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Aims: Trends in the extent of habitat types and species frequencies might not follow a simple pattern. However, data that are able to link those trends are scarce. Here, we use data from a repeated habitat mapping program to test consistency between habitat type and species change. Location: Federal state of Baden‐Württemberg, Germany. Methods: We derived temporal trends over several decades concerning: (a) the extent of all protected habitat types across the state, (b) plant species across the state, and (c) plant species within habitat types. We tested the consistency between trends in the extent of every protected habitat type with trends of those species that prefer that particular habitat type, as well as with mean trends of all species that occur within that particular habitat type. Results: We found that, on average, most protected habitat types decreased in area, with the exception of forests, which showed positive trends. Species analysis showed positive trends for species preferring the habitat types scrubs, copses and field hedges, as well as bog, carr, swamp and alluvial forests. By contrast, negative trends were found for species preferring the habitat types heaths and semi‐natural grasslands, meadows and pastures. While non‐native species increased, species that were considered endangered decreased. A species' trend across Baden‐Württemberg mostly followed the trend of the species' preferred habitat type. However, within some habitat types, the mean species' trend did not follow the trend of those habitat types' extent. Decreasing species within habitat types were especially those that preferred each particular habitat type. Conclusions: Our results point to an ongoing turnover of floristic composition, and thus to changes in habitat quality within habitat types. This implies that future monitoring programs should track temporal trends of both habitat types and the species occurring in these habitat types as a measure of habitat quality, because they can show diverging trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of innovation-orientated start-ups in Germany has been declining in recent years. A common reason for the failure of start-ups is that there is no market demand for the products and services on offer and too little attention is paid to this issue. However, market research is an important prerequisite for successful business start-ups. Therefore, an information research guide for market research is presented, which contains a methodical and structured procedure and shows the individual areas of investigation in the market research process. The information research guide is based on extensive practical and theoretical experience from the university and consultancy environment. It is supplemented by a literature and information resource search in university libraries in Silicon Valley, which successfully support their students regarding start-ups in a variety of ways from the beginning of their studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sedentary behavior (including prolonged sitting) is a form of physical inactivity that has a negative impact on health, possibly including musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which time spent sitting at work is associated with the one-year prevalence of MSCs in the neck, shoulder, upper back/thoracic spine, and lower back among workers from the Study of Mental Health in the Workplace (S-MGA). In addition, the study also examined whether leisure time, physical activity, and sex modify the relationship between occupational sitting and MSCs. Methods: For this analysis, we used the S-MGA, a 5-year prospective study in Germany. The S-MGA is a nationwide representative employee cohort study with a baseline survey in 2012 and a follow-up survey in 2017. Sitting at work was measured using a question asked at baseline. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the one-year prevalence of MSCs in the neck, shoulder, upper back, and lower back pain (yes/no). The assessment of MSCs was only conducted at the 2017 follow-up. Adjusted Poisson regression models were used to determine the association of baseline level of weekly hours spent sitting at work with MSCs during follow-up. In addition to unadjusted models, models were adjusted for demographic (age, sex, body mass index and occupational skill level), occupational (heavy lifting at work), psychological disorders and lifestyle factors (smoking status and leisure time physical activity), as well as preexisting musculoskeletal conditions reported at baseline. To examine whether the relationship between sitting time and pain was modified by sex and leisure time physical activity, the models were stratified for both these variables. Results: Among the participants analyzed (n = 2,082), 49.8% were male, while 50.2% were female, and more than 60% of the study population spent over half of their working hours in a sitting position. Exposure to increased sitting at work reported at baseline was not consistently associated with 12-month prevalence of MSCs in the upper body at follow-up. However, differences in the association between occupational sitting and MSCs were dependent on the intensity of leisure time physical activity. Prevalence ratios (PRs) indicated an increased prevalence of MSC in the neck (PR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.18–1.80) and shoulder (PR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.03–1.64) in workers without leisure time physical activity who spent 25 to < 35 weekly working hours sitting. Discussion: These findings suggest that leisure time physical activity interacts with the relationship between sitting at work and MSCs. The relationship between sitting at work and musculoskeletal pain needs further investigation, but we found indications that leisure time physical activity may counter the effects of sitting at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A different utilization of health care services due to socioeconomic status on the same health plan contradicts the principle of equal treatment. We investigated the presence and magnitude of socioeconomic differences in utilization of diagnostic imaging and non-pharmaceutical conservative therapies for patients with spinal diseases. Methods: The cohort study based on routine healthcare data from Germany with 11.7 million patient-years between 2012 and 2016 for patients with physician-confirmed spinal diseases (ICD-10: M40-M54), occupation and age 20 to 64 years. A Poisson model estimated the effects of the socioeconomic status (school education, professional education and occupational position) for the risk ratio of receiving diagnostic imaging (radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and non-pharmaceutical conservative therapies (physical therapy including exercise therapy, manual therapy and massage, spinal manipulative therapy, acupuncture). Results: Patients received diagnostic imaging in 26%, physical therapy in 32%, spinal manipulative therapy in 25%, and acupuncture in 4% of all patient-years. Similar to previous survey-based studies higher rates of utilization were associated with higher socioeconomic status. These differences were most pronounced for manual therapy, exercise therapy, and magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions: The observed differences in health care utilization were highly related to socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic differences were higher for more expensive health services. Further research is necessary to identify barriers to equitable access to health services and to take appropriate action to decrease existing social disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zentralblatt fuer Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Detecting species trends across different habitat types and larger regions is required to generate a general and reliable foundation for conservation planning. While direct monitoring data covering a large spatial and temporal extent are mostly lacking, data collected for other purposes than monitoring can be considered to detect trends. Here we analyzed both habitat type and plant species trends over several decades (1979–2017), using repeated habitat survey data from the habitat mapping program of the city and federal state of Hamburg. Next to transitions between habitat types, we looked for differences between winner and loser species, considering also their habitat type preference, red list, and non‐native status. Furthermore, we assessed the consistency between trends of habitat types and species that are characteristic of those habitat types. We found declines in