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Die vorliegende Studie prüft auf der Basis der Daten der deutschen Teilstichprobe der europäischen Unternehmenserhebung über neue und aufkommende Risiken (ESENER) aus den Jahren 2014 und 2019 den Zusammenhang zwischen der Güte der betrieblichen Arbeitsschutzorganisation und der Umsetzung einer Gefährdungsbeurteilung. Zur Bestimmung der Güte der Arbeitsschutzorganisation und der Güte der Gefährdungsbeurteilung wurden verschiedene Items der ESENER-Befragung verwendet. Die Analysen wurden in Form logistischer Regressionsmodelle ausgeführt. Die Ergebnisse werden in Form von adjustierten prognostizierten Wahrscheinlichkeiten und durchschnittlichen marginalen Effekten dargestellt. In beiden untersuchten Erhebungswellen der ESENER-Befragung zeigt sich ein ausgeprägter und signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen der Güte der Arbeitsschutzorganisation und der Umsetzung einer Gefährdungsbeurteilung, auch nach Adjustierung für Größe, Branche und Sektor. Während Betriebe mit einer Arbeitsschutzorganisation hoher Güte mehrheitlich angaben, eine umfassende Gefährdungsbeurteilung durchzuführen (2014: 56 %, 2019: 59 %), waren es für Betriebe mit einer Arbeitsschutzorganisation geringer Güte fast 40 Prozentpunkte weniger (18 % bzw. 23 %). Diese Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass Maßnahmen zur Stärkung der betrieblichen Arbeitsschutzorganisation zu einer verbesserten Umsetzung der Gefährdungsbeurteilung beitragen.

Purpose: The aim of our study was validating Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) among pregnant women, who are vulnerable to eating disorders (EDs). Methods: In 2012–2013, 1146 women (aged 18–47 years) completed a questionnaire including EDI during the first 3 days after delivery. We checked factorial validity of three diagnostic subscales of EDI with confirmative factor analysis and internal validity by Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation. We also tested discriminative validity by comparing average of the three subscale of EDI in case of ED and non-ED groups. Results: When applying the EDI to pregnant women, it seems necessary to exclude five items on three diagnostic subscales: on the Drive for Thinness subscale, 4 items remain (out of 7); on the Bulimia subscale, 6 items remain (out of 7); the Body Dissatisfaction subscale decreases from 9 to 8 items. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation values meet the requirements defined by Garner et al. The internal consistency of the EDI has proved to be appropriate, indicating that it is a reliable screening tool. Conclusions: Thinking, attitudes, and behaviors connected to eating, along with the relation to altering body weight change during pregnancy. Vomiting usually accompanies pregnancy; body weight gain within wide limits is also regarded as normal during pregnancy. These behaviors and changes are not feasible to use for measuring ED symptoms. These aspects cannot be neglected when screening eating disorders in pregnant women. Level of evidence: Level IV evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without an intervention.

Purpose: Since the term orthorexia nervosa (ON) was coined from the Greek (ὀρθός, right and ὄρεξις, appetite) in 1997 to describe an obsession with “correct” eating, it has been used worldwide without a consistent definition. Although multiple authors have proposed diagnostic criteria, and many theoretical papers have been published, no consensus definition of ON exists, empirical primary evidence is limited, and ON is not a standardized diagnosis. These gaps prevent research to identify risk and protective factors, pathophysiology, functional consequences, and evidence-based therapeutic treatments. The aims of the current study are to categorize the common observations and presentations of ON pathology among experts in the eating disorder field, propose tentative diagnostic criteria, and consider which DSM chapter and category would be most appropriate for ON should it be included. Methods: 47 eating disorder researchers and multidisciplinary treatment specialists from 14 different countries across four continents completed a three-phase modified Delphi process, with 75% agreement determined as the threshold for a statement to be included in the final consensus document. In phase I, participants were asked via online survey to agree or disagree with 67 statements about ON in four categories: A–Definition, Clinical Aspects, Duration; B–Consequences; C–Onset; D–Exclusion Criteria, and comment on their rationale. Responses were used to modify the statements which were then provided to the same participants for phase II, a second round of feedback, again in online survey form. Responses to phase II were used to modify and improve the statements for phase III, in which statements that met the predetermined 75% of agreement threshold were provided for review and commentary by all participants. Results: 27 statements met or exceeded the consensus threshold and were compiled into proposed diagnostic criteria for ON. Conclusions: This is the first time a standardized definition of ON has been developed from a worldwide, multidisciplinary cohort of experts. It represents a summary of observations, clinical expertise, and research findings from a wide base of knowledge. It may be used as a base for diagnosis, treatment protocols, and further research to answer the open questions that remain, particularly the functional consequences of ON and how it might be prevented or identified and intervened upon in its early stages. Although the participants encompass many countries and disciplines, further research will be needed to determine if these diagnostic criteria are applicable to the experience of ON in geographic areas not represented in the current expert panel. Level of evidence: Level V: opinions of expert committees

