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The development of polymeric fibers incorporated with nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) has gained broad interest due to its applications, mainly for impurities removal from oil with the aid of magnetic field. In the present study, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibers containing Ni NPs were produced by solution blow spinning (SBS) technique. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements showed fibers with an average diameter of 564 nm, randomly dispersed without a preferred orientation. X-ray spectrum shows peaks related to Ni showing that Ni NPs were incorporated into the fibers. The magnetic analysis of the nanocomposite shows the hysteresis loops typical of ferromagnetic behavior and ZFC-FC curves revealed the presence of superparamagnetic behaviour and an average blocking temperature of 165 K. The results achieved in this work showed that is possible to produce fibrous material, using SBS technique, with unusual magnetic properties that may be applicable in various fields, including different areas of technological industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this present study was to compare the effect of different loading intensities on the psychophysiological response between bodybuilders and active individuals in resistance exercises for upper and lower limbs. Twelve male subjects were previously selected, of which 6 were bodybuilding athletes (B) (age = 31.17 ± 7.88 yrs old; body mass = 90,62 ± 6,41 kg; height = 171.35 ± 2.39 cm; %body fat = 10.12 ± 1.64) and 6 were active individuals (A) (age = 26.5 ± 6.5 yrs old; body mass = 84.03 ± 9.12 kg; height = 177.83 ± 6.39 cm; %body fat = 14.01 ± 5.44), for the performance on one-repetition maximum test (1RM) in the bench press and leg extension exercises. The subjects performed 2 sets of 5 reps for each of the above exercises at pre-defined relative intensities (40% and 80% of 1RM) with a 3-min interval between sets. Data from the perceptual responses were collected at the end of each set using the Borg CR100 Scale. Significant differences of RPE were found between the groups in the bench press exercise at 40% load (B = 30.17 ± 8,52; A = 40.50 ± 3,94) and 80% load (B = 75.33 ± 2.58; A = 84.83 ± 3.06) of 1RM, while in the leg extension exercise, significant differences were found between groups only in the 80% load (B = 77.50 ± 4.04; A = 83.17 ± 3.06) of 1RM. The findings indicate that no significant differences were found when comparing RPE between exercises. However, perceptual responses were different among the proposed intensities, showing that the training level interferes with the psychophysiological response to resistance training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of formaldehyde in some fresh fish commodities and to trace formaldehyde distribution in Bandar Lampung City. The formadelhyde tests were done on the storage water of fresh fish samples. The study conducted in July to October 2013 was devided in two stages: a survey to fill out a questionnaire to a number of respondents, followed by sampling some storage water of fresh fish to be tested in the laboratory. The tests were carried out on 52 sampling points taken from the fishing boats in the fishing landing port (17 boats), fish supplier car from outside Bandar Lampung (6 cars) as well as some fish sellers in 5 traditional market in Bandar Lampung (29 sellers). By conducting a laboratory test using Formaldehyde Test Kit, there were 2 samples that were purple (positively contain formaldehyde), which were taken from 2 boats in fish landing port of Lempasing. Then the assertion test was carried out to the positive samples using chromotropic acid (SNI 01 – 2894 – 1992). The results showed that the samples positively contained formaldehyde indeed, which was characterized by a bluish purple color. Based on the survey results and tracking, there was a distortion of formaldehyde distribution in Bandar Lampung, where domestic industries (including fisherman) obtained formaldehyde illegally, either from End Users, a local manufacturer or drugstore/hospital/other health care facilities. Key word: formaldehyde, fresh fish storage water, distribution distortion.