habitat area of semi‐natural (semi‐)dry grasslands and semi‐ruderal vegetation and increases in habitat area of species‐poor grasslands, pioneer forests, and human settlements. More species showed positive than negative trends over time, with winners including many forest and scrub as well as non‐native species, while losers were represented mostly by endangered and ruderal species. Most habitat types included a mixture of both winner and loser species. Habitat type trends were mostly not reflected in trends of species that were characteristic of a particular habitat, such as semi‐natural (semi‐)dry grasslands. This can be explained, on the one hand, by species extinction debts, and on the other hand, by a low habitat specificity of some species that find refuges also in secondary habitats. Our study not only shows the difficulties but also offers methods on how to use repeated habitat mapping data to detect trends for habitat types and plant species. In contrast to monitoring programs focusing on individual endangered habitats, results from repeated habitat surveys allow the identification of those secondary habitats of a species that might contribute the most to preserving populations of their primary habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The German programme for skin cancer screening was established in 2008 with the aim of reducing skin cancer mortality. However, the effectiveness and risk–benefit ratio of the programme remain unclear. Objectives: To compare the mortality rates of patients with melanoma who participate in a screening programme to those who do not. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, based on pseudonymized health insurance data of 1 431 327 individuals from Saxony, Germany, was conducted for the period 2010–2016. Patients with prevalent and incident melanoma were defined based on diagnosis, medical procedures and prescriptions. Patients who underwent screening and had a first diagnosis of melanoma within 2 years of screening were assigned to the intervention group. Relative survival and Cox regression were used to assess potential differences in mortality. Results: We identified 4552 individuals with prevalent and 2475 individuals with incident melanoma. The percentage of screening participants (n = 1801) who had locoregional (4·2% vs. 13·5%) and/or distant metastases (4·3% vs. 8·0%), or who were treated with systemic anticancer therapies (11·6% vs. 21·8%) was lower vs. nonparticipants (n = 674). Screening participants had significantly better survival rates. The unadjusted Cox model gave a hazard ratio (HR) of 0·37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·30–0·46]. After adjusting for named confounders, the effect remained (HR 0·62, 95% CI 0·48–0·80). Conclusions: Patients who participated in the screening programme had lower mortality than those who had not undergone screening. However, these findings may result from a healthy screen bias and/or overdiagnosis associated with screening, and not from the screening itself. What is already known about this topic?There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of the German skin cancer screening programme and its associated risks more than 10 years after its initiation.The reduction in mortality as a result of early diagnoses that was hoped for has so far not been demonstrated. What does this study add?A reduction in mortality is shown, but there is a high potential for bias.Secondary data alone cannot explain the facts of the matter. Linked Comment: T. Eigentler. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:8–9. Plain language summary available online [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schema modes (or modes) are a key concept in the theory underlying schema therapy. Modes have rarely been related to established models of personality traits. The present study thus investigates the associations between trait emotional intelligence (TEI) and 14 modes, and tests a global TEI–mode factors–general psychological distress mediation model. The study draws on self‐report data from 173 inpatients from a German clinic for psychosomatic medicine. Global TEI correlated positively with both healthy modes (happy child and healthy adult) and negatively with 10 maladaptive modes. When modes were regressed on the four TEI factors, six (emotionality), five (well‐being), four (sociability), and four (self‐control) significant partial effects on 10 modes emerged. In the parallel mediation model, the mode factors internalization and compulsivity fully mediated the global TEI–general psychological distress link. Implications of the results for the integration of modes with traits in general and with TEI in particular as well as implications of low TEI as a transdiagnostic feature of personality malfunctioning are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adequate immunity to so-called childhood diseases can lower the occupational risk of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in persons who work in day-care centers for children. Methods: A systematic literature survey was carried out in PubMed and Embase for the period January 2000 to February 2019. Studies on immune status and vaccination status were included. In addition, data from the first wave of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (Studie zur Gesundheit Erwachsener in Deutschland, DEGS1) and surveillance data on notifiable infections in Germany were evaluated. Results: Six studies and the DEGS1 analysis of vaccination or immune status for varicella zoster, rubella, hepatitis A (HAV), pertussis, measles, and mumps in persons caring for children in day-care centers, most of whom are women, were included in this review. According to DEGS1, childcare workers are more commonly vaccinated against HAV and pertussis than the general female population (prevalence ratios [PR]: 1.46 [1.12; 1.90] and 1.57 [1.05; 2.36]), yet 57% had not been vaccinated against HAV and 77% had not been vaccinated against pertussis. Childcare workers were found to be less commonly vaccinated against rubella than the general female population, although the difference was not statistically significant (PR: 0.87 [0.71; 1.07]). In a Canadian study, positive HAV serology was found to be correlated with the duration of activity as a childcare worker. In the DEGS1 study, large proportions of the younger childcare workers in particular were seronegative against measles (16%), mumps (19%), and HAV (37%). Notifiable disease statistics show that those working in community facilities had a markedly higher risk of mumps, pertussis, and varicella (relative risk [RR]: 1.8--2.6) and a somewhat higher risk of rubella and HAV (RR: 1.47 and 1.21, respectively). Conclusion: Childcare workers have a higher occupational risk of infection but do not always receive the appropriate vaccinations. In particular, women of child-bearing age working in day-care centers should be made more aware of the need for vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the organization of a video-letter exchange between a German ninth-grade class and a high school in the United States. The German students' experiences, feelings, and thoughts relating to the exchange formed the basis of a class questionnaire, and quotations from students responses are appended. (Author/VWL)

Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem, with a large potential for primary prevention. Health utilities (HU) reflect which proportion of their expected remaining life time individuals would hypothetically trade to be alleviated of a health condition of interest. A value of 0 means 'prefer to die immediately', a value of 1 means 'not willing to trade any life time'. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess HU for LBP patients and for healthy participants and to examine whether HU for LBP are useful indicators to substantiate preventive and therapeutic decision making. Methods: Healthy participants ( n = 126) and LBP patients ( n = 32) were recruited mainly among the employees of a tertiary care hospital in Germany. Standardized LBP scenarios were presented to all participants and HU values were assessed using the time-trade-off method. Results: Median HU for LBP were 0.90 (IQR 0.31) for participants and 0.93 (IQR 0.10) for LBP patients. Measurements were consistent across illness severity ratings with HU and with a visual analogue scale (VAS); in the healthy sample the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.61 (95% CI 0.23-1.00, F(1125) = 190, p < .001), in the patient sample the ICC was 0.66 (95% CI = 0.24-1.00, F(1,31) = 62, p < .001). 