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Children's food preferences are strongly associated with their consumption patterns. Children tend to choose foods with which they are familiar. It is proposed that the earlier and broader the experience with food, the healthier the child's or adult´s diet. In a focus group we developed a toolkit consisting of a training course for kindergarten staff, a booklet with nutrition and sensory-based information, and 55 professionally designed experiment cards. The cards came with exercises focusing on sensory tasting core food groups, including all food groups. Twenty-five kindergarten teachers completed the training, field-testing of the experiments and an online survey evaluating the cards. The evaluation was performed using frequency distributions with IBM® SPSS® 21 for Mac. Teachers reported high interest on the part of the children, good preparation for the experiments' practical implementation in kindergarten and favoured the appealing design and usability. The combination of the expert-driven development and personal training with sensory experiments is a broader approach for nutrition training and, as such, an enrichment for kindergarten teachers.

Background: Evidence so far shows that Waldorf students are characterized by average science achievement but at the same time high socioeconomic status and high science motivation. Moreover, Waldorf education is characterized by high emphasis on inquiry-based science education (IBSE). The present study investigates if the specific attitude-achievement constellation of Waldorf students in science may be explained by the high level of IBSE. Methods: Propensity score matching was applied to control for Waldorf students' more advantageous social background using the Austrian PISA 2015 sample (N = 7007 15-year old students). After propensity score matching, 1107 matched controls were included alongside all 149 Waldorf students. Results: The results show that Waldorf students report higher enjoyment in learning science and more interest in broad science topics than matched controls. On the other hand, they demonstrate lower science achievement. Mediation analyses show that, although Waldorf students' more positive attitudes towards science can be almost entirely attributed to their higher exposure to IBSE, their underperformance in science cannot. Conclusions: These results indicate that attending a school type with a high level of IBSE (Waldorf) may have positive effects on attitudinal outcomes (enjoyment and interest in science) whereas it does not seem to have notable effects on science achievement. This indicates that IBSE could be applied in educational contexts aiming to increase students' scientific attitudes.

Tropospheric ozone is an air pollutant that poses a public health problem in Europe. Climate change could increase the formation of ozone. Applying past and predicted annual total (all-cause) mortality data and modeled daily ozone concentrations, we performed a nationwide health impact assessment estimating annual ozone-related (attributable) deaths in Austria. Different approaches were compared. Estimates were based on maximal 1-h averages of ozone. Until the decade from 2045 till 2055, more people will die in Austria because of the demographic trends. Therefore, more deaths will also be attributable to ozone. Higher greenhouse gas emission scenarios (e.g. Representative Concentration Pathway RCP8.5 compared to RCP2.6) will lead to more ozone-related deaths, mostly due to the national emission of ozone precursors (a difference of 250–340 cases per year, depending on the model), but to a lesser extent because of global climate change. Increases in attributable deaths will be affected mostly by national, not global mitigation measures. National emission reduction will certainly have a strong and beneficial effect on local atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paediatric palliative and hospice care aims to improve the quality of life of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families. The number of these patients has risen significantly in recent years, resulting in an increased need for palliative care for this population. Although the need for paediatric palliative and hospice care is growing, meaningful outcome evaluation to demonstrate its effectiveness as a complex healthcare intervention is in its early stages. For complex interventions (programmes), theory-based evaluations have grown in prominence in recent years. They seek to understand how and why an intervention works by uncovering its underlying mechanisms by means of programme theory. To support both outcome evaluation in paediatric palliative care and a reflective practice of programme theorizing, we aimed to describe the construction of a programme theory for a specialist paediatric palliative and hospice care programme in Austria and to offer a reflective account of its development process. Methods: We drew on a combination of theory-based evaluation frameworks to construct a programme theory consisting of an action and a change component. Through multiple iterations, incorporating different stakeholders' perspectives and drawing on different sources of knowledge and theory, we theorized how and why the programme likely achieves its intended outcomes. Results: The programme theory outlines the proposed chains of events, causal mechanisms and outcomes of a specialist paediatric palliative and hospice care programme for children and families in several areas corresponding to its main conceptual tenets. Through a range of activities and interventions, the programme triggers coping and adaptation mechanisms that ultimately contribute to family and child wellbeing in physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Established trust and partnership between children/families and healthcare professionals as well as a person-centered and family-centered approach were identified as enabling factors. Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into how a specialized paediatric palliative and hospice care programme works to achieve its intended outcomes for children and families. This helps demonstrate its impact, contributing to meaningful outcome evaluation and service improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although diagnostic stewardship issues in clinical microbiology harbor an optimization potential for anti-infective consumption, they are only marginally addressed in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. As part of an AMS point prevalence (PPS) survey we therefore aimed to gain a more dynamic view on the microbiological awareness within therapeutic regimens. By examining whether initial microbiological sampling was performed and in which way microbiological results were incorporated into further treatment considerations we sought to find out to what extent these points determine the appropriateness of treatment regimens. Methods: PPS was performed at the University Hospital Salzburg (1524 beds) in May 2021. Relevant data was determined from the patient charts and the appropriateness of anti-infective use was assessed using predefined quality indicators. Six months after the PPS, a questionnaire was administered to clinicians to obtain information on the use of microbiological findings and their relevance in the clinic. Results: Lack of microbiological awareness in the clinical setting proved to be the key reason for an overall