e-Quartier Hamburg – Möglichkeiten von Elektromobilität als fester Bestandteil von Wohnquartieren

Wohnen und Mobilität sind wesentliche Daseinsfunktionen aller Menschen. Insbesondere innerhalb stark ausdifferenzierter Gesellschaften ist Mobilität der Schlüssel zu gesellschaftlicher Teilnahme und Teilhabe (z. B. Altenburg, Gaffron & Gertz 2009). Allerdings basiert Mobilität noch immer großteils auf endlichen fossilen Energieträgern mit entsprechend negativen Auswirkungen für Mensch und Umwelt, die mit Lärm und Schadstoffbelastungen besonders deutlich in den Städten und Quartieren zu Tage treten (z. B. Held & Würdemann 2006). Die räumliche Entflechtung von Funktionen trägt erheblich zur Verkehrserzeugung bei und mit dem Wohnstandort als Start- und Endpunkt der meisten verkehrlichen Handlung wird die Verkehrsbelastung in das direkte Wohnumfeld getragen. Nur der Trias aus Vermeidung, Verringerung und Verlagerung von Verkehr (z. B. Beckmann & Klein-Hitpaß 2013) bietet einen Lösungsweg aus diesem mobilitätsbedingten Dilemma. Dabei gilt es, Verkehr zu vermeiden, auf umweltfreundliche Verkehrsträger umzusteigen und klimagünstige Energieträger einzusetzen. Neben dem Ausbau des ÖV und der Fahrradinfrastruktur sind Carsharing und Elektromobilität zwei wichtige Bausteine einer stadtverträglichen Mobilität. Das Förderprojekt e-Quartier Hamburg, das vom Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur im Rahmen des Programms „Modellregionen für Elektromobilität“ gefördert wird, verfolgt den Ansatz, elektromobile Carsharing-Angebote auf Quartiersebene sowohl im Bestand als auch im Neubau zu integrieren. Die HafenCity Universität Hamburg begleitet das Vorhaben wissenschaftlich, mit dem Ziel erfolgskritische Rahmenbedingungen für die standortbezogene Umsetzung von Elektromobilitätskonzepten zu identifizieren. In diesem Zusammenhang richtet sich der Fokus dieses Beitrags auf die Erfahrungen der Nutzenden mit den Quartiersangeboten und den darauf beruhenden Ableitungen für die weitere Verstetigung und ggf. den Ausbau der im Rahmen von e- Quartier geschaffenen Angebote

SKILLS OF STUDENTS UNDERGOING A SHORTENED COURSE OF PALPATION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF COWS USING THE PER RECTAL TECHNIQUE

In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, learning practical skills in field conditions is burdenedwith a significant risk. It results from the high probability of an announcement of a lockdown.fears of breeders and students themselves against infection, as well as the increasing costsof logistics. As a result, it becomes necessary to create an alternative, flexible method oftraining, better suited to the changed conditions, while maintaining the existing number ofhours of study, the size of student groups, and the achieved learning outcomes. In our ownresearch, we proposed a shortened, intensive training of students in per rectal palpationtechniques. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical skills of students after anintensive animal training course in field conditions. The study involved 37 students of the 7thsemester of veterinary medicine. Depending on their commitment motivation and field ofinterest, they were divided into three groups, according to previously established criteria. Thefirst group (I) comprised of highly motivated students who plan to work with farm animals inthe future, were raised on cattle farms and had some previous technical experience, andcertain skills in conducting a rectal examination of cows. The second group (II) consisted ofstudents who were highly motivated (willing to work in the future with farm animals), butinexperienced in rectal examination. Before starting rectal examinations, the students fromGroups I and II practiced ovarian size assessment on ovarian rubber phantoms. During fourtraining sessions, they had to determine the size of 10 ovaries. The last group (III) wascomposed of the least motivated students, who did not want to work with farm animals in thefuture and had no experience in rectal examination. Each group made a palpation of thereproductive organ, taking into account the cervix, the size and consistency of the uterus, thewidth of its horns and the size of the ovaries. At the same time, the test time was measured.Palpation results were verified by an experienced veterinarian. The research was carried outevery day for 5 consecutive days, each time in a different farm. Statistical analysis wasperformed using the statistical tools package of STATISTICA.PL version 7.1. The distributionsof observations were compared using the Chi-square test, assuming significant differences inthe distribution at P<0.005. The obtained results indicate that during the training, thecorrectness of recognizing the structures of the reproductive system was the highest in themotivated group with basic experience in palpation of the reproductive organ and in thegroup interested in working with farm animals. The skill level in the group not interested inwork with farm animals in the future was 24% and was lower than in groups I and II (P<0.05).After the training, the students of groups II and I correctly (100%) recognized the structuresof the reproductive system. It was slightly lower in group I (92%; p > 0.05). In summary,intensive animal science course in field conditions, ensured obtaining satisfactory skills in perrectal palpation of the reproductive organs in cows

