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Marginal populations are usually smaller and more isolated and grow in less favourable conditions than those at the distribution centre. The variability of these populations is of high importance, as it can support the adaptations needed for the conditions that they grow in. In this research, the morphological variability of eight Tatar maple (Acer tataricum L. subsp. tataricum) populations was analysed. Tatar maple is an insect-pollinated and wind-dispersed shrub/tree, whose northwestern distribution edge is in southeastern Europe. Morphometric methods were used to analyse the variability of the populations using leaf and fruit morphology. The research revealed significant differences between and within populations. Furthermore, differences in the distribution of the total variability were noted, which suggest that different evolutionarily factors affect different plant traits. Correlation analysis confirmed a weak dependency between the vegetative and generative traits. In addition, no evidence was found for the presence of isolation by environment (IBE). However, the Mantel test for isolation by distance (IBD) was significant for the leaf morphometric traits and non-significant for the fruit morphometric traits. Being the marginal leading-edge populations, they are younger and were less likely to have had time for adaptation to local environments, which would have resulted in the development of IBE. Overall, edge populations of Tatar maple were characterised by great morphological variability, which helps these populations in their response to the intensive selective pressures they face in their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A suitable indoor climate positively affects the lifespan of historical building structures. The path to an agreeable climate begins with monitoring current conditions. Considerable attention is given to monitoring the indoor climate of historical buildings. The motivation for monitoring air temperature and surface temperatures, relative air humidity or airflow can be, for example, the installation of heating, the occurrence of biotic damage, and others. Through the analysis of the most frequently used keywords, a strong connection was found, for example, between thermal comfort and the church. This review also summarises the various reasons for conducting microclimate monitoring studies in historical religious buildings on the European continent. It is supplemented with an evaluation of the monitoring methodology from the chosen period of the year point of view, the measured parameters, and the length of the interval between the recordings of quantities. It was found that in more than one-third of the cases, the recording time was less than or equal to 15 min, but mostly less than or equal to 1 h. Quite often, monitoring results are used to calibrate a simulation model describing the hydrothermal behaviour of a historical object under various operation alternatives (e.g., influence of ventilation, climate change, occupancy, etc.). This way, it is possible to test various intelligent systems in the virtual world without much risk before they are used in an actual building application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The age‐standardised incidence of cervical cancer in Europe varies widely by country (between 3 and 25/100000 women‐years) in 2018. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage is low in countries with the highest incidence and screening performance is heterogeneous among European countries. A broad group of delegates of scientific professional societies and cancer organisations endorse the principles of the WHO call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, also in Europe. All European nations should, by 2030, reach at least 90% HPV vaccine coverage among girls by the age of 15 years and also boys, if cost‐effective; they should introduce organised population‐based HPV‐based screening and achieve 70% of screening coverage in the target age group, providing also HPV testing on self‐samples for nonscreened or underscreened women; and to manage 90% of screen‐positive women. To guide member states, a group of scientific professional societies and cancer organisations engage to assist in the rollout of a series of concerted evidence‐based actions. European health authorities are requested to mandate a group of experts to develop the third edition of European Guidelines for Quality Assurance of Cervical Cancer prevention based on integrated HPV vaccination and screening and to monitor the progress towards the elimination goal. The occurrence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, having interrupted prevention activities temporarily, should not deviate stakeholders from this ambition. In the immediate postepidemic phase, health professionals should focus on high‐risk women and adhere to cost‐effective policies including self‐sampling. What's new? Cervical cancer incidence, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage, and screening performance vary widely across Europe. This report addresses for the first time the issue of how Europe should respond to the ambitious call from the World Health Organization to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer to less than 4/100,000/year. To meet this target, all European countries should put in place programs to reach 90% and 70% of HPV vaccination and screening coverage, respectively, and manage 90% of screen‐positive women by 2030. Despite the temporary interruptions of prevention activities caused by COVID‐19, the pandemic should not deviate stakeholders from this ambition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to define the natural genotypic variation of the HIV-1 integrase gene across Europe for epidemiological surveillance of integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (InSTI) resistance.Methods: This was a multicentre, cross-sectional study within the European SPREAD HIV resistance surveillance programme. A representative set of 300 samples was selected from 1950 naive HIV-positive subjects newly diagnosed in 2006-07. The prevalence of InSTI resistance was evaluated using quality-controlled baseline population sequencing of integrase. Signature