scholarly journals Improving influenza virological surveillance in Europe: strain-based reporting of antigenic and genetic characterisation data, 11 European countries, influenza season 2013/14

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (41) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eeva Broberg ◽  
Olav Hungnes ◽  
Brunhilde Schweiger ◽  
Katarina Prosenc ◽  
Rod Daniels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza Season ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
Genetic Characterisation ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
And Control ◽  
Virological Surveillance ◽  
The Eu

Influenza antigenic and genetic characterisation data are crucial for influenza vaccine composition decision making. Previously, aggregate data were reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control by European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries. A system for collecting case-specific influenza antigenic and genetic characterisation data was established for the 2013/14 influenza season. In a pilot study, 11 EU/EEA countries reported through the new mechanism. We demonstrated feasibility of reporting strain-based antigenic and genetic data and ca 10% of influenza virus-positive specimens were selected for further characterisation. Proportions of characterised virus (sub)types were similar to influenza virus circulation levels. The main genetic clades were represented by A/StPetersburg/27/2011(H1N1)pdm09 and A/Texas/50/2012(H3N2). A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were more prevalent in age groups (by years) < 1 (65%; p = 0.0111), 20–39 (50%; p = 0.0046) and 40–64 (55%; p = 0.00001) while A(H3N2) viruses were most prevalent in those ≥ 65 years (62%*; p = 0.0012). Hospitalised patients in the age groups 6–19 years (67%; p = 0.0494) and ≥ 65 years (52%; p = 0.0005) were more frequently infected by A/Texas/50/2012 A(H3N2)-like viruses compared with hospitalised cases in other age groups. Strain-based reporting enabled deeper understanding of influenza virus circulation among hospitalised patients and substantially improved the reporting of virus characterisation data. Therefore, strain-based reporting of readily available data is recommended to all reporting countries within the EU/EEA.

scholarly journals Widespread circulation of pertussis and poor protection against diphtheria among middle-aged adults in 18 European countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Berbers ◽  
Pieter van Gageldonk ◽  
Jan van de Kassteele ◽  
Ursula Wiedermann ◽  
Isabelle Desombere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adult Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Pertussis Infection ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Tetanus Antibodies ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Reported incidence of pertussis in member states of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) varies and may not reflect the real situation. In the EU/EEA, vaccine-induced protection against diphtheria and tetanus seems sufficient as few cases are reported even among the adult population who was vaccinated many years ago. Aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus antibodies in EU/EEA countries within the age groups of 40-49 and 50-59 years. Eighteen countries collected around 500 samples between 2015 and 2018 (N=10,302 in total) and they were analysed for IgG-specific antibodies against pertussis toxin (PT), diphtheria toxoid (Dt) and tetanus toxin (TT). The proportion of sera with IgG-PT antibody levels ≥100 IU/mL, indicative for recent pertussis infection was comparable for 13/18 countries ranging between 4.0-6.4%. For diphtheria the proportion of sera lacking the protective level (<0.1 IU/mL) varied between 22.8% and 82.0%. For tetanus the protection was sufficient: only very few sera showed unprotective IgG-TT antibody levels. The seroprevalence of pertussis indicates that the circulation of B. pertussis is widespread across EU/EEA. The lack of vaccine-induced seroprotection against diphtheria in EU/EEA in these age groups is of concern and deserves further attention.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis notification rate decreases faster in residents of native origin than in residents of foreign origin in the EU/EEA, 2010 to 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Hollo ◽  
J Beauté ◽  
C Ködmön ◽  
MJ van der Werf
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Geographical Origin ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
Notification Rate ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
Foreign Origin ◽  
Targeted Screening ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Eu

To estimate trends in tuberculosis (TB) notification rates by geographical origin, we retrieved surveillance data from 2010 to 2015 for 29 European Union and European Economic Area countries. The TB notification rate decreased at an annual rate of 5.3%. The decrease in notification rate was higher in native residents (7.0%) than in those of foreign origin (3.7%). Targeted screening and facilitated access to care and treatment could help prevent and control TB in migrants.

The EU Influence on Norwegian Domestic Legislation for the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Johansen
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Environmental Legislation ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
Domestic Legislation ◽  
Marine Areas ◽  
The Eu

Abstract In the last several decades, the European Union (EU) has demonstrated its intention to play an important role in supporting Arctic cooperation and helping to meet the challenges now facing the region. Norway, one of the five Arctic coastal states, and the EU have cooperated closely in this regard, particularly through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement). This article examines how Norway’s domestic legislation applicable to its Arctic marine areas has been influenced by the development of EU environmental legislation. Specifically, this paper provides a discussion and analysis of the relevant Norwegian laws and mechanisms used to regulate how EU environmental legislation has been incorporated into Norway’s domestic legislation through the EEA Agreement.

scholarly journals Risk of hospitalization and risk of death for healthcare workers with COVID-19 in nine European Union/European Economic Area countries, January 2020–January 2021

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Ferland ◽  
Joana Gomes Dias ◽  
Carlos Carvalho ◽  
Cornelia Adlhoch ◽  
Carl Suetens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
European Economic ◽  
Adjusted Risk ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

AbstractWe assessed the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers (HCWs) from data on 2.9 million cases reported from nine countries in the EU/EEA. Compared to non-HCWs, HCWs had a higher adjusted risk of hospitalization (IRR 3.0 [95% CI 2.2-4.0]), but not death (IRR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4-2.0).Article Summary LineHealthcare workers are hospitalized more frequently than non-healthcare workers when adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities.

