Assessing small non-zero perceptions of chance: The case of H1N1 (swine) flu risks

Feelings of invulnerability, seen in judgments of 0% risk, can reflect misunderstandings of risk and risk behaviors, suggesting increased need for risk communication. However, judgments of 0% risk may be given by individuals who feel invulnerable, and by individuals who are rounding from small non-zero probabilities. We examined the effect of allowing participants to give more precise responses in the 0-1% range on the validity of reported probability judgments. Participants assessed probabilities for getting H1N1 influenza and dying from it conditional on infection, using a 0-100% visual linear scale. Those responding in the 0-1% range received a follow-up question with more options in that range. This two-step procedure reduced the use of 0% and increased the resolution of responses in the 0-1% range. Moreover, revised probability responses improved predictions of attitudes and self-reported behaviors. Hence, our two-step procedure allows for more precise and more valid measurement of perceived invulnerability. [Authors]

Risques rénaux des compléments alimentaires: une cause ignorée [Renal risks of dietary complements: a forgotten cause].

The use of dietary complements like vitamins, minerals, trace elements, proteins, aminoacids and plant-derived agents is prevalent in the general population, in order to promote health and treat diseases. Dietary complements are considered as safe natural products and are easily available without prescription. However, these can lead to severe renal toxicity, especially in cases of unknown pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). In particular, Chinese herbs including aristolochic acid, high doses of vitamine C, creatine and protein complements may lead to acute and chronic renal failure, sometimes irreversible. Dietary complement toxicity should be suspected in any case of unexplained renal impairement. In the case of pre-existing CKD, the use of potentially nephrotoxic dietary complements should be screened for.

Rhumatologie. Anti-TNF alpha: quels risques infectieux? Recommandations pratiques [Rheumatology. TNF alpha-inhibitors: infection risks? Practical recommendations].

Anti-TNF alpha are immunomodulatory treatments prescribed for some rheumatologic inflammatory diseases (ex: spondylarthropathy, rheumatoid polyarthritis). The randomised studies suggested that anti-TNF alpha therapy is associated with an overall risk of infectious diseases. The results of the observational studies are more reassuring. In this article, we will describe some results of theses studies and propose some practical recommendations in use of the anti-TNF alpha therapy.

Du traitement précoce des sujets à risque aux risques du traitement précoce. Le dilemme de la prévention des troubles psychotiques [From early treatment of psychosis risk to the risks of early intervention: the dilemma of psychosis prevention].

While the development of early psychosis intervention programs have improved outcome of such disorders, primary prevention strategies are still out of reach. The elaboration, over the last 15 years, of scales and criteria to identify populations at high risk for psychosis is a real progress, but their low specificity is still a major obstacle to their use outside of research projects. For this reason, even if "ultra high risk", subjects present with real psychiatric disorders and sometimes significant decrease in functioning level, the fact that only a small proportion will eventually develop full blown psychosis will probably lead to the rejection of a "psychosis risk syndrom" from the future DSM-V classification.

Radiation risks : a way to inform patient : 3.10

Purpose: Diagnostic radiology involving ionizing radiation often leads to crucial information but also involves risk. Estimated cancer risks associated with CT range between 1 in 1000 to 1 in 10 000, depending on age and exposure settings. The aim of this contribution is to provide radiologists a way to inform a patient about these risks on a collective and individual base. Materials and methods: After a brief review of the effects of ionizing radiations, conversion from dose indicators into effective dose will be presented for radiography, fluoroscopy and CT. The Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL) concept will be then introduced to enable the reader to compare the level of exposure of various examinations. Finally, the limit of effective dose will be explained and risk projections after various radiological procedures for adults and children will be presented. Results: From an individual standpoint the benefit of a well justified and optimized CT examination clearly outweigh its risk of inducing a fatal cancer. The uncertainties associated with the effective dose concept should be kept in mind in order to avoid cancer risk projections after an examination on an individual basis. Conclusion: Risk factors or effective dose are not the simplest tools to communicate when dealing with radiological risks. Thus, a set of categories should be preferred as proposed in the ICRP (International Commission on Radiation Protection) report 99.

Does a mandatory telemedicine call prior to visiting a physician reduce costs or simply attract good risks?

This paper aims to estimate empirically the efficiency of a Swiss telemedicine service introduced in 2003. We used claims' data gathered by a major Swiss health insurer, over a period of 6 years and involving 160 000 insured adults. In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory, but everyone has the option of choosing between a managed care plan and a fee-for-service plan. This paper focuses on a conventional fee-for-service plan including a mandatory access to a telemedicine service; the insured are obliged to phone this medical call centre before visiting a physician. This type of plan generates much lower average health expenditures than a conventional insurance plan. Reasons for this may include selection, incentive effects or efficiency. In our sample, about 90% of the difference in health expenditure can be explained by selection and incentive effects. The remaining 10% of savings due to the efficiency of the telemedicine service amount to about SFr 150 per year per insured, of which approximately 60% is saved by the insurer and 40% by the insured. Although the efficiency effect is greater than the cost of the plan, the big winners are the insured who not only save monetary and non-monetary costs but also benefit from reduced premiums. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Is sustainability certification for biochar the answer to environmental risks?

Biochar has the potential to make a major contribution to the mitigation of climate change, and enhancement of plant production. However, in order for biochar to fulfill this promise, the industry and regulating bodies must take steps to manage potential environmental threats and address negative perceptions. The potential threats to the sustainability of biochar systems, at each stage of the biochar life cycle, were reviewed. We propose that a sustainability framework for biochar could be adapted from existing frameworks developed for bioenergy. Sustainable land use policies, combined with effective regulation of biochar production facilities and incentives for efficient utilization of energy, and improved knowledge of biochar impacts on ecosystem health and productivity could provide a strong framework for the development of a robust sustainable biochar industry. Sustainability certification could be introduced to provide confidence to consumers that sustainable practices have been employed along the production chain, particularly where biochar is traded internationally.