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Labour force in the art sector is characterised by high qualification, but low income for those people who perform the core contribution in art, i.e. the artists. As artists are typically self-dependent in managing their business, they should have managerial skills besides those skills necessary to perform their artistic core activities. If the lack of managerial skills is a reason why artists fail to make a living from their talent, then this chain of cause and effect could be ruptured by adequate educational opportunities. This paper analyses the curricula of a wide range of institutions offering art education programmes and identifies their managerial learning content. In doing so, we focused on German-speaking countries, the so-called DACH region (i.e. Germany, Austria and Switzerland, whereas D, A and CH are country codes). We identified and analysed 159 course syllabi of 81 art universities, schools and academies. The results of our study indicate a lack of managerial learning contents: a vast majority of institutions follow a rather traditional approach to art education, focusing solely on artistic competences. We suggest the implementation of managerial learning contents to better prepare art students for successful careers in the arts.

In this article, the author highlights theoretical positions from the field of contemporary art that articulate the dialogical and relational aesthetic of contemporary socially-engaged art practices. To illustrate and examine the dimensions of such a social aesthetic in practice, the author shares the practice of Canadian artist, Julie Fiala, through a community project entitled "Lounging on Red Couches". Then, following a discussion of currents in art education that espouse elements of a dialogical and relational aesthetic, the author proposes that the social aesthetic emanating from the realm of contemporary art provides a useful theoretical framework for art education. The author concludes by highlighting key elements of a post-formal social aesthetic for art education. (Contains 2 figures.)

Different models have been used in science and practice to identify instream large-wood (LW) sources and to estimate LW supply to rivers. This contribution reviews the existing models proposed in the last 35 years and compares two of the most recent geographic information system (GIS)-based models by applying them to 40 catchments in Switzerland. Both models, which we call here the empirical GIS approach (EGA) and fuzzy-logic GIS approach (FGA), consider landslides, debris flows, bank erosion, and mobilization of instream wood as recruitment processes and compute volumetric estimates of LW supply based on three different scenarios of process frequency and magnitude. Despite being developed following similar concepts and fed with similar input data, the results from the two models differ markedly. In general, estimated supply wood volumes were larger in each of the scenarios when computed with the FGA and lower with the EGA models. Landslides were the dominant process identified by the EGA, whereas bank erosion was the predominant process according to the FGA model. These differences are discussed, and results are compared to available observations coming from a unique database. Regardless of the limitations of these models, they are useful tools for hazard assessment, the design of infrastructure, and other management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces the new research project of the Geneva Art-Law Centre, which aims to study alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods for art-related disputes. It gives a brief introduction on the topic of the research the project - the significant potential of ADR mechanisms in art law - and provides an overview of the growing international consideration for ADR in art-law matters. While types of art-related disputes vary considerably from case to case, certain common features may be identified to explain the need for adapted dispute resolution in this area. The Art-Law Centre's research project will involve the creation of an Art-Law ADR Database recording art-related disputes worldwide that were resolved by means of ADR methods, as well as a thorough case analysis. To illustrate the nature of the research project, this paper specifies the different project stages and gives examples of collected art-law cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on African art in museums. It explores the Museum of Ethnography in Geneva (MEG) in Geneva, Switzerland for its renovation of gallery spaces. Information about the history of ethnographic museums and their role in culture and society is offered and the issue of globalization is discussed. Other museums mentioned in the article include the British Museum in London, England and the Louvre and the Musée de quai Branly, both in Paris, France. The differences between ethnographic museums and art museums are examined and the goals of the MEG are elaborated and its galleries, facility, and exhibitions are described.

