Search

A tanulmány az Ausztriában élő magyar nők munkaerőpiaci integrációjának sikereiről ad áttekintést. Az írás alapját egy nem reprezentatív kvantitatív kutatás eredményei adják. Az integrációs sikereket a munkaerőpiaci státusz és a dekvalifikáció mértékéből képzett mutató, egy ún. karrierhaszon-mutató segítségével mutatjuk be, amelyet ez a tanulmány alkalmaz először a migrációkutatásban. A kutatási adataink azt mutatják, hogy a magyar nők Ausztriában jellemzően el tudnak helyezkedni, ám jelentős mértékben dekvalifikálódnak, amitől döntően a magas szintű nyelvtudás jelenthet védelmet. A nyelvtudás erős hatása mellett a kor, a migrációban töltött idő hossza, valamint a gyermekkel való rendelkezés ténye nem játszik jelentős szerepet a dekvalifikáció esélyében. A karrierveszteség esélyét azonban a nyelvtudás mellett a migrációban töltött évek száma is befolyásolja.

Upon virus infections, the rapid and comprehensive transcriptional reprogramming in host plant cells is critical to ward off virus attack. To uncover genes and defense pathways that are associated with virus resistance, we carried out the transcriptome-wide Illumina RNA-Seq analysis of pepper leaves harboring the L3 resistance gene at 4, 8, 24 and 48 h post-inoculation (hpi) with two tobamoviruses. Obuda pepper virus (ObPV) inoculation led to hypersensitive reaction (incompatible interaction), while Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) inoculation resulted in a systemic infection without visible symptoms (compatible interaction). ObPV induced robust changes in the pepper transcriptome, whereas PMMoV showed much weaker effects. ObPV markedly suppressed genes related to photosynthesis, carbon fixation and photorespiration. On the other hand, genes associated with energy producing pathways, immune receptors, signaling cascades, transcription factors, pathogenesis-related proteins, enzymes of terpenoid biosynthesis and ethylene metabolism as well as glutathione S-transferases were markedly activated by ObPV. Genes related to photosynthesis and carbon fixation were slightly suppressed also by PMMoV. However, PMMoV did not influence significantly the disease signaling and defense pathways. RNA-Seq results were validated by real-time qPCR for ten pepper genes. Our findings provide a deeper insight into defense mechanisms underlying tobamovirus resistance in pepper.

RNA modifications play a fundamental role in cellular function. Pseudouridylation, the most abundant RNA modification, is catalyzed by the H/ACA small ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP) complex that shares four core proteins, dyskerin (DKC1), NOP10, NHP2, and GAR1. Mutations in DKC1 , NOP10 , or NHP2 cause dyskeratosis congenita (DC), a disorder characterized by telomere attrition. Here, we report a phenotype comprising nephrotic syndrome, cataracts, sensorineural deafness, enterocolitis, and early lethality in two pedigrees: males with DKC1 p.Glu206Lys and two children with homozygous NOP10 p.Thr16Met. Females with heterozygous DKC1 p.Glu206Lys developed cataracts and sensorineural deafness, but nephrotic syndrome in only one case of skewed X-inactivation. We found telomere attrition in both pedigrees, but no mucocutaneous abnormalities suggestive of DC. Both mutations fall at the dyskerin–NOP10 binding interface in a region distinct from those implicated in DC, impair the dyskerin–NOP10 interaction, and disrupt the catalytic pseudouridylation site. Accordingly, we found reduced pseudouridine levels in the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of the patients. Zebrafish dkc1 mutants recapitulate the human phenotype and show reduced 18S pseudouridylation, ribosomal dysregulation, and a cell-cycle defect in the absence of telomere attrition. We therefore propose that this human disorder is the consequence of defective snoRNP pseudouridylation and ribosomal dysfunction.

