Body stalk anomaly in Denmark during 20 years (1970-1989)

Body stalk anomaly is a severe defect of the abdominal wall with uncovered thoracic and/or abdominal organs. The umbilical cord is absent or very short. Here I present epidemiological and clinical data on 16 infants with body stalk anomaly. The 16 infants represent 3.4% of the 469 infants ascertained in an almost complete nationwide data set of live- and stillborn infants born with abdominal wall defects during the two decades 1970-1989 in Denmark. The prevalence was 0.12 per 10,000 live- and stillborn. Nine of the infants were stillbirths, seven were live births, and they all died shortly after birth. The gestational age at birth varied from 33 to 40 weeks. There was an excess of males M/F ratio: 2.2 (CI: 0.85-10.71). All infants had severe associated malformations. Among the most severe were: severe limb reduction defects (56%), absence of one kidney associated with malformations of genitalia and/or urinary bladder (62%), scoliosis (82%), and anal atresia (57%). A normal karyotype was found in all eight of the infants who were tested. There were two sets of twins; one discordant and one concordant. Mean maternal and paternal ages were 28.5 and 29.5 years, respectively, not significantly different from the mean parental ages of the Danish population during the same period.     

Short-term street soccer improves fitness and cardiovascular health status of homeless men

This study examined the effect of 12 weeks of small-sided street soccer (2.2 ± 0.7 sessions/week) and fitness center training (0.5 ± 0.2 sessions/week) on physical fitness and cardiovascular health profile for homeless men. Exercise capacity, maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), body composition (DXA scans), blood pressure (BP), and blood lipid profile were determined before and after the intervention period for 22 soccer-group subjects (SG) and 10 waiting list controls (CO). In addition, time-motion analyses, HR measurements, and pedometer recordings were performed during street soccer training and daily-life activities. During a 60 min 4 versus 4 street soccer session 182 ± 62 intense running bouts were performed; mean HR was 82 ± 4% HR(max) and HR was >90% HR(max) for 21 ± 12% (±SD) of total time. On a day without training the participants performed 10,733 ± 4,341 steps and HR was >80% HR(max) for 2.4 ± 4.3 min. In SG, VO(2max) was elevated (p < 0.05) from 36.7 ± 7.6 to 40.6 ± 8.6 ml/min/kg after 12 weeks and incremental cycle test performance was improved (p < 0.05) by 81 s (95% CI: 47-128 s). After 12 weeks, fat percentage (19.4 ± 8.5 to 17.5 ± 8.6%) and LDL cholesterol (3.2 ± 1.1 to 2.8 ± 0.8 mmol L(-1)) were lowered (p < 0.05) in SG. The observed changes in SG were different (p < 0.05) from CO and no intra-group changes occurred for CO (p > 0.05). BP was unaltered after 12 weeks (p > 0.05), but diastolic BP was lowered for all SG subjects with pre-values >75 mmHg (83 ± 6 to 76 ± 6 mmHg, n = 8, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the exercise intensity is high during street soccer and regular street soccer training can be used as an effective activity to promote physical fitness and cardiovascular health status for homeless men.     

Development of gut microbiota in infants not exposed to medical interventions

Knowledge of the composition of a normal healthy gut microbiota during infancy is important for understanding the role of gut microbiota in disease. A limitation of previous studies is that they are based on infants who have been subject to factors, which can have a profound disruptive effect on the natural colonization process. We describe the colonization process, during the first 4 months after birth, in 85 infants who have experienced no major medical or dietary interventions. They were all vaginally delivered, healthy, term infants, who were not exposed to antibiotics, exclusively breastfed during their first month of life and at least partially breastfed up to 4 months. Selected microbial groups were identified by targeting small subunit microbial ribosomal RNA genes. In contrast to more recent studies, but in agreement with older studies, almost all our infants harbored γ-Proteobacteria and Bifidobacterium. Yet undefined non-cultivable species belonging to Bacteroides, as well as microbes identified as Lachnospiraceae 2, were common. Strong associations were observed between some specific constituents of microbiota at day 4 and the concentration of specific microbial groups at day 120, indicating that early gut microbiota may influence later microbiota. Novel information of the undisturbed composition of early gut microbiota in babies is presented.     