Background: Dolutegravir (DTG)-based dual therapy is becoming a new paradigm for both the initiation and maintenance of HIV treatment. The SIMPL'HIV study investigated the outcomes of virologically suppressed patients on standard combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) switching to DTG + emtricitabine (FTC). We present the 48-week efficacy and safety data on DTG + FTC versus cART., Methods and Findings: SIMPL'HIV was a multicenter, open-label, non-inferiority randomized trial with a factorial design among treatment-experienced people with HIV in Switzerland. Participants were enrolled between 12 May 2017 and 30 May 2018. Patients virologically suppressed for at least 24 weeks on standard cART were randomized 1:1 to switching to DTG + FTC or to continuing cART, and 1:1 to simplified patient-centered monitoring versus standard monitoring. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients virologically suppressed with <100 copies/ml through 48 weeks. The secondary endpoints included virological suppression at 48 weeks according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) snapshot analysis. Non-inferiority of DTG + FTC versus cART for viral suppression was assessed using a stratified Mantel-Haenszel risk difference, with non-inferiority declared if the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval was greater than -12%. Adverse events were monitored to assess safety. Quality of life was evaluated using the PROQOL-HIV questionnaire. Ninety-three participants were randomized to DTG + FTC, and 94 individuals to cART. Median nadir CD4 count was 246 cells/mm3; median age was 48 years; 17% of participants were female. DTG + FTC was non-inferior to cART. The proportion of patients with viral suppression (<100 copies/ml) through 48 weeks was 93.5% in the DTG + FTC arm and 94.7% in the cART arm in the intention-to-treat population (risk difference -1.2%; 95% CI -7.8% to 5.6%). Per-protocol analysis showed similar results, with viral suppression in 96.5% of patients in both arms (risk difference 0.0%; 95% CI -5.6% to 5.5%). There was no relevant interaction between the type of treatment and monitoring (interaction ratio 0.98; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.13; p = 0.81). Using the FDA snapshot algorithm, 84/93 (90.3%) participants in the DTG + FTC arm had an HIV-1 RNA viral load of <50 copies/ml compared to 86/94 (91.5%) participants on standard cART (risk difference -1.1%; 95% CI -9.3% to 7.1%; p = 0.791). The overall proportion of patients with adverse events and discontinuations did not differ by randomization arm. The proportion of patients with serious adverse events was higher in the cART arm (16%) compared to the DTG + FTC arm (6.5%) (p = 0.041), but none was considered to be related to the study medication. Quality of life improved more between baseline and week 48 in the DTG + FTC compared to the cART arm (adjusted difference +2.6; 95% CI +0.4 to +4.7). The study's main limitations included a rather small proportion of women included, the open label design, and its short duration., Conclusions: In this study, DTG + FTC as maintenance therapy was non-inferior to cART in terms of efficacy, with a similar safety profile and a greater improvement in quality of life, thus expanding the offer of 2-drug simplification options among virologically suppressed individuals., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03160105., Competing Interests: I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: KJM has received travel grants and honoraria from Gilead Sciences, Roche Diagnostics, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Bristol-Myers Squibb, ViiV and Abbott; and the University of Zurich received research grants from Gilead Science, Roche, and Merck Sharp & Dohme for studies that Dr Metzner serves as principal investigator, and advisory board honoraria from Gilead Sciences. AC is a member of the WHO guidelines panel (GSG) from 2017 up to 2020. The HIV Unit of Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) received unrestricted educational grants from ViiV, AbbVie, Gilead and MSD; ViiV, Gilead and MSD also provided financial support to the LIPO group and metabolism (day hospital) in the HIV/AIDS Unit of HUG. HFG has received unrestricted Research Grants from Gilead Sciences and Roche; fees for data and safety monitoring board membership from Merck; consulting/advisory board membership fees from Gilead Sciences, ViiV, Merck, Sandoz and Mepha. MS has received advisory board honoraria (paid to the institution) from Gilead, MSD Janssen, ViiV, Sandoz and Mepha and travel/conference Grants from Gilead and MSD. MC institution received Research Grants from Gilead and Viiv, and expert opinion’s fees from Abbvie, Gilead, MSD, Viiv and Sandoz. DLB has received honoraria and travel grants from Merck, Gilead and ViiV. GW has received research grants from Gilead Sciences and travel grants/honoraria from Gilead Sciences, AbbVie and ViiV, (paid to the institution). ME is a member of the Editorial Board of Plos Medicine. DS, AM, MB, ME, SY, LD, AL, PS, EB and PV have no competing of interests to declare.

