Used during the Balkan crises, the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive may now be a solution to Europe’s refugee emergency

Europe’s attempts to deal with the influx of people attempting to cross its southern borders was one of the key issues throughout 2015. Olga Mitrovic writes that while various proposals have been made for addressing the crisis, the use of an existing mechanism – the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive – has so far received relatively little attention. She argues that offering temporary protection, as the EU did during the Balkan refugee crises in the 1990s, offers a clear solution to the current situation

Prikazivanje kinetike sušenja šljive različitim varijantama krivih sušenja

This paper presents the experimental results of plum drying kinetics cv. ‘Čačanska Rodna’. Drying agents parameters were maintained constant the whole time for the duration (throughout) (of the) of the drying process. The study of kinetics of plum drying involved different characteristics of fresh fruits of plums (fruit weight , dry matter content, content of stone) which influence not only the duration of drying and fruit behavior over the process but and also the quality of prunes. The adopted method of examining the kinetics of drying allows continuous monitoring of changes in fruit weight and moisture content, on all trays, throughout drying. It was noted in the study that the drying kinetics of plum cultivar ‘Čačanska Rodna’ maintained at constant drying parameters depends on properties of fresh fruits.U ovom radu prikazani su eksperimentalni rezultati ispitivanja kinetike sušenja plodova šlјive sorte Čačanska rodna. Parametri agensa sušenja su održavani konstantnim u toku trajanja procesa sušenja. Ispitivanja kinetike sušenja šlјive vršena su za različite karakteristike svežih plodova (masa plodova, sadržaj suve materije plodova, sadržaj koštice u plodovima), koje utiču na vreme sušenja, ponašanje plodova u toku procesa sušenja i kvalitet suve šlјive. Usvojeni metod ispitivanja kinetike procesa sušenja omogućava stalno praćenje promena masa i vlažnosti plodova na svakoj lesi u toku procesa sušenja. Konstatovano je da kinetika procesa sušenja plodova sorte Čačanska rodna, pri konstantnim parametrima agensa sušenja, zavisi od karakteristika svežih plodova

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL IN FRUIT GROWING AREA TOPOLA (SERBIA)

The aim of the investigation was to assess the level of soil fertility and repair measures in order to enhance the productivity of fruit production in a traditional fruit growing area. (Municipality of Topola, Serbia). The following tests were performed: mechanical composition, physical and chemical properties of soil, total adsorbed base cation, capacity of adsorbed base cation, degree of base saturation, different types of soil acidity, contents of carbon, humus, total nitrogen, easily accessible forms of P2O5 and K2O. Results obtained have shown that soils from all studied sites are of “heavy” mechanical texture with 75,40-84,90% of physical clay. High capacity of cation adsorption, low to medium hydrolytic acidity and high to almost complete saturation of adsorbed bases, has been measured. In compliance with previous analyses, it has been assessed that soils are neutral and of low acid chemical reaction, with low carbon and medium humus content and total nitrogen. Easily accessible content of P2O5 and K2O varies depending on the food quantity on individual parcels with low to medium accessibility to parcels with no fruit plantations. Based on the parameters analysed, the tested soils demand repair of mechanical properties, which will facilitate greater nutrient uptake

Uticaj biohemijskog sastava ploda na senzoričku ocenu kvaliteta ploda novointrodukovanih sorti jagode

The paper presents the results of the study conducted into the impact made by biochemical composition on sensory appraisal of the fruits of the ʻClery’, ʻJoly’ and ʻDely’ strawberry cultivars in the period 2012–2013. In 2012 a significantly higher content of total sugars was recorded in ʻDely’ and ʻClery’ cultivars, compared to ʻJoly’ cultivar. In 2013, a significantly higher content of total and reduced sugars were determined in the ʻJoly’ and ʻDely’ cultivar compared to ‘Clery’. Within the scope of the two years of research, the highest contents of sucrose was recorded in the ‘Joly’ strawberry cultivar. In the first trial year, the highest content of total acids was recorded in the ‘Clery’ cultivar, whereas in the second trial year the highest total acids content was found in the ‘Joly’ cultivar. A high cumulative grade for the sensory quality of fruit was attained by the ‘Joly’ cultivar, whereas the lowest cumulative grade was given to the ʻClery’ cultivar in both trial years. Considering the best score for the biochemical composition and sensory quality of the fruit, the ‘Joly’ cultivar can be recommended for more intensive use in the production practice.U radu su prikazani rezultati proučavanja uticaja biohemijskog sastava ploda na senzoričku ocenu kvaliteta ploda jagode sorti ʻClery’, ʻJoly’ i ʻDely’ u periodu 2012–2013. godina. Značajno viši sadržaj ukupnih šećera registrovan je kod sorti ʻDely’ i ʻClery’ u poređenju sa sortom ʻJoly’, u 2012. godini. U 2013. godini, značajno viši sadržaj ukupnih i invertnih šećera evidentiran je kod sorti ʻJoly’ i ʻDely’ u odnosu na sortu ‘Clery’. U dvogodišnjem periodu istraživanja, najveća vrednost sadržaja saharoze evidentirana je u plodu jagode sorte ʻJoly’. U prvoj godini istraživanja, najviši sadržaj ukupnih kiselina zabeležen je kod sorte ʻClery’, a u drugoj godini istraživanja kod sorte ʻJoly’. Visoke zbirne ocene za senzorički kvalitet ploda ostvarila je sorta ʻJoly’, a najniže zbirne ocene sorta ʻClery’, u obe godine istraživanja. Najbolje rezultate u pogledu biohemijskog sastava i senzoričkog kvaliteta ploda ostvarila je sorta ʻJoly’, pa se ova sorta može preporučiti za intenzivnije širenje u proizvodnoj praksi