8% of participants reported HU of 1. There was no statistically significant relation between HU and age, income, or gender. Conclusion: On average, participants chose a 7 to 10% shorter life expectancy to avoid LBP, but almost 1 in 10 participants were not willing to trade any life years. The results indicate a certain stability of HU due to the comparability of HU ratings across patients and healthy participants, the measurement consistency when comparing VAS and HU ratings, and the lack of association between demographic variables and HU. This underlines the usefulness of HU for measuring illness severity in comparative health economics evaluations of preventive and therapeutic measures that address chronic LBP or other pain-characterized diseases. Future studies should focus on different LBP intensities and derive stratified HU that reflect the distribution of pain intensity in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aftermath of the Nazi era and the Second World War the 'Bloodlands' of Eastern Europe including Germany were left with a pervasive and significant loss of empathy. Robi Friedman speaks of the 'Soldier's Matrix' (2015), in which dehumanizing dissociation increases, and empathy, guilt and shame disappear. In the GDR (German Democratic Republic)—under totalitarian and authoritarian conditions—this state of emotional deficit persisted for longer than in the Federal Republic (BRD). Gradually, but only after reunification, could change in the whole of Germany become possible. In the following text I will review the fragmented state of psychoanalysis in the battered city of Berlin after the Second World War. I describe the predicament of psychoanalysts, who are hopelessly entangled in adaptation processes, fearing the new rulers and dreading their own conscience. Despite their weakened sense of courage, they were however able to create space for freedom of thought. I intend to convey the trajectory of that process. The GDR history, despite the experience of confinement, is also a story of opening. Specific developments within the borders enabled the preservation as well as the transportation of psychoanalytic thought: some examples can be seen in inpatient forms of psychotherapy, individual psychodynamic therapy and especially the Intended Dynamic Group Psychotherapy (IDG). The opening of the 'Wall' made profound psychoanalytic post-qualification possible, but it came at a cost to the specific developments of the health system in the East. Within this system group therapists took their own particular path. After several years of cautious rapprochement the founding of BIG (Berlin Institute for Group Analysis) could be negotiated and established in 2003, supported by all Institutes of Berlin belonging to the umbrella organization of the DGPT (German Society for Psychoanalyse, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatic). Nine years later the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gruppenanalyse und Gruppenpsychotherapie (D3G) consolidated in the merger of several individual groups resulting in a continuous and refreshingly pluralistic cooperation today. This article will therefore describe a series of societal shifts, transitions, internal and external attempts to heal, that are well reflected within the parallel process visible in the development of group analysis and its practitioners. One example to consider would be the asymmetry between psychoanalytic 'teachers' (West) and 'students' (East) and the dynamics experienced during professional encounters, which were very particular and rather complicated. However, that is a chapter in itself and will be considered separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With ongoing climate change, episodes of severe flooding are predicted to become more frequent despite a general trend towards increasing summer drought. We investigated how wood growth of adult trees of two species characteristic of floodplain forests in Central Germany (Fraxinus excelsior L., Quercus robur L.) and two less-typical species (Acer pseudoplatanus L., Carpinus betulus L.) responded to both maximum stream water level and climate, with a special focus on the effects of the extraordinary flood of the Saale River in June 2013 and the extreme drought in summer 1976. Tree-ring widths were measured on wood cores, and standardized ARSTAN tree-ring chronologies were produced. Using variance partitioning as well as linear mixed-effects models, we compared the effects of monthly values for maximum water level, temperature and precipitation sum on tree-ring width. Further, we calculated resistance, resilience and recovery of the tree species to the extreme events of flooding in 2013 and drought in 1976. Wood growth of all species studied, and particularly of F. excelsior, responded positively to the extraordinary flooding in June 2013. However, in the best models for the characteristic floodplain forest species (F. excelsior and Q. robur), mainly precipitation (F. excelsior) or a combination of precipitation and wood growth of the previous year (Q. robur) acted as drivers of wood growth of the current year. In contrast, growth of the less habitat-specific species (A. pseudoplatanus) mainly showed a significant response to the combination of temperature and wood growth of the previous year. C. betulus was the only species studied that benefited from the extreme drought in 1976. However, two years afterwards, only the wood growth of A. pseudoplatanus was still reduced, while F. excelsior and Q. robur fully recovered. In comparison to other regions in Central Europe, the moderate flood regime of the Saale River seems to have the potential to mitigate effects of summer drought in this region, which is one of the driest in Germany. Thus, increased flooding frequency might, to some degree, reduce drought effects brought about by climate change as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Occupational skin diseases are among the most prevalent work-related diseases. The Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002) is a useful standardized epidemiological tool which enables screening of occupational skin diseases. The objective of this study was the translation and cross-cultural adaption of the NOSQ-2002 into German with particular attention to the clarity, comprehensibility and appropriateness of the translated version. Methods The adaptation of the German NOSQ-2002 follows the Principles of Good Practices of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Results After translation, the German version was tested by means of cognitive debriefing interviews. Overall, the translated German NOSQ-2002 was well understood by all 18 participants of the qualitative assessment. Only some modifications were required. The whole process of translation and modification resulted in some minor alterations of the German NOSQ-2002 compared to the initial version. The result of the translation process is available at the Danish National Research Centre for the Working Environment (www.nrcwe.dk/NOSQ). Conclusion A linguistically validated version of the NOSQ-2002 is now available for German speaking regions. This is a prerequisite for future assessments of occupational skin diseases in accordance with international standards. Further research is necessary to examine the psychometric properties of the German NOSQ-2002. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies point to an elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases induced by traffic noise.Aims: We examined the association between aircraft, road traffic and railway noise and heart failure or hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in a large case-control study.Methods: The study population consisted of individuals that were insured by three large statutory health insurance funds in the Rhine-Main area of Germany. Based on insurance claims and prescription data, 104,145 cases of heart failure or HHD diagnosed 2006-10 were identified and compared with 654,172 control subjects. Address-specific exposure to aircraft, road and railway traffic noise in 2005 was estimated. Odds Ratios were calculated using logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, local proportion of persons receiving unemployment benefits, and individual socioeconomic status (available for 39% of the individuals).Results: A statistically significant linear exposure-risk relationship with heart failure or hypertensive heart disease was found for aircraft traffic noise (1.6% risk increase per 10dB increase in the 24-h continuous noise level; 95% CI 0.3-3.0%), road traffic noise (2.4% per 10dB; 95% CI 1.6-3.2%), and railway noise (3.1% per 10dB; 95% CI 2.2-4.1%). For individuals with 24-h continuous aircraft noise levels <40dB and nightly maximum aircraft noise levels exceeding 