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Tomaschek R, Gemperli A, Essig S. Improving collaboration between specialists and general practitioners in services for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury living in rural areas of Switzerland: Baseline results from the SCI-Co study. J Spinal Cord Med 2024; 47:423-431. [PMID: 36441044 PMCID: PMC11044760 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2022.2097996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE Strategies to combine primary and specialized care are crucial to meet the needs of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) located in rural areas. We explored the collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and SCI specialists who will participate in an intervention study to improve their collaboration. DESIGN A questionnaire survey from August to October 2020. SETTING Primary Care, Specialized SCI care. PARTICIPANTS Eight GPs and 13 SCI specialists. INTERVENTIONS Baseline results from the SCI-Co study. OUTCOME MEASURES N/A. RESULTS Overall, satisfaction ratings for the collaboration between GPs and SCI specialists were high, and all physicians agreed that they work together well. Especially, SCI specialists were satisfied in collaborating with GPs. Despite Switzerland's fragmented primary and secondary care system, only a few physicians reported about issues with delays and waiting lists. While GPs wanted to improve the quality of their referral, most SCI specialists reported being content with it. GPs were also discontent about discharge organization by specialists. CONCLUSION Satisfaction with collaboration was high, both in GPs and specialists. Areas for improvement include discharge and referral processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Tomaschek
- Center for Primary and Community Care, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Armin Gemperli
- Center for Primary and Community Care, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Essig
- Center for Primary and Community Care, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Altwicker-Hámori S, Ackermann KA, Furchheim P, Dratva J, Truninger D, Müller S, Wieber F. Risk factors for smoking in adolescence: evidence from a cross-sectional survey in Switzerland. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1165. [PMID: 38664744 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18695-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking during adolescence is a major public health concern with far-reaching health implications. Adolescents who smoke are at an increased risk of developing long-term health problems and are more likely to continue smoking into adulthood. Therefore, it is vital to identify and understand the risk factors that contribute to adolescent smoking - which in turn facilitate the development of targeted prevention and intervention programs. METHODS Data was drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted between October and December 2021, encompassing adolescents of adolescents aged 14 to 19 residing in Switzerland (n = 2,683). Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to explore which demographic, household, behavioural and psychographic factors are associated with current smoking status. RESULTS The regression results showed higher odds of smoking for female respondents (OR 1.39; p-value 0.007); older adolescents (OR 1.30; p-value < 0.001); those living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland (OR 1.39; p-value 0.021), in suburban areas (OR 1.35; p-value 0.023) and with a smoker in the same household (OR 2.41; p-value < 0.001); adolescents consuming alcohol (OR 4.10; p-value < 0.001), cannabis products (OR 6.72; p-value < 0.001) and hookah (OR 5.07; p-value < 0.001) at least once a month; respondents not engaging in sports (OR 1.90; p-value < 0.001) or music (OR 1.42; p-value 0.031) as top five leisure activities and those experiencing high stress levels at home (OR 1.74; p-value < 0.001). Adolescents with high scores in health awareness (OR 0.33; p-value < 0.001), on the relational self-esteem scale (OR 0.78; p-value 0.054) and on the general well-being scale (OR 0.52; p-value 0.022) were less likely to smoke than their counterparts with lower scores. High risk-seeking was associated with higher odds of smoking (OR 2.15; p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest the importance of a comprehensive approach at both individual and institutional levels to reduce smoking rates in adolescents. More specifically, a holistic strategy that encompasses adolescents, families, schools and policymakers ranging from strengthening adolescents' self-esteem, smoking cessation support for parents, to increasing engagement in musical and physical activities, and enhancing health awareness in the school curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Altwicker-Hámori
- Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, School of Management and Law, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland.
| | - Kurt Alexander Ackermann
- Center for Behavioral Insights & Pricing, School of Management and Law, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Pia Furchheim
- Center for Behavioral Insights & Pricing, School of Management and Law, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Julia Dratva
- Institute of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Truninger
- Institute of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Müller
- Center for Behavioral Insights & Pricing, School of Management and Law, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Frank Wieber
- Institute of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Beil-Hildebrand MB, Kundt Sari F, Kutschar P, Birkholz L. What keeps you up at night? Moral distress in nurse leaders in the USA, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Leadersh Health Serv (Bradf Engl) 2024; ahead-of-print. [PMID: 38639984 DOI: 10.1108/lhs-09-2023-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nurse leaders are challenged by ethical issues in today's complex health-care settings. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze key elements of moral distress identified by nurse leaders from health-care systems in the USA, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The aim was to develop an understanding of distressing ethical issues nurse leaders face in the USA and three German-speaking European countries. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH This descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed a convenience sample of nurse leaders in the USA, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The voluntary, anonymous survey also included qualitative questions and was distributed using the Qualtrics® platform. A thematic analysis of the qualitative data in each country was carried out and a comparative analysis identified similarities and differences between the groups of nurse leaders comparing the US data to that from three German-speaking European countries. FINDINGS The survey was completed by 316 nurse leaders: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (n = 225) and the USA (n = 91). Similar themes identified as causing all nurse leaders moral distress included a lack of individual and organizational integrity, hierarchical and interprofessional issues, lack of nursing professionalism, patient care/patient safety concerns, finances negatively impacting care and issues around social justice. Within these six themes, there were also differences between the USA and the three German-speaking European countries. ORIGINALITY/VALUE Understanding the experiences associated with distressing ethical situations can allow nurse leaders and organizations to focus on solutions and develop resilience to reduce moral distress in the USA and three German-speaking European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Firuzan Kundt Sari
- Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Patrick Kutschar
- Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Lorri Birkholz
- School of Nursing, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Rickli C, Stoll J, Westermair AL, Trachsel M. Comparing attitudes towards compulsory interventions in severe and persistent mental illness among psychiatrists in India and Switzerland. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:295. [PMID: 38637747 PMCID: PMC11025243 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05710-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatrists face a major ethical challenge when deciding whether to make use of coercive measures in the treatment process of patients suffering from severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). As India and Switzerland show major cultural, political and financial differences, it is hypothesized that attitudes towards coercive measures among Indian and Swiss psychiatrists will vary too. Exploring differences in attitudes between cultures strengthens the critical reflection on one's own stances and in consequence, on our way of action. Especially when it comes to situations involving power imbalances between patients and health practitioners, self-reflection is essential to prevent ethically inappropriate behavior. METHODS An online survey on aspects of care for patients with SPMI was sent to 3'056 members of the Indian Psychiatric Society between April and June 2020 and to 1'311 members of the Swiss Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy between February and March 2016. The respondents' answers were compared. This article deals with the questionnaire's items on autonomous decision making and the implementation of coercive measures in clinical practice. More precisely, participating psychiatrists were asked to rate the importance of patient's autonomy in general and their willingness to apply coercive measures regarding two specific case vignettes depicting a patient with schizophrenia and one with depression. The statistical analysis, namely descriptive data analysis and calculation of arithmetic means, Shapiro Wilks tests and Mann-Whitney U tests, was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. RESULTS Answers were received from 206 psychiatrists in India and 457 psychiatrists in Switzerland. Indian participants tended to value autonomous decision making as slightly less important than Swiss participants (62.2% vs. 91%, p =.01). Regarding a case of severe and persistent depression, psychiatrists in the Indian group were on average more in favor of acting against the wishes of the patient (55% vs. 34.1%, p <.0001) as well as of accepting a temporary decrease in quality of life due to coercion (40% vs. 23%, p =.008). Answers concerning a case of schizophrenia revealed that Indian participants were more in favor of acting against the patient's wishes than Swiss participants (39% vs. 37%, p =.007), whereas the comparison whether to accept a temporary decrease in quality of life regarding this case showed no significant difference (p =.328). CONCLUSIONS The significant difference in attitudes towards coercive measures among Indian compared to Swiss psychiatrists found in this study might arise from a predominantly more collectivist society in India compared to Switzerland. Moreover, differences in financial resources, the organization of the health care system, and the historical background might have an influence. Continuous and critical reflection on one's own views and behavior is essential, especially if ethical principles and individual rights could be violated through a power imbalance, as in the case of coercive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Rickli
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Stoll
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Lisa Westermair
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital Basel (USB) and University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Trachsel
- Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital Basel (USB) and University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Zayet S, Klopfenstein T. Re: 'Unexpected increase of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in adults in Southern Switzerland' by Garzoni et al. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024:S1198-743X(24)00202-7. [PMID: 38642896 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Souheil Zayet
- Infectious Diseases Department, Nord Franche-Comté Hospital, France.
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Conforti S, Holschneider A, Sylvestre É, Julian TR. Monitoring ESBL- Escherichia coli in Swiss wastewater between November 2021 and November 2022: insights into population carriage. mSphere 2024:e0076023. [PMID: 38606968 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00760-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health threat, causing millions of deaths annually, with expectations of increased impact in the future. Wastewater surveillance offers a cost-effective, non-invasive tool to understand AMR carriage trends within a population. We monitored extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli) weekly in influent wastewater from six wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Switzerland (November 2021 to November 2022) to investigate spatio-temporal variations, explore correlations with environmental variables, develop a predictive model for ESBL-E. coli carriage in the community, and detect the most prevalent ESBL-genes. We cultured total and ESBL-E. coli in 300 wastewater samples to quantify daily loads and percentage of ESBL-E. coli. Additionally, we screened 234 ESBL-E. coli isolates using molecular methods for the presence of 18 ESBL-gene families. We found a population-weighted mean percentage of ESBL-E. coli of 1.9% (95% confidence interval: 1.8-2%) across all sites and weeks, which can inform ESBL-E. coli carriage. Concentrations of ESBL-E. coli varied across WWTPs and time, with higher values observed in WWTPs serving larger populations. Recent precipitations (previous 24/96 h) showed no significant association with ESBL-E. coli, while temperature occasionally had a moderate impact (P < 0.05, correlation coefficients approximately 0.40) in some locations. We identified blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-9, and blaTEM as the predominant ESBL-gene families. Our study demonstrates that wastewater-based surveillance of culturable ESBL-E. coli provides insights into AMR trends in Switzerland and may also inform resistance. These findings establish a foundation for long term, nationally established monitoring protocols and provide information that may help inform targeted public health interventions. IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat and is commonly monitored in clinical settings, given its association with the risk of antimicrobial-resistant infections. Nevertheless, tracking AMR within a community proves challenging due to the substantial sample size required for a representative population, along with high associated costs and privacy concerns. By investigating high resolution temporal and geographic trends in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in wastewater, we provide an alternative approach to monitor AMR dynamics, distinct from the conventional clinical settings focus. Through this approach, we develop a mechanistic model, shedding light on the relationship between wastewater indicators and AMR carriage in the population. This perspective contributes valuable insights into trends of AMR carriage, emphasizing the importance of wastewater surveillance in informing effective public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Conforti
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Holschneider
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Émile Sylvestre
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Timothy R Julian
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Tagini F, Opota O, Greub G. Chlamydia pneumoniae Upsurge at Tertiary Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:810-812. [PMID: 38413241 PMCID: PMC10977832 DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.231610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection cases have usually accounted for <1.5% of community-acquired respiratory tract infections. Currently, Lausanne, Switzerland is experiencing a notable upsurge in cases, with 28 reported within a span of a few months. This upsurge in cases highlights the need for heightened awareness among clinicians.