Background: To explore at what age youth start using tobacco and/or nicotine products, which product is used first, product initiation sequences, and whether some socio-demographic characteristics are associated with substance use initiation., Methods: Data were collected from an online questionnaire disseminated through social media and professional partners, targeting youth aged 14-25 in French-speaking Switzerland in August 2022. The final sample included 1362 participants. Respondents were asked whether they had already used cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah, snus, or cannabis at least once in their life (yes/no) and the age of the first time was asked for each substance when the answer was positive. Additionally, participants were asked about their substance use in the past 30 days. Respondents were classified according to age at onset of each tobacco/nicotine and cannabis product, and comparisons were made based on sociodemographic variables, including gender (cisgender female/cisgender male/transgender), perceived socioeconomic status (below average/average/above average), and age., Results: Overall, in addition to those who reported no consumption, four distinct initiation profiles emerged from the classification. Cigarettes remain the most commonly used first product with an average age of 15.7 years. While cigarettes and hookah are present in all profiles, the order of first consumption varies from one profile to another, with cigarettes coming first in two profiles, hookah in one and e-cigarettes in the last. Furthermore, while the most common profile contains experimental consumption of the five products considered, some profiles do not contain cannabis, e-cigarettes and/or snus, for example. When divided by age groups, both 14-17-year-olds and 18-21-year-olds reported cigarette as their first product of initiation. Across the separate age groups (14-17, 18-21, 22-25), cigarettes consistently emerge as the primary used on average., Conclusions: Cigarettes remain the first product to be used, but the younger the respondents, the earlier they start using e-cigarettes, and very close to cigarettes. Regarding current consumption patterns, e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly prominent., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The protocol was validated by the Cantonal Ethics Committee (protocol #2022 − 01130). Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Participants in this study were provided with an information sheet on the homepage of the questionnaire. This information sheet adhered to the ethical guidelines established by the ethics committee. It clearly outlined the purpose of the study, the procedures involved, and the rights of the participants. By proceeding with the questionnaire and answering the questions, participants provided their tacit consent to participate in the study. Participants were also informed that they could withdraw from the study at any time, with the option to delete their already entered responses. In Switzerland, according to the Federal Act on Research involving Human Beings (Human Research Act, HRA), young people aged 14 and over can consent to participate in research on their own if the research presents only minimal risks and burdens, which is the case for this study. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Alcohol consumption is popular among adolescents and young people and adolescent non-drinkers may be socially excluded and/or stigmatized. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the social life of young non-drinkers (14-20 years old), to understand how they live their non-drinking and how they are perceived by their drinking peers., Methods: We conducted a qualitative research on non-consumption of alcohol in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. Our study included 63 young people divided into 12 focus groups aged 14 to 20 years., Results: Overall, young non-drinkers would be a minority in their peer groups, leading some of them to feel out of the norm. Participants reported that not drinking alcohol is generally questioned and non-drinkers are almost always asked to justify their non-consumption. Finally, non-drinkers are sometimes automatically designated as resources who have to control the drinking of others and/or are the ones who help their drinking-peers if they are drunk and need help, a status that can put them under pressure., Conclusions: It is important to normalize the non-consumption of alcohol and make non-drinkers visible by including them in school-based prevention interventions., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

The centromere represents a single region in most eukaryotic chromosomes. However, several plant and animal lineages assemble holocentromeres along the entire chromosome length. Here, we compare genome organization and evolution as a function of centromere type by assembling chromosome-scale holocentric genomes with repeat-based holocentromeres from three beak-sedge (Rhynchospora pubera, R. breviuscula, and R. tenuis) and their closest monocentric relative, Juncus effusus. We demonstrate that transition to holocentricity affected 3D genome architecture by redefining genomic compartments, while distributing centromere function to thousands of repeat-based centromere units genome-wide. We uncover a complex genome organization in R. pubera that hides its unexpected octoploidy and describe a marked reduction in chromosome number for R. tenuis, which has only two chromosomes. We show that chromosome fusions, facilitated by repeat-based holocentromeres, promoted karyotype evolution and diploidization. Our study thus sheds light on several important aspects of genome architecture and evolution influenced by centromere organization., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 varies depending on social distancing measures, circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, host factors and other environmental factors. We sought to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak that occurred in a highly dense population area in Colombo, Sri Lanka from April to May 2020., Methodology/principal Findings: We carried out RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV2, assessed the SARS-CoV-2 specific total and neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) in a densely packed, underserved settlement (n = 2722) after identification of the index case on 15th April 2020. 89/2722 individuals were detected as infected by RT-qPCR with a secondary attack rate among close contacts being 0.077 (95% CI 0.063-0.095). Another 30 asymptomatic individuals were found to have had COVID-19 based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. However, only 61.5% of those who were initially seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 had detectable total antibodies at 120 to 160 days, while only 40.6% had detectable Nabs. 74/89 (83.1%) of RT-qPCR positive individuals were completely asymptomatic and all 15 (16.9%) who experienced symptoms were classified as having a mild illness. 18 (20.2%) were between the ages of 61 to 80. 11/89 (12.4%) had diabetes, 8/89 (9%) had cardiovascular disease and 4 (4.5%) had asthma. Of the two viruses that were sequenced and were of the B.1 and B.4 lineages with one carrying the D614G mutation., Discussion/conclusion: Almost all infected individuals developed mild or asymptomatic illness despite the presence of comorbid illnesses. Since the majority of those who were in this underserved settlement were not infected despite circulation of the D614G variant, it would be important to further study environmental and host factors that lead to disease severity and transmission., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objective: To compare the characteristics of and use of the healthcare system by healthy youths depending on whether they had discussed transition to adult health care with their paediatrician or not., Methods: Data were drawn from the fourth wave of the GenerationFRee study (2018-2019) conducted in the 11 post-mandatory schools of the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. The sample included 931 young people (mean age 19.4 years). Participants were categorised into three groups: those who had discussed transition with their p ediatrician (n = 176; 19%), those who had not (n = 286; 31%) and those who did not know (n = 469; 50%). Analyses were stratified by gender through bivariate analysis and post-hoc tests with a Bonferroni-type adjustment., Results: The majority of participants did not know whether or not they had discussed transition. Across all groups, it was found that youths met their primary care physician at a higher rate through family. Meeting with the primary care physician through the paediatrician occurred at a higher rate when youths had discussed transition. Girls with a below average socioeconomic status and boys with advanced puberty onset were more likely to have discussed transition., Conclusion: Our results show that youths are not well informed about the transition process. However, youths who have discussed transition appear to be more involved with the healthcare system as they are more likely to have a primary care provider. In order to avoid discontinuity of care, professionals should approach transition to adult care systematically with all their patients.

