Cement Leakage after Augmentation of Osteoporotic Vertebral Bodies. / Zementaustritt nach Augmentation osteoporotischer Wirbelkörper.

Cement leakage is the most common complication of vertebral cement augmentation. The present study investigated cement leakage rates in spinal cement augmentation procedures and identified potential risk factors for cement leakage.140 cases (258 vertebrae) in 131 consecutive patients and nine postmortem cases were evaluated. A total of 258 cement-augmented vertebrae were studied. The data for this were obtained from the hospital records of 131 patients who underwent such operations in 2 orthopaedic trauma surgery clinics in the FRG and from the examinations of 9 postmortem cases at the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf.Cement leaks were identified in 64 of the 140 cases (45.7%). Local cement leaks were the most common type of leak, accounting for 73.4% of leaks (n = 47). Venous leaks were evaluated in 15 cases (23.4%) and pulmonary embolisations in 2 cases (3.1%). Within the group of retrospectively studied cases (n = 131), only one patient (0.8%) suffered a symptomatic cement leak. Cement augmentation of fractures to lumbar vertebrae and application of large doses of cement were identified as risk factors for cement leakage.Both the data in the literature relevant to the topic and the results of this work demonstrate a high incidence of cement leakage after vertebral body augmentation procedures. Risk factors for cement leakage are described. Despite the low percentage of symptomatic cases, the possible factors influencing cement leakage should be considered and included in the surgical planning when planning and performing cement augmentations on vertebral bodies.

Chronological age estimation based on dental mineralization for Syrian population.

Dental age assessment based on evaluating dental mineralization status is one of the most common methods used in forensic practice. The aim of this study is to enhance the accuracy of age diagnostics and provide reference data from the Syrian population for forensic application. After several selection steps, a total of 280 orthopantomograms (OPGs) from 140 males and 140 females from the Syrian population divided into 14 age groups between 12 and 25 years were analysed. Based on Demirjian's classification system, the mineralization stages of third molars (18, 28, 38 and 48) as well as lower second molars (37 and 47) were evaluated. Statistical investigations and evaluations were carried out to estimate the marginal probabilities of the subjects having attained ages 14 and 18 by generalized estimating equation models. Our results show that no significant differences can be revealed in the mineralization status with respect to jaw side and sex. In the Syrian population, third molars showing mineralization stage G provide evidence of reaching the age of 14 years with the highest standard of proof ("beyond reasonable doubt"). A completed mineralization in lower second molars (stage H) provides very high marginal probabilities (more than 90%) of the subjects having attained age 14 years. Nevertheless, this cannot exclude an age under 14 years. For the age threshold of 18 years, third molars showing incomplete root development (G dental stage or lower) are associated with a low probability (less than 40%) of the subject having reached 18 years of age. A person's probability of having attained 18 years of age is very high (82- 95%) when the roots of third molars are fully developed (stage H). Nevertheless, third molars at stage H do not conclusively exclude an age under 18 years.

Biopsies from patients with sacral insufficiency fracture are characterized by low bone matrix mineralization and high turnover.

Sacral insufficiency fractures are known to occur primarily in older women without adequate trauma. While an association with low bone mineral density (ie, osteoporosis) has been reported, more detailed information on local bone quality properties in affected patients is not available. In the present study, core biopsies were obtained from the S1 sacral ala in patients with a bilateral sacral insufficiency fracture (type IV according to the fragility fractures of the pelvis classification) who required surgical stabilization. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and laboratory bone metabolism analyses were performed. For comparison, control biopsies were acquired from skeletally intact age- and sex-matched donors during autopsy. A total of 31 biopsies (fracture: n = 19; control: n = 12) were evaluated by micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry on undecalcified sections, and quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI). DXA measurements showed mean T-scores in the range of osteoporosis in the fracture cohort (T-scoremin -2.6 ± 0.8). Biochemical analysis of bone metabolism parameters revealed high serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine levels. In the biopsies, a loss of trabecular microstructure along with increased osteoid values were detected in the fracture patients compared with controls (osteoid volume per bone volume 5.9 ± 3.5 vs. 0.9 ± 0.5%, p <.001). We also found evidence of microfractures with chronic healing processes (ie, microcallus) as well as pronounced hypomineralization in the biopsies of the fracture cohort compared with the controls as evidenced by lower CaMean measured by qBEI (22.5 ± 1.6 vs. 24.2 ± 0.5 wt%, p =.003). In conclusion, this high-resolution biopsy study provides evidence of local hypomineralization in patients with sacral insufficiency fractures, pointing to reduced fracture resistance but also a distinct phenotype other than the predominant loss of trabeculae as in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Our data highlight the importance of therapies that promote bone mineralization to optimally treat and prevent sacral insufficiency fractures.

