We introduce the initial modification to the most recently issued inventory of European wild bees published by Ghisbain & Rosa et al. in 2023. We report new changes and taxonomic acts including: the description of a new species, Panurginus cypricus Hopfenmüller, 2025 sp. nov.; the lectotype designation of Hylaeussubtilis Förster, 1871; the upgrade or resurrection of five subspecies to species rank: Lasioglossumaeneidorsum (Alfken, 1921) stat. rev., Osmia bulgarica Friese, 1923 stat. rev., Seladonia alpina (Alfken, 1907) stat. rev., Seladonia glacialis (Ebmer, 1979) stat. nov., and Seladonia perkinsi (Blüthgen, 1926) stat. rev.; the resurrection of two species from previous synonymy: Hylaeus subtilis Förster, 1871 spec. resurr. and Protosmiamirabilis (Friese, 1899) spec. resurr.; and Hoplitis taurica (Radoszkowski, 1874) is here considered to be a nomen dubium. Finally, the following six new synonymies are proposed: Anthophoralarvata Giraud, 1863 syn. nov. of Anthophorafulvipes Eversmann, 1846; Protosmiamonstrosa (Pérez, 1895) syn. nov. of Protosmiatiflensis (Morawitz, 1875); the following taxa are all synonyms of Hylaeussubtilis Förster, 1871: Hylaeus nigrifacies Bramson, 1879 syn. nov., Prosopis gracilicornis var. luteifrons Strand, 1909 syn. nov., Prosopis moricella Bischoff, 1954 syn. nov., and Prosopis moricella f. atricallosa Bischoff, 1954 syn. nov. We also report 4 new species for Europe: Andrena immaculata Warncke, 1975, Anthophora bifasciata Fedchenko, 1875, Nomada felici Schwarz, 1977, and Systropha anatolica Warncke, 1977. Ancyla nitida Friese, 1902 replaces the use of the name Ancyla nigricornis Friese, 1902 in Europe. Nomada chrysopyga Morawitz, 1871 replaces the use of the name N. mauritanica Lepeletier, 1841 in Europe. The presence and identity of species belonging to the genus Schmiedeknechtia in Europe is discussed. Seven species were overlooked and are now added to the European list: Andrena pinguis Ariana, Scheuchl, Tadauchi & Gusenleitner, 2009, Clavipanurgus anatolicus (Warncke, 1972), Eucera cressa (Tkalců, 1984), Euceramavromoustakisi (Tkalců, 1984), Icteranthidium floripetum (Eversmann, 1852), Seladonia pici (Pérez, 1895) and Megachile sanguinipes Morawitz, 1875. Conversely, seven species are excluded from the European list: Halictusconstantinensis Strand, 1910, Halictus rufipes (Fabricius, 1793), Hoplitisturcestanica (Dalla Torre, 1896), Hoplitis caucasicola Müller, 2012, Lasioglossum andromeda Ebmer, 1978, Lasioglossumedessae Ebmer, 1974, and Seladonia confusa Smith, 1853. Heriades labiata Pérez, 1895 is confirmed as being described from Europe (Barcelona), and not Algeria as previously thought. We also report taxonomic changes recorded after the publication of the latest European checklist (Ghisbain & Rosa et al. 2023), including: the revaluation of two genera, Acanthonomada Schwarz, 1966 and Eupavlovskia Popov, 1955; the synonymy of the subgenus Royanthidium with the genus Pseudoanthidium, which is the senior synonym; the report of the neotype designation of Tetralonia malvae (Rossi, 1790); 32 new species recently described as new to science; 12 species recently synonymized and ten subspecies upgraded to species rank; seven species recently resurrected from previous synonymy; eight species recently recorded as new for Europe; one species noticed as overlooked in the previous European checklists; six species recently removed from the European list; and other various changes such as transfer of species from one genus or subgenus to another. We provide corrections to 136 names of authors and specific epithets, years of publication, and gender agreements demonstrated to be incorrect for various reasons. Overall, the present work revises the total number of species for Europe sensu IUCN to 2,187.