What Is Known on the Subject: Good practice and knowledge in terms of contraception at first sexual intercourse may lead adolescents to a safer sexual life. To date, research studies have mostly focused on women when investigating contraception use or on condom use only when addressing both genders., What Does This Article Add: The present study adds to the current knowledge by offering a more in-depth view of contraception use at first intercourse among youths. This is achieved through a large selection of variables, the fact that we address both males and females and that we have considered a wide range of contraceptive means., Aim of the Study: To determine the rate of contraception use at first intercourse by youth in Switzerland and its association with social and personal characteristics., Methods: Data were obtained from a self-administrated national survey on sexual behaviour among young adults (mean age 26 years). Participants (n = 4036) were divided into three groups based on the means of contraception used at first intercourse: condom, with or without contraceptive (86.4%), contraceptive only (8.3%) and non-use (5.3%)., Results: Only 5.3% did not use any contraception. Compared with the condom group, individuals in the non-use group were more likely to report a lower family socioeconomic status, to be foreign born, to have foreign-born parents, to have a non-intact family and to live in a Catholic canton. They were also more likely to have had their first intercourse in the context of a casual relationship, to have been intoxicated at the time and more likely to regret it. Participants in the contraceptive group reported a higher family socioeconomic status, had intact families, did not live in Catholic cantons, were older and in a steady relationship at first intercourse., Conclusion: Contraception is generally used at first intercourse in Switzerland. Improvements can still be made concerning contraception use in the most vulnerable social strata such as low income families or foreign status.

Background: Adolescence and early adulthood are periods of experimentation during which health detrimental behaviours might be acquired., Objective: This study's purpose is to evaluate physicians' likelihood of addressing health risk behaviours with youths depending on the youths' wishes, risk behaviours and personal characteristics., Methods: Data were drawn from the third wave (2017-18) of the GenerationFRee longitudinal study carried out on a sample of 1970 youths aged 17-26 in Switzerland. Analysed risk behaviours were: eating disorders, substance use, emotional wellbeing, problematic Internet use and gambling. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed, results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs)., Results: Physicians discussed most risk behaviours with less than half of the youths. The odds of addressing risk behaviours were seldom raised when the risk behaviour was present, or when the youth wished to discuss it. Emotional wellbeing was addressed with half as many males as females (aOR 0.47), and drugs were found to be addressed more frequently with youths reporting a low family socio-economic status (aOR 6.18). When a risk behaviour is addressed it is mostly alongside an extended screening., Conclusions: This study confirmed the low levels of health risk behaviours screening, regardless of the youths' wish to discuss the topic with their physician. Despite the low levels, physicians do tend to screen systematically, especially when discussing substance use. There is a need to improve physicians training in risk behaviour screening and counselling in order to increase this practice., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

