How likely are Eastern European and central Asian countries to achieve global NCD targets: multi-country analysis.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, mortality rates from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among persons 30-69 years of age ("NCD premature mortality rates") have declined significantly, except in twelve countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Data on long-term trends in NCD mortality in these countries are limited. We analyzed NCD premature mortality rates, identified change points in NCD mortality trends and forecasted how likely countries are to achieve the global NCD targets, stratified by gender and NCD type. METHODS: We used the 1990-2019 Global Burden of Disease database to analyze NCD trends and identified country-specific change points by using piecewise linear regression. We assessed the likelihood of achieving the global targets for reducing NCD premature mortality rates among persons 30-69 years of age from four NCDs: cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. The global NCD targets are 25% reduction in mortality from 2010 to 2025 (WHO 25X25 target) and 33%-from 2015 to 2030 (SDG 3.4.1). We applied the analysis to both genders and four NCDs. RESULTS: Only Kazakhstan and Russia are likely to achieve the global NCD targets. For Kazakhstan, WHO 25X25 and SDG 3.4.1 global targets for mortality rates were 494.3 and 374.8 per 100,000 population respectively; the corresponding predicted values (PVs) were 360.6 [CI 260.1-461.1] and 245.1 [CI 113.4-376.8]. For Russia, WHO 25X25 and SDG 3.4.1 global targets were 560.5 and 442.8 per 100,000 population respectively; the corresponding PVs were 427.7 [CI 270.3-585.1] and 311.0 [CI 102.8-519.1]. Achieving NCD global targets is less likely for Kyrgyzstan, while it is unlikely for the rest of countries. Most countries had higher mortality rates and slower progress among men compared with women. The likelihood of achieving overall global NCD targets was mainly explained by reduction in cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In most Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries, progress towards achieving NCD global targets is slow, or there's a reverse trend. Further quantitative and qualitative research is needed to understand the underlying reasons. Separate indicators are needed to monitor trends for cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

A new species of the rare genus Endogeophilus from southern France, with a key to the European genera of Geophilidae s.l. (Chilopoda).

The geophilid centipede Endogeophilusalberti sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on a single specimen collected from Provence, southern France. It is very similar to E.ichnusae Bonato, Zapparoli, Drago & Minelli, 2016, which is known only from three specimens from south-western Sardinia, and was the only species in the genus Endogeophilus Bonato, Zapparoli, Drago & Minelli, 2016. Both species share a remarkably narrow body, very short setae, and an unusually high number of legs, which are relatively stout. All these traits are rare among geophilids and suggest an endogeic life style. Despite of the very few specimens available for comparison and the difficulties to distinguish inter-specific differences from intra-specific variation, the two species differ at least in the shape of the pretarsi of the second maxillae and the shape of the forcipules. A revised diagnosis of the genus Endogeophilus is also provided, with an identification key to all genera of Geophilidae s.l. recorded so far in Europe, based on selected characters to evaluate without anatomical dissection and illustrated with original pictures.

Standardization through education of molecular pathology: a spotlight on the European Masters in Molecular Pathology.

Despite advancements in precision medicine, many cancer patients globally, particularly those in resource-constrained environments, face significant challenges in accessing high-quality molecular testing and targeted therapies. The considerable heterogeneity in molecular testing highlights the urgent need to harmonize practices across Europe and beyond, establishing a more standardized and consistent approach in MP laboratories. Professionals, especially molecular pathologists, must move beyond traditional education to cope with this heterogeneity. This perspective addresses critical issues in molecular pathology (MP), such as limited access to high-quality molecular testing, leading to disparities in cancer treatment, and the consequences of inconsistent practices. Recognizing the necessity for a standardized framework for education to address these issues, educational programs play a pivotal role in updating professionals' skills to achieve standardization in MP. European experts from the Steering Committee, the Pathology Section of the European Union of Medical Specialists, and the European Society of Pathology have proposed creating a comprehensive Master's degree program called the "European Masters in Molecular Pathology" (EMMP). This program emerges as a strategic response to the demand for a specialized and standardized framework for education in MP, catering to professionals who concurrently work and study. The program's design aligns with evidence-based education methods, ensuring effective learning and engagement while integrating computational pathology to analyze complex molecular data, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve treatment outcomes. EMMP's structured curriculum, strategic partnerships, and regular updates underscore its significance in standardizing MP practices. Exploring future developments, this perspective delves into technology integration and interdisciplinary collaboration, anticipating ongoing advances and harmonization. Challenges and future directions in MP education are discussed, emphasizing the necessity for dynamic curriculum updates, seamless technology integration, and interdisciplinary cooperation. This perspective underscores EMMP's pivotal role in preparing pathologists for this dynamic field, advocating continuous advancements in education and training to uphold excellence in MP practices and maintain the highest patient care standards.