Cigarette smoking and atrial fibrillation (AF) are associated with impaired brain health. We investigated the association between smoking habits and brain lesions and volume in patients with AF. In patients with AF from a multicenter cohort study, we assessed smoking status (never, ex-, active), number of cigarettes smoked per day, smoking duration (years), pack-years, and time since smoking cessation. On brain magnetic resonance imaging, the prevalence and volumes of white matter lesions (WML) and small noncortical infarcts, and the volumes of gray matter and white matter were evaluated. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to analyze the association between smoking habits and brain lesions and volumes. A total of 1,728 patients were enrolled (mean age 72.6 years, 27.5% female); 7.5% were active smokers; 48.5% were ex-smokers, and 44% had never smoked. We found linear associations of number of cigarettes smoked per day, pack-years, and older age at smoking cessation with reduced gray matter volume (p for linear trend <0.01, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively). Patients with a smoking duration in the second and third tertile had a greater risk for WML Fazekas ≥2 (odds ratio 1.86, 95% confidence interval 1.29 to 2.69, p <0.01 and 1.47 [1.02 to 2.12], p = 0.04), and exhibited larger WML volumes. Patients who had stopped smoking ≥16 years before enrollment were less likely to have small noncortical infarcts (odds ratio 0.46, 0.25 to 0.88, p = 0.02) and had smaller WML volumes (β: -0.451 mm3, -0.8 to -0.11, p = 0.01). In conclusion, smoking intensity and time since smoking cessation were associated with the presence and volume of brain lesions and with brain volumes in patients with AF.

TPS611 Background: Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is standard of care for most patients with clinically node-positive breast cancer (cN+BC), either in the adjuvant setting or in case of residual nodal disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). At least one quarter of patients with breast cancer experience long term morbidity after ALND. The TAXIS trial was designed to investigate if axillary radiotherapy (ART) can replace ALND in patients with cN+ BC who underwent tailored axillary surgery (TAS), which is recognized as one of the most important uncertainties and controversies in axillary management of patients with breast cancer. Methods: To test the remaining indications for ALND in clinical practice, we designed the international, multicenter, phase-III, non-inferiority, randomized controlled TAXIS trial to be pragmatic (average PRECIS-2 score of 4.44). Accordingly, most study domains follow usual care conditions, including eligibility (following routine indications for ALND in clinical practice), surgical skills and techniques, and follow up. The radiation oncology protocol included detailed recommendations and an extensive quality assurance program, which was developed to address the limitations of prior landmark trials and increase acceptability among recruiters. The main objective of the trial is to demonstrate that treatment with TAS and ART is non-inferior to TAS and ALND in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with cN+ BC detected by imaging or palpation in the upfront surgery setting or in case of residual disease after NACT. Randomization at a 1:1 ratio is mainly performed intraoperatively to either use TAS followed by ALND and regional nodal irradiation excluding the dissected axilla as a target volume (arm A) or to use TAS followed by regional nodal irradiation including the full axilla (arm B). The sample size is based on the primary endpoint DFS. With a type I error of 5% and a power of 80%, 385 events will be needed to show non-inferiority of TAS and axillary RT in comparison to ALND with a non-inferiority hazard ratio of 1.289 (corresponding to a DFS at 5 years of 80% in the ALND arm and 75% in the TAS and axillary RT arm). The sample size was calculated to be 1500 patients (750 per arm). Enrolment started in July 2018 and will stop after reaching 1500 patients, which is expected to be completed by Q4/2025. With currently 51 active sites from Europe, Canada and Korea within the network of the Oncoplastic Breast Consortium (OPBC), >950 patients were randomized by January 2024. Another 14 sites in Europe, USA, and South America will join the trial in 2024. The interim analysis (after 20% of the required events) is expected for Q4/2024 and will be reviewed by the IDMC. The primary endpoint analysis is planned in Q4/2030. Clinical trial information: NCT03513614 .