50dB six or more times, a significantly increased risk was observed. In general, risks of HHD were considerably higher than the risks of heart failure.Conclusions: Regarding the high prevalence of traffic noise from various sources, even low risk increases for frequent diseases are relevant for the population as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work-privacy conflict (WPC) is no longer a rarity but constitutes a societal problem. The objectives of the present study were (1) to investigate the distribution and prevalence of WPC among the employed participants in the Gutenberg Health Study at baseline and (2) to study the dependence of WPC on a broad range of private life and occupational characteristics as well as on psychosocial working conditions.Methods: This analysis is based on a representative, population-based sample of 3,709 employees participating in the Gutenberg Health Study. Descriptive and bivariable analyses were carried out separately for women and men. Distribution and prevalence of WPC were examined according to socio-demographic and occupational characteristics as well as psychosocial working conditions. Further, stepwise selection of Poisson log-linear regression models were performed to determine which socio-demographic and occupational characteristics were most associated with the outcome variable WPC and to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios from the final model. The multivariable analyses were conducted both separately for women and men and with all subjects together in one analysis.Results: There was a high prevalence of WPC in the present study (27.4 % of the men and 23.0 % of the women reported a high or very high WPC). A variety of factors was associated with WPC, e.g. full-time employment, depression and many of the psychosocial risk factors at work. Also, the multivariable results showed that women were of higher risk for a WPC.Conclusions: By affecting the individual work life, home life, and the general well-being and health, WPC may lead to detrimental effects in employees, their families, employers, and society as a whole. Therefore, the high prevalence of WPC in our sample should be of concern. Among women, the risk for suffering from WPC was even higher, most likely due to multiple burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Zentralblatt fuer Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zentralblatt fuer Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, an evaluation form for concentrative movement therapy (CMT; in German: Konzentrative Bewegungstherapie, KBT), an approach of psychodynamic body psychotherapy, is presented. This form has two functions: firstly, it is used for the everyday documentation of CMT and secondly, it provides data for quality monitoring. The primary intention is to assess the quality of the treatment course and result for the individual patient, rather than to study the effectiveness of a therapeutic method in general. In this study, it is discussed how this evaluation form meets the requirements of a quality assurance and quality monitoring tool for CMT. The specific therapy goals of CMT are listed because they play an important role in the documentation of CMT. In a pilot study, the treatment goals and results in the CMT group treatment were multicentrically documented with the CMT form and were descriptively analysed. In another application study, the evaluation of the goal attainment in the CMT form was compared with the success evaluation of the entire inpatient treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature review. OBJECTIVES: To summarize and evaluate research on the accuracy of physical examination tests for diagnosis of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear. BACKGROUND: Rupture of the PCL is a severe knee injury that can lead to delayed rehabilitation, instability, or chronic knee pathologies. To our knowledge, there is currently no systematic review of studies on the diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination tests to evaluate the integrity of the PCL. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE from 1946, Embase from 1974, and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database from 1985 until April 30, 2012. Studies were considered eligible if they compared the results of physical examination tests performed in the context of a PCL physical examination to those of a reference standard (arthroscopy, arthrotomy, magnetic resonance imaging). Methodological quality assessment was performed by 2 independent reviewers using the revised version of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. RESULTS: The search strategy revealed 1307 articles, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria for this review. In these studies, 11 different physical examination tests were identified. Due to differences in study types, different patient populations, and methodological quality, meta-analysis was not indicated. Presently, most physical examination tests have not been evaluated sufficiently enough to be confident in their ability to either confirm or rule out a PCL tear. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of physical examination tests to assess the integrity of the PCL is largely unknown. There is a strong need for further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mitteilungen der Vereinigung Österreichischer Bibliothekarinnen & Bibliothekare is the property of Vereinigung Oesterreichischer Bibliothekarinnen und Bibliothekare and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: By 2013 Palliative Care will become a mandatory examination subject in the medical curriculum in Germany. There is a pressing need for effective and well-designed curricula and assessment methods. Debates are on going as how Undergraduate Palliative Care Education (UPCE) should be taught and how knowledge and skills should be assessed. It is evident by this time that the development process of early curricula in the US and UK has led to a plethora of diverse curricula which seem to be partly ineffective in improving the care for the seriously ill and dying offered by newly qualified doctors, as is demonstrated in controlled evaluations. The goals of this study were to demonstrate an evidence-based approach towards developing UPCE curricula and investigate the change in medical students' self-perceived readiness to deal with palliative care patients and their families. Methods: To evaluate the effects of the UPCE curriculum we chose a prospective, controlled, quasi-experimental, pre, retrospective-pre, post study design. A total of n = 37 3rd and 4th -year medical students were assigned to the intervention group (n = 15; 4th -year) and to the control group (n = 22; 3rd-year). Resting on the self-efficacy concept of Bandura the measurement was conducted by a refined test-battery based on two independent measurements (the revised Collet-Lester-Fear-of-Death-Scale and the instrument of the "Program in Palliative Care Education and Practice" at Harvard Medical School) including 68 items altogether in a five-point Likert-scale. These items were designed to test elementary skills in caring for the dying and their relatives as perceived by medical undergraduates. Datasets from both groups were analysed by paired and independent two-sample t-test. The TREND statement for reporting non-randomized evaluations was applied for reporting on this quasi-experimental study. Results: Three constructs showed statistically significant differences comparing the intervention group before and after. Willingness to accompany a dying patient increased from 21.40 to 37.30 (p < .001). Self-estimation of competence in communication with dying patients and their relatives increased from 12.00 to 23.60 (p = .001). Finally, self-estimation of knowledge and skills in Palliative Care increased from 8.30 to 13.20 (p = .001). Conclusions: This study is a small but systematic step towards rigorous curricular development in palliative care. Our manualised curriculum is available for scrutiny and scientific feedback to support an open and constructive process of best-practice comparison in palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Only few studies deal with the workload of physical therapists and the health consequences, although this occupational group is quite important for the health care system in many industrialized countries (e.g. ca. 136 000 people are currently employed as physical therapists in Germany). Therefore, the current state of knowledge of work-related diseases and disorders of physical therapists is insufficient. The aim of the "Physical Therapist Cohort" (PTC) study is to analyze the association between