Potentially zoonotic pathogens and parasites in opportunistically sourced urban brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in and around Helsinki, Finland, 2018 to 2023.

BackgroundBrown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are synanthropic rodents with worldwide distribution, which are known to harbour many zoonotic pathogens and parasites. No systematic zoonotic surveys targeting multiple pathogens and parasites have previously been conducted in urban rats in Finland.AimIn Helsinki, Finland, we explored the presence and prevalence in brown rats of certain pathogens and parasites (including helminths, viruses and bacteria) across potentially zoonotic taxa.MethodsWe opportunistically received rat carcasses from pest management operators and citizens from 2018 to 2023. We searched for heart- or lungworms, performed rat diaphragm digestion to check for Trichinella and morphologically identified intestinal helminths. We assessed virus exposure by immunofluorescence assay or PCR, and detected bacteria by PCR (Leptospira) or culture (Campylobacter).ResultsAmong the rats investigated for helminths, no heart- or lungworms or Trichinella species were detected and the most common finding was the cestode Hymenolepis nana (in 9.7% of individuals sampled, 28/288). For some of the surveyed virus taxa, several rats were seropositive (orthopoxviruses, 5.2%, 11/211; arenaviruses, 2.8%, 6/211; hantaviruses 5.2%, 11/211) or tested positive by PCR (rat hepatitis E virus, 1.8%, 4/216). Campylobacter jejuni (6.6%, 17/259) and Leptospira interrogans (1.2%, 2/163) bacteria were also present in the rat population examined.ConclusionsPrevalences of potentially zoonotic pathogens and parasites in brown rats in Helsinki appeared low. This may explain low or non-existent diagnosis levels of rat-borne pathogen and parasite infections reported in people there. Nevertheless, further assessment of under-diagnosis, which cannot be excluded, would enhance understanding the risks of zoonoses.

Trends of fully alcohol-attributable mortality rates before and during COVID-19 in the Baltic and other European countries.

AIMS: We tested the polarization hypothesis, which postulates that during times of crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption increases among the heaviest drinkers but decreases among most other drinkers, resulting in an overall decrease in consumption among the population. We posited the increase in heavy drinking would lead to increases in 100% alcohol-attributable (AA) mortality. Furthermore, based on the high level of alcohol consumption in the Baltic countries compared to other European countries, we predicted that the increases in AA mortality would be more pronounced in these countries. METHODS: Data for 100% AA deaths were obtained from the World Health Organization for the period 2010 to 2022, and standardized to the regional age distribution for 2010. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to test the study hypotheses. RESULTS: The mean age-standardized 100% AA mortality rate increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 19 European countries with data by 3.12 deaths per 100,000 population, constituting an 18% increase (tested against no change: t = 2.52; df = 18; p = 0.021). This increase was higher in the Baltic countries (mean difference = 13.41 deaths per 100,000 population; standard deviation (SD) = 7.44; 46% increase) than for other European countries (mean difference = 1.19; SD = 1.55; 8% increase). The increases in 100% AA mortality were associated with decreases in the level of alcohol consumption in the majority of countries. CONCLUSIONS: As predicted, 100% AA mortality increased in 19 European countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Baltic countries seeing a higher increase. Renewed alcohol control policy efforts should be considered.

Exiles of love?: uncovering lesbian voices in interwar Czechoslovakia.

Lesbian voices and experiences have received little attention in Czech historiography: recent research has concentrated on the modern era from the 1950s. This article deepens our understanding of lesbian lives in interwar Prague. It focuses on two forgotten lesbian novels, Exiles of Love and The Third Sex, which were deliberately suppressed after 1948 by the Communist regime as examples of inferior bourgeois literature. The two authors, Lída Merlínová and Gill Sedlácková, both hailed from Prague's cultural world (theatre and film) and were active too in the 1930s Czech movement for homosexual reform. Spanning the late twenties to the late thirties, the novels reveal tantalising glimpses of the evolving sub-culture of interwar Prague. Merlínová's naïve novel of 1929, Exiles of Love, was the first Czech lesbian novel, and it betrayed the 1920s optimism of the 'Czech New Woman' who was prepared to challenge gender stereotypes. Sedlácková's novel, The Third Sex, is a more explicit study from 1937, reflecting the more mature sub-culture but also a cynicism about the chances of homosexual reform. Yet it manages, even more than Exiles, to convey an uplifting and moral message. Indeed, both novels are about lesbian self-knowledge, exploring the scope for same-sex survival in a world where the best solution may be abroad, not in 'provincial Prague'. In restoring these texts to lesbian literature we recover a range of voices, expressing the hopes and frustrations of some queer Czech women in an unusually liberal era.

