoms occur in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Changing trends in valve surgery in Europe: 1991-2000.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: This study sought to elaborate the changing trends in valve surgery in Europe during the 1990s. METHODS: The databases of different national surgical societies, registries and governments and international organizations were consulted and the data obtained were analyzed. RESULTS: The population of Europe (excluding Russia, CIS and Turkey) increased by 2.29%, from 509.67 million in 1991 to 519.15 million in 2000. During this period, the volume of cardiac surgery increased in Europe by 101% to 413,520 operations (797 per 10(6) population). The volume of valve surgery increased by 63% to 85,076 (164 per 10(6) population). The largest volumes of valve surgery were performed in Germany, France, UK, Italy and Spain. The increase in valve surgery volume was maximum in the Baltic states (+287%) and least in Scandinavia (+30%). Valve surgery volume per center per year changed from 139 in 1991 to 140 in 2000. The increase in overall valve surgery volume was sustained by an increase in subsets of octogenarian patients, valve surgery combined with coronary artery surgery, and increased productivity of the emerging economies of countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Valve surgery as a proportion of cardiac surgery in Europe changed from 25.95% in 1991 to 21% in 2000. In 2000, valve surgery with combined procedures constituted 6.7% of total cardiac surgical volume, but 32% of valve surgical output in Europe. Mechanical valves have continued to dominate and were used in 77% of cases in 2000. Increased use of bioprostheses in the elderly subset among affluent economies was balanced by an increased use of mechanical prostheses in younger patients in emerging facilities in the East and South. The capital-intensive innovations (viz. robotic valve surgery, minimally invasive valve surgery, bioengineered valves) found niches only in some West European centers. Catheter-based procedures did not fulfil their promise. Balloon aortic valve dilatation investigations decreased drastically by the end of the decade, and balloon mitral dilatations number. Conservative aortic valve surgery is not yet practiced widely across Europe, while mitral repair has become widely accepted in clinical parlance. CONCLUSION: Despite the greater political and economic integration of Europe, the pattern of valve surgery continues to remain extremely diverse within the continent.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A historical perspective concerning population-based and clinical studies of early arthritis and early rheumatoid arthritis.

Research concerning early arthritis and early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be considered to have begun with population-based studies in the United Kingdom, the United States and Scandinavia, from the late 1950s to the late 1960s. These studies indicated that the majority of people with clinical findings of RA had no evidence of disease 3-5 years later, and that only about 25% to 30% of people in a population who met the criteria for RA had rheumatoid factor. These findings may have contributed to an underestimation of RA until the severity of long-term outcomes of clinical RA were recognized in the 1980s on the basis of clinical cohorts. The first major early RA clinical cohort was established in 1957-1963 in Bath, England. Although results at 3 and even 11 years were not overly unfavorable, by 15 and 20 years most patients had severe outcomes of functional declines and premature mortality. The Middle-sex (UK) early RA cohort established in 1966-1971 indicated that radiographic abnormalities were observed in about 70% of patients by 2 years of disease, and were seen in most patients initially in the feet. The Memphis (Tennessee, USA) early RA cohort established in 1967-1971 suggested that a progressive course of RA is predicted by a higher number of involved joints at baseline. The Lund (Sweden) early RA cohort established in 1985-1989 indicated rather severe long-term outcomes in patients treated according to traditional conservative approaches to use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The early RA study (ERAS) involving nine National Health Service trusts in the UK was established in 1987-93, and showed associations of education level and socioeconomic status with clinical status. The movement towards early arthritis clinics was given great impetus following the work by Emery in the early 1990s. These studies and others described elsewhere in this supplement have contributed to the foundations for the clinical approach to early arthritis in the 21st century.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Epidemiology and pathogenesis of streptococcal infection].

The appearance of the "streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome" led to a growing interest in infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group-A-streptococci). Since 1987 some 800 cases with a lethality of 20% or more were observed. Contrary to toxic scarlet fever the site of primary infection are the lower respiratory tract or soft tissue infections. Erythrogenic toxins and low molecular weight mitogens, inducing cytokines (IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma) seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of these severe infections. Morphologically and culturally the strains isolated from cases of toxic shock-like syndrome cannot be differentiated from isolates of epidemic scarlet fever or sporadic cases. At the same time, when in Scandinavia an epidemic by S.pyogenes type 1 with many cases of toxic shock was observed, the same type caused a scarlet fever epidemic without complications in eastern Germany. Erythrogenic toxin type A or its toxoid, respectively, can be used for successful immunizations of rabbits. Another--antibacterial-immunization can be done with the M-protein of S.pyogenes, which is limited by its type-specificity. Streptococcal vaccination is required especially for developing countries with a high incidence of rheumatic fever. Infections due to Streptococcus agalactiae (group-B streptococci) are often underestimated though they have a first position in septicemia and meningitis of newborns. Taxonomy and nomenclature of streptococci are often changing; a list of the presently known species is presented in table I.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Selection for increased brood size in historical human populations.

Human twinning rates are considered to either reflect the direct fitness effects of twinning in variable environments, or to be a maladaptive by-product of selection for other maternal reproductive traits (e.g., polyovulation). We used historical data (1710-1890) of Sami populations from Northern Scandinavia to contrast these alternative hypotheses. We found that women who produced twins started their reproduction younger, ceased it later, had higher lifetime fecundity, raised more offspring to adulthood, and had higher fitness (individual lambda) than mothers of singletons in all populations studied. For example, an average of 1.2 offspring survived to adulthood from a twin delivery, irrespective of its sex ratio, whereas only 0.8 offspring survived to adulthood from a singleton delivery. Only if mothers started reproduction at very late age (> 37 yr), or had a very long reproductive life span (> 20 yr), was it more beneficial to produce only singletons. These findings suggest that twin deliveries among Sami could not be explained as a maladaptive by-product of selection for other maternal reproductive traits. In contrast, our results suggest that twinning was under natural selection, although the strength of selection was likely to have been context dependent.

Birth Rate↗