Search

The propagation and seed multiplication of site‐adapted and drought‐tolerant grass varieties are essential to provide high‐quality forage in temperate grasslands. A field experiment was conducted from 2016–2019 on orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) in the province of Styria, Austria. Treatment effects of sulfur, fungicide application and a plant growth regulator, singly and in combination, on seed yield and its reproduction parameters were tested under two different fertilizer nitrogen management systems (single application [N1] and split application [N2]). In terms of seed yield, a combination of all treatments compared to fertilization‐only treatment showed a significant increase of 22% under N2 fertilization. In terms of the thousand seed weight, the fungicide treatments and a combination of all treatments performed significantly better than other treatments within N1 and N2. The use of fungicide and a combination of all treatments also significantly increased the germination capacity in N1. Therefore, a combination of all plant protection treatments is recommended to optimize seed yield, thousand seed weight and germination capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: We investigated the transfer of seeds from species‐rich grassland using green hay and seed material from on‐site threshing to answer the following questions: do these two methods differ in terms of restoration success; and how do the two methods behave in their long‐term effect concerning species composition and species presence? Location: Styria, Austria. Methods: We harvested seed material of a species‐rich Arrhenatherion meadow by green hay and on‐site threshing and transferred it to a receptor site. Transferable species were identified by vegetation survey and seed sample analyses. We analysed transfer rates and vegetation cover for the donor site species pool and Arrhenatherion target species, covering a 10‐year observation period. Species composition and presence were derived from plant surveys. Results: The restoration success of both methods was similar within the observation period. Although donor site species declined, the establishment of target species was satisfactory and species‐rich grassland was successfully established, despite different site conditions between donor and receptor sites and strong dynamics in species composition over time. Conclusions: Both harvesting methods are well suited for restoring species‐rich grassland, and the actual choice ultimately depends on the costs and the given circumstances. Even if donor and receptor site differ in their site conditions, species‐rich grassland can be established successfully. The prerequisite for this is that: (a) a high proportion of transferred species is able to establish; and (b) specific restoration goals do not exclude vegetation development according to specific receptor site conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very large and comprehensive datasets are increasingly used in the field of hydrology. Large-sample studies provide insights into the hydrological cycle that might not be available with small-scale studies. LamaH (Large-Sample Data for Hydrology) is a new dataset for large-sample studies and comparative hydrology in Central Europe. It covers the entire upper Danube to the state border Austria/Slovakia, as well as all other Austrian catchments including their foreign upstream areas. LamaH covers an area of 170 000 km² in 9 different countries, ranging from lowland regions characterized by a continental climate to high alpine zones dominated by snow and ice. Consequently, a wide diversity of properties is present in the individual catchments. We represent this variability in 859 observed catchments with over 60 catchment attributes, covering topography, climatology, hydrology, land cover, vegetation, soil and geological properties. LamaH further contains a collection of runoff time series as well as meteorological time series. These time series are provided with daily and also hourly resolution. All meteorological and the majority of runoff time series cover a span of over 35 years, which enables long-term analyses, also with a high temporal resolution. The runoff time series are classified by over 20 different attributes including information about human impacts and indicators for data quality and completeness. The structure of LamaH is based on the well-known CAMELS datasets. In contrast, however, LamaH does not only consider headwater basins. Intermediate catchments are also covered, allowing, for the first time within a hydrological large sample dataset, to consider the hydrological network and river topology in applications. We discuss not only the data basis and the methodology of data preparation, but also focus on possible limitations and uncertainties. Potential applications of LamaH are also outlined, since it is intended to serve as a uniform basis for further research. LamaH is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4525244 (Klingler et al., 2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To present our experience and results with the transvesical laparoscopic diverticulectomy, developed by Pansadoro et al. [BJU Int. 2009;103(3):412–24], as treatment of