The present paper explored the influence of breeding native pigs on livelihood conditions and the contribution of native pigs to the rural development and rural poverty reduction in the rural areas of Lao PDR. Pig production plays an important role in meat supply for both urban and rural areas of Laos. It is clear that most of the pig products in the country come from smallholder pig farms, and more than 90 percent of those products are the native pigs mostly raised by farmers in remote areas. In general, livestock production distributed between 15–18 percent to GDP, while most of animal production still remains as the traditional methods. Rural development is always the first priority of the Laos government since its independence in 1975, however, the poverty rate in rural areas remained high at 23% in 2018. It might block the development goal of the government which will lead the country out of the least development status by 2020. The food security and malnutrition in the rural or mountainous areas are considered as the majority issue that both government and several international organizations have been thriving hard to overcome, which researchers showed that more than 45% of children under 5 years of age were stunted, and 28% of them were underweight. Inspired of more than 50 % of the households in the rural areas of Laos reported they consumed chicken and pork at least one day a week. While native pigs play an important role on meat supply, it also constituted around 9–14 % of annual income of the households in rural areas. Therefore, the increase the production of pigs and poultry is one option to promote the meat supply to households in the rural areas of Laos. This paper will be a pathway to guide and identify for the final decision to what experiment will be implemented on Lao native pig in Laos (2021–2023) to complete the comparative study on reproductive physiology and reproductive management methods of Hungarian and Lao Indigenous pig breed. Which found it still needs further afford to research and improve more about native pig performance for all areas of productive and quality management.

The replication of positive strand RNA viruses in plant cells is markedly influenced by the desaturation status of fatty acid chains in lipids of intracellular plant membranes. At present, little is known about the role of lipid desaturation in the replication of tobamoviruses. Therefore, we investigated the expression of fatty acid desaturase (FAD) genes and the fatty acid composition of pepper leaves inoculated with two different tobamoviruses. Obuda pepper virus (ObPV) inoculation induced a hypersensitive reaction (incompatible interaction) while Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) inoculation caused a systemic infection (compatible interaction). Changes in the expression of 16 FADs were monitored in pepper leaves following ObPV and PMMoV inoculations. ObPV inoculation rapidly and markedly upregulated seven Δ12-FADs that encode enzymes putatively located in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. In contrast, PMMoV inoculation resulted in a weaker but rapid upregulation of two Δ12-FADs and a Δ15-FAD. The expression of genes encoding plastidial FADs was not influenced neither by ObPV nor by PMMoV. In accordance with gene expression results, a significant accumulation of linoleic acid was observed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in ObPV-, but not in PMMoV-inoculated leaves. ObPV inoculation led to a marked accumulation of H2O2 in the inoculated leaves. Therefore, the effect of H2O2 treatments on the expression of six tobamovirus-inducible FADs was also studied. The expression of these FADs was upregulated to different degrees by H2O2 that correlated with ObPV-inducibility of these FADs. These results underline the importance of further studies on the role of pepper FADs in pepper-tobamovirus interactions.

Background and purpose Cluster headache (CH), which affects 0.1% of the population, is one of the most painful human conditions: despite adequate treatment, the frequent and severe headaches cause a significant burden to the patients. According to a small number of previous studies, CH has a serious negative effect on the sufferers' quality of life (QOL). In the current study, we set out to examine the quality of life of the CH patients attending our outpatient service between 2013 and 2016, using generic and headache-specific QOL instruments. Methods A total of 42 CH patients (16 females and 26 males; mean age: 39.1±13.5 years) completed the SF-36 generic QOL questionnaire and the headache- specific CHQQ questionnaire (Comprehensive Headache- related Quality of life Questionnaire), during the active phase of their headache. Their data were compared to those of patients suffering from chronic tension-type headache (CTH) and to data obtained from controls not suffering from significant forms of headache, using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results During the active phase of the CH, the patients' generic QOL was significantly worse than that of normal controls in four of the 8 domains of the SF-36 instrument. Apart from a significantly worse result in the 'Bodily pain' SF-36 domain, there were no significant differences between the CH patients' and the CTH patients' results. All the dimensions and the total score of the headache-specific CHQQ instrument showed significantly worse QOL in the CH group than in the CTH group or in the control group. Conclusion Cluster headache has a significant negative effect on the quality of life. The decrease of QOL experienced by the patients was better reflected by the headache-specific CHQQ instrument than by the generic SF-36 instrument.

