Search

Objective: Onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults may represent prodromal manifestations of neurodegenerative disorders. The association between the onset of somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRD) and the subsequent development of neurodegenerative disorders remains unclear. A critical review of studies describing the association between SSRD and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia was performed.Objective: To critically review studies describing the association between SSRD and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia.Methods: A systematic review of Web of Science Core databases was carried out from inception of databases up to May 2021 to identify observational studies pertaining to both SSRD and neurodegenerative disorders. Data was extracted and compiled regarding subjects enrolled, age at onset of the SSRD and at onset of the neurodegenerative disorders, and specific SSRD manifestations and underlying neuropathologies reported.Results: Thirteen articles were included. Of the 123 identified subjects with SSRD at baseline, 34.1% developed a neurodegenerative disorder, with 80.9% of these being a Lewy body spectrum disorder. The interval between onset of SSRD manifestations and subsequent development of a neurodegenerative disorder was less than 3 years for half of the cases. Of the 1,494 subjects with a neurodegenerative disorder at baseline retrieved, SSRD manifestations were reported in 33.4% of Lewy body spectrum disorders cases. Onset of SSRD manifestations antedated or was concomitant to the diagnosis of the Lewy body spectrum disorder in 65.6% of cases.Conclusion: While limited, current evidence suggests a possible association between late-onset SSRD and the subsequent development of neurodegenerative disorders, notably Lewy body spectrum disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-scalar competitive and cooperative strategies and practices in the GPN. • Forward and backward integration trends in the production networks. • Placed-based interpretation of the global production networks of lithium. • Central role of states as inter-scalar mediators in strategic coupling relations. • Deeper understanding of the local development outcomes of production networks. This article provides the first detailed analysis within economic geography of the GPN of lithium and of the Bolivian strategy of brine industrialization. Considering extractive and manufacturing chains of the lithium industry, it demonstrates how the production networks' organizational structures and practices are shaped by interconnected relations of cooperation and competition. Specifically the article targets two key points in the GPN literature: i) how the multi-scalar competitive and/or cooperative strategies and practices of forward and backward integrations create and sustain the production networks and their evolution; ii) a combined analysis of the GPN approach with a placed-based interpretation of the political economy of the lithium industry focusing on the central role of states as inter-scalar mediators in strategic coupling relations for the insertion of national economic actors and assets to global markets. We then propose a new interpretation of the global reconfiguration of the extractive chain and its spatial forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a cross-sectional clinical measurement. There are currently no Dupuytren's contracture (DC)–specific, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that can provide a thorough clinical portrait of the patients' perceptions with regard to the execution of regular activities. The purpose of this study was to present the development of the Dupuytren's contracture Impact on Function–Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (DIF-CHUM), a DC-specific PRO. The development process involved consultation of 45 individuals with DC and 7 health professionals, existing literature, and DC-specific PRO. The DIF-CHUM is composed of 2 sections: section 1, Activity and Participation includes 8 items per hand, scored on Difficulty and Change scales; section 2, General Impact includes up to 18 items, scored on Difficulty, Importance, Change and Satisfaction scales. Preliminary evidence suggests that the DIF-CHUM demonstrates good content validity. The DIF-CHUM is designed to be a patient-centered measure of Activity and Participation and Functional Competence for individuals with DC that will provide hand therapists with a unique perspective of the impact of DC on patients' lives. Further validation of the DIF-CHUM, including its scoring, is under way. • The Dupuytren's contracture Impact on Function – Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (DIF-CHUM) is an innovative patient-reported outcome that aims at providing hand therapists a thorough clinical portrait of their patients' perceptions with regards to the execution of regular activities and will be a helpful guide in the elaboration and monitoring of interventional strategies. • The DIF-CHUM was developed to promote the use of a patient-centered approach in hand rehabilitation. • The DIF-CHUM measures Activity and Participation but goes beyond to also measure Functional Competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to freshwater ecosystems, the health status of estuarine waters remains little studied despite their importance for many species. They represent a zone of interest for Human settlements that make them the final sink of pollution in both the water column and sediment. Once in sediments, pollutants could represent a threat to benthic as well as pelagic estuarine species through resuspension events. In the Seine estuary, the copepod Eurytemora affinis has been previously presented as a relevant species to assess resuspended sediment contamination through fitness-related effects at the individual level. The aim of the present study was to use E. affinis copepods to assess estuarine sediment-derived elutriates toxicity at environmental concentrations of particles using a molecular (i.e. transcriptomics) and a behavioral approach. Two sites along the Seine estuary were sampled. The analysis of sediments reveals that both sites have the same granulometric composition and close contamination profiles with the detection of PCBs, PAHs and pyrethroid insecticides. The transcriptomic analysis reveals that exposure to elutriates from both sites triggers the dysregulation of genes involved in biological function as defense response, immunity, ecdysone pathway or neurotoxicity with 66% and 36% of shared genes at the highest concentration for Tancarville and Fatouville. This analysis also reveals a higher count of dysregulated genes in the Fatouville site compared to the Tancarville (271 vs 148) despite their close contamination profile. These results emphasize the molecular approach sensitivity to assess environmental matrix toxicity with E. affinis. The analysis of the swimming behavior of E. affinis did not highlight significant effects after elutriate exposure. However, our strategy to assess E. affinis swimming behavior allows the discrimination of basal swimming behavior i.e. dark/light velocity changes and strong thigmotaxis behavior. Thus, it represents a promising standardized tool to assess copepods swimming behavior in ecotoxicological studies. [Display omitted] • Eurytemora affinis copepods were exposed to estuarine elutriate from two sites • The transcriptomic analysis allows site discrimination by DEGs count • Common biological functions were highlighted between both sites • Elutriate exposure did not impact the swimming behavior (velocity