Outbreaks In Europe Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 & Response Measures on HIV-HCV Prevention Services and Social Determinants in People Who Inject Drugs in 13 Sites with Recent HIV Outbreaks in Europe, North America and Israel.

HIV/HCV prevention among people who inject drugs (PWID) is of key public health importance. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 and associated response measures on HIV/HCV prevention services and socio-economic status of PWID in high-HIV-risk sites. Sites with recent (2011-2019) HIV outbreaks among PWID in Europe North America and Israel, that had been previously identified, were contacted early May 2020. Out of 17 sites invited to participate, 13 accepted. Semi-structured qualitative site reports were prepared covering data from March to May 2020, analyzed/coded and confirmed with a structured questionnaire, in which all sites explicitly responded to all 103 issues reported in the qualitative reports. Opioid maintenance treatment, needle/syringe programs and antiretroviral treatment /hepatitis C treatment continued, but with important reductions and operational changes. Increases in overdoses, widespread difficulties with food and hygiene needs, disruptions in drug supply, and increased homelessness were reported. Service programs rapidly reformed long established, and politically entrenched, restrictive service delivery policies. Future epidemic control measures should include mitigation of negative side-effects on service provision and socio-economic determinants in PWID.

Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreaks in Africa, Europe, and Asia (2005-2022): Multiple Change Point Analysis and Time Series Forecast.

LSD is an important transboundary disease affecting the cattle industry worldwide. The objectives of this study were to determine trends and significant change points, and to forecast the number of LSD outbreak reports in Africa, Europe, and Asia. LSD outbreak report data (January 2005 to January 2022) from the World Organization for Animal Health were analyzed. We determined statistically significant change points in the data using binary segmentation, and forecast the number of LSD reports using auto-regressive moving average (ARIMA) and neural network auto-regressive (NNAR) models. Four significant change points were identified for each continent. The year between the third and fourth change points (2016–2019) in the African data was the period with the highest mean of number of LSD reports. All change points of LSD outbreaks in Europe corresponded with massive outbreaks during 2015–2017. Asia had the highest number of LSD reports in 2019 after the third detected change point in 2018. For the next three years (2022–2024), both ARIMA and NNAR forecast a rise in the number of LSD reports in Africa and a steady number in Europe. However, ARIMA predicts a stable number of outbreaks in Asia, whereas NNAR predicts an increase in 2023–2024. This study provides information that contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of LSD.

A theoretical approach to the pale tussock moth outbreak in Turkey

The pale tussock moth, Calliteara pudibunda, makes periodic outbreaks in Europe. The species made an unusual outbreak between 2018 and 2019 in Bursa, Turkey. The aim of this study is to investigate occurrence of any previous outbreak of the species in Turkey, and possible relationship among the forest management activities, temperature trends, and the recent outbreak. To investigate previous outbreaks, scientific reports, and theses both in English and Turkish, along with nature photography repositories and forums from Turkey were searched. Additionally, a questionnaire was conducted with retired Turkish foresters. Annual forest management reports related to the outbreak stand were reviewed to evaluate possible impact of the forest management activities conducted in the stand prior to the outbreak. Finally, change of size in a hypothetical C. pudibunda population was simulated by using different pupal mortality rate – temperature scenarios to predict the conditions under which an outbreak can occur. As a result, no evidence of a C. pudibunda outbreak prior to 2018 was found in Turkey. Forestry management reports revealed that two consecutive clear-cutting activities were conducted in 2012 and 2013 to open a power line in the outbreak stand. The temperature regime between 2008 and 2018 caused a dramatic increase in the simulated C. pudibunda populations.

Ophiostomatoid fungi synergize attraction of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus to its aggregation pheromone in field traps.

