Cross-Sectional Assessment of Nutritional Status, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity Levels in Children (6-9 Years) in Valencia (Spain) Using Nutrimetry.

The aims of this research were to evaluate the current nutritional status, dietary intake, and level of physical activity and assess the need for intervention. This was a cross-sectional study with 2724 participating children aged 6-9 years old. Nutritional status was assessed using nutrimetry, dietary intake with a 3-day food-recall questionnaire and physical activity with an ad hoc questionnaire. The nutricode with the highest prevalence was healthy weight/normal stature, with 51.3% of the sample. For the BMI for age Z-score, those in the overweight/obesity category represented 37.5% of the sample, while the thinness category included 7.6%. Intake of calories, proteins, sugar, lipids, SFA, MUFA, and cholesterol were significantly higher than recommended. The thinness groups consumed a significantly higher amount of excess calories while the overweight/obesity groups had the lowest mean excess calorie intake. Children in the thinness category presented the highest rates at both ends of the spectrum for sedentary activities. This study showed the high prevalence of malnutrition in schoolchildren. The results for the risk of thinness and overweight/obesity according to individual nutrient intake should be carefully interpreted. Lifestyle is a fundamental aspect to consider when combating malnutrition, especially at the level of dietary and physical activity habits, to combine various methods of intervention to improve nutritional status.

Risk of Gestational Diabetes Due to Maternal and Partner Smoking.

Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable to environmental exposure to tobacco smoke (EET); which has been linked to problems in the mothers' health; one of the most frequent is gestational diabetes (GD). For this reason, there are specific interventions and prevention strategies designed to reduce this exposure risk. However, currently, they are mostly aimed only at aiding the pregnant women with smoking cessation during pregnancy and do not assess or address the risk from passive exposure due to partner smoking. The aim of this work is to study the exposure to EET of pregnant women considering active and passive smoking and to evaluate its effect on the development of GD. This is an observational case-control study within a retrospective cohort of pregnant women. Information on smoking habits was obtained from both personal interviews and recorded medical history. In total, 16.2% of mothers and 28.3% of partners declared having been active smokers during pregnancy; 36.5% of the women presented EET during pregnancy when both active and passive smoking were considered. After adjustments, the association with the EET and GD of the mother was (aOR 1.10 95% CI: 0.64-1.92); for the EET of the partner, it was (aOR 1.66 95% CI: 1.01-2.77); for both partners, it was (aOR 1.82 95% CI: 1.15-2.89), adjusted by the mother's age and body mass index. There is a lack of education regarding the effects of passive exposure to tobacco smoke. It is essential that pregnant women and their partners are educated on the risks of active and passive smoking; this could improve the effectiveness of other GD prevention strategies.

Effect of Breast Cancer Treatment on Dietary Vitamin Intake Levels.

Breast cancer is the most common tumor among women, representing the second cause of cancer deaths in women. Treatment with chemotherapy negatively interferes with nutritional status. The intake of vitamins before, during and after treatment in a pilot cohort of women with non-invasive breast cancer (type I, II) treated at the Valencian Institute of Oncology (IVO) is evaluated. A 3-day anthropometric and nutritional assessment was performed using the DIAL program. Nutritional intake is compared with the values of Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) and Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). There is an overall decrease in vitamin intake during treatment which worsens at the end of said treatment. The decrease is significant in the case of vitamins B2 (p = 0.006), B3 (p = 0.042), B5 (p = 0.001), and B8 (p = 0.021). The relative risk during and after treatment increases with respect to the reference timeframe, before treatment. Deficit risks are statistically significant in the case of vitamins B5 (p = 0.001), B8 (p = 0.001) and B12 (p = 0.001). Decreased vitamin intake during treatment suggests a negative change in the patients' dietary behaviors during this time. Nutritional intervention and support may be beneficial to optimize overall dietary intake and maintain compliance with EAR and DRI for patients during a time in which adequate nutrition is important.

Occupational exposure to organic solvents and risk of male breast cancer: a European multicenter case-control study.

