Aging - Workforce : das Potenzial erkennen und mobilisieren

Die Schweizer Wirtschaft sieht sich mit den Herausforderungen des demografischen Wandels und politischen Unsicherheiten bezüglich des Zugangs zu ausländischen Fachpersonen konfrontiert. Gleichzeitig hat sie durchaus Potenzial, die Aging Workforce stärker und besser in den  Erwerbsprozess zu integrieren.  Die vorliegende metrobasel-Studie ist im Rahmen des von der Kommission für Technologie und Innovation (KTI) geförderten Forschungsprojekts „Das Potenzial der Ageing Workforce mobilisieren: Ein interdisziplinärer Ansatz zur Freisetzung der Eigeninitiative der älteren Mitarbeitenden und zum besseren „Match“ zwischen Arbeitnehmern und Arbeitgebern“ entstanden. Sie präsentiert Teilergebnisse aus der ersten Projektphase (Analyseteil), die für ein breiteres Publikum von Interesse sind. Der Bericht stützt sich auf Ergebnisse, die bei Novartis Schweiz und der SBB und damit einerseits in einem international tätigen und andererseits in einem binnenmarktorientierten, staatsnahen Konzern gewonnen wurden. Eine quantitative Umfrage wurde in beiden Firmen online durchgeführt und ergab einen Datensatz von insgesamt 2‘837 Mitarbeitenden. Zusätzlich wurden 14 einstündige, transkribierte Interviews qualitativ ausgewertet, die bei der SBB durchgeführt werden konnten. In beiden Verfahren wurden sowohl Mitarbeitende ohne Führungsfunktion als auch Mitarbeitende mit Führungsfunktion befragt. Bei den Auswertungen wurden folgende drei Schwerpunkte gesetzt: •   Mitarbeiterseitige Voraussetzungen für die Erwerbstätigkeit in späteren Berufsjahren •   Bedeutung der Eigeninitiative der Mitarbeitenden für eine längere Erwerbsätigkeit •   Bedeutung der Mitarbeitenden-Vorgesetzten-Beziehung für eine längere Erwerbstätigkeit Im Themenbereich der arbeitnehmer- bzw. mitarbeiterseitigen Voraussetzungen für die Erwerbstätigkeit in späteren Berufsjahren zeigt sich ein grosses Potenzial an gesunden, kompetenten und leistungsfähigen älteren  Mitarbeitenden in beiden Unternehmen, das weiter erschlossen werden kann. Im zweiten Themenbereich wurde der Einfluss der Eigeninitiative der Mitarbeitenden im Hinblick auf eine längere Erwerbstätigkeit untersucht. Die Auswertungen zeigen, dass Mitarbeitende, die aktiv Einfluss auf die Arbeitsinhalte und -umgebung nehmen, insgesamt länger im Erwerbsprozess bleiben.Der dritte Themenbereich fokussiert auf das Arbeitsumfeld. Die Auswertungen der Daten weisen darauf hin, dass die Mitarbeitenden-Vorgesetzten-Beziehung als treibende Kraft für eine längere Erwerbsarbeit betrachtet werden kann. Zentral ist die Förderung der Mitarbeitenden seitens der Vorgesetzten. Dabei scheint weniger der Zugang zu vorhandenen, formellen Weiterbildungsangeboten relevant, als vielmehr die individuelle Personalentwicklung.

