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The aluminum content of concentrated (27 wt%) sodium chloride solutions could be crucial for large‐scale chlor‐alkali‐based industries applying membrane cell electrolysis. Thus, a facile method which enables a fast and reliable protocol to determine the Al content of these solutions on ppb scale in industrial environments is fundamentally important. It was demonstrated that the increased sensitivity of colorful Al‐ECR (eriochrome cyanine R) complex by the use of a cationic surfactant and specific biological buffers could effectively indicate the Al content in an extended pH interval of a concentrated saline medium under industrial conditions. The dependence of the analytical protocol on pH, temperature, time, wavelength, and the salinity of the medium was investigated. It was shown that the absorbance‐based measurements of the solution should be performed at least 2–4 h after its preparation. By applying the selected two Good's buffers (HEPES: 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐piperazineethanesulfonic acid, MOPS: 3‐(N‐morpholino)‐propanesulfonic acid) and Tris (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), 32.8–38.1 % increase in the sensitivity was achieved for saturated NaCl solutions. Moreover, the limits of detection and quantification (LOD, LOQ) were also lowered by 19.0–29.8 %, and the salinity dependence of the calibration was also reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography (CT) is an excellent tool to solve certain engineering problems connected to material science (such as sulfate swelling, internal degradation due to freezing, and alkali silicate swelling) and to understand specific processes (frost peeling, acid action). Albeit borne and mostly used in the medical domain, CT is increasingly used in the examination of the internal structure of building materials, where degradation processes occur to the detriment of their mechanical performance and durability. This paper presents five engineering problems concerning concrete freezing and thawing, concrete at high temperatures, timber charring, spalling in asbestos‐cement pipes, and deterioration in prestressed concrete pipes due to the corrosion of metallic inserts. In each case, the degradation processes are monitored via CT, something that may be crucial in the renovation and preservation of historical structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil exchangeable acidity (EA) is an indicator of aluminium toxicity potential in acidic soils. Predicting the distribution and dynamics of EA is needed for the identification and management of acidic soils. In this study, we used datasets of 355 pedons from across Ghana and the Cubist rule‐based algorithm to generate pedotransfer functions (PTFs) of EA. Eight soil properties (pH, organic carbon, calcium, sodium, magnesium, total exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity [CEC] to clay ratio and soil depth) were used to predict EA. We first used the whole dataset to construct generic PTFs and then stratified the dataset based on World Reference Base‐Reference Soil Groups (WRB‐RSGs) to generate soil‐specific PTFs. Goodness‐of‐fit statistics comprising the root mean squared error (RMSE), Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (ρC$$ {\rho}_C $$) and coefficient of determination (R2) were used to evaluate the prediction accuracy and reliability of the developed PTF models on both calibration and validation datasets. The Fluvisols EA‐PTF exhibited lower performance metrics in the validation (RMSE = 0.17 cmolc kg−1, ρC$$ {\rho}_C $$ = 0.19, R2 = 0.24), whereas the EA‐PTFs for all other WRB‐RSGs and whole dataset had above‐average performance metrics in the validation (0.05 ≤ RMSE ≤ 0.97 cmolc kg−1; 0.34 ≤ ρC$$ {\rho}_C $$ ≤ 0.94; 0.52 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.96). Soil pH sufficed for predicting EA in soils with pH above 5.0, but in soils with a pH < 5.0, the levels of exchangeable bases (e.g., Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+), CEC to clay ratio (CCR) and soil depth improved the prediction of EA. The developed EA‐PTFs are useful for estimating the missing values of EA in soil databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cronobacter spp. are opportunistic foodborne pathogens that most often infect neonates and infants through contaminated powdered infant formula. No reports have been published in Serbia on the prevalence of Cronobacter spp. in powdered milk production environments. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, molecular characterization, antimicrobial susceptibility, and biofilm‐forming ability of Cronobacter spp. isolated from a milk powder plant. Hundred samples were collected from the production facility. Fifteen Cronobacter sakazakii strains were isolated and identified, giving a contamination rate of 15%. Using multi‐locus sequence typing, the isolates were divided into five sequence types (STs). Cronobacter sakazakii ST4 (50%), ST1 (16.67%), and ST83 (16.67%) were the dominant STs isolated. A novel sequence type (ST759) was identified and registered in the Cronobacter MLST database. The results of the antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated that C. sakazakii strains were susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam, ampicillin/sulbactam, and amoxicillin/clavulanate, especially to meropenem and cefotaxime. Most of the ST4 showed moderate‐to‐strong biofilm‐forming ability. The presence of clinically relevant isolates (ST4, ST1, ST83, and ST8) revealed that the production plant is likely a potential concern for public health. Finally, finding new sequence types like the one detected in this study (ST759) underlines evolving genetic changes in C. sakazakii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To examine the ocular signs of monoclonal gammopathy and to evaluate ocular comorbidities in subjects with monoclonal gammopathy. Patients and Methods. We analyzed patients from two large referral hematology