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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Evaluation of the Commission of the European Communities quality criteria for the paediatric lateral spine.

The study aimed to evaluate the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) quality criteria for paediatric lateral spine radiographs, and to use these to assess and compare the quality of film-screen and digital images. 286 paediatric lateral spine radiographs (89 film-screen and 197 digital) were independently analysed by two observers according to the CEC criteria. Based on fulfilment of criteria, images were assigned two scores, an image criteria score and a visual grading analysis score. Sensitivity values (S) on digital radiographs were recorded and correlated with image quality. Variability for assignment of scores between observers was lower for the image criteria than the visual grading analysis technique. Analysis of variance for fulfilment of criteria between techniques, and (for digital images) age and sensitivity values was calculated. Film-screen did significantly better (p<0.05) than digital imaging for Criterion 6 (visually sharp reproduction of the cortex and trabecular markings consistent with age), but significantly worse for Criterion 7 (reproduction of the adjacent soft tissues). There was a significant difference in mean S values for each age group when Criterion 6 was or was not met. Results show that although interpretation between two observers was ambiguous, the CEC criteria were able to detect differences in quality of film-screen and digital images. It is also possible to use them when optimizing target S values.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2002

Association of body mass index with respiratory symptoms and atopy: results from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: There are several reports showing that obese adults report more respiratory symptoms suggestive of asthma than those who are not obese. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of body mass index with respiratory symptoms and atopy in young adults METHOD: Information collected from 15,454 participants in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey, a multicentre cross-sectional survey of young adults, was analysed to determine the association of body mass index with respiratory symptoms and atopy. RESULTS: Men and women with a body mass index of greater than 30 were at an increased risk of wheeze with shortness of breath compared with those with a body mass of 20-24.99 (OR in men 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.41-2.42; OR in women 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.59-2.58). Similar associations were observed for other symptoms suggestive of asthma. Body mass index was not associated with 'hayfever or nasal allergies', specific IgE to house dust mite, grass or cat or with total IgE in men or women. CONCLUSION: Reported associations of body mass index with symptoms suggestive of asthma are unlikely to be explained by a higher risk of atopy in the obese. Alternative explanations must be sought.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

European Community Multicentre Trial "Fetal ECG Analysis During Labour": the P-R interval.

The aim of the European Community Multicentre Trial on Fetal ECG Analysis During Labour was to collect a clinical database of electrocardiograms on which the different patterns of ST waveform and time interval changes, so far identified, could be studied. The aim of this paper was to study the PR-RR relationship and the P wave patterns during normal labour. One thousand three hundred fifty accelerations and 350 decelerations were analysed in 618 labours, all with normal fetal outcome. All ECGs were recorded with the STAN recorder and linked to a PC system for data acquisition and analysis. A positive relationship between P-R and R-R intervals was identified in all reactive fetal heart rate traces. A P-R shortening was identified also with all decelerations of more than 40 bpm from the baseline, resulting in a negative PR-RR relationship. Experimental works have described a P-R shortening concurrent with the maximal R-R lengthening during acutely induced hypoxemia in fetal lambs. In our study normal cord acid-base status indicated that the majority of bradycardia episodes recorded were not related to acute hypoxemia: PR-RR relationship changes seem therefore to indicate an intact physiological fetal heart adaptive response to rapid change in the environment of either hypoxemic or haemodynamic origin. A negative PR-RR relationship by itself seems to be nothing more than an indicator of decelerations during labour and seems unable to discriminate between decelerations of different origin. Finally the P wave was no longer detectable during decelerations of more than 800 msec: in this situation the P-R interval can not be reliably measured.

Electrocardiography↗
PubMed2002

Specific sensitization to common allergens and pulmonary function in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: The role of atopy in the evolution to chronic obstructive disease remains controversial. AIM: We aimed to assess the association between individual sensitization to common allergens and lung function. METHOD: We analysed data from 12,687 subjects aged 20 to 44 years, from 34 centres in 15 countries participating in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Participants performed a blood test, lung function test, methacholine challenge, and answered an administered questionnaire. The relationships between specific IgE, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio were assessed for each study centre stratified by sex, followed by random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Asthmatics sensitized to house dust mite had a lower FEV1 (-119 mL in women and -112 mL in men) and FEV1/FVC ratio (-1.95%, and -2.48%) than asthmatics without sensitization. Asthmatics sensitized to cat had a lower FEV1 (statistically significant for women only) and a lower FEV1/FVC ratio. Asthmatic women sensitized to grass had a lower FEV1 and a lower ratio, and those sensitized to Cladosporium had a lower FEV1. A weak association was found with sensitization to cat and to Cladosporium among non-asthmatic women, which disappeared after adjusting for BHR. CONCLUSION: We conclude that atopy was related to a lower lung function, which was only apparent among asthmatics. This relationship was explained by specific sensitization to cat and to house dust mite, the latter being homogeneous across areas.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Mortality from breast cancer in the European Community (1970-1985)].

