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At least 973 records · Page 54Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

[Improvement of result coherence in clinical enzymology: multicenter study of gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase activities].

We report here on the results of a multicenter study of three enzyme activities (gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase). For each activity, measurements were performed in two laboratories on different series of patients' specimens under routine conditions, at 30 and 37 degrees C, with techniques frequently used in France and with the IFCC reference method, when it exists. For each technique, precision was acceptable, but results differed considerably according to the technique used. The study also showed that for different techniques it is not possible to use a single transformation factor for activities between 30 and 37 degrees C. Patients' results determined by two techniques often showed a constant relationship. Groups of techniques that determined the same catalytic activity in patients' specimens were identified, whereas other techniques did not have this property. Several preparations, including reference materials produced by the Community Bureau of Reference (European Community, Brussels) and ten commercial secondary materials were tested for similar behaviour as compared to patients' samples. Results show the commutability of reference materials within a group of techniques indicating that they can be used as calibrators. This was seldom the case for the commercial secondary materials and we did not find any such material suitable for calibration of the three enzymatic activities. The present study demonstrates that with defined techniques and validated calibrators it is possible to reduce considerably differences between results obtained with different techniques at different temperatures and in different laboratories.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2003

The European Register for Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine: guide to the Register Version 2-2003 and procedure for re-registration.

The European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4) opened a Register for European Chemists in 1997. The operation of the Register is undertaken by a Register Committee (EC4RC). During the last 5 years more than 1,400 clinical chemists entered the register. In this article an update of the first Guide to the Register is given, based on the experience of 5 years of operation and the development of the discipline. The registration is valid for 5 years. In a second part the procedure and the conditions for re-registration are presented.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1993

[Employment of cross-border workers in the Federal Republic of Germany].

The author analyzes the cross-border movement of labor migrants in Germany. The impact of increased integration among European Community countries is considered, and the pressure of migration from neighboring Eastern European countries is discussed. "Employment of workers from border regions [provides the] possibility of meeting the labour demand in the region, of alleviating the pressure to migrate by legalizing inflows and of balancing the interests of employers and cross-border workers, thus avoiding some of the negative side-effects or social costs of traditional labour migration." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE AND RUS)

Demography↗
PubMed1991

Facing the true "Fortress Europe": immigrant and politics in the EC.

The author examines the implications for the immigrant population of the European Community's plans for closer union in 1992. "After considering the positions that European institutions have taken regarding non-citizens' political rights in the EC, I trace the development of an active immigrant political role at the European level since the early 1970s."

Acculturation↗
PubMed2004

The European Register for Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Code of Conduct.

The European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4) opened a Register for European Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine in 1997. The operation of the Register is undertaken by a Register Committee (EC4RC). During the last 6 years more than 1500 specialists in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine have joined the Register. In this article a Code of Conduct for Registrants which was approved at the EC4 Register Committee meeting in Amsterdam, 8 November 2003 is presented.

Chemistry, Clinical↗
PubMed1994

Recommendations of the ECVAM Workshop on "Alternatives to Animal Testing in the Quality Control of Immunobiologicals; State of the Art and Future Prospects"

With regard to the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement, art. 231 of the Council Directive 86/609/EEC on the Protection of Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes, is of utmost importance. This article states that "The Commission and Member States. would take steps. to encourage research into the development and validation of alternative techniques.". In order to carry into effect this article, the Commission of the European Communities (EC) has established the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) on October 29, 1991. The centre is located at the Joint Research Centre (DG XI) at Ispra (Italy), its first director is Michael Balls from the UK. The main goal of ECVAM is to promote the regulatory acceptance of alternative methods which are of importance to the biosciences and which reduce, refine or replace the use of laboratory animals. The activities of the centre are focused on facilitating, co-ordinating, supporting and/or organising international validation studies, preferably in collaboration with other bodies. A working program has been made for 1993 and 1994 by ECVAM"s scientific advisory committee. Animal testing in the quality control of vaccines was selected as one of the area"s of interest. As a first step it was decided to organise a workshop, with the aim to evaluate potential alternatives, to identify obstacles in development, validation and implementation and to discuss possible solutions. The workshop was held in Utrecht, April 16-17 and the 20 invited participants came from national control laboratories, regulatory bodies, vaccine manufacturers and academic world. (article in English) (The main conclusions and recommendations in the field of the quality control of veterinary vaccines have been published in ATLA 22, 420-434, 1994)

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

General anaesthesia in rats undergoing experiments on the central nervous system.