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Colombo A, Carbajal M, Milani R. Social Representations and Experiences of Sexual Transactions Among Swiss Youth. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:1431-1447. [PMID: 38413533 PMCID: PMC10954841 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02814-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This article relies on quantitative data collected in Switzerland as part of a research study on sexual transactions among youth. Building on an analytical framework that defines sexual transactions in terms of negotiated exchanges rooted in social representations, we explored how they were perceived by the Swiss young people included in our sample at a cognitive, ethical, and political level. We found that research participants who reported having experienced sexual transactions viewed them much more positively than those who reported never having engaged in such exchanges. While this was especially true among young women, we also found that the tendency of respondents to perceive sexual transactions negatively increased with age. When analyzed in light of the qualitative results of our study, these quantitative findings suggest that negative representations of sexual transactions are less likely to be based on lived experience than on an ideal-type of sexual behavior. In other words, our research highlights how young people interpret sexuality according to norms developed within a heteronormative matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Colombo
- School of Social Work, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Myrian Carbajal
- School of Social Work, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Milani
- School of Social Work, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
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Christen S, Roser K, Mader L, Otth M, Scheinemann K, Sommer G, Kuehni C, Michel G. Incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal health conditions in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers: A report from the Swiss childhood cancer survivor study. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7204. [PMID: 38650581 PMCID: PMC11036073 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Childhood cancer and its treatment can cause damage to the musculoskeletal system. We aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal health conditions (MSHC) in survivors, and to investigate differences by cancer-related characteristics. METHODS We used data from the Childhood Cancer Registry and the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, including survivors (≥5 years since diagnosis; diagnosed 1976-2015 at <20 years of age) aged ≥15 years at study. Cumulative incidence and prevalence of MSHCs (osteoporosis, limb length discrepancy, limited joint mobility, bone/joint pain, scoliosis, changes to chest/ribs and amputation) were calculated from self-reported data. RESULTS We included 2645 survivors (53% men; median age 24 years, range 15-59 years). Prevalence and cumulative incidence of any MSHC was 21% and 26%, respectively. Incidence rate for any MSHC was 15.6/1000 person-years. Scoliosis (8%), bone/joint pain (7%) and limited joint mobility (7%) were the most prevalent MSHC. MSHC co-occurred with other health conditions in 87% of survivors. We found increased rates of MSHC in women (RR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.2-1.7), bone tumour survivors (RR = 6.0, 95%CI: 4.5-7.9), survivors older at diagnosis (11-15 years: RR = 1.8, 95%CI: 1.5-2.3), after a relapse (RR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.3-1.9), treatment with surgery (RR = 1.2, 95%CI: 1.0-1.5), chemotherapy (RR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1-1.8) or stem cell transplantation (RR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.0-2.5), and more recent year of diagnosis (2011-2015: RR = 4.3, 95%CI: 2.8-6.8). CONCLUSION MSHCs are prevalent in survivors, the risk is increasing in younger survivor cohorts, and MSHCs usually occur in multimorbid survivors. Strengthening of rehabilitation services and appropriate referrals are needed to mitigate the effects of the cancer and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salome Christen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineUniversity of LucerneLucerneSwitzerland
| | - Katharina Roser
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineUniversity of LucerneLucerneSwitzerland
| | - Luzius Mader
- Cancer Registry Bern SolothurnUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Maria Otth
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineUniversity of LucerneLucerneSwitzerland
- Department of OncologyUniversity Children's Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyChildren's Hospital of Eastern SwitzerlandSt. GallenSwitzerland
| | - Katrin Scheinemann
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineUniversity of LucerneLucerneSwitzerland
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyChildren's Hospital of Eastern SwitzerlandSt. GallenSwitzerland
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster Children's Hospital and McMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Grit Sommer
- Swiss Childhood Cancer RegistryInstitute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Claudia Kuehni
- Swiss Childhood Cancer RegistryInstitute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of BernBernSwitzerland
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of PediatricsInselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Gisela Michel
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineUniversity of LucerneLucerneSwitzerland
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Dupont L, Aberle C, Botsikas D, Ith M, Lima TVM, Menz R, Monnin P, Poletti PA, Presilla S, Schegerer A, Stoica LC, Trueb P, Sans Merce M. Proposed DRLs for Mammography in Switzerland. J Radiol Prot 2024. [PMID: 38530290 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ad37c8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to propose Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) values for mammography in Switzerland.
Methods:
For the data collection, a survey was conducted among a sufficient number of centres, including 5 University hospitals, several cantonal hospitals, and large private clinics, covering all linguistic regions of Switzerland to be representative of the clinical practice. The data gathered contained the mean glandular dose (MGD), the compressed breast thickness (CBT), the mammography model and the examination parameters for each acquisition. The data collected was sorted into the following categories: 2D or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) examination, craniocaudal (CC) or mediolateral oblique (MLO) projection, and 8 categories of compressed breast thickness (CBT) ranging from 20mm to 100mm in 10mm intervals.
Results:
24762 acquisitions acquired in 31 centres on 36 mammography units from 6 different manufacturers were collected. The analysis showed that the data reflects the practice in Switzerland.The results revealed that the MGD is larger for DBT than for 2D acquisitions for the same CBT. From 20-30mm to 90-100mm of CBT, the 75th percentile of the MGD values obtained increased from 0.81mGy to 2.55mGy for 2D CC acquisitions, from 0.83mGy to 2.96mGy for 2D MLO acquisitions, from 1.22mGy to 3.66mGy for DBT CC acquisitions and from 1.33mGy to 4.04mGy for DBT MLO acquisitions.
Conclusion:
The results of the survey allow us to propose Swiss DRLs for mammography according to the examination type (2D/DBT), projection (CC/MLO) and CBT. The proposed values are very satisfactory in comparison with other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dupont
- Radiology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneve, SWITZERLAND
| | - Christoph Aberle
- Clinic of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, SWITZERLAND
| | | | - Michael Ith
- Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Bern, Bern, SWITZERLAND
| | | | - Roman Menz
- Basel Universtiy Hospital, Basel, SWITZERLAND
| | - Pascal Monnin
- Lausanne University Hospital Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne, Vaud, SWITZERLAND
| | | | - Stefano Presilla
- Medical Physics Unit, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale San Giovanni, Bellinzona, TI, SWITZERLAND
| | | | | | - Philipp Trueb
- Radiation Protection Division, Federal Office of Public Health, Bern, Bern, SWITZERLAND
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König RS, Paris DH, Sollberger M, Tschopp R. Identifying the mental health burden in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) patients in Switzerland: A pilot study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27031. [PMID: 38434357 PMCID: PMC10907781 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic disease of significant public health and clinical importance. It affects multiple systems in the body and has neuro-immunological characteristics. The disease is characterized by a prominent symptom called post-exertional malaise (PEM), as well as abnormalities in the immune-inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunctions and disturbances in neuroendocrine pathways. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ME/CFS on the mental health and secondary psychosocial manifestations of patients, as well as their coping mechanisms. Method In 2021, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Switzerland. A self-administered paper questionnaire survey was used to gather data from 169 individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS. Results The majority of the patients (90.5%) reported a lack of understanding of their disease, resulting in patients avoiding talking about the disease due to disbelief, trivialization and avoidance of negative reactions. They felt most supported by close family members (67.1%). Two thirds of the patients (68.5%) experienced stigmatization. ME/CFS had a negative impact on mental health in most patients (88.2%), leading to sadness (71%), hopelessness for relief (66.9%), suicidal thoughts (39.3%) and secondary depression (14.8%). Half of the male patients experienced at least one suicidal thought since clinical onset. Factors significantly associated with depression were the lack of cure, disabilities associated with ME/CFS, social isolation and the fact that life was not worth anymore with ME/CFS. The three main factors contributing to suicidal thoughts were (i) being told the disease was only psychosomatic (89.5%), (ii) being at the end of one's strength (80.7%) and (iii) not feeling being understood by others (80.7%). Conclusion This study provided first time significant insights into the mental and psychological well-being of ME/CFS patients in Switzerland. The findings highlight the substantial experiences of stigmatization, secondary depression and suicidal thoughts compared to other chronic diseases, calling for an urgent need in Switzerland to improve ME/CFS patient's medical, psychological and social support, in order to alleviate the severe mental health burden associated with this overlooked somatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Susanne König
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Henry Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Sollberger
- Memory Clinic, University Center for Medicine of Aging Basel, Felix Platter-Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rea Tschopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of University of Basel, Switzerland
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Jimma Road, 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Plüss-Suard C, Mueller Y, Plate A, Senn O, Kronenberg A. Re: 'Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic prescribing in high-prescribing primary care physicians in Switzerland' by Aghlmandi et al. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024:S1198-743X(24)00139-3. [PMID: 38467245 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Plüss-Suard
- Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance (ANRESIS), Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Yolanda Mueller
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plate
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Kronenberg
- Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance (ANRESIS), Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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13
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Muili AO, Tangmi A, Shariff S, Awad F, Oseili T. Exploring strategies for building a sustainable healthcare system in Africa: lessons from Japan and Switzerland. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1563-1569. [PMID: 38463076 PMCID: PMC10923269 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Strengthening healthcare infrastructure is an important strategy for building a sustainable healthcare system in Africa. This involves investing in facilities, equipment, and supplies, as well as training and retaining skilled healthcare workers. Additionally, improving healthcare infrastructure and investing in healthcare education and training can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes, such as reducing maternal and child mortality. This is critical for building a sustainable healthcare system. Through a literature review, we assessed the approaches to building a sustainable healthcare system in Africa from the perspectives of Japan's and Switzerland's healthcare systems. It was discovered that Japan currently has the highest life expectancy, which can be attributed to insurance policies, healthcare policies, and the integration of emerging technologies and clinical research into their healthcare system. Lessons that Africa must emulate from the Japanese healthcare system include ensuring universal healthcare coverage, improving the workforce, improving primary healthcare, prioritizing the aging population, and investing in technology, infrastructure, and research. Japans healthcare system is also sustainable thanks to its stable workforce and primary healthcare. Switzerland also has an exceptional healthcare system globally, with technical and socioeconomic advancements leading to increased life expectancy and population aging through a worldwide health policy approach, programs tackling professional responsibilities and interprofessional cooperation, and initiatives to support family medicine. By learning from Japan's and Switzerland's approaches, Africa will gradually achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and build a sustainable healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrien Tangmi
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Technologique Bel Campus, Kinshasa, DRC