Eurasian spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus is a destructive pest of the Norway spruce (Picea abies). Recent outbreaks in Europe have been attributed to global warming and other anthropogenic impacts. Bark beetles are guided by multiple complex olfactory cues throughout their life cycle. Male-produced aggregation pheromones, comprising 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol and cis-verbenol, have been identified as the most powerful attractants for dispersing conspecifics. In addition to host trees, bark beetles interact with multiple organisms, including symbiotic ophiostomatoid fungi, which may promote beetle colonization success and offspring development. Previously, in a short-distance laboratory assay, we demonstrated that I. typographus adults are attracted to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by three symbiotic fungi: Grosmannia penicillata, Endoconidiophora polonica, and Leptographium europhioides. Furthermore, the abundant fusel alcohols and their acetates were found to be the most attractive odorants in the fungal VOC profile. In this study, using a long-distance field-trapping experiment, we analyzed the role of fungal VOCs as attractants for dispersing I. typographus. Two types of fungal lures were tested in combination with pheromones in traps: (1) live cultures of fungi grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and (2) dispensers containing synthetic fusel alcohols and their acetates in equal proportions. Subsequently, the composition of VOCs emitted from live fungal lures were analyzed. We found that the symbiotic fungi synergistically increased the attraction of beetles to pheromones in field traps and the attractiveness of live fungal lures depended on the fungal load. While one Petri dish with E. polonica, when combined with pheromones synergistically increased trapping efficiency, three Petri dishes with L. europhioides were required to achieve the same. The synthetic mix of fungal fusel alcohols and acetates improved the catch efficiency of pheromones only at a low tested dose. VOC analysis of fungal cultures revealed that all the three fungi produced fusel alcohols and acetates but in variable composition and amounts. Collectively, the results of this study show that, in addition to pheromones, bark beetles might also use volatile cues from their symbiotic fungi to improve tree colonization and reproductive success in their breeding and feeding sites.

The impact of COVID-19 measures on intraday electricity load curves in the European Union: A panel approach

This paper examines the impact of the intensity of government measures introduced to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on intraday electricity load curves in 23 European countries. The econometric panel model used covers the entire period from the virus outbreak in Europe up to the release of several vaccines; therefore, the estimation considers the introduction, partial lifting, and reintroduction of the interventions. Based on the results, the impacts of the different stringency measures were similar in the 23 analysed EU member states. More stringent interventions had different effects at different times of day: the morning and evening peaks were significantly affected, as was every hour of the day. The impacts were nonlinear, meaning that different measures mutually amplified each other’s impact and led to more substantial changes in electricity consumption and citizens’ lives. The morning and evening peaks are also found to have decreased, causing a flattening of the load curves. In line with this result, the partial effect of an increase in the stringency index depends on the type of day (weekday or weekend), hour of the day, and initial stringency level. Overall, the lockdown measures led to a decrease in hourly electricity consumption of between 1% and 9% on weekdays and between 1% and 13% on weekends. Total daily consumption decreased by up to 9%. Understanding how hourly electricity demand reacts to different stringency measures provides valuable information in operation scheduling and capacity planning. More accurate demand forecasts can support trading decisions and help prevent extreme market mismatches.

A humanitarian cold supply chain distribution model with equity consideration: The case of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the European Union

This research develops a humanitarian cold supply chain model with equity consideration for COVID-19 vaccine distribution during a pandemic, considering deprivation cost and an important social concept named equity. The proposed comprehensive plan minimizes all incurred costs, including transportation costs, shortage costs, deprivation costs, and holding costs, while aiming at eliminating infection and mortality rates. The proposed three-echelon supply chain model includes suppliers, distributors, and affected regions (ARs), as destinations. We apply the proposed model to the actual vaccine distribution data during the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe. A mixed integer programming (MIP) model is developed to minimize the costs and satisfy the demand goals in the vaccine distribution plan. A sensitivity analysis demonstrates how total and deprivation costs affect each other, helping the managers establish a trade-off between them. The results show that appropriate supply chain planning can minimize logistics and social costs. The proposed model can help policymakers, and decision-makers better understand the importance of equity and implement a fair distribution of vaccines, considering the deprivation cost as a social cost.

Sporadic Occurrence of Enteroaggregative Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 Similar to 2011 Outbreak Strain

We describe the recent detection of 3 Shiga toxin–producing enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O104:H4 isolates from patients and 1 from pork in the Netherlands that were genetically highly similar to isolates from the 2011 large-scale outbreak in Europe. Our findings stress the importance of safeguarding food supply production chains to prevent future outbreaks.

Machine operator's lung outbreak due to Eikenella corrodens.

Outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) are not uncommon in workplaces where metalworking fluids (MWFs) are used. The recirculation of MWFs leads to microbiological contamination, which is responsible for outbreaks. Most outbreak reports come from USA and the UK; however, no similar reports have been published from Central Europe. To describe an outbreak of MWF-associated HP in workers from a compressor assembly manufacturing facility in Slovak Republic and to identify the potential antigens responsible for the outbreak. We investigated the history of worker's symptoms, physical examinations, lung function tests, radiographic scans and lung biopsies. The MWF samples were analysed for different strains of bacteria and fungi. Antigen extracts were produced from the microorganisms isolated from MWFs, and positive precipitin reactions were evaluated. MWF-associated HP was diagnosed in 21 men and 6 women. All workers had work-related dyspnoea and cough with abnormal pulmonary diffusing capacity. Twenty-four cases had evidence of interstitial lung disease. Four cases were classified as having fibrotic HP. Nineteen microbial isolates (12 bacteria and 7 fungi) were cultured from the MWFs. Twenty-five cases had a positive response to at least one isolate. Eikenella corrodens and Bacillus subtilis were the most frequently reacting antigens (in 15 and 12 workers, respectively). Despite decreasing reports of MWF-associated HP outbreaks over the past several decades, we describe one of the largest outbreaks in Europe. While the bacterium E. corrodens was found in the MWF samples, its relationship to the disease should be further investigated.

Monkeypox outbreak in Europe, UK, North America, and Australia: A changing trend of a zoonotic disease

AllergyAccepted Articles EDITORIALFree Access Monkeypox outbreak in Europe, UK, North America, and Australia: A changing trend of a zoonotic disease Beatriz Cabanillas, Corresponding Author Beatriz Cabanillas bcabanillas.imas12@h12o.es Laboratory of Allergy, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain Correspondence Dr. Beatriz Cabanillas. Department of Allergy, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Avenida de Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain, Email: bcabanillas.imas12@h12o.esSearch for more papers by this authorRafael Valdelvira, Rafael Valdelvira Laboratory of Allergy, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorCezmi A. Akdis, Cezmi A. Akdis orcid.org/0000-0001-8020-019X Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education, Davos, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this author Beatriz Cabanillas, Corresponding Author Beatriz Cabanillas bcabanillas.imas12@h12o.es Laboratory of Allergy, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain Correspondence Dr. Beatriz Cabanillas. Department of Allergy, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Avenida de Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain, Email: bcabanillas.imas12@h12o.esSearch for more papers by this authorRafael Valdelvira, Rafael Valdelvira Laboratory of Allergy, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorCezmi A. Akdis, Cezmi A. Akdis orcid.org/0000-0001-8020-019X Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education, Davos, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 May 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/all.15393 This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi:10.1111/all.15393 AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Accepted ArticlesAccepted, unedited articles published online and citable. The final edited and typeset version of record will appear in the future. RelatedInformation

Sources and trends of human salmonellosis in Europe, 2015–2019: An analysis of outbreak data

Salmonella remains a major cause of foodborne outbreaks in Europe despite the implementation of harmonized control programmes. Outbreak data are observed at the public health endpoint and provide a picture of the most important sources of human salmonellosis at the level of exposure. To prioritize interventions, it is important to keep abreast of the sources and trends of salmonellosis outbreaks. The objective of this study was to determine the main food sources and recent trends of Salmonella outbreaks in Europe. Salmonella outbreak data from 34 European countries in 2015–2019 were obtained from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). For the source attribution analysis, implicated foods were categorized according to EFSA's zoonosis catalogue classification scheme. An established probabilistic source attribution model was applied using the information on the implicated foods, overall and by region and serotype. To assess significant trends in outbreak occurrence, overall and by region and serotype, mixed-effects Poisson models were used. Overall, the most important food source of salmonellosis outbreaks was eggs (33 %, 95 % Uncertainty Interval [UI]: 31–36 %), followed by pork (7 %, 95 % UI: 6–8 %), and (general) meat products (6 %, 95 % UI: 5–8 %). While eggs were the most important food source in all regions, pork was the second most common food source in Northern and Western Europe, and (general) meat products in Eastern and Southern Europe. Outbreaks caused by S. Enteritidis (SE) and other known serotypes (other than SE and S. Typhimurium and its monophasic variant [STM]) were mostly attributed to eggs (37 %, 95 % UI: 34–41 % and 17 %, 95 % UI: 11–25 %, respectively), whereas outbreaks caused by STM were mainly attributed to pork (34 %, 95 % UI: 27–42 %). Overall, there was a significant increase in the number of outbreaks reported between 2015 and 2019, by 5 % on average per year (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR]: 1.05, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01–1.09). This was driven by a significantly increased number of outbreaks in Eastern Europe, particularly those caused by SE (IRR: 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.09–1.22), whereas in Northern and Southern Europe, outbreaks caused by SE decreased significantly from 2015 to 2019 (IRR: 0.72, 95 % CI: 0.61–0.85; IRR: 0.70, 95 % CI: 0.62–0.79, respectively). Regional, temporal and serotype-associated differences in the relative contributions of the different sources were also observed.