ABSTRACTWhile the history of regime changes and the eventual embrace of pro-market reforms in Eastern Europe in the 1980s and 1990s is well-known, we know little about the socialist bureaucrats who implemented and often modified abstract party declarations on the relationship of socialist states to the West or to market reforms. Equally underexplored are the cultural stereotypes that guided East-West negotiations and the training of Eastern European technocrats who became negotiators with Western governments and corporations. Through the examination of the personal archives of socialist Hungary’s key “negotiation expert” and leading foreign trade advisor, János Nyerges, this article documents the attempt of Hungarian policy elites to beat Western corporations, banks, and governments at their own game – capitalism – by importing and adopting Western business negotiation practices, while leaving the communist party’s monopoly on power intact.

Hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptides—OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OATP2B1—are expressed at the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes, being responsible for the uptake of a wide range of natural substrates and structurally unrelated pharmaceuticals. Impaired function of hepatic OATPs has been linked to clinically relevant drug–drug interactions leading to altered pharmacokinetics of administered drugs. Therefore, understanding the commonalities and differences across the three transporters represents useful knowledge to guide the drug discovery process at an early stage. Unfortunately, such efforts remain challenging because of the lack of experimentally resolved protein structures for any member of the OATP family. In this study, we established a rigorous computational protocol to generate and validate structural models for hepatic OATPs. The multistep procedure is based on the systematic exploration of available protein structures with shared protein folding using normal-mode analysis, the calculation of multiple template backbones from elastic network models, the utilization of multiple template conformations to generate OATP structural models with various degrees of conformational flexibility, and the prioritization of models on the basis of enrichment docking. We employed the resulting OATP models of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OATP2B1 to elucidate binding modes of steroid analogs in the three transporters. Steroid conjugates have been recognized as endogenous substrates of these transporters. Thus, investigating this data set delivers insights into mechanisms of substrate recognition. In silico predictions were complemented with in vitro studies measuring the bioactivity of a compound set on OATP expressing cell lines. Important structural determinants conferring shared and distinct binding patterns of steroid analogs in the three transporters have been identified. Overall, this comparative study provides novel insights into hepatic OATP-ligand interactions and selectivity. Furthermore, the integrative computational workflow for structure-based modeling can be leveraged for other pharmaceutical targets of interest.

Purpose: Recent guidelines point out the possible risk for orthorexia nervosa in functional gastrointestinal disorders, however, to date, no study has investigated this association. The present study aimed to explore the potential relationship between irritable bowel syndrome-related functional gastrointestinal symptoms and certain maladaptive eating behaviours, such as symptoms of orthorexia nervosa and emotional eating. Methods: A sample of 644 Hungarian volunteers (Mage= 22.37; SDage= 3.95) completed a survey with the following questionnaires: the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire (R4DQ) for adults—Irritable bowel syndrome module for the measurement of functional gastrointestinal symptoms, the Hungarian version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire (ORTO-11-Hu) to assess symptoms of orthorexia nervosa, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) Emotional Eating subscale to measure symptoms of emotional eating and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI) for the assessment of health anxiety. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to explore the associations between the measured variables, and structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed mediation models. Results: Functional gastrointestinal symptoms were positively related to symptoms of orthorexia nervosa and emotional eating. The relationship between functional gastrointestinal symptoms and symptoms of orthorexia nervosa was partially mediated by health anxiety, while the association between functional gastrointestinal symptoms and symptoms of emotional eating was partially mediated by symptoms of orthorexia nervosa. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the possible risk for developing orthorexic symptoms in functional gastrointestinal symptoms, which could lead to other types of disordered eating patterns, such as emotional eating. The results also underscore the potential role of health anxiety in these relationships. Level of evidence: Level V (descriptive cross-sectional study).

Purpose: Given the range of negative correlates associated with orthorexia nervosa (ON), it is important to identify factors that might contribute to the elevated ON tendencies. Based on the tripartite model of influence, we tested whether sociocultural attitudes towards appearance (i.e., thin and muscular internalization as well as family, peer and media pressure) could contribute to ON. We hypothesized that these attitudes could exert their effect through the intervening processes basic psychological need fulfillment and health anxiety. Methods: The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 710 young adults (Mage= 21.79, SDage= 2.31). Participants completed validated questionnaires measuring the constructs of interest. Results: According to the structural equation modeling results, ON was predicted by thinness and muscular internalization as well as media pressure. Need fulfillment and health anxiety partially mediated these relationships. Family and peer pressure were not related to ON. Discussion: The present results suggest that internalization of appearance ideas and media pressure contribute to ON through need fulfillment and health anxiety. These findings also provide novel insight into the nature of ON. Level of evidence: Level V (descriptive cross-sectional study.

