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The aim of this study was to examine mortality causes and cancer incidence in a population cohort that have resided in close proximity to highly metal-contaminated sources, characterized by contamination of, in particular, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb).Data from Swedish registers were used to calculate standardized mortality and cancer incidence ratios. An attempt to relate cancer incidence to metal contamination levels was made.Significantly elevated cancer incidences were observed for overall malignant cancers in both genders, cancer in the digestive system, including colon, rectum, and pancreas, and cancers in prostate among men. Dose-response relationships between Cd and Pb levels in soil and cancer risks were found.Cancer observations made, together with previous studies of metal uptake in local vegetables, may imply that exposure to local residents have occurred primarily via oral intake of locally produced foodstuffs.

PURPOSE: Hardly anything is known about the aetiology of thymoma. This paper presents data regarding tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption in relation to thymoma from the first case-control study performed on this rare tumour.METHODS: A European multi-centre case-control study including incident cases aged 35-69 years with thymoma between 1995 and 1997, was conducted in seven countries. A set of controls, used in seven parallel case-control studies by the same research group was used, including population-based controls from five countries and hospital controls with colon cancer from two countries. Altogether 103 cases, accepted by a reference pathologist, 712 colon cancer controls, and 2071 population controls were interviewed.RESULTS: Tobacco smoking was moderately related with thymoma (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.9-2.2), and a tendency to dose-response was shown (p = 0.04), with an increased risk for heavy smokers defined as ≥41 pack-years (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.9). A high consumption of spirits defined as ≥25 g of alcohol per day was associated with an increased risk of thymoma (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.4), whereas no association was found with beer or wine.CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoking and a high intake of spirits were indicated as risk factors for thymoma.

Background Long‐term cognitive problems are common among elderly patients after surgery, and it has been suggested that inhalation anaesthetics play a role in the development of dementia. This study aims to investigate the hypothesis that patients with dementia have been more exposed to surgery and inhalational anaesthetics than individuals without dementia. Methods Using 457 cases from a dementia‐registry and 420 dementia‐free controls, we performed a retrospective case‐control study. The medical records were reviewed to determine exposure to anaesthesia occurring within a 20‐year timeframe before the diagnosis or inclusion in the study. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression and propensity score analysis. Results Advanced age (70 years and older, with the highest risk in ages 80‐84 years) and previous head trauma were risk factors for dementia. History of exposure to surgery with anaesthesia was a risk factor for dementia (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.66‐3.00, P Funding Agencies|County Council of Ostergotland, Sweden

Background Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by a highly distressing and impairing preoccupation with nonexistent or slight defects in appearance. Patients with BDD present to both psychiatric and non-psychiatric physicians. A few studies have assessed BDD prevalence in representative samples of the general population and have demonstrated that this disorder is relatively common. Our primary objective was to assess the prevalence of BDD in the Swedish population because no data are currently available. Methods In the current cross-sectional study, 2891 randomly selected Swedish women aged 18–60 years participated. The occurrence of BDD was assessed using the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ), which is a validated self-report measure derived from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria for BDD. In addition, symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results The prevalence of BDD among Swedish women was 2.1%. The women with BDD had significantly more symptoms of depression and anxiety than the women without BDD. Depression (HADS depression score ≥8) and anxiety (HADS anxiety score ≥8) were reported by 42% and 72% of the women with BDD, respectively. Conclusions The results of the present study indicate that BDD is relatively common among Swedish women (2.1%) and that it is associated with significant morbidity.

There are many small villages where environmental contamination is substantial due to historical industrial activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate if long-term or current consumption of local foods, as reported in food frequency questionnaires, co-vary with measured concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in blood, urine and hair from a population living in a historically contaminated village.Blood, urine and hair were provided by men (n = 38) and women (n = 57), who had participated in a previous case–control study in the contaminated area, and were analyzed for PCB, OCPs, Pb, Cd and Hg. A detailed food frequency questionnaire, used in the previous epidemiological study, was repeated, and up-dated information of life-style, exposure factors and other covariates was collected. Associations between reported consumption of local foods and exposure biomarkers were explored in relation to age, gender, life-style factors and other covariates.A large part of the population in the area reported consumption of local food, and thus, was potentially exposed to the contaminants. Despite the limited number of participants and other weaknesses described, it was possible to link reported consumption of different foods to biomarker concentrations.Reported consumption of local vegetables, forest berries and mushrooms co-varied with urinary Cd, indicating an influence from the contaminated area on the Cd exposure. We found no associations between PCB plasma concentrations with reported consumption of local fish, but with consumption of herring (non-local sea fish) which is typically high in PCB. Pesticide (HCB, p,p′-DDE, trans-nonachlor) exposure was mainly associated with agricultural work and having a private well the first five years of life, but we found no associations between pesticide concentrations in plasma and consumption of local vegetables or fish. Exposure to Hg was associated with consumption of fish, both local and non-local, and Pb exposure was associated with the consumption of game.Overall, the contaminant concentrations measured in blood, urine and hair varied substantially among study participants, but on average, the concentrations were similar to concentrations measured in other groups of the general Swedish population in the same age range. Larger studies are needed to evaluate health risks (and causality) associated with historical environmental contamination. Keywords: PCB, Metals, Exposure, Contaminated area, Consumption of local food

