SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “SCANDINAVIA”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Mutations of the p53 gene in oral squamous-cell carcinomas from Sudanese dippers of nitrosamine-rich toombak and non-snuff-dippers from the Sudan and Scandinavia.

Using PCR-SSCP/DNA sequencing methods, we analyzed 14 oral squamous-cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and 8 pre-malignant oral lesions from different Sudanese patients for prevalence of mutations in exons 5 to 9 of the p53 gene in relation to toombak-dipping status. OSCCs (14 from Sudan, 28 from Scandinavia), and 3 pre-malignant oral lesions from Sudanese non-dippers were used as controls. A statistically significant increased incidence in mutations of the p53 gene was found in OSCCs from toombak dippers (93%; 13/14), as compared with those from non-dippers in Sudan (57%; 8/14) and in Scandinavia (61%; 17/28) respectively. In OSCCs from dippers, mutations were found in exons 5 to 9, while in those from non-dippers they were found in exons 5, 7, 8, 9, and no mutations were found in exon 8 in any of the OSCCs from Sudan. Certain types of mutations, however, were similar with respect to exposure to toombak. OSCCs from dippers showed 15 transversions, 9 transitions, 3 insertions and one deletion, compared with 7 transversions, 2 transitions and one deletion found in OSCCs from Sudanese non-dippers, and 9 transversions, 17 transitions and 2 insertions found in those from non-dippers in Scandinavia. No mutations were found in any of the non-malignant oral lesions in relation to dipping or non-dipping status. These findings suggest that (i) the use of toombak plays a significant role in induction of increased p53 gene mutations, (ii) mutations observed were similar to those induced by tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) in experimental animal models and those already reported in toombak dippers, (iii) types of mutations associated with TSNAs were similar in the exposed and the control groups, (iv) a novel mutation in exon 6 was found in the OSCCs from toombak dippers, (v) the p53 exons 5 (codon 130), 6 (codons 190, 216) and 7 (codons 229, 249, 252) mutations are probable hot spots for toombak-related OSCCs. Further studies are necessary to validate the increased incidence and exon locations of the p53-gene mutations as a biomarker of malignant transformation in populations in which the oral use of tobacco is habitual.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Prevalence of childhood asthma, rhinitis and eczema in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

There is evidence that the prevalence of allergies and asthma differs between populations in western and eastern Europe. This study investigated the prevalence of wheezing, rhinitis and eczema among schoolchildren in urban and rural areas of Scandinavia and the formerly socialist countries of Eastern Europe. A total of 79,000 children from two age groups (13-14 yrs and 6-7 yrs) in 18 study centres responded to a questionnaire within the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC). The 12 month period prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema was calculated. The prevalence of wheezing among the 13-14 yr old children was 11.2-19.7% in Finland and Sweden, 7.6-8.5% in Estonia, Latvia and Poland and 2.6-5.9% in Albania, Romania, Russia, Georgia and Uzbekistan (except Samarkand). The prevalence of itching eyes and flexural dermatitis varied in a similar manner between the three regions. The regional differences were less pronounced among the 6-7 yr old children in the seven participating centres. The highest prevalence of rhinitis was recorded in April-July in Scandinavia and during the winter months in the other countries. The prevalence of atopy-related disorders was higher in Scandinavia than in Estonia, Latvia and Poland, which in turn had a higher prevalence than five other countries of eastern Europe with a culture less similar to western Europe. This supports the hypothesis that "Western life style" is associated with a high prevalence of childhood allergy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Cancer of the nasopharynx in children and young adults in Scandinavia.

Reports have been published indicating an increase in the incidence of cancer in the head and neck, e.g. the tongue, in children and young adults under 40 years of age. In the present study the number of new cases of nasopharyngeal cancer in Scandinavia during the period 1958-1992 was reviewed in the respective national cancer registers. Altogether 3,675 patients were diagnosed with cancer of the nasopharynx. Of these, 371 or 10.1% were under 40 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Within this time period no increase was seen in the relative amount of young among nasopharynx cancer patients in Scandinavia. When considering the whole 35-year period the percentage of patients below 40 years varied between the countries from 7.5% to 18.3%. The majority of the cases in each country occurred in males, both among the young patients as well as in the older age groups. Malignant neoplasms of the nasopharynx are rare in Scandinavia. Both the relative and absolute amount of patients under 40 years of age at the time diagnosis was stable. No difference in the 5-year relative survival rates was seen between the patient group under 40 years when comparing it with all age groups combined.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Mortality differentials between three populations--residents of Scandinavia, Scandinavian immigrants to Canada and Canadian-born residents of Canada, 1979-1985.