Protección vegetal : Una mirada hacia el cuidado del ambiente y la salud humana

Desde épocas remotas las plagas de los vegetales en cultivo y en la post-cosecha han sido una preocupación para investigadores, experimentadores y agricultores, perseverando el objetivo de optimizar los rendimientos a través de un manejo de bajo impacto para el ambiente y la salud humana. Así fue como se mejoró la calidad de las formulaciones de productos fitosanitarios (PF), se restringieron y prohibieron principios activos de alta toxicidad, los registros nacionales e internacionales se volvieron cada vez más exigentes sobre todo en aspectos relacionados a la toxicología y ecotoxicología. Se incorporaron los avances tecnológicos en maquinaria agrícola de alta precisión especialmente para la aplicación de PF, se adoptó gradualmente la siembra directa como sistema conservacionista, la biotecnología aplicada a la agricultura, la adecuación a mercados de exportación entre otros. Acompañando esta tendencia a mediados del siglo XX, el sector productivo en su conjunto experimentó una transformación al acceder a las innovaciones tecnológicas que lograron un aumento de la productividad. En el dictado del curso de grado para esta temática, los tiempos no son suficientes para su desarrollo, la bibliografía está en general dispersa y existe valioso material de difícil acceso. Por tal motivo se presentan cinco capítulos que reflejan aspectos novedosos para el manejo de las plagas siguiendo los lineamientos de la buena práctica agrícola, como así también la prevención de efectos no deseables como es la generación de resistencia.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Adjuvant chemotherapy for resected biliary tract cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: The use of adjuvant treatment (AT) in resected biliary tract cancers (BTC) is still controversial. No efficacy comparison has been performed between chemotherapy (CT) and chemoradiotherapy (CTRT). A systematic review of the available evidence regarding adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in resected BTC was performed. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published. Only studies including at least 50 patients affected by tumors of gallbladder, intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal bile ducts were considered. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS). Results: Thirty studies were analyzed with a total of 22,499 patients, 3967 of whom received AC. Eleven cohorts included Western patients and 19 were Asiatic. Surgeries were classified as R0 with negative margins, R1 with positive microscopic and R2 with positive macroscopic margins. Weighted mean OS difference among experimental (AC) and control arm was 4.3 months (95% CI 0.88–7.79, P = 0.014). AC reduced the risk of death by 41% (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59, 95% CI 0.49–0.71; P < 0.001). Conclusions: AC administration gives an OS benefit in resected BTC. The results of prospective randomized studies are awaited in order to define the standard AT in BTC

Cross-cultural adaptation and patients' judgments of a Question Prompt List for Italian-speaking cancer patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Question Prompt Lists (QPLs) have proven very effective in encouraging cancer patients to ask questions, allowing them to take up a more active role during visits with the oncologist. As no such tool has yet been validated for Italian-speaking users, we carried out the cross-cultural adaptation and evaluation of an existing Australian Question Prompt List.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cross-cultural adaptation was performed in accordance with the five steps described by Guillemin and Beaton. Forward and back translations of the original tool were carried out, and the products discussed by an Expert Committee who agreed on a prefinal version of the Italian QPL, which was submitted to 30 volunteer patients for evaluation. They rated each question's adequacy of content, clarity of wording, usefulness, and generated anxiety, on a 3-point Likert scale. Based on the analysis of patient ratings, the final version of the Italian QPL was produced.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Few discrepancies between the two back translations and the original version of the instrument were noted, indicating that the Italian translation (synthesis of the 2 forward translations) was substantially accurate. Most volunteer patients felt that the questionnaire was adequate, easy to understand and useful. Only a few minor criticisms were expressed. Certain questions on diagnosis and prognosis generated the highest level of anxiety. Patient comments and ratings on clarity highlighted the need to clarify common health care terms which are not widely used by the public (i.e. guideline, multidisciplinary team and clinical trial)</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This cross-cultural adaptation has produced an Italian Question Prompt List that is now available for multi-center international studies and can be safely used with Italian-speaking cancer patients.</p

