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The structure and methods to complete and derive a quality score from the European Network of Health Economic Evaluation Databases (EURONHEED) transferability information checklists for published economic evaluations were reported and discussed in a previous paper (Boulenger et al. in Eur J Health Econ 6, 334–346, 2005). Within the same paper, the use of the checklists was illustrated through their application to a sample of economic evaluations conducted in France and UK. The transferability information subchecklist, consisting of 16 items from the original 42-point checklist, and methods used to derive it, were validated among 16 health economists across Europe participating in the EURONHEED project. Recent correspondence with other researchers, however, indicates that the checklists are now being utilised in empirical work and the methodology of assessing transferability and generalisability. This supplementary paper provides full details of the guidelines that have been developed and recently updated by the authors, such that the overall and subchecklists can be more widely and consistently completed and utilised. We also briefly discuss associated issues such as weighting of items in the checklists and give further clarifications regarding what we consider the most appropriate applications of the checklists to be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper outlines the history of the European Fibres Group (EFG) and includes its aims and achievements from the time of its formation in 1993 to the present day. The main emphasis is on the subject of "the evidential value of fibres", how the EFG have provided the data and where to locate it. Additionally the paper provides a look into what the group has accomplished in the recognition of the "lack of data" and the research being conducted to correct this problem. Finally it outlines other projects that are underway to improve its members' knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on developments related to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) as of November 2004. Plan of holding the 12th Young Scientists Training Course in Bristol, England on June 21-26, 2005; The Rising Star Symposium to be presented at the 41st EASD Annual Meeting in Athens, Greece in 2005; Announcement of the winners of the Diabetologia Best Paper Award 2003 at the 35th Executive Committee Meeting.

This paper presents an analysis of nonprofit organizations—the organizational infrastructure of civil society—in East Central Europe, from one important respect: by placing them in the context of the comparative historical sociology of the region's widespread informality. This involves two steps: (1) summarizing an argument about the role of informality in East Central European capitalism today in order to (2) outline its implications for the study of post-state-socialist nonprofits. Most of the empirical examples come from Hungary. These examples serve illustrative purposes and are intended as devices to provoke new analysis. They are meant to open, rather than close, discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents spine-related news. The Euro GRAMMER "European Spine Journal" award encourages research in basic science. Fellowships are available from the AOSpine International and the Regional AOSpine North America and Europe. A website has been developed for the Oswestry Disability Index, which offeres validated translations of the instrument for use by non-English speakers.

The article presents information on various meetings related to the field of spinal diseases in Europe. The 5th International Interdisciplinary Symposium of the Swiss Spine Institute, The Degenerative Cervical Spine will be held on September 5-6, 2003 in Basel, Switzerland. EuroSpine 2003 will be held from September 30 to October 4, 2003 in Prague, Czech Republic. Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis: A Review will be held on September 10, 2003 in Quebec City, Canada. The 10th International Congress of the Polish Rehabilitation Society will be held on July 5-7, 2003 in Warsaw, Poland.

Reports on developments related to spine specialists in Europe. Announcement of the European Spine Journal award for basic science; Offer of a fellowship dedicated to outcome research by the Spine Society of Europe; Establishment of the Oswestry Disability Index website and translation services.

The article offers several announcements related to medical research. The "European Spine Journal" announces the 20.000 Euro GRAMMER European Spine Journal Award for papers that deal with basic science. Meanwhile, the EUROSPINE-The Spine Society of Europe offers a job opportunity for a two-year research fellowship position. The article also launches the website www.orthosurg.org.uk/odi/ for the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Focuses on the initiation of Spine Tango, a European Spine Registry created by Spine Society of Europe. Reason for the documentation and registration of patients who are recipients of novel inventions and transplants; Goal and function of the registry; Discussion on the important aspects of a European registry.

Reports on the launching of the European Network of Health Economic Evaluation Databases (EURO NHEED) project. Implementation of databases of economic evaluations undertaken in 17 European countries ; Provision of bibliographic records and structured abstracts of articles identified as full economic evaluations; Potential uses of databases; Assessment of the use of databases.