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) improves acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcomes, but with limited success. In addition, ethanol potentiates the effect of r-tPA in ischemia models. Methods: The effect of acute alcohol consumption on IVT outcomes was investigated in a retrospective cohort study. AIS patients with detectable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) during IVT were included (alcohol group; n = 60). For each case, 3 control subjects who underwent IVT but denied alcohol consumption were matched in terms of age, sex, affected brain area, and stroke severity. Outcomes were determined using the NIHSS at 7 days and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days. Results: Patients were younger and had a less severe stroke than in a standard stroke study. Favorable long-term outcomes (mRS 0–2) occurred significantly more frequently in the alcohol group compared to controls (90% vs. 63%, p < 0.001). However, the rates of hemorrhagic transformation were similar. Multiple logistic regression models identified elevated BAC as a significant protective factor against unfavorable short-term (OR: 0.091, 95% CI: 0.036–0.227, p < 0.001) and long-term outcomes (OR: 0.187, 95% CI: 0.066–0.535, p = 0.002). In patients with BAC > 0.2%, significantly lower NIHSS was observed at 3 and 7 days after IVT vs. in those with 0.01–0.2% ethanol levels. Conclusion: Elevated BAC is associated with improved outcomes in IVT-treated AIS without affecting safety.

When using artificial insemination in porcine reproduction, one of the most important requirements is the suitable quality of semen regarding its total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM). Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) is an appropriate method to analyse the quality of semen. Recently a portable instrument has been developed to help specialists in their everyday field work. In our study, semen quality was measured simultaneously by the portable device (Ongo) and a laboratory CASA system (Microptic) to compare TM and PM values obtained by these appliances at a concentration of 50 × 106 spermatozoa/mL. Agreement between measurements was evaluated with a Bland-Altman plot. Strong correlation was found between the investigated instruments for all the three parameters, i.e. sperm concentration, TM and PM. However, a few measurements fell outside the defined range of acceptance.

The paper attempts to pinpoint the economic, demographic and risk-taking factors that influence households’ demand for risky financial assets, using the Household Finance and Consumption Survey (HFCS) database as the basis for the analysis. From the perspective of risky asset holding, supply is also important, and therefore clustering was used to identify several country groups based on capital market features. The study mainly focuses on the countries that are, similar to Hungary, less active based on their capital market features, but the characteristics of countries with a more active capital market are also presented for comparison. In line with the empirical literature, demand for risky assets is examined using econometric tools, isolating the effect of the significant factors. Accordingly, separate logit models were created for the demand factors in the different country groups under review, i.e. those with a less mature and those with a highly mature capital market. The results indicate that income, wealth, skills and risk-taking positively influence risky asset holding, while liquidity constraints and background risks have a negative influence; the findings confirm the preliminary expectations and can be deemed robust.

RNA modifications play a fundamental role in cellular function. Pseudouridylation, the most abundant RNA modification, is catalyzed by the H/ACA small ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP) complex that shares four core proteins, dyskerin (DKC1), NOP10, NHP2, and GAR1. Mutations in DKC1, NOP10, or NHP2 cause dyskeratosis congenita (DC), a disorder characterized by telomere attrition. Here, we report a phenotype comprising nephrotic syndrome, cataracts, sensorineural deafness, enterocolitis, and early lethality in two pedigrees: males with DKC1 p.Glu206Lys and two children with homozygous NOP10 p.Thr16Met. Females with heterozygous DKC1 p.Glu206Lys developed cataracts and sensorineural deafness, but nephrotic syndrome in only one case of skewed X-inactivation. We found telomere attrition in both pedigrees, but no mucocutaneous abnormalities suggestive of DC. Both mutations fall at the dyskerin–NOP10 binding interface in a region distinct from those implicated in DC, impair the dyskerin–NOP10 interaction, and disrupt the catalytic pseudouridylation site. Accordingly, we found reduced pseudouridine levels in the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of the patients. Zebrafish dkc1 mutants recapitulate the human phenotype and show reduced 18S pseudouridylation, ribosomal dysregulation, and a cell-cycle defect in the absence of telomere attrition. We therefore propose that this human disorder is the consequence of defective snoRNP pseudouridylation and ribosomal dysfunction.

