Southern Europe Research Articles

A CO2–Δ14CO2 inversion setup for estimating European fossil CO2 emissions

Abstract. Independent estimation and verification of fossil CO2 emissions on a regional and national scale are crucial for evaluating the fossil CO2 emissions and reductions reported by countries as part of their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Top-down methods, such as the assimilation of in situ and satellite observations of different tracers (e.g., CO2, CO, Δ14CO2, XCO2), have been increasingly used for this purpose. In this paper, we use the Lund University Modular Inversion Algorithm (LUMIA) to estimate fossil CO2 emissions and natural fluxes by simultaneously inverting in situ synthetic observations of CO2 and Δ14CO2 over Europe. We evaluate the inversion system by conducting a series of observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs). We find that in regions with a dense sampling network, such as western/central Europe, adding Δ14CO2 observations in an experiment where the prior fossil CO2 and biosphere fluxes are set to zero allows LUMIA to recover the time series of both categories. This reduces the prior-to-truth root mean square error (RMSE) from 1.26 to 0.12 TgC d−1 in fossil CO2 and from 0.97 to 0.17 TgC d−1 in biosphere fluxes, reflecting the true total CO2 budget by 91 %. In a second set of experiments using realistic prior fluxes, we find that in addition to retrieving the time series of the optimized fluxes, we are able to recover the true regional fossil CO2 budget in western/central Europe by 95 % and in Germany by 97 %. In all experiments, regions with low sampling coverage, such as southern Europe and the British Isles, show poorly resolved posterior fossil CO2 emissions. Although the posterior biosphere fluxes in these regions follow the seasonal patterns of the true fluxes, a significant bias remains, making it impossible to close the total CO2 budget. We find that the prior uncertainty of fossil CO2 emissions does not significantly impact the posterior estimates, showing similar results in regions with good sampling coverage like western/central Europe and northern Europe. Finally, having a good prior estimate of the terrestrial isotopic disequilibrium is important to avoid introducing additional noise into the posterior fossil CO2 fluxes.

First insights into the ectoparasitic helminth fauna of freshwater fish on an Adriatic island.

Surface flow of freshwater on Adriatic islands is rare due to the extreme permeability of the karst terrain. Hence, most helminthological studies of freshwater fishes in the Adriatic drainage have focused on mainland freshwater systems, while data from islands are scarce. We collected minnow, Phoxinus lumaireul (Schinz, 1840), specimens in the Suha Ričina stream on Krk Island and screened them for helminth ectoparasites. Identification of metacercariae cysts (black spots) was carried out by sequencing part of the 28S rDNA gene, and a single monogenean worm was identified by sequencing part of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). To estimate the level of infection, the number of black spots was counted to calculate prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity. Phylogenetic inference based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference revealed a rare black spot disease taxon, genus Uvulifer, which represents one of the first records in Europe on fish (second intermediate host), a first record from a Phoxinus host, a first record for the Adriatic drainage and Croatia, and a first record for Southern Europe in general. Furthermore, the monogenean was identified as Gyrodactylus sp., potentially representing a new species.

Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage and the social determinants of influenza vaccination among people over 50 with diabetes in Europe: Analyzing population-based SHARE data for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 influenza seasons.

Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage data for adults with chronic medical conditions are very scarce. We aimed to investigate the influenza vaccination rates and explore the common social determinants associated with vaccination in Europe across two influenza seasons. This cross-sectional study used data from the European SHARE survey for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 influenza seasons. Participants over 50 diagnosed with diabetes were included, and weighted influenza vaccination rates for both seasons were calculated. Multivariable analyses were used to examine the relationships between vaccination coverage and demographic, physical, social, and healthcare factors over the two seasons. The weighted seasonal influenza vaccination coverage rate was significantly higher in the 2021-2022 season (54%) than in the 2019-2020 season (46%) among people over 50 with diabetes. Factors simultaneously and positively associated with influenza vaccination in both seasons included being aged 65 or older; residing in Western, Northern, or Southern Europe; satisfaction with basic health insurance; having supplementary health insurance; and frequent medical consultations. Despite the increase, the average European influenza vaccination level remains below the EU target of 75%. This study fills an important data gap for the ECDC by providing information on influenza vaccination coverage rates among people over 50 with diabetes. The findings highlight the crucial role of a robust social and healthcare system in promoting vaccination. To improve vaccination rates, the ECDC-funded VENICE network should enhance vaccination knowledge, address socioeconomic disparities by strengthening local programs and funding, and collaborate with various stakeholders to develop regional strategies.