inadequate use of anti-infectives (35.4% of cases rated as inadequate), ahead of the aspects of dose (24.1%), empirical therapy (20.3%) and treatment duration (20.2%). This was particularly the case for broad-acting agents and was most evident in urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and pneumonia. The results of the questionnaire indicate a discrepancy between the physicians surveyed and the routine clinical setting. Conclusion: A high potential in improving the use of anti-infectives in hospitals seems to lie in a strong emphasis on microbiological diagnostic stewardship measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nachhaltigkeitsrecht is the property of Verlag Oesterreich GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) exhibits high (~50%) in-hospital mortality. The recently published Extracorporeal life Support in Cardiogenic Shock (ECLS-SHOCK) trial demonstrated the neutral effects of the use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) on all-cause death, as well as on all secondary outcomes in subjects presenting with myocardial-infarction (MI)-related CS. Here, we compared ECLS-SHOCK eligibility criteria with a real-world cohort of CS patients. Methods and Results: ECLS-SHOCK eligibility criteria were applied to a prospective single-center CS registry (the PREPARE CS registry) consisting of 557 patients who were consecutively admitted to the catheterization laboratory (cath lab) of the Medical University of Graz, Austria, due to CS (SCAI C-E). Overall use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in this cohort was 19%. Sixty-nine percent of the entire cohort had MI-related CS, 38% of whom would have met ECLS-SHOCK eligibility criteria, thus representing only 27% of the PREPARE CS registry. Exclusion from the ECLS-SHOCK trial was based on patients with initial lactate values below 3 mmol/L (n = 168; 43.6%), aged over 80 years (n = 65; 16.9%), and with a duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) exceeding 45 min (n = 22; 5.7%). The 30-day mortality of patients of the PREPARE CS registry who met the ECLS-SHOCK eligibility criteria was 57.0%, compared to 48.4% of patients in the ECLS-SHOCK trial. The patients' baseline characteristics, however, differed considerably with respect to type of infarction, age, and gender. Conclusions: In a real-world cohort of patients with MI-related CS, only 38% of patients met the eligibility criteria of the ECLS-SHOCK trial. Thus, the impact of the use of VA-ECMO on outcome parameters in MI-related CS, as observed in the ECLS-SHOCK trial, may differ in a more heterogeneous real-world CS population of the PREPARE CS registry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomophagy is directly connected with culture, explaining why it is commonly rejected in Western countries. Due to increased meat consumption in recent years with its associated negative impacts on health and sustainability, the development of products based on alternative protein sources has become urgent. The larval form of Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) has the potential to substitute meat as it requires less resources and produces less emissions compared to other forms of meat production. Therefore, in this project we have aimed to develop pasta sauces with differing mealworm contents based on a common meat sauce and to test the acceptance with 91 consumers in Austria. Three sauces (100% mealworm, 50% mealworm and 50% meat, 100% meat) were developed and tested using a 9-point hedonic scale for acceptance, and the CATA (Check-All-That-Apply) method was integrated to also receive descriptive information. The analysis of the liking data revealed that the liking for the hybrid sauce with meat and mealworm content was comparable to the meat sauce (6.9 ± 1.8. vs. 6.5 ± 1.8, p > 0.05). Less liked was the sauce with the highest mealworm content (5.7 ± 1.8, p < 0.05). The CATA analysis demonstrated the strongest positive effects on the mean in terms of how much the products were liked for the attribute "fleshy" (0.8). On the other hand, the attributes "brownish" (−0.9) or "mushy" (−1.0) had the strongest negative effects on the mean of the liking of products. We have seen that meat cannot be substituted by mealworm immediately and completely. The results suggest a stepwise substitution and the further adaptation of products regarding the (negative and positive effecting) attributes to increase consumer acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nachhaltigkeitsrecht is the property of Verlag Oesterreich GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper investigates the geographical and structural diffusion of "Viennese Monophthongization" (VM). By means of a new numerical measure to assess and compare formant movement in 18 lexical items, we provide evidence that VM is an ongoing, regular sound change transforming [aɛ̯] and [aɔ̯] gradually into [æː] and [ɒː]. Data are based on direct dialect recordings of 76 speakers in two age groups in 19 eastern and central Austrian rural locations. Results indicate that VM is diffusing from Vienna in a wave-like fashion. Even though VM is reported to have been established in other bigger cities for more than 30 years, the data show no evidence of diffusion from these cities. There are also other factors affecting the degree of formant movement: The phonetic-phonological environment (stress and the following consonant) explains most of the variance in the data, whereas no frequency effects could be found. Social identity, cultural space, and gender-related network structures are discussed as additional social factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data has become the most critical asset that companies have. Companies often lack the experience to generate the highest possible value from their data. Most current studies on this topic were not restricted to the participants' geographical location or industrial sector. The originality of this research is that a survey is sent to industrial companies in Austria solely. This article intends to answer the following research question: 'What is the current state regarding data management in Austrian industrial companies? It should start a discussion in the community if Austrian and European companies are behind their international competitors in company-wide data management. It should also give an overview of standardized KPIs, responsibilities, problems, data storage technology, and decision-making. While most industrial companies in Austria stated that their KPIs are standardized within the company and strategic decisions are based on data, Austrian companies lack behind their international competitors in terms of C-level positions for data management and a company-wide data management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Thiasos is the property of Edizioni Quasar di Severino Tognon s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Stability is an essential but frequently underrepresented fact in the study of language variation and change. Although in dialectology the distinction between "primary" and "secondary" dialect features initially led to a certain consideration of stable features as opposed to more dynamic ones, more recent empirical studies have not taken any notice of the former. The question of stability is nevertheless crucial for dialectology. For example, the extent of dialect loss cannot be assessed without establishing which