Residential proximity to croplands at birth and childhood leukaemia.

Background: Domestic and parental occupational pesticide exposures are suspected of involvement in the occurrence of childhood acute leukaemia (AL), but the role of exposure to agricultural activities is little known. In a previous ecological study conducted in France, we observed an increase in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) incidence rate with increasing viticulture density in the municipalities of residence at diagnosis.

Objectives: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that residential proximity to croplands at birth increases the risk of childhood AL, with a particular focus on vineyards.

From training to practice: a report of professional capacity development in Health Research in West Africa.

Background: Between 2008 and 2013, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) conducted a series of post-graduate capacity building in research methodology in West Africa. This work evaluated the contribution of these trainings in terms of knowledge acquisition and influence of research and policy practice. Cooke's conceptual framework for assessing research capacity building was used with three data sources to construct the indicators (training reports, research project implementation reports and WAHO research programme evaluation report).

Seasonal variations in childhood leukaemia incidence in France, 1990-2014.

Background: Several studies have addressed the potential seasonality of childhood acute leukaemia (AL) without conclusive results. Using data from the National Registry of Childhood Cancers over 1990-2014 in mainland France, we investigated the seasonal variations in childhood AL taken together, and lymphoblastic (ALL) and myeloid (AML) leukaemia separately.

Methods: Assuming constant variations over 1990-2014, we used a Poisson regression model to evaluate variations in standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) by month of birth or diagnosis.