Serological evidence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in domestic animals from eight regions of Namibia.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral zoonotic disease endemic to regions of Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia, with increasing reports of cases in southern Europe. Human transmission occurs primarily through the bite of infected ticks and by body fluids from infected human. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) affects a broad host range, including both domestic and wild vertebrates. Recent studies have suggested a potential susceptibility of companion animals, posing an additional threat to public health. In the present study, the presence of CCHFV antibodies was evaluated by screening 374 dog and 238 cat serum samples collected from eight Namibian regions using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, dogs (11.50%) showed significantly higher odds of seropositivity (OR = 7.60; 95% CI = 3.02 - 25.51; p-value < 0.001) compared to cats (1.68%). Most of the positive dogs and all positive cats originated from the Kunene and Hardap regions. No other factors were found to affect seroprevalence. The limited development of farming systems in these regions, combined with the higher roaming activity of dogs, may suggest a greater exposure risk to wild animals or infected ticks. Tick species of the genus Hyalomma are not commonly reported to infest dogs in Namibia, and other tick species may also be involved in transmission. The detection of CCHFV antibodies in dogs and cats in Namibia should be considered by public health authorities as a potential threat, warranting further investigation to identify infection sources and risk factors. While the level and duration of viremia in companion animals, as well as their actual infectivity, remain unknown, efforts should focus on reducing contact between domestic pets, livestock, and wild animals, as well as regular prophylactic tick treatment of pets to prevent or minimise tick infestations.

Occurrence and molecular identification of haemotropic Mycoplasma species in grey wolves (Canis lupus) from southern Europe

Occurrence and molecular identification of haemotropic Mycoplasma species in grey wolves (Canis lupus) from southern Europe

Molecular ecology of novel amdoparvoviruses and old protoparvoviruses in Spanish wild carnivorans.

Wild carnivorans are key hosts of parvoviruses of relevance for animal health and wildlife conservation. However, the distribution and diversity of parvoviruses among wild carnivorans are under-investigated, particularly in Southern Europe. We evaluated the presence, spread, and diversity of multi-host protoparvoviruses (canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)), and amdoparvoviruses in 12 carnivoran species from Northern Spain to explore viral ecology. Broad-range PCRs were used to screen spleens (N = 157) and intestines (N = 116) from 171 road-killed mustelids, viverrids, and felids; identified viruses were molecularly characterized. We detected an Asian-like CPV-2c strain in the spleen of one wildcat (Felis silvestris, 1/40, 2.5 %), a globally distributed FPV strain in the spleen of one Eurasian badger (Meles meles, 1/35, 2.9 %), a novel amdoparvovirus (European mustelid amdoparvovirus 1), in the intestine and spleen of one stone marten (Martes foina, 1/16, 6.3 %) and in the spleen of one Eurasian badger (1/35, 2.9 %), the red fox fecal amdovirus (RFFAV) in the intestine and spleen of three wildcats (3/40, 7.5 %), and a novel amdoparvovirus closely related to RFFAV (European felid amdoparvovirus 1) in one wildcat (1/40, 2.5 %). We observed a correlation between the phylogeny of carnivorans and the one of amdoparvoviruses, possibly indicating virus-host co-evolution. Species originating from North America and Eurasia formed different clades, indicating local segregation in the absence of man-linked transboundary movements. In contrast, CPV-2 and FPV strains were internationally dispersed. Different parvovirus species co-occur in sympatric host populations, and higher viral diversity and additional hosts will likely be identified in future studies.