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Müller D, Scholz SM, Thalmann NF, Trippolini MA, Wertli MM. Increased Use and Large Variation in Strong Opioids and Metamizole (Dipyrone) for Minor and Major Musculoskeletal Injuries Between 2008 and 2018: An Analysis of a Representative Sample of Swiss Workers. J Occup Rehabil 2024; 34:157-168. [PMID: 37040000 PMCID: PMC10899285 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are a major contributing factor for chronic pain. To date, little is known how pain medication use in MSK injuries has changed over time. We assessed pain medication prescription for MSK injuries in a representative sample of Swiss workers between 2008 and 2018. METHODS Retrospective analysis of the Swiss Accident Insurance Fund (Suva) data. We calculated annual pain medication use, treatment days, and costs associated with pain medication use in minor and major MSK injuries. RESULTS In total, 1,921,382 cases with MSK injuries with ≥ 1 pain medication were analyzed. Whereas MSK injuries with ≥ 1 pain medication increased by 9.4%, we observed a larger increase in metamizole (+ 254%), strong opioids (+ 88.4%), coxibs (+ 85.8%), and paracetamol (+ 28.1%). Strong opioids were increasingly used in minor (+ 91.4%) and major (+ 88.3%) injuries. The increase in metamizole (+ 390.6%) and coxibs (+ 115.5%) was larger in minor injuries compared to major injuries (+ 238.7% and + 80.6%, respectively). Medical expenses decreased in all medications except for strong opioids where a substantial increase was observed (+ 192.4% in minor; + 34% in major injuries). CONCLUSIONS We observed a disproportionate increase in metamizole, strong opioids, coxibs, and paracetamol prescriptions even in minor MSK injuries between 2008 and 2018. Whereas treatment costs decreased for all pain medications, there was a substantial increase in strong opioids. A more liberal prescription practice of opioids conflict with current evidence-based practice recommendations and need to be addressed by physicians and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Müller
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan M Scholz
- Department of Statistics, Suva (Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund), Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Fabrice Thalmann
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Alen Trippolini
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Murtenstrasse 10, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Physiotherapy, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Evidence-Based Insurance Medicine (EbIM), Division of Clinical Research, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Totengässlein 3, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria M Wertli
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, 5404, Baden, Switzerland
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15
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Fischer L, Andersson M, Braegger C, Herter-Aeberli I. Iodine intake in the Swiss population 100 years after the introduction of iodised salt: a cross-sectional national study in children and pregnant women. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:573-587. [PMID: 38141138 PMCID: PMC10899291 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Swiss voluntary salt iodisation programme has successfully prevented iodine deficiency for 100 years, but dietary habits are changing and today only one-third of processed foods contain iodised salt. We aimed to monitor the current iodine status in children and pregnant women. METHODS We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study in children (6-12 years) and pregnant women and measured the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in spot urine samples. We estimated the iodine intake using UIC and urinary creatinine concentration (UCC) and determined the prevalence of intakes below the average requirement (AR) using the SPADE method. We measured dried blood spot (DBS) thyroglobulin (Tg), TSH and total T4 in pregnant women. RESULTS The median UIC was 127 μg/L (bootstrapped 95% CI 119, 140, n = 362) in children and 97 μg/L (bootstrapped 95% CI 90, 106, n = 473) in pregnant women. The estimated prevalence of inadequate iodine intake (< 65 μg/day) was 5.4% (bootstrapped 95% CI 0.0, 14.6) in children. Half (47%) of the women consumed iodine-containing multivitamin and mineral supplements (≥ 150 μg/day). Compared to non-users, users had higher median UIC (129 vs. 81 μg/L, P < 0.001), lower prevalence of inadequacy (< 160 μg/day; 0.2 vs. 31%) and lower DBS-Tg (23 vs. 29 μg/L, P < 0.001). All women were euthyroid. CONCLUSIONS The Swiss diet and current salt fortification provides adequate iodine intake in children, but not in all pregnant women. Iodine supplements cover the dietary gap in pregnancy but are not universally consumed. Therefore, improved use of iodised salt in processed foods is desired to ensure adequate iodine intake in all population groups. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04524013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Fischer
- Nutrition Research Unit, Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich - Eleonore Foundation, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Andersson
- Nutrition Research Unit, Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich - Eleonore Foundation, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Braegger
- Nutrition Research Unit, Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich - Eleonore Foundation, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Herter-Aeberli
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Burch AR, Ledergerber B, Ringer M, Padrutt M, Reiber C, Mayer F, Zinkernagel AS, Eberhard N, Kaelin MB, Hasse B. Improving antimicrobial treatment in terms of antimicrobial stewardship and health costs by an OPAT service. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02194-0. [PMID: 38421503 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a standard for antimicrobial therapy internationally. With this prospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the impact of an OPAT service as part of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and evaluate the safety and efficiency of the program while illuminating the financial benefit for the hospital. METHODS Socio-demographic data, treatment regimen and outcomes were prospectively recorded for all patients assigned to the program of the OPAT unit of the University Hospital of Zurich between November 2018 and September 2022. RESULTS In total, we recorded 303 OPAT assignments of which 260 resulted in effective OPAT episodes. The 260 OPAT episodes were further optimized toward the choice of antimicrobial agent (n = 18) and length of therapy (n = 6). Moreover, OPAT resulted in alteration of patient assessment and care led by AMS strategies in 247 of 260 episodes (95%). While the bed days saved per year increased consistently with time, a total of 3934 in-hospital treatment days were saved amounting to a cost saving of 9,835,000 CHF over 47 months. Adverse events were recorded in 46 cases whilst only two of these have been the reason for readmission during OPAT treatment. Clinical cure was noted in 77% (199/260) and was negatively associated with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; OR per 1 unit higher 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.93)). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the impact of an OPAT service in the framework of AMS as well as its benefits for the hospital whilst preserving safety and efficacy for the patient's parenteral antimicrobial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R Burch
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Cantonal Pharmacy, University Hospital of Zurich, Spöndlistrasse 9, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Bruno Ledergerber
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ringer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Padrutt
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudine Reiber
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Mayer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annelies S Zinkernagel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Eberhard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marisa B Kaelin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Hasse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Pauli A, de Mestral C, Marques-Vidal P. Trends in diabetes prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in French-speaking Switzerland. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4839. [PMID: 38418618 PMCID: PMC10902360 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54856-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is increasing in Switzerland, but whether its management has improved is unknown. We aimed to assess diabetes prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control in French-speaking Switzerland. Our study used cross-sectional data for years 2005-2019 from a population-based study in Geneva, Switzerland. Overall prevalence (self-reported diagnosis and/or fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 7 mmol/L), diagnosed, treated (among diagnosed participants) and controlled diabetes (defined as a fasting plasma glucose FPG < 6.7 mmol/L among treated participants) were calculated for periods 2005-9, 2010-4 and 2015-9. Data from 12,348 participants (mean age ± standard deviation: 48.6 ± 13.5 years, 51.7% women) was used. Between 2005-9 and 2015-9, overall prevalence and frequency of diagnosed diabetes decreased (from 8.7 to 6.2% and from 7.0 to 5.2%, respectively). Among participants diagnosed with diabetes, treatment and control rates did not change from 44.1 to 51.9%, p = 0.251 and from 30.2 to 34.0%, p = 0.830, respectively. A trend towards higher treatment of participants with diabetes was found after multivariable adjustment, while no changes were found for overall prevalence, diagnosis, nor control. Among antidiabetic drugs, percentage of combinations increased from 12 to 23%; percentage of sulfonylureas and biguanides decreased from 15 to 6% and from 63 to 54%, respectively, while no trend was found for insulin. After multivariable analysis, women with diabetes were less likely to be treated but more likely to be controlled, the opposite association being found for obesity. In conclusion, in Canton Geneva, antidiabetic combination therapy is gaining importance, but only half of participants diagnosed with diabetes are treated, and glycaemic control remains poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Pauli
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Carlos de Mestral
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Population Epidemiology Unit, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Marques-Vidal
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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18
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Polke M, Concheiro M, Cooper G, Bogdal C, Baumgartner MR, Krämer T, Binz TM. Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method including 25 novel synthetic opioids in hair and subsequent analysis of a Swiss opioid consumer cohort. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38382125 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Major public health concern is raised by the evidence that common drugs like heroin are now frequently laced or replaced with highly potent novel synthetic opioids (NSOs). The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence and patterns of NSOs in a cohort of Swiss opioid users by hair analysis. Hair analysis is considered an ideal tool for retrospective consumption monitoring. Hair samples from 439 opioid users in Zurich were analyzed. Study inclusion required a previous positive hair test result for heroin metabolites, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, or tramadol. The samples were extracted with a two-step extraction procedure, followed by a targeted LC-MS/MS (QTRAP® 6500+) analysis in multiple reaction monitoring mode for a total of 25 NSOs. The method underwent full validation and demonstrated good selectivity and sensitivity with limits of detection (LOD) as low as 0.1 pg/mg. The analyzed sample cohort demonstrated a positivity rate for NSOs of 2.5%, including the following NSOs: butyrylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, methoxyacetylfentanyl, ocfentanil, U-47700, isobutyrylfentanyl and benzylfentanyl. Furthermore, we were able to identify specific consumption patterns among drug users. The results indicate that hair analysis is a valuable tool for investigating the prevalence of NSOs in drug-using populations, which seems to be low in the case of Swiss opioid users. Nevertheless, the results highlight the need for sensitive analytical detection methods in forensic toxicology to identify and monitor substance distribution in different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Polke
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marta Concheiro
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Gail Cooper
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Krämer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tina M Binz
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Flammer F, Paraschiv-Ionescu A, Marques-Vidal P. It needs more than a myocardial infarction to start exercising: the CoLaus|PsyCoLaus prospective study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:102. [PMID: 38347464 PMCID: PMC10863136 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased physical activity (PA) is recommended after an acute coronary event to prevent recurrences. Whether patients with acute coronary event actually increase their PA has not been assessed using objective methods such as accelerometer. We aimed to assess the subjectively and objectively measured physical activity (PA) levels of patients before and after an acute coronary event. METHODS Data from the three follow-up surveys of a prospective study conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland. Self-reported PA was assessed by questionnaire in the first (2009-2012) and second (2014-2017) follow-ups. Objective PA was assessed by a wrist-worn accelerometer in the second and third (2018-2021) follow-ups. Participants who developed an acute coronary event between each survey period were considered as eligible. PA levels were compared before and after the event, and changes in PA levels were also compared between participants who developed an acute event with three gender and age-matched healthy controls. RESULTS For self-reported PA, data from 43 patients (12 women, 64 ± 9 years) were used. No differences were found for all PA levels expressed in minutes/day before and after the event: moderate PA, median and [interquartile range] 167 [104-250] vs. 153 [109-240]; light PA: 151 [77-259] vs. 166 [126-222], and sedentary behaviour: 513 [450-635] vs. 535 [465-642] minutes/day. Comparison with gender- and age-matched healthy controls showed no differences regarding trends in reported PA. For accelerometer-assessed PA, data from 32 patients (16 women, 66 ± 9 years) were used. No differences were found for all PA levels expressed in minutes/day before and after the event: moderate PA: 159 [113-189] vs. 141 [111-189]; light PA: 95.8 [79-113] vs. 95.9 [79-117], and sedentary behaviour: 610 [545-659] vs. 602 [540-624]. Regarding the comparison with gender- and age-matched healthy controls, controls had an increase in accelerometer-assessed sedentary behaviour as % of day: multivariable adjusted average standard error 2.7 ± 0.6, while no increase was found for cases: 0.1 ± 1.1; no differences were found for the other PA levels. CONCLUSION Patients do not seem to change their PA levels after a first coronary event. Our results should be confirmed in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Flammer
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 46 rue du Bugnon, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
| | - Anisoara Paraschiv-Ionescu
- Laboratory of Movement Analysis and Measurement (LMAM), Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Marques-Vidal
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 46 rue du Bugnon, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland.
