Behavior in the use of face masks in the context of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: Investigation of potential erroneous behavior in the general public's use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: We conducted a naturalistic observational study in the period from April to June 2020. SAMPLE: In two western Austrian provinces, a total of 2080 persons were observed in front of 24 grocery stores. MEASUREMENT: The frequencies and types of erroneous behavior in the use of face masks were collected using a standardized observation form. RESULTS: A total of 2080 persons were observed. Almost one-third of all observations (n = 648; 31.2%) showed erroneous behavior before positioning the face masks. Another 935 (45.0%) persons touched the face mask front during the adjustment via mouth and nose, 501 (24.1%) persons touched the face mask front in the period after the adjustment. A total of 116 (5.6%) persons showed erroneous behavior in each sequence of the observation unit. Overall, almost half of all people observed showed at least one erroneous behavior within the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: The behavior of the general public in handling face masks is highly error-prone. Decision makers must increasingly provide accompanying information and educational measures in order to encourage the population at risk to use face masks correctly.

Bevacizumab and platinum-based combinations for recurrent ovarian cancer: a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: State-of-the art therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer suitable for platinum-based re-treatment includes bevacizumab-containing combinations (eg, bevacizumab combined with carboplatin-paclitaxel or carboplatin-gemcitabine) or the most active non-bevacizumab regimen: carboplatin-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. The aim of this head-to-head trial was to compare a standard bevacizumab-containing regimen versus carboplatin-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin combined with bevacizumab. METHODS: This multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial, was done in 159 academic centres in Germany, France, Australia, Austria, and the UK. Eligible patients (aged ≥18 years) had histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma with first disease recurrence more than 6 months after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2. Patients were stratified by platinum-free interval, residual tumour, previous antiangiogenic therapy, and study group language, and were centrally randomly assigned 1:1 using randomly permuted blocks of size two, four, or six to receive six intravenous cycles of bevacizumab (15 mg/kg, day 1) plus carboplatin (area under the concentration curve [AUC] 4, day 1) plus gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2, days 1 and 8) every 3 weeks or six cycles of bevacizumab (10 mg/kg, days 1 and 15) plus carboplatin (AUC 5, day 1) plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (30 mg/m2, day 1) every 4 weeks, both followed by maintenance bevacizumab (15 mg/kg every 3 weeks in both groups) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. There was no masking in this open-label trial. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Efficacy data were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was analysed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This completed study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01837251. FINDINGS: Between Aug 1, 2013, and July 31, 2015, 682 eligible patients were enrolled, of whom 345 were randomly assigned to receive carboplatin-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-bevacizumab (experimental group) and 337 were randomly assigned to receive carboplatin-gemcitabine-bevacizumab (standard group). Median follow-up for progression-free survival at data cutoff (July 10, 2018) was 12·4 months (IQR 8·3-21·7) in the experimental group and 11·3 months (8·0-18·4) in the standard group. Median progression-free survival was 13·3 months (95% CI 11·7-14·2) in the experimental group versus 11·6 months (11·0-12·7) in the standard group (hazard ratio 0·81, 95% CI 0·68-0·96; p=0·012). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were hypertension (88 [27%] of 332 patients in the experimental group vs 67 [20%] of 329 patients in the standard group) and neutropenia (40 [12%] vs 73 [22%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 33 (10%) of 332 patients in the experimental group and 28 (9%) of 329 in the standard group. Treatment-related deaths occurred in one patient in the experimental group (<1%; large intestine perforation) and two patients in the standard group (1%; one case each of osmotic demyelination syndrome and intracranial haemorrhage). INTERPRETATION: Carboplatin-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-bevacizumab is a new standard treatment option for platinum-eligible recurrent ovarian cancer. FUNDING: F Hoffmann-La Roche.

Prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in a historical Austrian population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and severity of periodontitis based on different diagnostic methods in a historical Austrian population from the early middle ages. BACKGROUND: The description of the oral health status of archaeological material can provide interesting insights into prevalence, severity, and extent of oral diseases. Herein, the periodontal health status of the skeletal remains of medieval Avars (700-800 AD), which were considered as one of the earliest Avarian settlements in Austria, was investigated. METHODS: The skeletal remains of 128 Avars were examined; age and gender were estimated by standard forensic methods and tooth loss and root caries were recorded. Periodontitis was assessed by (a) measurement of the alveolar bone levels (ABL) and (b) evaluation of the interdental septa. RESULTS: A mean ABL of 4.8 mm was determined, root caries tended to accumulate in teeth with a higher alveolar bone loss, and on average, 6.2 teeth were lost antemortem. Independent of the diagnostic method >90% of the subjects were judged as periodontally diseased, and age and tooth type were significant predictors. However, on the tooth level the presence of periodontitis varied considerably depending on the diagnostic method; that is, 7.6% versus 47.2% of the teeth were judged as healthy based on ABL or interdental septa, respectively. CONCLUSION: The periodontal status of the skeletal remains of medieval Avars revealed a considerable high prevalence of periodontitis (ie, >90% of this population displayed periodontal tissue breakdown). However, the diagnostic method, disease definition, and data presentation should be considered when comparing results of archaeological material.

Regional and gender differences in population-based oral health insurance data.

OBJECTIVE: Early dental monitoring contributes substantially to good oral health in children. However, little is known on whether children from different geographical regions and gender are equally reached with current preventive and curative oral health strategies. The aim of our study therefore was to explore regional and gender differences in a population-based oral health dataset of Austrian children up to the age of 14. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted the first electronically available health insurance data of children aged up to 14 years on dental services within a 4-year observation period in Austria and performed a separate analysis in up to 6-year-old children. In addition, we used a smaller randomly selected sample dataset of 3000 children as the large numbers would result in significant, but very small effects. RESULTS: In a total of 130,895 children, of whom 77,173 children (59%) were up to the age of six, we detected an east-west gradient: The eastern regions of Austria showed an older age at first contact and a higher number of dental services. A child aged up to 6 years who needed more than four dental services had a likelihood of 40% to be from Vienna, Austria's capital city located in the east. The smaller random sample did not show significant gender differences. CONCLUSIONS: Even in regions with a high density of dentists, such as Vienna, we obviously did not reach young children in the same extent as in other regions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stratified interventions could be developed to overcome regional inequalities.

The correlation between the quality of oral hygiene and oral HPV infection in adults: a prospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Various risk factors for oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been described, including tobacco smoking and sexual behavior. However, less is known about the influence of oral health on such infections. The present study aimed to determine a possible association between the quality of oral hygiene and the presence of oral HPV. METHODS: In a prospective analysis, the approximal plaque index (API), the gingival bleeding index (GBI), and the lifetime number of extracted teeth was determined in 187 patients. Additionally, the presence of oral low-risk and/or high-risk HPV was investigated by brush smear testing in all participants. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients had an API < 20%, 84 participants showed an API of 20-40%, and in 29 cases, an API > 40% was recorded. Ninety-six patients presented a GBI < 20%, 75 had a GBI of 20-40%, and 16 showed a GBI > 40%. One hundred four patients had experienced one to three extractions, and 36 had lost more than three teeth. Thirty-nine participants had a positive oral HPV testing (27 high-risk HPV, 26 low-risk HPV, 14 low- and high-risk HPV). A higher API respectively GBI and a greater number of extracted teeth were significantly correlated with the presence of high-risk HPV. The presence of low-risk HPV was significantly higher in patients with API > 40% and GBI > 40% (OR 7.89). Similar results were found regarding the number of extracted teeth. CONCLUSION: The present analysis confirms a relationship between the quality of oral hygiene, determined by objective markers. Thus, improvement of oral health may reduce the incidence of oral HPV infection. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present article investigates the relationship between oral hygiene and the presence of oral HPV. As a significant correlation between these two factors could be recorded, improvement of oral hygiene may reduce actively the incidence of oral HPV. Thereby, good oral hygiene may contribute oral cancer prevention.

