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Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) outlines that 49% of EU citizens identified "job creation" and 33% identified "education and skills" as the top priorities for science and technology innovation over the next fifteen years. Both documents justify the needs in Europe for the ICT field especially for the NEET (not in education, employment or training) citizens. On the other hand, Grand Coalition for Digital Jobs (GC4DJ) in Europe identifies: the training and matching digital jobs; certification; innovative learning and teaching; mobility; awareness raising; increasing effectiveness of education; increasing equity and producing positive impact in the economy, as a priority for European countries. NEETin is a project directed to NEET citizens, to be developed by Higher Education Institutions, VET providers and Enterprises in order to help to overcome a social European dimension through lifelong learning. By creating a Joint Vocational Education Training in Digital Competences in a collaboration between VET providers and the Enterprises, widening the access to higher education, in an innovative student-centred learning model to apply in a European level, we aim to contribute to improve the quality of Education. Through this certified JVET, NEET citizens will develop their digital skills and the success of employability of these learners will be enhanced.

Coxiella burnetii is a highly infectious bacterium responsible for causing Q fever, an emerging public health problem of global concern and the cause of severe economic losses in livestock farming. Many species can be asymptomatic carriers and shed this bacterium in various secretions and excreta. Humans can acquire the infection mainly through environmental contamination due to bacterial shedding of infected animals, and through tick-borne or foodborne transmissions. If this agent is aerosolized, it is considered a potential biological weapon. Advanced molecular and serological diagnostic techniques for Q fever over the last decade have made it possible to detect clinical cases and carry out population screening effectively. There needs to be more research on C. burnetii control in wildlife despite the increasing evidence that wildlife is a source of C. burnetii for both domestic animals and humans. Birds can transmit this pathogen directly or indirectly to other animals or humans, but data about the spreading of C. burnetii in avian populations still need to be available. The present work aimed to revise the literature about the involvement of wild birds in the epidemiology of Q fever in Europe. Reports of this pathogenic agent in wild birds in European countries since 2007 were considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adequate lymphadenectomy is an important step in gastrectomy for cancer, with a modified D2 lymphadenectomy being recommended for advanced gastric cancers. When assessing a novel technique for the treatment of gastric cancer, lymphadenectomy should be non-inferior. The aim of this study was to assess completeness of lymphadenectomy and distribution patterns between open total gastrectomy (OTG) and minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG) in the era of peri-operative chemotherapy. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the STOMACH trial, a randomized clinical trial in thirteen hospitals in Europe. Patients were randomized between OTG and MITG for advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Three-year survival, number of resected lymph nodes, completeness of lymphadenectomy, and distribution patterns were examined. Results: A total of 96 patients were included in this trial and randomized between OTG (49 patients) and MITG (47 patients). No difference in 3-year survival was observed, this was 57.1% in OTG group versus 46.8% in MITG group (P = 0.186). The mean number of examined lymph nodes per patient was 44.3 ± 16.7 in the OTG group and 40.7 ± 16.3 in the MITG group (P = 0.209). D2 lymphadenectomy of 71.4% in the OTG group and 74.5% in the MITG group was performed according to the surgeons; according to the pathologist compliance to D2 lymphadenectomy was 30% in the OTG group and 36% in the MITG group. Tier 2 lymph node metastases (stations 7–12) were observed in 19.6% in the OTG group versus 43.5% in the MITG group (P = 0.024). Conclusion: No difference in 3-year survival was observed between open and minimally invasive gastrectomy. No differences were observed for lymph node yield and type of lymphadenectomy. Adherence to D2 lymphadenectomy reported by the pathologist was markedly low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between objective physical activity and sedentary behaviour with seasonality among a sample of older adults living in four European countries. Methods: A sample of 169 older adults living in Croatia, Greece, Portugal, and Poland (mean age = 72.2 ± 6.0, 68% female) had valid objective physical activity and sedentary behaviour data collected in different seasons of the year: spring and autumn/winter. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were collected with accelerometers (ActiGraph, GT3X), over 7 consecutive days, in both periods. A valid record was defined as at least two weekdays and one weekend day with 10 hours of wearing time. Analyses were performed with IBM SPSS 28.0, using t-test, ANOVA, and binary logistic regressions. Results: Most older adults from the four countries met the physical activity guidelines in spring and autumn/winter. No significant variations were found across seasons for sedentary behaviour and physical activity both for light and vigorous intensity, regardless of sex, country, education, and body mass index (BMI). A decline in moderate physical activity intensity from spring to autumn/winter was found for those with lower education and higher BMI. Conclusion: The promotion of physical activity must be considered in programs to promote healthy aging throughout the year, especially considering the moderate intensity and those populations with higher BMI and lower educational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive techniques show improved short-term and comparable long-term outcomes compared to open techniques in the treatment of gastric cancer and improved survival has been seen with the implementation of multimodality treatment. Therefore, focus of research has shifted towards optimizing treatment regimens and improving quality of life. A randomized trial was performed in thirteen hospitals in Europe. Patients were randomized between open total gastrectomy (OTG) or minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study investigated patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following OTG or MITG, using the Euro-Qol-5D (EQ-5D) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires, modules C30 and STO22. Due to multiple testing a p-value < 0.001 was deemed statistically significant. Between January 2015 and June 2018, 96 patients were included in this trial. Forty-nine patients were randomized to OTG and 47 to MITG. A response compliance of 80% was achieved for all PROMs. The EQ5D overall health score one year after surgery was 85 (60–90) in the open group and 68 (50–83.8) in the minimally invasive group (P = 0.049). The median EORTC-QLQ-C30 overall health score one year postoperatively was 83,3 (66,7–83,3) in the open group and 58,3 (35,4–66,7) in the minimally invasive group (P = 0.002). This was not statistically significant. No differences were observed between open total gastrectomy and minimally invasive total gastrectomy regarding HRQoL data, collected using the EQ-5D, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-STO22 questionnaires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical resection with adequate lymphadenectomy is regarded the only curative option for gastric cancer. Regarding minimally invasive techniques, mainly Asian studies showed comparable oncological and short-term postoperative outcomes. The incidence of gastric cancer is lower in the Western population and patients often present with more advanced stages of disease. Therefore, the reproducibility of these Asian results in the Western population remains to be investigated. Methods: A randomized trial was performed in thirteen hospitals in Europe. Patients with an indication for total gastrectomy who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were eligible for inclusion and randomized between open total gastrectomy (OTG) or minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG). Primary outcome was oncological safety, measured as the number of resected lymph nodes and radicality. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, recovery and 1-year survival. Results: Between January 2015 and June 2018, 96 patients were included in this trial. Forty-nine patients were randomized to OTG and 47 to MITG. The mean number of resected lymph nodes was 43.4 ± 17.3 in OTG and 41.7 ± 16.1 in MITG (p = 0.612). Forty-eight patients in the OTG group had a R0 resection and 44 patients in the MITG group (p = 0.617). One-year survival was 90.4% in OTG and 85.5% in MITG (p = 0.701). No significant differences were found regarding postoperative complications and recovery. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that MITG after neoadjuvant therapy is not inferior regarding oncological quality of resection in comparison to OTG in Western patients with resectable gastric cancer. In addition, no differences in postoperative complications and recovery were seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploids often have divergent geographical ranges compared to their diploid progenitors, but the causes of such differentiation are poorly understood. The geographical ranges of cytotypes within polyploid complexes may be caused by multiple factors, including historical events, interactions among cytotypes and divergent environmental tolerances, but the fine-scale geographical arrangement of cytotypes is rarely known for most mixed-ploidy species. In this study, we assessed cytotype diversity and distribution patterns in the Jasione montana polyploid complex and examined whether environmental factors can explain the occurrence of tetraploids. Specifically, we reviewed all chromosome counts available in the literature, examined cytotype distributions in a large-scale population survey using flow cytometry (N = 278 populations, N = 3396 plants), and used niche modelling to compare cytotype environmental associations. Two cytotypes were detected: diploids, which are widespread across Europe, and tetraploids, restricted to the north-west quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula. The two cytotypes were distributed in a mosaic with areas dominated by diploids intermixed with those dominated by tetraploids, rarely forming mixed-ploidy populations (1.4%). Although having low geographical overlap, the tetraploid niche is fully nested within the diploid niche breadth and occupies only a subset of the environmental envelope of the diploid progenitor, suggesting that polyploidization has not caused niche expansion due to novel environmental preferences. The mosaic diploid-tetraploid contact zones and the lack of mixed-ploidy populations suggest that frequency-dependent selection may play a role in excluding minority cytotypes. Under this scenario, tetraploids would have to disperse to places unoccupied by diploids to successfully establish. The aggregation of tetraploid populations in areas suitable for diploids suggests that tetraploids may also outcompete diploids in certain