bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of hospital care and hospital case-fatality of myocardial infarction during three years' follow-up in Finland
Authors: Gylling Helena , Simonen Olli
Published: February 2009

The epidemiology and use of hospital care of myocardial infarction was studied at the population level with routinely collected hospital discharge data of the whole country during a three-year follow-up. The study population was a one-year-cohort of 13520 patients with an acute myocardial infarction in 1981 in Finland. The incidence figures were comparable with the previous data attained from expensive and laborious special registries or population studies. With the possibility of record linkage and follow-up we could get information on the use of hospital care of these patients. We conclude that routinely collected hospital discharge data in Finland give information valuable for epidemiological studies, for the planning of health services and for the evaluation of hospital care.
Cannabis and mortality among young men
Authors: S. Andréasson , P. Allebeck
Published: February 2009

The association between level of cannabis consumption and mortality during a 15-year follow-up was studied in a cohort of 45,540 Swedish conscripts. The relative risk of death among high consumers of cannabis (use on more than 50 occasions) was 2.8 (95% confidence interval (1.9-4.1)) compared with non-users. However, after control for social background variables in a multivariate model, no excess mortality was found. A high level of consumption of other drugs was also associated with increased mortality; the relative risk of high consumption (>50 times) was 4.6 (2.4-8.5) compared with non-users. After adjustment for social background a relative risk of 1.2 (0.8-1.9) remained; for those having used drugs intravenously more than once, the relative risk was 1.6 (0.9-2.7). Among causes of death a strong predominance was found for violent death, suicide or uncertain suicide being the single most important accounting for 34.4% of all deaths. The proportion of suicides increased sharply with the level of cannabis consumption.
Services to Families with Children. A Study of Community Work in Uppsala
Authors: Lagerberg Dagmar , Janson Ulf , Sundelin Claes , Larsson Gunilla
Published: February 2009

This article describes some of the results of a study of services to families and children in a suburban district, Sweden. Services included in the study were: maternal and child health care, child psychiatry, services for handicapped children, school health care, day care services, community social services and family counselling services. The baseline studies comprised analyses of official goals expressed in legislation and recommendations, interviews with local politicians and administrators, record studies, studies of working time distribution and questionnaires to field professionals and families. The results indicate that services with traditional goals and well-defined tasks (e.g. health supervision) were more satisfied with their goal attainment, less inclined to collaborate with other services, and more occupied with direct client work than services with non-traditional goals and vaguely defined tasks (e.g. strengthening democracy).
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse History in a Random Sample of Norwegian Women
Authors: Schei Berit
Published: February 2009

In order to obtain an estimate of the prevalence of sexual abuse history among adult women, data from a gynecological interview of a random sample of 118 women aged between 20-49 were analysed. Childhood sexual abuse involving genital contact was reported by 8.5% of the women. Intrafamilial sexual abuse in childhood was reported by 7%, 10% of all women who had ever lived in a relationship reported sexual abuse by a violent spouse, additionally 7% had experienced sexual abuse by a nonviolent spouse. 5% of all women had experienced adult sexual abuse by other than their spouse. Sexual abuse in childhood and by violent spouse was associated with a history of psychological problems and of suicidal ideation or attempts.
Survival of AIDS Patients in Norway
Authors: Eskild Anne , Magnus Per , Nilsen Øyvind , Holme Ingar
Published: February 2009

The survival function of the 100 first AIDS patients in Norway is presented and analyzed with respect to four factors obtained at the time of diagnosis; a) year of diagnosis b) initial AIDS related disease c) knowledge of HIV seropositivity prior to onset of AIDS and d) age at time of diagnosis.

The median survival was 9.3 months. Among the known seropositive AIDS patients there were almost twice as many with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia as initial AIDS related disease, as among the not known seropositives (relative risk 1.8). With Cox regression analysis we found that known seropositivity and age are factors that appear to influence survival, whereas year of diagnosis and initial AIDS related disease appearently do not. The mechanism whereby prior knowledge of HIV seropositivity leads to apparent increase in survival may be due to better follow-up and thereby an earlier date of diagnosis.
Brief Communication
Authors: Lindblad Bent Erling , Terkelsen Carsten Juhl , Lindblad Lisbeth Nørgaard
Published: February 2009

Over a one-year period prospectively a total of 1590 product-related accidents in the home in children (0-15 years), presented at the two hospitals, were registered in a well defined geographical area to analyze injury mechanisms, injury panorama and potential risk products. The incidence of accidents in children was 279 per 10,000 inhibitants per year. A tendency of a smaller incidence with age and a significant higher incidence in boys were found. The most common localization of lesion was upper extremities (41%) and face and skull (30%). Household furniture and constructional features of the house caused most accidents and an alarming high number of burns was registered.
Does Spousal Physical Abuse Affect the Outcome of Pregnancy?
Authors: Schei Berit , Samuelsen Sven Ove , Bakketeig Leiv S.
Published: February 2009

