Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) adenocarcinoma investigation with various diagnostic imaging techniques.

Diagnostic imaging techniques provide a new aspect of the ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnostics in fish medicine. Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide more information about the internal organs and pathognomic lesions. The authors used diagnostic imaging techniques to evaluate and describe the neoplastic malformation in a 3-year-old female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The fish was examined with Siemens Somatom Definition AS + CT scanner and Siemens Biograph mMR scanner. The animal was lethargic and showed anorectic signs and muscular dystrophy. During the post-mortem investigation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry were also performed allowing us to identify the neoplasms. The results showed a large soft tissue mass in the first mid-intestine segment, which proved to be an adenocarcinoma. This subsequently led to digestion problems and absorption disorders. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells of carcinoma revealed E-cadherin and pancytokeratin positivity. This is the first study to report the use of MRI and CT for studying gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in rainbow trout.

Trends in artificial aroma sensing by means of electronic nose technologies to advance dairy production - a review.

Controversies surrounding the name and how the electronics nose (e-nose) works have been at the center stage since the advent of the technology. Notwithstanding the controversies, the technology has gained popularity in the sensory analysis of dairy foods, because of its rapid results delivery on product aroma profile or pattern, which can be used to assess quality. This review critically evaluated the advances made in the application of the e-nose or artificial sensory system in the dairy industry, focusing on the evaluation of milk, yoghurt and cheese properties, and the trends and prospects of the technology. Most of the e-nose devices applied in the available scientific publications used sensors such as metal oxide semiconductor sensors (MOS), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), conducting polymers composites and quartz microbalance (QMB), and flame ionization detector FID, in a recent study. Though known for aroma sensing, the technology has been applied to evaluate the shelf life or microbial spoilage and to discriminate dairy products based on the volatile profile composition, as determined by the sensors. In most cases, the limitation of the technology is the inability of it to provide information on the nature of constituting compounds, except in gas chromatography and mass spectrometry-based e-nose systems.

Variable fragment length allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (VFLASP), a method for simple and reliable genotyping.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a substitution of a single nucleotide at a specific position in the genome. Until now, 585 million SNPs have been identified in the human genome, and therefore, a widely applicable method is desirable to detect a specific SNP. Herein we report a simple and reliable genotyping assay, which seems to be suitable for medium and small size laboratories, as well, to easily genotype most of the SNPs. In our study, all of the possible base variations (A-T, A-G, A-C, T-G, T-C, G-C) were tested to prove the general feasibility of our technique. The basis of the assay is a fluorescent PCR, in which both allele-specific primers, differing only at the 3' end according to the sequence of the SNP, were present, and the length of one of them was modified with 3 bp by adding an adapter sequence to the 5' end of that primer. The competitive presence of both allele-specific primers excludes the false amplification of the absent allele (which can happen in simple allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR)) and ensures the amplification of the proper allele(s). Unlike other complicated genotyping methods that use of manipulation of fluorescent dyes for genotyping, we apply an approach based on the length of amplicons from different alleles to differentiate between them. In our experiment (named variable fragment length allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (VFLASP)), the investigated six SNPs, containing the six available base variations, gave clear and reliable results after detecting the amplicons by capillary electrophoresis.

Matching the pitch perception of the cochlear implanted ear with the contralateral ear in patients with single-sided deafness: a novel approach.

PURPOSE: Single-sided deaf patients following cochlear implantation often compare the sound quality of their implanted ear with normal hearing. The interaural differences can result in dissatisfaction with speech comprehension and reduced time of usage of the speech processor; hence, prolonging auditory adaptation time. The proposed calibration method presented in this study demonstrates how the frequency distribution of the cochlear implant can be set to adequately approximate the pitch perception of the contralateral normal hearing ear towards improving speech intelligibility in a noisy environment. METHODS: In 12 postlingual single-sided deaf patients, subjective interaural pitch-matching was carried out to determine new central frequencies for the reallocation of the frequency bands of their speech processor (CP910, CP950 or CP1000, Cochlear, Australia). The patients were asked to compare the pitch of the tones presented to their normal hearing ear to the pitch of individual channels of their cochlear implant (CI522 or CI622, Cochlear, Australia). A third-degree polynomial curve was fit to the acquired matching frequencies to create the new frequency allocation table. Audiological measurements (free-field aided thresholds, speech reception thresholds, and monosyllabic word recognition score) in noise, together with a Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) questionnaire (short version of the original SSQ) results were evaluated prior to the pitch-matching procedure, and again, 2 weeks later. RESULTS: The free-field aided thresholds of the patients showed no greater shift than ± 5 dB following the procedure; however, their monosyllabic word recognition score in noise improved significantly (mean - 9.58%, SD 4.98%, matched pairs t test comparison: p < 0.001). The results of the SSQ12 questionnaire also showed significant improvement in speech intelligibility, sound localization, and sound quality (mean 0.96 points, SD 0.45 points, matched pairs t test comparison: p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Matching the pitch perception of the implanted cochlea with the sensation of the normal hearing contralateral ear, resulted in significant changes in the quality of hearing in patients with single-sided deafness. It is plausible the procedure can usher positive results in bimodal patients or following sequential bilateral cochlear implantation.

