Gudrun Petursdottir

Fluorescent dextran-amines used as axonal tracers in the nervous system of the chicken embryo

We have used recently developed fluorescein- and rhodamine-conjugated dextran-amines as axonal tracers in in vitro preparations of the nervous system of the chicken embryo. These substances are efficiently taken up by injured axons and transported rapidly to the cell bodies. They are also, albeit to a lesser degree, taken up by intact nerve terminals in skeletal muscle. They reveal the dendritic and axonal structure of labelled neurons, and are well suited for use in double-labelling experiments.

Health effects following the Eyjafjallajökull 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. The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull exposed residents in southern Iceland to continuous ash fall for more than 5 weeks in spring 2010. This study was conducted during November 2010–March 2011, 6–9 months after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. Participants Adult (18–80 years of age) eruption-exposed South Icelanders (N=1148) and a control population of residents of Skagafjörður, North Iceland (N=510). The participation rate was 72%. Main outcome measures Physical symptoms in the previous year (chronic), in the previous month (recent), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) measured psychological morbidity. Results The likelihood of having symptoms during the last month was higher in the exposed population, such as; tightness in the chest (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 5.8), cough (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.7 to 3.9), phlegm (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.2), eye irritation (OR 2.9; 95% CI 2.0 to 4.1) and psychological morbidity symptoms (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.7). Respiratory symptoms during the last 12 months were also more common in the exposed population; cough (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.9), dyspnoea (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3), although the prevalence of underlying asthma and heart disease was similar. Twice as many in the exposed population had two or more symptoms from nose, eyes or upper-respiratory tract (24% vs 13%, p<0.001); these individuals were also more likely to experience psychological morbidity (OR 4.7; 95% CI 3.4 to 6.5) compared with individuals with no symptoms. Most symptoms exhibited a dose–response pattern within the exposed population, corresponding to low, medium and high exposure to the eruption. Conclusions 6–9 months after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, residents living in the exposed area, particularly those closest to the volcano, had markedly increased prevalence of various physical symptoms. A portion of the exposed population reported multiple symptoms and may be at risk for long-term physical and psychological morbidity. Studies of long-term consequences are therefore warranted.

Long-term health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a prospective cohort study in 2010 and 2013

Objectives To examine the long-term development of physical and mental health following exposure to a volcanic eruption. Design Population-based prospective cohort study. Setting In spring 2010, the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted. Data were collected at 2 time points: in 2010 and 2013. Participants Adult residents in areas close to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano (N=1096), divided according to exposure levels, and a non-exposed sample (n=475), with 80% participation rate in 2013. Main outcome measures Physical symptoms in the previous year (chronic) and previous month (recent), and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12-item version, GHQ-12), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-4) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Primary Care PTSD, PC-PTSD). Results In the exposed group, certain symptoms were higher in 2013 than in 2010, for example, morning phlegm during winter (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.49 to 3.06), skin rash/eczema (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.76 to 4.65), back pain (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.05) and insomnia (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.30), in addition to a higher prevalence of regular use of certain medications (eg, for asthma (OR 2.80; 95% CI 1.01 to 7.77)). PTSD symptoms decreased between 2010 and 2013 (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.61), while the prevalence of psychological distress and perceived stress remained similar. In 2013, the exposed group showed a higher prevalence of various respiratory symptoms than did the non-exposed group, such as wheezing without a cold (high exposure OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.27 to 4.47) and phlegm (high exposure OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.48 to 5.55), some symptoms reflecting the degree of exposure (eg, nocturnal chest tightness (medium exposed OR 3.09; 95% CI 1.21 to 10.46; high exposed OR 3.42; 95% CI 1.30 to 11.79)). Conclusions The findings indicate that people exposed to a volcanic eruption, especially those most exposed, exhibit increased risk of certain symptoms 3–4 years after the eruption.

