Search

The aim of the work is to evaluate the spatial distribution of Hg in the soil-plant system within an area where intense activity of Hg was dominant over a long period. An abandoned metallurgical plant from the 17th-18th centuries was chosen as the study area. It is situated in Almadenejos within the Almadén mining district (Spain) that constitutes the largest and most unusual concentration of mercury in the world and has provided a third of the entire world production of mercury (Hg). Nowadays, this study area is covered with cinnabar mine tailings and village habitants use it for livestock. The area has elevated Hg concentrations of natural origin and from human activities. Soil parameters are similar throughout the study area; however, data reveal high variability in total and available Hg concentrations in soils, making it difficult to establish a tendency. Marrubium vulgare L.has been studied due to its high presence in the field plot, and there is no evidence of phenological toxicity. Furthermore, in spite of elevated Hg concentrations, a good biological activity is tested in the soil samples. All these characteristics, spatial variation, high Hg concentration, good biological activity, enhance the peculiarity of the study area for studies involving Hg.

Integrative medicine proposes a coordinated approach to conventional medicine and complementary treatments. This approach is of particular interest in the field of prevention and in comprehensive primary care. This article presents some key studies published in 2020, which highlight the potential benefits of an integrative approach in primary care medicine., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Myiasis is an infestation by maggots. In humans, it predominates in regions with low socio-economic development. We report on two cases of myiasis acquired during a tropical travel and in Switzerland, respectively. The first one presented as a furunculous-like disease due to the invasion of subcutaneous tissues by Cordylobia sp. larvae. The second corresponded to a chronic wound infestation that resulted in a rarely reported bacteremia due to Ignatzschineria larvae, a commensal bacteria of maggots' digestive tract. Surgery was necessary in both cases, mainly for psychological reasons in the first case. Both the entomologist and molecular biology were instrumental for treatment decisions., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Physician satisfaction and well-being are essential for work efficiency and patient quality of care. Improvements can be made on two levels. Physician-directed interventions are aimed at improving resilience and reduce stress. Organization-directed interventions should improve working conditions, through schedule reorganization, work procedures optimization and team spirit promotion. Best results are obtained with the combination of both types of intervention., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Many treatments are used every day in general medicine without any evidence of their efficacy. This last year, three randomised studies tried to prove the clinical utility of chondroitin/glucosamine in arthritis, cranberry in urinary infections, and acupuncture in migraine. Screening and management of prostate cancer are still controversial. Two recent studies help us advising our patients on this difficult topic. Muscle side effects from statins are well known and have been widely relayed by the press these last years, although myopathies are rare in clinical trials. A new study try to determine if negative expectations could favor such adverse events., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Initiated within the first 72 hours of the rash, the aim of antiviral drugs prescribing is to reduce both acute neuralgia (AN) and later complications and especially postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). However their analgesic as well as preventative effect on AN and PHN is modest. With the lack of the preventive vaccine in Switzerland and in the absence of more effective antiviral drugs, combinations with analgesic drugs are often needed in pain management. However medication selection and prescribed dosage in the context of old patients' frailty, co-morbidities and often polypharmacy must be carefully considered. Based on analysing the evidences from the literature, this review presents the therapeutic options we have at one's disposal and proposes a stepwise management for both AN and PHN specifically designed for aged population.