Cluster headache (CH), which affects 0.1% of the population, is one of the most painful human conditions: despite adequate treatment, the frequent and severe headaches cause a significant burden to the patients. According to a small number of previous studies, CH has a serious negative effect on the sufferers' quality of life (QOL). In the current study, we set out to examine the quality of life of the CH patients attending our outpatient service between 2013 and 2016, using generic and headache-specific QOL instruments.A total of 42 CH patients (16 females and 26 males; mean age: 39.1±13.5 years) completed the SF-36 generic QOL questionnaire and the headache- specific CHQQ questionnaire (Comprehensive Headache- related Quality of life Questionnaire), during the active phase of their headache. Their data were compared to those of patients suffering from chronic tension-type headache (CTH) and to data obtained from controls not suffering from significant forms of headache, using Kruskal-Wallis tests.During the active phase of the CH, the patients' generic QOL was significantly worse than that of normal controls in four of the 8 domains of the SF-36 instrument. Apart from a significantly worse result in the 'Bodily pain' SF-36 domain, there were no significant differences between the CH patients' and the CTH patients' results. All the dimensions and the total score of the headache-specific CHQQ instrument showed significantly worse QOL in the CH group than in the CTH group or in the control group.Cluster headache has a significant negative effect on the quality of life. The decrease of QOL experienced by the patients was better reflected by the headache-specific CHQQ instrument than by the generic SF-36 instrument.A lakosság körülbelül 0,1%-át érintő cluster fejfájás (CF) az egyik leghevesebb humán fájdalomszind­róma: a gyakori, erőteljes rohamok megfelelő kezelés mellett is nagy terhet jelentenek a betegek számára. Korábbi, elszórt vizsgálatok szerint a CF jelentősen rontja a betegek életminőségét. Kutatásunk során a fejfájáscent­rumunkban 2013 és 2016 között gondozott CF-betegek életminőségét vizsgáltuk, általános és fejfájás-specifikus életminőség-kérdőívek segítségével.Összesen 42 CF-beteg (16 nő és 26 férfi; átlagos életkor: 39,1 ± 13,5 év) töltötte ki az „SF-36” általános életminőség-kérdőívet és a fejfájás-specifikus „CHQQ” kérdőívet (Átfogó Fejfájással Kapcsolatos Életminőség-kérdőív) a cluster fejfájás aktív időszakában. A kérdőívek által nyert adatokat krónikus tenziós fejfájásban (KTF) szenvedő betegek és lényeges fejfájást nem tapasztaló kontrollok adataival hasonlítottuk össze Kruskal-Wallis-tesztek segítségével.A fejfájás aktív időszakában a CF-betegek általános életminősége az SF-36 kérdőív nyolc területe közül négyben bizonyult szignifikánsan rosszabbnak, mint a kontrolloké; ugyanakkor a „Testi fájdalom” terület kivételével nem volt szignifikáns különbség a CF- és KTF-betegek életminősége között. A fejfájás-specifikus életminőség-kérdőív mindhárom dimenziója és összesített mutatója is szignifikánsan rosszabb életminőséget mutatott a CF-betegek körében, mint a KTF-betegek, illetve a kont­rollok csoportjában.A cluster fejfájás jelentősen rontja a betegek életminőségét. A betegek által megélt életminőség-romlást az Átfogó Fejfájással Kapcsolatos Életminőség kérdőív érzékenyebben mutatta ki, mint az általános életminőséget vizsgáló SF-36 kérdőív.

The Hungarian Large White and Hungarian Landrace pig breeds have outstanding lifetime performance, production parameters and crossbreeding ability. Nevertheless, during the recent decades, these breeds could not compete with the West European hybrid pigs concerning on production results. In this study, we made a complex andrological evaluation of boars in different Hungarian nucleus breeding stocks. After taking blood and semen samples, performing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge, ultrasonic and thermographic examinations were done. Laboratory tests were accomplished in reproduction labs of NARIC ABNMS. Our goal was to determine the reproductive performances of boars and collect samples for future genetic examinations, respectively.

With the progress of globalisation, due to the cross-border movement of the factors of production, there is a gap between the output of the Hungarian economy and the primary income generated by production, allocable to residents. The GDP-GNI gap shows the difference between the performance of the domestic economy and the primary income allocable to the individual sectors of the economy, and it also provides useful information on the current burdens of the country’s accumulated net foreign liabilities. This paper presents the factors that have influenced the changes in the GDP-GNI gap in recent years and examines how the income of the individual economic sectors has changed, breaking down the available data by industries and countries. We examine the correlation between the GDP-GNI gap and the development of the economy by analysing the international developments and regional trends, and then try to survey the trends that determine the domestic GDP-GNI gap over the short and long term. We find that, due to the anticipated growth in the income of foreign-owned companies, the GDP-GNI gap may increase over the short run, while its long-term trend depends significantly on whether the convergence of the Hungarian economy with the Western countries is implemented from external or internal funds.