The relationship between living in a physicial abusive relationship and adverse outcome of pregnancy was examined using a structured interview including an obstetrical history. Sixty-six women living in a physically abusive relationship, and 114 women randomly selected and not presently living in such a relationship were interviewed. The women reported 312 completed pregnancies. Five of these were twin pregnancies and one was a stillbirth without information on birth weight. Of the 306 pregnancies included in the analysis, violence had occurred in 40. The mean birth weight of births reported by women exposed to violence during pregnancy was 229 g less than the equivalent figure in non-exposed pregnancies. Adjustment for education, primiparity, and history of addiction reduced the difference in mean birth weight to 175 g.
Different contraceptive practices
Authors: Makkonen Katri , Hemminki Elina
Published: February 2009

Contraceptive practices, especially oral contraceptive and intrauterine device use, were studied in four Nordic countries by recalculating published and unpublished data from previous surveys and statistics and by collecting new data from Finland. The sales of oral contraceptives were presented in defined daily doses, and the percentages of women using oral contraceptives were estimated from them. The percentages of intrauterine device users were calculated taking into account the number of intrauterine devices sold each year and the continuation of use from previous years. The results of the surveys were reanalyzed. We found clear differences in contraceptive practices. Oral contraceptive use was most prevalent in Sweden and Denmark, and, especially at the end of the 1970s, Finnish intrauterine device use was very high. In the 1980s the differences dimished somewhat. These disparities in culturally and economically similar countries indicate that further research is needed to evaluate the factors influencing contraceptive practices.
Prevalence of Smoking and Oral Contraception in a Sample of Danish Young Women
Authors: Jeune Bernard , Wielandt Hanne
Published: February 2009

A representative sample of 286 Danish females aged 16-20 years were interviewed during the period April 1984 - February 1985. The response rate was 75%. Both use of oral contraception (OC) and smoking were common; 46.6% used OC, 34.2% smoked and 19.6% combined smoking and OC. The prevalence of smoking was significantly higher (42.0%) among OC-users than among nonusers (27.2%).

The combination of smoking and OC was especially prevalent among young women with sexual debut before 16 years (36.8%). The association between smoking and the use of OC was significant both when tested unstratified ( p < 0.05) and stratified by age at sexual debut ( p < 0.01). Smoking was also associated with early debut of intercourse ( p < 0.001).

It has been reported that the combination of these two factors in adult women increase the risk for cardiovascular mortality. However, the health consequences later in life of combining smoking and OC at young ages have not been illuminated in the literature. These findings indicate the necessity for prospective studies of young women.
Hysterectomy among Finnish Women
Authors: Luoto Riitta , Hemminki Elina , Topo Päivi , Uutela Antti , Kangas Ilka
Published: February 2009

Hysterectomy among furnish women: Prevalence and Women's own Opinions. Luoto R., Hemminki E., Topo P., Uutela A. and Kangas I. University of Helsinki, Department of Public Health Helsinki, Finland

This article describes the prevalence of hysterectomy, women's own opinions of it, and socioeconomic characteristics of hysterectomized women compared to non-hysterectomized ones. The questionnaire was sent in spring 1989 to 2000 45 to 64-year-old Finnish women picked randomly from the Population Census. After two reminders, 1713 (86%) had responded. One fifth of the women had had a hysterectomy and 5% had also had both ovaries removed. Among the highest educated there were less hysterectomized women than among the less educated. The largest differences in the prevalence of hysterectomy were between counties, not between socioeconomic groups. Fourtyone percent of the hysterectomized women had themselves wished hysterectomy, 25% did not have any specific opinion about the operation. Results raise further questions about clinical decision making and regional variation of hysterectomy.
The relation between teenage smoking and drinking, with special reference to non-standard family background
Authors: Isohanni Matti , Oja Hannu , Moilanen Irma , Rantakallio Paula , Koiranen Markku
Published: February 2009

Associations between simultaneous teenage drinking and smoking are considered in a birth cohort born in Northern Finland in 1966 ( n = 12058), especially in non-standard, mainly single parent families. Data were collected from pregnancy until the age of 14. ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) analysis was used to assess how well smoking predicts use of alcohol. Smoking and drinking were more interconnected in the non-standard families among both boys ( p = 0.007) and girls ( p = 0.018), but only among boys ( p = 0.064) when the data were standardized for social class and place of residence and not among girls ( p = 0.191). A similar relation between smoking and having been drunk was found among boys in non-standard families ( p = 0.016), even when adjusted as above ( p = 0.029), but not among girls (unadjusted p = 0.235, adjusted p = 0.469). The findings suggest that the adolescent boy's self-protective behaviour with respect to the commencement of combined experimentation with smoking and drinking is more restricted in non-standard families than in standard families.
Students Opinions about Sex Education in a Swedish School Region
Authors: Lindell Marianne E. , Olsson Henny M.
Published: February 2009