The study compares the mortality of Canadian residents born in Canada and Scandinavia (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark) to the mortality of the four Scandinavian countries. The study focuses on the mortality experience of anyone who was 35-74 years old during the period 1979-85. Swedish and Norwegian populations both in Scandinavia as well as immigrants to Canada had relatively low mortality from all causes of death. On the other hand, populations in Finland and Denmark had comparatively higher mortality from certain causes of death. Finnish excess mortality from cardiovascular diseases and from external causes of death was present in Finnish living in Scandinavia as well as in Finnish immigrants to Canada. This contrasted with the excess mortality from non-cardiovascular disease in the population of Denmark which was not reflected in the mortality of Danish immigrants to Canada. Finally, the cardiovascular mortality of all Scandinavian-born immigrants to Canada was found to be lower than in their respective countries of origin. The article includes a discussion of possible explanations for these results.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Home range size and choice of management strategy for lynx in Scandinavia.

Annual and seasonal home ranges were calculated for 47 Eurasian lynx in four Scandinavian study sites (two in Sweden and two in Norway). The observed home ranges were the largest reported for the species, with study site averages ranging from 600 to 1,400 km2 for resident males and from 300 to 800 km2 for resident females. When home range sizes were compared to the size of protected areas (national parks and nature reserves) in Scandinavia, it was concluded that very few protected areas contained sufficient forest to provide space for more than a few individuals. As a direct consequence of this, most lynx need to be conserved in the multiuse semi-natural forest habitats that cover large areas in Scandinavia. This conservation strategy leads to a number of conflicts with some land uses (sheep and semidomestic reindeer herding, and roe deer hunters), but not all (forestry and moose harvest). Accordingly research must be aimed at understanding the ecology of these conflicts, and finding solutions.

Agriculture↗

PubMed1997

Phase III latanoprost studies in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Three large, masked, multicenter studies are reviewed comparing the safety and efficacy of 0.005% latanoprost eyedrops given once daily to 0.5% timolol eyedrops given twice daily for six months in patients with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). A total of 829 patients were recruited from centers in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA). In addition, data are reviewed from the first 198 of these patients to complete an additional six months of latanoprost treatment in an openlabel study. In all centers, both latanoprost and timolol were very effective in reducing the diurnal IOP. In the UK, both drugs reduced the IOP by 34%. In the USA, latanoprost was more effective than timolol, reducing IOP by 27% compared to 20%. In Scandinavia, latanoprost was given for three months in the evening and for three months in the morning while timolol was given twice daily for six months. Latanoprost given in the evening reduced IOP (35% reduction) significantly (p < 0.001) more than latanoprost given in the morning (31% reduction) and timolol given twice daily (27% reduction). Darkening of the iris color occurred in 7% of eyes treated with latanoprost for six months. A clinical evaluation of eyes with increased pigmentation, as well as preclinical studies; suggest that this side effect is a cosmetic problem in patients treated unilaterally. Other side effects were slight and not clinically significant. After one year of treatment with latanoprost in 198 patients, the IOP reduction of 32% was maintained. There was no loss of efficacy and no significant increase in the incidence of side effects or adverse events other than iris color darkening, which occurred or was suspected in 12%. These results demonstrate that latanoprost is a valuable drug for the treatment of chronic open angle glaucoma.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed1999

'We shall not find salvation in inoculation': BCG vaccination in Scandinavia, Britain and the USA, 1921-1960.

BCG vaccination against tuberculosis was discovered in France in 1921. It was soon adopted with great enthusiasm in Scandinavia. By contrast, it was not introduced into Britain until around 1950 and was never used on a large scale in the USA. This article discusses the debates surrounding the efficacy and safety of BCG in the period 1921-1960 and the reasons for the very different responses in Scandinavia, Britain and the USA. It argues that while the debates centred on the scientific value of BCG, they were underpinned by ideological differences and different approaches to disease prevention and health and welfare policies.

