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Digital technologies can help farmers produce safe, sustainable, high-quality food while contributing to the fight against effects of abiotic and edaphic factors. Due to digitalization, a paradigm shift occurred in agriculture, which boosted sensor technology's rapid development, especially soil sensors. Using sensors and the digital knowledge of soil properties, farmers can better understand the needs of the fields and cultivated plants on a micro-scale, thereby saving resources and putting less strain on our environment. The relative salinity of our soils is an important aspect because of the impact on production costs and yield. The future of site-specific crop production is moving towards a sensor-based on-the-go measurement approach because obtaining important soil characteristics quickly and cheaply is still one of the biggest challenges in precision agriculture today. Measuring soil electrical conductivity (EC) could offer an opportunity to overcome these limitations if the different salt components of soil could be separated by analytical methods. In our study, we present a calibration model based on conductometry with which the selective potassium and calcium content can be determined in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Solutions containing K+ and Ca2+ cations in the concentration determined in the experimental model were mixed and measured by changing the frequency of the measuring current. In this study, measurements proved that a mathematical relationship can be used to describe the relationship between the composition and concentration of the two-component solution, the measurement frequency and the conductivity. The potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) content of the solution can be separated from each other, and a regression calibration curve can be recorded, from which the proportion of potassium and calcium in the given solution can be determined as a function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article from the journal Endoscopy examines the optimal threshold for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion after acute gastrointestinal bleeding. The study analyzed data from the Hungarian Gastrointestinal Bleeding Registry and divided patients into different groups based on their lowest hemoglobin (Hgb) levels during hospitalization. The findings suggest that Hgb levels between 61-70 g/L may be considered safe for transfusion, compared to lower or higher thresholds. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these results. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic, pruritic, gluten‐induced skin disorder characterized by subepidermal granular IgA deposition and a variable degree of enteropathy identical to that seen in coeliac disease. So far, there has been no European consensus about the management of DH. Methods: The guidelines were created by small subgroups of a guideline committee consisting of 26 specialists from various medical fields and one patients' representative. The members of the committee then discussed the guidelines and voted for the final version at two consensus meetings. The guidelines were developed under the support of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) and in collaboration with the European Dermatology Forum (EDF). Results: The guidelines summarize evidence‐based and expert‐based recommendations (S2 level) for the management of DH (see Appendix). Conclusion: These guidelines will improve the quality of management of DH and support dermatologists in their diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It will be shown, in the framework of a general statistical (atomistic) treatment, that segregation inhibited grain coarsening in binary nanocrystalline alloys can be described by analytical expressions, if the effect can be attained with highly saturated grain boundaries. Relatively simple relations describing the temperature dependence of the stabilized grain-boundary fraction will be derived. The validity conditions of the relation proposed very recently by R. Kirchheim [Acta Mater. 50, 413 (2002)] are also analyzed. Our conclusions are compared with experimental results and the reliability of the few experimental data, known at present, will be discussed as well. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 is a major cause of swine morbidity and mortality in various parts of the world, including Hungary. A national elimination programme to reduce the associated economic burden was initiated in Hungary in 2012. Using extensive laboratory surveillance, we identified and isolated an unusual PRRSV strain. The complete coding sequence of this isolate was determined and analyzed. The genome of this Hungarian PRRSV1 strain, HUN60077/16, is 15,081 nucleotides in length. Phylogenetic and recombination analysis showed a mosaic structure of the genome where a large fragment of ORF1b and the genomic region coding for ORF3 to ORF7 showed a very close genetic relationship to the vaccine virus Unistrain, while the ORF1a region, the 3' end of ORF1b, and the whole ORF2 were only distantly related to this or any other PRRSV1 strain whose genome sequence is available in the GenBank database. Genomic characterization of PRRSV strains is crucial when possible vaccine-associated cases are identified. This approach not only helps to identify genetic interactions between vaccine