centers in Budapest, diagnosed and/or treated with monoclonal gammopathy between 1997 and 2020. As a control group, randomly selected individuals of the same age group, without hematological disease, have been included. There were 160 eyes of 80 patients (38.75% males; age 67.61 ± 10.48 (range: 38–85) years) with monoclonal gammopathy and 86 eyes of 43 control subjects (32.56% males; age 62.44 ± 11.89 (range 37–86) years). The hematological diagnosis was MGUS in 9 (11.25%), multiple myeloma in 61 (76.25%), smoldering myeloma in 6 (7.50%), and amyloidosis or Waldenström macroglobulinemia in 2 cases (2.50%–2.50%). Before detailed ophthalmic examination with fundoscopy, 42 subjects with gammopathy (52.50%) and all controls filled the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Results. The OSDI score and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were significantly worse in subjects with monoclonal gammopathy than in controls (p = 0.02 ; p = 0.0005). Among gammopathy subjects, we observed potential corneal immunoglobulin deposition in 6 eyes of 4 (3.75%) patients. Ocular surface disease (p = 0.0001), posterior cortical cataract (p = 0.01), and cataract (p = 0.0001) were significantly more common among gammopathy subjects than in controls (χ2 test). Conclusions. Ocular surface disease and cataract are more common, and BCVA is worse in patients with monoclonal gammopathy than in age-matched controls. Therefore, and due to the potential ocular signs and comorbidities of monoclonal gammopathy, we suggest a regular, yearly ophthalmic checkup of these patients to improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow house bats (Scotophilus) have been known for centuries as a widespread genus of vesper bats in the Indomalayan Region. Despite this, their taxonomic status and phylogeographical patterns remain unclear due to differing criteria employed by early taxonomists and inconsistencies between morphological and molecular assessments. To address these issues, we undertook a comparative phylogeographic analysis of Asian Scotophilus spp. using integrated genetic and morphological analyses of samples collected across the region. These demonstrate that yellow house bats in Asia can be classified into just two widespread species, namely the smaller S. kuhlii (e.g., FA ≤ 53.1 mm, GLS ≤ 20.18 mm) and the larger S. heathii (e.g., FA ≥ 53.4 mm, GLS ≥ 20.85 mm), which occur in sympatry in different parts of the Indomalayan Region. Although these two sympatric species share similar eco‐ethological preferences, they differ considerably in their geographic distributions and intraspecific variation in mtDNA sequences and morphological traits. These disparities were likely misinterpreted as indicating potential cryptic diversity in previous studies, whereas we suggest they are related to interspecific differences in sex‐biased gene flow and phenotypic plasticity to adapt to varying environments. Our study highlights the importance of using multiple datasets to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and reconstruct demographic and phylogeographic histories of sympatric species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Our aim was to investigate perinatal and clinical factors associated with children with cerebral palsy (CP) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The distribution of MRI patterns was based on the MRI classification system (MRICS). Associations between perinatal/clinical characteristics and MRI patterns were also investigated.Methods: A population-based cohort study was performed; those 257 children (58.0% male) were enrolled from our CP database who born between 1990 and 2015 in Southwest Hungary and had at least one MRI scan.Results: Brain maldevelopments were found in 18.7% of our patients, 83.7% of those born at term. Grey matter lesions were found in 19.8% of our patients, and 80.0% of those children were born at term. The rate of white matter injuries was the highest (35.4%); 69.0% of these patients were born before 37th week of gestation. MRI revealed no abnormalities in 13.6% of children with CP. The best values of gross/fine motor and cognitive function tests were found in children with normal MRI and with grey matter injuries. The prevalence of epilepsy was above 60% in every group with an abnormal MRI.Conclusion: MRI results were conclusive in 86.4% of children with CP. It is highly encouraged to perform cranial MRI in every patient with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Geographical variations in endotherm body size (e.g. Bergmann's rule/James's rule and Allen's rule) have long been tested. However, the patterns and causes of geographical variation in body size within bat species, especially within widespread hibernating species, are little known. Here, we evaluated the possible causes of geographical size variation patterns in the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), a bat species widely distributed across the Palearctic. Location: Palearctic. Methods: We collected body size data (body mass and forearm length) from 1,172 adult bats via direct measurements or from the literature. We used high‐resolution environmental data for the sampled sites. We applied multiple linear regressions and an information‐theoretic approach on separate female and male datasets to estimate the support for various hypotheses. Results: Temperature and latitude failed to predict body mass in both females and males. The best model showed that populations with longer forearms in both sexes were associated with higher mean temperatures (in the warmest quarter) and lower mean temperatures (in the coldest quarter). The independent contribution of these temperature parameters to forearm length in both sexes was higher than that of all other variables. Main conclusion: The observed relationship between temperature and body mass was not consistent with James's rule, and thus failed to support the heat conservation hypothesis. Our results are consistent with the predictions of Allen's rule and indicated that