forms are stable. The aim of this study is therefore to address this desideratum by investigating ten dialectal features in Austria's rural dialects. All ten examples concern variables of the vowel system which show large phonetic differences between dialect and standard variants. On the basis of a comprehensive dialect survey, both a real- and an apparent-time study is conducted to examine the extent and the factors of dialectal stability and change. The study provides evidence for a surprisingly high degree of stability and continuity in Austria's rural dialects. Changes are not only restricted to a few variables, but also limited (a) to a lexical factor -- only a small group of lexemes is not completely stable --, and (b) to a regional factor -- only some eastern parts of Austria show a higher degree of change. Other factors, such as the extent of the spatial distribution of a form or the phonetic distance to the standard, do not prove to be relevant for stability and change of the variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demographic studies on translocated primate groups provide a unique opportunity to study population dynamics, social strategies, and reproductive parameters of a species adapting to new environments. In 1996, 38 Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) of the Minoo-H group (Osaka Prefecture, Japan) were translocated to Affenberg Landskron, a four-hectare naturally forested park in southern Austria. By January 2020, the population had increased to 160 individuals, and a total of 223 births were recorded. Births peaked in late April to late May, and the timing was influenced by neither offspring sex nor parity status of the mother. Infant mortality was low (8.97%), mostly involving primiparous females, and the average interbirth intervals were shorter following the death of an infant (1.10 years) than a surviving infant (1.77 years). Females rarely had offspring with the same males repeatedly, and the reproductive success among males declined with increasing years of presence in the group. The main aspects of reproduction, mortality, and mate choice are consistent with published data on natural and provisioned populations in Japan and those translocated to other countries. The life expectancy for females, however, was relatively high (11.72% chance of reaching the age of 20), whereas birth control prevented them from using their lifetime reproductive potential. By January 2020, the number of old individuals (> 18 years; 17.5%) was close to that of juveniles (< 4 years; 22.5%). The specific group composition, along with the inability of males to emigrate out of their natal group, may affect the social dynamics of the population, which merits further attention in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the acute physiological response to aerobic short-interval training (AESIT) at various high-intensity running speeds. A minor anaerobic glycolytic energy supply was aimed to mimic the characteristics of slow continuous runs. Methods: Eight trained male runners (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] 55.5 ± 3.3 mL • kg-1 • min-1) performed an incremental treadmill exercise test (increments: 0.75 km • h-1 • min-1). Two lactate turn points (LTP1, LTP2) were determined. Subsequently, 3 randomly assigned AESIT sessions with high-intensity running-speed intervals were performed at speeds close to the speed (v) at VO2max (vVO2max) to create mean intensities of 50%, 55%, and 60% of vLTP,. AESIT sessions lasted 30 min and consisted of 10-s work phases, alternated by 20-s passive recovery phases. Results: To produce mean velocities of 50%, 55%, and 60% of vLTP,, running speeds were calculated as 18.6 ± 0.7 km/h (93.4% vVO2max), 20.2 ± 0.6 km/h (101.9% vV02max), and 22.3 ± 0.7 km/h (111 .0% vVO2max), which gave a mean blood lactate concentration (La) of 1.09 ± 0.31 mmol/L, 1.57 ± 0.52 mmol/L, and 2.09 ± 0.99 mmol/L, respectively. La at 50% of vLTP, was not significantly different from La at vLTP, (P = .8894). Mean VO2 was found at 54.0%, 58.5%, and 64.0% of VO2max, while at the end of the sessions VO2 rose to 71.1%, 80.4%, and 85.6% of VO2max, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that AESIT with 10-s work phases alternating with 20 s of passive rest and a running speed close to vVO2max gave a systemic aerobic metabolic profile similar to slow continuous runs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of suicide prevention has been enriched by research on the association between spirituality and suicide. Many authors have suggested focusing on the various dimensions of religiosity in order to better understand the association between religion and suicidal risk, but it is unclear whether the relationship between spirituality and suicidality differs between countries with different cultures, life values, and sociohistorical experiences. To explore this, the aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the possible relationship between suicide and spirituality in Italy and Austria. In the two countries, two different groups of subjects participated: psychiatric patients and university students. The patients were evaluated with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. In addition, the following measures were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale-B, the Symptom-Checklist-90-Standard, and the Multidimensional Inventory for Religious/Spiritual Well-Being. Our results confirmed the multifactorial nature of the relation between suicide risk and the various religious/spiritual dimensions, including religious/spiritual well-being and hope immanent. However, regional differences moderated this relationship in both the clinical and nonclinical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circa-monthly activity conducted by moonlight is observed in many species on Earth. Given the vast amount of artificial light at night (ALAN) that pollutes large areas around the globe, the synchronization to the circalunar cycle is often strongly perturbed. Using 2-yr data from a network of 23 photometers (Sky Quality Meters; SQM) in Austria (latitude ∼48°), we quantify how light pollution impacts the recognition of the circalunar periodicity. We do so via frequency analysis of nightly mean sky brightnesses using Fast Fourier Transforms. A very tight linear relation between the mean zenithal night sky brightness (NSB) given in |$\mathrm {mag_{SQM}\, arcsec^{-2}}$| and the amplitude of the circalunar signal is found, indicating that for sites with a mean zenithal NSB brighter than 16.5 |$\mathrm {mag_{SQM}\, arcsec^{-2}}$| the lunar rhythm practically vanishes. This finding implies that the circalunar rhythm is still detectable (within the broad bandpass of the SQM) at most places around the globe, but its amplitude against the light polluted sky is strongly reduced. We find that the circalunar contrast in zenith is reduced compared to ALAN-free sites by factors of |$\frac{1}{9}$| in the state capital of Linz (∼200 000 inhabitants) and |$\frac{1}{3}$| in small towns, e.g. Freistadt and Mattighofen, with less than 10 000 inhabitants. Only two of our sites, both situated in national parks (Bodinggraben and Zöblboden), show natural circalunar amplitudes. At our urban sites, we further detect a strong seasonal signal that is linked to the amplification of anthropogenic skyglow during the winter months due to climatological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, light