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Oskarsson H, Mehlum L, Titelman D, Isometsä E, Erlangsen A, Nordentoft M, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Hökby S, Tomasson H, Palsson SP. Nordic region suicide trends 2000-2018; sex and age groups. Nord J Psychiatry 2023; 77:721-730. [PMID: 37435817 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2023.2231918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Overall, suicide rates in the Nordic region, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, have declined in the past 40 years. The aim of this study was to determine trends in suicide mortality from 2000 to 2018. METHODS Data were obtained from official suicide statistics for men and women, 15 years and older. Gender and age groups in four calendar periods were analyzed using Joinpoint Estimated Regression Coefficient. RESULTS The crude regional suicide rate was 17.1, 2000-2004, decreased to 14.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015-2018. Age-standardized rates are 13.6-11.3. The crude rate decreased by 19.5% (16.3% age-standardized), 19.3% for males and 20.5% for females. The largest decrease was found in Finland (34.9%), the smallest in Norway (1.4%). In males, the exception was an increased suicide rate among all Icelandic except 15-24-year olds, and in 45-64 year-old Norwegians. Among females, an increase was seen among 15-24-year olds in all countries except Iceland, in all age groups in Norway, and in 25-44-year olds in Sweden. In males, a decline of the suicide rated lower than 10% was noted in 25-44 olds in Norway and in 15-64 year-olds in Sweden. DISCUSSION A robust decrease was observed in the overall regional suicide rate in recent years. Exceptions are rising rates in Icelandic males, in Norwegian females, and the youngest female groups in all except Iceland. The small decline among middle-aged males in Norway and Sweden is of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Mehlum
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David Titelman
- National Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erkki Isometsä
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annette Erlangsen
- Department of Suicide Research, Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Department of Suicide Research, Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Insurance Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Hökby
- National Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helgi Tomasson
- Department of Economics, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Bignell DE, Oskarsson H, Anderson JM. Association of actinomycete-like bacteria with soil-feeding termites (termitidae, termitinae). Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 37:339-42. [PMID: 16345349 PMCID: PMC243210 DOI: 10.1128/aem.37.2.339-342.1979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Electron microscopy of the hindgut showed that actinomycete-like bacteria were the principal microbial associates of two African species of soil-feeding termites. Elongated cuticular spines provided attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Bignell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom EX4 4PS
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Oskarsson H, Thorgeirsson G. [The Reykjavik Medical Society at 100 years. Doctors and Society]. LAEKNABLADID 2009; 95:643. [PMID: 19858543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
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Bignell DE, Oskarsson H, Anderson JM, Ineson P, Wood TG. Structure, microbial associations and function of the so-called “mixed segment” of the gut in two soil-feeding termites, Procubitermes aburiensis and Cubitermes severus (Termitidae, Termitinae). J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1983.tb05070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Värnik A, Kõlves K, Allik J, Arensman E, Aromaa E, van Audenhove C, Bouleau JH, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM, Giupponi G, Gusmão R, Kopp M, Marusic A, Maxwell M, Oskarsson H, Palmer A, Pull C, Realo A, Reisch T, Schmidtke A, Pérez Sola V, Wittenburg L, Hegerl U. Gender issues in suicide rates, trends and methods among youths aged 15-24 in 15 European countries. J Affect Disord 2009; 113:216-26. [PMID: 18625519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2008.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2008] [Revised: 06/01/2008] [Accepted: 06/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No recent cross-country examinations for youth suicide trends and methods for Europe were found. AIM The aim of the study is to specify differences in suicide rates, trends and methods used among 15-24 years olds by gender across 15 European countries. METHOD Data for 14,738 suicide cases in the age group 15-24 in 2000-2004/5 were obtained and analysed. RESULTS Suicide rates ranged 5.5-35.1 for males and 1.3-8.5 for females. Statistically significant decline since 2000 was observed in Germany, Scotland, Spain, and England for males and in Ireland for females. Hanging was most frequently used for both genders, followed by jumping and use of a moving object for males and jumping and poisoning by drugs for females. Male suicides had a higher risk than females of using firearms and hanging and lower risk of poisoning by drugs and jumping. There were large differences between single countries. LIMITATIONS The limitations of the study are the small numbers of specific suicide methods in some countries as well as the re-categorisation of ICD-9 codes into ICD-10 in England, Ireland and Portugal. Further, the use of suicides (X60-X84) without events of undetermined deaths (Y10-Y34) continues to be problematic considering the possibility of "hidden suicides". CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that suicide rates among young males are decreasing since 2000 in several European countries. Analysis of suicide methods confirms that there is a very high proportion of hanging in youths, which is extremely difficult to restrict. However, besides hanging there are also high rates of preventable suicide methods and reducing the availability of means should be one of the goals of suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airi Värnik
- Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia.