and wild-type PRRSV1 strains but may also be needed to prevent trust in commercial vaccines from being undermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In consistent with the growing research activities regarding the Farm 4.0 concept, it is valuable to consider each possible chance of enhancement which is expected to contribute positively to the productivity and the safety of planned operations. Human centred design concept is becoming essential for the multitasking vehicles market, which promotes the research experiments aiming to understand the human behaviour inside the vehicle cabins to proceed with upgrading the design, planning and production procedures based on validated inputs leading to introducing reliable solutions for more productive and safety conduct of operations. The accurate and deep analysis of the operator behaviour inside the cabin will lead to a better understanding for the problems and issues need to be resolved in new designs in addition to providing the production planning (i.e. manpower planning and working shift period) with the necessary data to ensure achieving the maximum efficiency and effectiveness. In this research, the operator's glance behaviour inside the tractor cabin is studied during the harvesting operation to develop a model for the change of operator's focusing scheme along working hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing productivity and cost reduction are two main targets for any production operation. In the agricultural field; It is the role of researchers to come out with reliable models and make it available to be used in modern farming management organizations as well as to the rural farmers. When it comes to the Human Machine Interface it is essential to assess the system in term of the Human Cantered Design aspects. This research is focusing on the developing simple models for the operator's focusing scheme as a human behaviour inside an off-road vehicle cabin based on the operator's focusing scheme measuring along working hours using proven and up to date technologies. The results of this research provide the decision makers with reliable inputs using proven methodology regarding the change of operator's focusing scheme along working hours in two agricultural operations 'windrowing and cultivating'. Both operations are requiring continuous physical involvement of the operator for checking the attached tool and steering of the vehicle in the planned track, which is directly related to the accumulated passive fatigue as a main contributor of resulted data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In coeliac disease (CD), anti‐tissue transglutaminase 2 immunoglobulin (Ig)A antibodies (anti‐TG2) are produced and deposited in the intestine. PreventCD ( www.preventcd.com) is a European multi‐centre study, which investigates the influence of infant nutrition and that of genetic, immunological and other environmental factors on the risk of developing CD. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the appearance of intestinal anti‐TG2 deposits in very early intestinal biopsies from at‐risk infants and their predictive value for villous atrophy. Sixty‐five small bowel biopsies, performed in 62 children, were investigated for the presence of intestinal anti‐TG2 extracellular IgA deposits by using double immunofluorescence. The biopsies were performed in the presence of elevated serum levels of CD‐associated antibodies and/or symptoms suggesting disease. Deposits of anti‐TG2 IgA were present in 53 of 53 CD patients and three of three potential CD patients. In potential CD patients, mucosal deposits showed a patchy distribution characterized by some areas completely negative, whereas active CD patients had uniformly present and evident mucosal deposits. Only one of six patients without CD (negative for serum anti‐TG2 and with normal mucosa) had intestinal deposits with a patchy distribution and a weak staining. Two of the 53 CD patients received a definitive diagnosis of CD after a second or third biopsy; mucosal deposits of anti‐TG2 IgA were evaluated in all samples. Before developing villous atrophy, both patients had anti‐TG2 deposits in normal mucosal architecture, antibodies in one patient being absent in serum. We demonstrated that in CD the intestinal deposits of anti‐TG2 are a constant presence and appear very early in the natural history of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen infants with staphylococcal sepsis and reduced opsonic activity received infusions of acid treated immunoglobulin together with antibiotics. Opsonic activity (using Staphylococcus aureus (type 42D) as the test organism), haemolytic activity of complement, and concentrations of complement C3 and IgG were measured in serum prepared before and after three days of treatment with immunoglobulin at a dose of 250-300 mg/kg/day. There was increased ingestion of S aureus by normal human granulocytes in the presence of fresh serum prepared after infusion of immunoglobulin and significantly increased opsonic activity of heat inactivated serum after treatment with immunoglobulin. The haemolytic activity of complement and concentrations of complement C3 were not influenced, and serum concentrations of IgG increased as the result of receiving a total of 800-900 mg/kg immunoglobulin over a period of three days. This study shows that administration of acid treated IgG to septic infants leads to