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Biomedical subjects

M Madsen

Publications and source records attributed to M Madsen.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Scandiatransplant: organ transplantation in the Nordic countries 1996.

The Nordic collaboration in organ transplantation was initiated nearly 30 years ago in the frame of Scandiatransplant. With a recent formalization of its structure, Scandiatransplant has become a modern organ exchange organization. The increasing activities of Scandiatransplant clearly reflect the continuously growing need for a close and firm Nordic collaboration in the transplantation field, for the benefit of the numerous patients waiting for an organ transplant.

Adolescent↗

Avoparcin used as a growth promoter is associated with the occurrence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium on Danish poultry and pig farms.

We determined the association between the use of the glycopeptide antibiotic avoparcin as a growth promoter and the occurrence of Enterococcus faecium (VREF) with high-level resistance to vancomycin (MIC > or = 64 micrograms ml-1) on poultry and pig farms. The investigations were conducted as retrospective cohort studies, where groups of farms exposed or not exposed to avoparcin between September 1994 and April 1995 were compared. In poultry, the association between the use of avoparcin and the occurrence of VREF was confounded by the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the adjusted relative risk was 2.9 (1.4-5.9). In pigs, the association had a similar magnitude with a non-adjusted relative risk of 3.3 (0.9-12.3). The similar findings in the two studies provide evidence in favour of a causal association between the use of avoparcin and the occurrence of VREF on farms, and suggest that food animals constitute a potential reservoir of infection for VREF in humans.

Animals↗

Distribution of serotypes of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli from Danish patients, poultry, cattle and swine.

The number of human cases of enteritis caused by Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli is increasing in Denmark and other European countries. No systemic typing has earlier been performed on Campylobacter isolates of Danish origin. The primary purpose of this study was to provide a serotype distribution of Campylobacter isolates from Danish patients and the major food production animals. In addition, the occurrence of intestinal carriers of thermophilic campylobacters among these food production animals was examined. In a nationwide survey, the individual isolation rate was 36% for broiler chickens, 47% for cattle and 46% for swine when sampled at the slaughterhouse. C. jejuni accounted for 83-91% of the thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in broiler chickens and cattle, whereas 95% of the isolates from swine was C. coli. In human patients with Campylobacter enteritis, 94% of the isolates were C. jejuni and 6% were C. coli. Heat-stable serotyping (the 'Penner scheme') was performed on a total of 398 isolates from the four sources: human patients (n = 145), broiler chickens (n = 94), swine (n = 111) and cattle (n = 48). Among human isolates, serotype O:1,44, O:2 and the O:4-complex accounted for 62% of the C. jejuni isolates. These serotypes were also common in samples from broilers and cattle. In swine, C. coli O:30 and O:46 were most common. The serotype distribution of human clinical isolates showed large overlap with the serotype distribution of campylobacters in cattle and chickens, and on this basis both could be major sources of human campylobacteriosis.

Abattoirs↗

Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. from humans, pigs, cattle, and broilers in Denmark.

The MICs of 16 antimicrobial agents were determined for 202 Campylobacter jejuni isolates, 123 Campylobacter coli isolates, and 6 Campylobacter lari isolates from humans and food animals in Denmark. The C. jejuni isolates originated from humans (75), broilers (95), cattle (29), and pigs (3); the C. coli isolates originated from humans (7), broilers (17), and pigs (99); and the C. lari isolates originated from broilers (5) and cattle (1). All isolates were susceptible to apramycin, neomycin, and gentamicin. Only a few C. jejuni isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. Resistance to tetracycline was more common among C. jejuni isolates from humans (11%) than among C. jejuni isolates from animals (0 to 2%). More resistance to streptomycin was found among C. jejuni isolates from cattle (10%) than among those from humans (4%) or broilers (1%). A greater proportion of C. coli than of C. jejuni isolates were resistant to the other antimicrobial agents tested. Isolates were in most cases either coresistant to tylosin, spiramycin, and erythromycin or susceptible to all three antibiotics. More macrolide-resistant isolates were observed among C. coli isolates from swine (79%) than among C. coli isolates from broilers (18%) and humans (14%). Twenty-four percent of C. coli isolates from pigs were resistant to enrofloxacin, whereas 29% of C. coli isolates from humans and none from broilers were resistant. More resistance to streptomycin was observed among C. coli isolates from swine (48%) than among C. coli isolates from broilers (6%) or humans (0%). The six C. lari isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobial agents except ampicillin and nalidixic acid. This study showed that antimicrobial resistance was found only at relatively low frequencies among C. jejuni and C. lari isolates. Among C. coli isolates, especially from swine, there was a high level of resistance to macrolides and streptomycin. Furthermore, this study showed differences in the resistance to antimicrobial agents among Campylobacter isolates of different origins.