Sex education has been a requirement in Swedish schools for the past 30 years. The purpose of the study was to describe the opinions of 17- and 18-year-old Swedish students at the upper secondary school regarding the sex education they received at school as well as their knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of reproduction. A questionnaire concerning education about sex and relationships was answered by 421 students. The results of questions regarding human reproduction illustrated that the students have insufficient knowledge about men's and women's reproductive organs. Two-thirds of the students who had received sex education thought the instructions were insufficient. The students wanted to talk more about positive and negative feelings within a relationship and feelings concerning sexually transmitted diseases and abortion. In summary, the results indicated that the content of sex education should focus on women's reproductive organs and the feelings and relationships between men and women. The type of instructions and how instruction time is utilized should be examined closely.
An Economic Appraisal of Two Strategies in Geriatric Screening
Authors: Johansen Grethe
Published: February 2009

Screening for preventive geriatric health care has become common in many Norwegian municipalities. Different methods are used to screen for unreported need of intervention. There is little information available about which is the most costeffective method. This article describes a comparison of two screening models. The first screening was conducted by means of a personal interview held at a health clinic and the second by a postal questionnaire. The results show that a postal questionnaire study was more cost-effective than the health-clinic consultation. It demanded no more resources than the health-clinic model, but had a wider effect because it covered a broader spectrum with regard to response, proportion of the total population and the proportion of respondents for whom an intervention was implemented.
Short Communication
Authors: Gissler Mika , Teperi Juha , Hemminki Elina , Meriläinen Jouni
Published: February 2009

The validity of the 1991 Finnish Medical Birth Registry data was assessed, with special emphasis on the effects of changes made to the data collection form in 1990. Data abstracted from medical records for all births occurring in 49 hospitals during a five-day sample period ( n = 865) were compared to the register information. Good or satisfactory validity was found for 32 of 33 variables, when minor error was tolerated in variables with continuous scales. For diagnoses and procedures, recorded in check-box format, satisfactory validity was found for 10 of 45 variables. Validity could not be assessed for 18 variables because of insufficient number of cases (13 items) or definition problems (5 items). When the results were compared to a 1987 data quality study, many of the variables that had been changed to the check-box format showed improvement in validity. In addition, in some cases a small change in question alternatives or instructions caused a noticeable change in validity.
Quantitative Assessment of Life Span of the Aged Persons — A Preliminary Study
Authors: Isohanni Matti , Winblad Ilkka , Nieminen Pentti
Published: February 2009

The life span is a concept with increasing interest in gerontology, but how to visualize it? We developed the life span assessment scale, where the participants scored their concepts on their different life periods, using a visual analogue scale. A smoothed curve line was fitted through the means of each period. The final results of this procedure resembled an arch or span, like the original metaphor. This scale was tested by two groups of aged persons. Thirty-three noninstitutionalized, active middle-class pensioners (mean age 68 years) assessed their own life curve as resembling a shallow rainbow, the age periods between 30-50 years being most highly valued. A distinct fall did not start until after 70 years. Another life curves were gathered from 50 institutionalized elderly persons, mean age 79 years. Their life curve reached its peak value between 14-20 years, and the fall started after this. The results are preliminary and further validation of the developed method is needed.
Socio-economic status of AIDS patients
Authors: Laursen Elle , Larsen Lis
Published: February 2009

The charts of 187 patients diagnosed at Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen from 1981 through 1989 as having AIDS were reviewed retrospectively in order to examine the extent of their employment and alternative sources of income during the first 2 years after diagnosis. At the time of diagnosis, 50% were actively employed, 15% were on sick leave, and 19% were receiving a pension. The remaining 16% were either receiving unemployment benefits, on welfare, students, or supported by family or friends. The proportion of patients actively employed declined to 22% one month after the time of diagnosis. After 2 years, only 6% still worked, while 22% had a pension. Sixty-seven percent had died. The major source of income during these first 2 years after diagnosis was a pension, most often a disability pension. During this period the total average disbursement of public allowances per patient amounted to US 16,150. As shown here, the work capacity of AIDS patients is quite low, and alternative sources of income must be provided.
Short-term and long-term sick-leave in Sweden
Authors: Blank Nelson , Diderichsen Finn
Published: February 2009

The primary aim of the study was to analyse similarities and differences between repeated spells of short-term sick-leave (more than 3 spells of less than 7 days' duration in a 12-month period) and long-term absence through sickness (at least 1 spell of more than 59 days' duration in a 12-month period) in relation to variables representing certain social circumstances and aspects of the work situation. Particular attention was paid to gender differences. The study, which had a cross-sectional design, employed data from the surveys of living conditions (ULF) conducted by Statistics Sweden over the period 1986-89. The study group comprised 13,828 employed persons between the ages of 16 and 65. The results suggested the existence of a common mechanism by which a variety of factors are related to the taking of both repeated short spells and long-term sick-leave; gender differences with regard to the effect of working conditions on the taking of sick-leave may be incorrectly estimated if factors related to occupational structure are not taken into consideration; a less than additive effect of physical job demands and repeated short spells of sick-leave on subjective health was found.
Impact of pregnancy on gender differences in sickness absence
Authors: Alexanderson Kristina , Sydsjö Adam , Hensing Gunnel , Sydsjö Gunilla , Carstensen John
Published: February 2009

Women in general have a higher sickness absence than men, and sickness absence is particularly high among pregnant women.

