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L'électrohypersensibilité (EHS) est un phénomène, apparu dans les années 1980, qui semble attribuer la survenue de certains symptômes à une exposition aux champs électromagnétiques (CEM). Depuis cette apparition, le nombre de cas n'a cessé d'augmenter, laissant imaginer une sorte de contagion. Cependant, le lien de corrélation entre exposition et apparition des symptômes a été testé à de nombreuses reprises et n'a jamais été confirmé. L'hypothèse qu'un effet psychogénique, l'effet nocebo, pouvait être à l'œuvre a alors pris corps, amenant avec elle une prise de conscience quant à notre exposition sans cesse croissante à des informations anxiogènes sur la présence des CEM. Ce contexte d'attentes négatives démultiplie l'action de l'effet nocebo, déjà contagieux en lui-même, mais n'explique pas, à lui seul, le cheminement d'une majorité des victimes chez qui la survenue des symptômes a précédé la connaissance d'un possible effet nocif des CEM. Différents travaux ont montré que dans ce dernier cas, il pourrait s'agir d'un phénomène de mauvaise attribution des symptômes. Les victimes, laissées sans réponse par la communauté médicale, vont se mettre en recherche d'une cause et seront confrontées à l'orientation du marché cognitif vers les CEM. Cette confrontation sera d'autant plus déséquilibrée que la victime ignore qu'elle est soumise à de nombreux biais cognitifs dans sa manière d'appréhender les informations qui lui sont proposées. Dès lors que l'attribution est constituée, l'effet nocebo pourra à nouveau entrer en jeu et venir consolider la sensation, pour la personne, d'être atteinte d'EHS. Quel que soit le cheminement, la victime entre dans un cercle vicieux duquel il apparaît très compliqué de s'extraire. Electro-hypersensitivity (EHS) is a phenomenon that emerged in the 1980s and which seems to attribute the occurrence of some symptoms to an exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Since it has appeared, the number of cases has not stopped increasing, suggesting some kind of contagion. However, the correlation between exposure and the onset of symptoms has been tested repeatedly and has never been confirmed. The hypothesis that a psychogenic effect named the "nocebo effect" could be at work then took shape, bringing us to an awareness of our ever-increasing exposure to anxiety-inducing news about the presence of EMFs. This context of negative expectations reinforces the action of the nocebo effect (an effect which is inherently contagious) but does not, in itself, explain the path of a majority of victims in whom the onset of symptoms preceded knowledge of a possible harmful effect of EMFs. Different studies have shown that in the latter case, it could be a phenomenon of wrong attribution of symptoms. The victims, left unanswered by the medical community, will seek a cause and will be confronted with the orientation of the cognitive market towards EMF. This confrontation will be all the more unbalanced as the victim is unaware that it is subject to many cognitive biases in its way of understanding the information offered to it. Once the attribution is established, the nocebo effect can again come into play and strengthen the feeling of being a victim of EHS. Whatever the path, the victim enters a vicious circle from which it appears very complicated to escape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les perturbateurs endocriniens (PE), très présents dans notre quotidien, regroupent une grande diversité de substances perturbant notre système hormonal. Un certain nombre de troubles sont aujourd'hui suspectés d'être la conséquence d'une exposition aux PE. Bien que les mécanismes ne soient pas tous élucidés, le principe de précaution est de rigueur dans un contexte réglementaire limité. Les équipes officinales ont un rôle de prévention auprès des populations les plus vulnérables. Endocrine disruptors (EDs), which are very present in our daily lives, include a wide variety of substances that disrupt our hormonal system. A certain number of disorders are now suspected to be the consequence of exposure to EPs. Although the mechanisms have not all been elucidated, the precautionary principle applies in a limited regulatory context. Pharmacy teams have a preventive role to play in dealing with the most vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé De part leur fréquence et leur impact tant médical que socioprofessionnel, les affections respiratoires, notamment l'asthme, constituent un problème majeur de santé au travail. En effet, ces affections occupent actuellement le troisième rang parmi les maladies professionnelles déclarées à la CNAM en Tunisie. Objectifs Décrire les caractéristiques socioprofessionnelles, cliniques et paracliniques de l'asthme professionnel (AP) en Tunisie dans le secteur privé, identifier les facteurs de risques professionnels à l'origine de cette affection, évaluer les conséquences médicolégales de cette maladie professionnelle. Méthodes Étude transversale descriptive et rétrospective ayant porté sur l'ensemble des cas d'asthme professionnel reconnus au titre des maladies professionnelles et indemnisés dans la région nord de la Tunisie, étudiés par les commissions médicales habilitées à fixer le taux d'incapacité partielle permanente aux victimes des accidents de travail et des maladies professionnelles durant une période de 15 ans (2002–2016). Résultats Au total, 127 dossiers d'asthme professionnel ont été colligés entre janvier 2002 et décembre 2016 