Case-Time Series Study on the Short-term Impact of Meteorological Factors on West Nile Virus Incidence in Italy at the Local Administrative Unit Level, 2012 to 2021.

IntroductionWest Nile Virus (WNV) is a significant public health concern in southern Europe, with meteorological, climatic, and environmental factors playing a critical role in its transmission dynamics. This study aims to assess the short-term effects of meteorological variables on the incidence of WNV in five Italian regions in Northern Italy from 2012 to 2021. MethodsLinking epidemiological data from the national surveillance system and local meteorological data, we conducted a Case-Time Series analysis to examine the association between WNV incident cases and temperature, humidity, and precipitation recorded up to ten weeks before case occurrence at the local administrative unit level. We employed conditional quasi-Poisson regression and distributed lag non-linear models to explore delayed effects. ResultsOur study analyzed 1,110 autochthonous human cases of WNV. We found a positive association between WNV incidence and weekly mean temperature recorded between one to nine weeks before the diagnosis, with the highest effect at one week lag (IRR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.11-1.21). An increase in weekly precipitations between the sixth and ninth weeks before diagnosis was also positively associated with WNV incidence. Variations in minimum weekly humidity did not show a consistent impact. ConclusionsOur findings underscore the influence of temperature and, to a lesser extent, precipitation on WNV incidence in Northern Italy, highlighting the potential of climatic data in developing early warning systems for WNV surveillance and public health interventions.

Epidemiological and genetic factors affecting severe epizootic hemorrhagic disease in Spanish Holstein cattle during the Southern Europe outbreak of 2023.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a non-contagious viral infection that can cause important economic losses in dairy farms. This study aimed to identify epidemiological and genetic factors influencing the susceptibility and severity of EHD in Holstein dairy cattle during the 2023 outbreak in Spain. Data from 2852 animals in 7 affected farms from 5 Spanish provinces were used. Symptoms were categorized in 5 categories: no symptoms, mild symptoms, severe symptoms and recovered, severe symptoms with aftereffects (sequelae) and severe symptoms followed by death. All animals were genotyped using the Illumina EuroG MD SNP array, and imputation to whole genome sequenced was carried out using the 1000 bull genomes data set as reference. Risk factors for EHD were explored using linear mixed effects models, as well as the loss of milk yield and culling risk probability due to severe EHD. Around 66% of animals showed EHDV antibodies, although only 25% of the sample in this study showed severe symptoms and a death rate of 2-3%. Results indicated that age was the main risk factor for severe EHD, with older cows showing higher susceptibility. Production losses were significant in cows with moderate to severe symptoms, especially if the outbreak occurred mid-lactation (up to -9 kg/d). Cows exhibiting severe symptoms demonstrated a markedly increased likelihood of being culled, with odds ratio of 10.86 (95% CI: 6.08-19.41) for cows with severe symptoms. The genetic component of EHD was evaluated using REML procedures, and a genome-wide association study was conducted to investigate genomic regions associated to the disease. A heritability of 0.08 was estimated, with some genes (AOC1, BST1, CD38, DPP6, DPYS, HOGA1, KMT2C, PIK2A, PIK3, PI4K2A) associated with the disease that were involved in immunity processes and the development of the pulmonary tree. This study underscores the genetic and epidemiological factors influencing EHD severity in dairy cattle, providing insights for managing future outbreaks and mitigating economic losses in affected regions.

Zerynthia cassandra (Geyer, 1828) or Zerynthia demnosia (Boisduval, 1828)? Which one is the correct name according to the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature?