BACKGROUND: A comparative study of mortality by breast cancer in the different countries of the European Community was carried out. METHODS: Deaths by breast cancer in women over the age of 14 from 1970-1985 were considered. The data were collected from the Statistical Yearbook of the World Health Organization. Poisson log-lineal models were used to calculate the relative risk and evaluate the temporary tendency of each country. Lastly a different model was established for each age group (15-44, 45-64, > 65) to know their evolution over time in the different countries. RESULTS: A north-south pattern was observed in the mortality by this tumor. Considered altogether, the Mediterranean countries present a mortality defect of 45% with respect to the remaining countries. The global tendency is slightly upwards in all the countries. This increase is significantly greater in the Mediterranean countries (7% every 5 years). Analysis by age showed that this increase is produced in the group of women over the age of 44 years. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in death by breast cancer in the European countries continues to rise despite the existing detection programs and improvements in survival. The differences among the countries tend to decrease making the incidence of breast cancer in the north and south of Europe ever more similar.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1993

Ocular fluorometry: standardization and instrumentation development. A Concerted Action in the European Community (EUROEYE).

A Concerted Action on Ocular Fluorometry, stressing standardization and instrumentation development has been funded by the European Community. Agreement was reached on harmonization of protocols. The results obtained show that the protocols proposed for Clinical Ocular Fluorometry were generally appropriate and may be followed closely, with reproducible and meaningful results. In each group, areas for improvement could, however, be detected, particularly regarding facility of use of the newly developed softwares. The success of the ECNOF was very rewarding and every effort is being made to consolidate this success in the publication and dissemination of the agreed guidelines and results. The field of Ocular Fluorometry appears to have even more potential than was apparent at the beginning of this Concerted Action. The needs for instrumentation development have been clarified and four main directions where progress has been achieved are identifiable: spectral fluorescence analysis of naturally occurring ocular fluorophores, light scattering analysis of ocular structures and fluids, improved axial resolution for better quantification of ocular permeabilities and, finally, development of simple routine clinical instrumentation. Corneal and lens natural fluorescence appear extremely promising as indicators of disease status, particularly in diabetes. Blood-retinal barrier permeability has the potential to become a screening test isolating the eyes at risk for developing diabetic blindness and, therefore needing closer follow-up and earlier treatment. Light scattering methodologies particularly in association with ocular fluorometry, may allow improved monitorization of chronic inflammation, better therapeutical management of a variety a sight-threatening diseases.

Anterior Eye Segment↗
PubMed1992

The European Community 'avoidable death indicators' in Sweden 1974-1985.

Avoidable mortality in Sweden 1974-1985 was analysed using a European Community (EC) Working Group list of 'avoidable death indicators." The list includes causes of death that in certain age groups were defined as indicators of the outcome of medical care intervention or for some conditions, indicators of the national health policies. About 10 out of 14 medical health care indicators occurred in less than 50 cases per year. Death rates decreased over the 12-year period studied for most avoidable death indicators. For women, however, the death rate for malignant neoplasms of the trachea, bronchus and lung increased significantly. Swedish total mortality for ages 5-64 years was lower than the EC standards 1974-1978 and 1980-1984. Most of the avoidable causes of death had a relatively low standard mortality rate (SMR) when compared to both the EC standard and to the Swedish SMR for total mortality. For asthma, however, the Swedish SMR was higher. The development and implementation of the avoidable death concept and methodology is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

A review of documentation requirements for preclinical sections, for marketing submissions in the European Community, Japan and the USA.

