Information includes dermatologic diagnoses, possible contact substances and cofactors as well as the “”hit list”" of the most common allergens. Results: Among the patients (n = 134) the most common diagnoses (1st and 2nd) were allergic contact dermatitis (23.9 %), chronic

irritant dermatitis (17.2 %) and atopic -dermatitis (19.4 %). In 80 of the 134 patients (59.7 %), the skin lesions were located on the hands. In 62 (46.3 %) of the cases, skin disease was considered work-related. The contact with cosmetics, creams, disinfectants, topical medications and the use of gloves were relevant as putative triggering factors for the respondents. The most common allergens were nickel (II) sulfate DMH1 (16.5 %), fragrance mix (12.2 %) and fragrance mix II (13.0 %). Conclusions: In this first comprehensive study of contact allergies among physical therapists in German-speaking countries, a link between skin disease and work was felt likely in nearly 50 % of the tested

cohort. To which extent the results shown in this work can be confirmed and which consequences these have for occupational preventive measures should be examined in additional, preferably longitudinal studies.”
“Background: Genetically-modified (GM) mosquitoes have ZD1839 solubility dmso been proposed as part of an integrated vector control strategy for malaria control. Public acceptance is essential prior to field trials, particularly since mosquitoes are a vector of human disease and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) face strong scepticism in developed and developing nations. Despite this, in sub-Saharan Africa, where the GM mosquito effort is p38 MAPK activation primarily directed, very little data is available on perspectives to GMOs. Here, results are presented of a qualitative survey of public attitudes to GM mosquitoes for malaria control in rural and urban areas of Mali, West Africa between the months of October 2008 and June 2009.

Methods: The sample consisted of 80 individuals -30 living in rural communities, 30 living in urban suburbs of Bamako,

and 20 Western-trained and traditional health professionals working in Bamako and Bandiagara. Questions were asked about the cause of malaria, heredity and selective breeding. This led to questions about genetic alterations, and acceptable conditions for a release of pest-resistant GM corn and malaria-refractory GM mosquitoes. Finally, participants were asked about the decision-making process in their community. Interviews were transcribed and responses were categorized according to general themes.

Results: Most participants cited mosquitoes as one of several causes of malaria. The concept of the gene was not widely understood; however selective breeding was understood, allowing limited communication of the concept of genetic modification.