Genetic damage in soybean workers exposed to pesticides: evaluation with the comet and buccal micronucleus cytome assays

Soybean cultivation is widespread in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS, Brazil), especially in the city of Espumoso. Soybean workers in this region are increasingly exposed to a wide combination of chemical agents present in formulations of fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. In the present study, the comet assay in peripheral leukocytes and the buccal micronucleus (MN) cytome assay (BMCyt) in exfoliated buccal cells were used to assess the effects of exposures to pesticides in soybean farm workers from Espumoso. A total of 127 individuals, 81 exposed and 46 non-exposed controls, were evaluated. Comet assay and BMCyt (micronuclei and nuclear buds) data revealed DNA damage in soybean workers. Cell death was also observed (condensed chromatin, karyorhectic, and karyolitic cells). Inhibition of non-specific choline esterase (BchE) was not observed in the workers. The trace element contents of buccal samples were analyzed by Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Higher concentrations of Mg, Al, Si, P, S, and Cl were observed in cells from workers. No associations with use of personal protective equipment, gender, or mode of application of pesticides were observed. Our findings indicate the advisability of monitoring genetic toxicity in soybean farm workers exposed to pesticides.

Heavy metals and DNA damage in blood cells of insectivore bats in coal mining areas of Catarinense coal basin, Brazil

We assessed the content of heavy metals in the liver and the DNA damage in blood cells of insectivore bats in the Catarinense Carboniferous Basin, Southern Brazil. Three bats species (Molossus molossus, Tadarida brasiliensis and Eptesicus diminutus) were collected in a coal mining area and in a control area. The heavy metal content in bats was detected according to the PIXE technique and the DNA damage was assessed by the Comet assay. The contents of Cr, Ni, Cu and Pb in M. molossus and of Cu and Fe in T. brasiliensis from the coal mining area was higher than in the animals from the control area. In both areas differences in metal contents in the liver were observed between the bat species. The parameters assessed by the Comet assay were significantly higher in E. diminutus as compared to M. molossus and T. brasiliensis. Values of both Comet assay parameters were significantly higher in the mining area as compared to the control area only for T. brasiliensis.

Palmar wrist ganglion: does intervention improve outcome? A prospective study of the natural history and patient-reported treatment outcomes

A prospective cohort study was undertaken to observe the long-term outcome of different treatments for palmar wrist ganglia. One hundred and eighty-two patients agreed to participate in the study. One hundred and fifty-five patients (88%) responded at 2 or 5 years. Seventy-nine had been treated by surgical excision, 39 by aspiration and 38 by reassurance alone. At 5 years no significant differences were observed in the recurrence rates which were 42% after excision of a palmar wrist ganglion and 47% (19 of 39) after aspiration. Twenty of the 39 untreated ganglia had disappeared spontaneously. Eighty-five per cent of the patients were satisfied irrespective of treatment. Patients having surgery had a complication rate of 20% and took more time off work (14 days). Significantly more patients in the untreated group felt the persistent ganglion was unsightly. The patient evaluation measure scores were similar. At 2 and 5 year follow-up, regardless of treatment, no difference in symptoms was found, regardless of whether the palmar wrist ganglion was excised, aspirated or left alone. One in four wrists remained weak regardless of treatment or disappearance of the ganglion.

Acute hand and wrist injuries in experienced rock climbers

BACKGROUND

The sport of rock climbing has its own spectrum of injuries, almost half of which involve the wrist and hand.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the incidence of acute wrist and hand injuries in 545 members of The Climbers' Club of Great Britain.

METHOD

A total of 1100 questionnaires were sent to current members of The Climbers' Club of Great Britain for them to detail any hand and wrist injuries sustained to date. In decade years, the climbing grades and time spent climbing at each grade were determined. From these results a total and historic climbing intensity score for each climber could be calculated.

RESULTS

Half of the questionnaires were returned complete. The respondents were almost entirely male. There were 235 wrist and hand injuries in 155 climbers (28%). The climbing intensity scores were significantly higher in the injury group than in those who had not suffered a wrist or hand injury (p<0.05). Finger tendon injuries were the most common injury, followed by abrasions/lacerations and fractures.

DISCUSSION

The most common injuries found in rock climbing involve the wrist and hand. The predominant injury to the hand involves the finger tendons or pulleys. The greater the climbing intensity calculated over a climber's career, the greater the likelihood of sustaining these injuries.

