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Internationally, the political appetite for educational measurement capable of capturing a metric of value for money and effectiveness has momentum. While most would agree with the need to assess costs relevant to quality to help support better governmental policy decisions about public spending, poorly understood measurement comes with unintended consequences. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the development of measures of learning gain in higher education, exploring political contexts, methodological challenges, and the multiple purposes and potential of learning gain metrics for quality assurance, accountability and enhancement, and most importantly, we argue, the enhancement of learning and teaching. Learning gain approaches should be integral to curriculum design and delivery and not extraneous to it. Enhancing shared understandings of concepts, measures, and instruments, transparency in reporting and investment in developing pedagogical research literacy, including effective use of data are essential in the pursuit of meaningful approaches to measuring learning gain within higher education.

Beekeepers have various options to control the parasitic mite Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies, but no empirical data are available on the methods they apply in practice. We surveyed 28,409 beekeepers maintaining 507,641 colonies in 30 European countries concerning Varroa control methods. The set of 19 different Varroa diagnosis and control measures was taken from the annual COLOSS questionnaire on honey bee colony losses. The most frequent activities were monitoring of Varroa infestations, drone brood removal, various oxalic acid applications and formic acid applications. Correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components showed that six Varroa control options (not necessarily the most used ones) significantly contribute to defining three distinctive clusters of countries in terms of Varroa control in Europe. Cluster I (eight Western European countries) is characterized by use of amitraz strips. Cluster II comprises 15 countries from Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Central-Southern Europe. This cluster is characterized by long-term formic acid treatments. Cluster III is characterized by dominant usage of amitraz fumigation and formed by seven Eastern European countries. The median number of different treatments applied per beekeeper was lowest in cluster III. Based on estimation of colony numbers in included countries, we extrapolated the proportions of colonies treated with different methods in Europe. This suggests that circa 62% of colonies in Europe are treated with amitraz, followed by oxalic acid for the next largest percentage of colonies. We discuss possible factors determining the choice of Varroa control measures in the different clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meniscal injuries are extremely common in soccer athletes, and little is known about postrecovery performance. Purpose: To (1) identify characteristics associated with return to play (RTP) to the same league level and (2) evaluate long-term effects that injury and management approach may have on player performance. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Using publicly available records, we identified athletes who sustained meniscal tears across the 5 major European soccer leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A) between 2006 and 2016. Injured athletes were matched to controls 1:2 by demographics and performance. Investigations included rate of RTP to the same league level, reinjury, player characteristics associated with RTP within 2 seasons, long-term availability, field time, and performance metrics standardized to 90 minutes of play during the next 4 seasons. Results: A total of 250 players sustaining meniscal tears were included, of which 106 (42%) received surgical management. Median absence was 57.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 35-92) or 7 games (IQR, 4-12). Rate of RTP was 70%, and the reinjury rate 5% if a player could RTP. Age greater than 30 years was a negative predictor for RTP (odds ratio [OR], 0.62; P =.002), whereas higher preinjury goals per game (OR, 2.80; P =.04) and surgical management (OR, 1.38; P =.002) were positive predictors for RTP. Surgical management was associated with higher long-term availability (P <.01). As compared with the control, there were no significant differences in field time or performance metrics after RTP, either overall or by player position. As compared with nonoperative management, defenders undergoing surgery demonstrated decreased field time. Attackers and midfielders demonstrated similar field time and performance regardless of management. Conclusion: RTP of elite soccer athletes sustaining meniscal tear is contingent on age, preinjury performance, and management approach. Those who RTP to the same league level can be expected to demonstrate equivalent field time, performance, and long-term availability as noninjured athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separation injuries are uncommon in professional soccer players, threatening future performance and team contributions. Data regarding return to play (RTP) in professional soccer players after ACJ separation are limited. Purpose: To determine the rate, time to RTP, and player performance after ACJ separation in soccer players from the top 5 professional European leagues when compared with a retrospective, matched cohort of uninjured players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Professional soccer players suffering ACJ separation injuries between 1999 and 2018 were identified and were matched to uninjured players (2 controls to 1 injured player) by position, height, age, season year, and length of time played. Information on date of injury, timing to RTP, and player performance metrics (minutes played, games played, goals scored, assists made, and points per game) were collected from transfermarkt.co.uk, uefa.com, fifa.com, official team websites, public injury reports, and press releases. Change in performance metrics for the 4 seasons after the season of injury were based on metrics 1 season