Lausannevirus Seroprevalence among Asymptomatic Young Adults.

Objectives: The giant Lausannevirus was recently identified as a parasite of amoeba that replicates rapidly in these professional phagocytes. This study aimed at assessing Lausannevirus seroprevalence among asymptomatic young men in Switzerland and hopefully identifying possible sources of contact with this giant virus. Methods: The presence of anti-Lausannevirus antibodies was assessed in sera from 517 asymptomatic volunteers who filled a detailed questionnaire. The coreactivity between Lausannevirus and amoeba-resisting bacteria was assessed. Results: Lausannevirus prevalence ranged from 1.74 to 2.51%. Sporadic condom use or multiple sexual partners, although frequent (53.97 and 60.35%, respectively), were not associated with anti-Lausannevirus antibodies. On the contrary, frequent outdoor sport practice as well as milk consumption were significantly associated with positive Lausannevirus serologies (p = 0.0066 and 0.028, respectively). Coreactivity analyses revealed an association between Criblamydia sequanensis (an amoeba-resisting bacterium present in water environments) and Lausannevirus seropositivity (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Lausannevirus seroprevalence is low in asymptomatic Swiss men. However, the association between virus seropositivity and frequent sport practice suggests that this member of the Megavirales may be transmitted by aerosols and/or exposure to specific outdoor environments. Milk intake was also associated with seropositivity. Whether the coreactivity observed for C. sequanensis and Lausannevirus reflects a common mode of acquisition or some unexpected cross-reactivity remains to be determined. �� 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A systematic review of longitudinal population-based studies on the predictors of smoking cessation in adolescent and young adult smokers

Le tabagisme est responsable de plus de 5 million de d��c��s par an �� travers le monde. En Suisse (2010), la pr��valence de fumeurs chez les 14-19 ans ��tait de 22% et la pr��valence d'ex-fumeurs de 3%, taux qui reste relativement stable au fil des derni��res ann��es. La plupart des jeunes fumeurs d��sirant arr��ter de fumer rencontrent des difficult��s pour y parvenir. Les revues empiriques ont conclu que les programmes ayant pour but l'arr��t du tabagisme chez les jeunes ont une efficacit�� limit��e. Afin de fournir une base solide de connaissances pour les programmes d'interventions contre le tabagisme, les d��terminants de l'auto-cessation ont besoin d'��tre compris. Nous avons syst��matiquement recherch�� dans PUBMED et EMBASE des ��tudes longitudinales, bas��es sur la population, portant sur les d��terminants de l'auto-cessation chez des adolescents et des jeunes adultes fumeurs. Nous avons pass�� en revue 4'502 titres et 871 abstracts, tous examin��s ind��pendamment par deux et trois examinateurs, respectivement. Les crit��res d'inclusion ��tant : articles publi��s entre janvier 1984 et ao��t 2010, concernant les jeunes entre 10 et 29 ans et avoir une d��finition de cessation de fumer d'au moins 6 mois. Neuf articles ont ��t�� retenus pour une analyse d��taill��e. Les donn��es suivantes ont ��t�� extraites de chaque article : le lieu de l'��tude, la p��riode ��tudi��e, la dur��e du suivi, le nombre de collecte de donn��es, la taille de l'��chantillon, l'��ge ou l'ann��e scolaire des participants, le nombre de participants qui arr��tent de fumer, le status tabagique lors de la premi��re collecte, la d��finition de cessation, les co-variantes et la m��thode analytique. Le nombre d'��tudes qui montrent une association significativement significative entre un d��terminant et l'arr��t du tabagisme a ��t�� tabul�� �� partir de toutes les ��tudes qui ont ��valu��s ce d��terminant. Trois des neufs articles retenus ont d��fini l'arr��t du tabagisme comme une abstinence de plus de 6 mois et les six autres comme 12 mois d'abstinence. Malgr�� l'h��t��rog��n��it�� des m��thodes utilis��es, cinq facteurs principaux ressortent comme pr��dicteur de l'arr��t du tabagisme : 1) ne pas avoir d'amis qui fument, 2) ne pas avoir l'intention de continuer de fumer dans le futur, 3) r��sister �� la pression sociale, 4) ��tre ��g�� de plus de 18 ans lors de la premi��re cigarette, et 5) avoir un avis n��gatif au sujet du tabagisme. D'autres facteurs sont significatifs mais ne sont ��valu��s que dans peu d'articles. La litt��rature au sujet des pr��dicteurs de cessation chez les adolescents et les jeunes adultes est peu d��velopp��e. Cependant, nous remarquons que les facteurs que nous avons mis en ��vidence ne d��pendent pas que de l'individu, mais aussi de l'environnement. La pr��vention du tabagisme peut se centrer sur les bienfaits de l'arr��t (p.ex., par rapport �� l'asthme ou les performances sportives) et ainsi motiver les jeunes gens �� songer d'arr��ter de fumer. Une taxation plus lourde sur le prix des cigarettes peut ��tre envisag��e afin de retarder l'��ge de la premi��re cigarette. Les publicit��s anti-tabagiques (non sponsoris��es par les entreprises de tabac) peuvent influencer la perception des jeunes par rapport au tabagisme, renfor��ant ou cr��ant une attitude anti-tabagique. Les prochaines campagnes anti- tabac devraient donc tenir compte de ces diff��rents aspects.

