Geno- and immunotoxic effects on populations living near a mine: a case study of Panasqueira mine in Portugal.

Mining industry is a vital economic sector for many countries but it is also one of the most hazardous activities, both occupationally and environmentally. Existing studies point to several adverse effects on communities' health living near mines, effects such as mesothelioma and respiratory illnesses. Results achieved in a geochemical sampling campaign undertaken in the vicinity of São Francisco de Assis village showed an anomalous distribution of some heavy metals in soils and waters.

History of infection before the onset of juvenile dermatomyositis: results from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research Registry.

Objective: To obtain data concerning a history of infection occurring in the 3 months before recognition of the typical weakness and rash associated with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Methods: Parents or caretakers of children within 6 months of JDM diagnosis were interviewed by the registry study nurse concerning their child's symptoms, environment, family background, and illness history. Physician medical records were reviewed, confirming the JDM diagnosis.

US incidence of juvenile dermatomyositis, 1995-1998: results from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Registry.

Objective: To estimate the incidence of juvenile dermatomyositis (juvenile DM) in the United States between 1995 and 1998.

Methods: Physician referrals to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Juvenile Dermatomyositis Research Registry and the National Pediatric Rheumatology Disease Registry from Indiana University were utilized for a 2-source capture-recapture estimation of Juvenile DM annual incidence.

Results: For children 2-17 years of age, the estimated annual incidence rates from 1995 to 1998 in the US ranged from 2.