symptomatic bladder diverticula, with a medium-term follow-up. Methods: Between June 2010 and July 2018, we successfully operated 15 patients (13 male/2 female), aged 32–85 years (mean age 61 years) in 2 centers in Austria, using the aforementioned technique. Results: The median operative time was 297 min (range 83–488 min), and the blood loss was minimal. The median diameter of the diverticula was 94 mm (range 40–110 mm). The transurethral catheter was removed in most patients on day 7 (range 1–26 days), and cystography was performed before catheter removal. Patients were discharged on the ninth postoperative day (range 4–18 days). One case had a Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb complication (ureter injury), and 2 cases had a grade IIIa complication (nephrostomy drainage). After a median follow-up of 19 months, no recurrences were observed. Conclusion: The laparoscopic, transvesical diverticulectomy is a feasible and valuable procedure with good outcomes. To avoid complications, the ureter needs to be spared meticulously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for geographical and historical distinctiveness, the issue of culinary heritage has taken an important role in agri-food studies for safeguarding local culinary knowledge and traditions of food cultivation and production practices. However, it remains unclear how salient culinary heritage emphasizes the intertwining of tangible and intangible elements, and how sociocultural values and notions of terroir, tradition, and identity enable or constrain community-driven heritagization processes. In this paper, we aim to shed light on the sociomaterial assemblage of culinary heritagization by focusing on the case of a distilled turnip schnapps from the Alpine community of Wildschönau in Austria. We demonstrate how the Krautinger schnapps transitions from a subsistence to a commercial product, and how increasing marketization and demand challenges the relationship between commercialization and preservation of cultural heritage. By combining relational perspectives, sociomaterial approaches, and assemblage thinking, we discuss the constituent intertwining of human and nonhuman entities in the process of culinary heritagization. We apply the sociology of translation as a conceptual framework and identify four decisive moments that highlight the progression and continuity of the Krautinger's sociomaterial assemblage. Our study reveals issues and challenges that may arise for the local community in these moments of heritagization, including the chance of internal reconsolidation by recognizing nonhuman agency and bridging potential risks. • Culinary heritagization of an Alpine schnapps to an exclusive safeguarding entity. • Rethinking the sociomateriality of a culinary heritage assemblage. • Shifting actions and roles of human and nonhuman agency. • Processes of singularization and sharing to culinary heritagization. • Safeguarding genetic resources of farm-seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. First line treatment with temsirolimus is considered standard of care in poor risk patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The role of temsirolimus in pretreated patients with any risk profile is unclear. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the impact of temsirolimus in patients who had progressed on various treatment lines. Material and methods. From April 2007 to July 2009, all patients who had progressed on receptor-tyrosine kinase-inhibitors,VEGF-antibodies and other agents were treated with temsirolimus (25 mg weekly). Physical examination, white blood cell count and chemistry were obtained weekly and tumor response was assessed every 12 weeks. Results. Thirty patients with a median age of 68 years range (44-81) received treatment with temsirolimus. Most patients were categorized intermediate risk (60%) and the majority had three or more metastatic sites (56.7%).Temsirolimus was median the fourth (range 2-5) systemic treatment line. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were rare and consisted of anemia, thrombocytopenia and hyperglycemia. Objective remission and stable disease were achieved in 13.3% and 60% of the patients, respectively. The median progression free survival was 4.9 months (2.93-6.81 95% CI). Conclusion. Temsirolimus appears feasible, safe and active in heavily pretreated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: From 1996, the entire number of fundoplications performed in Austria increased dramatically, favoring the laparoscopic technique. Despite good results, some patients experience failure of antireflux surgery and therefore require redo surgery if medical therapy fails to control symptoms. The aim of the study was to describe the refundoplication policy in Austria with evaluation of the postoperative results.Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all Austrian surgical departments at the beginning of 2003 with questions about redo fundoplications (number, techniques, intraoperative complications, history, migration of patients, preoperative workup, mortality, and postoperative long-term complaints). It also included questions about primary fundoplications (number, technique, postoperative symptoms).Results: Out of 4,504 primary fundoplications performed in Austria since 1990, 3,952 have been carried out laparoscopically. In a median of 31 months after the primary operation, 225 refundoplications have been performed, laparoscopically in the majority of patients. The Nissen and the partial posterior fundoplication were the preferred techniques. The conversion rate in these was 10.8%, mainly because of adhesions and lacerations of the spleen, the stomach, and the esophagus. The mortality rate after primary fundoplications was 0.04%, whereas the rate after refundoplications was 0.4%, all resulting from an open approach.Conclusion: Laparoscopic refundoplications are widely accepted as a treatment option after failed primary antireflux surgery in Austria. However, the conversion rate is 6 times higher and the mortality rate is 10 times higher than for primary antireflux surgery. Therefore, redo fundoplications should be performed only in departments with large experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1997, 273 722 hospitalizations as a result of neurological disorders, including the related operated cases, were reported in Austria’s non-profit hospitals (80% of all hospitals). They represent 14.12% of all 1.9 million in-patient treatments. The individual disease groups, e.g. cerebrovascular disorders (59 269 admissions or 3.06%), multiple sclerosis (3920 admissions or 0.2%) and all other groups are detailed. We estimated the cost resulting from these diseases which amounted to 11.88% of all hospital costs. We were also able to estimate that 5549 beds are required for in-patient treatment in the area of neurology, assuming an average duration of treatment of 8 days (Austrian mean value for neurological disorders). This is equivalent to one bed per 1367 inhabitants or 11.31% of all beds for in-patient treatment in non-profit hospitals in Austria. Obviously at present the majority of neurological patients are treated in non-neurological departments. A major increase in resources to neurology is necessary if patients are to receive the benefit of specialized diagnosis and treatment. These further resources not only cover the increase of neurological beds in hospitals but also financial, personal resources and in consequence increased capacity for neurological education, training and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between yield and quality of grassland fodder is an important factor for livestock farmers to consider when deciding the timing of grassland cuts. Even for experienced farmers, estimating this relationship is difficult because external factors such as weather can affect the growth rate of plants. Satellite remote sensing techniques have good potential for the modelling of fodder biomass and quality. However, more accurate grassland cut dates are needed. Unfortunately, current cut detection methods vary in both form, function and accuracy and a common framework for cut detection does not yet exist, especially for in-season cut estimation. The aim of this study is to develop an improved methodology for Austrian fodder production systems that can be used for both post-season and in-season cut detection. In the first case, cuts are detected at the end of the vegetation period and used for post-season assessment at national and regional levels. In the second case, cuts are detected in near-real-time during the season, and they can be used to model yield and quality. The approach is tested across the Austrian landscape on mown grasslands using freely available Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery on the Google Earth Engine (GEE). The method uses a fitted NDVI curve obtained by iteratively smoothing the upper envelope of the actual observations using the Whittaker smoother. Cuts are detected by meeting a threshold in the difference between the fitted NDVI curve and the actual observed NDVI values. Additional innovative steps were developed to reduce the impact of cloud cover on the results for timely and accurate cut detection, including a gradient boosting algorithm to detect false positive cuts due to missed clouds. A set of rules for the method was trained on 97 plots and validated on a further 502 plots over three years (2020, 2021 and 2022). The method performed well in plots with two to four cuts per season, but occasionally struggled in more intensively managed systems, most likely due to a rule preventing two cuts within 27 days. A pooled post-season cut date detection f-score of 0.79 suggests that the method can accurately detect cuts, with absolute detection errors of <5 days. The main misclassifications were the results of (thin and semi-transparent) clouds being erroneously detected as cuts. With an f-score of 0.80 and total absolute delayed detection of approximately 6 days, the in-season cut date detection performs similarly to the post-season configuration. This indicates a high potential for near-real-time applications. Our results moreover indicate a general improvement of existing methodologies despite performing the cut detection across the fragmented, mountainous and diverse Austrian landscape. Future work will include grazed pastures and natural grassland with less intensive human activity. • An improved methodology to detect grassland cutting