Intratracheal instillation of coal and coal fly ash particles in mice induces DNA damage and translocation of metals to extrapulmonary tissues

Continuous exposure to coal mining particles can cause a variety of lung diseases. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of exposure to detailed characterized coal and coal fly ash (CFA) particles on DNA, lung and extrapulmonary tissues. Coal samples (COAL11 and COAL16) and CFA samples (CFA11 and CFA16) were included in this study. Intending to enhance the combustion process COAL16 was co-fired with a mixture of fuel oil and diesel oil, producing CFA16. Male BALB/c mice were intratracheally instilled with coal and CFA particles. Measurements were done 24h later. Results showed significant rigidity and obstruction of the central airways only for animals acutely exposed to coal particles. The COAL16 group also showed obstruction of the peripheral airways. Mononuclear cells were recruited in all treatment groups and expression of cytokines, particularly TNF-α and IL-1β, was observed. Only animals exposed to COAL16 showed a significant expression of IL-6 and recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells. DNA damage was demonstrated by Comet assay for all groups. Cr, Fe and Ni were detected in liver, spleen and brain, showing the efficient translocation of metals from the bloodstream to extrapulmonary organs. These effects were associated with particle composition (oxides, hydroxides, phosphates, sulfides, sulphates, silciates, organic-metalic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hidrocarbons) rather than their size. This work provides state of knowledge on the effects of acute exposure to coal and CFA particles on respiratory mechanics, DNA damage, translocation of metals to other organs and related inflammatory processes.

DNA damage induced by coal dust, fly and bottom ash from coal combustion evaluated using the micronucleus test and comet assay in vitro

Coal mining and combustion generating huge amounts of bottom and fly ash are major causes of environmental pollution and health hazards due to the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals. The Candiota coalfield in Rio Grande do Sul, is one of the largest open-cast coal mines in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxic and mutagenic effects of coal, bottom ash and fly ash samples from Candiota with the comet assay (alkaline and modified version) and micronucleus test using the lung fibroblast cell line (V79). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of PAH and inorganic elements was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and by Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) techniques respectively. The samples demonstrated genotoxic and mutagenic effects. The comet assay modified using DNA-glicosilase formamidopirimidina (FPG) endonuclease showed damage related to oxidative stress mechanisms. The amount of PAHs was higher in fly ash followed by pulverized coal. The amount of inorganic elements was highest in fly ash, followed by bottom ash. It is concluded that the samples induce DNA damage by mechanisms that include oxidative stress, due to their complex composition, and that protective measures have to be taken regarding occupational and environmental hazards.

Racial Differences in Selection of Ideal Body Size by Adolescent Females

Cultural differences may partially account for the fact that more black women than white women are overweight in the United States. This study measured perceptions of ideal body size among 93 black and 80 white females, 14-17 years old, who were randomly selected from three public high schools in a southeastern state. The subjects' height and weight were measured along with their estimates of their mother's body size, weight control attitudes, and demographic variables. Blacks preferred a significantly larger body size than whites when asked to select ideal body size (p = 0.045). Subjects who estimated their mother's size to be larger, also selected a larger ideal body size (p = .047). Those who perceived themselves as too fat were more likely to skip meals to help control their weight, compared with those who perceived themselves as normal or too thin (p = .003). Approximately 30% of the sample was overweight or obese. There were not significant racial differences in weight or BMI. These results suggest that overweight is more acceptable among black females than among white females and may help explain why more black females are obese.

Assessment of environmental stress by the micronucleus and comet assays on Limnoperna fortunei exposed to Guaíba hydrographic region samples (Brazil) under laboratory conditions

The Guaíba Basin is a source of drinking water for Porto Alegre (RS, Brazil). The water from this basin receives industrial, urban, and rural waste from many sources. The mussel species Limnoperna fortunei was chosen based on population data, distribution, and sensitivity. Previous tests with comet assay and micronuclei frequency in this freshwater mussel have shown to be successful in biomonitoring studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic contamination of the Guaíba Lake Hydrographic Region, through the determination of damage by the micronuclei and comet assays in L. fortunei (golden mussel). Nine sampling sites were evaluated in three different seasons: five sites in the mouths of the main rivers that flow into Guaíba lake; one site at the mouth of a stream; one major site of sewage discharge; two sites at Guaíba lake, near a sewage discharge; and the control site in a preservation area. DNA damage was detected by the single cell gel assay, as well as the frequency of micronuclei in hemocytes of mussels exposed under laboratory conditions for 7 days to water and sediment samples. Significant results were found in different seasons in almost all sampling sites (P<0.05, ANOVA Dunnet's test). Most of the positive results were found in samples affected mainly by urban effluents. It was possible to observe that there was a weak relation between mutagenic and genotoxic responses and mussels inorganic elements contents. Seasonal variation was observed at different sampling sites, but always indicating a huge contamination near urban sewage discharge. These results are consistent with previous studies, allowing us to infer that urban contamination is the biggest problem in this region. It is also possible to infer that L. fortunei is a good sentinel organism for the Guaíba Basin.