Standardization of the documentation requirements for preclinical sections, for marketing submissions in the European Community (EC), Japan and the USA is proposed. It is unnecessary to standardize the leading summaries of submissions as their format is predicated by the way in which the regulatory authorities review applications. Harmonization of the technical sections will reduce the duplication of effort expended by pharmaceutical companies to produce documentation specific for each regulatory authority. Elimination of requirements specific to individual authorities will further reduce the resource requirements. The proposals made in this paper are aimed to increase the 'user-friendliness' of the preclinical documentation and therefore expedite the review process.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Relation of bronchial responsiveness to body mass index in the ECRHS. European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: There is substantial evidence for an association between symptoms of asthma and overweight or obesity. However, a study that reported no association between bronchial responsiveness (BHR) and body mass index (BMI) suggested that the relation of symptoms to obesity was due to increased diagnosis of asthma. The relation of BHR to BMI was therefore investigated in a large multicentre study. METHODS: Data were obtained for 11,277 participants in stage II of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). BHR to methacholine was analysed in relation to BMI adjusted for a number of factors known to be associated with BHR, including baseline lung function and allergen sensitisation, and combined across 34 centres using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: BHR increased with increasing BMI in men (ECRHS slope changed by -0.027 for each unit increase in BMI, 95% confidence interval -0.044 to -0.010, p=0.002), but the relation in women was weak (-0.014, 95% CI -0.033 to 0.005, p=0.14). There was no evidence for an interaction of sex with BMI (p=0.41). CONCLUSIONS: BHR is related to BMI in the ECRHS. This suggests that the association is not due to greater diagnosis or perception of symptoms in obese people compared with those of normal weight. The data do not support the finding by some studies of a relation between asthma and obesity in women but not in men.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Early exposure to children in family and day care as related to adult asthma and hay fever: results from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: The literature indicates that early exposure to children in the family and to day care permanently influences the development of allergic disease. A study was undertaken to examine the associations of family size and day care with adult asthma and hay fever and to determine whether these associations are mediated through specific IgE production and whether they vary with allergic predisposition. METHODS: 18,530 subjects aged 20-44 years from 36 areas predominantly in the market economies participated in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey and provided information through interviewer-led questionnaires. 13,932 subjects gave blood samples for measurement of specific IgE. RESULTS: Hay fever was less common in subjects with many siblings (OR=0.92; 95% CI 0.90 to 0.95 per sib). There was a U-shaped relationship between asthma and number of siblings (quadratic effect of siblings, pwheeze=0.014, pFEV(1)=0.016). In subjects without siblings but exposed to children in day care, hay fever was less common (OR=0.76; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.98) and asthma symptoms were more common (ORwheeze=1.48; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.95). Adjustment for specific IgEs did not alter these associations. The inverse association of hay fever with siblings was found in sensitised subjects (OR=0.89; 95% CI 0.84 to 0.94) and in those with parental allergy (OR=0.91; 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97), but not in subjects without such a predisposition (OR=1.02; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.09). CONCLUSION: Subjects exposed to many children at home or in day care experienced less hay fever and more asthma in adulthood. Microbial challenge through children may contribute to a non-allergic immunological development giving less hay fever but more airways infections predisposing to asthma. These effects were not mediated through production of specific IgE. The protective effect of siblings on hay fever was particularly strong in those with an allergic predisposition.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Occupations of the handicapped in the European Community].

Improvement of the living and working conditions of migrant workers as well as their free movement and social protection are among the major objectives of the European Community (laid down in the Treaty of Rome). In view of the forthcoming European internal market after 1993 and the related potential for increased sociopolitical integration also of disabled persons, an overview is presented of the policies adopted in the various member states in order to enhance employment of disabled people. The article gives an analysis of basic principles, without appraising the various provisions.

Cross-Cultural Comparison↗
PubMed2003

A meta-analytic study of general mental ability validity for different occupations in the European community.

A comprehensive meta-analysis of the validity of general mental ability (GMA) measures across 12 occupational categories in the European Community (EC) is presented. GMA measures showed that there is validity generalization and large operational validities for job performance and training success in 11 occupational groups. Results also showed that job complexity moderated the magnitude of the operational validity of GMA tests across three levels of job complexity: low, medium, and high. In general, results were similar to those found in the United States, although the European findings showed a slightly larger magnitude of operational validity in some cases. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings for personnel selection are discussed. ((c) 2003 APA, all rights reserved)

Aptitude↗
PubMed1992

The European Community classification of chemicals for reproductive toxicity.