The author succeeds in clarifying the taxonomic and nomenclatural uncertainties within the species complex of Zerynthia polyxena from Italy. Respecting the specific state of the Italian Festoon as proposed by Dapporto (2010), its species name must be demnosia Boisduval, 1828 with the type locality ‘San Giórgio a Colónica’ (Dapporto, 2010), which corresponds to Florence in the sense of Mann (1844). The name cassandra Geyer, 1828 has to be considered as a younger synonym of polyxena [Denis &amp; Schiffermüller], 1775 and is not available as a species name for the Italian Festoon. The substitution of the species name cassandra sensu Dapporto (2010) by demnosia Boisduval, 1828 allows furthermore the use of the name cassandra Geyer, 1828, as a forma to denote individual and local forms with strong patterning of Zerynthia polyxena in southern Europe including the populations of southern France and eastern Liguria

First record of the genus Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 (Coleoptera, Malachiidae) from China.

Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 is a small genus belonging to the tribe Malachiini in the family Malachiidae of the order Coleoptera, with six currently known species: A.spinosus (Erichson, 1840) from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe and North Africa; A.strangulatus (Abeille de Perrin, 1885) from Central Europe to Central Asia; A.davoodi Ezzatpanah, 2011 from Iran; A.senylia (Tshernyshev, 2000) from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan; A.foveatus (Medvedev, 1964) from Kazakstan, Russia and Mongolia; A.pseudospinosus (Medvedev, 1964) from Kazakhstan and Turkey. In this study, Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 is newly recorded from China upon the discovery of A.pseudospinosus (Medvedev, 1964) from Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The adult morphological characters are re-described in detail with illustrations of external appearance and relevant characters. The female ovipositor, pygidium and ultimate abdominal ventrite of A.pseudospinosus are illustrated and described for the first time.

Social differences in the attitudes towards the timing of parenthood in Bulgaria. Results from the European Social Survey

The study focuses on the gendered nature and the influence of social positioning on of the attitudes towards the timing of motherhood and fatherhood among young adults in Bulgaria. The European Social Survey (ESS), conducted in 2018 with a sub-sample of respondents at age 15-45 years, was used in the analysis. We first studied the perceptions about the timing of motherhood and fatherhood in an international comparative perspective. Next, we ran multiple linear regression models on the ages, considered ideal, too young or old to become a mother/father. The international comparisons reveal the gendered nature of the attitudes of the timing of parenthood. The reproductive "youthfulness" of a woman is more strongly emphasised and shapes the attitudes towards the timing of motherhood in Eastern and Central European countries. The socioeconomic “maturity” of a man shapes the attitudes and the social expectations about the timing of fatherhood in Southern and Western European countries. The social positioning (social status) is associated with the differences in the attitudes towards the timing of motherhood and fatherhood. The attitudes supporting the model of “younger” parenthood prevail among the respondents with low education, living in small residential areas, and belonging to ethnic minorities. Highly educated respondents, the individuals, living in big cities and those from Bulgarian ethnicity have stronger preferences towards motherhood and fatherhood at later ages.

Malignant Melanoma: Vitamin D Status as a Risk and Prognostic Factor - Meta-analyses and Systematic Review.

Solar ultraviolet radiation represents the most important environmental risk factor for skin cancer. However, vitamin D synthesis from sun exposure has been reported to exert anti-carcinogenic effects on melanocytes in vitro. This justifies the ongoing debate whether vitamin D status can be considered a risk and prognostic for primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. The aim of this study was to assess the relevance of the vitamin D status for melanoma risk and prognosis. A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted using Medline (via PubMed) and ISI (Web of Science). Nine meta-analyses were conducted to assess the association between vitamin D status and melanoma risk, as well as prognosis (Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, tumor stage, and ulceration status). Patients with melanoma had significantly lower mean 25(OH)D levels compared to healthy controls, and there was a non-significant trend toward an increased melanoma risk in patients with vitamin D deficiency (≤20 vs. >20 ng/ml). Subgroup analyses of Southern European studies showed significant results. Low serum levels were significantly associated with greater Breslow thickness, the presence of mitoses, and ulcerated primary tumors, but not with higher tumor stage. We observed significantly increased risks for thicker tumors, mitotic tumors, and higher tumor stages in vitamin D-deficient patients. This study demonstrates an association between low vitamin D status and both increased melanoma risk and worsened prognosis, further contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting the tumor-protective role of vitamin D.