In vitro genotoxic effect of secondary minerals crystallized in rocks from coal mine drainage

Coal processing generates a large volume of waste that can damage human health and the environment. Often these wastes produce acid drainage in which several minerals are crystallized (evaporites). This study aimed to identify secondary minerals, as well as the genotoxic potential of these materials. The samples were collected at two sites along the Rocinha River in Santa Catarina state (Brazil): (1) directly from the source of the acid drainage (evaporite 1), and (2) on the river bank (evaporite 2). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and by particle-induced X-ray emission techniques. In vitro genotoxicity testing using Comet assay and Micronucleus test in V79 cells was used to evaluate evaporite samples. Our study also used System Biology tools to provide insight regarding the influence of this exposure on DNA damage in cells. The results showed that the samples induced DNA damage for both evaporites that can be explained by high concentrations of chromium, iron, nickel, copper and zinc in these materials. Thus, this study is very important due to the dearth of knowledge regarding the toxicity of evaporites in the environment. The genetic toxicity of this material can be induced by increased oxidative stress and DNA repair inhibition.

Therapeutic touch and post-Hurricane Hugo stress

This repeated-session design sought to answer questions about the effectiveness of therapeutic touch in reduction of stress for 23 individuals following a natural disaster. In addition, methodological issues related to the average length of time for a therapeutic-touch treatment and a method of documenting the nonverbal interaction between subject and toucher were investigated. Findings indicate that stressed people report themselves to be less stressed following therapeutic touch (p = .05). Time of therapeutic-touch intervention varied significantly between the touchers, with a range of 6.8 to 20 minutes. Qualitative data examining the interaction of toucher and subject raised a number of questions that require further study.

An assessment of the clinical efficacy of intranasal desmopressin spray in the treatment of renal colic

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of desmopressin nasal spray compared with diclofenac given intramuscularly in patients with acute renal colic caused by urolithiasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 61 patients randomized into three different groups; group A received desmopressin (40 microg, nasal spray), group B diclofenac (75 mg) intramuscularly and group C, both desmopressin and diclofenac. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (a 10-cm horizontal scale ranging from 'no pain' to 'unbearable pain') at baseline, 10, 20 and 30 min after administering the treatments.

RESULTS

On admission, the pain level was the same in all three groups. At 10 min the pain decreased in all groups to a level that was not significantly different. At 20 min groups B and C had similar mean pain levels (3.7), whereas in group A it was 5.0. At 30 min, groups B and C scored 2-3, and group A 5.6. All three treatments were equally effective at 10 and 20 min but at 30 min there was a stabilization/slight increase in pain level in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Desmopressin has several advantages, e.g. ease of administration, simplicity of delivery and apparent lack of side-effects, which makes it suitable for ambulatory use. Desmopressin acts rapidly and seems to be effective in both single and combined therapy with diclofenac; it decreases the need for a second treatment and increases the analgesic effect of diclofenac. Some patients responded well to desmopressin, with rapid and complete pain relief. These results indicate that desmopressin may be used to treat renal colic either alone or combined, increasing the analgesic effect of other drugs. More studies are needed to validate and confirm the results; it would also be useful to determine factors that may identify the subgroup of patients who respond quickly and with almost complete pain relief.