Jeunes filles scoliotiques et orthop��die a la Belle Epoque: l'essor urbain de la m��canoth��rapie a Lausanne et Gen��ve [Scoliotic young girls and orthopaedics in Belle Epoque: the urban surge of mecanotherapy in Lausanne and Geneva].

In Belle Epoque towns marked by the industrial and medical surge, a new technical therapy, called mechanotherapy, emerged, stemming from Swedish medical gymnastics and auxiliary to orthopaedics. Aiming mostly at treating scoliosis, this therapy by movement attracted a sizeable female clientele to these towns, because of the hygienic and social conceptions feeding collective imagination linked to the bodies of scoliotic young girls. Taking the French-speaking Swiss towns of Lausanne and Geneva as examples, the article first seeks to describe the emergence of mechanotherapy as a medical and urban phenomenon. It then addresses the role played by scoliosis in this orthopaedic practice, and examines the clientele attracted to the towns, among which well-born young girls seem to be predominant.

Risk factors for head and neck cancer in young adults : a pooled analysis in the INHANCE consortium

BACKGROUND: Increasing incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) in young adults has been reported. We aimed to compare the role of major risk factors and family history of cancer in HNC in young adults and older patients. METHODS: We pooled data from 25 case-control studies and conducted separate analyses for adults ≤45 years old ('young adults', 2010 cases and 4042 controls) and >45 years old ('older adults', 17 700 cases and 22 704 controls). Using logistic regression with studies treated as random effects, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The young group of cases had a higher proportion of oral tongue cancer (16.0% in women; 11.0% in men) and unspecified oral cavity / oropharynx cancer (16.2%; 11.1%) and a lower proportion of larynx cancer (12.1%; 16.6%) than older adult cases. The proportions of never smokers or never drinkers among female cases were higher than among male cases in both age groups. Positive associations with HNC and duration or pack-years of smoking and drinking were similar across age groups. However, the attributable fractions (AFs) for smoking and drinking were lower in young when compared with older adults (AFs for smoking in young women, older women, young men and older men, respectively, = 19.9% (95% CI = 9.8%, 27.9%), 48.9% (46.6%, 50.8%), 46.2% (38.5%, 52.5%), 64.3% (62.2%, 66.4%); AFs for drinking = 5.3% (-11.2%, 18.0%), 20.0% (14.5%, 25.0%), 21.5% (5.0%, 34.9%) and 50.4% (46.1%, 54.3%). A family history of early-onset cancer was associated with HNC risk in the young [OR = 2.27 (95% CI = 1.26, 4.10)], but not in the older adults [OR = 1.10 (0.91, 1.31)]. The attributable fraction for family history of early-onset cancer was 23.2% (8.60% to 31.4%) in young compared with 2.20% (-2.41%, 5.80%) in older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in HNC aetiology according to age group may exist. The lower AF of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking in young adults may be due to the reduced length of exposure due to the lower age. Other characteristics, such as those that are inherited, may play a more important role in HNC in young adults compared with older adults.

EAACI Position Paper: prevention of work-related respiratory allergies among pre-apprentices or apprentices and young workers.

