[Christmas article: The effect of correct use of face masks in preventing disease transmission in a standardised study population].

Introduction: Through centuries, face masks have been used by health professionals to prevent disease transmission. Currently, there is an increased use of face masks due to the corona pandemic. However, the preventive effect of face masks is still unclear.

Fertility Treatment and Childhood Epilepsy: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background: Fertility treatment includes hormonal stimulation of the woman and in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos that may influence prenatal brain development. We aimed to investigate the association between fertility treatment and childhood epilepsy, including specific types of treatment and indications, as well as subtypes of epilepsy.

Methods: In this nationwide birth cohort study, we included all pregnancies in Denmark resulting in live-born singletons, 1995-2003.

Fertility treatment and childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus: a nationwide cohort study of 565,116 live births.

Objective: To investigate the association between specific types of fertility treatment and childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Design: Nationwide birth cohort study.

Setting: Not applicable.

Parental Infertility, Fertility Treatment, and Childhood Epilepsy: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: A few studies have indicated an increased risk of epilepsy in children conceived by fertility treatment possibly due to characteristics of the infertile couple rather than the treatment. We therefore aimed to investigate the association between parental infertility, fertility treatment, and epilepsy in the offspring, including the subtypes of epilepsy; idiopathic generalised epilepsy and focal epilepsy.

Methods: This cohort included all pregnancies resulting in liveborn singletons from the Aarhus Birth Cohort, Denmark (1995-2013).

Assisted reproductive technology and somatic morbidity in childhood: a systematic review.

Objective: To assess whether children conceived by assisted reproductive technology are at increased risk of somatic morbidity in childhood compared with spontaneously conceived children.

Design: Systematic review.

Setting: None.

Long-term evaluation of postmastectomy breast reconstruction with the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.

The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneus (TRAM) flap is ideal for unilateral breast reconstruction. It can produce a breast with a lasting natural look, soft feeling, and good resemblance to the opposite breast. The aim was to evaluate long-term results of the TRAM flap reconstruction in an homogenous study population and to examine the impact on abdominal competence, appearance, and function relative to patient satisfaction.

Continuous use of oral contraceptives: an overview of effects and side-effects.

Objective: To describe the effects and side-effects of the continuous use of oral contraceptives.

Design: A review of articles concerning oral contraceptives taken continuously or in cycles with hormones taken for more than 21 days per cycle.

Methods: We searched publications in PubMed and Embase.

Long-term evaluation of postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

Background: Reconstructing a breast mound constitutes the basis of breast reconstruction. The breast can be reconstructed using autologous tissue, implants or a combination thereof. The number of women wishing a breast reconstruction has increased, but evaluation of the results is lacking.