100 ancient genomes show repeated population turnovers in Neolithic Denmark.

Major migration events in Holocene Eurasia have been characterized genetically at broad regional scales1-4. However, insights into the population dynamics in the contact zones are hampered by a lack of ancient genomic data sampled at high spatiotemporal resolution5-7. Here, to address this, we analysed shotgun-sequenced genomes from 100 skeletons spanning 7,300 years of the Mesolithic period, Neolithic period and Early Bronze Age in Denmark and integrated these with proxies for diet (13C and 15N content), mobility (87Sr/86Sr ratio) and vegetation cover (pollen). We observe that Danish Mesolithic individuals of the Maglemose, Kongemose and Ertebølle cultures form a distinct genetic cluster related to other Western European hunter-gatherers. Despite shifts in material culture they displayed genetic homogeneity from around 10,500 to 5,900 calibrated years before present, when Neolithic farmers with Anatolian-derived ancestry arrived. Although the Neolithic transition was delayed by more than a millennium relative to Central Europe, it was very abrupt and resulted in a population turnover with limited genetic contribution from local hunter-gatherers. The succeeding Neolithic population, associated with the Funnel Beaker culture, persisted for only about 1,000 years before immigrants with eastern Steppe-derived ancestry arrived. This second and equally rapid population replacement gave rise to the Single Grave culture with an ancestry profile more similar to present-day Danes. In our multiproxy dataset, these major demographic events are manifested as parallel shifts in genotype, phenotype, diet and land use.

Learning about midwifery in another country from a distance: Evaluation of a virtual classroom learning session.

BACKGROUND: Studying abroad promotes cultural awareness and understanding of different healthcare settings and practices but family or financial constraints prevent some students from taking advantage of these opportunities. We developed a virtual classroom learning session to give Danish and Irish midwifery students an opportunity to explore midwifery and maternity care in another country. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the content of midwifery students' chat room discussions about the differences in maternity and midwifery care during an international online learning session, and their opinions of the session. PARTICIPANTS: 27 Danish and 37 Irish undergraduate direct entry midwifery students. METHODS: Content analysis of students' chat room discussions and post-session survey. FINDINGS: Students engaged enthusiastically in the chat room discussions throughout the session. Almost all of the interactivity was between students themselves, and questions raised by students from one country were answered by students in the other country. Discussions centred on the lecture content, rates of interventions and birth outcomes, but developed into broader issues relating to one-to-one midwifery care during labour, factors that facilitate normal birth, national data availability, staffing levels, and financial and cultural aspects of having children at earlier or later ages. In the survey, students described the session as awakening curiosity and a fun way to learn. They found it 'cool' to talk with real students from another country, a memorable way of discussing differences between the two maternity care systems and expanding knowledge. Negative comments related to technological problems. CONCLUSION: An international virtual classroom learning session can give midwifery students insights into midwifery elsewhere, stimulate curiosity and be an engaging way to learn. Our students' experiences show that it can offer a real, engaging and positive learning experience and enrich students' knowledge of cultural differences.

The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in Greenland is related to latitude.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in Greenlanders and Danes living at four different latitudes in Greenland. A Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) was mailed to 6021 men and women between the ages of 18 and 59 years living in four different municipalities in Greenland. The recipients were randomly selected from the National Population Register. Approximately 9% of the respondents met the criteria for SAD, and the incidence of SAD varied between a southern municipality and three northern municipalities. The prevalence of SAD was particularly high in northern municipalities. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of SAD between Greenlanders and Danes. The results are comparable with other population studies that have reported a high prevalence of SAD in arctic areas. The clinical implications of our findings and the possibilities for introducing light therapy should be assessed in future studies.

[Beta-thalassemia major in children and adolescents in Denmark]. / beta-thalassaemia major hos børn og unge i Danmark.

INTRODUCTION: Beta-thalassemia major occurs with increasing frequency among Danish children as a result of immigration. The aim of the study was to estimate the occurrence of beta-thalassemia major in Denmark, analyse the treatment and organ functions, and identify areas for an improved treatment strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During 1998-99 all Danish pediatric departments were contacted for identification of children aged 0-18 years with beta-thalassemia major. Blood transfusions and chelation therapy were registered, and for Eastern Denmark clinical, endocrine, cardiac, and serologic parameters were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-six children had beta-thalassemia major. Out of these, 20 received blood transfusions, and 17 patients were chelated. Eight patients were not chelated owing to previous bone marrow transplantation, treatment with hydroxyurea or ferritin < 2000 micrograms/l and young age. One patient had died. The body height was between 1.5 and -5.4 SDS (median -1.7) and the sitting height was -0.6 to -5.6 SDS (median -2.3). The bone age was delayed 1-5 years (median -2.5) in six out of ten examined patients, and puberty delayed in four out of five. A dilated left ventricle was documented in one out of eight patients examined. All patients were HIV and hepatitis C negative. For 75% of the children, the parents were related. DISCUSSION: Children and adolescents with beta-thalassemia major in Denmark experience major heterogenicity with regard to treatment and late effects. An earlier and more effective iron chelation therapy together with improved patient support may reduce growth disturbances and endocrine and cardiac late effects.