The vast majority of floristical and coenological studies focus on the natural vegetation and its remnants in urban environments; however, there is an increasing interest in the systematic exploration of built environments. This survey of the inhabited areas of Budapest launched in 2018 applied a new and detailed methodology. The territorial units of the survey were street sections, where the presence of vascular plants was recorded in ecologically different habitats separately. We laid down the foundations to establish new habitat categories for the habitat classification and mapping of urban ecosystems using a different approach than the Hungarian habitat classification system (ÁNÉR). The method enables us to study the flora of urban ecosystems in detail. We established 18 urban habitat categories, surveyed more than 27,000 survey units and registered 647 spontaneously growing plant species in Budapest. Our survey evinced the spontaneous occurrence of 193 alien species in Budapest, 81 of them are data deficient, while 10 of them are new introductions in Hungary. 53.9% of the aliens are cultivated frequently in Hungary.

Given its relevance, the present study sought to reveal the motivational background of orthorexia nervosa (ON) and to examine its association to do sports. A total number of 739 participants completed a self-administered, online questionnaire including questions related to sports and three scales: Ortho-11-Hu, Motivation for Healthy Behaviors in Orthorexia Nervosa Questionnaire (MHBONQ) and Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI). The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 72 years (M= 29.67, SD = 10.18) and 79.16% of them were female. The majority of the subjects trained 3–4 times a week (37.2%), usually for 1–2 h per week (25.8%). According to the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, social desirability, guilt over skipping training and health anxiety were the strongest predictors of ON with explaining 46% of the variance of ON. The results of the present study suggested that obsessive features of sport activities (guilt over skipping training, counting calories during training) play an important role in ON. People with a higher level of ON tend to reach other people’s respect, protect their general health and regulate negative emotional states through healthy eating. Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.

Our aim was to measure the personality profile of people with high orthorexic tendency using an assessment method which is acknowledged in the research of the classical eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). In our research, 739 participants completed a self-administered, online questionnaire consisting of two measures: Temperament and Character Inventory-56 (TCI-56) and Ortho-11-Hu. The orthorexia nervosa (ON) grouping variable has a significant effect on three factors of TCI: MANOVA revealed higher harm avoidance (F(2, 736) = 19.01, p< 0.001, η2= 0.05), lower self-directedness (F(2, 736) = 22.55, p< 0.001, η2= 0.06), and higher transcendence (F(2, 736) = 3.05, p= 0.048, η2= 0.01) in the higher ON group, compared to the lower ON group, regardless of the effect of the risk groups. According to earlier studies, high harm avoidance and low self-directedness are relevant factors of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and OCD, but now it also seems to be an important parameter of orthorexia. Nevertheless, higher transcendence may be a unique feature, which suggests that orthorexia seems to be an independent phenomenon. V, descriptive cross-sectional study.

La presencia de extensión extranodal en adenopatías metastásicas de pacientes con carcinoma escamoso de cabeza y cuello es un reconocido factor de mal pronóstico. Sin embargo, pocos estudios analizan específicamente su significado en pacientes sin evidencia clínica de extensión ganglionar en el momento del diagnóstico inicial.

•We test for gender differences in the response to competition (seeing a leaderboard) and to receiving subjective feedback (graphics and phrases) during an online game.•Both male and female players increase persistence, and male players’ performance improves significantly when a leaderboard is shown.•Female players’ performance only improves when competition is paired with supportive or rewarding feedback.•Personalized feedback, targeted based on individual characteristics and tasks, can potentially mitigate gender gaps in performance, particularly in competitive settings.

We introduce a new predictor-corrector interior-point algorithm for solving P⁎(κ)-linear complementarity problems which works in a wide neighbourhood of the central path. We use the technique of algebraic equivalent transformation of the centering equations of the central path system. In this technique, we apply the function φ(t)=tin order to obtain the new search directions. We define the new wide neighbourhood Dφ. In this way, we obtain the first interior-point method, where not only the central path system is transformed, but the definition of the neighbourhood is also modified taking into consideration the algebraic equivalent transformation technique. This gives a new direction in the research of interior-point algorithms. We prove that the interior-point method has O((1+κ)nlog⁡((x0)Ts0ϵ))iteration complexity. Furthermore, we show the efficiency of the proposed predictor-corrector algorithm by providing numerical results. To our best knowledge, this is the first predictor-corrector interior-point algorithm which works in the Dφneighbourhood using φ(t)=t.

