European expert network on rare communicable diseases and other rare diseases linked to mobility and globalisation focused on health care provision (EURaDMoG): a feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION: In the current mobility and globalization context, there is a growing need to identify potential changes on the pattern of diseases in the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) and provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for the population. The pattern of rare communicable diseases that can affect people returning to EU/EEA from travel abroad, visiting EU/EEA or establishing in the EU/EEA is of special relevance. The objective of this manuscript is to give an overview about the EURaDMoG study and discuss the feasibility of establishing a European network on rare communicable diseases and other rare conditions linked to mobility and globalization. METHODS: We undertook a three-steps process where we first conducted a narrative review to estimate the prevalence and incidence and to list rare communicable and non-communicable diseases linked to mobility and globalization in the EU/EEA; second, we organized an international consultation workshop with experts in the diseases previously selected; and finally, the feasibility study analysed how successful a European expert network on rare diseases linked to mobility and globalization focused on health care provision would be, accounting for different operational and also sustainability criteria. RESULTS: First, considering the areas or topics that the network should cover, it was concluded that communicable and non-communicable rare diseases linked to mobility and globalization should be differentiated. Second, since all non-communicable rare diseases linked to mobility and globalization identified are already covered by different European Reference Networks (ERNs), there is no need for them to be included in a new European network. Three scenarios were considered for establishing a potential European network for rare communicable diseases linked to Mobility and Globalisation with a focus on Health Care provision: 1) To maintain the current situation "Status Quo" scenario; 2) to create a specific European expert network (EEN) on rare communicable diseases linked to mobility and globalisation; 3) to develop a new ERN on communicable rare diseases linked to mobility and globalisation. CONCLUSIONS: Since the focus is the provision of health care, an ERN could have the potential to better boost the quality of care being facilitated by technological tools and online platforms that permit the safe and ethically acceptable exchange of data. However, this potential new network should not eclipse current existing networks and they should be complementary.

Urban health: an example of a "health in all policies" approach in the context of SDGs implementation.

BACKGROUND: Cities are an important driving force to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. The SDGs provide an operational framework to consider urbanization globally, while providing local mechanisms for action and careful attention to closing the gaps in the distribution of health gains. While health and well-being are explicitly addressed in SDG 3, health is also present as a pre condition of SDG 11, that aims at inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. Health in All Policies (HiAP) is an approach to public policy across sectors that systematically takes into account the health implications of decisions, seeks synergies, and avoids harmful health impacts in order to improve population health and health equity. HiAP is key for local decision-making processes in the context of urban policies to promote public health interventions aimed at achieving SDG targets. HiAPs relies heavily on the use of scientific evidence and evaluation tools, such as health impact assessments (HIAs). HIAs may include city-level quantitative burden of disease, health economic assessments, and citizen and other stakeholders' involvement to inform the integration of health recommendations in urban policies. The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)'s Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative provides an example of a successful model of translating scientific evidence into policy and practice with regards to sustainable and healthy urban development. The experiences collected through ISGlobal's participation implementing HIAs in several cities worldwide as a way to promote HiAP are the basis for this analysis. AIM: The aim of this article is threefold: to understand the links between social determinants of health, environmental exposures, behaviour, health outcomes and urban policies within the SDGs, following a HiAP rationale; to review and analyze the key elements of a HiAP approach as an accelerator of the SDGs in the context of urban and transport planning; and to describe lessons learnt from practical implementation of HIAs in cities across Europe, Africa and Latin-America. METHODS: We create a comprehensive, urban health related SDGs conceptual framework, by linking already described urban health dimensions to existing SDGs, targets and indicators. We discuss, taking into account the necessary conditions and steps to conduct HiAP, the main barriers and opportunities within the SDGs framework. We conclude by reviewing HIAs in a number of cities worldwide (based on the experiences collected by co-authors of this publication), including city-level quantitative burden of disease and health economic assessments, as practical tools to inform the integration of health recommendations in urban policies. RESULTS: A conceptual framework linking SDGs and urban and transportplanning, environmental exposures, behaviour and health outcomes, following a HiAP rationale, is designed. We found at least 38 SDG targets relevant to urban health, corresponding to 15 SDGs, while 4 important aspects contained in our proposed framework were not present in the SDGs (physical activity, noise, quality of life or social capital). Thus, a more comprehensive HiAP vision within the SDGs could be beneficial. Our analysis confirmed that the SDGs framework provides an opportunity to formulate and implement policies with a HiAP approach. Three important aspects are highlighted: 1) the importance of the intersectoral work and health equity as a cross-cutting issue in sustainable development endeavors; 2) policy coherence, health governance, and stakeholders' participation as key issues; and 3) the need for high quality data. HIAs are a practical tool to implement HiAP. Opportunities and barriers related to the political, legal and health governance context, the capacity to inform policies in other sectors, the involvement of different stakeholders, and the availability of quality data are discussed based on our experience. Quantitative assessments can provide powerful data such as: estimates of annual preventable morbidity and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) under compliance with international exposure recommendations for physical activity, exposure to air pollution, noise, heat, and access to green spaces; the associated economic impacts in health care costs per year; and the number of preventable premature deaths when improvements in urban and transport planning are implemented. This information has been used to support the design of policies that promote cycling, walking, public, zero and low-emitting modes of transport, and the provision of urban greening or healthy public open spaces in Barcelona (e.g. Urban Mobility, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Plans, or the Superblocks's model), the Bus Rapid Transit and Open Streets initiatives in several Latin American cities or targeted SDGs assessments in Morocco. CONCLUSIONS: By applying tools such as HIA, HiAP can be implemented to inform and improve transport and urban planning to achieve the 2030 SDG Agenda. Such a framework could be potentially used in cities worldwide, including those of less developed regions or countries. Data availability, taking into account equity issues, strenghtening the communication between experts, decision makers and citizens, and the involvement of all major stakeholders are crucial elements for the HiAP approach to translate knowledge into SDG implementation.