Comparison of ELISA and IFAT for Leishmania infantum by European and Middle Eastern diagnostic laboratories

BackgroundVisceral leishmaniosis (VL) is the most severe form of human leishmaniosis, with an estimated 95% case fatality if left untreated. Dogs act as peridomestic reservoir hosts for the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, a causative agent for human leishmaniosis, endemic throughout the Mediterranean basin. To assure consistent and accurate surveillance of canine infection and prevent transmission to people, consistent diagnosis of canine L. infantum infection across this region is essential for protecting both human and animal health. Our goal was to compare the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT), performed at seven academic veterinary diagnostic centres across southern Europe and Israel.MethodsWe performed a known sample “ring” trial to compare L. infantum quantitative serological tests. Two hundred seventy-two (n = 272) canine serum samples of known serological status were chosen from these sites, representative of the region. In-house or commercial ELISA and IFAT were performed according to each laboratory’s specifications. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to determine sensitivity and specificity of each test. True and false positives were calculated to determine the probability of identifying samples.ResultsSensitivity and specificity for ELISA ranged from 95 to 99% and 92% to 97%, respectively, with moderate variability from one site. Sensitivity and specificity for IFAT ranged from 89 to 99% and 83% to 94%, respectively, with increased variability compared to ELISA. Overall test agreement was 78% with a pair-wise agreement between 65 and 89%.ConclusionsAll sites demonstrated substantial comparative diagnostic accuracy, with good agreement based on known seropositive and seronegative samples. Studies and interventional trials that use these tests will remain valid because of high diagnostic agreement between sites.Graphical

What is the value of agrobiodiversity in southern Europe?

Abstract This study explores how agrobiodiversity at both local and regional scales impacts farmland value across five Mediterranean countries in the EU. Previous literature has primarily addressed on-farm biodiversity and its effects on productivity and risk mitigation, yet the potential externalities of agrobiodiversity across neighboring farms remain underexplored. Using a cross-sectional Ricardian approach, we estimate the effects of agrobiodiversity, measured in terms of both crop richness and evenness, on long-term agricultural productivity. Our findings show significant non-linear relationships and substitution effects between local and regional agrobiodiversity, underscoring the need for regionally tailored biodiversity policies.

Mitochondrial genomes of the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) reveal Pliocene diversification, extensive gene flow and pervasive purifying selection

The development of management strategies for the promotion of sustainable fisheries relies on a deep knowledge of ecological and evolutionary processes driving the diversification and genetic variation of marine organisms. Sustainability strategies are especially relevant for marine species such as the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus), a small pelagic fish with high ecological and socioeconomic importance, especially in Southern Europe, whose stock has declined since 2006, possibly due to environmental factors. Here, we generated sequences for 139 mitochondrial genomes from individuals from 19 different geographical locations across most of the species distribution range, which was used to assess genetic diversity, diversification history and genomic signatures of selection. Our data supported an extensive gene flow in European sardine. However, phylogenetic analyses of mitogenomes revealed diversification patterns related to climate shifts in the late Miocene and Pliocene that may indicate past divergence related to rapid demographic expansion. Tests of selection showed a significant signature of purifying selection, but positive selection was also detected in different sites and specific mitochondrial lineages. Our results showed that European sardine diversification has been strongly driven by climate shifts, and rapid changes in marine environmental conditions are likely to strongly affect the distribution and stock size of this species.