To describe gene expression patterns of the apoptotic regulatory genes Bcland Baxin human uterine leiomyoma tissue. To investigate the relationship between alterations of gene expression patterns and several relevant clinical parameters. We obtained samples from 101 cases undergoing surgery for uterine leiomyoma for gene expression analysis of the Bcl-2and Baxgenes. Gene expression was quantified using RT-PCR technique. In the leiomyoma group, the Bcl-2gene was significantly overexpressed compared with the control group although there was no such difference in the gene expression of Bax. Gene activity of Bcl-2positively correlated with the tumor number in individual uterine leiomyoma cases. Although there was no significant correlation between the length of the cumulative lactation period before the development of uterine leiomyoma and Bcl-2gene expression in the leiomyoma tissue, we observed a trend for a shorter cumulative lactation period to be associated with overexpression of the Bcl-2gene. Overexpression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2gene appeared to be a factor in the development of uterine leiomyoma, whereas gene activity of the proapoptotic Baxgene did not seem to play a role in the process.

The aim of this study was to investigate the natural cycle of the new human pathogenic bacteria CandidatusNeoehrlichia mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilumin Southern Hungary. We collected rodents with live-traps (2010–2013) and questing ticks with flagging in 2012. Small mammals were euthanized, tissue samples were collected and all the ectoparasites were removed and stored in 70% alcohol. We found relatively low overall prevalence of tick infestation (8%). Samples were analysed for A. phagocytophilumand CandidatusN. mikurensis with multiplex quantitative real-time PCR targeting a part of major surface protein 2 (msp2) and the heat shock protein groEL genes, respectively. The overall prevalence in tissue samples was 6.6% (skin) and 5.1% (spleen) for A. phagocytophilumand 1.7% (skin) and 3.4% (spleen) for CandidatusN. mikurensis. CandidatusN. mikurensis was only detected in Apodemus flavicollisand Apodemus agrarius, while A. phagocytophilumwas found in A. flavicollis, A. agrarius, Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalisand Mus musculussamples. Prevalence of A. phagocytophilumin skin samples of A. flavicolliswas significantly higher than prevalence of N. mikurensis(p<0.05). Among questing Ixodes ricinusticks we found three (8.8%) individuals (female, male, nymph) infected with CandidatusN. mikurensis. Five (3.1%) questing ticks had A. phagocytophiluminfection (one I. ricinusmale, two Dermacentor reticulatusfemales and two Haemaphysalis concinnafemales). We found one I. ricinusnymph removed from a male A. flavicolliswith A. phagocytophiluminfection. Our study provides new data on the occurrence of these pathogens in rodent tissue samples, questing ticks and engorged ticks in Southern Hungary.

Failed primary treatment of thumb metacarpophalangeal ligament injuries may lead to chronic instability. Different treatments have been described such as secondary ligament suture, fusion, dynamic or static procedures. Techniques to restrain the joint stability with various grafts of different configurations have been published, but most of these address only the proper collateral ligament. Experimental data revealed the importance of the accessory collateral ligament in stabilizing the metacarpophalangeal joint. In a former, true anatomic ligament reconstruction a bone-tendon graft was used; the tendon was split longitudinally to reconstruct both parts of the collateral ligament. This technique was modified by the author: a resorbable interference screw was used to fix a free tendon graft double in the metacarpal head, creating 2 identical bundles for reconstruction of both the proper and the accessory collateral ligament. The results of the first 10 patients with chronic ulnar instability in their otherwise intact thumb are reported. The mean follow-up was 15 months. Eight patients had excellent result and 2 patients had good result according to the Glickel grading system. The mean loss of motion in the metacarpophalengeal joint was 9 and the mean loss of pinch strength was 9 compared with the contralateral thumb. The technical details, pitfalls, complications, and rehabilitation are described in this paper.

Asthmatic inflammation during pregnancy poses a risk for maternal and fetal morbidities. Circulating T cell immune phenotype is known to correlate with airway inflammation (detectable by fractional concentration of nitric oxide present in exhaled breath (FENO)) in non-pregnant allergic asthmatics. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of peripheral T cell phenotype to FENOand clinical variables of asthma during pregnancy.We examined 22 pregnant women with allergic asthma in the 2nd/3rdtrimester. The prevalence of Th1, Th2, regulatory T (Treg) and natural killer (NK) cell subsets was identified with flow cytometry using cell-specific markers. FENO, Asthma Control Test (ACT) total score and lung function were evaluated.Peripheral blood Th1, Th2, Treg, and NK cell prevalence were not significantly correlated to airway inflammation assessed by FENOin asthmatic pregnant women (all cells p> 0.05; study power > 75%). However, an inverse correlation was detected between Th2 cell prevalence and ACT total scores (p= 0.03) in asthmatic pregnancy.Blunted relationship between T cell profile and airway inflammation may be the result of pregnancy induced immune tolerance in asthmatic pregnancy. On the other hand, increased Th2 response impairs disease control that supports direct relationship between symptoms and cellular mechanisms of asthma during pregnancy.