A review of fatal accident incidence rate trends in fishing

BACKGROUND Injury prevention in fishing is one of the most important occupational health challenges. AIM The aim was to describe and compare internationally the trends of the fatal injury incidence rates and to discuss the impact of the implemented safety programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The review is based on journal articles and reports from the maritime authorities in Poland, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, United States and Alaska and Canada. The original incidence rates were recalculated as per 1,000 person-years for international comparison of the trends. RESULTS The risk of fatal accidents in fishing in the northern countries has been reduced by around 50% to an average of about 1 per 1,000 person-years. Norway and Canada keep the lowest rates with around 0.5 and 0.25 per 1,000 person-years. About half of the fatal injuries are related to vessel disasters and drowning. The safety programs seem to have good effects, but the risk is still about 25 to 50 times higher than for onshore workers. CONCLUSIONS The overall fatal injury rates in the European and North American studies decreased by around 50% most probably as result of the implemented safety programs. However the high risk in fishing compared to onshore workers calls for continued and intensified safety programs.

Evaluating Biological Robustness of Innovative Management Alternatives

The influence of innovative management alternatives (participatory governance, effort management, decision rules) on biological robustness (BR) in various fisheries relevant to the EU (Baltic, Western Shelf, Faroe Islands, North Sea), was investigated with a numerical simulation model developed in the EU projects EFIMAS (2004–2008) and COMMIT (2004–2007). The index for BR was set as the percentage of years in which standard biological reference points (Bpa, Fpa) were met. The results suggest that new information obtained through participatory governance may affect BR by reducing bias rather than increasing precision, implying that participatory governance should rather focus on potential sources of bias than on (perceived) low sampling efforts. Further analyses suggest that effort-based regimes combined with catch quota restrictions improve BR. However, the relative effect of catch quotas versus effort management on BR varies with circumstances, implying that careful and case-specific analyses are needed to weigh one against the other. This requires more detailed data than generally available at present, including electronic surveillance, detailed catch data, environmental/productivity data, recruitment and misreporting. Finally we analysed a decision rule consisting of a two-step management system, which allows TAC adjustment according to the state of the stock monitored during the fisheries season. Such measures may improve the BR.

Mental health effects following the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland: A population-based study:

Aim: Volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters may affect survivor’s physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the mental health effects of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in Iceland on nearby residents, by exposure level and experience. Methods: This population-based study included 1615 residents living in an area close to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano at the time of the eruption and a sample of 697 residents from a non-exposed area. All participants received a questionnaire 6–9 months after the eruption assessing mental health (GHQ-12, PSS-4 and PC-PTSD). The exposed group also received questions related to the experience of the eruption. Results: Replies were received from 1146 participants in the exposed group (71%) and 510 participants in the non-exposed group (73%). Compared to the non-exposed group, participants living in the high-exposed area were at increased risk of experiencing mental distress (GHQ) 6–9 months following the eruption (odds ratio (OR) 1.45%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.90). High-exposed participants were furthermore at increased risk of experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those living in the low-exposed area (OR 3.71; 95% CI 1.34–15.41). We further found that those who had direct experience of the eruption were more likely to suffer from symptoms of mental distress, PTSD symptoms and perceived stress, compared to those less exposed. Conclusions: The findings indicate that screening for these factors (e.g. experience of the event) could potentially aid in identifying those most vulnerable to developing psychological morbidity after this unique type of disaster.

Long-term health of children following the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Background: More than 500 million people worldwide live within exposure range of an active volcano and children are a vulnerable subgroup of such exposed populations. However, studies on the effects of volcanic eruptions on children’s health beyond the first year are sparse. Objective: To examine the effect of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption on physical and mental health symptoms among exposed children in 2010 and 2013 and to identify potential predictive factors for symptoms. Method: In a population-based prospective cohort study, data was collected on the adult population (N = 1615) exposed to the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption and a non-exposed group (N = 697). The exposed group was further divided according to exposure level. All participants answered questionnaires assessing their children´s and their own perceived health status in 2010 and 2013. Results: In 2010, exposed children were more likely than non-exposed children to experience respiratory symptoms (medium exposed OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.07–2.03; high exposed OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.03–2.24) and anxiety/worries (medium exposed OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.67–3.45; high exposed OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.81–4.27). Both genders had an increased risk of symptoms of anxiety/worries but only exposed boys were at increased risk of experiencing headaches and sleep disturbances compared to non-exposed boys. Within the exposed group, children whose homes were damaged were at increased risk of experiencing anxiety/worries (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.13–2.32) and depressed mood (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.07–2.24) than children whose homes were not damaged. Among exposed children, no significant decrease of symptoms was detected between 2010 and 2013. Conclusions: Adverse physical and mental health problems experienced by the children exposed to the eruption seem to persist for up to a three-year period post-disaster. These results underline the importance of appropriate follow-up for children after a natural disaster.