The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the total number of piglets born (TNB), the litter weight born alive (LWA), the number of piglets born dead (NBD), the average litter weight on the 21st day (M21D) and the interval between litters (IBL). Genotypes were determined on a high-density Illumina Porcine SNP 60K BeadChip. Data screening and data identification were performed by a multi-locus mixed-model. Statistical analyses were carried out to find associations between individual genotypes of 290 Hungarian Large White sows and the investigated reproduction parameters. According to the analysis outcome, three SNPs were identified to be associated with TNB. These loci are located on chromosomes 1, 6 and 13 (−log10P = 6.0, 7.86 and 6.22, the frequencies of their minor alleles, MAF, were 0.298, 0.299 and 0.364, respectively). Two loci showed considerable association (−log10P = 10.35 and 10.46) with LWA on chromosomes 5 and X, the MAF were 0.425 and 0.446, respectively. Seven loci were found to be associated with NBD. These loci are located on chromosomes 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 (−log10P = 10.95, 5.43, 8.29, 6.72, 6.81, 5.90, and 5.15, respectively). One locus showed association (−log10P = 5.62) with M21D on chromosome 1 (the MAF was 0.461). Another locus was found to be associated with IBL on chromosome 8 (−log10P = 7.56; the MAF was 0.438). The above-mentioned loci provide a straightforward possibility to assist selection by molecular tools and, consequently, to improve the competitiveness of the Hungarian Large White (HLW) breed.

In the present study, we identified and characterized the apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) homologs of three dormancy-related genes, namely the ParCBF1 (C-repeat binding factor), ParDAM5 (dormancy-associated MADS-BOX) and ParDAM6 genes. All highly conserved structural motifs and the 3D model of the DNA-binding domain indicate an unimpaired DNA-binding ability of ParCBF1. A phylogenetic analysis showed that ParCBF1 was most likely homologous to Prunus mume and Prunus dulcis CBF1. ParDAM5 also contained all characteristic domains of the type II (MIKCC) subfamily of MADS-box transcription factors. The homology modeling of protein domains and a phylogenetic analysis of ParDAM5 suggest its functional integrity. The amino acid positions or small motifs that are diagnostic characteristics of DAM5 and DAM6 were determined. For ParDAM6, only a small part of the cDNA was sequenced, which was sufficient for the quantification of gene expression. The expression of ParCBF1 showed close association with decreasing ambient temperatures in autumn and winter. The expression levels of ParDAM5 and ParDAM6 changed according to CBF1 expression rates and the fulfillment of cultivar chilling requirements (CR). The concomitant decrease of gene expression with endodormancy release is consistent with a role of ParDAM5 and ParDAM6 genes in dormancy induction and maintenance. Cultivars with higher CR and delayed flowering time showed higher expression levels of ParDAM5 and ParDAM6 toward the end of endodormancy. Differences in the timing of anther developmental stages between early- and late-flowering cultivars and two dormant seasons confirmed the genetically and environmentally controlled mechanisms of dormancy release in apricot generative buds. These results support that the newly identified apricot gene homologs have a crucial role in dormancy-associated physiological mechanisms.