Where is the 'global' in the European Union's Health Research and Innovation Agenda?

Global Health has not featured as prominently in the European Union (EU) research agenda in recent years as it did in the first decade of the new millennium, and participation of low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) in EU health research has declined substantially. The Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Framework adopted by the European Parliament in April 2019 for the period 2021-2027 will serve as an important funding instrument for health research, yet the proposed health research budget to be finalised towards the end of 2019 was reduced from 10% in the current framework, Horizon 2020, to 8% in Horizon Europe. Our analysis takes the evolvement of Horizon Europe from the initial framework of June 2018 to the framework agreed on in April 2019 into account. It shows that despite some improvements in terms of Global Health and reference to the Sustainable Development Goals, European industrial competitiveness continues to play a paramount role, with Global Health research needs and relevant health research for LMICs being only partially addressed. We argue that the globally interconnected nature of health and the transdisciplinary nature of health research need to be fully taken into account and acted on in the new European Research and Innovation Framework. A facilitated global research collaboration through Horizon Europe could ensure that Global Health innovations and solutions benefit all parts of the world including EU countries.

Promoting physical activity through primary health care: the case of Catalonia.

BACKGROUND: In adults, as little as 10 minutes of moderate physical activity (PA) three times a day can help prevent non-communicable diseases and prolong life expectancy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the process and impact of scaling up a complex intervention (PAFES) implemented in Catalonia, aimed to increase the proportion of adults complying with PA recommendations (especially those with cardiovascular risk factors). METHODS: The intervention, piloted in 2005, had three elements: 1) establishing clinical guidelines for PA; 2) identifying local PA resources; 3) PA screening and advice in primary health care (PHC) settings, based on stage of change. Central and local level implementation activities included training, support to municipalities, dissemination through a web page, and promotion of World Physical Activity Day (WPAD). Evaluation followed the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance), identifying 3-6 variables for annual evaluation of each dimension. These included coverage of PA screening and advice and individuals with access to a healthy exercise route (Reach), increased PA level between 2006 and 2010-15 (Effectiveness), PAFES adoption by PHC centres and municipalities (Adoption), process evaluation data (Implementation), and cost (Maintenance). RESULTS: PHC screening coverage increased from 14.4% (2008) to 69.6% (2015) and advice coverage from 8.3% (2012) to 35.6% (2015). In 2015, 82.5% patients had access to a "healthy route" (Reach). The proportion of patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor who were "sufficiently active" increased from 2006 to 2010-2013 (Effectiveness). By 2015, PAFES was applied by all PHC teams, 8.3% municipalities and 22.7% PHC centres had organized WPAD events (Adoption). The Plan showed good penetration in all health regions by 2013, with relatively low use of resources and estimated cost (Implementation). By 2013 the Plan was embedded within the health system (Maintenance). CONCLUSIONS: In the first application of the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the scaling-up of a PA plan, PAFES showed good results for most RE-AIM indicators. Changes in priority and investment in health promotion programs affect reach, adoption, and effectiveness. It is important to maintain support until programs are strongly embedded into the health system.

