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- Petridou, E, et al.
(författare)
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Insulin-like growth factor-I and binding protein-3 in relation to childhood leukaemia
- 1999
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cancer. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 80:4, s. 494-496
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aetiology of most cases of childhood leukaemia remains unknown, but several studies have indicated that increased birthweight and height are risk factors for the disease. Since insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mediates the effect of growth hormone and has been positively associated with prostate cancer, we have evaluated the role of this hormone and its principal binding protein, IGFBP-3, in the aetiology of childhood leukaemia. Incident cases of childhood leukaemia from those recorded by a national network of childhood oncologists were enrolled in our study. Controls were children hospitalised for acute conditions of no more than moderate severity with matching for gender, age and maternal place of residence. Blood measurements of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were undertaken using commercially available radioimmunoassays. Serum IGF-I values decreased by about 1.7% per month, and the rate of decline was higher, though not significantly so, among cases (2.1% per month) than among controls (1.4%). There was no significant association between IGF-I and the likelihood of childhood leukaemia, but an increment of 1 microg/ml of IGFBP-3 was associated with a substantial and statistically significant reduction of childhood leukaemia by 28% (95% confidence interval 7% to 45%). Because IGFBP-3 is essentially a binding protein, we interpret our findings as indicating that bioavailable IGF-I may play an important role in the aetiology of childhood leukaemia. The much smaller quantities and the inherent instability of IGF-I in the blood in comparison to those of IGFBP-3 are likely to hinder documentation of an underlying positive association of IGF-I with the disease.
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- Skalkidou, A, et al.
(författare)
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Factors affecting motorcycle helmet use in the population of Greater Athens, Greece.
- 1999
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Ingår i: Injury Prevention. - 1353-8047 .- 1475-5785. ; 5:4, s. 264-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Helmet use is the best preventive measure available against two wheel motorized vehicle (TWMV) related head injuries. In some countries, however, helmets are used only by a minority of TWMV riders. In collaboration with the Road Traffic Police Department, an inspection survey was undertaken to assess the prevalence and to determine predictors of helmet use.SETTING: The Greater Athens area, Greece, during July and August 1998.METHODS: A total of 982 TWMVs were stopped, 349 of which had two riders (36%). All riders were interviewed by staff members of the Centre for Research and Prevention of Injuries among the Young.RESULTS: The average prevalence of helmet use was 20.2%. It ranged from 9.7% on small suburban roads to 50.8% on highways. Prevalence of use was significantly lower during the weekend days and at night. Women were significantly more likely to wear a helmet and, controlling for gender, drivers were significantly more likely to be helmet users. Riders of more powerful TWMVs and passengers, who themselves had a TWMV driving license, were helmet users more frequently. Among non-users, the majority (46%) indicated that "the helmet made them feel uncomfortable", particularly in warm weather, whereas 18% claimed that there was little need for a helmet in low speed riding.CONCLUSIONS: A multipronged campaign is urgently needed in Greece to increase the prevalence of helmet use by TWMV riders. The campaign should include not only police enforcement but also initiatives to make helmets more convenient to wear and less expensive.
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