The recent advances of near-infrared spectroscopy in dairy production-a review.

One of the major issues confronting the dairy industry is the efficient evaluation of the quality of feed, milk and dairy products. Over the years, the use of rapid analytical methods in the dairy industry has become imperative. This is because of the documented evidence of adulteration, microbial contamination and the influence of feed on the quality of milk and dairy products. Because of the delays involved in the use of wet chemistry methods during the evaluation of these products, rapid analytical techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has gained prominence and proven to be an efficient tool, providing instant results. The technique is rapid, nondestructive, precise and cost-effective, compared with other laboratory techniques. Handheld NIRS devices are easily used on the farm to perform quality control measures on an incoming feed from suppliers, during feed preparation, milking and processing of cheese, butter and yoghurt. This ensures that quality feed, milk and other dairy products are obtained. This review considers research articles published in reputable journals which explored the possible application of NIRS in the dairy industry. Emphasis was on what quality parameters were easily measured with NIRS, and the limitations in some instances.

Suppression of NB-LRR genes by miRNAs promotes nitrogen-fixing nodule development in Medicago truncatula.

Plant genomes contain two major classes of innate immune receptors to recognize different pathogens. The pattern recognition receptors perceive conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns and the resistance genes with nucleotide-binding (NB) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains recognize specific pathogen effectors. The precise regulation of resistance genes is important since the unregulated expression of NB-LRR genes can inhibit growth and may result in autoimmunity in the absence of pathogen infection. It was shown that a subset of miRNAs could target NB-LRR genes and act as an important regulator of plant immunity in the absence of pathogens. Plants not only interact with pathogens, but they can also establish symbiotic interactions with microbes. Nitrogen-fixing symbiotic interaction and nodule formation of legumes may also require the suppression of host defence to prevent immune responses. We found that upon symbiotic interactions, miRNAs repressing NB-LRR expression are upregulated in the developing nodules of Medicago truncatula. Furthermore, we show that the suppression of the activity of the NB-LRR genes targeted by these miRNAs is important during nodule development. Our results suggest that the downregulation of NB-LRR resistance genes in the developing nodule produces a suitable niche that facilitates bacterial colonization and the development of an N-fixing nodule.

The influence of tenoscopic approaches on radiocarpal joint perforation during carpal sheath tenoscopy in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To report the frequency of radiocarpal joint (RCJ) perforation during two proximolateral carpal sheath (CS) approaches and to investigate whether the presence or absence of a natural communication between the RCJ and CS. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, randomized, controlled study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve adult horses and 12 cadaver front limbs. METHODS: Proximolateral CS tenoscopy was performed on both carpi of 12 horses under general anaesthesia. Limbs were randomly assigned into two groups. In group 1, the instrument portal was centered at the level of the distal radial physeal remnant (PR). In group 2, the instrument portal was centered 2 cm proximal to the PR. Immediately after tenoscopy, dye-coloured fluid was instilled arthroscopically into the dorsolateral RCJ, and the open tenoscopic portals were evaluated for leakage. Twelve cadaver front limbs were examined for naturally occuring RCJ and CS communication by using positive-contrast computed tomography (CT). Frequency of perforations were compared with McNemar's test for two matched proportions. RESULTS: In group 1, 10 of 12 RCJ were perforated during tenoscopy, and, in group 2, four of 12 RCJ were perforated (P = 0.03). No diffusion of contrast from the RCJ to the CS was detected by CT. CONCLUSION: Perforation of the RCJ was common when CS instrument portals were placed at the level of the PR. No natural communication was detected between the RCJ and CS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Carpal sheath tenoscopic instrument portals may need to be placed >2 cm proximal to the PR to prevent inadvertent RCJ perforation, especially in horses undergoing tenoscopic treatment of a septic CS.