Since September 1, 2001, castration of male calves and small ruminants in Switzerland is not allowed without anesthesia. The use of rubber rings for that purpose is forbidden. This change of the legislation has been claimed by the Swiss consumers and is aimed to increase the animal welfare. The current paper provides a review of the different techniques of anesthesia and castration that may be advocated in male ruminants. Sedation with xylazine and injection of lidocaine in the area of the base of the scrotum, followed by closed castration with the Burdizzo represents a safe technique for painfree castration of calves and lambs.

This article reports on two unique cultural exhibitions (2005 and 2007) held in Morges, Switzerland. The main theme for these exhibitions was Asian martial arts with a focus on those from Japan, including presentations by notable masters in aikido, karate, judo, kyudo, iaido, kenjutsu, jodo, juttejutsu, kusarigamajutsu, naginatajutsu, tameshigiri, and kendo. On exhibit were artifacts from Morges Castle museum collections as well as numerous ancient objects borrowed specifically for these exhibitions from other Swiss museums and private collections. There was also a lecture on Japanese sword collecting and care, and presentations of Japanese dance, flower arranging (ikebana), the art of tea (châ no yu, châdo), paper folding (origami), traditional kimono dress, and detailed demonstrations on the manufacture of bladed weapons. Text and photography were arranged to record these events for this article, showing how excellent organization and cooperation can introduce high-quality martial traditions to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Electric Retina is an interactive sculpture built by the artist Jill Scott. This project is the result of her residency at the Institute of Zoology (Zurich) neurobiological laboratory and is an artistic interpretation of the lab's research on zebrafish vision. This trans-disciplinary collaboration has served to communicate scientific findings to the general public. Moreover, learning different styles and modes of communication required for interfacing with the general public and with the artist has been a worthwhile experience for the scientists involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Physics of Aesthetics conference in Barcelona introduced the paradigms of the liveliest aspects of physics. One hundred years after Einstein's annus mirabilis, physics continues making progress, and the authors participated with internationally well-known scientists in drawing the outline of its more attractive face. Universal questions naturally arose, relating to the limits of our perception, the design of matter and the narrative of the complexity surrounding us. Local non-scientist personalities helped to distill aesthetics from the contemporary tendencies of this scientific discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)-containing combinations were introduced in Switzerland after October 2016 and are recommended over tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in patients with osteoporosis or impaired renal function., Methods: We included all participants of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study on TDF-containing antiretroviral therapy with follow-up visits after January 2016. We determined the proportion of switches from TDF to TAF overall, and among patients with risk factors for TDF toxicity, including osteoporosis, impaired renal function or marked proteinuria. We used multivariable logistic regression to explore predictors of switching from TDF to TAF., Results: We included 5'012 patients, of whom 652 (13.0%) had risk factors for TDF toxicity. A switch from TDF to TAF was undertaken in 2'796 (55.8%) individuals overall, and in 465 (71.3%) with risk factors. Predictors of switching to TAF were male sex (adjusted odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.50), age > 50 years (1.43, 1.23-1.66) and the presence of risk factors for TDF toxicity (2.21, 1.77-2.75). In contrast, patients with a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based single-pill regimen (0.11, 0.09-0.13), those treated in non-tertiary care centers (0.56, 0.46-0.70), as well as those with CD4 cell counts below 500/μL (0.77, 0.66-0.90) and with chronic hepatitis C infection (0.66, 0.54-0.80) were most likely to stay on TDF., Conclusions: Over 50% of patients on TDF-containing therapy, including the majority of patients at risk for TDF toxicity, were switched to TAF within two years of its introduction in Switzerland. Individuals on NNRTI-based single-pill regimens were most likely to remain on TDF.

The article provides information on the Eighteenth International Conference on Public Education, held in Geneva, Switzerland from July 1 to 12, 1955. The delegates discussed international problems related to education. There were one hundred thirty-four official delegates who came from sixty-five nations, seventeen of whom were women. Art and school finance were the two special topics that were on the agenda. The delegates also discussed the general progress reports in education from all countries.

