Effect of Pentavac and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination on the intestine

To access full text version of this article. Please click on the hyperlink "Full Text" at the bottom of this pageBACKGROUND: The safety of infant vaccination has been questioned in recent years. In particular it has been suggested that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination leads to brain damage manifesting as autism consequent to the development of an "enterocolitis" in the immediate post-vaccination period. AIM: To assess if MMR vaccination is associated with subclinical intestinal inflammation, which is central to the autistic "enterocolitis" theory. METHODS: We studied 109/58 infants, before and two and four weeks after immunisation with Pentavac and MMR vaccines, for the presence of intestinal inflammation (faecal calprotectin). RESULTS: Neither vaccination was associated with any significant increase in faecal calprotectin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The failure of the MMR vaccination to cause an intestinal inflammatory response provides evidence against the proposed gut-brain interaction that is central to the autistic "enterocolitis" hypothesis

SAUR63 stimulates cell growth at the plasma membrane

In plants, regulated cell expansion determines organ size and shape. Several members of the family of redundantly acting Small Auxin Up RNA (SAUR) proteins can stimulate plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase proton pumping activity by inhibiting PM-associated PP2C.D phosphatases, thereby increasing the PM electrochemical potential, acidifying the apoplast, and stimulating cell expansion. Similarly, Arabidopsis thaliana SAUR63 was able to increase growth of various organs, antagonize PP2C.D5 phosphatase, and increase H+-ATPase activity. Using a gain-of-function approach to bypass genetic redundancy, we dissected structural requirements for SAUR63 growth-promoting activity. The divergent N-terminal domain of SAUR63 has a predicted basic amphipathic α-helix and was able to drive partial PM association. Deletion of the N-terminal domain decreased PM association of a SAUR63 fusion protein, as well as decreasing protein level and eliminating growth-promoting activity. Conversely, forced PM association restored ability to promote H+-ATPase activity and cell expansion, indicating that SAUR63 is active when PM-associated. Lipid binding assays and perturbations of PM lipid composition indicate that the N-terminal domain can interact with PM anionic lipids. Mutations in the conserved SAUR domain also reduced PM association in root cells. Thus, both the N-terminal domain and the SAUR domain may cooperatively mediate the SAUR63 PM association required to promote growth

The odd couple: The relationship between state economic performance and carbon emissions economic intensity

Historical time trends indicate that both carbon and energy intensity have declined in the United States over the last several decades, while economic performance, as measured by per capita GSP, has improved. This observation indicates that it may be possible to reduce carbon intensity without a reduction in economic performance. This paper assesses using panel analysis, the empirical relationship between carbon emissions intensity and economic performance, and examines the direction of causality between the two variables. Data for the analysis covered 48 states, excluding Hawaii, Alaska, and Washington DC, from 1980 to 2000. The results indicate significant bi-directional relationship between carbon emissions intensity and state economic performance, both using an aggregate indicator for carbon emissions intensity, decomposed using Laspeyres indexes and disaggregated by sector. This implies that it should be possible to implement statewide and sector-specific policies to reduce energy and carbon intensity and at the same time improve economic performance.Carbon intensity Economic performance Energy policy

Insurers' role in enhancing development and utilization of environmentally sound technologies: a case study of Nordic insurers

During the last decades numerous environmental problems have been exacerbated, and in some cases created. Traditionally, such problems have been addressed through environmentally sound technologies. The diffusion of such technologies has, however, been slow, where the focus has primarily been on high-polluting sectors. This paper explores the environmental actions of a relatively low-polluting sector, the insurer industry, in regards to environmentally sound technologies, by schematizing the concept of environmentally sound technologies as it is defined in Agenda 21. The Agenda 21 definition is critical when discussing environmentally sound technologies, as typologies of academic scholars are defined from the perspective of manufacturers ignoring the role of relatively low-polluting sectors when dealing with environmental issues. Five focus points from a climate change statement issued by the Nordic insurance industry are then integrated into the schematic framework. Case study examples from 16 Nordic insurance companies and secondary data of insurers' activities are used to illustrate insurers' role in enhancing development and utilization of environmentally sound technologies. Although the insurance industry offers many examples of its role in the development and utilization of environmentally sound technologies, this paper highlights the following points (1) there are still areas for improvements, (2) there is a large capacity that could be utilized, and (3) business opportunities are expected to increase once climate change consequences become more apparent. Due to the slow uptake of environmentally sound technologies, it is important to strengthen the focus on the role and obligation of low-polluting sectors as a part of the supporting infrastructure dealing with environmental sustainability issues. This paper shows the potential of opportunities arising from the synergies between environmentally sound technologies and finance and service providers to address such issues.Lara Johannsdottir, Brynhildur Davidsdottir, Michael E.Goodsite, Snjolfur Olafsso