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20
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Benvenga V, Cuénod A, Purushothaman S, Dasen G, Weisser M, Bassetti S, Roloff T, Siegemund M, Heininger U, Bielicki J, Wehrli M, Friderich P, Frei R, Widmer A, Herzog K, Fankhauser H, Nolte O, Bodmer T, Risch M, Dubuis O, Pranghofer S, Calligaris-Maibach R, Graf S, Perreten V, Seth-Smith HMB, Egli A. Historic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: expanding current knowledge using molecular epidemiological characterization of a Swiss legacy collection. Genome Med 2024; 16:23. [PMID: 38317199 PMCID: PMC10840241 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01292-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from the early years of its global emergence have been sequenced. Knowledge about evolutionary factors promoting the success of specific MRSA multi-locus sequence types (MLSTs) remains scarce. We aimed to characterize a legacy MRSA collection isolated from 1965 to 1987 and compare it against publicly available international and local genomes. METHODS We accessed 451 historic (1965-1987) MRSA isolates stored in the Culture Collection of Switzerland, mostly collected from the Zurich region. We determined phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina short-read sequencing on all isolates and long-read sequencing on a selection with Oxford Nanopore Technology. For context, we included 103 publicly available international assemblies from 1960 to 1992 and sequenced 1207 modern Swiss MRSA isolates from 2007 to 2022. We analyzed the core genome (cg)MLST and predicted SCCmec cassette types, AMR, and virulence genes. RESULTS Among the 451 historic Swiss MRSA isolates, we found 17 sequence types (STs) of which 11 have been previously described. Two STs were novel combinations of known loci and six isolates carried previously unsubmitted MLST alleles, representing five new STs (ST7843, ST7844, ST7837, ST7839, and ST7842). Most isolates (83% 376/451) represented ST247-MRSA-I isolated in the 1960s, followed by ST7844 (6% 25/451), a novel single locus variant (SLV) of ST239. Analysis by cgMLST indicated that isolates belonging to ST7844-MRSA-III cluster within the diversity of ST239-MRSA-III. Early MRSA were predominantly from clonal complex (CC)8. From 1980 to the end of the twentieth century, we observed that CC22 and CC5 as well as CC8 were present, both locally and internationally. CONCLUSIONS The combined analysis of 1761 historic and contemporary MRSA isolates across more than 50 years uncovered novel STs and allowed us a glimpse into the lineage flux between Swiss-German and international MRSA across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanni Benvenga
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, Zurich, 8006, Switzerland
| | - Aline Cuénod
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, Zurich, 8006, Switzerland
| | - Srinithi Purushothaman
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, Zurich, 8006, Switzerland
| | | | - Maja Weisser
- Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Bassetti
- Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tim Roloff
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, Zurich, 8006, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Basel, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Siegemund
- Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Heininger
- Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Bielicki
- Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Wehrli
- Microbiology Department, Hospital of Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
| | - Paul Friderich
- Medicinal microbiology department, Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Reno Frei
- Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Widmer
- Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Herzog
- Clinical Microbiology, Cantonal Hospital Thurgau, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
| | - Hans Fankhauser
- Clinical Microbiology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Nolte
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, Zurich, 8006, Switzerland
- Clinical Microbiology, Zentrum für Labormedizin St, Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Olivier Dubuis
- Clinical Microbiology, Viollier AG, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Susanne Graf
- Clinical Microbiology, Cantonal Hospital Basellandschaft, Liestal, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Pathogen Surveillance Platform (SPSP), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Helena M B Seth-Smith
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, Zurich, 8006, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Basel, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Egli
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, Zurich, 8006, Switzerland.
- Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Swiss Pathogen Surveillance Platform (SPSP), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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21
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Holmer P, Muehlebach N, Ilic A, Priboi C, Roser K, Raguindin PF, Tinner EM, Baechtold R, Ansari M, Diezi M, Lemmel E, Schilling F, Farrag A, Scheinemann K, Michel G. Exploring grandparents' psychosocial responses to childhood cancer: A qualitative study. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6304. [PMID: 38363038 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A childhood cancer diagnosis is a traumatic experience for patients and their families. However, little is known about the effect on grandparents. We aimed to investigate the negative psychosocial impact, coping strategies, and positive outcomes of grandparents of childhood cancer patients in Switzerland. METHODS We collected data using a semi-structured interview guide and applied qualitative content analysis. RESULTS We conducted 20 interviews with 23 grandparents (57% female; mean age = 66.9 years; SD = 6.4; range = 57.0-82.4) of 13 affected children (69% female; mean age = 7.5 years; SD = 6.1; range = 1.0-18.9) between January 2022 and April 2023. The mean time since diagnosis was 1.0 years (SD = 0.5; range = 0.4-1.9). Grandparents were in shock and experienced strong feelings of fear and helplessness. They were particularly afraid of a relapse or late effects. The worst part for most was seeing their grandchild suffer. Many stated that their fear was always present which could lead to tension and sleep problems. To cope with these negative experiences, the grandparents used internal and external strategies, such as accepting the illness or talking to their spouse and friends. Some grandparents also reported positive outcomes, such as getting emotionally closer to family members and appreciating things that had previously been taken for granted. CONCLUSIONS Grandparents suffer greatly when their grandchild is diagnosed with cancer. Encouragingly, most grandparents also reported coping strategies and positive outcomes despite the challenges. Promoting coping strategies and providing appropriate resources could reduce the psychological burden of grandparents and strengthen the whole family system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Holmer
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Nadja Muehlebach
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Anica Ilic
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Priboi
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Roser
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Eva Maria Tinner
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, University Cancer Center Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Baechtold
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, University Cancer Center Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marc Ansari
- Cansearch Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent, University Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Diezi
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eléna Lemmel
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Freimut Schilling
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Farrag
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Katrin Scheinemann
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Center, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gisela Michel
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Awadi A, Ben Slimen H, Smith S, Makni M, Suchentrunk F. Patterns of evolution in MHC class II DQA and DQB exon 2 genes of Alpine mountain hares, Lepus timidus varronis, and sympatric and parapatric brown hares, L. europaeus, from Switzerland. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:37-50. [PMID: 38114658 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In natural populations, hybridization is known to occur between a wide range of species. However, its evolutionary significance is less clear. Genes involved in fighting pathogens are considered excellent candidates for studying adaptive introgression, although both introgression and balancing selection can generate similar patterns of diversity and differentiation. Here, we compared DQA and DQB MHC class II and microsatellite allelic diversity of sympatric and parapatric mountain (Lepus timidus) and brown hare (L. europaeus) populations from Switzerland. We detected higher genetic diversity in brown hares compared to mountain hares at both MHC and microsatellite loci. We consider the observed patterns of microsatellite diversity both for L. europaeus and L. timidus as result of stochastic demographic processes while the pattern of MHC polymorphism of the studied hare populations can be explained by pathogen-driven selection. Rare bidirectional gene flow between both hare species seems to occur specifically for MHC alleles. However, the high number of shared alleles showing similar high frequency in both species suggests that reciprocally exchanged MHC alleles are being maintained via balancing selection. Adaptation to similar pathogen communities can also lead to parallel selection of MHC alleles. Positive selection, recombination and mutations have played different roles in shaping the patterns of MHC allelic diversity in and differentiation between both species. Results for the latter evolutionary forces do not show a better matching between the sympatric populations compared to the parapatric ones, suggesting a minor role of introgression for the observed evolutionary patterns of the studied hare species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Awadi
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bioresources, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Béja, University of Jendouba, Béja, 9000, Tunisia
| | - H Ben Slimen
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bioresources, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Béja, University of Jendouba, Béja, 9000, Tunisia.
| | - S Smith
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, Vienna, 1160, Austria
| | - M Makni
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, LR01ES05 Biochimie et Biotechnologie, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, 2092, Tunisia
| | - F Suchentrunk
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, Vienna, 1160, Austria
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Fragnière Y, Champoud L, Küffer N, Braillard L, Jutzi M, Wohlgemuth T, Kozlowski G. Cliff-edge forests: Xerothermic hotspots of local biodiversity and models for future climate change. Glob Chang Biol 2024; 30:e17196. [PMID: 38404209 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Cliffs are remarkable environments that enable the existence of microclimates. These small, isolated sites, decoupled from the regional macroclimate, play a significant role in maintaining species biodiversity, particularly in topographically homogeneous landscapes. Our study investigated the microclimate of south-exposed forests situated at the edge of sandstone cliffs in the western part of the North Alpine Foreland Basin in Switzerland and its role in local forest community composition. Using direct measurements from data loggers, as well as vegetation analyses, it was possible to quantify the microclimate of the cliff-edge forests and compare it with that of the surrounding forests. Our results highlighted the significant xerothermic and more variable nature of the cliff-edge forest microclimate, with a mean soil temperature up to 3.72°C warmer in the summer, higher annual (+28%) and daily (+250%) amplitudes of soil temperature, which frequently expose vegetation to extreme temperatures, and an 83% higher soil drying rate. These differences have a distinct influence on forest communities: cliff-edge forests are significantly different from surrounding forests. The site particularities of cliff edges support the presence of locally rare species and forest types, particularly of Scots pine. Cliff edges must therefore be considered microrefugia with a high conservation value for both xerothermic species and flora adapted to more continental climates. Moreover, the microclimate of cliff-edge forests could resemble the future climate in many ways. We argue that these small areas, which are already experiencing the future climate, can be seen as natural laboratories to better answer the following question: what will our forests look like in a few decades with accelerated climate change?
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Fragnière
- Department of Biology and Botanic Garden, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Luca Champoud
- Department of Biology and Botanic Garden, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Küffer
- Department of Biology and Botanic Garden, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Luc Braillard
- Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael Jutzi
- Info Flora, the National Data and Information Center on the Swiss Flora, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Wohlgemuth
- Swiss Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Kozlowski
- Department of Biology and Botanic Garden, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Eastern China Conservation Centre for Wild Endangered Plant Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai, China
- Natural History Museum Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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24
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Plate A, Bagnoud C, Rosemann T, Senn O, Di Gangi S. Influenza vaccination patterns among at-risk patients during the Covid-19 pandemic-a retrospective cross-sectional study based on claims data. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02175-3. [PMID: 38302673 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02175-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Covid-19 pandemic may have encouraged at-risk patients to get vaccinated against influenza for the first time. As previous vaccinations are known predictors for further vaccinations, knowledge about individual vaccination patterns, especially in first time vaccinated patients, is of great interest. The aim of this study was to determine influenza vaccination uptake rate (VUR), individual vaccination patterns and factors associated with vaccination uptake among at-risk patients. METHODS The study design was retrospective cross-sectional. Based on claims data, VUR was determined for four influenza seasons (2018/2019-2021/2022). In a cohort subgroup, with data available for all seasons, VUR, vaccination patterns and factors associated with uptake were determined. At-risk patients were people aged ≥ 65 and adult patients with chronic diseases. RESULTS We included n = 238,461 patients in the cross-sectional analysis. Overall VUR ranged between 21.8% (2018/2019) and 29.1% (2020/2021). Cohort subgroup consisted of n = 138,526 patients. Within the cohort, 56% were never vaccinated and 11% were vaccinated in all seasons. 14.3% of previously unvaccinated patients were vaccinated for the first time in the first pandemic season (2020/2021 season). The strongest predictor for vaccination was history of vaccinations in all previous seasons (OR 56.20, 95%CI 53.62-58.90, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Influenza VUR increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, but only a minority of previously eligible but unvaccinated at-risk patients were vaccinated for the first time in the first pandemic season. Previous vaccinations are predictors for subsequent vaccinations and health care professionals should actively address at-risk patients' vaccination history in order to recommend vaccination in future seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Plate
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Di Gangi
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
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Cai D, Villanueva P, Lu H, Zimmermann B, Horsch A. What matters to migrant women during labor and birth: Chinese mothers' experiences in Switzerland. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:69. [PMID: 38245713 PMCID: PMC10799396 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06271-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Switzerland, foreigners account for 25.3% of the permanent resident population, and the fertility rate of migrant women is higher than that of Swiss women. However, migrant women from non-European countries are more likely to report having negative childbirth experiences than Swiss women. For example, during pregnancy, Chinese migrant mothers often felt dissatisfied with the follow-up pregnancy complications and lacked information on medical procedures and prenatal courses. In this paper, we explored their childbirth experiences in Swiss hospitals and how Swiss healthcare providers supported them. METHOD A qualitative study employing in-depth, semi-structured interviews was conducted with 14 Chinese mothers and 13 family members. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English for data analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to generate a detailed description. RESULTS Three main themes were extracted from the transcripts: (1) Sense of security, (2) Intrapartum care, and (3) Postpartum needs. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows Chinese migrant mothers prioritized giving birth in a physically and psychologically safe environment, with pain control and practical and emotional support from their intimate partners. They desired a physiological labor and birth with minimal obstetric interventions. Our research also reveals their postpartum needs, emphasizing the importance of postpartum support and obtaining culturally sensitive care during their postpartum hospital stay. The study adds new knowledge of specific migrant studies in Switzerland, as called for by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. The results call for the transcultural care skills training of Swiss healthcare providers to enable migrant women to have a more positive childbirth experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingcui Cai
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Villanueva
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
| | - Hong Lu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Basile Zimmermann
- Confucius Institute, University of Geneva, Rue du Général-Dufour 24, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Antje Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland.
