Review of environmental airborne pyrene/benzo[a]pyrene levels from industrial emissions for the improvement of 1-hydroxypyrene biomonitoring interpretation.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants of significant public health concern, with several that are highly toxic to humans, including some proven or suspected carcinogens. To account for the high variability of PAH mixtures encountered in occupational settings, adjusting urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) levels by the total airborne pyrene (PyrT)/benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) ratio is essential for human biomonitoring (HBM). Given the complexity and cost of systematically monitoring atmospheric levels, alternative approaches to simultaneous airborne and HBM are required.

[The contribution of cognitive-behavioural therapies to smoking cessation].

Introduction: Behavioural therapies have been developed on the basis of Pavlov's and Skinner's learning theories. They have recently benefited from advances in the understanding of information handling and the organisation of perceptions of experience. It is for these two reasons that these treatments are called cognitive behaviour therapies (CBT).

[Behavioral and cognitive therapy for social phobia in a smoker].

Introduction: Social phobias are associated with nicotine addiction, and treatment for them can enable the patient to stop smoking.

Case: A patient seeking treatment to stop smoking was found to have a social phobia, which was treated with behavioral and cognitive therapy. At the end of this treatment, the patient spontaneously and without aids stopped smoking.

Use of formoterol dry powder administered for three months via a single-dose inhaler in 1,380 asthmatic patients.

Formoterol is a long-acting beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist available in a single-dose breath-actuated device (Foradil) for asthma treatment. Since efficacy and ease of use are key factors for compliance to therapy, the aim of this study was to assess correct use, efficacy and safety of Foradil in a 3-month, open, uncontrolled, multicenter trial. This study was performed on 1,380 patients with moderate or severe persistent asthma treated with inhaled corticosteroid (age: 48.