BCG Vaccine↗

PubMed1996

Prevalence of asthma in young cross-country skiers in central Scandinavia: differences between Norway and Sweden.

An increased prevalence of asthma in cross-country skiers has been reported previously. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the prevalence of asthma among young, elite cross-country skiers in Trøndelag, Norway and Jämtland, Sweden. These two regions in central Scandinavia have different climates during the winter season, with a coastal type in Trøndelag while Jämtland is characterized by a colder, drier, inland type of climate. The study population consisted of 171 skiers (118 from Norway, 53 from Sweden). The investigation included an asthma questionnaire, spirometry and methacholine provocation testing. The prevalence of self-reported asthma-related symptoms was 46% in Norway and 51% in Sweden. The prevalence of bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) was significantly different between the two regions. In Norway, 14% of the skiers were hyper-responsive to methacholine compared to 43% in Sweden (P < 0.001). Moreover, the estimated prevalence of clinically diagnosed asthma was 12% in Norway and 42% in Sweden (P < 0.001). The self-reported frequency of respiratory allergy was higher in Sweden (32%) than in Norway (11%). However, on an individual basis, self-reported allergy did not predict occurrence of asthma or BHR. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of BHR and asthma among young, elite cross-country skiers in central Scandinavia, especially in Sweden. Cross-country skiing may be a risk factor for the development of asthma. Longitudinal studies of cross-country skiers, and studies to acquire further knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the development of asthma are indicated.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Restorative treatment decisions on occlusal caries in Scandinavia.

In order to map variations in the operative treatment threshold for occlusal caries, a pre-coded questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 759 dentists in Norway, 923 in Sweden, and 173 in the Danish Public Dental Health Service inquiring about caries and treatment strategies. A further intention was to explore the type of operative treatment and filling material dentists in Scandinavia would use given an occlusal lesion in the lower 2nd molar in a 20-year-old. It is found that close to 70% of dentists in the 3 countries would put off carrying out operative treatment of occlusal caries until they registered a moderately sized cavity and/or any radiolucency in dentin. In Sweden, 26.7% of dentists and in Denmark 24.3% would postpone operative treatment until the lesion had a large cavity and/or until radiolucency could be observed in the middle third of the dentin; in Norway, only 11.5% of dentists indicated this. The majority of dentists in all 3 countries preferred to drill only the carious part of the fissure, though in Norway more dentists (30.9%) would tend to drill the whole fissure compared to their Swedish (23.4%) and Danish (9.5%) colleagues. The majority of Danish dentists (52.4%) suggested amalgam for restoring the occlusal surface, while 19.9% of Norwegian and 2.9% of Swedish dentists would use amalgam. Composite was the first material of choice for 71.5% of the Swedish dentists, the remaining 25.6% suggesting conventional glass ionomer cement, light-cured 'glass ionomer cement', or a combination of glass ionomer cement and composite. The corresponding values for the Norwegian dentists were 39.1% and 41.0%, respectively, and for the Danish dentists 29.2% and 18.4%. In Scandinavia, the leading strategy for occlusal caries seems to be to postpone operative treatment until a definite cavity or radiolucency in the outer third of dentin can be observed, and to carry out operative treatment only of the part of the fissure that is carious. Composite resin is the predominant material of choice in Sweden, while in Denmark the majority of dentists preferred amalgam. Composite, or composite in combination with glass ionomer cement material, was the choice of almost 80% of Norwegian dentists.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Organized medicine and physician specialization in Scandinavia and West Germany.

An analysis of post-graduate medical training is utilized to explore political relationships between physician organizations, government bureaucrats and the medical professoriate in Scandinavia and West Germany. The 'enchambered' German medical profession differs from its Scandinavian counterparts largely in the number and political influence of private specialists, who have been politically dominant within the compulsory German organizations. Whereas the Scandinavian medical organizations have, under varying degrees of duress, yielded the authority for specialist accreditation to state-appointed committees, the German chambers have been able to maintain control of this process. Some leaders have also cooperated with medical faculties to thwart attempts by general practitioners to establish zones of GP influence in the medical schools. However, in the context of a worsening medical market in the 1980s, their ability to mediate intra-professional conflicts between GPs and specialists, and between junior and senior doctors, may decrease, and their retention of greater self-governing powers in comparison with Scandinavia, may prove a mixed blessing.