Evaluación del riesgo de transmisión autóctona del virus Zika y otras enfermedades virales emergentes transmitidas por mosquitos en Cataluña / Evaluation of the autochthonous transmission risk of Zika virus and other emerging mosquito-borne viral diseases in Catalonia (Spain)

La reciente epidemia del virus Zika ha hecho evidente el riesgo de introducción de arbovirosis en Europa, especialmente en la región mediterránea, donde el vector Aedes albopictus se ha establecido como especie invasora. En dicho contexto, se realizó una evaluación integral del riesgo de introducción y transmisión autóctona del virus Zika y otros arbovirus de importancia para la salud pública en Cataluña. Se resumen los aspectos más importantes de dicha evaluación, así como las principales conclusiones y recomendaciones para la preparación y la respuesta en salud pública frente a la amenaza que suponen las arbovirosis emergentes (AU)

The recent Zika virus epidemic has highlighted the potential risk of introducing the arbovirosis to Europe, especially within the Mediterranean region where the vector, Aedes albopictus, has become established as an invasive species. In this context, a comprehensive evaluation of the risk of introducing the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne viruses of public health importance in Catalonia (Spain) was carried out. This article summarises the results of the preliminary assessment and the recommendations for the public health preparedness and response plan against the threat posed by these emerging diseases (AU)

[Evaluation of the autochthonous transmission risk of Zika virus and other emerging mosquito-borne viral diseases in Catalonia (Spain)]. / Evaluación del riesgo de transmisión autóctona del virus Zika y otras enfermedades virales emergentes transmitidas por mosquitos en Cataluña.

The recent Zika virus epidemic has highlighted the potential risk of introducing the arbovirosis to Europe, especially within the Mediterranean region where the vector, Aedes albopictus, has become established as an invasive species. In this context, a comprehensive evaluation of the risk of introducing the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne viruses of public health importance in Catalonia (Spain) was carried out. This article summarises the results of the preliminary assessment and the recommendations for the public health preparedness and response plan against the threat posed by these emerging diseases.

Residential green spaces and mortality: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have associated natural outdoor environments with reduced mortality but there is no systematic review synthesizing the evidence. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the association between long-term exposure to residential green and blue spaces and mortality in adults, and make recommendations for further research. As a secondary aim, we also conducted meta-analyses to explore the magnitude of and heterogeneity in the risk estimates. METHODS: Following the PRISMA statement guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis, two independent reviewers searched studies using keywords related to natural outdoor environments and mortality. DISCUSSION: Our review identified twelve eligible studies conducted in North America, Europe, and Oceania with study populations ranging from 1645 up to more than 43 million individuals. These studies are heterogeneous in design, study population, green space assessment and covariate data.We found that the majority of studies show a reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in areas with higher residential greenness. Evidence of a reduction of all-cause mortality is more limited, and no benefits of residential greenness on lung cancer mortality are observed. There were no studies on blue spaces. CONCLUSIONS: This review supports the hypothesis that living in areas with higher amounts of green spaces reduces mortality, mainly CVD. Further studies such as cohort studies with more and better covariate data, improved green space assessment and accounting well for socioeconomic status are needed to provide further and more complete evidence, as well as studies evaluating the benefits of blue spaces.