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic environmental toxins that have been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of POPs in human high and low/very low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL/VLDL) and the possible association with CVD and cancer occurrence in individuals living in a contaminated area. Lipoproteins from 28 individuals (7 healthy controls, 8 subjects with cancer, 13 subjects with CVD) were isolated and the fraction-specific concentration of 20 different POPs was analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry. The activity of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an anti-oxidant in HDL, was determined in plasma of these 28 subjects and additional 50 subjects from the same area excluding diseases other than cancer or CVD. Fourteen polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and three organochlorine pesticides were detected, and especially highly chlorinated PCBs were enriched in lipoproteins. Significantly higher concentrations of POPs were found among individuals with CVD or cancer compared to controls. Principal component analyses showed that POP concentrations in HDL were more associated with CVD, while POP concentrations in LDL/VLDL were more associated with cancer. PON1 activity was negatively correlated to sumPCB and a co-variation between decreased arylesterase-activity, increased PCB concentrations and CVD was found. This study shows that POPs are present in lipoproteins and were more abundant in individuals with CVD or cancer compared to healthy controls. The results also indicate that PCB exposure is accompanied by reduced PON1 activity that could impair the HDL function to protect against oxidation. Keywords: Cancer, Cardiovascular disease, Lipoproteins, Paraoxonase-1, Persistent organic pollutants

Aim: To examine background factors for bullying and associations between bullying victimisation and health problems. Methods: A cross-sectional study on all pupils in grades 7 and 9 in a Swedish county was conducted in 2011 ( n=5248). Data have been analysed with bi- and multivariate models. Results: 14% of the children reported that they had been bullied during the past 2 months. Background factors for bullying were: gender (girls more often); age (younger students more often); disability/disease; high body mass index, and having parents born abroad. There were strong associations between being bullied and poor health and self-harm. Associations with poor general health for boys and girls and mental health problems for girls showed stronger associations with higher frequency of bullying than with lower. For boys, physical bullying had stronger correlations with poor general health than written-verbal bullying. Conclusions: Bullying is a serious public health problem among young people and healthcare professionals have an important task in identifying exposed children. Children who are “different” are more exposed to bullying, which implies that school personnel, parents, and other adults in these children’s social networks can play an important role in paying attention to and preventing the risk of bullying.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is characterized by a distressing and impairing preoccupation with a nonexistent or slight defect in appearance. Patients with the disorder present to both psychiatric and non-psychiatric physicians. A few studies have assessed BDD prevalence in the general population and have shown that the disorder is relatively common. To date, no BDD assessment instruments have been validated in the general population. Our aim was to validate a brief self-screening instrument, the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ), in a female community sample. The BDDQ was translated into Swedish and filled out by 2891 women from a randomly selected community sample. The questionnaire was validated in a subsample of 88 women, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) together with clinical assessment as the gold standard. In the validation subsample, the BDDQ showed good concurrent validity, with a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 90% and a likelihood ratio of 9.4. The questionnaire can therefore be of value when screening for BDD in female populations.

BackgroundIndividuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are highly distressed and impaired owing to perceived defects in their physical appearance that are not noticeable to others. They are frequently concerned about their skin and often present to dermatologists rather than psychiatrists. However, BDD patients attending dermatology clinics may be at risk of not receiving an appropriate assessment and beneficial treatment. The aims of this study were to estimate the BDD prevalence rate among Swedish female dermatology patients and to assess the psychological condition of BDD patients compared to that of other dermatology patients. MethodsThe occurrence of BDD was estimated using the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ), a validated self-report measure for BDD. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). ResultsThe prevalence rate of BDD among female Swedish dermatology patients was 4.9% (95% CI 3.2-7.4). Anxiety (HADS A11) was 4-fold more commonly reported by patients with positive BDD screening (48% vs. 11%), and depression (HADS D11) was over 10-fold more common in patients with positive BDD screening (19% vs. 1.8%) (Pamp;lt;0.001). The median DLQI score was 18 in the BDD group, compared to a score of 4 in the non-BDD group (Pamp;lt;0.001). ConclusionsOur results indicate that BDD is fairly common among female Swedish dermatology patients (4.9%) and that BDD patients have high levels of depression and anxiety and severely impaired quality of life.

Introduction: By investigating the mortality and cancer incidence patterns among an identified cohort of individuals residing in the proximity to art glassworks exploring the hypothesis that reside...

