Sun-related knowledge and attitude of primary and secondary schoolchildren in western Switzerland

Abstract Background: Switzerland experiences the highest incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Europe and rates are highest in the western (French-speaking) part of Switzerland. However, despite prevention campaigns for about 30 years and the increased risk of melanoma with sun overexposure during childhood, little is known about sun-related knowledge and attitudes of Swiss children. Objectives: To investigate schoolchildren knowledge and sources of information about the adverse health effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, attitude towards a suntan and parental influence in a western canton of Switzerland (Neuchâtel). Methods: All pupils from 5th, 8th and 11th grades (average ages of 9, 12 and 15, respectively) in the 18 primary (5th grade, n=431) and secondary (8th and 11th grades, n=837) public schools of La Chaux-de- Fonds were surveyed during regular school classes. Response rate was 91% (1154/1268). Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of suntan preferences. Results: Swiss children had an overall high sun-related knowledge. Eight out of 10 knew about the risk of skin cancer and could recognize the most susceptible skin phototype. The level of knowledge increased significantly with age. Girls, older children (11th grade), fair-skinned subjects and those who reported preferring a tanned skin obtained the highest knowledge score. The main channel of information about UV radiation and sun protection was parents (76%), followed by school (11%) and media (9%). Seeking a suntan was associated with children of skin type III-IV, of higher sun-related knowledge and coming from families of lower socio-professional status (SPS). Parental sensitization (56%) and encouragement (61%) towards sun protective behaviours was more common among fair-skinned children and children coming from higher SPS. Conclusions: The high awareness of skin cancer risk among Swiss schoolchildren does not systematically translate into appropriate attitude. Changing the current pro-tan attitude remains a crucial challenge in order to improve children's sun behaviour. Community wide intervention programs involving parents, teachers, peers and primary care clinicians could be considered for Swiss skin cancer prevention campaigns

Nuclear localization of mouse fibroblast growth factor 2 requires N-terminal and C-terminal sequences

In vertebrates, different isoforms of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) exist, which differ by their N-terminal extension. They show different localization and expression levels and exert distinct biological effects. Nevertheless, genetic inactivation of all FGF2 isoforms in the mouse results in only mild phenotypes. Here, we analyzed mouse FGF2, and show that, as in the human, mouse FGF2 contains CTG-initiated high molecular-weight (HMW) isoforms, which contain a nuclear localization signal, and which mediate localization of this isoform to the nucleus. Using green fluorescent protein-FGF2 fusions, we furthermore observed, that C-terminal deletions disable nuclear localization of the short low-molecular-weight (LMW) 18-kDa isoform. This loss of specific localization is accompanied by a loss in heparin binding. We therefore suggest that, first, localization of mouse FGF2 is comparable to that in other vertebrates and, second, FGF2 contains at least two sequences important for nuclear localization, a nuclear localization sequence at the N terminus which is only contained in the HMW isoform, and another sequence at the C terminus, which is only required for localization of the LMW 18-kDa isofor

Caloric restriction induces energy-sparing alterations in skeletal muscle contraction, fiber composition and local thyroid hormone metabolism that persist during catch-up fat upon refeeding.

Weight regain after caloric restriction results in accelerated fat storage in adipose tissue. This catch-up fat phenomenon is postulated to result partly from suppressed skeletal muscle thermogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms are elusive. We investigated whether the reduced rate of skeletal muscle contraction-relaxation cycle that occurs after caloric restriction persists during weight recovery and could contribute to catch-up fat. Using a rat model of semistarvation-refeeding, in which fat recovery is driven by suppressed thermogenesis, we show that contraction and relaxation of leg muscles are slower after both semistarvation and refeeding. These effects are associated with (i) higher expression of muscle deiodinase type 3 (DIO3), which inactivates tri-iodothyronine (T3), and lower expression of T3-activating enzyme, deiodinase type 2 (DIO2), (ii) slower net formation of T3 from its T4 precursor in muscles, and (iii) accumulation of slow fibers at the expense of fast fibers. These semistarvation-induced changes persisted during recovery and correlated with impaired expression of transcription factors involved in slow-twitch muscle development. We conclude that diminished muscle thermogenesis following caloric restriction results from reduced muscle T3 levels, alteration in muscle-specific transcription factors, and fast-to-slow fiber shift causing slower contractility. These energy-sparing effects persist during weight recovery and contribute to catch-up fat