functionally increased opsonisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic crisis has forced companies to take various steps in the past. Some of these steps included the employment area, which resulted in solutions which are more flexible and more time- and cost-effective than the previous ones. It is no wonder, then, that the application of atypical employment is a timely and popular topic with all organizations. This year, we conducted a comprehensive research among Hungarian and Slovakian firms, focusing primarily on the answers they had in employment issues as well as their solutions to the effects of the crisis. How much do they think in traditional terms and how much are they open towards new employment possibilities? In our current essay, we are presenting some of the Hungarian data without being all-inclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In coeliac disease, the intake of dietary gluten induces small-bowel mucosal damage and the production of immunoglobulin (Ig)A class autoantibodies against transglutaminase 2 (TG2). We examined the effect of coeliac patient IgA on the apical-to-basal passage of gluten-derived gliadin peptides p31-43 and p57-68 in intestinal epithelial cells. We demonstrate that coeliac IgA enhances the passage of gliadin peptides, which could be abolished by inhibition of TG2 enzymatic activity. Moreover, we also found that both the apical and the basal cell culture media containing the immunogenic gliadin peptides were able to induce the proliferation of deamidation-dependent coeliac patient-derived T cells even in the absence of exogenous TG2. Our results suggest that coeliac patient IgA could play a role in the transepithelial passage of gliadin peptides, a process during which they might be deamidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long head of the biceps (LHB) is an intra-articular tendon component of the shoulder joint. The function of this tendon is complex. First, it is an origin of flexion in upper limb, and second it plays role in joint stabilisation during shoulder movements. Histological type of tendon tissues is connective tissue. The mechanical behaviour of connective tissue is primarily determined by the composition and organisation of collagens. In tendons, type I collagen is the principal structural element of the extracellular matrix, which acts to transmit force between bones or bone and muscle. Owing to the special localisation of this tendon, the intra-articular mechanical forces affect it to a considerable extent. The LHB is known as a source of pain in pathologic states of the shoulder joint. The goal of this study was to establish the calorimetric standards of the LHB in different ages, and to observe the changes of thermal properties of collagen during lifetime. LHB samples were taken from 38 cadavers (between ages 0 and 90 years) without macroscopic sign of shoulder pathology. DSC analyses were performed with SETARAM Micro DSC-II. The thermal denaturation parameters varied between T (°C): 57, Δ H (J/g): 0.26 (age: 0 year) and T (°C): 62.92, Δ H (J/g): 1.28 (age: 90 years). The ageing of collagenous tendon tissue can be clearly followed in changes of thermal denaturation properties. The knowledge of the ageing of normal collagen provides a good basis to analyse further the LHB pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study applies RAPD technique and morphometric analysis to study the diversity of some accessions belonging to section Solanum. A total of 252 products were amplified with 23 12-mer arbitrary primer pairs, among which 210 were found to be polymorphic. Sixteen morphological characters were measured and used to compile a dendrogram. Both the morphological and RAPD marker analysis clearly separated the different accessions into similar groups. The results indicate that the analyzed cultivars with unknown origin could be derived from S. retroflexum. We found morphological differences among the S. scabrum subsp. scabrum accession which were not reflected in the molecular data. Presumably these accessions represent cultivated forms selected for their habit, fruit quantity and/or quality and leaf size, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between February 20 and October 31, 2003, 2034 sows were inseminated with semen collected from 13 Hungarian Landrace boars. Altogether 16,013 piglets were born: 13,801 (86·2 per cent) alive, 796 (4·97 per cent) stillborn and 156 (0·97 per cent) mummified. A total of 1260 (7·87 per cent) of the pigs developed signs of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). In the groups of sows inseminated with semen from each of the 13 boars, the percentages of farrowings producing piglets with signs of PMWS, stillborn piglets or mummified piglets were very high (59·4 per cent, 57·6 per cent and 13·8 per cent, respectively). There were significant differences between the proportions of piglets with signs of PMWS, stillborn piglets and mummified piglets sired by the different boars: 3·06 to 15·6 per cent, 1·76 to 8·52 per cent and 0 to 3.22 per cent, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation were examined in the genus Solanum based on the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Genetic distances were estimated for 42 accessions from five subgenera [ Archaesolanum, Minon (Syn. Brevantherum), Leptostemonum, Potatoe, and Solanum]. This investigation provided new information and reinforced