Biobanking for Europe

Biobanks are well-organized resources comprising biological samples and associated information that are accessible to scientific investigation. Across Europe, millions of samples with related data are held in different types of collections. While individual collections can be well organized and accessible, the resources are subject to fragmentation, insecurity of funding and incompleteness. To address these issues, a Biobanking and BioMolecular Resources Infrastructure (BBMRI) is to be developed across Europe, thereby implementing a European 'roadmap' for research infrastructures that was developed by a forum of EU member states and that has been received by the European Commission. In this review, we describe the work involved in preparing for the construction of BBMRI in a European and global context.     

Cannibalism in prehistoric Europe

The key argument for the identification of prehistoric cannibalism is provided by analysis of close similarities in the treatment of human and animal remains. Such analysis requires precise data on depositional context, meticulous excavation records, detailed bone modification studies, a relatively large sample of human and animal postcranial bones, and data on local mortuary practices. With the exception of Fontbrégoua Cave, these necessary conditions are lacking at all Stone Age European sites where it has been hypothesized that cannibalism occurred. The alternative hypothesis of secondary burial practices has been proposed informally for some sites and, in a more formal and detailed way, for Krapina and Fontbrégoua. However, this hypothesis does not have a higher probability, is not justified by current data, and uses ethnographic analogies to prop up interpretations of materials for which contextual data are missing or have been neglected. At Fontbrégoua, cannibalism remains the simplest and most plausible explanation of the evidence; at Krapina and other sites the available evidence is insufficient to prove either secondary burial or cannibalism.     

Uralic genes in Europe

We have analysed data of three European populations speaking non-Indoeuropean languages: Hungarians, Lapps, and Finns. Principal coordinate analysis shows that Lapps are almost exactly intermediate between people located geographically near the Ural mountains and speaking Uralic languages, and central and northern Europeans. Hungarians and Finns are definitely closer to Europeans. An analysis of genetic admixture between Uralic and European ancestors shows that Lapps are slightly more than 50% European, Hungarians are 87% European, and Finns are 90% European. There is basic agreement between these conclusions and historical data on Hungary. Less is known about Finns and very little about Lapps.     

Viral zoonoses in Europe

A number of new virus infections have emerged or re-emerged during the past 15 years. Some viruses are spreading to new areas along with climate and environmental changes. The majority of these infections are transmitted from animals to humans, and thus called zoonoses. Zoonotic viruses are, as compared to human-only viruses, much more difficult to eradicate. Infections by several of these viruses may lead to high mortality and also attract attention because they are potential bio-weapons. This review will focus on zoonotic virus infections occurring in Europe.     

Histoplasmosis in Europe

After reviewing the reports ofHistoplasma capsulatum in man, animal and soil, and the results of histoplasmin sensitivity tests in Europe, we have concluded that autochthonous histoplasmosis is present but rare in Europe.Only the European parts of Turkey and of U.S.S.R. are considered in this report.Paper read at the Eighth International Congresses for Tropical Medicine and Malaria, September 1968, Teheran (Iran).     

Dermatoglyphic variation in Europe

We describe the geographic variation patterns of 236 dermatoglyphic variables (118 for each sex) for 74 samples in Europe. Using principal components analysis and rotating to simple structure, we simplified these patterns to the first 20 axes, representing 74.2% of covariation. We then used heterogeneity tests, interpolated surfaces, one-dimensional and directional correlograms, and distances between correlograms to analyze the factor scores of these 20 axes. We also ordinated the 74 localities. The data are remarkable for showing little spatial autocorrelation, despite significant heterogeneity among localities. Only three factor axes exhibit consistently significant correlograms, indicating that there are few spatial patterns in the original variables in Europe. Almost all correlations between pairs of variables occur within serially homologous character sets and are thus developmentally determined. There is some support for demic diffusion from the southeast in finger patterns and ridge counts. We compare these results to those of previous studies and note that Lapps and Icelanders are outliers with respect to both genetics and finger tip variables, whereas Tatars are outliers with respect to craniometrics and dermatoglyphics. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Birds and people in Europe

At a regional scale, species richness and human population size are frequently positively correlated across space. Such patterns may arise because both species richness and human density increase with energy availability. If the species-energy relationship is generated through the 'more individuals' hypothesis, then the prediction is that areas with high human densities will also support greater numbers of individuals from other taxa. We use the unique data available for the breeding birds in Europe to test this prediction. Overall regional densities of bird species are higher in areas with more people; species of conservation concern exhibit the same pattern. Avian density also increases faster with human density than does avian biomass, indicating that areas with a higher human density have a higher proportion of small-bodied individuals. The analyses also underline the low numbers of breeding birds in Europe relative to humans, with a median of just three individual birds per person, and 4 g of bird for every kilogram of human.     

The greying of Europe.

About a quarter of the population of Europe is now of pensionable age. Facilities for caring for very old or disabled people differ throughout Europe in scope and means of funding, and the countries of the European Union are far from equity in the status of pensioners. Health expectations have increased in older people--most of the calculated gain in life expectancy is likely to be without disability. Most countries now have specialist geriatric medicine facilities, and international research programmes are under way.     