ePTFE-TIPS vs repetitive LVP plus albumin for the treatment of refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Reduction in portal pressure by self-expandable polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) is a treatment option for refractory ascites. Data on clinical outcomes after ePTFE-TIPS vs repetitive large-volume paracentesis (LVP) plus albumin (A) administration for the treatment of patients with refractory ascites are limited. METHODS: Retrospective comparison of ePTFE-TIPS vs LVP+A in terms of (i) control of ascites, (ii) occurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and (iii) transplant-free survival in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. RESULTS: Among n = 221 patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites, n = 140 received ePTFE-TIPS and were compared to n = 71 patients undergoing repetitive LVP+A. After ePTFE-TIPS, ascites was controlled without any further need for paracentesis in n = 76 (54%; n = 7 without and n = 69 with diuretics). The need for frequent large-volume paracentesis was significantly higher in the LVP+A group than with ePTFE-TIPS (median 0.67 (IQR: 0.23-2.63) months vs 49.5 (IQR: 5.07-102.60) months until paracentesis, log-rank P < .001). De-novo incidence of HE was similar in ePTFE-TIPS and LVP+A patients (log-rank P = .361). Implantation of ePTFE-TIPS was associated with improved 1-year survival as compared to LVP+A (65.6% vs 48.4%, log-rank P = .033). Age (odds ratio (OR):1.05; 95% confidence interval (95% CI):1.03-1.07; P < .001), serum albumin (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.99; P = .013) and hepatocellular carcinoma (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.06-2.58; P = .026) emerged as independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: ePTFE-TIPS results in superior control of ascites without increasing the risk for overt HE as compared to LVP+A. Although ePTFE-TIPS improved 1-year survival in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites, its use was not independently associated with transplant-free survival.

Molar incisor hypomineralization: proportion and severity in primary public school children in Graz, Austria.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion and severity of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in primary school children in Graz (southeast of Austria). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 1111 children aged 6 to 12 years (mean age 9.0 ± 1.2), a wet examination of all teeth was performed by three trained examiners using a dental chair, optimal illumination, a dental mirror, and a dental explorer. All teeth with MIH lesions were registered so that different definitions of MIH were applicable. According to the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry criteria that were considered valid at the time of the investigation, MIH was diagnosed when at least one first primary molar (FPM) was affected. RESULTS: MIH was present in 78 children (7.0%). In 64 children (5.8%), at least one molar and one incisor were affected (so-called M + IH). Additionally, in 9 children, only incisors were affected. In 7 affected children, teeth other than FPMs and incisors had MIH lesions. Almost an equal number of males (38) and females (40) were affected. The upper and lower molars were equally affected. The upper incisors were more frequently affected than the lower ones. Demarcated enamel opacities were the predominant types of defects. CONCLUSION: The proportion of MIH was 7.0% in Graz, which is similar to other comparable trials. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study has proven that MIH is an existing dental problem in Graz.

Lip and tooth injuries at public swimming pools in Austria.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is an increased risk of orofacial injuries in swimming pool facilities. Nevertheless, only a few studies have addressed this issue. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of lip and tooth injuries at public swimming pools in Austria. A further aim was to examine which gender and age groups were affected, where and why these injuries occurred, and whether pool attendants had sufficient knowledge of dental first-aid measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 764 pool attendants in Austria were contacted by telephone and 689 participated in the study (90.2%). The attendants were interviewed retrospectively about accident occurrences in 2014 by a standardized questionnaire. Responses to the provision of first aid and choice of storage medium for avulsed teeth were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: The frequency of lip injuries was 19.0%, and tooth injuries were 11.3%. Male bathers (P < .05) and children under 12 years (P < .001) most frequently suffered injuries. The waterslide was the most common accident site. The most common cause of lip injuries was slipping on wet surfaces (39.0%), and for tooth injuries it was collisions with other persons or objects (each 28.1%). The pool attendants' responses were predominantly good or sufficient on first aid, with the exception of what storage medium to choose. Tooth rescue boxes were available in only 8.6% of all pool facilities. CONCLUSION: Orofacial injuries are a frequently occurring problem in swimming pool facilities. The pool attendants' knowledge on first-aid care of tooth injuries could still be improved.

