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Gárdonyi 1910-es években megújuló prózaművészetének egyik alaptétele: „ha azzal ülsz az íróasztalhoz, hogy regényt írsz, kezdd azon, hogy csak tizedrésznyire rövidített, egyjelenetes nagynovellának írod meg”, „a regényt ne regénynek szándékold, hanem csak novellának” (Gárdonyi 1974, 70). Ennek a jelenetnek pedig feszültségtelinek kell lennie: „az izgalmat keresd, amelyben a karakter előötlik. Bajt, szorultságot és a karaktert tengelyében bántó helyzetet, esetet” (Gárdonyi 1974, 77). Az íróra jellemző kisregényforma a novellai próza- nyelv sűrítő eljárásaival megalkotott kényszerhelyzetből bont ki egy szöveget úgy, hogy előállítja a szituációhoz vezető előzményeket és az azt levezető következményeket. Az 1905-ös Ábel és Eszter írása során már felismerte Gárdonyi ennek a technikának a termékenységét, de még máshogy alkalmazta. Elemzésemben azt vizsgálom, milyen szövegvilág alakul ki, és milyen egzisztenciális értelem tárul fel akkor, ha egy egész művet egyetlen kényszerhelyzet variációs ismétlődései határozzák meg.

Background: Thyroid nodule image reporting and data systems (TIRADS) provide the indications for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) based on a combination of nodule sonographic features and size. We compared the TIRADS-based recommendations for FNA with those based on the personal expertise of qualified US investigators in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. Methods: Seven highly experienced ultrasound (US) investigators from 4 countries evaluated, online, the US video recordings of 123 histologically verified thyroid nodules. Technical resources provided the operators with a diagnostic approach close to the real-world practice. Altogether, 4,305 TIRADS scores were computed. The combined diagnostic potential of TIRADS (TIRSYS) and the personal recommendations of the investigators (PERS) were compared against 3 possible goals: to recognize all malignant lesions (allCA), nonpapillary plus non-pT1 papillary cancers (nPnT1PCA), or stage II-IV cancers (st2-4CA). Results: For allCA and nPnT1PCA, TIRSYS had lower sensitivity than PERS (69.8 vs. 87.2 and 83.5 vs. 92.6%, respectively, p <0.01), while in st2-4CA the sensitivities were the same (99.1 vs. 98.6% and TIRSYS vs. PERS, respectively). TIRSYS had a higher specificity than PERS in all 3 types of cancers (p < 0.001). PERS recommended FNA in a similar proportion of lesions smaller or larger than 1 cm (76.9 vs. 82.7%; ns). Conclusions: Recommendations for FNA based on the investigators’ US expertise demonstrated a better sensitivity for thyroid cancer in the 2 best prognostic groups, while TIRADS methodology showed superior specificity over the full prognostic range of cancers. Thus, personal experience provided more accurate diagnoses of malignancy, missing a lower number of small thyroid cancers, but the TIRADS approach resulted in a similar accuracy for the diagnosis of potentially aggressive lesions while sparing a relevant number of FNAs. Until it is not clearly stated what the goal of the US evaluation is, that is to diagnose all or only clinically relevant thyroid cancers, it cannot be determined whether one diagnostic approach is superior to the other for recommending FNA.

Absztrakt: Az acromegalia ritka, de klinikailag fontos betegség, amelyet a növekedési hormon és az inzulinszerű növekedési faktor-1 krónikusan magas szintje okoz. Számos tünete és komplikációja lehet, amelyek közül a diabetes mellitus gyakori szövődmény. A növekedési hormon különböző mechanizmusokon keresztül hathat a szénhidrát-anyagcserére és idézhet elő inzulinrezisztenciát. Cikkünkben egy acromegaliás beteg esetét dolgozzuk fel, kiemelve a beteg szénhidrátanyagcsere-eltéréseit, valamint az eset kapcsán ismertetjük az acromegalia kezelésében használt terápiás lehetőségeknek a glükózháztartásra gyakorolt hatását a nemzetközi irodalom áttekintésével. A contrainsularis hatású növekedésihormon-túlprodukció rontja a glükóztoleranciát. Ennek megfelelően a kórosan fokozott növekedésihormon-termelést csökkentő különböző kezelési módok (mint a sebészi vagy radioterápia, illetve a gyógyszeres kezelés bizonyos típusai) hatására javul a szénhidrát-anyagcsere. Ugyanakkor a gyógyszeres terápiás lehetőségek közül az első generációs szomatosztatinreceptor-ligandok az esetek kis részében ronthatják a szénhidrátháztartást, míg a második generációs pazireotid a betegek jelentős részénél hyperglykaemiát okoz. Az acromegaliás beteg kezelése komplex feladat, több diszciplína képviselői (endokrinológus, idegsebész, radioterapeuta, az egyes speciális problémák megoldásában részt vevő orvosok, fogorvosok) végzik, de a kezelés összefogásáért az endokrinológus szakorvos a felelős. Az acromegaliának, illetve a kezelés szövődményeinek, kiemelten a szénhidrátháztartás zavarainak ellátásában a háziorvosnak is fontos szerepe van, ehhez pedig ismernie kell a kezelési módozatok főbb pontjait és potenciális mellékhatásait. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(40): 1724–1729.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder, which is characterized by stimulatory antibodies targeting the human thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), resulting in hyperthyroidism and multiple organ damage. We systematically investigated monomeric and dimeric fusion proteins of the A subunit of TSHR for efficacy to bind to the monoclonal patient antibody M22, to interact with Graves’ patient serum samples, and to impact on anti-TSHR antibody titers, hyperthyroidism, tachycardia and other in vivo read-outs in a long-term mouse model of Graves’ disease induced by immunization with a recombinant adenovirus encoding TSHR A. Binding assays and functional measurements of TSHR-dependent cAMP formation showed binding of monomeric TSHR-His and dimeric TSHR-Fc to the anti-TSHR antibody M22 at low-effective concentrations (EC50 of 5.7 nmol/L and 8.6 nmol/L) and inhibition of the effects of this antibody at high efficiencies (IC50 values of 16–20 nmol/L). Both proteins also block the effects of polyclonal anti-TSHR antibodies occurring in Graves’ patient sera with somewhat lower average efficiencies (mean IC50 values of 29 nmol/L and 68 nmol/L). However, in vivo characterization of epicutaneous patch administrations of TSHR-Fc at doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg body weight in a murine Graves’ disease model did not result in any improvement of disease parameters. In conclusion, high affinity binding of TSHR-Fc to pathological anti-TSHR antibodies was not matched by efficacy to improve Graves’ disease parameter in a long-term mouse model.

