PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T Iversen

Publications and source records attributed to T Iversen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Health status of patients on waiting lists].

BACKGROUND: The waiting lists for hospital admission are used as arguments for more resources to hospitals. Concern is expressed that the attention given to waiting list patients has the effect that less resources are devoted to other groups of patients. This article reports on a study of whether waiting list patients are in poorer health that persons who are not on a waiting list. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A random sample of 5,000 Norwegian citizens were drawn to be included in Statistics Norway's 1998 quality and standard of life survey. Interviews were obtained with 3,449 persons. Binomial and multinomial logistic analyses were used. RESULTS: Individuals in poor health have a higher probability of being on a hospital waiting list than have persons in good health. We did not find any relationship between state of health and a patient's experienced waiting time. INTERPRETATION: Our findings reject the assertion of arbitrariness regarding the selection of patients to hospital waiting lists. The lack of effect of state of health on experienced waiting time could be interpreted in several ways.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

An epidemiological study of cancer in adult twins born in Norway 1905-1945.

We have identified 23 334 individuals (40%) of twins born in Norway 1905-45 where both twins were alive in 1960 without malignant disease. These were linked to the Cancer Registry of Norway. A reduced risk of malignant disease was demonstrated among twins for all tumour sites combined; standardized incidence rate (SIR): 0.90 (95% CI 0.85-0.94) in females and 0.95 (95% Cl 0.90-0.99) in males. In both sexes, we observed a significant reduced incidence of malignant melanomas of the skin. The incidence of colorectal cancer tended to be reduced for both sexes. In females, the incidence of tumours of the central nervous system and lungs were reduced. We consider our findings are real, but cannot explain them.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

The effect of capitation on GPs' referral decisions.

In the Norwegian capitation trial, the payment system for general practitioners (GPs) has been changed; a practice allowance component has been replaced by a capitation component and the fee-per-item component constitutes a smaller part of a GPs practice income than previously. From the theoretical modelling of GPs' referral decisions, we predict that the replacement of the practice allowance by a capitation component will increase the rate of referrals to specialists. This hypothesis is supported by an exploratory empirical study with data from a sample of GPs participating in the experiment.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

CP/MAS 13C-NMR spectroscopy applied to structure and interaction studies on cellulose I.

Solid-state Cross-Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CP/MAS 13C-NMR) has been used to investigate the structure and interactions of cellulose I. The use of spectral fitting for the extraction of information from CP/MAS 13C-NMR spectra is reviewed and results obtained are discussed. Examples are shown where the method has been used to monitor the structural changes occurring in wood cellulose during kraft pulping. The effects observed on the cellulose and hemicelluloses are further investigated using a model system. Assignments of signal intensities originating from xylan-cellulose interactions are made.

Carbon Isotopes↗
PubMed1999

Trends for invasive squamous cell neoplasia of the skin in Norway.

Over the period 1966-1995, based on 11,662 patients, the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin increased three to four times in Norway mainly as a result of an increased number of localized tumours. In men, cancer of the auricle was the second most common site; in women the incidence was low.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Waiting lists as results of statistic coincidences].

Queues and waiting lists in the health services are central issues in the political debate in Norway. By means of a simulation programme (Powersim), we demonstrate some elementary properties of queuing. We show that stochastic entry to the service and stochastic need for service can produce queues. We also show that a queue-free service will need an unrealistically high and abundant capacity.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Cellulose powder from Cladophora sp. algae.

The surface are and crystallinity was measured on a cellulose powder made from Cladophora sp. algae. The algae cellulose powder was found to have a very high surface area (63.4 m2/g, N2 gas adsorption) and build up of cellulose with a high crystallinity (approximately 100%, solid state NMR). The high surface area was confirmed by calculations from atomic force microscope imaging of microfibrils from Cladophora sp. algae.

Cellulose↗
PubMed1998

Clinical response of salaried consultants to economic incentives.

