Sustainable Energy Portfolios for Small Island States

The study presents a cost effective electricity generation portfolio for six island states for a 20-year period (2015-2035). The underlying concept investigates whether adding sizeable power capacities of renewable energy sources (RES) options could decrease the overall costs and contribute to a more sustainable, indigenous electricity generation at the same time. Often, island states rely on fossil fuels which apart from dependence on foreign resources also includes an additional, significant transport cost. This is an extra motive to study the extent in which island states represent primary locations for RES technologies. For the aims of the present study an optimization model has been developed and following numerous runs the obtained results show that installing PV and battery capacities can delay-reduce the huge investments in fossil options in early periods. Thus, investment on RES can have a positive, long-term effect on the overall energy mix. This prompt development can happen without adding new subsidies but there is a need to address the existing socio-economic barriers with intelligent design of financing and economic instruments and capacity building as discussed in the conclusions.JRC.F.7-Renewables and Energy Efficienc

Mogućnosti korišćenja mikroinkapsulirane hrane za larve šarana (cyprinus carpio)

Glavni cilj trenutnih istraživanja u oblasti ishrane larvi vezano je za potencijale novih tehnologija i strategija ishrane. Formulisana je suva hrana sa hidrolizovanim proteinima mora i mikroinkapsuliranim vitaminima (C i E). .U toku 24 dana eksperimenta na larvama šarana, počev od 3 dana posle izleganja, testirano je 5 različitih strategija ishrane sa Artemia nauplii i suvom hranom. Na kraju perioda u kome su larve bile izložene ograničenom prostoru i uslovima stresa usled hladnoće smeštene su u odgovarajući prostor na jedan sat. Pre i posle izlaganja stresu izmereni su nivoi prethodno pomenutih vitamina HPLC metodom. Statistički značajne razlike na nivo preživljavanja pokazale su se posle 15 Dph, kada su mali prirast i preživljavanje utvrđeni u oglednim grupama, osim u kontrolnoj grupi. Za vreme delovanja stresora sadržaj vitamina C opadao je ka niskim vrednostima slično u svim grupama, međutim potrošnja vitamina E je bila manja. Nivo vitamina E bio je viši u grupama koje su duže vreme hranjene suvom hranom obogaćenom inkapsuliranim vitaminima.. U pozadini slabih rezultata prirasta pri korišćenju suve hrane možemo reći da je sposobnost suočavanja sa stresorom bila dobra kod larvi šarana starih 24 dana. Korišćenje formulisanih mikroinkapsuliranih smeša kao početne hrane za larve obećava, ali moraju da se razviju tehnike ishrane i bolja strategija, na primer modifikovanjem učestalosti hranjenja

WORD USE AND CONTENT ANALYSIS OF THE FIRST VERSES OF SIX NATIONAL ANTHEMS: A TRANSCULTURAL ASPECT OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR

Background: Suicide is a major health concern worldwide, although suicide rates widely differ among different countries and cultures. Transcultural studies suggest that national anthems reflect national attitudes towards self-harming behaviour as well. Our aim was to analyse the linguistic characteristics of six national anthems, and compare these results with national suicide rates. Methods: Word use assessment and content analysis of six national anthems were performed. Results: In the anthems of countries with similar historical or cultural background, similar linguistic patterns were found in word use and in content. Anthems of countries with lower suicide rates tend to contain relatively more positive contents, emotions and intentions, while in the anthems of countries with higher suicide rates more ambivalence, denial, loss or even aggressive and self-destructive implications were found. Conclusion: This transcultural analysis strengthens previous data that anthems could be indicators for national attitudes toward self-harm

MANAGEMENT OF SEPTIC SHOCKAND HYPOXIA INDUCED CONJUGATED HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA IN CASE OF MAJOR CHEST TRAUMA – CASE REPORT

This case report describes a 50-year-old male trauma patient with multiple crushed thoracic lesions: flail chest, bilateral hemopneumothorax, myocardial infarction and pulmonary contusion. In the ICU he developed ARDS and pulmonary infection which lead to septic shock. Hypoxia due to inadequate ventilation and reduced visceral perfusion due to shock induced elevated levels of conjugated bilirubin. Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) sessions in combination with CytoSorb® filters and MARS® were needed. After surgical fixation of the flail segment ventilatory parameters improved significantly

Hypertriglyceridaemia kezelese plazmaferezissel.

