Nationwide prevalence of glucocorticoid prescriptions over 17 years and osteoporosis prevention among long-term users.

Objectives: Glucocorticoid steroids are frequently prescribed, and side effects are well-known, such as glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Our aim was to estimate the nationwide trend in the prevalence of glucocorticoid steroid prescriptions over 17 years and to elucidate the proportion of patients on long-term glucocorticoid steroid therapy who receive active bone protective therapy. As well as to examine which medical specialties prescribe glucocorticoid steroids the most.

Demographic rates reveal the benefits of protected areas in a long-lived migratory bird.

Recent studies have suggested that protected areas often fail to conserve target species. However, the efficacy of terrestrial protected areas is difficult to measure, especially for highly vagile species like migratory birds that may move between protected and unprotected areas throughout their lives. Here, we use a 30-y dataset of detailed demographic data from a migratory waterbird, the Whooper swan (), to assess the value of nature reserves (NRs).

[Lung Transplantation in Icelanders].

Introduction: Lung transplantation is a treatment option for end-stage lung diseases, excluding lung cancer, when life expectancy is short and quality of life is poor. In most instances pulmonary function and quality of life improves after lung transplantation. Infections and rejection are the most common complications and limit the feasibility of lung transplantation.

Primary non-adherence to prescribed medication in general practice: lack of influence of moderate increases in patient copayment.

Background: Primary non-adherence refers to the patient not redeeming a prescribed medication at some point during drug therapy. Research has mainly focused on secondary non-adherence. Prior to this study, the overall rate of primary non-adherence in general practice in Iceland was not known.

[Evaluation of thromboprophylactic therapy at Landspítali - The National University Hospital of Iceland; a cross-sectional study on acute wards].

Objective: Venous thromboembolic disease is a serious and often fatal complication following hospital admission. Studies show that thromboprophylactic therapy for this condition is often underutilized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of thromboprophylactic therapy at Landspítali - The University Hospital of Iceland in adult patients admitted to acute wards.

Tracheobronchial transplantation with a stem-cell-seeded bioartificial nanocomposite: a proof-of-concept study.

Background: Tracheal tumours can be surgically resected but most are an inoperable size at the time of diagnosis; therefore, new therapeutic options are needed. We report the clinical transplantation of the tracheobronchial airway with a stem-cell-seeded bioartificial nanocomposite.

Methods: A 36-year-old male patient, previously treated with debulking surgery and radiation therapy, presented with recurrent primary cancer of the distal trachea and main bronchi.

S100B profiles and cognitive function at high altitude.

Exposure to high altitude can lead to acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). In this study we investigated the effect of high altitude on neurocognitive function and S100B release. Increased S100B release has been hypothesized to signify a loss of integrity in the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

[Reduction mammaplasty in Reykjavik, Iceland 1984-1993; An outcome analysis.].

Unlabelled: Breast reduction is an established and effective operation in reducing symptoms of macromastia (Hyperplasia mammae). This is one of the most common operation done by plastic surgeons today.

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective descriptive analysis was to determine the results of bilateral reduction mammaplasty in the period 1984-1993, at the department of Plastic Surgery, National University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland.

[A severe throat infection - case report.].

We report a case of Lemierre?s syndrome or, human necrobacillosis, in a 33 year old icelandic male. A severe clinical picture, fulfilling all the criteria for this syndrome, is described. With antibiotic therapy, and critical care, the outcome was successful.

Inter-individual variations of human mercury exposure biomarkers: a cross-sectional assessment.

Background: Biomarkers for mercury (Hg) exposure have frequently been used to assess exposure and risk in various groups of the general population. We have evaluated the most frequently used biomarkers and the physiology on which they are based, to explore the inter-individual variations and their suitability for exposure assessment.

Methods: Concentrations of total Hg (THg), inorganic Hg (IHg) and organic Hg (OHg, assumed to be methylmercury; MeHg) were determined in whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, hair and urine from Swedish men and women.

The gene encoding phosphodiesterase 4D confers risk of ischemic stroke.