Des prestations à valeur ajoutée au sein d’une orientation professionnelle: état des lieux et perspectives pour le Centre d’information sur les études et les professions (CIEP) de Lausanne

Le présent mandat est réalisé pour le Centre d’information sur les études et les professions (CIEP) de Lausanne. Ce centre de documentation est consacré à l’information sur les professions ainsi que les filières de formation. Il offre un appui documentaire et des informations sur les métiers et les écoles ainsi que sur les voies de formation, de perfectionnement et de réorientation. Dans un contexte en pleine évolution, le CIEP souhaite prendre du recul sur ses prestations et bénéficier d’un regard extérieur sur celles-ci. Dans un premier temps, ce travail présente le contexte institutionnel dans lequel le CIEP évolue, ainsi que les services qu’il offre actuellement à ses usagers. Ensuite, une revue de la littérature sur le rôle du documentaliste et sa plus-value, de manière générale puis dans le contexte d’une orientation professionnelle, est effectuée. Dans la même partie, la notion de services à valeur ajoutée est explicitée. Suite à cette base théorique, des entretiens sont menés dans diverses institutions similaires afin de prendre connaissance de leurs prestations, dans le but de s’en inspirer. L’objectif de ce projet est donc d’effectuer un tour d’horizon des pratiques actuelles ainsi que des services offerts par les professionnels de l’information au sein des orientations professionnelles. De ces retours d’expériences ainsi que de la revue de la littérature découlent des recommandations concrètes en matière de services à valeur ajoutée pour le CIEP. Ces propositions se déclinent en trois scénarii, à savoir un idéal, un réaliste et un minimal. En l’occurrence, le modèle de la Cité des métiers est une solution optimale à implanter dans le canton de Vaud, tout comme cela a été fait il y a une dizaine d’années à Genève. Néanmoins, ce type d’infrastructure demande un investissement financier et en ressources humaines conséquent qui n’est pas possible pour le moment. C’est pourquoi les scénarii réaliste et minimal proposent des solutions réalisables avec les ressources actuelles du CIEP. Il s’agit notamment d’un renforcement des partenariats tant internes qu’externes, de la mise en place de « points relais » au sein des bibliothèques municipales ou encore de l’élaboration d’un service de référence en ligne

Nuclear localization of mouse fibroblast growth factor 2 requires N-terminal and C-terminal sequences.

In vertebrates, different isoforms of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) exist, which differ by their N-terminal extension. They show different localization and expression levels and exert distinct biological effects. Nevertheless, genetic inactivation of all FGF2 isoforms in the mouse results in only mild phenotypes. Here, we analyzed mouse FGF2, and show that, as in the human, mouse FGF2 contains CTG-initiated high molecular-weight (HMW) isoforms, which contain a nuclear localization signal, and which mediate localization of this isoform to the nucleus. Using green fluorescent protein-FGF2 fusions, we furthermore observed, that C-terminal deletions disable nuclear localization of the short low-molecular-weight (LMW) 18-kDa isoform. This loss of specific localization is accompanied by a loss in heparin binding. We therefore suggest that, first, localization of mouse FGF2 is comparable to that in other vertebrates and, second, FGF2 contains at least two sequences important for nuclear localization, a nuclear localization sequence at the N terminus which is only contained in the HMW isoform, and another sequence at the C terminus, which is only required for localization of the LMW 18-kDa isoform