Senzorni kvalitet trosortnih šljivovica

The paper presents the results of sensory analysis involving 6 monovarietal plum brandies (cultivars: Crvena ranka, Požegača, Dragačica, Stanley, Čačanska rodna and Čačanska lepotica) and 8 trivarietal plum brandies obtained by blending these cultivars, where all of the distinctive blands (coupages) had a 50% content of the brandy made from the Crvena ranka cultivar, combined with two of the other brandies, each represented with a 25% share. The blends (coupages) were produced using two methods – blending the monovarietal distillates either before or after the redistillation (with 4 brandies in each one). By forming the corrrespodning trivarietal blends, it is possible to obtain plum brandies which – apart from possessing a higher sensory quality than the monovarietal brandies – also constitute an excellent base for the production of supreme plum brandies.U radu su prikazani rezultati senzorne analize 6 monosortnih šljivovica (sorata Crvena ranka, Požegača, Dragačica, Stenlej, Čačanska rodna i Čačanska lepotica) i 8 trosortnih šljivovica dobijenih mešanjem ovih sorata, pri čemu je, u svim mešavinama (kupažima), sa 50% bila zastupljena rakija sorte Crvena ranka, a dve rakije od ostalih pomenutih sorata sa po 25%. Mešavine (kupaži) su proizvedene na dva načina – mešanjem monosortnih destilata pre ili nakon redestilacije (po 4 rakije). Formiranjem odgovarajućih trosortnih mešavina mogu se dobiti šljivovice koje imaju viši senzorni kvalitet od komponentnih monosortnih rakija, i koje su odlična osnova za proizvodnju vrhunskih šljivovica

Effects of Acute Administration of D,L-Homocysteine Thiolactone on the Antioxidative Status of Rat Intestine and Liver

Oxidative stress appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. Increased homocysteine levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of Chrons disease and ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of homocysteine on the antioxidant status of rat intestine and liver. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), activity of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were investigated in the isolated gut and liver of young male rats in the control group (8 rats) and after 3-hour incubation in high doses of D, L-homocysteine thionolactone (Hcy) (10 mu mol/L) (8 rats). Samples of duodenum, ileum, colon and liver were homogenized in sodium phosphate buffer (1: 10). Homogenates were centrifuged at 10000 for 10 min at 4 degrees C and the supernatant was taken for biochemical assays. Our results showed that high D, L-homocysteine thionolactone concentration reduced enzymatic catalase activity in homogenates of the isolated segments of duodenum (27.04%) p LT 0.01; ileum (37.27%), colon (34.17%) and liver (67.46%) p LT 0.001. Exposition to high D, L-homocysteine thiolactone concentration significantly increased TBARS levels in the duodenum (106.05%), ileum (47.24%), colon (112.75%) and liver (32.07%) (p LT 0.01). Homocysteine also modified the total antioxidant status of homogenates from the duodenum, ileum, colon and liver, increasing by 20.68% (duodenum), 24.74% (ileum), 14.88% (colon) and 19.35% (liver) (p LT 0.001). Homocysteine induced a consistent oxidative stress in rats intestine and liver (reduced activity of catalase and increased level of TBARS), but the elevated activity of TAS in our experiments could be explained as an adaptive response to the generated free radicals which indicates the failure of the total antioxidant defense mechanism to protect the tissues from damage caused by homocysteine

Using fractionation profile of potentially toxic elements in soils to investigate their accumulation in Tilia sp. leaves in urban areas with different pollution levels