There is a growing body of evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the mechanisms remain unclear. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) acts protective against CVD by different processes, and we have earlier found that HDL from subjects with CVD contains higher levels of POPs than healthy controls. In the present study, we have expanded analyses on the same individuals living in a contaminated community and investigated the relationship between the HDL POP levels and protein composition/function.HDL from 17 subjects was isolated by ultracentrifugation. HDL protein composition, using nanoliquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. The associations of 16 POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides, with HDL proteins/functions were investigated by partial least square and multiple linear regression analysis.Proteomic analyses identified 118 HDL proteins, of which ten were significantly (p

Environmental measurements carried out by local authorities during the 1970s, 80s and 90s in an area contaminated by hundreds of years of industrial activities have revealed high levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in soil, vegetables, root crops, berries and mushrooms. In 1972, a large quantity of oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was accidentally spilled into the river running through the village. To investigate the possible health effects of exposure from local sources, all cancer diagnoses, registered in 1960–2003 for individuals living in the study area, were collected from the regional cancer register of southeast Sweden. The total cancer incidence was non-significantly decreased both among males and females as compared to national rates (SIR=0.91) for each gender. Among males, increased risks, of border-line significance, were seen for testicular cancer and lymphomas as well as significantly decreased risks for cancer in the rectum, respiratory system and brain. Information on lifetime residence, occupation, smoking habits, diseases, childbirth and food consumption, was collected via questionnaires from cancer cases and randomly selected controls. In both genders combined, significant associations were found for total cancer and high consumption of local perch, and for lymphomas and high consumption of both perch and pikeperch. Female breast cancer was significantly associated with high consumption of local perch and pike as well as with work in metal production. Mothers residing in the parish before the age of five reported significantly more preterm child deliveries. In spite of study limitations, the results indicate that residing in a rural contaminated area may contribute to the development of certain cancers and reproductive effects. In females, high consumption of local fish was shown to be the strongest determinant for total cancer, while in males, the strongest determinant was residing in the study area the first five years of life. Further research including validation of exposure using biomarkers is required to verify the findings as well as future studies in other polluted areas in Sweden with larger population bases. Keywords: Contaminated area, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Heavy metals, Cancer, Reproduction

Aim: To examine prevalence rates of child physical abuse perpetrated by a parent/caretaker, abuse characteristics and the extent of disclosures. Methods: A population-based survey was carried out i ...

A specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the detection of cCMP was developed. Antibodies were prepared by immunization of rabbits with succinyl cCMP conjugated to human albumin. In the RIA commercially available 3H-cCMP was used as labeled antigen. Low amounts (0.4-2.6 pmol/g w.wt.) of immunoreactive material could be detected in extracts of brain, heart, ileum, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, testis and uterus from rats, guinea-pig and frogs. The immunoassayable material in rat liver was subjected to column chromatography on AG 1-X8 anion exchange resin. The radioimmunoassayable material isolated from the liver did not cochromatograph with authentic tritiated or unlabeled cCMP. The chromatographic properties of the immunoreactive material did not change in regenerating livers - following partial hepatectomy, or after pronase treatment. However, after treatment with pronase the amount of assayable material, extracted from the rat liver, increased. It is suggested that cCMP - as such - is not present, in detectable amounts, in extracts prepared by commonly used procedures for isolation of cyclic nucleotides. The chemical nature of the cCMP immunoreactive material isolated from rat liver is at present unclear.

This study examines the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and somatization in abused women; 213 abused women were assessed for PTSD, somatization, health care contacts, and abuse-related variables. The main analyses in this exploratory study are based on the 91 respondents reporting either PTSD or somatization. We found no association between the occurrence of PTSD and somatization in abused women. Women with PTSD reported higher total magnitude of abuse and a larger number of perpetrators than women with somatization. Sexually abused women with PTSD more often described their experience as an act of abuse compared with sexually abused women with somatization. Results suggest that PTSD might not be a necessary mediator between abuse and somatization and that variables other than abuse magnitude are decisive for the development of somatization in abused women.

The lifetime prevalence of physical, sexual and psychological abuse was studied cross-sectionally in a representative sample of Swedish women. The association between the three kinds of abuse and ill-health, and the relation between magnitude of abuse and various health problems were also investigated. The Abuse Screening Inventory (ASI), measuring experiences of physical, sexual and psychological abuse and including questions on health and social situation, was sent by mail to 6,000 women, randomly selected from the population register. The questionnaire was completed and returned by 4,150 (70%) of 5,896 eligible women. Various kinds of abuse were reported by 1,142 women (27.5%). The prevalence rates were 19.4% for physical abuse, 9.2% for sexual abuse and 18.2% for psychological abuse. Abused women reported more ill-health and a less advantageous social situation than non-abused women. There was an association between magnitude of abuse and health problems. Also a low magnitude of abuse was substantially associated with ill-health.

To examine associations between calcium intake in the diet, lifestyle factors, and forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in order to identify population subgroups for targeting by screening programs. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 15 of the inhabitants aged 20-79 years from 2 Swedish municipalities, and the subsample from one of the municipalities was invited to measurement of BMD. The survey response rate was 74 (n=1,1121,510) and participation in BMD measurements was 68 (n=448659). Only a tendency (p=.085) toward direct association between calcium intake and forearm BMD was found, and the best multiple regression model was retained to explain BMD excluded calcium intake. Low calcium intake was, instead, in complementary analyses, found to be correlated with the factors old age, female sex, and urban residence in the best multiple regression model. Population subgroups whose calcium intake is in a range that justifies preventive action could be identified. Screening programs staffed by public health nurses can thereby be informed regarding the subgroups of the population that are at the highest risk of insufficient calcium intake. © 2007, Blackwell Publishing, Inc.