Cooperation Between Science and Aviation-Sector Service Providers in Europe for Risk Management of Volcanic Ash

The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in April–May 2010 (hereafter E2010) revealed the fragility of air traffic in the case of an ash-producing volcanic eruption. This study examines developments since E2010 of cooperation between science and aviation-sector service providers toward efforts for improved resilience against a new volcanic eruption. The research builds on literature and interviews with representatives from research and regulatory institutes, air traffic managers, aircraft operators, and engine manufacturers across Europe. The article describes how scientific advice was requested to revise the regulatory precautionary approach and reopen airspace during E2010. The paper depicts the increased effort of scientific advancement in the understanding of ash characterization, modeling of the volcanic ash plume, and atmospheric environment. Furthermore, cross-disciplinary workshops and the memorandum of understanding between Icelandic and British institutions are examined to document increased cooperation between scientists and aviation-sector service providers to provide support to decision makers. However, the science needed for improved risk management is complex and depends on the effects of volcanic ash on jet engines. The concentration levels decided on over the course of a few days in 2010 have not been revised, and the aviation industry does not seem to prioritize research into these issues. A dialogue is needed between science, governance, and engine manufacturers, as well as more collective research funding to test jet engines to improve informed decision making, rather than leaving such research only to the manufacturers and internal political agendas.