Sports injuries and illnesses during the 2015 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of injury and illness remains an important issue among young elite athletes. Systematic surveillance of injuries and illnesses during multi-sport events might provide a valuable basis to develop preventive measures, focusing especially on adequate information for youth athletes. AIM: To analyse the frequencies and characteristics of injuries and illnesses during the 2015 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (W-EYOF). METHODS: All National Olympic Committees were asked to report daily the occurrence or non-occurrence of newly sustained injuries and illnesses on a standardised reporting form. RESULTS: Among the 899 registered athletes (37% female) with a mean age of 17.1±0.8 years, a total of 38 injuries and 34 illnesses during the 5 competition days of the W-EYOF were reported, resulting in an incidence of 42.3 injuries and 37.8 illnesses per 1000 athletes, respectively. Injury frequency was highest in snowboard cross (11%), Nordic combined (9%), alpine skiing (6%), and ice hockey (6%), taking into account the respective number of registered athletes. In snowboard cross, females showed a significant higher injury frequency compared to males (22% vs 4%, p=0.033). The lower back (16%), the pelvis (13%), the knee (11%), and the face (11%) were the most common injury locations. About 58% of injuries occurred in competition and about 42% in training. In total, 42% of injuries resulted in an absence of training or competition. The prevalence of illness was highest in figure skating (10%) and Nordic combined (9%), and the respiratory system was affected most often (53%). CONCLUSIONS: Four per cent of the athletes suffered from an injury and 4% from illnesses during the 2015 W-EYOF, which is about twofold lower compared to the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012.

Shortcomings of prosthodontic rehabilitation of patients living in long-term care facilities.

Removable dentures are a non-invasive, cost-effective prosthodontic solution for the reduced dentition. Their intended purpose is the rehabilitation of harmonious oral function and aesthetics on a long-term basis. The prevalence of removable dentures among patients of advanced age is high and the quality of the dentures is often poor. The aim of this study was to find the most important shortcomings of removable dentures and address the main targets for improving the quality of prosthodontic rehabilitation. The records from dental check-ups in Austrian residential homes were analysed retrospectively. Dental anamnesis questionnaires and data from the clinical examinations of 105 denture wearers were analysed. The functional condition and retention of 192 dentures had been assessed, as well as the impact of the dentures on the intra-oral tissues. Insufficient denture retention was very common, particularly in the lower jaw (56·0%). Problems with the masticatory function were reported by 26.7% of the denture wearers, 11·4% were dissatisfied with the denture aesthetics, and 4·8% had difficulties with phonetics. Traumatic ulcers were found in 18·1%. Cracks, broken pieces (6·3%) or missing denture teeth (2·1%) were rare. It may be assumed that the findings of the present study also apply to a great percentage of community-dwelling seniors. The most important issues in prosthodontic rehabilitation with removable dentures are denture retention and masticatory function. Regular dental check-ups, denture adjustment and, when necessary, relining can maintain the primary denture quality and prevent damages of the oral tissues caused by ill-fitting dentures.

Epidemiological data on airborne contact dermatitis - results of the IVDK.

BACKGROUND: Airborne contact dermatitis (AirbCD) is not uncommon, according to a large number of published case reports and review articles. Epidemiological data on AirbCD based on larger clinical samples have not yet been published. OBJECTIVES: To investigate demographic characteristics and patch test reactivity in patients diagnosed with both occupational and non-occupational AirbCD. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 1994-2013, including 201 344 consecutively patch tested patients, was performed. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and three patients (0.6%) were diagnosed with AirbCD, 421 (35.0%) of these with an occupational background. Occupational dermatitis and face involvement were more prevalent than in patients without AirbCD (n = 200 141). Sensitization to epoxy resin and sensitization to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) were significantly associated with AirbCD, and there was a trend for sensitization to Compositae mix and/or sesquiterpene lactone mix to be associated with AirbCD. Adhesives, plastics, construction materials, paints and varnishes in occupational cases, and plants in non-occupational cases, were the most commonly documented culprit product categories. CONCLUSIONS: AirbCD is more common in patients with occupational dermatitis than in patients with non-occupational dermatitis. In our clinical sample, components of epoxy resin systems, MCI/MI and Compositae allergens were the most important contact allergens associated with AirbCD. Patch testing with additional allergens is important.

Migration background is associated with caries in Viennese school children, even if parents have received a higher education.