What Is Known on the Subject: To date, research on emotional wellbeing among youths has been mostly based on cross-sectional studies, and little is known about its evolution over time., What Does This Article Add: Our study adds a longitudinal approach to emotional wellbeing and defines different groups of youths according to their evolution over a two-year period. Stress and perceived health status seem to be the most important factors related to emotional wellbeing. Our research shows the importance of health care professionals exploring psychological health, especially when a youth has atypical somatic complaints. This could allow the early detection of psychological problems and the provision of proper timely treatment., Aim of the Study: To assess how emotional wellbeing evolves over a two-year period among youths in Switzerland, and to assess their characteristics., Methods: Data were obtained from the first and third waves of the GenerationFRee study (n = 1311, aged 15–24 at baseline). The sample was divided into four groups according to the evolution of their emotional wellbeing (WB): good at both waves (GoodWB: 67.9%), poor at T1 and good at T3 (BetterWB: 8.4%), good at T1 and poor at T3 (WorseWB: 13.2%), or poor at both waves (PoorWB: 10.4%). Significant variables at the bivariate level were included in a multinomial regression analysis using GoodWB as the reference category. Results are given as relative risk ratios (RRRs)., Results: The BetterWB group reported more stress at T1 (RRR 1.34), as did the WorseWB group at T3 (1.43). Those in the WorseWB group were more likely to report poorer health status at T3 (6.51). Finally, the PoorWB group reported more stress at T1 (1.33) and T3 (1.44), and poorer health status at T1 (9.39) and T3 (5.75). Other variables not significant in all groups were perceived onset of puberty, having a chronic condition, area of residence and relationships with parents., Conclusion: Using a longitudinal approach, stress and perceived health status seem to be the main factors that change with emotional wellbeing among youths. Inquiring about stress could be a good proxy for emotional wellbeing, especially among males, who tend to underestimate their emotional worries.

Background: Since 2001, a recommendation of no more than 2 h per day of screen time for children 2 years of age or older was adopted in many countries. However, this recommendation was rarely examined empirically. The goal of the present study was to question this recommendation in today's connected world., Methods: We used data from the ado@internet.ch survey (spring 2012), a representative sample of 8th graders in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (n = 2942, 50.6% female). Internet use, health outcomes, substance use, well-being and socio-demographic characteristics were considered. Bi-variate statistical analyses were performed., Results: All outcomes were significantly associated with the time spent on internet, more time being associated with a higher prevalence of adverse consequences. Youth spending on average one more hour on Internet per day than the reference category (1.5-2.5 h) did not differ in terms of adverse health outcomes. Differences began to appear on sleeping problems, tobacco use, alcohol misuse, cannabis use and sport inactivity with youth spending between 3.5 h and 4.5 h per day on internet., Conclusions: This study demonstrates the absence of justification for setting a limit to only 2 h of screen time per day. Significant effects on health seem to appear only beyond 4 h per day and there may be benefits for those who spend less than an hour and a half on internet.

Question Under Study: Switzerland has been receiving migrants of various origins for more than 50 years. The adoption of risk-taking behaviours among migrant youths is unclear. Moreover, when studied, migrant youths are rarely analysed according to whether they are first or second generation, or just young people with mixed origins. The aim of this study was to assess whether there are any differences between first-and second-generation immigrants, youths of mixed origins and their native peers in Switzerland concerning their engagement in risk behaviours., Methods: A total of 5834 youths from eleven post-mandatory schools in the canton of Fribourg (Switzerland) participated in the baseline survey of the GenerationFRee study, a longitudinal study to assess their lifestyle. Participants were divided by gender and by origin into: (a) natives: Swiss-born youths with Swiss-born parents, (b) first-generation migrants: foreign-born youths with foreign-born parents, (c) second-generation migrants: Swiss-born youths with foreign-born parents, (d) mixed-origin youths: Swiss-born youths with one Swiss-born parent and one foreign-born parent. Participants reported personal, family and school information, and attitudes towards eight risk behaviours. All significant variables at the bivariate level were included in a binary logistic regression., Results: The logistic regression showed that, compared with natives, first-and second-generation migrant boys were less likely to misuse alcohol. Boys of mixed origins were similar to migrants, although at the bivariate level they were more exposed to risk behaviours than were migrants. First-and second-generation migrant girls were less likely to misuse alcohol but three times more likely to be excessive Internet users. Girls of mixed origin were more likely to have their parents not living together and reported antisocial behaviours almost twice more often., Conclusions: Our findings expose a lower engagement in risk behaviours among migrants. The migrant status in these two groups is clearly buffered if other control variables are considered. Thus, we can affirm that in the present study, migrants are not a high-risk population or not more at risk than the native group. Mixed origin youths showed higher risk behaviours than natives and migrants. Special attention should be given to this specific group, as they may be more vulnerable during adolescence.