direct heat dissipation from the wing may be the most likely mechanism underlying geographical variation in forearm length. We suggest that the evaluation of the relative importance of multiple causal mechanisms may improve our understanding of patterns of geographical variation in endotherms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Congenital aniridia is a rare disease, with a global prevalence of 1 in 40 000 to 1 in 100 000. During life up to 70% of aniridia sufferers develop aniridia‐associated keratopathy (AAK) with limbal stem cell insufficiency, impaired corneal epithelial cell differentiation, abnormal cell adhesion and wound healing. AAK is characterized by centripetal spreading vascularization, conjunctivalization, and thickening of the cornea. We examined the sub‐basal nerve plexus and central corneal stromal microstructure in subjects with congenital aniridia, using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (IVCM). Methods: 31 eyes of 18 patients (55.6% males, mean age: 25.22 ± 16.35 years) with congenital aniridia and 47 eyes of 29 healthy subjects (41.4% males, mean age 30 ± 14.82 years) were examined using the Rostock Cornea Module of Heidelberg Retina Tomograph‐III. At the sub‐basal nerve plexus, corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), corneal total branch density (CTBD) and corneal nerve fibre width (CNFW) were analysed using ACCMetrics software. Keratocyte density in the anterior, middle and posterior stroma was assessed manually. Results: The CNFD (2.02 ± 4.08 vs. 13.99 ± 6.34/mm2), CNFL (5.78 ± 2.68 vs. 10.56 ± 2.82 mm/mm2) and CTBD (15.08 ± 15.62 vs. 27.44 ± 15.05/mm2) were significantly lower in congenital aniridia subjects, than in controls (p < 0.001 for all). CNFW was significantly higher in aniridia subjects, than in controls (0.03 ± 0.004 vs. 0.02 ± 0.003 mm/mm2) (p < 0.003). Keratocyte density was significantly lower in all stromal layers of congenital aniridia subjects, than in controls (p < 0.001 for all). Stromal alterations included confluent keratocytes, keratocytes with long extensions and hyperreflective dots between keratocytes in congenital aniridia. Conclusions: CNFD, CNFL and CTBD decrease and CNFW increase well refer to the congenital aniridia associated neuropathy. The decreased keratocyte density contradicts the inflammatory hypothesis of congenital aniridia. Corneal stromal changes in different stages of AAK have to be further analysed in detail0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhinolophids (horseshoe bats) are a widespread and diverse family. Their high level of morphological convergence has made taxonomic identification and estimation of species diversity problematic. The Rhinolophus philippinensis group, which is characterized with huge ears and low echolocation frequency relative to body size, is a specific group among all the rhinolophid groups, but the phylogeny of this group is poorly understood. In this study, we performed integrated analyses of the morphology, acoustic and genetic data and constructed the first multilocus phylogeny for the philippinensis group using four mitochondrial genes, four autosomal introns and one Y‐linked intron in 95 specimens representing nine taxa. Phylogenies were constructed based on concatenated phylogenetic methods and a multilocus coalescence approach. The estimated phylogenies revealed the polyphyly of the philippinensis group. Except for R. philippinensis, all the other species in this group formed a monophyletic cluster, named herewith as "R. macrotis" species group. Phylogenies, genetic and phenotypic divergence, and species delimitation analyses supported the revised status of R. paradoxolophus as a subspecies of R. rex, R. cf. macrotis as a subspecies of R. macrotis, and R. huananus and R. cf. siamensis as junior synonyms of R. siamensis. Significant discordances were found between the mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees, suggesting incomplete lineage sorting or ancient introgression events within the philippinensis group. The macrotis group appeared to have undergone a rapid radiation approximately 2.57 million years ago during the early Pleistocene period due to palaeoclimatic oscillations. Reconstruction of the ancestral ranges suggested a wide distribution of the common ancestor for the philippinensis and macrotis groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appearance and spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is a phenomenon seen throughout Europe since 2008. Synthetic cathinones, a group of NPS, have been self-reported as the drug injected by the vast majority of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Hungary. This study aims at updating our knowledge of what exactly are the compounds injected by PWID. This multi-site study analysed residues from used injecting drug paraphernalia collected from PWID via low-threshold services and from public places in Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc, Szeged, Békéscsaba and Pécs between March 2015 and February 2016. The paper describes the results of the chemical analysis of 2985 analytical samples created out of the 22 005 objects collected in this period. Active agents and their occurrences (compound cases) were identified using GC-MS. The study detected 161 different compounds, mostly synthetic cathinones (29%), non-psychoactive compounds (14%), amines (12%), non-psychoactive medications (12%) and other substances (32%). Of the 12 762 compound cases, 50% were cathinones, 18% substitution medications, 9% non-controlled psychoactive substances and 24% other substances. Among compound cases, the most frequent cathinones were pentedrone (21%) and α-PHP (12%). Among substitution medications, most were methadone (93%), and non-controlled psychoactive substances were caffeine (74%) and nicotine (21%). Overall, the most prevalent substances were methadone (16%), pentedrone (10%) and caffeine (7%) with considerable variation detected among participating cities. Our results are consistent with previous self-reported