Childhood and adolescence are critical periods in the etiology of subsequent melanoma and nonmelanocytic skin cancers. The aims of the study were (a) to develop a valid measure of solar protection in 9 to 11-year-old school students, (b) to evaluate the differential effectiveness of two interventions aimed at changing solar protection in this age group, and (c) to identify the predictors of use of a high level of solar protection. A Solar Protection Behavior Diary was developed and validated during a pilot, after which 11 schools were randomly allocated to one of three groups: intensive intervention (247 students), standard intervention (180 students), or control (185 students), with students in years 5 and 6 participating in the study. Students completed the validated diary (for 5 days) and a knowledge and attitudes questionnaire at pretest and at two posttest periods (4 weeks and 8 months after pretest). Results indicated that students in the intensive intervention group were significantly more likely to have used a high level of protection at both posttest periods compared to the control and standard intervention groups. There was no difference in the protection level of the control and standard intervention groups at either posttest, indicating that this minimal intervention was not effective in changing the solar protection behavior of the students. Students with a high level of solar protection at pretest were also significantly more likely to have a high level of protection at both posttest periods, and those with a greater number of opportunities to protect were less likely to protect at the second posttest.

A comparative, randomised, double-blind trial was performed in the medical departments of five hospitals to study the effects of regular consumption of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS) on the digestive comfort of subjects with minor functional bowel disorders (FBD). In step 1, 2235 subjects were questioned to assess the incidence and intensity of digestive disorders. In step 2, 105 of these patients diagnosed with minor FBD were randomised into two groups to receive either 5 g sc-FOS or 5 g placebo (sucrose and maltodextrins) per d over a 6-week period. The incidence and intensity of digestive disorders were assessed at the end of the treatment period (day 43) using the step 1 questionnaires. A qualityof-life questionnaire was also completed at the start and end of the treatment period to assess potential effects on well-being and social performance. In step 1, 44 % of the subjects questioned presented FBD, of whom 57·1 % suffered from minor FBD. In step 2, on day 43, the intensity of digestive disorders decreased by 43·6 % in the sc-FOS group v. a 13·8 % increase in the placebo group (P¼0·026). Symptoms were experienced less frequently by 75·0 % of subjects in the sc-FOS group, while 53·8 % of controls experienced no change (P¼0·064). Using the functional digestive disorders quality of life questionnaire, the discomfort item scores increased in the sc-FOS group (P¼ 0·031). However, expressed as change in quality of life (improvement, worsening or unchanged), daily activities were significantly improved in the sc-FOS group (P¼ 0.022). Regular consumption of sc-FOS may improve digestive comfort in a working population not undergoing medical treatment. Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides: Quality of life: Functional bowel disordersFunctional bowel disorders (FBD) are diagnosed on the basis of characteristic symptoms in the digestive system persisting for at least 12 weeks over the last 12 months in the absence of any structural or biochemical explanation 1 . The five main symptoms reported by patients are abdominal bloating, rumbling, transit disorders (occasional constipation and/or diarrhoea, possibly alternating), abdominal pains and flatulence. FBD have been reported as being chronic, non-life-threatening conditions, but having a marked impact on daily activities, wellbeing and social performance, even during symptom-free periods, mainly due to apprehension about impending pain 2 -6 .These functional disorders, influenced by psychological and environmental factors 7 , are common, with a reported prevalence of up to 61 % in the French population aged over 15 years 6 . Functional disorders thus lead to a high number of general medical and gastroenterology consultations, respectively accounting for 10 and 50 % of all medical consultations 4 -6,8 -11 . However, two-thirds of subjects with FBD never consult a doctor for their disorder. A nutritional approach therefore appears a good alternative to medication for subjects with minor FBD or individuals rejecting medical therapy. Amongst the few already ...