and thigmotaxis) • Thigmotaxis and dark/light basal behavior were observed validating the methodology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Logging of humid tropical forests affects seed dispersal, wood and carbon stocks. • Logging impacts decreased seed size and biomass but not species richness. • 30 years after logging, forest composition still differs from initial state. Abstract Tropical forests harbor the greatest terrestrial biodiversity and provide various ecosystem services. The increase of human activities on these forests, among which logging, makes the conservation of biodiversity and associated services strongly dependent on the sustainability of these activities. However the indicators commonly used to assess the impact of forest exploitation, namely species richness and biomass, provide a limited understanding of their sustainability. Here, we assessed the sustainability of common forest exploitation in the Guiana Shield studying the recovery of two ecosystem services i.e. carbon storage and wood stock, and an ecosystem function i.e. seed dispersal by animals. Specifically, we compared total and commercial biomass, as well as functional composition in seed size of animal-dispersed species in replicated forest plots before and 27 years after exploitation. Species richness is also studied to allow comparison. While species richness was not affected by forest exploitation, total and commercial biomass as well as seed size of animal-dispersed species decreased 27 years after exploitation, similarly to forests affected by hunting. These results show that ecosystem services and function likely did not recover even at the lowest intensity of forest exploitation studied, questioning the sustainability of the most common rotation-cycle duration applied in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The interpretation of biomarkers in natura should be based on a referential of expected values in uncontaminated conditions. Nevertheless, to build a reference data set of biomarker responses in estuarine areas, which receive chronic pollution loads due to their transition position between continent and sea, is impossible. In this context, the aim of the present work was to propose the use of laboratory recovery period to define a baseline for the measurement of sperm DNA damage by Comet assay in the estuarine prawn Palaemon longirostris. For that, sperm DNA integrity was observed after both a passive (i.e. 20 days in a clean environment) and an active (i.e. forced renewal of spermatophores) recovery of wild P. longirostris specimens from the Seine estuary, in laboratory conditions. Then, the levels of sperm DNA damage recorded within the P. longirostris population of the Seine estuary, during six campaigns of sampling from April 2015 to October 2017, have been interpreted according to the defined threshold values. The results showed a persistence in the level of DNA damage after 20-day in clean environment with the passive recovery. This strategy was inconclusive to reach a baseline level but it revealed the lack of DNA repair mechanisms. For the active recovery, a decrease of 54% of the level of DNA damage has been observed after the first renewal of spermatophores and this level stabilized after the second renewal. On the basis of this second strategy, we defined a mean basal value of sperm DNA damage of 54.9 A.U. and a maximum threshold of 69.7 A.U. (i.e. 95 % CI). The analysis of the results using the reference value highlighted significant abnormal sperm DNA damage within the native population of P. longirostris from the Seine estuary on all stations during the six-sampling campaigns. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Alternative strategy to propose a baseline of sperm DNA integrity in P. longirostris. • Persistence of sperm DNA damages during 20 days after the toxic stress cancelation. • Relevance of a significant threshold to discriminate abnormal genotoxic pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidisciplinary and multi-professional collaboration is vital in providing better outcomes for patients The aim of the INTERACT-EUROPE Project (Wide Ranging Cooperation and Cutting Edge Innovation As A Response To Cancer Training Needs) was to develop an inter-specialty curriculum. A pilot project will enable a pioneer cohort to acquire a sample of the competencies needed. A scoping review, qualitative and quantitative surveys were undertaken. The quantitative survey results are reported here. Respondents, including members of education boards, curriculum committees, trainee committees of European specialist societies and the ECO Patient Advisory Committee, were asked to score 127 proposed competencies on a 7-point Likert scale as to their value in achieving the aims of the curriculum. Results were discussed and competencies developed at two stakeholder meetings. A consultative document, shared with stakeholders and available online, requested views regarding the other components of the curriculum. Eleven competencies were revised, three omitted and three added. The competencies were organised according to the CanMEDS framework with 13 Entrustable Professional Activities, 23 competencies and 127 enabling competencies covering all roles in the framework. Recommendations regarding the infrastructure, organisational aspects, eligibility of trainees and training centres, programme contents, assessment and evaluation were developed using the replies to the consultative document. An Inter-specialty Cancer Training Programme Curriculum and a pilot programme with virtual and face-to-face components have been developed with the aim of improving the care of people affected by cancer. • An interspecialty curriculum was developed using a survey of European Cancer Societies • The 127 competencies covered all roles of CanMEDS • A pilot project will deliver training for a sample of these competencies • Trainees will include nurses and postgraduate medical trainee in cancer specialties [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioids are widely used in clinical anesthesia. However, side effects include postoperative nausea and vomiting, shivering, ileus, and urine retention and are specifically discussed here. From the available evidence, it appears that the use of opioids is strongly associated with impaired gastrointestinal motility. Therefore, to prevent postoperative ileus, the use of opioids should be minimized and opioids should be replaced by other drugs. With regard to the risk of postoperative urinary retention, one problem is the lack of standardized definition. Nevertheless, the use of opioids is clearly an important risk factor. Postoperative nausea and vomiting have high incidences. Even if the mechanisms are partially understood, opioid-sparing strategies have been shown to decrease its incidence. Finally, the problem of postoperative shivering has been, at least partially, solved by the avoidance of (high doses) remifentanil and the use of alpha-2 agonists. In conclusion, postoperative urinary retention, postoperative ileus, nausea and vomiting, and shivering are complex problems seen after surgery. Management is possible, but prevention is possible with the avoidance of high doses of intraoperative opioids, conjointly to opioid-sparing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The role of ketamine and magnesium in improving postoperative pain and diminish opioid consumption has been largely described. Synthetic opioids are known to provide hemodynamic stability when given for major noncardiac surgery. Definitive evidence on the role of ketamine and/or magnesium on intraoperative hemodynamic