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Dynamic face stimuli are increasingly used in face perception research, as increasing evidence shows they are perceived differently from static photographs. One popular method for creating dynamic faces is the dynamic morph, which can animate the transition between expressions by blending two photographs together. Although morphs offer increased experimental control, their unnatural motion differs from the biological facial motion captured in video recordings. This study aimed to compare ratings of emotion intensity and genuineness in video recordings, dynamic morphs, and static photographs of happy, sad, fearful, and angry expressions. We found that video recordings were perceived to have greater emotional intensity than dynamic morphs, and video recordings of happy expressions were perceived as more genuine compared to happy dynamic morphs. Unexpectedly, static photographs and video recordings had similar ratings for genuineness and intensity. Overall, these results suggest that dynamic morphs may be an inappropriate substitute for video recordings, as they may elicit misleading dynamic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research into bystander responses to hate speech has utilized variable-centered analyses — such approaches risk simplifying the complex nature of bystander behaviors. Hence, the present study used a person-centered analysis to investigate latent hate speech bystander profiles. In addition, individual and classroom-level correlates associated with the various profiles were studied. The sample included 3225 students in grades 7–9 (51.7% self-identified as female; 37.2% with immigrant background) from 215 classrooms in Germany and Switzerland. The latent profile analysis revealed that four distinct profiles could be distinguished: Passive Bystanders (34.2%), Defenders (47.3%), Revengers (9.8%), and Contributors (8.6%). Multilevel logistic regression models showed common and distinct correlates. For example, students who believed that certain social groups are superior were more likely to be Revengers and Contributors than Passive Bystanders, students who felt more connected with teachers were more likely to be Defenders, and students who were more open to diversity were less likely to be Contributors than Passive Bystanders. Students were less likely Defenders and more likely Revengers and Contributors than Passive Bystanders in classrooms with high rates of hate speech perpetration. Further, in classrooms with high hate speech intervention, students were more likely to be Defenders and less likely to be Contributors than Passive Bystanders. In classrooms with stronger cohesion, students were more likely to be Defenders and less likely to be Contributors than Passive Bystanders. In conclusion, the findings add to our understanding of bystander profiles concerning racist hate speech and the relevance of individual and classroom-level factors in explaining various profiles of bystander behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits. However, contradictory, and sparse data regarding children could not yet answer the question, how pediatric ED utilization evolved throughout the pandemic. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of the pandemic in three language regions of Switzerland by analyzing trends over time, describe regional differences, and address implications for future healthcare. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study at three Swiss tertiary pediatric EDs (March 1st, 2018—February 28th, 2022), analyzing the numbers of ED visits (including patients' age, triage categories, and urgent vs. non-urgent cases). The impact of COVID-19 related non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on pediatric ED utilization was assessed by interrupted time series (ITS) modelling. Results: Based on 304′438 ED visits, we found a drop of nearly 50% at the onset of NPIs, followed by a gradual recovery. This primarily affected children 0–4 years, and both non-urgent and urgent cases. However, the decline in urgent visits appeared to be more pronounced in two centers compared to a third, where also hospitalization rates did not decrease significantly during the pandemic. A subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, and an increase in the proportion of trauma patients during the pandemic. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had substantial effects on number and reasons for pediatric ED visits, particularly among children 0–4 years. Despite equal regulatory conditions, the utilization dynamics varied markedly between the three regions, highlighting the multifactorial modification of pediatric ED utilization during the pandemic. Furthermore, future policy decisions should take regional differences into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Number and age-standardized incidences of femoral fractures by sex and localization were determined annually between 1998 and 2021 in subjects aged 45 years or older living in Switzerland. The number and incidences of femoral neck, pertrochanteric, subtrochanteric, and femoral shaft fractures followed distinct unexpected trend patterns. Introduction: Long-term incidence trends for femoral fractures by individual localizations are unknown. Methods: Annual absolute number of hospitalizations and median age at hospital admission between 1998 and 2021 were extracted from the medical database of the Swiss Federal Office of Statistics by sex and 10-year age groups for the following 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes: femoral