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United States Clusters South Boston, Massachusetts |
Cluster studies can help pinpoint some of the causes of scleroderma. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma, What is Scleroderma?, Types of Scleroderma, and Systemic Sclerosis)
Systemic scleroderma: a spatiotemporal clustering. Spatiotemporal clustering has been demonstrated only three times previously. We now report a fourth cluster around Edenhope, western Victoria, Australia, with a tenfold increased cumulative incidence to that expected. PubMed, Intern Med J. 2005 Apr;35(4):228-33.
A Message to the Kahnawake Mohawk Nation Re:Scleroderma Epidemic at Kahnawake. It is clear that the people of Kahnawake have been exposed to solvents from local industry and from dump sites. It is clear that there is much Scleroderma at Kahnawake. The high rate of Scleroderma must be investigated at Kahnawake and perhaps, Akwesasne. John H.W. Hummell, 10/05/09. (Also see Causes of Scleroderma: Solvents and Kahnawake Scleroderma Support Group)
Canada: Southwestern Ontario: Increased Prevalence of Scleroderma in Southwestern Ontario: A Cluster Analysis The cluster in Woodstock seems statistically validated. Associations with alcohol and dental fillings require further study. The Journal of Rheumatology VOLUME 29: NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 2002 (Also see Causes of Scleroderma: Mercury (Dental Amalgam)
Choctaw Native Americans: NIH-Funded Native American Study Finds Gene Site Associated With Scleroderma A study blending modern-day genetic marker research and century-old tribal records has identified a chromosomal site associated with the connective tissue disease scleroderma in Oklahoma Choctaw Native Americans. Although scleroderma affects members of all ethnic groups, the disorder is particularly prevalent among the Choctaw. NIH (Also see Causes of Scleroderma: Genetics)
Project faces toxic questions. Officials want site redeveloped; group fears spread of contamination. Led by residents Linda Gerard and Lisa McCrillis, the Methuen Environment Coalition, which has at least 10 members in the neighborhood, has argued that contamination left from years of industrial and other uses on the properties has led to disease in the neighborhood. Boston.com 04/17/05.
State is studying city's cancer rates. As the state health department investigates cancer rates in Methuen, a professor at Boston University said last week that cases of multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases in the city's Spicket River neighborhood could signal the presence of environmental factors that often cause such diseases. Boston.com 04/17/05.
South Boston: Scleroderma/Lupus Cluster in South Boston, MassachusettsInvestigation of increased incidence of scleroderma and lupus in the South Boston area. ISN.