Objectives The etiology of male breast cancer (MBC) is largely unknown but a causal role of exposure to organic solvents has been suggested. Previous studies on occupational risk factors of breast cancer were often restricted to women who are frequently exposed to lower levels and at a lower frequency than men. We investigated the association between MBC and occupational exposure to petroleum and oxygenated and chlorinated solvents in a multicenter case-control study of rare cancers in Europe. Methods The study included 104 MBC cases and 1901 controls. Detailed lifetime work history was obtained during interviews, together with sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and lifestyle factors. Occupational exposures to solvents were estimated from a job-exposure matrix. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression models. Results Lifetime cumulative exposure to trichloroethylene >23.9 ppm years was associated with an increased MBC risk, compared to non-exposure [OR (95% CI): 2.1 (1.2-4.0); P trend <0.01). This increase in risk persisted when only exposures that occurred ≥10 years before diagnosis were considered. In addition, a possible role for benzene and ethylene glycol in MBC risk was suggested, but no exposure-response trend was observed. Conclusions These findings add to the evidence of an increased risk of breast cancer among men professionally exposed to trichloroethylene and possibly to benzene or ethylene glycol. Further studies should be conducted in populations with high level of exposure to confirm our results.

Determination of pesticides and veterinary drug residues in food by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry: A review.

Monitoring of pesticides and veterinary drug residues is required to enforce legislation and guarantee food safety. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is the prevailing technique for assessing both types of residues because LC offers a versatile and universal separation mechanism suitable for non-gas chromatography (GC) amenable and the majority of GC-amenable compounds. This characteristic becomes more relevant when LC is coupled to MS because the high sensitivity and specificity of the detector allows to apply generic sample preparation procedures, which simultaneously extract a wide variety of residues with different physico-chemical properties. Determination of metabolites and degradation products, non-target suspected screening of an increasing number of residues, and even unknowns identification are also becoming inherent LC-MS advantages thanks to the latest advances. For routine analysis and, in particular, for official surveillance purposes in food control, analytical methods properly validated following strict guidelines are needed. After a brief introduction and an outline of the legislation applicable around the world, aspects such as improvement of specificity of high-throughput methods, resolution and mass accuracy of identification strategies and quantitative accuracy are critically reviewed in this article. In them, extraction, separation and determination are emphasized. The main objective is to offer an assessment of the state of the art and identify research needs and future trends in determining pesticide and veterinary drug residues in food by LC-MS.

Central nervous system (CNS) cancer in children and young people in the European Union and its involvements with socio-economic and environmental factors.

Malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading cause of death by cancer in children and the second commonest pediatric cancer type. Despite several decades of epidemiologic research, the etiology of childhood CNS tumors is still largely unknown. A few genetic syndromes and therapeutic ionizing radiation are thought to account for 5-10% of childhood cancer, but the etiology of other cases remains unknown. Nongenetic causes, like environmental agents, are thought to explain them. However, as very few epidemiologic studies have been conducted, it is not surprising that nongenetic risk factors have not been detected. The biggest difference between cancers for which there are good etiologic clues and those for which there are none could be the number of relevant studies. This study, which covers the 1980-2011 period, identified links between CNS cancer evolution and the socio-economic and environmental indicators in the same space and time limits in the European Union.

Hypertension and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E.

Hypertension affects populations globally and is thus a public health and socio-economic problem. Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies are common in the general population, and may be even more prevalent in hypertensive patients. This study aimed to determine a possible association between hypertension and intake of fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E. Participants were from the cross-sectional Hortega nutrition study conducted with a random sample of 1514 people (50.3% women, 49.7% men) and two groups: nonhypertensive controls≥40 years old (n=429; 28.3%); unknown untreated hypertension cases≥40 years old (n=246; 16.2%). Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were taken. Data on dietary intakes, education, socio-economic status, place of residence, health habits, comorbidities, alcohol consumption and smoking were collected and assessed. A descriptive data study was done and compared by ANOVA and Chi-Square. No p value higher than 0.05 was considered significant. The results showed that vitamin A intake was higher in the hypertensive subpopulation (1732.77±962.27 µg vs. 1655.89±902.81 µg), and vitamin D and E intakes were lower (8.13±9.71 µg vs. 8.25±9.52 µg and 18.79±7.84 mg vs. 18.60±8.20 mg, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in any adjusted model. This study did not significantly associate intake of vitamins A, D and E with hypertension in people aged over 40. Future studies on this topic and a larger sample are necessary.

Correlation of zinc with oxidative stress biomarkers.