raltegravir, elvitegravir and dolutegravir resistance mutations were defined according to the IAS-USA 2014 list. In addition, all integrase substitutions relative to HXB2 were identified, including those with a Stanford HIVdb score ≥ 10 to at least one InSTI. To rule out circulation of minority InSTI-resistant HIV, 65 samples were selected for 454 integrase sequencing.Results: For the population sequencing analysis, 278 samples were retrieved and successfully analysed. No signature resistance mutations to any of the InSTIs were detected. Eleven (4%) subjects had mutations at resistance-associated positions with an HIVdb score ≥ 10. Of the 56 samples successfully analysed with 454 sequencing, no InSTI signature mutations were detected, whereas integrase substitutions with an HIVdb score ≥ 10 were found in 8 (14.3%) individuals.Conclusions: No signature InSTI-resistant variants were circulating in Europe before the introduction of InSTIs. However, polymorphisms contributing to InSTI resistance were not rare. As InSTI use becomes more widespread, continuous surveillance of primary InSTI resistance is warranted. These data will be key to modelling the kinetics of InSTI resistance transmission in Europe in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of percutaneous catheter-directed treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) has increased. Current guidelines recommend such treatment for patients with high-risk PE and contraindication for fibrinolysis (class IIa, level C), as well as an alternative to thrombolytic therapy for patients with intermediate risk PE and hemodynamic deterioration (class IIa, level C)¹. Several options are available for catheterdirected treatment of PE. Methods which avoid the use of fibrinolytic therapy are gaining more attention. Inari Flowtriever offers an option for a large bore (20F/24F) catheter aspiration of centrally positioned thrombi. Catheter is positioned in front of the thrombus over the stiff wire. Vacuum aspiration is performed by a 60 ml syringe. Repositioning of the catheter should always be performed over the stiff wire. Advancing of the catheter is obligatory performed with introducer inserted into the catheter. This makes catheter navigation more complex. In addition, if the thrombus is not engaged, 60 ml of blood is wasted. A system for filtering and reinfusing clot-free blood is available, however it has not yet been introduced in Europe. Despite the shortcomings, the possibility of complete thrombus aspiration, even in the setting of extreme thrombus size, is exceptionally practical. Thus far we performed 12 procedures in 11 patients, including a procedure in failed fibrinolysis and thrombus-in-transit setup. All the procedures were successful. Lightning Intelligent Aspiration System (Penumbra) offers an alternative for aspirational embolectomy. An active aspiration system is delivering suction over highly steerable 12F catheter. Aspiration is active when thrombus is engaged, performing fragmentation and extraction of thrombotic masses. When thrombus is not engaged, suction is suspended, thus limiting blood loss. Such features make negotiating of multiple pulmonary artery branches less demanding. For now, we have no experience with the device. Comparison with Inari system in efficacy and completeness of thrombus extraction should be verified in everyday work. Both systems have been widely used in patients with intermediate-high risk PE. Lack of randomized control studies and a particular guideline make aspirational embolectomy debatable, despite promising initial experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a symposium on “Urban Governance in Europe: Preparing for Diversity, Social Sustainability and Migration,” held on September 28-30, 2016 at Oslo and Akershus University College in Oslo, Norway.

After the Second World War, most rituals connected with agricultural (manual) work died out along with the economic and social base of such activities. This also caused the gradual omission of some classical ethnological concepts and themes and diminishing interest for such research topics. However, some such rituals survived until the present in a modified form and with new purpose and are enacted either in families (related to the traditional belief in the power of nature) or in local communities (in tourism contexts). New rituals also emerge since farmers, who face new challenges in selling produce and products, ritualize selling at public events to attract customers. The shift in perception of tradition by the general population in turn revived the ethnological interest for such phenomena. The article analyses the methodological changes in ritual research, as are reflected in European ethnology, and illustrate the changing of contexts with the case-study in the vicinity of Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana. In connection with the notion of rural idyll and heritage tourism, ritualization of everyday farming activities has been used as a strategy for improvement of living. Traditional and new agricultural rituals have become a means for sustainable development and identity politics; they add to regeneration of the local economy, affect a sense of belonging and integration of the local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance is an important threat to the success of antiretroviral therapy and transmitted resistance has reached 9% prevalence in Europe. Studies have demonstrated that HIV-1 DNA load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) have a predictive value for disease progression, independently of CD4 counts and plasma viral load. Methodology/Principal Findings: Molecular-beacon-based real-time PCR was used to measure HIV-1 second template switch (STS) DNA in PBMC in newly-diagnosed HIV-1 patients across Europe. These patients were representative for the HIV-1 epidemic in the participating countries and were carrying either drug-resistant or sensitive viral strains. The assay design was improved from a previous version to specifically detect M-group HIV-1 and human CCR5 alleles. The findings resulted in a median of 3.32 log10 HIV-1 copies/106 PBMC and demonstrated for the first time no correlation between cellular HIV-1 DNA load and transmitted drug-resistance. A