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Researchers at Oslo University Hospital have conducted a study to determine if specific imaging features can be used to identify cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients with a high risk of underlying atrial fibrillation (AF). The study involved brain imaging of 106 patients and found that age, periventricular white-matter hyperintensities, acute lesion size, and vessel occlusion were significantly associated with AF. The researchers proposed a scoring system consisting of six features that can predict AF in CS patients. The study concluded that the scoring system can identify CS patients with an increased risk of underlying AF. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health explores the role of a priority setting approach in migration health policies for European countries. The study emphasizes the need for fair and transparent decision-making in providing healthcare services to non-citizens and international migrants. By incorporating migration health into priority setting, policy makers can better allocate scarce resources and address the practical challenges in achieving migration health goals. The study concludes that a priority setting approach can inform policy making and contribute to the progressive realization of migration health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Oslo in Norway has developed a more environmentally friendly method for analyzing drug use through hair samples. The researchers used micropulverized hair and electromembrane extraction to efficiently extract drugs of abuse, prescription drugs, and metabolites from the hair. The optimized extraction method showed comparable results to the standard approach, and the final method exhibited good linearity, precision, and sensitivity. This is the first time that micropulverized hair has been subjected to electromembrane extraction. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Oslo University Hospital in Norway discusses the impact of a digital pain self-management program called EPIO on individuals with chronic pain. The program was evaluated in a 12-month randomized controlled trial involving 266 participants. While there were no statistically significant differences in pain interference between the intervention group and the control group, the intervention group did experience significant psychological benefits, including improvements in depression, self-regulatory fatigue, vitality, and mental health. The study suggests that EPIO can lead to sustainable psychological change and enhance mental health and quality of life for individuals with chronic pain. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Statistics Norway discusses the impact of a redesign of the labor force surveys (LFS) in European Union countries in January 2021. The researchers used a state-space model to analyze the effects of the redesign and included variables related to employment and unemployment. They also accounted for fluctuations in labor force estimates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research found that a specification with time-varying hyperparameters provided a better fit compared to a specification with time-invariant hyperparameters. This study contributes to the literature on the effects of survey redesigns with rotating panels. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Oslo discusses research on stuttering treatment programs for preschool-age children. The study aimed to identify commonalities and differences between the content components of various treatment programs. The researchers found that all programs were multithematic and did not have a single focus on speech, language, or parent-child interaction. The study highlights the role of common content components in treatment effects and discusses implications for research and clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Oslo in Norway examined the long-term effects of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion on women's health. The study followed 195 women who were primiparous and underwent transperineal ultrasound examinations one year and eight years after their first delivery. The results showed that LAM avulsion was more prevalent eight years after delivery, especially in women who had subsequent vaginal deliveries. However, there was no significant difference in vaginal symptom scores between women with normal muscle insertion and those with LAM avulsion at the eight-year follow-up. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of LAM avulsion on women's health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Peace Research Institute Oslo explores the concept of temporary reintegration for Filipino migrant workers who were repatriated to the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examines how these workers navigate the challenges of involuntary return and immobility in their home country while waiting for opportunities to remigrate. The research highlights the agency and resource mobilization of migrants in confronting their circumstances and reworking their aspirations amid the structural constraints of a global crisis. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex processes of return and reintegration in international labor migration. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Oslo University Hospital have published new data on liver metastasis in the field of oncology. The study focuses on the use of liver transplantation as a potential treatment for patients with nonresectable colorectal liver metastasis. The research highlights the importance of multidisciplinary involvement in the evaluation for transplant and suggests that technical resectability may not be a valid exclusion criterion for certain patients. However, larger data sets are needed to further refine the selection criteria for liver transplantation in colorectal liver metastasis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Lovisenberg Diaconal University College in Oslo, Norway explores the application of philosopher Judith Butler's theoretical perspectives within a nursing context. The review highlights how Butler's work on power, knowledge, subjectivity, performativity, and ethics can inform nursing practice. The research emphasizes the importance of nurses reflecting on their clinical practice and role in relation to power dynamics and performativity when working with marginalized patients. It also discusses the impact of the healthcare system on patient-nurse encounters and the need for nurses to challenge societal expectations and resist the hero identity. The study concludes that Butler's concepts can provide valuable insights into nurse-patient relationships and power structures within the nursing profession. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Oslo in Norway examined the long-term effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on depression symptoms in youth with anxiety disorders. The study found that youth who no longer had anxiety diagnoses after CBT had lower levels of parent-reported depression over time. The trajectory of anxiety symptoms predicted the trajectory of depression symptoms up to four years after treatment. The study also found that demographic variables and parent mental health were less significant predictors of depression symptoms compared to anxiety symptom improvement. This research suggests that successful CBT for anxiety in children can lead to reduced depression symptoms for up to four years. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Oslo University Hospital in Norway has found that autistic adults with intellectual disabilities are at an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also revealed that experiences involving violence or sexual abuse are common in this population. However, the prevalence of PTSD in this group was found to be low, with only 3.4% of participants diagnosed with the disorder. The findings emphasize the importance of trauma screening, PTSD assessment, and trauma-informed care for autistic adults with intellectual disabilities. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Oslo in Norway discusses the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) in regenerative medicine. HA is a biomaterial commonly used in clinical applications due to its gel-like properties. However, its linear form is prone to degradation, limiting its effectiveness. The researchers explored crosslinking mechanisms to enhance the durability of HA gels, specifically using 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) and poly(propylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) as crosslinkers. They found that both crosslinked gels, HA-BDDE and HA-PEGDE, can be manufactured with negligible residual crosslinkers and demonstrate excellent biocompatibility. The study highlights the potential of HA-PEGDE as an emerging variant for clinical applications. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway explored the use of an AI-based avatar for interviewer training at Children's Advocacy Centers. The study involved professionals questioning a virtual child avatar who alleged abuse. The findings indicated that the interviewers' questioning approaches aligned with their typical behavior in real-world interviews, and the avatar responded to questions in a manner consistent with how children typically do. Participants rated the avatar positively and felt comfortable with the virtual reality experience. The research suggests that AI-based interview training has the potential to be a scalable and standardized alternative to traditional methods. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by VID Specialized University in Oslo, Norway, examined the practice of fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients in Nordic countries. The study found that there has been a significant increase in clinical practice guidelines for fertility preservation, from 25% in 2010 to 70% in 2022. Counseling on fertility preservation options has also become more specific and offered to a larger number of patients. The study highlights the advancements made in fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients in the Nordic countries over the past decade and emphasizes the importance of continuous assessment to enhance the quality of care for survivors. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Lovisenberg Diaconal University College in Oslo, Norway, highlights the importance of studying the quality of life (QOL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with food allergies. The study conducted a systematic review of existing research on QOL and HRQOL in this population and found that there are conceptual and methodological challenges that may affect the validity of this research. The researchers recommend increased awareness of terminology and consideration of these challenges to improve the validity of future studies. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights for understanding the impact of food allergies on the well-being of children and adolescents. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents profiles on several nominees for "Time" magazine's annual list of 100 influential people, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, designer Diane von Furstenberg, surfer Gabriel Medina, and author Haruki Murakami. Information on the profession and notable works of the nominees is included.

The article discusses Norwegian billionaire Fred Olsen. He has drilled for oil in the North Sea, and companies he controls have invested over $1 billion in wind power. He and his daughter Anette own watch maker Timex Group. Details are presented about his business interests in offshore wind farms, and technology he has invested in to anchor wind turbines to the ocean floor.