BACKGROUND: A low level of education and the migration background of parents are associated with the development of caries in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a higher educational level of parents can overcome risks for the development of caries in immigrants in Vienna, Austria. METHODS: The educational level of the parents, the school type, and the caries status of 736 randomly selected twelve-year-old children with and without migration background was determined in this cross sectional study. In children attending school in Vienna the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index was determined. For statistical analysis, a mixed negative-binomial-model was used. RESULTS: The caries status of the children with migration background was significantly worse compared to that of the native Viennese population. A significant interaction was found between migration background and the educational level of the parents (p = 0.045). No interaction was found between the school type and either the migration background (p = 0.220) or the education level of the parents (p = 0.08). In parents with a higher scholarly education level, migration background (p < 0.01) and school type (p = 0.018) showed an association with DMFT values. In parents with a low education level, however, migration background and school type had no significant association with DMFT values. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that children with a migration background are at higher risk to acquire caries than other Viennese children, even when the parents have received a higher education.

Temporomandibular disorders in individuals with Marfan syndrome: an exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze to what extent patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) are affected by temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). To collect data, an online questionnaire was created to recruit participants from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland through social media and support groups. The questionnaire consists of free-text questions, the German versions of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G14), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and the Graded Chronic Pain Status (GCPS). RESULTS: A total of 76 participants with diagnosed MFS were included. Of these, 65.8% showed TMD symptoms, the most common being pain or stiffness of the masticatory muscles in the jaw angle (50.0%). Only 14.5% of the participants were already diagnosed with TMD. Of the participants with an increased likelihood of a depression disorder, 76.9% showed TMD symptoms. Of those with a critical score for an anxiety disorder, 90.9% showed TMD symptoms. 73.3% of participants with TMD symptoms reached the critical score for a stress disorder. TMD symptoms were associated with a higher risk for chronic pain. In the median, participants with TMD showed statistically notably higher OHIP-G14 scores than participants without TMD (11.5 [IQR 17] vs. 1 [IQR 3] points, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: TMD symptoms had a noticeable impact on OHRQoL in patients with MFS, i.e., chronic pain and psychological impairment. TMD seems underdiagnosed, and more research is needed to prevent the associated chronification of pain and psychological burden to improve the OHRQoL.

The prevalence of root resorption of maxillary incisors caused by impacted maxillary canines.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of root resorption of maxillary incisors caused by impacted maxillary canines using low-dose dental computed tomography and to gain additional knowledge of the underlying aetiology and the progression of root resorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 440 patients (mean age, 24.7 years) with 557 impacted maxillary canines were examined regarding their location and the occurrence of root resorption of maxillary incisors. RESULTS: The frequency of root resorption was 2 % of central and 7.7 % of lateral maxillary incisors. The location of the 557 impacted canines within the dental arch was palatal in 67.5 %, buccal in 15.4 % and central in 17.1 %. No significant differences could be shown with respect to the width and the shape of the dental follicle of the impacted maxillary canines and the presence of root resorption of incisors. The presence of root resorption of central (p < 0.0001) and lateral (p < 0.023) maxillary incisors was significantly correlated with an existing contact relationship of the impacted maxillary canines. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation confirms the theory of prior reports comprising a much larger patient population, hypothesising that the dental follicle of impacted maxillary canines does not cause resorption of adjacent maxillary incisors per se. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Root resorption of maxillary incisors is correlated with effects of contact of the impacted maxillary canines, and these findings should be considered in treatment planning. Our findings are consistent with other reports and may develop new treatment approaches for the treatment of this sequela.

Suicide mortality among physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists as well as other high-skilled occupations in Austria from 1986 through 2020.

Some evidence puts health professionals at increased risk of suicide, especially females, whereas other research suggests a lower risk in high-skilled occupations. This study investigated the suicide risk of four health professions (physicians, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists) and three other high-skilled occupations (notaries, lawyers, tax advisors/public accountants) in Austria compared to the general population, and analyzed suicide methods across occupations. Data was collected from professional associations and Austrian cause-of-death statistics to determine suicide cases. Gender-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), crude and age-adjusted suicide rates and frequencies for suicide methods were calculated for each profession (maximum time span 1986-2020). Among males, only veterinarians had a significantly elevated suicide risk compared to the general population. Physicians and tax advisors/public accountants had a significantly lower suicide risk. Among females, the veterinarians, physicians, and pharmacists had a significantly elevated suicide risk; for dentists, it was also elevated, though non-significantly. Age-adjusted suicide rates showed a smaller gap between men and women in all professions compared to the general population. Poisoning was the predominant suicide method among health professions, except dentists. These findings are consistent with some of the prior literature and call for specific suicide prevention efforts in health professions, focusing on women.

