Comparison of two telemetric intestinal temperature devices with rectal temperature during exercise.

The experienced discomfort of rectal probes and esophageal probes for the estimation of body core temperatures has triggered the development of GI-capsules that are easy acceptable for athletes and workers due to their non-invasive characteristics.
 We compare two new GI-capsule devices with rectal temperature during cycle ergometer exercise and rest. Eight participants followed a protocol of (i) 30 min exercise with a power output of 130 W, (ii) 5 min rest, (iii) 10 min self-paced maximum exercise, and (iv) 15 min rest. Core temperature was measured using two GI-capsule devices (e-Celsius and myTemp) and rectal temperature.
 The myTemp system gave temperatures indifferent different from rectal temperature during rest and exercise. However, the factory calibrated e-Celsius system, showed a systematic underestimation of rectal temperature of 0.2 °C that is corrected in the 2018 versions. Finally, both GI-capsules react faster to temperature changes in the body compared to the rectal temperature probe during the rest period following maximum exercise

From the vendor in the hemp shop to the dealer in the alleyway? A comparison of the sources of supply of cannabis in a time of 'de-normalising' cannabis use.

Objectives: After several years of increasing 'normalisation' of cannabis use in Switzerland at the beginning of the new millennium, a reversed tendency, marked among others by a more stringent law-enforcement, set in. The presentation examines the question of where adolescents and young adults obtained cannabis, within the context of this societal change. In addition, it compares the sources of supply for cannabis with those found in studies of other European countries. Methods: Analyses are based on data from the Swiss Cannabis Monitoring Study. As part of this longitudinal, representative population survey, more than 5000 adolescents and young adults were interviewed by telephone on the topic of cannabis. Within the total sample, 593 (2004) or 554 (2007) respectively, current cannabis users replied to the questions on sources of supply. Changes in law-enforcement and societal climate concerning cannabis are assessed based on relevant literature, media reports and parliamentary discussions. Results: Whereas 22% of cannabis users stated in 2004 that they bought their cannabis from vendors in hemp shops, this proportion drastically decreased to 6% three years later. At the same time, cannabis was obtained increasingly from friends, while the proportion of users who purchased cannabis from dealers in the alleyway, more than doubled from 6% (2004) to 13% (2007). It was male cannabis users, and in particular, young adult and frequent users, who have moved into the alleyways. Generally, users who buy cannabis in the alleyway show more cannabis-related problems than those who mainly name other sources of supply, even when adjusted for sex, age and frequency of cannabis use. Discussion: Possible consequences of these changes in cannabis supply, like the risk of merging a previously cannabis-only market with other 'harder' drugs markets, are discussed

A means of improving public health in low- and middle-income countries? Benefits and challenges of international public-private partnerships

In the last two decades international public-private partnerships have become increasingly important to improving public health in low- and middle-income countries. Governments realize that involving the private sector in projects for financing, innovation, development, and distribution can make a valuable contribution to overcoming major health challenges. Private-public partnerships for health can generate numerous benefits but may also raise some concerns. To guide best practice for public-private partnerships for health to maximize benefits and minimize risks, the first step is to identify potential benefits, challenges, and motives. We define motives as the reasons why private partners enter partnerships with a public partner.; We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the PRISMA guidelines.; We reviewed the literature on the benefits and challenges of public-private partnerships for health in low- and middle-income countries provided by international pharmaceutical companies and other health-related companies. We provide a description of these benefits, challenges, as well as of motives of private partners to join partnerships. An approach of systematic categorization was used to conduct this research.; We identified six potential benefits, seven challenges, and three motives. Our main finding was a significant gap in the available academic literature on this subject. Further empirical research using both qualitative and quantitative approaches is required. From the limited information that is readily available, we conclude that public-private partnerships for health imply several benefits but with some noticeable and crucial limitations.; In this article, we provide a description of these benefits and challenges, discuss key themes, and conclude that empirical research is required to determine the full extent of the challenges addressed in the literature

Prescription of pain medication in prisons: A comparative analysis of younger and older male prisoners.

In prison populations, treating pain is particularly challenging, especially for the growing number of older prisoners. The objective was to find out about prevalence, frequency, and types of pain medications prescribed to older prisoners (≥50 years) in comparison with younger prisoners (<50 years). Data were collected in Switzerland as part of a study on ageing prisoners' health. Fifteen prisons (out of 26 of the total eligible population) agreed to take part, and data from medical records of 190 older and 190 younger male prisoners were analysed. Descriptive statistics on pain medication prescriptions (excluding drugs used in opioid dependence) were carried out and differences between the 2 age groups tested for statistical significance. More than half of younger and older prisoners were prescribed pain medication during the past 180 days, while 10% of younger and 15% of older prisoners were prescribed pain medication on a daily basis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and "other analgesics and antipyretics" were most frequently prescribed. Significantly (P < .05), more younger than older prisoners were prescribed NSAIDs and drugs to treat muscle skeletal pain. Tramadol was the opioid most often prescribed. This is the first empirical study investigating prescriptions of pain medication in Swiss prisoners on a national level. It shows that nonopioid pain medication is an important part of health care provision inside prison, while there are only few prescriptions of strong opioids. Research is needed to investigate whether the standard set by the principle of equivalence is met regarding treatment of pain in prison

Can routine data from prisoners' files be used to estimate prevalence rates of illicit drug use among prisoners?

The paper examines whether routine data from prisoners' files is a useful basis to estimate prevalence rates of illicit drug use among prisoners. Medico-legal files of 190 younger (20-49 years) and 190 older (50-75 years) male prisoners from 13 prisons in Switzerland were analysed. Indications of illicit drug use were extracted based on recorded legal measures, notes from health care professionals, diagnoses related to the use of illicit substances, prescribed medications, other treatment indicators, and results from mandatory drug tests in prison. Estimated lifetime prevalence of illicit drug use based on those indicators is 50.0% for younger and 24.2% for older prisoners. Current cannabis use is an estimated 10.0% and current cocaine, opioids, or other drug use 4.7% for younger prisoners. Among older prisoners, prevalence of current cannabis use is an estimated 3.2% and of other drug use 0.5%. The paper concludes that analysing routine data is a reasonable alternative to surveys if prisoners' files are kept more complete and concise and if data is collected for no other purpose than to benefit prisoners' health