A viselkedesi kozgazdasagtan altal kepviselt kiserleti megkozelitesmod az elmult evtizedben az arkutatas teruleten belul is egyre markansabban van jelen, melynek egyik megnyilvanulasa a kiserleti aukcios modszereknek a fogyasztoi ertek es a fizetesi hajlandosag azonositasa, azok merese soran tortenő alkalmazasa. Ez a megkozelitesmod ugyanis lehetőve teszi – a vasarlasi hajlandosagon alapulo modszerekhez kepest – a fogyaszto preferenciainak pontosabb es teljesebb lekepezeset. Az aukcios modszertan ez iranyu targyalasa a hazai szakirodalomban ugyanakkor elegge hianyos, kulonos tekintettel a gyakorlati alkalmazasi lehetősegek ertekelesere. Ezt feloldando, a tanulmanyban − bemutatva az egyes vallalati ertekmodelleket, azok kapcsolatat es a fogyasztoi ertek koncepciojabol kiindulva – a szerző kiserletet tesz a vevőertek es a vallalati arkepzes osszefuggeseinek bemutatasara. Az arkutatasi modszereken belul elhelyezi es reszletesen kifejti a kiserleti aukcios eljarasok modszertani előnyeit es korlatait, bemutatva a legfontosabb aukcios mechanizmusokat. Primer adatok alapjan, a Vickrey-fele aukcios mechanizmus segitsegevel illusztralja es elemzi, a kiserleti aukcios modszertan hogyan hasznalhato a fizetesi hajlandosag meresere es egy adott termek fejlesztese soran keletkező fogyasztoi ertektobblet azonositasara, kvantifikalasara. A vizsgalat soran bemutatja, hogy a felhasznalt megfigyeleseket mintakent hasznalva milyen statisztikai, elemzesi eszkoztar alkalmazhato az eredmenyek megfelelő ertelmezesehez, a teljes vizsgalati sokasag vonatkozasaban a gyakorlatban is implikalhato kovetkeztetesek levonasahoz. Kulon targyalja a termekfejlesztesből eredő esetleges arbevetel-novekedes becslesenek lehetősegeit es korlatait.

This paper reviews the scientific literature published on synanthropic spiders in three Carpathian Basin countries—Hungary, Slovakia and Romania. A total number of 204 spider species have been reported from human constructions. Most of the 204 spider species (165 species) found in buildings were only occasional visitors, so-called asynanthropic species with typically low abundance. On average, eusynanthropic (23 species) and hemisynanthropic (16 species) species accounted for 80% of the specimen number. We have discovered that the number of hemisynanthropic faunal elements have remained unchanged in the past three decades. At the same time 14 new eusynanthropic species have been observed in the region, roughly one new species in every 2 years. Some of them have been introduced from the tropics, but some species originates from southern Europe, which may be related to climate change. This hypothesis was also confirmed by the seasonal summer outdoor appearance of these eusynanthropic species. True tropical spiders could only be settled permanently in greenhouses with special climate (such as botanical gardens). We still do not have data of any synanthropic species posing a health risk in this region.

The most recent studies of progesterone research provide remarkable insights into the physiological role and clinical importance of this hormone. Although the name progesterone itself means “promoting gestation”, this steroid hormone is far more than a gestational agent. Progesterone is recognized as a key physiological component of not only the menstrual cycle and pregnancy but also as an essential steroidogenic precursor of other gonadal and non-gonadal hormones such as aldosterone, cortisol, estradiol, and testosterone. Based on current findings, progesterone and novel progesterone-based drugs have many important functions, including contraception, treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, immune response, and prevention of cancer. Considering the above, reproduction and life are not possible without progesterone; thus, a better understanding of this essential molecule could enable safe and effective use of this hormone in many clinical conditions.