The article discusses the life and works of artist Paul Klee who was born in 1879 in Bern, Switzerland. According to the author, despite the appreciation received by Klee due to his paintings his original graphic prints have not achieved a great reputation which are now placed at the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. However, many considered him as one of the most outstanding twentieth century artist whose influence upon students, designers and other artists is beyond meaning calculation.

The modern decoration of the Saint Nicolas de Myre Church at Semsales (1924–1926), is the first by renowned Italian artist Gino Severini in Switzerland. Following archival research and visual examination, the materials and the techniques used by Severini for the wall paintings of this church were examined through a multi-technique analytical approach that included both non-invasive and invasive investigations. Archival research revealed lists of some of the materials purchased for the church and notes of the artists. In situ investigations included imaging methods and point analyses (X-ray fluorescence and reflection FT-IR spectroscopy). Based on non-invasive results, a limited number of representative samples were collected for laboratory invasive analyses (SEM-EDS, FTIR-FPA imaging, μ-Raman and GC-MS) to characterize the stratigraphy and the composition of the paintings. Results were coherent with artist's notes and revealed protein-based binders, i.e. animal glue and casein, exclusively on the Trinity mural (in the apse) confirming the use of a secco technique. All the other wall paintings analyzed at Semsales are painted without the use of organic binders. These findings, integrated with archival researches and the visual examination by conservators, provided significant insights into the materials and techniques used by Gino Severini in his first Swiss murals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of state-of-the-art management of early breast cancer in Switzerland.Patients and methods: The study included 3499 women aged 25–79 years diagnosed with invasive breast cancer stages I–IIIA in 2003–2005. Patients were identified through population-based cancer registries and treated in all kinds of settings. Concordance with national and international recommendations was assessed for 10 items covering surgery, radiotherapy, systemic adjuvant therapy and histopathology reporting. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of high (10 points) and low (≤7 points) concordance.Results: In one-third of the patients, management met guidelines in all items, whereas in about one-fifth, three or more items did not comply. Treatment by a surgeon with caseload in the upper tercile and team involved in clinical research were independent predictors of a high score, whereas treatment by a surgeon with a caseload in the lower tercile was associated with a low score. Socioeconomic characteristics such as income and education were not independent predictors, but patient's place of residence and age independently predicted management according to recommendations.Conclusion: Specialization and involvement in clinical research seem to be key elements for enhancing the quality of early breast cancer management at population level. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a detailed comparison of the Swiss and German policy-making process regarding the issue of assisted reproductive technology (ART). A brief overview of the different stages of the decision-making processes in both countries since the beginning of the 1980s is discussed. The resulting policies of both countries are compared in order to reveal the similarities in terms of policy style. It also offers an explanation for the policy choices in each country. The article concludes by comparing the explanations for the two countries.

Principles: Women of reproductive age with cancer fear for their childbearing potential as a result of the cancer itself and chemo- and/or radiation-therapy., Methods: Starting in 2006, a dedicated task force was set up at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) to handle all cancer and fertility issues and, in certain cases, offer access to emergency assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to preserve further childbearing options. Help provided by the task force was offered within a multidisciplinary framework encompassing psychological counselling offered to each patient or couple., Results: We report here the salient points of the experience gained through dedicated psychological counselling offered to cancer patients concerned about their future fecundity. This was done with the intention of underscoring the most clinically relevant lessons learned through our experience at CHUV., Conclusions: The specific 'cancer and fertility' counselling instituted at CHUV offers support for young women or couples confronted with stressful cancer and fertility issues. This type of specific counselling, the resource counselling, appears to be a particularly appropriate tool for patients abruptly involved in difficult decision-making processes under time constraints and thus extremely vulnerable. The personal feedbacks from the patients also confirm the importance of offering specific counselling and timely psychological support of the type reported here to all women of reproductive age before starting chemo- and/or radiation-therapy.

Copyright of Informationswissenschaft: Theorie, Methode & Praxis / Sciences de l’information: Théorie, Méthode & Pratique is the property of University Library of Bern 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.)

