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Deep geological disposal aims to contain and isolate radioactive waste from the biosphere. Repository systems are made of multiple barriers working together, typically comprising the natural geological barrier provided by the repository host rock and its surroundings and an engineered barrier system. Due to their excellent properties for the confinement of contaminants, including low permeability, high sorption capacity, and swelling/self-sealing capacity, clayey materials are considered as engineered and/or natural barriers in most repository designs under development in Europe. During the lifetime of the repository, clay barriers will be exposed to perturbations, among which those are resulting from gas and heat production within the system. It is important to verify that these perturbations will not be detrimental to the good functioning of these barriers. In this paper, it is shown how the two EURAD R&D work packages, GAS and HITEC use a combination of experimental and modelling approaches to increase the understanding and predictability of the impact on clay barriers of the fundamental processes and their couplings related to gas and heat transport respectively, providing building blocks to support the evaluation of the robustness of the repository concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article surveys the phenomenon of German colonization in Eastern Europe from a comparative perspective. On examination of the origins and outcomes of German settlement in the northern Balkans and southern Russia, a number of shared characteristics and circumstances appear. From beginnings in multinational empires to dissolution under the combined pressure of nationalism and communism, the German settler communities represent an interesting case study in the shift from an imperial to a national perspective in Eastern Europe. The Germans were successful in fulfilling the goals of the Russian and Habsburg imperial governments; they increased agricultural production and helped integrate the regions into the European sphere of influence. Despite appearing initially promising, the rise of nationalism and communism following World War I threatened the traditions of both communities. The rise of Nazism and the outbreak of World War II led to the persecution and eventual dispersal of most of the Germans of the northern Balkans and the Volga River basin. By the early twenty-first century, most of the Germans of the Balkans and former Soviet Union had migrated to Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the CEN (European Committee for Standardization) standard method for sampling fish in lakes using multi-mesh gillnets allowed the collection of fish assemblages of 445 European lakes in 12 countries. The lakes were additionally characterised by environmental drivers and eutrophication proxies. Following a site-specific approach including a validation procedure, a fish index including two abundance metrics (catch per unit effort expressed as fish number and biomass) and one functional metric of composition (abundance of omnivorous fish) was developed. Correlated with the proxy of eutrophication, this index discriminates between heavily and moderately impacted lakes. Additional analyses on a subset of data from Nordic lakes revealed a stronger correlation between the new fish index and the pressure data. Despite an uneven geographical distribution of the lakes and certain shortcomings in the environmental and pressure data, the fish index proved to be useful for ecological status assessment of lakes applying standardised protocols and thus supports the development of national lake fish assessment tools in line with the European Water Framework Directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the consequences to Finland with the adapted Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). Exchange of military information in the CFE; Continuity in the area of arms control and disarmament; Reduction of Treaty Limited Equipment weapons and openness gained by the exchange of military information.

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a European fresh and brackish water piscivorous fish, important as a key predator and a valuable fisheries species. Despite concerns that some stocks are depleting due to overfishing and environmental changes, stock assessments are implemented sporadically. We provide an overview of data collection and population assessments currently used for nine pikeperch stocks across six European countries and apply a unified assessment framework (Bayesian surplus production models) to evaluate population status and trends. Our results show that three stocks, including two in the Baltic Sea, are strongly depleted, with estimated biomasses considerably lower than the biomass at maximum sustainable yield (B MSY). Other stocks are close to their estimated B MSY. Further, recent population trends suggest that only one stock (Kvädöfjärden) is increasing, whereas three (Curonian Lagoon, Lipno, Galtfjärden) are rapidly declining. In most cases the stocks with a favorable status or signs of recovery were also those for which strong management strategies have been implemented. Importantly, although most stocks are strongly targeted by recreational fishing, estimates of recreational catch are highly uncertain. We highlight an urgent need to improve pikeperch scientific monitoring and assessment of recreational catches. • One third of pikeperch stocks assessed were depleted below MSY. • Stocks with favorable status reflected their strong management strategies. • Cessation of commercial fishing did not necessarily promote recovery. • Bayesian surplus production modeling (JABBA) effectively revealed stock trends. • Recreational fishing is important for most stocks but catches usually remain unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify gaps in the systems for reporting adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in Europe by means of an interactive database constructed using a standardized approach. Methods A comparative survey was conducted in 1999-2000, using structured questionnaires addressed to the government authorities responsible for national immunization programmes and drug safety surveillance in all European Union (EU) Member States and in Norway and Switzerland. Findings The reporting of adverse vaccine reactions (AVRs) is covered by regulations in 13 of the 17 countries. Four countries have a specialized expert group with responsibility for vaccine safety. Only six professionals work full-time on vaccine safety in the 17 countries; in four of these countries the person is medically qualified. Fourteen countries have centralized reporting systems; in 14 countries the responsible authority is the drug regulatory agency. AEFI are reported using the procedure used for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in all except four countries. The reporting form is not usually designed for vaccines and important details may therefore not be requested. Clinical definitions for vaccine reactions are not available. Twelve countries have appropriate official definitions for events or reactions, but the list of reportable events varies considerably between countries. The assessment of adverse vaccine reactions (AVRs) is hampered by lack of exact denominator data. Feedback to the rapporteurs was provided in 13 countries, but its quality was highly variable. Conclusion The database facilitated a simple comparison of vaccinovigilance systems across participating countries. Most of the problems identified related to the reporting and analysis of AEFI could be solved through standardization and intensified international collaboration. On a national level, functional vaccinovigilance systems should be the shared responsibility of the drug regulatory authority and the national immunization programme. The resources for development and management of vaccine safety systems should be urgently improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic asthma is consistently associated with increased FE(NO) levels whereas divergence exists regarding the use of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) as marker of inflammation in nonallergic asthma and in asthmatic smokers. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of having allergic or nonallergic asthma on exhaled nitric oxide levels, with special regard to smoking history., Methods: Exhaled NO measurements were performed in 695 subjects from Turin (Italy), Gothenburg and Uppsala (both Sweden). Current asthma was defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma with at least one asthma symptom or attack recorded during the last year. Allergic status was defined by using measurements of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Smoking history was questionnaire-assessed., Results: Allergic asthma was associated with 91 (60, 128) % [mean (95% CI)] increase of FE(NO) while no significant association was found for nonallergic asthma [6 (-17, 35) %] in univariate analysis, when compared to nonatopic healthy subjects. In a multivariate analysis for never-smokers, subjects with allergic asthma had 77 (27, 145) % higher FE(NO) levels than atopic healthy subjects while subjects with nonallergic asthma had 97 (46, 166) % higher FE(NO) levels than nonatopic healthy subjects. No significant asthma-related FE(NO) increases were noted for ex- and current smokers in multivariate analysis., Conclusions: Both allergic and nonallergic asthma are related to increased FE(NO) levels, but only in never-smoking subjects. The limited value of FE(NO) to detect subjects with asthma among ex- and current smokers suggests the predominance of a noneosinophilic inflammatory phenotype of asthma among ever-smokers.