Dietary protein source affects lipid metabolism in the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of dietary protein sources on lipogenesis and fat deposition in a marine teleost, the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Four isonitrogenous (crude protein (CP, Nx6.25), 44% DM) and isoenergetic (22-23 kJ/g DM) diets were formulated to contain one of the following as the major protein source: fish meal (FM), one of two soy protein concentrates (SPC) and corn gluten meal (CGM). Apparent digestibility coefficients of the diets and raw ingredients, as well as soluble nitrogen (ammonia and urea) and phosphorus excretion were measured. Growth rates of seabass fed plant protein-based diets were significantly lower than those fed fish meal based diet. The protein utilisation was strongly correlated to the dietary essential amino acids index. Measurements of N excretion (ammonia and urea nitrogen) confirmed these data. Daily fat gain at the whole body level ranged between 1.1 to 1.7 g/kg BW, with the highest values being recorded in fish fed the fish meal based diet. Levels of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol were lower in fish fed soy protein diets than in those fed the diet solely based on fish meal. Soy protein rich diets decreased the activities of selected hepatic lipogenic enzymes (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, ATP-citrate lysase, acetylcoenzyme A carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase). Highest lipogenic enzyme activities where found in fish fed the fish meal diet, except for fatty acid synthetase which was increased in seabass fed the corn-gluten meal based diets. Overall data suggest that dietary protein sources affects fat deposition and the lipogenic potential in European seabass.

DNA damage and epigenetic alteration in soybean farmers exposed to complex mixture of pesticides

Exposure to pesticides can trigger genotoxic and mutagenic processes through different pathways. However, epidemiological studies are scarce, and further work is needed to find biomarkers sensitive to the health of exposed populations. Considering that there are few evaluations of soybean farmers, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of human exposure to complex mixtures of pesticides. The alkaline comet assay modified with restriction enzyme (hOGG1: human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase) was used to detect oxidised guanine, and compared with the buccal micronucleus cytome assay, global methylation, haematological parameters, biochemical analyses (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase and butyrylcholinesterase), and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) for the analysis of inorganic elements. Farm workers (n = 137) exposed to different types of pesticides were compared with a non-exposed reference group (control; n = 83). Results of the enzyme-modified comet assay suggest oxidation of guanine in DNA generated by pesticides exposure. It was observed that DNA damage (comet assay and micronucleus test) was significantly increased in exposed individuals compared to the unexposed group. The micronucleus test demonstrated elimination of nuclear material by budding, defective cytokinesis and dead cells. Occupationally exposed individuals also showed genomic hypermethylation of DNA, which correlated with micronucleus frequency. No differences were detected regarding the haematological and biochemical parameters. Finally, significantly higher concentrations of Al and P were observed in the urine of the soybean farmers. DNA damage could be a consequence of the ability of the complex mixture, including Al and P, to cause oxidative damage. These data indicate that persistent genetic instability associated with hypermethylation of DNA in soybean workers after long-term exposure to a low-level to pesticides mixtures may be critical for the development of adverse health effects such as cancer.

Influence of orange juice in the levels and in the genotoxicity of iron and copper

World consumption of natural juices is increasing as a consequence of the human search for a healthier life. The juice production industry, especially for orange juice, is expanding in several countries and particularly in Brazil. Despite scientific data reporting beneficial properties derived from juice consumption, some components of juices have been identified as mutagenic or carcinogenic. Carcinogenic or genotoxic effects may be mediated by the interaction of juice components with transition metals or by sub-products of juice auto-oxidation. In this study, the mutagenic potential of orange juice and two metallic agents used in dietary supplementation, FeSO(4) and CuSO(4), were investigated using the comet assay in mouse blood cells (in vivo). Both metal compounds were genotoxic for eukaryotic cells after 24h treatment at the doses used. Significant damage repair was observed after 48h of treatment with the same compounds. Orange juice had a modulating effect on the action of metallic sulfates. In the case of iron treatment, the presence of the orange juice had a preventive, but not restorative, effect. On the other hand, in the case of copper treatment, the effects were both preventive and restorative. PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission) analysis indicated a positive correlation between DNA damage and the hepatic levels of iron and a negative correlation between whole blood copper and DNA damage. A negative correlation between hepatic iron and whole blood copper content was also seen in the treatment with both ferrous and cupric sulfates.