some suggestions from previous phylogenetic studies. Analysis with random markers from the total genome clearly separated Solanum sect. Dulcamara, from the other members of Solanum subg. Potatoe, and indicated that among the analysed Solanum subgenera subg. Solanum is most closely related to it. The results suggest that Solanum sect. Dulcamara should be excluded from Solanum subg. Potatoe. The subclusters formed by S. rostratum and S. citrullifolium appear to be distinct from the subcluster formed by the two accessions of S. sisymbriifolium. This topology indicates that Solanum sect. Androceras and Solanum sect. Cryptocarpum are fairly closely related, although the data suggest that the two sections should not be maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoulder pain is a common presentation of the dysfunction of the glenohumeral joint. The long head of the biceps tendon has been proposed as a source of pain in rotator cuff pathologies. The rotator cuff is a dynamic stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint, and its tear can create different shoulder dysfunctions. The long head of the biceps has a special intraarticular localisation, so the arthricular destruction affects its tendon too. In the process of the rotator cuff degeneration and tear the structure of the biceps tendon pathological transforms. With foregoing studies authors have demonstrated the feasibility of DSC in the investigation of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to establish the curves and the histological properties of the tendon of the long head of the biceps in different magnitudes of the rotator cuff tear on cadavers. The DSC results clearly proved that definitive differences are present between the structural state of the tendons in different magnitudes of the rotator cuff tears, which have also been demonstrated by the histological examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some patients with untreated coeliac disease are negative for serum endomysial autoantibodies (EmA) targeted against transglutaminase 2 (TG2). Aims: To evaluate the clinical and histological features of EmA-negative coeliac disease, and to examine whether EmA-equivalent autoantibodies against TG2 can be seen in the small-bowel mucosa when absent in serum. Patients: Serum EmA was studied in 177 biopsy-proved specimens from adult patients with coeliac disease. 20 patients with intestinal diseases served as non-coeliac controls; three had autoimmune enteropathy with villous atrophy. Methods: Clinical manifestations, small-bowel mucosal morphology, intraepithelial inflammation and TG2-specilic extracellular immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits were investigated in both serum EmA-negative and EmA-positive patients. Results: 22 patients with IgA-competent coeliac disease were negative for serum EmA. Three of these had small-bowel lymphoma. Patients with EmA-negative coeliac disease were older, had abdominal symptoms more often, and the density of γδ+ intraepithelial lymphocytes in their intestinal mucosa was lower than in EmA-positive patients; otherwise the histology was similar. All serum EmA-negative patients with coeliac disease, but none of the disease controls, had gluten-dependent mucosal gA deposits alongside TG2 in the small-bowel mucosal specimens. In vivo deposited IgA was shown to be TG2-specific by its ability to bind recombinant TG2. Conclusions: Negative serum EmA might be associated with advanced coeliac disease. TG2-targeted autoantibodies were deposited in the small-bowel mucosa even when absent in serum. This finding can be used in the diagnosis of seronegative coeliac disease when the histology is equivocal. It may also be helpful in the differential diagnosis between autoimmune enteropathy and coeliac disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Coeliac disease is strongly associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 or DQ8 genotypes. The diagnosis is based on demonstrating crypt-hyperplastic villous atrophy, endomysial or transglutaminase antibodies and correlation of disease activity with gluten intake. Aim To evaluate the clinical utility of HLA-DQ typing, when coeliac disease diagnosis had previously been established solely by histology. Methods HLA-DQ alleles, endomysial and transglutaminase antibodies were investigated and histology slides reviewed in 70 patients diagnosed 2–25 years earlier by small-intestinal biopsy but without measuring endomysial or transglutaminase antibodies. Patients without DQ2 or DQ8 or without unequivocal villous atrophy were followed-up on free diet by using serology and biopsies. Results All 40 endomysial/transglutaminase antibodies positive patients carried DQ2 or DQ8, and 39 of them had severe villous atrophy. Only 56% of patients without endomysial or transglutaminase antibodies positivity had DQ2 or DQ8 ( P < 0.001). Seropositivity and relapse developed in 4 of 11 DQ2 positive but in none of 15 DQ2 and DQ8 negative patients on long-term gluten exposure. Conclusions Coeliac disease diagnosis based solely on histology is not always reliable. HLA-DQ typing is important in identifying DQ2 and DQ8 negative subjects who need revision of their diagnosis, but it does not have additive diagnostic value if endomysial positivity is already known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The conventional coeliac disease antibody tests require patient's sera, and