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Chlorella vulgaris is of great importance in numerous exploratory or industrial applications (e.g., medicals, food, and feed additives). Rapid quantification of algal biomass is crucial in photobioreactors for the optimization of nutrient management and the estimation of production. The main goal of this study is to provide a simple, rapid, and not-resource-intensive estimation method for determining the algal density of C. vulgaris according to the measured parameters using UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Comparative assessment measurements were conducted with seven different methods (e.g., filtration, evaporation, chlorophyll a extraction, and detection of optical density and fluorescence) to determine algal biomass. By analyzing the entire spectra of diluted algae samples, optimal wavelengths were determined through a stepwise series of linear regression analyses by a novel correlation scanning method, facilitating accurate parameter estimation. Nonlinear formulas for spectrometry-based estimation processes were derived for each parameter. As a result, a general formula for biomass concentration estimation was developed, with recommendations for suitable measuring devices based on algae concentration levels. New values for magnesium content and the average single-cell weight of C. vulgaris were established, in addition to the development of a rapid, semiautomated cell counting method, improving efficiency and accuracy in algae quantification for cultivation and biotechnology applications.

Background: Fabry disease is a progressive, X chromosome-linked lysosomal storage disorder with multiple organ dysfunction. Due to the absence or reduced activity of alpha-galactosidase A (AGAL), glycosphingolipids, primarily globotriaosyl-ceramide (Gb3), concentrate in cells. In heterozygous women, symptomatology is heterogenous and currently routinely used fluorometry-based assays measuring mean activity mostly fail to uncover AGAL dysfunction. The aim was the development of a flow cytometry assay to measure AGAL activity in individual cells. Methods: Conventional and multispectral imaging flow cytometry was used to detect AGAL activity. Specificity was validated using the GLA knockout (KO) Jurkat cell line and AGAL inhibitor 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin. The GLA KO cell line was generated via CRISPR-Cas9-based transfection, validated with exome sequencing, gene expression and substrate accumulation. Results: Flow cytometric detection of specific AGAL activity is feasible with fluorescently labelled Gb3. In the case of Jurkat cells, a substrate concentration of 2.83 nmol/mL and 6 h of incubation are required. Quenching of the aspecific exofacial binding of Gb3 with 20% trypan blue solution is necessary for the specific detection of lysosomal substrate accumulation. Conclusion: A flow cytometry-based assay was developed for the quantitative detection of AGAL activity at the single-cell level, which may contribute to the diagnosis of Fabry patients.

Abstract Background Imprinting disorders (ImpDis) comprise diseases which are caused by aberrant regulation of monoallelically and parent-of-origin-dependent expressed genes. A characteristic molecular change in ImpDis patients is aberrant methylation signatures at disease-specific loci, without an obvious DNA change at the specific differentially methylated region (DMR). However, there is a growing number of reports on multilocus imprinting disturbances (MLIDs), i.e. aberrant methylation at different DMRs in the same patient. These MLIDs account for a significant number of patients with specific ImpDis, and several reports indicate a central role of pathogenic maternal effect variants in their aetiology by affecting the maturation of the oocyte and the early embryo. Though several studies on the prevalence and the molecular causes of MLID have been conducted, homogeneous datasets comprising both genomic and methylation data are still lacking. Results Based on a cohort of 36 MLID patients, we here present both methylation data obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS, ImprintSeq) approaches and whole-exome sequencing (WES). The compilation of methylation data did not reveal a disease-specific MLID episignature, and a predisposition for the phenotypic modification was not obvious as well. In fact, this lack of epigenotype–phenotype correlation might be related to the mosaic distribution of imprinting defects and their functional relevance in specific tissues. Conclusions Due to the higher sensitivity of NGS-based approaches, we suggest that ImprintSeq might be offered at reference centres in case of ImpDis patients with unusual phenotypes but MLID negative by conventional tests. By WES, additional MLID causes than the already known maternal effect variants could not be identified, neither in the patients nor in the maternal exomes. In cases with negative WES results, it is currently unclear to what extent either environmental factors or undetected genetic variants contribute to MLID.