Changes in the values of two ultrasound-examined teat parameters during the dry period in dairy cows.

The length of the streak canal and the area of the teat end were studied by ultrasound during the dry period in 40 Holstein-Friesian cows. In the first week, the values of these teat parameters decreased significantly (P < 0.05) and this did not change significantly until the middle of the dry period. In the last month of gestation, the length of the streak canal was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the area of the teat end did not decrease significantly (P > 0.05). At each of the five examination times, a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.85-0.94) was found between the two teat parameters. In healthy cows, the streak canal and the area of teat end, both of which are part of the udder's defence system, can regenerate sufficiently during the dry period, minimising the risk of contamination through the streak canal and the development of mastitis. If the regeneration of this defence system fails, the chances of infection through the streak canal increase.

Ambient temperature regulates the expression of a small set of sRNAs influencing plant development through NF-YA2 and YUC2.

Plants substantially alter their developmental programme upon changes in the ambient temperature. The 21-24 nt small RNAs (sRNAs) are important gene expression regulators, which play a major role in development and adaptation. However, little is known about how the different sRNA classes respond to changes in the ambient temperature. We profiled the sRNA populations in four different tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown at 15°C, 21°C, and 27°C. We found that only a small fraction (0.6%) of the sRNA loci are ambient temperature-controlled. We identified thermoresponsive microRNAs and identified their target genes using degradome libraries. We verified that the target of the thermoregulated miR169, NF-YA2, is also ambient temperature-regulated. NF-YA2, as the component of the conserved transcriptional regulator NF-Y complex, binds the promoter of the flowering time regulator FT and the auxin biosynthesis gene YUC2. Other differentially expressed loci include thermoresponsive phased siRNA loci that target various auxin pathway genes and tRNA fragments. Furthermore, a temperature-dependent 24-nt heterochromatic siRNA locus in the promoter of YUC2 may contribute to the epigenetic regulation of auxin homeostasis. This holistic approach facilitated a better understanding of the role of different sRNA classes in ambient temperature adaptation of plants.

Sustained Drug Release by Thermoresponsive Sol-Gel Hybrid Hydrogels of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide-co-3-(Trimethoxysilyl)Propyl Methacrylate) Copolymers.

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate), P(NIPAAm-co-TMSPMA), copolymers with relatively high TMSPMA contents without insoluble fraction are successfully synthesized. Subsequent sol-gel reactions in both the absence and presence of tetraethyl orthosilicate lead to gels with high gel fractions. The resulting gels undergo gel collapse at 28.6-28.7 °C, i.e., below that of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) homopolymer of 34.3 °C. Unexpectedly, the theophylline-loaded hybrid gels release the drug not only below but also above the gel collapse temperature (GCT) with considerable rates and released amounts of drug. Surprisingly, evaluation of the sustained release profiles by the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation indicates that the release occurs by Fickian diffusion above GCT, which can be attributed to the lack of significant drug-polymer interaction at such temperatures. These results can be widely applied for the design and utilization of TMSPMA-based sol-gel polymer hybrids with desired release profiles of solutes below and above GCT for a variety of applications.

[Characteristics of clinical trials in Hungary based on the analysis of an international database]. / Magyar klinikai vizsgálatok sajátosságai egy nemzetközi adatbázis elemzése alapján.

Intorduction: The ClinicalTrials.gov website, which is operated by the US government, collects data about clinical trials. AIM: We have processed data related to Hungary by downloading from the website as XML files. METHOD: Most of the data describe trials performed after 2000, so we got an overview about the clinical research of the last 10 to 15 years. As the majority of the data fields are collected as free text, significant data cleaning was needed. RESULTS: The database contained 2863 trials related to Hungary from 189 settlements. Only 20 per cent of the actual research organizations could have been identified as many times only an "id" number or a general name was given, thus this information was anonymised in many cases. CONCLUSION: Besides the analysis of the information obtained from this database, our study points out the relevant issues that may influence the international view of the Hungarian clinical research. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(9), 345-351.

[Big Data- challenges and risks]. / Big Data - kihívások és kockázatok.