European Union Public Procurement Remedies Regimes

2012 ◽  
pp. 162-184
Author(s):  
Kai Krüger
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
European Economic ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Eu Directive ◽  
Court Of Justice ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Eu

The chapter explores the Nordic statutory EU-based remedy regimes. Due to the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, the EU commitments do not vary between EU member states, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden and (non-members) Norway and Iceland. The legislation on procurement remedies is assumed to be EU/EEA compliant. There are however material differences in the set up for handling disputes and complaints—also subsequent to the 2010-2012 Nordic adaptation of EU Directive 2007/66/EC on enhanced procurement remedies. The pending issue is whether the EU “sufficiently serious breach” principle on treaty infringements applies on liability for procurement flaws. Loss of contract damage has been awarded in all Nordic countries, whereas cases on negative interest (costs in preparing futile tender bids) seem more favorable to plaintiffs. Per mid-2012, there are no Nordic rulings on the effect of the recent somewhat ambiguous EU Court of Justice Strabag and Spijkers 2010 rulings.

scholarly journals Die EU und ihre Nachbarschaftsbeziehungen: etablierte Assoziierungsmodelle und neue Grundformen

IG ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Lippert
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
European Economic ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Eu

In this article, the author presents established models of association of the European Union (EU) with European third countries. She shows their different strategic perspectives, outlines benefits and problems, and examines the potential for developing these relations. Basically, these can go in the direction of expanding or dismantling partial sectoral integration. In addition, new basic forms of EU neighbourhood relations are discussed: the introduction of a new status of partial membership in the EU and - inspired by the European Economic Area - the creation of a European political and economic area.

scholarly journals Surveillance perspective on Lyme borreliosis across the European Union and European Economic Area

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (27) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cees C van den Wijngaard ◽  
Agnetha Hofhuis ◽  
Mariana Simões ◽  
Ente Rood ◽  
Wilfrid van Pelt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Erythema Migrans ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
European Economic ◽  
Key Indicator ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
The Eu

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in Europe. Erythema migrans (EM), an early, localised skin rash, is its most common presentation. Dissemination of the bacteria can lead to more severe manifestations including skin, neurological, cardiac, musculoskeletal and ocular manifestations. Comparison of LB incidence rates in the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) and Balkan countries are difficult in the absence of standardised surveillance and reporting procedures. We explored six surveillance scenarios for LB surveillance in the EU/EEA, based on the following key indicators: (i) erythema migrans, (ii) neuroborreliosis, (iii) all human LB manifestations, (iv) seroprevalence, (v) tick bites, and (vi) infected ticks and reservoir hosts. In our opinion, neuroborreliosis seems most feasible and useful as the standard key indicator, being one of the most frequent severe LB manifestations, with the possibility of a specific case definition. Additional surveillance with erythema migrans as key indicator would add value to the surveillance of neuroborreliosis and lead to a more complete picture of LB epidemiology in the EU/EEA. The other scenarios have less value as a basis for EU-level surveillance, but can be considered periodically and locally, as they could supply complementary insights.

scholarly journals ‘Did I pass the licensing exam?’ aspects influencing migrant physicians’ results: a mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e038670
Author(s):  
Linda Sturesson ◽  
Andreas Heiding ◽  
Daniel Olsson ◽  
Terese Stenfors
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Pass Rate ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Economic Area ◽  
The Eu

ObjectivesMigrant physicians (MPs) who wish to practise their profession in a new country often must undergo a recertification process, including a licensing exam. In many cases, this is the same licensing exam used for peers educated within the country; however, the pass rate of MPs is usually lower. This study aimed to explore MPs exam results, focusing on MPs that had participated in a complementary programme (CPP) for physicians with a medical degree from outside the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), and aspects that may influence these.MethodsMixed methods were applied. The data consisted of 2013 to 2019 licensing exam results of 564 physicians in Sweden that were educated outside of the EU. The data was analysed using linear and logistic regression analysis. Further, 14 interviews with MPs were conducted and thematically analysed.ResultsAn interaction between age and CPP participation was found for both the total score in per cent (p=0.01) and for the proportion failing their first attempt (p=0.04). Age was found to be a very strong predictor for failing on the first attempt, with those 45 and older failing on the first attempt in 72 and 82 per cent for CPP and non-CPP participants, respectively. Interview data was categorised into two themes: preparations and biographical aspects, and the exam and exam situation.ConclusionsAge seems to be an important predictor for failing the first attempt. MPs have had less time to familiarise themselves with the exam type and the language used on the exam. To improve exam results, MPs used different strategies and tools, that is, studying with nationally trained physicians, and using old exams and a web-based study tool consisting of common exam subjects. At the same time, these strategies and tools have also become mediators in the socialisation of MPs into the exam context.

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