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Hegerl U, Wittmann M, Arensman E, Van Audenhove C, Bouleau JH, Van Der Feltz-Cornelis C, Gusmao R, Kopp M, Löhr C, Maxwell M, Meise U, Mirjanic M, Oskarsson H, Sola VP, Pull C, Pycha R, Ricka R, Tuulari J, Värnik A, Pfeiffer-Gerschel T. The 'European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD)': a multifaceted, community-based action programme against depression and suicidality. World J Biol Psychiatry 2008; 9:51-8. [PMID: 17853299 DOI: 10.1080/15622970701216681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Action programmes fostering partnerships and bringing together regional and national authorities to promote the care of depressed patients are urgently needed. In 2001 the 'Nuremberg Alliance Against Depression' was initiated as a community-based model project within the large-scale 'German Research Network on Depression and Suicidality' (Kompetenznetz 'Depression, Suizidalität'). The 'Nuremberg Alliance Against Depression' was an action programme, conducted in the city of Nuremberg (500,000 inhabitants) in 2001/2002, addressing four intervention levels (Hegerl et al. Psychol Med 2006;36:1225). Based on the positive results of the Nuremberg project (a significant reduction of suicidal behaviour by more than 20%) 18 international partners representing 16 different European countries established the 'European Alliance Against Depression' (EAAD) in 2004. Based on the four-level approach of the Nuremberg project, all regional partners initiated respective regional intervention programmes addressing depression and suicidality. Evaluation of the activities takes place on regional and international levels. This paper gives a brief overview of the background for and experiences with the EAAD. It describes the components of the programme, provides the rationale for the intervention and outlines the current status of the project. The aim of the paper is to disseminate information about the programme's potential to reduce suicidal behaviour and to provide examples of how European community-based 'best practice' models for improving the care of depressed patients and suicidal persons can be implemented using a bottom-up approach. EAAD is mentioned by the European commission as a best practice example within the Green Paper 'Improving the mental health of the population: Towards a strategy on mental health for the European Union' (European Commission 2005).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Hegerl
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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7
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Värnik A, Kõlves K, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM, Marusic A, Oskarsson H, Palmer A, Reisch T, Scheerder G, Arensman E, Aromaa E, Giupponi G, Gusmäo R, Maxwell M, Pull C, Szekely A, Sola VP, Hegerl U. Suicide methods in Europe: a gender-specific analysis of countries participating in the "European Alliance Against Depression". J Epidemiol Community Health 2008; 62:545-51. [PMID: 18477754 PMCID: PMC2569832 DOI: 10.1136/jech.2007.065391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the most frequent gender-specific suicide methods in Europe. DESIGN Proportions of seven predominant suicide methods utilised in 16 countries participating in the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) were reported in total and cross-nationally. Relative risk (RR) relating to suicide methods and gender was calculated. To group countries by pattern of suicide methods, hierarchical clustering was applied. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data on suicide methods for 119,122 male and 41,338 female cases in 2000-4/5 from 16 EAAD countries, covering 52% of European population were obtained. RESULTS Hanging was the most prevalent suicide method among both males (54.3%) and females (35.6%). For males, hanging was followed by firearms (9.7%) and poisoning by drugs (8.6%); for females, by poisoning by drugs (24.7%) and jumping from a high place (14.5%). Only in Switzerland did hanging rank as second for males after firearms. Hanging ranked first among females in eight countries, poisoning by drugs in five and jumping from a high place in three. In all countries, males had a higher risk than females of using firearms and hanging and a lower risk of poisoning by drugs, drowning and jumping. Grouping showed that countries might be divided into five main groups among males; for females, grouping did not yield clear results. CONCLUSIONS Research on suicide methods could lead to the development of gender-specific intervention strategies. Nevertheless, other approaches, such as better identification and treatment of mental disorders and the improvement of toxicological aid should be put in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Värnik
- Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Oie 39, Tallinn 11615, Estonia.