INDUCTION OF SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN Astrophytum asterias (Zucc.) Lem. IN THE ASPECT OF LIGHT CONDITIONS AND AUXIN 2,4-D CONCENTRATIONS

Astrophytum asterias (Zucc.) Lem. is a cactus which is among those most desired by producers and collectors all across the world and, at the same time, a speciesthreatened with extinction in the natural environment. Micropropagation techniques can be helpful both in terms of its ex situ protection and its popularisation on the market, thus satisfying the needs of cacti breeders and collectors. Somatic embryogenesis is the most effective method of multiplication and it involves the formation of somatic embryos from vegetative cells. The medium, light conditions and type of explant demonstrate the key effect on its efficiency. Auxin 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) is most frequently applied to embryogenesis induction. In the present study we determined the effect of its concentration and light conditions on the efficiency of Astrophytum asterias somatic embryogenesis. Seeds were placed on the modified MS medium with a reduced content ofmacronutrients and sucrose ½MS (pH 5.7 – before autoclaving). All the in vitro cultures were incubated in the growth room (24 ± 2°C, 16 h light/8 h dark photoperiod, the intensity of quantum irradiation: 24.3 μmol·m-2·s-1). After 14 days 70% of the seeds were produced of seedlings. To regenerate somatic embryos, halves of green seedlings were placed on the modified MS medium with auxin 2,4-D added at different concentrations: 5; 7 and 10 mg·dm-3, the MS0 medium without growth regulators was our control. To verify the effect of light conditions, half of explants were incubated in the light, and half in the dark. After 10 weeks of culture, the regenerated embryos were isolated, counted and measured. They were produced on all the media types, in both light conditions. The present researchconfirmed a positive effect of 2,4-D and light on the number of explants forming embryoid structures and on the number of regenerating embryos. The most number of embryos per 1 explant (1.8) were obtained on the MS7 medium (7 mg·dm-3 2,4-D) in the light conditions

Dziecko z astmą w szkole i przedszkolu

Seria pięciu publikacji „One są wśród nas” poświęcona jest chorobom przewlekłym u dzieci. Zawarte sa w niej praktyczne wskazówki jak stworzyć odpowiednie warunki, aby wszystkie dzieci mogły się uczyć, rozwijać i bawić mimo choroby. Przeznaczona jest dla rodziców, opiekunów i nauczycieli w przedszkolu i szkol

Genetic resources and selected conservation methods of tomato

Tomato is one of the most popular vegetable crops. However, over time, the species has suffered a strong genetic diversity reduction and domestication bottlenecking. This growing trend is known as the genetic erosion. The human intervention on the genetic erosion intensification is high and has severe implications on the future programmes of management and use of S. lycopersicum biodiversity. The wild tomato species (especially accessions originating from the Andes to Mesoamerica) harbour many valuable genes, which have been lost among the cultivated ones. Therefore, there is an increasing interest to mine new alleles from the interspecific gene pool of Lycopersicon section. Sustainable genetic diversity management constitutes a basis for crop improvement, classification and protection. Moreover, conservation of plant genetic resources is crucial to food security, as well as pharmaceutical industry. There are a few strategies developed which address the preservation of tomato genetic resources. In situ and ex situ conservation are the two main complementary methods of biodiversity protection. The aim of this review is to summarise the most recent information about tomato genetic resources, genetic erosion phenomenon, as well as some traditional and modern preservation strategies