areas. Collectively, our results indicate that environmental sorting has played a role, at least on a broader scale, in the successful establishment of polyploids in J. montana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study sought to make a cross‐cultural adaptation of the Dysarthria Impact Profile (DIP) for European Portuguese (EP) and validate it for use in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Methods: The cross‐cultural adaptation was carried out in accordance with the guidelines. The EP version of the DIP was administered to 80 people with PD, and 30 sex‐ and age‐matched control participants. Psychometric properties, acceptability, feasibility reliability (internal consistency and intrarater agreement) and validity (construct, convergent and known‐groups validity) were assessed using other assessment tools (motor disability and impairment, and voice impact). Results: Overall, the EP‐DIP final version has the same conceptual meaning, semantics, idiomatic and score equivalences as the original version. Statistical analyses showed adequate feasibility (missing data <5%), good acceptability (ceiling or floor effects <15%; high requests of assistance to complete the questionnaire), satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.9), weak‐to‐moderate intrarater reliability, good construct validity, strong convergent validity (with the Voice Handicap Index; Spearman's P = −0.8) and good known‐groups validity (between those with PD and control participants). Conclusions: The EP‐DIP version displays the salient features of a valid patient‐based assessment tool used to measure the psychosocial impact of slight‐to‐mild dysarthria in people with PD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 767–774. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monitoring obesity and overweight prevalence is important for assessing interventions aimed at preventing or reducing the burden of obesity. This study aimed to provide current data regarding the prevalence of overweight and obesity of adults, from 20 European countries. Methods: Participants were 34814 (16482 men) adults with mean age 50.8± 17.7. Data from European Social Survey round 7, 2014, were analysed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Results: The proportion of underweight was only 2%, and 44.9% for normal weight. Overweight and obese accounted for 53.1%. More men than women were overweight (44.7% vs. 30.5%). Older adults were significantly more overweight (42.4%) and obese (20.9%) than middle age and younger adults. Retired people account for a greater proportion of overweight (42.0%) and obese (21.5%), when compared with employed, unemployed and students. People from rural areas were significantly more overweight (39.1 vs. 36.1%) and obese (17.0 vs. 15.3%) than those who lived in urban areas. The estimates indicate that the highest prevalence of overweight was in Czech Republic (45.2%), Hungary (43.7%) and Lithuania (41.7%). For obesity, Slovenia (20.8%), Estonia (19.7%) and the United Kingdom (19.2%) were the countries with the highest prevalence. Conclusion: Even though data was self-reported, and individuals tend to overestimate their height and underestimate their weight, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is considered high. More than half of the European population is overweight and obese. This study strengthens and updates the claims of an excessive weight epidemic in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several studies have observed socio-economic (SE) inequalities in smoking among adolescents, but its causes are not fully understood. This study investigates the association between parental and adolescent smoking, and whether this association is socially patterned. Methods We used data from a survey administered in 2013 to students aged 14-17 years old of six European cities (n = 10 526). Using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, we modelled the probability of being a daily smoker as a function of parental smoking and SE status. We tested whether the smoking association differed across social strata. Results The prevalence of parental smoking was higher in low SE status adolescents. Boys and girls were more likely to smoke if they have a father [boys: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.47-2.46; girls: AOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.09-1.86] and mother (boys: AOR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.35-2.31; girls: AOR = 3.36, 95% CI = 2.56-4.40) who smoked. Among boys, the odds of smoking when having a smoking parent were higher in lower SE classes. However, this was not statistically significant, nor was it observed among girls. Conclusions Adolescents are more likely to smoke when their father and mother smoke. Although the susceptibility to parental smoking was similar across social classes, SE differences in parental smoking contribute to the transmission of SE inequalities in smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fruits and vegetables are rich in compounds with proposed antioxidant, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, which could contribute to reduce the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases. Objective: We investigated the association between asthma, and chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS) with intake of fruits and vegetables in European adults. Methods: A stratified random sample was drawn from the Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA²LEN) screening survey, in which 55,000 adults aged 15-75 answered a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Asthma score (derived from self-reported asthma symptoms) and CRS were the outcomes of interest. Dietary intake of 22 subgroups of fruits and vegetables was ascertained using the internationally validated GA²LEN Food Frequency Questionnaire. Adjusted associations were examined with negative binomial and multiple regressions. Simes procedure was used to control for multiple testing. Results: A total of 3206 individuals had valid data on asthma and dietary exposures of interest. 