Ever since the first application of DNA analysis in criminal casework in 1992, the conditions under which forensic DNA analysis is performed within the Hungarian law have been developed and subsequently approved, in parallel with the establishment of a national database report of forensic DNA. Act XLVII of 2009 (on the Criminal Records System, on the Records of EU Member State Court Rulings against Hungarian Citizens as well as on the Records of Biometric Criminal and Law Enforcement Data) constituted the legal framework for this. Moreover, Act XXIX of 2016 (on Judicial Experts), Act CXII of 2011 (on the Right of Informational Self-Determination and on Freedom of Information), as well as Regulation 12/2016. (V.4.) of the Minister of Interior (on Rules of Taking Fingerprints, Palm prints, Photographs and DNA samples), as well as the Provisions of 31/2008. (XII. 31.) of the Minister of Local Government (on the work of forensic experts, respectively) went on to specify the professional requirements necessary for forensic DNA analysis. The regulations of the EU must also be taken into consideration. Of particular significance, are the escalations undertaken by the EU for the purpose of combating transnational crime as developed in the Prum Treaty, and, under Council Decision 2008/615/JHA and Council Decision 2008/616/JHA, became ratified into its partial transformation into an EU-wide tool for cooperation. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has also introduced a new and seemingly far-reaching exemption to the general prohibitive conditions applied to the processing of genetic data. The question of whether, and which kind of, consent is required remains left to other applicable EU and national laws. The aim of this study is to provide an overview on how Hungarian legislation of forensic DNA has changed over the past 27 years, to illustrate the current legal context in addition to providing a conceptual theoretical framework for future legislation, including the rules of forensic DNA typing and legal regulation connected to DNA-databases.

Traditional DNA forensics uses short tandem repeats (STRs) to match a DNA sample to a suspect or a database. However, when no suspect has been identified and there is a lack of database hits, these markers cannot help the investigators to solve a crime. A considerable amount of literature has been published on DNA phenotyping in the past few years. Not surprisingly, some ethical and legal aspects are needed to be discussed about FDP since this technology provides a greater number of details about the proprietary ownership of samples, their family members, even as about their larger community (ethnical group).

Introduction: Dysregulation of adipokine secretion and action is a characteristic feature of obesity and a key clinical feature of Cushing’s syndrome (CS). We have investigated whether endogenous glucocorticoid excess influences adipose tissue-derived gene expression. Material and methods: mRNA expression of adipokines; adiponectin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor-a, interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensinogen (AGT), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, retinol binding protein 4, visfatin, and cystatin C was assessed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in visceral adipose tissue removed during abdominal surgery of eight patients with CS, and six control patients. Results: We did not find any significant difference in the investigated genes; however, the almost significant overexpression of AGT and underexpression of IL-6 might be noteworthy (p = 0.06 in both cases). Conclusions: No significant differences were found in the expression of the investigated genes known as cardiometabolic risk factors. This indicates that there are no major differences between endogenous hypercortisolism or diet-induced obesity regarding the expression of adipokines involved in cardiometabolic disorders. However, the difference in AGT and IL-6 expression might be included in pathways affecting fat distribution in CS

Introduction: In our study, based on the data of the last 25 years, we analyzed the changes in the cash benefits paid to people with reduced working capacity, currently accounting for nearly 30% of the budget of the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary. Aim: The purpose of our study is to compare the statistical data of the past 25 years and the changes in the legal environment. Methods: Our research was based on the data series of the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary and the Hungarian Central Statistical Office as well as on the public finance reports of the State Audit Office of Hungary and the Ministry for National Economy. For the period under review, we analyzed the extent of the cash benefits paid to people with reduced working capacity, the measures taken to reduce these benefits, and the related legal background. In the long term, we examined the relevant dimension of the complex sociological processes in the background as well as the medical evaluation of the changed working ability. Results: In the last 25 years, benefits (annuity, retirement) paid under different denominations (disability, work ability reduction, health impairment, rehabilitation benefit) are still a decisive part of the health insurance budget (HUF 315 billion in 2016). Serious efforts have been made to replace the previously funded system of invalidity pension and annuity system, with the complex medical, occupational, and social rehabilitation, maintenance and improvement of the remaining state of health. The purpose of the measures is essentially to reduce budget expenditures and to improve the utilization of the amount paid on rehabilitation benefits. Conclusion: The sociological changes that occurred during the long period of time regrettably helped to initially increase the number of recipients of invalidity benefits, to stabilize them at a high level and to have a significant burden on the budget. This could not be counterbalanced by the rehabilitation approach of money supply either. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(Suppl 1): 29–36.

Although non-invasive pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (NIPGT-A) is potentially appropriate to assess chromosomal ploidy of the embryo, practical application of it in a routine IVF centre have not been started in the absence of a recommendation. Our objective in this study was to provide a comprehensive workflow for a clinically applicable strategy for NIPGT-A based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology with the corresponding bioinformatic pipeline. In a retrospective study, we performed NGS on spent blastocyst culture media of Day 3 embryos fertilised with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with quality score on morphology assessment using the blank culture media as background control. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified by an optimised bioinformatics pipeline applying copy number variation (CNV) detecting algorithm. In this study, we demonstrate a comprehensive workflow covering both wet- and dry-lab procedures supporting a clinically applicable strategy for NIPGT-A that can be carried out within 48 h, which is critical for the same-cycle blastocyst transfer. The described integrated approach of non-invasive evaluation of embryonic DNA content of the culture media can potentially supplement existing pre-implantation genetic screening methods.