control would support their potential as alternatives to opioids during surgery.Methods: The available literature published on PubMed/Medline and EMBASE was reviewed systematically to perform meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of ketamine and/or magnesium on hemodynamic response to surgery as the primary outcome.Results: From 352 studies, we identified 19 RCTs, and after exclusion of eight studies (seven for inappropriate data reporting and one in non-English language), we analyzed 11 RCTs (five for ketamine and six for magnesium sulfate) including, in total, 371 patients, of whom 94 vs. 95 received ketamine vs. placebo and 147 vs. 145 received magnesium vs. placebo, respectively. Results show that in quantitative analyses, ketamine vs. placebo did not show a significant effect on heart rate (+0.71 bpm; 95% CI [-1.52 to +2.93], P = 0.53) but significantly reduced variability of blood pressure (-8.4 mmHg; 95% CI [-15.1 to -1.8], P = 0.0005). In contrast, magnesium vs. placebo reduced variability of heart rate (-3.7 bpm; 95% CI [-6.5 to 0.9], P = 0.01) without a significant effect on systemic blood pressure (+4.2 mmHg; 95% CI [-3.6 to +12.03], P = 0.29).Conclusion: In conclusion, these meta-analyses of nine trials confirm that ketamine and magnesium, differently but consistently, reduce hemodynamic variability during surgery and may be seen as complementary not only for pain control but also to provide stable anesthesia. This study supports the use of those drugs to control the sympathetic response to surgery in the context of opioid-free anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantification of seed dispersal and predation processes has been gaining increased importance in the assessment of forest responses to anthropogenic disturbance, but also in developing an understanding of forest dynamics facing particular reproductive strategies. Seed removal rate is a reliable estimator of animal activities relating to these processes and can be quickly and easily estimated using a rapid assessment method (RAM) described by Lermyte and Forget (2009) and Boissier et al. (2014). This method consists in selecting trees reaching a given fruit crop in plots of interest and estimating, under each tree, the proportion of removed seeds in a single quadrat among the places having the highest crops; the proportion of removed seeds is obtained by enumeration of fruit scraps and intact fruits and estimation of their seed contents. The objective of this work is to evaluate the reliability of this method and to propose alternative estimation protocols (APs) in order to obtain an index of animal interaction with seeds. To do so, we estimated produced and removed seed numbers in up to 30 random 1 sq.m. quadrats under a total of 19 trees of Afzelia bipindensis , Dialium pachyphyllum/zenkeri and Xylopia staudtii . Secondly, we investigated the influence of tree size and fruit production on seed removal rate using a generalized linear mixed model. Thirdly, we used a generalized linear mixed model and a bootstrap procedure to test if RAM and APs are biased. Then, we compared their accuracy throughout their mean squared error, also obtained with a bootstrap approach. Despite its interesting accuracy, we showed that the RAM is positively biased. Removal rate was obviously influenced by canopy size and fruit production whereas the quadrats with higher fruit production have higher seed removal rates. Thus, trees with representative sizes and crops of the studied plots have to be sampled. Secondly, as an AP, random selection of several quadrats was found to be the best method. Based on these results, we recommend using the mean of three random quadrats per tree to estimate seed removal rate. It is an unbiased estimator, more accurate and more time efficient than the RAM. However, attention should be paid to select a proper quadrat size, in line with seed and fruit numbers, since the accuracy of the methods depends on these quantities. Such a choice could be made using a mean squared error criterion obtained from a preliminary intensive sampling of some specimens of the focal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neck pain (NP) is disabling and costly. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of exercise on pain, disability, function, patient satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and global perceived effect (GPE) in adults with NP. Methods We searched computerised databases up to May 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise to a control in adults with NP with/without cervicogenic headache (CGH) or radiculopathy. Two reviewers independently conducted selection, data abstraction and assessed risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed to establish pooled standardised mean differences (SMDp). The G rade of R ecommendation, A ssessment, D evelopment and E valuation (GRADE) was used to summarise the body of evidence. Main Results The following exercises (27 trials) were supported by ‘Moderate GRADE’ evidence: For chronic NP, 1) cervico-scapulothoracic and upper extremity (UE) strengthening for moderate to large pain reduction immediately post treatment (IP) and at short-term (ST) follow-up; 2) scapulothoracic and UE endurance training for a small pain reduction (IP/ST); 3) cervical, shoulder and scapulothoracic strengthening and stretching exercise for a small to large pain reduction in the long-term (LT) (SMDp −0.45 [95%CI: −0.72 to −0.18]) and function improvement; 4) cervico-scapulothoracic strengthening/stabilisation exercises for pain and function at intermediate-term (IT) (SMDp −14.90 [95%CI: −22.40 to −7.39]). 5) mindfulness exercises (Qigong) for minor improved function but not GPE (ST). For chronic CGH, cervico-scapulothoracic strengthening and endurance exercises including pressure biofeedback for small/moderate improvement of pain, function and GPE (IP/LT). Authors' conclusions Specific strengthening exercises of the neck, scapulothoracic and shoulder for chronic NP and chronic CGH are beneficial. Future research should explore optimal dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Chest tubes are used in every case of cardiac surgery to evacuate shed blood from around the heart and lungs. Chest tubes can become partially or totally occluded, leading to tamponade. The purpose of this article is to discuss a novel method of maintaining chest tube patency in the early recovery after cardiothoracic surgery. Description The PleuraFlow Active Clearance Technology is a system to prevent chest tube clogging that can be used to help routinely maintain chest tube patency at the bedside in the intensive care unit. Evaluation A patient exhibited physiologic tamponade that was confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography. The chest tube was successfully reopened by actively clearing the chest tube using Active Clearance Technology, resulting in resolution of the tamponade. Conclusions The present study reports the case of a patient with massive postoperative pericardial effusion with tamponade, successfully managed by active clearance chest tube. Further studies will help define the role for this technology in routine cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared-stimulated luminescence dating (IRSL) was applied on pottery sherds from the Mailhot-Curran archaeological site (BgFn-2), a Late Woodland period village located in the Saint-Anicet region, southern Québec (Canada). This site witnessed the presence of St. Lawrence Iroquoians and is thought to have been occupied roughly 500 years ago. The main goal of this study is to chronologically constrain the