Morphology of Phagophore Precursors by Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy.

Autophagosome biogenesis occurs in the transient subdomains of the endoplasmic reticulum that are called omegasomes, which, in fluorescence microscopy, appear as small puncta, which then grow in diameter and finally shrink and disappear once the autophagosome is complete. Autophagosomes are formed by phagophores, which are membrane cisterns that elongate and close to form the double membrane that limits autophagosomes. Earlier electron-microscopy studies showed that, during elongation, phagophores are lined by the endoplasmic reticulum on both sides.

Mammalian hybrid pre-autophagosomal structure HyPAS generates autophagosomes.

The biogenesis of mammalian autophagosomes remains to be fully defined. Here, we used cellular and in vitro membrane fusion analyses to show that autophagosomes are formed from a hitherto unappreciated hybrid membrane compartment. The autophagic precursors emerge through fusion of FIP200 vesicles, derived from the cis-Golgi, with endosomally derived ATG16L1 membranes to generate a hybrid pre-autophagosomal structure, HyPAS.

Native joint infections in Iceland 2003-2017: an increase in postarthroscopic infections.

Objectives: Nationwide study on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients with native joint infection (NJI) in Iceland, 2003-2017.

Methods: All positive synovial fluid culture results in Iceland were identified and medical records reviewed.

Results: A total of 299 NJI (40 children and 259 adults) were diagnosed in Iceland in 2003-2017, with a stable incidence of 6.

p62/SQSTM1-droplet serves as a platform for autophagosome formation and anti-oxidative stress response.

Autophagy contributes to the selective degradation of liquid droplets, including the P-Granule, Ape1-complex and p62/SQSTM1-body, although the molecular mechanisms and physiological relevance of selective degradation remain unclear. In this report, we describe the properties of endogenous p62-bodies, the effect of autophagosome biogenesis on these bodies, and the in vivo significance of their turnover. p62-bodies are low-liquidity gels containing ubiquitin and core autophagy-related proteins.

[First case of COVID-19 treated with tocilizumab in Iceland].

A gentleman in his early fifties became ill with flu-like symptoms after vacationing abroad and was diagnosed with COVID-19 after returning to Iceland. A few days later he was admitted to the University Hospital, Landspitali, due to worsening respiratory symptoms and severe fatigue. A computed tomography scan of lthe lungs showed diffuse bilateral consolidations and ground glass changes.

Selective Autophagy of Mitochondria on a Ubiquitin-Endoplasmic-Reticulum Platform.

The dynamics and coordination between autophagy machinery and selective receptors during mitophagy are unknown. Also unknown is whether mitophagy depends on pre-existing membranes or is triggered on the surface of damaged mitochondria. Using a ubiquitin-dependent mitophagy inducer, the lactone ivermectin, we have combined genetic and imaging experiments to address these questions.

Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy of Autophagosomes.

Live-cell imaging has been widely used to study autophagosome biogenesis and maturation. When combined with correlative electron microscopy, this approach can be extended to reveal ultrastructural details in three dimensions. The resolution of electron microscopy is needed when membrane contact sites and tubular connections between organelles are studied.

Regional differences in mortality, hospital discharges and primary care contacts for cardiovascular disease.

Aims: Surveillance of geographical variations in cardiovascular health is important in order to achieve the objectives of reducing regional health disparities. We aimed to explore differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and prevalence of CVD diagnoses made in primary and in-patient care, as well as risk factor distribution by geographic regions (urban/rural) in Iceland.

Methods: From nationwide health registers, we obtained data on CVD mortalities ( N = 7113), primary healthcare CVD contacts ( N = 58,246) and hospital CVD discharges ( N = 14,039), as well as data on CVD risk factors from a national health survey ( N = 5909; response rate 60.

[Malaria in Iceland, a rare but looming threat for travelers].

Introduction: Malaria is one of the most common causes of preventable deaths in the developing countries, especially among children. A previous study of imported malaria in Iceland during 1980-1997 identified 15 confirmed cases. The objective of this retrospective study was to update epidemiological data on malaria in Iceland, 1998-2014.

Maternal geographic residence, local health service supply and birth outcomes.

Objective: To describe pregnancy complications, mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes by mother's residence.

Design: Register-based cohort study.

Setting: Geographical regions of Iceland.

Herpes simplex encephalitis in Iceland 1987-2011.

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a serious disease with 10-20% mortality and high rate of neuropsychiatric sequelae. This study is a long-term, nationwide study in a single country, Iceland. Clinical data were obtained from patient records and from DNA PCR and antibody assays of CSF.

Bacterial meningitis in adults in Iceland, 1995-2010.

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease with a mortality rate of 15-20% in adults. We conducted a population-based study of bacterial meningitis in adults (≥ 16 y) in Iceland, 1995-2010.

Methods: Cases were identified based on positive bacterial cultures from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or the ICD codes for bacterial meningitis.

Poorer self-rated health in residential areas with limited healthcare supply.

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore differences in self-rated health and physician-diagnosed disease across geographical regions in Iceland to better understand regional requirements for health services.

Methods: Data on self-rated health and diagnosed disease from a 2007 national health survey (n=5909; response rate 60.3%) across geographic regions were analysed.

Health effects following the Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption: a cohort study.

Objectives: The study aimed to determine whether exposure to a volcanic eruption was associated with increased prevalence of physical and/or mental symptoms.

Design: Cohort, with non-exposed control group.

Setting: Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions constitute a major public-health threat.

[Neglected tropical diseases - review].

Neglected tropical diseases include a variety of infectious diseases. This review shortly describes the most common diseases. Those infected usually live at a low socioeconomic status and rarely have access to satisfactory health care.

Immediate surge in female visits to the cardiac emergency department following the economic collapse in Iceland: an observational study.

Objective: To study potential changes in attendance at emergency departments (ED) in Reykjavík immediately following the swift economic meltdown in Iceland in October 2008.

Methods: Using electronic medical records of the National University Hospital in Reykjavík, a population-based register study was conducted contrasting weekly attendance rates at Reykjavík ED (cardiac and general ED) during 10-week periods in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The weekly number of all ED visits (major track), with discharge diagnoses, per total population at risk were used to estimate RR and 95% CI of ED attendance in weeks 41-46 (after the 2008 economic collapse) with the weekly average number of visits during weeks 37-40 (before the collapse) as reference.

Acute poisonings in Iceland: a prospective nationwide study.

Introduction: Poisoning is a common cause of emergency visits and hospital admission in Western countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and type of toxic exposures presenting to emergency medical facilities in Iceland.

Materials And Methods: The study was prospective and included all patients with confirmed or suspected poisoning presenting to hospitals and rural medical centers providing emergency services in Iceland during the twelve-month period from April 2001 until March 2002.