neck (ICD-10 S72.0), pertrochanteric (S72.1), subtrochanteric (S72.2), and femoral shaft fractures (S72.3). Age-standardized incidence rates (ASI) and corresponding trends were calculated. Results: Over 24 years, the number of femoral neck fractures increased in men (+ 45%) but decreased in women (− 7%) with ASI significantly decreasing by 20% and 37% (p < 0.001 for trend for both), respectively. By contrast, the number of pertrochanteric fractures increased by 67% and 45% in men and women, respectively, corresponding to a horizontal ASI-trend in men (n.s.) and a modest significant decreasing ASI-trend in women (p < 0.001). The number of subtrochanteric fractures increased in both sexes with corresponding modest significant reductions in ASI-trends (p = 0.015 and 0.002, respectively). Femoral shaft fractures almost doubled in men (+ 71%) and doubled in women (+ 100%) with corresponding significant increases in ASI-trends (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Age at admission increased for all fracture localizations, more so in men than in women and more so for subtrochanteric and shaft fractures than for "typical" hip fractures. Conclusion: Incidence changes of pertrochanteric fractures and femoral shaft fractures deserve increased attention, especially in men. Pooling diagnostic codes for defining hip fractures may hide differing patterns by localization and sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess a potential organ protective effect of volatile sedation in a scenario of severe inflammation with an early cytokine storm (in particular IL-6 elevation) in patients suffering from COVID-19-related lung injury with invasive mechanical ventilation and sedation. Methods: This is a small-scale pilot multicenter randomized controlled trial from four tertiary hospitals in Switzerland, conducted between April 2020 and May 2021. 60 patients requiring mechanical ventilation due to severe COVID-19-related lung injury were included and randomized to 48-hour sedation with sevoflurane vs. continuous intravenous sedation (= control) within 24 h after intubation. The primary composite outcome was determined as mortality or persistent organ dysfunction (POD), defined as the need for mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, or renal replacement therapy at day 28. Secondary outcomes were the length of ICU and hospital stay, adverse events, routine laboratory parameters (creatinine, urea), and plasma inflammatory mediators. Results: 28 patients were randomized to sevoflurane, 32 to the control arm. The intention-to-treat analysis revealed no difference in the primary endpoint with 11 (39%) sevoflurane and 13 (41%) control patients (p = 0.916) reaching the primary outcome. Five patients died within 28 days in each group (16% vs. 18%, p = 0.817). Of the 28-day survivors, 6 (26%) and 8 (30%) presented with POD (p = 0.781). There was a significant difference regarding the need for vasopressors (1 (4%) patient in the sevoflurane arm, 7 (26%) in the control one (p = 0.028)). Length of ICU stay, hospital stay, and registered adverse events within 28 days were comparable, except for acute kidney injury (AKI), with 11 (39%) sevoflurane vs. 2 (6%) control patients (p = 0.001). The blood levels of IL-6 in the first few days after the onset of the lung injury were less distinctly elevated than expected. Conclusions: No evident benefits were observed with short sevoflurane sedation on mortality and POD. Unexpectedly low blood levels of IL-6 might indicate a moderate injury with therefore limited improvement options of sevoflurane. Acute renal issues suggest caution in using sevoflurane for sedation in COVID-19. Trial registration: The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04355962) on 2020/04/21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Risk minimization measures are one of the most important tools in ensuring safe use of medicines. The evaluation of their effectiveness in clinical practice is a big challenge. Diclofenac is a medicine indicated for relief of all grades of pain and inflammation, in a wide range of conditions. Certain cardiovascular diseases are contraindications, whilst certain diseases require precautions for diclofenac prescribing. Objective: The aim of this study is to measure impact of the new digital risk minimization tool, introduced at the level of diclofenac prescribing, on patterns of its prescription in outpatient settings in Montenegro. Methods: Regulatory impact before/after drug utilization study, using electronic health records of patients with cardiovascular contraindications/precautions for diclofenac prescribing, was conducted. The period of observation was 1 year before and 1 year after introduction of the digital risk minimization tool. Results: Introduction of the digital risk minimization tool was associated with significant decrease in number of patients on diclofenac and the number of diclofenac prescriptions/packages, in a cohort of patients who were prescribed diclofenac before the digital intervention. Decrease in diclofenac prescription was more obvious in patients with contraindications, as expected, compared with patients with precautions. Decrease in diclofenac prescriptions in patients with other heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and ischemic heart diseases (contraindications) was 38.79%, 37.62%, and 29.85% respectively. There was also a decrease in diclofenac prescriptions in patients with hypertension (22.86%), hyperlipidemia (23.61%), and diabetes mellitus (26.32%; precautions). After the digital intervention, initiation of