[Influence of neurological diseases on mobility and ability to drive]. / Einfluss neurologischer Erkrankungen auf Beweglichkeit und Fahreignung.

Neurology deals with organic diseases of the muscles, the peripheral nerves of the trunk and extremities, and the central nervous system (spinal cord, brain, stem, cerebellum, and cerebrum). Diseases that lead to dysfunction of these structures can cause both physical and cognitive problems. Therefore, neurological diseases can particularly impair personal mobility through both physical limitations and cognitive deficits. Many of the diseases show a significant increase in frequency with age.Physical impairments in mobility primarily manifest as gait disorders. These are found to a relevant extent in two-thirds of people older than 80 years of age and are a common cause of falls, often with considerable sequelae. Driving a car can have negative effects, for example, on reaction speed, braking power, and looking over the shoulder. Parkinson's disease as well as paralysis and sensory disorders in the context of polyneuropathies can be responsible for this.Driving a car is an obvious compensatory mechanism with respect to impaired walking ability. However, the cause of many diseases that affect the fitness to walk lies in the central nervous system, often in the area of the cerebrum. Consequently, cognitive deficits manifest themselves in addition to physical ones, which further restrict mobility through the loss of the fitness to drive. Neurological diseases typical of old age that limit mobility in this way include Parkinson's disease and circulatory disorders of the brain. In addition, epileptic seizures occur more frequently in old age as a symptom of other diseases.

[Mobility, driving, and functional competence in older people-selected results from the Longitudinal Urban Cohort Ageing Study (LUCAS)]. / Mobilität, Autofahren und funktionale Kompetenz bei älteren Menschen ­ Ausgewählte Ergebnisse einer Längsschnittstudie zur Alterung urbaner Kohorten (LUCAS).

Mobility is crucial for independent living in old age. Older people with reduced physical ability (frailty) begin to limit their personal range of activities to their immediate living environment and ultimately to their immediate home. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system as well as neurological, psychological, cognitive, sensory, and circulatory disorders can limit functional competence (ability to live independently).In the Longitudinal Urban Cohort Ageing Study (LUCAS), from which selected results are reported in this article, participants were categorized into different functional classes (Robust, postRobust, preFrail, Frail) using the LUCAS functional index. The results show that losses in functional competence were associated with impaired mobility and reduced car driving. Impaired mobility led to restricted radius of action.The aim of healthcare in old age is to preserve independence and quality of life as long as possible. Car driving is an important part of older peoples' activities of daily living. Therefore, primary care physicians should address car driving regularly because preventive measures to strengthen functional health also strengthen car driving ability in older persons.

Immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella among homeless individuals in Germany - A nationwide multi-center cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Homeless individuals suffer a high burden of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. Moreover, they are particularly susceptible to adverse infection outcomes with limited access to the health care system. Data on the seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella within this cohort are missing. Methods: The seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella was determined within the homeless population in Germany. Predictors of lacking immune protection were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Homeless individuals in Germany (n = 611) showed a seroprevalence of 88.5% (95% CI: 85.8-91.0) for measles, 83.8% (95% CI: 80.6-86.6) for mumps, 86.1% (95% CI: 83.1-88.7) for rubella, and 95.7% (95% CI 93.8-97.2) for varicella. Measles seroprevalences declined from individuals born in 1965 to individuals born in 1993, with seroprevalences not compatible with a 95% threshold in individuals born after 1980. For mumps, seroprevalences declined from individuals born in 1950 to individuals born in 1984. Here, seroprevalences were not compatible with a 92% threshold for individuals born after 1975. Seronegativity for measles, mumps and rubella was associated with age but not with gender or country of origin. Discussion: Herd immunity for measles and mumps is not achieved in this homeless cohort, while there was sufficient immune protection for rubella and varicella. Declining immune protection rates in younger individuals warrant immunization campaigns also targeting marginalized groups such as homeless individuals. Given that herd immunity thresholds are not reached for individuals born after 1980 for measles, and after 1975 for mumps, vaccination campaigns should prioritize individuals within these age groups.

Pronounced cortical porosity and sex-specific patterns of increased bone and osteocyte lacunar mineralization characterize the human distal fibula with aging.