The authors present the case of a 38-year-old woman with severe hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute recurrent pancreatitis (triglyceride 16 761 mg/dl, 189.4 mmol/l). According to the knowledge of the authors, such a high triglyceride has not been previously reported in Hungarian and international scientific literature. The patient received conventional treatment (fluid replacement, analgesic, antibiotics, discontinuation of oral intake) and plasmapheresis too. After two sessions of plasmapheresis with one month interval the clinical and laboratory parameters greatly improved. Severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride level more than 1000 mg/dl, approximately 11.3 mmol/l) is an independent risk factor for acute pancreatitis. Plasmapheresis seems to be safe and effective to rapidly decrease triglyceride levels and to remove the causative agent for pancreatitis in a patient with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(30), 1203-1206

Correlation between Adolescent’s Caries Prevalence and Caries Related Factors in Two Hungarian Cities

Svrha istraživanja bila je procijeniti učestalost karijesa u usporedbi s održavanjem higijene usne šupljine u omladine koja živi u različitim dijelovima Mađarske, kako bi se uočila moguća korelacija sa socijalno-ekonomskim čimbenicima. Učestalost karijesa i održavanje higijene usne šupljine istraženi su u 586 ispitanika u dobi od 14 do 16 godina. Bez karijesa bilo je 5,1 % ispitanika, njihova je vrijednost DMFT iznosila 6,97±4,67, a vrijednost DMFS 9,95±7,94. Indeks VPI bio je 41,6±32,7% (srednja vrijednost ± standardna devijacija, SD) i pokazao je pozitivnu korelaciju s učestalošću karijesa. Vrijednosti DMFT i DMFS, kao i VPI smanjivale su se s porastom obrazovne razine roditelja (oca). Vrijednosti DMFT, DMFS i VPI pogoršavale su se s porastom broja braće/sestara. Uočen je određeni odnos između ranije profilakse fluoridom i smanjenja vrijednosti DMF, no taj se odnos nije pokazao statistički znatnim. Ovi nalazi ukazuju na veliku potrebu poduzimanja organiziranih mjera dentalne prevencije.The aim of the study was to assess the caries prevalence and oral hygiene in groups of adolescents living in different Hungarian localities and to establish correlations with socio-economic factors. Examinations of caries and oral hygiene were performed in 586 14-16 year old children. The percentage of caries free children was 5.1%, the DMFT and DMFS values were 6.97±4.67 and 9.95±7.94 respectively. The VPI index was 41.6±32.7% (mean±S.D.), and showed positive correlation with the caries prevalence. The DMFT and DMFS values, as well as VPI decreased as the educational level of the father increased. The number of siblings had a worsening effect on DMFT, DMFS and VPI values. There was some relationship between the previous fluoride prophylaxis and decrease of DMF values, although the difference proved to be statistically non significant. These findings indicate the necessity of organized dental preventive measures

Correlation between Adolescent’s Caries Prevalence and Caries Related Factors in Two Hungarian Cities

Svrha istraživanja bila je procijeniti učestalost karijesa u usporedbi s održavanjem higijene usne šupljine u omladine koja živi u različitim dijelovima Mađarske, kako bi se uočila moguća korelacija sa socijalno-ekonomskim čimbenicima. Učestalost karijesa i održavanje higijene usne šupljine istraženi su u 586 ispitanika u dobi od 14 do 16 godina. Bez karijesa bilo je 5,1 % ispitanika, njihova je vrijednost DMFT iznosila 6,97±4,67, a vrijednost DMFS 9,95±7,94. Indeks VPI bio je 41,6±32,7% (srednja vrijednost ± standardna devijacija, SD) i pokazao je pozitivnu korelaciju s učestalošću karijesa. Vrijednosti DMFT i DMFS, kao i VPI smanjivale su se s porastom obrazovne razine roditelja (oca). Vrijednosti DMFT, DMFS i VPI pogoršavale su se s porastom broja braće/sestara. Uočen je određeni odnos između ranije profilakse fluoridom i smanjenja vrijednosti DMF, no taj se odnos nije pokazao statistički znatnim. Ovi nalazi ukazuju na veliku potrebu poduzimanja organiziranih mjera dentalne prevencije.The aim of the study was to assess the caries prevalence and oral hygiene in groups of adolescents living in different Hungarian localities and to establish correlations with socio-economic factors. Examinations of caries and oral hygiene were performed in 586 14-16 year old children. The percentage of caries free children was 5.1%, the DMFT and DMFS values were 6.97±4.67 and 9.95±7.94 respectively. The VPI index was 41.6±32.7% (mean±S.D.), and showed positive correlation with the caries prevalence. The DMFT and DMFS values, as well as VPI decreased as the educational level of the father increased. The number of siblings had a worsening effect on DMFT, DMFS and VPI values. There was some relationship between the previous fluoride prophylaxis and decrease of DMF values, although the difference proved to be statistically non significant. These findings indicate the necessity of organized dental preventive measures