Endometrium receptivity and successful implantation require a complex network of regulatory factors whom production is strictly controlled especially at the implantation window. Many regulators like steroid hormones, prostaglandins, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and downstream cell signalling pathways are involved in the process of embryo-endometrium interaction. Our work reveals the effect of fractalkine (FKN), a unique chemokine on progesterone receptor, SOX-17 and NRF2 expressions in HEC-1A endometrial cell line. FKN activates fractalkine receptor signalling and the expression of SOX-17 through progesterone receptor in HEC-1A endometrial cells, and as a consequence it increases endometrial receptivity. Fractalkine also activates the NRF2-Keap-1 signal transduction pathway regulating the IL-6 and IL-1β cytokine productions, which increase endometrial receptivity, as well. The NRF2 transcription factor increases the expression of the iron exporter ferroportin in HEC-1A cells activating iron release towards JEG-3 trophoblast cells. The iron measurements show that iron content of endometrial cells decreases while heme concentration increases at FKN treatment. At the same time, the trophoblast cells show increased iron uptake and total iron content. Based on our results it seems that FKN enhances the establishment of endometrial receptivity and meanwhile it regulates the iron homeostasis of endometrium contributing to the iron availability of the trophoblast cells and the embryo.

Background Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare, yet severe, iatrogenic complication of ovulation induction therapy during assisted reproductive procedures. Our group previously detected atypical cells in the ascitic fluid of OHSS patients, although no malignancy developed during follow up. Here, the aim was to perform a comparative analysis of the cytokines present in the abdominal fluid of patients affected by OHSS versus patients with advanced ovarian cancer, a benign adnexal mass, or ovarian endometriosis. Methods This prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at the Clinical Center of the University of Pecs Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Reproductive Center between October 2016 and March 2018. Abdominal fluid samples were obtained from 76 patients and subjected to Luminex analysis. The samples were collected from patients with OHSS (OHSS; n = 16), advanced ovarian cancer (OC; n = 22), a benign adnexal mass (BAM; n = 21), or ovarian endometriosis (EM; n = 17). Data were subjected to the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to identify statistical differences between the four study groups. Results Leukocytosis and hemoconcentration were detected in the peripheral blood of OHSS patients. Abdominal fluid analysis further revealed significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in both the OHSS and OC groups compared to the BAM and EM groups. The highest concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected in the OC group, while a significantly lower level was detected in the OHSS group. Moreover, VEGF levels in OC and OHSS groups were significantly elevated compared to the levels in the BAM and EM groups. Conclusions Vasoactive and hematogenic cytokines were present at higher levels in both the OHSS and OC abdominal fluid samples compared to the fluid samples obtained from the peritoneal cavity of the BAM patients. It is possible that these cytokines play an important role in the formation of ascites.

Margit Tőkés-Füzesi,1 István Ruzsics,2 Orsolya Rideg,3 Péter Kustán,1 Gábor L Kovács,1,4 Tihamér Molnár5 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary; 21st Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary; 3Department of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; 4Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary; 5Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary Background: Microparticles (MPs) are shedding membrane vesicles released from activated blood and endothelial cells under inflammatory conditions. The role of endothelial MPs (EMPs) in pathophysiology of COPD is relatively well known. However, the release and function of MPs of other cellular origins, eg, platelets, red blood cells and leukocytes, are not clearly evaluated in COPD. Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure EMPs and other cell-derived circulating MPs in stable and exacerbated COPD patients. Patients and methods: A total of 50 patients with COPD and 19 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. EMPs (CD31+, CD62E+) and platelet-derived (CD61+, CD41+, CD42a+, PAC1+), red blood cell-derived (GlyA+) and leukocyte-derived (CD45+, CD13+, CD14+, CD56+) MPs were measured. Flow cytometry (FC) was performed on Beckman Coulter FC500 analyzer. MP reference gate was set using 0.3–0.5–0.9 µm microbeads with MP size gates of 0.5–1.0 µm. Results: All the measured MPs were significantly (P

Purpose: Earlier findings revealed the damaging effect of visible light on zygotes and gametes. The aim of our study is to eliminate or significantly reduce the potentially harmful effects of light exposure during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and to investigate the effect of light protection on embryo development and implantation. Materials and Methods: To protect sperm cells, oocytes, and embryos from the potential harmful effects of light exposure during laboratory procedures, we created a dark environment for the cells and applied red filters on laboratory lamps and UV or infrared filters in the microscopes in order to eliminate white light exposure of the cells throughout all work stages. Results: The fertilization rate was significantly (p = 0.011) higher in light-protected ICSI cycles. Blastocyst development rates (blastocyst/embryo) were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in light-protected embryos than in those manipulated in conventional light conditions both in IVF (20.9% difference) and ICSI (38.6% difference). Numbers of clinical pregnancies/transfers of ICSI fertilized day 5 blastocysts were also significantly (p = 0.040) higher in light-protected conditions. Conclusions: These data show that light protection has a positive effect on fertilization rate and increases the blastocyst development as well as the number of clinical pregnancies/transfers. Implementation of this light protection method in IVF centers may improve the success rate while maintaining maximal embryo safety.