Animals↗

Correlation of conversion of Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis phage type 1, 4, or 6 to phage type 7 with loss of lipopolysaccharide.

Studies of pairs of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis isolates from different poultry flocks showed that phage type (PT) 7 may be derived from PT 1, 4, and 6. The conversion appeared to be associated with loss of lipopolysaccharide. It is concluded that PT 7 may be of little value as an epidemiological marker of S. enterica serovar Enteritidis.

Humans↗

Healthy puppies and kittens as carriers of Campylobacter spp., with special reference to Campylobacter upsaliensis.

Living in a household with a dog or cat has previously been identified as a significant risk factor for acquiring campylobacteriosis, in particular, with reference to Campylobacter upsaliensis infection. In a cross-sectional study carried out in Denmark between August and December 1996, 72 healthy puppies and 42 healthy kittens, aged between 11 and 17 weeks, were sampled for fecal campylobacter shedding by culture of rectal swab specimens on blood-free agar base with cefoperazone at 32 mg/liter and amphotericin at 10 mg/liter and on blood-free agar base with cefoperazone at 8 mg/liter, teicoplanin at 4 mg/liter, and amphotericin at 10 mg/liter. Additionally, with respect to the C. upsaliensis transmission potential of poultry, a chicken cloacal swab sample from each of 100 different broiler flocks was included in the study for comparison. We found 21 (29%) of the puppies positive for Campylobacter spp., with a species distribution of 76% C. jejuni, 5% C. coli, and 19% C. upsaliensis. Of the kittens examined, two (5%) excreted campylobacters; both strains were C. upsaliensis. None of the chicken samples examined were found to be positive for C. upsaliensis. We concluded that young puppies and kittens are potential transmitters of human-pathogenic Campylobacter spp., including C. upsaliensis, while poultry seems negligible in C. upsaliensis epidemiology.

Animals↗

Organ exchange in the Nordic countries.

Scandiatransplant is an organ exchange organisation founded in 1969. It serves a population of 23 million inhabitants in the five Nordic countries; Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Scandiatransplant maintains a common central waiting list for all Nordic patients waiting for necro-organ transplantation. The waiting lists are maintained on a central computer by each of the eleven transplant centres in the organisation. The number of necro-organ donors in Scandiatransplant is about 340-375 yearly, corresponding to 15-16 donors per million population (PMP) per year. Since the foundation, a total of 14,500 necro-kidney transplants have been performed, and the number of transplants with extrarenal organs is steadily increasing. Presently, about 7-8 liver transplants PMP are being performed, and the heart transplant activity amounts to about 5 PMP. The supreme authority of Scandiatransplant is the Council of Representatives, in which each transplant centre is represented by one or more professionals who are clinically active in organ transplantation. The responsibility for day-to-day operations lies with the Board which has one member appointed by each of the five Nordic countries and a chairman elected by the Council. The activities of Scandiatransplant are financed exclusively by the participating centres.

Computer Communication Networks↗

[Organization of emergency medical care in the United States of America].

Organised emergency medical services in the United States are a relatively recent development. Prior to 1967, emergency medicine was uncoordinated, inefficient and frequently of poor overall quality. Patients were transported to the hospital by ambulances that in a many cases were owned by funeral homes. Funeral homes had vehicles that were able to accommodate a stretcher but were not configured for ongoing patient care. Ambulance attendants had little training beyond basic first aid. Hospital care was not much better. Patients were usually taken to the closest facility regardless of the capabilities of the hospital. The doctor on duty usually had no formal training in emergency medicine. In many cases, the doctor was assigned as the "on-call" doctor for the day and did not work full time in the department. One day might find practitioner on duty, the next a psychiatrist or pathologist providing care during the critical early hours of a serious illness or injury.

Emergency Medical Services↗

Prevalence and serovar distribution of Salmonella in fresh and frozen meat from captive Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus).