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Tehrani-Bagha AR, Oskarsson H, van Ginkel CG, Holmberg K. Cationic ester-containing gemini surfactants: chemical hydrolysis and biodegradation. J Colloid Interface Sci 2007; 312:444-52. [PMID: 17481647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2007.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2007] [Revised: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 03/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Two cationic gemini surfactants having ester bonds between the hydrophobic tail and the cationic moiety have been synthesized. The ester bonds were either with the ester carbonyl group away from the positive charge (esterquat type arrangement) or facing the positive charge (betaine ester type arrangement). The chemical hydrolysis of the surfactants was investigated and compared with the hydrolysis of the corresponding monomeric surfactants. The betaine ester type of surfactants was found to hydrolyze much faster than the esterquat surfactants. It was also seen that above the critical micelle concentration the gemini surfactants were much more susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis than the corresponding monomeric surfactants. The biodegradation of the geminis and the monomeric surfactants were also studied. It was found that whereas the monomeric surfactants were rapidly degraded, the two gemini surfactants were more resistant to biodegradation and could not be classified as readily biodegradable. The 60% biodegradation was reached after 35-40 days. Thus, there was no correlation between rate of chemical hydrolysis and rate of biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Tehrani-Bagha
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
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Oskarsson H, Holmberg K. Adsorption of ethoxylated cationic surfactants on self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on gold using surface plasmon resonance detection. J Colloid Interface Sci 2006; 301:360-9. [PMID: 16793052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2006.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2006] [Revised: 05/04/2006] [Accepted: 05/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Adsorption of a series of ethoxylated cationic surfactants at model surfaces of alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers was studied by the surface plasmon resonance technique. Model surfaces were tailor-made by choosing alkanethiols or mixtures of alkanethiols with methyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, and trimethylammonium groups in terminal position. The ethoxylated and quaternized cationic surfactants having from 2 to 18 oxyethylene units, showed a decrease in adsorbed amount with increasing oxyethylene chain length for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. On a negatively charged surface, containing carboxylate groups, the surfactant with only two oxyethylene groups adsorbed strongly due to electrostatic attraction and the adsorption increased with increasing amount of surface carboxylate groups. This work shows the usefulness of self-assembled alkanethiols on gold as a tool for performing surfactant adsorption studies on surfaces with variable hydrophobicity and charge.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Oskarsson
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Applied Surface Chemistry, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
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Rabinovich YI, Kanicky JR, Pandey S, Oskarsson H, Holmberg K, Moudgil BM, Shah DO. Self-assembled Gemini surfactant film-mediated dispersion stability. J Colloid Interface Sci 2005; 288:583-90. [PMID: 15927629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2005.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2004] [Revised: 02/14/2005] [Accepted: 03/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The force-distance curves of 12-2-12 and 12-4-12 Gemini quaternary ammonium bromide surfactants on mica and silica surfaces obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) were correlated with the structure of the adsorption layer. The critical micelle concentration was measured in the presence or absence of electrolyte. The electrolyte effect (the decrease of CMC) is significantly more pronounced for Gemini than for single-chain surfactants. The maximum compressive force, F(max), of the adsorbed surfactant aggregates was determined. On the mica surface in the presence of 0.1 M NaCl, the Gemini micelles and strong repulsive barrier appear at surfactant concentrations 0.02-0.05 mM, which is significantly lower than that for the single C(12)TAB (5-10 mM). This difference between single and Gemini surfactants can be explained by a stronger adsorption energy of Gemini surfactants. The low concentration of Gemini at which this surfactant forms the strong micellar layer on the solid/solution interface proves that Gemini aggregates (micelles) potentially act as dispersing agent in processes such as chemical mechanical polishing or collector in flotation. The AFM force-distance results obtained for the Gemini surfactants were used along with turbidity measurements to determine how adsorption of Gemini surfactants affects dispersion stability. It has been shown that Gemini (or two-chain) surfactants are more effective dispersing agents, and that in the presence of electrolyte, the silica dispersion stability at pH 4.0 can also be achieved at very low surfactant concentrations ( approximately 0.02 mM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Y I Rabinovich