events in both post-season and in-season. • The approach is validated on 502 plots from 2020, 2021 and 2022 across Austria. • Results indicate a cut detection f-score of 0.79 and absolute error of 4.6 days. • In-season cut date detection performs similarly to the post-season configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the first nation-wide survey of migraine in Austria. A sample of 997 Austrian ≥ 15 years old were interviewed personally (face-to-face) in a random sample in the whole country. Diagnosis of migraine was based on the International Headache Society (IHS) classification. Of the Austrian adult population 10.2% were identified to suffer from IHS migraine, 5.6% from migraine without aura, 2.3% from migraine with aura and 2.3% from borderline migraine. Another 8.5% have possible migraine. Other primary headaches were reported in 30.7%. Sex, age, working status and region were found to be the main demographic influencing factors. Further influences were stress, spinal column problems or weather changes. The most used acute medications were over-the-counter drugs, doctor attendance rate was very low. Working people with migraine dropped out of work 14 days per year, which adds up to 6.8 million working days per year. This remains a substantial economic factor. The findings indicate that migraine sufferers in Austria need to be more informed about their illness and what to do against it, especially encouraging doctor visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this cross-sectional study we compared alcohol-dependent smokers and non-alcohol-dependent smokers with respect to intensity of nicotine dependence, craving conditions, sleep disturbances, comorbidity with major depression, reasons for smoking, accompanying somatic diseases and patients' prolonged abstinence from smoking during the 3 years preceding the study., Subjects and Methods: Fifty-one alcohol-dependent smokers and 327 non-alcohol-dependent smokers diagnosed as ICD-10 and DSM-IV-nicotine dependent, were investigated by means of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the Lübeck Craving-Recurrence Risk Questionnaire and the Lesch Alcohol Dependence Typology (both adapted to smoking)., Results: The intensity of nicotine dependence was more enhanced in alcohol-dependent smokers compared to non-alcohol-dependent smokers. Several variables of all factors of craving ("depressive mood", "stimulation", "relaxation", "socially triggered tension") were significantly increased in alcohol-dependent patients (P<0.05). Alcohol-dependent smokers showed depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances, whilst non-alcohol-dependent individuals mainly smoked for stress release and weight control., Discussion: Our study demonstrates that the intensity of nicotine dependence, several conditions of craving for nicotine, sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression appear to be enhanced in alcohol-dependent smokers compared with non-alcohol-dependent smokers. Conclusions. - It is hoped that the factors of craving and reasons for smoking identified in this study will contribute to a better understanding of smoking temptation in alcohol-dependent smokers and non-alcohol-dependent smokers in future.

We investigated the changes in the cardiovascular system [resting blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), measured by means of a 24-h ambulatory BP and a holter-electrocardiogram (ECG)], glycemic parameters, and lipid metabolism of subjects suffering from metabolic syndrome during a 3-week sojourn at 1,700 m in the Austrian Alps. A total of 22 male subjects with metabolic syndrome were selected. Baseline investigations were performed at Innsbruck (500 m above sea level). During the 3-week altitude stay the participants simulated a holiday with moderate sports activities. Examinations were performed on days 1, 4, 9, and 19. After returning to Innsbruck, post-altitude examinations were conducted after 7-10 days and 6-7 weeks, respectively. The 24-h ambulatory BP and holter ECG revealed a decrease in average HR, BP, and rate pressure product (RPP: systolic blood pressure x HR) after 3 weeks of altitude exposure. In some patients, an increase in premature ventricular beats was observed at the end compared to the beginning of the exposure to moderate altitude. The ECG revealed no ischemic ST-segment changes. Maximal physical capacity as measured by symptom-limited maximal cycle ergometry tests remained unchanged during the study. Six weeks after the altitude exposure the blood pressure increased again and returned to pretest levels. The Homeostasis Model Assessment index, which is a measure of insulin resistance, decreased significantly and glucose concentrations obtained after an oral glucose tolerance test were significantly lower after the stay at altitude compared to the basal values. We conclude that after a 3-week exposure to moderate altitude, patients with metabolic syndrome (1) tolerated their sojourn without any physical problems, (2) exhibited short-term favorable effects on the cardiovascular system, and (3) had significant improvements in glycemic parameters that were paralleled by a significant increase in high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol.