A review of fatal accident incidence rate trends in fishing international

Background: Injury prevention in fishing is one of the most important occupational health challenges. Aim: The aim was to describe and compare internationally the trends of the fatal injury incidence rates and to discuss the impact of the implemented safety programs. Materials and methods: The review is based on journal articles and reports from the maritime authorities in Poland, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, United States and Alaska and Canada. The original incidence rates were recalculated as per 1,000 person-years for international comparison of the trends. Results: The risk of fatal accidents in fishing in the northern countries has been reduced by around 50% to an average of about 1 per 1,000 person-years. Norway and Canada keep the lowest rates with around 0.5 and 0.25 per 1,000 person-years. About half of the fatal injuries are related to vessel disasters and drowning. The safety programs seem to have good effects, but the risk is still about 25 to 50 times higher than for onshore workers. Conclusions: The overall fatal injury rates in the European and North American studies decreased by around 50% most probably as result of the implemented safety programs. However the high risk in fishing compared to onshore workers calls for continued and intensified safety programs. (Int Marit Health 2014; 64, 2: 47–52) ! INTRODUCTION It is generally agreed that an adequate method to prevent fishing injuries and vessel disasters is to adapt the risk management and risk prevention systems used successfully by other industries. Of course, the specific conditions in fishing must be taken in consideration. The cornerstone of risk prevention is the risk assessment process which is carried out as a stepwise process, starting with identification of the hazards and the persons at risk [1]. Here we focus on the overall, epidemiological part of the documentation for the risk assessment process, especially for fatal injuries that will also be relevant for prevention of non-fatal injuries. One important characteristic of the historical development of the fishing fleet structure is the diversity of type and size of fishing vessels to be taken in consideration in the prevention plans. At one end of the spectrum are the multinational companies utilising large factory trawlers, and at the other end, in developing countries, are the small, wooden canoes and other boats used to catch sufficient food for the local communities. For many years, the industry has been economically and socially depressed due to significant declines in stocks of fish. The fishing quotas regulations have grown more intense over the years with strong financial impact and most possibly negative impact Int Marit Health 2014; 65, 2: 47–52 www.intmarhealth.pl 48 on the safety standards. Three hundred years ago, fishing was described as one of the most extreme work conditions [2]. About 60 years ago fishing in the United Kingdom was described as one of the most extreme occupations [3]. Recently Conway [4] described fishermen as “Casting their lot upon the water”. In 1976–1995, the United Kingdom fishing fatality rate ranged on top of all industries, and was the double of merchant seafaring [5]. Today, injury prevention in fishing is still a most important challenge globally. The objectives are: (1) to describe the fatal injury rate trends of the latest decades; (2) to point out the main causal factors and (3) to discuss the impact of the implemented prevention programs. We applied the epidemiological method to describe the fatal incidence rates based on the information from peer-reviewed journal articles and the national Maritime Authority reports. The observation period included the latest decades but also some earlier data were included. The Medline database and the Google were searched with the keywords “injuries”, “epidemiology”, “incidence”, “accident”, “fishing”, and “fisherman.” Only articles and administrative reports with precise denominator and nominator data were included. Further the references served as supplemental source of information. Commercial fishermen in Norway, Iceland, Denmark, United Kingdom, Poland, Canada, United States and Alaska were selected for the review study as they are supposed to be more or less economical and technical comparable in the cold climate of the northern part of the globe. The terms “accident” and “injury” are used synonymously for the same type of harmful event. An occupational injury has been defined as a sudden and unexpected harmful event at work. The precise numbers of fatalities and the numbers of fishermen’s populations per year were extracted from the articles and the reports and the incidence rates were adjusted in Excel for comparison of the incidence rate to fatalities per 1,000 fishermen per year or full time equivalent fishermen per year. For example, from 1980 to 1984 there was on average 25 fatal accidents per year per 10,000 Icelandic fishermen [6]. By dividing the numerator and the denominator with 10 the incidence rate is 2.5 per 1,000 fishermen per year. The rates cannot be compared directly but we can follow the increase and decrease of the development of the rates in parallel over the years. The information on the direct and indirect causes of the accidents was extracted from the articles and the reports. The trends and the main causal risk factors are presented for each country based on the information given in the articles and the reports. The impact of the implemented safety programs over the years on the fatal injury rate trends is evaluated in the discussion. The fatal injury rates in Norwegian fishing decreased from 1955 to 2006, except for the two periods of 1980– –1984 and 1990–1994 due total losses of larger vessels [7, 8]. The incidence rates are calculated per “man-labour years”, based on the precise number of days at sea for every fisherman. The incidence rates (calculated) declined from 1.0 to 0.7 per 1,000 man-labour years during these years. For the period 1998–2006, the calculated risks were respectively 2.5, 0.6, and 0.2 fatal injuries per 1,000 man-labour years for small coastal vessels (Loa) < 13 m, medium coastal vessels 13–28 m, and deep sea fishing vessels > 28 m. The fatal rate in Icelandic fishing was 0.89/1,000 in 1966–1986 and continued to decline from 1980 to 2005 to a level below 0.5 per 1,000 man-years [6]. The study population was “Icelandic seafarers” that also included seafarers from the merchant fleet who add to the lower injury rate. Another explanation of the low rate is that they mainly use large fishing vessels with a higher safety standard than for the smaller vessels [9]. The fatality rates in Danish fishing decreased from 2.4 in 1970–1972 to 1.36 for 1988–1992 per 1,000 person-years [10, 11]. For 1995–2005, the overall rate was 1 per 1,000 fishermen per year and nearly stable during that period [12]. Among the fatalities in Danish fishermen in 1989–2005, 53% occurred in 36 vessel disasters. The rate of disasters among the Danish fishing ships continued with a slight decreasing slope during 2000–2009 and the rate of fatal accidents remained decreased to around 1 or less per 1,000 registered fishermen [13]. For the United Kingdom in the period 1992–2006 the average fatality rate was 1.26 deaths per 1,000 fishermen per year, but with a fair degree of fluctuation. There is only a very small reduction over the 15 years in the rate of fatalities [14]. The fatal rate for United Kingdom fishermen for 1996–2005 was 115 times higher than that of the general workforce in Great Britain. While the fatal accident rate for almost all other United Kingdom occupations fell sharply over the last 30 years, there was no discernible reduction in the fishing industry [5]. In the Polish small-scale fishing industry a total of 177 deaths at sea was identified between the years 1960–1999 and 96% of these were due to external (non-medical) causes [15]. The calculated overall injury rate was 0.9 deaths per 1,000 fishermen per year. The highest incidence rates were in the smaller boats < 13 m in length. Among commercial fishermen in the Canadian Atlantic coast during 1975–1983 there were 84 fatal fishing accidents in 183,378 person-years resulting in a fatal injury