diclofenac in diclofenac-naive patients was significantly decreased compared with patients who were prescribed diclofenac before the digital intervention. Conclusions: Although a significant decrease in diclofenac prescription in both cohorts occurred, diclofenac is still prescribed, even in diagnoses contraindicated for its use. Further improvements of existing tools and the creation of new ones are necessary for minimization of cardiovascular and other risks related to diclofenac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endotoxin adsorption is a promising but controversial therapy in severe, refractory septic shock and conflicting results exist on the effective capacity of available devices to reduce circulating endotoxin and inflammatory cytokine levels. Methods: Multiarm, randomized, controlled trial in two Swiss intensive care units, with a 1:1:1 randomization of patients suffering severe, refractory septic shock with high levels of endotoxemia, defined as an endotoxin activity ≥ 0.6, a vasopressor dependency index ≥ 3, volume resuscitation of at least 30 ml/kg/24 h and at least single organ failure, to a haemoadsorption (Toraymyxin), an enhanced adsorption haemofiltration (oXiris) or a control intervention. Primary endpoint was the difference in endotoxin activity at 72-h post-intervention to baseline. In addition, inflammatory cytokine, vasopressor dependency index and SOFA-Score dynamics over the initial 72 h were assessed inter alia. Results: In the 30, out of 437 screened, randomized patients (10 Standard of care, 10 oXiris, 10 Toraymyxin), endotoxin reduction at 72-h post-intervention-start did not differ among interventions (Standard of Care: 12 [1–42]%, oXiris: 21 [10–51]%, Toraymyxin: 23 [10–36]%, p = 0.82). Furthermore, no difference between groups could be observed neither for reduction of inflammatory cytokine levels (p = 0.58), nor for vasopressor weaning (p = 0.95) or reversal of organ injury (p = 0.22). Conclusions: In a highly endotoxemic, severe, refractory septic shock population neither the Toraymyxin adsorber nor the oXiris membrane could show a reduction in circulating endotoxin or cytokine levels over standard of care. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT01948778. Registered August 30, 2013. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01948778 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate time trends in daily fruit consumption among Western European adolescents and in related socioeconomic inequalities. Methods: We used nationally representative data from 18 countries participating in five rounds (2002 to 2018) of the cross-sectional "Health Behaviour in School-aged Children" (HBSC) survey (n = 458,973). The questionnaire, standardised across countries and rounds, was self-administered at school by 11-, 13- and 15-year-old adolescents. Daily fruit consumption was assessed using a short food frequency questionnaire (sFFQ). Socioeconomic inequalities were measured using the Family Affluence Scale (FAS). Multilevel logistic regressions were applied to study linear time trends in daily fruit consumption, overall, by country and by FAS. Results: Between 2002 and 2018, daily fruit consumption increased in 10 countries (OR range, 1.04 to 1.13, p < 0.05) and decreased in 3 (OR range 0.96 to 0.98, p < 0.05). In all survey years combined, prevalence of daily fruit consumption was significantly higher among high FAS groups (42.6%) compared to medium (36.1%) and low FAS groups (31.7%; all countries: p < 0.001). Between 2002 and 2018, socioeconomic inequalities in fruit consumption increased in Austria, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, and Switzerland. Only in Norway FAS inequalities decreased while the prevalence increased. Conclusion: The prevalence of daily fruit consumption generally increased among adolescents between 2002 and 2018 in Western European countries, yet socioeconomic inequalities increased in some countries. Public health interventions should continue to promote fruit consumption with special attention to lower socioeconomic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against children and adolescents is a widespread problem. However, most studies conducted in this field has been carried out in Western countries and studies are needed in non-Western countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where rates of child physical violence are high. The present study aimed firstly to document the different forms of physical violence and attitudes toward corporal punishment (CP) across Cameroon, Switzerland, and Togo. The second objective aimed, on the one hand, to understand the influence of cultural context, childhood physical abuse, and parental attitudes on physically violent parental practices in these three different cultural contexts. On the other, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of childhood physical abuse and parental attitudes on the effect of cultural contexts on parental practices. Five hundred and forty-seven parents from Togo, Cameroon, and Switzerland filled out questionnaires concerning violent parental practices (ICAST-P), childhood physical abuse (CTQ-SF), and parental attitudes in favor of CP. Firstly, results highlighted some cultural differences regarding parental attitudes and practices. Secondly, the hierarchical regression showed that physical violence could be partially predicted by the cultural context, childhood abuse, and attitudes in favor of CP. Finally, childhood abuse and parental attitudes mediated the link between the cultural context and parental practices. This study underscores the importance of considering the cultural context when examining parental practices. Moreover, these results provide a better understanding of these types of parental practices in less studied contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to student trauma and trauma-informed practices among various educators and certified staff members in a United States, Midwestern school district. We examined three research questions: 1.) Are there significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among teachers with differing years' experience? 