It was hypothesized that subjects with metabolic syndrome (hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus): (1) develop measurable peripheral edema at moderate altitude and (2) might show differences on erythropoiesis, iron status and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in comparison to healthy subjects during and after a long-term stay (3-week exposure) at moderate altitude (congruent with 1700 m). Twenty-two male subjects with metabolic syndrome were selected. Baseline investigations (t1) were performed in Innsbruck (500 m). All participants were transferred by bus to 1700 m (Alps) and remained there for 3 weeks with examinations on day 1 (after the first night at altitude, t2), day 4 (t3), day 9 (t4) and day 19 (t5). After returning to Innsbruck, post-altitude examinations were conducted after 7-10 days (t6) and 6-7 weeks (t7), respectively. Body mass was decreased from t1 to t7 (P<0.01). Total body water was decreased at t2 (P<0.01), returned to control level (t3, t4), and was found elevated at t7 (P<0.01). Lean body mass did not change, but body fat decreased during the study (P<0.01). Tissue thickness at the forehead decreased during and after altitude exposure (P<0.01), whereas tissue thickness at the tibia did not alter. Erythropoietin (EPO) was elevated as early as t2 and remained increased until t5. Reticulocyte count was increased at t3 and remained above pre-altitude values. VEGF levels were unchanged. After a 3-week exposure to moderate altitude, patients with metabolic syndrome had reduced their body mass, mainly because of a reduction in body fat. The moderate altitude was found to stimulate erythropoiesis in these patients but this was not sufficient to increase serum VEGF concentration.

Introduction: The intensive care physician is frequently confronted with the decision to withhold or withdraw therapy in patients with a poor prognosis. Apart from the legal implications, the practical management of withholding or withdrawing intensive care treatment continues to be indistinct. The subject has not been investigated in Austria or Germany. The aim of the study was to examine the different points of view of intensive care physicians and the various procedures to limit therapy in patients with a poor prognosis., Methods: We interviewed physicians working at different intensive care departments of the University Hospital of Innsbruck from March to April 1998., Results: Withholding treatment was given preference over withdrawing treatment. In regard of withdrawing treatment, 64% of the interviewed physicians felt more uncertain. In the decision making process the potential reversibility of disease was estimated to be more important than the wish of the patient. Hemofiltration and antibiotics were mentioned as the first measures the physicians would withdraw. The last measure that would be withheld was ventilatory support. Sixty-three per cent of the physicians felt that sedation and analgesia should be continued. In regard of withholding or withdrawing treatment 83% voted for an obligatory DNR order., Conclusion: Before withholding or withdrawing intensive care therapy, a medical specialist must determine and document the futile prognosis of the patient. If the patient's wish is unknown, all further decisions should be made in agreement with all participants. The goal of the therapy is to provide the patient maximum comfort under minimal intensive care treatment.

Introduction: Intensive care physicians are frequently called upon to decide whether intensive care treatment is justified. Critically ill patients with a poor prognosis receive "Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders", which entitles the physician in charge to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation in case of cardiac arrest. Guidelines concerning the implementation of DNR orders do not exist for Austrian intensive care units. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different practices of issuing a DNR order in the departments of intensive care medicine at the University Hospital of Innsbruck., Methods: Forty-nine physicians working in intensive care units were interviewed about the different procedures in the management of a DNR order. Furthermore, the various answers of senior physicians and assistant physicians were evaluated., Results: Thirty-nine per cent of the interviewed physicians reported that DNR orders were always issued in writing. According to the answers of 63% of intensive care physicians, the decision to issue a DNR order is usually made by senior physicians. Twenty-nine per cent mentioned that nurses are never included in the decision making process and 6%, that the family is not included in the decision making process. According to 29%, the family is regularly informed about a written DNR order. Twenty per cent of the interviewed physicians reported that the quality of the administration of a written DNR order is very good, 6% that the quality is poor., Conclusion: We believe that the unsatisfactory situation in regard of DNR orders is not due to inactivity on the part of physicians, but is more likely a result of the inconclusive and, in part, contradictory legal situation. The physician is compelled to take a major decision within a poorly defined legal situation.