before injury. Univariate comparisons were performed using independent 2-group t tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests when normality of distributions was violated. Results: A total 59 soccer players with ACJ separation injuries were identified. Mean age at injury was 24.6 ± 5.3 years. Of these, 81% of the players returned to play, with 69% returning within postinjury season 1. Mean time to RTP was 49.8 ± 24.3 days (5.9 ± 4.1 games). Two players suffered recurrent ACJ separation injuries in their professional soccer careers. There were no significant differences between athletes who sustained ACJ injuries versus control athletes in the number of games played, minutes per game per season, goals scored, assists, or points in the 4 seasons after injury. Defenders played fewer minutes and recorded fewer assists during postinjury season 1 when compared with control athletes. Conclusion: Of the 59 elite soccer players who sustained ACJ separation injuries during the study period, 81% returned to elite competition. Performance metrics were similar to preinjury levels and matched, uninjured control players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The average professional soccer team experiences 1 to 2 traumatic leg fractures per season, with unknown effects on player performance. Purpose: To (1) determine the rate and time to return to play (RTP) following leg fracture, (2) investigate the rate of reinjury following RTP, and (3) investigate long-term effects that lower extremity (LE) fracture may have on elite soccer player performance. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Using publicly available records, we identified athletes sustaining a traumatic leg fracture across the 5 major European soccer leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A) between 2000 and 2016. Athletes with leg fracture (femur, tibia, and/or fibula) were matched 1:2 to controls by demographic characteristics and performance metrics 1 season before the index timepoint. Investigations included the RTP rate, reinjury rate, player characteristics associated with RTP within 2 seasons, long-term player retention, performance metrics during the 4 following seasons, and subgroup analysis by player position. Results: A total of 112 players with LE fracture and 224 controls were identified. Players with LE fractures were absent for a mean of 157 days (range, 24-601 days) and 21 games (range, 2-68 games). The rate of RTP within 1 season was 80%, with 4% experiencing subsequent refracture. Injured players remained active in the league at a higher rate than their uninjured counterparts. As compared with controls, injured athletes played 309 fewer total minutes (P <.05), scored 0.09 more assists per game (P <.01) 1 season after injury, and scored 0.12 more points per game 4 seasons after injury (P <.01). Defenders were most affected by an LE fracture, playing 5.24 fewer games (P <.05), 603 fewer total minutes (P <.01), and recording 0.19 more assists per 90 minutes of play as compared with controls 1 season after injury (P <.001). Attackers and midfielders demonstrated no significant difference in metrics after RTP when compared with controls. Conclusion: Most players sustaining an LE fracture returned to elite soccer at the same level after a significant loss of playing time, with a 4% rate of refracture. Player retention was higher for those sustaining an LE fracture versus uninjured controls. Overall, injured players did not experience a decline in performance after recovery from an LE fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To define based on expert opinion and practical experience using a systematic and scientific approach, (1) the perceived most effective exercise-based strategies to prevent muscle injury in elite footballers; and, (2) when and how these exercise programs are prescribed based on the number of days between games i.e. implementation strategy. Methods: A Delphi survey obtained opinions and assessed for agreement. Delphi respondents consisted of 21 experienced sports practitioners (12 ± 5.3 years in elite football and with an academic background) belonging to 18 teams from the Big-5 European football leagues; England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain. Three teams were represented collaboratively by two experts. The Delphi process involves sequential rounds each evolving based on the responses from the previous. The number of rounds is not pre-defined and continues until an agreement is either achieved or it is clear that no agreement will be reached. Frequency of responses was recorded where the agreement was sought (i.e. in closed questions) and an agreement was achieved if ≥ 13/18 (70%) respondents agreed. For open-ended questions, a qualitative content analysis was performed to identify recurring themes and when themes were specified by ≥ 13 (70%), these were also considered as reaching an agreement. Practitioners had the opportunity to raise concerns if they disagreed with the 'agreement from recurrent themes'. Results: There were four Delphi rounds (100% response for each round). Sprinting and High-Speed Running (HSR) focused exercises were agreed as most effective (perceived) to prevent muscle injuries. Eccentric exercise was perceived as the next most effective. It was agreed that sprinting and HSR be integrated into coaches training, and target 100% of players worst-case match scenario (e.g. volume, intensity) based on individual maximum speeds. Eccentric exercise was recommended to be implemented according to the context of the main football session and planned/actual sprinting and HSR content. It was agreed that eccentrics can be performed before or after training, context dependent. The day to perform specific sprinting and HSR or eccentric exercises depended on the proximity of previous and upcoming matches. Other exercises reaching agreement as 'somewhat effective' included concentric and isometric, horizontal and vertical plyometrics, coordination, core and dynamic flexibility in addition to core stability. No agreement was reached for multi-joint, resisted sprinting, kicking or agility exercises nor simultaneous single-leg strength and stability. Finally, no agreement was reached regarding programming variables