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IntroductionUsing French cut-offs for the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), results of the TST were compared with the results of an Interferon-γ Release Assay (IGRA) in Healthcare Workers (HCW) after contact to AFB-positive TB patients.MethodsBetween May 2006 and May 2007, a total of 148 HCWs of the University Hospital in Nantes, France were tested simultaneously with IGRA und TST. A TST was considered to indicate recent latent TB infection (LTBI) if an increase of >10 mm or if TST ≥ 15 mm for those with no previous TST result was observed. For those with a positive TST, chest X-ray was performed and preventive chemotherapy was offered.ResultsAll HCWs were BCG-vaccinated. The IGRA was positive in 18.9% and TST ≥ 10 mm was observed in 65.5%. A recent LTBI was believed to be highly probable in 30.4% following TST. Agreement between IGRA and TST was low (kappa 0.041). In 10 (16.7%) out of 60 HCWs who needed chest X-ray following TST the IGRA was positive. In 9 (20%) out of 45 HCWs to whom preventive chemotherapy was offered following TST the IGRA was positive. Of those considered TST-negative following the French guidelines, 20.5% were IGRA-positive. In a two-step strategy - positive TST verified by IGRA - 18 out of 28 (64.3%) IGRA-positive HCWs would not have been detected using French guidelines for TST interpretation.ConclusionThe introduction of IGRA in contact tracings of BCG-vaccinated HCWs reduces X-rays and preventive chemotherapies. Increasing the cut-off for a positive TST does not seem to be helpful to overcome the effect of BCG vaccination on TST.

BackgroundSinonasal adenocarcinomas are uncommon tumors which develop in the ethmoid sinus after exposure to wood dust. Although the etiology of these tumors is well defined, very little is known about their molecular basis and no diagnostic tool exists for their early detection in high-risk workers.MethodsTo identify genes involved in this disease, we performed gene expression profiling using cancer-dedicated microarrays, on nine matched samples of sinonasal adenocarcinomas and non-tumor sinusal tissue. Microarray results were validated by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry on two additional sets of tumors.ResultsAmong the genes with significant differential expression we selected LGALS4, ACS5, CLU, SRI and CCT5 for further exploration. The overexpression of LGALS4, ACS5, SRI, CCT5 and the downregulation of CLU were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed for LGALS4 (Galectin 4), ACS5 (Acyl-CoA synthetase) and CLU (Clusterin) proteins: LGALS4 was highly up-regulated, particularly in the most differentiated tumors, while CLU was lost in all tumors. The expression of ACS5, was more heterogeneous and no correlation was observed with the tumor type.ConclusionWithin our microarray study in sinonasal adenocarcinoma we identified two proteins, LGALS4 and CLU, that were significantly differentially expressed in tumors compared to normal tissue. A further evaluation on a new set of tissues, including precancerous stages and low grade tumors, is necessary to evaluate the possibility of using them as diagnostic markers.

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Our study highlighted women >40 years old, nurse managers, physicians, permanent and/or full-time workers having a high PJD. Nursing aides, medical secretary and nurses presented with high strain. Better control measures should be implemented for those socioprofessional categories to improve prevention measures. This study should be repeated in the future with a multi-centre approach to determine the generalizability of the findings.

BackgroundThe study analyzes health care workers’ (HCWs) occupational risk perception and compares exposure to occupational risk factors in Moroccan and French hospitals.MethodAcross nine public hospitals from three Moroccan regions (north, center and south), a 49 item French questionnaire, based on the Job Content Questionnaire, and 4 occupational risks subscales, was distributed to 4746 HCWs. Internal consistency of the study was determined for each subscale. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the Moroccan questionnaire. Psychosocial job demand, job decision latitude and social support scores analysis was used to isolate high strain jobs. Occupational risks and high strain perception correlation were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A comparative analysis between Moroccan and French (Nantes Hospitals) investigations data was performed.ResultsIn Morocco, 2863 HCWs (60 %) answered the questionnaire (54 % women; mean age 40 years; mean work seniority 11 years; 24 % physicians; 45 % nurses). 44 % Moroccan HCWs are at high strain. Casablanca region (1.75 OR; CI: 1.34–2.28), north Morocco (1.66 OR; CI: 1.27–2.17), midwives (2.35 OR; 95 % CI 1.51–3.68), nursing aides (1.80 OR; 95 % CI: 1.09–2.95), full-time employment (1.34 OR; 95 % CI 1.06–1.68); hypnotics, sedatives use (1.48 OR; 95 % CI 1.19–1.83), analgesics use (1.40 OR; 95 % CI 1.18–1.65) were statistically associated to high strain. 44% Moroccan HCWs are at high strain versus 37 % French (Nantes) HCWs (p < 0.001).ConclusionMoroccan HCWs have high strain activity. Moroccan HCWs and more Moroccan physicians are at high strain than Nantes HCWs. Moroccan and French’s results showed that full time workers, midwives, workers using hypnotics, and analgesics are at high strain. Our findings underscore out the importance of implementing a risk prevention plan and even a hospital reform. Further research, with an enlarged study pool will provide more information on psychosocial risks (PSR) and HCWs’ health.