Dicynodontids of Eastern Europe

Dicynodontids are the most widespread and diverse group of higher anomodonts in the Late Permian of Eastern Europe. Dicynodon trautscholdi Amalitzky, 1922 is the first dicynodont described in Russia (Amalitzky, 1922). The taxonomic position of this and several closely related forms described by V. P. Amalitzky and P. P. Sushkin (Sushkin, 1926) remains an open question. A reexamination of cranial morphological features in East European members of the family Dicynodontidae allows the assignment of Dicynodon trautscholdi to a new genus, Fortunodon gen. nov., and corroborates the isolated position of Dicynodon amalitzkii established by Sushkin (1926), which is also assigned to the genus Fortunodon gen. nov. Beginning from the Sokolki Assemblage, Late Permian dicynodontids adapted to various ecological niches and had a noticeable effect on the general appearance of the tetrapod fauna.     

Pliocene ostracods of Southwestern Europe

This paper analyzes the lithostratigraphic features and ostracod associations of the Pliocene deposits located in the western sector of the Guadalquivir basin (SW Spain). A regressive cycle is defined by the vertical distribution of five main facies (FA-1 to FA-5), which were deposited in upper bathyal to fluvial palaeoenvironments. The broad palaeontological record is utilized to draw a general outline of the food chain in each palaeoenvironment. A comparison with the Pliocene ostracod distribution of southeastern Spain, southwestern France and Portugal permits to define a common ostracod biozonation for southwestern Europe during this period. Four main marine biozones are distinguished: (a): Pontocythere elongata biozone (infralittoral); (b): Costa edwardsii biozone (shallow circalittoral); (c): Bosquetina carinella biozone (deep circalittoral); and (d): Henryhowella asperrima biozone (upper bathyal). Freshwater, brackish and lower bathyal/abyssal species are very scarce in this area during this period.     

Caddisflies from Cenozoic resins of Europe

Analysis of the available data on the findings and taxonomical structure of caddisflies (Insecta, Trichoptera) in the Cenozoic fossil resins of Europe shows that there are four European amber regions (Baltic, Rovno, Saxonian, and Danish) are characterized by a relatively abundant trichopteran fauna, comprising 27 families, 72 genera, and 256 species. These faunas show the dominance of Psychomyioidea (families Polycentropodidae, Psychomyiidae, and Ecnomidae) with Polycentropodidae comprising up to 75% of all records. The amber faunas are second in the dominance of Polycentropodidae only to the terminal Eocene of Florissant (84% of Polycentropodidae). No modern caddisfly species have been found. The amber regions are significantly different in the species composition of Trichoptera although the generic and family structures are similar. Comparison with the modern faunas of Europe shows the absence of advanced Limnephilidae, which are characteristic of the Holocene faunas of Europe, and the rarity of recently abundant Hydropsychidae and Hydroptilidae. The overall composition of amber Trichoptera suggests that it is structurally related to the faunas of Caucasus and Southeastern Asia and might be evidence of seasonally low-contrast (equable) climate in the Late Eocene of Europe.     

Tortonian ostracodes of Southwestern Europe

This paper analyzes the lithostratigraphic features and the ostracode associations of the Tortonian deposits located in the western and central sectors of the Guadalquivir basin (S Spain). Eight facies associations are defined (FA-1 to FA-8), being deposited in fluvial to upper bathyal paleoenvironments. The ostracofaune confirms the Tortonian age of these deposits, where three ostracode associations are defined: (a) infralittoral (i.e. Urocythereis favosa, Cytheretta orthezensis, Callistocythere spp.); (b) circalittoral (i.e. Costa batei, Celtia quadridentata, Echinocythereis scabra, Pterygocythereis ceratoptera/jonesii); and (c) outer platform/talus (Henryhowella asperima; Cytherella spp.; Krithe spp.). A comparison with the Tortonian associations of southwestern France and Portugal permits to define a common ostracod zonation for southwestern Europe for this period.     

Complementary medicine in Europe.

Complementary or unconventional treatments are used by many doctors and other therapists throughout Europe. The major forms are acupuncture, homoeopathy, manual therapy or manipulation, and phytotherapy or herbal medicine. The relative popularity of therapies differs between countries, but public demand is strong and growing. Regulation of practitioners varies widely: in most countries only registered health professionals may practice, but in the United Kingdom practice is virtually unregulated. Germany and some Scandinavian countries have intermediate systems. Legal reforms are in progress in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. European institutions are starting to influence the development of complementary medicine. Harmonisation of training and regulation of practitioners is the challenge for the future.     