Tension type headache, the most common type of primary headaches, affects approximately 80% of the population. Mainly because of its high prevalence, the socio-economic consequences of tension type headache are significant. The pain in tension type headache is usually bilateral, mild to moderate, is of a pressing or tightening quality, and is not accompanied by other symptoms. Patients with frequent or daily occurrence of tension type headache may experience significant distress because of the condition. The two main therapeutic avenues of tension type headache are acute and prophylactic treatment. Simple or combined analgesics are the mainstay of acute treatment. Prophylactic treatment is needed in case of attacks that are frequent and/or difficult to treat. The first drugs of choice as preventatives of tension type headache are tricyclic antidepressants, with a special focus on amitriptyline, the efficacy of which having been documented in multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Among other antidepressants, the efficacy of mirtazapine and venlafaxine has been documented. There is weaker evidence about the efficacy of gabapentine, topiramate, and tizanidin. Non-pharmacological prophylactic methods of tension type headache with a documented efficacy include certain types of psychotherapy and acupuncture.Az önálló fejfájások leggyakoribb képviselője, a tenziós típusú fejfájás a népesség körülbelül 80%-át érinti. Elsősorban gyakorisága miatt társadalmi-gazdasági kihatása jelentős. A tenziós fejfájás általában kétoldali lokalizációjú, enyhe vagy közepes erősségű, nyomó jellegű, egyéb kísérő tünettel nem jár. Az egyén számára elsősorban a gyakori, vagy mindennapos tenziós fejfájás jelent nagy terhet. A tenziós fejfájás kezelésének két pillére a roham-, illetve a megelőző kezelés. Rohamkezelésre elsősorban egyszerű, vagy kombinált analgetikumokat célszerű alkalmazni. Megelőző kezelést gyakori, és/vagy nehezen kezelhető fejfájásrohamok esetén alkalmazunk. A tenziós fejfájás megelőző kezelésére triciklikus antidepresszánsokat, elsősorban amitriptylint javasolt adni, melynek hatékonyságát számos kettős vak, placebokontrollált tanulmány igazolta. Az egyéb antidepresszánsok közül a mirtazapin és venlafaxin hatékonyságát támasztják alá tudományos vizsgálatok. Gyengébb minőségű bizonyítékok vannak a gabapentin, topiramat, illetve a tizanidin hatékonyságára. A tenziós fejfájás megelőzésének nem gyógyszeres lehetőségei között egyes pszichoterápiás módszerek, illetve az akupunktúra hatékonyságát támasztják alá vizsgálatok.

Purpose Reading with direct light from computer monitors or tablets may cause visual fatigue and hamper reading comprehension. Our aim was to compare the blood flow response in the supplying artery of the visual cortex when reading from tablet screen or from paper. The neurovascular coupling was tested also after 15-minute reading from either monitor or paper. Methods Flow velocity responses evoked by reading from paper and from monitor were measured by transcranial Doppler sonography in a random sequence in both posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) of 20 young healthy adults. Afterward, PCA flow response evoked by reading from paper was also investigated after 15 minutes reading on the same tablet or paper, in a random order. Results Reading from monitor with its own source of light and reading from paper with indirect light caused very similar PCA flow response. Moreover, the flow velocity increase, evoked by reading form paper did not differ after 15-minute reading from monitor or from paper. Conclusions Reading with direct or indirect light produces similar flow response in the occipital cortex.

Recent advances in sequencing technologies have made it significantly easier to find the genetic roots of rare hereditary pediatric diseases. These novel methods are not panaceas, however, and they often give ambiguous results, highlighting multiple possible causative mutations in affected patients. Furthermore, even when the mapping results are unambiguous, the affected gene might be of unknown function. In these cases, understanding how a particular genotype can result in a phenotype also needs carefully designed experimental work. Model organism genetics can offer a straightforward experimental setup for hypothesis testing. Containing orthologs for over 80% of the genes involved in human diseases, zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as one of the top disease models over the past decade. A plethora of genetic tools makes it easy to create mutations in almost any gene of the zebrafish genome and these mutant strains can be used in high-throughput preclinical screens for active molecules. As this small vertebrate species offers several other advantages as well, its popularity in biomedical research is bound to increase, with “aquarium to bedside” drug development pipelines taking a more prevalent role in the near future.

The maturity date (MD) of Prunus stone fruit has been long known to be a quantitatively inherited trait. A NAC -type gene indicated as PpNAC1 (ppa008301m) has been found recently to be a strong candidate of a major gene influencing MD in peach. A 9-bp insertion in this gene resulted in earlier MD in two segregating peach populations. This study was carried out to test whether this mutation in the PpNAC1 gene can be used as a reliable functional marker for MD in a wide range of peach cultivars of various origins and phenotypic characters. A total of 125 peach cultivars were examined using a 3 × 3 custom chi-square contingency table according to their NAC genotype and MD (early, midseason, and late). Cramer's V equaled 0.478 and the Goodman-Kruskal index (l) was 0.37, indicating an extremely strong correlation between MD and NAC genotype. In addition, we determined 15 sequences from 10 cultivars of five Prunus species including peach, almond, apricot, sour cherry, and European plum with E-values ranging from 9e-88 to 2e-74, supporting their homology to PpNAC1 . A total of 69 single nucleotide polymorphisms and two insertion/deletions were detected in the coding region of the partial NAC domain sequences with three mutations putatively inducing nonconservative amino acid replacements and a nonsense mutation in specific alleles of early ripening apricot and sour cherry cultivars. The results are discussed with focus on the putative molecular mechanisms of mutations in the NAC genes, crop evolutionary perspectives, and the opportunities for designing cost-efficient markers to predict MD in Prunus breeding programs.