22.8% reported having at least 1 asthma symptom (asthma score ≥1), whilst 19.5% had CRS. After adjustment for potential confounders, asthma score was negatively associated with intake of dried fruits (β-coefficient -2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.09, -0.59), whilst CRS was statistically negatively associated with total intake of fruits (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.55, 0.97). Conversely, a positive association was observed between asthma score and alliums vegetables (adjusted β-coefficient 0.23; 95% CI 0.06, 0.40). None of these associations remained statistically significant after controlling for multiple testing. Conclusion and clinical relevance: There was no consistent evidence for an association of asthma or CRS with fruit and vegetable intake in this representative sample of European adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steady decline of birds living in cereal steppe lands is a worrying situation that the European Common Agricultural Policy is attempting to remedy through the application of agri-environmental schemes ( AES). We assess farmers' preferences towards these AES, which call for a number of environmental practices to protect birds. Using a face-to-face survey in farming communities in Aragón (Spain), and through the estimation of an Ordered Logit model ( OL), we assess the ranking of AES attributes, and obtain their economic valuation according to the farmers' preferences. We find that social factors are also important in determining farmers' decisions. In particular, the importance of social trust and expectation of compliance by other neighbours, encourage farmers to sign up to AES. These and other results may be used to design more effective AES and help to solve this important biodiversity problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The use of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) has gained widespread acceptance in Europe, but data on immediate success, safety, and long-term echocardiographic follow-up in real-world patients are still limited. Objectives The aim of this multinational registry is to present a real-world overview of TMVR use in Europe. Methods The Transcatheter Valve Treatment Sentinel Pilot Registry is a prospective, independent, consecutive collection of individual patient data. Results A total of 628 patients (mean age 74.2 ± 9.7 years, 63.1% men) underwent TMVR between January 2011 and December 2012 in 25 centers in 8 European countries. The prevalent pathogenesis was functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) (n = 452 [72.0%]). The majority of patients (85.5%) were highly symptomatic (New York Heart Association functional class III or higher), with a high logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) (20.4 ± 16.7%). Acute procedural success was high (95.4%) and similar in FMR and degenerative mitral regurgitation (p = 0.662). One clip was implanted in 61.4% of patients. In-hospital mortality was low (2.9%), without significant differences between groups. The estimated 1-year mortality was 15.3%, which was similar for FMR and degenerative mitral regurgitation. The estimated 1-year rate of rehospitalization because of heart failure was 22.8%, significantly higher in the FMR group (25.8% vs. 12.0%, p[log-rank] = 0.009). Paired echocardiographic data from the 1-year follow-up, available for 368 consecutive patients in 15 centers, showed a persistent reduction in the degree of mitral regurgitation at 1 year (6.0% of patients with severe mitral regurgitation). Conclusions This independent, contemporary registry shows that TMVR is associated with high immediate success, low complication rates, and sustained 1-year reduction of the severity of mitral regurgitation and improvement of clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The present study aims to assess the diversity and distribution of cytotypes of Aster amellus in central and eastern Europe, contributing with data to improve understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of the contact zone between diploids and hexaploids of this polyploid complex. Methods Large-scale cytotype screening of 4720 individuals collected in 229 populations was performed using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) flow cytometry. Fine-scale cytotype screening was performed in the mixed-ploidy population. Reproductive variables, such as number of florets per flower head, seed set and seedling emergence, as well as ploidy level of seeds and seedlings were recorded in this population. Key Results The diploid–hexaploid contact zone is large and complex, reaching the Czech Republic in the west, Austria in the south, Poland in the north-east and Romania in the extreme east of the surveyed areas. Most populations presented only one cytotype, either diploid or hexaploid. In several areas of the contact zone both cytotypes were found to grow in parapatry. One mixed-ploidy population of diploids and hexaploids was detected for the first time, but no signs of hybridization were detected. In this population, diploids had a significantly lower reproductive success, and significantly higher production of intercytotype offspring, being in reproductive disadvantage in comparison with hexaploids. Conclusions The contact zone of diploid and hexaploid A. amellus in central and eastern Europe seems to be highly dynamic and diffuse, with both primary and secondary contacts being possible. The obtained results suggest the origin of hexaploids through