scholarly journals Standardization of measles, mumps and rubella assays to enable comparisons of seroprevalence data across 21 European countries and Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 135 (5) ◽  
pp. 787-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. TISCHER ◽  
N. ANDREWS ◽  
G. KAFATOS ◽  
A. NARDONE ◽  
G. BERBERS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Seroprevalence Data ◽  
Serological Surveillance ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Country Differences ◽  
Almost All

SUMMARYThe aim of the European Sero-Epidemiology Network is to establish comparability of the serological surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases in Europe. The designated reference laboratory (RL) for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) prepared and tested a panel of 151 sera by the reference enzyme immunoassay (rEIA). Laboratories in 21 countries tested the panel for antibodies against MMR using their usual assay (a total of 16 different EIAs) and the results were plotted against the reference results in order to obtain equations for the standardization of national serum surveys. The RL also tested the panel by the plaque neutralization test (PNT). Large differences in qualitative results were found compared to the RL. Well-fitting standardization equations withR2⩾0·8 were obtained for almost all laboratories through regression of the quantitative results against those of the RL. When compared to PNT, the rEIA had a sensitivity of 95·3%, 92·8% and 100% and a specificity of 100%, 87·1% and 92·8% for measles, mumps and rubella, respectively. The need for standardization was highlighted by substantial inter-country differences. Standardization was successful and the selected standardization equations allowed the conversion of local serological results into common units and enabled direct comparison of seroprevalence data of the participating countries.

scholarly journals The European Sero-Epidemiology Network: standardizing the enzyme immunoassay results for measles, mumps and rubella

2000 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. ANDREWS ◽  
R. G. PEBODY ◽  
G. BERBERS ◽  
C. BLONDEAU ◽  
P. CROVARI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Sampling Methodology ◽  
Local Standard ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Network Project ◽  
Reference Country

The ESEN (European Sero-Epidemiology Network) project was established to harmonize the seroepidemiology of five vaccine preventable infections including measles, mumps and rubella in eight European countries. This involved achieving comparability both in the assay results from testing in different centres and also sampling methodology. Standardization of enzyme immunoassay results was achieved through the development of common panels of sera by designated reference centres. The panels were tested at the reference laboratory and then distributed to each participating laboratory for testing using their routine methods. Standardization equations were calculated by regressing the quantitative results against those of the reference laboratory. Our study found large differences in unitage between participants, despite all using an EIA method standardized against an international or local standard. Moreover, our methodology adjusted for this difference. These standardization equations will be used to convert the results of main serosurvey testing into the reference country unitage to ensure inter-country comparability.

scholarly journals Educational Inequalities in Labor Market Exit of Older Workers in 15 European Countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Mäcken ◽  
Patrick Präg ◽  
Moritz Hess ◽  
Lea Ellwardt
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Social Gradient ◽  
Institutional Factors ◽  
Market Exit ◽  
Country Differences ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Almost All

This article examines country differences in the association between education and voluntary or involuntary labor market exit and whether these country differences map onto institutional characteristics of the countries. Work exit is defined as involuntary based on the reasons of exit. Four different types of institutional factors, push and pull, aiming for an earlier work exit and need and maintain factors to retain older workers in employment are considered. Using data from 15 European countries from the longitudinal Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), discrete- time event history models with a categorical outcome are estimated for each country separately. In a second step, we add macro-level indicators and conduct meta-analyses to analyze country differences. Results show that in almost all countries a social gradient in involuntary work exit exists but not in voluntary exit. Lower-educated workers are more likely to involuntarily exit the labor market. Institutional factors, especially those supporting older workers’ retention in employment, are associated with a smaller social gradient in work exit. Our findings suggest that investments in active labor market expenditures, especially in lifelong learning and rehabilitation for lower educated workers, may help to reduce the social gradient in involuntary work exit.

scholarly journals Educational Inequalities in Labor Market Exit of Older Workers in 15 European Countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
JANA MÄCKEN ◽  
PATRICK PRÄG ◽  
MORITZ HESS ◽  
LEA ELLWARDT
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Social Gradient ◽  
Institutional Factors ◽  
Market Exit ◽  
Country Differences ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Almost All

Abstract This article examines country differences in the association between education and voluntary or involuntary labor market exit and whether these country differences map onto institutional characteristics of the countries. Work exit is defined as involuntary or voluntary based on the reasons of exit. Four different types of institutional factors, push and pull, aiming for an earlier work exit and need and maintain factors to retain older workers in employment are considered. Using data from 15 European countries from the longitudinal Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), discrete-time event history models with a categorical outcome are estimated for each country separately. In a second step, we add macro-level indicators and conduct meta-analyses to analyze country differences. Results show that in almost all countries a social gradient in involuntary work exit exists but not in voluntary exit. Lower-educated workers are more likely to involuntarily exit the labor market. Institutional factors, especially those supporting older workers’ retention in employment, are associated with a smaller social gradient in work exit. Our findings suggest that investments in active labor market expenditures, especially in lifelong learning and rehabilitation for lower educated workers, may help to reduce the social gradient in involuntary work exit.

