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Abstract: Background/Objectives: To assess overall and type-specific HPV vaccine effectiveness in central and eastern Europe (CEE), the age-stratified prevalence of cervical HPV infection was determined among Slovenian women aged 20 to 64 attending a cervical cancer screening program 14 years after implementation of a national HPV vaccination program, which was then compared with 2009-2010 pre-vaccination data using the same methodological approach. Methods: Cervical samples of 4419 women were tested in 2023-2025 using the clinically validated Alinity m HR HPV Assay, and individual HPV types were determined by the Allplex HPV HR Detection assay. Results were compared with 2009-2010 pre-vaccination data generated using the same assay on an age-range matched cohort of women. Results: The overall prevalence of the 14 Alinity-targeted HPV types was 10.0% in 2023-2025 versus 13.3% in 2009-2010 (p < 0.001). HPV16 prevalence declined from 3.5% to 1.5% (p < 0.001), and HPV18 prevalence from 1.1% to 0.5% (p = 0.005). In women aged 20 to 24 with 40% uptake of quadrivalent HPV vaccine, overall HPV prevalence dropped from 25.3% to 12.8% (p < 0.001). No single case of HPV16/HPV18 infection was detected among vaccinated women. Conclusions: The first large-scale, systematic, and methodologically consistent study of HPV vaccine effectiveness in CEE showed a substantial reduction in high-risk HPV prevalence after implementation of the national program, with the greatest decline among women aged 20 to 24, who harbored the highest HPV burden in the pre-vaccination era. These locally acquired data will considerably inform public health strategies on cervical cancer elimination in CEE.
Keywords: HPV, Slovenia, central ane eastern Europe, cervical cancer, prevalence, screening, vaccination
Published in DiRROS: 20.04.2026; Views: 143; Downloads: 98
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Abstract: Purpose: Analyse the results of a European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) survey on post-residency training (fellowship) opportunities across Europe, providing insights from ophthalmic educators on the current landscape. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous 31-question online survey distributed to educators in all EBO-affiliated countries. Results: The response rate was 61% with participation of 392 ophthalmic educators. Despite broad participation, Southwestern Europe was overrepresented, while Northern and Central Europe were underrepresented, affecting regional balance. Respondents had a mean age of 51 ± 11 years, with 37.8% as professors and 46.6% as department heads. Most (54.1%) were affiliated with university hospitals. The reported median percentage of residents pursuing post-residency training was 25%, varying between 15% and 100%, with 15.3% of respondents uncertain about their existence, especially in non-university hospitals. Post-residency training durations were predominantly 1 or 2 years. National diplomas were highly valued except in the United Kingdom; language proficiency was required in 84.2% of countries. Respondents reported a median of three positions per department, with 60% filled by local residents. Surgical activity accounted for 65%, with regional variations, whereas 40% of positions involved research. Observerships remained rare (10%). Financial compensation was provided in 67% of cases. A national medical licence was deemed essential, whereas the EBO diploma and letters of recommendation were moderately valued, especially in Northern Europe. Fellowships were highly recommended by 76.2%, while 63% believed that grants would improve access to positions. Conlusion: This survey represents the largest data set on post-residency training in Europe. Results highlight a lack of cohesion in fellowship opportunities, with many respondents uncertain about national programmes. A national medical licence remains the primary requirement, while language proficiency and financial support are key factors influencing access. Institutional support for medical educators is increasing, yet challenges persist regarding time, resources and funding. Focusing on subspecialty training and research, fellowships are crucial for career progression. Expanding training opportunities through international initiatives could further enhance accessibility and standardisation across Europe.