data showing a high prevalence of synthetic cathinone injection among PWID in Hungary. We also detected a large-scale misuse of methadone by PWID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The genus Glauconycteris Dobson, 1875 currently contains 12 species of butterfly bats, all endemic to sub‐Saharan Africa. Most species are rarely recorded, with half of the species known from less than six geographic localities. The taxonomic status of several species remains problematic. Here, we studied the systematics of butterfly bats using both morphological and molecular approaches. We examined 45 adult specimens for external anatomy and skull morphology, and investigated the phylogeny of Glauconycteris using DNA sequences from three mitochondrial genes and 116 individuals, which in addition to outgroup taxa, included nine of the twelve butterfly bat species currently recognized. Four additional nuclear genes were sequenced on a reduced sample of 69 individuals, covering the outgroup and Glauconycteris species. Our molecular results show that the genus Glauconycteris is monophyletic, and that it is the sister‐group of the Asian genus Hesperoptenus. Molecular dating estimates based on either Cytb or RAG2 data sets suggest that the ancestor of Glauconycteris migrated into Africa from Asia during the Tortonian age of the Late Miocene (11.6–7.2 Mya), while the basal diversification of the crown group occurred in Africa at around 6 ± 2 Mya. The species G. superba is found to be the sister‐group of G. variegata, questioning its placement in the recently described genus Niumbaha. The small species living in tropical rainforests constitute a robust clade, which contains three divergent lineages: (i) the “poensis” group, which is composed of G. poensis, G. alboguttata, G. argentata, and G. egeria; (ii) the “beatrix” group, which contains G. beatrix and G. curryae; and (iii) the “humeralis” group, which includes G. humeralis and a new species described herein. In the “poensis” group, G. egeria is found to be monophyletic in the nuclear tree, but polyphyletic in the mitochondrial tree. The reasons for this mito‐nuclear discordance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic status of Rhinolophus macrotis sensu lato (s.l.) in Vietnam and adjacent territories remains problematic. To address this issue, we performed an integrated study of morphological, acoustic, and genetic characters of R. macrotis s.l. specimens and compared these with sympatric species within the philippinensis group ( R. marshalli, R. paradoxolophus, and R. rex). Our results reveal that in addition to a cryptic species of R. macrotis previously found in Jiangxi and Jingmen, China, R. macrotis s.l. in continental Asia includes three further species, namely R. cf . siamensis, R. cf . macrotis, and R. cf . macrotis 'Phia Oac.' These four taxa are distinguished from genuine R. macrotis in Nepal and R. siamensis in Thailand by their morphological and/or genetic features. Further taxonomic evaluation of the subspecies of R. macrotis s.l. is needed to determine their affinities with recently recognized cryptic species and to possibly describe new taxa. Our results also show that interspecific divergences in mitochondrial DNA sequences ( Cytb and COI genes) among taxa within the philippinensis group (particularly between R. cf. siamensis/ R. cf . macrotis and R. rex/ R. paradoxolophus) are significantly lower than those of other morphological groups in the genus. These phylogenetic patterns might be explained by recent allopatric speciation or ancient introgression events among ancestors of the taxa during the Pleistocene. However, further investigations including genetic analyses of nuclear genes are needed to test the latter hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammals are a key target group for conservation biology. Insights into the patterns and timing of and driving forces behind their past extinctions help us to understand their present, and to predict and mitigate their future biodiversity loss. Much research has been focused on the intensely debated megafaunal extinctions at the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, whereas the Holocene mammal extinctions have remained less studied., Here, we consider the Holocene extinctions of mammal taxa in the Carpathian Basin, a distinctive and biogeographically well-constrained predominantly lowland region in Central Europe. For the first time, we combine data from palaeontological, archaeozoological, and historical sources for a comprehensive analysis., A total of 11 mammal species, including steppe-dwelling rodents, large carnivores and herbivores, disappeared from the Carpathian Basin during the Holocene. The extinctions are interpreted in the framework of changing habitats and ecosystems, as grasslands and open forests vanished at the westernmost limits of the Eurasian steppe., The temporal distribution of extinctions is non-random; most taxon range terminations are concentrated around two discrete events. Members of the steppe community disappeared between 5000 and 4000 BP, around the Copper Age-Bronze Age transition. Large herbivores that found refugia in the forests vanished later, between the 16th and 18th centuries AD. The steppe, forest-steppe ecosystems of the Carpathian Basin suffered a considerable loss in their mammalian fauna, which has significant implications for conservation efforts for the existing similar dry, open habitats in western Eurasia., Further research and better age constraints are needed to establish the causes of extinctions more firmly, but the lack of synchronous and severe climate and vegetation changes and the coincidence with transformations in human history suggest the prime role of anthropogenic disturbance. We conclude that there were two waves of Holocene mammal extinctions of megafaunal character in the Carpathian Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being totally blind with no tail or pinnae, blind mole rats are the most specialised rodents for the subterranean lifestyle. However, they