European Integration Perspectives in Times of Global Crises - 13th Network Europe Conference, Athens, 19 – 22 June 2022

With the White Paper on the Future of Europe, the European Commission had launched a debate on fundamental reforms of the Union structures in 2017. A total of five reform scenarios ranged from a reduction and focusing of the Union’s competences to increased integration in the sense of a United States of Europe. However, the White Paper did not have any consequences; none of the reform scenarios presented was implemented. However, current global challenges in the areas of health, climate change and energy resources as well as the shift in the global balance of power and related security issues demonstrate the increasing importance of a strong and united Europe. The idea of an “ever closer union”, as laid down in the preamble of the 1992 EU Treaty, could experience a renaissance. Against this background, the 13th Network Europe Conference addressed the importance of the integration project in times of global crises and the challenges in various policy areas, as well as the EU’s relations with its eastern and southern neighbors and its role vis-à-vis global actors such as China and Russia. This publication contains the conference contributions

Spontaneous atypical muscle bleeding of the anterior abdominal wall in patient with COVID-19 – case report

COVID-19 is an unpredictable disease that can lead to multiorgan dysfunctions. There is a high frequency of venous and arterial thrombosis, among other symptoms,. Spontaneous bleeding in COVID-19 patients has also been described, but rarely, whether or not they are on anticoagulant therapy. We report a case of a 65-year-old female COVID-19 patient treated in our hospital. During the hospitalisation, she experienced sudden, severe pain in the lower part of the abdomen and had signs of hemorrhagic shock. CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a spontaneous giant haematoma of the anterior abdominal wall. A surgical procedure was done. We identified spontaneous bleeding in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. The patient recovered well. Rapid diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to ensure a good patient outcome

Assessment and Prediction of Adherence to Methotrexate Using Three Self-Report Questionnaires in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX) reduces rheumatoid arthritis activity and ameliorates the long-term functional status in these patients. To achieve this aim, patients need to take their medication regularly. Nevertheless, non-adherence to MTX still remains a considerable issue in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the adherence to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to identify specific non-adherence risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 111 patients (mean age 56.2 ± 10.6 years, 78.4% female, and mean disease duration 6 years (3–13)). Three adherence self-assessment questionnaires were used: the Compliance-Questionnaire-Rheumatology (CQR19), the Medication Adherence Reports Scale (MARS-5), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). We also collected demographic data, disease and treatment characteristics, and anxiety/depression estimation results (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Results: Adherence was identified in 48.6% of patients (COR19), 70.3% of patients (MARS-5), and 82.9% of patients (VAS questionnaire). All three questionnaires displayed a significant positive mutual correlation: CQR19 with MARS-5 and VAS (r = 0.364, r = 0.329, respectively, p p p = 0.030) using the MARS-5, female sex (0.264 (0.095–0.730), p = 0.010) according to the CQR19, and for a dose of methotrexate (0.881 (0.783–0.992), p = 0.036) using the VAS, while negative predictions were shown for comorbidity number (3.062 (1.057–8.874), p = 0.039) and depression (1.142 (1.010–1.293), p = 0.035) using the MARS-5 and for older age (1.041 (1.003–1.081), p = 0.034) according to the CQR19. The use of steroids was a significant positive predictor in all three questionnaires and remained an independent predictor for methotrexate adherence in the multivariate logistic regression. Conclusions: We showed non-adherence to methotrexate in a significant number of patients using all three questionnaires. Concomitant steroid therapy emerged as an independent positive predictor for adherence

Challenges, risks and threats for security in Europe : 11th Network Europe Conference Warsaw 19th - 22nd May 2019

The conditions for security in Europe in the 21st century differ from those in the second half of the 20th century. The consequences of the East-West conflict no longer determine the security agenda. Due to the pan-European process of integration and cooperation, European countries have the chance of a future together in an “area of peace, freedom, security and justice”. However, the security situation in Europe is determined by new threats and risks. Comprehensive security means that external and internal as well as civilian and military security aspects are closely linked. It goes beyond traditional security issues and includes, inter alia, instruments of economic, social, and health policy. In addition, today’s threats are of cross-boarder nature: Threats like attacks on the security of IT systems, organized crime, and climate change appear to be solvable mainly through international cooperation. Thus, the role of international organizations is becoming more important. The 11th Network Conference analysed the existing security architecture of Europe in the above mentioned political areas. The contributions can be found in this publication