The recent surge in end-use energy prices in the EU has intensified the debate on how price signals influence the decarbonization of the building sector, a key contributor to global energy consumption and emissions. This study investigates the role of energy price signals in driving the decarbonization of the EU-27 building sector using the Invert/EE-Lab model to simulate various scenarios up to 2050. The analysis examines the elasticity of energy demand, particularly how different price scenarios impact investment decisions in energy-related technologies. The findings reveal that a 10% increase in energy prices can lead to a reduction in energy demand by up to 3 %, depending on the scenario. Furthermore, price elasticity varies across different policy and price settings, with stricter regulations resulting in lower elasticity. The results underscore that while stringent regulatory measures can achieve significant energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they also limit the responsiveness to price signals, with heat pump shares reaching 47-86 % in high-efficiency scenarios. Conversely, more moderate policy measures increase price elasticity, leading to 15-55 % heat pump shares. This study highlights the importance of better understanding price elasticity in energy modeling to project better the outcomes of policy interventions aimed at achieving a low-carbon energy system.

This paper analyses different levels and means of the electrification of space and hot water heating using an explorative modelling approach. The analysis provides guidance to the ongoing discussion on favourable path-ways for heating buildings and the role of secondary energy carriers such as hydrogen or synthetic fuels. In total, 12 different scenarios were modelled with decarbonisation pathways until 2050, which cover all 27 member states of the European Union. Two highly detailed optimisation models were combined to cover the building stock and the upstream energy supply sector. The analysis shows that decarbonisation pathways for space and water heating based on large shares of heat pumps have at least 11% lower system costs in 2050 than pathways with large shares of hydrogen or synthetic fuels. This translates into system cost savings of around euro70 bn. Heat pumps are cost-efficient in decentralised systems and in centralised district heating systems. Hence, heat pumps should be the favoured option to achieve a cost-optimal solution for heating buildings. Accordingly, the paper makes a novel and significant contribution to understanding suitable and cost-efficient decarbonisation pathways for space and hot water heating via electrification. The results of the paper can provide robust guidance for policymakers.

This paper presents a novel approach to modeling the gradual reduction in heat demand and the evolving expansion of district heating (DH) grids for assessing the DH potential in EU member states (MS). It introduces new methodological elements for modeling the impact of connection rates below 100% on heat distribution costs in both dense and sparse areas. The projected heat demand in 2050 is derived from a decarbonization scenario published by the EU, which would lead to a reduction in demand from 3128 TWh in 2020 to 1709 TWh by 2050. The proposed approach yields information on economic DH areas, DH potential, and average heat distribution costs. The results confirm the need to expand DH grids to maintain supply levels in view of decreasing heat demand. The proportion of DH potential from the total demand in the EU-27 rises from 15% in 2020 to 31% in 2050. The analysis of DH areas shows that 39% of the DH potential is in areas with heat distribution costs above 35 EUR/MWh, but most MS have average heat distribution costs between 28 and 32 EUR/MWh. The study reveals that over 40% of the EU's heat demand is in regions with high potential for implementing DH.

The geopolitical situation and the energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine have led to proposals for immediate reduction in energy consumption within the European Union. The REPowerEU Plan of the European Commission proposes behavioural changes as short-term measures to rapidly reduce the EU’s dependence on Russian gas and oil. This paper investigates the energy saving potential resulting from changes in household heating behaviour. Through a comparison of modelling results with results of the analysis of empirical data collected in a survey of households in four EU Member States (Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, and Poland), the paper examines the adequacy of the short-term measures proposed by the EU and the instruments needed to leverage such measures and increase their potential impact. Although the reported changes in heating behaviour lead to a 2.0% to 3.5% reduction in residential gas demand in the countries studied, the study recognises that the EU targets for reducing the gas demand will not be met under current regulatory conditions, and considers the energy savings observed in this paper and in the literature as a short-term response to unexpected circumstances. The paper proposes a policy package to transform these responses into the long-term behavioural changes needed to achieve climate targets. Promoting uptake of household technical infrastructure, providing financial support and implementing information campaigns are suggested as effective approaches to achieving savings targets.