Background: Simultaneous determination of the two main actin scavenger proteins in sepsis has not been investigated until now. In our pilot study, we elucidated the predictive values of Gc globulin and gelsolin (GSN) in sepsis by comparing them to classic laboratory and clinical parameters. Methods: A 5-day follow-up was performed, including 46 septic patients, 28 non-septic patients and 35 outpatients as controls. Serum Gc globulin and GSN levels were determined by automated immune turbidimetric assay on a Cobas 8000/c502 analyzer. Patients were retrospectively categorized according to the sepsis-3 definitions, and 14-day mortality was also investigated. Results: First-day GSN also differentiated sepsis from non-sepsis (AUC: 0.88) similarly to C-reactive protein (AUC: 0.80) but was slightly inferior to procalcitonin (PCT) (AUC: 0.98) with a cutoff value of GSN at 22.29 mg/L (sensitivity: 83.3%; specificity: 86.2%). Only first-day SOFA scores (0.88) and GSN (0.71) distinguished septic survivors from non-survivors, whereas lactate (0.99), Gc globulin (0.76) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (0.74) discriminated septic shock from sepsis. Logistic regression analyses revealed SOFA scores and GSN being significant factors regarding 14-day mortality. First-day GSN levels were higher (p Conclusions: Both serum GSN and Gc globulin may have predictive values in sepsis. Considering the small sample size of our study, further measurements are needed to evaluate our results. Measurement of Gc globulin and GSN maybe useful in assessment of sepsis severity and in therapeutic decision-making.

The diagnosis of thrombophilia is a cost-consuming and time-consuming process, as each defect should be separately investigated. The Coagulation Inhibitor Potential (CIP) assay is a promising new global test, sensitive for most of the hereditary thrombophilias, developed for manual methodology. We adapt the original method to an optical coagulation analyser. By this automation, the test will be easier, faster and more precise, and it also allows carrying out 18 measurements simultaneously. The CIP assay was performed in 126 healthy subjects and 193 patients with different types of hereditary thrombophilia conditions. Detected with conventional laboratory tests high-risk thrombophilia was present in 70 patients: deficiencies of antithrombin (AT) (n = 12), protein C (PC) (n = 14), protein S (PS) (n = 6), homozygous factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation (n = 9) and combined types (n = 29). Low-risk thrombophilia was present in 123 patients: heterozygous FVL (n = 115) and FII G2010A mutation (n = 8). Significantly lower median CIP values were found for AT-,PC-, PS deficiencies, homozygous and heterozygous FVL mutations and combined thrombophilias (P < 0.01) as compared with healthy controls. There was no significant difference between the heterozygous FIIG20210A (P = 0.669) thrombophilia group and the healthy controls. The best performance of the test was achieved at the cut-off value of 90.0 U (area: 0.981) with 96% sensitivity and 92% specificity in the high-risk thrombophilia group estimated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The new method seems to be appropriate and reliable for the detection of AT-, PC- and PS deficiencies, homozygous FVL mutation and also for combined deficiencies. The automated CIP test is insensitive to FII G2010A mutation.

Rationale: Normal mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) is 14.0 ± 3.3 mm Hg (mean ± SD). The prognostic relevance of mildly elevated mPAP not fulfilling the definition of pulmonary hypertension (PH; mPAP ≥ 25 mm Hg) has not been prospectively evaluated in a real-world setting.Objectives: To assess the association of resting mPAP with all-cause mortality in a retrospective and a prospective cohort of patients with unexplained dyspnea and/or at risk of PH.Methods: Prognostic cutoffs were calculated by means of 1) classification and regression tree (CART) analysis without any preset thresholds, and 2) preset thresholds on the basis of literature data defining mPAP as lower-normal (≤mean + 1 SD), upper-normal (between mean + 1 SD and mean + 2 SD), borderline (between mean + 2 SD and 25 mm Hg), and manifest PH (≥25 mm Hg). We performed univariate and multivariate survival analysis adjusted for age and comorbidities.Measurements and Main Results: We enrolled 547 patients, of whom 137, 56, 64, and 290 presente...

Urinary biomarkers might provide non-invasive tool for monitoring of systemic processes. We aimed to investigate the time-course of urinary orosomucoid (u-ORM) excretion after cardiac surgery hypothesizing that u-ORM is an early and sensitive marker of systemic inflammatory activation.During a 5-day follow-up study we monitored u-ORM levels in cardiovascular patients who underwent on-pump cardiac surgery (n=38). The patients baseline data were compared to healthy control individuals (n=40). u-ORM was measured by a newly developed automated turbidimetric assay and values were referred to urinary creatinine and expressed as u-ORM/u-CREAT (mg/mmol).The cardiovascular patients showed slightly increased baseline u-ORM excretion compared to healthy controls (0.29 vs 0.08mg/mmol, p0.001). After cardiac surgery, a rapid 10-fold elevation in u-ORM/u-CREAT levels was found. The values remained high till the 3rd postoperative day, and they then decreased significantly (p0.01) on the 5th day after surgery. u-ORM/u-CREAT mirrored well the perioperative tendency of hs-CRP levels, but it did not follow the non-decreasing kinetics of serum ORM concentrations during the follow-up. u-ORM/u-CREAT correlated significantly (p0.001) with inflammatory parameters (hs-CRP, se-ORM, WBC).We described u-ORM as an early and sensitive marker of inflammatory activation. The rapid elevation of u-ORM/u-CREAT after surgery and its postoperative kinetics could reflect the magnitude of inflammatory response better than serum ORM and similar to hs-CRP. u-ORM measurements might provide a novel non-invasive tool for real-time monitoring of systemic inflammation, however further investigations are required to confirm it.