Cooperation of the Hungarian Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition (ATK) with the German Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) goes back many decades. In 1988 the two departments of reproductive biology began a joint project concerning on ovulation investigation in Landrace pigs. This joint project laid the foundation for further joint projects and has existed for almost 30 years. Over the years, the main focus has always been on the events of the female reproductive tract in pigs, i.e., follicular growth, ovulation, transport of gametes in the oviduct, fertilization and early embryonic development. Nearly all studies were done under in vivo circumstances and using different clinical and endocrinological methods, enabling us to obtain more profound knowledge of the dynamics of reproductive processes. Even results considered to be basic scientific achievements were available for utilization in the daily practice of porcine reproductive management. Since the end of the 1990s, the common projects have been gradually shifted to the physiology of the Hungarian indigenous pig breed Mangalica. Research partners were convinced that modern utilization of indigenous pig breeds would open new doors for premium pork production. In addition to the Mangalica breed, this principal was broadened to non-European fatty-type native pig breeds as well and resulted in long-term, intercontinental scientific cooperation.

Interallelic interactions of membrane proteins are not taken into account while evaluating the pathogenicity of sequence variants in autosomal recessive disorders. Podocin, a membrane-anchored component of the slit diaphragm, is encoded by NPHS2, the major gene mutated in hereditary podocytopathies. We formerly showed that its R229Q variant is only pathogenic when trans-associated to specific 3′ mutations and suggested the causal role of an abnormal C-terminal dimerization. Here we show by FRET analysis and size exclusion chromatography that podocin oligomerization occurs exclusively through the C-terminal tail (residues 283–382): principally through the first C-terminal helical region (H1, 283–313), which forms a coiled coil as shown by circular dichroism spectroscopy, and through the 332–348 region. We show the principal role of the oligomerization sites in mediating interallelic interactions: while the monomer-forming R286Tfs*17 podocin remains membranous irrespective of the coexpressed podocin variant identity, podocin variants with an intact H1 significantly influence each other's localization (r2 = 0.68, P = 9.2 × 10−32). The dominant negative effect resulting in intracellular retention of the pathogenic F344Lfs*4-R229Q heterooligomer occurs in parallel with a reduction in the FRET efficiency, suggesting the causal role of a conformational rearrangement. On the other hand, oligomerization can also promote the membrane localization: it can prevent the endocytosis of F344Lfs*4 or F344* podocin mutants induced by C-terminal truncation. In conclusion, C-terminal oligomerization of podocin can mediate both a dominant negative effect and interallelic complementation. Interallelic interactions of NPHS2 are not restricted to the R229Q variant and have to be considered in compound heterozygous individuals.

The article compares the market power of Hungarian electricity traders during the partially liberalised transitional market model from 2004 to 2008 and the fully liberalised period lasting since 2008. In our empirical work, we use an econometric modelling technique based on asymmetric price transmission (APT) theory to measure the market power of traders in the electricity market. The aim of our work is to conduct a quantitative analysis of the Hungarian electricity trading market by applying the APT modelling technique – used widely in agro-economic analyses – to electricity markets. The intuition behind the method is the assumption that asymmetric price transmission refers to deviations from perfect competition. The research has found that different regulation regimes lead to different patterns of asymmetry in price transmission and the results underline that the market position of electricity traders have improved since the introduction of the liberalised market model. By mapping the results of the APT model to the actual policy and market changes we argue that the APT method is a useful tool for analysing the competition on electricity markets.