work-related exposures and diseases among physical therapists in Germany. This article describes the protocol of the baseline assessment of the PTC study. Methods/Design A cross-sectional study will be conducted as baseline assessment and will include a representative random sample of approximately 300 physical therapists employed in Germany (exposure group), and a population-based comparison group (n = 300). The comparison group will comprise a sample of working aged (18-65 years) inhabitants of a German city. Variables of interest will be assessed using a questionnaire manual including questions regarding musculoskeletal, dermal, and infectious diseases and disorders as well as psychosocial exposures, diseases and disorders. In addition to subjective measures, a clinical examination will be used to objectify the questionnaire-based results (n = 50). Discussion The study, which includes extensive data collection, provides a unique opportunity to study the prospective association of work-related exposures and associated complaints of physical therapists. Baseline results will give first clues with regard to whether and how prevalent main exposures of physiotherapeutic work and typical work areas of physical therapists are associated with the development of work-related diseases. Thereby, this baseline assessment provides the basis for further investigations to examine causal relationships in accordance with a longitudinal design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FRBRizing legacy data has been a subject to research since the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) model was published in 1998. Studies were mainly conducted for MARC 21, but in Austria, Maschinelles Austauschformat für Bibliotheken (MAB2), a data format based on the rules for descriptive cataloging in academic libraries, mainly in Germany and Austria, is still in use. The implementation of Primo, an Ex Libris software, made research in FRBRizing MAB2 records necessary as Primo offers the possibility of building FRBR-groups by clustering different manifestations of a work. The first steps of FRBRizing bibliographic records in MAB2 at the Vienna University Library and the challenges in this context are highlighted in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Flood prevention and nature conservation are often considered not to be compatible. This publication presents a method by which different land use scenarios can be developed and interdisciplinarily evaluated from both the flood prevention and nature conservation perspective. The method was designed and tested using a small subcatchment area in the Eastern Erzgebirge (Saxony, Germany) as an example. Based on guidelines four scenarios were developed. Main measures are transformation of arable fields into extensively used grasslands, afforestation and ecological transformation of forests. The ecological assessment was based on an analysis of biotope types and closely linked to an evaluation of landscape structure. To asses the hydrological situation and to identify risk areas in the catchment, the expert system WBS-FLAB was used. The assessment procedures were designed to enable a comparison of various scenarios with each other. Finally the evaluation results of both assessment procedures were related to each other. A comparison with the actual situation shows that all four developed land use scenarios can improve the situation from both the perspective of flood prevention as well as of nature conservation. In practice, the presented method can be a valuable interdisciplinary decision support for decision-makers and landscape planners. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the management of knowledge and science in the German small and medium-sized business sector, as well as the acquisition of knowledge from external sources. It presents the implications, success factors, goals, procedures, and many other aspects of the endeavor, in the face of pressure caused by globalization and internationalization. A list of books on the topic is offered at the end of the article.

Purpose: Hypertension is one of the most relevant risk factors for cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about differences in hypertension by occupation. The aim of this study was to explore the association between occupational group and prevalent hypertension. Methods: Cross-sectional data of the CARLA study were used, a representative sample of an East German population aged 45-83. Job titles of the current or last held occupation of 967 men and 808 women were coded using the German classification of occupation. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure of ≥140 mmHg (systolic), ≥90 mmHg (diastolic) or use of antihypertensives. Sex-stratified, age-adjusted prevalence risk ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for 31 occupational groups. Results: Hypertension was prevalent in 79% of the population. In men, highest age-adjusted prevalence ratios were observed in metal-processing workers, carpenters/painters, and electricians with PRs of 1.31 (CI 1.04-1.65), 1.28 (CI 1.00-1.64), and 1.21 (0.95-1.53), respectively, compared to office clerks. In women, highest PRs were found in technicians/forewomen, scrutinisers/storekeepers, and food-processing occupations with PR 1.28 (1.09-1.49), 1.23 (0.99-1.51), and 1.22 (1.01-1.48), respectively. Adjustment for education, smoking, body mass index, and current work hours did not fully explain occupational differences. Excluding currently non-working subjects lead to decreased PRs in men and to increased PR in women. Conclusions: Differences in the prevalences of hypertension by occupational group were only partly explained by conventional risk factors and may require workplace interventions targeted at high-risk occupations. Longitudinal data with large cohorts and work-related exposure assessment are needed to confirm a temporal relationship between occupation and incident hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to identify success factors in commercial and public libraries. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is based on research carried out in various commercial and public libraries and information centres in Germany. Findings -- The development of the internet and end user empowerment in searching threatens the role of conventional librarians and information professionals. A number of suggestions are made as to how they can reposition themselves for this radically changed environment. Originality/value -- This is one of the few studies in English of German commercial libraries. The suggestions for repositioning will also be of interest to document supply librarians in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the relationship between asbestos exposure and malignant lymphoma in a multicenter case–control study conducted in Germany and Italy according to a common core protocol. Male and female patients with malignant lymphoma ( n = 1,034) between 18 and 80 years of age were prospectively recruited in six study areas in Germany (Ludwigshafen/Upper Palatinate, Heidelberg/Rhine-Neckar-County, Würzburg/Lower Frankonia, Hamburg, Bielefeld/East Westphalia, and Munich) and in two study areas in Sardinia, Italy (Cagliari and Nuoro provinces). A total of 1,173 population control subjects were drawn from population registers. In a structured personal interview, we elicited a complete occupational history, including every occupational period that lasted at least 1 year. On the basis of job task-specific supplementary questionnaires, trained experts assessed the exposure to asbestos. As a measure of cumulative asbestos exposure on a time by intensity scale, fiber-years were calculated. 12 cases (1.2%) and 12 control subjects (1.0%) had a cumulative asbestos exposure of more than 2.6 fiber-years (highest exposure category according to the 90th percentile of exposed control subjects). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex and study region. Patients with specific lymphoma sub-entities were additionally compared with the entire control group. We observed no statistically significant association between cumulative asbestos exposure and the risk of any lymphoma subtype. An elevated risk was found for the association between exposure to more than 2.6 fiber-years and multiple myeloma (OR = 6.0; 95% CI 1.4–25.1); however, numbers were small ( n = 3 cases, all of them from Italy; n = 12 control subjects). Our study does not support an association between asbestos exposure and risk of malignant lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The authors investigated, in a population-based case-control study in Germany, if children whose parents were exposed preconceptionally at work to ELF-MFs had an increased risk of developing cancer. Cases aged 0–14 years were ascertained from the German Childhood Cancer Registry. Controls were selected from local resident registration offices. The parental occupational history was recorded in questionnaires and telephone interviews, and preconceptional magnetic field exposure was estimated according to a job-exposure matrix. The analysis included 2,382 controls and 2,049 cases (846 children with acute leukemia, 159 children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 444 children with central nervous system tumors, and 600 children with other solid tumors). Frequency-matched conditional logistic regression models revealed no increased cancer risks in children whose fathers were occupationally exposed to magnetic fields above 0.2 μT. Additionally, there was no evidence for a risk increase at magnetic field levels exceeding 1 μT. Based on much smaller numbers, maternal occupational exposure was also not related to increased cancer risks. In this large case-control study, the risk of childhood cancer was not linked to preconceptional parental ELF-MF exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: To examine the dose-response relationship between cumulative exposure to kneeling and squatting as well as to lifting and carrying of loads and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a population-based case-control study. Methods: In five orthopedic clinics and five practices we recruited 295 male patients aged 25 to 70 with radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis associated with chronic complaints. A total of 327 male control subjects were recruited. Data were gathered in a structured personal interview. To calculate cumulative exposure, the self-reported duration of kneeling and squatting as well as the duration of lifting and carrying of loads were summed up over the entire working life. Results: The results of our study support a dose-response relationship between kneeling/squatting and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. For a cumulative exposure to kneeling and squatting > 10.800 hours, the risk of having radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis as measured by the odds ratio (adjusted for age, region, weight, jogging/athletics, and lifting or carrying of loads) is 2.4 (95% CI 1.1-5.0) compared to unexposed subjects. Lifting and carrying of loads is significantly associated with knee osteoarthritis independent of kneeling or similar activities. Conclusion: As the knee osteoarthritis risk is strongly elevated in occupations that involve both kneeling/squatting and heavy lifting/carrying, preventive efforts should particularly focus on these "high-risk occupations". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the cancer risk among residents of Rhineland-Palatinate winegrowing communities in an ecological study. Methods: On the basis of the Rhineland-Palatinate cancer-registry, we calculated age-adjusted incidence rate ratios for communities with a medium area under wine cultivation (>5 to 20 percent) and a large area under wine cultivation (>20 percent) in comparison with communities with a small area under wine cultivation (>0 to 5 percent). In a side analysis, standardized cancer incidence ratios (SIR) were computed separately for winegrowing communities with small, medium and large area under wine cultivation using estimated German incidence rates as reference. Results: A statistically significant positive association with the extent of viniculture can be observed for non-melanoma skin cancer in both males and females, and additionally for prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in males, but not in females. Lung cancer risk is significantly reduced in communities with a large area under cultivation. In the side-analysis, elevated SIR for endocrine-related tumors of the breast, testis, prostate, and endometrium were observed. Conclusion: This study points to a potentially increased risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, and endocrine-mediated tumors in Rhineland-Palatinate winegrowing communities. However, due to the explorative ecologic study design and the problem of multiple testing, these findings are not conclusve for a causal relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To analyze the relationship between exposure to chlorinated and aromatic organic solvents and malignant lymphoma in a multi-centre, population-based case-control study. Methods: Male and female patients with malignant lymphoma (n = 710) between 18 and 80 years of age were prospectively recruited in six study regions in Germany (Ludwigshafen/Upper Palatinate, Heidelberg/Rhine- Neckar-County, Würzburg/Lower Frankonia, Hamburg, Bielefeld/Gütersloh, and Munich). For each newly recruited lymphoma case, a gender, region and age-matched (± 1 year of birth) population control was drawn from the population registers. In a structured personal interview, we elicited a complete occupational history, including every occupational period that lasted at least one year. On the basis of job task-specific supplementary questionnaires, a trained occupational physician assessed the exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, dichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride) and aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusted for smoking (in pack years) and alcohol consumption. To increase the statistical power, patients with specific lymphoma subentities were additionally compared with the entire control group using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Results: We observed a statistically significant association between high exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons and malignant lymphoma (Odds ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.3). In the analysis of lymphoma subentities, a pronounced risk elevation was found for follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. When specific substances were considered, the association between trichloroethylene and malignant lymphoma was of borderline statistical significance. Aromatic hydrocarbons were not significantly associated with the lymphoma diagnosis. Conclusion: In accordance with the literature, this data point to a potential etiologic role of chlorinated hydrocarbons (particularly trichloroethylene) and malignant lymphoma. Chlorinated hydrocarbons might affect specific lymphoma subentities differentially. Our study does not support a strong association between aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene, or styrene) and the diagnosis of a malignant lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the occupational risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection in a low-incidence setting, data from a prospective study of patients with culture-confirmed TB conducted in Hamburg, Germany, from 1997 to 2002 were evaluated. Methods: M. tuberculosis isolates were genotyped by IS6110 RFLP analysis. Results of contact tracing and additional patient interviews were used for further epidemiological analyses. Results: Out of 848 cases included in the cluster analysis, 286 (33.7%) were classified into 76 clusters comprising 2 to 39 patients. In total, two patients in the non-cluster and eight patients in the cluster group were health-care workers. Logistic regression analysis confirmed work in the health-care sector as the strongest predictor for clustering (OR 17.9). However, only two of the eight transmission links among the eight clusters involving health-care workers had been detected previously. Overall, conventional contact tracing performed before genotyping had identified only 26 (25.2%) of the 103 contact persons with the disease among the clustered cases whose transmission links were epidemiologically verified. Conclusion: Recent transmission was found to be strongly associated with health-care work in a setting with low incidence of TB. Conventional contact tracing alone was shown to be insufficient to discover recent transmission chains. The data presented also indicate the need for establishing improved TB control strategies in health-care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses several presentations that were held at the 100th German librarians' retreat that took place in Berlin, Germany in June 2011 and focused on the role of open source software uses for libraries. Lectures were given by librarians such as Katrin Fischer, Björn Muschall, and Oliver Marahrens. Topics discussed included developing open source software for library networks, the VuFind library software program, and the implementation of the Koha software program in libraries.