The Geneva Free Port in Switzerland has paved the way for a new generation of art and luxury free ports. These are critical spatial pivots for the management of art assets, including storage and transactions of artworks, and serve as proxy to examine mechanisms for the capture and generation of value, integral but also outside the global art market. Drawing from the trajectory of the Geneva Free Port and an interdisciplinary body of scholarship on "offshore" and other special zones of production, and value circulation in human geography, anthropology, history, and sociology, this article frames free ports in a longer genealogy of offshore capitalism. First, we claim that the emergence of the Geneva Free Port prefigures and helps illuminate contemporary transformations in offshore capitalism; second, these spaces are more deeply imbricated with public and state authorities than previously suggested. Finally, a holistic understanding of art capital—works of art for investment and asset management—requires an encompassing view of free ports not as accidental and exceptional features in the world of high art but as spaces deeply implicated in the creation and operation of the art market more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, life expectancy has increased considerably in past years, and the importance of finding ways to ensure good levels of wellbeing through aging has become more important than ever. Arts based interventions are promising in this respect, and the literature suggests that musical activities can reduce isolation and anxiety and foster feelings of achievement and self-confidence. The present study examined the effects of group music making programs on the health and wellbeing of nursing home residents in Southern Switzerland. A team of professional and student musicians delivered 10 weekly music sessions in four nursing homes, focusing on singing, rhythm-based activities with percussion instruments, and listening to short, live performances. 22 participants (16 women and 6 men, aged 72-95 years, mean 83.6, SD ± 6.9) were recruited to take part in the study and were interviewed after the last music session. The data were analyzed with thematic analysis to investigate how residents experienced group music making and its effects. The findings show that the music programs were beneficial for residents' wellbeing. Music plays an important role in their lives, both in their pasts and presently, and being involved in musical activities offers engagement and novelty in daily life, providing learning opportunities and facilitating interpersonal relationships. Moreover, these results were due to interactions with the musicians involved. Residents particularly appreciated the opportunity to listen to live performances as part of the sessions. This study suggests that nursing home residents value music and that music based interventions play an important and direct role in enhancing their wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Przeglad Sejmowy is the property of Kancelaria Sejmu 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.)

Reports on European conceptual artists' participation in a cultural experiment at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. Creation of original works of art featuring high-energy physics; Exhibition of artwork in the traveling exhibition entitled `Signatures of the Invisible'; Organization of the project by filmmaker Ken McMullen.

Previews the art exhibit "Sièges d' Afrique du Musée Barbier-Mueller," at the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva, Switzerland from November 29, 2003 through March 22, 2004. Description of the seats from sub-Saharan Africa; Collectors of the seats; Catalogue for the exhibition.

Background: The burden of herpes zoster (shingles) virus and associated complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, is higher in older adults and has a significant impact on quality of life. The incidence of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia is increased in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to an age-matched general population, including PLWH on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) with no detectable viremia and normal CD4 counts. PLWH – even on effective ART may- exhibit sustained immune dysfunction, as well as defects in cells involved in the response to vaccines. In the context of herpes zoster, it is therefore important to assess the immune response to varicella zoster virus vaccination in older PLWH and to determine whether it significantly differs to that of HIV-uninfected healthy adults or younger PLWH. We aim at bridging these knowledge gaps by conducting a multicentric, international, non-randomised clinical study (SHINGR'HIV) with prospective data collection after vaccination with an adjuvant recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in two distinct populations: in PLWH on long-term ART (> 10 years) over 50 years of and age/gender matched controls. Methods: We will recruit participants from two large established HIV cohorts in Switzerland and in France in addition to age-/gender-matched HIV-uninfected controls. Participants will receive two doses of RZV two months apart. In depth-evaluation of the humoral, cellular, and innate immune responses and safety profile of the RZV will be performed to address the combined effect of aging and potential immune deficiencies due to chronic HIV infection. The primary study outcome will compare the geometric mean titer (GMT) of gE-specific total IgG measured 1 month after the second dose of RZV between different age groups of PLWH and between PLWH and age-/gender-matched HIV-uninfected controls. Discussion: The SHINGR'HIV trial will provide robust data on the immunogenicity and safety profile of RZV in older PLWH to support vaccination guidelines in this population. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05575830. Registered on 12 October 2022. Eu Clinical Trial Register (EUCT number 2023-504482-23-00). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the art exhibitions "Action Painting" at the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland from January 27-May 12, 2008 and "Action/Abstraction: Pollock, de Kooning, and American Art, 1940-1976," at the Jewish Museum in New York City from May 4-September 21, 2008.