pollution is a phenomenon rising in its appearance and threatening human health and natural habitats for flora and fauna. Consequently, there is a great interest in interdisciplinary communities to keep an eye on its occurrence and development. One possibility to obtain meaningful data are satellite-based observations, coming mainly from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) capturing top-of-the-atmosphere radiance levels originating from Earth's surface. Tools designed to easily inspect monthly averaged data of this instrument are web applications. In this work, we focus on dark sky areas in Austria, namely 47 nature parks, and investigate collected data from such application and their reliability in making statements about the development of artificial light at night on the ground. Including atmospheric variations and other limitations, our results lead to a detection limit in radiance change by a minimum of ± 10%. Below this value, detected changes in surface brightness must not be traced back to changes of ground-based artificial light according to a specified statistical significance of three sigma. In total, 38 of 47 nature parks are examinable, showing an increase in radiance by ∼ 42 percent over ten years in average, more than double compared to the entire national territory. As a conclusion, satellite data as analysed must be available for large periods, in order to decrease detection thresholds and make accurate statements about the development of light pollution. However, for detailed analytical research, it is highly recommended that especially dark areas globally establish ground-based light monitoring networks in their areas. • Reliability of VIIRS-lighttrend data is analysed. • Detection threshold was found for dark sky areas. • Satellite-based data are limited for long-term trends of light pollution. • Nature parks in Austria show a more rapid increase in surface radiance compared to national territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical framework to predict skyglow due to distant sources is presented, which can be applied to model sky brightness from the zenith toward the horizon along a vertical plane crossing the hemisphere in the azimuthal position of a light source. Although various powerful algorithms have been developed over the last few decades, the time needed for calculation grows exponentially with increasing size of the modelling domain. This is one of the key issues in skyglow computations, because the numerical accuracy improves only slowly as the modelling domain extends. We treat the problem theoretically, by introducing an analytical formula that is well-suited for light sources located at intermediate and long distances from an observation point and allows tremendous time savings in numerical analyses, while keeping the error at a low level. Field experiments carried out in Eastern Austria provided a unique opportunity to validate the model using real-sky luminance data. The fact that the theoretical model allows the prediction of sky luminance within an acceptable error tolerance is not only in line with the experimental data, but also provides new means of remote characterization of light emissions from artificial sources. The method is particularly attractive for rapid and simple retrieval of the amount of light escaping upwards from the dominant light sources surrounding the observation point. We expect that the method can advance the numerical modelling of skyglow substantially, because it allows real-time computations for very large territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der Klimawandel stellt eine der größten Herausforderungen unserer Zeit dar. Er hat massive Auswirkungen auf die menschliche Gesundheit. Daher ist das Gesundheitswesen gefordert a) aktiv einen Beitrag zum Klimaschutz zu leisten und b) sich verstärkt auf die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels vorzubereiten. In Österreich wurde die Thematik im Rahmen einer „Klimamahnwoche" aufgegriffen und es wurden Schritte gesetzt, um auf Ebene des Gesundheitswesens das Bewusstsein zu schärfen. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It has a massive impact on human health. Therefore, the health care system is called upon a) to make an active contribution to climate protection and b) to prepare more for the effects of climate change. In Austria, the topic was taken up in the context of a "climate reminder week" and steps were taken to raise awareness at the health care level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mit dem Klimawandel ist in Österreich eine Zunahme bei Intensität und Häufigkeit von Extremwetterereignissen wie Starkregen zu erwarten. Damit verbunden sind neben direkten Gesundheitsrisiken auch indirekte Effekte von Überschwemmungen, etwa psychosoziale Folgen, die bisher wenig im Fokus der Aufmerksamkeit stehen. Im Aktionsplan zur Österr. Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel werden Maßnahmen zur Erweiterung des Schutzes vor Naturgefahren vorgeschlagen. Eine explizite Einbeziehung von Klimawandelaspekten und dem Umgang damit ist bisher im Katastrophenmanagement kaum verankert. With climate change, an increase in intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall is to be expected in Austria. In addition to direct health effects of flooding, there are indirect effects, such as psychosocial consequences, which have so far received little attention. The Action Plan of the Austrian Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change proposes measures to increase the protection against natural hazards. An explicit inclusion of climate change aspects and how to deal with them has not been anchored in disaster management so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study retrospectively investigates causes of death among workers of a hardmetal plant in Austria. Methods: A retrospective cohort was formed of 1965 workers still employed in or after 1970. Follow-up was until end of 2014 based on national databases. Cobalt exposure was assessed through industrial hygiene data and urine analyses. cox proportional hazards models were calculated for selected causes of death. Results: During 45,598 years of observation in total 177 deaths were observed. Forty-nine workers died from any cancer, 10 from lung cancer, and three from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Only the latter showed a significant association with cumulative exposure. Conclusions: Although this is a young study population with little power to detect subtle effects, at least it does not indicate a pronounced cancer risk among tungsten carbide workers due to cobalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leptospirosis is one of the world’s mostly spread zoonoses causing acute fever. Over years, leptospirosis has been reported to occur rarely in Austria and Germany (annual incidence of 0.06/100,000 in Germany). Only imported cases have been on the increase. Objectives of this case-series study were to retrospectively assess epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of leptospirosis illnesses in South-East Austria, to describe risk exposures for autochthonous infections, and to compare patients with imported versus autochthonous infection. Methodology/Principal Findings: During the 9-year period between 2004 and 2012, 127 adult patients (49 females, 78 males) who tested positive by rapid point-of-care test for Leptospira-specific IgM (Leptocheck®) were identified through electronic hospital databases. Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with 82 patients. A total of 114 (89.8%) of the 127 patients enrolled had acquired leptospirosis within Austria and 13 (10.2%) had potentially imported infections. Most autochthonous cases were diagnosed during the months of June and July, whereas fewest were diagnosed during the winter months. Exposure to rodents, recreational activities in woods or wet areas, gardening, cleaning of basements or huts were the most common risk exposures found in autochthonous infection. Serogroups Australis (n = 23), Sejroe (n = 22), and Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 11) were identified most frequently by MAT testing in autochthonous infections. Patients with imported leptospirosis were significantly younger, less likely to be icteric and had significantly lower liver transaminase levels (p = 0.004) than those with autochthonous infections. Conclusions/Significance: Leptospirosis is endemic in South-East Austria. In contrast to reports from other countries we found a relatively high proportion of leptospirosis cases to be female (39% vs. ∼10%), likely the result of differing risk exposures for South-East Austria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The knowledge about the distribution of anthropogenic 129I is crucial for a successful establishment of transport mechanisms, fate and behaviour in the environment. In present study, the historical record of dry deposition of 129I in Austria over four decades back to the 1960s is reconstructed. The 129I/127I isotopic ratio of the order of 10−9–10−7 in airborne particles revealed a prominent anthropogenic 129I signature. The time profile of airborne 129I follows directly the pattern of the gaseous emissions from European reprocessing plants. Furthermore, temporal variations of 129I were traced monthly over two years. The potential risks of internal exposure to 129I are associated with both inhalation and ingestion. Since dose via inhalation was found insignificant, the thyroid equivalent dose from the internal exposure of 129I using a value of 10−8 for the isotopic ratio 129I/127I in the thyroid and ICRP reference man was calculated. The corresponding thyroid cancer risk factor of 10−11 for an adult from life-time exposure is one order of magnitude higher than for a 1-year old child. Due to low radiation toxicity of 129I the annual dose is 8 × 104 times lower than the dose limit of the National Research Council, USA which is 0.04 mSv y−1 to whole body or any organ for a combined beta and photon emitting radionuclide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Synthetic musk compounds are widely used as fragrance ingredients in many consumer products. Little is known about their accumulation in humans and especially in older persons. In this study, we determined concentrations of 11 synthetic musks in women above fifty years and compared the results with earlier results from samples of young females. Blood was taken from 53 women above 50 years of age, visiting outpatients of the Department of Angiology at the Hanusch-Krankenhaus in Vienna, Austria. The used analytical methods consist of an extraction and clean-up step and a chromatographic analysis by GC/MS. Tonalide-D3 was used as recovery standard in all samples. Hexachlorobenzene 13C6 was used as internal standard. Study participants also completed a questionnaire on the use of cosmetics, about nutrition and other life-style aspects. The two substances which could be detected in higher percentages of the blood plasma samples were galaxolide (89 percent, maximum concentration 6900ng/L) and musk xylene (62 percent, maximum concentration 190ng/L). Regression analysis revealed a significant association of galaxolide concentration with frequent use of perfumes, deodorants and shampoos. Frequent use of soaps and fabric softener was associated with higher plasma concentrations of musk xylene. Nutrition habits, skin type, body mass index or surface area were not related to plasma concentration of these musk compounds. From the study group investigated older persons showed higher plasma concentrations. These findings could be due to the higher use of lotions and crèmes on face and hands and a more frequent use of skin care products because older persons reported more frequently dry skin. In addition, physiological aging related changes might be responsible for higher dermal absorption of synthetic musks. These results indicate that more focus on aging tissues is needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Production of polycyclic musk compounds is increasing accompanied by a decline in nitro musk production. Although it can be assumed that due to this reduction nitro musks are less prevalent in human body fluids, there are no data available from the last decade. This study examined the concentrations of five nitro musks and six polycyclic musks in blood samples from young healthy volunteers. Blood was taken from 100 healthy students of the Medical University of Vienna. The lipophilic fraction was extracted and after purification analyzed by GC–MS. Study participants also completed a questionnaire on the use of cosmetics, about nutrition and other life-style aspects. Highest percentages of synthetic musks in blood plasma samples were found for galaxolide (91%, median 420 ng L−1) and musk xylene (79%, median 11 ng L−1). Both musk ketone and tonalide were found in 17%. In two cases musk ambrette was detected. In a multivariate approach only younger age, use of lotion and perfumes did significantly predict blood concentrations of polycyclic musks. For nitro musks except body surface area no significant predictor could be found. High percentage of the population is still exposed to nitro musk compounds although blood concentrations of nitro musks are generally lower than those of polycyclic musks. Compared to earlier investigations performed in the 1990s nitro musks were detected in lower percentages and concentrations. There seems to be no dominant source of nitro musk uptake although relationship to body surface area indicates cosmetic products applied to the skin as the likely origin of plasma concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The diagnosis of Anderson–Fabry disease is often delayed or even missed. As severe renal manifestations are a hallmark of alfa-galactosidase A (AGAL) deficiency, we tested the hypothesis that Anderson–Fabry disease is under-recognized among male kidney transplant recipients. This nation-wide study in Austria enrolled 1306 patients (ca 65% of all kidney transplanted males) from 30 kidney centers. AGAL activity was determined from filter paper dried blood spots by a fluorescence assay. A positive screening test was defined by an AGAL activity below 1.5 nmol/h/ml. In patients with a positive blood spot-screening test, AGAL activity was re-examined in peripheral blood leukocytes. Genetic testing for mutations in the GLA gene was performed by sequencing to confirm the diagnosis of Anderson–Fabry disease. Two previously not recognized cases with Anderson–Fabry disease were identified. Our study is the first showing that a diagnosis of Anderson–Fabry disease can be missed even in patients who undergo kidney transplantation. Case-finding strategies may be considered a useful tool for diagnosis of this rare disease that may be somewhat more prevalent among kidney transplant recipients compared with dialysis populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For the application demonstration of cellulose triacetate (CTA) polymer film based transparent insulation (TI) structures a technically and ecologically optimized TI facade system was developed and used to equip a south-oriented wall of a solar house meeting passive house standard in Graz, Austria. The demonstration building was equipped with an appropriate data recording system for solar irradiation, temperature, heat flux and humidity. The practical experiences within the heating periods 2002/03 and 2003/04 are reported in this paper. For the optimized TI facade system a solar energy efficiency of about 43% and a U-value of 0.76W/(m2 K) were obtained. Although CTA absorbs a high amount of water no adverse condensation phenomena were observable visually. The reasoning for these findings is explained and related to construction details. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During the last decade plastic waste has become a major problem within the industrialized countries. Many new waste management associations have been founded, and new technologies for sorting, reutilization, and/or energy recovery from sorted or mixed plastic recycling fractions have developed. The main developments will be demonstrated based on the examples of plastic waste treatment in Austria and Germany, and an outlook for the development in Europe will be given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline tailings from a salt work and a soda plant have been pumped into the southernmost part of Traunsee at Ebensee for many decades. A survey in 1981 showed an accumulation of more than 3 × 106 m3 alkaline mud in the Bay of Ebensee and the existence of slumping structures and turbidites in the profundal zone of the lake. A new survey of the industrial tailings has been performed in 1999. Compared to the earlier survey, the accumulation in the Bay of Ebensee has grown to >4 × 106 m3, which suggests an average yearly input of 90 000 m3. Slumping structures and turbidites document the unstable situation of the tailings near the waste inlet. The lake area occasionally affected by the turbidity currents in the profundal zone has increased to 19%. Within the central profundal area these tailings reach <1 m in thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woyke, Simon, Anja Hütter, Christopher Rugg, Willi Tröger, Bernd Wallner, Mathias Ströhle, and Peter Paal. Sex differences in mountain bike accidents in Austria from 2006 to 2018: a retrospective analysis. High Alt Med Biol. 25:89–93, 2024. Introduction: Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular, and mountain bike (MTB) accidents are on the rise. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in mountain biking accidents in the Austrian Alps. Methods: This retrospective study includes all MTB accidents in Austria from 2006 to 2018. Data were collected by Alpine Police officers and recorded in a national digital registry. Results: The accidents involved 5,095 mountain bikers (81% men and 19% women). The number of MTB accidents rose markedly from 208 in 2006 to 725 in 2018. Men wore a helmet more often than did women (95% vs. 92%; p = 0.001). The most common injury category was "wound/bleeding" for both sexes (men 40% and women 41%). Women were more frequently transported by helicopter or terrestrially (p > 0.001). Conclusion: In the Austrian Alps, the number of MTB accidents more than tripled between 2006 and 2018. Women were involved in only one fifth of all accidents. Sex differences in MTB accidents include (1) women wearing helmets less often, (2) women being less frequently injured, (3) women suffering fewer serious injuries, and (4) women being more frequently transported by helicopter or terrestrially, while men more often did not require transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Due to the sudden increase of pure red cell aplasia in hemodialysis patients observed predominantly in Europe between 1998 and 2002, the route of erythropoietin (EPO) administration in hemodialysis (HD) patients had been switched from s.c. to i.v. in many HD units in Austria. In accordance with the bulk of published papers providing evidence of significant EPO dose reduction with s.c. use, and the US K-DOQI guidelines as well as the European Best Practice Guidelines concerning the preferable route of EPO administration, a significant rise in EPO requirement had to be expected, if the hemoglobin of the patients were to remain stable. Methods: Nine HD units in Austria participated in this nonrandomized cross-over study. All patients (n = 349) on s.c. EPO therapy for at least 6 months were switched to i.v. EPO administration and observed for another 6 months. Hemoglobin values and EPO doses were recorded weekly, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and CRP were done monthly. The study population consisted of 203 male (58%) and 146 female (42%) patients, mean age 62.6 ±redren; 13.9 years (range 21-90), mean height 167.5 ± 8.5 cm (range 143-193), mean body weight 70.4 ± 14.9 kg (range 37-149), duration of dialysis 65.6 ± 58.6 months (range 1-339). Primary cause of renal failure was diabetes in 23%, glomerulonephritis in 24%, hypertension and renovacular disease in 16%, pyelonephritis in 10%, polycystic kidney disease in 9%, miscellaneous in 13%, and unknown in 5%. Epoetin alpha was used in 70% (group α), epoetin beta in 14% (group β), and darbepoetin alpha (group δ) in 16% of patients. To obtain comparable results in EPO use, the dose of darbepoetin alpha (in µg) was multiplied by 200, as indicated by the manufacturer. The dosing of EPO and iron substitution was left to the discretion of the participating centers. Target level of hemoglobin was ≥11 g/dl, according to the above mentioned guidelines. Results: The average weekly dose of EPO per kg of body weight (all three groups) remained stable during the s.c. and the i.v. study phase (mean [±SD], 131.0 ± 102 vs. 130.9 ± 95 IU; p ± 0.47); in particular, group α 124.0 ± 104 vs. 125.3 ± 97 IU, p = 0.34; group β 159.3 ± 79 vs. 167.0 ± 79 IU, p = 0.51; group δ 128.6 ± 100 vs. 126.2 ± 100 IU, p = 0.72). A small but statistically significant increase of the hemoglobin level was observed between the s.c. and i.v. phase (mean [±SD], 11.7 ± 1.01 vs. 11.9 ± 0.96 g/dl; p ≤ 0.001); this was due exclusively to a rise of hemoglobin in group β (11.5 ± 0.8 vs. 11.9 ± 0.7 g/dl) and group δ (11.7 ± 0.9 vs. 12.1 ± 0.8 g/dl), whereas hemoglobin in group α remained stable (11.7 ± 1.01 vs. 11.8 ± 1.02 g/dl). Most of the patients were iron-replete, as documented by a mean transferrin saturation ≥ 21%, and not differing significantly between the three groups (group α 23.3 ± 8.4%, group β 21.9 ± 4.5%, group δ 23.3 ± 5.9%). However, the ferritin level in group δ was significantly higher (328 ± 180 ng/ml) than in group α and group β (257 ± 214 ng/ml, and 236 ± 125 ng/ml, respectively). In general, transferrin saturation and ferritin levels tended to be higher during the i.v. phase as compared to the s.c. phase. Conclusions: Switching from subcutaneous to intravenous administration of EPO, while maintaining the hemoglobin in a stable target range, did not increase the average weekly dose of EPO during an observation period of twelve months in this unselected population of iron replete, chronic HD patients.