Search

Objective To characterize longitudinal changes in blood biomarkers, leukocyte composition, and gene expression following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Background LSG is an effective treatment for obesity, leading to sustainable weight loss and improvements in obesity-related comorbidities and inflammatory profiles. However, the effects of LSG on immune function and metabolism remain uncertain. Methods Prospective data were collected from 23 enrolled human subjects from a single institution. Parameters of weight, comorbidities, and trends in blood biomarkers and leukocyte subsets were observed from preoperative baseline to 1 year postsurgery in 3-month follow-up intervals. RNA sequencing was performed on pairs of whole blood samples from the first 6 subjects of the study (baseline and 3 months postsurgery) to identify genome-wide gene expression changes associated with undergoing LSG. Results LSG led to a significant decrease in mean total body weight loss (18.1%) at 3 months and among diabetic subjects a reduction in hemoglobin A1c. Improvements in clinical inflammatory and hormonal biomarkers were demonstrated as early as 3 months after LSG. A reduction in neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was observed, driven by a reduction in absolute neutrophil counts. Gene set enrichment analyses of differential whole blood gene expression demonstrated that after 3 months LSG induced transcriptomic changes not only in inflammatory cytokine pathways but also in several key metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism. Conclusions LSG induces significant changes in the composition and metabolism of immune cells as early as 3 months postoperatively. Further evaluation is required of bariatric surgery’s effects on immunometabolism and the consequences for host defense and metabolic disease.

Background Studies show that people with a migration background are often uncertain concerning the kinds of health services that are offered and where to turn to with which health concerns. Some factors, like fears or obstacles (e.g. deductibles), lead to the health system not being used (on time). This is particularly true for those who are socioeconomically or socially disadvantaged. The aim of the project was to get an insight into the information needs of this population group as a basis for producing and disseminating good health information in the future. Methods In this qualitative study co-researchers conducted guided focus groups (separated by sex) or interviews in their first languages. In total, more than 100 people from 16 different countries of origin were involved in the survey. Results In general, a substantial need for multilingual health information prepared in easy-to-understand language was expressed. Some health topics (e.g. the Austrian health system, mental health and available support) were mentioned by many participants. Other issues were relevant for few groups only (e.g. TCM). Gender differences can be seen in some groups but not in all. Besides acquaintances/relatives, general practitioners were named as main source of information. Indications can be derived on how health information should be prepared, designed and distributed. Besides multilingual health information, translation services are needed during appointments but also for the medical reports. Conclusions When searching for health information, but also when trying to understand it, language barriers are a major obstacle. Multilingual and culture-sensitive explainer videos on selected topics are an appropriate medium for reaching a broad group of people. Low-threshold multilingual regional contact points could provide an important contribution to health equity, as a guide in the health system, providing information and translation services, and setting health promotion offers. Key messages • Language barriers represent a major obstacle for vulnerable population groups with migration background in all stages of the health care process. • There is a substantial need for adequately prepared multilingual health information.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken created opportunities in various areas of life, but also created new challenges or increased existing ones, which can also have a (direct or indirect) impact on health and well-being of the population or certain population groups. This health impact assessment (HIA) was commissioned to provide an overview of these effects. The foundation of gathering information for the impact assessment was a national literature research and analysis combined with an online survey. In addition, a search of international literature was conducted by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. The impact assessment and an initial collection of recommendations for action were carried out together with relevant stakeholders in the context of several thematically merged online assessment workshops. Positive and negative - direct as well as indirect - impacts on health in different areas of life could be identified, with the negative impacts predominating in proportion. In addition to identifying the impacts, the HIA also identified groups that were particularly affected by the pandemic. In the course of this HIA, it became clear that the direct in indirect health impacts in many areas of life are interrelated (e. g., job loss, family climate, social inclusion, and psychological well-being) and that a separate discussion often fell short. This HIA provides an overview of various impacts and allows first impressions on actions for future measures in regard to the pandemic in various areas of life, according to the HiAP approach.