scholarly journals The European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2): standardization of assay results for hepatitis A virus (HAV) to enable comparisons of seroprevalence data across 15 countries

2008 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. ANASTASSOPOULOU ◽  
G. KAFATOS ◽  
A. NARDONE ◽  
N. ANDREWS ◽  
R. G. PEBODY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
International Comparisons ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Immunization Strategies ◽  
Seroprevalence Data ◽  
Potential Improvement ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Direct Inter

SUMMARYThe European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2) aimed to compare serological results of vaccine-preventable diseases across Europe. To ensure direct inter-country comparability of hepatitis A virus antibody (anti-HAV) measurements, a standardization panel of 150 sera was developed by a designated reference laboratory and tested by participating national laboratories using assays of choice; each country's results were subsequently regressed against those of the reference laboratory. Quantitatively, the assays were generally highly correlated (R2>0·90). Nevertheless, qualitative comparisons indicated that results obtained with different assays may differ despite the usage of well-established international and local standards. To a great extent standardization successfully alleviated such differences. The generated standardization equations will be used to convert national serological results into common units to enable direct international comparisons of HAV seroprevalence data. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the evaluation and potential improvement of the currently employed immunization strategies for hepatitis in Europe.

scholarly journals On the supposed first stage larva of Leptohylemyia coarctata, Fall.

1917 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Keilin
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Recent Work ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Stage Larva ◽  
History Of ◽  
Almost All

It has been well known since the studies of Taschenberg (1864–1872) that the larvae of Leptohylemyia coarctata, Fall., attack wheat and rye. The damage due to this fly has been observed many times in almost all European countries, and many papers have been devoted to its life-history. Of these papers the most important are those of E. Ormerod (1882–1895), S. Rostrup (1905–1911), T. Hedlund (1906- 1907), P. Marchal (1909) and finally the recent work of Kurdjumov (1914).

scholarly journals Use of a Standardized Bovine Serum Panel To Evaluate a Multiplexed Nonstructural Protein Antibody Assay for Serological Surveillance of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 1472-1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Perkins ◽  
Satya Parida ◽  
Alfonso Clavijo
Keyword(s):  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Foot And Mouth Disease ◽  
Mouth Disease ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Mouth Disease Virus ◽  
Foot And Mouth ◽  
Antibody Assays ◽  
Serological Surveillance

ABSTRACT Liquid array technology has previously been used to show proof of principle of a multiplexed nonstructural protein serological assay to differentiate foot-and-mouth disease virus-infected and vaccinated animals. The current multiplexed assay consists of synthetically produced peptide signatures 3A, 3B, and 3D and the recombinant protein signature 3ABC in combination with four controls. To determine the diagnostic specificity of each signature in the multiplex, the assay was evaluated against a naive population (n = 104) and a vaccinated population (n = 94). Subsequently, the multiplexed assay was assessed by using a panel of bovine sera generated by the World Reference Laboratory for foot-and-mouth disease in Pirbright, United Kingdom. This serum panel has been used to assess the performance of other singleplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based nonstructural protein antibody assays. The 3ABC signature in the multiplexed assay showed performance comparable to that of a commercially available nonstructural protein 3ABC ELISA (Cedi test), and additional information pertaining to the relative diagnostic sensitivity of each signature in the multiplex was acquired in one experiment. The encouraging results of the evaluation of the multiplexed assay against a panel of diagnostically relevant samples promote further assay development and optimization to generate an assay for routine use in foot-and-mouth disease serological surveillance.

Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary moth).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Beverley
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Thaumetopoea Pityocampa ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Processionary Moth ◽  
Thaumetopoea Processionea ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Oak Processionary Moth ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All

Abstract T. processionea, commonly known as the oak processionary moth, is a major pest in many European countries and threatens the health of oak trees. The common and scientific names of T. processionea refer to the behaviour of the larvae to form long processions. The larvae cause severe defoliation, reducing the viability of oak trees. They also pose a risk to both human and animal health because they shed poisonous hairs, which can result in severe allergic reactions, amongst other health problems. The moth is native to central and southern Europe but is now present in almost all European countries and also in parts of the Middle East. EPPO issued a Pest Risk Analysis in 2007 for the UK in response to infestations of the species in Europe from 2006. At this time, infestations of the moth were observed on a range of oak (Quercus) species in London. The adult males are strong fliers and can fly long distances, such as from France to the UK (Evans, 2007). Host plants of this pest include many species of deciduous Quercus, and to a much lesser degree, Betula, Carpinus, Castanea, Corylus, Crataegus, Robinia and Fagus; plants commonly found in forests, woods or ornamental plantations in the UK, for example (Evans, 2007). Therefore, areas where these plants are present and offer a suitable climate for pest development are likely to be under threat from T. processionea. Various pines have been reported as hosts, but such records are suspect and are probably the result of confusion with the pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa).