Background Malignant diseases but also cardiovascular and respiratory disorders and diabetes mellitus have been associated with work in pulp and paper production. The present cohort focuses on cardiovascular mortality in relation to various exposures in this industry. Methods The cohort, followed-up for mortality, includes 7,107 workers, 6,350 men and 757 women, from three major old mills in the middle of Sweden. Results Instead of a healthy-worker effect, a slightly increased risk for death in diseases of the circulatory system was found for male workers. Notably, work with sulfate digestion, steam and power generation and maintenance was associated with significantly increased risks. Cerebrovascular diseases showed non-significantly increased risks for maintenance and paper and paperboard production and manufacture. Conclusions The differences in risk among various parts of the production are striking although it is hard to pinpoint any specific exposures. Dust and small particles along with sulfur compounds might be suspected.

Background: In this cohort study a classification of 12 work categories, with specified common exposures, is used to evaluate the mortality among workers in a Swedish rubber tire plant. Methods: Mortality among the cohort members is compared with expected values from national rates. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated for the total cohort, for sub-cohorts and with the inclusion of a latency requirement. Results: Male workers had increased risks for total mortality, circulatory death, respiratory death, mental disorders, epilepsy, injuries/poisoning, and for alcohol-related death. Many risks were noted among workers exposed to dust, fumes, or vapor. No trend in risk with increasing duration of employment was seen. Discussion: Some established risks for rubber workers could be related to some specified work categories. The highest risks were noted among workers having a very short duration of employment indicating a possible "unhealthy worker effect" associated with life-style factors or to tasks offered to unskilled workers. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is a rare disease with an occurrence indicating that occupational exposures may play a role. To estimate the association between MF and occupational exposures as measured by means of an job-exposure matrix (JEM).A European multicenter case-control study was conducted from 1995 to 1997 and included seven rare cancers, one of which was MF. Patients between 35 and 69 years of age, diagnosed with MF (n=140), were recruited and the diagnoses were checked by a reference pathologist who classified 83 cases as definite, 35 cases as possible and 22 cases as not accepted. Among the 118 accepted cases, 104 cases were interviewed, of which 76 were definite cases. We selected population controls and colon cancer controls to serve all seven case groups. Altogether 833 colon cancer controls and 2071 population controls were interviewed. Based on the reported occupational experiences, a team of industrial hygiene specialists identified five potential exposures and developed an JEM. This JEM was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for MF as a function of these exposures. The JEM included aromatic and/or halogenated hydrocarbons (AAHs), chrome (VI) and its salts, electromagnetic radiations, silica and pesticides.Exposures to AHHs (OR 6.3, C.I 2.4-16.7 for male) were associated with a high MF risk.The study supports the hypothesis that some MFs have an occupational etiology but only a small fraction of exposed workers are apparently susceptible since the disease is so rare.

Objective. To describe a general population of women with regard to factors associated with urinary and fecal incontinence and genital prolapse symptoms.Methods. A questionnaire about medical bac ...

Background. The aims of the present study were: 1) to estimate the prevalence of emotional, physical and sexual abuse and abuse in the health care system, and 2) to study the associations between ...

To describe a general population of women with regard to factors associated with urinary and fecal incontinence and genital prolapse symptoms.A questionnaire about medical background, urinary and fecal incontinence and genital prolapse symptoms was mailed to 100040-year-old and 100060-year-old Swedish women. Associations were described by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Sixty-seven percent answered the questionnaire. Multivariate analysis showed urinary incontinence to be associated with anal sphincter rupture [OR 4.4 (95% CI 1.0-18.8)], pelvic heaviness [3.8 (2.1-7.0)], body mass index (BMI)or=30 kg/m2[3.7 (2.0-6.7)], multiparity [1.8 (1.0-3.4)], varicose veins surgery [1.9 (1.2-3.2)] and age [1.9 (1.2-3.2)]. Univariate analyses revealed statistically significant associations between urinary incontinence and incontinence for flatus [4.8 (3.0-7.8)], for liquid stool [5.0 (2.9-8.6)] and for solid stool [5.9 (2.4-14.2)]. Chronic bronchitis [5.7 (1.7-18.9)] was strongly associated with urinary incontinence but was only reported by the older age group. Prolapse symptoms were strongly associated with both urinary and fecal incontinence. Prolapse symptoms as opposed to urinary and fecal incontinence seemed to be associated more with injuries at delivery than with chronic pelvic floor strain.Women with urinary incontinence are also likely to suffer from fecal incontinence and prolapse and vice versa. Other associated factors for pelvic floor dysfunction were overweight, and especially obesity, chronic bronchitis, vaginal delivery and multiparity, age, heredity and diseases suggestive of collagen disorders. A multidisciplinary management of women with pelvic floor symptoms is suggested and possible prevention is discussed.