Abstract Background Neurodevelopmental disorders are genetically heterogeneous pediatric conditions. The first tier diagnostic method for uncovering copy number variations (CNVs), one of the most common genetic etiologies in affected individuals, is chromosomal microarray (CMA). However, this methodology is not yet a routine molecular cytogenetic test in many parts of the world, including Hungary. Here we report clinical and genetic data of the first, relatively large Hungarian cohort of patients whose genetic testing included CMA. Methods Clinical data were retrospectively collected for 78 children who were analyzed using various CMA platforms. Phenotypes of patients with disease-causing variants were compared to patients with negative results using the chi squared/Fisher exact tests. Results A total of 30 pathogenic CNVs were identified in 29 patients (37.2%). Postnatal growth delay (p = 0.05564), pectus excavatum (p = 0.07484), brain imaging abnormalities (p = 0.07848), global developmental delay (p = 0.08070) and macrocephaly (p = 0.08919) were more likely to be associated with disease-causing CNVs. Conclusion Our results allow phenotypic expansion of 14q11.2 microdeletions encompassing SUPT16H and CHD8 genes. Variants of unknown significance (n = 24) were found in 17 patients. We provide detailed phenotypic and genetic data of these individuals to facilitate future classification efforts, and spotlight two patients with potentially pathogenic alterations. Our results contribute to unraveling the diagnostic value of rare CNVs.

Abstract Background Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a genetic disorder characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction, relative macrocephaly at birth, body asymmetry and typical facial features. Clinical and molecular heterogeneity is described in SRS. Common causes are loss of methylation of the imprinting center 1 in 11p15 and maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7. Other genetic alterations include disturbances of imprinted regions in 14q32, 7q32 and 11p15 as well as submicroscopic deletions and duplications. Single nucleotide variants in genes like IGF2, HMGA2, PLAG1, CDKN1C have also been identified in patients with SRS phenotypes. However, routine molecular diagnostics usually focus on 11p15 and chromosome 7, while less frequent causes are not systematically addressed. Results Here we report two patients with SRS features in which molecular karyotyping revealed microdeletions in 1q21 and 8q12.1 respectively. In a 3.5-year-old girl with postnatal growth restriction, feeding difficulties, relative macrocephaly and distinct SRS features a 2 Mb deletion in 1q21.1q21.2 was identified. Our second case is a 1.5-year-old boy with intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction, feeding difficulties and distinct facial features with a 77 kb deletion in 8q12.1 affecting PLAG1 as the only protein-encoding gene with known function. Conclusions The 1q21 region has not yet been assigned as an SRS region, although six patients with the same deletion and SRS features including relative macrocephaly have been described before. This new case adds to the evidence that distal 1q21 should be annotated as an SRS candidate region. The PLAGL1 alteration is the smallest deletion in 8q12.1 ever reported in a patient with SRS phenotype and it finally confirms that PLAG1 is the SRS causing gene in 8q12.1. To increase the diagnostic yield in patients with suspected SRS, we recommend both molecular karyotyping and next generation sequencing-based approaches.

Fabry disease (FD) is a multisystemic X-linked lysosomal storage disease that presents with angiokeratomas (AKs). Our objective was to investigate the clinical and morphologic features of AKs and to present two experimental techniques, multispectral imaging (MSI) and non-linear microscopy (NLM). A thorough dermatological examination was carried out in our 26 FD patients and dermoscopic images (n = 136) were evaluated for specific structures. MSI was used for the evaluation of AKs in seven patients. NLM was carried out to obtain histology samples of two AKs and two hemangiomas. Although AKs were the most common manifestation, the majority of patients presented an atypical distribution and appearance, which could cause a diagnostic challenge. Dermoscopy revealed lacunae (65%) and dotted vessels (56%) as the most common structures, with a whitish veil present in only 25%. Autofluorescence (405 nm) and diffuse reflectance (526 nm) images showed the underlying vasculature more prominently compared to dermoscopy. Using NLM, AKs and hemangiomas could be distinguished based on morphologic features. The clinical heterogeneity of FD can result in a diagnostic delay. Although AKs are often the first sign of FD, their presentation is diverse. A thorough dermatological examination and the evaluation of other cutaneous signs are essential for the early diagnosis of FD.

