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Ebola virus RNA can reside for months or years in semen of survivors of Ebola virus disease and is probably associated with increased risk for cryptic sexual transmission of the virus. A modified protocol resulted in increased detection of Ebola virus RNA in semen and improved disease surveillance.

Background Lassa fever is an endemic and immediately notifiable disease in Liberia, and one laboratory confirmed case constitutes an outbreak. We described the epidemiological characteristics and hospital outcome of Lassa fever cases hospitalized during the 2022-2023 outbreak in Liberia. Methods A cohort study was conducted using routine Lassa fever surveillance data from the 2022-2023 outbreak in Liberia. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and log binomial regression to assess the association between epidemiological characteristics and mortality. Results A total of 439 suspected Lassa fever cases were reported. The median age was 22 (interquartile range: 10-33) years and 233 (53%) were women. The median number of days between symptom onset and admission was 4 (IQR 2-7). Of the 439 cases, 416 (95%) were tested for Lassa fever and 138 were confirmed with 33% positivity rate. The majority, 290 (69%), of confirmed cases were Conclusions The outbreak highlighted a high disease burden of Lassa fever with young adults disproportionately infected, and substantial mortality, even among those who tested negative for the virus. This underscores the urgent need for preventive measures like vaccines and health education campaigns.

During 2013-2016, Ebola virus (EBOV; family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus, species Zaire ebolavirus) caused an unprecedented outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) that began in Guinea and subsequently affected Liberia, Sierra [...]

The future of the European Union's (EU) gas sector and gas distribution systems in particular is under review as a necessity to move away from conventional natural gas is strictly outlined in its strategical energy framework. The main questions of future gas sector layout are largely related to gas decarbonization paths – whether they will include simultaneous transportation, distribution and storage of methane-based and non-methane based renewable gases or not. In general, this question is left for different Member States to decide, because as alternatives to it there are two options – decommissioning of all gas distribution and partially gas transportation and storage systems on the one hand and total replacement of existing gas transportation system with brand new hydrogen transportation and distribution system on the other. The first option leaves only liquified renewable gases (including, hydrogen) that are transported via truck and the second – pipeline transportation and distribution only for hydrogen, limiting methane-based renewable gases to road transportation solutions only. The Latvian gas distribution system is also facing imminent transformation in foreseeable future; thus, at the moment its sustainability priority is the maintenance of the existing system in a safe and secure manner by improving it in accordance with technical necessities and immediate customer requests. The current research shows two sides of gas distribution system priorities in Latvia – its maintenance and development trends prior to fundamental transformations of gaseous fuel transition and general transitional challenges laying ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen has been widely recognised as a versatile and environmentally-friendly energy carrier, with a broad range of potential applications across various sectors. The abundance of hydrogen in the universe and its high energy content makes it an attractive alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Moreover, the utilization of hydrogen does not produce greenhouse gases or other pollutants that contribute to air pollution and climate change. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing and deploying hydrogen technologies for a sustainable energy future. This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source in different sectors, such as transportation, energy storage, power generation, industry, buildings, maritime transport, and aviation. The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of the current state of hydrogen applications in Europe and the Baltic States, including examples of ongoing projects and initiatives, and to assess the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen technologies in different sectors. The main results of the paper highlight that hydrogen has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality targets. However, the deployment of hydrogen technologies also faces various challenges such as high production costs, lack of infrastructure, and safety concerns. The tasks of the paper are to provide an insight into the potential of hydrogen, identify the challenges and limitations, and highlight ongoing research and development efforts in this field. The paper concludes that the widespread adoption of hydrogen technologies is a long-term goal that requires the cooperation of various stakeholders and the development of innovative and cost-effective solutions. Despite the challenges, the current state of hydrogen applications and ongoing projects in Europe and the Baltic States demonstrate that hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green real estate (GRE) planning and development have become critical to achieving environmental sustainability and urban resilience. This paper explores the importance of incorporating eco-friendly techniques into real estate developments, with a focus on lowering carbon footprints, increasing energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable land use. Regulatory rules, market demand, and technical breakthroughs are all key drivers of green development. The study emphasises the advantages of green buildings (GB), including better health outcomes, lower costs, and higher property values. By evaluating case studies and current research, this study emphasises the importance of stakeholders implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental consequences and promote long-term economic growth. The findings call for a coordinated approach between governments, developers, and communities to ensure the success of green real estate programs.

Tünde Mezei,1 Imre Bőde,1 Péter Tenke,1 Valéria Jósa,2 Keresztély Merkel,3 Zsuzsanna Szilasi,4 Attila Tordai,5 Domokos Máthé,6 Zsolt Baranyai7 1Department of Urology, Jahn Ferenc South-Pest Hospital, Budapest, Hungary; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Jahn Ferenc South-Pest Hospital, Budapest, Hungary; 3Department of Surgery, Szent Imre Hospital, Budapest, Hungary; 4Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, HDF Medical Centre, Budapest, Hungary; 5Institute of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; 6Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; 7Semmelweis University, Department of Transplantation and Surgery, Budapest, HungaryCorrespondence: Tünde Mezei, Jahn Ferenc South-Pest Hospital, Department of Urology, Budapest, Hungary, Köves str 1, Budapest, 1204, Hungary, Tel +3620/2013038, Email stiffnesskft@gmail.comPurpose: A number of studies have confirmed that elevated platelet count accompanying various solid tumours is associated with worse survival. However, only meagre data are available on the relationship between thrombocytosis and survival in prostate cancer.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis on clinical-pathological data accumulated from 316 patients during on average 51 months of follow-up after laparoscopic prostatectomy performed for prostate cancer. We analyzed the relationship between platelet count, risk factors, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and cancer stage with use the Tumor, Node, Metastase system (TNM), as well as surgical margin, and prognosis.Results: Thrombocytosis occurred in only one out of the 316 patients. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model showed that preoperative PSA, risk group, preoperative haemoglobin level, and surgical margin status were significant, independent predictors of biochemical progression-free survival. By contrast, age at diagnosis and thrombocytosis had no such predictive value.Conclusion: We could not demonstrate an association between elevated platelet count and worse survival in our study population of patients with prostate cancer.Keywords: prostate cancer, thrombocytosis, prognosis, pathomechanism, solid tumor

Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.