weak association between cellular HIV-1 DNA levels with plasma viral RNA load and CD4+ T-cell counts was also reconfirmed. Co-receptor tropism for 91% of samples, whether or not they conferred resistance, was CCR5. A comparison of pol sequences derived from RNA and DNA, resulted in a high similarity between the two. Conclusions/Significance: An improved molecular-beacon-based real-time PCR assay is reported for the measurement of HIV-1 DNA in PBMC and has investigated the association between cellular HIV-1 DNA levels and transmitted resistance to antiretroviral therapy in newly-diagnosed patients from across Europe. The findings show no correlation between these two parameters, suggesting that transmitted resistance does not impact disease progression in HIV-1 infected individuals. The CCR5 co-receptor tropism predominance implies that both resistant and non-resistant strains behave similarly in early infection. Furthermore, a correlation found between RNA- and DNA-derived sequences in the pol region suggests that genotypic drug-resistance testing could be carried out on either template. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testing for HIV is one of the cornerstones in the combat against HIV infection. The 2008 European Guideline on HIV Testing provides advice on testing for HIV infection in individuals aged 16 years and older who have sought evaluation and treatment at sexually transmitted infection services for dermatovenereology clinics across Europe. Its aim is to provide practical guidance to clinicians in these settings who undertake HIV testing and suggest appropriate standards for the audit of service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Service tree, Sorbus domestica L., is a rare and neglected wild fruit tree species of southern and central Europe. Being distributed in different eco-geographical regions, with fragmented and low-density populations, S. domestica represents an interesting model case for investigating patterns of within- and between-population diversity at geographical and environmental scales. This study aimed to analyze the proximate composition, antioxidant activity, and morphometric fruit characteristics. We examined the diversity and population divergences of 49 S. domestica individuals originating from seven populations across continental and Mediterranean eco-geographical regions. In addition, tests of isolation by distance and environment were performed to detect the magnitude of divergence explained by geographic and environmental variables. Significant differences between the studied populations were found in almost all of the studied morphometric and chemical fruit characteristics. The studied service tree populations were characterized by high phenotypic variation despite the low number of trees per population. Model-based population structure analysis using morphometric and chemical fruit characteristics revealed three groups of service tree populations. We concluded that non-effective pollen and seed dispersal along with genetic drift and specific environmental factors resulted in a distinct phenotype with a specific chemical composition in the isolated island population. In addition, a pattern of isolation by the environment was revealed. We infer that morphological and chemical differences between the studied populations in the true service tree from different eco-geographical regions were mediated by adaptation to the specific environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human papillomavirus-vaccinated cohorts, irrespective of age, will likely reduce their subsequent screening requirements, thus opening opportunities for global cost reduction and program sustainability. The determinants of uptake and completion of a 3-dose human papillomavirus vaccination program by adult women in a European context were estimated.Study Design: This was an intervention study.Setting/participants: Study participants were women aged 25-45 years, attending opportunistic or population-based cervical cancer screening in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom between April 2016 and May 2018.Intervention: Study participants completed a questionnaire on awareness and attitudes on adult female human papillomavirus vaccination and were invited to receive free human papillomavirus vaccination.Main Outcome Measures: Main outcome measures were acceptance, uptake, and completion of vaccination schedule. Determinants of vaccine uptake were explored using multilevel logistic models in 2019.Results: Among 3,646 participants, 2,748 (range by country=50%-96%) accepted vaccination, and 2,151 (range=30%-93%) received the full vaccination course. The factors associated with higher vaccine acceptance were previous awareness of adult female (OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.00, 1.48) and male (OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.28, 1.97) vaccination. Women in stable relationships (OR=0.56, 95% CI=0.45, 0.69) or with higher educational level (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.63, 0.93) were more likely to refuse vaccination. Recruitment by postal invitation versus personal invitation from a healthcare professional resulted in lower vaccine acceptance (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.02, 0.76). Vaccination coverage of >70% of adolescent girls in national public programs was of borderline significance in predicting human papillomavirus vaccine uptake (OR=3.23, 95% CI=0.95, 10.97). The main reasons for vaccine refusal were vaccine safety concerns (range=30%-59%) and the need for more information on human papillomavirus vaccines (range=1%-72%). No safety issues were experienced by vaccinated women.Conclusions: Acceptance and schedule completion were largely dependent on recruitment method, achieved coverage of national vaccination programs, and personal relationship status. Knowledge of benefits and safety reassurance may be critical to expanding vaccination target ages. Study results suggest that there are no major opinion barriers in adult women to human papillomavirus vaccination, especially when vaccination is offered face to face in healthcare settings.Trial Registration: EudraCT Number 2014-003177-42. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]