… [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The activity concentrations of anthropogenic (90Sr, 137Cs) and natural (238U, 232Th, 40K, 210Pb) radionuclides were determined in eight soil profiles from three different regions in Austria (Styria, Carinthia and Salzburg). A direct correlation between the activity concentration of 90Sr and 137Cs in soil samples and site altitude was found. 90Sr and 210Pb activity concentrations were also determined in bone ash of deer hunted in these regions. Additional bone samples were collected all over Austria. Totally 39 deer bones were investigated for this work, and some values were adopted from our earlier publications to give an overview of samples collected from sites covering a broad range of altitudes. The bone and soil samples were collected in the time period of 2001–2009. The 90Sr values in deer bones are directly proportional to the values in the respective soil samples and also to the age of the animals. For the 90Sr and 210Pb determinations in bone samples first Pb was separated on a Dowex column, then Sr was purified using Sr·Spec® resin. In soil samples an additional hydroxide precipitation was employed to eliminate interfering iron. For the first time also the 3M Empore® Sr Rad disk method was successfully applied to bone samples. With this method the chemical procedure can be shortened by more than a factor of 2. The 90Sr and 210Pb fractions were measured by liquid scintillation counting, while the chemical yields were determined by ICP-MS. The activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, 232Th and 137Cs in soil samples were evaluated using gamma-ray spectrometry. The investigation was part of the PhD work of the first author. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Atmospheric concentrations of many elements have been significantly increased by human activities. The quantification of these changes and their effect on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is important because of their potentially adverse effects. The human nuclear activities, especially releases from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, are presently the main source of 129I in the environment. In this work, the concentration of 129I and the ratios of 129I/127I in aerosols weekly collected in Vienna, Austria (202ma.s.l) during the year 2001 are presented. Iodine was extracted from the aerosol filters using a strong basic solution and separated from the matrix elements by anion exchange. The chemical yield of the procedure, determined by ICP-MS, ranges from 70% to 95%. The AMS results indicated that the 129I/127I isotopic ratios were of the order 10−8 to 10−7. The 129I originated from gaseous emissions from the Sellafield reprocessing plant. The measured 129I concentrations were compared with those of 7Be, a cosmogenic radionuclide. Although, both radionuclides exhibit nearly the same distribution pattern (higher levels in summer and lower in winter) their different origins can clearly be deduced from short term variations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 236U with a half life of 2.3×107 years is naturally produced in ultra-trace amounts (236U/238U<10−10) in ores, soils and rocks, while a huge amount has been produced in nuclear power plants and possibly nuclear weapons tests by man. Thus, anthropogenic uranium may cause a significant measurement background for geological applications of natural 236U. To investigate this background, water samples from rivers, creeks and wells were collected in the alpine region of Forstau (Salzburg, Austria) and from surrounding areas. Thin sources for alpha spectrometry were prepared by anion exchange and co-precipitation with NdF3 to determine the 238U concentration. These filters were reprocessed for the analysis of the isotopic ratio 236U/238U by AMS. The special aim was the characterization of the 236U/238U ratio in natural waters and the investigation of contributions from anthropogenic sources. Our measurements of 236U in Austrian water samples from wells, rivers and creeks show the first data on the spreading of anthropogenic 236U in the general environment far from local contamination sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The goal of the present investigation was to measure 234 U/ 238 U activity ratios in pore waters of Lake Neusiedl, Austria, in order to learn more about uranium in groundwaters of the Lake Neusiedl/Seewinkel region. Pore waters of waterlogged sediments (at 1 m depth) in the littoral zone of Lake Neusiedl were analyzed. The pore water samples were collected in the National Park Lake Neusiedl/Seewinkel from pristine sites that were not influenced by neighboring fertilized fields or vineyards. Uranium isotopes were extracted from 1.5 L of sediment pore water and measured by α-particle spectrometry. Uranium concentrations were found to be unexpectedly high (up to 853 μg L −1 ) especially in pore waters of salt-rich locations. 234 U/ 238 U activity ratios were between 0.91 and 1.09 for all pore water samples, irrespective of their origin from the east or west littoral zones of the lake. Uranium and mineral salts concentrations were strongly correlated. 222 Rn concentrations were low (between 22 and 42 Bq L −1 ). The results provide insight into the high degree of mobility of U(VI) in sedimentary environments, in the presence of migrating Na 2 SO 4 -type saline waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite described benefits of aerobic high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), the acute responses during different HIIE modes and associated health risks have only been sparsely discovered in heart disease patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute responses for physiological parameters, cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers, and catecholamines yielded by two different aerobic HIIE protocols compared to continuous exercise (CE) in phase III cardiac rehabilitation. Eight cardiac patients (7 with coronary heart disease, 1 with myocarditis; 7 males, 1 female; age: 63.0 ± 9.4 years; height: 1.74 ± 0.05 m; weight: 83.6 ± 8.7 kg), all but one treated with ß-blocking agents, performed a maximal symptom-limited incremental exercise test (IET) and three different exercise tests matched for mean load (Pmean) and total duration: 1 ) short HIIE with a peak workload duration (tpeak) of 20 s and a peak workload (Ppeak) equal to the maximum power output (Pmax) from IET; 2) long HIIE with a tpeak of 4 min, Ppeak was corresponding to the power output at 85 % of maximal heart rate (HRmax) from IET; 3) CE with a target workload equal to Pmean of both HIIE modes. Acute metabolic and peak cardiorespiratory responses were significantly higher during long HIIE compared to short HIIE and CE (p < 0.05) except HRpeak which tended to be higher in long HIIE than in short HIIE (p = 0.08). Between short HIIE and CE, no significant difference was found for any parameter. Acute responses of cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers and catecholamines didn't show any significant difference between tests (p > 0.05). All health-related variables remained in a normal range in any test except NT-proBNP, which was already elevated at baseline. Despite a high Ppeak particularly in short HIIE, both HIIE modes were as safe and as well tolerated as moderate CE in cardiac patients by using our methodological approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Humans are exposed to a broad variety of man-made chemicals. Human biomonitoring (HBM) data reveal the