Dual use in the 21st century: emerging risks and global governance

Dual use risks in the second decade of the 21st century are characterised by: diversification of dual use domains, digitalisation of potential threats, and the proliferation of actors.

Synovial sarcoma: when epigenetic changes dictate tumour development

Synovial sarcoma accounts for 10 to 20% of all soft tissue sarcomas in the adolescent and young adult population and is the most common soft tissue sarcoma after rhabdomyosarcoma. Elucidation of the pathogenesis is needed to develop effective, mechanism-based therapeutic strategies.

The Duke minor criterion "predisposing heart condition" in native valve infective endocarditis – a systematic review

The term “predisposition” is used as an indication of antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent infective endocarditis (IE) and as a criterion for diagnosing IE according to the modified Duke criteria. The criterion for diagnosing IE in native valves is not well defined.

Motivational interviewing increases autopsy rates

Autopsies are a crucial source of medical knowledge. Autopsy rates have decreased in Switzerland and many other countries. Communication between clinicians and the deceased’s sceptical relatives is crucial to obtain autopsy permission.

A community outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Geneva, Switzerland, June to September 2017

Eight confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease were identified at the Geneva University Hospitals between 28 July 2017 and 02 August 2017, leading to the detailed outbreak investigation reported here.

Does seminal vesicle-sparing robotic radical prostatectomy influence postoperative prostate-specific antigen measured with an ultrasensitive immunoassay?

The authors analysed whether sparing of the seminal vesicles during robotic radical prostatectomy affects oncological outcome in terms of ultrasensitive PSA nadir and biochemical recurrence as compared with standard robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Rationale and methods of an observational study to support the design of a nationwide surgical registry: the MIDAS study

Surgical registries are becoming increasingly popular, and Swiss legislation requires data on therapeutic outcome quality. The Swiss Association of Surgeons has agreed on a first minimum data set for a nationwide registry.

What is the profile of older drivers considered medically unfit to drive? A cross-sectional survey in Western Switzerland

In Switzerland, a medical assessment is mandatory every other year for drivers over 70. This is usually undertaken by general practitioners (GPs), except in Geneva where it is carried out by the medical assessors of the road traffic office.

Clinical presentation of 54 patients with endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia: a neurological chameleon (observational study)

Important causes of endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (EHH) in adult patients are insulinoma and adult nesidioblastosis. Data on main symptoms in EHH are scarce and controversial.

Medical-ethical guidelines: Management of dying and death

Provision of treatment, care and support for patients who are facing death is a key medical duty, requiring a high degree of respect for the patient’s dignity and autonomous wishes, and considerable ethical responsibility.