are laborious and time-consuming. Aim To evaluate a newly developed rapid whole blood test in coeliac disease antibody detection, and its suitability for office use. Methods Endogenous tissue transglutaminase found in red blood cells in a whole blood fingertip or venous sample is liberated upon haemolysis and complexes with tissue transglutaminase antibodies, if present. The complexes, captured by a lateral flow system, are visualized within 5 min. Stored samples from 121 untreated, 106 treated coeliac disease patients and 107 controls were evaluated and compared with serum endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody tests and histology; 150 patients were prospectively tested on site in the doctor's office. Results The rapid test showed sensitivity (96.7%) comparable with the serum endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody tests from stored samples; specificity was slightly lower (93.5%). When tested on site the results were concordant in 96.7% of cases compared with endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody results. The test recognized the disappearance of tissue transglutaminase antibodies on a gluten-free diet. Conclusions The self tissue transglutaminase-based rapid test can be easily carried out from a fingertip blood sample on site in the physician's office for both coeliac disease case finding and dietary monitoring purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited thrombophilias are associated with an increased risk of maternal thromboembolism and certain adverse pregnancy outcomes, including second- and third-trimester fetal loss, placental abruption, severe intrauterine growth restriction, and early-onset, severe preeclampsia. Pregnant patients with severe thrombophilias, especially antithrombinopathies are at very high risk for both thromboembolism and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A case of a patient with antithrombin deficiency is reported, who had two successful pregnancies after eight miscarriages. Our case shows that a combined treatment with antithrombin substitution and a prophylactic, body-weight-adjusted dose of low-molecular-weight heparin may be successful in preventing pregnancy loss and thromboembolism in antithrombin deficiency during pregnancy, although other complications, such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction cannot always be prevented. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Immunoglobulin A class transglutaminase autoantibodies are highly predictive markers of active coeliac disease, a disorder difficult to recognize solely on clinical grounds. Aims : To develop and evaluate a simple rapid test for point-of-care detection of coeliac autoantibodies. Methods : The novel whole blood test utilizes the patient's endogenous transglutaminase in red blood cells for detection of transglutaminase-specific immunoglobulin A antibodies present in the blood sample, with normal plasma immunoglobulin A detection as positive test control. We evaluated 284 patients under suspicion of coeliac disease and undergoing jejunal biopsy, and 263 coeliac patients on a gluten-free diet, 383 being tested prospectively in a point-of-care setting. Results were compared with histology, conventional serum autoantibody results and dietary adherence. Results : The rapid test showed 97% sensitivity and 97% specificity for untreated coeliac disease, and identified all immunoglobulin A-deficient samples. Point-of-care testing found new coeliac cases as efficiently as antibody tests in laboratory. Coeliac autoantibodies were detected onsite in 21% of treated patients, while endomysial and transglutaminase antibodies were positive in 20% and 19%, respectively. The positivity rate correlated with dietary lapses and decreased on intensified dietary advice given upon positive point-of-care test results. Conclusions : Point-of-care testing was accurate in finding new coeliac cases and helped to identify and decrease dietary non-compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: IgA class serum autoantibodies against type 2 (tissue) transglutaminase (TG2) bind to both intestinal and extraintestinal normal tissue sections in vitro, eliciting endomysial, reticulin, and jelunal antibody reactions. It is not known whether similar binding also occurs in coeliac patients in vivo, and may thereby contribute to disease manifestations. Aims: To investigate intestinal and extraintestinal coeliac tissues for the presence of in vivo bound TG2 specific IgA and its relation to small intestinal mucosal atrophy. Patients: We investi9ated lelunal samples with normal villous morphology from 10 patients with developing coeliac disease who subsequently progressed to a flat lesion, from 11 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, and from 12 non-coeliac controls. Six extrajelunal biopsy samples (liver, lymph node, muscle, appendix), obtained based on independent clinical indications from patients with active coeliac disease, were also studied. Methods: Double colour immunofluorescent studies For in situ IgA, TG2, and laminin were performed. IgA was eluted from tissue sections and tested for TG2 specificity by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and indirect immunofluorescence. Results: IgA (in one IgA deficient case IgG) deposition on extracellularly located TG2 was detected in lelunal and extra jelunal specimens of all coeliac patients, and