An illustrated key to European genera of Microgastrinae parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) with a recent historical and biological perspective and a guide to available species-level identification resources.

An illustrated key is provided for the identification of the 20 genera of Microgastrinae so far known to occur in Europe. A brief review of 20th century progress on the group is given. Morphological terms are explained and illustrated, with special reference to the different systems of wing venation employed by past workers on Microgastrinae in Europe, and recommendations are made for future work. For each genus, an outline of species richness, host usage, developmental biology, and particular morphological features is given, and some species that may be difficult to place are highlighted. Available keys for species identification within genera are referenced, with comments, and attention is drawn to species more recently recorded or described up to January 2024. The value of accurate rearing data for parasitoids is emphasised. The references discussed provide a comprehensive overview of the most useful literature for future morphological work on European Microgastrinae. Glyptapantelesmoldavicus (Tobias), comb. nov. is proposed.

British Association of Sexual Health and HIV UK national guideline for the management of anogenital herpes, 2024.

The guideline provides recommendations on the management of adults with anogenital herpes in the UK. Recommendations include diagnostic tests, management of the primary or first episode of anogenital herpes and recurrences, effectiveness of therapy, prophylaxis, and prevention of transmission between partners, as well as patient centred counselling.

Legislation and policy for involuntary mental healthcare across countries in the FOSTREN network: rationale, development of mapping survey and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Several countries are currently revising or have already revised their mental health laws to align with the global movement to reduce the use of coercive care. No government has yet fully implemented the recommendation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to eliminate the use of coercion in mental healthcare. Consequently, the international field of mental health law and policy is in a degree of flux. AIMS: To describe the rationale, development and protocol for a project that will map and examine how mental health laws, policies and service capacity across European countries relate to the use of coercive measures, including involuntary admissions and treatment, restraints and seclusion. This will help to better understand the current situation and explore future directions of policies regarding coercive care. METHOD: The project is being carried out under the purview of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) action network, entitled FOSTREN (Fostering and Strengthening Approaches to Reducing Coercion in European Mental Health Services). A multidisciplinary group of experts developed a comprehensive survey assessing mental health laws, policies and service frameworks, based on World Health Organization and UNCRPD recommendations. The survey was piloted in three countries, revised and disseminated to 30 FOSTREN country representatives. The survey will provide data for three strands of work on legislation, policies and service-level context. A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted, drawing on findings from all work packages. CONCLUSIONS: The project could inform the development of strategies, interventions and legislation to address gaps and promote compliance with international standards.

Assessing the health status of migrants upon arrival in Europe: a systematic review of the adverse impact of migration journeys.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have explored the impact of pre- and post-migration factors on the overall health of migrant populations. The objective of this study is to enhance our understanding of additional determinants affecting migrants' health by examining the impact of the migration phase and related journeys in the European context. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of studies published in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases from 2003 up to January 5, 2024. We included observational studies reporting information on the health status of migrant populations recorded upon arrival in a country situated in Europe, and on the transit phase, including specific risk factors experienced during the journey or its characteristics. Title and abstract screening were performed using active learning techniques provided by ASReview software. The results of the included studies were presented qualitatively, with a focus on publications that formally assessed the association between the journey and the investigated health outcomes. The systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, CRD42024513421. RESULTS: Out of 11,370 records screened, we ultimately included 25 studies, all conducted since 2017. Most adopted a cross-sectional design and a quantitative approach, with relatively small sample sizes. The majority of the studies were conducted in Serbia and Italy. Only 14 of them formally assessed the association between different exposures in the transit phase and health outcomes, including mental health, well-being and quality of life, infectious and non-communicable diseases. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological research focusing on the transit phase in Europe remains limited, with few available studies facing challenges related to data collection, study design and analysis, thereby limiting the interpretability and generalisability of their results. These findings underscore the need for action, prompting the development of adequate and feasible strategies to conduct additional studies focusing on migrant populations during migration journeys.