Study objectives: To study the level of male sickness absence as compared to female, including and excluding pregnant women. Design: Studies of incidence and length of sickness absence exceeding 7 days using population-based sick-leave records. Setting: The community of Linköping, Sweden, 117,000 inhabitants.

Participants: Subjects included in the analysis were all men and women aged 16–44 who in 1985 or 1986 had at least one sick-leave spell exceeding 7 days.

Results: Pregnant women had a very high sickness absence. When pregnant women were excluded, the female sick-leave rate decreased from 0.18 (95% C.I. 0.17–0.18) to 0.15 (95% C.I. 0.15–0.16) for all women. The corresponding male sick-leave rate was 0.12 (95% c.i. 0.12–0.13). Gender differences in length of sickness absence decreased to the same extent. The results were similar when restricting the analysis to employed persons. The decrease varied a little with occupational group and was largest in the age-group 25–34. Conclusions: When pregnant women were excluded the excess female sick-leave rate was halved, but still remained 25% higher than the male. The impact of excluding pregnant women was highest in the age group 25–34, where the fertility-rate was highest. Although only 5% of all women aged 16–44 were pregnant, they had a large impact on gender differences in sickness absence.
Disease course and prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bendtsen Preben , Hörnquist Jan Olof
Published: February 2009

A three-year follow-up of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis was performed. The overall aim was to examine the change in functional status and psychological well-being. Possible determinants of prognosis with regard to future functional disability, pain and wellbeing, were explored by both univariate and multiple regression analyses. Functional disability, pain and well-being were fairly stable over the 3-year period. Progress of RA disease was most strongly related to initial function and age and only to a minor extent to the psychological well-being.
Epithelial, possibly precancerous, lesions of the lung in relation to smoking, passive smoking, and socio-demographic variables
Authors: Agapitos Emmanuel , Mollo Franco , Tomatis Lorenzo , Katsouyanni Klea , Lipworth Loren , Delsedime Luisa , Kalandidi Anna , Karakatsani Anna , Riboli Elio , Saracci Rodolfo , Trichopoulos Dimitrios
Published: February 2009

We have undertaken an autopsy-based study to evaluate the etiologic importance of active and passive smoking, as well as socio-demographic variables, in the development of pathologic precursors of lung cancer. Lung specimens were taken at autopsy from 531 persons who had died within four hours from a cause other than respiratory or cancer in Athens (Greece) or the surrounding area. Specimens were examined blindly for basal cell hyperplasia, squamous cell metaplasia, cell atypia and mucous cell metaplasia, i.e., pathological entities considered as epithelial, possibly precancerous, lesions (EPPL). Interviews were conducted with next of kin of the deceased. Suitable autopsy specimens as well as completed interviews were eventually available for 275 subjects. EPPL score was regressed on the available independent variables. EPPL score was higher among active smokers than among nonsmokers, while ex-smokers occupied an intermediate position. Conditional on smoking habits, EPPL score was higher among women than among men and higher among manual than among non-manual workers, in agreement with the corresponding patterns with respect to lung cancer. Nonsmoking women married to ever smokers had significantly higher EPPL score than those married to never smokers. The overall findings of this study suggest that EPPL is a valuable indicator of lung cancer risk and that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is associated with higher EPPL levels and therefore with higher lung cancer risk.
Injuries during leisure physical activity in a Swedish municipality
Authors: Lindqvist Kent S. , Timpka Toomas , Bjurulf Per
Published: February 2009

The objective of this study was to provide an epidemiologic basis for planning community programmes preventing injuries during leisure physical activity, especially participation in sports. A total population survey of unintentional injuries was carried out in an area with a population of over 41,000. All sports injuries ( n = 933) occurring within a 12-month period and requiring medical care were noted, giving a ratio of 22.5 per 1000 inhabitants. The majority of the injuries occurred in soccer (38.9%), followed by injuries in basketball/volleyball/handball (10.9%), and bandy/hockey (9.2%). The results correspond to previous studies in southern Scandinavia. In northern communities, the proportion of injuries in winter sports has been shown to be higher. Identification of these similarities and differences between the studies makes it possible to use the findings together in the design of general community-based sports injury prevention programmes suited to northern European conditions.
Cancer risk in a cohort of Danes working in Greenland
Authors: Nielsen Lone G. , Frisch Morten , Melbye Mads
Published: February 2009

