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The Rotterdam Study is a population-based cohort study, started in 1990 in the district of Ommoord in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with the aim to describe the prevalence and incidence, unravel the etiology, and identify targets for prediction, prevention or intervention of multifactorial diseases in mid-life and elderly. The study currently includes 17,931 participants (overall response rate 65%), aged 40 years and over, who are examined in-person every 3 to 5 years in a dedicated research facility, and who are followed-up continuously through automated linkage with health care providers, both regionally and nationally. Research within the Rotterdam Study is carried out along two axes. First, research lines are oriented around diseases and clinical conditions, which are reflective of medical specializations. Second, cross-cutting research lines transverse these clinical demarcations allowing for inter- and multidisciplinary research. These research lines generally reflect subdomains within epidemiology. This paper describes recent methodological updates and main findings from each of these research lines. Also, future perspective for coming years highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of obesity has risen in recent decades and reached epidemic proportions worldwide. The proportion of those living with obesity is also increasing in nursing homes. This could impact the nursing care required, equipment and facilities provided, and morbidity in these settings. Limited evidence exists on clinical consequences of obesity in nursing home residents and their care. Objective: Therefore, the aim was to examine the rate and associated factors of obesity (BMI ≥30; class I (BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m2), class II (BMI 35.0–39.9 kg/m2), and class III (BMI >40.0 kg/m2)) amongst older nursing home residents in European countries. Methods: We analysed data from 21,836 people who reside in nursing homes in Austria, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. They participated in the "International Prevalence Measurement of Care Quality", a cross sectional study between 2016 and 2019, where trained nurses interviewed the residents, reviewed care records, and conducted clinical examinations. A tested and standardised questionnaire comprised questions on demographic data, measured BMI, medical diagnosis according to ICD‐10, and care dependency. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Obesity rates were highest in Austria (17.1%) and lowest in the UK (13.0%) (p =.006). Residents with obesity were younger and less likely to be care dependent or living with dementia and had more often diabetes mellitus, endocrine, metabolic, and skin diseases compared to residents without obesity (p <.05). Most obese residents had obesity class I. Therefore, two subgroups were built (class I vs. class II + III). Residents with obesity class II + III were more frequently care dependent for mobility, getting dressed and undressed, and personal hygiene compared to residents with class I (p <.05). Conclusions: This study identified several factors that are associated with obesity amongst older nursing home residents in selected European countries. Implications for practice: The division into obesity classes is important for planning targeted care according to the individual needs of nursing home residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on the development of Covid‐19 among people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are scarce and it is uncertain to what extent general population data applies to people with ID. To give an indication of possible implications, this study investigated excess mortality patterns during a previous influenza epidemic. Methods: Using Dutch population and mortality registers, a historical cohort study was designed to compare mortality during the 2017–2018 influenza epidemic with mortality in the same period in the three previous years. People with ID were identified by entitlements to residential ID‐care services as retrieved from a national database. Results: Data covered the entire adult Dutch population (12.6 million; GenPop), of which 91 064 individuals were identified with an ID. During the influenza epidemic, mortality among people with ID increased almost three times as much than in the GenPop (15.2% vs. 5.4%), and more among male individuals with ID (+19.5%) than among female individuals with ID (+10.6%), as compared with baseline. In both cohorts, comparable increases in mortality within older age groups and due to respiratory causes were seen. Particularly in the ID‐cohort, excess deaths also occurred in younger age groups, due to endocrine diseases and ID‐specific causes. Conclusions: During the 2017–2018 influenza epidemic, excess mortality among people with ID was three times higher than in the general Dutch population, appeared more often at young age and with a broader range of underlying causes. These findings suggest that a pandemic may disproportionally affect people with ID while population data may not immediately raise warnings. Early detection of diverging patterns and faster implementation of tailored strategies therefore require collection of good quality data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four POCT systems designed for HbA1c measurement in blood were compared with a high quality laboratory method based on the HPLC principle and successfully controlled by a proficiency testing program provided by the European reference laboratory for HbA1c (in The Netherlands). The accuracy of all the systems tested was good and covers interval CV %=2.8-5.3. Systematic errors, calculated as differences of individual POCT systems from laboratory HPLC method are high and range in intervals from -6.7 to -9.7%. These systematic differences cause different classifications of diabetes compensation