Medical services at the first Winter Youth Olympic Games 2012 in Innsbruck/Austria.

BACKGROUND: The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are a new format designed by the International Olympic Committee. So far no reference data are available regarding the organisation or implementation of the medical services that were needed for the Winter Youth Olympic Games that took place for the first time in Innsbruck 9-24 January 2012. OBJECTIVES: (1) To provide insight into what is needed to prepare for such a complex high level sporting event from a medical perspective, (2) to provide data on medical services for future organising committees and (3) to provide information on different National Olympic Committee (NOC) delegation structures and the consequences of registering a National Olympic Committee Team Physician. METHODS: A medical information system in the form of a patient data-management system was developed with all involved parties to standardise data collection. All medical encounters occurring at any IYOGOC medical service centre (including physiotherapy and psychology facilities) were tracked and collected in daily reports. Data evaluation was prepared based on different interest groups (Athletes, National Olympic Committees, Workforce, International Olympic Committee and Media) and analysed. RESULTS: 327 medical encounters (42.8% athletes; out of these, 57.9% were accounted to athletes with own NOC team physician) were seen during the YOG 2012. The total number of hospital transports was 27.3%, of which 8.9% were hospitalised with an average length of 1.9 nights. Physiotherapy usage was low with only 19 medical encounters resulting in a referral to physiotherapy accounting for 67 treatments during the entire YOG. Psychological care service was not used at all. The main reason for illnesses was disorders of the respiratory system (28.8%), injuries mostly affected upper extremities (49.6%) and were mostly diagnosed with lacerations and contusions (26.2%). Injury (70.7%) and illness (29.3%) incidences in athletes were slightly lower than previous studies showed. 40.0% of NOC delegations registered their own team physicians, which led to a significant difference in usage frequency of medical service (-3%, p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Medical service coverage at the first Winter Youth Olympic Games seemed to be appropriate. No disaster or epidemic disease challenged the medical service plan. Future organising committees could use the provided data as a reference for their planning efforts.

Dental and general injuries among ski and snowboard instructors in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria-A questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Data on the injury rate of skiers and snowboarders are currently limited. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the frequency of general and dental injuries among snow sports instructors, to investigate the use of protective gear and mouthguards, and to evaluate snow sports instructors' dental first aid know-how. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study comprising 603 ski and snowboard instructors from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland was conducted in the timeframe December 2019 to May 2020. The survey gathered data on general and dental injuries sustained by instructors, protective gear usage, and know-how in dental first aid. The statistical analysis included χ2 tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and linear regression analysis. The level of significance was set at α = .05. RESULTS: Out of the 603 instructors, 326 (54.1%) sustained an injury while skiing or snowboarding. Forty (6.6%) reported a snow sports-related dental injury. The rates of injuries related to skiing and snowboarding showed no significant difference (p = .0952). Compared with snowboarding on slopes, backcountry snowboarding entailed fewer risks of injury for snowboard instructors (p = .012). Knowledge of dental first aid was limited, with 45.8% of instructors uninformed about the possibility of replanting avulsed teeth. 10.1% of instructors were familiar with tooth rescue boxes. None of the instructors surveyed had a tooth rescue box in their first aid equipment. Helmet usage was high (95.6%) among snow sports instructors, whereas mouthguard usage was rare (3.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Protective gear usage among snow sports instructors is high. The risk of dental injury while skiing or snowboarding is lower compared with other sports. Dental first aid know-how ought to be enhanced in snow sports communities to ensure that appropriate first aid is provided in case of a dental injury related to skiing or snowboarding.

Difference in the periapical status of endodontically treated teeth between the samples of Croatian and Austrian adult patients.