Commonly recommended daily intake of vitamin D is not sufficient if sunlight exposure is limited.

OBJECTIVES: Sunlight exposure of the skin is known to be the most important source of vitamin D. The aims of this study were: (i) to estimate vitamin D status amongst sunlight-deprived individuals (veiled Arab women, veiled ethnic Danish Moslem women and Danish controls); and (ii) through food intake analysis to estimate the oral intake of vitamin D necessary to keep a normal vitamin D status in sunlight-deprived individuals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study amongst randomly selected Moslem women of Arab origin living in Denmark. Age-matched Danish women were included as controls. To control for racial differences, a group of veiled ethnic Danish Moslem women (all Caucasians) was included. SETTING: Primary Health Care Centre, City Vest and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism C, University Hospital of Aarhus, Aarhus Amtssygehus, Aarhus, Denmark. SUBJECTS: Sixty-nine Arab women (60 veiled, nine non-veiled) and 44 age-matched Danish controls were randomly selected amongst patients contacting the primary health care centre for reasons other than vitamin D deficiency. Ten ethnic Danish Moslem women were included through a direct contact with their community. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were used as estimates of vitamin D status. Intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) was used to control for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Alkaline phosphatase and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase were used as markers for osteomalacic bone involvement. Oral intake of vitamin D and calcium were estimated through a historical food intake interview performed by a trained clinical dietician. RESULTS: Veiled Arab women displayed extremely low values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D: 7.1 +/- 1.1 nmol L-1, compared with 17.5 +/- 2. 3 (P < 0.002) in ethnic Danish Moslems and 47.1 +/- 4.6 (P < 10-17) in Danish controls. PTH was increased amongst veiled Arab women: 15. 6 +/- 1.8 pmol L-1, compared with 5.7 +/- 1.4 in ethnic Danish Moslems and 2.7 +/- 0.3 (P < 10-6) in Danish controls. The vitamin D intake (including food supplementation) was very low amongst Arab women: 1.04 microg day-1, compared with 13.53 amongst ethnic Danish Moslems and 7.49 amongst Danish controls (P < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Severe vitamin D deficiency is prevalent amongst sunlight-deprived individuals living in Denmark. In veiled Arab women, vitamin D deficiency is the result of a combination of limitations in sunlight exposure and a low oral intake of vitamin D. The oral intake of vitamin D amongst veiled ethnic Danish Moslems was, however, very high, at 13.53 microgram (approximately 600 IU), but they were still vitamin D-deficient. Our results suggest that the daily oral intake of vitamin D in sunlight-deprived individuals should exceed 600 IU; most probably it should be 1000 IU day-1 to secure a normal level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This finding is in contrast with the commonly used RDA (recommended daily allowance) for adults in Europe: 200 IU day-1.

High serum coenzyme Q10, positively correlated with age, selenium and cholesterol, in Inuit of Greenland. A pilot study.

Greenlanders (Eskimos) have low prevalence of ischaemic heart disease, partly explained by a lower extent of atherosclerosis and a low n-6/n-3 ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids. As atherosclerosis is also a result of oxidative stress, the total antioxidative readiness could have a substantial impact. From a health survey we chose the subpopulation from the most remote area, where the traditional Greenlandic diet with high intake of sea mammals and fish predominates. The mean (SD) of S-CoQ10 in males was 1.495 (0.529) nmol/ml and 1.421 (0.629) nmol/ml in females, significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to a Danish population. In a linear multiple regression model the S-CoQ10 level is significantly positively associated with age and S-selenium in males, and S-total cholesterol in females. The high level of CoQ10 in Greenlanders probably reflects diet, since no bioaccumulation takes place, and it could probably be a substantial part of the antioxidative defense.

[Vitamin D deficiency. Easy to diagnose, often overlooked]. / D-vitaminmangel. Let at diagnosticere, ofte overset.

On the basis of five cases the typical clinical picture of patients with severe vitamin D deficiency is presented. The diagnosis can easily be mistaken and it is not uncommon that rheumatic or malignant diseases are suspected instead. By using a simple screening blood test consisting of 25-OH-vitamin D, PTH and alkaline phosphatase most cases will be diagnosed correctly. Important risk factors are reviewed, the most important being: elderly > 70 years, persons with low exposure to direct sunlight, gastrointestinal diseases and persons in anti-convulsive treatment. A treatment regimen consisting of oral supplementation of 1000-1500 mg calcium + 1000 IU vitamin D to patients with an isolated low 25-OH-vitamin D (< 20 nmol/l) is recommended. If the patient also has raised values of PTH or alkaline phosphatase an intramuscular dose of 100,000 IU ergocalciferol pr week for one month is given.