ABSTRACT: Apprenticeship is a period of increased risk of developing work-related respiratory allergic diseases. There is a need for documents to provide appropriate professional advice to young adults aiming to reduce unsuitable job choices and prevent impairment from their careers. The present document is the result of a consensus reached by a panel of experts from European and non-European countries addressed to allergologists, pneumologists, occupational physicians, primary care physicians, and other specialists interested in this field, which aims to reduce work-related respiratory allergies (rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma) among allergic or nonallergic apprentices and other young adults entering the workforce. The main objective of the document is to issue consensus suggestions for good clinical practice based on existing scientific evidence and the expertise of a panel of physicians.

Age-targeted chemotherapy for control of urinary schistosomiais in endemic populations

Severity of urinary tract morbidity increases with intensity and duration of Schistosoma haematobium infection. We assessed the ability of yearly drug therapy to control infection intensity and reduce S. haematobium-associated disease in children 5-21 years old in an endemic area of Kenya. In year I, therapy resulted in reduced prevalence (66% to 22%, P < 0.001) and intensity of S. haematobium infection (20 to 2 eggs/10 mL, urine), with corresponding reductions in the prevalence of hematuria (52% to 19%, P < 0.001). There was not, however, a significant first-year effect on prevalence of urinary tract abnormalities detected by ultrasound. Repeat therapy in years 2 and 3 resulted in significant regression of hydronephrosis and bladder abnormalities (41% to 6% prevalence, P< 0.001), and further reductions in proteinuria. Repeat age-targeted therapy was associated with decreased prevalence of infection among young children (< 5yr) entering into the target age group. Two years after discontinuation of therapy, intensity of S. haematobium infection and ultrasound abnormalities remained suppressed, but hematuria prevalence began to increase (to 33% in 1989). Reinstitution of annual therapy in 1989 and 1990 reversed this trends. We conclude that annual oral therapy provides an effective strategy for control of morbidity due to S. haematobium on population basis, both through regression of disease in treated individuals, and prevention of infection in untreated subjects.

Moderate amounts of fructose consumption impair insulin sensitivity in healthy young men: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse effects of hypercaloric, high-fructose diets on insulin sensitivity and lipids in human subjects have been shown repeatedly. The implications of fructose in amounts close to usual daily consumption, however, have not been well studied. This study assessed the effect of moderate amounts of fructose and sucrose compared with glucose on glucose and lipid metabolism. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Nine healthy, normal-weight male volunteers (aged 21-25 years) were studied in this double-blind, randomized, cross-over trial. All subjects consumed four different sweetened beverages (600 mL/day) for 3 weeks each: medium fructose (MF) at 40 g/day, and high fructose (HF), high glucose (HG), and high sucrose (HS) each at 80 g/day. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps with [6,6]-(2)H(2) glucose labeling were used to measure endogenous glucose production. Lipid profile, glucose, and insulin were measured in fasting samples. RESULTS: Hepatic suppression of glucose production during the clamp was significantly lower after HF (59.4 �� 11.0%) than HG (70.3 �� 10.5%, P &lt; 0.05), whereas fasting glucose, insulin, and C-peptide did not differ between the interventions. Compared with HG, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol were significantly higher after MF, HF, and HS, and free fatty acids were significantly increased after MF, but not after the two other interventions (P &lt; 0.05). Subjects' energy intake during the interventions did not differ significantly from baseline intake. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly shows that moderate amounts of fructose and sucrose significantly alter hepatic insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism compared with similar amounts of glucose.

Self-perceived health status and mental health outcomes in young adults born with less than 1000��g.

AIM: To assess self-perceived health status and mental health outcomes of former extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants at young adulthood compared with community norms and to analyse predictors of poor outcome. METHODS: Fifty-five ELBW adults, 18 men (33%), with median (range) gestational age of 28.7 (25.0-34.0) weeks and birth weight of 930 (680-990) grams, born in Switzerland, were included. They self-rated their health status and mental health at a mean (range) age of 23.3 (21.8-25.9) years. Health status was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 questionnaire and mental health by the Brief Symptom Inventory. RESULTS: The mean scores for both outcome measures were in the normal range. However, the study group self-rated significantly higher physical health status and lower mental health status compared with the community norms, and scores for self-perceived mental health tended to be worse in the former. ELBW adults reported more problems in socio-emotional role functioning compared with the community norms. Female sex was associated with poorer and bronchopulmonary dysplasia with better mental health status. CONCLUSION: Health status and mental health of former ELBW adults were overall satisfying. However, the comparison with the community norms revealed differences, which may be important for parental and patient counselling and developing support strategies.