Low Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in Blood Donors from Catalonia, Spain.

West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging arbovirus first recognized in Europe in the 1950s. Since then, outbreaks have been reported in several European countries. In 2010, the first WNV outbreak was recorded in Spain, affecting the southern part of the country. We conducted a seroprevalence study in the Catalonia region (northeastern Spain), an area considered at high risk of arbovirus transmission. A total of 800 serum samples from blood donors were collected and screened for antibodies against WNV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by a microneutralization assay. More than 50 samples tested positive by ELISA, but only one sample contained neutralizing antibodies against WNV and was obtained from a donor native of Pakistan. The low seroprevalence detected may serve as reference baseline data for monitoring WNV activity in our region in future years.

Mental health benefits of long-term exposure to residential green and blue spaces: a systematic review.

Many studies conducted during the last decade suggest the mental health benefits of green and blue spaces. We aimed to systematically review the available literature on the long-term mental health benefits of residential green and blue spaces by including studies that used standardized tools or objective measures of both the exposures and the outcomes of interest. We followed the PRISMA statement guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. In total 28 studies were included in the systematic review. We found limited evidence for a causal relationship between surrounding greenness and mental health in adults, whereas the evidence was inadequate in children. The evidence was also inadequate for the other exposures evaluated (access to green spaces, quality of green spaces, and blue spaces) in both adults and children. The main limitation was the limited number of studies, together with the heterogeneity regarding exposure assessment. Given the increase in mental health problems and the current rapid urbanization worldwide, results of the present systematic review should be taken into account in future urban planning. However, further research is needed to provide more consistent evidence and more detailed information on the mechanisms and the characteristics of the green and blue spaces that promote better mental health. We provide recommendations for future studies in order to provide consistent and evidence-based recommendations for policy makers.

[Surveillance of the pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 in Catalonia: results and implications]. / Vigilancia de la de gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009 en Cataluña: Resultados e implicaciones.

BACKGROUND: Pandemics require an assessment of its severity. The objective was to determine the characteristics of pandemic influenza in Catalonia. METHODS: We conducted a surveillance study on the incidence of ILI and severe cases between June 2009 and May 2010. A network of 55 doctors reported influenza-like illness and collected nasopharyngeal swabs. The severity of the pandemic was assessed through severe cases confirmed.We calculated the lethality and incidence rates and mortality. The differences are studied with the relative risk (RR) with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%. RESULTS: The incidence of ILI was much higher in the 5 to 14 and from 0 to 4 years old (1227.8 and 1048.4, respectively, in the week of maximum incidence). Of positive samples, 52.4% (477/916) were positive for influenza virus and the majority, 456 (95.6%) were the pandemic influenza virus (H1N1) 2009.The incidence of severe cases was 10.3 per 10(5) and was higher in children (14,5) and adults under 65 years (10,2) (p < 0.0001). Overall mortality was 0.7 per 10(5) and was also higher in children and adults under 65 but the differences were not statistically significant. The fatality rate was estimated at 0.03% and was much higher in the 15 to 44 years (0,03%) (RR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 8.3), 45 to 64 years (0,11%) (RR = 11.9 95% CI 4.3 to 32.7) and over 64 years (0,73%) (RR = 79.6, 95% CI 25.3 to 250.9) compared to group 5 to 14 years (0,01%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of severe hospitalized cases was similar to or lower than that observed in the southern hemisphere. The lower risk of hospitalization in people over 64 years suggests the relative protection of this age group against the pandemic virus.

[Characteristics of cases hospitalized for severe pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Catalonia]. / Características de los casos graves hospitalizados por gripe pandémica a (H1N1) 2009 en Cataluña.