Bioplastics have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional plastics, marketed as environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. They provide a variety of methods for efficient waste management contributing to the goals of the circular economy. At their end-of-life stage, bioplastics can generate added value through aerobic and anaerobic biological treatments (composting or anaerobic digestion). In this study, biomethane potential (BMP) tests were carried out under mesophilic conditions on eight different catering biodegradable plastics available in the market and certified as being biodegradable under industrial composting conditions. Chemical analysis of the biodegradable plastics included elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. Key differences were observed in total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) contents between the studied biopolymer products. TS values ranged between 85.00 ± 0.26% (Product 8) and 99.16 ± 0.23% (Product 4), whereas VS content ranged between 64.57 ± 0.25 %wm (Product 6) and 99.14 ± 0.17 %wm (Product 4). Elemental analysis (elements C, H, N, S, and O) was used to estimate the theoretical methane production (ThBMP) of each product. The highest ThBMP (538.6 ± 8.7 NmL/gVS) was observed in Product 4 correlated with the highest C and H contents, while the lowest ThBMP (431.8 ± 6.1 NmL/gVS) was observed in Product 2. Significant differences were recorded between BMP values according to the chemical composition of the polymers. The average of BMP values ranged between 50.4 ± 2.1 NmL/gVS and 437.5 ± 1.0 NmL/gVS. Despite being characterized by the same composition (cellulose/cellulose derivatives and calcium carbonate), Products 2, 3, and 6 revealed significant differences in terms of TS, VS, ThBMP, and BMP. Furthermore, a significant statistical relationship (p < 0.001) was found between time (days) and BMP values of the eight products (R2 = 0.899–0.964) during the initial phase. The study confirmed that cellulose-based materials can convert efficiently under mesophilic conditions into methane, at a relatively short retention time; hence, they can be regarded as a promising material for co-digestion with feedstock in industrial anaerobic biogas plants. In contrast, biodegradation of polylactic acids (PLA) does not occur under mesophilic conditions, and hence, pre-treatment of the polymers is recommended. Moreover, PLA-containing products are highly affected by the presence of other components (e.g., polybutylene adipate terephthalate and cellulose/cellulose derivatives).

There is a deep need to navigate within our genomic data to find, understand and pave the way for disease-specific treatments, as the clinical diagnostic journey provides only limited guidance. The human genome is enclosed in every nucleated cell, and yet at the single-cell resolution many unanswered questions remain, as most of the sequencing techniques use a bulk approach. Therefore, heterogeneity, mosaicism and many complex structural variants remain partially uncovered. As a conceptual approach, nanopore-based sequencing holds the promise of being a single-molecule-based, long-read and high-resolution technique, with the ability of uncovering the nucleic acid sequence and methylation almost in real time. A key limiting factor of current clinical genetics is the deciphering of key disease-causing genomic sequences. As the technological revolution is expanding regarding genetic data, the interpretation of genotype–phenotype correlations should be made with fine caution, as more and more evidence points toward the presence of more than one pathogenic variant acting together as a result of intergenic interplay in the background of a certain phenotype observed in a patient. This is in conjunction with the observation that many inheritable disorders manifest in a phenotypic spectrum, even in an intra-familial way. In the present review, we summarized the relevant data on nanopore sequencing regarding clinical genomics as well as highlighted the importance and content of pre-test and post-test genetic counselling, yielding a complex approach to phenotype-driven molecular diagnosis. This should significantly lower the time-to-right diagnosis as well lower the time required to complete a currently incomplete genotype–phenotype axis, which will boost the chance of establishing a new actionable diagnosis followed by therapeutical approach.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a tumor predisposition syndrome inherited in autosomal dominant manner. Besides the intragenic loss-of-function mutations in NF1 gene, large deletions encompassing the NF1 gene and its flanking regions are responsible for the development of the variable clinical phenotype. These large deletions titled as NF1 microdeletions lead to a more severe clinical phenotype than those observed in patients with intragenic NF1 mutations. Around 5-10% of the cases harbor large deletion and four major types of NF1 microdeletions (type 1, 2, 3 and atypical) have been identified so far. They are distinguishable in term of their size and the location of the breakpoints, by the frequency of somatic mosaicism with normal cells not harboring the deletion and by the number of the affected genes within the deleted region. In our study genotype-phenotype analyses have been performed in 17 mostly pediatric patients with NF1 microdeletion syndrome identified by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification after systematic sequencing of the NF1 gene. Confirmation and classification of the NF1 large deletions were performed using array comparative genomic hybridization, where it was feasible. In our patient cohort 70% of the patients possess type-1 deletion, one patient harbors type-2 deletion and 23% of our cases have atypical NF1 deletion. All the atypical deletions identified in this study proved to be novel. One patient with atypical deletion displayed mosaicism. In our study NF1 microdeletion patients presented dysmorphic facial features, macrocephaly, large hands and feet, delayed cognitive development and/or learning difficulties, speech difficulties, overgrowth more often than patients with intragenic NF1 mutations. Moreover, neurobehavior problems, macrocephaly and overgrowth were less frequent in atypical cases compared to type-1 deletion. Proper diagnosis is challenging in certain patients since several clinical manifestations show age-dependency. Large tumor load exhibited more frequently in this type of disorder, therefore better understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations and progress of the disease is essential for individuals suffering from neurofibromatosis to improve the quality of their life. Our study presented additional clinical data related to NF1 microdeletion patients especially for pediatric cases and it contributes to the better understanding of this type of disorder.