Researchers from the University of Oslo have conducted a study on elderly patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) to investigate gene expression profiles and potential protective factors against coronary heart disease (CHD). The study analyzed the expression of 773 genes in FH patients with and without CHD, as well as in healthy controls. The researchers found that there were no differentially expressed genes between FH patients with and without CHD, but there were 36 differentially expressed genes between the two FH groups, mainly related to lipid metabolism and immune responses. The study suggests that identifying cardioprotective factors could lead to future therapeutic targets. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo explores the psychological rewards of white supremacist group membership. The study involved interviews with 15 former white supremacist group members, who were asked about their experiences and reasons for leaving the groups. The analysis revealed five distinct themes: belonging, perceived importance, empowerment, emotional intensity, and long-term psychological rewards. The researchers argue that understanding these rewards can help in preventing individuals from (re)engaging with white supremacist groups by promoting alternative prosocial ways of achieving similar psychological benefits. The study supports the good lives model, a strength-based approach to rehabilitating criminal offenders. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Oslo University Hospital explored the lived experience of participants in an intensive inpatient trauma treatment program for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study interviewed six patients who had recently undergone a 2-week inpatient treatment program using various therapeutic techniques. The analysis of the interviews revealed five main themes: the need to feel safe, the benefits of different therapeutic encounters, variable experiences with treatment elements, intensity, and experienced change. The participants described the overall treatment program as beneficial, but also exhausting and at times overwhelming. The study raises questions about the optimal level of intensity in trauma treatment programs. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from OsloMet explores the use of oral history as a methodological approach in food studies. The researchers aim to democratize knowledge production by involving lay people as both interviewers and narrators. The report discusses two projects, 'Food and I' and 'Food2gather', which serve as empirical references for the study. The researchers reflect on the potential of oral history to gain insight into how people relate to each other through food consumption and the sharing of skills and knowledge. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Oslo University Hospital discusses the use of autogenous poultry vaccines to reduce Campylobacter, a leading cause of food-borne gastroenteritis worldwide. The researchers found that while vaccines can provide short-term reductions in Campylobacter numbers in chickens, they are unlikely to reduce the pathogen in the food chain or human incidence in the long term. To address this, the researchers developed a genomic approach to create a whole-cell autogenous vaccine that targets specific genes linked to survival outside of the host. The study suggests that manipulating poultry microbiomes to favor less harmful commensal isolates could be a promising strategy for reducing pathogens in the food production chain. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health aimed to identify multimorbidity patterns and trajectories in young and middle-aged adults. The study used a large-scale population-based cohort and analyzed electronic health records to identify patterns of chronic conditions. The researchers found three main multimorbidity patterns, including dyslipidemia and endocrine-metabolic, hypertension and obesity, and an unspecific pattern. The hypertension and obesity pattern was associated with a higher likelihood of mortality. The study highlights the importance of hypertension and obesity as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies for healthier aging. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study compared the employment rates of mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States and Norway. The study found that in both countries, mothers of children with ASD had lower employment rates compared to mothers without special health care needs. However, the employment gap was more significant in the United States. The researchers attributed the higher employment rates among Norwegian mothers to the country's high employment participation rate among women and its comprehensive welfare state and policy package. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Oslo in Norway examined the impact of hemolysis on measurements of plasma apixaban concentration. Hemolysis is known to affect laboratory tests, including coagulation analyses. The researchers found that hemolysis did not significantly affect the measurements of apixaban concentration using both the anti-Xa assay and the ultraperformance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method. Additionally, hemolysis did not lead to hypocoagulability when assessed by thrombin generation. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential impact of hemolysis on anticoagulant therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Oslo explores the impact of Norway's environment on outdoor athletic training regimens. The research examines the challenges and opportunities faced by athletes and coaches due to Norway's frigid temperatures, long winters, and diverse topography. The study found that climate has a significant and positive influence on outdoor athletic training in Norway. It also explores the role of technology in mitigating weather-related risks and optimizing training regimens. The research highlights the resilience, adaptability, and deep understanding of the interaction between sport and the natural environment demonstrated by athletes and coaches in Norway. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Oslo in Norway examined suicide rates among various healthcare professionals in the country from 1980 to 2021. The study found that suicide rates were higher among male veterinarians, physicians, and nurses compared to others with higher education. Among females, psychologists and nurses had higher suicide rates. The study also noted that suicide rates declined over the four decades for most groups, but nurses had higher suicide rates compared to other graduates from 2010 to 2021. The researchers expressed concern about the increased suicide rates among veterinarians, nurses, female psychologists, and elderly physicians. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Oslo University Hospital discusses the findings of a study on the longitudinal changes in psychological distress among childhood cancer survivors. The study collected data from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, measuring psychological distress using the Brief Symptom Inventory 18. The research found that survivors who were older at the time of the study, had been diagnosed with central nervous system tumors, and reported late effects were more likely to experience higher levels of distress. The study suggests that anticipatory guidance and screening should be implemented in regular follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Oslo explores the use of machine learning to predict suicide attempt risk based on inconsistent self-reported suicide attempts. The study found that adolescents at higher risk of suicide attempts tend to report these attempts more consistently than those at lower risk. The machine learning model used in the study identified several factors associated with suicide attempt risk, including internalizing problems, optimism about the future, conduct problems, substance use, and disordered eating. The research suggests that inconsistent self-reported suicide attempts may signal lower suicide attempt risk. [Extracted from the article]

A scoping review conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo aimed to gain knowledge about the mental health and well-being of siblings of individuals with severe mental illness. The review included 11 quantitative studies published between 1990 and 2022, with a combined sibling sample size of 1736. The majority of the studies reported more negative outcomes for siblings compared to healthy control individuals, with factors such as demographic factors, contextual factors, and characteristics of the sibling with severe mental illness being associated with sibling outcomes. The researchers concluded that further examination of these factors is needed to increase understanding of risk and protective factors in siblings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Oslo University Hospital in Norway explored the impact of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) on drug adherence and blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The study aimed to determine if informing patients about low drug levels would improve blood pressure. The researchers conducted a multicenter randomized clinical trial involving 46 nonadherent patients. The results showed that both the TDM group and the control group experienced a reduction in blood pressure, with no significant difference between the two groups. Adherence to medication improved in both groups as well. The study concluded that TDM did not have an additional effect on blood pressure and drug adherence compared to standard care. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Oslo Metropolitan University explored the experiences of bullied children participating in support groups and how it affected them. The study found that support groups provided an opportunity for change and inclusion among peers. The children reported feeling selected, and the groups offered fellowship and valuable experiences. The research suggests that a systemic approach to bullying is beneficial. This study was financially supported by Partnership Against Bullying and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health examined the association between menopausal hormone therapy (HT) use and breast cancer risk in Norway. The study included 1.3 million women aged 45 and above, followed for a median of 12.7 years. The findings revealed that oral estrogen combined with daily progestin was associated with the highest risk of breast cancer, while vaginal estradiol was not associated with breast cancer risk. The study also found that the associations varied depending on HT type, individual drugs, molecular subtype, detection mode, and body mass index (BMI). [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo in Norway explores the impact of "Big data" on biomaterials research and development. The researchers emphasize the importance of biocompatibility in the development of safe medical devices and biomaterials. They argue that establishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven definition of biocompatibility is crucial for automating data extraction and ensuring safety. The study proposes an integrated definition of biocompatibility that is compatible with data-mining methods. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights for those interested in the field of biomaterials and AI. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Oslo Metropolitan University explores the perspectives of healthcare personnel on the use of health technology in home-based pediatric palliative care. The study, which utilized focus groups with 22 healthcare personnel, identified three intersecting themes: balancing in-person interaction and time in care, the exchange of information to improve care, and the power of visual documentation. The participants acknowledged the difficulties of fully replacing in-person interaction with technology but also recognized its potential to facilitate information sharing and access to health records. The study concludes that future research should address the limitations of current health technology and consider the opinions of relevant healthcare team members, the child, and their family to maximize the benefits of technology in pediatric palliative care. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Oslo have developed stable "snow lantern-like" aggregates of silicon nanoparticles that could be used as a drug delivery platform. The conventional method of synthesizing these nanoparticles is costly and time-consuming, requiring toxic hydrofluoric acid. However, the researchers used a novel method called centrifugal Chemical Vapor Deposition (cCVD) to create the nanoparticles without the use of hydrofluoric acid. The nanoparticles showed promising properties for drug delivery, including surface chemistry, stability, degradability, and modulation of drug release. This research has been peer-reviewed and could have significant implications for the field of nanomedicine. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Oslo, Norway examined the effects of crystalline silica (CS) exposure on rock drillers. CS exposure can lead to serious lung disease, but the mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity are not fully understood. The study found that rock drillers had higher concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) and lower concentrations of interleukin 6, interleukin 8, and pentraxin 3 compared to referents. There was also a dose-response relationship between cumulative CS exposure and MMP-12 levels. These findings suggest that CS exposure may increase MMP-12 concentrations and down-regulate pro-inflammatory pathways. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Oslo University Hospital in Norway has found evidence that obesity can be driven by immune cell activity, specifically T cells. The researchers used a mouse model to demonstrate that increased T cell responsiveness can lead to the development of obesity, even without changes in diet. The study suggests that activated T cells may play a critical role in the accumulation of fat mass. These findings have potential implications for the prevention and treatment of obesity. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Oslo University Hospital in Norway explored the potential of analyzing urine samples for the presence of urine tumor DNA (utDNA) as a non-invasive alternative to cystoscopy for surveillance of bladder cancer recurrence. The study followed 47 patients for 2 years and found that utDNA analysis had a high sensitivity for detecting tumor recurrence, with a 91% sensitivity rate. Importantly, utDNA analysis also showed the potential to reduce the number of cystoscopies by 55%, benefiting 79% of the patients. The researchers concluded that utDNA analysis could guide patient-specific surveillance regimens and improve the accuracy of bladder cancer surveillance. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a summary of important developments in the field of gastroenterology in 2023. The research highlights advancements in colorectal cancer screening, including a new RNA fecal screening test and the use of artificial intelligence in screening colonoscopy. Other notable findings include new evidence for the management of gastrointestinal bleeding, a new drug for the treatment of recurrent small-intestinal angiodysplasia, and a new endoscopic treatment method for patients with gastrointestinal tumor bleeding. The research also discusses the use of amitriptyline as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, new biologic agents for inflammatory bowel disease and eosinophilic esophagitis, and new terminology and management strategies for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development discusses a new research study on mental health diseases and conditions. The study focuses on a transdiagnostic preventive parent-training intervention called Supportive parents - coping kids (SPARCK). The intervention is designed for parents of children between 4 and 12 years old who display symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or behavioral problems. The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of SPARCK on child symptoms, parenting practices, and stress hormone levels, as well as the use of specialized services. The research aims to provide usable and effective interventions for the prevention of childhood mental health problems. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo explored the mechanisms of harm in young Norwegians' experiences of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA). The study found that victims of IBSA often experience a range of detrimental outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The research identified four overarching themes that capture the victims' experiences, including being robbed of bodily autonomy, stripped of privacy, subjected to public scrutiny, and trapped in a state of uncertainty. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce the negative outcomes of IBSA should address the interpersonal and cultural context of these incidents, including bystander responses to intimate image dissemination. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Oslo University Hospital in Norway discusses a study on nerve conduction studies (NCS) and the need for valid reference limits for accurate interpretation. The researchers aimed to develop a method called extrapolated norms (e-norms) to obtain NCS reference limits from historical laboratory datasets for children and adults. They compared the e-norms method to traditionally derived reference limits and found that, on average, the e-norms method produced slightly stricter reference limits. However, there were some disagreements between the two methods in classifying cases. The researchers concluded that with small adaptations, the e-norms method is a viable way to produce reference limits from historical datasets. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from Statistics Norway examines U.S. light tight oil (LTO) production and its relationship with the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil price and rig activity. The study finds that a 1% increase in the WTI oil price leads to up to a 0.7% increase in LTO supply and a 1.5% increase in rig activity. However, the study also notes that there was a structural break in March 2020, with LTO being less responsive to the WTI after the outbreak of Covid-19. The research has been peer-reviewed and more information can be obtained from Statistics Norway. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Institute of Military Psychiatry in Oslo, Norway, explores the impact of perceived societal recognition on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among Norwegian peacekeepers. The study found that peacekeepers, like combat soldiers, may be exposed to dangerous and morally injurious events, which can contribute to PTSD symptoms and depression. The research also highlighted the importance of perceived social support and societal recognition in mitigating these psychological outcomes. The study emphasizes the lasting impact of military experiences on psychological functioning and the need for support upon return home. [Extracted from the article]