Optimal uptake of micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and managing the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Sr) in the ranges not detrimental to plant function may be linked to improving plants’ healthy growth and the ability to provide ecosystem services. We investigated concentrations, mobility, and potential availability of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil samples from polluted and non-polluted municipal parks in Reading (UK) and Belgrade (Serbia) and their impact on elemental concentrations in Tilia leaves. We aimed to identify common limiting factors potentially affecting the growth/healthy function of this widely-used tree species. Levels of all elements in soil were below limits established by the directive of European Communities, except for Ni at Belgrade sites. Content of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soluble fraction at all locations was <10%, indicating low mobility; B showed moderate mobility (11.1%–20.7%), Mn (6.5%–55.6%), and Sr—high (44%–76.3%). Principal Component Analysis of Tilia leaf tissues showed a different capacity for uptake/accumulation of PTEs in different locations. Findings indicate the complexity of local edaphic influences on plants’ elemental uptake and the risk of those leading to deficiency of important micronutrients, which may impede trees’ function and thus the ability to optimally provide ecosystem services

Vasodilators in the treatment of acute heart failure: what we know, what we don’t

Although we have recently witnessed substantial progress in management and outcome of patients with chronic heart failure, acute heart failure (AHF) management and outcome have not changed over almost a generation. Vasodilators are one of the cornerstones of AHF management; however, to a large extent, none of those currently used has been examined by large, placebo-controlled, non-hemodynamic monitored, prospective randomized studies powered to assess the effects on outcomes, in addition to symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the role of vasodilators in AHF trying to point out which are the potentially best indications to their administration and which are the pitfalls which may be associated with their use. Unfortunately, most of this discussion is only partially evidence based due to lack of appropriate clinical trials. In general, we believe that vasodilators should be administered early to AHF patients with normal or high blood pressure (BP) at presentation. They should not be administered to patients with low BP since they may cause hypotension and hypoperfusion of vital organs, leading to renal and/or myocardial damage which may further worsen patients’ outcome. It is not clear whether vasodilators have a role in either patients with borderline BP at presentation (i.e., low-normal) or beyond the first 1–2 days from presentation. Given the limitations of the currently available clinical trial data, we cannot recommend any specific agent as first line therapy, although nitrates in different formulations are still the most widely used in clinical practice

Effect of aliskiren on post-discharge outcomes among diabetic and non-diabetic patients hospitalized for heart failure: insights from the ASTRONAUT trial

Aims The objective of the Aliskiren Trial on Acute Heart Failure Outcomes (ASTRONAUT) was to determine whether aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, would improve post-discharge outcomes in patients with hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) with reduced ejection fraction. Pre-specified subgroup analyses suggested potential heterogeneity in post-discharge outcomes with aliskiren in patients with and without baseline diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods and results ASTRONAUT included 953 patients without DM (aliskiren 489; placebo 464) and 662 patients with DM (aliskiren 319; placebo 343) (as reported by study investigators). Study endpoints included the first occurrence of cardiovascular death or HHF within 6 and 12 months, all-cause death within 6 and 12 months, and change from baseline in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at 1, 6, and 12 months. Data regarding risk of hyperkalaemia, renal impairment, and hypotension, and changes in additional serum biomarkers were collected. The effect of aliskiren on cardiovascular death or HHF within 6 months (primary endpoint) did not significantly differ by baseline DM status (P = 0.08 for interaction), but reached statistical significance at 12 months (non-DM: HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.64-0.99; DM: HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.91-1.47; P = 0.03 for interaction). Risk of 12-month all-cause death with aliskiren significantly differed by the presence of baseline DM (non-DM: HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94; DM: HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.15-2.33; P < 0.01 for interaction). Among non-diabetics, aliskiren significantly reduced NT-proBNP through 6 months and plasma troponin I and aldosterone through 12 months, as compared to placebo. Among diabetic patients, aliskiren reduced plasma troponin I and aldosterone relative to placebo through 1 month only. There was a trend towards differing risk of post-baseline potassium ≥6 mmol/L with aliskiren by underlying DM status (non-DM: HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.71-1.93; DM: HR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.30-4.42; P = 0.07 for interaction). Conclusion This pre-specified subgroup analysis from the ASTRONAUT trial generates the hypothesis that the addition of aliskiren to standard HHF therapy in non-diabetic patients is generally well-tolerated and improves post-discharge outcomes and biomarker profiles. In contrast, diabetic patients receiving aliskiren appear to have worse post-discharge outcomes. Future prospective investigations are needed to confirm potential benefits of renin inhibition in a large cohort of HHF patients without D