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland.
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Lüthi-Corridori G, Roth AI, Boesing M, Jaun F, Tarr PE, Leuppi-Taegtmeyer AB, Leuppi JD. Diagnosis and Therapy of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Observational Study and Medical Audit. J Clin Med 2024; 13:574. [PMID: 38276080 PMCID: PMC10816545 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in therapy, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several studies conducted in different countries have reported suboptimal adherence to the guidelines. However, there are currently no available data on adherence to CAP guidelines specifically in Switzerland. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to audit the quality of diagnosis and therapy of CAP at a Swiss general hospital. METHODS A retrospective, observational, single-center cohort study was conducted, including patients older than 18 years diagnosed with CAP and admitted to a medical ward throughout 2019 without prior antibiotic therapy prescribed by their general practitioner (GP). The baseline characteristics of the patients were analyzed, and the diagnostic workup and treatment were compared to the Swiss guidelines for CAP. RESULTS A total of 254 patients diagnosed with CAP were included in this study (median age 78 years, 51.6% males). Atypical pneumonia was diagnosed in 4% of patients, while an organism was identified in 33% of cases, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most frequently detected pathogen (57%). A chest image was taken in almost all patients. Documentation of respiratory rate was missing in 23% of cases. Procalcitonin was measured in 23.2% of cases. Pneumococcal and legionella urinary antigen testing was performed on approximately 90% of all patients and blood cultures were drawn in approximately 80% of patients. In 39% of cases, arterial blood gas analysis was performed. Guideline adherence for the administration of empiric antibiotics was documented/recorded in 75% of cases. Twelve different antibiotic regimens were administered, and they were mostly amoxicillin/clavulanate with or without macrolides, as suggested by the guidelines. In particular, the use of ceftriaxone was higher (19.7%) compared to the Swiss guidelines. The average length of antibiotic therapy was longer (8.2 days) compared to the guidelines (5-7 days). Oral steroid therapy was administered to 29.1% of patients, including to 75% of those diagnosed with COPD. CONCLUSION Overall, guideline adherence was moderately low, especially with regards to the assessment of respiratory rate, performance of arterial blood gas analysis, and sputum collection. Regarding antibiotic therapy, the use of ceftriaxone and the length of antibiotic therapy should be reduced. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for guideline non-adherence, and to find effective measures for the improvement of guideline adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Lüthi-Corridori
- University Institute of Internal Medicine (UIIM), Cantonal Hospital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland; (G.L.-C.); (A.I.R.); (M.B.); (F.J.); (A.B.L.-T.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Andrea I. Roth
- University Institute of Internal Medicine (UIIM), Cantonal Hospital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland; (G.L.-C.); (A.I.R.); (M.B.); (F.J.); (A.B.L.-T.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Maria Boesing
- University Institute of Internal Medicine (UIIM), Cantonal Hospital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland; (G.L.-C.); (A.I.R.); (M.B.); (F.J.); (A.B.L.-T.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Fabienne Jaun
- University Institute of Internal Medicine (UIIM), Cantonal Hospital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland; (G.L.-C.); (A.I.R.); (M.B.); (F.J.); (A.B.L.-T.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Philip E. Tarr
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
- University Center for Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology Service, Cantonal Hospital Baselland, 4101 Bruderholz, Switzerland
| | - Anne B. Leuppi-Taegtmeyer
- University Institute of Internal Medicine (UIIM), Cantonal Hospital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland; (G.L.-C.); (A.I.R.); (M.B.); (F.J.); (A.B.L.-T.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Patient Safety, Medical Directorate, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg D. Leuppi
- University Institute of Internal Medicine (UIIM), Cantonal Hospital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland; (G.L.-C.); (A.I.R.); (M.B.); (F.J.); (A.B.L.-T.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
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Novotny M, Bulla J, Hubl D, Fischer SKM, Grosshans M, Gutzeit A, Bilke-Hentsch O, Seifritz E, Mutschler J. Pregabalin use in forensic hospitals and prisons in German speaking countries-a survey study of physicians. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1309654. [PMID: 38259798 PMCID: PMC10800468 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1309654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pregabalin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog that was approved in the EU in 2004 for the treatment of neuropathic pain, generalized anxiety disorder and epilepsy. Since its introduction, pregabalin abuse and misuse has increased significantly. In Switzerland, clinical reports suggest that pregabalin misuse is common among patients in forensic hospitals and prisons. However, data on pregabalin use is scarce, especially in these settings. Therefore, we conducted a study to explore patterns of pregabalin use among prison and forensic patients. Methods We used a questionnaire to survey physicians working in prison and forensic medicine in German-speaking countries. A total of 131 responses were received. Results According to the physicians' subjective assessment, 82.5% of them had observed a recent increase in pregabalin use by their patients and 89.1% of them reported that their patients requested pregabalin without a clear medical indication. Patients misusing pregabalin in combination with other illicit substances were observed by 93.3% of the physicians surveyed. According to 73.5% of the physicians surveyed, they had already encountered patients on pregabalin doses of more than 600 mg/day (the maximum recommended daily dose); the highest dose reported was 4,200 mg/day. According to 85.0% of physicians surveyed, they have observed patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms from pregabalin, with the most commonly reported symptoms being displeasure and high aggression. Regarding the nationality of pregabalin-misusing patients, 58.3% of the interviewed physicians reported to be rather in contact with foreign patients, mainly from Northwest Africa (Maghreb). Only 45.0% of the surveyed physicians prescribe pregabalin. Among patients who developed behavioral problems while taking pregabalin, none of the physicians (0.0%) showed a tendency to continue pregabalin at the same dose; all respondents chose to reduce/substitute/discontinue. Conclusion Our study has provided confirmatory evidence that the use of pregabalin presents a significant issue in forensic and prison medicine across German-speaking countries. Prescribing pregabalin in this field can compound use disorder problems and exacerbate challenges in daily life for those in forensic institutions or prisons. It is necessary that all physicians who prescribe pregabalin are clearly informed about the management (including the risks) of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Novotny
- Private Clinic Meiringen, Willigen, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Bulla
- Clinic of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Reichenau Centre of Psychiatry, Reichenau, Germany
| | - Daniela Hubl
- Center of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste Bern (UPD), Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Grosshans
- Department of Global Health, Safety and Well-Being, Systemanalyse Programmentwicklung Societas Europaea (SAP SE), Walldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Gutzeit
- Department of Radiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and Breast Center St. Anna, Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rossi R. Nostrana, frustra, fiorata: migration patterns and the semantics of consumption in the Alps, mid-17th to late 18th centuries. Hist Retail Consum (Abingdon) 2024; 9:95-115. [PMID: 38223548 PMCID: PMC10785691 DOI: 10.1080/2373518x.2023.2273168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Labour migrants were a widespread phenomenon in the Alps during the early modern period and impacted the materiality of everyday life in the mountains. This article investigates traces of these movements in linguistic usage by exploring the way in which goods were described by actors from the Three Leagues, in present-day Switzerland and Italy. Provenances of goods were given by using toponyms that indicated the place of origin the more precise, the closer the location was to the Alps. These geographical terms informed about specific visual and tactile qualities and were introduced together with other technical vocabulary via specialized merchants and spread via shops to customers of the upper echelons. Small-scale retailers and occasional dealers made use of less detailed descriptions that can also be found in the accounts of their clients which resembled the language used in informal correspondences. These channels could be activated to gain more detailed information and thanks to the wide-spread networks of migrant labourers, knowledge was exchanged with and via the Alps. This exchange of information appears, however, to have become less intense when migration patterns changed in the aftermath of the French Revolutionary Wars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rossi
- Department of History, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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29
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Zanella MC, Pianca E, Catho G, Obama B, De Kraker MEA, Nguyen A, Chraiti MN, Sobel J, Fortchantre L, Harbarth S, Abbas M, Buetti N. Increased Peripheral Venous Catheter Bloodstream Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic, Switzerland. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:159-162. [PMID: 38063084 PMCID: PMC10756358 DOI: 10.3201/eid3001.230183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies suggest that central venous catheter bloodstream infections (BSIs) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated catheter-related BSIs in Switzerland and found peripheral venous catheter (PVC) BSI incidence increased during 2021-2022 compared with 2020. These findings should raise awareness of PVC-associated BSIs and prompt inclusion of PVC BSIs in surveillance systems.