also in seven of 11 dermatitis herpetiformis patients, of whom two had no circulating endomysial antibodies. IgA eluted from extraintestinal coeliac tissues was targeted against TG2. Conclusions: Coeliac IgA targets jejunal TG2 early in disease development even when endomysial antibodies are not present in the circulation. Extraintestinal target sites of coeliac lgA further indicate that humoral immunity may have a pathogenetic role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of thin gold films deposited on a sapphire surface was studied in UHV using Auger electron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques. The annealing temperatures were in the range 573–843 K. Starting from a continuous film, we observed at the end of the process a collection of beads. The incubation time in this temperature range was negligible, while the agglomeration time varied from about 2 h at 573 K to a few minutes at 843 K. The kinetics of metal agglomeration allowed the evaluation of the surface self diffusion coefficients of gold which can be expressed by D[sub s](m[sup 2]/s)(573–843 K)= 3×10[sup -11]exp[-62±8(kJ/mol)/RT] . These results are in reasonable agreement with other published data. This method provides a framework for the evaluation of surface diffusion parameters of other metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are highly sensitive to gonadotropins. In recent years a number of publications have shown that chronic low-dose protocols are effective in reducing complications, in particular ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially if recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rhFSH) is used. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of rhFSH (Gonal-F®, Serono) versus urinary human FSH (uhFSH) (Metrodin®, Serono) in a low-dose step-up protocol for ovulation induction in clomiphene-resistent infertile PCOS patients. Twenty PCOS patients were recruited in two centers for an open randomized comparative study. A starting dose of a 75-IU ampule of rhFSH or uhFSH was used for 14 days with an increment of 37.5 IU every 7 days. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (10 000 IU, Profasi®,Serono) was administered if one to three follicles achieved a diameter of ≥ 16 mm. Sonographic and hormonal (serum estradiol and progesterone) monitoring of the cycles was performed. All the six pregnancies induced were in the rhFSH group, but two of them ended with miscarriage. There were no differences between the two groups concerning the number of ampules used, the stimulation days, the estradiol levels on the day of hCG administration, and the progesterone levels 7 days after hCG administration. Three patients had grade II, and one patient grade III OHSS. In conclusion, our results support the literature data that rhFSH is superior to uhFSH regarding pregnancy rates, not only in in vitro fertilization cycles, but also with a low-dose protocol in patients with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Specific IgG antibodies are frequently observed in food‐allergic patients. However, the allergen‐fraction specificity of IgG antibodies in relation to IgE antibodies is not well defined. Our aim was to determine the IgE and IgG antibody profile to major cow's milk and peanut antigen fractions in food‐allergic patients and tolerant individuals. Methods: Sera were collected from 10 patients allergic to cow's milk and 10 patients allergic to peanuts, as well as from 20 control subjects. Cow's milk and peanut proteins were migrated on SDS–PAGE and immunoblotted for IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibodies. Food‐specific IgE concentrations were measured by CAP System FEIA™, and IgG and IgG4 concentrations by ELISA. Results:In food‐allergic children, similar fraction‐specific IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibody‐binding profiles to the major cow's milk or peanut antigens were found. In nonallergics, the presence of fraction‐specific IgG antibodies was mostly dependent on regular ingestion of the food. The presence of specific antibody on immunoblots correlated with their quantitative measurement. The mean value for specific IgE in cow's milk‐allergic patients was 450±1326 IU/ml, and 337±423 IU/ml in peanut allergic patients. Specific IgG antibody values in milk‐allergic patients were not different (median OD 1.5, range 0.3–2.3) from controls (median OD 1, range 0.2–1.8). However, in peanut‐allergic patients, IgG concentrations were significantly higher than in controls (OD 1.2 [0.5–1.3] vs 0.5 [0.3–0.7]; P<0.01). Conclusions: Similar fraction‐specific IgE and IgG antibody profiles in allergic individuals suggest a common switching trigger involving both isotypes. Intrinsic allergenicity might explain identical IgG antibody fraction specificity in nonallergics and in allergics. The presence of IgG antibodies in nonallergics was related to... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Photoinduced structural transformations in nanolayered, compositionally modulated films of light-sensitive chalcogenide vitreous semiconductors (ChVS), were investigated by holographic diffraction gratings (HDG) recording. The essential role of surface deformation (expansion up to 5% in illuminated regions) at hologram recording in such structures is established. The surface relief, optical parameters, and diffraction-efficiency dependence on the recording mechanism and film structure are examined, taking into account the possible effects of mutually additive or exclusive components of light modulation in reflection or transmission measurement modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of immunoglobulin deficiency with increased IgM (hyper-IgM syndrome) was made in three siblings (two girls and a boy) on the basis of history, physical findings, and laboratory data. The prominent clinical findings were recurrent viral and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. The most severe infections affected the male patient, who died at the age of 8 years. Family history and the lack of clinical signs in the parents and relatives indicated no immunodeficiency which, together with the occurrence of the disease in both sexes, indicated an autosomal recessive inheritance. The two female patients (18 years old and 3 years old) have been treated with intravenous acid-treated immunoglobulin for 2 years, resulting in significant clinical improvement with respect to the frequency and severity of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the excavation of an early medieval lakeside settlement at Fonyód-Bélatelep, Balaton (7th-9th century A.D.), remains of cultivated and wild plants were found in the culture layer. The main cereal crops of the Avar culture were Hordeum, Triticum and Secale. Panicum also played an important role. In addition to the cereals, 13 species of fruit trees were present. It appears that fruit cultivation survived from Roman times into the early medieval period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several codes and measuring technics have been elaborated for shut-down dose reduction research at Paks nuclear power plant /NPP/. Main principles and some results of these codes as well as comparison to measurements at Paks and at other NPP are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this experiment, 10 fattening bulls were given 0.27-0.42 g/kg body-weight of urea daily for 4 months. The bulls slaughtered after the experiments showed enlarged thyroid glands. These thyroid glands were much larger than the control glands (P = 0.1%). At the end of the experiment the bulls fed with urea weighed, on average, 44 kg more than the control bulls (P = 5%). The histology and electron-microscopy tests revealed that the bulls had hyperplasia of the thyreocytes, grave hydropical and vacuolar degeneration of the thyroid glands, and a considerable decrease in the colloids of the folliculus. The morphological test on the thyroid glands of bulls fed with the aforementioned level of urea daily for a longer period corresponded with the considerable alterations observed when treating bulls with tiouracil by-products. The consequences of urea-rationing for a longer period were tested and the dangers of thyroid-gland alterations were made apparent. Blood samples (120 cases) were taken in the experiment to determine the concentrations of NH3-N, urea and of thyroxin and triiodinetironin (480 pcs), referring to pre-test conditions. The same parameters were determined five times (every 2 months) during the experiment. The parameters received in the tests were, on average and in terms of extreme values as follows: Except for the histological outcome, the blood tests did not show the hypothyreosis of the whole organism. Zusammenfassung In diesem Versuch wurden 10 Mastbullen 4 Monate lang täglich 0,27-0,42 g/kg Körpermasse Karbamid verabreicht. Am Ende des Versuchs wurde bei den geschlachteten Mastbullen Struma (hypothyreoide Struma) registriert. Die Schilddrüse vergrößerte sich bedeutend, um das mehrfache im Vergleich zu den Kontrolltieren (P = 0,1%). Die Körpermasse der Bullen, denen Karbamid verabreicht wurde, war am Versuchsende im Durchschnitt um 44 kg mehr, als die der Kontrolltiere (P = 5%). Im Laufe der histologischen und elektronmikroskopischen Untersuchungen wurde in der Schilddrüse der Mastbullen Hyperplasie der Thyreozyten, hydropische bzw. vacuole Degeneration, bedeutende Verminderung des Kolloids in den Follikeln nachgewiesen. Die Veränderungen, die durch morphologische Untersuchungen in der Schilddrüse der Mastbullen festgestellt wurden, denen die angeführten täglichen Karbamidgaben verabreicht wurden, stimmten im Laufe der Verabreichung von Thioarozylenfolgeprodukten mit den dabei entstandenen bedeutenden Veränderungen völlig überein. Die Folgen der Verabreichung von Karbamidgaben wurden über längere Zeit geprüft und weisen auf die fallweise auftretenden Schilddrüsenveränderungen hin. Von den Blutproben (120 Fälle), die im Laufe des Versuchs entnommen wurden, wurden die auf den Zustand vor dem Versuch bezogenen NH3-N- und Karbamid, weiterhin die Thyroxin- und Trijodtironin-Konzentrationen bestimmt. Dieselben Werte im Laufe des Versuchs wurden noch in fünf Fällen (2 monatlich) bestimmt. Im Durchschnitt und Extremwert haben sich beim Versuch folgende Parameter ergeben: Beim entstandenen Gewebebild hat sich laut Blutuntersuchungen betreffs des ganzen Organismus die Hypothyreose nicht herausgebildet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors had performed an epizootological observation on occurrence of chronic respiratory disease of foals in 2 herds of about 100 mares in each over the years 1976-86. In 1986 virological, bacteriological and mycoplasma examinations were performed. The studs were positive for antibodies against Myxovirus influenzae A equi 1 and 2 types, rotavirus, herpesvirus 