The European Register of Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine

In 1997, the European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4) set up a Register for European Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. The operation of the Register is undertaken by a Register Commission (EC4RC). During the last 10 years, more than 2000 specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine have joined the Register. In 2007, EC4 merged with the Federation of European Societies of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (FESCC) to form the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFCC). A Code of Conduct was adopted in 2003 and a revised and updated version, taking account particularly of the guidelines of the Conseil Européen des Professions Libérales (CEPLIS) of which EFCC is a member, is presented in this article. The revised version was approved by the EC4 Register Commission and by the EFCC Executive Board in Paris on 6 November, 2008.Peer Reviewe

Baseline genetic distinctiveness supports structured populations of thornback ray in the Mediterranean Sea

The thornback ray (Raja clavata) is the most important chondrichthyan in terms of landings in the Mediterranean Sea. Intense harvesting may induce negative genetic effects reducing the resilience of overfished species. For this reason, genetic diversity information should be considered in fisheries management and conservation policies. Microsatellite markers were used to unravel the genetic features (variability, connectivity, sex-biased dispersal) of R. clavata populations, both at the small (around the coast of Sardinia, western Mediterranean Sea) and larger spatial scales (at the pan-Mediterranean level, and between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea). Individual clustering, multivariate and variance analyses rejected the hypothesis of genetic homogeneity, with significant genetic differences between Mediterranean and Atlantic rays, as well as within the Mediterranean Sea between its western and eastern basins. The data indicated that both the Strait of Gibraltar and the Sicilian Channel seem to be effective in limiting the dispersal of thornback ray individuals, but a further structuring was identified, with the significant genetic differentiation of the populations located in the Algero-Provençal and Tyrrhenian basins. Such a fine-scale arrangement suggests the occurrence of additional barriers to species dispersal. A lack of significant genetic differentiation, stable over the years, was measured at a local scale among R. clavata Sardinian samples. Several possible mechanisms, both biological and abiotic (e.g. migratory behaviour, waterfronts and oceanographic discontinuities), are discussed. Overall, the genetic data presented, both at the local and regional level, could represent the baseline information for the temporal monitoring of populations and assessing the effects of present or future fisheries-related management actions. The data obtained are information of paramount importance for minimizing the gaps in our current knowledge of the genetic diversity of thornback rays and maximizing the information needed for the correct protection of R. clavata populations

Commercial sharks under scrutiny: baseline genetic distinctiveness supports structured populations of small-spotted catsharks in the Mediterranean Sea

The present study, based on microsatellite markers, describes a population genetic analysis of the small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758), representing one of the most abundant and commonly caught cartilaginous fishes in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent areas. The analyses were performed to unravel the genetic features (variability, connectivity, sex-biased dispersal) of their relative geographic populations, both at the small (around the coast of Sardinia, Western Mediterranean Sea) and at a larger spatial scale (pan-Mediterranean level and between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea). Individual clustering, multivariate and variance analyses rejected the hypothesis of genetic homogeneity, with significant genetic differences between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, as well as within the Mediterranean area between the Western and Eastern basins. In details, our results seem to confirm that the Strait of Gibraltar could not represent a complete barrier to the exchange of individuals of small-spotted catshark between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In the latter area, a complex genetic structuring for S. canicula was found. Apart from differences among the Western, Eastern and Adriatic sites, within the Western basin the small-spotted catsharks around Sardinian waters are strongly differentiated from all others (both from the eastern Tyrrhenian Sea and southernmost part of the Algerian basin) and are demographically stable. Several possible mechanisms, both biological and abiotic (e.g., migratory behavior, water fronts and oceanographic discontinuities), are discussed here to explain their peculiar characteristics. Overall, the genetic data presented, both at the local and regional level, could represent a baseline information, useful for the temporal monitoring of populations, and to assess the effects of present or future fishing/management/conservation measures

Improving the conservation of Mediterranean Chondrichthyans : the ELASMOMED DNA barcode reference library

