<i>AHRR </i>(cg05575921) methylation extent of leukocyte DNA and lung cancer survival

<div><p>Background</p><p>Prior studies have shown that <i>AHRR</i> (cg05575921) hypomethylation may be a marker of smoking, lung cancer risk and potentially lung cancer survival (in some lung cancer subtypes). It is unknown if <i>AHRR</i> (cg05575921) hypomethylation is associated with reduced survival among lung cancer patients.</p><p>Methods</p><p>In bisulfite treated leukocyte DNA from 465 lung cancer patients from the Copenhagen prospective lung cancer study, we measured <i>AHRR</i> (cg05575921) methylation. 380 died during max follow-up of 4.4 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze survival as a function of <i>AHRR</i> (cg05575921) methylation.</p><p>Results</p><p>We observed the expected inverse correlation between cumulative smoking and <i>AHRR</i> methylation, as methylation (%) decreased (Coefficient -0.03; 95% confidence interval, -0.04- -0.02, p = 8.6x10^-15) for every pack-year. Cumulative smoking > 60 pack-years was associated with reduced survival (hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval 1.48; 1.05–2.09), however, <i>AHRR</i> (cg05575921) methylation was not associated with survival when adjusted for sex, body mass index, smoking status, ethnicity, performance status, TNM Classification, and histology type of lung cancer.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p><i>AHRR</i> (cg05575921) methylation is linked to smoking but does not provide independent prognostic information in lung cancer patients.</p></div

Relative age and perceptions of soccer specific skills among elite youth players in Norway

One common feature among the selected players in talent development programs are the well-known relative age effect (RAE), characterized by a skewed birth distribution among selected players with an over-representation of players born early in the selection year. The aim of the present study was to examine potential differences in soccer-specific skills between players selected for national talent program born in the first half of the year compared to the players born in the second half of the year. A total of 753 elite male U 14 (N = 363) and U 13 players (N = 390) from 16 of 18 soccer regions in Norway participated. The results showed players born early in the selection year considered themselves stronger and faster than late born players. Similar, coaches considered the players born early in the selection year as stronger than players born late in the selection year. Neither the players or coaches considered the early born players as technically, tactically and mentally better. Within a talent development program, we argue that coaches and recruiters should be aware of differences in relative age, and thus prevent that late born players must compensate their physical disadvantages to be allowed into such programs

A risk model for recreational craft accidents

The Recreational Craft Platform (RCP, Norwegian: Fritidsbåtplattformen) is being developed to collect and merge available data on recreational craft accidents and thereby enable stakeholders to actively take measures to achieve the vision. The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) will be the owner of the platform, using it to analyse the causes and risks associated with recreational craft, and to identify and evaluate risk reducing measures to reduce the number of accidents significantly. This paper presents the risk model for recreational craft accidents, developed together with the NMA that will support NMA's and their partners work to achieve these goals. The risk model was developed following NMA's existing risk modelling approach, with focus on the accident frequency of motorboats, sailing boats and personal watercraft. The model will be employed to assess effectiveness of measure and visualizing the contributing factors within the RCP.publishedVersio

High resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function in common variable immunodeficiency

SummaryPatients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have impaired production of immunoglobulins and hence recurrent airway infections, which in turn may lead to radiological changes and impaired lung function. Uncertainty exists about the nature and frequency of the radiological and the physiological abnormalities, and how they relate to each other. We reassessed high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images in 65 patients, reported results from previously measured lung function tests, and studied relations between radiology, function and clinical variables. Airway obstruction, ventilatory restriction and impaired gas diffusion was found in 40, 34 and 21% of the patients, respectively. HRCT abnormalities were present in 94% of the subjects, mild changes being the most common. Bronchial wall thickening, found in two thirds of the patients, was related to airway obstruction and impaired gas diffusion. Linear and/or irregular opacities, the most frequent interstitial abnormality, was related to impaired gas diffusion. Bronchiectasis was found in more than half, but only severe bronchiectasis was related to airway obstruction. Since bronchial wall thickening and linear and/or irregular opacities are both frequent and important determinants of impaired pulmonary function, more attention should be given to these features in the follow up of CVID patients