[Equipment, Risk Awareness and Safety-Relevant Behaviour of Via Ferrata Climbers]. / Ausrüstung, Risikobewusstsein und sicherheitsrelevantes Verhalten von Klettersteiggehern.

BACKGROUND: Climbing via ferrata routes is becoming more and more popular. The growing number of via ferrata climbers is associated with an increasing number of accidents. In addition to adequate equipment and its correct handling, knowledge of specific risks and safety-related behaviour play an important role for safety on via ferrata routes. The goal of this study was to collect data on equipment, via ferrata-specific risk knowledge, safety-related behaviour, and general risk-taking behaviour of via ferrata climbers. METHODS: In this survey, data of 332 climbers of different via ferrata routes in Tyrol (Austria) were collected using a standardised data entry form including socio-demographic data, the use of via ferrata-specific equipment and first aid equipment. Knowledge of via ferrata-specific risks was assayed by a questionnaire including 4 questions. Additionally, safety-related behaviour and general risk-taking behaviour of the via ferrata climbers were evaluated. RESULTS: 92 % of the interviewed persons were wearing a helmet and helmet use was significantly lower in females (86 %) compared to males (96 %). In total, 10 % of the via ferrata climbers used inadequate belaying equipment or no equipment at all. The 4 questions related to via ferrata-specific risks were correctly answered by an average of 46 % of the climbers. A partner check was carried out by 76 % before starting the tour. 96 % of the climbers stated they ask the climber ahead of them for the possibility to overtake and wait for a suitable and safe spot. 64 % reported that they would not pass without self-belay. General risk-taking behaviour was scored at 4.26 ±â€Š1.75 with significant differences between female and male via ferrata climbers (3.79 ±â€Š1.37 vs. 4.53 ±â€Š1.88). CONCLUSION: Although most of the via ferrata climbers use adequate equipment, helmet use could be optimised in females. Via ferrata climbers should be better informed of the risks of climbing via ferrata routes and safety-related behaviour. Preventive measures including information panels at the entrances of the via ferrata routes and broad information campaigns could contribute to reduce the number of accidents.

Determination of serological profiles and avidity of specific antibodies in the sera of patients with potential Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr Virus, frequently referred to as EBV, is a member of the herpesvirus family and one of the most common human viruses. The virus occurs worldwide, and most people become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the serological profiles of specific antibodies among the sera of suspected EBV infection patients along with VCA-IgG avidity. METHODS: A total of 522 patient's sera were sent to The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory for EBV specific antibody detection and were studied by IFA method during a two year period. The serum samples were tested for EBV specific VCA IgG, VCA IgM, EA, EBNA antibodies and VCA IgG aviditity. RESULTS: Among 33 patients those who had low avidity for VCA IgG, 27 (81.8 %) of them had a serologic profile as follows; positive VCA IgG, negative VCA IgM, negative EA and negative EBNA. CONCLUSION: While this profile is considered as a primary infection, the frequency of the coexistence of VCA IgG low avidity with this profile is interpreted that avidity may lead to detect primary infection (Tab. 2, Ref. 25)