Dermoscopy Training Effect on Diagnostic Accuracy of Skin Lesions in Canadian Family Medicine Physicians Using the Triage Amalgamated Dermoscopic Algorithm.

Background: Accurate identification of cutaneous lesions is an essential skill for family medicine physicians (FMPs). Studies show significant improvement in skin cancer detection with dermoscopy use. Frontline FMPs are an ideal target group for dermoscopy training.

Residential pesticides and childhood leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

It is a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous observational epidemiologic studies examining the relationship between residential pesticide exposures during critical exposure time windows (preconception, pregnancy, and childhood) and childhood leukemia. Searches of Medline and other electronic databases were performed (1950-2009). Study selection, data abstraction, and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers.

Residential pesticides and childhood leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous observational epidemiologic studies examining the relationship between residential pesticide exposures during critical exposure time windows (preconception, pregnancy, and childhood) and childhood leukemia.

Data Sources: Searches of MEDLINE and other electronic databases were performed (1950-2009). Reports were included if they were original epidemiologic studies of childhood leukemia, followed a case-control or cohort design, and assessed at least one index of residential/household pesticide exposure/use.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of childhood leukemia and parental occupational pesticide exposure.

Objectives: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of childhood leukemia and parental occupational pesticide exposure.

Data Sources: Searches of MEDLINE (1950-2009) and other electronic databases yielded 31 included studies.

Data Extraction: Two authors independently abstracted data and assessed the quality of each study.

Pre- and post-conception pesticide exposure and the risk of birth defects in an Ontario farm population.

The use of pesticides has enhanced the health and economies of nations around the world by improving crop production. However, pesticides may pose health risks, particularly to the fetus and young children. In a secondary analysis of the Ontario Farm Family Health Study, we explored the relationship between birth defects and parental pesticide exposure during the 3 months prior to conception and the first trimester of pregnancy.

Epidemiologic evidence of relationships between reproductive and child health outcomes and environmental chemical contaminants.

This review summarizes the level of epidemiologic evidence for relationships between prenatal and/or early life exposure to environmental chemical contaminants and fetal, child, and adult health. Discussion focuses on fetal loss, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, birth defects, respiratory and other childhood diseases, neuropsychological deficits, premature or delayed sexual maturation, and certain adult cancers linked to fetal or childhood exposures. Environmental exposures considered here include chemical toxicants in air, water, soil/house dust and foods (including human breast milk), and consumer products.

Review of the etiology of breast cancer with special attention to organochlorines as potential endocrine disruptors.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Canadian women, accounting for about 30% of all new cancer cases each year. Although the incidence of breast cancer has increased over the past 50 years, the cause of this rise is unknown. Risk factors for breast cancer may be classified into four broad categories: (1) genetic/familial, (2) reproductive/hormonal, (3) lifestyle, and (4) environmental.

Role of hormonal and other factors in human prostate cancer.

American men have a lifetime risk of about 18% for prostate cancer diagnosis. Large international variations in prostate cancer risks and increased risks among migrants from low- to high-risk countries indicate important roles for environmental factors. Major known risk factors include age, family history, and country/ethnicity.

Environmental hazards: evidence for effects on child health.

The human fetus, child, and adult may experience adverse health outcomes from parental or childhood exposures to environmental toxicants. The fetus and infant are especially vulnerable to toxicants that disrupt developmental processes during relatively narrow time windows. This review summarizes knowledge of associations between child health and development outcomes and environmental exposures, including lead, methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and related polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs), certain pesticides, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), aeroallergens, ambient air toxicants (especially particulate matter [PM] and ozone), chlorination disinfection by-products (DBPs), sunlight, power-frequency magnetic fields, radiofrequency (RF) radiation, residential proximity to hazardous waste disposal sites, and solvents.

In utero pesticide exposure and childhood morbidity.

In humans, immune development begins early in embryonic life and continues throughout the early postnatal period. Although a number of pesticides have been observed to induce developmental immunotoxicity in mice, few human studies have examined the long term effects of in utero pesticide exposure on childhood morbidity. Empirical evidence suggests that the vulnerable period for toxic insults to the developing immune system extends from early gestation to adolescence in humans and animals.

Human health risks from low-level environmental exposures: no apparent safety thresholds.

Wigle and Lanphear argue that for many toxins widely dispersed in the environment, even very low levels pose health risks.