Objective: To analyze the role of smoking, alcohol, coffee and tea in relation to thyroid cancer, we conducted a pooled analysis of 14 case–control studies conducted in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Methods: The sample consisted of 2725 thyroid cancer cases (2247 females, 478 males) and 4776 controls (3699 females, 1077 males). Conditional logistic regression with stratification on study, age at diagnosis, and gender was used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Thyroid cancer risk was reduced in persons who had ever smoked. The relationship was more pronounced in current smokers (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.6–0.7) than former smokers (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.8–1.1). There were significant trends of reduced risk with greater duration and frequency of smoking. For consumption of wine and beer, there was a significant trend of decreasing thyroid cancer risk (p = 0.02) that was not maintained after adjustment for current smoking (p = 0.12). Thyroid cancer risk was not associated with consumption of coffee or tea. These findings were consistent in both gender-specific and histology-specific (papillary and follicular) analyses. Conclusions: Pooled analyses of these geographically diverse case–control data indicate a reduced thyroid cancer risk associated with current smoking. A reduced risk associated with alcohol was eliminated after adjustment for smoking, and caffeinated beverages did not alter thyroid cancer risk.

Objective: To investigate risk factors for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Methods: We conducted a pooled analysis of 14 case–control studies from Europe, North America, and Asia, including 67 medullary cancers (43 women and 24 men) diagnosed in ten studies. Of the original 4776, we selected five controls per case matched on study, gender, and age. The pooled odds ratios (OR) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results: Education, weight, and body mass were not associated with MTC, but a significant positive relationship was seen with height (OR = 2.6 for highest vs lowest tertile). Significant excess risks were associated with a history of thyroid nodules (OR = 12), hypertension (OR = 2.3), gallbladder disease (OR = 4.3), and allergies (OR = 2.2). Among current smokers, a decreased risk of MTC was observed with increasing number of cigarettes. The risk was significantly elevated among women having a first birth after age 25 years, but no clear pattern emerged for other reproductive factors. Conclusions: Although the number of MTC was small, we detected several significant associations, including prior thyroid and other diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between cruciferous and other vegetables and thyroid cancer risk we systematically reanalyzed the original data from 11 case–control studies conducted in the US, Asia, and Europe.

OBJECTIVE—To evaluate the influence of lifestyle, reproduction, and some external factors on the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to describe its comorbidity. METHODS—Cases were identified retrospectively from 1980 to 1995 at the University Hospital in Linkoping, Sweden. The study comprised 422 cases and 859 randomly selected population referents. Data on possible aetiological factors and comorbidity were collected by postal questionnaire. RESULTS—The response rates were 67% among cases and 59% among referents. A decrease in the occurrence of atopic allergy was seen in the cases (odds ratio (OR) 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4 to 1.0). There was a positive association between RA and insulin treatment (OR 10.2, 95% CI 1.7 to 60.8) in women, and women with a short fertile period had an increased risk of RA (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.4). Current and previous smoking were associated with increased risks for RA in both sexes, and in men a dose-response relationship was found with number of tobacco pack years (p for trend

OBJECTIVES—To investigate whether workers in Swedish sulfate mills have an increased risk of death from certain malignancies that have previously been linked to the pulping process. METHODS—Subjects of the study (n=2480) were men aged 40-75 at death during 1960-89 in the parishes surrounding four sulfate mills. Exposure assessment was based on information from the personnel files in the mills— 35% of the subjects were recognised there, and work categories were created. RESULTS—Among all sulfate mill workers, the odds ratio (OR) (90% confidence interval (90% CI)) for death from lung cancer was 1.6 (1.1 to 2.3), pleural mesotheliomas 9.5 (1.9 to 48), brain tumours 2.6 (1.2 to 5.3), and liver or biliary tract cancer 2.3 (1.0 to 5.2). There was an increased mortality from leukaemia among workers in the soda recovery plant (5.9 (2.6 to 13)) and bleaching plant and digester house (2.8 (1.0 to 7.5)). CONCLUSIONS—Sulfate mill workers were at increased risk of dying from lung cancer and pleural mesotheliomas, probably due to exposure to asbestos. Increased risks of brain tumours and cancers of the liver or biliary tract were also found but the aetiology is not obvious. Keywords: epidemiology; pulp and paper industry; brain neoplasm

Objective: To better understand the role of fish and shellfish on thyroid cancer risk, we systematically re-analyzed the original data from 13 case–control studies conducted in the US, Japan, China, and Europe. Methods: A total of 2497 cases (2023 women, 474 men) and 4337 controls (3268 women, 1069 men) were considered. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for each study by logistic regression models, conditioned on age and sex, and adjusted for history of goiter, thyroid nodules or adenomas, and radiation. Combined ORs were computed as the weighted average of the estimates from each study. Results: The ORs for the highest level of total fish consumption (three or more times per week) as compared to the lowest one (less than once per week) was above unity in Hawaii, Connecticut, Japan, Norway, Tromso, and Vaud. Conversely, the ORs for the studies in Los Angeles, Shanghai, southeastern Sweden, Uppsala, northern Sweden, northern Italy, and Athens were below one. The pattern of risk for salt water fish and shellfish was not substantially different from that of total fish. Fish was not associated with thyroid cancer risk in all studies combined (OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.85–1.2 for moderate, and OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.71–1.1 for high total fish consumption), but there was a suggestion of a protective effect in endemic goiter areas (OR=0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.88). Conclusion: This combined analysis indicates that relatively elevated fish consumption does not appreciably increase thyroid cancer risk, and may have a favorable influence in areas where iodine deficiency is, or was, common.

Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible occupational determinants for rheumatoid arthritis according to lifetime occupational history. Methods The cases were identified retrospectively from 1980 to 1995 at the University Hospital in Linkoping, Sweden. The study comprised 422 cases and 859 randomly selected referents. Exposure data were collected through a postal questionnaire. Results For men, occupations with increased, although nonsignificant, odds ratios (OR) were farmers or farm workers [OR 1.8, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.0-3.5], textile workers (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.3-16.2), asphalters (OR 14.0, 95% CI 1.2-799.0 without latency requirement), and employees at service stations (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.5-9.5). Among the women, hairdressers and beauticians (OR 2.7, 95% CI 0.8-8.6) had an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as those exposed to hairdressing chemicals (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0-9.4) and meat products (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-4.0). Conclusion Several of the findings in this study are in accordance with those of previous studies. The increased risks of rheumatoid arthritis for asphalters and employees at service stations are however new associations previously not described in the literature.

Objective: To assess the relation between anthropometric factors and thyroid cancer risk in a pooled analysis of individual data from 12 case–control studies conducted in the US, Japan, China and Europe.

Objective: To obtain more precise estimates of the association between thyroid cancer and benign thyroid diseases and to elucidate the role of potential confounders or effect modifiers.

Objective: Because the etiology of thyroid cancer is not well described, we conducted a pooled analysis of all published case- control studies, as well as two identified unpublished studies. This paper describes the major characteristics of the 14 studies included in the analysis, as well as the statistical methods employed. Four studies were conducted in the United States (1 each in Washington State, California, Connecticut and Hawaii), 8 in Europe (3 in Sweden, 2 in Norway, 1 in Switzerland, 1 in Italy and 1 in Greece), and 2 in Asia (1 in China and 1 in Japan). Methods: The original datasets were obtained and restructured in a uniform format. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, smoking and alcohol consumption, history of benign thyroid diseases and of other selected medical conditions and treatments, family history of cancer and of benign thyroid conditions, occupation, residence in endemic goitre areas, and dietary habits were analyzed. For women, we also analyzed menstrual and reproductive factors and use of female hormones. Radiotherapy and, in Japan, exposure to the A-bombs were considered as potential confounding factors. Results: A total of 2,725 cases (2,247 females and 478 males) and 4,776 controls (3,699 females and 1,077 males) were included in this study. Of the cases, 79% were classified as papillary thyroid carcinomas, 14% as follicular, 2% medullary, 1% anaplastic, 1% other histologies, and 3% histological type unknown. Each of the datasets was checked for outliers and consistency. Data were analysed separately by study center, gender, and the two major histologic types (papillary, follicular). Frequency tables and simple statistics were computed for each variable under study. Conditional logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios. For matched studies, the original matching was preserved, whereas, for unmatched ones, five-year age groups were used for matching. Study-specific analyses were computed, and then the data from all the studies were pooled conditioning on study. Heterogeneity between studies, geographic areas and study designs was assessed, and the modifying effect of age was also evaluated.

Objective: It has been suggested that female hormones, and hence menstrual and reproductive factors, play a role in thyroid cancer etiology. Epidemiological data, however, are limited and inconsistent, partly because of the small number of cases included in each study. To clarify the etiology of thyroid cancer, we conducted a pooled analysis of original data from 14 case-control studies, 4 from the United States, 2 from Asia, and 8 from Europe.

Objectives. The genetic background to RA is incompletely understood. As new cytokine-targeted therapies emerge, early predictors of disease severity are becoming increasingly important. The inflammasomes are essential regulators of cytokine production. We investigated whether two polymorphisms in the genes encoding cryopyrin (CIAS1) and TUCAN (CARD8) influence susceptibility and disease course in RA. Methods. Genotype frequencies were assessed in 174 Swedish patients with early RA and 360 population-based controls without rheumatic disease. Genotypes were categorized according to the presence (þ) or absence (�) of two wild-type alleles and compared between patients and controls. In the RA patients, antibodies towards cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) and the ‘shared epitope’ (SE) were assessed, and medication and measures of disease activity were monitored regularly during 3 yrs. Results. The combination of CIAS1/TUCAN �/�, as compared with CIAS1/TUCAN þ/þ, was significantly more common among patients than in controls [odds ratio (OR) 2.2, 95% CI 1.03–4.6]. This association was strengthened when patients were divided into antiCCPþ [OR 2.8 (1.1–6.7)] or presence of �1 SE copy [OR 2.8 (1.3–6.2)]. At most time-points during the 3-yr follow-up, patients with CIAS1/ TUCAN �/� showed significantly higher disease activity. Furthermore, CIAS1/TUCAN � /� patients proved to be much more likely to receive TNF-blocking therapy [relative risk 20 (2.6–149)]. Conclusions. Compound polymorphisms in CIAS1 and TUCAN associate with RA susceptibility and severity. The cryopyrin inflammasome needs further attention regarding a possible aetiopathogenetic connection with RA.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential association between occupational exposure to chlorinated and petroleum solvents and mycosis fungoides (MF).METHODS: A questionnaire on lifetime job history was administered to 100 patients diagnosed with MF and 2846 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated as the measure of the association between exposure to each specific solvent and MF.RESULTS: In the total sample and in men, cases and controls did not differ in relation to exposure to any of the solvents studied. In women, an association with MF was seen for the highest level of estimated exposure to perchloroethylene (OR = 11.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 124.85) and for exposure less than the median to kerosene/fuel/gasoil (OR = 8.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 65.62).CONCLUSIONS: These results do not provide conclusive evidence that exposure to solvents may increase risk of MF because they were not found in men.