Hypertension and smoking are related with oxidative stress (OS), which in turn reports on cellular aging. Zinc is an essential element involved in an individual's physiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of zinc levels in serum and urine with OS and cellular aging and its effect on the development of hypertension. In a Spanish sample with 1500 individuals, subjects aged 20-59 years were selected, whose zinc intake levels fell within the recommended limits. These individuals were classified according to their smoking habits and hypertensive condition. A positive correlation was found (Pearson's C=0.639; p=0.01) between Zn serum/urine quotient and oxidized glutathione levels (GSSG). Finally, risk of hypertension significantly increased when the GSSG levels exceeded the 75 percentile; OR=2.80 (95%CI=1.09-7.18) and AOR=3.06 (95%CI=0.96-9.71). Low zinc levels in serum were related with OS and cellular aging and were, in turn, to be a risk factor for hypertension.

Zinc and smoking habits in the setting of hypertension in a Spanish populations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between trace and toxic amounts of zinc (Zn) in biological samples (blood and urine) and the smoking habits of hypertensive patients and healthy control subjects in Valladolid (Spain). In order to compare biological samples, the concentrations of these samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The limits of detection for Zn in blood plasma ranged between 4.22 and 17.34 µmol l(-1) and were <0.08 µmol g(-1) creatinine in urine. The results of this study indicate that the highest mean values of serum Zn were found in non-hypertensive nonsmokers (13.39±4.35 µmol l(-1)), whereas the highest urine Zn values were observed in hypertensive nonsmokers (2.78±2.13 µmol l(-1)). Higher Zn serum/urine quotient levels were observed in non-hypertensive and nonsmoking women, whereas lower levels were noted in non-hypertensive and smoking women (P=0.012). This study identified a correlation between Zn serum/urine quotients and cotinine levels (a marker of smoking), a correlation that suggests that smoking lowers the Zn serum/urine quotient, which was lower in hypertensive subjects than in control subjects.

Relationship between the level of physical activity and markers of cardiovascular health in Valencian adolescents (Spain) / Relación del nivel de práctica de actividad física con marcadores de salud cardiovascular en adolescentes valencianos (España)

Introduction. A sedentary lifestyle is not only a major cardiovascular risk factor from an early age, it also contributes to the development of other cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of this study was to determine the level of physical activity and relate it to cardiovascular risk markers in Valencian adolescents according to their anthropometric characteristics and gender. Population and Methods. The following variables were assessed in a randomized sample of 583 Valencian adolescents (Spain) aged 12-18 years: level of physical activity, using a validated questionnaire; weight, height and waist circumference; aerobic capacity, using the multi-stage ftness test (Course-Navette test); and muscle strength, using a manual dynamometry. Results. In total, 57.60% of male adolescents and 14% of female adolescents complied with the recommendations for physical activity. The prevalence of excessive weight, waist circumference with risk, and aerobic capacity with risk was 24.90%, 29.30% and 20.60%, respectively among boys, and 15.10%, 23.20% and 24.70% among girls (p <0.005). Conclusions. A higher level of physical activity in adolescents is related to a lower body mass index, a smaller waist circumference and less excessive weight in male adolescents, and to a higher aerobic capacity and a lower cardiovascular risk in both male and female adolescents. Aerobic capacity and waist circumference with risk are signifcantly higher among subjects with excessive weight.

Introducción. El sedentarismo no solo es un factor de riesgo cardiovascular importante desde edades tempranas, sino que además contribuye al desarrollo de otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el nivel de práctica de actividad física y relacionarlo con marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes valencianos, según las características antropométricas y el género. Población y métodos. En una muestra aleatoria de 583 adolescentes valencianos (España), de 12 a 18 años, se evaluó el nivel de práctica de actividad física mediante un cuestionario validado; el peso, la talla y la circunferencia abdominal; la capacidad aeróbica mediante la prueba de Course-Navette y la fuerza muscular mediante la dinamometría manual. Resultados. Cumplían las recomendaciones de práctica de actividad física el 57,60% de los varones y el 14% de las mujeres. La prevalencia de exceso de peso, circunferencia abdominal con riesgo y capacidad aeróbica con riesgo fue de 24,90%, 29,30% y 20,60%, respectivamente en los varones y de 15,10%, 23,20% y 24,70% en las mujeres (p < 0,005). Conclusiones. Un mayor nivel de práctica de actividad física en los adolescentes se relaciona con menor índice de masa corporal, menor circunferencia abdominal y menor exceso de peso en los varones, y con mayor capacidad aeróbica y menor riesgo cardiovascular en ambos sexos. La capacidad aeróbica con riesgo y la circunferencia abdominal con riesgo son signifcativamente mayores en los sujetos con exceso de peso.