Background: A two-fold risk increase to develop basal cell carcinoma was seen in outdoor workers exposed to high solar UV radiation compared to controls. However, there is an ongoing discussion whether histopathological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype may influence the risk estimates. Objectives: To evaluate the influence of histological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype on the risk to develop basal cell carcinoma in highly UV-exposed cases and controls compared to those with moderate or low solar UV exposure. Methods: Six hundred forty-three participants suffering from incident basal cell carcinoma in commonly sun-exposed anatomic sites (capillitium, face, lip, neck, dorsum of the hands, forearms outside, décolleté) of a population-based, case-control, multicenter study performed from 2013 to 2015 in Germany were matched to controls without skin cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted stratified for histological subtype, phototype 1/2 and 3/4. Dose-response curves adjusted for age, age2, sex, phototype and non-occupational UV exposure were calculated. Results: Participants with high versus no (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.24–3.50; p = 0.006) or versus moderate (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.15–3.65; p = 0.015) occupational UV exposure showed a more than two-fold significantly increased risk to develop BCC in commonly UV-exposed body sites. Multivariate regression analysis did not show an influence of phototype or histological subtype on risk estimates. The restriction of the analysis to BCC cases in commonly sun-exposed body sites did not influence the risk estimates. The occupational UV dosage leading to a 2-fold increased basal cell carcinoma risk was 6126 standard erythema doses. Conclusion: The risk to develop basal cell carcinoma in highly occupationally UV-exposed skin was doubled consistently, independent of histological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health care workers have an increased risk of being infected with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), though little information is available about how prevalent (dormant) MRSA colonization is among health care workers. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of MRSA carriage in a non-outbreak setting in a university hospital in Germany. Methods: The entire staff of a university hospital heart center for cardiologic maximum medical care and cardiac surgery were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study (N = 575). The sampled population included health care workers as well as employees with no close patient contact. A questionnaire concerning personal and occupational risk factors as well as lifestyle and demographic factors was applied and nasal swabs were taken. In total 180 persons (31.3%) participated in the study. Results: The majority of study participants had close contact to patients at work (n = 149, 82.8%). Thereof, about one-third had contact to MRSA-patients (n = 53, 35.6%), and most reported wearing protective clothing (n = 44, 83.0%). None of the administrative staff tested positive for MRSA and only one in 149 persons (0.7%, CI 0.00–0.02) with close patient contact carried MRSA (strain CC1-MRSA-IV). This person had close contact to patients with MRSA, less than 1 year of work experience, and had been treated with antibiotics within the last 12 months. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest low point prevalence rates of MRSA colonization in health care workers in a non-outbreak setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses two lectures given by the German professor Stefan Gradmann at the 100th German librarians' retreat that took place in Berlin, Germany from June 7 to 10, 2011. The focus of the lectures was on the changes being made to the traditional responsibilities of librarians, the changes that have been made to the library cataloging process as a result of digitization, and why libraries should avoid using data silos (library catalogs that are available on the internet).