Determinants of papillary thyroid cancer were evaluated in a questionnaire-based case-control study from southeastern Sweden. A total of 104 cases, diagnosed from 1977 to 1987, and 387 randomly selected controls were included in the analyses. Female subjects with papillary cancer reported a work history as dentists/dental assistants, telephone operators, teachers, and day nursery personnel, and an occupational contact with chemicals and video display terminals more often than did controls. The 11 male cases more often reported working as mechanics and metal workers and having occupational contact with solvents. Other factors associated with increased risk for female papillary cancer were having private well water at the birth address; leisure time exposure to combustion smoke; low intake of cruciferous vegetables and seafood; and a family history of goiter, heart disease, biliary disorder, or female genital cancer. Diagnostic radiographic examinations, especially to the head, neck, or upper back/chest area, or repeated dental examinations, were also found to be associated with this form of cancer. With regard to the possible influence from hormonal factors among women less than age 50 years at time of diagnosis, an increased risk was found for a pregnancy soon after puberty. Tendencies toward a decreasing risk with increasing age at first pregnancy as well as an increasing risk with increasing number of pregnancies were found as well. Multiparity seemed to potentiate the effect from prior radiographic examinations.

Objective: To examine the associations between child physical abuse and health problems/risk-taking behaviors among teen-agers. Further to evaluate concurrence of other types of abuse and how these alone and in addition to child physical abuse were associated with bad health status and risk-taking behaviors. Methods: A population-based survey was carried out in 2008 among all the pupils in two different grades (15 respectively 17 years old) in Södermanland County, Sweden (N=7 262). The response rate was 81.8 %. The pupils were asked among other things about their exposure to child physical abuse, exposure to parental intimate violence, bullying and exposure to being forced to engage in sexual acts. Adjusted analyses were conducted to estimate associations between exposure and illhealth/risk-taking behaviors. Results: Child physical abuse was associated with poor health and risk-taking behaviors with adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) ranging from 1.6 to 6.2. The associations were stronger when the pupils reported repeated abuse with OR ranging from 2.0 to 13.2. Also experiencing parental intimate partner violence, bullying and being forced to engage in sexual acts was associated with poor health and risk-taking behaviors with the same graded relationship to repeated abuse. Finally there was a cumulative effect of multiple abuse in the form of being exposed to child physical abuse plus other types of abuse and the associations increase with the number of concurrent abuse. Conclusions: This study provides strong indications that child abuse is a serious public health problem based on the clear links seen between abuse and poor health and behavioral problems. Consistent with other studies showing a graded relationship between experiences of abuse and poor health/risk-taking behaviors our study shows poorer outcomes for repeated and multiple abuse. Thus, our study calls for improvement of methods of comprehensive assessments, interventions and treatment in all settings where professionals meet young people.

In 1 842, Dr Domenico Antonio Rigoni-Stern presented his research on mortality in Verona to the Congress of the Italian Scientists [1]. One of Rigoni-Stern' s better known findings was that the risk of breast cancer was greatly increased in nuns compared to other women. Another of his observations, and one which remains intriguing today, is his statement: "I cannot conclude without saying that the four men found to have died of breast cancer were all

Indications of an increased risk of brain cancer in some, but not all, epidemiologic studies on glassworkers inspired further investigations in a geographically restricted region where the Swedish glass industry is located. Only a small and insignificant excess of brain cancer death was found among glassworkers when compared with the rest of the population in the area. However, when the brain cancer mortality of the glassworkers was compared with that of the whole Swedish population, a rather high risk was found, but an equally high risk was also seen for the rest of the population in this region when compared with national figures. Besides glassworkers, especially farmers, but also other occupational groups had an increased risk of brain cancer that suggested the possibility of an environmental factor affecting the whole population in the region. Hence particular worker groups may sometimes take on a regional mortality pattern that simulates an occupational risk.

The aim of this study was to determine mortality among pulp and paper mill workers according to the main mill pulping process, department, and gender, particular reference being given to diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems.The cohort of 18 163 men and 2 291 women employed between 1939 and 1999 and with1 year of employment was followed for mortality from 1952 to 2001 (acute myocardial infarction from 1969). Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by comparing the observed number of deaths with the expected number for the entire Swedish population. Exposure was assessed from personnel files in the mills. Data from an exposure measurement database are also presented.There were 5898 deaths in the cohort. Total mortality had an SMR of 1.02 (95% CI 0.98-1.06) for the men in the sulfate mills and an SMR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.97) for the men in the sulfite mills. Mortality from acute myocardial infarction was increased among the men in both the sulfate and sulfite mills [SMR 1.22 (95% CI 1.12-1.32) and SMR 1.11 (95% CI 1.02-1.21), respectively] and by department in sulfate pulping (SMR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07-1.54), paper production (SMR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06-1.49), and maintenance (SMR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.30). Mortality from cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and nonmalignant respiratory diseases was not increased.Death from acute myocardial infarction, but not cerebrovascular diseases, was increased in this cohort and was probably related to a combination of different occupational exposures (eg, dust, sulfur compounds, shift work, and noise).