The classification and labelling of dangerous substances was first introduced in 1967 in the European Community with Council Directive 67/548/EEC known as the Dangerous Substances Directive. The "6th Amendment" to this directive in 1979 introduced a notification procedure and a requirement for labelling chemicals for toxicity. Three special categories for labelling were for "Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity and Teratogenicity". The teratogenicity classification was restricted to chemicals inducing "teratogenic" effects in the classical sense of the word ie. producing only gross structural malformations. Discussions by expert advisors to the European Commission over several years has lead to a widening of concern in this area of toxicology and under the forthcoming "7th Amendment" the classification of "Teratology" will be changed to "Toxic to Reproduction". This will include adverse effects on fertility, pre- and postnatal development and lactation and will encompass not only structural but also functional deficits. This will bring about a major change in the testing requirements to allow adequate classification of chemicals for these other aspects of reproductive toxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Causes of death among adolescents and young adults in the countries of the European Community and trends, 1960-1980.

Recent trends in mortality among adolescents and young adults in 10 countries belonging to the European Community are described. Data are from official sources for the countries concerned. "Causes of death for age groups 10-14, 15-19 and 20-24 are analyzed by sex for the Community as a whole and for each country separately. Trends over the period 1960-1980 are also analyzed. The marked increase in mortality rates between ages 10 and 20 is explained by the growing importance of traffic accidents. In some countries, however, traffic mortality has declined. Suicide levels though have increased everywhere." (SUMMARY IN FRE)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

European Community multi-Center Trial "Fetal ECG Analysis During Labor": ST plus CTG analysis.

This report form part of the European Community Multi-Center Trial "Fetal ECG Analysis during Labor". Aim of this prospective trial was to identify changes in the fetal ECG waveform with cases of verified fetal hypoxia. In this paper we also report on the use of a newly developed automatic system for identification of ST waveform changes (ST Log). All ECG were recorded with the STAN recorder (Neoventa Medical AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). The ECG information was not displayed during labor in order not to influence the clinical management. This report includes data from 320 cases and include six cases of fetal intrapartum hypoxia. Twenty seven cases showed changes in ST waveform. All five cases with the most marked ST change (a rise in T/QRS of > 0.10 units and lasting more then 10 minutes) had signs of ongoing intrapartum hypoxia. Six out of six cases with evidence of intrapartum asphyxia, showed ST changes. On the basis of our multi-center trial it appears that the combined analysis of CTG and ST waveform changes provides an accurate way to identify adverse events during labor. The work is continuing with a new STAN recorder developed by Neoventa Medical in Göteborg and currently being tested in a Swedish randomized, controlled multi-center trial.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed1993

Economic impact of the AIDS epidemic in the European Community: towards multinational scenarios on hospital care and costs.

OBJECTIVE: To underpin multinational public-health HIV/AIDS strategy planning in the European Community (EC) by integrating national studies on HIV/AIDS in scenario analysis. METHOD: Three types of data are used: routine surveillance data, information on disease progression and observational studies on the economic impact. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is simulated using two models (MIDAS and PC-Based AIDS Scenarios). Selected simulations, consistent with surveillance data, are connected to economic impact (hospital-bed needs and annual hospital costs for AIDS patients). Parameter values expressing per person-year economic impacts are derived from a structured review of publications on economic aspects of AIDS. RESULTS: Evaluation of published studies on hospital resource use and costs in EC countries shows that there are significant differences between both countries and studies, even after conversion to similar measures (for example, using purchasing power parities). These differences are partly due to factors such as the composition of the patient population. Differences in methodology may also have influenced the results. Economic impact is analysed for combinations of three factors; survival time after AIDS diagnosis, hospital inpatient days needed per person-year and corresponding hospital costs per person-year. All scenarios indicate 1995 hospital-bed needs above the 1990 level of 5400 beds. Hospital cost projections for 1995 vary (up to US$1050 million). CONCLUSIONS: (1) For economic impact assessment, there are important gaps in epidemiological and economic data, and in the methods for linking these. (2) Standardization of studies on the resource use and costs of HIV/AIDS is necessary to provide a sound basis for multinational scenarios. (3) Preliminary multinational scenarios show that by 1995 hospital-bed needs for AIDS might reach 0.45% of all hospital beds available in the EC, and that hospital cost projections for AIDS in that year will range from 0.15% to 0.30% of EC health-care expenditure.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1987

First trimester prenatal diagnosis of metabolic diseases: a survey in countries from the European community.

This paper presents the collected data concerning First Trimester Prenatal Diagnosis of Metabolic Diseases performed in different countries of the European Community by enzymatic methods using chorionic villi. In all, 258 diagnoses were made for 38 different metabolic diseases and 56 (22 per cent) affected fetuses have been detected. Several difficulties were encountered with regard to chorionic villus material or enzyme expression in this tissue. We stress the conditions necessary for avoiding errors in diagnosis.

Cells, Cultured↗