Associations between physical and mental health problems and sexual dysfunctions in sexually active Danes

IntroductionStudies have shown a high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among individuals with a variety of health problems.AimTo obtain a population‐based assessment of these matters, we studied associations between indicators of physical and mental health problems and sexual dysfunctions in Denmark.MethodsWe used questionnaire data from 4,415 sexually active men (mean age 48 years) and women (mean age 45 years) who participated in a nationally representative survey in 2005. Cross‐sectional associations of overall health and physical and mental health problems with sexual dysfunctions in the last year were estimated by logistic regression‐derived, confounder‐adjusted odds ratios (OR_adj).Main Outcome MeasuresWe calculated OR_adj with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia, premature ejaculation, and dyspareunia in men, for lubrication insufficiency, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, and vaginismus in women, and for sexual dysfunction and sexual difficulties overall in both sexes.ResultsSexual dysfunction was significantly more common among participants with poor self‐rated health (OR_adj 1.86, 95% CI 1.05‐3.33 in men, OR_adj 1.91, 1.08–3.37 in women). Physical health problems were significantly associated with male sexual dysfunctions (OR_adj 1.75, 1.18–2.61), whereas mental health problems were significantly associated with female sexual dysfunctions (OR_adj 2.59, 1.60–4.22).ConclusionAmong sexually active Danes, poor self‐reported overall health is associated with increased rates of sexual dysfunction in both sexes, with physical health problems mainly affecting men's sex lives, and mental health problems being strongly associated with female sexual dysfunction. Christensen BS, Grønbæk M, Osler M, Pedersen BV, Graugaard C, and Frisch M. Associations between physical and mental health problems and sexual dysfunctions in sexually active Danes. J Sex Med 2011;8:1890–1902.     

Impact of reattaching various Aeromonas salmonicida A-layer proteins on vaccine efficacy in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida causes atypical furunculosis in a whole range of farmed fish species. The bacterium comprises a heterogeneous group differing in surface components such as the A-layer protein and O-chain polysaccharide structures. Previously, the A-layer protein was shown to contribute to protective immunity as a vaccine with A. salmonicida cells with reattached A-layer protein protecting significantly better than the corresponding A-layer deficient bacteria used in the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) vaccine. In the present study, genetically different A. salmonicida A-proteins, either as preformed A-layer sheets from culture supernatants or as purified preparations, were shown to attach to A-layer deficient isolates with a different O-chain structure. Only vaccines containing A. salmonicida cells with reattached A-protein genetically homologous to the challenge isolate, elicited protection comparable to that of the homologous vaccine.     

Do we eat less fat, or just report so?

OBJECTIVE: To examine secular trends in diet reporting error. METHODS: Dietary information was obtained from 228 Danish men and women in 1987-88, and from 122 men and women in 1993-94. RESULTS: Bias in dietary reporting of energy and protein intake was assessed by comparing reported intake with intake data, estimated from 24 h nitrogen output, validated by administering P-aminobenzoic acid, and estimated 24 h energy expenditure. Total energy was under-reported more than energy from protein at both surveys, suggesting that energy from other nutrients, like fat and/or carbohydrate, must have been under-reported too. There was a greater under-reporting for energy than for protein in 1993-94 (29%) than in 1987-88 (15%). Obesity was positively associated with under-reporting, both in 1987-88 and in 1993-94. CONCLUSION: The higher macro-nutrient specific error in 1993-94 compared to 1987-88 may reflect a trend to increasingly omitting fat and/or carbohydrate-rich foods in dietary reporting. This may be a consequence of increased awareness of diet intake, which, in turn, may be related to intensified public health campaigns to reduce intake of fat and/or simple carbohydrate. These results may have consequences for our understanding of the apparent decline in dietary fat and associated health benefits.     

Prevention of secondary cases of meningococcal disease in Denmark

Close contacts of cases of meningococcal disease are at increased risk of disease themselves. We identified household-like contacts of index cases, to investigate whether relevant target groups are informed, receive and follow recommended chemoprophylaxis and vaccination, and to ascertain the time delay for implementation of these measures. A telephone interview of 172 households of index cases and a questionnaire survey among 634 parents of contacts of cases in institutions were carried out. Results were compared with reports from Medical Officers of Health. In 21% of the cases, Medical Officers reported fewer household-like contacts than were identified in this study. Written information was effective. However, 59% of households, and 36% of parents of contacts in institutions felt a lack of information about how the disease is acquired, the risk and signs of illness. For household-like contacts the coverage rate for chemoprophylaxis with an appropriate drug was 90% and for vaccination 59%. No secondary cases occurred among those treated with chemoprophylaxis, but among those not treated, there were two secondary cases. The study design provided a useful audit methodology to evaluate the completeness of implementation and the success of prophylactic measures for meningococcal disease.