Land use is one of the important factors affecting the water quality in catchments. This study evaluates differences in water quality due to land use in the upper transboundary catchment of the river Nisa (694 km 2 ) in the Czech-German-Polish triangle. Water samples collected weekly from the river and its tributaries at 29 sampling sites were analysed for a total of 25 parameters, including nutrients, major ions, major elements and traces of heavy metals. Each sampling site represents a sub catchment characterized by a specific composition of 8 land-use categories. Cluster analysis has been applied to divide the sub catchments into five land-use classes. When all measured parameters were taken into account, this statistical method resulted in six groups of sampling sites that are similar in their chemical water composition and that, at the same time, reflects the land use, regardless of sub-catchment size. Water quality was particularly affected by the portions of settlement areas and arable land. Sub catchments which were mainly forested (above 70%) show the smallest level of concentration for all monitored parameters (except Cd, Mn, SO 4 ). Densely populated areas reduce water quality despite high proportions of forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A multicenter, population based, case-control study.Objective: The aim of the present analysis is to clarify potential differences in the "occupational risk profiles" of structural lumbar disc diseases on the one hand, and low back pain (LBP) on the other hand.Summary Of Background Data: Physical workplace factors seem to play an important etiological role.Methods: We recruited 901 patients with structural lumbar disc diseases (disc herniation or severe disc space narrowing) and 233 control subjects with "low-back-pain." Both groups were compared with 422 "low-back pain free" control subjects. Case history, pain data, neurological deficits, and movement restrictions were documented. LBP was recorded by the Nordic questionnaire on musculoskeletal symptoms. All magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and X-rays were inspected by an independent study radiologist. The calculation of cumulative physical workload was based on a computer-assisted interview and a biomechanical analysis by 3-D-dynamic simulation tool. Occupational exposures were documented for the whole working life.Results: We found a positive dose-response relationship between cumulative lumbar load and LBP among men, but not among women. Physical occupational risks for structural lumbar disc diseases [odds ratio (OR) 3.7; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.3-6.0] are higher than for LBP (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.5).Conclusion: Our finding points to potentially different etiological pathways in the heterogeneous disease group of LBP. Results suggest that not all of the structural disc damage arising from physical workload leads to LBP.Level Of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper discusses the work of Herbert Raabe (1909–2004) and its significance in terms of sampling. Raabe''s thesis, published in 1939, represents a milestone in the development of sampling, as pointed out in the historical works of Lüke. Raabe built and analysed the first time-division multiplex system for telephony, a task that required of him a thorough understanding of sampling, including sampling with pulses of finite duration and sampling of low-pass and band-pass signals. We analyse his approach, its significance from the viewpoint of sampling, the generality of its conclusions, and also the milieu that lead to his remarkable achievements: the exceptional research climate existing in Berlin at the time he worked. We also examine the connection between “Raabe''s condition”, the work of Harry Nyquist (1924, 1928) on telegraphy and the so-called “Nyquist rate”. An English translation of the sections of Raabe''s dissertation more closely related to sampling is included as an appendix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Studies on occupation and COVID-19 infection that cover a range of occupational groups and adjust for important confounders are lacking. This study aimed to estimate occupational risks of hospitalization with COVID-19 by taking into account sociodemographic factors and previous comorbidities., Methods: We applied a case-cohort design using workers insured with one of Germany's largest statutory health insurers as a data source for occupational and demographical information as well as for information on comorbidities. Cox regression models with denominator weights for cases and controls assessed relative risks of hospitalization with COVID-19 in 2020., Results: The study consisted of 11,202 COVID-19 cases and 249,707 non-cases. After adjusting for age, sex, number of pre-existing comorbidities, and socioeconomic status, we found at least doubled risks for occupations in theology and church work (HR = 3.05; 95% CI 1.93-4.82), occupations in healthcare (HR = 2.74; 95% CI 2.46-3.05), for bus and tram divers (HR = 2.46; 95% CI 2.04-2.97), occupations in meat processing (HR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.57-2.98), and professional drivers in passenger transport (e.g. taxi drivers) (HR = 2.00; 95% CI 1.59-2.51). In addition, occupations in property marketing and management, social workers, laboratory workers, occupations in personal care (e.g. hairdressers), occupations in housekeeping and occupations in gastronomy all had statistically significantly increased risks compared to the reference population (administrative workers)., Conclusions: We identified occupations with increased risks for hospitalization with COVID-19. For those having a doubled risk it can be assumed that COVID-19 diseases are predominantly occupationally related. By identifying high-risk occupations in non-healthcare professions, effective measures to prevent infections in the workplace can be developed, also in case of a future pandemic., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the Technische Universität Dresden (No. BO-EK-160042022). Consent to participate: This study was performed as an observational study in routinely collected healthcare data after de-personalization according to German legislation on data protection (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz) and social law (Sozialgesetzbuch). The statistical analyses are based on anonymous data and it was neither possible nor adequate to obtained informed consent from study participants. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: To translate the Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES) from Spanish into German (EPRES-Ge), adapt it to the German context, assess the psychometric properties and show prospective associations with mental health outcomes within the peripartum period., Design: Analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the structure of the EPRES, and multivariate regression analyses with mental health outcomes 8 weeks after birth., Participants: Self-report data from 3,455 pregnant women and their partners within the Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health prospective longitudinal cohort study were used., Results: The EPRES-Ge with five dimensions and 20 items showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.77). All scales showed good reliability coefficients of α=0.73-0.85 and good item-subscale correlations of r=0.63-0.98, with the exception of subscale rights, which showed poor reliability of α=0.30 and item-subscale correlations of r=0.45-0.68. Exploratory analysis and CFA confirmed the proposed five-dimensional structure, explaining 45.08% of the cumulative variance. Regression analyses with mental health outcomes after birth revealed statistically significant associations ( β= 0.12-0.20)., Conclusions: The EPRES-Ge is a valuable tool for assessing employment precariousness as a multidimensional construct. The scales could be adapted to the German working context. Precarious employment, as measured by the EPRES-Ge, is a determinant of mental health problems in young families., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

Study Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of future occupational physicians and to evaluate their expectations from and motivations for undertaking postgraduate medical education courses in occupational medicine. This will provide a basis for further increasing the attractiveness of occupational medicine as a discipline in preventive medicine and counteracting the shortage of occupational medical physicians., Methods: At five locations in Germany, physicians in postgraduate medical education courses in occupational medicine were asked about their expectations from occupational medicine, their reasons for starting postgraduate medical education courses, and their assessment of these courses. The survey took place between 2018 and 2021. The data were analysed descriptively, and a cluster analysis was applied to identify the types of motives for continuing postgraduate medical education courses in occupational medicine., Results: Of the 233 respondents, the majority were female (68.5%) and the mean age was 43.1 years (SD 7.9 years). The response at the State Chamber of Physicians of Saxony was 50% and at the remaining four academies was between 18% and 23%. The analysis revealed four different types of motives: "career & interest", "work & life balance", "self-employment" and "desire for change". Two-thirds of the participants were in favour of a greater integration of occupational medicine into medical school curriculum., Conclusions: The results suggest that there are different motives that lead physicians to pursue continuing education in occupational medicine. These motives should be considered when recruiting young occupational physicians., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).)

Background: Studies report an association between study conditions and student health outcomes. The aim was to investigate the influence of specific study-related demands and resources on self-assessed health., Method: Students of the Technical University of Dresden were surveyed online about their health and their studies. Referring to the Study Demands-Resources Model descriptive and regression analytic methods were applied., Results: 1,312 students were included in the analyses. About one-fifth of participants reported low life satisfaction and high exhaustion. Time and cognitive demands were associated with poorer health, social support and time margin in studies were linked to better health. This relationship was particularly evident with a combination of high demands and low resources., Conclusion: The results provide approaches for preventive measures to strengthen the health of students., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).)