Inverted and horizontal impacted third molars in an Early Modern skull from Wroclaw, Poland: a case report

Background: An impacted tooth is one of the most commonly occurring dental anomalies, although some types of impaction (i.e. inverted angulation) may be considered rare finding. There are many hypotheses regarding impaction aetiology. One of the most popular hypotheses suggested that this condition may result from insufficient space in retromolar space, other: improper angulation of tooth bud, malposition of the tooth germ or hereditary factors, insufficient interproximal attrition, ectopy or dysfunction of genes necessary for proper tooth eruption. This study aims to present the odontological and paleopathological assessment of the impacted molars observed within the skull excavated from an early modern cemetery in Wroclaw.  Materials and methods: The skull used in the study was complete and in a good state of preservation. It belonged to an adult individual whose body was buried at the former Salvator Cemetery (currently Czysty Square). The individual’s dentition was almost completely lost antemortem. Only second molars preserved within the maxillae (bilaterally) and the mandible was almost edentulous as well. The morphometric traits have been taken according to standards established by R. Martin. Macroscopic observations were supported by X-rays and computed tomography imaging.  Results: The age at death was estimated at 20–35 years. Comparison of the metric characteristics of skull with the reference material reveals that it is much smaller than the average female skull from this series. Morphometric indices calculated for both splanchocranium and neurocranium allow defining the skull and jaw as short, which could be an important factor involved in the teeth impaction.  Conclusions: Atypical impaction of the third molars could result from small size of skull and could have significantly deteriorated the quality of life of the individual.

Mepolizumab versus placebo for asthma

Background Mepolizumab is a human monoclonal antibody against interleukin-5 (IL-5), the main cytokine involved in the activation of eosinophils, which in turn causes airway inflammation. Recent studies have suggested these agents may have a role in reducing exacerbations and improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL). There are no recommendations for the use of mepolizumab in adults or children in the recent update of the BTS/SIGN guidelines (BTS/SIGN 2014). Objectives To compare the effects of mepolizumab with placebo on exacerbations and HRQoL in adults and children with chronic asthma. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Register (CAGR) of trials, clinical trial registries, manufacturers' websites and the reference lists of included studies. Searches were conducted in November 2013 and updated in November 2014. Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials comparing mepolizumab versus placebo in adults and children with asthma. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently extracted data and analysed outcomes using a random-effects model. We used standard methods expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. Main results Eight studies on 1707 participants met the inclusion criteria. Only two studies included children (over 12 years of age), but they did not report separate findings for the adolescents. Seven studies involved intravenous mepolizumab alone; one included a subcutaneous arm. There was heterogeneity in the severity and clinical pattern of asthma among the participants in the eight studies, varying from mild to moderate atopic asthma, to persistent asthma and eosinophilic asthma with recurrent exacerbations. Selection bias was a concern in several of the studies included in this review. Four trials compared intravenous mepolizumab to placebo in relation to HRQoL. Two studies measured scores from the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), which showed a non-significant difference between mepolizumab and placebo (mean difference (MD) 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.01 to 0.44; participants = 682), in the direction favouring mepolizumab. The third study used the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and found a significant difference between mepolizumab and placebo (MD 6.40, 95% CI 3.15 to 9.65; participants = 576), which indicated a clinically important benefit favouring mepolizumab. A fourth study noted that there was no significant difference but did not provide any data. The two studies in people with eosinophilic asthma showed a reduction in clinically significant exacerbation rates (Risk Ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.64; participants = 690). However, an analysis of four studies that were not confined to people with eosinophilic asthma indicated considerable heterogeneity and no significant difference in people with one or more exacerbations between mepolizumab and placebo using a random-effects model (Risk Ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.31; participants = 468; I2 = 59%).The analysis of serious adverse events indicated a significant difference favouring mepolizumab (Risk ratio 0.49, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.80; participants = 1441; studies = 5; I2 = 0%). It was not possible to combine the results for adverse events, and we deemed the quality of this evidence to be low. A single study compared subcutaneous mepolizumab to placebo in 385 adults with severe eosinophilic asthma and found an improvement in HRQoL scores and a reduction in asthma exacerbations, including exacerbations requiring admission to hospital. Authors' conclusions It is not possible to draw firm conclusions from this review with respect to the role of mepolizumab in patients with asthma. Our confidence in the results of this review are limited by the fact that the intravenous route is not currently licensed for mepolizumab, and the evidence for the currently licenced subcutaneous route is limited to a single study in participants with severe eosinophilic asthma. The currently available studies provide evidence that mepolizumab can lead to an improvement in health-related quality of life scores and reduce asthma exacerbations in people with severe eosinophilic asthma. Further research is needed to clarify which subgroups of patients with asthma could potentially benefit from this treatment. Dosage, ideal dosing regimens and duration of treatment need to be clarified, as the studies included in this review differed in their protocols. There are no studies reporting results from children, so we cannot comment on treatment for this age group. At the present time, larger studies using licenced treatment regimens are required to establish the role of mepolizumab in the treatment of severe asthma