come to the surface occasionally due to unusual climatic events, for foraging, to collect hay for bedding material, for dispersal as subadults, due to intraspecific aggression, and in illness., The only previous review suggests that surface activity of and predation on blind mole rats is rare and that they are preyed on mainly at night by owls., Based on 57 scientific publications, 14 unpublished reports and several personal observations (from 15 countries), the present review reveals that altogether 26 species of bird and mammal prey on blind mole rats either regularly or occasionally. It is evidenced that not only the number of predators, but also the importance of blind mole rats in their diet has been seriously underestimated., The tight relationship between the colour of the soil and the colour of the pelage of blind mole rats suggests the importance of diurnal raptors via their selective impact. Predation by mammals happens relatively often, and mustelids hunt blind mole rats not only on the surface, but probably also inside their burrows. The labyrinth-like structure of the burrows may play a vital role in confusing mammalian predators trying to hunt inside the burrows, and may increase the blind mole rat's chance of escape., With the proven importance of blind mole rats as a food resource for several threatened species of birds of prey, the survival, reproductive success, and population size of these species may partly depend on the density of the rodents. Although many species within the blind mole rat subfamily are themselves threatened to various extents, the role of blind mole rat populations in carnivore and raptor conservation should be considered and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cases of geographically restricted co-occurring sister taxa are rare and may point to potential divergence with gene flow. The two bat species Murina gracilis and Murina recondita are both endemic to Taiwan and are putative sister species. To test for nonallopatric divergence and gene flow in these taxa, we generated sequences using Sanger and next-generation sequencing, and combined these with microsatellite data for coalescent-based analyses. Mt DNA phylogenies supported the reciprocally monophyletic sister relationship between M. gracilis and M. recondita; however, clustering of microsatellite genotypes revealed several cases of species admixture suggesting possible introgression. Sequencing of microsatellite flanking regions revealed that admixture signatures stemmed from microsatellite allele homoplasy rather than recent introgressive hybridization, and also uncovered an unexpected sister relationship between M. recondita and the continental species Murina eleryi, to the exclusion of M. gracilis. To dissect the basis of these conflicts between nc DNA and mt DNA, we analysed sequences from 10 anonymous nc DNA loci with * beast and isolation-with-migration and found two distinct clades of M. eleryi, one of which was sister to M. recondita. We conclude that Taiwan was colonized by the ancestor of M. gracilis first, followed by the ancestor of M. recondita after a period of allopatric divergence. After colonization, the mitochondrial genome of M. recondita was replaced by that of the resident M. gracilis. This study illustrates how apparent signatures of sympatric divergence can arise from complex histories of allopatric divergence, colonization and hybridization, thus highlighting the need for rigorous analyses to distinguish between such scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We investigated whether current mood and interest/pleasure ratings in adults with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities were predictive of challenging behaviour [self-injurious behaviour (SIB), aggressive/destructive behaviour and stereotypic behaviour] and vice versa. Method In this combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study, staff members of a Hungarian residential facility completed translated versions of the Behaviour Problems Inventory-Short Form (BPI-S), the Challenging Behaviour Interview (CBI) and the Mood, Interest and Pleasure Questionnaire-Short Form (MIPQ-S) for 50 participants at two time points, approximately 4 to 5 months apart. Results Bivariate correlations from data concurrently assessed at Time-1 showed significant linear relationships between the SIB (both frequency and severity scores) and Interest/Pleasure sub-scales, and the Aggressive/Destructive Behaviour (severity scores) and the MIPQ-S Mood sub-scales (unadjusted for multiple correlations). All of these effects were found with the BPI-S data, but not with the CBI. Multiple regression analyses revealed that (1) low interest/pleasure assessed at Time-1 predicted high SIB (frequency and severity) at Time-2. (2) Interest/pleasure was not predictive of aggressive or stereotypic behaviour. (3) Mood at Time-1 did not predict any of the three types of behaviour problems at Time-2. (4) In reverse, high SIB (frequency and severity) at Time-1 predicted low interest/pleasure ratings at Time-2. (5) Surprisingly, frequent aggressive/destructive behaviour predicted high interest/pleasure. (6) Stereotypic behaviour scores at Time-1 did not predict interest/pleasure ratings at Time-2. Again, all of these effects were only found with the BPI-S data, but not with the CBI. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Hungarian versions of all three questionnaires had generally satisfactory outcomes. Discussion The fact that increasingly frequent and severe SIB was predicted by declining measures of interest/pleasure is consistent with previous studies. Contrary to those earlier studies, however, we found that SIB was not predicted by mood and that aggressive/destructive behaviour actually predicted future elevated mood. Implications for future research regarding the directional relationship between affective states such as mood and interest and pleasure, on the one hand, and challenging behaviour, on the other, were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita ( EBA) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease of mucous membranes and the skin caused by autoantibodies against collagen VII. In silico and wet laboratory epitope mapping studies revealed numerous distinct epitopes recognized by EBA patients' autoantibodies within the non-collagenous ( NC)1 and NC2 domains of collagen VII. However, the distribution of pathogenic epitopes on collagen VII has not yet been described. In this study, we therefore performed an in vivo functional epitope mapping of pathogenic autoantibodies in experimental EBA. Animals ( n = 10/group) immunized against fragments of the NC1 and NC2 domains of collagen VII or injected with antibodies generated against the same fragments developed to different extent experimental EBA. Our results demonstrate that antibodies targeting multiple, distinct epitopes distributed over the entire NC1, but not NC2 domain of collagen VII induce blistering skin disease in vivo. Our present findings have crucial implications for the development of antigen-specific B- and T cell-targeted therapies in EBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-dose methotrexate ( HD- MTX) plays an important role in the consolidation therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia ( ALL) in many treatment regimens worldwide. However, there is a large interpatient variability in the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the drug. We investigated the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) in genes of the folate metabolic pathway, transporter molecules and transcription proteins on the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of MTX and 7-hydroxy-methotrexate (7- OH- MTX). 63 SNPs of 14 genes were genotyped and a total of 463 HD- MTX courses (administered according to the ALL- BFM 95 and ALL IC- BFM 2002 protocols) were analysed. Haematological, hepatic and renal toxicities, estimated by routine laboratory parameters were evaluated. Random forest and regression trees were used for variable selection and model building. Linear mixed models were established to prove the significance of the selected variables. SNPs (rs4948502, rs4948496, rs4948487) of the ARID5 B gene were associated with the serum levels of MTX ( P < 0·02), serum levels and area under the curve of 7- OH- MTX ( P < 0·02) and with hypoproteinaemia ( P = 0·004). SLCO1B1 rs4149056 also showed a significant association with serum MTX levels ( P < 0·001). Our findings confirm the association of novel genetic variations in folate-related and ARID5B genes with the serum MTX levels and acute toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new azobenzene-group-containing monomer and several respective functional side-chain polymers grafted on a methylhydrosiloxane backbone (with two different degrees of poly­merization; with and without the addition of a photoreactive benzophenone derivative) are designed, synthesized, and characterized. The resulting materials clearly show self-assembly behavior and possess a nematic liquid-crystal phase over a broad temperature range, which extends below 0 °C. The optical properties of these new photo­chromic liquid-crystalline materials are determined from the absorbance spectra of oriented samples and by photo­induced birefringence studies. The results indicate a considerable dichroism of the side-chain liquid-crystalline polymers (SCLCPs), and hence demonstrate their potential applicability for optical storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The goals of our study were to assess the population history and genetic structure of the widespread bat Hipposideros armiger, and to evaluate the effect of palaeoclimatic changes and dispersal patterns on this species. Location South China, mainland Southeast Asia and the South Himalayas. Methods We amplified two mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) regions (cyt b and D-loop) and seven nuclear microsatellite loci (n SSRs) from 216 individuals of H. armiger. To examine the evolutionary history of this species, we constructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees based on the two mt DNA regions. From the mt DNA and/or n SSR data, we assessed population genetic structure using analysis of molecular variance ( AMOVA) and median-joining network and structure analyses. We also estimated demographic history and gene flow using a Bayesian skyline plot and the program I Ma2. Results Phylogenetic and median-joining network analyses revealed that H. armiger comprises two distinct mt DNA clades divided into seven subclades. The results of AMOVA suggested strong population genetic structure based on mt DNA, but weak structure based on n SSRs. structure analysis identified three population clusters and also showed weak genetic structure at the nuclear level. Demographic analyses revealed two population expansion events c. 0.62 Ma and c. 0.25 Ma. The basic phylogeographical structure of H. armiger was established by 0.24 Ma. I Ma2 analysis demonstrated that substantial gene flow has occurred between different regions since then. Additionally, non-significant population structure and significant gene flow were detected between Taiwan and Hainan island populations and those from mainland China. Main conclusions Our results suggest that divergence and population expansion of H. armiger occurred in association with Pleistocene climatic changes and that multiple refugia may have existed for this species. Post-glacial male-biased dispersal was likely to be the primary contributor to the contemporary genetic structure of H. armiger populations. Gene flow may have contributed greatly to the genetic structure of insular populations and populations from mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency is an innate error of adaptive immunity characterized by recurrent infections with viruses, bacteria and fungi, very high serum IgE concentrations, and a progressive deterioration of T- and B-cell-mediated immunity. We studied the genetic and immunological features of two sisters (aged 11 and 6 yr). Mutational analysis of genomic DNA and cDNA from the patients and their parents, by a combination of PCR and bidirectional targeted sequencing, failed to localize the mutation site. However, a multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay revealed two novel large deletions, del1-14 exons and del8-18 exons, of DOCK8 in both patients. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that DOCK8 protein was absent from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of both patients. These data suggest that compound heterozygous del1-14 exons and del8-18 exons mutations result in a loss of function of DOCK8 protein and a typical DOCK8 deficiency phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastocytosis is a rare disease with reported high interleukin-6 ( IL6) levels influencing disease severity. The present study investigated polymorphisms within the genes that encode IL6 and its receptor ( IL6 R) in relation to mastocytosis development in a case-control design. Analysis of the IL6 R Asp358Ala polymorphism showed that carriers of the AA genotype had a 2·5-fold lower risk for mastocytosis than those with the AC or CC genotypes. No association with mastocytosis was found for the IL6−174 G/ C polymorphism, however, it may influence the effect of IL6 R polymorphism. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study analysing IL6/ IL6 R polymorphisms in mastocytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In plants, microRNAs play an important role in many regulatory circuits, including responses to environmental cues such as nutrient limitations. One such microRNA is miR395, which is strongly up-regulated by sulfate deficiency and targets two components of the sulfate uptake and assimilation pathway. Here we show that miR395 levels are affected by treatments with metabolites regulating sulfate assimilation. The precursor of cysteine, O-acetylserine, which accumulates during sulfate deficiency, causes increase in miR395 accumulation. Feeding plants with cysteine, which inhibits sulfate uptake and assimilation, induces miR395 levels while buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, lowers miR395 expression. Thus, miR395 is an integral part of the regulatory network of sulfate assimilation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Y RNAs are approximately 100 nucleotide long conserved cytoplasmic non-coding RNAs, which produce smaller RNA fragments during apoptosis. Here we show that these smaller RNA molecules are also produced in non-stressed cells and in a range of human cancerous and non-cancerous cell types. Recent reports have speculated that the cleavage products of Y RNAs enter the microRNA pathway. We tested this hypothesis and found that Y5 and Y3 RNA fragments are Dicer independent, they are in different complexes than microRNAs and that they are not co-immunoprecipitated with Ago2. Therefore we conclude that Y RNA fragments do not enter the microRNA pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (XHIGM) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) caused by mutation in the gene encoding the CD40 ligand (CD40L) expressed on activated T cells. Prenatal genotyping in carriers with twin pregnancies is more challenging than in women with singleton pregnancies. In addition, women with twin pregnancies may decide on selective termination for which the risk of loss of the healthy foetus may exceed 7%. We report here on a family affected by XHIGM. Diagnosis of the disease was made in a male patient as late as 33 years of age. After family screening, the sister of the proband conceived male twins in two consecutive pregnancies. In the first pregnancy, one of the male foetuses was hemizygous for the c.521A>G (Q174R) mutation in the CD40L gene. In the second pregnancy, ultrasound scan showed one foetus to have exencephaly and karyotyping revealed this foetus to have trisomy 18. Several options were discussed, but the parents decided on selective termination in both pregnancies. The interventions were successful in both cases, and the mother now has two healthy sons. This report demonstrates the way in which advanced technologies in molecular medicine and obstetric interventions may assist families with decisions about possible selective termination in case of life-threatening molecular or chromosomal disorders. Diagnosis of CD40L deficiency at the age of 33 years in the proband was striking and indicated that PIDs are still neglected as disease entities in the evaluation of patients with recurrent severe infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracyclines are potent cytostatic drugs, the correct dosage being critical to avoid possible cardiac side effects. ABCC1 [ATP-binding cassette, sub-family C, member 1; also denoted as MRP1 (multidrug resistance-associated protein 1)] is expressed in the heart and takes part in the detoxification and protection of cells from the toxic effects of xenobiotics, including anthracyclines. Our objective was to search for associations between LV (left ventricular) function and single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the ABCC1 gene in children receiving anthracycline chemotherapy. Data of 235 paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was analysed. Patients were followed-up by echocardiography (median follow-up 6.3 years). Nine polymorphisms in the ABCC1 gene were genotyped. The ABCC1 rs3743527TT genotype and rs3743527TT-rs246221TC/TT genotype combination were associated with lower LVFS (left ventricular fractional shortening) after chemotherapy. The results suggest that genetic variants in the ABCC1 gene influence anthracycline-induced LV dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA silencing plays an important role in plants in defence against viruses. To overcome this defence, plant viruses encode suppressors of RNA silencing. The most common mode of silencing suppression is sequestration of double-stranded RNAs involved in the antiviral silencing pathways. Viral suppressors can also overcome