PubMed · 5689685
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L D Polk. 1968. No more preemies?. https://doi.org/10.1177/000992286800700502
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BACKGROUND: Several investigators have shown striking differences in semen quality and testicular cancer rate between Denmark and Finland. Since maldescent of the testis is a shared risk factor for these conditions we undertook a joint prospective study for the prevalence of congenital cryptorchidism. METHODS: 1068 Danish (1997-2001) and 1494 Finnish boys (1997-99) were consecutively recruited prenatally. We also established prevalence data for all newborns at Turku University Central Hospital, Finland (1997-99, n=5798). Testicular position was assessed by a standardised technique. All subtypes of congenital cryptorchidism were included, but retractile testes were considered normal. FINDINGS: Prevalence of cryptorchidism at birth was 9.0% (95% CI 7.3-10.8) in Denmark and 2.4% (1.7-3.3) in Finland. At 3 months of age, prevalence rates were 1.9% (1.2-3.0) and 1.0% (0.5-1.7), respectively. Significant geographic differences were still present after adjustment for confounding factors (birthweight, gestational age, being small for gestational age, maternal age, parity, mode of delivery); odds ratio (Denmark vs Finland) was 4.4 (2.9-6.7, p<0.0001) at birth and 2.2 (1.0-4.5, p=0.039) at three months. The rate in Denmark was significantly higher than that reported 40 years ago. INTERPRETATION: Our findings of increasing and much higher prevalence of congenital cryptorchidism in Denmark than in Finland contribute evidence to the pattern of high frequency of reproductive problems such as testicular cancer and impaired semen quality in Danish men. Although genetic factors could account for the geographic difference, the increase in reproductive health problems in Denmark is more likely explained by environmental factors, including endocrine disrupters and lifestyle.
To evaluate scoring systems for chest radiographs, we determined interobserver agreement and relation to the lung function during the 1st week of life in ventilated preterm infants. Three independent observers examined chest radiographs by applying radiological scores according to Lischka, Yuksel, Greenough, Toce, and Giedion on postnatal days 2 and 7. Kappa statistics was used to assess the interobserver agreement. By means of regression analysis, mean scores and individual radiological scores of the three observers were studied in relation to ventilation and oxygenation indices and respiratory system resistance and compliance. Forty-eight radiographs were evaluated on day 2 and 17 radiographs on day 7. All scoring systems showed kappa values equal to or <0.5. Regression analysis revealed no significant associations between radiological scores and ventilator requirements or respiratory mechanics. We conclude that in ventilated preterm infants radiological scoring systems showed a poor interobserver agreement and that they were not related to the actual respiratory function.