Greenland is a high-incidence area for certain virus-associated cancers. The long term cancer risk in a cohort of 7,761 Danish employees who had been working for some time (median 19.7 months) in Greenland during the period 1955–1978 was studied. During a total of 162,300 person-years (average 20.9 years) of follow-up ending on December 31, 1992, the number of cancers observed was 732 vs. 669 expected (relative risk (RR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.18). Whereas the men did not experience any unusual cancer incidence at any cancer site, the women were at elevated risk of developing breast cancer (RR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.8 ( n=96)); malignant melanoma (RR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.0–2.9 ( n = 16)); and lymphatic and hematopoietic malignancies (RR = 1.7,95% CI 1.0–2.8 ( n = 16)). Exposure during adulthood to a high-incidence area for cervical cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and tumors of the major salivary glands did not confer any measurable increase in the risk for these virus-associated cancers. Postponement of childbearing might explain part of the elevated breast cancer risk. Intensive exposure to ultraviolet light, that is likely to explain the increased risk of malignant melanoma among the women, might also be involved in the excess incidence of lymphatic and hematopoietic malignancies observed in these women. However, why the men did not experience similar alterations in the risk of melanoma and cancers of the immune system is enigmatic.
The role of dairy products and non alcoholic beverages in bone fractures among schoolage children
Authors: Petridou Eleni , Karpathios Themistoklis , Dessypris Nick , Simou Effi , Trichopoulos Dimitrios
Published: February 2009

In order to assess consumption of the calcium rich dairy products, intake of non alcoholic beverages and physical activity as risk factors for bone fractures among schoolage children, a case control study was undertaken in Athens, Greece. During 1995 one hundred children 7 to 14 years old (74 boys and 26 girls) with single uncomplicated fractures of the upper and lower extremities and no evidence of coexisting metabolic condition affecting bone fragility were compared with 100 age-and gender-matched controls. The analysis was undertaken by modeling the data through conditional logistic regression. Several indicators point to an increased risk of fractures among physically active children, although none of the individual variables was statistically significant. Somatometrc factors were not related to fractures, although children with more advanced stage of development at Tanner's scale were apparently at increased risk. Intake of dairy products and of carbonated non cola beverages was not related to the occurrence of fractures. By contrast, intake of non carbonated beverages, mainly fruit juices, and of cola beverages were significantly associated with elevated risks of fractures [for an increase of one-half can per day, the odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals were 1.6 (1.2 to 2.3) and 1.7 (1.2 to 2.6) respectively]. In the absence of other common elements between cola and non carbonated beverages the positive associations of these beverages, with bone fractures probably reflect the increased rehydration needs of active children who are also at high risk for injuries.
Work load, job control and risk of leaving work by sickness certification before delivery, Norway 1989
Authors: Strand Kitty , Wergeland Ebba , Bjerkedal Tor
Published: February 2009

Sickness absence in pregnancy has been shown to be associated with strenuous working conditions and parity. So far, few studies have made adjustments for possible interaction and confounding. Such adjustments are needed to more precisely identify targets for preventive measures. We have, therefore, in a representative population of pregnant employees in Norway 1989, computed adjusted odds ratios for leaving work by sickness absence more than three (LSC> 3) and eight (LSC> 8) weeks before delivery according to working conditions identified as risk factors in earlier studies; adjusted for job control, domestic conditions and sickness absence the year prior to pregnancy. The cumulative percentage of LSC>8 and LSC>3 was 26.4 and 51.1. Economically strenuous postures and heavy lifting increased the risk of both outcomes. In addition, shift work and hectic work pace increased the risk of LSC > 3. Influence on breaks reduced risk. Only para experienced reduced risk of LSC when working part-time. Sicklisting the year prior to pregnancy had no confounding effect, which suggest that pregnancy represents a new incompatibility with work. Preventive measures should address work postures and heavy lifting, as well as conditions influencing the woman's control with her time.
War victims in need of physical rehabilitation in Croatia
Authors: Henigsberg Neven , Lagerkvist Bengt , Matek Zrinjka , Kostovic Ivica
Published: February 2009

A Rehabilitation Information System was created in July 1993 in order to register war victims in need of physical rehabilitation all over Croatia. The system is currently operating and presented data covers the period from July 1991 to July 1995. Approximately 15,000 questionnaires had been completed and returned from medical institutions on in total 8589 disabled war victims in need of rehabilitation. People with severe disabilities comprised about 20% of all in need of rehabilitation. Those reported injured were 3.5 times more than those in need of physical rehabilitation. Most common types of injuries were fractures with a permanent disabling condition (3109 persons), peripheral nerve injuries (1213 persons) and amputations (956 persons). Traumatic brain injuries were registered for 594 and spinal cord injuries for 262 persons. Causes of injuries were explosive devices (such as mines, mortar shell shrapnel, etc.) in 37% of cases, bullets in 22%, accidents in 7%, other (such as fire, blast injuries, etc.) and unknown causes in 34%.
Carers' health status
Authors: Fakhoury Walid K. H. , McCarthy Mark , Addington-Hall Julia
Published: February 2009