diploids, overall supporting previous hypotheses that this species is autopolyploid. Data from the only mixed-ploidy population detected so far suggest that the minority cytotype exclusion is an important evolutionary mechanisms driving the prevalence of single-cytotype populations, and thus contributing to the current distributional patterns of the cytotypes of A. amellus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cite this article: Jarvis D, Newson R, Lotvall J, Hastan D, Tomassen P, Keil T, Gjomarkaj M, Forsberg B, Gunnbjornsdottir M, Minov J, Brozek G, Dahlen SE, Toskala E, Kowalski ML, Olze H, Howarth P, Krämer U, Baelum J, Loureiro C, Kasper L, Bousquet PJ, Bousquet J, Bachert C, Fokkens W, Burney P. Asthma in adults and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis: The GA2LEN survey in Europe. Allergy 2012; 67: 91-98. Abstract Background: The prevalence of asthma and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have not been widely studied in population-based epidemiological surveys. Methods: The Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA2LEN) conducted a postal questionnaire in representative samples of adults living in Europe to assess the presence of asthma and CRS defined by the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps. The prevalence of self-reported current asthma by age group was determined. The association of asthma with CRS in each participating centre was assessed using logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, sex and smoking, and the effect estimates were combined using standard methods of meta-analysis. Results: Over 52 000 adults aged 18-75 years and living in 19 centres in 12 countries took part. In most centres, and overall, the reported prevalence of asthma was lower in older adults (adjusted OR for 65-74 years compared with 15-24 years: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.63-0.81). In all centres, there was a strong association of asthma with CRS (adjusted OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 3.20-3.76) at all ages. The association with asthma was stronger in those reporting both CRS and allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR: 11.85; 95% CI: 10.57-13.17). CRS in the absence of nasal allergies was positively associated with late-onset asthma. Conclusion: Geographical variation in the prevalence of self-reported asthma was observed across Europe, but overall, self-reported asthma was more common in young adults, women and smokers. In all age groups, men and women, and irrespective of smoking behaviour, asthma was also associated with CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a parametric and non-parametric analysis of data from a contingent valuation study (CVM) conducted to estimate environmental use and passive use losses due to the Prestige oil spill. This is the first CVM study conducted in Europe after a large oil spill. The CVM survey was implemented using in person interviews. Mean willingness to pay (WTP) values were computed with both, a parametric and non-parametric approach. Parametric WTP estimation indicates that respondents in the sample are willing to pay about 40.51 € per household to avoid a similar future oil spill in Spain. This implies that on average, the Spanish society places a value of the environmental losses caused by the Prestige oil spill around 574 € million. Non-parametric estimates are slightly higher at 58.08 € per household. WTP results are similar to those obtained in the Exxon Valdez study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAlthough results from observational and epidemiological studies suggested a survival benefit associated with high-flux hemodialysis, conclusive evidence from prospective randomized clinical trials has been lacking. Both the HEMO Study in the USA and the Membrane Permeability Outcome Study (MPO Study) in Europe are randomized studies investigating the effect of high- and low-flux hemodialysis on patient outcomes, even though there were some significant differences in the design of the two studies. An earlier randomized clinical trial could not show differences on patient survival between patient groups being treated with membranes of different material and permeability, but this trial was not designed specifically to examine this particular endpoint. Based on these previous experiences, the MPO Study addressed a hemodialysis patient population which was considered to be more susceptible to the intervention with high-flux dialysis. To identify these patients with an elevated risk, low serum albumin levels were chosen as an indicator; low serum albumin is associated with malnutrition, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Together with low serum albumin, patients had to be new to dialysis to be selected for the MPO Study. These particular considerations on patient selection, together with additional methodological refinements in the study design allow the conclusion that the MPO Study is valid on its own rather than being a European version of the HEMO Study.Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which assessed the concept of collective reputation in European Union countries on products with the Protected Geographical Identification label. Methodology; Results and conclusions.