- Engineering Research Center for Particle Science and Technology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Thorgeirsson TE, Oskarsson H, Desnica N, Kostic JP, Stefansson JG, Kolbeinsson H, Lindal E, Gagunashvili N, Frigge ML, Kong A, Stefansson K, Gulcher JR. Anxiety with panic disorder linked to chromosome 9q in Iceland. Am J Hum Genet 2003; 72:1221-30. [PMID: 12679899 PMCID: PMC1180274 DOI: 10.1086/375141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2002] [Accepted: 03/03/2003] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The results of a genomewide scan for genes conferring susceptibility to anxiety disorders in the Icelandic population are described. The aim of the study was to locate genes that predispose to anxiety by utilizing the extensive genealogical records and the relative homogeneity of the Icelandic population. Participants were recruited in two stages: (1) Initial case-identification by a population screening for anxiety disorders, using the Stamm Screening Questionnaire, was followed by aggregation into extended families, with the help of our genealogy database; and (2) those who fulfilled the diagnostic and family aggregation criteria underwent a more detailed diagnostic workup based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Screening for anxiety in close relatives also identified additional affected members within the families. After genotyping was performed with 976 microsatellite markers, affected-only linkage analysis was done, and allele-sharing LOD scores were calculated using the program Allegro. Linkage analysis of 25 extended families, in each of which at least one affected individual had panic disorder (PD), resulted in a LOD score of 4.18 at D9S271, on chromosome 9q31. The intermarker distance was 4.4 cM on average, whereas it was 1.5 cM in the linked region as additional markers were added to increase the information content. The linkage results may be relevant not only to PD but also to anxiety in general, since our linkage study included patients with other forms of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Högni Oskarsson
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | - Natasa Desnica
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | - Jelena Pop Kostic
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | - Jon G. Stefansson
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | - Halldor Kolbeinsson
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | - Eirikur Lindal
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | | | - Michael L. Frigge
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | - Augustine Kong
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | - Kari Stefansson
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
| | - Jeffrey R. Gulcher
- deCode Genetics, Therapeia, and Landspitalinn-University Hospital, Reykjavík
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder-as measured by the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire-has been found to be unexpectedly low among Icelanders. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to measure seasonal variations in the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Icelanders assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire. METHOD Four 1, 000-person cohorts, age 20-70 years, selected at random from the Icelandic National Register, were sent the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale by mail in either January, April, July, or October. Only responses from the 4-week period after each mailing were considered in the subsequent analysis. RESULTS The mean anxiety and depression scores in winter were not higher than those in summer for either sex. There was no significant difference between winter and summer in rates of actual or borderline cases of anxiety or depression or for the two categories combined. CONCLUSIONS This lack of seasonality in anxiety and depression is in sharp contrast to findings from similar cross-sectional studies and may reflect the low propensity for seasonal affective disorder that has been described in the Icelandic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Magnusson
- Research Forum and Department of Psychiatry, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Wolpert EM, Oskarsson H. Mental Health Care Systems and Quality Assurance. Eur Psychiatry 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(97)80325-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Oskarsson H, Onundarson PT, Haraldsdottir V. [Quality management by physicians in Iceland.]. LAEKNABLADID 1996; 82:766-770. [PMID: 20065426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Icelandic Medical Association appointed a committee in 1993 with the task of recommending how to introduce the concept of Total Quality Management into the Icelandic healthcare system. The first task was to conduct a mail survey of the current status of quality assurance. Heads of departments at the five major hospitals in Iceland were contacted as well as the chairmen of all the specialist societies. The response rate was only 37%, but compensated by two ameliorating facts; responses were obtained from most of the major departments, and there was a considerable overlap between hospital departments and specialty societies as well as between subspecialty societies. The results indicate that quality assurance is an ingrained part of Icelandic hospitals, mostly in the form of standards and retrospective audits, not prospective actions. Methods used are further detailed. Outside hospitals, the Icelandic Society of Family Physicians stands out amongst the specialty societies represented, by having organized and carried out several projects in quality assurance. It is recommended that more emphasis shall be put on prospective methods, the setting of practice guidelines, outcome studies and research in quality assurance. The lack of quality assurance in specialty practice outside hospitals needs to be addressed with vigour.