Salmonella was isolated from 6 of 20 (30.0%) samples of fresh meat, and from 28 of 140 (20.0%) samples of frozen meat processed for human consumption from captive Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in Zimbabwe. Salmonella enterica isolates showed a serovar distribution of 41.2% (14/34) subsp. enterica, 11.8% (4/34) subsp. salamae and 41.2% (14/34) subsp. diarizonae. Analyses of fresh meat samples yielded Aeromonas (A. hydrophila) in 18 of 20 samples (90%), and a mean aerobic plate count (APC, 30 degrees C) of 5.79 cfu/g, a mean coliform count (TC, 37 degrees C) of 5.08 cfu/g and a mean faecal coliform count FC, 44 degrees C) of 4.76 cfu/g. It is suggested that the presence of Salmonella in meat samples may be due to skin surface contamination originating from faecally polluted rearing water ponds combined with excessive handling procedures during flaying. The common presence of Salmonella, including serovars of proven pathogenic potential, in crocodile meat offered for human consumption should concern consumers and public health authorities, as well as staff employed at crocodile farms.

Abattoirs↗

Trends in mortality, incidence and case fatality of ischaemic heart disease in Denmark, 1982-1992.

BACKGROUND: In Denmark, as in many other Western countries, a decline in mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) has been observed. The present study assesses whether the decline in IHD mortality is due to a decrease in incidence and/or case-fatality, and whether parallel changes occurred in the various manifestations of IHD requiring hospitalization. METHODS: The National Patient Register of hospital discharges and the Causes-of-Death Register were linked and all cases of first admission for IHD including AMI and fatal first manifestations of IHD since 1977 in the entire Danish population were identified. Cases of AMI and IHD were considered as incident cases if no admission for these diagnoses had occurred during the preceding 5 years. Sex-specific, age-standardized annual mortality, incidence and case-fatality rates of AMI (ICD8 code 410), narrowly defined IHD (NIHD, ICD8 codes 410-4) and broadly defined IHD (BIHD, ICD8 codes 410-4, 427 and 795-6) were calculated for the period 1982-1992. RESULTS: During the entire period the age-standardized mortality of AMI, NIHD and BIHD decreased in both men and women. The incidence of AMI and NIHD decreased, while the incidence of BIHD remained constant. Case fatality of AMI decreased in both men and women, while case fatality of NIHD and BIHD decreased in men and in women aged 0-64 years only. CONCLUSION: The declining mortality from IHD in Denmark may be partly due to declining incidence as well as declining case fatality, but changes in disease manifestation or diagnostic drift may also contribute because more broadly defined diagnostic groups showed less or no decline in incidence.

Adolescent↗

Glycopeptide susceptibility among Danish Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis isolates of animal and human origin and PCR identification of genes within the VanA cluster.

The MICs of vancomycin and avoparcin were determined for isolates of Enterococcus faecium and isolates of Enterococcus faecalis recovered from the feces of humans and animals in Denmark. Two hundred twenty-one of 376 (59%) isolates of E. faecium and 2 of 133 (1.5%) isolates of E. faecalis were resistant to vancomycin (MICs, 128 to > or = 256 micrograms/ml), and all vancomycin-resistant isolates were resistant to avoparcin (MICs, 64 to > or = 256 micrograms/ml). All vancomycin-resistant isolates examined carried the vanA, vanX, and vanR genes, suggesting that a gene cluster similar to that of the transposon Tn1546 was responsible for the resistance.

Animals↗

Medical physics.

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Biophysics↗

[The national patient registry. Evaluation of data quality].

The Danish National Patient Register, which includes information on all patients admitted to hospitals, has been evaluated as concerns the quality of the data included. The material examined consisted of a representative sample of 1094 patients from departments all over the country (gynaecology and obstetrics, medicine, surgery and paediatrics). Recoding of data, clinical as well as administrative, based on copies of the case records from the hospitals was carried out by two clinically working physicians (registrars). For the administrative data e.g. length of stay, satisfactory concordance was found. The validity of clinical information depended on clinical speciality and degree of diagnostic specificity. Based on the international classification the agreement on the three digit diagnostic level was better than on the five digit diagnostic level. For surgery the agreement was better than for medicine. The agreement between the diagnostic information (primary diagnosis) and the recoder in choosing primary diagnosis varied from 66-83 percent on the five digit level and between 73-89 percent on the three digit diagnostic level. If cases where the diagnosis in the registry could be regarded as an acceptable alternative were included, the agreement between the registry and recoding was 75-90%. In a subsample of the material double coding by the two coders was carried out and it was remarkable that, taken as a whole, the degree of agreement between the two coders was of the same size as between recoder and the registry. It is anticipated, however, that introduction of ICD-10 with more clear-cut rules for choice of primary diagnosis in morbidity coding will contribute to better validity and consequently improved hospital statistics.