The history of the European Neurological Society (1986-2014)-10 years later.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) was a merger from two parent societies: the European Neurological Association (ENS, founded in 1986) and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS, founded in 1987). METHODS: This article was written by nine former presidents, three of whom were also founders of the ENS, and is based on recollections and documents. It follows up on a review of the ENS history stored in the EAN archive. RESULTS: The first European society (ENS) was founded by eight individual European academic clinician-neuroscientists aiming at joining with other qualified European neuroscientists on an individual membership basis. After 1990 members were also invited from behind the former Iron Curtain. A principal goal was holding neurology meetings (700 participants in 1988 and over 3000 in 2010), promoting collaborative research projects with exchange of junior neuroscientists, and providing teaching and education independent from nationality. Health politics were not part of the agenda. The executive boards (4-year term) were staffed with academic scientists from all subspecialties of neurology. Numerous bursaries and fellowships were established for junior neurologists. The impact of ENS members on research activities of young investigators was appreciated by academia at large. After years of negotiations ENS and EFNS joint efforts resulted in forming the EAN covering all fields of neurology and neuroscience under one roof. CONCLUSION: The basic principles of the ENS were successfully integrated into the new EAN in particular documented by the number of individual members rising to over 4000 in 2024.

Genomic analysis of Vibrio cholerae O1 isolates from cholera cases, Europe, 2022.

BackgroundThe number of cholera cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 was more than double that of 2021. Nine countries of the WHO European Region reported 51 cases of cholera in 2022 vs five reported cases in 2021.AimWe aimed to confirm that the Vibrio cholerae O1 isolates reported by WHO European Region countries in 2022 belonged to the seventh pandemic El Tor lineage (7PET). We also studied their virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants and phylogenetic relationships.MethodsWe used microbial genomics to study the 49 V. cholerae O1 isolates recovered from the 51 European cases. We also used > 1,450 publicly available 7PET genomes to provide a global phylogenetic context for these 49 isolates.ResultsAll 46 good-quality genomes obtained belonged to the 7PET lineage. All but two isolates belonged to genomic Wave 3 and were grouped within three sub-lineages, one of which, Pre-AFR15, predominated (34/44). This sub-lineage, corresponding to isolates from several countries in Southern Asia, the Middle East and Eastern or Southern Africa, was probably a major contributor to the global upsurge of cholera cases in 2022. No unusual AMR profiles were inferred from analysis of the AMR gene content of the 46 genomes.ConclusionReference laboratories in high-income countries should use whole genome sequencing to assign V. cholerae O1 isolates formally to the 7PET or non-epidemic lineages. Periodic collaborative genomic studies based on isolates from travellers can provide useful information on the circulating strains and their evolution, particularly as concerns AMR.

Characteristics of river heatwaves in the Vistula River basin, Europe.

Rivers worldwide are warming due to the impact of climate change and human interventions. This study investigated river heatwaves in the Vistula River Basin, one of the largest river systems in Europe using long-term observed daily river water temperatures from the past 30 years (1991-2020). The results showed that river heatwaves are increased in frequency and intensity in the Vistula River Basin. The total number of river heatwaves showed clear increasing trend with an average rate of 1.400 times/decade, the duration of river heatwaves increased at an average rate of 14.506 days/decade, and the cumulative intensity of river heatwaves increased at an average rate of 53.169 °C/decade. The Mann-Kendall (MK) test was also employed, showing statistically significant increasing trends in the total number, duration, and intensity of heatwaves for all rivers, including the main watercourse of the Vistula River and its tributaries, with few exceptions. Air temperature is the major controller of river heatwaves for each hydrological station, and with the increase of air temperatures, river heatwaves will increase in frequency and intensity. Another impacting factor is flow, and with the increase of flow, river heatwaves tend to decrease in number, duration and intensity. The results suggested that mitigation measures shall be taken to reduce the effect of climate change on river systems.

Introducing simulation-based education to Genitourinary Medicine specialty training in the North West of England: A quality improvement project exploring trainee perspectives and impact.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based education (SBE) provides enactive experiences for learners. This project explores the utility of SBE in GUM training. METHODS: Phase 1 was a qualitative survey of GUM trainees across the UK exploring their views on SBE. Phase 2 involved roll-out of SBE to new GUM trainees. Feedback was subsequently obtained. RESULTS: Twenty-three participants were surveyed in phase 1. When asked to rate the relevance of SBE to curriculum competencies on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = not relevant, 5 = highly relevant), the highest ratings (score ≥4) were for proctoscopy (4.1), IUD insertion (4.1), SDI removal (4.1), SDI insertion (4.0), and punch biopsy (4.0). All curriculum items scored ≥3. Eighty-three percent (n = 19) felt SBE will improve clinician confidence and competence. Following introduction of SBE, participants fed back on the relevance of the session. All 5 respondents rated the session ≥4 for addressing their clinical and curriculum goals. All respondents rated the session ≥4 for improving clinician confidence and competence. The session received an overall rating of 5, and respondents similarly rated 5 for more sessions. CONCLUSION: Trainees recognise the value of simulated learning experiences and its role in improving procedural competence and addressing bespoke human factor skills relevant to GUM.