Biochars as soil amendments have been reported to improve soil properties and may have an important role in the mitigation of the consequences of climate change. As a novel approach, this study examines whether biochar and digestate co-application can be utilized as cost-effective, renewable plant nutrients. The effects of two types of biochar—wood chip biochar (WBC) and animal bone biochar (ABC), applied alone or in combination with an anaerobic digestate—on soil physicochemical properties, on the levels of selected elements, and on growth yields of ryegrass were studied in laboratory experiments. Most parameters were significantly affected by the treatments, and the investigated factors (biochar type, application rate, and the presence of digestate), as well as their interactions, were found to have significant effects on the characteristics investigated. The easily soluble phosphorus content (AL-P2O5) of the soil increased in all WBC and ABC biochar treatments, and the presence of digestate caused a further increase in AL-P2O5 in the case of anaerobic digestate-supplemented ABC treatment (ABCxAD). The pH increased in both ABC and WBC treatments, and also in the case of ABCxAD treatments. Similar increases in the salt content were detected in ABC-treated samples and in ABCxAD treatments at higher application rates. WBC increased the water holding capacity and carbon content of the soil. Phytotoxic effects of biochars were not detected, although higher doses resulted in slower germination. Combined biochar–digestate applications resulted in increased plant yields compared to sole biochar treatments. Thus, biochar–digestate combinations appear to be applicable as organo-mineral fertilizers.

Abstract Background Premature ovarian failure / primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI) associated with the mutations of the FMR1 (Fragile-X Mental Retardation 1) gene belongs to the group of the so-called trinucleotide expansion diseases. Our aim was to analyse the relationship between the paternally inherited premutation (PIP) and the maternally inherited premutation (MIP) by the examination of the family members of women with POF, carrying the premutation allele confirmed by molecular genetic testing. Methods Molecular genetic testing was performed in the patients of the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with suspected premature ovarian failure. First we performed the southern blot analyses and for the certified premutation cases we used the Repeat Primed PCR. Results Due to POF/POI, a total of 125 patients underwent genetic testing. The FMR1 gene trinucleotide repeat number was examined in the DNA samples of the patients, and in 15 cases (12%) deviations (CGG repeat number corresponding to premutation or gray zone) were detected. In 6 cases out of the 15 cases the CGG repeat number fell within the range of the so-called gray zone (41–54 CGG repeat) (4.8%, 6/125), and the FMR1 premutation (55–200 CGG repeat) ratio was 7.2% (9/125). In 4 out of the 15 cases we found differences in both alleles, one was a premutation allele, and the other allele showed a repeat number belonging to the gray zone. Out of 15 cases, only maternal inheritance (MIP) was detected in 2 cases, in one case the premutation allele (91 CGG repeat number), while in the other case an allele belonging to the gray zone (41 CGG repeat number) were inherited from their mothers. In 10 out of 15 cases, the patient inherited the premutation allele only from the father (PIP). In 5 out of the 10 cases (50%) the premutation allele was inherited from the father, and the repeat number ranged from 55 to 133. Out of 125 cases, 9 patients had detectable cytogenetic abnormalities (7.2%). Conclusions The RP-PCR method can be used to define the smaller premutations and the exact CGG number. Due to the quantitative nature of the RP-PCR, it is possible to detect the mosaicism as well.

