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Intraspecific morphological variability may reflect either genetic divergence among groups of individuals or response of individuals to environmental circumstances within the frame of phenotypic plasticity. Several studies were able to discriminate wild fish populations based on their scale shape. Here we examine whether the variations in the scale shape in fish populations could be related to genetic or environmental factors, or to both of them. In the first experiment, two inbred lines of zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton 1822) reared under identical environmental conditions were compared. Secondly, to find out what effect environmental factors might have, offsprings were divided into two groups and reared on different diets for 12 weeks. Potential recovery of scales from an environmental effect was also assessed. Experimental groups could successfully be distinguished according to the shape of scales in both experiments, and the results showed that both genetic and environmental factors may notably influence scale shape. It was concluded that scale shape analysis might be used as an explanatory tool to detect potential variability of environmental influences impacting genetically homogeneous groups of fish. However, due to its sensitivity to environmental heterogeneity, the applicability of this technique in identifying intraspecific stock membership of fish could be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The possibility of successful smoking cessation is increased by early initiation. Therefore, promoting smoking cessation at early age (especially among 14-35-year-olds) has a key role in reducing tobacco use prevalence. Facebook is one of the most popular websites among adolescents and young adults which can be used for age-specific smoking cessation support., Aim: Our research seeks to reveal the effects of a Facebook page on smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes among 14-35-year-olds., Method: An online survey was conducted among the 3278 followers of the author's Facebook page. The questionnaire was completed by 332 people among 14-35-year-olds. We analysed demographic data, smoking habits, the usage frequency and duration of the Facebook page as well as changes in smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes., Results: The average age was 22.57 ± 5.08 years. The examined population consisted of 65% currently smokers, 12% former smokers and 23% non-smokers. Significantly more people reported a positive change in their smoking habits and smoking cessation attitudes among smokers who used the Facebook page more frequently and with longer duration (p<0.05). The habit and attitude changes were significantly higher among smokers who plan to quit smoking (p<0.01). Nevertheless, we also observed attitude changes between 12-25% among smokers who did not plan to quit. Among non-smokers, the positive attitude changes were significantly higher in the low-educated population who live in villages (p<0.01)., Conclusion: This Facebook page had a positive effect on smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes among 14-35-year-olds. The contents of the Facebook page could be used to prevent smoking and support smoking cessation among 14-35-year-olds. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(6): 220-227.

The characterization of mycorrhizal status in hosts can be a good indicator of symbiotic associations in inoculation experiments or in ecological research. The most common microscopic-based observation methods, such as (i) the gridline intersect method, (ii) the magnified intersections method and (iii) the five-class system of Trouvelot were tested to find the most simple, easily executable, effective and objective ones and their appropriate parameters for characterization of mycorrhizal status. In a pot experiment, white clover (Trifolium repens L.) host plant was inoculated with 6 (BEG144; syn. Rhizophagus intradices) in pumice substrate to monitor the AMF colonization properties during host growth. Eleven (seven classical and four new) colonization parameters were estimated by three researchers in twelve sampling times during plant growth. Variations among methods, observers, parallels, or individual plants were determined and analysed to select the most appropriate parameters and sampling times for monitoring. The comparability of the parameters of the three methods was also tested. As a result of the experiment classical parameters were selected for hyphal colonization: colonization frequency in the first stage or colonization density in the later period, and arbuscular richness of roots. A new parameter was recommended to determine vesicule and spore content of colonized roots at later stages of symbiosis.

Two Balb/C mouse models of Candida infection were used to detect serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses. The first model used systemic infection by Candida albicans ATCC 10231 strain infected through the lateral tail vein of mice without any specific pretreatment. The median Candida burdens of the kidneys were 1.5 × 106 CFU/ml 24 h postinoculation (p.i.) and 1.2 × 107 CFU/ml 72 h p.i., while median serum IL-6 levels were 479.3 pg/ml and 934.5 pg/ml, respectively. The Candida burden showed significant correlation with serum IL-6 24 h p.i. (R2 = 0.6358; P = 0.0082) but not 72 h p.i.The second model was a mouse vaginitis model applying intravaginal inoculation of mice pretreated with subcutaneous estradiol-valerate (10 mg/ml) 3 days before infection. Candida cell count in vaginal lavage fluid was 2.8 × 106 CFU/ml 24 h p.i. and 1.4 × 108 CFU/ml 72 h p.i. Serum IL-6 response was detected in 4 of 15 mice 24 h p.i. and 9 of 15 mice 72 h p.i. Even the responders had low IL-6 serum levels (mean values 29.9 pg/ml and 60.1 pg/ml, respectively) not correlating with Candida cell count in vaginal lavage fluid.In conclusion, serum IL-6 had strong relationship with systemic C. albicans infection while the local C. albicans infection of the vagina led to partial, prolonged and limited serum IL-6 response.

The aim of positive family planning is to prevent preterm delivery and congenital abnormalities. Using primer prevention models at this time helps to prevent the common disorders which are the leading causes of death. The mission of the National Institute of Child Health is to promote preconceptional health and thus, mother and baby's health. This article introduces the practice of our institute's family planning department and the last six years' experiences.

42 gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors are analyzed by the authors with characterization of immunohistochemistry and DNA study. Out of 42 tumors, 29 GIST 3 leiomyoma, 4 leiomyosarcoma, 3 benign schwannoma, 1 soliter fibrous tumor, 1 inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor and 1 benign haemangiopericytoma were found. All 29 GIST but two could be characterized by c-kit (CD-117) and CD-34 positivity independently weather they displayed focal neurogenic and/or myogenic immunomarkers. In GIST group, 10 cases were benign, 6 borderline and 13 malignant. All benign cases were euploid by DNA study, the malignant tumours were highly aneuploid. Concerning the borderline GIST group by morphology, the aneuploid DNA content may speak for malignant biological behavior, and the diploid DNA content in low grade malignant GIST by morphology may speak for better outcome in the malignant group. There is a discussion about the nomenclature of this morphological group, about the role of the c-kit gene and the necessity of the immunohistochemistry and DNA content determination.

Authors report on local mitomycin-C (MTM-C) therapy applied subsequent to the treatment by means of Nd-YAG laser in 59 superficial (Ta-T1) bladder neoplasms. Relapse-rate in the neoplasms could be reduced by using MTM-C accompanied by minor side-effects. Seventy-two % of patients have been free from relapse for the mean 44-month follow-up period. Authors also suggest that laser therapy may favourably be completed by local chemoprophylaxis in "high-risk" type superficial bladder neoplasms.

Authors describe a new analytical method for monitoring the treatment of vesicular tumors. Chromatographic analysis of the polyamine content of the eluent allows differential diagnostic judgement of the malignity of the laser treated tumorous tissue. The practical applicability of the method is demonstrated and evaluated on the basis of the analysis of 88 clinical cases.