occupation of this site in order to establish a fine chronological sequence for the occupations of various sites found in this area. The IRSL is used to complement previous dating methods used for Mailhot-Curran (radiocarbon and seriation of the archaeological remains). Dating results are reported for ten samples of local ceramics made from Quaternary Champlain Sea clay. Luminescence dating on fine grains was preferentially used, since feldspar luminescence typically emit a decent luminescence signal. Although the latter was rather dim, anomalous fading was measured and luminescence ages were successfully corrected. It is therefore possible to validate the occupation age of this site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we applied the IRSL 50°C dating method to both K- and Na-feldspar coarse grains from interglacial coastal deposits in north-eastern Tunisia. We used the yellow IRSL 50°C signal of Na-feldspars and the blue IRSL 50°C signal of K-feldspars. The key-sites for this study are at El Hajeb (Sahel area) and Dar Oufa (Cap Bon Peninsula). These deposits belong to the “Douira Unit” which has previously been assigned to marine isotope stage (MIS) 7 on the basis of amino acid ratios and chronostratigraphic evidence. In order to assess the reliability of the IRSL 50°C ages of the “Douira Unit”, we extended the IRSL dating technique to K- and Na-feldspars from two MIS 5 samples, with independent age control, collected within shallow-marine sands in the Sahel area and on the Jerba island (southern Tunisia). Two protocols of age correction for the observed fading in K- and Na-feldspars have been applied: (1) the Huntley and Lamothe (2001) fading correction and (2) the dose rate correction developed by Lamothe et al. (2003). The fading corrected IRSL ages of the “Douira Unit” and both MIS 5 control samples, measured on K- and Na-feldspars, are in good agreement with their expected ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives of the study were to measure recruitment rates in clinical trials and to identify patients, physicians or trials characteristics associated with higher recruitment rates. Among patients who had a clinical trial available for their cancer, 83.5% (345/413) met the eligibility criteria to at least one clinical trial. At least one trial was proposed to 33.1% (113/341) of the eligible patients and 19.7% (68/345) were recruited. Overall recruitment was 16.5% (68/413). In multivariate analyses, trial proposal and enrollment were lower for elderly patients and higher in high cancer stages. Trials from pharmaceutical industry had higher recruitment rates and trials testing hormonal therapy enrolled more patients. Breast cancer patients' accrual to a clinical trial could be improved by trying to systematically identify all eligible patients and propose a trial to those eligible and to whom the treatment is planned to be equivalent to the standard arm of the trial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ketorolac, a NSAID routinely used during surgery proposed to have anticancer effects, is a promising way to improve postoperative oncological outcome. This effect may be particularly prominent in patients with elevated preoperative inflammatory scores, like the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio. In this paper, we describe the rationale, the preliminary analyses in our patients, the feasibility and the methodology of a prospective randomized trial called “Ketorolac in Breast Cancer trial” (KBCt) (NCT01806259). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Pratiques Psychologiques 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: Safeguarding of riparian ecosystems is a field of major study in the comprehension and the maintenance of the health of rivers. The aim of our study is to analyze vegetation changes after passive restoration on two headwaters. Follow-ups of vegetation were carried out using 36 permanent plots of 15 m2 per brooks during five years. Our results suggest that after restoration, vegetation assemblages are comparable to those present on other headwaters considered in good ecological health. The effectiveness of the passive restoration method employed is discussed in terms of strong potential of resilience for comprehension of ecological functions and in term of sustainability for river managers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Pratiques Psychologiques 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.)

Summary: Objectives: To assess the collective hearing hazard entailed by occupational noise exposure. Methods: The Late Audio-Sonometric Index (LASI) is a global score recommended for following up hearing loss in groups of workers exposed to traumatic noise, combining: daily noise exposure level (LEX,8h in dB(A)); individual hearing threshold level at 3kHz (HTL 3kHz in dB); HTL0 3 kHz targeted at retirement; and 5 (or 10) years age bracket between 50 and 59 years of age. LASI=HTL0 3kHz – HTL 3kHz +10 log (age – 20) – 10 log (0.23×LEX,8h – 17.36). Results: When LEX,8h exceeds 80dB(A) and HTL0 3kHz is at 25dB, occasional audiometric surveillance may be recommended for workers exposed to hazardous impulse noise: e.g., should the median and the mean LASI values fall below 20 for men or 23 for women (indicative threshold values). Conclusion: This exponential model thus integrates the fact that daily exposure to impulse noise may be more harmful for hearing than eight hours exposure to continuous noise of equivalent energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background/objectives: It has been reported that adverse fetal outcomes are more prevalent in pregnant women with asthma than they are in women without asthma. In our study, we investigated the effect that the severity of asthma during pregnancy has on the risk of a small for gestational age (SGA) infant, low birth weight (LBW), and preterm birth. Methods: A population-based cohort of 13,007 pregnancies from asthmatic women was reconstructed through the linking of three of Quebec''s (Canada) administrative databases covering the period between 1990 and 2002. A two-stage sampling cohort design was used to collect additional information on the selected women''s life-style habits via a mailed questionnaire. Asthma severity during pregnancy was measured with a validated database index. A logistic regression model was used to obtain the adjusted odds ratios of SGA, LBW and preterm birth as a function of the level of asthma severity. Results: The proportions of women with mild, moderate and severe asthma were 82.5%, 12.5% and 5.0%, respectively. We sent 3,168 questionnaires to selected women, with a 40.2% (n =1274) response rate. Final estimates showed that the risk of SGA was significantly higher among severe (OR:1.48, 95%CI: 1.15–1.91) and moderate asthmatic women (OR: 1.30, 95%CI:1.10–1.55) than mild asthmatic women. No significant associations were found between asthma severity, preterm birth and LBW. Conclusions: Mothers with severe and moderate asthma during pregnancy have a higher risk of SGA babies than those with mild asthma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 100 fs laser pulse passes through a single transparent cell and is absorbed at the surface of a metallic substrate. Picosecond acoustic waves are generated and propagate through the cell in contact with the metal. Interaction of the high frequency acoustic pulse with a probe laser light gives rise to stimulated Brillouin oscillations. The measurements are thus made with lasers for both the opto-acoustic generation and the acousto-optic detection. The technique offers perspectives for single cell imaging. The in