Studies have focused on identifying combinations of insects and organic waste to optimise bio-conversion. Here, the effects of different diets (10% chicken feed complemented with 90% vegetable waste, garden waste, cattle manure, or horse manure) on growth and survival rates, and nutritional value of Zophobas morio and Tenebrio molitor larvae, and Acheta domesticus were investigated. Compared with chicken feed, organic waste decreased the individual larval weight, although green waste showed fewer negative effects than the manure. The macronutrient concentrations in garden waste were moderate compared with chicken feed, and vegetable waste was the poorest diet in terms of nutrient concentration, as revealed by the principal component analysis (PCA). There was no difference in weight between larvae reared on garden waste and those reared on vegetable waste. Tenebrio molitor and A. domesticus showed the maximum growth rates at 71–101 and 36–66 days of age at 22.5 ± 2.5 °C, respectively. The PCA showed that the protein and fibre concentrations were inversely proportional to fat concentration in the larvae. Acheta domesticus was rich in proteins, whereas Z. morio and T. molitor were rich in fat. Feeding nutrient-poor diets resulted in a lower protein and a higher fat concentration in the larvae.

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), which is caused by heterozygous inactivating pathogenic variants in the NF1, has poor phenotypic expressivity in the early years of life and there are numerous conditions, including many other tumor predisposition syndromes, that can mimic its appearance. These are collectively termed NF1-like syndromes and are also connected by their genetic background. Therefore, the NF1’s clinical diagnostic efficiency in childhood could be difficult and commonly should be completed with genetic testing. Methods To estimate the number of syndromes/conditions that could mimic NF1, we compiled them through an extensive search of the scientific literature. To test the utility of NF1’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical diagnostic criteria, which have been in use for a long time, we analyzed the data of a 40-member pediatric cohort with symptoms of the NF1-like syndromes’ overlapping phenotype and performed NF1 genetic test, and established the average age when diagnostic suspicion arises. To facilitate timely identification, we compiled strongly suggestive phenotypic features and anamnestic data. Results In our cohort the utility of NF1’s clinical diagnostic criteria were very limited (sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 30%). Only 53% of children with clinically diagnosed NF1 had a detectable NF1 pathogenic variation, whereas 40% of patients without fulfilled clinical criteria tested positive. The average age at first genetic counseling was 9 years, and 40% of children were referred after at least one tumor had already been diagnosed. These results highlight the need to improve NF1-like syndromes’ diagnostic efficiency in childhood. We collected the most extensive spectrum of NF1-like syndromes to help the physicians in differential diagnosis. We recommend the detailed, non-invasive clinical evaluation of patients before referring them to a clinical geneticist. Conclusions Early diagnosis of NF1-like syndromes can help to prevent severe complications by appropriate monitoring and management. We propose a potential screening, diagnostic and management strategy based on our findings and recent scientific knowledge.

Abstract Background Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is an imprinting disorder which is characterised by severe primordial growth retardation, relative macrocephaly and a typical facial gestalt. The clinical heterogeneity of SRS is reflected by a broad spectrum of molecular changes with hypomethylation in 11p15 and maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 (upd(7)mat) as the most frequent findings. Monogenetic causes are rare, but a clinical overlap with numerous other disorders has been reported. However, a comprehensive overview on the contribution of mutations in differential diagnostic genes to phenotypes reminiscent to SRS is missing due to the lack of appropriate tests. With the implementation of next generation sequencing (NGS) tools this limitation can now be circumvented. Main body We analysed 75 patients referred for molecular testing for SRS by a NGS-based multigene panel, whole exome sequencing (WES), and trio-based WES. In 21/75 patients a disease-causing variant could be identified among them variants in known SRS genes (IGF2, PLAG1, HMGA2). Several patients carried variants in genes which have not yet been considered as differential diagnoses of SRS. Conclusions WES approaches significantly increase the diagnostic yield in patients referred for SRS testing. Several of the identified monogenetic disorders have a major impact on clinical management and genetic counseling.