e.g. sets, repetitions as deemed too contextual. Conclusion: Regarding exercise-based strategies, particular importance agreed by the Delphi expert group was to focus on sprinting, HSR and eccentric exercises, integrated with a variety of other exercise modes which also carry some level of effectiveness in a multidimensional programme. Context was agreed to be key and decision-making about when to undertake/ how to prescribe exercise strategies to be made according to the content of normal football training and the proximity of matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cronobacter sakazakii has been documented as a cause of life-threating infections, predominantly in neonates. We conducted a multicenter study to assess the occurrence of C. sakazakii across Europe and the extent of clonality for outbreak detection. National coordinators representing 24 countries in Europe were requested to submit all human C. sakazakii isolates collected during 2017 to a study center in Austria. Testing at the center included species identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, subtyping by whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and determination of antimicrobial resistance. Eleven countries sent 77 isolates, including 36 isolates from 2017 and 41 historical isolates. Fifty-nine isolates were confirmed as C. sakazakii by WGS, highlighting the challenge of correctly identifying Cronobacter spp. WGS-based typing revealed high strain diversity, indicating absence of multinational outbreaks in 2017, but identified 4 previously unpublished historical outbreaks. WGS is the recommended method for accurate identification, typing, and detection of this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To construct a model to predict preference-adjusted EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) health utilities for CS using the disease-specific health-related quality of life measure (CushingQOL). Methods: Data were obtained from the European Registry on CS (ERCUSYN). ERCUSYN is a web-based, multicenter, observational study that enrolled 508 CS patients from 36 centers in 23 European countries. Patients included in the study completed both the EQ-5D and the disease-specific CushingQOL questionnaire. Socio-demographic and clinical data were also collected. The UK tariff values were used to calculate EQ-5D utility scores. Various predictive models were tested, and the final model was selected based on four criteria: explanatory power (adjusted R-squared), consistency of estimated coefficients (sign and parameter estimation), normality of prediction errors (mean error, mean absolute error, root mean squared error), and parsimony. Results: For the mapping analysis, data were available from a total of 129 patients. Mean (SD) age was 43.1 (13) years, and the sample was predominantly female (84.5 %). Patients had a mean (SD) CushingQOL score of 39.7 (17.1) and a mean (SD) ‘tariff’ value on the EQ-5D of 0.55 (0.3). The model which best met the criteria for selection included the intercept and 3 CushingQOL’s questions and had an R 2 of 0.506 and a root mean square error of 0.216. Conclusions: It was possible to find a mapping function which successfully predicted the EQ-5D UK utilities from disease-specific CushingQOL scores. The function may be useful in calculating EQ-5D scores when EQ-5D data have not been gathered directly in a study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing number of cancer survivors worldwide has led to of the emergence of diverse survivorship movements in the United States and Europe. Understanding the evolution of cancer survivorship within the context of different political and health care systems is important for identifying the future steps that need to be taken and collaborations needed to promote research among and enhance the care of those living after cancer. The authors first review the history of survivorship internationally and important related events in both the United States and Europe. Lessons learned from survivorship research are then broadly discussed, followed by examination of the infrastructure needed to sustain and advance this work, including platforms for research, assessment tools, and vehicles for the dissemination of findings. Future perspectives concern the identification of collaborative opportunities for investigators in Europe and the United States to accelerate the pace of survivorship science going forward. Cancer 2013;119(11 suppl):2094-108. © 2013 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To construct a prediction model of preference-adjusted health status (SF-6D) for Cushing's syndrome using a disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure (CushingQoL)., Methods: Data were obtained from the original multicenter, multinational study to validate the CushingQoL questionnaire. HRQOL was measured using the CushingQoL and the SF-36 questionnaires. SF-6D scores were calculated from responses on the SF-36. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Various predictive models were tested and the final one was selected on the basis of four criteria: explanatory power, consistency of estimated coefficients, normality of prediction errors, and parsimony., Results: For the mapping analysis, data were available from 116 of the 125 patients included in the original validation study. Mean (SD) age was 45.3 (13.1) years and the sample was predominantly (83 %) female. Patients had a mean (SD) CushingQoL score of 52.9 (21.9), whereas the SF-6D (derived from SF-36) was skewed towards better health with a mean of 0.71 (median 0.74) on a scale of -0.704 to 1. Of the various models tested, a model which included the intercept (0.61), CushingQoL overall score, level one in CushingQoL item 2 (always have pain preventing me from leading a normal life), and level one in CushingQoL item 10 (my illness always affects my everyday activities) best met the four criteria for model selection. The model had an adjusted R (2) of 0.60 and a root mean square error of 0.084., Conclusions: Although the mapping function finally selected appears to be able to accurately map CushingQoL scores onto SF-6D outcomes at the group level, further testing is required to validate the model in independent patient samples.