Cancer mortality trends in Luxembourg: A 24-year descriptive study (1998-2021).

BACKGROUND: Cancer, the second most common cause of death worldwide, is projected to cause 17 million deaths by 2045. Epidemiological studies on cancer play a vital role in understanding cancer burden impact and formulating control plans. This study aimed to analyse the changes in cancer mortality rates within Luxembourg from 1998 to 2021 by sex and age. METHODS: Data on cancer-related deaths were extracted from Luxembourg's National Registry of Death Causes (1998-2021), and the corresponding population data were analysed. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASRs) per 100,000 individuals were calculated and adjusted to the European standard population. To identify significant changes in cancer mortality over time, the Average Annual Percentage Changes (AAPC) method was used. RESULTS: We identified 23,750 cancer-related deaths, resulting in an ASR of 152.86 per 100,000 people per year. Lung cancer was the most common cancer-related case of death in men and in both sexes combined. In women, breast cancer was the most common cancer death. Significant decreases in the ASR over time were observed for both sexes. Sex-specific cancers, such as prostate (AAPC: -2.7) and breast (AAPC: -1.0) cancers, also exhibited significant decreasing trends in mortality. In the evaluation by life stage, stability or significant decreases were observed for women, men and both sexes, however significant increases were observed in late adulthood women in laryngeal and lung cancer (AAPC: 3.9 and 1.8, respectively). The trend patterns observed during 1998-2021 were largely consistent with those seen when excluding the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of mortality trends by cancer type in Luxembourg, contributing to the understanding of cancer epidemiology and informing healthcare policy and planning. This highlights the importance of targeted public health interventions as such early detection and screening programs and continued advancements in cancer treatment.

40 years of AETE: the contribution of scientists and practitioners to the progress of reproductive biotechnologies in Europe.

This conference celebrates the 40th anniversary of AETE. Over the past 40 years, AETE has served as a forum for scientists, practitioners, and students working in assisted animal reproduction in livestock species. AETE conferences have reflected developments in the field, from basic to applied science, as well as regulatory changes in assisted animal reproduction practices. Europe has led the way in these developments for many years, progressing from artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation to semen sexing, in vitro production of embryos, cloning by nuclear transfer, genomic selection, and the rescue of highly endangered species. These significant contributions were made possible by the support of funding agencies, both at the national and European levels, promoting cooperation between scientists and practitioners. Assisted reproduction, and animal breeding more generally, face opposition from various groups, including animal rights activists, vegetarians, proponents of organic farming, environmentalists, certain political parties, and increasing regulatory burdens. These challenges seriously affect funding for scientific research, the work of practitioners, and the breeding industry as a whole. It is crucial to invest time and resources in communication to remind the public, politicians, and regulators of the achievements in this field and the contributions made to the food supply chain and the care of the rural and natural environment.

Trends in loneliness in 17 European countries between 2006 and 2015: A secondary analysis of data from the European Social Survey.

The present study analysed changes in loneliness between 2006 and 2015 and associated factors using publicly available data (N = 128,718) from the European Social Survey from 17 countries. The study protocol was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/eq63j/). Loneliness-weighted prevalence (and mean) decreased from 30% to 27% over time. The decreasing trend was significant for both sexes. Young and old age groups reported a decline in loneliness over time while other age groups did not. Loneliness did not demonstrate a significant decline - but rather a stable trend - in persons with disability and first- and second-generation immigrants. Sociodemographic characteristics, social factors, well-being and psychological distress were associated with loneliness. These findings update those from previous studies indicating that loneliness trends and differences between European regions might be better explained by differences in psychological distress.