Several studies have found a relation between economic incentives and physicians' clinical decisions. The bulk of these studies deals with data from private organisations providing medical care. The purpose of the present study is to explore whether a similar relationship is valid in a system where hospital care is provided by salaried physicians in the public sector. A distinction is made between medical and economic prioritysetting. If the relative fees influence the proportion of outpatient surgery or the compositions of treatments, economic prioritysetting is said to take place. Data were collected from a sample of Norwegian hospitals. The main findings of the empirical section can be summarised in two points: (i) Economic prioritysetting seems to be applied in the choice between inpatient and outpatient surgical treatment for patients with an identical diagnosis. (ii) Medical priority setting seems to be applied in the priority among patients with different diagnoses.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed1998

Intraepithelial and invasive squamous cell neoplasia of the vulva: trends in incidence, recurrence, and survival rate in Norway.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize time trends in incidence of intraepithelial and invasive vulvar neoplasia, transition of intraepithelial vulvar neoplasia to invasive cancer, and survival rate based on a total population. METHODS: The Cancer Registry of Norway was used to identify all Norwegian inhabitants diagnosed during 1956-1990 with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, and all those with intraepithelial vulvar neoplasia diagnosed during 1973-92. RESULTS: The incidence rate of intraepithelial neoplasia increased three-fold from 1973-77 to 1988-92, and 3.4% changed into invasive disease. Multivariate analyses identified age as a significant variable. The age-adjusted incidence rate for squamous cell carcinoma was constant for the whole period. The ratio between recurrence and the total number of invasive cancer varied from 21% to 31%. The 5-year survival rates have not changed significantly over the period. Age was revealed as a strong prognostic factor, showing an excess death rate by increasing age. CONCLUSION: The incidence of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia has increased substantially over the last 40 years, but that of invasive vulvar cancer has not changed appreciably.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

The effect of a private sector on the waiting time in national health service.

This article examines the effect of a private sector on the waiting time associated with treatment in a public hospital. Without rationing of waiting-list admissions, a private sector is shown to result in a longer waiting time if the demand for a public treatment is sufficiently elastic with respect to the waiting time. When waiting-list admissions are rationed, the waiting time is shown to increase if the public sector consultants are permitted to work in the private sector in their spare time.

Efficiency, Organizational↗
PubMed1997

The effect of NaO Li Su on memory functions and blood chemistry in elderly people.

In traditional Chinese medicine a mixture of bee pollen, radix polygoni multiflore, semen ziziphi spinosae, radix salviae multiorhizae, fructus schisandrae and fructus ligustris lucidae, known as NaO Li Su, has a reputation as a remedy against declining memory functions. In the present study the effect of the preparation on failing memory was assessed in 100 elderly Danish volunteers who complained of a deteriorating memory. The study was a double-blind placebo controlled cross-over trial. The effect was evaluated after treatment periods of 3 months' duration by a battery of psychological and biochemical tests. No desirable effects on memory functions were achieved by the active treatment. Increases in the number of red blood cells and in the serum creatinine levels were seen after active treatment. In the subgroup initially showing a number of red blood cells below the median a significant positive correlation was found between changes in the number of red blood cells and changes in the Wechsler Memory Scale scores.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Marijuana-positive urine test results from consumption of hemp seeds in food products.

