Impact of risk factors on cardiovascular risk: a perspective on risk estimation in a Swiss population.

Introduction: In models and scores for estimating cardiovascular risk (CVR), the relative weightings given to blood pressure measurements (BPMs), and biometric and laboratory variables are such that even large differences in blood pressure lead to rather low differences in the resulting total risk when compared with other concurrent risk factors. We evaluated this phenomenon based on the PROCAM score, using BPMs made by volunteer subjects at home (HBPMs) and automated ambulatory BPMs (ABPMs) carried out in the same subjects.

Methods: A total of 153 volunteers provided the data needed to estimate their CVR by means of the PROCAM formula.

Comparisons of home and daytime ambulatory blood pressure measurements.

Background: Home (HBPM) and ambulatory (ABPM) blood pressure measurements have their advantages and disadvantages in diagnosing and managing hypertension. We studied HBPMs and ABPMs in volunteers taking part in a survey.

Methods: Of 366 respondents, 270 provided a total of 5997 triplicate HBPMs (Part 1); 175 also provided data on ABPMs, of which the measurements obtained between 6 am and 10 pm were used in this study (Part 2).

The development of artemisinin resistance in malaria: reasons and solutions.

Despite world-wide efforts in fighting malaria, this mosquito-borne infectious disease is a huge burden for the population, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. The WHO recommends artemisinin-based combination therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, artemisinin resistance cannot now be ignored.

A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles.

Rose hip, rose hip and seed and rose hip seed, all were negatively monographed by the German Commission E due to insufficient evidence of effects and effectiveness. Therefore a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to summarize the pharmacological and clinical effects of Rosa canina L. to reevaluate its usefulness in traditional medicine.

An observational study and quantification of the actives in a supplement with Sambucus nigra and Asparagus officinalis used for weight reduction.

The aim of the study was to obtain information on the content of co-active compounds of a food supplement recommended as a weight reduction diet and on its short-term effectiveness and safety as a starter for lifestyle change. Eighty participants completed the protocol. The Sambucus nigra L.