The high occurrence of distal fibula fractures among older women suggests a potential link to impaired bone health. Here we used a multiscale imaging approach to investigate the microarchitecture, mineralization, and biomechanics of the human distal fibula in relation to age and sex. Micro-computed tomography was performed to analyze the local volumetric bone mineral density and various microarchitectural parameters of the trabecular and the cortical compartment. Bone mineral density distribution and osteocyte lacunar parameters were quantified using quantitative backscattered electron imaging in periosteal, endocortical, and trabecular regions. Additionally, cortical hardness and Young's modulus were assessed by nanoindentation. While cortical porosity strongly increased with age independent of sex, trabecular microarchitecture remained stable. Notably, nearly half of the specimens showed non-bony hypermineralized tissue located at the periosteum, similar to that previously detected in the femoral neck, with no consistent association with advanced age. Independent of this finding, cortical and trabecular mineralization, i.e., mean calcium content, as well as endocortical tissue hardness increased with age in males but not females. Importantly, we also observed mineralized osteocyte lacunae that increased with age specifically in females. In conclusion, our results indicate that skeletal aging of the distal fibula is signified not only by pronounced cortical porosity but also by an increase in mineralized osteocyte lacunae in females. These findings may provide an explanation for the increased occurrence of ankle fractures in older women.

Cancer advocacy in residency education: From principles to competencies.

INTRODUCTION: The global cancer burden is increasing. Current global evidence indicates there will be a 47% rise of cancer cases for the period 2020-2040. The cancer rate differential also is evident within countries and regions. Efforts have been used to reduce the health disparities; however, the inequity prevails. One potential way to help reduce the disparity is through advocacy by physicians. METHODS: Two recent systematic review articles on advocacy among physicians note that physicians are unlikely to be taught advocacy in medical education, and also note there are no advocacy competencies or skill sets that are either taught or valued in medical education. We explore literature and develop a model to understand the components of advocacy in medical education, specifically in resident training. We follow the model's main components by examining principles of advocacy, relevant domains of advocacy, and competencies and values for advocacy education. RESULTS: Four ethical principles of advocacy education are identified: beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. These principles must be applied in meaningful, culturally sensitive, respectful, and promotion of the well-being ways. Three domains are identified: the practice domain (provider-patient interaction), the community domain (provider-community collaboration), and the health policy domain (the larger social environment). Advocacy occurs differently within each domain. Finally, competencies in the form of knowledge, skills, and values are described. We present a table noting where each competency occurs (by domain) as well as the value of each knowledge and skill. POLICY SUMMARY: The significance of including advocacy instruction in medical education requires a change in the current medical education field. Besides valuing the concept of including advocacy, principles, domains, and competencies of inclusion are critical. In summary, we encourage the inclusion of advocacy education in resident medical programs so physicians become competent medical providers at diverse levels of society.

SARS-CoV-2-associated T-cell infiltration in the central nervous system.

Objectives: Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection mainly presents with respiratory illness, neurologic symptoms and sequelae are increasingly recognised in the long-term treatment of COVID-19 patients. The pathophysiology and the neuropathogenesis behind neurologic complications of COVID-19 remain poorly understood, but mounting evidence points to endothelial dysfunction either directly caused by viral infection or indirectly by inflammatory cytokines, followed by a local immune response that may include virus-specific T cells. However, the type and role of central nervous system-infiltrating T cells in COVID-19 are complex and not fully understood. Methods: We analysed distinct anatomical brain regions of patients who had deceased as a result of COVID-19-associated pneumonia or complications thereof and performed T cell receptor Vß repertoire sequencing. Clonotypes were analysed for SARS-CoV-2 association using public TCR repertoire data. Results: Our descriptive study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2-associated T cells are found in almost all brain areas of patients with fatal COVID-19 courses. The olfactory bulb, medulla and cerebellum were brain regions showing the most SARS-CoV-2 specific sequence patterns. Neuropathological workup demonstrated primary CD8+ T-cell infiltration with a perivascular infiltration pattern. Conclusion: Future research is needed to better define the relationship between T-cell infiltration and neurological symptoms and its long-term impact on patients' cognitive and mental health.

Piezo1 expression in chondrocytes controls endochondral ossification and osteoarthritis development.