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Nahser PJ, Brown RE, Oskarsson H, Winniford MD, Rossen JD. The effect of aminophylline on pharmacological stress with intravenous adenosine. Am J Card Imaging 1996; 10:149-53. [PMID: 8914700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial perfusion imaging with adenosine pharmacological stress may be useful in patients with obstructive lung disease who are unable to exercise. However, these patients are often treated with medications containing theophylline, which is an adenosine antagonist. This study assessed the effect of aminophylline on coronary vasodilation produced by intravenous adenosine as commonly used during cardiac imaging. Changes in coronary flow velocity (measured by intracoronary Doppler catheter) heart rate, arterial pressure and changes in coronary resistance were measured during intravenous infusion of adenosine at 140 micrograms/kg/min before and after aminophylline, 6 mg/kg intravenously in 12 patients. After aminophylline infusion, the theophylline level averaged 14 +/- 1 microgram/mL. The coronary hemodynamic effects of adenosine were markedly attenuated by aminophylline. Adenosine increased coronary blood flow velocity by 192 +/- 39% at control and 78 +/- 16% after aminophylline (P < .05 v control). Adenosine produced a 63 +/- 5% decrease in coronary vascular resistance at control and 40 +/- 6% (P < .05) after aminophylline. The utility of myocardial imaging techniques using coronary vasodilation with intravenous adenosine may be reduced in patients treated with theophylline-containing preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Nahser
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA
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16
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Rossen JD, Nahser PJ, Oskarsson H, Brown RE, Winniford MD. Does pharmacologic coronary flow reserve reflect vasodilator responsiveness to increased myocardial demand in humans? Coron Artery Dis 1996; 7:479-84. [PMID: 8889365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between maximal pharmacologic coronary flow reserve and metabolic coronary vasodilation in nonstenotic coronary arteries. BACKGROUND Evaluation of the coronary microcirculation in humans during cardiac catheterization is commonly performed by assessment of coronary hemodynamics during administration of potent coronary vasodilators. However, the relationship between maximal pharmacologic vasodilation and flow increases occurring in response to increased myocardial demand has not been evaluated. METHODS The coronary blood flow responses to a maximally dilating dose of intracoronary adenosine or papaverine and to a standardized atrial pacing stress were assessed in 49 patients using intracoronary Doppler velocimetry. The blood flow responses to a maximally dilating dose of intracoronary adenosine and to intravenous infusion of dobutamine were determined in 13 patients. RESULTS The maximal pharmacologic coronary flow reserve averaged 3.2 +/- 0.1 (mean +/- SEM). The coronary blood flow velocity increased by 32 +/- 3% during atrial pacing, and the change in coronary flow velocity was correlated with the change in the mean arterial pressure x heart rate product during pacing. Regression analysis revealed no relationship between the pharmacologic coronary flow reserve and the change in coronary flow velocity during atrial pacing or the response of the flow to pacing normalized with respect to the magnitude of stress reflected by the change in rate x pressure product. The coronary blood flow velocity increased by 135 +/- 16% during dobutamine infusion. Regression analysis revealed no relationship between the pharmacologic coronary flow reserve and the change in coronary flow velocity during dobutamine infusion. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the maximal pharmacologic coronary flow reserve is an inadequate surrogate for assessment of coronary vasodilation in response to increases in myocardial metabolic demand in nonstenotic arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Rossen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA
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Deligonul U, Jones S, Shurmur S, Oskarsson H. Contrast cine left ventriculography: comparison of two pigtail catheter shapes and analysis of factors determining the final quality. Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn 1996; 37:428-33. [PMID: 8721699 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0304(199604)37:4<428::aid-ccd12>3.0.co;2-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ventricular arrhythmias or inadequate opacification of the ventricular cavity during contrast-cine left ventriculography frequently interfere with evaluation of regional wall motion, ejection fraction or mitral regurgitation. In this prospective, randomized study traditional (straight) pigtail catheter was compared with a new, large loop pigtail catheter (both 6 French, large lumen) in terms of the quality of the cine left ventriculograms. Straight (Group I) and curved pigtail (Group II) groups were further subdivided randomly into a preset (13 cc per second for 3 seconds with a pressure rise time of 0.5 seconds) injection rate (Group IA, n = 46, and Group IIA, n = 48) or operator definded injection rate (Group IB, n = 49, and Group IIB, n = 45) subgroups. The ventricular tachycardia and couplets occurred at similar frequency among the groups. The curved pigtail subgroups showed significantly more frequent catheter induced mitral regurgitation. However, the opacification and overall quality of the left ventriculograms were distributed similarly between