B Acad Nat Med Paris
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More than 1 240 species of bats are known; many of them are insectivorous, others are frugivorous and some american species are haematophagous. More than 100 diferent viruses are associated with these mammals, particularly Rhabdoviridae (Lyssavirus like rabies virus), Paramyxoviridae (like Nipah and Hendra viruses), Filoviridae (Ebola and Marburg viruses) and Coronavirida (viruses causing SARS and MERS). ⋯ For those viruses, bats are efficient reservoirs and disseminators. So, they represent a significative risk for human and animal public health, that justifies to set up surveillance of bat-associated viruses and research programs about the particular immunity mechanisms of bats.
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B Acad Nat Med Paris · Apr 2014
Review[Antidepressants do prevent suicide, at least pending something better...].
Suicide is a major public health problem worldwide, with about 1.5 million deaths each year France ranks 7th in the EU Patients with depression account for the majority of completed suicides. As most of these individuals are not adequately treated, it is conceivable that better treatment of depression would reduce suicide mortality. ⋯ Here we summarize data from the different types of studies that have cast a shadow over these drugs which can save lives when used effectively to treat depression. Better knowledge of the pathophysiology of "suicidal behaviour disorder" should identify therapeutic targets for innovative agents capable of preventing suicide.
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B Acad Nat Med Paris · Apr 2014
Review[Surrogate pregnancy with regard to marriage between persons of the same sex].
After first defining surrogacy, distinguishing between cases in which the pregnancy results from the surrogate's own egg or a donor egg, and examining the different configurations of male homosexual families, the authors outline French and foreign legislation and provide a summary of the literature and of French working group hearings. Arguments for and against lifting the ban on surrogacy for gay couples are examined. The main arguments for lifting the ban are the following: 1) the same-sex couple's desire to start a family from their own gene pool, 2) current obstacles to adoption, 3) the notion of equality between heterosexual and homosexual couples, 4) frequent recourse to surrogacy abroad, which is not only very costly but also leaves the child in a state of legal limbo on its return to France, and 5) the lack of access to therapeutic alternatives. ⋯ The aim of this study is to bring together all the factors potentially influencing the health consequences of surrogacy, for both the mother and the child, especially if surrogacy were to be legalized for male homosexual couples. Surrogacy raises issues far beyond purely medical considerations and is primarily a societal issue that must be settled by the legislator: Short-term and especially long-term physical and psychological risks, particularly for the child, are poorly documented. If it is decided to legalize surrogacy, then a rigorous, objective and strictly regulated program must be set up to assess the related risks.
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Since the publication of the French national survey of violence against women in 2000, the fight against domestic violence has made steady progress. Knowledge of the phenomenon has significantly improved. A nationwide study of murders and manslaughters perpetrated by one partner of a couple against the other has been published annually since 2006. ⋯ A recent survey of 1472 French medical students showed that, while 90 % of them said they had received no training in this area, 93 % considered that doctors should play a role and 95 % said they felt highly concerned. Specific university diplomas have been created and domestic violence is now included in the midwifery curriculum. The delicate question of prevention remains to be resolved; a program is currently being tested.