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30
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Passweg JR, Baldomero H, Ansari M, Arber C, Chalandon Y, Daskalakis M, Diepold M, Diesch-Furlanetto T, Duchosal MA, Gerull S, Güngör T, Heim D, Hitz F, Holbro A, Masouridi-Levrat S, Nair G, Novak U, Pabst T, Renner C, Stussi G, Schneidawind D, Schanz U, Wannesson L, Halter JP. Hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapies in Switzerland. Evolution over 25 years. A report from the stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies working groups of the SBST 1997-2021. Hematol Oncol 2024; 42:e3241. [PMID: 38058031 DOI: 10.1002/hon.3241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The Swiss Blood Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Group (SBST) leads a mandatory national registry for all hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HCT) and cellular therapies. After 25 years, information was available for 11,226 patients receiving an HCT (4031 allogeneic and 7195 autologous), including 925 pediatric patients. We compared patient characteristics and outcome by quinquennia 1997-2001, 2002-2006, 2007-2011, 2012-2016, and 2017-2021. There were numerous changes over time. Allogeneic transplant recipients became older (median age 33.7 vs. 54.3) and had more frequently unrelated donors and reduced intensity conditioning in later quinquennia. Similarly, age increased for recipients of autologous HCT (median 48.3 vs. 59.9). We did not see a significant drop in transplant activity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Analysis of outcome showed overall survival (relative risk (RR) of death 0.664 (0.529-0.832) and progression free survival (RR 0.708 (0.577-0.870) being improved over time comparing the latest to the first quinquennium adjusting for risk factors. Non-relapse mortality decreased in recipients of allogeneic HCT (RR: 0.371 (0.270-0.509)) over time but relapse risks did not. Outcome of autologous HCT improved as well across quinquennia, this improvement was mainly due to decreased relapse risks (RR 0.681 (0.597-0.777)), possibly related to maintenance treatment or rescue treatment for relapse mainly in myeloma patients. Cellular therapies other than allogeneic or autologous HCT, particularly chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) treatment have started to increase after 2019, year of approval of the first commercial CAR-T product in Switzerland. Data on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell treatment are too early for comparative analyses. Detailed analyses of changes over time are presented. This study includes all HCTs, and cellular therapies, data useful for quality assurance programs, health care cost estimation and benchmarking. Between 50% and 60% of patients are long-term survivors after both types of HCT, indicating growing populations of surviving patients requiring long-term care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob R Passweg
- Hematology Division and Pediatric Hematology-oncology University Hospital and Children's University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Helen Baldomero
- SBST Data Registry Office, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Ansari
- Division of Hematology, Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Geneva (HUG), Cansearch Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Arber
- Service and Central Laboratory of Hematology, Service of Immunooncology, Departments of Oncology, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yves Chalandon
- Division of Hematology, Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Geneva (HUG), Cansearch Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael Daskalakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology Department of Pediatrics University Hospital Inselspital and University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Diepold
- Department of Medical Oncology, Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology Department of Pediatrics University Hospital Inselspital and University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Diesch-Furlanetto
- Hematology Division and Pediatric Hematology-oncology University Hospital and Children's University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michel A Duchosal
- Service and Central Laboratory of Hematology, Service of Immunooncology, Departments of Oncology, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Gerull
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Kantonsspital, Gt. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tayfun Güngör
- Department of Immunology/Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation and Gene-Therapy, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Heim
- Hematology Division and Pediatric Hematology-oncology University Hospital and Children's University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Felicitas Hitz
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Holbro
- Hematology Division and Pediatric Hematology-oncology University Hospital and Children's University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stavroula Masouridi-Levrat
- Division of Hematology, Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Geneva (HUG), Cansearch Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gayathri Nair
- Swiss Blood Stem Cells, Donor Registry, Swiss Transfusion SRC, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Urban Novak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology Department of Pediatrics University Hospital Inselspital and University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pabst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology Department of Pediatrics University Hospital Inselspital and University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Renner
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Clinic Hirslanden, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georg Stussi
- Division of Hematology, Istituto Oncologico Della Svizzera Italiana, Ospedale San Giovanni, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Schneidawind
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Schanz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luciano Wannesson
- Division of Hematology, Istituto Oncologico Della Svizzera Italiana, Ospedale San Giovanni, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Jörg P Halter
- Hematology Division and Pediatric Hematology-oncology University Hospital and Children's University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
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Conti GM, Vaclavik V, Rivolta C, Escher P, Schorderet DF, Munier FL, Tran HV. Genetics of Retinitis Pigmentosa and Other Hereditary Retinal Disorders in Western Switzerland. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 67:172-182. [PMID: 38160664 DOI: 10.1159/000536036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutational screening of inherited retinal disorders is prerequisite for gene targeted therapy. Our aim was to report and analyze the proportions of mutations in inherited retinal disease (IRD)-causing genes from a single center in Switzerland in order to describe the distribution of IRDs in Western Switzerland. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of patient records. Criteria for inclusion were residence in Western Switzerland for patients and relatives presenting a clinical diagnosis of IRDs and an established molecular diagnosis managed by the genetics service of the Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital (JGEH) of Lausanne between January 2002 and December 2022. We initially investigated the IRD phenotypes in all patients (full cohort) with a clinical diagnosis, then calculated the distribution of IRD gene mutations in the entire cohort (genetically determined cohort). We analyzed a sub-group that comprised pediatric patients (≤18 years of age). In addition, we calculated the distribution of gene mutations within the most represented IRDs. Comprehensive gene screening was performed using a combined approach of different generation of DNA microarray analysis, direct sequencing, and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS The full cohort comprised 899 individuals from 690 families with a clinical diagnosis of IRDs. We identified 400 individuals from 285 families with an elucidated molecular diagnosis (variants in 84 genes) in the genetically determined cohort. The pediatric cohort included 89 individuals from 65 families with an elucidated molecular diagnosis. The molecular diagnosis rate for the genetically determined cohort was 58.2% (family ratio) and the 5 most frequently implicated genes per family were ABCA4 (11.6%), USH2A (7.4%), EYS (6.7%), PRPH2 (6.3%), and BEST1 (4.6%). The pediatric cohort had a family molecular diagnosis rate of 64.4% and the 5 most common mutated genes per family were RS1 (9.2%), ABCA4 (7.7%), CNGB3 (7.7%), CACNA1F (6.2%), CEP290 (4.6%). CONCLUSIONS This study describes the genetic mutation landscape of IRDs in Western Switzerland in order to quantify their disease burden and contribute to a better orientation of the development of future gene targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marco Conti
- Genetic Ophthalmic Department, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, University of Lausanne and Faculty of Life Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland,
- Institut d'ophtalmologie de Vevey (INOV), Vevey, Switzerland,
| | - Veronika Vaclavik
- Genetic Ophthalmic Department, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, University of Lausanne and Faculty of Life Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Department, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Escher
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Francis Schorderet
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and School of Life Sciences, Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francis L Munier
- Genetic Ophthalmic Department, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, University of Lausanne and Faculty of Life Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hoai Viet Tran
- Genetic Ophthalmic Department, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, University of Lausanne and Faculty of Life Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institut d'ophtalmologie de Vevey (INOV), Vevey, Switzerland
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Tomczyk M, Andorno R, Jox RJ. Should continuous deep sedation until death be legally regulated in Switzerland? An exploratory study with palliative care physicians. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231219509. [PMID: 38152555 PMCID: PMC10752051 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231219509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Switzerland, continuous deep sedation until death (CDSUD) is not legally regulated and the current clinical practice guidelines on palliative sedation from 2005 do not refer to it. In contrast, in France, a neighbouring country, CDSUD is regulated by a specific law and professional guidelines. International studies show that in culturally polymorphic countries, there are variations in the end-of-life practices between linguistic regions and that a linguistic region shares many cultural characteristics with the neighbouring country. Objectives This study aimed to explore the attitudes of palliative care physicians from the French-speaking part of Switzerland on the question of whether CDSUD should be legally regulated in the country, and to identify their arguments. Our study also aimed to assess whether a hypothetical Swiss law on CDSUD should be similar to the current legal regulation of this practice in France. Design We conducted a multicentre exploratory qualitative study based on face-to-face interviews with palliative care physicians in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Methods We analysed the interview transcripts using thematic analysis, combining deductive and inductive coding. Results Most of the participants were opposed to having specific legal regulation of CDSUD in Switzerland. Their arguments were diverse: some focused on medical and epistemological aspects of CDSUD, whereas others emphasized the legal inconvenience of having such regulation. None had the opinion that, if CDSUD were legally regulated in Switzerland, the regulation should be similar to that in France. Conclusion This study allows to better understand why palliative care physicians in French-speaking Switzerland may be reluctant to have legal regulation of CDSUD. Further studies covering the whole country would be needed to gain a more complete picture of Swiss palliative care physicians on this question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Av. de Provence 82, Lausanne CH-1007, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Andorno
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ralf J. Jox
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Palliative & Supportive Care Service, Chair in Geriatric Palliative Care, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Pouvrasseau A, Jeannot E. Vaccine hesitancy among nursing and midwifery undergraduate students in Switzerland: protocol for an online national study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1302676. [PMID: 38155889 PMCID: PMC10754524 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1302676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine hesitancy is a persistent challenge in public health, exacerbated by the proliferation of anti-vaccine sentiments facilitated by social networks. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy, designated by the WHO as a top global health threat. This study explores vaccine hesitancy among nursing and midwifery undergraduate students in Switzerland-a cohort crucial to public health given their future roles as healthcare professionals-with a particular emphasis on the HPV vaccine, which exhibits lower confidence levels compared to other vaccines. Methods This study will employ an online questionnaire distributed to nursing and midwifery undergraduate students from various healthcare universities. The questionnaire will collect data on vaccine hesitancy (general confidence in vaccines and specifically in the HPV vaccine), HPV vaccine coverage, socio-demographics, likelihood to recommend vaccines to patients, perception of vaccination education and interest in complementary medicine. Conclusion The study's findings will contribute to our understanding of vaccine hesitancy among nursing and midwifery undergraduate students, providing insights that can inform targeted interventions and education strategies to bolster vaccine confidence among future healthcare professionals, thereby enhancing public health efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Pouvrasseau
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emilien Jeannot
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine (Service), Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Hoeks RA, Deml MJ, Dubois J, Senn O, Streit S, Rachamin Y, Jungo KT. Broken bones and apple brandy: resilience and sensemaking of general practitioners and their at-risk patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. Anthropol Med 2023; 30:346-361. [PMID: 38288956 PMCID: PMC10860889 DOI: 10.1080/13648470.2023.2269523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
In early 2020, when the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Switzerland, the federal government started implementing measures such as national stay-at-home recommendations and a strict limitation of health care services use. General practitioners (GPs) and their at-risk patients faced similar uncertainties and grappled with subsequent sensemaking of the unprecedented situation. Qualitative interviews with 24 GPs and 37 at-risk patients were conducted which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Weick's (1993) four sources of -resilience - improvisation, virtual role systems, attitudes of wisdom and respectful interaction - heuristically guide the exploration of on-the-ground experiences and informal ways GPs and their at-risk patients sought to ensure continuity of primary care. GPs used their metaphorical Swiss army knives of learned tools as well as existing knowledge and relationships to adapt to the extenuating circumstances. Through improvisation, GPs and patients found pragmatic solutions, such as using local farmer apple brandy as disinfectant or at-home treatments of clavicle fractures. Through virtual role systems, GPs and patients came to terms with new and shifting roles, such as "good soldier" and "at-risk patient" categorizations. Both parties adopted attitudes of wisdom by accepting that they could not know everything. They also diversified their sources of information through personal relationships, formal networks, and the internet. The GP-patient relationship grew in importance through respectful interaction, and intersubjective reflection helped make sense of shifting roles and ambiguous guidelines. The empirical analysis of this paper contributes to theoretical considerations of sensemaking, resilience, crisis settings and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah A. Hoeks
- Institute of Social Anthropology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael J. Deml
- Institute of Sociological Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julie Dubois
- Institute of Family Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sven Streit
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yael Rachamin
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Campus Stiftung Lindenhof Bern (SLB), Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
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Steinsiepe VK, Ruf MT, Rossi M, Fricker-Feer C, Kolenc D, Buser BS, Concu M, Neumayr A, Schneider UC. Human Taenia martis Neurocysticercosis, Switzerland. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2569-2572. [PMID: 37987597 PMCID: PMC10683805 DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is almost exclusively caused by Taenia solium tapeworms. We describe a case of neurocysticercosis in Switzerland caused by infection with Taenia martis, the marten tapeworm, and review all 5 published cases of human infection with the marten tapeworm. In epidemiologically nonplausible cases of neurocysticercosis, zoonotic spillover infections should be suspected.