The associations between measures assessing bereaved carers' health status and their perceptions of the quality of palliative care delivered by community nurses, general practitioners and hospital doctors to cancer patients in their last year of life are investigated in this paper. Analysis was conducted on a sub-sample from the Regional Study of Care for the Dying (RSCD), a survey in which relatives or friends of a random sample of deaths in 1990 in 20 health districts in England were interviewed some 10 months after the death. The sub-sample consisted of 1858 carers of people who died from cancer. The results showed statistically significant associations between bereaved carers' self-rating of health status, their psychological functioning, their experience of bereavement-related health problems, and their satisfaction with services delivered by the different providers. Further research is needed, however, to explore in-depth the nature of these associations.
Impact of Metallizer Process Controls On Optical and Gas Barrier Uniformity
Authors: Mount Eldridge M.
Published: February 2009

A vacuum metallizer process study was performed and the results in terms of optical density uniformity, metal adhesion, and barrier uniformity were evaluated. Gas barrier was found to be a complex function of the process parameters studied while adhesion was determined to be sensitive to testing materials as well as process parameters. Visual uniformity was found to depend primarily on metallization pressure.
Beware of Venturing into Private Equity
Authors: Phalippou Ludovic
Published: February 2009

As a step towards understanding whether a private equity governance structure reduces overall agency conflicts relative to a public equity governance structure (as is often argued), this paper describes the contracts between private equity funds and investors, and the returns earned by investors. The paper sets the stage with a puzzle: the average performance of private equity funds is above that of the Standard and Poor's 500—the main public stock market index—before fees are charged, but below that benchmark after fees are charged. Why are the payments to private equity buyout funds so large? Why does the marginal investor invest in buyout funds? I explore one potential answer (and probably the most controversial): that some investors are fooled. I show that the fee contracts for these funds are opaque. Considering this and the way that compensation contracts bury, in details, costly provisions that are difficult to justify on the basis of proper incentive alignment, it would be premature to assert that the agency conflicts are lower in private equity than in public equity.
Deciphering the Liquidity and Credit Crunch 2007–2008
Authors: Brunnermeier Markus K
Published: February 2009

The financial market turmoil in 2007 and 2008 has led to the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression and threatens to have large repercussions on the real economy. The bursting of the housing bubble forced banks to write down several hundred billion dollars in bad loans caused by mortgage delinquencies. At the same time, the stock market capitalization of the major banks declined by more than twice as much. While the overall mortgage losses are large on an absolute scale, they are still relatively modest compared to the $8 trillion of U.S. stock market wealth lost between October 2007, when the stock market reached an all-time high, and October 2008. This paper attempts to explain the economic mechanisms that caused losses in the mortgage market to amplify into such large dislocations and turmoil in the financial markets, and describes common economic threads that explain the plethora of market declines, liquidity dry-ups, defaults, and bailouts that occurred after the crisis broke in summer 2007.
Expression of heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia inducible factor-1α, and ubiquitin in peripheral inflammatory cells from patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Chen Song-Ming , Li Yu-Guang , Wang Dong-Ming , Zhang Guo-Hong , Tan Chun-Jiang
Published: February 2009

: The increased expression of heme oxygenase-1 content, a stress-response protein, directly correlates with the incidence of coronary heart disease. Down-regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α activity, a major downstream effector of the signaling pathways activated by hypoxia, increases cell survival after hypoxia. The ubiquitin system, a non-lysosomal pathway of protein degradation, is involved in processes of coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia inducible factor-1α, and ubiquitin in both monocytes and lymphocytes isolated from patients at the mRNA and protein levels in different stages of coronary heart disease and their possible correlation.

: A total of 90 patients with coronary heart disease (30 acute myocardial infarction, 30 unstable angina pectoris, and 30 stable angina pectoris) were selected, and 30 cases with normal coronary artery served as controls. The mRNA and protein expression of heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia inducible factor-1α, and ubiquitin in monocytes and lymphocytes were examined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively.

: The mRNA expression of heme oxygenase-1 and ubiquitin was associated with the severity of coronary heart disease (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in hypoxia inducible factor-1α mRNA expression between the coronary heart disease patients and controls. The protein expression of heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia inducible factor-1α, and ubiquitin was significantly stronger in patients with coronary heart disease than in controls, and the expression levels increased with the severity of the disease. There was a positive association between heme oxygenase-1 and hypoxia inducible factor-1α and ubiquitin, antioxidative therapy with adrenergic receptor blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or statins up-regulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and hypoxia inducible factor-1α.