Mitral regurgitation is the second-most frequent valvular heart disease in Europe and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recognition of MR should encourage the assessment of its etiology, severity, and mechanism in order to determine the best therapeutic approach. Mitral valve surgery constitutes the first-line therapy; however, transcatheter procedures have emerged as an alternative option to treat inoperable and high-risk surgical patients. In patients with suitable anatomy, the transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral leaflet repair is the most frequently applied procedure. In non-reparable patients, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has appeared as a promising intervention. Thus, currently TMVR represents a new treatment option for inoperable or high-risk patients with degenerated or failed bioprosthetic valves (valve-in-valve); failed repairs, (valve-in-ring); inoperable or high-risk patients with native mitral valve anatomy, or those with severe annular calcifications, or valve-in-mitral annular calcification. The patient selection requires multimodality imaging pre-procedural planning to select the best approach and device, study the anatomical landing zone and assess the risk of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In the present review, we aimed to highlight the main considerations for TMVR planning from an imaging perspective; before, during, and after TMVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main purpose of the current study was to compare the within-season variations of workload, training duration, acute/chronic workload ratio (ACWR), training monotony ™, and training strain (TS) through session rating perceived exertion (s-RPE) between starters and non-starters. Methods: Seventeen under-17 European male soccer players (age, 16.2 ± 0.3 y, height, 1.8 ± 0.1 m; body mass, 66.5 ± 4.0 kg) divided in two groups: nine starters and eight non-starters, were evaluated over 50 weeks throughout the season. Results: In general, there were load variations for all players during the full-season. RPE tended to decrease during in-season and RPE, training duration and s-RPE did not present significant differences between starters and non-starters. TM and TS presented lower values for starters in mesocycle (M) 4 and M11 compared to non-starters. TS presented lower values for starters in M4 and M11 compared to non-starters, while in M10 a higher value was found for starters when compared to non-starters. ACWR showed differences between starters and non-starters in two of the mesocycles. Conclusions: This study showed that some mesocycles provided higher load for non-starters. This information can alert coaches that non-starter players are likely to try too hard in training to demonstrate their abilities, leading to non-functional overreaching, overtraining syndrome, and then poor performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is known to be associated with poor quality of life and increased risk of death when left untreated. We sought to report the 1-year clinical outcomes of subjects treated by tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with the TriClip system (Abbott Cardiovascular) in a contemporary real-world setting. The bRIGHT (An Observational Real-World Study Evaluating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Patients Treated With the Abbott TriClip Device) postapproval study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter postmarket registry conducted at 26 sites in Europe, with central event adjudication and echocardiographic core-laboratory assessment. Enrolled subjects (n = 511) were elderly (79 ± 7 years) with significant comorbidities. A total of 88% had baseline massive or torrential TR, and 80% of subjects were in NYHA functional class III/IV. TR was reduced to moderate or less in 81% at 1 year. Significant improvements in NYHA functional class (21% to 75% I/II, P < 0.0001) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score (19 ± 26-point improvement, P <0.0001) were observed at 1 year. One-year mortality was significantly lower in subjects who achieved moderate or lower TR at 30 days; however, there was no difference in mortality among subjects who achieved moderate, mild, or trace TR at 30 days. In addition to TR reduction at 30 days, baseline serum creatinine and baseline right ventricular tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (RV TAPSE) were independently associated with mortality at 1 year (OR: 2.169; 95% CI: 1.494-3.147; P < 0.0001; OR: 0.636; 95% CI: 0.415-0.974; P = 0.0375). Mortality was not associated with baseline TR grade or with center volume. Tricuspid TEER using the TriClip system was safe and effective through 1 year for subjects with significant TR and advanced disease in a diverse real-world population. (An Observational Real-world Study Evaluating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Patients Treated With the Abbott TriClip Device [bRIGHT]; NCT04483089) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is known to be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The authors sought to study the acute outcomes of subjects treated by tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with the TriClip system (Abbott) in a contemporary, real-world setting. The bRIGHT (An Observational Real-World Study Evaluating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Patients Treated With the Abbott TriClip™ Device) postapproval study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter, postmarket registry conducted at 26 sites in Europe. Echocardiographic assessment was performed at a core laboratory. Enrolled subjects were elderly (79 ± 7 years of age) with significant comorbidities. Eighty-eight percent had baseline massive or torrential TR, and 80% of subjects were in NYHA functional class III or IV. Successful device implantation occurred in 99% of subjects, and TR was reduced to ≤moderate at 30 days in 77%. Associated significant improvements in NYHA functional class (I/II, 20% to 79%; P < 0.0001) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score (19 ± 23 points improvement; P < 0.0001) were observed at 30 days. With baseline TR grade removed as a variable, smaller right atrial volume and smaller tethering distance at baseline were independent predictors of TR reduction to ≤moderate at discharge (OR: 0.679; 95% CI: 0.537-0.858; P = 0.0012; OR: 0.722; 95% CI: 0.564-0.924; P = 0.0097). Fourteen subjects (2.5%) experienced a major adverse event at 30 days. Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair was found to be safe and effective in treating significant TR in a diverse, real-world population. (An Observational Real-World Study Evaluating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Patients Treated With the Abbott TriClip™ Device [bRIGHT]; NCT04483089) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine ecological change is likely to have serious potential economic consequences for coastal economies all over the world. This article reviews the current literature on the economic impacts of marine ecological change, as well as a number of recent contributions to this literature carried out under the VECTORS project. We focus on three main types of change, namely invasive alien species; outbreak-forming species, such as jellyfish and toxic algae; and gradual changes in species distribution and productivity. The case studies available in the literature demonstrate that the impacts of invasions and outbreaks on fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism can potentially amount to several tens of millions of dollars each year in some regions. Moreover, stated preference studies suggest a substantial impact on coastal tourism and non-use values that is likely not visible in case studies of specific outbreak events. Climate-driven gradual changes in distribution and productivity of commercial fish stocks will have an impact on fisheries, although these impacts are likely to be overshadowed by much larger changes in prices of seafood and fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper addresses problems arising from effects of natural environmental factors on toxicity of pollutants to organisms. Most studies on interactions between toxicants and natural factors, including those completed in the EU project NoMiracle (Novel Methods for Integrated Risk Assessment of Cumulative Stressors in Europe) described herein, showed that effects of toxic chemicals on organisms can differ vastly depending purely on external conditions. We compiled data from 61 studies on effects of temperature, moisture and dissolved oxygen on toxicity of a range of chemicals representing pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, plant protection products of bacterial origin and trace metals. In 62.3% cases significant interactions (p ≤0.05 or less) between natural factors and chemicals were found, reaching 100% for the effect of dissolved oxygen on toxicity of waterborne chemicals. The meta-analysis of the 61 studies showed that the null hypothesis assuming no interactions between toxic chemicals and natural environmental factors should be rejected at p =2.7×10−82 (truncated product method probability). In a few cases of more complex experimental designs, also second-order interactions were found, indicating that natural factors can modify interactions among chemicals. Such data emphasize the necessity of including information on natural factors and their variation in time and across geographic regions in ecological risk assessment. This can be done only if appropriate ecotoxicological test designs are used, in which test organisms are exposed to toxicants at a range of environmental conditions. We advocate designing such tests for the second-tier ecological risk assessment procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Euro-Esli is the largest eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) clinical practice study. • Post-hoc analysis of Euro-Esli examined baseline factors predictive of ESL response. • ESL effectiveness was most associated with factors indicating early disease course. • These findings may help clinicians when choosing individualised treatment plans. Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a once-daily antiseizure medication (ASM) that is approved in Europe and the USA for the treatment of focal-onset seizures. The Euro-Esli study, which included over 2000 patients, investigated the real-world effectiveness, safety and tolerability of ESL when used in everyday clinical practice in Europe. This post-hoc analysis of Euro-Esli employed univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses to investigate the relationship between demographic and baseline characteristics (including epilepsy- and treatment-related factors) and the likelihood of seizure freedom, response and retention in adult patients with focal seizures after 12 months of ESL treatment in the real-world setting. Multivariate analysis revealed that the factors associated with seizure freedom and response at 12 months (N = 1054) were generally those characterising patients who were relatively early in their disease course and/or less refractory to treatment, such as older age at onset of epilepsy, absence of seizures at baseline and lower number of concomitant ASMs at baseline. Although it was not possible to construct a multivariate model to predict retention on ESL treatment at 12 months, when the univariate regression model was adjusted for age and epilepsy duration, the factors found to be significantly associated with retention at 12 months (N = 1559) comprised shorter duration of epilepsy, absence of any seizures at baseline, lower baseline seizure frequency (<5 vs. ≥ 5 seizures/month), lower number of previous ASMs, lower number of concomitant ASMs, and the absence of concomitant use of lamotrigine at baseline. These findings therefore identify baseline characteristics that are predictive of the effectiveness of ESL treatment in clinical practice, which may help clinicians choose appropriate ASM therapy for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]