Das Rauchen von Wasserpfeifen (Shishas) wird immer beliebter. Doch besonders in der Winterzeit steigt auch die Anzahl von Kohlenmonoxidvergiftungen (CO-Vergiftungen) in Shisha-Bars. Vergiftungsursache ist vor allem die zu große Anzahl gleichzeitig gerauchter Shishas bei unzureichender Lüftung der Gasträume. Vor diesem Hintergrund hat die Berufsgenossenschaft Nahrungsmittel und Gastgewerbe (BGN) die CO-Emission einer Shisha in einem Wintergarten ermittelt und daraus einen Frischluftbedarf von 130 m³ pro Shisha pro Stunde abgeleitet, um so den Arbeitsplatzgrenzwert (AGW) von CO einzuhalten. In weiteren Versuchen ermittelte man die CO-Emission der Kohle beim Anzündvorgang oder bei der Bevorratung der glühenden Kohle. Außerdem wurde die Emission von polycyclischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen (PAK) und Feuchthaltemitteln messtechnisch bestimmt. Im Ergebnis zeigen spezielle Aufsätze für den Shisha-Kopf erhebliches Potenzial zur Minimierung der CO-Emission.

Semantic Web technologies such as RDF, OWL, and SPARQL can be successfully used to bridge complementary musicological information. In this paper, we describe, compare, and evaluate the datasets and workflows used to create two such aggregator projects: In Collaboration with In Concert, and JazzCats, both of which bring together a cluster of smaller projects containing concert and performance metadata. Semantische Web-Technologien wie RDF, OWL und SPARQL ermöglichen die Verknüpfung von komplementären musikwissenschaftlichen Daten. In diesem Artikel beschreiben, vergleichen und bewerten wir die Datensätze und Workflows, die zur Erstellung zweier solcher Aggregationsprojekte verwendet wurden: In Collaboration with In Concert und JazzCats, die jeweils Sammlungen kleinerer Projekte mit Konzert- und Performance-Metadaten zusammenführen. Schlüsselwörter: Musikwissenschaft, Ontologie, Workflow

The regular update of the guidelines on fibromyalgia syndrome, AWMF number 145/004, was scheduled for April 2017. The guidelines were developed by 13 scientific societies and 2 patient self-help organizations coordinated by the German Pain Society. Working groups (n =8) with a total of 42 members were formed balanced with respect to gender, medical expertise, position in the medical or scientific hierarchy and potential conflicts of interest. A search of the literature for systematic reviews on randomized, controlled trials on patient education and shared decision-making from December 2010 to May 2016 was performed in the Cochrane library, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus databases. Levels of evidence were assigned according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine version 2009. The strength of recommendations was achieved by multiple step formalized procedures to reach a consensus. Efficacy, risks, patient preferences, clinical and practical applicability of available therapies were weighed up against each other. The guidelines were reviewed and approved by the board of directors of the societies engaged in the development of the guidelines. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome should be explicitly communicated to the affected individual. Shared decision-making with the patient on the therapeutic options based on individual preferences of the patient, comorbidities and the success of previous treatment is recommended. A step-wise treatment approach depending on the severity of fibromyalgia syndrome and the response to therapeutic measures is recommended.

In non-ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy, the presence of scoliosis has a major impact on health and quality of life. The aim of this review is to raise awareness of caregivers from various professions to the extent of the problem, to explain the natural history of neuromuscular scoliosis and its pathophysiology, and to describe up-to-date optional conservative and surgical treatments.

The Austrian early childhood interventions programme (“Frühe Hilfen”) is an overall concept of health promotion measures, aiming to support families depending on their individual needs to create good conditions for raising their children. This should contribute to long-term health of the children. The manifold effects of this complex intervention on the families are to be investigated in the future. To do so, a research concept shall be developed using a participatory research approach. A selective literature search was carried out to identify concrete recommendations for participatory research and previous experiences on the participation of parents. Based on these results, semi-structured interviews and group discussions with families were carried out. According to literature, parents have rarely been used as co-researchers. Our experiences show that access to families in burdened life circumstances is possible via the low-threshold structures of our early childhood interventions programme. In 2018, 21 families participated in interviews and group discussions. The latter method is particularly well suited for obtaining targeted information from families and building trust for long-term cooperation. Still, the stressful family situations make it difficult to participate in research activities. Therefore, specific conditions are required. At present, it is clear that it is feasible to involve families and test research methods together. The next step, an equal cooperation of families and researchers, shall be achieved by the use of a research group. A small group started in Spring 2019, eventually being involved in the implementation of some methods during fall 2019. Whether families are willing to participate continuously for a long time in research activities remains unclear, so far. Key messages Participatory research with families in stressful situations needs time and patience as well as specific conditions, but it is possible. Participation of the target group in the planning phase of further research can lead to relevant insights for programme improvements.