Piezo proteins are mechanically activated ion channels, which are required for mechanosensing functions in a variety of cell types. While we and others have previously demonstrated that the expression of Piezo1 in osteoblast lineage cells is essential for bone-anabolic processes, there was only suggestive evidence indicating a role of Piezo1 and/or Piezo2 in cartilage. Here we addressed the question if and how chondrocyte expression of the mechanosensitive proteins Piezo1 or Piezo2 controls physiological endochondral ossification and pathological osteoarthritis (OA) development. Mice with chondrocyte-specific inactivation of Piezo1 (Piezo1Col2a1Cre), but not of Piezo2, developed a near absence of trabecular bone below the chondrogenic growth plate postnatally. Moreover, all Piezo1Col2a1Cre animals displayed multiple fractures of rib bones at 7 days of age, which were located close to the growth plates. While skeletal growth was only mildly affected in these mice, OA pathologies were markedly less pronounced compared to littermate controls at 60 weeks of age. Likewise, when OA was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection, only the chondrocyte inactivation of Piezo1, not of Piezo2, resulted in attenuated articular cartilage degeneration. Importantly, osteophyte formation and maturation were also reduced in Piezo1Col2a1Cre mice. We further observed increased Piezo1 protein abundance in cartilaginous zones of human osteophytes. Finally, we identified Ptgs2 and Ccn2 as potentially relevant Piezo1 downstream genes in chondrocytes. Collectively, our data do not only demonstrate that Piezo1 is a critical regulator of physiological and pathological endochondral ossification processes, but also suggest that Piezo1 antagonists may be established as a novel approach to limit osteophyte formation in OA.

Alterations in compositional and cellular properties of the subchondral bone are linked to cartilage degeneration in hip osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The subchondral bone is an emerging regulator of osteoarthritis (OA). However, knowledge of how specific subchondral alterations relate to cartilage degeneration remains incomplete. METHOD: Femoral heads were obtained from 44 patients with primary OA during total hip arthroplasty and from 30 non-OA controls during autopsy. A multiscale assessment of the central subchondral bone region comprising histomorphometry, quantitative backscattered electron imaging, nanoindentation, and osteocyte lacunocanalicular network characterization was employed. RESULTS: In hip OA, thickening of the subchondral bone coincided with a higher number of osteoblasts (controls: 3.7 ± 4.5 mm-1, OA: 16.4 ± 10.2 mm-1, age-adjusted mean difference 10.5 mm-1 [95% CI 4.7 to 16.4], p < 0.001) but a similar number of osteoclasts compared to controls (p = 0.150). Furthermore, higher matrix mineralization heterogeneity (CaWidth, controls: 2.8 ± 0.2 wt%, OA: 3.1 ± 0.3 wt%, age-adjusted mean difference 0.2 wt% [95% CI 0.1 to 0.4], p = 0.011) and lower tissue hardness (controls: 0.69 ± 0.06 GPa, OA: 0.67 ± 0.06 GPa, age-adjusted mean difference -0.05 GPa [95% CI -0.09 to -0.01], p = 0.032) were detected. While no evidence of altered osteocytic perilacunar/canalicular remodeling in terms of fewer osteocyte canaliculi was found in OA, specimens with advanced cartilage degeneration showed a higher number of osteocyte canaliculi and larger lacunocanalicular network area compared to those with low-grade cartilage degeneration. Multiple linear regression models indicated that several subchondral bone properties, especially osteoblast and osteocyte parameters, were closely related to cartilage degeneration (R2 adjusted = 0.561, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Subchondral bone properties in OA are affected at the compositional, mechanical, and cellular levels. Based on their strong interaction with cartilage degeneration, targeting osteoblasts/osteocytes may be a promising therapeutic OA approach. DATA AND MATERIALS AVAILABILITY: All data are available in the main text or the supplementary materials.

Age-related changes in the midpalatal suture: Comparison between CBCT staging and bone micromorphology.

The age-related maturation of the human midpalatal suture is challenging to predict, but critical for successful non-surgical rapid maxillary expansion (RME). While cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to categorize the suture into stages, it remains unclear how well the stages predict the actual micromorphology of the palate. To address this clinically relevant question, we used CBCT together with three-dimensional micro-computed tomography (µCT) analysis on 24 human palate specimens from individuals aged 14-34 years. We first classified the specimens into stages (A-E) using CBCT images and then correlated the results with our comprehensive µCT analysis. Our analysis focused on several factors, including bone volume fraction (BV/TV), sutural width, volume, interdigitation, ossification, and their associations with age, CBCT stage, and sex. Our µCT analysis revealed a decrease in sutural width and volume after the age of 20 years, accompanied by sutural closure beginning in the palatal segment. The overall rate of ossification remained low but increased after the age of 20 years. No significant differences were found between males and females. Importantly, we also found no correlation between individual age and CBCT stages. Furthermore, there was no association between CBCT stages and patalal suture volume, ossification and interdigitation. Taken together, our findings cast doubt on the reliability of CBCT stage as a means of predicting skeletal maturity of the palatal suture, as it appears to lack the precision required to accurately assess the true micromorphology of the palatal suture. Future investigations should explore whether alternative CBCT parameters may be more useful in addressing the challenging question of whether RME requires surgical bone weakening.