BACKGROUND: Influenza pandemics may cause more severe cases. The objective was to determine the characteristics of hospitalized severe cases of pandemic influenza in Catalonia and to study risk factors for admission to intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective epidemiologic study of new cases of pandemic influenza hospitalized by their severity between June 2009 and May 2010. Hospitals were asked to declare laboratory confirmed pandemic influenza cases that met the case specific case definition for severe case. A standardized epidemiological survey was conducted to collect information on demographics, clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment and outcome. Differences between the cases in ICU compared to other severe cases were studied with the odds ratio (OR), which were adjusted using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: We detected total of 773 pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 severe cases; 465 (60.2%) of them had at least one risk factor and the most prevalent were: pregnancy 19 (13%), asthma 87 (12%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 87 (11.4%) and heart disease 80 (10.5%). Required admission to ICU 293 patients (37.9%). Factors associated with ICU admission were obesity BMI>40 (adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.5) and chronic liver disease (adjusted OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.8). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the high prevalence of pregnancy, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and obesity among pandemic influenza severe cases. Obesity acts as a risk factor for ICU admission and should therefore be considered as an indicator for influenza vaccination.

Vigilancia de la gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009 en Cataluña. Resultados e implicaciones / Surveillance of pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 in Catalonia. Results and implications

Fundamentos. Las pandemias requieren una valoración de su nivel de gravedad. El objetivo fue determinar las características de la gripe pandémica en Cataluña. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de vigilancia sobre la incidencia de síndromes gripales y casos graves entre junio del 2009 y mayo del 2010. Una red de 55 médicos notificaron los síndromes gripales y recogieron frotis nasofaríngeos. La gravedad de la pandemia se valoró a través de casos graves confirmados. Se calcularon la letalidad y las tasas de incidencia y de mortalidad. La existencia de diferencias se estudió con el Riesgo Relativo (RR) y su intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%. Resultados: La incidencia de síndromes gripales fue muy superior en el grupo de 5 a 14 y de 0 a 4 años (1227,8 y 1048,4 respectivamente, en la semana de máxima incidencia). De las muestras positivas 477 (52,4%) fueron positivas a virus gripal y la mayoría, 456 (95,6%) lo fueron al virus gripal pandémicoA(H1N1) 2009. La incidencia de casos graves fue de 10,3 por 105 y fue superior en niños (14,5) y adultos menores de 65 años (10,2) (p<0,0001). La mortalidad global fue del 0,7 por 105 y fue también superior en niños (0,8) y adultos menores de 65 años (0,7) pero las diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas. La letalidad estimada fue de 0,03% y fue muy superior en el grupo de 15 a 44 años (0,03%) (RR=3,1; IC95% 1,2-8,3), de 45 a 64 años (0,11%) (RR=11,9; IC95% 4,3- 32,7) y mayores de 64 años (0,73%) (RR=79,6; IC95% 25,3-250,9) respecto al grupo de 5 a 14 años (0,01%). Conclusiones: La incidencia de casos graves hospitalizados fue similar o inferior a la observada en el hemisferio sur. El riesgo inferior de hospitalización en los mayores de 64 años sugiere protección relativa de este grupo de edad frente al virus pandémico(AU)

Background. Pandemics require an assessment of its severity. The objective was to determine the characteristics of pandemic influenza in Catalonia. Methods.We conducted a surveillance study on the incidence of ILI and severe cases between June 2009 andMay 2010.A network of 55 doctors reported influenza-like illness and collected nasopharyngeal swabs. The severity of the pandemic was assessed through severe cases confirmed.We calculated the lethality and incidence rates and mortality. The differences are studied with the relative risk (RR) with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%. Results: The incidence of ILI was much higher in the 5 to 14 and from 0 to 4 years old (1227.8 and 1048.4, respectively, in the week of maximum incidence). Of positive samples, 52.4% (477/916) were positive for influenza virus and the majority, 456 (95.6%) were the pandemic influenza virus (H1N1) 2009.The incidence of severe cases was 10.3 per 105 and was higher in children (14,5) and adults under 65 years (10,2) (p <0.0001). Overall mortality was 0.7 per 105 and was also higher in children and adults under 65 but the differences were not statistically significant.The fatality rate was estimated at 0.03% and was much higher in the 15 to 44 years (0,03%) (RR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 8.3), 45 to 64 years (0,11%) (RR = 11.9 95% CI 4.3 to 32.7) and over 64 years (0,73%) (RR = 79.6, 95% CI 25.3 to 250.9) compared to group 5 to 14 years (0,01%). Conclusions: The incidence of severe hospitalized cases was similar to or lower than that observed in the southern hemisphere. The lower risk of hospitalization in people over 64 years suggests the relative protection of this age group against the pandemic virus(AU)