Occupational exposure to chlorinated and petroleum solvents and mycosis fungoides.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential association between occupational exposure to chlorinated and petroleum solvents and mycosis fungoides (MF). METHODS: A questionnaire on lifetime job history was administered to 100 patients diagnosed with MF and 2846 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated as the measure of the association between exposure to each specific solvent and MF. RESULTS: In the total sample and in men, cases and controls did not differ in relation to exposure to any of the solvents studied. In women, an association with MF was seen for the highest level of estimated exposure to perchloroethylene (OR = 11.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 124.85) and for exposure less than the median to kerosene/fuel/gasoil (OR = 8.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 65.62). CONCLUSIONS: These results do not provide conclusive evidence that exposure to solvents may increase risk of MF because they were not found in men.

Atopic dermatitis and indoor use of energy sources in cooking and heating appliances.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) prevalence has considerably increased worldwide in recent years. Studying indoor environments is particularly relevant, especially in industrialised countries where many people spend 80% of their time at home, particularly children. This study is aimed to identify the potential association between AD and the energy source (biomass, gas and electricity) used for cooking and domestic heating in a Spanish schoolchildren population. METHODS: As part of the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) phase III study, a cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted with 21,355 6-to-7-year-old children from 8 Spanish ISAAC centres. AD prevalence, environmental risk factors and the use of domestic heating/cooking devices were assessed using the validated ISAAC questionnaire. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (cOR, aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained. A logistic regression analysis was performed (Chi-square test, p-value < 0.05). RESULTS: It was found that the use of biomass systems gave the highest cORs, but only electric cookers showed a significant cOR of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01-1.27). When the geographical area and the mother's educational level were included in the logistic model, the obtained aOR values differed moderately from the initial cORs. Electric heating was the only type which obtained a significant aOR (1.13; 95% CI: 1.00-1.27). Finally, the model with all selected confounding variables (sex, BMI, number of siblings, mother's educational level, smoking habits of parents, truck traffic and geographical area), showed aOR values which were very similar to those obtained in the previous adjusted logistic analysis. None of the results was statistically significant, but the use of electric heating showed an aOR close to significance (1.14; 95% CI: 0.99-1.31). CONCLUSION: In our study population, no statistically significant associations were found between the type of indoor energy sources used and the presence of AD.

Pesticide exposure in farming and forestry and the risk of uveal melanoma.

PURPOSE: Since pesticides are disputed risk factors for uveal melanoma, we studied the association between occupational pesticide exposure and uveal melanoma risk in a case-control study from nine European countries. METHODS: Incident cases of uveal melanoma and population as well as hospital controls were included and frequency-matched by country, 5-year age groups and sex. Self-reported exposure was quantified with respect to duration of exposure and pesticide application method. We calculated the exposure intensity level based on application method and use of personal protective equipment. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression analyses and adjusted for several potential confounders. RESULTS: 293 case and 3,198 control subjects were interviewed. We did not identify positive associations with activities in farming or forestry, pesticide application or pesticide mixing. No consistent positive associations were seen with exposure intensity level scores either. The only statistically significantly raised association in this study was for exposure to chemical fertilizers in forestry (OR = 8.93; 95% CI 1.73-42.13), but this observation was based on only six exposed subjects. Results did not change when we restricted analyses to morphologically verified cases and excluded proxy interviews as well as cancer controls. We did not observe effect modification by sex or eye color. CONCLUSIONS: Risk estimates for pesticide exposures and occupational activities in agriculture and forestry were not increased and did not indicate a hormonal mechanism due to these exposures.

Occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the risk of uveal melanoma.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the association between occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) and the risk of uveal melanoma using international data of a case-control study from nine European countries. METHODS: After exclusion of proxy interviews, 280 cases and 3084 control subjects were included in the final analysis. Information on possible exposure to EDC was derived from 27 job-specific questionnaires (JSQ), which solicited detailed questions on occupational tasks. Relative risk estimates were based on the JSQ and potential exposure to a group of endocrine-disrupting agents. We constructed several exposure scores, taking into account intensity of exposure, use of personal protective equipment, and exposure duration. We calculated unconditional logistic regression analyses, adjusting for country, age, sex, eye color and a history of ocular damage due to intense ultraviolet (UV) exposure. RESULTS: The overall exposure prevalence to EDC was low reaching a maximum of 11% for heavy metals with endocrine-disrupting properties. Although working in some industries was associated with increased melanoma risk [such as dry cleaning: odds ratio (OR) 6.15, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.0-18.96 and working in the glass manufacturing industry: OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.10-11.10], agent-specific risks were not elevated. The strongest possible risk increase was observed for organic solvents with endocrine-disrupting properties (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.78-2.21). Calculation of exposure scores did not indicate consistently elevated results with higher score values. Sensitivity analyses did not alter these results. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to EDC was not associated with an increased risk for uveal melanoma.

Immunologic diseases and brain tumors.

To do a bibliographic review of the given association of atopic [AD] and immunological diseases with central nerve system tumors [CNST] described a few years ago and to know the knowledge available. It gives an overview of the studies describing this association, and those explaining its mechanism. A negative association of AD with CNST stands out in case-control studies, which is not observed in cohort studies. The greatest association is seen for gliomas and is less significant for meningiomas. A clearer definition for the AD under study, tumour types, and the exact biochemical and clinical parameters to help diagnoses are the recommended as well as to establish an aetiologic and temporal relationship between AD and CNST.

Parental occupational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and male genital malformations: a study in the Danish National Birth Cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sex hormones closely regulate development of the male genital organs during fetal life. The hypothesis that xenobiotics may disrupt endogenous hormonal signalling has received considerable scientific attention, but human evidence is scarce. OBJECTIVES: We analyse occurrence of hypospadias and cryptorchidism according to maternal and paternal occupational exposure to possible endocrine disrupting chemicals. METHODS: We conducted a follow-up study of 45,341 male singleton deliveries in the Danish National Birth Cohort during 1997-2009. Information on work during pregnancy was obtained by telephone interviews around gestational week 16. Parents' job titles were classified according to DISCO-88. A job exposure matrix for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was implemented to assess occupational exposures. The Medical Birth and National Hospital Register provided data on congenital anomalies diagnosed at birth or during follow-up, which ended in 2009. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were obtained from Cox regression models. RESULTS: Among all pregnancies, 6.3% were classified as possibly or probably exposed to EDCs. The most prevalent occupations conferring possible exposure were cleaners, laboratory technicians, hairdressers and agricultural workers (58% of all potentially exposed). The final cumulative incidence of cryptorchidism in boys was 2.2% (1002 cases), and of hypospadias 0.6% (262 cases). The occurrence of hypospadias increased when mothers were probably [HRa = 1.8 (95% CI 1.0-2.6)] or possibly exposed to one or more EDCs [HRa = 2.6 (95% CI 1.8-3.4). Possible paternal exposure to heavy metals increased the risk of hypospadias [HRa 2.2 (95% CI: 1.0-3.4)] and cryptorchidism [HRa 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-2.7)]. None of the exposure groups reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The study provides some but limited evidence that occupational exposure to possible endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy increases the risk of hypospadias.

Risk of infection and adverse outcomes among pregnant working women in selected occupational groups: A study in the Danish National Birth Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to infectious pathogens is a frequent occupational hazard for women who work with patients, children, animals or animal products. The purpose of the present study is to investigate if women working in occupations where exposure to infections agents is common have a high risk of infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We used data from the Danish National Birth Cohort, a population-based cohort study and studied the risk of Infection and adverse outcomes in pregnant women working with patients, with children, with food products or with animals. The regression analysis were adjusted for the following covariates: maternal age, parity, history of miscarriage, socio-occupational status, pre-pregnancy body mass index, smoking habit, alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Pregnant women who worked with patients or children or food products had an excess risk of sick leave during pregnancy for more than three days. Most of negative reproductive outcomes were not increased in these occupations but the prevalence of congenital anomalies (CAs) was slightly higher in children of women who worked with patients. The prevalence of small for gestational age infants was higher among women who worked with food products. There was no association between occupation infections during pregnancy and the risk of reproductive failures in the exposed groups. However, the prevalence of CAs was slightly higher among children of women who suffered some infection during pregnancy but the numbers were small. CONCLUSION: Despite preventive strategies, working in specific jobs during pregnancy may impose a higher risk of infections, and working in some of these occupations may impose a slightly higher risk of CAs in their offspring. Most other reproductive failures were not increased in these occupations.