individual body burden irrespective of sources and routes of uptake. A first population-based study was started in Austria in 2008 and was finished at the end of May 2011. This cross sectional study aims at documenting the extent, the distribution and the determinants of human exposure to industrial chemicals as well as proving the feasibility of a representative HBM study. Overall, 150 volunteers (50 families) were selected by stratified random sampling. Exposure to phthalates, trisphosphates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), bisphenol A (along with nonyl- and octyl phenol) and methyl mercury was assessed. Sixteen of 18 PBDE determined were detected above the limit of quantification (LOQ) in blood samples with #153 and #197 the most abundant species. Bisphenol A in urine was measured in a subsample of 25 with only 4 samples found above the LOQ. In 3 of 100 urine samples at least one of 8 trisphosphate compounds assessed was above the LOQ. These first analytical results of the human biomonitoring data show that the body burden of the Austrian population with respect to the assessed compounds is comparable to or even lower than in other European countries. Overall, the study revealed that in order to develop a feasible protocol for representative human biomonitoring studies procedures have to be optimized to allow for non-invasive sampling of body tissues in accordance with the main metabolic pathways. Procedures of participants’ recruitment were, however, labor intensive and have to be improved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cosmogenic radionuclides in the one-million-year half-life range offer unique possibilities for age determinations in geophysics. In measurements where the radioactive decay is being utilized as a clock, uncertainties in age determinations may be reduced if the ratio of two radioisotopes with different half-lives can be used as a chronometer. In this work we investigate the atomic ratio of atmospheric 26Al (t 1/2 =0.717Ma) to 10Be (t 1/2 =1.386Ma) measured with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), and its potential as a chronometer for dating old ice. The 26Al/10Be ratio decreases with an effective half-life of t 1/2(26Al/10Be)=1.49Ma. For its application as a chronometer, the atmospheric 26Al/10Be ratio has to be well characterized. However, the properties of atmospheric 26Al have been understood only poorly so far. At the VERA AMS facility of the University of Vienna, a first systematic study of the global variations of the 26Al/10Be ratio in the atmosphere and in surface firn has been carried out, and pilot measurements of the 26Al/10Be ratio in deep Antarctic ice have been performed. Our results indicate that this ratio is globally constant to within 5% in the atmosphere and in surface firn with a mean value of 1.89×10−3. The data also suggest that non-atmospheric sources of 26Al, such as extraterrestrial, in situ produced or re-suspended 26Al, do not contribute significantly to the observed 26Al/10Be ratio. In addition, atmospheric mixing seems to exert only a minor influence. In a first application of the method, 26Al/10Be ratios were measured in chips collected in connection with the drilling of the lowest part of an ice core (2250 to 2760m) in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. Surprisingly, variable 26Al/10Be ratios ranging between 0.5 and up to 2 times the atmospheric ratio were found at different locations in this deep ice core. While the cause for the ratios higher than atmospheric remains unexplained so far, the ratios lower than atmospheric may be caused by radioactive decay, allowing a first dating attempt using the 26Al/10Be ratio. Thus, at an ice depth of 2760m an approximate date of (6.7±2.6)×105 years was established. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: After the successful eradication of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle in Austria, the risk of infections with the border disease virus (BDV) remains. Both viruses belong to the pestivirus genus. BDV infections lead to false-positive results in BVDV surveillance. This can be attributed to the contact to small ruminant populations. In particular, keeping cattle together with sheep or goats on a farm or alpine pasture are significant risk factors. Between 2015 and 2022, BDV type 3 was detected in 15 cattles in Austria. These animals were almost exclusively persistently infected calves. However, a positive antibody result for pestiviruses can lead to an extremely time-consuming and costly, and not always successful search for the source of the infection if no active virus excretor is found. This study documents how small ruminants can be integrated into pestivirus monitoring with a manageable amount of work and costs. 23 406 sheep and goat samples from two brucellosis surveillance programs in small ruminants were analyzed retrospectively. Blood samples were examined using pestivirus real-time pool RT-PCR (qPCR). Direct virus detection of BDV-3 was achieved in 40 sheep from five different federal states. Over the entire investigation period a further 37 detections of BDV-3 were found in cattle, sheep and goats outside of this study throughout Austria. This study accounts for 52 % of all border disease detections from 2015 to 2022. By including small ruminants in pestivirus monitoring, the disruptive factor BDV and the risk of its introduction into cattle herds can be significantly minimized in the future.

Objective: The aims of the study were to determine time trends in cardiovascular risk factors among young Austrian males between 1986 and 2005 and to examine socioeconomic and geographic differences., Methods: Data on Austrian conscripts were derived from the nationwide compulsory medical investigations held at military induction at 18 years of age. Four cohorts (1986-1990: n = 252,799; 1991-1995: n = 209,266; 1996-2000: n = 208,427; 2001-2005: n = 209,168) were examined with respect to their place of residence and level of education. Height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, serum total-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Mean body mass index (BMI) was calculated: overweight was defined as BMI between 25 and <30 and obesity as BMI >or= 30. The Chi-squared test and ANOVA were used to test group differences., Results: During the 20-year observation period the prevalence of overweight increased from 13.3% to 15.7% (p < 0.001) and that of obesity from 2.6% to 5.4% (p < 0.001); in accordance, mean BMI and waist circumference increased significantly. Blood pressure and serum total-cholesterol level decreased (p < 0.001) during the period studied, although triglyceride levels (p < 0.001) increased. A significant east-west gradient was identified for the prevalence of overweight and obesity, waist circumference and mean BMI, with lower values in the urban population compared with those of rural inhabitants. Mean BMI and the prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher in conscripts belonging to lower socioeconomic strata., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a clear increase of mean BMI, waist circumference and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Austrian male adolescents during the past 20 years. Conscripts from rural regions and with lower levels of education showed the highest values. The investigation of conscript health appears to be a useful tool for risk surveillance in the male population.