Ecology of Arachnida alien to Europe

The ecology of selected species of spiders (Araneae), harvestmen (Opiliones), and the neglected tropical order Schizomida, alien to Europe, is discussed. Their geographic origins and pathways of introduction, by transportation with goods, are similar to other predatory terrestrial arthropods. Occurrence in buildings (synanthropy) is a prerequisite for range expansion in many arachnid species. Thelytokous parthenogenesis facilitated spread of a few spider, harvestman and schizomid species outside their native range. Both prey generalists and specialists (woodlice-eating Dysdera crocata and ant-eating Zodarion rubidum) are among species successfully expanding their range. Alien arachnids include individual species belonging to many different families. We stress the absence of true invasiveness of alien arachnids in Europe. Some unusual adverse effects of alien arachnids were recorded, such as pollution of buildings and clogged car fuel system ventilation tubes. Frequency of painful biting and threat to native biota are low.     

Decreasing Fires in Mediterranean Europe

Forest fires are a serious environmental hazard in southern Europe. Quantitative assessment of recent trends in fire statistics is important for assessing the possible shifts induced by climate and other environmental/socioeconomic changes in this area. Here we analyse recent fire trends in Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and Greece, building on a homogenized fire database integrating official fire statistics provided by several national/EU agencies. During the period 1985-2011, the total annual burned area (BA) displayed a general decreasing trend, with the exception of Portugal, where a heterogeneous signal was found. Considering all countries globally, we found that BA decreased by about 3020 km² over the 27-year-long study period (i.e. about -66% of the mean historical value). These results are consistent with those obtained on longer time scales when data were available, also yielding predominantly negative trends in Spain and France (1974-2011) and a mixed trend in Portugal (1980-2011). Similar overall results were found for the annual number of fires (NF), which globally decreased by about 12600 in the study period (about -59%), except for Spain where, excluding the provinces along the Mediterranean coast, an upward trend was found for the longer period. We argue that the negative trends can be explained, at least in part, by an increased effort in fire management and prevention after the big fires of the 1980’s, while positive trends may be related to recent socioeconomic transformations leading to more hazardous landscape configurations, as well as to the observed warming of recent decades. We stress the importance of fire data homogenization prior to analysis, in order to alleviate spurious effects associated with non-stationarities in the data due to temporal variations in fire detection efforts.     

Dairy cattle production in Europe

The European Union (EU) is a major player on world markets for most dairy products and produces the largest single share of the global market. Dairying is one of the most profitable sectors of EU agriculture. Milk yields per cow have increased steadily in every member state between 1985 and 1997. Overall EU dairy production continues to follow a trend towards increased intensification on a smaller number of larger, more specialised production units. In this paper we highlight the main characteristics of dairy cattle production in the EU, as well as their impact on cow and herd reproductive performances. AI is widely used in areas where there is high input:high output farming and farmers' primary objective is to have each cow produce a calf every 12 months without any particular calving pattern. The use of embryo technologies is increasing and in some areas (e.g. IVP embryo transfers) Europe leads the world. In most areas of Europe, because of both year round calving and ethical or consumer concerns, hormones are mainly used to treat reproductive diseases and not for pharmaceutical control of breeding.     

Predation on wader nests in Europe

The population declines of waders in Europe are widely considered to have resulted from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural changes. However, recent empirical evidence suggests that levels of predation on wader nests are unsustainably high in many cases, even in some situations where breeding habitat is otherwise favourable. We review the published and 'grey' literature on nest predation on waders in Europe and quantify the relative importance of the major predators. Nest cameras offer the least biased method of identifying and quantifying nest predators. A small number of camera studies, in combination with others utilizing nest temperature loggers, indicate that nocturnal/mammalian predators make the largest contribution to wader nest predation. More than half of site-years or studies reviewed reported clutch failure rates of over 50% attributable to predation alone, a rate that is likely to be associated with declining populations, although parameters such as chick and adult survival will also affect population trends. Correlates of wader nest predation are documented, with time of season, field type and management, distance to habitat/field edge, wader nest density, and abundance of mammalian predators being most consistently identified. Future directions of research into wader productivity are discussed, and we suggest that studies quantify additional life-history parameters such as chick survival, as well as examining the predator community, wherever possible.     

Quantifying immigrant diversity in Europe

The notion of increasing immigrant diversity is prevalent in immigration literature. However, little empirical research has examined if immigrant populations have become more diverse during the past two decades. Using data from Pew Research Center's Global Religion and Migration Database and the World Bank's Global Bilateral Migration Database, origin and religious change in immigrant populations since 1990 is presented for six European countries. Findings demonstrate that immigrant origin and religious diversity has been relatively stable during the past ten years, with moderate increases during the 1990s. Further research can examine whether these patterns are true for other countries or what happens when alternative variables are considered.     

The last toothed Productellinae in Europe

The known Productellinae from the Pilton Beds in N. Devon, England and from the Angertal Beds and Étroeungt Beds in the Bergisches Land, Germany are revised. The two subgeneraProductella (Whidbornella) andP. (Hamlingella) are redefined and a new subgenus,P. (Steinhagella), is proposed.P. (Whidbornella) andP. (Hamlingella) seem to be restricted to a sandstone-shale, Pilton-type facies, and both, together withP. (Steinhagella) become extinct in Europe at the top of the Devonian.