in patients (cut off 53 mmol/mol=5,3 % IFCC). The laboratory method classified 51 (74 %) of the patients analysed to be decompensated, while POCT systems only classified between 41(57 %) to 32 (44 %) patients as decompensated from the total number of 72 assessed patients. Our conclusion is that where well-standardised laboratory methods are available, this is sufficient for patients' needs and POCT measurement has no additive benefits. In fact with the possible differences in the therapeutic classification, it is more likely that use of POCT could increase the risk of insufficient treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rotterdam Study is a prospective cohort study ongoing since 1990 in the city of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The study targets cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, oncological, and respiratory diseases. As of 2008, 14,926 subjects aged 45 years or over comprise the Rotterdam Study cohort. The findings of the Rotterdam Study have been presented in over a 1,000 research articles and reports (see ). This article gives the rationale of the study and its design. It also presents a summary of the major findings and an update of the objectives and methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rotterdam Study is a prospective cohort study ongoing since 1990 in the city of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The study targets cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric and respiratory diseases. As of 2008, 14,926 subjects aged 45 years or over comprise the Rotterdam Study cohort. The findings of the Rotterdam Study have been presented in close to a 1,000 research articles and reports (see ). This article gives the rationale of the study and its design. It also presents a summary of the major findings and an update of the objectives and methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate whether the yield of population-based diabetes screening is influenced by characteristics of the general practitioner (GP) and the practice. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. Seventy-nine general practices in the south-western region of the Netherlands. Subjects. From 2002 to 2004, 56 978 people were screened for diabetes. GPs completed a questionnaire containing items on the GP (age, gender, employment, special interest in diabetes, providing insulin therapy) and the practice (setting, location, number of patients from ethnic minority groups, specific diabetes clinic, involvement of practice assistant, practice nurse or diabetes nurse in diabetes care). Main outcome measures. The ratio screen-detected diabetic patients/known diabetic patients per practice (SDM/KDM) and the number of detected diabetic patients per practice adjusted for practice size and age distribution (SDM per standardized practice). Results. The yield of screening per practice varied widely. Higher age of the GP (regression coefficient 0.20; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.07-0.34), urban location (-4.60; 95% CI -6.41 to -2.78) and involvement of the practice assistant (2.27; 95% CI 0.49-4.06) were independently associated with SDM/KDM. Using the other outcome variable, results were similar. Additionally, cooperation with a diabetes nurse was associated with a lower yield. Conclusion. A lower yield of screening, reflecting a lower prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, was found in practices of younger GPs and in urban practices. A lower yield was not associated with an appropriate practice organization regarding diabetes care nor with a specialty of the GP in diabetes. The wide variation in the yield of screening stresses the importance of a screening programme in each general practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Rotterdam Study is a prospective cohort study that has been ongoing since 1990 in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, among 7983 people aged 55 years or older. One part of the study targets neurological diseases, others deal with cardiovascular, ophthalmological, and endocrine diseases. The findings of the Rotterdam Study have been presented in some 500 research articles and reports. Here we give the reasons for the study and its design, and present a summary of what has been learned about the frequencies and causes of neurological diseases. Perhaps the most important message from the Rotterdam Study is the great potential for prevention or postponement of neurological diseases in elderly people. The time for preventive nihilism is over. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The hemoglobin (Hb) pattern of a 32-year-old Somali male living in The Netherlands, during routine diabetes mellitus monitoring, showed two more peaks in addition to the characteristic heterozygous Hb A/S pattern. A major peak of 15% faster than Hb A, and a minor one of 10.8%, overlapping Hb A2 and the glycated Hb S1c fraction were present. The patient was not anemic or microcytic but had a low haptoglobin level, possibly indicating a slightly elevated red blood cell (RBC) turnover. Hb S was confirmed by a sickle test and at the DNA level. The DNA sequence of the α1 gene revealed a C→G transversion at position 89, changing the local positively charged histidine to a neutral glutamine. This mutant has been previously described in a Yemenite woman and two apparently unrelated Somali males. Our case is the first showing Hb Buffalo in combination with Hb S and a G6PD deficiency, and is again observed in a Somali. No functional abnormalities associated with mutations at this amino acid residue are reported in the literature. Also, in this case no sign of any hematological abnormalities that could not be explained by the Hb S heterozygosity G6PD deficiency was found. The abnormal α chain is expressed at the expected rate and without thalassemic effect or instability. The mutated α chain seems to associate with a