: These data suggest that heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia inducible factor-1α, and ubiquitin are involved in the development and progression of coronary heart disease and thus may be useful biomarkers for coronary heart disease.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:327–33.
Plant sterols: cardiovascular risk factors?1
Authors: Silbernagel Günther , März Winfried
Published: February 2009

Plant sterols are commonly used as cholesterol-lowering nutriceuticals. In subjects who regularly consume plant sterol enriched functional foods, plasma plant sterol concentration is modestly increased. Sitosterolemia, a very rare genetic disorder, is characterized by xanthomas and up to 100-fold elevation of plasma plant sterols. Because patients with sitosterolemia are at high risk to develop severe premature coronary artery disease, even modestly increased plasma plant sterols are suggested to be atherogenic. Thus, there is no consensus on the question if cardiovascular risk can be reduced by the use of plant sterol margarines. In addition to their efficacy to decrease plasma cholesterol, plant sterols together with other non-cholesterol sterols are important for the investigation of cholesterol metabolism. Analyzing plasma non-cholesterol sterols cholesterol absorption from the intestine and endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis can be estimated. The present review offers an overview of the topic “Plant Sterols”. In particular, the role of plant sterols and cholesterol metabolism in atherogenesis is discussed. We focus on cholesterol metabolism, sitosterolemia, and the use of plant sterols as cholesterol-lowering agents. Furthermore, the significance of plasma plant sterol measurement is explained.
Reference values for thyroid function tests during pregnancy1
Authors: Spielhagen Christin , Bobermien Katja , Krebs Alexander , Wallaschofski Henri
Published: February 2009

Euthyroid women experience dramatic changes in the demand for thyroid hormone production as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. These adaptations are important for fetal neurodevelopment and organ development as well as maternal health and successful full-term pregnancy. Thyroid disease is the most common endocrine condition in women of childbearing age and leads to complications in approximately 1–2% of all pregnancies. The hypermetabolic state of normal pregnancy makes clinical assessment of thyroid function more difficult and therefore thyroid function often needs to be investigated biochemically. However, physiological changes of pregnancy, including a 50% plasma volume expansion, increased thyroid binding globulin production, and a relative iodine deficiency, implicate that thyroid hormone reference ranges for non-pregnant women may not be appropriate in pregnancy. Therefore, gestation-specific reference intervals assist in appropriate clinical management of thyroid disease in pregnancy to ensure maternal and fetal health.
Neonatal phrenic nerve injury due to traumatic delivery
Authors: Stramrood Claire A.I. , Blok Cornelia A. , van der Zee David C. , Gerards Leo J.
Published: February 2009

Aims: To describe the clinical course of infants recovering spontaneously from diaphragmatic paralysis due to perinatal phrenic nerve injury as well as those that underwent plication of the diaphragm.

Methods: Between 1990 and 2006, 14 newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital in Utrecht, The Netherlands, were diagnosed with diaphragmatic paralysis due to obstetric phrenic nerve injury. The clinical and follow-up data were studied retrospectively.

Results: Four infants recovered spontaneously and could be weaned from mechanical ventilation within nine days without further treatment. Plication of the diaphragm was performed in 10 infants because of failure to wean from ventilatory support or serious persistent respiratory distress. Time between birth and plication ranged from 10 to 51 days, with a median of 19 days. Satisfactory respiratory outcome was achieved in 86% of the cases.

Conclusions: The minority of infants suffering from diaphragmatic paralysis due to perinatal phrenic nerve injury recovers spontaneously. Infants who fail to wean from ventilatory support and undergo early plication have a quick recovery and can be extubated successfully within a few days.
Makyoh-Imaging zur Charakterisierung reflektierender OberflächenSurface Structure Analysis by Makyoh-Imaging
Authors: von Finck Alexander , Duparré Angela , Pfeffer Michael
Published: February 2009

In der Prozess- und Qualitätskontrolle spielen die Erkennung und Einstufung von Oberflächenstrukturen und Defekten eine immer wichtigere Rolle. Mit der Methode des Makyoh-Imaging (“Ma-Kyoh”, jap. für magischer Spiegel) steht ein leistungsstarkes, hochempfindliches Verfahren zur Verfügung, bei dem lokale konvexe und konkave Strukturen unter kollimierter Beleuchtung die Intensitätsverteilung im Reflex beeinflussen. Anhand einer am Fraunhofer IOF realisierten Messanordnung wird gezeigt, dass über den Reflex sowohl zuverlässig als auch schnell qualitative und quantitative Rückschlüsse auf Oberflächenstrukturen und Defekte möglich sind. Ergebnisse untersuchter Feinstrukturen auf Wafern und polierten Glasoberflächen werden vorgestellt.
Typical occupational accidents with employees of a university hospital in the south of Brazil: epidemiology and prevention
Authors: Sêcco Iara Aparecida de Oliveira , Robazzi Maria Lúcia do Carmo Cruz , Shimizu Denise Sayuri , Rúbio Márcia Maria da Silva
Published: February 2009

Descriptive epidemiologic study that aimed to analyze the typical occupational accidents notified by employees of a university hospital in the South of Brazil from 1997 to 2002, and to estimate their risk indicators. A total of 717 accidents were registered; 86% of them (616) were typical and presented an annual average risk coefficient of 6.0 per 100 employees. The groups that presented more risks for accidents were cooks, woodworkers and nursing auxiliaries, while hands were the most affected area. Regarding the accidents nature, the greatest risks involved biological material. Hence, it is necessary to orient personnel about the legal aspects of occupational accidents and review work processes, especially those related to employees who perform activities at greater risk of transmissible diseases like AIDS and hepatitis B and C.
Meanings regarding the use of alcohol in families of a venezuelan poor community
Authors: Castillo Carlos Onorio , Costa Maria Cristina Silva
Published: February 2009