2.) Are there significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among primary and secondary educators and staff? 3.) Are there significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among educators and staff who have participated in professional development (PD) regarding student trauma, and those who have not? We utilized a revised version of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey (Law, 2019) focused on student trauma. The KAP survey was sent via email to all certified staff members in the school district. No significant differences were found among knowledge and attitudes; however, primary school educators implemented significantly more trauma-informed practices compared to secondary educators. Additionally, educators with PD implemented significantly more trauma-informed practices compared to those without PD. Findings revealed our staff members had similar levels of knowledge and attitudes, though practices differed depending on years' experience, PD, and grades taught. Implications for future research relating to student trauma and the research-to-practice gap are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This registry-based study of 3068 patients with osteoporosis compared the anti-fracture effectiveness of denosumab versus bisphosphonates. Denosumab was associated with significantly greater risk reduction than alendronate or ibandronate for vertebral and any fractures. No difference in fracture risk reduction was found between zoledronate and denosumab. Purpose: To analyse the fracture risk of patients with osteoporosis receiving bisphosphonates or denosumab in a real-world setting. Methods: This registry-based cohort study evaluated patients taking denosumab, bisphosphonates or both sequentially. Fractures were analysed using rates, rate ratios and hazard ratios (HR), including both therapies as time-varying co-variates. Fracture risk hazards were adjusted (aHR) for baseline T-Scores and trabecular bone score (TBS) and were additionally analysed with inverse probability treatment weighting. Results: A total of 3068 patients (89% female; median age at treatment onset, 69 years [63 to 76]) received denosumab (median duration 2.8 years, [2.2 to 4.7]), bisphosphonates (3.4 years, [2.1 to 5.7]) or both sequentially. Thus, 11,078 subject-years were assessed for bisphosphonates (41% alendronate, 36% ibandronate, 23% zoledronate) and 4216 for denosumab. Moreover, 48,375 subject-years were observed before treatment onset, in addition to 2593 years of drug holidays. A total of 1481 vertebral fractures (435 under therapy), 1508 non-vertebral fractures (499 under therapy) and 202 hip fractures (67 under therapy) occurred after age 50. The risks of vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures were significantly lower under all bisphosphonates, denosumab and drug holidays than before treatment onset (all p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, baseline T-scores and TBS, denosumab was associated with lower risk than alendronate or ibandronate for vertebral fractures (aHR 0.47 (0.35 to 0.64) and 0.70 [0.53 to 0.91], p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively) and any fractures (aHR 0.62 [0.51 to 0.76] and 0.77 [0.64 to 0.92], p < 0.001 and p = 0.004). With propensity weighting, denosumab was associated with a lower hip fracture risk compared to alendronate (HR 0.54 [0.29 to 0.98], p = 0.044). No difference in fracture risk reduction (vertebral, non-vertebral or hip) was found between zoledronate and denosumab. Conclusions: When adjusting for disease severity, denosumab was associated with significantly greater risk reduction than alendronate and ibandronate for vertebral fractures. No difference in fracture risk reduction was found between zoledronate and denosumab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the long-term social and professional outcomes in adults after pediatric kidney replacement therapy (KRT). In this study, we described social and professional outcomes of adults after kidney failure during childhood and compared these outcomes with the general population. Methods: We sent a questionnaire to 143 individuals registered in the Swiss Pediatric Renal Registry (SPRR) with KRT starting before the age of 18 years. In the questionnaire, we assessed social (partner relationship, living situation, having children) and professional (education, employment) outcomes. Logistic regression models adjusted for age at study and sex were used to compare outcomes with a representative sample of the Swiss general population and to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with adverse outcomes. Results: Our study included 80 patients (response rate 56%) with a mean age of 39 years (range 19–63). Compared to the general population, study participants were more likely to not have a partner (OR = 3.7, 95%CI 2.3–5.9), live alone (OR = 2.5, 95%CI 1.5–4.1), not have children (OR = 6.8, 95%CI 3.3–14.0), and be unemployed (OR = 3.9, 95%CI 1.8–8.6). No differences were found for educational achievement (p = 0.876). Participants on dialysis at time of study were more often unemployed compared to transplanted participants (OR = 5.0, 95%CI 1.2–21.4) and participants with > 1 kidney transplantation more often had a lower education (OR = 3.2, 95%CI 1.0–10.2). Conclusions: Adults after pediatric kidney failure are at risk to experience adverse social and professional outcomes. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals and additional psycho-social support could contribute to mitigate those risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to map the evidence, based on population-based and migrant-specific datasets in Switzerland, on mental health and wellbeing of the population with migrant background. The research questions were: What is known from the existing quantitative evidence about the mental health of the population with migrant background living in Switzerland? What are the research gaps that can be addressed with existing secondary datasets in Switzerland? We used the scoping review approach to describe existing research. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and APA PsycInfo (2015 - September 2022). This resulted in a total of 1862 potentially relevant studies. In addition, we manually searched other sources, such as Google Scholar. We used a evidence map to visually summarise research characteristics and identify research gaps. In total, 46 studies were included in this review. Most studies used cross-sectional design (78.3%, n = 36) and theirs aims were descriptive (84.8%, n = 39). The studies tend to examine mental health or wellbeing of the population with migrant background in the context of social determinants (69.6%, n = 32). The most frequently studied social determinants were at the individual level (96.9%, n = 31). Out of 46 included studies, 32.6% (n = 15) included depression or anxiety, and 21.7% (n = 10) post-traumatic stress disorder and other traumas. Other outcomes were less commonly investigated. There was a lack of studies using longitudinal data investigating mental health of migrants that go beyond descriptive aims (i.e., explanatory and predictive), and have large nationally representative samples. Moreover, there is a need for research examining social determinants of mental health and wellbeing at the structural, family and community levels. We propose that existing nationally representative population-based surveys are used to a greater extent to study various aspects of migrants' mental health and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted health inequities for vulnerable populations and the need for more equitable care and access to vaccination. This article described the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination program for undocumented migrants in a regional academic center of general medicine and public health (Unisanté). The vaccination program's specific components included: triple coordination between the health authorities, the regional center and community partners, a walk-in and free service, no health insurance required, qualified nursing and administrative staff with previous experience with vulnerable populations, translated information materials and interpreters, a guarantee of confidentiality and a widespread communication campaign within the communities. In total, 2'351 undocumented migrants from 97 nationalities received at least one dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) and 2242 were considered fully vaccinated. Although it was hard to assess its global effectiveness, the program vaccinated a significant number of undocumented adult migrants in the Canton of Vaud. The difficulties linked to the pandemic context, the heavy workload for healthcare staff and the limited resources were overcome by strong collaborations between the different actors involved throughout the program. Targeted public health policies, such as vaccination programs for undocumented migrants, are essential to guarantee equitable care, especially in pandemic times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This longitudinal, prospective study investigated associations between perceived COVID-19-related stress, coping strategies, and mental health status among adolescents during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic and one year after the lockdown in Switzerland within a large, national sample. A self-report on-line survey was completed by 553 adolescents (age-range 12–18 years in 2021) in the summers of 2020 and 2021, assessing symptoms of various mental health problems, perceived COVID-19-related stressors, and coping strategies. Overall, participants reported less COVID-19 related stress one year after the lockdown, though mental health status remained stable. 'Challenges at home or with others' were significantly associated with mental health problems in both genders, whereas 'trouble getting medical care or mental health services 'was associated with mental health problems in girls. Perceived stress and pre-existing psychiatric problem were significantly linked to all mental health outcomes at both time points. Parents' poor relationships with partners during the lockdown was associated with increased anxiety symptoms in their children. Using cognitive restructuring to cope with stress was associated with less, while negative coping was associated with more anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms one year post lockdown. Girls appear to have been more affected by the pandemic than boys, with youths with pre-existing psychiatric problems especially vulnerable to its detrimental