To ensure the achievement of the climate and energy policy targets and simultaneously guarantee affordability and inclusiveness, a thorough consideration of institutional settings is necessary, such as the structures of housing provision (SHP), and taking into account low-income households. This paper deals with the following research questions: (1) Is a CO2 tax sufficient to achieve decarbonisation in the Austrian housing sector, particularly considering different SHP and low-income households? and (2) What is the impact of regulatory policy instruments like a renovation obligation in combination with a CO2 tax, in particular on low-income households? In the first step, key institutional structures affecting housing in Austria are identified through a literature review, regulation analysis, and interviews with housing-related organizations. The second step expands the Invert/EE-Lab building stock model by integrating SHPs, household income levels and age groups. We use the model to compare scenarios with different stringencies of renovation obligation. The results show that CO2 taxes alone do not provide sufficient incentives for building owners to renovate their properties, leading to a burden on tenants, particularly low-income households. Mandatory, well-prepared, and long-term renovation targets can help compensate for these negative effects and unlock the full potential of CO2 taxes for decarbonisation.

To meet climate and resource efficiency targets in the European Union, it is advantageous to reduce material production and waste generation related to buildings. Yet, the feasibility of reducing the demand for construction materials across member states remains uncertain. Thus, this paper aims to assess challenges for building material demand reduction in the member states based on national differences in the service-stock-flow nexus. To achieve this objective, the paper introduces a stock-driven material flow analysis and material intensity database for steel and cement in residential and commercial buildings until 2050. The results are contrasted with structural variables to pinpoint challenges for material demand reduction within prospective transformation pathways. While overall material inflows increase by more than 50 %, individual countries stand out due to lower specific material demand. In fact, the specific steel use is around 23 % lower in new single-family houses in Northern compared to Southern Europe as more than half of the residential buildings rely on timber for above-ground construction. Nevertheless, the overall material stocks are lowest in Southern Europe due to a per capita floor space demand below the European average of 45 square meters in 2050. In general, the modelled material outflows are lower than the inflows but are still increasing over time. Furthermore, the national material stocks and flows correlate with market value and population density. This implies that a growing share of material production and waste generation are caused by the construction of buildings. Although the transfer of the identified material demand reduction potentials to other member states is thinkable, this is challenged by continuous economic growth and socioeconomic trends. Consequently, it is decisive to decouple service and material demand. Strategies related to a circular economy demand can contribute to this by reducing building material production and waste generation without affecting the service provision. Future research should quantify the impact of such circular economy strategies to develop exploitation strategies for achieving the climate and resource efficiency targets.