The term "Big Data" is commonly used to describe the growing mass of information being created recently. New conclusions can be drawn and new services can be developed by the connection, processing and analysis of these information. This affects all aspects of life, including health and medicine. The authors review the application areas of Big Data, and present examples from health and other areas. However, there are several preconditions of the effective use of the opportunities: proper infrastructure, well defined regulatory environment with particular emphasis on data protection and privacy. These issues and the current actions for solution are also presented.

Efficacy, drug sustainability, and safety of ustekinumab treatment in Crohn's disease patients over three years.

Long-term data on ustekinumab in real-life Crohn's disease patients are still missing, though randomized controlled trials demonstrated it as a favorable therapeutic option. We aimed to evaluate ustekinumab's clinical efficacy, drug sustainability, and safety in a prospective, nationwide, multicenter Crohn's disease patient cohort with a three-year follow-up. Crohn's disease patients on ustekinumab treatment were consecutively enrolled from 9 Hungarian Inflammatory Bowel Disease centers between January 2019 and May 2020. Patient and disease characteristics, treatment history, clinical disease activity (Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI)), biomarkers, and endoscopic activity (Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD)) were collected for three-years' time. A total of 148 patients were included with an overall 48.9% of complex behavior of the Crohn's disease and 97.2% of previous anti-TNF exposure. The pre-induction remission rates were 12.2% (HBI), and 5.1% (SES-CD). Clinical remission rates (HBI) were 52.2%, 55.6%, and 50.9%, whereas criteria of an endoscopic remission were fulfilled in 14.3%, 27.5%, and 35.3% of the subjects at the end of the first, second, and third year, respectively. Dose intensification was high with 84.0% of the patients on an 8-weekly and 29.9% on a 4-weekly regimen at the end of year 3. Drug sustainability was 76.9% during the follow-up period with no serious adverse events observed. Ustekinumab in the long-term is an effective, sustainable, and safe therapeutic option for Crohn's disease patients with severe disease phenotype and high previous anti-TNF biological failure, requiring frequent dose intensifications.

[Feasibility of tailored patient education]. / A személyre szabott betegoktatás lehetoségei.

Patient education has an important role in the prevention and therapy. It enables the delivery of necessary information, development of skills and motivations and supporting to cope with the disease. Although many information sources are available, it is still necessary to provide organized patient education. Tailored patient education was proved to be more effective than using general information materials. The proper use of information technology enables the widespread and cost-effective implementation of tailored patient education. The authors analyse the components necessary for development of such a system.

[Techniques and indications of neurosurgical treatment of oligometastatic renal cell carcinomas in case of spinal metastases]. / Oligometasztatikus vesesejtes karcinóma idegsebészi ellátásának technikái és indikációi gerincáttétek esetén.

The treatment of spinal metastases is a huge challenge, but both oncological and surgical treatment have improved significantly. Spine surgeons use the experience of spine surgeries performed for an increased number of degenerative causes during spine surgeries performed for an increased number of tumors. Establishing an indication for surgery is at least as much of a challenge as the surgery itself, for which there are many objective point systems available. Renal cell carcinoma metastases are less sensitive to radiation, which is why careful surgery is even more important. In our short summary, we review the symptoms, the examination, the grading systems used and the surgical options.

Evaluation of a Phytogenic Feed Supplement Containing Carvacrol and Limonene on Sheep Performance and Parasitological Status on a Hungarian Milking Sheep Farm.

There is currently worldwide interest in phytogenic feed supplements (PFSs) because they can lead to improved animal production. The scope of the present study was to observe the impact of a feed supplement containing carvacrol (CAR) and limonene (LIM) on the performance and parasitological status of sheep. The feed supplement decreased the plasma levels of ß-hydroxybutyrate (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.014), nonesterified fatty acids (p = 0.021), and fructosamine (p = 0.002) in lactating ewes after 42 days of supplementation, while the average live weight (p = 0.002) and average daily weight gain (p = 0.001) of their twin suckling lambs increased significantly by the end of the study. In another experiment, fattening lambs fed the same supplement showed a decrease in fecal egg number of gastrointestinal nematodes (p = 0.02) but no differences in live weight, average daily gain, or mean number of Haemonchus contortus nematodes in the abomasum. The results highlighted that the inclusion of carvacrol and limonene in the feed of lactating ewes effectively increased the weight gain of the suckling lambs, presumably due to the ewes' improved energy, but further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of carvacrol and limonene against gastrointestinal parasites.

[Neurosurgical management for metastatic brain tumors in renal cell carcinoma]. / Oligometasztatikus vesesejtes karcinóma idegsebészi ellátásának technikái és indikációi agyi áttétek esetén.