We report the discovery and characterization of 7 transiting exoplanets from the HATNet survey. The planets, which are hot Jupiters and Saturns transiting bright sun-like stars, include: HAT-P-58b (with mass Mp = 0.37 MJ, radius Rp = 1.33 RJ, and orbital period P = 4.0138 days), HAT-P-59b (Mp = 1.54 MJ, Rp = 1.12 RJ, P = 4.1420 days), HAT-P-60b (Mp = 0.57 MJ, Rp = 1.63 RJ, P = 4.7948 days), HAT-P-61b (Mp = 1.06 MJ, Rp = 0.90 RJ, P = 1.9023 days), HAT-P-62b (Mp = 0.76 MJ, Rp = 1.07 RJ, P = 2.6453 days), HAT-P-63b (Mp = 0.61 MJ, Rp = 1.12 RJ, P = 3.3777 days), and HAT-P-64b (Mp = 0.58 MJ, Rp = 1.70 RJ, P = 4.0072 days). The typical errors on these quantities are 0.06 MJ, 0.03 RJ, and 0.2seconds, respectively. We also provide accurate stellar parameters for each of the hosts stars. With V = 9.710+/-0.050mag, HAT-P-60 is an especially bright transiting planet host, and an excellent target for additional follow-up observations. With Rp = 1.703+/-0.070 RJ, HAT-P-64b is a highly inflated hot Jupiter around a star nearing the end of its main-sequence lifetime, and is among the largest known planets. Five of the seven systems have long-cadence observations by TESS which are included in the analysis. Of particular note is HAT-P-59 (TOI-1826.01) which is within the Northern continuous viewing zone of the TESS mission, and HAT-P-60, which is the TESS candidate TOI-1580.01., Comment: Submitted to AJ. Many large figures and tables at the end of the paper

Abstract: 65 years old male patient received 4 mg/day methylprednisolone baseline therapy and 50 mg/week etanercept treatment for 5 years due to rheumatoid arthritis. The patient experienced pain in neck, and developed weakness, fever and dysphagia. He had normal blood count but accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (88 mm/hour), elevated CRP (49.3 mg/l) and hyperthyroidism (TSH 0.006 mIU/l, fT4 27.22 pmol/l, fT3 5.61 pmol/l). The autoimmune origin could be excluded because of normal values of antibodies against thyreoidea peroxidase and TSH receptor. The ultrasound investigation showed focal hypoechogenic structure and low vascularisation. Based on the laboratory and ultrasound results as well as clinical signs etanercept related subacute thyroiditis was supposed. As part of the treatment we interrupted the etanercept treatment and gave 16 mg methylprednisolone for 5 days, then 8 mg for 7 days, after that the patient received the daily 4 mg of methylprednisolone as baseline therapy. After rapid improvement the symptoms got worse again so we repeated the administration of methylprednisolone treatment with a higher dose (16 mg/day for 5 days then 8 mg/day for two months). Thyroid functions and the inflammatory markers got normalized. We conclude the necessity of monitoring the thyroid function during etanercept treatment thus avoiding this rare but serious side effect. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(39): 1550–1554.

Numerous water-ice-rich deposits surviving more than several months on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko were observed during the Rosetta mission. We announce the first-time detection of water-ice features surviving up to 2 yr since their first observation via OSIRIS (Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System) NAC (narrow angle camera). Their existence on the nucleus of comet 67P at the arrival of the Rosetta spacecraft suggests that they were exposed to the surface during the comet's previous orbit. We investigated the temporal variation of large water-ice patches to understand the long-term sustainability of water ice on cometary nuclei on time-scales of months and years. Large clusters are stable over typical periods of 0.5 yr and reduce their size significantly around the comet's perihelion passage, while small exposures disappear. We characterized the temporal variation of their multispectral signatures. In large clusters, dust jets were detected, whereas in large isolated ones no associated activity was detected. Our thermal analysis shows that the long-term sustainability of water-ice-rich features can be explained by the scarce energy input available at their locations over the first half year. However, the situation reverses for the period lasting several months around perihelion passage. Our two end-member mixing analysis estimates a pure water-ice equivalent thickness up to 15 cm within one isolated patch, and up to 2 m for the one still observable through the end of the mission. Our spectral modelling estimates up to 48 per cent water-ice content for one of the large isolated feature, and up to 25 per cent water ice on the large boulders located within clusters.

As 2020 is approaching, various stakeholders and EU Member States are currently implementing some elements of the EFSA2020 concept. EFSA2020 offers Europe the chance to raise the quality level of its forensic science and in doing so, improve the public’s confidence in the administration of justice. However, there is plenty of opportunity for further progress in creating the common forensic area. The paper will focus on accreditation of forensic DNA laboratories in V4 countries.