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Anderes M, Pichler S. Mental health effects of social distancing in Switzerland. Econ Hum Biol 2023; 51:101302. [PMID: 37659211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
This analysis examines the effect of COVID-19 on public mental health in Switzerland. Following an event-study framework, we compare helpline call volume and duration before and after the outbreak of the first and second wave. The use of administrative phone-level data allows us to i) decompose the total effects into an intensive and extensive margin and ii) calculate a measure of unmet need. For the first wave, our results show that callers with a history of helpline contacts increase calls substantially. We also identify capacity constraints leading to unmet need for psychological counseling. Finally, we find no effects in the second wave, which might be explained by a number of factors including the absence of a lockdown and less restrictive social distancing measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Anderes
- ETH Zurich, KOF Swiss Economic Institute, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Pichler
- University of Groningen, Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, Nettelbosje 2, 9747AE, Groningen, Netherlands.
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Killeen T, Kermer V, Troxler Saxer R. mRNA vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective review from the perspective of the Swiss affiliate of a global biopharmaceutical company. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:158. [PMID: 38012751 PMCID: PMC10683226 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been the defining public health emergency of our time. In Switzerland, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines were and still are widely utilized as a critical component of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)'s preventative mitigation strategy. The development, conditional approval and worldwide roll-out of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 proceeded at an unprecedented pace and presented myriad challenges for manufacturers. In this review, we discuss, from the perspective of the Swiss affiliate of a global biopharmaceutical company, the clinical, regulatory, pharmacovigilance and logistical considerations of making a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available to the Swiss population during a pandemic as rapidly as possible while ensuring strict adherence to safety and quality standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Killeen
- Medical Affairs, Pfizer AG, Schärenmoosstrasse 99, 8052, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Postgraduate Training Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine, Pfizer AG, Schärenmoosstrasse 99, 8052, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Vanessa Kermer
- Regulatory Affairs, Pfizer AG, Schärenmoosstrasse 99, 8052, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Troxler Saxer
- Medical Affairs, Pfizer AG, Schärenmoosstrasse 99, 8052, Zurich, Switzerland
- Postgraduate Training Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine, Pfizer AG, Schärenmoosstrasse 99, 8052, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rhyner TMY, Bröder L, White ME, Mittelbach BVA, Brunmayr A, Hagedorn F, Storck FR, Passera L, Haghipour N, Zobrist J, Eglinton TI. Radiocarbon signatures of carbon phases exported by Swiss rivers in the Anthropocene. Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci 2023; 381:20220326. [PMID: 37807683 PMCID: PMC10642794 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2022.0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Lateral carbon transport through the land-to-ocean-aquatic-continuum (LOAC) represents a key component of the global carbon cycle. This LOAC involves complex processes, many of which are prone to anthropogenic perturbation, yet the influence of natural and human-induced drivers remains poorly constrained. This study examines the radiocarbon (14C) signatures of particulate and dissolved organic carbon (POC, DOC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) transported by Swiss rivers to assess controls on sources and cycling of carbon within their watersheds. Twenty-one rivers were selected and sampled during high-flow conditions in summer 2021, a year of exceptionally high rainfall. Δ14C values of POC range from -446‰ to -158‰, while corresponding ranges of Δ14C values for DOC and DIC are -377‰ to -43‰ and -301‰ to -40‰, respectively, indicating the prevalence of pre-aged carbon. Region-specific agricultural practices seem to have an influential effect on all three carbon phases in rivers draining the Swiss Plateau. Based on Multivariate Regression Analysis, mean basin elevation correlated negatively with Δ14C values of all three carbon phases. These contrasts between alpine terrain and the lowlands reflect the importance of overriding ecoregional controls on riverine carbon dynamics within Switzerland, despite high spatial variability in catchment properties. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Radiocarbon in the Anthropocene'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Bröder
- Geological Institute, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Frank Hagedorn
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Florian R. Storck
- Hydrology Division, Federal Office for the Environment, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Passera
- Hydrology Division, Federal Office for the Environment, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Negar Haghipour
- Geological Institute, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics,8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Juerg Zobrist
- Emeritus Scientist, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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Eggli Y, Halfon P, Zeukeng MJ, Kherad O, Schaller P, Raetzo MA, Klay MF, Favre BM, Schaller D, Marti J. Potentially Inappropriate Medication Dispensing in Outpatients: Comparison of Different Measurement Approaches. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:2565-2578. [PMID: 38024485 PMCID: PMC10680376 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s427516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the Research This paper aims at comparing different approaches to measure potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) with routinely collected data on prescriptions, patient age institutionalization status (ie in nursing home or in the community). A secondary objective is to measure the rate and prevalence of PIM dispensing and to identify problematic practices in Switzerland. Material and Methods The studied population includes about 90,000 insured over 17 years old from a Swiss health maintenance organization in 2019 and 2020. We computed and compared the number of PIM per patient for Beers criteria, Priscus list, Laroche, NORGEP and Prescrire approaches. We also created a composite indicator that accounts for the specificities of the Swiss context (adaptation to the Swiss drugs' market, recommendations in force related to sleeping pills, anxiolytics and NSAIDs). We also stratified the analysis per physician, including initiation and cessation of PIM prescription. Results Our comparison revealed similarities between the approaches, but also that each of them had specific gaps that provides further motivation for the development of a composite approach. PIM rate was particularly high for sleeping pills, anxiolytics, NSAIDs, even when analyses were limited to chronic use. Drugs with anticholinergic effect were also frequently prescribed. Based on our composite indicator, 27% of insured over 64 years old received at least one PIM in 2020, and 8% received more than one. Our analyses also reveal that for sleeping pills and anxiolytics, half of the volume (or prevalence?) occurs in the <65 population. We observed strong variations between physicians and a significant proportion of new users among patients with PIM. Conclusion Our results show that PIMs prescribing is very frequent in Switzerland and is driven mostly by a few drug categories. There is important physician variation in PIM prescribing that warrants the development of intervention targeted at high PIM-prescribers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Eggli
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Halfon
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Omar Kherad
- Internal Medicine Department, La Tour Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joachim Marti
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Zürcher SJ, Signorell A, Léchot-Huser A, Aebi C, Huber CA. Childhood vaccination coverage and regional differences in Swiss birth cohorts 2012-2021: Are we on track? Vaccine 2023; 41:7226-7233. [PMID: 38593195 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Many western countries are challenged by delayed and insufficient vaccination coverage rates in children, and thus missing WHO coverage targets. This study aimed to estimate vaccination coverage and timeliness in Swiss children over a decade. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of COVID-19, regional variations, and the adherence to the amended vaccination schedule in 2019. METHODS Retrospective observational study with Swiss health insurance claims data including birth cohorts 2012-2021 of children continuously observed until ages 13, 25, and 48 months respectively. We used population-weighted proportions and time-to-event analyses to describe coverage and timeliness of diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis/poliomyelitis/haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib), measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), hepatitis B (HBV), pneumococcal (PCV), and meningococcal (MCV) vaccinations according to the national schedule. The potential impact of COVID-19 and vaccination schedule adherence were evaluated descriptively. Logistic regression was used to investigate regional factors potentially associated with non-vaccination. RESULTS 120,073 children, representing between 12 and 17 % of all Swiss children born in corresponding years, were included. Coverage remained stable or improved over the years. The 2019 amendment of the national immunization schedule was associated with an increase of ~10 % points in full coverage in Swiss children for DTaP-IPV-Hib, MMR and HBV despite the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, full vaccination coverage remained below 90 % with many vaccination series being delayed or not completed. The comparison across the different vaccines revealed large differences in coverage. Moreover, we observed large regional differences in non-vaccination with children living in rural and German-speaking areas more likely to be entirely unvaccinated. CONCLUSION Full vaccination coverage in Swiss children is still below 90 % with many vaccinations administered delayed. Given regional differences, missed or delayed booster vaccinations, and differences in vaccine-specific acceptability, more effort may be needed to achieve national vaccination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon J Zürcher
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Andri Signorell
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Christoph Aebi
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carola A Huber
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
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Kamath A, Shenoy PJ, Ullal SD, Shenoy AK, Acharya SD, Shastry R, Rao RR, Kamath P, Bharathi PR, S Uppugunduri CR. Clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenomics for implementation of personalized medicine. Pharmacogenomics 2023; 24:873-879. [PMID: 38009368 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2023-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
With the aim of integrating clinical pharmacology with pharmacogenomics and providing a platform to gather clinicians, academicians, diagnostic laboratory personnel and scientists from related domains, the International Conference on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics 2023 (ICCPP 2023) was jointly organized by the Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India and the CANSEARCH research platform in Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. The conference was held on 31 August and 1 September 2023, as a continued Indo-Swiss scientific exchange event series. In this report we describe the proceedings of this conference for the benefit of peers who could not attend the conference but are interested in knowing about the scientific program in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Kamath
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Preethi J Shenoy
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sheetal D Ullal
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ashok K Shenoy
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sahana D Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Rajeshwari Shastry
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Rashmi R Rao
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Priyanka Kamath
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Poovizhi R Bharathi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Chakradhara Rao S Uppugunduri
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- CANSEARCH Research Platform in Pediatric Oncology & Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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Loxston R, Jachens L. "Liberty Can Be for You One Thing, and for Me Something Different": Muslim Women's Experiences of Identity and Belonging in Switzerland. Eur J Psychol 2023; 19:308-320. [PMID: 38487313 PMCID: PMC10936146 DOI: 10.5964/ejop.10623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Belonging and identity are fundamental human needs, with positive experiences closely correlated with affirmative mental health. This paper investigates how these concepts are experienced by Muslim women in Switzerland, a minority group targeted in the political campaign nicknamed the "burka ban." There were two research questions: How do Muslim women construct their identity in Switzerland? How do Muslim women experience a sense of belonging in Switzerland? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: religion as a public versus private identity, Islam and dressing modestly as expressions of gendered liberation, sharing a sense of Swiss identity through sameness, challenging dominant representations, impression management, and religious and cultural identity as psychological strengths. Participants used several strategies to construct a positive identity and experience belonging in response to negative representation. Findings are summarized in the form of recommendations for counselors working in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Loxston
- Psychology, Sociology and Professional Counselling, Webster University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liza Jachens
- Centre for Organizational Health and Development, Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
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van Aken A. Assessing farmer willingness to participate in a subsidized veterinary herd health management program. Prev Vet Med 2023; 220:106031. [PMID: 37852017 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Zoonoses, such as COVID-19, can cause pandemics with many fatalities. Therefore, livestock keepers should attach great importance to livestock disease control. Veterinarians can support farmers in this task through a structured veterinary herd health management (VHHM) program. The dissemination of these programs remained low, and Swiss policy makers planned to launch a subsidy program for VHHM. To inform policy making ex-ante, a survey of 1600 Swiss dairy farmers was conducted to determine whether they are willing to participate and how much they are willing to pay. Contingent evaluation with a discrete choice format elicited willingness to pay (WTP). As a rather high share of farmers who would not participate was expected, a spike model was applied with a single-bounded discrete choice (SBDC) model. Only 47% of the farmers had a positive WTP. Mean WTP in the SBDC was CHF 10.47 per cow and year and in the spike model CHF 57.96. Participation would increase with higher subsidy levels. If the government pays 20% of the costs and farmers pay CHF 96 per cow per year, 23.6% of farms would participate. If the subsidy increases to 80% (CHF 24 for farmers), 40.4% would participate. A logistic regression indicates younger and older farmers, those with lower veterinary costs, and those who consider VHHM relevant only for farms with problems are less likely to participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin van Aken
- Agroscope, Tänikon 1, 8356 Ettenhausen, Switzerland; University of Geneva, Geneva School of Social Sciences, Boulevard du Pont d' Arve 40, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Bischof AY, Geissler A. Making the cut on caesarean section: a logistic regression analysis on factors favouring caesarean sections without medical indication in comparison to spontaneous vaginal birth. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:759. [PMID: 37891505 PMCID: PMC10605562 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06070-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of medical necessity, opting for caesarean sections exposes mothers and neonates to increased risks of enduring long-term health problems and mortality. This ultimately results in greater economic burden when compared to the outcomes of spontaneous vaginal births. In Switzerland around 33% of all births are by caesarean section. However, the rate of caesarean sections without medical indication is still unknown. Therefore, we devise an identification strategy to differentiate caesarean sections without medical indication using routine data. In addition, we aim to categorize the influencing factors for women who undergo spontaneous vaginal births as opposed to those with caesarean sections without medical indication. METHOD We use Swiss Federal Statistics data including 98.3% of all women giving birth from 2014 to 2018. To determine non-medically indicated caesarean sections in our dataset, we base our identification strategy on diagnosis-related groups, diagnosis codes, and procedure classifications. Subsequently, we compare characteristics of women who give birth by non-medically CS and external factors such as the density of practicing midwives to women with spontaneous vaginal birth. Logistic regression analysis measures the effect of factors, such as age, insurance class, income, or density of practicing midwives on non-medically indicated caesarean sections. RESULTS Around 8% of all Swiss caesarean sections have no medical indication. The regression analysis shows that higher age, supplemental insurance, higher income, and living in urban areas are associated with non-medically indicated caesarean sections, whereas a higher density of midwives decreases the likelihood of caesarean sections without medical indication. CONCLUSIONS By identifying non-medically indicated caesarean sections using routine data, it becomes feasible to gain insights into the characteristics of impacted mothers as well as the external factors involved. Illustrating these results, our recommendation is to revise the incentive policies directed towards healthcare professionals. Among others, future research may investigate the potential of midwife-assisted pregnancy programs on strengthening spontaneous vaginal births in absence of medical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Y Bischof
- University of St. Gallen, School of Medicine, Chair of Health Care Management, St. Jakob-Strasse 21, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland.