The therapeutic approach to brain metastases has changed significantly in the last 30 years. The development of surgical technique, the use of new MRI techniques, preoperative surgical planning and the administration of intraoperative navigation reduced the risks of surgery and improved the results. In the case of aggressive renal cell carcinomas, we detect brain metastases relatively often, which are difficult to treat, but the improved surgical and radiosurgery techniques can also be used with success. In our report, we present the neurosurgical management of metastatic spreading of renal cell carcinoma to the brain. Modern surgical planning and more precise, tailored approach with modern radiosurgery techniques are able to improve the outcome and prolong survival even in aggressive types of renal cell carcinomas that give rise to brain metastases. In more severe cases and even in the case of multiple brain metastases, cranial surgery can be recommended.

Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on oxidative stress parameters and sex hormone levels of modern genotype sows.

BACKGROUND: Sows are exposed to severe stress and hormonal challenges during their whole productive life. As polyunsaturated fatty acids play an important role in immune and reproductive functions, with a better understanding of their role in breeding sows' nutrition, improved performance and more sustainable pig production can be achieved. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the effects of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the antioxidant status and hormone levels of sows. METHODS: A total of 48 Danish Large white × Danish Landrace sows were supplemented either with sunflower oil (SO) as a control group or with fish oil (FO) as experimental group at the same dose of 10 g/kg feed. Blood samples were collected on day 14 of lactation, 5 days after weaning (insemination), and 30 days after insemination. To estimate antioxidant and reproductive effects, the amounts of reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), serum 17ß oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (6-keto PGF1α) levels were investigated. RESULTS: FO-based supplementation increased GPx activity on day 14 of lactation. Five days after weaning, the concentration of GSH in FO-fed sows was significantly higher than that in SO-fed sows. The E2 content of blood was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group for two of the three examined periods (day 14 of lactation and 30 days after insemination), whereas P4 levels were significantly higher in the experimental group 5 days after weaning. We found that 6-keto PGF1α levels were systematically lower in the experimental group throughout the trial. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the major impact of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids on the tested hormone levels, which serve as precursors for the production of E2 and P4 but have an opposite effect on PGF2α production.

Ultrasound examination of the teat parameters of mastitis and healed udder quarters.

A healthy udder is important for economical and hygienic milk production. In this study we determined the teat parameters, measured during milking, in the presence of mastitis and after its recovery. The length of the streak canal, the area of the teat end and the area of the pars papillaris of 52 Holstein-Friesian cows were examined by ultrasound before, immediately after, and two hours after milking. Pars papillaris size before milking was higher in the presence of disease (P = 0.011), but was larger before and two hours after milking (P = 0.047 and P = 0.024) with more severe mastitis. During mastitis and recovery, the dimensions of the streak canal (P=0.056-0.934) and teat end (P=0.156-0.420) did not differ from each other. The obtained results show that during mastitis, coagulated milk dilates the pars papillaris better (P=0.011) than the higher milk production of the cured cow. After more severe mastitis, regeneration of the pars papillaris as well as post-milking regeneration also takes place more slowly. The size and size changes of the streak canal and teat end are not affected by the presence or healing of the udder inflammation.

Near-infrared spectroscopy for rapid evaluation of winter cereals and Italian ryegrass forage mixtures.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was employed to determine the differences between forage mixtures of winter cereals and Italian ryegrass and to evaluate fermentation characteristics of mixed silages. Forages were harvested on five phases (Cuts 1-5), with 1 week interval (n = 100). The yield of the last harvest (Cut 5) was ensiled and analyzed on four different days (D0, D7, D14, and D90) (n = 80). Principal component analysis based on the NIR data revealed differences according to the days of harvest, differences between winter cereals and Italian ryegrass forages, and differences in the fermentation stages of silages. The partial least square regression models for crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), and ash gave excellent determination coefficient in cross-validation (R2 CV > 0.9), while models for ether extract (EE) and total sugar content were weaker (R2 CV = 0.87 and 0.74, respectively). The values of root mean square error of cross-validation were 0.59, 0.76, 0.22, 0.31, and 2.36 %DM, for CP, CF, EE, ash, and total sugar, respectively. NIR proved to be an efficient tool in evaluating type and growth differences of the winter cereals and Italian ryegrass forage mixtures and the quality changes that occur during ensiling.