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis - update from 2017 to 2023.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern. A previous systematic review showed that migrants in Europe are at increased risk of AMR. Since the COVID-19 pandemic there have been rapid changes in patterns of antibiotic use, AMR, and migration. We aimed to present an updated evidence synthesis on the current distribution of AMR among migrants in Europe. Methods: We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022343263). We searched databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and Scopus) from 18 January 2017 until 18 January 2023 to identify primary data from observational studies reporting any laboratory-confirmed AMR among migrants in the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Union-15 (EU-15) countries using over 7 key search terms for migrants and over 70 terms for AMR and countries in Europe. Outcomes were infection with, or colonisation of AMR bacteria. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Observational Studies. We meta-analysed the pooled-prevalence of infection and/or colonisation of AMR organisms. Findings: Among 630 articles, 21 observational studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The pooled prevalence for any detected AMR was 28.0% (95% CI 18.0%-41.0%, I 2  = 100%) compared to a 25.4% seen in the previous review; gram-negative bacteria 31.0% (95% CI 20.0%-44.0%, I 2  = 100%), and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus 10.0% (95% CI 5.0%-16.0%, I 2  = 99%). Drug-resistant bacteria were more prevalent in community settings in large migrant populations (pooled prevalence: 41.0%, 95% CI 24.0%-60.0%, I 2  = 99%) than in hospitals (21.0%, 95% CI 12.0%-32.0%, I 2  = 99%). AMR estimates in 'other' migrants were 32.0%, (95% CI 12.0%-57.0%, I 2  = 100%) and 28.0% (95% CI 18.0%-38.0%, I 2 = 100%) in forced migrants. No firm evidence of AMR acquisition with arrival time or length of stay in the host country was found. Interpretation: Studies investigating AMR in migrants are highly heterogenous. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants may be at higher risk of acquiring resistant bacteria, particularly gram-negative bacteria, within community settings such as refugee camps and detention centres in Europe. Our study highlights the importance of infrastructure and hygiene measures within these settings, to mitigate transmission of resistant pathogens. Policy-makers should screen for AMR in migrants prior to departure from countries of origin, where feasible, and upon arrival to a new country to ensure optimal health screening, infection control and effective treatment. Funding: There was no funding source for this study.

A checklist of the predators and parasitoids of the fall webworm Hyphantriacunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) from around the world.

A checklist of 488 fall webworm Hyphantriacunea (Drury) natural enemies was compiled based on documentation in previous research across its world distribution, including 289 predators and 199 parasitoids. Predators in the checklist include 67 species from 17 families of Insecta, 1 species of Chilopoda, 183 species from 22 families of Arachnida, 1 species of Reptilia, 4 species from 2 families of Amphibia, 33 species from 18 families of Aves. In addition, the checklist includes fall webworm parasitoids from 18 families of Insecta. Among continents, 128 predators and 76 parasitoids were distributed in North America, 78 predators and 62 parasitoids in Asia, and 88 predators and 68 parasitoids in Europe.

Self-medication among general population in the European Union: prevalence and associated factors.

Self-medication (SM) forms an important part of public health strategy. Nonetheless, little research has been performed to understand the current state of self-medication in the European Union (EU). Utilizing data from the third wave of the European Health Interview Surveys, this study finds an estimated SM prevalence of 34.3% in the EU (95%CI = 34.1-34.5%; n = 255,758). SM prevalence, as well as SM prevalence inequality between men and women, varies substantially between EU member countries. Via multivariable analysis, we also identify a number of variables associated with SM, most notably the substantial impact of health systems on SM behavior (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.00; 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] = 3.81-4.21). Several demographics are also associated with greater SM prevalence, including those aged 25-44 (versus ages 75+: AOR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.12-1.31), women (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI = 1.68-1.81), immigrants born in other EU states (AOR = 1.16; 95%CI = 1.04-1.30), those with higher education (AOR = 1.83; 95%CI = 1.60-2.09), and urban dwellers (AOR = 1.14; 95%CI = 1.04-1.30). Additionally, long-standing health problems (AOR = 1.39; 95%CI = 1.33-1.45), visits to doctors (both general practitioners and specialists) (AOR = 1.21, 95%CIs = 1.15-1.26, 1.17-1.26), and unmet needs for health care due to waiting lists (AOR = 1.38; 95%CI = 1.23-1.55) or inability to afford medical examinations/treatment (AOR = 1.27; 95%CI = 1.12-1.42) serve as conditioners for SM. We also find that smoking (AOR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.01-1.10), vaping (AOR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.06-1.32), drinking alcohol (AOR = 1.23; 95%CI = 1.19-1.28), and higher levels of physical activity (AOR = 1.27; 95%CI = 1.22-1.32) are factors associated with SM. Analysis of these variables reveals that though women self-medicate more than men, the patterns that govern their consumption are similar.