slight preference to the βA (15%) rather than with the βS counterpart. The sum of both Hb ABuffalo and Hb SBuffalo results in about 19–20% of total Hb. This figure is in agreement with a stable mutant of the α1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes what is known about the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-care of people with the inherited disorder multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN2a). Several databases were searched throughout the year 2000, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, CancerLit, PsychINFO, and Dissertation Abstracts International. MEN2a is a complex disease involving cancer care and control by surgery, health maintenance, and life-long observation of gene mutation carriers. Genetic testing is the standard of care, prophylactic surgery is recommended during directive counseling, and life-long surveillance is encouraged for people with MEN2a. A substantial body of scientific literature describes morbidity and mortality outcomes of disease treatment, and the monitoring of multiple organ systems. Research is scant concerning the psychological consequences and social impact of the MEN2a diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Nearly all that is known from a psycho-social perspective comes from data in The Netherlands. Little is known of the psychological responses to and social consequences of genetic predisposition testing, prophylactic and curative surgery, and life-long surveillance. Psycho-social research is essential to provide comprehensive care for patients and family members with this disorder and it is necessary to guide the development of risk management strategies for patients with this inherited cancer syndrome. Since MEN2a has been labeled a prototype for medical genetics, information on MEN2a patient experiences may be relevant to the care of individuals with other inherited cancer syndromes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rotterdam Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study that started in 1990 in the city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The study aims to unravel etiology, preclinical course, natural history and potential targets for intervention for chronic diseases in mid-life and late-life. The study focuses on cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, otolaryngological, locomotor, and respiratory diseases. As of 2008, 14,926 subjects aged 45 years or over comprise the Rotterdam Study cohort. Since 2016, the cohort is being expanded by persons aged 40 years and over. The findings of the Rotterdam Study have been presented in over 1700 research articles and reports. This article provides an update on the rationale and design of the study. It also presents a summary of the major findings from the preceding 3 years and outlines developments for the coming period.

Objective: To compare the endocrine and cardiometabolic cord blood characteristics of offspring of mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with those of healthy controls.Design: Cross-sectional case control study.Setting: University medical centers.Patient(s): Offspring from mothers with PCOS (n = 61) and healthy controls (n = 82).Intervention(s): Cord blood withdrawal from neonates.Main Outcome Measure(s): Cord blood estradiol, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, free androgen index (FAI), insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, c-reactive protein, adiponectin, and leptin.Result(s): Androstenedione and leptin concentrations were increased in the offspring of women with PCOS compared with the controls: androstenedione median 2.9 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.3-3.9) nmol/L vs. 2.2 [IQR 1.6-2.7] nmol/L; and leptin median 13.6 [IQR 8.3-22.9] μg/L vs. 9.8 [IQR 6.0-16.5] μg/L. After adjusting for maternal and pregnancy-related confounders (such as maternal age, gestational age, birth weight), androstenedione appeared associated with PCOS in both male (relative change 1.36 [1.04; 1.78]) and female offspring (relative change 1.40 [1.08; 1.82]). Similarly, in male offspring the leptin concentrations appeared associated with PCOS after correction for confounders (relative change 1.55 [1.12; 2.14]). After correction for multiple testing, these associations attenuated.Conclusion(s): Observed results suggest that androstenedione concentrations are increased in the cord blood of male and female offspring of women with PCOS, although this requires confirmation. This finding would support the hypothesis that a maternal hyperandrogenic environment during pregnancy in women with PCOS may predispose their offspring to fetal hyperandrogenism. The potential associations between fetal hyperandrogenism and long-term health effects remain to be elucidated.Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT00821379. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the Sixth International Workshop on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia and von Hippel-Lindau Disease, which was held in June 1997 in Noordwijkerhout in the Netherlands. Discussions about hereditary cancer syndromes; Studies on strategies for timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment; Research about genotype-phenotype correlations.

The Rotterdam Study is a prospective cohort study ongoing since 1990 in the city of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The study targets cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, otolaryngological, locomotor, and respiratory diseases. As of 2008, 14,926 subjects aged 45 years or over comprise the Rotterdam Study cohort. The findings of the Rotterdam Study have been presented in over 1200 research articles and reports (see www.erasmus-epidemiology.nl/rotterdamstudy ). This article gives the rationale of the study and its design. It also presents a summary of the major findings and an update of the objectives and methods.