Employer support for return-to-work after a prolonged sick-leave: evidence for Europe

Abstract Aim Employers play an important role in facilitating the return-to-work (RTW) of employees after a prolonged sick leave. However, the extent of employer involvement in RTW efforts is largely unexplored in an international comparative context. This study provides evidence on the diffusion of procedures to facilitate RTW after sick leave in workplaces across European countries and welfare regimes. Subject and methods Workplace practices are examined using microdata from the three waves of the European Survey on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER), collected in 2009, 2014 and 2019. The analysis is carried out using logistic models, accounting for economic structure and establishment size. Results Using the Continental countries as reference, the odds ratio for RTW support corresponds to 3.6 (95% CI 2.77–4.79) in Liberal welfare states and to 3.1 (95% CI 2.45–3.88) in Nordic welfare states. In Southern and Eastern Europe, the odds ratios are 0.3 (95% CI 0.25–0.36) and 0.2 (95% CI 0.16–0.26), respectively. Countries with high levels of RTW support display different combinations of legal obligations and/or incentives for employers to support RTW. While support increases consistently with firm size, no clear association across industries could be found. The observed patterns are stable over time. Conclusion Employer support for RTW varies greatly among countries and welfare state regimes, indicating that institutional settings and policies are key determinants of employer participation in RTW, particularly in smaller workplaces. The findings clearly indicate that there is substantial scope for policy learning and for expanding the support for sick-listed workers in Europe.

The Cypress Jewel Beetle Lamprodila Festiva Linné, 1767 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an Invasive Major Pest of Thuja Occidentalis Linné in Romania

The invasive species called the cypress jewel beetle, Lampodila festiva Linné (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is a major pest in urban areas, infesting the white cedar, Thuja occidentalis Linné (Cupressales: Cupressaceae), in parks, gardens, nurseries and hedges. The insects develops in wood, affecting the trees by galleries made by larvae inside. The invasion of the beetle was growing faster in the last years, migrating from its native area of Mediteranean region, including parts of Northern Africa, to the Southern and Western Europe, then in the Central and Eastern countries. The studies were carried out in 2017-2024 in Cluj-Napoca (Romania), in different area of the city (11 locations) and in laboratory conditions. The insects have been observed and collected from the colonized plants of white cedar, Thuja occidentalis Linné and then photographed and studied with the corresponding description.

Mainstream convergence and challengers’ success: a comparative analysis of Southern and Northwestern Europe

Mainstream convergence and challengers’ success: a comparative analysis of Southern and Northwestern Europe

Integrating Irrigation Decision Support Systems for Efficient Water Use: A Case Study on Mediterranean Agriculture

Irrigation plays a pivotal role in Southern Europe, and its importance is expected to further increase due to rising climatic variability. Concurrently, the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) mandates the safeguarding of water bodies and the implementation of incentive pricing strategies to promote efficient water management. Within this context, Irrigation Scheduling Decision Support Systems (IS-DSS) could contribute to the achievement of these objectives, although there are still obstacles to their adoption due to uncertainties regarding their potential benefits. This paper aims to derive a pricing model that reflects actual water use through the adoption of an IS-DSS. The innovation of this study lies in showing that adopting an IS-DSS to reduce irrigation volumes can potentially lower concession fees in collective irrigation systems. Thus, it contributes to the fulfilment of the WFD’s objectives regarding incentive water pricing. Notably, the tool is evaluated using the case study of a farm located in the Mediterranean region. The results demonstrate the dual benefits of IS-DSS adoption: on the one hand, it helps preserve water resources with a 24% reduction in irrigation volumes; on the other, it decreases irrigation costs by 20% at the farm level and by 9.4% at the irrigation district level. Therefore, the presented study provides insights into the potential of IS-DSS to enhance water pricing policies to promote efficient water management in Southern European agriculture in alignment with the WFD requirements.

Wastewater Reuse in the EU and Southern European Countries: Policies, Barriers and Good Practices

Ensuring sustainable consumption of water, which is essential for human development, is not sufficient, therefore, there is an urgent need to improve reuse of treated wastewater. This paper reviews the newest EU legislation related to reclaimed water reuse, which is the main driver for change. While there are some positive developments in the EU, the paper argues that the current EU legislation does not sufficiently encourage circular solutions, especially on how to deal with any bottleneck effects, which prevent to fully utilise wastewater. This reflection is noted based on the national and regional developments in Italy with some comparison with other Southern countries, such as Greece and Spain in attempt to identify good practices as well as any barriers for the reclaimed water to be reused.