When Cortical Bone Matrix Properties Are Indiscernible between Elderly Men with and without Type 2 Diabetes, Fracture Resistance Follows Suit.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease affecting bone tissue and leading to increased fracture risk in men and women, independent of bone mineral density (BMD). Thus, bone material quality (i.e., properties that contribute to bone toughness but are not attributed to bone mass or quantity) is suggested to contribute to higher fracture risk in diabetic patients and has been shown to be altered. Fracture toughness properties are assumed to decline with aging and age-related disease, while toughness of human T2DM bone is mostly determined from compression testing of trabecular bone. In this case-control study, we determined fracture resistance in T2DM cortical bone tissue from male individuals in combination with a multiscale approach to assess bone material quality indices. All cortical bone samples stem from male nonosteoporotic individuals and show no significant differences in microstructure in both groups, control and T2DM. Bone material quality analyses reveal that both control and T2DM groups exhibit no significant differences in bone matrix composition assessed with Raman spectroscopy, in BMD distribution determined with quantitative back-scattered electron imaging, and in nanoscale local biomechanical properties assessed via nanoindentation. Finally, notched three-point bending tests revealed that the fracture resistance (measured from the total, elastic, and plastic J-integral) does not significantly differ in T2DM and control group, when both groups exhibit no significant differences in bone microstructure and material quality. This supports recent studies suggesting that not all T2DM patients are affected by a higher fracture risk but that individual risk profiles contribute to fracture susceptibility, which should spur further research on improving bone material quality assessment in vivo and identifying risk factors that increase bone fragility in T2DM. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Cholesteatoma Severely Impacts the Integrity and Bone Material Quality of the Incus.

Cholesteatoma can lead to progressive destruction of the auditory ossicles along with conductive hearing loss but precise data on the microstructural, cellular, and compositional aspects of affected ossicles are not available. Here, we obtained incus specimens from patients who had cholesteatoma with conductive hearing loss. Incudes were evaluated by micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry on undecalcified sections, quantitative backscattered electron imaging, and nanoindentation. Results were compared with two control groups taken from patients with chronic otitis media as well as from skeletally intact donors at autopsy. The porosity of incus specimens was higher in cholesteatoma than in chronic otitis media, along with a higher osteoclast surface per bone surface. Histomorphometric assessment revealed higher osteoid levels and osteocyte numbers in cholesteatoma incudes. Incudes affected by cholesteatoma also showed lower matrix mineralization compared with specimens from healthy controls and chronic otitis media. Furthermore, the modulus-to-hardness ratio was higher in cholesteatoma specimens compared with controls. Taken together, we demonstrated increased porosity along with increased osteoclast indices, impaired matrix mineralization, and altered biomechanical properties as distinct features of the incus in cholesteatoma. Based on our findings, a possible impact of impaired bone quality on conductive hearing loss should be further explored.

[Health of homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Gesundheit wohnungsloser Menschen während der COVID-19-Pandemie.

The living situation and health of homeless people differs from the general population in many ways. It is reasonable to assume that the homeless population has been particularly vulnerable during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This narrative review will summarize the current literature on the health and care of homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature research was performed between December 2022 and February 2023. In addition to the current national and international literature, findings from the "National Survey on the Psychiatric and Somatic Health of Homeless Individuals" (NAPSHI study) will be synopsized, examining psychiatric and somatic diseases as well as the care for homeless people in Germany.Homeless individuals are often mentally and physically ill and have limited access to the regular medical care system. Facilities with group rooms and dormitories pose a risk for outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As suspected, evidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 (SARS-CoV­2) infections emerged more frequently in homeless individuals than in the general population during the pandemic. Many of the infected individuals were asymptomatic. High rates of those unknowingly infected homeless individuals may have contributed to the spread of the viral disease. However, uncontrolled COVID-19 outbreaks, as feared by some researchers at the beginning of the pandemic, were not observed.

Determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Thus far, there is very limited knowledge regarding homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly related to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, our aim was to evaluate HRQoL and to clarify the determinants of HRQoL among homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. METHODS: Data were taken from the national survey on psychiatric and somatic health of homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic-NAPSHI (n = 616). The established EQ-5D-5L was used to quantify problems in five health dimensions, and its visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) was used to record self-rated health status. Sociodemographic factors were included in regression analysis. RESULTS: Pain/discomfort was the most frequently reported problem (45.3%), thereafter anxiety/depression (35.9%), mobility (25.4%), usual activities (18.5%) and self-care (11.4%). Average EQ-VAS score was 68.97 (SD: 23.83), and the mean EQ-5D-5L index was 0.85 (SD: 0.24). Regressions showed that higher age and having a health insurance were associated with several problem dimensions. Being married was associated with higher EQ-VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study findings showed a quite high HRQoL among homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Some important determinants of HRQoL were identified (e.g., age or marital status). Longitudinal studies are required to confirm our findings.

Pilot study in Hamburg on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections and pandemic survey in the German funeral industry.

Funeral home and crematorium workers are an important occupational group in the corona crisis. The occupational setting led to concerns about an increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. The seroprevalence in this occupational group is unclear. A questionnaire-based retrospective survey of funeral home and crematorium staff was conducted in December 2020. A second survey of funeral and crematorium staff was conducted 6 months later, in June 2021, to determine changes in pandemic management. Seroprevalence or vaccination status for SARS-CoV-2 was determined at these two time points. In December 2020, a seroprevalence of 2.3% (n = 1/44) was detected in funeral home and crematorium workers. In June 2021, one additional participant tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid. Of the participants, 48.5% (n = 16) were vaccinated at this time. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for funeral home and crematorium workers is more similar to that of the general population in Hamburg, Germany. We found no evidence of an increased risk of infection at these two time points in our cohort. Further education on communicable diseases or appropriate protective measures in this occupational group for other infectious diseases would be useful in the future.

Seroprevalence of arthropod-borne bacterial infections in homeless individuals in Hamburg in 2020.

PURPOSE: The number of homeless people in Germany is steadily increasing. Due to their often precarious living conditions, this specific population may be increasingly exposed to ectoparasites that can transmit various pathogens. To assess the prevalence and thus the risk of such infections, we analyzed the seropositivity of rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia and bartonellosis in homeless individuals. METHODS: A total of 147 homeless adults from nine shelters in Hamburg, Germany, were included. The individuals underwent questionnaire-based interviewing, physical examination, and venous blood was drawn between May and June 2020. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies against rickettsiae (Rickettsia typhi and R. conorii), Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and bartonellae. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A very low seroprevalence of R. typhi and F. tularensis infection was found (0-1%), while antibodies against R. conorii and C. burnetii were more common (7% each), followed by a relatively high seroprevalence of 14% for bartonellosis. Q fever seroprevalence was associated with the country of origin, whereas bartonellosis seroprevalence was associated with the duration of homelessness. Preventive measures targeting ectoparasites, especially body lice, should be put in place continuously.

Fatal outcomes of endoscopy: an analysis from the coroner's point of view.

Background and study aims This study was designed to provide a profound analysis of fatalities associated with endoscopic procedures. Methods Protocols of all autopsies performed within 20 years in a large Department of Forensic Medicine were retrospectively analyzed to identify all fatalities directly related to an endoscopic procedure. Data were further specified focusing on the type of endoscopy and the final cause of death. Results Of 22,615 autopsies performed between January 2000 and September 2019, 86 deaths were identified as complications of an endoscopic procedure. The average age of these 86 patients was 70.9 years (66.4 (range, 26-89) in males (n = 35) and 74.1 years (range, 22-94) in females (n = 51)). Endoscopic procedures included 29 endoscopic retrograde cholangeopancreatographies (ERCPs), 27 colonoscopies, 18 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placements, six gastroscopies, two upper endosopic ultrasonographies, and four transesophageal echocardiographies. ERCPs, colonoscopy and PEG procedures together accounted for 74 of 86 (86 %) endoscopy-related deaths. Focusing on the single procedures, post-ERCP pancreatitis (14/29, 48 %), colonoscopy-associated perforation (24/27, 89 %), and peritonitis after PEG placement (16/18, 88 %) were the most common causes of death. Conclusions Even in the thought-to-be-safe and screening endoscopic procedures fatalities do occur. This study gives an overview of endoscopy-related fatalities, stressing the role of ERCP, colonoscopy, and PEG.