Commercially available snack bars and other foodstuffs prepared from pressed hemp seeds were ingested by volunteers. Urine specimens were collected for 24 h after ingestion of the foodstuffs containing hemp seeds and tested for marijuana using an EMIT immunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Specimens from individuals who ate one hemp seed bar demonstrated little marijuana immunoreactivity, and only one specimen screened positive at a 20-ng/mL cutoff. Specimens from individuals who ate two hemp seed bars showed increased immunoreactivity, and five specimens screened positive at a 20-ng/mL cutoff. A single specimen yielded a quantitative GC-MS value (0.6 ng/mL), but it failed to meet reporting criteria. Several specimens from individuals who ate three cookies made from hemp seed flour and butter screened positive at both 50- and 20-ng/mL cutoffs. Two specimens produced quantitative GC-MS values (0.7 and 3.1 ng/mL), but they failed to meet reporting criteria. Several specimens also tested positive with an FDA-approved on-site marijuana-screening device. Hemp seeds similar to those used in the foodstuffs did not demonstrate the presence of marijuana when tested by GC-MS. In this study, ingestion of hemp seed food products resulted in urine specimens that screened positive for marijuana. No specimens gave a GC-MS quantitative value above the limit of detection for marijuana.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Recurrence of endometrial carcinoma and the value of routine follow up.

OBJECTIVE: To identify women treated for endometrial carcinoma with increased risk for recurrent disease, to examine how and when recurrences are discovered, and to assess the clinical benefit of routine follow up investigations. DESIGN: Retrospective case analysis. SETTING: Hordaland county, Norway. POPULATION: All women treated for endometrial carcinoma in a demographically well defined area, in a 10-year period (1981-1990). METHODS: Data concerning patient characteristics and course of the disease were collected through review of the medical records, correspondence with the primary physician and from the Norwegian Cancer Registry. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS: After curative surgical treatment 249 women diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma were followed for a median period of 9 years (range 4-16) or until death. Among these 249 radically treated patients, 47 had recurrent disease, 32 within the first two years. Ten of the recurrences were diagnosed at routine follow up, but only four were asymptomatic. In our follow up programme, one asymptomatic recurrence was detected for every 653 routine consultations. A low risk group, with FIGO Stage IA/IB or patient age below 60 years at primary operation was identified in multivariate recurrence-free survival analysis. No asymptomatic recurrences were found in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Low risk women should be considered for an alternative, less frequent follow up. The sensitivity for current practice of routine follow up in detecting asymptomatic recurrences is so low that other beneficial effects should be documented to defend the large resources spent on this programme.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Acromion resection for shoulder impingement syndrome. Results after an open and a percutaneous surgical method].

Anterior acromioplasty as described by Neer has been an effective procedure for shoulder impingement syndrome. Artroscopic acromioplasty is regarded as a technically demanding procedure. Since 1988 we have developed a closed percutaneous acromioplasty using motorized instruments. The purpose of this randomised clinical trial was to compare the results of open and closed percutaneous acromioplasty. We found a significant improvement in shoulder score, but no differences between the group treated with the open procedure and the group treated with the closed procedure.

Acromion↗
PubMed1995

Abnormal intestinal motor patterns explain enteric colonization with gram-negative bacilli in late radiation enteropathy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Bacterial overgrowth and intestinal pseudo-obstruction may succeed abdominal radiotherapy, and absence of intestinal migrating motor complex (MMC) has been reported in bacterial overgrowth. The aims of this study were to address the relationship between intestinal patterns of motility and gastrointestinal microflora and to elucidate the pathogenesis of late radiation enteropathy. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive female patients with symptoms of late radiation enteropathy were examined by prolonged ambulatory manometry, culture of gastric and duodenal samples with quantification of gram-negative bacilli (GNB) by the glucose gas test, the [14C]D-xylose breath test, and determination of pH and short-chain fatty acids in gastric juice. RESULTS: The intensity of MMC explained 61% (P < 0.001) and 71% (P < 0.001) of the variability of GNB in the stomach and duodenum, respectively, corresponding to the severity of disease. Abnormal MMC index and presence of irregular bursts were the best predictors of GNB (86%; P < 0.001, multiple regression). Fasting gastric pH explained gastric bacterial counts (63%; P < 0.001) but did not predict GNB. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired motility emerges as a causal factor for gastrointestinal colonization with GNB, whereas hypochlorhydria facilitates unspecific gastric colonization. Abnormal motility and GNB in the proximal small intestine are essential factors in the pathogenesis of severe late radiation enteropathy.

Adult↗