Glibenclamide Mimics Metabolic Effects of Metformin in H9c2 Cells

BACKGROUND: Sulfonylureas, such as glibenclamide, are antidiabetic drugs that stimulate beta-cell insulin secretion by binding to the sulfonylureas receptors (SURs) of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels (KATP). Glibenclamide may be also cardiotoxic, this effect being ascribed to interference with the protective function of cardiac KATP channels for which glibenclamide has high affinity. Prompted by recent evidence that glibenclamide impairs energy metabolism of renal cells, we investigated whether this drug also affects the metabolism of cardiac cells. METHODS: The cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2 was treated for 24 h with glibenclamide or metformin, a known inhibitor of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Cell viability was evaluated by sulforodhamine B assay. ATP and AMP were measured according to the enzyme coupling method and oxygen consumption by using an amperometric electrode, while Fo-F1 ATP synthase activity assay was evaluated by chemiluminescent method. Protein expression was measured by western blot. RESULTS: Glibenclamide deregulated energy balance of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts in a way similar to that of metformin. It inhibited mitochondrial complexes I, II and III with ensuing impairment of oxygen consumption and ATP synthase activity, ATP depletion and increased AMPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, glibenclamide disrupted mitochondrial subcellular organization. The perturbation of mitochondrial energy balance was associated with enhanced anaerobic glycolysis, with increased activity of phosphofructo kinase, pyruvate kinase and lactic dehydrogenase. Interestingly, some additive effects of glibenclamide and metformin were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Glibenclamide deeply alters cell metabolism in cardiac cells by impairing mitochondrial organization and function. This may further explain the risk of cardiovascular events associated with the use of this drug, alone or in combination with metformin

Consenso de la Rama de Genética de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría sobre las anomalías congénitas de mal pronóstico vital (ACMPV)

ResumenIntroducciónLa rama de genética de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría, en relación con el proyecto de ley que regula la despenalización de la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo en 3 causales, centrándose en la segunda causal que considera al «embrión o feto que padezca una alteración estructural congénita o genética incompatible con la vida extrauterina», se reunió para discutir conforme a la evidencia científica qué anomalías congénitas (AC) podrían ser incluidas en el proyecto de ley.MetodologíaLos expertos en genética clínica se centraron en 10 AC. Se efectuó revisión bibliográfica y una reunión extraordinaria para discutirla.ResultadosSe acordó no emplear el término «incompatible con la vida extrauterina», pues existen excepciones de sobrevidas más prolongadas y cambiar por «anomalía congénita de mal pronóstico vital (ACMPV)». Se evaluaron 10 AC: defectos graves de cierre del tubo neural: anencefalia, iniencefalia y craneorraquisquisis, hipoplasia pulmonar, feto acardio, ectopia cordis, triploidía no mosaico, complejo limb body wall, anomalía body stalk, trisomía 13, trisomía 18 y agenesia renal bilateral. Se analizaron los hallazgos sobre prevalencia, historia natural, métodos diagnósticos prenatales, sobrevida, casos descritos de sobrevida prolongada. Para catalogarlas como ACMPV se consideraron: sobrevida posnatal, existencia de tratamientos y evolución posterior e historia natural sin intervenciones.ConclusiónLas ACMPV incluidas serían: anencefalia, hipoplasia pulmonar severa, feto acardio, ectopia cordis cervical, triploidía no mosaico, complejo limb body wall, anomalía body stalk, trisomía 13 no mosaico, trisomía 18 no mosaico y agenesia renal bilateral. Se requiere para el diagnóstico que toda mujer gestante tenga acceso a evaluaciones ecográficas de anatomía fetal, y en ocasiones a resonancia magnética y estudios citogenéticos y moleculares.AbstractIntroductionThe Genetic Branch of the Chilean Society of Paediatrics, given the draft Law governing the decriminalisation of abortion on three grounds, focusing on the second ground, which considers the “embryo or foetus suffering from a congenital structural anomaly or a genetic disorder incompatible with life outside the womb”, met to discuss the scientific evidence according to which congenital anomalies (CA) may be included in this draft law.MethodologyExperts in clinical genetics focused on 10 CA, reviewed the literature evidence, and met to discuss it.ResultsIt was agreed not to use the term “incompatible with life outside the womb”, as there are exceptions and longer survivals, and change to “congenital anomaly of poor prognosis (CAPP)”. Ten CA were evaluated: serious defects of neural tube closure: anencephaly, iniencephaly and craniorachischisis, pulmonary hypoplasia, acardiac foetus, ectopia cordis, non-mosaic triploidy, “limb body wall” complex, “body stalk” anomaly, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and bilateral renal agenesis. Findings on the prevalence, natural history, prenatal diagnostic methods, survival, and reported cases of prolonged survival were analysed. Post-natal survival, existence of treatments, and outcomes, as well as natural history without intervention, were taken into account in classifying a CA as a CAPP.ConclusionA CAPP would be: anencephaly, severe pulmonary hypoplasia, acardiac foetus, cervical ectopia cordis, non-mosaic triploidy, limb body wall complex, body stalk anomaly, non-mosaic trisomy 13, non-mosaic trisomy 18, and bilateral renal agenesis. For their diagnosis, it is required that all pregnant women have access to assessments by foetal anatomy ultrasound and occasionally MRI, and cytogenetic and molecular testing