Keywords: Europe, fellowship, medical education, ophthalmology, post-residency training, sub-specialisation, survey
Published in DiRROS: 09.04.2026; Views: 156; Downloads: 120
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Abstract: Long-term extensometric monitoring across Central Europe reveals a pronounced tectonic hiatus between 2015 and 2019. Using high-resolution data from the EU TecNet network of optical – mechanical TM-71 and TM-72 extensometers installed along major fault zones, we document a widespread attenuation or cessation of fault-related micro-displacements that coincided with a marked decrease in regional seismicity. The hiatus was most prominent in the Western Carpathians, where fault movements were arrested at nearly half of the monitored sites, preferentially affecting major NNE – SSW-striking fault systems that represent the principal structural grain of the region. Despite the overall quiescence, extensional fault opening developed at several sites since 2015, followed by significant vertical subsidence recorded across much of the Western Carpathians in 2018. Similar patterns of tectonic quiescence were observed in the Bohemian Massif, Slovenia, and Bulgaria, indicating that the phenomenon extended over large parts of Central and Southeastern Europe. The temporal evolution of deformation and its correspondence with seismicity suggest that the 2015–2019 hiatus reflects a transient regional-scale reorganisation of the stress field, likely linked to variations in plate-boundary forcing, rather than a response to climatic effects or local processes.
Keywords: faulty activity, extensometric monitoring, seismic quiescence, Central Europe, adriatic microplatee
Published in DiRROS: 23.03.2026; Views: 209; Downloads: 218
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Abstract: Background. Kidney transplantation (KT) is the preferred treatment for paediatric patients with kidney failure, but information on trends in paediatric KT in Europe is lacking. We aimed to report on time trends in paediatric (0–17 years) KT rates and recipient characteristics in Europe between 2010 and 2021. Methods . Thirty-one countries contributing data from 2010 to 2021 on paediatric KT to the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology/European Renal Association Registry were included. We reported trends in KT rates [per million age-related population (pmarp)], overall and by patient subgroup for Europe, and at macro-economic and country-specific levels. We also reported clinical variables in the first year post-KT. The 2020–21 period was analysed separately to account for the COVID-19 pandemic. Results . The paediatric KT rate was stable at ≈5 pmarp between 2010 and 2019, and about one-fourth were pre-emptive KTs. In 2020–21 the KT rate was 5.6 pmarp. In low–, middle– and high–gross domestic product (GDP) countries, KT rates (pmarp) were 2.1, 6.1 and 7.6, respectively, and increased in low-GDP countries by 4.1% per year from 2010 to 2019, mainly in the youngest recipients. The proportion of pre-emptive KT increased only in middle-GDP countries. Low-GDP countries showed a higher prevalence of short stature while high-GDP countries showed more overweight/obese, hypertensive and anaemic patients. Conclusions . The rate of paediatric KT in Europe has remained stable, with differences between GDP groups. Low-GDP countries had the lowest KT rates, but with an increasing trend over time. Opportunities to further increase access to paediatric KT should be explored.
Keywords: epidemiology, Europe, kidney transplantation, trends
Published in DiRROS: 19.03.2026; Views: 225; Downloads: 156
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Abstract: Newborn screening (NBS) is a well-established public health program that enables early detection and treatment of rare disorders in newborns, preventing severe complications or death. Despite its recognized importance, the scope and implementation of NBS programs vary across Southeastern (SE) and Central Europe. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of NBS in 16 countries of SE and Central Europe and assess progress since the previous survey in 2021. A structured questionnaire was distributed to national experts between April and December 2025, collecting data on program organization, coverage, diseases included, laboratory methods, confirmatory testing, consent practices, and future expansion plans. All countries reported universal screening for congenital hypothyroidism, except Kosovo, where a national NBS is in the process of being established. Expanded NBS using tandem mass spectrometry was available in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovenia. Spinal muscular atrophy screening became universal in Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovenia. Most countries reported plans for further expansion, with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, severe combined immunodeficiency, spinal muscular atrophy, and cystic fibrosis being the most frequently targeted conditions. Although notable infrastructural progress has been achieved, financial constraints, lack of staff, and organizational barriers remain key challenges. The study’s assessment of program effectiveness was further limited by the absence of region-wide systems for capturing end-to-end performance indicators, such as the age of the infant at treatment initiation or missed cases. Regional collaboration and adoption of best practices are therefore vital to ensure equitable access and continuous advancement of NBS programs.
Keywords: newborn screening, NBS, Southeastern Europe, Central Europe, neonatal screening, expanded NBS program
Published in DiRROS: 06.03.2026; Views: 306; Downloads: 207
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