au niveau de la région nord de la Tunisie, ce qui correspond à une proportion de 11 % par rapport à l'ensemble des maladies professionnelles reconnues durant cette période. La moyenne d'âge des patients était de 40,47 ans avec une légère prédominance féminine (59 %). La durée moyenne d'exposition était de 13,92 ans. Le secteur d'activité le plus concerné était l'industrie de confections et de textiles (33,07 %) avec une recrudescence du secteur des accessoires automobiles (15,74 %) dans la région du nord tunisien. Les allergènes auxquels les salariés étaient exposés étaient principalement les poussières textiles et végétales dont le coton (32,28 %), suivis par les isocyanates (22,83 %), l'aldéhyde formique (9,44 %) et la farine (8,66 %). L'association de la rhinite allergique professionnelle à un asthme professionnel était rapportée chez 26/127 cas. La rythmicité des manifestations respiratoires avec le travail a été rapportée dans 89 % des cas. Cet asthme était à l'origine de 13 712 jours de travail perdus et d'un taux IPP moyen de 22 %. Plus des 2/3 de notre population (70 %) ont perdu leur emploi après l'indemnisation. Conclusion Le pronostic de l'asthme professionnel dépend d'un diagnostic précoce et rigoureux et l'établissement d'une démarche consensuelle dans les pratiques de réparation et d'indemnisation adaptée à la réalité de notre pays. Abstract Because of their frequency and their medical and socioprofessional impact, respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, are a major occupational health problem. Indeed, these diseases are currently the third most common occupational disease reported to the CNAM in Tunisia. Objectives To describe the socioprofessional, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of occupational asthma in Tunisia in the private sector, to identify the occupational risk factors that cause this disease, and to evaluate the medicolegal consequences of compensation for this occupational disease. Methods A descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study covering all cases of occupational asthma recognized as occupational diseases and compensated in the northern region of Tunisia, studied by medical commissions empowered to set rates for permanent partial disability caused by either a work-related injury or an occupational disease over a period of 15 years (2002–2016). Results A total of 127 cases of occupational asthma were collected between January 2002 and December 2016 in the northern region of Tunisia, corresponding to 11% of all occupational diseases recognized during this period study. The average patient age of is 40.47 years, with a slight predominance among females (59%). The average duration of exposure is 13.92 years. The sector most concerned is the clothing and textile industry (33.07%), with a rise in the automotive accessories sector (15.74%) in the northern region of Tunisia. The allergens to which workers were exposed were mainly textile and vegetable dust, including 32.28% cotton. In second place were isocyanates with 29 cases (22.83%), followed by formic aldehyde (9.44%) and flour 8.66%. Association of occupational allergic rhinitis with occupational asthma was reported in 26/127 cases. In total, 13,712 working days were lost and the average IPP rate was 22%; 70% of our population are no longer active and have lost their jobs after compensation. Conclusion The prognosis of occupational asthma depends on early and rigorous diagnosis as well as the establishment of a consensual approach in the compensation practices adapted to the actual situation prevailing in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The buildings considered as raising the prestige and promoting cities are those related to culture. Their impact on urban life is undeniable, which is reflected in a continuous increase in the number of new museum buildings. Apart from places intrinsically linked with culture, which, as such, may be considered as standard - like museum, theatres or galleries - there also appear alternative places of development and promotion of cultural activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé La famille est le lieu où s’exerce la grande majorité des violences envers les enfants. L’enfant peut être maltraité et il se retrouve alors victime d’une violence intentionnelle qui lui est destinée. L’enfant peut aussi être « exposé » indirectement à la violence intrafamiliale, violence dont il est témoin, comme c’est le cas des violences conjugales, mais qui le place dans une situation qu’il subit et dont les conséquences peuvent être pour lui délétères. L’exposition à la violence intrafamiliale peut en effet entraîner chez les enfants mineurs, ce d’autant que cette exposition est précoce et répétée, des difficultés psychiques s’exprimant par des symptômes internalisés ou émotionnels et/ou des symptômes externalisés, difficultés qui vont perturber leur développement psychoaffectif. Ces enfants/adolescents accèdent peu souvent au soin de façon directe à partir d’une demande de consultation faite par leur représentant légal. Les établissements scolaires et services sociaux peuvent repérer des enfants et adolescents en souffrance et les orienter, mais interviennent souvent tardivement quand les symptômes sont déjà installés, après plusieurs mois voire années d’exposition à la violence intrafamiliale. Les services de gendarmerie peuvent avoir alors un rôle de prévention lors de leurs interventions « sur le terrain » des violences intrafamiliales ou lors de rencontres avec le