plane resolution is limited by the pump and probe spot sizes, i.e ∼1 μm, and the in depth resolution is provided by the acoustic frequencies, typically in the GHz range. The effect of the technique on cell safety is discussed. Experiments achieved in vegetal cells illustrate reproducibility and sensitivity of the measurements. The acoustic responses of cell organelles are significantly different. The results support the potentialities of the hypersonic non invasive technique in the fields of bio-engineering and medicine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: The combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting inhaled β2-adrenergic-agonists has become the standard therapy for many patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma. Whether the differences between budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol translate into differences in treatment outcomes in a real life setting is unknown. Objectives: This study compared the use of healthcare services between new users of budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol in a single inhaler between 2002 and 2004. Methods: A 12-month population-based retrospective cohort study using administrative health care databases was conducted. Asthma patients 16–65years of age using budesonide/formoterol were matched according to age and markers of asthma severity to patients using fluticasone/salmeterol. The rate of emergency department (ED) visits for asthma, hospitalizations for asthma, claims for oral corticosteroids, and visits to a respiratory specialist were compared between the two groups using Poisson regression models. The mean number of doses of short-acting β2-adrenergic-agonists (SABA) per week was compared between the two groups using a linear regression model. Results: Users of budesonide/formoterol were found to be less likely to have an ED visit for asthma (adjusted RR=0.72; 95% CI: 0.54–0.96), a hospitalization for asthma (adjusted RR=0.50; 95% CI: 0.25–0.99), a claim for oral corticosteroids (adjusted RR=0.83; 95% CI: 0.72–0.95), and use SABA (adjusted mean difference=−1.1 dose per week; 95% CI: −1.7; −0.5) than patients treated with fluticasone/salmeterol. Conclusion: Our study has found that subjects initiating ICS/LABA treatment with budesonide/formoterol had better outcomes than those initiating treatment with fluticasone/salmeterol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Recent studies have found that asthmatic women pregnant with a female fetus reported more symptoms and had slightly lower lung function than women pregnant with a male fetus. In order to further investigate this association, we studied the effect of fetal sex on maternal asthma exacerbations and the use of asthma medications during pregnancy. A large cohort of pregnant asthmatic women and their babies was reconstructed between 1990 and 2002 from the linkage of three administrative databases of the Canadian province of Quebec. Asthma exacerbations were defined as a filled prescription of oral corticosteroids, an emergency department visit, or a hospitalization for asthma. Women pregnant with a female fetus were compared to women with a male fetus with respect to their rate of asthma exacerbation, their weekly doses of inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists (SABA), and their daily dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) during pregnancy. Logistic and linear regression models were used to obtain effect measures adjusted for several potential confounders such as asthma severity and control prior to pregnancy. The cohort included 5529 pregnancies with a single female fetus and 5728 pregnancies with a single male fetus. No significant differences were found between mothers of a female and male fetus as to the occurrence of asthma exacerbations (adjusted rate ratio=1.02; 95% CI: 0.92–1.14), the daily dose of ICS (adjusted mean difference (AMD): 2.46μg; 95% CI: −4.01 to 8.93), and the weekly dose of SABA (AMD: 0.004 dose; 95% CI: −0.23 to 0.24). Based on the results, we conclude that fetal gender is unlikely to affect maternal asthma during pregnancy to the point where acute care and medications are more often required among women pregnant with a female fetus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To elucidate tidally related variations of hydrophobic organic contaminant (HOC) bioavailability and the impact of these contaminants on estuarine ecosystems, both PCB and PAH concentrations were investigated in the dissolved phase and in the suspended particulate material (SPM) of the Seine Estuary. Both PAH and PCB highest levels were observed in surface and bottom water when SPM remobilizations were maximum, in relation to higher speed currents. In parallel, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were investigated in the copepod Eurytemora affinis. Significant decreasing AChE levels were measured during the tidal cycle and between surface and bottom copepods related to salinity and to HOC concentration variations. Significant increasing GST levels were also observed when HOC concentrations in the water column were the highest. This study underlined the need to standardize sampling procedures for biomonitoring studies in order to avoid interfering factors that could modify biomarker responses to chemical exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Arctic has become a sink for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) originating from lower latitudes, and relatively high levels have been found in different biota. Recent studies have identified detrimental effects on wildlife including endocrine disruption, impairment of enzyme activity, and reduced immune function. The Arctic spider crab, Hyas araneus, shown interesting potential for its use as sentinel organism in polar ecosystems. This study investigated the effect of 2,2′,4,4′-tetra bromo diphenyl ether (BPDE), bisphenol A (BPA), and diallyl phthalte (DPA) on H. araneus in a three weeks exposure study. Expression of multixenibiotic resistance (MXR) proteins has been studied using the C219 monoclonal antibody which allows identifying an immunoreactive protein of 40kDa in the digestive gland while no such protein could be observed in the gills. Expression of this protein was increased by exposure to DPA (+75%; p <0.05, n =10). All compounds significantly affected muscle acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity (p <0.05, n =10) with 50μg/L DPA having the strongest effect by lowering the value to 37% of control. The total oxyradical scavenging capacity measured in the digestive gland toward peroxyl, hydroxyl and peroxynitrite was also significantly reduced indicating a decreased resistance to oxidative stress generated by DPA (p <0.05, n =5). These results thus suggest the potential detrimental effects of DPA even at concentration as low as 50μg/L on H. araneus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Uncontrolled maternal asthma during pregnancy has been hypothesized as a cause of congenital malformation, but literature is scare on this topic. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether asthmatic women who had an exacerbation during the first trimester of pregnancy were more at risk of having a baby with a congenital malformation. Methods: From the linkage of 3 Canadian administrative databases, we reconstructed a cohort of 4344 pregnancies of asthmatic women. Asthma exacerbations were assessed during the first trimester of pregnancy and were defined as a filled prescription for oral corticosteroids, an emergency department visit, or a hospitalization for asthma. Congenital malformations were assessed at birth and during the first year of life of the newborn by using diagnoses recorded in the databases. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios of congenital malformations in association with asthma exacerbations. Results: In the cohort we identified 398 (9.2%) babies with at least 1 malformation and 261 (6.0%) with a major malformation. The crude prevalences of malformations were 12.8% and 8.9%, respectively, for women who had and those who did not have an exacerbation. The adjusted odds ratio for all malformations was 1.48 (95% CI, 1.04-2.09) when comparing women who had and those who did not have an exacerbation. The corresponding figures were 1.32 (95% CI, 0.86-2.04) for major malformations. Conclusion: Asthma exacerbations during the first trimester of pregnancy were found to significantly increase the risk of a congenital malformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Asthma is work related when there is an association between symptoms and work. Occupational asthma (OA) is induced by the workplace, whereas work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) is triggered by the workplace but not induced by it. Objective: We sought to compare the clinical characteristics and the use of medical resources between subjects with work-related asthma (WRA) and asthmatic control subjects without WRA, as well as between subjects with OA and subjects with WEA. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of the charts of subjects with WRA who were investigated between 2001 and 2004 in our centers. These subjects were matched according to sex, age, and FEV1 to subjects with non–WRA investigated during the same period. All charts were linked to the information provided by the Régie de l''assurance maladie du Québec, including outpatient clinic visits and visits to the emergency department and hospitalizations during the year before and after the initial assessment in our centers. Results: Three hundred fifty-one subjects had WRA (WEA, 145; OA, 206), whereas 384 subjects were asthmatic control subjects without WRA. Subjects with WRA had more asthma exacerbations than subjects with non-WRA. The risk factor of experiencing a severe asthma exacerbation was no greater for OA than for WEA (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.75-1.75). Conclusion: WRA is associated with a larger use of medical resources than non-WRA. Clinical implications: Improving the diagnosis and management of WRA is crucial for limiting the use of medical resources associated with this condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Combination therapy should be prescribed to patients with moderate to severe asthma after daily long-term treatment with inhaled inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) has been tried without obtaining adequate control and it is not indicated to be used as first line treatment in asthma. Objectives: To describe the use of combination therapy for the treatment of asthma and to evaluate to which extent it is prescribed as recommended. Methods: A cohort of 14559 new users of a combination therapy identified between January 1, 2000 and September 30, 2003 was selected from beneficiaries of the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec. We evaluated whether the combination therapy was prescribed according to the Canadian Asthma Guidelines. A logistic regression analysis was also performed to identify patient''s and physician''s characteristics associated with the adherence to the recommendations of the Canadian Asthma Guidelines for the prescription of a combination therapy. Results: Only 40% of users of combination therapy filled a prescription of ICS in the year preceding the initiation of the therapy and this proportion decreased by 21.8% from 2000 to 2003. Patients who received their first combination therapy in an emergency department were less likely to have used ICS previously, but patients treated by a respiratory physician and patients with co-morbidities, markers of asthma severity and markers of uncontrolled asthma were more likely to have used ICS previously. Conclusion: Combination therapy has not been used according to the Canadian Asthma Guidelines in a large proportion of patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trees sampled from 12 uneven-aged sugar maple (Acer saccharum, Marsh.) dominated stands in southern Quebec were measured 10 years after commercial single-tree selection cutting. Dendrochronological analysis revealed that growth response to treatment was immediate for all three species. Species-specific response was, however, stronger for American beech (Fagus grandifolia, Ehrh.) than for sugar maple and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis, Britton). When averaged for 5-year periods, species growth during the second 5-year period after treatment remained significantly higher than their growth prior to treatment. Computations of whole stand minimum and maximum mortality (0.04 and 0.20m2 ha−1 year−1) and the associated net growth (0.21 and 0.37m2 ha−1 year−1) were in the range of what was observed in the Quebec Government experimental blocks. Finally, at lower basal areas (i.e. after cutting), the growth of the survivors was correlated with variations in stand basal areas, while it was not the case at higher basal areas (i.e. prior to cutting). This suggests a significant enhancement of the survivor growth in these deciduous forests may only happen with a post-harvest basal area of 18m2 ha−1 or less. Recommendations with respect to residual basal area and timber improvement rules are proposed which also take into consideration conclusions found in a literature review. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The effect of inhaled short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) on pregnancy outcome, especially hypertensive complications, is not well documented. After the finding of a possible protective association of inhaled SABAs with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in a previous study, we decided to further investigate their effect on this condition. Objective: We sought to determine the effect of inhaled SABA use during pregnancy on the risk of PIH (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia) in asthmatic women. Methods: Three of Quebec''s administrative databases were linked to constitute a cohort of asthmatic women who had at least 1 delivery between 1990 and 2000. A nested case-control study was performed using up to 10 control subjects matched to each case patient for the year of conception and gestational age. Statistical analyses considered 22 confounders. Results: The cohort was composed of 3505 asthmatic women who had a total of 4593 pregnancies. Three hundred two patients with PIH and 3013 control subjects were identified. Compared with nonuse, inhaled SABA use during pregnancy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PIH (adjusted rate ratios: >0-3 doses/week, 0.62 (95% CI, 0.44-0.87); > 3-10 doses/week, 0.51 (95% CI, 0.34-0.79); and >10 doses/week, 0.48 (95% CI, 0.30-0.75)). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting that inhaled SABA use during pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of PIH. Potential explanations include pharmacologic and physiological effects or residual confounding. Clinical implications: These results increase the evidence about the safety of inhaled SABAs in this population, although they should not undervalue the importance of maintaining good control of asthma symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Pratiques Psychologiques 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.)

