Strong, generous support for medical research emerges from a large cohort of Swiss patients

The message conveyed by the study of Bochud and colleagues is uplifting. Patients regard medical scientists as sufficiently dependable to be trusted with their most sensitive asset – their genetic and biochemical makeup.

An appreciation of Sir Adrian Peter Bird: winner of the Charles Rodolphe Brupbacher Prize for Cancer Research 2017

Adrian Bird has unquestionably made a major contribution, not only to our understanding of DNA methylation, but also to the entire field of epigenetics, which plays a key role in development and in disease.

Humanised mouse models for haematopoiesis and infectious diseases

The need to understand normal or malignant human cell development and disease heterogeneity, and to investigate novel therapeutic strategies, supported the development of “humanised” mouse models.

Innovative transition interventions to better align healthcare needs in hospitalised medical patients

In Switzerland, there is an ongoing discussion about which performance data best reflect high quality of care and which intervention would best address current challenges in a complex multimorbid inpatient population.

On the relationship between proteinuria and plasma phosphate

Chronic kidney disease is associated with a major increase in cardiovascular events and mortality. Abnormal phosphate handling related to decreased renal filtration may play an important role in this increased risk.

Genetic determinants of the epigenome in development and cancer

An increasing number of disease states involve misregulation of readers, writers or erasers of epigenetic information, emphasising their key role as modulators of gene activity.

The challenge of Takotsubo syndrome: heterogeneity of clinical features

Takotsubo syndrome, a form of acute reversible heart failure, is far more complex and heterogeneous than initially thought. Although spontaneous reversibility is a unique characteristic this syndrome, the long-term prognosis is not entirely positive.

Early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy in patients with acute kidney injury: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

Pre-emptive dialysis could theoretically improve outcomes in critically ill patients, but might expose patients who would shortly recover enough renal function to stay off dialysis to dialysis-related complications.

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator in daily clinical practice

In Switzerland, the first implantation of a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator was in November 2012. Up until the end of 2016, a total of 111 such devices have been implanted

Ascending aortic remodelling in Fabry disease after long-term enzyme replacement therapy

Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal α-galactosidase A. This defect leads to progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids in many tissues, including arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

High participation rate among 25 721 patients with broad age range in a hospital-based research project involving whole-genome sequencing – the Lausanne Institutional Biobank

Surveys indicate a relatively high interest in genetics from the general population and from patients. Also, patients engaged within genetic research are generally interested in being informed about clinically actionable incidental findings.

Evaluation of existing and desired antimicrobial stewardship activities and strategies in Swiss hospitals

Antimicrobial stewardship is a collection of strategies and tools to improve clinical outcomes and the use of antimicrobials by promoting the selection of the optimal antimicrobial regimen. Successful AMS programmes can significantly reduce overall and inappropriate antimicrobial use.

Evaluation of the National Skin Cancer Campaign: a Swiss experience of Euromelanoma

The incidence of skin cancer has been rising during recent decades and this trend is expected to continue in the future. Numerous risk factors have been identified and prevention strategies developed.

Malaria cases in Switzerland from 2005 to 2015 and recent rise of imported Plasmodium vivax malaria

Since the number of imported malaria cases has doubled in recent years in Switzerland, analysing characteristics and origins seemed essential.

Beliefs, endorsement and application of homeopathy disclosed: a survey among ambulatory care physicians

Little is currently known about the beliefs and intentions of physicians who prescribe homeopathy. Prescribing it solely with the intention of achieving placebo effects and without informing the patient is prohibited by ethical authorities.