ABSTRACT
For a broad range of values of magnetic monopole mass and charge, the abundance of monopoles trapped inside Earth would be expected to be enhanced in the mantle beneath the geomagnetic poles. A search for magnetic monopoles was conducted using the signature of an induced persistent current following the passage of igneous rock samples through a SQUID-based magnetometer. A total of 24.6 kg of rocks from various selected sites, among which 23.4 kg are mantle-derived rocks from the Arctic and Antarctic areas, was analyzed. No monopoles were found, and a 90% confidence level upper limit of 9.8 × 10(-5)/g is set on the monopole density in the search samples.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To elicit patients' views and attitudes towards the use of hypnotics and tranquillisers and their knowledge about such drugs and household remedies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During 1986-1993 a total of 577 individuals in Egilsstaethir district (3029 inhabitants) had used sedatives and/or tranquillisers. Out of this group a stratified randomised sample composing 208 individuals, received a questionnaire with 22 or 24 questions about the use of tranquillisers and hypnotics. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.1 years for users of tranquillisers, 60.1 years for the users of hypnotics. Women were in majority in both groups, most of them were married and working outside the home. Users of tranquillisers were divided into two main categories i.e. daily users and occasional users. Only a few used tranquillisers two or three times daily. Many used tranquillisers only as sleeping medicine. A fourth of the participants began using hypnotics after sleeping problems of less than one month. Doctors usually prescribed the medicines the first time they were used. 55% have tried household remedies against anxiety and sleeping problems. A majority had tried to stop using these medicines. Feelings of guilt because of the use of medicines was not common. Participants were well informed about how much sleep is needed. CONCLUSION: Our results show that most of the patients in the research area had gripped their doctors' message regarding sleeping problems, health promotion and the risk of addiction after continuous use of hypnotics and tranquillisers. It is however likely, that more education in this direction can further increase health promotion and minimise the use of drugs.
ABSTRACT
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is among the most common gastrointestinal disorders. In this survey, the prognosis of patients diagnosed with IBS was examined. In 1982, 81 (2.9%) of the inhabitants in Egilsstaethir health care district had diagnosed IBS on their medical records (ICCH 558). Twelve years later, in 1994, the health records of those patients were examined. Information was gathered through a questionnaire, which 76% answered. Of those who answered 28% had no longer any symptoms, but 38% experienced symptoms once a month or more frequently. The medical records of 11 patients who died were checked, revealing that two had had a confirmed gastrointestinal disease, but not in the colon.
ABSTRACT
In Iceland a problem oriented medical record system for primary health care has been developed. A contact-form is used to record data on all contacts between the inhabitants in a district and the health center. A minicomputer is used for retrieval and analysis. One rural health center using this system has been successful in recording a basic set of data on all contacts taking place since 1976 and linking these data to the national register data for the population in the district. Most health centers in Iceland are now adopting this system, because it seems to be: A valuable aid in the treatment of patients, which improves the quality of the treatment. A useful source of information of the health of the population, which among other things makes possible the identification of those at special risk. A good instrument for research and teaching. A useful source of statistics on the primary care services.