The associations between soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and occupational exposures were studied in a case-referent study in the southeast of Sweden. Exposure information was obtained through mailed questionnaires to 96 cases, 450 randomly selected population referents, and 200 cancer referents. Odds ratios (OR), were calculated for various occupational groups, and particularly, for occupations with potential exposure to chlorinated phenoxy herbicides and chlorophenols. In the analyses based on population referents, increased risks for soft tissue sarcoma were seen for especially gardeners (OR = 4.1), but also railroad workers (OR = 3.1); construction workers with exposure to impregnating agents (OR = 2.3), asbestos (OR = 1.8), or pressure impregnating agents (OR = 1.7); and unspecified chemical workers with potential exposure to phenoxy herbicides and/or chlorophenols (OR = 1.6). A similar pattern appeared when cancer referents were used although the numerical values of the odds ratios became different. A grouping of jobs resulted in Mantel-Haensel OR from 1.5 to 1.9 for farmers and forestry workers, dependent on referents used and even more increased OR for railroad workers and unspecified chemical workers with potential exposure to phenoxy herbicides and chlorophenols. The results of the study confirm rather than refute that phenoxy herbicides and chlorophenols could be of etiologic importance for STS; the high risk for gardeners, although based on a small number of individuals, was unexpected and remains unclear. Also, since other cancers were used as referents, no definite problems of recall bias should obtain in this material. None of the exposed groups had a higher proportion of smokers than the unexposed group.

Using data from a record-linkage between the Swedish population census of 1960 and the Swedish Cancer Registry, we performed an explorative, hypothesis-generating analysis of the incidence of thyroid cancer in 208 occupations and 231 industries. Relative risks were computed with adjustment for age, period of follow-up, and geographic region. A total of 1,230 male and 2,937 female cases of thyroid cancer were reported during 1961-1979 among individuals aged 20-69 years in 1960. As a group, male blue-collar workers had a lower reported incidence than other men. Significantly elevated risks were seen among drivers, pharmacists, workers in the canning and preserving industry, workers in the petroleum industry, and among X-ray operators and laboratory assistants. Horticulture workers, painters in the construction industry, and unskilled manual workers showed decreased risks.

Background A classification of 12 work categories was used to evaluate the cancer incidence and mortality among a cohort of Swedish rubber tire workers. Methods Cancer incidence and mortality in the cohort was compared with expected values from national rates. Standardized incidence and mortality ratios were calculated for the total cohort, for sub-cohorts and with the inclusion of a latency requirement. Results Among men, increased incidence and mortality risks were found for cancer in the larynx; SIR = 2.10; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.05–3.76, SMR = 2.08; 95% CI: 0.42–6.09. Increased risks were also seen for cancer in the trachea, bronchus, and lung; SIR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.28–2.02, SMR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.21–1.94, the incidence risk was highest among those with the longest exposure duration and among workers in compounding/mixing, milling, and maintenance. Decreased incidence risks were seen for cancer of the prostate (SIR = 0.74; 95% CI: 059–0.92) and skin (SIR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36–0.84). Conclusions The finding of an excess of tumors in the respiratory system is in agreement with earlier findings in other studies on rubber tire workers. The results on other cancer types are compared to earlier findings and related to work processes and chemical exposures of possible causal importance. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:901–909, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The association between abuse and somatization has been less systematically investigated than other abuse-related outcomes. Moreover, such studies have given inconsistent results. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between somatization and lifetime exposure to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.A total of 800 women, 400 reporting abuse and 400 reporting no abuse in a previous randomized, population-based study, were sent two questionnaires: SOMAT, a questionnaire on somatization, and the Abuse Inventory (AI). Of 781 eligible women, 547 participated (70% response rate).Psychological abuse of both limited (6 months-2 years) and prolonged duration (2 years) was associated with somatization (OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.37-4.40 and OR = 3.09, 95% CI 1.52-6.30, respectively). Sexual abuse without penetration was associated with somatization (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.17-5.20), but sexual abuse with penetration was not. Physical abuse was not associated with somatization when adjustments for other kinds of abuse were made. Being abused in adulthood and in both adulthood and childhood was associated with somatization (OR = 4.20, 95% CI 2.45-7.20 and OR = 2.90, 95% CI 1.69-4.90, respectively), whereas being abused in childhood only was not.Abuse of women is associated with somatization. Other factors than severity of abuse, such as whether the abused woman herself perceives her experience as abuse, seem to be more decisive for developing somatization in abused women. Abuse should be taken into account when meeting women with somatization symptoms as patients.