To review major chromosome translocation, with special regard to the clinical differences between balanced and unbalanced, as well as de novo and inherited cases.

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is known to host several ectoparasites and also tick-borne pathogens, but there is scant information on its eastern relative, the Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus). We have studied an urban population of E. roumanicusin a city park of central Budapest, Hungary, for 2 years to investigate their tick and flea species. A total of 5063 ticks and 818 fleas were collected from 247 hedgehogs (including 46 recaptures). Ectoparasite prevalence and intensity differed significantly (p<0.001) between the 2 study years attributable to the enhanced tick removal rate due to anaesthesia used in the second year. The most common tick species was Ixodes ricinus(93.7%) followed by unidentified Ixodeslarvae (5%). Only 57 hedgehog ticks (I. hexagonus) were removed from 22 hedgehogs. One I. acuminatusand one Hyalomma marginatumnymph were also collected. Mean intensity of tick infestation was 26.5 (range: 0–155 ticks/host) and mean intensity of flea infestation was 6.6 (range: 0–78 fleas/host). Most fleas (99.4%) collected were hedgehog fleas (Archaeopsylla erinacei), dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) were found on 2 hedgehogs. Hyalomma marginatumhas previously not been found in Hungary, and I. acuminatuswas only reported sporadically before. The large number of ectoparasites and the 2 imported tick species may thus survive in close proximity to humans if hedgehogs are present. This calls attention to the risk of possible tick-borne human infections that urban hedgehogs can pose.

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at high risk of subsequently developing type 2 diabetes mellitus which is an important cardiovascular risk factor. We have evaluated whether preclinical morphological and functional arterial changes are present in GDM. Diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT), intima-media cross-section area (IMCSA) and elasticity features (compliance, distensibility coefficient, circumferential strain, stiffness index (SI) α and β, incremental elastic modulus) of the common carotid arteries (CCA) were studied in the 3rdtrimester in 25 women with GDM, and 17 normal pregnant women matched for age and body mass index using an ultrasonographic vessel wall-movement tracking system and applanation tonometry. Mean IMT, IMCSA and SI α tended to be larger, whereas compliance was smaller in women with GDM but none of these differences were significant. Serum glucose (4.99±0.51 vs. 4.79±0.61 mmol/L, p=0.37) and HbA1c (5.33±0.27 vs. 5.36±0.47 mmol/L, p=0.85) proved normoglycemia in both groups. In conclusion, by the combination of methods we applied in this case control study, neither morphological nor functional characteristics of large elastic arteries differ significantly between well-treated normoglycemic women with GDM and non-diabetic pregnant women in the 3rdtrimester.

•We use an online game to test for gender differences in the impact of two positive subjective feedback types given in the form of simple text and graphics•Encouragement increases the persistence of female players and their score, while it impacts male players negatively•Praise has no significant impact•Players with lower task-related confidence are more responsive to subjective feedback•Individualized feedback provision could be a potential tool for decreasing gender gaps in educational and workplace outcomes

Individual differences in human sleep EEG spindling were shown to be associated with psychometric measures of cognitive ability. Previous results revealed a frequency-and region specificity of this effect, suggesting that only fast, but not slow spindle-related oscillatory activity over the frontal region correlated with cognitive performance. Our aim is to test the hypothesis that region-specific spindle-type oscillatory activity is related to specific cognitive abilities reflecting the cortical localization of the corresponding cognitive function. The visuospatial abilities are the focus of the present report. Nineteen healthy volunteers were tested with the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test and memory performances correlated with the spindle analysis of the second night’s polysomnographic recordings. Correlations were age-corrected and subjected to descriptive data analysis. ROCF recall performances at 3 and 30 minutes delay, correlated positively and significantly with fast sleep spindle density measured over the right parietal area. No significant relationship between recognition performance and sleep EEG variables emerged. Slow spindle density did not correlate with test performances. Our findings converge with other data suggesting the involvement of right parietal functioning in visuospatial abilities. Moreover, these results support the hypothesis that region-specific differences in fast sleep spindling could be markers of specific neuropsychological performances.