silencing responses through protein–protein interaction. The poleroviral P0 silencing suppressor protein targets ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins for degradation. AGO proteins are the core component of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). We found that P0 does not interfere with the slicer activity of pre-programmed siRNA/miRNA containing AGO1, but prevents de novo formation of siRNA/miRNA containing AGO1. We show that the AGO1 protein is part of a high-molecular-weight complex, suggesting the existence of a multi-protein RISC in plants. We propose that P0 prevents RISC assembly by interacting with one of its protein components, thus inhibiting formation of siRNA/miRNA–RISC, and ultimately leading to AGO1 degradation. Our findings also suggest that siRNAs enhance the stability of co-expressed AGO1 in both the presence and absence of P0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants use a variety of small peptides for cell to cell communication during growth and development. Leguminous plants are characterized by their ability to develop nitrogen-fixing nodules via an interaction with symbiotic bacteria. During nodule organogenesis, several so-called nodulin genes are induced, including large families that encode small peptides. Using a three-hybrid approach in yeast cells, we identified two new small nodulins, MtSNARP1 and MtSNARP2 (for small nodulin acidic RNA-binding protein), which interact with the RNA of MtENOD40, an early induced nodulin gene showing conserved RNA secondary structures. The SNARPs are acidic peptides showing single-stranded RNA-binding activity in vitro and are encoded by a small gene family in Medicago truncatula. These peptides exhibit two new conserved motifs and a putative signal peptide that redirects a GFP fusion to the endoplasmic reticulum both in protoplasts and during symbiosis, suggesting they are secreted. MtSNARP2 is expressed in the differentiating region of the nodule together with several early nodulin genes. MtSNARP2 RNA interference (RNAi) transgenic roots showed aberrant early senescent nodules where differentiated bacteroids degenerate rapidly. Hence, a functional symbiotic interaction may be regulated by secreted RNA-binding peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In markets subject to network effects, firms often remove some functions of their original products and sell a functionally-downgraded version at a lower or zero price. This paper aims to provide a pure network effect based explanation of such a practice. Building a functional degradation model with asymmetric network effects, we investigate when and why firms have incentives to introduce a functionally-degraded good and discuss its welfare implication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the association of precipitins and coeliac disease by way of a study conducted to determine the antibody types that could lead to an understanding of the induced reaction .The study was based on the observation of blood antibody level of coeliac patients using precipitation and agglutination techniques. The study explains the gluten intolerance mechanism in the coeliac disease. The findings reveal the role antibodies belonging to classes other than Immunoglobulin E in the sera of coeliac patients. The results emphasize the importance of type Ill reaction in the pathomechanism of the disease.

The subfamily Murininae is renowned for its inherent taxonomic challenges associated with sampling difficulties and morphological similarities. At present, three genera are acknowledged within the subfamily; however, their phylogenetic interrelations and systematic classification remain debated. In this study, the separation of Harpiola at the genus level was robustly supported by our phylogenomic analyses based on the mitochondrial genome, coding sequences (CDSs) and ultraconserved elements (UCEs) from 12 individuals covering all three genera of Murininae. Notably, a distinctive mito‐nuclear discordance emerged, with the nuclear genealogy ((Harpiocephalus, Harpiola), Murina) contrasting with the mitochondrial genealogy (Harpiocephalus, (Harpiola, Murina)). The integration of these findings with inferences of demographic history reveals that dramatic environmental changes during the Pleistocene glacial and inter‐glacial cycles have shaped the current distribution of Murininae. Moreover, the detection of extensive gene flow between ancient lineages of Harpiola and Murina suggests that an ancestral ‘ghost’ Murina lineage may have contributed its mitochondrial DNA, along with a limited portion of nuclear DNA, to Harpiola in a bygone hybridization zone. In addition to molecular analyses, we employed traditional and geometric morphometric analyses of skulls to differentiate the three genera. Harpiocephalus is readily distinguishable, but Harpiola and certain species of Murina exhibit overlapping characteristics both morphometrically and geometrically which may be the outcome of ancient introgression events. This finding highlights the importance of fine‐scale morphological distinctions within the latter genera, which may be the outcome of ancient introgression events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple rapid method was worked out for studying the physical and structural state of lipids by measuring the refractive indices of a layered lipid film. Melting processes of n-paraffins and phase transitions of phospholipids and the lecithin-cholesterol system also can be followed as a function of temperature. In accordance with data from the relevant literature, the measured refractive indices show that cholesterol lowers the phase transition temperature of lecithin. By isorefraction curves, the most ordered structure of the layers is indicated to occur at the equimolar ratio of cholesterol and lecithin. The method may be applied to study the effect of lipid-soluble agents upon lipid structure and is applicable for routine investigations and industrial purposes as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]