The rat is one of the species most commonly used in laboratory practice. Numerous publications concerning various aspects of morphology and physiology are based on the results obtained in this species. It make these results comparable and under some precautions enables to transpose into the relationships observed in humans. Each experimental project must obtain the permission of the Local Ethical Committee, as well as comply with the regulations of the European Communities Council, outlined in the "European Convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes". Adequate pre-operative care can eliminate or reduce the incidence of many complications, which may occur during anaesthesia. General anaesthesia in experimental practice can be achieved using a variety of drugs and ways of administration, among others inhalational or intravenous. The side effects of anaesthetic agents can be reduced in this way. Knowledge of the effect of anaesthetics on the cerebral circulation, metabolism and intracranial pressure in both normal and pathological conditions is crucial for neurobiological purposes. Many anaesthetic agents depress respiration, which can result in hypoxia, hypercapnia and acidosis. To maintain blood carbon dioxide and oxygen concentration in the physiological range, it is necessary to apply tracheal intubation and artificial ventilation. However, even when using sophisticated equipment, the role of basic clinical observation, such as the colour of the blood shed in the operation field, breathing depth and frequency, cannot be overestimated. The importance of monitoring mean arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure in experiments on the central nervous system is fundamental. Special attention should be paid to controlling the temperature and monitoring the fluid balance. Appropriate postoperative care can have a decisive influence on the final results of the research.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed2002

Exposure to violence and suicide risk in adolescents: a community study.

The prevalence of violence exposure is relatively unexplored in adolescents in European communities, and reports on the association between exposure to community violence and suicidal behavior are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the prevalence of community violence in a European urban adolescent sample, (2) the relationship between exposure to community violence and suicidal ideation/deliberate self-harm, and (3) the influence of depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior on this relationship. Self-report surveys were administered to a representative school-based sample of 1509 adolescents in Antwerp (Belgium). The prevalence rate of violence exposure was still high but lower than that reported in U.S. communities. Suicidal ideation and deliberate self-harm were both related to violence exposure. The gender-specific influence of depressive symptomatology and aggressive behavior on the association between exposure to violence and suicidal behavior suggests the need for further research.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures in Edmonton, Canada.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures specific to the North American population has not been previously reported and current epidemiological data are primarily reported from European communities. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and to compare this data to those reported in European studies. METHODS: A retrospective chart review from all five acute care hospitals in Edmonton from 1998 to 2002 (inclusive) were reviewed for Achilles tendon ruptures. Data such as gender, age, side, mechanism of injury, and season of injury were obtained. RESULTS: The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures ranged from an annual average of 5.5 ruptures to 9.9 ruptures per 100,000 inhabitants with an overall mean of 8.3 ruptures per 100,000 people. There was a statistically significant difference in Achilles tendon ruptures over the last two study years for both genders (women, p < 0.02; men, p < 0.03). The mean age for an Achilles tendon rupture was 40.6 years for men and 44.5 years for women. The Achilles tendon ruptures occurred most frequently in the 30 to 39 and 40 to 49 year old age groups in both men and women, respectively (p < 0.02). Most ruptures occurred in the spring season, but there was no statistical difference in the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures by season (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures in this community was comparable to those reported in European communities (range 6 to 37 ruptures per 100,000 people), although a bimodal age distribution of rupture previously reported was not observed in this study.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed2006

[Health claims for food: a European outlook].

The development of health claims for food is driven by a strong industrial impetus and by consumer demand. From the regulatory point of view, the European legislation is fragmented; food and health legislations are contradictory on some aspects. National authorities carry out the regulation of health claims for food according to their own rules. A more comprehensive and harmonized approach within the European Community will be provided by the European regulation currently under discussion between the European Commission and the Parliament. Nevertheless, its final adoption and its implementation will take time. In addition, it won't solve the difficulties related to the assessment of the scientific substantiation of these claims. The role of health authorities in the implementation of rules regarding the safety of consumers remains unadressed.

Europe↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A framework for evaluating activities to reduce the demand for drugs in Europe.

This paper describes a provisional framework that could be used to help compare and evaluate activities concerned with reducing the demand for illicit drugs in the European Community. It provides a background to European concern in this field, and comments on some methodological problems that arise regarding evaluation. The overall goal of demand reduction may be attempted through a diverse range of activities--treatment and rehabilitation, reduction of secondary harm arising from drug use, primary prevention, and suppression of drug availability and use--each of which may involve different interventions at different levels of generality and with different subsidiary objectives. Thus it is essential that data for evaluation are collected in terms of a framework where demand reduction activities and their objectives are clearly specified, together with criteria for success or failure, appropriate measures for those criteria and suitable methods to obtain those measures. The paper provides some examples of how this framework could be applied to evaluating attempts to reduce demand for drug through treating addicts, and comments on the use of global measures (indicators) of trends in the demand for drugs. A possible administrative structure for comparing drug demand activities in different countries through a European network on health data is suggested.

Europe↗
PubMed2007

Socioeconomic status, asthma and chronic bronchitis in a large community-based study.

The present study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status, using measures of occupational class and education level, and the prevalence and incidence of asthma (with and without atopy) and chronic bronchitis using data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Asthma and chronic bronchitis were studied prospectively within the ECRHS (n = 9,023). Incidence analyses comprised subjects with no history of asthma or bronchitis at baseline. Asthma symptoms were also assessed as a continuous score. Bronchitis risk was associated with low educational level (prevalence odds ratio (POR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-2.8) and occupational class (1.8; 1.2-2.7). Incident bronchitis also increased with low educational level (risk ratio (RR) 2.8; 95%CI 1.5-5.4). Prevalent and incident asthma with no atopy were associated with low educational level. Subjects in the low occupational class (incident risk ratio (IRR) 1.4; 95%CI 1.2-1.7) and education group (IRR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.6) had higher mean asthma scores than those in higher socioeconomic groups. Lower educational level was associated with increased risk of prevalent and incident chronic bronchitis and asthma with no atopy. Lower socioeconomic groups tended to have a higher prevalence and incidence of asthma, particularly higher mean asthma scores. Adjustment for variables associated with asthma and bronchitis explained little of the observed health differences by socioeconomic status.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

East-West migration: the European perspective. Current trends and prospects beyond 1992.