Cartilaginous fish are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors and environmental change because of their K-selected reproductive strategy. Accurate data from scientific surveys and landings are essential to assess conservation status and to develop robust protection and management plans. Currently available data are often incomplete or incorrect as a result of inaccurate species identifications, due to a high level of morphological stasis, especially among closely related taxa. Moreover, several diagnostic characters clearly visible in adult specimens are less evident in juveniles. Here we present results generated by the ELASMOMED Consortium, a regional network aiming to sample and DNA-barcode the Mediterranean Chondrichthyans with the ultimate goal to provide a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library. This library will support and improve the molecular taxonomy of this group and the effectiveness of management and conservation measures. We successfully barcoded 882 individuals belonging to 42 species (17 sharks, 24 batoids and one chimaera), including four endemic and several threatened ones. Morphological misidentifications were found across most orders, further confirming the need for a comprehensive DNA barcoding library as a valuable tool for the reliable identification of specimens in support of taxonomist who are reviewing current identification keys. Despite low intraspecific variation among their barcode sequences and reduced samples size, five species showed preliminary evidence of phylogeographic structure. Overall, the ELASMOMED initiative further emphasizes the key role accurate DNA barcoding libraries play in establishing reliable diagnostic species specific features in otherwise taxonomically problematic groups for biodiversity management and conservation actions.peer-reviewe

MEDLEM database, a data collection on large Elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean and Black seas

The Mediterranean Large Elasmobranchs Monitoring (MEDLEM) database contains more than 3,000 records (with more than 4,000 individuals) of large elasmobranch species from 21 different countries around the Mediterranean and Black seas, observed from 1666 to 2017. The principal species included in the archive are the devil ray (1,868 individuals), the basking shark (935 individuals), the blue shark (622 individuals), and the great white shark (342 individuals). In the last decades, other species such as the thresher shark (187 individuals), the shortfin mako (180 individuals), and the spiny butterfly ray (138) were reported with increasing frequency. This was possibly due to increased public awareness on the conservation status of sharks, and the consequent development of new monitoring programs. MEDLEM does not have homogeneous reporting coverage throughout the Mediterranean and Black seas and it should be considered as a database of observed species presence. Scientific monitoring efforts in the south-eastern Mediterranean and Black seas are generally lower than in the northern sectors and the absence of some species in our database does not imply their actual absence in these regions. However,the available data allowed us to analyse the frequency and spatial distribution of records, the size frequencies for a few selected species, the overall area coverage, and which species are involved as bycatch by different fishing gears.S

Análisis exploratorio de los datos de determinación de edad de Mullus barbatus en el Mediterráneo

The uncertainty in age estimation by otolith reading may be at the root of the large variability in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) growth models in the Mediterranean. In the MEDITS survey, red mullet age data are produced following the same sampling protocol and otolith reading methodology. However, ageing is assigned using different interpretation schemes, including variations in theoretical birthdate and number of false rings considered, in addition to differences in the experience level of readers. The present work analysed the influence of these variations and the geographical location of sampling on red mullet ageing using a multivariate approach (principal component analysis). Reader experience was the most important parameter correlated with the variability. The number of rings considered false showed a significant effect on the variability in the first age groups but had less influence on the older ones. The effect of the theoretical birthdate was low in all age groups. Geographical location had a significant influence, with longitude showing greater effects than latitude. In light of these results, workshops, exchanges and the adoption of a common ageing protocol based on age validation studies are considered fundamental tools for improving precision in red mullet ageing.La incertidumbre en la estimación de la edad mediante la lectura de otolitos puede ser la principal causa detrás de la gran variabilidad existente en los modelos de crecimiento del salmonete (Mullus barbatus) en el Mediterráneo. En la campaña MEDITS, los datos de edad del salmonete se generan siguiendo el mismo protocolo de muestreo y metodología de lectura de otolitos, aunque la asignación de la edad se lleva a cabo usando distintos esquemas para la interpretación de las lecturas, incluyendo variaciones en la fecha teórica de nacimiento y en el número de anillos considerados falsos, además de las diferencias existentes en cuanto al nivel de experiencia de los lectores. En este trabajo, la influencia de las variaciones en los esquemas de interpretación, el nivel de experiencia de los lectores, y la localización geográfica de las muestras, sobre la determinación de la edad en el salmonete se analiza mediante una aproximación multivariante (Análisis de Componentes Principales). La experiencia de los lectores fue el parámetro más correlacionado con la variabilidad. El número de anillos considerados falsos mostró un efecto significativo sobre la variabilidad de los primeros grupos de edad, mientras que su influencia sobre los más viejos fue menor. El efecto de la fecha teórica de nacimiento tuvo poca importancia en todos los grupos de edad. La localización geográfica tuvo una influencia significativa, con la longitud mostrando mayores efectos que la latitud. Teniendo en cuenta estos resultados, los grupos de trabajo e intercambios de otolitos así como la adopción de un protocolo de asignación de edad común basado en estudios de validación de edad, se consideran herramientas fundamentales para mejorar la precisión en la determinación de la edad del salmonete