The article reports on the curriculum for the bachelor degree suggested by the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Science Division of Analytical Chemistry (EuCheMS-DAC). It states that many students are often lacking in the physics of classical mechanics and optics, of which some requires familiarity with aspects of geometry. It also discusses the concepts of physics which are important in teaching analytical chemistry.

In order to promote education on headache disorders, European Headache Federation (EHF) in conjunction with National Headache Societies organizes educational courses meeting uniform standards according to previous published guidelines. Based on six headache summer schools’ experience, an EHF subcommittee has reviewed these guidelines, and here the revised version is presented. The goals remain the same: quality courses that will attract physicians and neurologists seeking to increase their knowledge, skills, and understanding in the area of primary and secondary headache. Detailed guidelines, a day-to-day program, and a multiple-choice test battery have now been outlined. It is recommended to include practical sessions with patient interviews and hands-on demonstrations of non-pharmacological treatment strategies. For countries that want a ‘low cost’ education program, a Video School program of a similar scientific standard has been developed. To be certified for CME credits, patronage, and financial support from EHF, it is highly recommended to adhere to the suggested teaching strategies. We hereby aim to promote and professionalize the education in headache disorders and endorse the educational courses meeting uniform standards of excellence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the activities of the Spine Society of Europe (SSE). Deadline for the abstract submission for the 7th Annual Meeting of the SSE, EuroSpine 2005 in Barcelona, Spain; Requirements for candidates for the Society's fellowships; Meetings under the patronage of the Society including the 11th Brussels International Spine Symposium: Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis and Degenerative Spondylolisthesis in Belgium.

The article presents updates related to analytical chemistry in Europe. The European Analytical Column will be inviting guest columnists who will give his or her opinion on issues related to analytical chemistry in the region. Hendrik Emons, professor at the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), says the demand for information regarding the interrelations of chemical composition-structure-properties are abundant. Heiner Korte resigned as Secretary for the Division of Analytical Chemistry (DAC).

Reports several training courses hosted by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) on topics related to diabetes in Europe. Introduction of the Thirteenth Young Scientists Training Course on October 1 to 6, 2006 in Perugia, Italy; Announcement of the 3rd Robert Turner Course on clinical research in diabetes for young physicians; Request for applications for the Rising Star Symposium at the EASD Annual Meeting.

The article presents information related the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. The Diabetic Pregnancy Study Group, EASD has announced the Third Joseph Hoet Research Award to be given on the occasion of the Annual Meeting of the Study Group in Myconos, Greece, between 15-18 September, 2005. The European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) and Pfizer have established a partnership, with a view to funding in 2005 one or more EFSD and Pfizer Inc. have established a partnership, with a view to funding in 2005 EFSD/Pfizer Resource Awards for European Diabetes Research. In order to identify projects suitable for funding, the partnership is inviting interested individuals, groups of individuals or institutions to submit a letter of intent.

The article presents news briefs related to diabetes. In recognition of his major contributions to understanding the biochemistry, molecular and cell biology of diabetic complications, Michael Brownlee has received several honours in addition to the Claude Bernard Medal, including the American Diabetes Association's Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award. In another development, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes has announced up to euro 2.1 million in additional funds for diabetes research in Europe.

Provides information on the establishment of the Federation of European Mycorrhizal Fungi Producers. Commercialization of the use of mycorrhizal fungi in plant production; Details of the actions by the European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research; Mission of the Federation of European Mycorrhizal Fungi Producers.

The article reports on Cytogenetic Guidelines and Quality Assurance, a European guide for quality assessment for constitutional and acquired cytogenetic investigations. It is noted that the Permanent Working Group "Cytogenetics and Society" of the European Cytogeneticists Association (ECA) prepared these guidelines as a quality basis for cytogenetic laboratories in Europe. These guidelines are developed to assist in the creation of national standards relative to cytogenetic research.

Focuses on concerns of postdoctoral associations in Europe and the U.S. Organization of the inaugural meeting of the U.S. National Postdoctoral Association in March 2003; Issue of the changing definition of a postdoctoral.