Denmark↗

[Congenital cerebral paresis in Eastern Denmark, the year of birth between 1971-1982].

The aim of The Cerebral Palsy Register is to follow the development of cerebral palsy in East Denmark as reported from the children's departments within the area. The prevalence among Danish children born in 1971-1982 is reported. Postnatal cases have been excluded. The live-birth prevalence has increased from 1.7 per 1000 in 1971-1974 to 2.3 per 1000 in 1979-1982. An increased proportion with birthweight under 2500 g and neuroimpairment was found in the latest birth year period. A re-evaluation of diagnostic information confirmed the increasing trend of the prevalence. Preterm births were dominated by perinatal etiology, while term births equally often had a prenatal etiology. It is worrying that the prevalence is rising and that the children have more disabilities. The reason for the increasing trend is most probably due to the decreasing neonatal mortality.

Cerebral Palsy↗

Detectability of simulated brain activation using dual radioisotope SPECT based on size and intensity of the focal hyperactivity.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Simultaneous single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) neuroimaging with both technetium-99m (99mTc) hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) and iodine-123 (123I) N-isopropyl-iodoamphetamine is a recently introduced method with potential for assessing activation phenomena in the brain. However, there is limited information on the accuracy of the technique for detecting focal cortical sites of neuroactivation. We determined, in vitro, what levels of activation could be detected as a function of the size of the activated region. METHODS: A Lucite brain phantom was filled with both 123I and 99mTc so as to simulate both a nonactivated state (123I) along with focal sites of activation (99mTc). Simulated activations ranged from 0 to 18% in volumes of 7, 14, 20, and 27 cm3. Imaging was performed with a triple-detector gamma camera using a 10% symmetric window at 140 keV and 10% asymmetric window around 159 keV. No correction was made for gamma cross-talk. To determine whether a simulated activation was "detected," the 99mTc: 123I count ratios in the activated regions were compared by t test with ratios in nonactivated regions of similar volume. Detection sensitivities also were calculated as the fraction of the activated 99mTc: 123I ratios that were greater than the mean + 2 standard deviations of the corresponding nonactivated ratios. RESULTS: All sites of simulated activations of 10% or greater were detected. The detection sensitivity was 100% (95% confidence interval, 90-100%) for the two largest chambers with simulated activations of 13-18%. Activations in the 3-6% range, in the same-sized chambers, were detected with a limited sensitivity (67% with a confidence interval of 45-84%). In the 14-cm3 chamber, simulated activations in the 13-18% range were detected with 90% sensitivity (confidence interval, 74-98%). In general, the detection sensitivity was greater for larger chambers and higher levels of simulated activation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the dual-radioisotope technique using triple-detector SPECT systems and low-energy all-purpose (LEAP) collimators should be highly reliable for identifying focal brain activations above 13% that cover at least 14 cm3 of brain cortex. Smaller, less intense sites of activation will be detected with reduced frequency. These conclusions are based on our assessment of only the physical parameters involved in this methodology and other factors (e.g., the possibility that the relation between cerebral radiotracer concentration and regional cerebral blood flow) may affect the results obtained with patients.

Brain↗

Bacterial flora of semen collected from Danish warmblood stallions by artificial vagina.

Semen samples were collected from 21 Danish Warmblood stallions by the Colorado artificial vagina (Colorado AV, 14 samples) or by the Missouri artificial vagina (Missouri AV, 7 samples). The semen was examined bacteriologically by direct plating (DP) on blood agar plates, and by plating of semen swabs stored in Stuart's transport media (TM) at 4 degrees C for 1-4 days. No significant differences were observed between results obtained by DP and cultures of identical TM samples. Of the 21 samples examined, only 1 TM (4.8%) and 2 DP samples (9.5%) were sterile, while the rest yielded a predominantly mixed flora comprising 1 to 4 bacterial genera. The natural flora was dominated by coagulase-negative staphylococci (Staphylococcus lentus, S. capitis, S. haemolyticus, S. xylosus) (16/21 = 76%), coryneforms (11/21 = 52%) and alpha-hemolytic streptococci and lactobacilli (7/21 = 33%). Potential venereal pathogens were isolated from 7 stallions (33%). Beta-hemolytic streptococci were found in 4 stallions used for natural service, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype 6 (2 samples) and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae capsule type K5 (1 sample) were isolated from 3 stallions used exclusively for artificial insemination. The role of the stallion as a carrier of potential venereal pathogens, and the artificial vagina as a source of contamination, is discussed in the context of mare endometritis.

Animals↗