[Is decentralisation of specialised healthcare beneficial in social and financial terms?].

Background: This article examines the issues of whether decentralisation of specialised healthcare is socially and economically beneficial, who benefit from it, and who carry the costs.

Material And Method: Data for this study was drawn from an out-patient clinic in the town of Alta in northern Norway. A cost analysis was done based on 5026 consultations in an out-patient clinic over a six-month period in 2002.

[Use of oxytocin augmentation after spontaneous onset of labor].

Background: Use of oxytocin augmentation during labour is not systematically registered in Norway. We wanted to describe the use of oxytocin augmentation in Hammerfest Hospital from 1996 to 2000.

Material And Methods: The patient files of all women who delivered in the study period (n = 2,725) were examined retrospectively.

Determination of stress levels and profiles in the periodontal ligament by means of an improved three-dimensional finite element model for various types of orthodontic and natural force systems.

This study was undertaken to investigate the stress-strain levels and distribution within the periodontal ligament for various types of physiological and orthodontic force systems, assuming that the bone resorption process, leading to tooth movements, is partly controlled by those conditions. Two finite element models were developed, simulating a full and partial mandibular morphology, respectively. Both models were based on morphology and physical parameters of human autopsy material.

Material parameters and stress profiles within the periodontal ligament.

Levels and profiles of initial stress in the periodontal ligament after application of various force systems were studied. Two finite-element models, based on sections of human autopsy material, were developed to simulate one full and one partial mandible. The validity of the finite-element model was improved by identification of material parameters; the mechanical properties of the tissue were described by means of strain-gauge measurements of initial tooth movements in human autopsy material.