In the field of forensic science, crime maps are widely used. The representation of the data and analysis could offer some steps forward for crime prevention. Clustering is able to help identify criminal hot-spots and further analysis designate which require intervention. The aim of this study is to present a first step in the analysis of Hungary-related criminal information.

Remote sensing observations of dust particles ejected from comets provide important hints on the intimate nature of the materials composing these primitive objects. The measurement of dust coma backscattering ratio, BSR, defined as the ratio of the reflectance at phase angle 0 ◦ and 30 ◦ , helps tuning theoretical models aimed at solving the inverse scattering problem deriving information on the nature of the ejected particles. The Rosetta/OSIRIS camera sampled the coma phase function of comet 67P, with four series acquired at low phase angles from 2015 January to 2016 May. We also added previously published data to our analysis to increase the temporal resolution of our findings. We measured a BSR in the range ∼ [1.7-3.6], broader than the range found in literature from ground-based observations of other comets. We found that during the post-perihelion phase, the BSR is systematically larger than the classical cometary dust values only for nucleocentric distances smaller than ∼ 100 km. We explain this trend in terms of a cloud of chunks orbiting the nucleus at distances < 100 km ejected during perihelion and slowly collapsing on the nucleus over a few months because of the coma gas drag. This also implies that the threshold particle size for the dust phase function to become similar to the nucleus phase function is between 2.5 mm and 0.1 m, taking into account previous Rosetta findings. © 2018 The Author(s)., The support of the national funding agencies of Germany (DLR: Deutschen Zentrums fur Luft-und Raumfahrt), France (CNES: Centre national d' etudes spatiales), Italy (ASI: Agenzia Spaziale Italiana), Spain (MEC: Ministry of Education& Science), Sweden (SNSB: Swedish National Space Board), and the European Space Agency (ESA) Technical Directorate is gratefully acknowledged.

Background: In order to help clinical decision making, we investigated the diagnostic and prognostic ability of urinary orosomucoid (u-ORM) as a new sepsis biomarker, and compared its performance to classical inflammatory parameters. Methods: We monitored u-ORM in septic (n=43) and SIRS (n=13) patients in a 5-day follow-up study vs. control patients (n=30). U-ORM was measured by a newly developed turbidimetric assay. U-ORM values were referred to urinary creatinine and expressed as u-ORM/u-CREAT (mg/mmol). Results: Significantly higher (p Conclusions: The early and relevant increase of u-ORM in sepsis suggests that it might be a promising novel marker of sepsis and could be a valuable part of routine laboratory and clinical practice.

International audience; Because of the diurnal thermal cycle and the irregular shape of the nucleus, gas outflow of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko could be highly anisotropic as indicated by the colliminated dust jet structures on the sunlit side. Based on the OSIRIS imaging observations of the outgassing effect, a simple model of surface sublimation can be constructed by taking into account the dependence on the solar insolation. With preliminary information on the time variability of the global gas production rate, a sequence of gas coma models can be generated at different epochs before and after perihelion. We also investigate different patterns of dust particle dynamics under the influences of nuclear rotation and gas drag. From these considerations, a consistent picture of the spatial distribution of dusty materials across the surface of comet 67P as it moves around the perihelion can be developed. It is found that because of the redeposition of the ejected dust from the Southern hemisphere to the Northern hemisphere during the southern summer season the Hapi region could gain up to 0.4 m while the Wosret region would lose up to 1.8 m of dust mantle per orbit.

Introduction Besides routine serum markers of inflammatory diseases, the diagnostic potential of selected urinary proteins has not been fully exploited yet. Former studies revealed that urinary orosomucoid (u-ORM) might have complementary information in inflammatory disorders. Our aim was to develop and validate a fully automated method for u-ORM measurements and to evaluate its potential clinical impact on systemic inflammatory diseases. Materials and methods A particle-enhanced immune turbidimetric assay was validated for a Cobas 8000/c502 analyzer to determine u-ORM levels. Spot urine samples from 72 healthy individuals, 28 patients with Crohn's disease and 30 septic patients were studied. Results Our assay time was 10 minutes and the detection limit of u-ORM was 0.02 mg/L. The intra- and inter-assay imprecision expressed as CV was less than 5%, and the recovery ranged between 95-103%. Within 10 to 60 years of age, a preliminary reference range for urinary orosomucoid/creatinine ratio (u-ORM/u-CREAT) was found to be 0.08 (0.01-0.24) mg/mmol [median (2.5-97.5 percentiles)]. Compared to controls, a five-fold increase of u-ORM/u-CREAT values in Crohn's disease and approximately a 240-fold increase in sepsis were observed. Conclusions We set up a fast, sensitive and precise turbidimetric approach for automated u-ORM determination. Our highly sensitive assay is ideal for routine u-ORM measurements and might be a potential novel laboratory test in the management of systemic inflammatory processes.