How Inhibition Relates to Impulsivity after Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Impulsive behaviors and poor inhibition performances are frequently described in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, few studies have examined impulsivity and associated inhibition impairments in these patients. Twenty-eight patients with moderate to severe TBI and 27 matched controls performed a stop-signal task designed to assess prepotent response inhibition (the ability to inhibit a dominant or automatic motor response) in a neutral or emotional context and a recent negative task to assess resistance to proactive interference (the ability to resist the intrusion into memory of information that was previously relevant but has since become irrelevant). Informants of each patient completed a short questionnaire designed to assess impulsivity. Patients showed a significant increase in current urgency, lack of premeditation, and lack of perseverance when retrospectively compared with the preinjury condition. Group comparisons revealed poorer prepotent response inhibition and resistance to proactive interference performances in patients with TBI. Finally, correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between urgency (the tendency to act rashly when distressed) and prepotent response inhibition in patients with TBI. This study sheds new light on the construct of impulsivity after a TBI, its related cognitive mechanisms, and its potential role in problematic behaviors described after a TBI. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1-9

Increasing upper limb training intensity in chronic stroke using embodied virtual reality: a pilot study.

Technology-mediated neurorehabilitation is suggested to enhance training intensity and therefore functional gains. Here, we used a novel virtual reality (VR) system for task-specific upper extremity training after stroke. The system offers interactive exercises integrating motor priming techniques and embodied visuomotor feedback. In this pilot study, we examined (i) rehabilitation dose and training intensity, (ii) functional improvements, and (iii) safety and tolerance when exposed to intensive VR rehabilitation. Ten outpatient stroke survivors with chronic (>6 months) upper extremity paresis participated in a ten-session VR-based upper limb rehabilitation program (2 sessions/week). All participants completed all sessions of the treatment. In total, they received a median of 403 min of upper limb therapy, with 290 min of effective training. Within that time, participants performed a median of 4713 goal-directed movements. Importantly, training intensity increased progressively across sessions from 13.2 to 17.3 movements per minute. Clinical measures show that despite being in the chronic phase, where recovery potential is thought to be limited, participants showed a median improvement rate of 5.3% in motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity; FMA-UE) post intervention compared to baseline, and of 15.4% at one-month follow-up. For three of them, this improvement was clinically significant. A significant improvement in shoulder active range of motion (AROM) was also observed at follow-up. Participants reported very low levels of pain, stress and fatigue following each session of training, indicating that the intensive VR intervention was well tolerated. No severe adverse events were reported. All participants expressed their interest in continuing the intervention at the hospital or even at home, suggesting high levels of adherence and motivation for the provided intervention. This pilot study showed how a dedicated VR system could deliver high rehabilitation doses and, importantly, intensive training in chronic stroke survivors. FMA-UE and AROM results suggest that task-specific VR training may be beneficial for further functional recovery both in the chronic stage of stroke. Longitudinal studies with higher doses and sample sizes are required to confirm the therapy effectiveness. This trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database (registration number NCT03094650 ) on 14 March 2017

Brain-actuated functional electrical stimulation elicits lasting arm motor recovery after stroke

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are used in stroke rehabilitation to translate brain signals into intended movements of the paralyzed limb. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of BCI-based therapies remain unclear. Here we show that BCI coupled to functional electrical stimulation (FES) elicits significant, clinically relevant, and lasting motor recovery in chronic stroke survivors more effectively than sham FES. Such recovery is associated to quantitative signatures of functional neuroplasticity. BCI patients exhibit a significant functional recovery after the intervention, which remains 6–12 months after the end of therapy. Electroencephalography analysis pinpoints significant differences in favor of the BCI group, mainly consisting in an increase in functional connectivity between motor areas in the affected hemisphere. This increase is significantly correlated with functional improvement. Results illustrate how a BCI–FES therapy can drive significant functional recovery and purposeful plasticity thanks to contingent activation of body natural efferent and afferent pathways