effects. Healthcare and school professionals should support to identify high-risk adolescents with negative and avoidant coping strategies and train youths to use positive coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asylum seekers face multiple language, cultural and administrative barriers that could result in the inappropriate implementation of COVID-19 measures. This study aimed to explore their knowledge and attitudes to recommendations about COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among asylum seekers living in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. We used logistic regressions to analyze associations between knowledge about health recommendations, the experience of the pandemic and belief to rumors, and participant sociodemographic characteristics. In total, 242 people participated in the survey, with 63% of men (n = 150) and a median age of 30 years old (IQR 23–40). Low knowledge was associated with linguistic barriers (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14–0.94, p = 0.028) and living in a community center (aOR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.85, p = 0.014). Rejected asylum seekers were more likely to believe COVID-19 rumors (aOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.24–6.36, p = 0.013). This survey underlines the importance of tailoring health recommendations and interventions to reach asylum seekers, particularly those living in community centers or facing language barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults after kidney failure during childhood. In this study, we analyzed HRQoL of adults after pediatric kidney failure in Switzerland and investigated socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with HRQoL. Methods: In this cohort study, we sent questionnaires to 143 eligible patients registered in the Swiss Pediatric Renal Registry with continuous kidney replacement therapy starting before the age of 18 years. We assessed HRQoL using the Short-Form 36 version 1, compared HRQoL scores between our sample and the Swiss general population, and used linear regression models to examine socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with HRQoL. Results: We included 79 patients (response rate 55%) with a mean age of 38.6 years (range 19.4–63.1). Compared to the general population, HRQoL scores were lower for physical functioning (− 12.43, p < 0.001), role physical (− 13.85, p = 0.001), general health (− 14.42, p < 0.001), vitality (− 4.98, p = 0.035), and physical HRQoL (− 6.11, p < 0.001), but we found no difference in mental HRQoL (− 0.13, p = 0.932). The socio-demographic factors—lower education, unemployment, and not being in a relationship—were associated with lower HRQoL. The only clinical factor associated with HRQoL was the type of kidney disease. Patients with acquired kidney diseases had lower mental HRQoL than patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (− 11.4, p = 0.007) or monogenetic hereditary diseases (− 9.5, p = 0.018). Conclusions: Adults after pediatric kidney failure in Switzerland have lower physical, but similar mental HRQoL compared to the general population. Subgroups may require special attention with regard to their HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on Switzerland where child-care is limited in offer and costly. It examines what child-care patterns parents of 0- to 4-years old children use; and, how different arrangements relate to several domains of mothers' and fathers' cognitive and affective subjective well-being (SWB). A major contribution of the present study is the distinction between child-care provided by parents, grandparents, relatives, formal institutions and mixed arrangements. Based on data from the Swiss Household Panel (SHP) from 2002 to 2017, multilevel regression models are applied to estimate the relationship between child-care arrangements and both parents' SWB. The results demonstrate that grandparental care relates positively to both parents' SWB: Compared to grandparental child-care, relatives and formal or mixed child-care arrangements tend to decrease most of the satisfaction dimensions. Formal child-care and child-care provided by relatives as well as mixed arrangements relate to a decrease in positive affect. Negative affect is not significantly associated to the different child-care arrangements. Highlights: Based on a nationally representative sample, this study differentiates a large array of child-care arrangements. The relationship between child-care type and five dimensions of both parents' subjective well-being (SWB) is analyzed. Relatives, formal and mixed child-care arrangements decrease the level of most of the satisfaction dimensions of SWB. Child-care provided by relatives as well as formal and mixed arrangements relate to a decrease in positive affect. Grandparental care relates positively to both parents' SWB dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestures embody concepts in the form of universal representations. Researchers have highlighted that social communication often embodies nonverbal behavior. A forensic interviewer's nonverbal behavior, such as gesturing during an interview, could communicate misleading information and may cause inaccuracies in the interviewees' testimonies. The current study was conducted in Switzerland and included 108 child participants, in three age groups (a younger sample aged 6–9 years, n = 32) (a middle sample aged 10–11 years, n = 40) and an older sample aged 12–13 years, n = 36). Participants viewed a video and completed an interview about the video, individually, immediately