représentant légal violenté au moment d’un dépôt de plainte. C’est ainsi qu’un partenariat a été mis en place depuis 6 ans entre la pédopsychiatrie et les services de gendarmerie donnant lieu à un dispositif innovant : l’équipe mobile de crise intrafamiliale (CrIFEM). Ce dispositif permet aux enfants/adolescents et aux familles de mobiliser le travail psychique de chacun, de désamorcer certains conflits impactant négativement la dynamique familiale et d’orienter, après évaluation, les enfants/adolescents qui nécessiteraient un suivi sur le plan psychologique. The family is the place where children are most likely to be exposed to violence. The child may be abused and then becomes the victim of an intentional violence directed towards him/her. The child may also be “exposed” indirectly to domestic violence as a witness, but may suffer from this situation can lead to deleterious consequences for him/her. In under age children, exposure to domestic violence can indeed lead to psychological problems expressed through internalized or emotional symptoms and/or externalized symptoms. These problems may disrupt emotional and psychological development in children, especially when facing early and repeated exposure to domestic violence. These children/adolescents have most of the time little access to care directly from a request made by their legal representative. Primary and secondary schools, and social services can identify suffering children and adolescents and guide them, but they often intervene late when symptoms are already settled, following months or years of exposure to domestic violence. Then, Police/Gendarmerie services can have a preventive role when they intervene “on the ground” of domestic violence or meet the abused legal representative at the time of the complaint. Thus, a partnership was established 6 years ago between child psychiatry and the Police/Gendarmerie services leading to an innovative creation of a mobile team of domestic crisis (équipe mobile de crise intrafamiliale [CrIFEM]). This mobile team allows the children/youth and their families to psychically mobilize themselves, to defuse some conflicts negatively affecting the family dynamics and to guide, after evaluation, children/adolescents that would require psychological care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Le cannabis est aujourd’hui un produit de grande consommation, spécialement en France. En conséquence, le biologiste se trouve confronté à des demandes croissantes concernant le dépistage et le suivi du sevrage des consommateurs. De plus, de nouvelles questions de santé publique émergent, telles que celle concernant l’exposition des enfants des parents consommateurs. Ce manuscrit propose d’évoquer les outils analytiques à même de répondre à ces questions, et d’évoquer les écueils de l’interprétation des résultats. Summary Today, cannabis derivatives are products of general consumption, especially in France. Consequently, biologists are facing with an increase of requests about screening test for cannabis, and monitoring the withdrawal process of consumers. In addition, new questions related to public health are arising (i.e. regular exposure of children of parents who consume cannabis). The aim of this manuscript is to set out the available analytical tools, and the pitfalls of the interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of being able to critically read expository texts cannot be overstated. It is, therefore, fundamental to identify evidence-based classroom practices that can help one with this. Among higher-order skills, prior knowledge and inferences are considered the most important predictors of reading comprehension. Unfortunately, however, few reading comprehension interventions specifically address the multidimensional nature of prior knowledge and inference-making skills. In this study, an intervention designed to activate prior knowledge during reading comprehension was used to test inference-making skills and metacognition. One hundred and sixty-six secondary schools students participated in the study. Both control and experimental groups had improved reading comprehension, however the intervention based on prior knowledge activation resulted in better reading comprehension, metacognitive and inference-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé La source d’exposition au cours des pathologies aspergillaires du patient atteint de mucoviscidose reste encore peu explorée. Nous avons évalué l’exposition fongique domiciliaire chez des patients atteints de mucoviscidose, et analysé son impact sur la présence de marqueurs biologiques aspergillaires, colonisation des voies aériennes, ainsi que sensibilisation et sérologie anti-aspergillaire. Trente-quatre patients ont bénéficié d’une visite par un conseiller médical en environnement intérieur entre mars et août 2012, comprenant des prélèvements à visée mycologique. Le nombre de colonies aspergillaires ne différait pas significativement d’un site de prélèvement à l’autre ( p = 0,251), mais le nombre de colonies non aspergillaires était significativement plus important dans la cuisine ( p = 0,0045). L’exposition fongique domiciliaire a ensuite été comparée entre les groupes « marqueurs aspergillaires absents » et « marqueurs aspergillaires présents ». L’exposition domiciliaire à une flore aspergillaire ( p = 0,453) et non aspergillaire ( p = 0,972) ne différait pas significativement entre les 2 groupes. Sur cette série de 34 patients qui mérite d’être élargie, on note une absence de