Systemic arterial compliance has been known to increase during healthy pregnancy, whereas, recently, the carotid artery has been reported to stiffen. To clarify this controversy, we simultaneously measured aortic PWV (pulse wave velocity) and carotid artery elastic parameters in a cohort of pregnant women. Twelve normotensive pregnant women were studied longitudinally during the three trimesters of pregnancy (T1, T2 and T3 respectively) and 12 weeks PP (postpartum). Carotid artery diastolic diameter and pulsatile distension was measured by an echo-wall tracking method and carotid pulse pressure by applanation tonometry. Carotid strain, compliance, distensibility coefficient, stiffness index β, Einc (incremental elastic modulus) and augmentation index were calculated. Aortic PWV was determined to estimate aortic distensibility. All carotid artery elastic parameters indicated significant stiffening from T1 to T3 (1.8±0.2 versus 2.9±0.3 mmHg for Einc), which was reversed after delivery (2.3±0.2 mmHg). Aortic PWV decreased during pregnancy (6.2±0.2 versus 5.4±0.2 m/s) and increased in the PP period (6.7±0.2 m/s). No correlation was found between changes in carotid artery elastic parameters and changes in aortic PWV either from T1 to T3 or from T3 to PP. The carotid artery exhibits regionally specific stiffening during pregnancy, which appears to represent a qualitatively different change in arterial elastic behaviour.

Túl az implicit emlékezeten [Bowers, J. S., Marsolek, C. J. (eds): Rethinking implicit memory] (Racsmány Mihály); Szokatlan, komplex, kölcsönhatás [Bárdos György: Pszichovegetatív kölcsön­hatások] (Rigó Adrien); Majdnem minden, amit mindig is tudni akartál a nyelvrol [Ray Jackendoff: Foundations of Language - Brain, Meaning, Grammar, Evolution] (Lukács Ágnes); A jól beszélo fogyatékos legendája [Susanne Bartke, Julia Siegmüller: Williams syndrome across languages] (Ivády Rozália);

RNA recovered from paraffin-embedded tissue has been reported to be a suitable substrate for polymerase chain reaction. During tissue fixation and paraffin embedding, RNA undergoes degradation, but with certain restrictions, it can be used for gene expression studies. At the same time, formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded histopathology archives contain an unestimable collection, which could be analyzed to investigate changes in mRNA expression in pathologic processes. To decide for future tissue conservation of pathology samples, it would be reasonable to satisfy both histologic and molecular biologic needs. The effect of three different fixation methods, RNAlater (SIGMA R 0901, St Louis, MO), acetone, and formalin, were compared by histology, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. To assess tissue structure preservation and antigenicity, hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed; to assess RNA quality, RNA was extracted and the transcription of different amplicon sizes (121, 225, 406 bp for GAPDH; 166, 310, 536 bp for β globin) were examined on human endometrium samples. The most adequate tissue preservation was found in case of formalin fixation, while there were no significant differences in the three fixatives’ yields for various size real-time PCR amplicons. Longer amplicons (above ∼225 bp) have limited use for gene expression studies, while shorter amplicons could give more reliable results.

Stiffening of the barosensory vessel wall in hypertension has been suggested to play a role in the associated baroreflex impairment. The carotid distensibility–BRS (baroreflex sensitivity) relationship, however, has not been studied in pre-eclampsia, a condition where hypertension is spontaneously reversible. Twelve normotensive pregnant women and 12 patients with pre-eclampsia matched for maternal age and week of gestation were studied in the third trimester and 3 months postpartum. Carotid artery diastolic diameter and pulsatile distension was measured by echo-wall tracking and carotid pulse pressure by applanation tonometry, and the carotid distensibility coefficient was calculated. Spontaneous BRS was determined by the sequence and spectral methods from 10 min continuous recording of ECG and finger arterial blood pressure. In the third trimester, carotid distensibility was lower in patients with pre-eclampsia than in normotensive pregnant women (2.47±0.17 compared with 4.08±0.16×10−3/mmHg); postpartum, it increased moderately in patients, but remained below normotensive values (3.25±0.12 compared with 4.25±0.19×10−3/mmHg). In the third trimester, both patients and healthy pregnant women had equally low BRS values; postpartum, the various BRS indices increased markedly (by 60–190%) and to the same level in both groups. No correlation was found between changes in carotid artery distensibility and those in BRS from the third trimester to postpartum period in patients and healthy pregnant women. The lack of association between changes in carotid distensibility and BRS suggest that stiffening of the carotid artery in pre-eclampsia is not responsible for baroreflex dysfunction.