after. During the questioning, the interviewer deliberately misled the interviewees with nonverbal gestures. The results showed that 95 children were misled by at least one gesture and that gestures led to a significant decrease in accuracy. Children also incorporated misleading gestures and reported false information; adding to existing evidence that misinformation can also be communicated through nonverbal gestures. Our findings demonstrate the negative influence of misleading gestures in child eyewitness interviews and provide more evidence for the robustness of the gestural misinformation effect, reported in previous research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports the results of an exploratory online survey among German, Austrian, and Swiss hospital chaplains (n = 158, response rate 17%) to identify the ethical conflicts they encounter in their work. Respondents indicated that questions surrounding end-of-life care are predominant among the conflicts faced. Chaplains get involved with these conflicts most often through the patients themselves or through nursing staff. Most encounters occur during pastoral care visits rather than in structured forms of ethics consultation such as clinical ethics committees. The results add to the ongoing discussion of chaplains as agents in ethics consultation within healthcare systems as well as their specific role and contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FGM/C is a harmful practice that involves injury of the external female genitalia without medical purpose. It is mainly practiced in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. However, with the migratory flows, women and girls with FGM/C and its consequences live all over the world. The lack of knowledge on how to care for women and girls living with FGM/C extends among all categories of health professionals involved in women's health, including infectious disease specialists. This is a national, exploratory descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to generate descriptive statistics about FGM/C among HIV-infected migrant women included in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Among the 387 women interviewed about FGM/C and who provided an answer, 80 (20.7%) reported to have undergone FGM/C. Fifty-six of the 80 women (70.0%) who reported having undergone FGM/C, also reported that they had never discussed their cutting with a health professional before. Our study demonstrates how common female genital mutilation is in women living with HIV and who have migrated to Switzerland and suggest how care and prevention could be improved significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bioethics can play an important role in addressing diversity both in and outside of academia, setting precedents for meaningful contributions to public discourse, research, teaching, training, and policy development. However, in order to do so, these conversations also need to reflect on the issue of diversity within the field of bioethics across the globe. This study aims to examine current gender representation and diversity at medical ethics and humanities institutes in Germany, the German-speaking areas of Switzerland, and Austria. Methods: A total of forty-nine medical ethics and humanities institutes from Germany (n=42), the German-speaking areas of Switzerland (n=5), and Austria (n=2) were included in the study. Institutes websites were reviewed in the first week of March 2021 and the details of each staff member listed on the website recorded. Results: Overall, a total of 964 staff members were identified at the forty-nine German-speaking medical ethics and humanities institutes. Just over half (530/964; 55%) of all staff were female. There were significant differences between gender in some staff positions: 64.6 per cent (31/48) of directors were male (χ2(1)=4.1, P=.04); 62.7 per cent (84/134) of student assistants were female (χ2(1)=8.6, P=.003); and 83.7 per cent (77/92) of administrative staff were female (χ2(1)=41.8, P<.001). There were no significant differences between staff gender for researchers and lecturers, or associated researchers. In addition, 65.5 per cent (19/29) of researchers and lecturers who had a professor title were male, but the difference between genders was not found to be significant. However, significantly more of the researchers and lecturers who had completed a habilitation were male (75.8% (25/33); χ2(1)=8.8, P=.003). When comparing the institute director's gender presentation with staff gender presentation, it was found that male-led institutes had 53.4 per cent (286/536) female staff overall but had 52.7 per cent (136/258) male researchers and lecturers. However, the difference between genders were not found to be significant. On the other hand, female-led institutes had significantly more female staff overall (59.9% (223/372); χ2(1)=14.7, P<.001) and also significantly more female researchers and lecturers (58.9% (119/202; χ2(1)=6.4, P=.01). Conclusions: There has been a significant push to address gender diversity in German-speaking academia, and this study finds overall good gender parity in medical ethics and humanities institutes. However, there has not been a similar openness to discussing issues of systemic racism or how other forms of inequality affect academic diversity. Taking diversity seriously requires opening up conversations around intersectionality, including difficult conversations around race and cultural background that have long been taboo in German-speaking countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]