Only one third of the in vitro fertilization treatments result in successful delivery following morphological viability assessment worldwide. A paper by Montskó et al. (2015) describes the identification of the alpha-1 chain of human haptoglobin as a potential marker of embryo viability. Using mass spectrometry, the concentration of the haptoglobin alpha-1 chain was determined in spent culture media samples of in vitro fertilized embryos and correlation was found with the outcome of the respective transfer. In the present study we investigated, whether the concentration of haptoglobin alpha-1 chain shows any correlation with morphological scores to clarify whether levels of the alpha-1 chain provide additional information on embryo viability unnoticed by the morphological assessment. In the study, pregnancy and live birth rates were examined in 143 transferred samples of 86 patients, retrospectively. Two sample groups were created. The control group contained embryos classified as 'good' or 'fair' based on the Istanbul Consensus Criteria System, while the double-assay group contained embryos assessed as 'good' or 'fair' by the morphological evaluation and as 'viable' by the haptoglobin assay. Clinical pregnancy rate was 30.2% in the control group, while 47.6% in the group scored parallel with morphological criteria and proteomic analysis (p 0.05). The increased clinical pregnancy rate observed in the double-assayed group can be attributed to decreased false-positivity of the double assay. Abbreviations: IVF: in vitro fertilization; SEC: spent embryo culture medium; HSA: human serum albumin; Hpt: haptoglobin; HptA1: haptoglobin alpha-1 chain; ICCS: Istanbul Consensus Criteria System; BMI: body mass index; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Aim: There is no commercially available urinary cystatin-C (u-CYSC) test in the market. Therefore, we optimized and validated an automated immune turbidimetric test for u-CYSC measurements and investigated u-CYSC concentrations in acute and chronic diseases which might lead to renal tubular disorders. Materials & methods: A particle-enhanced immune turbidimetric assay was adapted and validated on a Cobas 8000/c502 analyzer. Urine samples of different patient groups were also analyzed. Results: Our method showed excellent analytical performance. U-CYSC/u-creatinine (u-CREAT) was higher in sepsis-related acute kidney injury group (p

In this paper, we present a design of a wearable equipment that helps with the perception of the environment for blind and visually impaired people in indoor and outdoor mobility and navigation. Our prototype can detect and identify traffic situations such as street crossings, traffic lamps, cars, cyclists, other people and low and high obstacles. The detection takes place in real time based on input data of sensors and optical cameras, the mobility of the user is aided with audio signals.

Objective To find new candidate molecules to assess embryo viability in a noninvasive manner. Design Prospective, blinded study with randomized sample collection. Setting University research center. Patients(s) Ninety embryos implanted in 53 randomly selected patients (mean ± SD age, 32.3 ± 5.1 years) were analyzed. Intervention(s) Superovulation treatment was initiated by the administration of the GnRh agonist triptorelin and individual dosages of recombinant FSH. Ovulation was induced by the injection of hCG. Oocytes were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Main Outcome Measure(s) Liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometric quantification of the α-1 fragment of human haptoglobin in the culture medium. Result(s) A novel polypeptide marker was found that might be helpful to differentiate between potentially viable and nonviable embryos. This molecule was identified with tandem mass spectrometry as the α-1 fragment of human haptoglobin. Significant correlation was found in the amount of the peptide fragment and the outcome of pregnancy. In the culture media of embryos that were assigned in the biochemical assay as nonviable (according to the amount of the haptoglobin fragment), there were no pregnancies detected; this assay revealed a 100% successful selection of the nonviable embryos. In the group assigned as viable, the rate of pregnancy was 54.7%. Conclusion(s) Viability of the embryo during the IVF process is assessed by microscopic inspection, resulting in a pregnancy rate of 25%–30%. Detection and quantitation of the α-1 haptoglobin fragment of the culture medium proved to be a useful additional method for identifying nonviable embryos, increasing the success rate to 50%.

Finding frequent sequential patterns has been defined as finding ordered list of items that occur more times in a database than a user defined threshold. For big and dense databases that contain really long sequences and large itemset such as medical case histories, algorithm proposed on this idea of counting the occurrences output enourmous number of highly redundant frequent sequences, and are therefore simply impractical. Therefore, there is a need for algorithm that perform frequent pattern search and prefiltering simultaneously. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that reinterprets the term support on text mining basis. Experiments show that our method not only eliminates redundancy among the output sequences, but it scales much better with huge input data sizes. We apply our algorithm for mining medical databases: what diagnoses are likely to lead to a certain future health condition.

In step with the evolution of molecular genetics, the application of non-human biological traces is an intensively researched field in forensic sciences [1]. Recently it has been widely acknowledged that this extended possibility – with associated abilities and pitfalls – for forensic DNA examination can provide innovative results in criminal and civil casework as well as in connection with associative evidence. Depending on the specific species or types of traces, the final results can have very different criminalistics value (e.g., plants, dogs or microbiome of soil traces), but it is unquestionable that non-human DNA has an increasing role in forensic biological evidence [2–4]. However, in contrast to the investigation of human DNA-traces, there currently exist no restrictions concerning DNA loci and privacy of genetic information, and a wide spectrum of genetic information and technologies may be applied. The field is developing with animal rights, international (e.g. CITES) conventions, national regulations and professional recommendations [5–7]. The Hungarian forensic practice on animal DNA examination has been developing since 2000 [8]. The range of cases is sufficiently broad, and includes fatal accidents and animal attacks (case #1) as well as illegal trade cases (case #2). In case of degraded animal hair samples we used two sets of Canine STR markers with shortened amplicons, and species specific primers ( Ursus sp.) for mitochondrial DNA analysis of mixed samples (case #2), respectively. The results supported the evaluation of individualization (case #1), confirming the species identification (case #2).