the groups. Because the catheter type and injection protocol did not affect the left ventriculogram quality in our study, variables determining opacification and overall quality rating are analyzed in the overall group of 190 patients. Left ventricular opacification was excellent in 72, acceptable in 108 and marginal in 10 patients. The patients with marginal opacification were significantly heavier (P = .004) with larger left ventricular enddiastolic volumes (P = .019), and smaller amount of contrast volume per enddiastolic volume (P = .005) and kilogram body weight (P = .003). The overall quality of left ventriculograms were excellent in 38, acceptable in 133, and marginal in 19 patients. The patients with excellent left ventriculograms were significantly younger (P = .019) and slightly less heavy (P = 0.09). Significantly more female patients were also in this group (P = .036). Ventricular tachycardia was the most common cause of unsatisfactory left ventriculograms. In the RAO view, deeper (more apical) placement of the catheter was associated with higher incidence of ventricular tachycardia (53%). The most "silent" area was the posterobasal area. In conclusion, the perfect left ventriculogram remains to be an elusive goal in routine clinical practice. When using 6F highflow pigtail catheters and nonionic contrast agents, more basal catheter position and higher contrast volume increase the quality of the left ventriculograms.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Deligonul
- Cardiology Section, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-2265, USA
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Karim MA, Oskarsson H, Armbruster R, Deligonul U. Hemodynamic changes pre- and post-pacing with complete heart block and aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation. Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn 1996; 37:178-83. [PMID: 8808078 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0304(199602)37:2<178::aid-ccd17>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Conduction disturbances in the setting of calcific aortic valve disease have been well documented in the literature. In this report we describe a case of a patient who presented in complete heart block and dyspnea on exertion. Subsequent non-invasive and invasive studies revealed moderate aortic stenosis and regurgitation with preserved left ventricular function. Hemodynamically important physiological pressure waveform changes occurred before and after pacing the ventricles and are highlighted here.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Karim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Karim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural and functional abnormalities of the coronary microcirculation have been reported in experimental diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate coronary microvascular function in human diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-four diabetic and 31 nondiabetic patients were studied during cardiac catheterization. A Doppler catheter or guidewire was used to measure changes in coronary blood flow velocity in a nonstenotic artery. Maximal coronary blood flow reserve was determined by using intracoronary adenosine or papaverine. Coronary dilation in response to an increase in myocardial metabolic demand was assessed by using rapid atrial pacing. Maximal vasodilator responses to papaverine and adenosine were compared in 12 diabetic patients. Maximal pharmacologic coronary flow reserve was depressed in diabetic (2.8 +/- 0.2, n = 19) compared with nondiabetic (3.7 +/- 0.2, n = 21, P < .001) patients. During atrial pacing, the decrease in coronary vascular resistance was attenuated in the diabetic (-14 +/- 3%) compared with the nondiabetic (-24 +/- 2%, P < .05) patients. Differences in coronary microvascular function between diabetic and nondiabetic patients were not attributable to differences in drug therapy, resting hemodynamics, or incidence of hypertension. In 12 diabetic patients the maximal coronary vasodilator responses to papaverine and adenosine were similar. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates both reduced maximal coronary vasodilation and impairment in the regulation of coronary flow in response to submaximal increases in myocardial demand in patients with diabetes mellitus. These microvascular abnormalities may lead to myocardial ischemia in the absence of epicardial coronary atherosclerosis in some circumstances, and thus contribute to adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Nahser
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was performed to assess the importance of adenosine in mediating metabolic coronary vasodilation during atrial pacing stress in humans. BACKGROUND Numerous animal studies have examined the role of adenosine in the regulation of coronary blood flow, with inconsistent results. METHODS The effect of the adenosine antagonist aminophylline (6 mg/kg body weight intravenously) on coronary functional hyperemia during rapid atrial pacing was determined in 12 patients. The extent of inhibition of adenosine vasodilation was assessed using graded intracoronary adenosine infusions before and after aminophylline administration in seven patients. Coronary blood flow changes were measured with a 3F intracoronary Doppler catheter. RESULTS After aminophylline administration, the increase in coronary flow velocity during adenosine infusions was reduced from 84 +/- 48% (mean +/- SD) to 21 +/- 31% above control values (p < 0.001) at 10 micrograms/min and from 130 +/- 39% to 59 +/- 51% above control values (p < 0.001) at 40 micrograms/min. During rapid atrial pacing under control conditions, coronary blood flow velocity increased by 26 +/- 16%. The flow increment during paced tachycardia after aminophylline (23 +/- 10%) was unchanged from the control value, despite substantial antagonism of adenosine coronary dilation by aminophylline. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that adenosine does not play an important role in the regulation of coronary blood flow in response to rapid atrial pacing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Rossen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242