The first case of monkeypox virus infection detected in Taiwan: awareness and preparation

ObjectivesMonkeypox has recently been detected outside African countries. This study aimed to report and analyze the first case of monkeypox virus infection in Taiwan.MethodsThe global epidemiological information was collected from the World Health Organization (WHO) and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data from the first confirmed Taiwanese monkeypox case was obtained from Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Monkeypox diagnosis and prevention strategies were obtained from WHO guidelines on monkeypox. Phylogenetic tree analysis and sequence alignment and comparison were used to identify the phylogeny and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) characterization.ResultsEpidemiological data indicated that since 2013, monkeypox has caused outbreaks outside African countries through contact with infected animals and international travels. Recently, two confirmed monkeypox cases were reported in Singapore and South Korea. On June 24, 2022, Taiwan CDC reported the first confirmed case of monkeypox virus infection in a 20-year-old man who returned from Germany, from January to June 2022. This is the third confirmed case of an imported monkeypox infection in Asia. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that this imported monkeypox virus belonged to the West African clade and is clustered with the 2022 European outbreak monkeypox isolates. Full-length sequence analysis indicates that this virus contains 51 SNPs, and has five variant SNPs compared with the recent outbreak strains.ConclusionThis study suggests that active surveillance, enhancing border control, and the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs are urgently required to prevent and control the burden of monkeypox disease.

The effect of border closure on road potential accessibility in the regions of the EU-27. The case of the COVID-19 pandemic

The purpose of the paper is to show how the national border closures within the EU-27 have an impact on changes in potential accessibility in individual transport at the NUTS3 level. We are referring to the situation that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Europe in March 2020. The study distinguishes between long and short trips, comparing the situation before the pandemic with that after the complete closure of national borders by all EU countries, thus showing which areas of the EU will suffer from accessibility losses for both long and short trips. We conclude that the spatial pattern of regions at risk of peripheralisation for short trips well defines the zones in which a serious crisis threatens local cross-border commuting. The threat of peripheralisation for long trips mainly concerns those parts of countries which are closer to the demographic and economic core of the European Union. Nevertheless, it is also compounded by other factors: including the national settlement and road networks.

Clinical and virological features of first human monkeypox cases in Germany

BackgroundMonkeypox is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus infection endemic in central and western Africa. In May 2022, human monkeypox infections including human-to-human transmission were reported in a multi-country outbreak in Europe and North America.Case presentationsHere we present the first two cases of monkeypox infection in humans diagnosed in Germany. We present clinical and virological findings, including the detection of monkeypox virus DNA in blood and semen. The clinical presentation and medical history of our patients suggest close physical contact during sexual interactions as the route of infection.ConclusionMonkeypox requires rapid diagnosis and prompt public health response. The disease should be considered in the current situation especially the differential diagnosis of vesicular or pustular rash, particularly in patients with frequent sexual contacts. Most importantly, it is essential to raise awareness among all health professionals for the rapid and correct recognition and diagnosis of this disease, which is probably still underreported in Europe (Adler et al. in Lancet Infect Dis https://doi.org/10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00228-6, 2022).

Habitat manipulation for sustainable management of Philaenus spumarius, the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe.

The unexpected Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) outbreak in Europe has led to aggressive management of the disease in recent years. As there is no cure for infected plants, management of vector populations is mandatory to contain the spread of Xf in infected areas. We aimed to assess the suitability of plant species commonly used as cover crops for the population growth of Philaenus spumarius L. (Aphrophoridae). Thus, we conducted a series of no-choice and multiple-choice assays to assess the oviposition preference of P. spumarius adults as well as the development and mortality rate of nymphs on 10 candidate plant species under laboratory and semi-field conditions. Our results will help to design ecological infrastructures, including a pull-push strategy for effective management of Xf vectors in olive groves. Results showed that Anthriscus cerefolium is a suitable plant to enhance oviposition but has a lethal effect on the first nymphal instars of P. spumarius. Moreover, Diplotaxis tenuifolia is not suitable for oviposition or nymphal development. Sinapis alba does not enhance oviposition but is suitable for nymphal development with a medium-high cumulative mortality of the nymphs. Conversely, adults and nymphs had a high preference and low mortality on Taraxacum officinale, and nymphs showed a medium-high preference on Lavandula angustifolia, suggesting that these two species should be avoided as ground cover plants on Xf-susceptible crops. The results obtained in our study open new ways to manage the vectors of Xf by using specific plant species as ground cover, which in turn will reduce the spread and prevalence of Xf. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