Background: Coercion is one of the most important challenges in mental health. In Switzerland, forced medication can be applied during an emergency (Art. 435 of the Civil Code) or over a longer period in case of endangerment of others or oneself (Art. 434). We aimed to analyze the predictors of this specific treatment without consent. Methods: Forced medication prescriptions in the Division of Adult Psychiatry of the Geneva University Hospitals between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Medication under Article 434 was the main outcome variable. Age, gender, admission mode, main diagnosis, and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) score at admission were considered as potential predictors. T-test and Pearson's chi-square test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables. A logistic regression was performed to find significant predictors of forced medication. Results: Seventy-one out of 4,326 inpatients were subjected to forced medication under Art. 434. HoNOS global scores at admission were not significantly different in the forced medication group compared to the control group. Aggressive behavior was lower in the former at the univariate level. Forced medication was associated at the multivariate level with female gender, involuntary admission, and psychosis. Conclusion: Women suffering from psychosis are more at risk of receiving involuntary and repeated medication. The risk of deterioration in psychosocial functioning or behavioral disorganization seems to be the main argument for this coercive measure. Future studies should focus on the patient's perception of this coercion to prevent it and improve adherence to care. Follow-up after discharge might be useful to evaluate a long-term benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Given the impact of new antiretroviral drugs on weight and metabolic parameters, their potential contribution to the development of liver steatosis is of concern. We investigated the determinants of liver steatosis in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Methods Between 2019 and 2021, we measured liver stiffness and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using transient elastography in consecutive SHCS participants at Bern University Hospital. Individuals with viral hepatitis coinfection and pregnant women were excluded. We used multivariable logistic regression to explore factors associated with steatosis. Results Of 416 participants, 113 (27.2%) were female, median age was 51 years (interquartile range [IQR], 43–59), 305 (73.3%) were of European origin, and 212 (51.0%) were overweight/obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m2). Liver steatosis (CAP ≥248 dB/m) was present in 212 (51.0%) participants, 11 (5.2%) of whom had significant fibrosis or cirrhosis. One hundred seventy-nine (43.0%) met the criteria for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Among 64 individuals with a BMI <25 kg/m2 and liver steatosis, 31 (48.4%) had MAFLD. In multivariable analyses, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (adjusted odds ratio, 5.76; 95% confidence interval, 3.57–9.29), age ≥50 years (1.88, 1.14–3.09), European origin (3.16, 1.69–5.89), and current use of tenofovir alafenamide (1.70, 1.08–2.69) were associated with liver steatosis. Exposure to integrase inhibitors was not associated with liver steatosis (0.83, 0.51–1.37). Conclusions Our findings suggest a high prevalence of liver steatosis among people with HIV (PWH) on ART in Switzerland. In addition to established risk factors, the use of tenofovir alafenamide was associated with hepatic steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Does the gonadotropin (GN) starting dose and the addition of clomiphene citrate (CC) during the early follicular phase influence oocyte yield in poor responders undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment?Summary Answer: The number of retrieved oocytes was similar regardless of the starting dose of GN (150 versus 450 IU) with or without the addition of CC (100 mg from Day 3 to 7 versus placebo).What Is Known Already: ART in poor responders is a challenge for patients and clinicians. So far, randomised controlled studies addressing interventions have shown that neither the GN dose nor the addition of oral medication has any significant effect on the clinical outcome of ART in poor responders. There is limited knowledge about the effect of GN starting dose in combination with CC during the early follicular phase of ovarian stimulation on ovarian response markers and ART outcome.Study Design, Size, Duration: This single-centre randomised double-blinded clinical trial was conducted from August 2013 until November 2017. Using the Bologna criteria, 220 of 2288 patients (9.6%) were identified as poor responders and 114 eligible participants underwent ovarian stimulation in a GnRH-antagonist protocol for ART.