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Rossen JD, Oskarsson H, Stenberg RG, Braun P, Talman CL, Winniford MD. Simultaneous measurement of coronary flow reserve by left anterior descending coronary artery Doppler and great cardiac vein thermodilution methods. J Am Coll Cardiol 1992; 20:402-7. [PMID: 1634678 DOI: 10.1016/0735-1097(92)90109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare left anterior descending coronary artery Doppler blood flow velocity and great cardiac vein thermodilution blood flow measurements of coronary flow reserve and submaximal coronary vasodilation in humans. BACKGROUND Reported maximal coronary flow reserve values obtained with the coronary venous thermodilution method are lower than those obtained with other measurement methods. METHODS Thermodilution measurements of great cardiac vein flow in 11 subjects were compared with simultaneous Doppler measurements of changes in left anterior descending coronary flow velocity after intracoronary administration of papaverine, nitroglycerin, iohexol and intravenous administration of dipyridamole. RESULTS Coronary flow reserve (papaverine peak/rest flow ratio) was 3.7 +/- 1.7 (mean +/- SD) by the Doppler method and 2.0 +/- 0.7 by the thermodilution technique (p less than 0.001). Thermodilution flow changes were also smaller than Doppler-measured changes during submaximal vasodilation and during prolonged coronary dilation after dipyridamole administration. CONCLUSIONS Coronary flow reserve and submaximal flow increases measured with the thermodilution method were consistently and substantially smaller than Doppler-derived measurements. This discrepancy has important implications for the comparison of coronary flow reserve measurements performed with the use of different techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Rossen
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City
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Bignell DE, Oskarsson H, Anderson JM. Formation of membrane-bounded secretory granules in the midgut epithelium of a termite, Cubitermes severus, and a possible intercellular route of discharge. Cell Tissue Res 1982; 222:187-200. [PMID: 7060094 DOI: 10.1007/bf00218299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Mature columnar cells of the midgut of Cubitermes contain a prominent secretion product observed at light- and electron-microscopic levels. At the ultrastructural level the product is resolved as an electron dense material contained in vesicles up to 1 micron diameter that accumulate in the apical cytoplasm. The vesicles are composite, apparently formed by coalescence of at least two types of precursor vesicle both of which originate from the Golgi apparatus. Discharge of the product takes place by exocytosis into intercellular space at or in the vicinity of the apical septate junction complex. Augmentation of apical surface area by microvilli is less prominent in Cubitermes than in other termites for which data are available. This and other evidence suggests that absorptive functions are reduced in the midgut of this insect.
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Bignell D, Oskarsson H, Anderson J. Colonization of the epithelial face of the peritrophic membrane and the ectoperitrophic space by actinomycetes in a soil-feeding termite. J Invertebr Pathol 1980. [DOI: 10.1016/0022-2011(80)90049-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Bignell DE, Oskarsson H, Anderson JM. Specialization of the hindgut wall for the attachment of symbiotic micro-organisms in a termite Procubitermes aburiensis (Isoptera, Termitidae, Termitinae). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 1980. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00310080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bignell DE, Oskarsson H, Anderson JM. Distribution and abundance of bacteria in the gut of a soil-feeding termite Procutiermes aburiensis (Termitidae, Termitinae). J Gen Microbiol 1980; 117:393-403. [PMID: 7420050 DOI: 10.1099/00221287-117-2-393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The alimentary canal of a representative species of soil-feeding termite was examined for associations with bacteria. Enumerations made in the principal regions of the intestine by direct observation and expressed for comparative purposes as total microbial standing crop showed a net three- to fourfold increase between the foregut (crop) and rectum. Filamentous organisms, putatively actinomycetes, contributed significantly to the flora in most regions of the gut and were more abundant, relative to non-filamentous forms, than in freshly ingested soil. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of the gut wall showed that the actinomycetes formed novel associations with the host in the mesenteron, mixed segment and colon. Non-filamentous organisms, chiefly rods, colonized the walls of the first proctodaeal segment and the colon, in addition to filaments, and were present in large numbers in the contents of the third proctodaeal segment.
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