Prevalence of and associated factors for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young Swiss men.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to measure the prevalence of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a large, representative sample of young Swiss men and to assess factors associated with this disorder. METHODS: Our sample consisted of 5656 Swiss men (mean age 20 years) who participated in the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF). ADHD was assessed with the World Health Organization (WHO) adult ADHD Self Report Screener (ASRS). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between ADHD and several socio-demographic, clinical and familial factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of ADHD was 4.0%, being higher in older and French-speaking conscripts. A higher prevalence also was identified among men whose mothers had completed primary or high school/university and those with a family history of alcohol or psychiatric problems. Additionally, adults with ADHD demonstrated impairment in their professional life, as well as considerable mental health impairment. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that ADHD is common among young Swiss men. The impairments in function and mental health we observed highlight the need for further support and interventions to reduce burden in affected individuals. Interventions that incorporate the whole family also seem crucial.

GPs' role in the detection of psychological problems of young people: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Among young people, about one in three females and one in five males report experiencing emotional distress but 65-95% of them do not receive help from health professionals. AIM: To assess the differences among young people who seek help and those who do not seek help for their psychological problems, considering the frequency of consultations to their GP and their social resources. DESIGN OF STUDY: School survey. SETTING: Post-mandatory school. METHOD: Among a Swiss national representative sample of 7429 students and apprentices (45.6% females) aged 16-20 years, 1931 young people reported needing help for a problem of depression/sadness (26%) and were included in the study. They were divided into those who sought help (n = 256) and those who did not (n = 1675), and differences between them were assessed. RESULTS: Only 13% of young people needing help for psychological problems consulted for that reason and this rate was positively associated with the frequency of consultations to the GP. However, 80% of young people who did not consult for psychological problems visited their GP at least once during the previous year. Being older or a student, having a higher depression score, or a history of suicide attempt were linked with a higher rate of help seeking. Moreover, confiding in adults positively influenced the rate of help seeking. CONCLUSION: The large majority of young people reporting psychological problems do not seek help, although they regularly consult their GP. While young people have difficulties in tackling issues about mental health, GPs could improve the situation by systematically inquiring about this issue.

Religion is good, belief is better: religion, religiosity, and substance use among young swiss men.

We examined the influence of religious denomination (RD) and religiosity/spirituality on licit and illicit substance use beyond the potential impact of parental variables. Data from a representative sample of Swiss men (n = 5,387) approximately 20��years old were collected between August 2010 and November 2011. We asked single item questions about RD and religious self-description (RSD) (including aspects of spirituality). Alcohol use, smoking, and illicit drug use was measured as outcome variables. Logistic regressions (adjusting for parenting and socioeconomic background) revealed that religiosity/spirituality was inversely associated with substance use and that it was more strongly associated than denomination. RD, particularly having no denomination, was independently associated with the use of most substances. The study's limitations, and the implications for future work are noted.

El naturalismo cient��fico en la obra de John Tyndall: Fragments of science

El an��lisis de los ensayos de John Tyndall, Fragments of Science, permite identificar la teor��a at��mica, el principio de conservaci��n de la energ��a y el evolucionismo darwinista como los elementos constitutivos del andamiaje te��rico del naturalismo cient��fico. As��, en su ensayo ���On the Study of Physics��� se resumen sus brillantes facetas como educador y divulgador cient��fico, desarrolladas fundamentalmente en el seno de la Royal Institution. En la lectura ���On Force���, Tyndall da por finalizada la controversia Joule- Mayer sobre la primac��a del descubrimiento del principio de conservaci��n de la energ��a, a la vez que plantea algunas de las claves de la lucha por el liderazgo en el seno de la comunidad cient��fica. El discurso presidencial ante la British Association de 1874 en Belfast ejemplifica el coraje de Tyndall en su empe��o por demarcar los territorios de la ciencia y la religi��n, a la luz de los nuevos desaf��os cient��ficos. En el trasfondo subyacen los procesos de secularizaci��n de la sociedad y de profesionalizaci��n de una comunidad cient��fica heterog��nea. El compromiso c��vico que Tyndall demuestra en ���The Belfast Address��� es digno corolario de una vida y obra que permite situarlo como paradigma de lo que, en la terminolog��a de Turner, se ha dado en denominar cient��fico p��blico.