TPS611 Background: Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is standard of care for most patients with clinically node-positive breast cancer (cN+BC), either in the adjuvant setting or in case of residual nodal disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). At least one quarter of patients with breast cancer experience long term morbidity after ALND. The TAXIS trial was designed to investigate if axillary radiotherapy (ART) can replace ALND in patients with cN+ BC who underwent tailored axillary surgery (TAS), which is recognized as one of the most important uncertainties and controversies in axillary management of patients with breast cancer. Methods: To test the remaining indications for ALND in clinical practice, we designed the international, multicenter, phase-III, non-inferiority, randomized controlled TAXIS trial to be pragmatic (average PRECIS-2 score of 4.44). Accordingly, most study domains follow usual care conditions, including eligibility (following routine indications for ALND in clinical practice), surgical skills and techniques, and follow up. The radiation oncology protocol included detailed recommendations and an extensive quality assurance program, which was developed to address the limitations of prior landmark trials and increase acceptability among recruiters. The main objective of the trial is to demonstrate that treatment with TAS and ART is non-inferior to TAS and ALND in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with cN+ BC detected by imaging or palpation in the upfront surgery setting or in case of residual disease after NACT. Randomization at a 1:1 ratio is mainly performed intraoperatively to either use TAS followed by ALND and regional nodal irradiation excluding the dissected axilla as a target volume (arm A) or to use TAS followed by regional nodal irradiation including the full axilla (arm B). The sample size is based on the primary endpoint DFS. With a type I error of 5% and a power of 80%, 385 events will be needed to show non-inferiority of TAS and axillary RT in comparison to ALND with a non-inferiority hazard ratio of 1.289 (corresponding to a DFS at 5 years of 80% in the ALND arm and 75% in the TAS and axillary RT arm). The sample size was calculated to be 1500 patients (750 per arm). Enrolment started in July 2018 and will stop after reaching 1500 patients, which is expected to be completed by Q4/2025. With currently 51 active sites from Europe, Canada and Korea within the network of the Oncoplastic Breast Consortium (OPBC), >950 patients were randomized by January 2024. Another 14 sites in Europe, USA, and South America will join the trial in 2024. The interim analysis (after 20% of the required events) is expected for Q4/2024 and will be reviewed by the IDMC. The primary endpoint analysis is planned in Q4/2030. Clinical trial information: NCT03513614 .

12067 Background: ONJ is a well-known adverse event of bone-modifying agents that can significantly impact quality of life. It is recognized that the risk of ONJ increases with the duration of treatment and can reach rates of up to 10%. Here, we report ONJ rates in a randomized non-inferiority phase 3 study investigating the optimal dose of DN. Methods: Patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) or metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (planned N=1380) were randomized 1:1 to receive DN q4w (Arm A) versus q12w (Arm B) after a 3-month induction phase with application q4w. Incidence of ONJ is a key secondary outcome of the study (NCT02051218). An oral inspection at baseline as well as before each application of DN was mandatory. In patients with risk factors for ONJ a prophylactic dentist visit was recommended. Data from patients who received at least 1 dose of DN and who were randomized at least one year before data cut-off (December 11, 2023) were included in this interim safety analysis. Since the differentiation between ONJ and tooth infection can be difficult, we also report this outcome. Results: 1271 patients with a median follow-up time of 3 years were analyzed. During the 3-month induction phase 2/1271 patients experienced an ONJ. In Arm A 48/575 (8.3%), in Arm B 32/561 (5.7%) patients experienced an ONJ. Time to first ONJ and/or tooth infection differs remarkably with a clear advantage for the 3-months arm (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.48-0.93). Details are shown in the table. Conclusions: The observed ONJ rate of 8.3% is in line with the literature for patients who received denosumab q4w for over two years (mBC: 6.0%, mCRPC: 8.2%). Administration of DN q12w reduces the risk of ONJ and/or tooth infections substantially. The numerical difference of events to the standard arm as well as the time to first ONJ and/or tooth infection is clinically relevant with a risk reduction by 33%. Efficacy data for the primary endpoint time to first symptomatic skeletal event is eagerly awaited. Clinical trial information: NCT02051218 . [Table: see text]

Aims Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have, to a substantial degree, replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKA) as treatments for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, evidence on the real-world causal effects of switching patients from VKA to DOAC is lacking. We aimed to assess the empirical incremental cost-effectiveness of switching patients to DOAC compared with maintaining VKA treatment.Methods The target trial approach was applied to the prospective observational Swiss-AF cohort, which enrolled 2415 AF patients from 2014 to 2017. Clinical data, healthcare resource utilisation and EQ-5D-based utilities representing quality of life were collected in yearly follow-ups. Health insurance claims were available for 1024 patients (42.4%). Overall survival, quality-of-life, costs from the Swiss statutory health insurance perspective and cost-effectiveness were estimated by emulating a target trial in which patients were randomly assigned to switch to DOAC or maintain VKA treatment.Results 228 patients switching from VKA to DOAC compared with 563 patients maintaining VKA treatment had no overall survival advantage over a 5-year observation period (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.45, 1.55). The estimated gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was 0.003 over the 5-year period at an incremental costs of CHF 23 033 (€ 20 940). The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was CHF 425 852 (€ 387 138) per QALY gained.Conclusions Applying a causal inference method to real-world data, we could not demonstrate switching to DOACs to be cost-effective for AF patients with at least 1 year of VKA treatment. Our estimates align with results from a previous randomised trial.