Aim. To compare the periapical status of endodontically treated teeth between Austrian and Croatian adult patients and determine its relation to age, sex, position of teeth, and length of root canal filling. Methods. The study was conducted from 2007 to 2009 at two university dental clinics and included 163 Croatian (412 teeth) and 101 Austrian (430 teeth) patients. We assessed the periapical status of endodontically treated teeth by using the periapical index system and determined its relation to age, sex, position of teeth, and length of root canal filling. Results. Austrian patients had a greater number of diseased endodontically treated teeth than Croatian patients (P=0.001). In the age group 31-40 years, Austrian patients had apical periodontitis significantly more often (22.1% vs 12.2%, P<0.001) than Croatian patients. In relation to sex and position of teeth, no significant difference was found between the two groups. In Croatian patients, apical periodontitis was significantly more often present in molar than premolar (46.2% vs 29.7%, P=0.022) and front teeth (46.2% vs 24.1%, P<0.001). In Austrian patients, apical periodontitis was significantly more often present in molar and premolar than front teeth (molar-front teeth: 38.2% vs 25.5%, P=0.011; premolar-front teeth: 36.3% vs 25.5%, P=0.029). Croatian and Austrian patients with AP significantly differed in the number of adequately filled and underfilled teeth (both P<0.001). Conclusion. Apical periodontitis was significantly more present in endodontically treated teeth in Austrian patients. The difference in the periapical status between Croatian and Austrian patients was most related to age and length of root canal filling.

Oral status among seniors in nine nursing homes in Styria, Austria.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oral state in participants cared for in residences for senior citizens in Styria, Austria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and nine participants in Styria from nine homes for senior citizens were examined employing parameters in accordance with those of Folstein's Mini Mental Status (MMS), DMFT, basic periodontal examination, the modified oral hygiene index, pain experienced during the preceding year, the subjective and objective need for treatment, and also requirements involving surgical and prosthetic treatment. Furthermore, the habitual methods of maintaining oral hygiene were examined establishing by whom this was carried out - whether by the patient, the nurse, or by patient and nurse together. RESULTS: Four hundred and nine participants were examined, 48.3% were found to have retained on average 4.9 of their own teeth while 69% were fitted with dentures; however, 81% of the participants required prosthetic treatment. 28.9% of the participants had experienced acute dental pain during the preceding year and surgical treatment was found to be necessary in 47.7% of those with original teeth. Eighty-four per cent of the participants showed acute inflammation of the periodontium while the state of oral hygiene, measured on a scale of 0-4, reached an average of 2.43. Oral hygiene was carried out by the nurses in only 7.46% of the cases which showed an average MMS measurement of 18. CONCLUSION: The results compared with those reported in other recent surveys and our data show an urgent need in Austria to improve the standards in dental care for the hospitalised elderly. Regular dental checks, carried out in the actual home by a dental surgeon should be introduced, whilst the nursing staff should be made fully aware of the problems caused by insufficient oral care and receive regular support from specialised oral hygiene assistants. The results of this survey also suggest that nursing staff should be equipped with simple instruments in order to judge to the extent to which the patient is capable of carrying out oral care independently and then according to the results to supplement this with additional care.

Posterior Capsule Opacification With Two Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses: 3-Year Results of a Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence and intensity of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rates between 2 similar open-loop single-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) that differ in the proprietary material characteristics and design features, over a period of 3 years. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, patient- and examiner-masked clinical trial with intraindividual comparison. METHODS: Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. PATIENT POPULATION: Eighty patients (160 eyes) had bilateral cataract surgery and received a Vivinex XY1 IOL in 1 eye and an AcrySof SN60WF IOL in the other eye. OBSERVATION PROCEDURES: Follow-up examinations were performed 3 years after surgery. Digital retroillumination images were taken of each eye. The amount of PCO (score: 0-10) was assessed subjectively at the slit lamp and objectively using automated image analysis software (AQUA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: PCO score (scale, 0-10). RESULTS: The mean objective PCO score of the Vivinex XY1 IOLs was 0.9 ± 0.8 compared to the PCO score of 1.4 ± 1.1 for the AcrySof SN60WF IOLs (P < .001). Three years postoperatively, 11.4% of patients had an Nd:YAG capsulotomy in the Vivinex XY1 eye and 18.6% had a capsulotomy in the AcrySof SN60WF eye (P = .23). CONCLUSION: The new hydrophobic acrylic Vivinex XY1 IOL showed significantly lower PCO rates and lower YAG rates compared to the AcrySof SN60WF IOL. The interaction of various factors such as hydrophobic material, smooth optic surface, and sharp posterior optic edge plays a key role in PCO development.