Health Occupations↗

PubMed1988

Undergraduate oncology education in Scandinavia.

An overview of undergraduate education in general oncology in 18 medical schools in Scandinavia demonstrated that insufficient resources were allocated to this activity, and that there was a lack of integrated multidisciplinary educational activities. Further, there was a lack of clear consensus about the contents of a curriculum in oncology. To remedy this situation a minimal list of recommendations is suggested for the undergraduate education in oncology in Scandinavia. The main points are: (1) a better coordination of the curriculum in general oncology with the curricula of other specialty disciplines, (2) a two-week period of clinical clerkship in the department of general oncology early in the study, (3) a two-week concentrated course in general oncology late in the study, (4) a final knowledge test, and (5) adequate funding of cancer educators.

Curriculum↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nephropathia epidemica (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome) in Scandinavia.

Nephropathia epidemica (NE) in Scandinavia is a zoonosis caused by Puumala virus. The main animal reservoir is the bank vole. NE predominantly affects men. Its annual incidence varies in a cyclic fashion, with peaks occurring every third to fourth year. The clinical picture of NE in Scandinavia is similar to that of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in other parts of the world, although NE generally has a milder course. The case-fatality rate is approximately 0.2%. The most common clinical findings in NE are an acute onset of symptoms, fever (greater than or equal to 38 degrees C), oliguria, headache, back pain, and polyuria. Hemorrhagic manifestations are seen in about one-third of cases, and up to 5% of patients have gastrointestinal bleeding or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thrombocytopenia occurs in a majority of patients. In the acute phase, the glomerular filtration rate is markedly decreased and tubular dysfunction is evident. Most patients with NE recover within 6 months.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Safety of blood and blood products in Scandinavia today.

The safety of blood and blood products in Scandinavia today is high. An absolutely safe blood supply is, however, an unattainable goal. The dominating risk is transmission of non-A, non-B virus (NANBV). The calculated per blood unit risk is 1:200. The incidence of cirrhosis due to post-transfusion hepatitis NANB is calculated to at most 0.1% among recipients of blood components from about 5 donors. Other risk factors are transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The prevalence of HBsAg among first time donors is about 0.05% (Sweden). In Scandinavia, anti-HIV-1 has been found in 0.001% of donations from start of screening in 1985 to December 1987. The prevalence was higher in Denmark, lower in Finland (and perhaps Iceland). The prevalence has declined during the last years. As of June 1988, 117 patients in the Scandinavian countries have been infected by blood components, all but 2 before screening was introduced. Besides these, 226 haemophiliacs have been infected by, in almost all cases, imported clotting factor concentrates before heat treatment was introduced. Most of the infected patients are still asymptomatic. About 70% of blood donors have anti-CMV, a few percent of which will transmit CMV-infection, with severe symptoms, to immunosuppressed patients without anti-CMV.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1991

Orthopedic research and education in Scandinavia.

Based upon an enquiry conducted in 1988 and 1989, data on the resources for orthopedic research in Scandinavia are presented, supplemented with a survey of the number of scientific papers published from Scandinavia in major orthopedic journals. The postgraduate training programs for orthopedic surgeons in the Scandinavian countries are outlined.

Education, Medical, Graduate↗

PubMed1980

Occurrence of serologically verified Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Finland and in Scandinavia in 1970--1977.

This study analyses the numbers of serologically verified Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Finland as a whole and by regions, and in Scandinavia in 1970--77 on the basis of reports collected in the countries concerned. Two peaks of occurrence were found to have extended over most parts of Finland and across Scandinavia; in addition, there were separate local epidemics. Thus, M. pneumoniae infections showed a periodicity of occurrence, but not a regular cyclic pattern. The figures do not necessarily reflect the true incidence of M. pneumoniae infections in the areas investigated.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

PubMed1987

A review of wildlife diseases from Scandinavia.