Microzonazione sismica di un centro abitato di piccole dimensioni: il caso studio di Sant’Agata Fossili (AL)

In questo lavoro sono descritte le attività svolte nell’ambito del Progetto Europeo Strategico RISKNAT riguardanti l’analisi di microzonazione di Sant’Agata Fossili (AL). Sono in particolare descritte tutte le indagini ed analisi numeriche condotte al fine di ottenere una microzonazione sismica di livello 3 secondo quanto previsto nelle recenti linee guida nazionali degli. Al fine inoltre di valutare le ricadute di tipo applicativo di una corretta microzonazione sismica del territorio, sono state realizzate delle simulazioni di scenario adottando come riferimento gli spettri di risposta ottenuti dall’analisi di microzonazione. Le valutazioni di scenario ottenute sono state infine confrontate con le previsioni di scenario realizzabili a priori sulla base dell’adozione degli spettri di risposta definiti nelle Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni

Prévenir les maladies psychiques dans l’enfance et l’adolescence

Die Französische Version des Artikels ist auffindbar und zitierbar unter https://doi.org/10.4414/bms.2021.20015.Psychische Erkrankungen beginnen oft schon im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Werden sie nicht frühzeitig erkannt, können sie das Leben der Betroffenen bis ins Erwachsenenalter beeinträchtigen. Deshalb gibt es in der Schweiz neben Anlaufstellen und Internetplattformen auch Informationsmaterialien, die den medizinischen Fachpersonen das Gespräch mit den Betroffenen erleichtern und die Früherkennung fördern können

Factors influencing patients’ recovery and the efficacy of a psychosocial post-discharge intervention : post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch)Purpose: The aim of this post hoc analysis was to examine self-reported recovery following a post-discharge intervention and to focus on the moderators of this intervention programme. Methods: RCT using parallel group block randomisation, including 151 patients with ≤3 hospitalisations within the last 3 years, a GAF score ≤60, and aged 18–64 years, assessed at two psychiatric hospitals from Zurich, Switzerland, between September 2011 and February 2014. In the present study, the main outcome was the OQ-45 as assessed prior to discharge from the index hospitalisation and at 12-month follow-up. Participants received either the post-discharge intervention provided by a social worker or treatment as usual (TAU). Results: Patients in the intervention group showed substantially less recovery over the 12-month observation period than controls (d = 0.44). In the TAU group, 15.6 % remained clinically impaired at 12-month follow-up as opposed to 48.1 % in the intervention group (p = 0.001). Among participants in the intervention group, an interdisciplinary meeting of significant network members was associated with less recovery (d = 0.46). Involuntary index admission (d = 0.42) and high educational degree (d = 0.52) were significant moderators of the intervention. Both factors related to less recovery over time in the intervention group relative to TAU. Conclusions: According to the OQ-45, this psychosocial post-discharge intervention revealed an unintended negative effect on self-reported recovery over time. Specifically, the meeting of significant network members related to a moderate deteriorating effect, suggesting that the involvement of some carers, relatives, or friends may cause harm to the patient. Considering with reservation pending replication, these findings could have important implications for brief interventions targeted at patients’ social networks