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields and sex-differential risk of uveal melanoma.

OBJECTIVES: The association between occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and the risk of uveal melanoma was investigated in a case-control study in nine European countries. METHODS: Incident cases of uveal melanoma and population as well as hospital controls were included and frequency matched by country, 5-year birth cohort and sex. Subjects were asked whether they had worked close to high-voltage electrical transmission installations, computer screens and various electrical machines, or in complex electrical environments. Measurements of two Scandinavian job-exposure matrices were applied to estimate lifelong cumulative EMF exposure. Unconditional logistic regression analyses, stratified by sex and eye colour were calculated, adjusting for several potential confounders. RESULTS: 293 patients with uveal melanoma and 3198 control subjects were interviewed. Women exposed to electrical transmission installations showed elevated risks (OR 5.81, 95% CI 1.72 to 19.66). Positive associations with exposure to control rooms were seen among men and women, but most risk increases were restricted to subjects with dark iris colour. Application of published EMF measurements revealed stronger risk increases among women compared to men. Again, elevated risks were restricted to subjects with dark eye colour. CONCLUSION: Although based on a low prevalence of exposure to potential occupational sources of EMF, our data indicate that exposed dark-eyed women may be at particular risk for uveal melanoma.

Hormonal exposures and the risk of uveal melanoma.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies suggest that hormonal mechanisms may be associated with the development of uveal melanoma. Therefore, the association between the risk of uveal melanoma and exposure to hormonal exposures was investigated in a case-control study from nine European countries. METHODS: Incident cases of uveal melanoma were frequency-matched to population and hospital controls by country, age, and sex. Female subjects were asked about their reproductive history, use of menopausal hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. Among men, occupational handling of oils while working with transformers or capacitors which contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) was solicited. Unconditional logistic regression analyses were calculated, adjusting for several potential confounders. Analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-three cases (165 men, 128 women) and 3,198 control subjects (2,121 men, 1,077 women) were interviewed. Among women, no associations were observed with hormonal status variables, intake of hormonal therapy or intake of oral contraceptives. Men showed an increased risk with occupational exposure to transformer/capacitor oils (OR = 2.74; Bonferroni-corrected 99.3% CI 1.07-7.02). However, these results were based on few exposed subjects only. CONCLUSION: The results of this study do not support the hypothesis of a hormonal influence in the carcinogenesis of uveal melanoma. Our finding of a potentially increased risk with PCB-containing oils requires further research.

Socio-occupational status and congenital anomalies.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between socio-occupational status and the frequency of major congenital anomalies in offspring. METHODS: The study population comprised 81,435 live singletons born to mothers enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort between 1996 and 2002. A total of 3352 cases of major congenital anomalies (EUROCAT criteria) were identified by linkage to the National Hospital Discharge Register. Malformations were recorded at birth or in the first year of life. Information about maternal and paternal socio-occupational status was collected prospectively using telephone interviews in the second trimester of pregnancy and was categorized as high, middle or low. Associations were measured as relative prevalence ratios using the highest socio-occupational status within the couple as the reference group. RESULTS: The prevalence of all recorded major congenital anomalies was similar, about 4%, in all the socio-occupational categories. Low social status of the couple did, however, correlate with a higher prevalence of congenital anomalies of the 'respiratory system'. No association was substantially attenuated when we adjusted for maternal and paternal age, smoking status, maternal alcohol habits, folic acid intake and body mass index. When malformations of the heart and the cardiovascular system were grouped together, they were more frequent in families where both parents presented a low socio-occupational status. CONCLUSION: We detected an association between low socio-occupational status and congenital anomalies of the respiratory system, the heart and the circulatory system. These malformations are good candidates for a large study on occupational, environmental and social determinants.