Abstract Background Double aneuploidies - especially in combination with structural aberrations - are extremely rare among liveborns. The most frequent association is that of Down (DS) and Klinefelter syndromes (KS). We present the case of a male newborn with a unique 47,XY,+ 21[80%]/48,XY,+i(X)(q10),+ 21[20%] karyotype, hypothesize about his future phenotype, discuss the aspects of management and review the literature. Case presentation The additional association of isochromosome Xq (i(X)(q10)) could be the result of a threefold non-disjunction event. 47,XY,+i(X)(q10) KS is not common and its symptoms differ from the classical KS phenotype. In combined DS and i(X)(q10) KS, the anticipatory phenotype is not simply the sum of the individual syndromic characteristics. This genotype is associated with higher risk for several diseases and certain conditions with more pronounced appearance: emotional and behavioral disorders; poorer mental and physical quality of life; lower muscle mass/tone/strength; connective tissue weakness; muscle hypotonia and feeding difficulties; osteopenia/−porosis with earlier beginning and faster progression; different types of congenital heart diseases; more common occurrence of hypertension; increased susceptibility to infections and female predominant autoimmune diseases; higher risk for hematological malignancies and testicular tumors. Conclusions In multiple aneuploidies, the alterations have the potential to weaken or enhance each other, or they may not have modifying effects at all. Prenatal ultrasound signs are not obligatory symptoms of numerous chromosomal anomalies (specifically those involving supernumerary sex chromosomes), therefore combined prenatal screening has pertinence in uncomplicated pregnancies as well.

The incidence of childhood leukaemia in Hungary has yet to be reported, although data are available since the early 70s. The Hungarian data therefore cover the time before and after the Chernobyl nuclear accident (1986). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the Chernobyl accident on childhood leukaemia incidence in Hungary. A population-based study was carried out using data of the National Paediatric Cancer Registry of Hungary from 1973 to 2002. The total number of cases was 2204. To test the effect of the Chernobyl accident the authors applied a new approach called ‘Hypothesized Impact Period Interpolation’-model, which takes into account the increasing trend of childhood leukaemia incidence and the hypothesized exposure and latency times. The incidence of leukaemia in the age group 0–14 varied between 33.2 and 39.4 per million person-years along the observed 30 year period, and the incidence of childhood leukaemia showed a moderate increase of 0.71% annually (p=0.0105). In the period of the hypothesized impact of the Chernobyl accident the incidence rate was elevated by 2.5% (95% CI: −8.1%; +14.3%), but this change was not statistically significant (p=0.663). The age standardised incidence, the age distribution, the gender ratio, and the magnitude of increasing trend of childhood leukaemia incidence in Hungary were similar to other European countries. Applying the presented interpolation method the authors did not find a statistically significant increase in the leukaemia incidence in the period of the hypothesized impact of the Chernobyl accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to obtain a more complete picture of blood plasma melatonin concentrations in the donkey mares. To this purpose, sampling and statistical processing were carried out in such a way that allowed the researchers to establish the annual and daily rhythms. Based on human observations, according to the hypothesis of the authors, the blood plasma melatonin concentration of pregnant individuals rises during the late gestational period, before parturition. To confirm this, the melatonin concentrations of pregnant and non-pregnant jennies were monitored and compared. In regard to the circannual rhythm, the significantly lowest midnight melatonin value (27.67 pg mL–1) was typical for the summer solstice. Under consideration of circadian changes, a significantly strongest melatonin production (45.16 pg mL–1) was observed on the night of the winter solstice (p < 0.001). Considering gestational age, the blood plasma melatonin concentration (around 38 pg mL–1) does not change as gestation progresses (p = 0.136). The results obtained in this studied population of the domestic ass usefully expand the little knowledge previously gathered about the development of the blood plasma melatonin concentrations of this species.

This study investigates Thoroughbred mares exposed or not to supplemental blue light at the end of the gestation. Sixty mares and their 60 foals were selected for the investigation. Guard hair samples were collected from the shoulder just after (within 12 h) the parturition or birth. The foals of the light-treated mares developed significantly (p < 0.05) shorter hair than those of the control mares. A general effect of light treatment on basal hair diameter thinning could be demonstrated (p < 0.005). The maximum force of hair samples of light-treated mares and foals (0.098 and 0.085 N, respectively) was significantly lower than that of the control (0.272 and 0.178 N, respectively). The tensile strength (82.2 N/mm2) of the foal hair samples of the light-treated mares was significantly lower than that of the control foals (121.6 N/mm2). Although no significant difference was found in the elongation (ΔL), the hair of the control animals (mares and foals together) was more elastic than that of the treated animals (335 vs. 262 μm). In conclusion, the supplemental blue light treatment of the pregnant mares has a decreasing effect on both mares and their foals on the mechanical properties of the hair, making it shorter, thinner, and weaker.