The EC4 European syllabus for post-graduate training in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine : Version 4-2012

Laboratory medicine’s practitioners across the European community include medical, scientific and pharmacy trained specialists whose contributions to health and healthcare is in the application of diagnostic tests for screening and early detection of disease, differential diagnosis, monitoring, management and treatment of patients, and their prognostic assessment. In submitting a revised common syllabus for post-graduate education and training across the 27 member states an expectation is set for harmonised, high quality, safe practice. In this regard an extended ‘Core knowledge, skills and competencies’ division embracing all laboratory medicine disciplines is described. For the first time the syllabus identifies the competencies required to meet clinical leadership demands for defining, directing and assuring the efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory services as well as expectations in translating knowledge and skills into ability to practice. In a ‘Specialist knowledge’ division, the expectations from the individual disciplines of Clinical Chemistry/Immunology, Haematology/Blood Transfusion, Microbiology/ Virology, Genetics and In Vitro Fertilisation are described. Beyond providing a common platform of knowledge, skills and competency, the syllabus supports the aims of the European Commission in providing safeguards to increasing professional mobility across European borders at a time when demand for highly qualified professionals is increasing and the labour force is declining. It continues to act as a guide for the formulation of national programmes supplemented by the needs of individual country priorities.peer-reviewe

Ιστορική και πολεοδομική εξέλιξη της Πάφου

153 σ.Στη διπλωματική εργασία παρουσιάζεται η ιστορική και πολεοδομική εξέλιξη της πόλης Πάφου, μία από τις ωραιότερες πόλεις της Κύπρου και μία από τις πιο γνωστές πόλεις της Ευρώπης. Αρχίζοντας από τα πολύ παλιά χρόνια φτάνουμε μέχρι τη σημερινή εποχή, μελετώντας την πόλη ιστορικά, πολιτισμικά και πολεοδομικά. Παράλληλα, περιγράφονται προβλήματα που υπήρχαν και υπάρχουν. Αυτά τα προβλήματα είναι προβλήματα πολεοδομίας, συγκοινωνιακά, πολιτισμικά και αναπτυξιακά. Συγχρόνως, αναλύονται πολλές πτυχές που αφορούν την ίδια την πόλη και διαμορφώνουν τη σύγχρονη εικόνα που προβάλλει σε μια ευρωπαϊκή χώρα. Η ανάπτυξη της οικονομίας της, οι προσπάθειες ανάπτυξης περιβαλλοντικής συνείδησης και η δημιουργία σύγχρονων πολεοδομικών έργων, δείχνουν μια πόλη που προσπαθεί να επιζήσει στο πέρασμα των χρόνων.Χάρης Ν. Χαριλάο