We previously mapped susceptibility to stroke to chromosome 5q12. Here we finely mapped this locus and tested it for association with stroke. We found the strongest association in the gene encoding phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), especially for carotid and cardiogenic stroke, the forms of stroke related to atherosclerosis.

Bilateral multifocal renal oncocytoma--a case report and literature review.

A case of bilateral multifocal renal oncocytoma is reported. The incidence, diagnosis and management of such tumors is discussed.

Interleukin-6-induced protection in hyperoxic acute lung injury.

Hyperoxic lung injury is commonly encountered in patients who require treatment with high concentrations of inspired oxygen. To determine whether interleukin (IL)-6 is protective in oxygen toxicity, we compared the effects of 100% O(2) in transgenic mice that overexpress IL-6 in the lung and transgene (-) controls. IL-6 markedly enhanced survival, with 100% of transgene (-) animals dying within 72 to 96 h, 100% of transgene (+) animals living for more than 8 d and more than 90% of transgene (+) animals living longer than 12 d.

Paediatric burns in Iceland. Hospital admissions 1982-1995, a populations based study.

Epidemiological data of 290 children admitted to the Paediatric Department, University Hospital of Iceland, over a 14 year period, 1982-1995, are presented. The sex ratio boys/girls was 1.6.

Targeted lung expression of interleukin-11 enhances murine tolerance of 100% oxygen and diminishes hyperoxia-induced DNA fragmentation.

Acute lung injury is a frequent and treatment-limiting consequence of therapy with hyperoxic gas mixtures. To determine if IL-11 is protective in oxygen toxicity, we compared the effects of 100% O2 on transgenic mice that overexpress IL-11 in the lung and transgene (-) controls. IL-11 markedly enhanced survival in 100% O2 with 100% of transgene (-) animals dying within 72-96 h and > 90% of transgene (+) animals surviving for more than 10 d.

[The epidemiology of serious burn injuries in Iceland 1988-1992.].

Introduction: Due to widespread access to hot water in Iceland it has been suspected that the incidence of burn injury is higher compared to other countries. The epidemiology of severe burn injury needing hospitalization was studied.

Material And Methods: The files of all patients who were diagnosed with burn injury and admitted to the four largest community hospitals in Iceland were retrospectively reviewed.

[Burn injuries in children in Iceland between 1982-1995.].

Objective: To increase our knowledge of burn injuries in children in Iceland and to induce education and prevention in order to reduce the incidence of burn injuries among children.

Material And Methods: Data was collected from hospital records of all children 15 years and younger admitted with burn injuries to the University Hospital of Iceland, Paediatric Department, from 1982-1995.

Results: There were 290 children admitted, 179 boys and 111 girls, sex ratio 1.

Interleukin-11: stimulation in vivo and in vitro by respiratory viruses and induction of airways hyperresponsiveness.

To address the role of IL-11 in viral airways dysfunction, we determined whether infectious agents that exacerbate asthma stimulate stromal cell IL-11 production, determined whether IL-11 could be detected at sites of viral infection and evaluated the effects of IL-11 on airway physiology. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3), and rhinovirus (RV) 14 were potent stimulators while cytomegalovirus and adenovirus only weakly stimulated and herpes simplex virus type 2 and bacteria did not stimulate IL-11 elaboration. IL-11 was not detected or barely detected in nasal aspirates from children without, but was detected in aspirates from children with viral upper respiratory tract infections.

Rhinovirus stimulation of interleukin-6 in vivo and in vitro. Evidence for nuclear factor kappa B-dependent transcriptional activation.

To further understand the biology of rhinovirus (RV), we determined whether IL-6 was produced during RV infections and characterized the mechanism by which RV stimulates lung cell IL-6 production. In contrast to normals and minimally symptomatic volunteers, IL-6 was detected in the nasal washings from patients who developed colds after RV challenge. RV14 and RV1A, major and minor receptor group RVs, respectively, were potent stimulators of IL-6 protein production in vitro.