Telomere measurement in individuals occupationally exposed to pesticide mixtures in tobacco fields

Occupational exposure to pesticides in tobacco fields causes genetic damage in farmers. The aim of this study was to analyze tobacco farmers chronically exposed to low doses of pesticides and nicotine (present in the tobacco leaves) in relation to absolute telomere length (aTL), and explore the influence of lifestyle characteristics, oxidative stress, and inorganic element levels. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples from agricultural workers and non-exposed individuals, and aTL was measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. Oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], which measures oxidative damage to lipids; and toxic equivalent antioxidant capacity [TEAC], which measures total equivalent antioxidant capacity) was evaluated in serum, and inorganic element content was analyzed in whole blood through particle-induced X-ray emission technique. It was found that exposure to pesticides and tobacco smoking had significant effects on aTL. Individuals occupationally exposed to complex mixtures of pesticides in tobacco fields and individuals who smoked had decreased aTL compared with the non-exposed group. TBARS and TEAC were significantly elevated in the exposed group. There were no significant differences in inorganic elements. There was no evidence of an influence of age, gender, consumption of alcoholic beverages, or intake of fruits and vegetables on aTL within the groups. In addition, years of work in the tobacco field in the exposed group did not influence any of the variables analyzed. Although further studies were needed, these results suggested differences in telomere maintenance in tobacco farmers compared with the control group, indicating that telomere length may be a good biomarker of occupational exposure.

Safety of dilation in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis

Esophageal dilation is an effective therapy for dysphagia in patients with stenosing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Historically, there have been significant concerns of increased perforation rates when dilating EoE patients. More recent studies suggest that improved techniques and increased awareness have decreased complication rates. The aim of this study was to explore the safety of dilation in our population of EoE patients. A retrospective review of all adult EoE patients enrolled in a registry from 2006 to 2010 was performed. All patients who underwent esophageal dilation during this time period were identified and included in the analysis. Our hospital inpatient/outpatient medical records, radiology reports, and endoscopy reports were searched for evidence of any complication following dilation. Perforation, hemorrhage, and hospitalization were identified as a major complication, and chest pain was considered a minor complication. One hundred and ninety-six patients (41 years [12]; mean age [standard deviation], 80% white, 85% male) were identified. In this cohort, 54 patients (28%) underwent 66 total dilations (seven patients underwent two dilations, one patient underwent three dilations, and one patient underwent four dilations). Three dilation techniques were used (Maloney [24], Savary [29] and through-the-scope [13]). There were no major complications encountered. Chest pain was noted in two patients (4%). There were no endoscopic features (rings, furrows, plaques) associated with any complication. Type of dilator, size of dilator, number of prior dilations, and age of patient were also not associated with complications. Endoscopic dilation using a variety of dilators can be safely performed with minimal complications in patients with EoE.

The Pmr1 protein, the major yeast Ca2+-ATPase in the Golgi, regulates intracellular levels of the cadmium ion

Cadmium is a nonessential, highly toxic heavy metal that shows ionic properties similar to calcium. These ionic similarities imply that the cadmium ion, Cd2+, is a calcium ion, Ca2+, receptor-agonist, affecting the same biochemical pathways involved in Ca2+ homeostasis. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the PMC1 and PMR1 genes encode vacuolar and Golgi Ca2+-ATPases, respectively. The PMR1 protein product Pmr1p is involved in both Ca2+ and Mn2+ homeostasis. This study investigated the importance of Pmc1p and Pmr1p for Cd2+ cellular detoxification. Using the standard techniques of yeast molecular research and a multielemental procedure named particle-induced X-ray emission, Pmr1p was identified as a protein that directly participates in the detoxification of Cd2+, possibly through the secretory pathway. The results allow us to posit a model of Cd2+ detoxification where Pmr1p has a central role in cell survival in a Cd2+-rich environment.

The partial substitution of digestible protein with gelatinized starch as an energy source reduces susceptibility to lipid oxidation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) muscle

We evaluated the influence of dietary gelatinized starch and protein on the fatty acid composition of muscle in rainbow trout and European sea bass and on the susceptibility of flesh to lipid peroxidation. The possibility that flesh peroxidation could be accounted for by lipogenesis and the deposition of fat was also explored. The inclusion of gelatinized starch in the diet of rainbow trout improved growth with respect to that observed in fish fed crude starch (P<.001). This was especially noticeable at the lowest concentration of dietary protein tested (P = .037); suggesting that gelatinized starch may partially replace protein in the production of energy without inducing a negative effect on growth. However, in European sea bass, the gelatinization of starch and dietary protein concentration showed no significant effect on final body weight. The intramuscular neutral lipid concentration of the sea bass was reduced by the gelatinization of dietary starch (P = .034). The highest dietary protein concentration increased the proportion of saturated fatty acids in the neutral (P = .0742) and polar (P = .0033) lipid fractions. The dietary inclusion of high levels of protein in rainbow trout led to a lower concentration of total (n-3) (P = .0457) and (n-6) (P = .0522) fatty acids and a higher concentration of total monounsaturated fatty acids (P = .0006). The inclusion of gelatinized starch led to a lower concentration of (n-3) fatty acids (P = .0034) and a higher concentration of saturated fatty acids (P = .0007). The polar fraction was hardly affected by the same treatment. A significantly lower susceptibility of the dorsal muscle to oxidation was observed in groups of European sea bass fed gelatinized starch (P<.01). A similar trend was observed in rainbow trout, although differences were not significant. The findings suggest that the digestible protein concentration of nutrient-dense diets for rainbow trout and European sea bass can be reduced with a beneficial effect on tissue lipid oxidation and no negative effects on growth and muscle composition.