lien évident entre l’exposition domiciliaire et la pathologie aspergillaire. Ce résultat doit rendre prudent sur des conseils d’hygiène parfois très contraignants donnés aux familles, l’exposition fongique étant également importante dans le cadre des activités extra-domiciliaires. Summary The sources of exposure during diseases due to Aspergillus fungi in cystic fibrosis patients are still poorly explored. We assessed home fungal exposure in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and analysed its impact on the presence of Aspergillus biological markers, the colonisation of airways, as well as the sensitization and Aspergillus serology. Between March 2012 and August 2012, 34 patients benefited from a visit performed by a home environment medical adviser including sampling for mycological analysis. The number of colonies of Aspergillus was not significantly different in the various sampling sites ( P = 0.251), but the number of non- Aspergillus colonies was much higher in the kitchen ( P = 0.0045). Subsequently, home fungal exposure was compared between the groups “absence of Aspergillus -related markers” and “presence of Aspergillus -related markers”. Home exposure to Aspergillus ( P = 0.453) and non- Aspergillus ( P = 0.972) flora was not significant between the 2 groups. Within this series of 34 patients that should be expanded, we note an absence of clear relationship between home exposure and the Aspergillus -linked markers in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. This result should be taken into account regarding too restrictive hygiene advices provided to families, given the fact that fungal exposure can also results from activities performed away from home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Les cholinestérases sont les principales enzymes cibles des organophosphorés. Les deux enzymes présentes dans le sang (butyrylcholinestérase, BChE ; acétylcholinestérase, AChE) sont des marqueurs biologiques des effets toxiques systémiques de ces composés. L’activité des BChE plasmatiques est un outil courant de dépistage rapide d’une intoxication, et un marqueur de la persistance du toxique de l’organisme. L’activité des AChE érythrocytaires est un meilleur reflet de l’inhibition des enzymes similaires présentes dans le système nerveux mais son dosage est moins accessible en routine. La détermination de cette activité permet un diagnostic de sévérité de l’intoxication, est un témoin de l’efficacité du traitement par oxime et un meilleur marqueur de l’exposition. Les aspects pratiques de prélèvement et d’interprétation, le dosage des deux types de cholinestérase, leur complémentarité et leur intérêt crucial dans la confirmation d’une intoxication aux organophosphorés dans une situation de guerre ou d’attentat terroriste, et pour la surveillance des expositions professionnelles sont exposés. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Francaise d'Allergologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of European Review of Applied Psychology is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Social phobia (SP) is a prevalent and impairing condition, occurring especially in young subjects with deleterious consequences on their occupational and familial functioning. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for the treatment of SP in many studies for about 20 years. Validated components of this treatment can include psychoeducation, social skills training, in vivo exposure, video feedback, and cognitive restructuring. Other complementary methods, coming from the CBT, have been also integrated in therapeutic programs during last years. This is the case for example of specific techniques focused on fear of blushing (erythrophobia), based on the task concentration training. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy can be also interesting for the treatment of patients with past traumatic social experiences, as well as mindfulness meditation for the prevention of relapses after a CBT. Researches are conducted on the use of new technologies for web therapy or virtual reality exposure therapy. Lastly, drug facilitation of exposure therapy is a great challenge for the treatment of SP, and positive results have been recently obtained with agents like d-cycloserine or oxytocin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: We analysed the risk factors of vaginal surgery of pelvic organ prolapse with non resobable prothesis. Patients and methods: This is a continuous, retrospective study of the 208 patients who had surgery between 2003 and 2007. Depending on the localisation of the prolapse, they had a prothesis under the bladder and/or a posterior tape through the sacrospinous ligament. An hysterectomy and a levator myorraphy were done if necessary. Results: After a 3 years follow-up, we found 16,8% mesh exposure (23% were treated by a conservative way). The highest rate of incidence was at 4 and 10 months. The independent risk factors of exposure were the kind of prothesis, age under 60 and concomitant hysterectomy. Women treated by vaginal estrogens and those operated by the most experienced surgeon had less exposure. We had 5% of complications during the surgery. Discussion and conclusion: Hysterectomy, kind of prothesis and inverted T colpotomy of Crossen are well known risk factors. Age, stage of prolapse, size of prothesis and surgeon experience are discussed. Vaginal surgery of pelvic organ prolapse with non resobable prothesis must be used only when prolapse stage is higher than 