Review of indicators for sustainable energy development

Sustainable energy development has become an international policy objective and an integral part of sustainable development. It is necessary to develop a robust and comprehensive set of indicators to monitor progress towards sustainable energy development. This analysis aimed to assess established indicator sets for sustainable energy development. The characteristics of a comprehensive and robust indicator set were identified to enable such an assessment and used as a basis for six assessment criteria; transparency of indicator selection and indicator application, conceptual framework, representative, linkages, and stakeholder engagement. A total of 57 indicator sets were found that monitor progress towards sustainable energy development or some aspects of it. All but one of these indicator sets were found to be lacking in some aspect, especially regarding a lack of transparency and consideration of linkages between indicators, presentation of an imbalanced picture, and no involvement of stakeholders during indicator development. The only indicator set that met all criteria were Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development developed jointly by multiple international agencies. Nonetheless, several flaws in this set were identified. The Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development could be considered as an initial basket of indicators for further refinement in the context where they will be applied to ensure their policy relevance and usefulness. The refinement process would benefit from more stakeholder input to take into account the specific context and make sure that there is a balance in the representation of the three dimensions of sustainable development

Indicators for sustainable energy development: An Icelandic case study

Sustainable energy development is a complex and global policy objective. What needs to be emphasized to reach the objective, varies based on context corresponding to different energy-related challenges. A robust set of context-specific indicators is needed to measure progress towards sustainable energy development. Sustainability indicators enable the monitoring of progress towards policy goals and can inform actions and decision-making. Indicators often reflect the critical issues or challenges that lie ahead. In this study, an iterative stakeholder approach to indicator development is implemented within Iceland. The approach highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement for indicator selection and that indicators need to be context specific. The product of this is a set of indicators for sustainable energy development of the Icelandic energy system. These indicators, based on stakeholder input, reflect national priorities for energy development. Multiple products with policy implications come out of the process; indicators, analysis of stakeholders and their views, a definition of sustainable energy development in the context, a roadmap towards it, and identification of linkages between indicators. Thus, the process can provide a base for energy policy, an action plan towards sustainable energy development that is supported by stakeholders

Indicators for sustainable energy development: An Icelandic case study

Sustainable energy development is a complex and global policy objective. What needs to be emphasized to reach the objective, varies based on context corresponding to different energy-related challenges. A robust set of context-specific indicators is needed to measure progress towards sustainable energy development. Sustainability indicators enable the monitoring of progress towards policy goals and can inform actions and decision-making. Indicators often reflect the critical issues or challenges that lie ahead. In this study, an iterative stakeholder approach to indicator development is implemented within Iceland. The approach highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement for indicator selection and that indicators need to be context specific. The product of this is a set of indicators for sustainable energy development of the Icelandic energy system. These indicators, based on stakeholder input, reflect national priorities for energy development. Multiple products with policy implications come out of the process; indicators, analysis of stakeholders and their views, a definition of sustainable energy development in the context, a roadmap towards it, and identification of linkages between indicators. Thus, the process can provide a base for energy policy, an action plan towards sustainable energy development that is supported by stakeholders

Sustainable energy development: History of the concept and emerging themes

Sustainable energy development is a complex multi-dimensional concept that can vary in meaning based on the context it is applied in and the perspective of the user. The role of energy in achieving sustainable development was recognized when the concept was first put forward in 1987. However, what that role consisted of was not made clear. Since then, the concept of sustainable energy development has developed to become a prominent policy objective on the international agenda, as evidenced by the introduction of the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 7 on energy. This paper presents an overview of the history of the concept as well as its emerging themes. Through a citation analysis, the most cited open-access publications relevant to the concept were identified. A thematic analysis of these most cited publications led to the identification of four interrelated themes of sustainable energy development; access to affordable modern energy services, sustainable energy supply, sustainable energy consumption, and energy security. The overarching goal of sustainable energy development was defined as furthering sustainability. Equitable access to affordable and reliable modern energy services is integral to sustainable development. A transformation of the current energy system is necessary to reduce its harmful impacts, both on the supply and demand side. This transformation is not possible unless it is economically viable through, for instance, cost-competitive technologies and changes in energy pricing to reflect the external costs of energy

Integrated Agent-based and System Dynamics Modelling for Simulation of Sustainable Mobility

In this article, a conceptual framework for a comprehensive evaluation of the diffusion process of alternative fuel vehicles is introduced. The framework takes into account the most influencing stakeholders, including car manufacturers, car dealers, consumers, energy supply system, fuel stations and government. The underlying mathematical models of different stakeholders are then integrated in one model of the whole energy and transport system. The hybrid modelling framework links the two powerful dynamic simulation approaches of system dynamics (SD) and agent-based (AB) modelling. Integrated modelling structure gives the potential of building more accurate and computationally efficient models for simulating the transition to sustainable mobility. We specify the integration process and the most important linking variables between various energy and transport components. Then the application of the integrated model is explained through a test case and, finally, the applicability of the hybrid AB and SD approach and its potential contribution to the models of transition to sustainable mobility will be concluded