Nutritional support provision does not happen by accident. Clinical dimensions include screening and assessment, estimation of requirements, identification of a feeding route and the subsequent need for monitoring. Patients may need different forms of nutritional intervention during the course of their illness. Furthermore, these may need to be provided in different locations as their clinical status changes. If this is not properly managed there is potential for inappropriate treatment to be given. Clinical processes can only be effectively implemented if there is a robust infrastructure. The clinical team need to understand the different elements involved in effective service provision and this depends on bringing together disciplines which do not feature overtly on the clinical agenda including catering, finance and senior management. Excellent communication skills at all levels, financial awareness and insight into how other departments function are fundamental to success. Practice needs to be reviewed constantly and creativity about all aspects of service delivery is essential. Finally, it is important that key stakeholders are identified and involved so that they can support any successes and developments. This will raise awareness of the benefits of nutritional intervention and help to ensure that the right resources are available when they are needed.

The objective of this longitudinal study was to estimate the incidence rate of asthma, and to compare the incidence between subjects with or without baseline reporting of certain respiratory symptoms. A follow-up of the random population samples in the European Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Estonia was conducted in 1999-2001, in a population aged 30-54 yrs at follow-up (n=14,731). Asthma was defined as reporting either asthma or physician-diagnosed asthma, and a reported year when asthma symptoms were first noticed. Incidence rates, incidence rate ratios and hazard ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. The incidence rate of asthma was 2.2 cases per 1,000 person-yrs. The incidence was higher among females (2.9 cases.1,000 person-yrs(-1)) than among males (1.5 cases.1,000 person-yrs(-1)). When subjects with baseline reporting of wheezing were excluded, the incidence rate decreased to 1.7 cases.1,000 person-yrs(-1), with a further decrease to 1.5 cases.1,000 person-yrs(-1) after exclusion of subjects with wheezing, nocturnal dyspnoea, chest tightness and cough. There was a strong association between onset of asthma and wheezing at baseline. In this prospective, population-based study, the incidence rate of asthma in the whole population sample ranged 1.5-2.2.1,000 person-yrs(-1), with a higher incidence range among females. The incidence was dependent on the extent to which subjects with respiratory symptoms were excluded from follow-up. Hence, for comparability between studies, the exclusion criteria in the follow-up population must be stated.

Several studies have identified obesity as a risk factor for asthma in both children and adults. An increased prevalence of asthma in subjects with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome has also been reported. The aim of this investigation was to study obesity, nocturnal GOR and snoring as independent risk factors for onset of asthma and respiratory symptoms in a Nordic population. In a 5-10 yr follow-up study of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey in Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Estonia, a postal questionnaire was sent to previous respondents. A total of 16,191 participants responded to the questionnaire. Reported onset of asthma, wheeze and night-time symptoms as well as nocturnal GOR and habitual snoring increased in prevalence along with the increase in body mass index (BMI). After adjusting for nocturnal GOR, habitual snoring and other confounders, obesity (BMI >30) remained significantly related to the onset of asthma, wheeze and night-time symptoms. Nocturnal GOR was independently related to the onset of asthma and in addition, both nocturnal GOR and habitual snoring were independently related to onset of wheeze and night-time symptoms. This study adds evidence to an independent relationship between obesity, nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux and habitual snoring and the onset of asthma and respiratory symptoms in adults.

Occupational asthma (OA) can be defined as variable airways narrowing causally related to exposure in the working environment to airborne dusts, gases, vapours or fumes. There are many agents in the work-place that can induce asthma or cause substantial deterioration in pre-existing asthma. It has been estimated that 5-15% of adult-onset asthma can be attributed to occupational exposures. Hence adult patients, especially those with new-onset asthma, must be investigated with regard to occupational risk factors for disease. The prognosis for OA is improved if the causal exposure is controlled either by controlling the exposure at the workplace or by moving the patient out of the workplace.