Características de los casos graves hospitalizados por gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009 en Cataluña / Characteristics of cases hospitalized for severe pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Catalonia

Fundamentos. Las pandemias de gripe pueden comportar una mayor gravedad. El objetivo fue determinar las características de los casos graves hospitalizados de gripe pandémica en Cataluña y estudiar factores de riesgo de ingreso en UCI. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico observacional y prospectivo de los casos nuevos de gripe pandémica hospitalizados por su gravedad en el período: junio del 2009 hasta mayo del 2010. Se solicitó a los centros sanitarios la declaración de los casos que cumplieron la definición de caso grave y en los que se confirmó la presencia del virus pandémico. Mediante una encuesta epidemiológica se recogió información sobre variables demográficas, clínica, factores de riesgo, tratamiento y evolución clínica. Las diferencias entre los casos en UCI respecto al resto de casos graves se estudiaron con la odds ratio ajustada (ORa) mediante un modelo de regresión logística no condicional. Resultados: Se detectaron 773 casos graves de gripe pandémica; 465 (60,2%) presentaron al menos un factor de riesgo y los más prevalentes fueron: embarazo 19 (13%), asma 87 (12%); enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica 87 (11,4%) y cardiopatías 80 (10,5%). Precisaron ingreso en una unidad de cuidados intensivos 293 pacientes (37,9%). Los factores asociados al ingreso en UCI fueron la obesidad IMC>40 (ORa=2,5; IC 95% 1,4-4,5) y la enfermedad hepática crónica (ORa=2,3; IC 95% 1,1-4,8). Conclusiones: Se confirma la alta prevalencia de embarazo, enfermedades respiratorias crónicas, diabetes y obesidad entre los casos graves. La obesidad mórbida se comporta como un factor de riesgo de ingreso en UCI y por ello debe ser un indicador de vacunación antigripal(AU)

Background. Influenza pandemics may cause more severe cases. The objective was to determine the characteristics of hospitalized severe cases of pandemic influenza in Catalonia and to study risk factors for admission to intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A prospective epidemiologic study of new cases of pandemic influenza hospitalized by their severity between June 2009 and May 2010. Hospitals were asked to declare laboratory confirmed pandemic influenza cases that met the case specific case definition for severe case. A standardized epidemiological survey was conducted to collect information on demographics, clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment and outcome. Differences between the cases in ICU compared to other severe cases were studied with the odds ratio (OR), which were adjusted using a logistic regression model. Results: We detected total of 773 pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 severe cases; 465 (60.2%) of them had at least one risk factor and the most prevalent were: pregnancy 19 (13%), asthma 87 (12%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 87 (11.4%) and heart disease 80 (10.5%). Required admission to ICU 293 patients (37.9%). Factors associated with ICU admission were obesity BMI> 40 (adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.5) and chronic liver disease (adjusted OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.8). Conclusions: This study confirms the high prevalence of pregnancy, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and obesity among pandemic influenza severe cases. Obesity acts as a risk factor for ICU admission and should therefore be considered as an indicator for influenza vaccination(AU)

Prevalence of protective measles virus antibody levels in umbilical cord blood samples in Catalonia, Spain.

The prevalence of protective antibody levels (>160 mIU/ml) in neonates was 98.5%. The mean measles virus antibody level was 3,406 mIU/ml and increased with maternal age. Measles vaccination was reported by 42% of pregnant women and decreased with age.