Copper(ii) complexes of peptides containing two or three histidyl residues (Ac–HisGlyHis–OH, Ac–HisGlyHis–NHMe, Ac–HisHisGlyHis–OH and Ac–HisHisGlyHis–NHMe) have been studied by potentiometric, UV-Vis, EPR and CD spectroscopic measurements. The imidazole nitrogen atoms are described as the primary metal binding sites of all ligands resulting in the formation of various macrochelates in the pH range 4 to 7. The (N_im, N−, N_im)-co-ordinated [CuH₋₁L]0(+) complexes were mainly detected in samples containing free carboxylates at the C-termini, whilst the [CuH₋₂L]−(0) complexes were the predominant species in slightly alkaline solution and their binding modes were described via 4N-co-ordination (N_im, N−, N−, N_im) in (7,5,6)-membered fused chelate rings. Deprotonation and co-ordination of the third amide nitrogens were detected above pH ~9 in all cases.

Copperii complexes of peptides containing two or three histidyl residues Ac–HisGlyHis–OH, Ac–HisGlyHis–NHMe, Ac–HisHisGlyHis–OH and Ac–HisHisGlyHis–NHMe have been studied by potentiometric, UV-Vis, EPR and CD spectroscopic measurements. The imidazole nitrogen atoms are described as the primary metal binding sites of all ligands resulting in the formation of various macrochelates in the pH range 4 to 7. The Nim, N−, Nim-co-ordinated CuH−1L0complexes were mainly detected in samples containing free carboxylates at the C-termini, whilst the CuH−2L−0complexes were the predominant species in slightly alkaline solution and their binding modes were described via4N-co-ordination Nim, N−, N−, Nim in 7,5,6-membered fused chelate rings. Deprotonation and co-ordination of the third amide nitrogens were detected above pH ∼9 in all cases.

Aspergillusclavatusis a commonly encountered fungus in the environment, producing a number of mycotoxins including patulin, kojic acid, cytochalasins and tremorgenic mycotoxins. A. clavatusbelongs to Aspergillussection Clavatitogether with six other species, all of which possess clavate-shaped vesicles. Patulin production was analysed by thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, while a primer pair developed for the detection of an iso-epoxydon dehydrogenase gene involved in the biosynthesis of patulin in penicillia was used to detect the ability of patulin production in the isolates examined. A good correlation was observed between patulin producing properties, and the presence of an iso-epoxydon dehydrogenase gene fragment among the isolates tested. A. longivesicawas found for the first time to produce patulin. Ribotoxin production was also examined using a PCR-based approach. Ribotoxins were detected for the first time in an A. pallidusand a Hemicarpenteles acanthosporusisolate. A phylogenetic analysis of intergenic transcribed spacer sequence data indicated that most isolates belong to two main clades that have also been identified earlier based on 26 S rDNA sequence data. A. pallidusisolates clustered together with A. clavatusstrains. Although A. clavatusisolates produced highly homogeneous random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles, phylogenetic analysis of these data let us cluster A. clavatusisolates into distinct clades. Correlations were not observed between either patulin or ribotoxin production, and the taxonomic position of the isolates tested, indicating that patulin and ribotoxin producing abilities were lost several times during evolution of Aspergillussection Clavati. Although patulin was earlier found to inhibit mycovirus replication, one of the mycovirus carrying isolates also produced patulin, and both carried the iso-epoxydon dehydrogenase gene.

Osmotic stress-induced accumulation of proline, an important protective osmolyte in higher plants, is dependent on the expression of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS) and proline dehydrogenase (PDH) enzymes that catalyze the rate-limiting steps of proline biosynthesis and degradation, respectively. Proline metabolism is modulated by differential regulation of organ specific expression of PDHand duplicated P5CSgenes in Arabidopsis.Stimulation of proline synthesis by abscisic acid (ABA) and salt stress correlates with a striking activation of P5CS1expression. By contrast, P5CS2is only weakly induced, whereas PDHis inhibited to different extent by ABA and salt stress in shoots and roots of light-grown plants. Proline accumulation and light-dependent induction of P5CS1by ABA and salt stress is inhibited in dark-adapted plants. During dark adaptation P5CS2is also down-regulated, whereas PDHexpression is significantly enhanced in shoots. The inhibitory effect of dark adaptation on P5CS1is mimicked by the steroid hormone brassinolide. However, brassinolide fails to stimulate PDH, and inhibits P5CS2only in shoots. Proline accumulation and induction of P5CS1transcription are simultaneously enhanced in the ABA-hypersensitive prl1and brassinosteroid-deficient det2mutants, whereas P5CS2shows enhanced induction by ABA and salt only in the det2mutant. In comparison, the prl1mutation reduces the basal level of PDHexpression, whereas the det2mutation enhances the inhibition of PDHby ABA. Regulation of P5CS1expression thus appears to play a principal role in controlling proline accumulation stimulated by ABA and salt stress in Arabidopsis.