Mapping the least-cost option for rural electrification in Burkina Faso: Scaling-up renewable energies

This report describes the current status and limitations of the power sector in Burkina Faso and develops a new methodology that through spatial analysis processes aims to provide a possible pathway for universal electricity access through a sustainable energy mix. Two percent of the rural population in Burkina Faso has access to electricity and supply is lacking at many social structures such as schools and hospitals. Energy access achievements in Burkina Faso are still very modest. The rural electrification strategy for Burkina Faso is scattered in several electricity sector development policies: there is a need of defining a concrete action plan. Planning and coordination between grid extension and off-grid electrification programmes is essential to reach a long-term sustainable energy model and to avoid high unnecessary infrastructure investments. This report describes the development and the results obtained with a dynamic planning tool to support national government and development partners in defining an alternative electrification plan. Currently, the common national policy for electrification is dominated almost exclusively by grid extension with the government subsidising fossil fuel electricity production. However, the results of our analysis suggest that an electrification plan mainly based on further grid extension becomes inefficient and unsustainable in order to reach the national energy access targets. Our results also suggest that Burkina Faso’s rural electrification strategy should be driven by distributed minigrids powered by local renewable resources. We find that this approach would connect more people to power more quickly, and would reduce imported fossil fuel dependence/consumption that would otherwise be necessary for grid extension options.JRC.C.2-Energy Efficiency and Renewable

Interleukin-6 Secretion by Astrocytes Is Dynamically Regulated by PI3K-mTOR-Calcium Signaling

After contusion spinal cord injury (SCI), astrocytes become reactive and form a glial scar. While this reduces spreading of the damage by containing the area of injury, it inhibits regeneration. One strategy to improve the recovery after SCI is therefore to reduce the inhibitory effect of the scar, once the acute phase of the injury has passed. The pleiotropic cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is secreted immediately after injury and regulates scar formation; however, little is known about the role of IL-6 in the sub-acute phases of SCI. Interestingly, IL-6 also promotes axon regeneration, and therefore its induction in reactive astrocytes may improve regeneration after SCI. We found that IL-6 is expressed by astrocytes and neurons one week post-injury and then declines. Using primary cultures of rat astrocytes we delineated the molecular mechanisms that regulate IL-6 expression and secretion. IL-6 expression requires activation of p38 and depends on NF-κB transcriptional activity. Activation of these pathways in astrocytes occurs when the PI3K-mTOR-AKT pathway is inhibited. Furthermore, we found that an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration was necessary for IL-6 secretion. To induce IL-6 secretion in astrocytes, we used torin2 and rapamycin to block the PI3K-mTOR pathway and increase cytosolic calcium, respectively. Treating injured animals with torin2 and rapamycin for two weeks, starting two weeks after injury when the scar has been formed, lead to a modest effect on mechanical hypersensitivity, limited to the period of treatment. These data, taken together, suggest that treatment with torin2 and rapamycin induces IL-6 secretion by astrocytes and may contribute to the reduction of mechanical hypersensitivity after SCI

CR3 is the dominant phagocytotic complement receptor on human dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a decisive role in immunity; they interact with various pathogens via several pattern recognition and different opsonophagocytotic receptors, including Fc- and complement-receptors. beta2-integrins, including complement receptors CR3 (CD11b/CD18) and CR4 (CD11c/CD18) participate in many immunological processes, especially those involving cell migration, adherence, and phagocytosis. Human monocyte derived dendritic cells (MDCs) are known to express CR3 as well as CR4, however possible differences regarding the role of these receptors has not been addressed so far. Our aim was to explore whether there is a difference between the binding and uptake of various complement-opsonized microorganisms, mediated by CR3 and CR4. Studying the expression of receptors during differentiation of MDCs we found that the appearance of CD11b decreased, whereas that of CD11c increased. Interestingly, both receptors were present in the cell membrane in an active conformation. Here we demonstrate that ligation of CD11b directs MDCs to enhanced phagocytosis, while the maturation of the cells and their inflammatory cytokine production are not affected. Blocking CD11c alone did not change the uptake of opsonized yeast or bacteria by MDCs. We confirmed these results using siRNA; namely downregulation of CD11b blocked the phagocytosis of microbes while silencing CD11c had no effect on their uptake. Our data clearly demonstrate that complement C3-dependent phagocytosis of MDCs is mediated mainly by CR3