The Origin, Early Evolution and Predictability of Solar Eruptions

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were discovered in the early 1970s when space-borne coronagraphs revealed that eruptions of plasma are ejected from the Sun. Today, it is known that the Sun produces eruptive flares, filament eruptions, coronal mass ejections and failed eruptions; all thought to be due to a release of energy stored in the coronal magnetic field during its drastic reconfiguration. This review discusses the observations and physical mechanisms behind this eruptive activity, with a view to making an assessment of the current capability of forecasting these events for space weather risk and impact mitigation. Whilst a wealth of observations exist, and detailed models have been developed, there still exists a need to draw these approaches together. In particular more realistic models are encouraged in order to asses the full range of complexity of the solar atmosphere and the criteria for which an eruption is formed. From the observational side, a more detailed understanding of the role of photospheric flows and reconnection is needed in order to identify the evolutionary path that ultimately means a magnetic structure will erupt

Early use of Xeomin neurotoxin for local anti-spasticity therapy for pes equines after acquired brain injury (ABI)

Primary objective: The acute management of spasticity following ABI is challenging. Contractures can occur during the acute phases of illness. The joints most affected are the shoulders and the ankles. Research design: A case study of a 48-year-old female patient who received local chemoneurolytic anti-spasticity therapy following a severe subarachnoid haemorrhage for pes equines deformity is presented to illustrate the role of focal neurotoxin therapy. Methods and procedures: The increasing spasticity in her legs was observed and could not be effectively treated with oral anti-spasticity agents or intensive physiotherapy. As spasticity increased (Modified Ashworth Scale 4), mobility of the right foot continued to deteriorate, leading to indication for local anti-spasticity treatment with Xeomin neurotoxin. The spastic pes equinus was injected with Xeomin (R) using a total dose of 150 U. Main outcomes and results: On the 6th day after injection, a gradual reduction in spasticity was observed in the injected muscle (Modified Ashworth Scale 1-2) and an increasing improvement in joint mobility. Conclusions: Early local anti-spasticity treatment with Xeomin is effective treatment. The cost of the intervention would appear to be high, but if one compares it with the costs of conservative treatment, it is not more expensive

Policy guidelines for effective inclusion and reintegration of people with chronic diseases in the workplace: national and european perspectives

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases among the European working age population, as well as the implications for the individual and societal level, underline the need for policy guidelines targeting the effective inclusion of persons with chronic diseases in the workplace. The aim of the present paper was to explore the perspectives of European and National-level stakeholders on existing strategies for work re-integration of persons with chronic diseases, and to provide policy guidelines. A highly-structured interview protocol was distributed to 58 National level stakeholders (policy makers, professionals and employers) from seven European countries. Additionally, 20 European organizations concerned with health-related issues and employment completed an online survey. The findings reveal that employment-related challenges remain largely unaddressed. Both national and European stakeholders considered the existing legislative frameworks inadequate and appraised the co-ordination for the implementation of employment re-integration policies as ineffective. Policies targeting at work re-integration of persons with chronic diseases at European and national level should focus on consistent cooperation among all key stakeholders, awareness raising to staff and management, dissemination of effective strategies, developing research and evaluation standards and establishing monitoring systems on inclusive labour markets. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Identifying the employment needs of people with chronic health conditions in Europe

Objectives: The main goal of this study was to compare the employment needs experienced by people with different chronic health conditions and in different welfare systems. Methods: A total of 688 participants with six chronic health conditions were collected in nine countries representing four welfare systems in Europe (Continental, Mediterranean, Postcommunist, and Scandinavian). Results: Raising awareness of what is to live with a chronic health condition in the workplace was the area perceived as more favorable. The types of employment needs were different across the social welfare systems but did not vary among the different chronic health conditions groups. Conclusion: Although diverse, there appear to be some common needs transversal to the working experience of people with chronic health problems. Actions to improve the employability of people with chronic health conditions should be tailored to each welfare system. © 2018 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Mapping european welfare models: State of the art of strategies for professional integration and reintegration of persons with chronic diseases

Background: Persons with chronic diseases (PwCDs) often experience work-related problems, and innovative actions to improve their participation in the labor market are needed. In the frame of the European (EU) Pathways Project, the aim of the study is to compare existing strategies (policies, systems, and services) for professional (re-)integration of PwCDs and mental health conditions available at both European and national level between different European welfare models: Scandinavian, Continental, Anglo-Saxon, Mediterranean, and “Post-Communist”. Method: The European strategies were identified by an overview of relevant academic and grey literature searched through Medline and internet searches, while national strategies were explored through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with national relevant stakeholders. Results: The mapping of existing strategies revealed that, both at European and national level, PwCDs are often considered as part of the group of “persons with disabilities” and only in this case they can receive employment support. European countries put in place actions to support greater labor market participation, but these differ from country to country. Conclusion: Strategies targeting “persons with disabilities” do not necessarily address all the needs of persons with chronic diseases. Countries should consider the importance of employment for all to achieve smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Cancer rehabilitation indicators for Europe.

Little is known of cancer rehabilitation needs in Europe. EUROCHIP-3 organised a group of experts to propose a list of population-based indicators used for describing cancer rehabilitation across Europe. The aim of this study is to present and discuss these indicators. A EUROCHIP-3 expert panel reached agreement on two types of indicators. (a) Cancer prevalence indicators. These were proposed as a means of characterising the burden of cancer rehabilitation needs by time from diagnosis and patient health status. These indicators can be estimated from cancer registry data or by collecting data on follow-up and treatments for samples of cases archived in cancer registries. (b) Indicators of rehabilitation success. These include: return to work, quality of life, and satisfaction of specific rehabilitation needs. Studies can be performed to estimate these indicators in individual countries, but to obtain comparable data across European countries it will be necessary to administer a questionnaire to randomly selected samples of patients from population-based cancer registry databases. However, three factors complicate questionnaire studies: patients may not be aware that they have cancer; incomplete participation in surveys could lead to bias; and national confidentiality laws in some cases prohibit cancer registries from approaching patients. Although these studies are expensive and difficult to perform, but as the number of cancer survivors increases, it is important to document their needs in order to provide information on cancer control