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: The participants were equally randomised to one of four treatment arms: Group A (n = 28) received 100 mg CC (Day 3-7) and a starting dose of 450 IU HMG, Group B (n = 29) received 100 mg CC and a starting dose of 150 IU HMG, Group C (n = 30) received placebo and a starting dose of 450 IU HMG and Group D (n = 27) received placebo and a starting dose of 150 IU HMG. Serum levels of FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone were measured on Day 1 and 5 and on the day of ovulation induction. Available embryos were cultured up to the blastocyst stage and were always transferred in the same cycle. The primary outcome was the number of oocytes collected after ovarian stimulation. Other outcome measures were response to ovarian stimulation, embryo development and obstetrical outcome.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: All study participants (n = 114) fulfilled at least two of the Bologna criteria for poor responders. Median age of the study population was 38.5 years. There were 109 patients who underwent oocyte retrieval. The number of oocytes retrieved was similar among the groups (±SD; 95% confidence intervals); A: 2.85 (±0.48; 2.04-3.98), B: 4.32 (±0.59; 3.31-5.64); C: 3.33 (±0.52; 2.45-4.54); D: 3.22 (±0.51; 2.36-4.41); P overall = 0.246. However, ovarian stimulation with 150 IU plus CC resulted in a higher number of blastocysts compared to ovarian stimulation with 450 IU plus CC (±SD; 95% confidence intervals); A: 0.83 (±0.15; 0.58-1.2), B: 1.77 (±0.21; 1.42-2.22); P overall = 0.006. Mean FSH serum levels were lower in the groups with a starting dose of 150 IU. Adding CC did not affect mean serum FSH levels. There were no differences in estradiol concentrations among the groups. Endometrial thickness was lower in the groups receiving CC. The overall live birth rate (LBR) was 12.3%, and the cumulative LBR was 14.7%.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: The trial was powered to detect differences in neither the number of blastocysts nor the LBR, which would be the preferable primary outcome of interventional trials in ART.Wider Implications Of the Findings: We found that ovarian stimulation with 150 IU gonadotrophin in combination with 100 mg CC produced more blastocysts. The effect of adding CC to GN on LBR in poor responders remains to be proven in randomised trials. High GN doses (450 IU) resulted in high FSH serum levels but increased neither the estradiol levels nor the number of retrieved oocytes, implying that granulosa cell function is not improved by high FSH serum levels. Lower starting doses of GN lead to a reduction of costs of medication. The small but significant difference in blastocyst formation and the lower FSH levels in the treatment groups receiving less GN may be an indication of better oocyte quality with higher developmental competence.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): The costs for the HMG used for ovarian stimulation were provided by IBSA Switzerland. The study was also supported by the Repronatal Foundation, Basel, Switzerland. The authors declare no conflict of interest.Trial Registration Number: NCT01577472.Trial Registration Date: 13 April 2012.Date Of First Patient’s Enrolment: August 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the basic instruments of direct democracy is the referendum, which is particularly developed in Switzerland. In Poland, due to historical conditions, there is no tradition of using referendums; however, in recent years, the participation of citizens in public co-decision has started to be implemented through the instruments of governance (participatory democracy), i.e. the village council fund and participatory budgeting. Apart from the basic function, i.e. active participation in making public decisions, all the above-mentioned instruments should also fulfill another important role: it is social control in the financial sphere. Therefore, this study attempts to answer the following research question: do the instruments of direct and participatory democracy fulfil the function of social control in the field of public financial decisions, and if so, how? According to the adopted hypothesis, both the forms of direct and participatory democracy also constitute (contain) elements of social control of the activities of public authorities. And by their very nature, these legal instruments of social control are implemented in the form of ex ante external control. To verify this view, the study interprets the content of foreign and domestic acts of universally binding law (cantonal constitutions, statutory provisions). Keywords: participatory budgeting, referendums, social control, village fund [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]