Influence of feto-pelvic disproportion on milk cows fertility

The aim of the study was to evaluate relations between feto-pelvic proportion and further fertility of milk cows, select proportions and critical values of disproportion best predicting cows with lower fertility as a result of difficult calving as well as to evaluate fertility of cows selected on the basis of chosen criteria. The study was carried out on black-and-white and red-and-white Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in six farms diversified by the number of livestock (from 10 to 20 to over 180 cows) and milk yield (from 6.563 – 9.788 kg/305 days). In total 100 parturitions were analysed (one in each cow) resulting in giving birth to one calf, without complications related to foetus presentation, posture, and position or the need for caesarean section or fetotomy and retained placenta. Analysed parturitions were the result of artificial insemination pregnancies in 53 cases with semen from 33 polish-HF bulls and in 47 cases with semen from 26 the world HF bulls. Considering critical values of chosen feto-pelvic proportions, there is possibility of choosing cows, where more than every third cow had usually delayed over 90 days calving-conception period and more than every fourth became pregnant after at least three inseminations

Abnormalities in lung volumes and airflow in children with newly diagnosed connective tissue disease

Introduction: Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) of childhood are rare inflammatory disorders, involving various organs and tissues including respiratory system. Pulmonary involvement in patients with CTDs is uncommon but may cause functional impairment. Data on prevalence and type of lung function abnormalities in children with CTDs are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to asses pulmonary functional status in children with newly diagnosed CTD and follow the results after two years of the disease course. Material and methods: There were 98 children (mean age: 13 ± 3; 76 girls), treated in Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Warsaw and 80 aged-matched, healthy controls (mean age 12.7 ± 2.4; 50 girls) included into the study. Study procedures included medical history, physical examination, chest radiograph and PFT (spirometry and whole body-plethysmography). Then, the assessment of PFT was performed after 24 months. Results: FEV1, FEV1/FVC and MEF50 were significantly lower in CTD as compared to control group, there was no difference in FVC and TLC. The proportion of patients with abnormal lung function was significantly higher in the study group, 41 (42%) vs 9 (11%). 24-months observation didn’t reveal progression in lung function impairment. Conclusions: Lung function impairment is relatively common in children with CTDs. Although restrictive ventilatory pattern is considered typical feature of lung involvement in CTDs, airflow limitation could also be an initial abnormality.