2 and viral arteritis agent, but no virus could be isolated from 30 samples of different origin. The disease of foals was associated with their mycoplasma infection and lower concentration of immunoglobulins in blood serum of the foals. The animals were less frequently infected with Streptococcus equisimilis and Corynebacterium equi. Zusammenfassung Respiratorische Krankheit der Pferde begleitet durch Infektion mit Mycoplasmen Die Autoren führten von 1976-1986 epizootologische Untersuchungen zum Vorkommen der Chronischen respiratorischen Krankheit der Fohlen in 2 Herden mit über 100 Stuten durch. Im Jahre 1986 wurden die bakteriologischen, virologischen und die Untersuchungen auf Mycoplasmen durch-geführt. Die Stuten waren positiv in Hinsicht auf das Vorkommen von Antikörpern gegen den Myxovirus influenzae A Typ equi 1 and equi 2, Rotavirus, Herpesvirus 2 und den Erreger der Pferdestaupe. Trotzdem konnte aus 30 Proben verschiedener Herkunft kein Virus isoliert werden. Die Erkrankung der Fohlen war verbunden mit ihrer Mycoplasmen-Infektion und einer geringeren Konzentration von Antikörpern im Blutserum der Fohlen. Mit Streptococcus equisimilis und Corynebacterium equi waren die Tiere seltener infiziert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discovered non-specific reaction between sera collected in a herd being negative serologically, culturally and histologically for M. hyopneumoniae infection over a period 1981-1985 and M. hyopneumoniae antigen in indirect haemagglutination test. In 1985 the animals were vaccinated with SUVAC vaccine against swine fever. It was demonstrated by the agar-gel immunodiffusion test and immunoelectrophoretic examination using antisera against whole horse serum, horse IgG and IgT proteins that SUVAC vaccine contained horse serum proteins having induced antibodies in swine sera reacting with M. hyopneumoniae antigen which was prepared in medium with horse serum. Preadsorption of swine sera with horse serum eliminated the non-specific reaction of M. hyopneumoniae antigen. Zusammenfassung Vorkommen nicht-spezifischer Reaktionen in der Diagnose von M. hyopneumoniae-Infektion der Schweine Die Autoren beobachteten eine nicht-spezifische Reaktion zwischen Seren, die in einer Herde gewonnen wurden, die sowohl in serologischer, kultureller und histologischer Sicht im Zeitraum von 1981-1985 von M. hyopneumoniae, als auch im indirekten Haemagglutinationstest mit M. hyopneumoniae-Antigen frei war. 1985 wurden die Tiere mit SUVAC-Vakzine gegen die Schweinepest geimpft. Es wurde mit Hilfe des Immundiffusionstestes und der immunelektroforetischen Untersuchung unter Anwendung von Anti-Pferde-Vollserum, Pferde-IgG und IgT-Proteinen gezeigt, daß SUVAC, welches Pferdeserumproteine enthält, Antikörper im Schweineserum induziert, die mit M. hyopneumoniae-Antigen reagierten, welches im Medium mit Pferdeserum vorbereitet worden war. Die Präadsorption der Schweineseren mit Pferdeserum eliminierte die nicht-spezifische Reaktion des M. hyopneumoniae-Antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS--To evaluate the ability of four rapid DNA extraction methods to provide DNA for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from routinely fixed, paraffin wax embedded archival tissues. METHODS--Eighteen blocks of various tissues, 18 blocks of cervical cancer specimens, and nine blocks of B cell lymphomas were investigated. Both normal and biopsy specimen sized tissues were studied. DNA was extracted using four methods: boiling for 20 minutes in distilled water; boiling for 20 minutes in 5% Chelex-100 resin solution; 3-hour proteinase K digestion; and 3-hour proteinase K digestion, followed by boiling in 5% Chelex-100. Different exons of the p53 gene, human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) sequence, and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangement were amplified from the extracts. RESULTS--The Chelex boiling, proteinase K digestion, and proteinase K digestion-Chelex boiling methods produced DNA suitable for amplification in all of the 45 samples. Boiling in water yielded insufficient template for the PCR in three of the 45 cases (7%), and in six of 42 positive cases (14%) much fainter bands were observed, mostly when the processed material was either biopsy specimen sized or a B cell lymphoma sample. Fragments of the p53 gene were successfully amplified up to 408 base pairs in water boiled extracts, up to 647 in Chelex boiled preparates, and up to 984 in proteinase K digested and proteinase K digested-Chelex boiled samples, although with decreased sensitivity in the last case. All of the templates were reusable after 3 months of storage at -20 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS--Chelex boiling, proteinase K digestion, and proteinase K digestion followed by Chelex boiling produce suitable templates for the PCR from a large variety of paraffin wax embedded tissues. As the simple 20 minute boiling method in 5% Chelex-100 solution requires minimal manipulation and time, it could be useful, especially in the routine processing of large amounts of material. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The thermopower of an aluminium alloy containing 0.57 at% Mn was measured at a temperature range from 300 to 800 °K. On the basis of the experimental results the spin fluctuation time and the location of the localized level was estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]