"This...paper seeks to discern the current situation in East-West migration, including migratory movements within, and towards East Europe, and its possible trends beyond 1993. In so doing it takes into account some of the major policy and operational measures which are being taken or are contemplated by the governments of East and West Europe." Consideration is given to the determinants of East-West migration, sources of possible future migratory pressures, the impact of the formation of the European Community on migratory flows, and movements to and within Eastern Europe.

Demography↗
PubMed1976

International coordination of biomedical research.

Recent efforts at international coordination in biomedical research have taken place at two levels. At the level of the working clinician and scientist, European regionalism has become increasingly manifest in such organizations as the European Society for Clinical Investigation, the European Organization for Research into the Treatment of Cancer, the European Molecular Biology Organization and many others. These have developed largely, though not entirely, independently of government funding. At the level of science policy, i.e. of bodies supporting biomedical research mainly from public funds, the major developments have been the Comité de la Recherche Médicale of the European Community and the much wider association of European Medical Research Councils, based on the whole of Western Europe; in October 1975 the latter group became incorporated into the new European Science Foundation as the first Standing Committee of that body. Wider, interregional, cooperation presents greater problems, though there have been some modest successes, and the multinational drive on research into six of the major health problems of the Third World now being proposed by WHO holds further promise for the future.

Europe↗
PubMed1993

European multicentre studies in the field of obstetrics.

Within Europe a number of multinational, multicentre studies are performed in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Many of these are funded by the European Community. Unfortunately, concise information on currently ongoing European multicentre studies is not easily obtainable. There is no particular central information point. The current overview aims to provide insight in obstetrical EC/European multicentre studies which recently have been finished, are ongoing or have been planned for the near future. The various projects are described, and information on the number of participants, the research period, the responsible project leader and framework of each project is summarized in tables. A list with the addresses of the project leaders and/or contact persons in the EC member states is added. The paper hopes to facilitate researchers and institutes involved in Obstetrics within Europe to make easier contacts and to promote collaboration on the international level.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

Role of Ca(2+) and vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is defined as a progressive systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. The clinical relevance of osteoporosis derives from the fractures that it produces. More than one-third of the adult women will suffer one or more osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime. The lifetime risk in men is approximately one-half that in women. The decrease of the bone mineral density is the most important cause of risk fracture. Among other factors, Ca(2+) and vitamin D deficiencies are important risk factors for a decrease in bone mineral density, consequently inducing osteoporosis. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy elderly people living mainly in southern European countries increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures in these populations above those anticipated for the general elderly population of the European community. In addition, the ageing of the European population will double the number of osteoporotic fractures over the next 50 years, unless adequate preventative measures are undertaken. The efficacy and safety of Ca(2+) and vitamin D supplements at preventing bone loss and reducing the risk of hip and other fractures have been assessed in different clinical trials, which are extensively discussed in this review.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Sjögren's syndrome: a community-based study of prevalence and impact.

OBJECTIVE: Using the European Community (EC) criteria for classification Vitali et al. Arthritis Rheum 1993;36:340 7, we report the prevalence estimates of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) from a general population and present the first population data to assess the impact of the syndrome. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based survey performed on 1000 adults, aged 18-75 yr, randomly selected from a population register. Responders to the initial postal phase were invited for an interview. The five criteria measured at interview were: (1) the reporting of subjective oral symptoms lasting for > 3 months; (2) the reporting of subjective ocular symptoms lasting for >3 months; (3) Schirmer-I test; (4) unstimulated salivary flow; (5) autoantibodies [Ro (SS-A), La (SS-B), rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANA)]. SS was diagnosed if at least four of these five criteria were positive. The MOS Short-form 36 (SF-36), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Health and Fatigue Questionnaire (HFQ) were completed by subjects after the interview, and scores were compared between those with and without a diagnosis of SS. RESULTS: A total of 341 subjects completed both the postal questionnaire and home visit. A diagnosis of SS could be given to 13 subjects. After adjusting for the presence of possible bias due to non-response, our best estimate of the prevalence of SS in the study population was 33 per 1000 subjects (95% CI 22 44). The prevalence of the disorder was higher in females (38; 95% CI 27-52) and for those subjects aged > or = 55 yr (46; 95% CI 34-61). Those subjects diagnosed positively were more impaired for each of the eight dimensions of the SF-36 than those without a diagnosis, and also suffered from higher levels of depression and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: SS affects approximately 3-4% of adults and in the general population appears to be associated with a clinically significant impairment of a subject's health and well-being.

Adolescent↗