Estimating bycatch is essential for monitoring the ecological impacts of a fishery in order to set management and mitigation priorities. Purse seine vessels targeting tropical tunas incidentally catch pelagic sharks (mainly silky and oceanic whitetip sharks), which are brought onboard and can be observed on the upper and lower decks. Currently, single onboard observers can only be efficiently stationed on one of the two decks, and thus often rely on information provided by the crew to complement their bycatch estimations. In this study, we used dedicated scientists strategically positioned during fishing sets in order to establish a reference count of captured sharks during conventional commercial fishing trips. We then assessed the accuracy of the counts made by (i) single observers onboard during the same fishing trips in the Pacific Ocean (where observers' main duty is to estimate catch of target species and bycatch estimation is of a lower priority) and the Atlantic Ocean (where observers' focus is on bycatch) and (ii) Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) in the Indian Ocean. A total of 74 fishing sets conducted during four purse seine fishing trips revealed that shark counts were underestimated for 50%–100% of the sets, with the mean shark count underestimation, at the fishing trip level, ranging from 9% to 40% (onboard observers) and 65% for EMS. Given the importance of monitoring populations of vulnerable species, we strongly encourage specific studies during which the complementary counts of two onboard observers are used simultaneously to assess the accuracy of various EMS configurations, bearing in mind that single onboard observers appear to underestimate the number of captured sharks. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the temporal factors affecting sap sugar content (SSC) in a plantation of sugar maple in Quebec. Differences between statistical treatments and the stability analysis of tree; Tree-to-tree variation in SSC; Use of analysis of variance.

Background: Increasing numbers of scientific studies have dealt with the benefits of animal assisted intervention programs (AAI). Although many positive effects have been identified, there are still few AAI programs in nursing homes. To date, no study has investigated special the difficulties in implementing such a program. The aim of this study was to explore the representations of this type of program among caregivers.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between January and June 2019. Psychologists conducted 11 interviews with people working in nursing homes. The sample was based on different professions and on the fact that participants had already been involved in an IAA program.Results: The results were organized according to two main themes: brakes and levers. The results show that the brakes were raised quickly before the implementation of the project, but once the project had been implemented, the perceived beneficial effects multiplied and all those interviewed mentioned the benefits of animals. More than half of the caregivers interviewed mentioned animals as a lever, facilitating contact with elderly people suffering from dementia. Setting up a project upstream enhanced the success of this type of program.Conclusion: The benefits perceived by the people interviewed are consistent with the scientific literature. The obstacles mentioned for implementing this type of program can be reduced by a rigorous and well-thought-out project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel COVID-19 disease is a contagious acute respiratory infectious disease whose causative agent has been demonstrated to be a new virus of the coronavirus family, SARS-CoV-2. Alike with other coronaviruses, some studies show a COVID-19 neurotropism, inducing de-myelination lesions as encountered in Guillain-Barré syndrome. In particular, an Italian report concluded that there is a significant vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 infected patients. In the current study, we applied a Pearson correlation test to public health as well as weather data, in order to assess the linear relationship between COVID-19 mortality rate and the sunlight exposure. For instance in continental metropolitan France, average annual sunlight hours are significantly (for a p-value of 1.532 × 10−32) correlated to the COVID-19 mortality rate, with a Pearson coefficient of -0.636. This correlation hints at a protective effect of sunlight exposure against COVID-19 mortality. This paper is proposed to foster academic discussion and its hypotheses and conclusions need to be confirmed by further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) is a contagious acute respiratory infectious disease whose causative agent has been demonstrated to be a novel virus of the coronavirus family, SARSCoV-2. A recent PRE-print study has showed a heme attack on the 1-beta chain of hemoglobin by COVID19. Beta-thalassemia results of a default in the hemoglobin beta-chain synthesis. 1,5% global population are heterozygotes for this disease. In this study, by a multiple linear regression, we have analyzed the evolution of COVID-19 infection in three Italian regions (Puglia, Sardinia, Sicilia) with different beta-thalassemic prevalences, in order to search a link. The results have showed that betathalassemic heterozygote population prevalence is correlated to immunity against COVID-19, by a regression. This paper is only for academic discussion, the hypotheses and conclusions needs to be confirmed by further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In luminescence dating of feldspar, laboratory induced luminescence necessary to assess the naturally acquired dose in the environment suffers from a poorly understood instability over time, known as anomalous fading (AF). AF is the source of commonly observed age underestimation in optical dating of feldspar. Approaches to circumvent AF include correction methods as well as attempts to measure directly an unfading component of feldspar luminescence, e.g. post-IR IRSL protocols. The former has the advantage of measuring the easily bleachable traps but requires extrapolations of fading rates. Post-IR IRSL methods can be limited by the use of more difficult-to-bleach traps and hence by potential age overestimations. In this paper, we show how post-isothermal laboratory induced luminescence (pIt-IR) allows measuring an equivalent dose (D e) that is not dependent on time elapsed since irradiation. In this procedure, one measures two IRSL signals, first from an IR stimulation at low temperature (i.e. IR 50) followed by a second one, at a higher temperature (i.e. IR 225). Since both signals fade at different rates, D e from IR 50 is lower than that of IR 225. In pIt-IR, a succession of thermal treatments is carried out before the measurement of laboratory-induced IR 50 and IR 225 luminescence. The dependence of D e on thermal annealing is different for each IR signal so one can find which thermal treatment will yield the same D e for both signals. This D e is assumed to be the true total radiation dose received by the feldspar minerals in nature, more properly known as the paleodose (P). This new methodology is herein applied to three samples of different ages and different geological contexts. Post-isothermal luminescence is thus proposed as a way to circumvent AF, even though extended isothermal annealing treatment is not shown to eradicate AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick innate immunity involves humoral and cellular responses. Among the humoral effector molecules in ticks are the defensins which are a family of small peptides with a conserved γ-core motif that is crucial for their antimicrobial activity. Defensin families have been identified in several hard and soft tick species. However, little is known about the presence and antimicrobial activity of defensins from the Australian paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus. In this study the I. holocyclus transcriptome was searched for the presence of defensins. Unique and non-redundant defensin sequences were identified and designated as holosins 1 – 5. The antimicrobial activity of holosins 2 and 3 and of the predicted γ-cores of holosins 1–4 (HoloTickCores 1–4), was assessed using Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as the fungus Fusarium graminearum and the