Satisfaction with daily activities after retirement in Europe

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1146-1170 ◽  
Author(s):  
ERIC BONSANG ◽  
ARTHUR VAN SOEST
Keyword(s):  
European Countries ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Response Scale ◽  
Central European ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Anchoring Vignettes ◽  
Response Scales ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Determinants Of Satisfaction ◽  
Country Differences

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses the determinants of satisfaction with daily activities among retirees aged 65 years or older in 11 European countries. We use data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe on self-assessed satisfaction with daily activities and anchoring vignettes to correct for potential differences in response scales across countries and socio-demographic groups. On average, retired Europeans appear to be satisfied with their daily activities, but there are large differences across countries: respondents from Northern countries tend to be more satisfied than individuals from Central European or Mediterranean countries. Our analysis shows that correcting for response scale differentials alters the country ranking for satisfaction with daily activities but hardly affects the conclusions on the factors driving within-country differences between socio-demographic groups.

scholarly journals Vaccination policy in Italy: An update

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Crenna ◽  
Antonio Osculati ◽  
Silvia D. Visonà
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Italian Law ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Administrative Sanctions

The effective control of vaccine-preventable diseases generally requires indefinite maintenance of extremely high rates of timely vaccination. Therefore, vaccine hesitancy is of paramount importance and needs to be addressed. In Italy, regulations about vaccinations are controversial and, to some extent, inconsistent. Even though the childhood vaccinations are mandatory by law (Italian Law n. 891/1939, n. 292/1963, n.51/1966 and n. 165/1991), the limited deterrent effectiveness of the sanctioning system, and the changes introduced by the Italian Constitutional Law n. 3/2001 (devolution of almost all the competences and responsibilities in health matters to the Regions and the Autonomous Provinces), were the fertile ground in which new vaccine policies were generated and developed, radically different from the existing ones: many Regions, based on what was decided in 2005 - on an experimental basis - by the State-Regions Conference, decided to abolish the vaccination obligation and/or to stop the imposition of administrative sanctions on non-compliant parents. In addition, since then, there is a worrying tendency to decline vaccinations due to the parents’ mistrust in pharmaceutical companies and health policies. Therefore, recently, the Italian government decided to deploy an emergency ordinance (Italian Decree Law n. 73/2017). In this article, the authors are going to illustrate the current situation in Italy concerning vaccination policy, from a legislative and social point of view.

scholarly journals Profile of patients with Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome admitted at "Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas"

2010 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 297-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emy Akiyama Gouveia ◽  
Mayra Fernanda Alves ◽  
Elenice Mantovani ◽  
Luiza Keiko Oyafuso ◽  
Virgínia Lucia Nazario Bonoldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Medical Specialists ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Almost All

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and laboratorial profile of patients with Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome (BYS), who underwent internment at the Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas in São Paulo, Brazil, during the period from July 1990 to July 2006. BYS is a new Brazilian tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato microorganisms that resembles features of Lyme disease (LD), except for its epidemiological, clinical and laboratorial particularities. From 60 patients' records with positive serology to B. burgdorferi done by ELISA and Western-blotting methods, 19 cases were diagnosed as having BYS, according to criteria adopted at LIM-17 HCFMUSP, the Brazilian Reference Laboratory for the research of BYS. The other 41 remaining patients displayed miscellaneous infections or auto-immune processes. The beginning of symptoms in BYS group varied from one day to six years, from the onset of the disease. Four of 19 patients were included in acute disease stage, and 15 in latent. General unspecific symptoms were identified in almost all cases, with high frequencies of fever (78.9%) and lymphadenomegaly (36.8%). Six patients had skin lesions (31.5%); six arthralgia or arthritis (31.5%) and eight neurological symptoms (42%). Interestingly, two patients showed antibodies directed to B. burgdorferi exclusively in cerebrospinal fluid. Since BYS is a new emergent Brazilian zoonosis and its diagnosis is sometimes complex, all the new knowledge about BYS must be scattered to Brazilian Medical specialists, aiming to teach them how to diagnose this amazing tick-borne disease and to avoid its progression to chronic irreversible sequels

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