The trend towards equipping buildings with active space cooling technology is expected to continue, due to the warming climate. In addition, the electrification of mobility and industry, and the massive rollout of photovoltaics, may put Austria’s power grids under stress if adequate mechanisms are not implemented in time. This study investigates the magnitudes of the loads induced by this increasing demand for cooling, together with the relief that passive cooling measures can provide. Data from current climate models, measured real load profiles from households, building stock models, and dynamic building simulations are utilised, alongside stakeholder and expert opinions, to fine-tune the analysis. This article suggests plausible scenarios for the development of the demand for cooling energy in Austria until 2050, and analyses the aggregated effect of the different options for cooling on the electricity power grid. The integration of cooling loads is expected to cause overloads or voltage violations only for a few types of grid within the periods investigated here. Subsidy programs in the building sector often do not properly consider cooling demand. Building regulations and subsidies should therefore focus on passive measures, and only when these are not sufficient should measures related to active cooling be implemented.

A new osmiine bee species, Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevaesp. nov. (Megachilidae), is described. So far, this species is exclusively known from the Mercantour National Park in the southwestern French Alps and from mountainous ranges in Turkey and northern Iraq, two areas separated by at least 2000 km. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes revealed that H. onosmaevae is closely related to H. adunca (Panzer, 1798), H. benoisti (Alfken, 1935) and H. manicata (Morice, 1901). Hoplitis onosmaevae is presumably narrowly oligolectic and harvests pollen only on flowers of Onosma L. (Boraginaceae). It has a particularly long proboscis, which is probably an adaptation to collect nectar from the long-tubed flowers of this plant genus. The females collect pollen by buzzing the Onosma flowers, a rare behavior in megachilid bees. The species nests in insect burrows in dead wood, similar to H. adunca and H. manicata but unlike other closely related representatives of the subgenus Hoplitis, suggesting a single origin of nesting in dead wood and hollow stems in this lineage. In France, H. onosmaevae inhabits alpine steppe-like habitats close to forests and appears to be extremely local, since only two populations are currently known. The conservation status of this extremely rare bee species in Europe is discussed.

Hoplitis astragali sp. nov. , a member of the H. monstrabilis species group, and H. dagestanica sp. nov. , a member of the H. adunca species group, are described. The former species is known from Dagestan in Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, the latter only from Dagestan. Nests of H. astragali are described. Females of this species excavated burrows in a vertical clay cliff, but sometimes chose a horizontal surface for nest excavation, particularly at the entrance of old burrows of Xylocopa olivieri (Apidae). The nest burrows of H. astragali were either sub-vertical or sub-horizontal. The nests were composed of one to three brood cells, an empty vestibule in front of the outermost cell, and a closing plug at the nest entrance made of moistened mud. The inner surface of the cells was covered with a thin wall composed of compact soil, most probably built by the female bee after cell excavation. The pollen loaf was very liquid and had a spherical shape. The egg was deposited on its top. The cocoon consisted of a single thin layer, which uniformly covered the whole inner surface of the cell. There was one generation per year. The prepupae hibernated. Sapyga caucasica (Sapygidae) was recorded in the nests as a kleptoparasite. Both females and males of H. astragali exclusively visited flowers of two species of the genus Astragalus (Fabaceae).