COVID Reflections

COVID Reflections

Immunoinformatics-based Identification of Highly Conserved Cytotoxic T-Cell Epitopes in Polyprotein pp220 of African Swine Fever Virus

Background:High mortality rate of pigs peaked in 2020 due to the re-emergence of a deadly African swine fever virus (ASFV) which has led to transcontinental outbreaks in Europe, reportedly from 2014 to 2019, and in Asia and the Pacific from 2018–2020. Given the huge socioeconomic consequences of the disease, vaccines that will prime the immunity of swine against this pathogen is a dire necessity.Methods:Insilicoidentification and characterization of highly conserved cytotoxic T-cell (CD8+) epitopes derived from one of its structural proteins, pp220, were analyzed. Protein sequences of pp220 were retrieved and clustered to obtain highly conserved sequences. Cross-reactive epitopes were filtered out, and the remaining epitopes were docked with swine leukocyte antigen-1*0401 (SLA-1*0401). Furthermore, the epitope stability was determined by comparing binding energy, dissociation constant, and eigenvalues of the epitopes with the values of positive control, influenza-epitope complex.Results:This study showed that 20 highly conserved epitopes promiscuously bind to two or more SLAs and 9 of which epitopes (ALDLSLIGF, QIYKTLLEY, FLNKSTQAY, IADAINQEF, IINPSITEY, AINTFMYYY, SLYPTQFDY, RSNPGSFYW, and RLDRKHILM) that were validated exhibit potential immunogenicity based on the acceptable binding energy, dissociation constant, and eigenvalues.Conclusion:This study has identified epitopes that show high conservancy, reducing the chance of epitope immune evasion. It is anticipated that the identified epitopes must be further evaluated as a potential immunotherapeutic agent in developing an epitope-based vaccine against ASFV.

Mapping a European Spruce Bark Beetle Outbreak Using Sentinel-2 Remote Sensing Data

Insect outbreaks affect forests, causing the deaths of trees and high economic loss. In this study, we explored the detection of European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus, L.) outbreaks at the individual tree crown level using multispectral satellite images. Moreover, we explored the possibility of tracking the progression of the outbreak over time using multitemporal data. Sentinel-2 data acquired during the summer of 2020 over a bark beetle–infested area in the Italian Alps were used for the mapping and tracking over time, while airborne lidar data were used to automatically detect the individual tree crowns and to classify tree species. Mapping and tracking of the outbreak were carried out using a support vector machine classifier with input vegetation indices extracted from the multispectral data. The results showed that it was possible to detect two stages of the outbreak (i.e., early, and late) with an overall accuracy of 83.4%. Moreover, we showed how it is technically possible to track the evolution of the outbreak in an almost bi-weekly period at the level of the individual tree crowns. The outcomes of this paper are useful from both a management and ecological perspective: it allows forest managers to map a bark beetle outbreak at different stages with a high spatial accuracy, and the maps describing the evolution of the outbreak could be used in further studies related to the behavior of bark beetles.

Clinical assessment of the Omicron outbreak in Europe and trends in morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 and cancer.

e18673 Background: Whilst patients (pts) with cancer are at increased risk of adverse outcome from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), no evidence exists as to the natural history of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant in this population. Methods: Capitalizing on OnCovid study data (NCT04393974), a European registry that collects data on consecutive patients with cancer and COVID-19, we analysed COVID-19 morbidity and case fatality rates at 14 days (CFR14) across 3 phases defined following the evolution of the pandemic in Europe, according to date of COVID-19 diagnosis: “Pre-vaccination” phase (27/02/2020-30/11/2020), “Alpha-Delta variant” phase (01/12/2020-14/12/2021), “Omicron variant” phase (15/12/2020-31/01/2022). Results: By the data lock of 04/02/2022, 3820 consecutive pts were enrolled, 3473 of whom were eligible for this analysis. Among them, 2033 (58.6%), 1075 (30.9%) and 365 (10.5%) were diagnosed during the Pre-vaccination, Alpha-Delta and Omicron phases. Pts diagnosed in the Omicron phase were more likely aged < 65 years (48.6% vs 42.5%, 39.4% p = 0.01), had < 2 comorbidities (61.9% vs 55.6%, 52.1% p = 0.01). They had more advanced-stage tumours (62.1% vs 53.3%, 49.0%, p < 0.01) and were more likely receiving systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) at COVID-19 diagnosis (54.9% vs 43.9%, 39.6%, p < 0.01). Proportions of fully vaccinated/boosted pts were higher in the Omicron phase (33.9%-48.1%) compared to the Alpha-Delta phase (16.6%-2.3%, p < 0.01). Pts diagnosed in the Omicron phase had improved CFR14 (9.0% vs 13.9%, 23.1%, p < 0.01) lower hospitalization rates due to COVID-19 (24.4% vs 41.4%, 56.6%, p < 0.01), lower complications rates (15.3% vs 33.6%, 39.4%, p < 0.01) and reduced need for COVID-19 specific therapy (22.4% vs 43.0%, 65.7% p < 0.01) compared to the Alpha-Delta and pre-vaccinal phase. After adjusting for country of origin, sex, age, comorbidities, tumour stage, status and receipt of SACT at COVID-19, patients diagnosed in the Omicron phase displayed the lowest risk of death at 14 days compared to earlier phases. Similarly, rates of hospitalization and complicated COVID-19 were lowest for Omicron phase. Conclusions: This is the first study to portray the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron outbreak in Europe, documenting an improvement in all COVID-19 outcomes compared to earlier phases of the pandemic. Enhanced healthcare capacity, improved disease management, immunization campaigns alongside differential virulence of viral strains are likely contributing to improved outcomes across phases.[Table: see text]