Kinetics of ochratoxin A production was examined in a number of ochratoxin producing isolates representing different sections of the Aspergillusgenus. Both weak and high ochratoxin producers were tested using immunochemical or high-performance liquid chromatograhic methods. All isolates were found to produce the highest amounts of ochratoxin A after 7–10 days of incubation. Ochratoxin production varied between 30 - 5×105ng ml-1among the Aspergillusisolates tested. The A. albertensisand A. melleusisolates examined were found to produce ochratoxin A constitutively. A. albertensisproduced the highest amounts of ochratoxin A at 30 °C after 7 days’ incubation in YES liquid medium. Ergosterol content and ochratoxin production of A. albertensiscultures were in good correlation.

Objective: To investigate the influence of pacifier use and the introduction of formula milk on breast feeding. Methods: The mothers of 356 healthy newborn infants who initiated breast feeding while in-patients were interviewed within 3 days of birth and later at 2 and 6 months postpartum. Information regarding previous birth, breast-feeding frequency, pacifier use and the adoption of formula milk were obtained. The data were analyzed using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: At the end of the second month, 264 (74%) of the mothers were still breast feeding; by the end of the sixth month this had fallen to 236 (66%). Among the 356 mothers, 152 had at least one previous infant, and 132 (86.8%) of them had breast fed a previous infant. Of the women who breast fed their previous infant for more than 2 months, 112 (84.8%) breast fed the current child until the end of the second month and 104 (78.7%) until the end of the sixth month after delivery. Of all investigated patients, 204 were primiparous (57.3%). Of these, 152 (74.5%) breast fed until the end of the second month, and 132 (64.7%) until the end of the sixth month after delivery. Among the 204 primiparae, 92 (45%) gave formula to their newborn infants. Forty-four of these 92 mothers (47.8%) had discontinued breast feeding by the end of the second month. Among the 356 newborn infants, 220 used pacifiers at the end of the second month. Within this group, 72 (33%) of the infants did not breast feed, while 148 (67%) did breast feed. Of all investigated mothers, 136 did not give pacifiers to their infants and only eight of these mothers (6%) had stopped breast feeding at the end of the second month. Conclusions: We found an inverse correlation between pacifier usage and breast feeding. Breast feeding was most common among multiparous mothers.

Kinetics of ochratoxin A production was examined in a number of ochratoxin producing isolates representing different sections of the Aspergillusgenus. Both weak and high ochratoxin producers were tested using immunochemical or high-performance liquid chromatograhic methods. All isolates were found to produce the highest amounts of ochratoxin A after 7-10 days of incubation. Ochratoxin production varied between 30 - 5×105ng ml-1among the Aspergillusisolates tested. The A. albertensisand A. melleusisolates examined were found to produce ochratoxin A constitutively. A. albertensisproduced the highest amounts of ochratoxin A at 30 °C after 7 days' incubation in YES liquid medium. Ergosterol content and ochratoxin production of A. albertensiscultures were in good correlation.

Ochratoxins are mycotoxins produced by Aspergillusand Penicilliumspecies. Ochratoxin contamination of cereal grains and other plant products is a serious health hazard throughout the world since ochratoxins exhibit a range of pharmacological effects on animals and humans. This review deals with ochratoxin producing organisms, ochratoxin detection methods, and occurrence and legislation of ochratoxins in foods and feeds.

Ochratoxins are fungal secondary metabolites which exhibit nephrotoxic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive and carcinogenic effects on animals and humans. This review deals with the chemistry, biosynthesis, metabolism and mode of action of ochratoxin A. Possible strategies for controlling ochratoxin levels in feeds and foods, and preventing toxic effects of ochratoxin A in animals and humans are also discussed.

Phenotypic features and sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the 5.8 S rRNA gene of type or neotype strains and other isolates of the 17 species currently assigned to Aspergillussection Circumdatiand some potentially related species were analyzed. Parsimony analysis of sequence data indicated that Aspergillussection Circumdatiis paraphyletic. Aspergillus campestris, A. lanosus,and A. dimorphicuswith A. sepultuswere found to be more closely related to Aspergillussections Candidi, Flavi,and Cremei,respectively. These results were also supported by phenotypic data. A. robustusand A. ochraceoroseuswere found not to be related to any of the species examined. Species of the proposed revised Aspergillussection Circumdatiformed two main clades, which could also be distinguished based on phenotypic methods. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data of other isolates assigned to species of the revised section indicates that either some of these isolates were misidentified or species concepts of A. ochraceus, A. melleus,and A. petrakiishould be reconsidered.