Elemental characterization of commercial mate tea leaves (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) before and after hot water infusion using ion beam techniques

Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. is used to prepare a traditional tealike beverage widely appreciated in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. In these countries, the tea is popularly known as mate or chimarrão. The aim of this work is to characterize the elemental composition of commercial Ilex paraguariensis and determine the portion of each element present in the leaves that is eluted in the water during the infusion process and consequently ingested by the drinker. Using the particle-induced X-ray emission technique, we verified the presence of Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Rb at different concentrations, which accounts for about 3.4% of the total mass. The results show a loss of about 90% of K and Cl, 50% of Mg and P, and 20% of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Rb by the leaves after the infusion. The volume of water used in the infusion affects only the concentration of elements such as Cl, P, K, and Mg until the first 600 mL of water, where a steep decrease in the concentration of these elements was observed in brewed leaves. Furthermore, higher water temperatures (typical temperatures used in infusions, between 80 and 100 degrees C) favor the extraction of K and Cl into the infusion, while the concentration of other elements remains practically constant as a function of temperature.

Can rock climbing lead to Dupuytren's disease?

OBJECTIVES

To determine if rock climbing is a significant factor in the development of Dupuytren's disease in men, and, if so, what is the most likely related factor.

METHODS

Questionnaires were distributed to all 1100 members of the Climbers' Club of Great Britain. These detailed basic information about the climber, the presence of Dupuytren's disease, and any known risk factors for its development.

RESULTS

About half (51%) of the questionnaires were returned. The respondents were almost entirely male. It was revealed that 19.5% of male climbers had developed Dupuytren's disease. There was a significantly higher life time intensity of climbing activity in those with the disease. An earlier age of onset of the disease was found in climbers compared with the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further strengthens the hypothesis that repetitive trauma to the palmar fascia predisposes to the development of Dupuytren's disease in men.

Under-reporting bicycle accidents to police in the COST TU1101 international survey: Cross-country comparisons and associated factors

Police crash reports are often the main source for official data in many countries. However, with the exception of fatal crashes, crashes are often underreported in a biased manner. Consequently, the countermeasures adopted according to them may be inefficient. In the case of bicycle crashes, this bias is most acute and it probably varies across countries, with some of them being more prone to reporting accidents to police than others. Assessing if this bias occurs and the size of it can be of great importance for evaluating the risks associated with bicycling. This study utilized data collected in the COST TU1101 action "Towards safer bicycling through optimization of bicycle helmets and usage". The data came from an online survey that included questions related to bicyclists' attitudes, behaviour, cycling habits, accidents, and patterns of use of helmets. The survey was filled by 8655 bicyclists from 30 different countries. After applying various exclusion factors, 7015 questionnaires filled by adult cyclists from 17 countries, each with at least 100 valid responses, remained in our sample. The results showed that across all countries, an average of only 10% of all crashes were reported to the police, with a wide range among countries: from a minimum of 0.0% (Israel) and 2.6% (Croatia) to a maximum of a 35.0% (Germany). Some factors associated with the reporting levels were type of crash, type of vehicle involved, and injury severity. No relation was found between the likelihood of reporting and the cyclist's gender, age, educational level, marital status, being a parent, use of helmet, and type of bicycle. The significant under-reporting - including injury crashes that do not lead to hospitalization - justifies the use of self-report survey data for assessment of bicycling crash patterns as they relate to (1) crash risk issues such as location, infrastructure, cyclists' characteristics, and use of helmet and (2) strategic approaches to bicycle crash prevention and injury reduction.