| | - Alexander Geissler
- University of St. Gallen, School of Medicine, Chair of Health Care Management, St. Jakob-Strasse 21, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
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König R, Seifert A. Internet usage, frequency and intensity in old age during the COVID-19 pandemic-a case study for Switzerland. Front Sociol 2023; 8:1268613. [PMID: 37954497 PMCID: PMC10639129 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1268613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This study examines the digital divide among older adults in Switzerland within the rapidly evolving digital environment. It investigates changes in internet usage among this population, focusing on the proportion of users, frequency, and the intensity of their internet usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Drawing on Swiss data from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement (SHARE), conducted in 2021, the study analyzes a sample of 1,205 older adults. Results The findings indicate a growing proportion of internet users over time. It also highlights that gender differences persist but are decreasing. Notably, around 9% of individuals in this study had never used the internet, while recent users exhibited high activity levels, spending an average of approximately two and a half hours online daily. The study identified age, education, employment, living arrangements, and attitudes toward technology as influential factors shaping internet usage among older adults. Importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant impact on internet adoption among this demographic. Discussion These findings shed light on the complex dynamics that shape internet usage among older adults and underscore the need to promote digital inclusion and engagement within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronny König
- Department of Sociology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Seifert
- Institute for Integration and Participation, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
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Stucki M, Schärer X, Trottmann M, Scholz-Odermatt S, Wieser S. What drives health care spending in Switzerland? Findings from a decomposition by disease, health service, sex, and age. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1149. [PMID: 37880733 PMCID: PMC10598929 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10124-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High and increasing spending dominates the public discussion on healthcare in Switzerland. However, the drivers of the spending increase are poorly understood. This study decomposes health care spending by diseases and other perspectives and estimates the contribution of single cost drivers to overall healthcare spending growth in Switzerland between 2012 and 2017. METHODS We decompose total healthcare spending according to National Health Accounts by 48 major diseases, injuries, and other conditions, 20 health services, 21 age groups, and sex of patients. This decomposition is based on micro-data from a multitude of data sources such as the hospital inpatient registry, health and accident insurance claims data, and population surveys. We identify the contribution of four main drivers of spending: population growth, change in population structure (age/sex distribution), changes in disease prevalence, and changes in spending per prevalent patient. RESULTS Mental disorders were the most expensive major disease group in both 2012 and 2017, followed by musculoskeletal disorders and neurological disorders. Total health care spending increased by 19.7% between 2012 and 2017. An increase in spending per prevalent patient was the most important spending driver (43.5% of total increase), followed by changes in population size (29.8%), in population structure (14.5%), and in disease prevalence (12.2%). CONCLUSIONS A large part of the recent health care spending growth in Switzerland was associated with increases in spending per patient. This may indicate an increase in the treatment intensity. Future research should show if the spending increases were cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stucki
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, Gertrudstrasse 8, Winterthur, 8401, Switzerland.
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.
| | - Xavier Schärer
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, Gertrudstrasse 8, Winterthur, 8401, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Simon Wieser
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, Gertrudstrasse 8, Winterthur, 8401, Switzerland
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Kruppenbacher AS, Müller E, Aardema ML, Schäfer I, von Loewenich FD. Granulocytic anaplasmosis in cats from central Europe and molecular characterization of feline Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains by ankA gene, groEL gene and multilocus sequence typing. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:348. [PMID: 37803346 PMCID: PMC10557162 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05954-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that replicates in neutrophil granulocytes. It is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex and causes febrile illness called granulocytic anaplasmosis primarily in humans, horses, dogs, sheep, cattle and goats. In comparison, clinically apparent disease has been described rarely in cats especially compared to dogs and horses. It is currently unknown whether cats are less susceptible to A. phagocytophilum or whether granulocytic anaplasmosis might be underdiagnosed in cats. METHODS To address this question, we examined clinical signs and laboratory findings in seven A. phagocytophilum infected cats from Germany and Switzerland. We then genetically characterized feline A. phagocytophilum strains and compared them to those from other hosts showing clinically apparent disease. For this purpose, ankA-based, groEL-based and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were applied. Furthermore, the concordance between these typing methods was assessed. RESULTS Fever, lethargy and anorexia were the most common clinical signs in cats suffering from granulocytic anaplasmosis. The most frequent laboratory finding was thrombocytopenia. All three typing methods consistently indicated that the A. phagocytophilum strains found infecting cats are the same as those that cause disease in humans, dogs and horses. In general, the three typing methods applied exhibited high concordance. CONCLUSIONS The genetic characterization of the feline A. phagocytophilum strains indicates that strain divergence is not the explanation for the fact that granulocytic anaplasmosis is much less frequently diagnosed in cats than in dogs and horses. Otherwise, it may be possible that cats are less susceptible to the same strains than dogs and horse are. However, due to the unspecific clinical signs, it should be considered that granulocytic anaplasmosis may be under-diagnosed in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew L. Aardema
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ USA
- Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY USA
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Bad Kissingen, Germany
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Carrillo JD, Püschel HP. Pleistocene South American native ungulates (Notoungulata and Litopterna) of the historical Roth collections in Switzerland, from the Pampean Region of Argentina. Swiss J Palaeontol 2023; 142:28. [PMID: 37810207 PMCID: PMC10558389 DOI: 10.1186/s13358-023-00291-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The fossil collections made by early explorers in South America have been fundamental to reveal the past diversity of extinct mammals and unravel their evolutionary history. One important early explorer in South America was the Swiss-Argentine palaeontologist Kaspar Jacob Roth, known as Santiago Roth (1850, Herisau, Switzerland-1924, Buenos Aires, Argentina), who made significant collections of fossil mammals that are housed in museums in Europe and Argentina. The important collections of Roth in Switzerland include iconic Pleistocene megafauna from the Pampean Region (Argentina). The palaeontological significance of the Pampean Region relies on its abundant record of fossil vertebrates that documents diversity dynamics and paleoenvironmental change in southern South America, serving as the basis for the South American biostratigraphical scale of the late Neogene and Quaternary. The South American native ungulates (SANUs) were hoofed placental mammals that radiated in South America. The clades Notoungulata and Litopterna include, among others, the last representatives of SANUs megafauna in the continent. We revise and describe for the first time the SANUs specimens from the Pampean Region of the Roth collections in Switzerland. The collections include two species of notoungulates (Toxodon cf. T. platensis and Mesotherium cristatum) and one litoptern species (Macrauchenia patachonica). The occurrences are restricted to the early and middle Pleistocene (pre-Lujanian Stages/Ages). Although the SANUs diversity in the Roth collections is low in comparison with other groups (e.g., xenarthrans), some of the specimens are very complete, including skulls and postcranial remains. The completeness of the Ma. patachonica material allows an update and reinterpretation of some of the details of the dentition and the postcranial skeleton of this iconic species. In addition to its historical importance, the SANU specimens from the Roth collections provide important information to study the paleobiology and evolution of South American megafauna and evaluate hypotheses about their extinction in the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan D. Carrillo
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Hans P. Püschel
- Red Paleontológica U-Chile, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Ramakrishnan G, Kronig I, Gaïa N, Lazarevic V, Schrenzel J. Mycoplasma genitalium Endocarditis in Prosthetic Aortic Valve. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2164-2166. [PMID: 37735787 PMCID: PMC10521615 DOI: 10.3201/eid2910.221639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of Mycoplasma genitalium endocarditis in a prosthetic heart valve of a woman who sought care in Switzerland for acute aortic valve dysfunction 3 years after valve replacement. This unusual manifestation of infection with this bacterium was diagnosed using broad-range PCR despite suspicion of a mechanical disinsertion.
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Fischer FB, Bigler M, Mäusezahl D, Hattendorf J, Egli A, Julian TR, Rölli F, Gaia V, Wymann M, Fridez F, Bertschi S. Legionnaires' disease in Switzerland: rationale and study protocol of a prospective national case-control and molecular source attribution study (SwissLEGIO). Infection 2023; 51:1467-1479. [PMID: 36905400 PMCID: PMC10545568 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Switzerland has one of the highest annual Legionnaires' disease (LD) notification rates in Europe (7.8 cases/100,000 population in 2021). The main sources of infection and the cause for this high rate remain largely unknown. This hampers the implementation of targeted Legionella spp. control efforts. The SwissLEGIO national case-control and molecular source attribution study investigates risk factors and infection sources for community-acquired LD in Switzerland. Over the duration of one year, the study is recruiting 205 newly diagnosed LD patients through a network of 20 university and cantonal hospitals. Healthy controls matched for age, sex, and residence at district level are recruited from the general population. Risk factors for LD are assessed in questionnaire-based interviews. Clinical and environmental Legionella spp. isolates are compared using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Direct comparison of sero- and sequence types (ST), core genome multilocus sequencing types (cgMLST), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between clinical and environmental isolates are used to investigate the infection sources and the prevalence and virulence of different Legionella spp. strains detected across Switzerland. The SwissLEGIO study innovates in combining case-control and molecular typing approaches for source attribution on a national level outside an outbreak setting. The study provides a unique platform for national Legionellosis and Legionella research and is conducted in an inter- and transdisciplinary, co-production approach involving various national governmental and national research stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne B Fischer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melina Bigler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Mäusezahl
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Egli
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy R Julian
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Rölli
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Gaia
- Service of Microbiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Centre for Legionella, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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