This study is the result of an ethnographic research based on interpretative anthropology. It aims to interpret the meanings of alcohol misuse in families from a poor Venezuelan community. Twenty members from six families participated in the study. The results show differences between meanings children and parents held regarding alcohol consumption. Children held a more positive view, whereas mothers presented the lowest acceptation of alcohol consumption. Meanings were more convergent than divergent, which allowed the identification of the following units: excessive consumption, intoxication, and joy. The association of alcohol with parties and joy is the main motivation to drink and the main barrier to change drinking habits. Two units of meaning were identified: a continuum between normal and pathologic drinking; and concept of joy subordinated to alcohol consumption.
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery in the elderly patients
Authors: Oktar Gursel , Imren Veli , Erer Dilek , Iriz Erkan , Gokgoz Levent , Soncul Halim
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the results of coronary artery surgery in the elderly patients and to compare the outcome with a younger group. Two hundred thirteen patients aged 70 years and older who underwent on-pump coronary artery surgery were retrospectively studied and data were compared with those of 524 patients aged 50–69. The groups were similar with respect to preoperative characteristics except for sex distribution and the incidences of peripheral vascular disease and prior cerebrovascular accident. The use of internal mammarian artery grafts was significantly lower in the elderly patients (80.3% versus 91.6%, p<0.001). The 30-day mortality for the elderly group was 4.7% while that of younger group was 2.3%. The elderly patients had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative low cardiac output, pulmonary complications and acute renal failure. The elderly group also had also significantly longer intensive care unit length of stay (1.9 versus 1.7 days, p=0.006) and postoperative length of stay (10.1 versus 7.4 days, p<0.001). Although mortality and complication rates are higher, coronary artery surgery can be performed with acceptable risk in the elderly patients. Old age alone should not be a deterrent factor for surgical revascularization in coronary artery disease.
The effects of tamoxifen on homocysteine levels in breast cancer patients
Authors: Eroğlu Aydan , Eğin Yonca , Akar Nejat
Published: February 2009

Tamoxifen is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer and associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism (TE). An elevated homocysteine is one of the risk factors for TE. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of tamoxifen on serum homocysteine levels in breast cancer patients. We performed a case-control study in 20 female subjects to evaluate the relationship between homocysteine levels, and 5,10-methylenetetrahyrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) 19-bp intron-1 deletion polymorphisms in breast cancer patients and in control subjects. It was observed that homocysteine levels were decreased during tamoxifen therapy, but this finding was not statistically significant. There was also no statistically significant difference in homocysteine levels between the two groups (p> 0.05). MTHFR C677T and DHFR 19-bp deletion polymorphisms were not associated with serum homocysteine value in either group.
Is it Williams syndrome?GTF2IRD1implicated in visual–spatial construction andGTF2Iin sociability revealed by high resolution arrays
Authors: Dai L. , Bellugi U. , Chen X.‐N. , Pulst‐Korenberg A.M. , Järvinen‐Pasley A. , Tirosh‐Wagner T. , Eis P.S. , Graham J. , Mills D. , Searcy Y. , Korenberg J.R.
Published: February 2009

Genetic contributions to human cognition and behavior are clear but difficult to define. Williams syndrome (WS) provides a unique model for relating single genes to visual–spatial cognition and social behavior. We defined a ∼1.5 Mb region of ∼25 genes deleted in >98% of typical WS and then rare small deletions, showing that visual–spatial construction (VSC) in WS was associated with the genesGTF2IRD1andGTF2I. To distinguish the roles of GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I in VSC and social behavior, we utilized multiple genomic methods (custom high resolution oligonucleotide microarray, multicolor FISH and somatic cell hybrids analyzed by PCR) to identify individuals deleted for either gene but not both. We analyzed genetic, cognitive and social behavior in a unique individual with WS features (heart defects, small size, facies), but with an atypical deletion of a set of genes that includesGTF2IRD1, but notGTF2I. The centromeric breakpoint localized to the region 72.32–72.38 Mb and the telomeric breakpoint to 72.66 Mb, 10 kb downstream ofGTF2IRD1. Cognitive testing (WPPSI‐R, K‐BIT, and PLS‐3) demonstrated striking deficits in VSC (Block Design, Object Assembly) but overall performance 1.5–3 SD above WS means. We have now integrated the genetic, clinical and cognitive data with previous reports of social behavior in this subject. These results combine with previous data from small deletions to suggest the geneGTF2IRD1is associated with WS facies and VSC, and thatGTF2Imay contribute to WS social behaviors including increased gaze and attention to strangers. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.