Background: Nephronophthisis, an autosomal recessive nephropathy, is responsible for 10% of childhood chronic renal failure. The deletion of its major gene, NPHP1, with a minor allele frequency of 0.24% in the general population, is the most common mutation leading to a monogenic form of childhood chronic renal failure. It is challenging to detect it in the heterozygous state. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and the specificity of the quantitative multiplex PCR of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF) in its detection. Methods: After setting up the protocol of QMPSF, we validated it on 39 individuals diagnosed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) with normal NPHP1 copy number (n=17), with heterozygous deletion (n=13, seven parents and six patients), or with homozygous deletion (n=9). To assess the rate of the deletions that arise from independent events, deleted alleles were haplotyped. Results: The results of QMPSF and MLPA correlated perfectly in the identification of 76 heterozygously deleted and 56 homozygously deleted exons. The inter-experimental variability of the dosage quotient obtained by QMPSF was low: control, 1.05 (median; range, 0.86−1.33, n = 102 exons); heterozygous deletion, 0.51 (0.42−0.67, n = 76 exons); homozygous deletion, 0 (0−0, n = 56 exons). All patients harboring a heterozygous deletion were found to carry a hemizygous mutation. At least 15 out of 18 deletions appeared on different haplotypes and one deletion appeared de novo. Conclusions: The cost- and time-effective QMPSF has a 100% sensitivity and specificity in the detection of NPHP1 deletion. The potential de novo appearance of NPHP1 deletions makes its segregation analysis highly recommended in clinical practice.

This article reveals the possible connections between the forms of cooperation and the conflict resolution methods in the case of the Hungarian suppliers' - manufacturers' relations. These connections are presented in the light of the results of a research made via interviews. The results showed that in these inter-company connections the companies try to prevent the conflicts by the establishment of long- term partnerships and the connections are coordinated not mostly by the contractual relationship but by the mutually negotiated common rules and trust. Keeping this partnership is a very important intent in the solution of conflicts, however, the unbalanced power relations, the internal organization structure of companies do not always make possible to apply a way of conflict management that could deepen the partnership. In spite of this, the institution of partnership and the type of the supplied products can cause a kind of interdependence that makes possible the co-operative conflict resolution methods. In economic sociology, many researches have been carried out about the connection between the economic performance and the social embeddedness of the market relationships (Granovetter 1990). In contradiction with the neoclassical economics, these state that the market behavior is directed not only by the market rules, but the level of trust, reputation and the level of interdependence are also very important elements in the coordination of a transaction. This embeddedness coordinates the connections of the companies and gives a definite explanation what keeps the exchange connections together and how they influence economic performance. Based on these sociological results, the aim of the research was to analyze the inherent connections between the type of the inter-companies' relations and their conflict resolution methods, by the sociological and market (environmental) factors. This research goes beyond the above facts, as its aim was to find an answer to what circumstances force the parties to brake the connection (they replace each other), or to maintain the relation (whether it is spoilt or not). First, I introduce the conflict- and sociological theories and research results that explain the elements of the maintainability of inter-company connection and the elements of its limits. Then the hypotheses and the results are going to be presented, and finally, the study is closed with the conclusions.

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a common form of disabling headache presenting in as much as 30% of the patients seen in headache subspecialty practice. Quality of life (QOL) is frequently used as a secondary endpoint in headache trials. In MOH, previous trials of QOL focused mostly on generic QOL. We report the results of a pilot study that examined the feasibility of using a new QOL questionnaire, the 23-item Comprehensive Headache-related Quality of life Questionnaire (CHQQ), as an indicator of treatment response in MOH.Fifteen patients (13 women and two men; mean age: 39.7 +/- 12.5 years) suffering from MOH were enrolled in a complex treatment programme consisting of acute medication withdrawal, preventive pharmacological treatment, structured advice and lifestyle intervention. The clinical data were collected using a detailed headache diary. CHQQ was completed before and after the treatment programme.MOH patients had low QOL values at baseline which was comparable to the QOL of episodic migraine patients. The treatment programme resulted in significant reductions of the number of headache days and attacks, headache severity and analgesic consumption. The dimensions and total score of CHQQ showed a significant increase after the treatment period. Seventeen of CHQQ's 23 individual items also improved significantly.In this study the new headache-specific quality of life instrument CHQQ was able to demonstrate significant improvements after adequate treatment of MOH. This result indicates that the CHQQ may be an adequate tool for assessing quality of life in headache treatment trials.

The growing interest in alternative therapies (ALTs) is a worldwide phenomenon. Headache and migraine are among the top five conditions treated with such therapies, although scientific proof of efficacy is often lacking.