The epidemiological and historical aspects of some important and representative wildlife diseases from Scandinavia are discussed. In noninfectious diseases, examples include cataract in moose (Alces alces), atherosclerosis in hybrid hares (Lepus timidus X L. europaeus), and ethmoid tumors in moose. The epizootiological and historical aspects of the recent epizootics of myxomatosis in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and rabies and sarcoptic mange in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are reviewed. The decline and subsequent increase in population abundances of tetraonids including the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix), and hazel hen (Tetrastes bonasia) are discussed, and an hypothesis on predation by foxes is presented as a possible explanation for these population fluctuations. The potential impact of environmental pollution on wildlife populations is emphasized with reference to mercury in wildlife from Sweden and the possible effects of cadmium and selenium resulting from acidification. A bibliography of important references is presented pertaining to these and other diseases of wildlife from Scandinavia.

Animal Diseases↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Mutations of the cell cycle arrest gene p21WAF1, but not the metastasis-inducing gene S100A4, are frequent in oral squamous cell carcinomas from Sudanese toombak dippers and non-snuff-dippers from the Sudan, Scandinavia, USA and UK.

PCR and direct DNA sequencing methods were used to analyse the prevalence of mutations in exon 2 of the p21waf1 gene in 14 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and 8 non-malignant oral mucosal lesions from Sudanese toombak dippers. For comparison, OSCCs (14 from the Sudan, 16 from Norway, 11 from Sweden, 21 from the USA and 14 from the UK) and non-malignant oral mucosal lesions (3 from the Sudan) from non-snuff-dippers were included. The prevalence of mutations in exons 2 & 3 of the S100A4 gene were analysed in the 14 OSCCs from toombak-dippers and in 25 cases of OSCCs from the control non-snuff-dippers. Of the 14 OSCCs investigated from toombak-dippers, mutations in the p21waf1 exon 2 were found in 43% (6 out of 14), compared to 14% (2 out of 14), 22% (6 out of 27) and 14% (5 out of 35) found in those from non-snuff-dippers from the Sudan, Scandinavia and the USA/UK, respectively. OSCCs from toombak-dippers showed 13 different mutations distributed as 10 (77%) transitions and 3 (23%) transversions. OSCCs from non-snuff-dippers from the Sudan, Scandinavia, the USA and the UK showed 33 different mutations distributed as 14 (42%) transitions and 19 (58%) transversions. In the OSCCs examined, cases with mutations in the p21waf1 also had p53 gene mutations. Only exon 2 of the S100A4 gene was found mutated in 3 cases of OSCCs (one from a toombak-dipper and two from the non-snuff-dippers). The toombak-dipper OSCC had 4 mutations (one transition, 3 transversions), compared to the OSCCs from non-snuff-dippers which showed 3 mutations each (one transition, 2 transversions). All these 3 cases were negative for mutations in the p21waf1 and p53 genes. No mutations of p21waf1 or S100A4 were found in the non-malignant oral mucosal lesions from the snuff-dippers/non-dippers. These findings suggest that; (i) p21waf1, together with p53, is a target gene of oral carcinogenesis in OSCCs from toombak-dippers, with the tobacco specific nitrosamines present in toombak possibly acting as principal carcinogens in these OSCCs; (ii) findings of p21waf1 exon 2 mutations in the OSCCs unrelated to snuff use further demonstrate that this gene may play an important role during the pathogenesis of OSCCs caused by smoked tobacco use; (iii) mutations in the S100A4 gene are rare in OSCCs, but appears to be complementary to p21waf1 and p53 mutations. Since molecular analysis of OSCCs can provide clues to endogenous or environmental factors contributing to the high risk of OSCCs, further analysis of the role of the p21waf1 gene mutations as a biomarker of malignant transformation, which is linked to the p53 gene, is necessary, especially in habitual users of toombak from the Sudan.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed1992

[Prediction of cancer mortality in Scandinavia in 2005. Effect of various interventions].

Approximate estimates have been made of the effect by the year 2005 of various preventive measures to reduce cancer mortality in Scandinavia. Figures have been calculated for changes in smoking, diet and exposure to sunlight (primary prevention), for earlier diagnosis (secondary prevention), and improved survival as a result of improved treatment (tertiary prevention). The calculations have been performed with the American program CAN TROL, the effect being expressed as the percentage reduction in cancer mortality by the year 2005. The results give promise of a substantial overall reduction in cancer mortality in Scandinavia.

Diet↗