3, hysterectomy has to be avoid and vaginal estrogens must be prescribed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Revue Francaise d'Allergologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: This exploratory study, undertaken from a socio-cognitive perspective, aims to investigate the effects of intensive preparatory high school training in L1 and/or L2 essay writing for university entrance exams. The analysis focuses on the task response and structural features in L1 (Japanese) and L2 (English) essays written by first-year Japanese university students (N =28). The results reveal that the L1 intensive training emphasized the importance of establishing clarity and demonstrating originality for the sake of gaining the reader''s approval, whereas the L2 training stressed the need to take a clear position on an issue and include a position statement at the beginning of an essay. Moreover, the interaction between intensive L1 and L2 training was found to reinforce the students’ tendency to apply the meta-knowledge they had acquired to their L1 and L2 essay writing. In some cases, undergoing both kinds of training promoted a sense that writing in L1 is different from writing in L2, whereas in other cases, it led to a perception of L1 and L2 writing as being the same. The findings provide evidence for transferability of writing competence across languages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Allergic rhinitis grew up by threefold in French population in the last 25 years. In this context, we conduced a review on the relationships between pollens and health effects. Three fields are discussed: assessment of exposure in epidemiological studies, relationships between pollens and health effects, finally the results of the retained studies are presented. In epidemiological studies, population exposure to pollens is always done by outdoor stationary measurement. Relationships between aeroallergen concentrations and clinical effects are difficult to study because some factors as individual susceptibility, differences in the potential noxious effect of each allergen; lag between pollen and clinical effects, concentration limit that start up clinical effects and concentration limit for maximal effect; the successive productions and emissions of the different kinds of pollens; and multi-sensibility. Studying these relationship needs also to take into account several confounding factors such as: meteorological parameters, fungal aeroallergens concentrations; chemical air pollutants concentrations. Most of the epidemiological studies analyse the relationship between daily variations in pollen counts and daily variations in health effects quantified at individual levels in specific populations (panel study) or quantified at population levels (time-series). A review was already realised on studies published between 1978 and 1995 that examined the relationship between pollens and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Only 16 of the published studies had been retained (15 panels and one time-series). The conclusion of this work was that these studies showed associations between pollen counts and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. But these associations could not be quantified and the dose–response curves could not be characterised because of inappropriate statistical methods and not taking into account confounding factors. In our review, nine studies that examined the short-term effect of pollen were retained for their good methodology (two of them are panels). Their results confirm associations between pollen counts and health effects and some of them succeed in quantifying the short-term effect of pollens on allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and also asthma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of European Review of Applied Psychology is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Background: Indoor radon exposure is a well documented environmental factor as a leading cause of lung cancer. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of lung cancer and estimate the number of deaths due to indoor radon exposure in the north of Portugal, between 1995 and 2004. Methods: The sixth Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation Committee (BEIR VI) preferred models were applied to estimate the risk of developing lung cancer induced by indoor radon exposure, by age and level of exposure, and calculated the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to this exposure. Lung cancer mortality data were granted by the North Regional Health Administration and indoor radon concentrations resulted from a national survey conducted by the Portuguese Environmental Agency. The smoking habit was accounted with two methods. A submultiplicative interaction between smoking and indoor radon exposure was considered. Results: Depending on the model applied and the method used to account for the smoking habit, the estimated number of lung cancer deaths attributed to indoor radon exposure, in northern Portugal, ranges from 1565 to 2406, for the period between 1995 and 2004. This indicates that of the 8514 lung cancer deaths observed, from 18 to 28% could be associated with indoor radon exposure. Conclusions: This was the first study realized in Portugal on the impact of indoor radon exposure in lung cancer mortality. The application of the BEIR VI models led to a high number of lung cancer deaths due to indoor radon exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]