Prevalence, Antibiotic-Resistance, and Replicon-Typing of Salmonella Strains among Serovars Mainly Isolated from Food Chain in Marche Region, Italy.

Nontyphoidal salmonellosis (NTS) is the second most commonly reported gastrointestinal infection in humans and an important cause of food-borne outbreaks in Europe. The use of antimicrobial agents for animals, plants, and food production contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains that are transmissible to humans through food. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and the potential dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains isolated in the Marche Region (Central Italy) via the food chain. Strains were isolated from different sources: food, human, food animal/livestock, and the food-processing environment. Among them, we selected MDR strains to perform their further characterization in terms of resistance to tetracycline agent, carriage of tet genes, and plasmid profiles. Tetracycline resistance genes were detected by PCR and plasmid replicons by PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT). A total of 102 MDR Salmonella strains were selected among the most prevalent serovars: S. Infantis (n = 36/102), S. Derby (n = 20/102), S. Typhimurium (n = 18/102), and a monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium (MVST, n = 28/102). Resistance to sulfisoxazole (86%) and tetracycline (81%) were the most common, followed by ampicillin (76%). FIIS was the most predominant replicon (17%), followed by FII (11%) and FIB (11%) belonging to the IncF incompatibility group. Concerning the characterization of tet genes, tetB was the most frequently detected (27/89), followed by tetA (10/89), tetG (5/89), and tetM (1/89). This study showed the potential risk associated with the MDR Salmonella strains circulating along the food chain. Hence, epidemiological surveillance supported by molecular typing could be a very useful tool to prevent transmission of resistant Salmonella from food to humans, in line with the One Health approach.

The Last Trees Standing: Climate modulates tree survival factors during a prolonged bark beetle outbreak in Europe

Plant traits are an expression of strategic tradeoffs in plant performance that determine variation in allocation of finite resources to alternate physiological functions. Climate factors interact with plant traits to mediate tree survival. This study investigated survival dynamics in Norway spruce (Picea abies) in relation to tree-level morphological traits during a prolonged multi-year outbreak of the bark beetle, Ips typographus, in Central Europe. We acquired datasets describing the trait attributes of individual spruce using remote sensing and field surveys. We used nonlinear regression in a hypothesis-driven framework to quantify survival probability as a function of tree size, crown morphology, intraspecific competition and a growing season water balance. Extant spruce trees that persisted through the outbreak were spatially clustered, suggesting that survival was a non-random process. Larger diameter trees were more susceptible to bark beetles, reflecting either life history tradeoffs or a dynamic interaction between defense capacity and insect aggregation behavior. Competition had a strong negative effect on survival, presumably through resource limitation. Trees with more extensive crowns were buffered against bark beetles, ostensibly by a more robust photosynthetic capability and greater carbon reserves. The outbreak spanned a warming trend and conditions of anomalous aridity. Sustained water limitation during this period amplified the consequences of other factors, rendering even smaller trees vulnerable to colonization by insects. Our results are in agreement with prior research indicating that climate change has the potential to intensify bark beetle activity. However, forest outcomes will depend on complex cross-scale interactions between global climate trends and tree-level trait factors, as well as feedback effects associated with landscape patterns of stand structural diversity.