yeast Candida albicans. All holosins had molecular features that are conserved in other tick defensins. Furthermore holosins 2 and 3 were very active against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria grayi. Holosins 2 and 3 were also active against F. graminearum and C. albicans and 5 μM of peptide abrogate the growth of these microorganisms. The activity of the synthetic γ-cores was lower than that of the mature defensins apart from HoloTickCore 2 which had activity comparable to mature holosin 2 against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. This study reveals the presence of a multigene defensin family in I. holocyclus with wide antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the past years, advances in the development of less-invasive interventions for Dupuytren's contracture have led to an increased number of studies. However, the validity of patient-reported outcomes currently used to measure the patient's level of functioning may be questionable in relation to this population. One measure was specifically developed for Dupuytren's contracture, but its conception does not consider the patients' perspective of their living situation and its psychometric properties are still to be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to develop a conceptually strong patient reported outcome to measure functioning and some aspects of quality of life for people diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture. Conclusion: The study as led to the development of a more comprehensive and valid patient-reported outcome to measure functioning and some aspects of quality of life for patients with Dupuytren's contracture. This new instrument can be used in research or in the clinic in order to determine an intervention's effectiveness, to guide the surgical indication or to follow changes in the patients' functional condition. This study has been funded by the ASHT via the Evelyn Mackin grant. Results: All interviews combined led to the identification of 76 distinct activities and 23 from the qualitative research. Eight hundred six items for the existing patient-reported outcomes were also reviewed. This new measure is composed of tasks that are all relevant to patients diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture. New to this measure, the patient's perspective is considered by the evaluation of concepts such as the level of importance, satisfaction and task performance modifications. Methods: Based on best practices, the new measure's composing items were devised based on multiple sources. Information was gathered from 30 semi-structured interviews with patients diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture, a focus group with 4 OTs and 1 OTA, individual interviews with 2 plastic surgeons and from the literature (from 34 existing patient-reported outcome measures and 3 qualitative research on Dupuytren's contracture). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Current recommendations for managing persistent asthma during pregnancy when low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are insufficient include adding a long-acting β 2 -agonist (LABA) or increasing the ICS dose. However, there are no data to help clinicians evaluate the safest regimen during pregnancy. Objective We sought to compare the risk of major congenital malformations in asthmatic women exposed to a LABA plus ICS combination and those exposed to ICS monotherapy at higher doses during the first trimester. Methods A cohort of asthmatic pregnant women exposed to ICSs during the first trimester who delivered between January 1990 and March 2009 was established. The primary outcome was major malformation recorded at birth or during the first year of life. Two subcohorts were established as follows: (1) users of a LABA plus low-dose ICS combination or users of a medium-dose ICS and (2) users of a LABA plus medium-dose ICS combination or users of a high-dose ICS. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the risk of major malformations between the groups. Results In one subcohort there were 643 women who used a LABA plus low-dose ICS and 305 who used a medium-dose ICS; the other subcohort included 198 users of a LABA plus medium-dose ICS and 156 users of a high-dose ICS. The prevalence of major malformations was 6.9% and 7.2%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for major malformations was 1.1 (95% CI, 0.6-1.9) when a LABA plus low-dose ICS was used compared with a medium-dose ICS and 1.2 (95% CI, 0.5-2.7) when a LABA plus medium-dose ICS was used compared with a high-dose ICS. Conclusion The risk of major malformations was similar with a LABA plus ICS combination and ICS monotherapy at higher doses, suggesting that both therapeutic options can be considered during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) is a prevalent condition likely to have an important societal burden, there are limited data on this condition. Objectives: The aims of this study were (1) to compare the clinical, functional, and inflammatory characteristics of workers with WEA and occupational asthma (OA) and (2) compare health care use and related costs between workers with WEA and OA, as well as between workers with work-related asthma (WRA; ie, WEA plus OA) and those with non–work-related asthma (NWRA) in a prospective study. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of workers with and without WRA with a 2-year follow-up. The diagnosis of OA and WEA was based on the positivity and negativity of results on specific inhalation challenges, respectively. Results: One hundred fifty-four subjects were enrolled: 53 with WEA, 68 with OA, and 33 control asthmatic subjects (NWRA). WEA was associated with more frequent prescriptions of inhaled corticosteroids (odds ratio [OR], 4.4; 95% CI, 1.4-13.6; P = .009), a noneosinophilic phenotype (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.9; P = .04), a trend toward a lower FEV1 (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.9-1.0; P = .06), and a higher proportion of smokers (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 0.96-9.7; P = .06) than the diagnosis of OA. The health care use of WRA and related costs were 10-fold higher than those of NWRA. Conclusion: Workers with WEA appeared to have features of greater asthma severity than workers with OA. In contrast with OA, WEA was associated with a noneosinophilic phenotype. Both OA and WEA were associated with greater health care use and 10-fold higher direct costs than NWRA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Features associated with an increased frequency of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) mutations have been identified in families with 3 or more patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM). However, in families with 2 patients with CM, which represent the majority of familial melanoma, these factors have been rarely studied. Objective: We investigated association of 3 clinical features with the presence of a CDKN2A mutation in a family by extent of CM family clustering (2 vs ≥3 patients with CM among first-degree relatives in a family). Methods: We included 483 French families that comprised 387 families with 2 patients with CM (F2 families) and 96 families with 3 or more patients with CM (F3+ families). Three clinical factors were examined individually and in a joint analysis: median age at diagnosis younger than 50 years, and 1 or more patient in a family with multiple primary melanoma or with pancreatic cancer. Results: The frequency of CDKN2A mutations was higher in F3+ families (32%) than in F2 families (13%). Although early age at melanoma diagnosis and occurrence of multiple primary melanoma in 1 or more patient were significantly associated with the risk of a CDKN2A mutation in F2 families, early age at melanoma diagnosis and occurrence of pancreatic cancer in a family were significantly associated with CDKN2A mutations in F3+ families. Limitations: The study was not population based. Conclusions: This study shows that factors associated with CDKN2A mutations differ by extent of CM family clustering. It indicates that, in France, families with 2 patients with CM are eligible for genetic testing especially when there is an early age at CM diagnosis and/or 1 or more patients with multiple primary melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]