The effect of urbanization on planktonic and biofilm bacterial communities in different water bodies of the Danube River in Hungary.

Freshwaters play an essential role in providing ecosystem services worldwide, however, the water quality of different water bodies is strongly influenced by human activities such as urbanization, industry and agriculture. In this study, water and biofilm samples were collected from the main channel of the Danube River upstream and downstream of a metropolitan, from a regulated side arm within an urbanized area, and from two differently separated oxbow lakes located in nature conservation areas. The taxonomic diversity of bacterial communities was revealed by 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing using Illumina MiSeq platform. The results showed that all samples were dominated by phyla Pseudomonadota, Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota. The bacterial community structures, however, clearly differentiated according to planktonic and epilithic or epiphytic habitats, as well as by riverine body types (main channel, side arm, oxbow lakes). The taxonomic diversity of biofilm communities was higher than that of planktonic ones in all studied habitats. Human impacts were mainly reflected in the slowly changing biofilm composition compared to the planktonic ones. Genera with pollution tolerance and/or degradation potential, such as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Shewanella were mainly detected in biofilm communities of the highly urbanized section of the river side arm.

Descriptive Analysis of Common Fusion Mutations in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Hungary.

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine malignancy. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is its predominant subtype, which is responsible for the vast majority of cases. It is true that PTC is a malignant tumor with a very good prognosis due to effective primary therapeutic approaches such as thyroidectomy and radioiodine (RAI) therapy. However, we are often required to indicate second-line treatments to eradicate the tumor properly. In these scenarios, molecular therapies are promising alternatives, especially if specifically targetable mutations are present. Many of these targetable gene alterations originate from gene fusions, which can be found using molecular diagnostics like next-generation sequencing (NGS). Nonetheless, molecular profiling is far from being a routine procedure in the initial phase of PTC diagnostics. As a result, the mutation status, except for BRAF V600E mutation, is not included in risk classification algorithms either. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of fusion mutations in PTC and their associations with clinicopathological variables in order to underscore certain clinical settings when molecular diagnostics should be considered earlier, and to demonstrate yet unknown molecular-clinicopathological connections. We conducted a retrospective fusion mutation screening in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) PTC tissue samples of 100 patients. After quality evaluation by an expert pathologist, RNA isolation was performed, and then NGS was applied to detect 23 relevant gene fusions in the tumor samples. Clinicopathological data were collected from medical and histological records. To obtain the most associations from the multivariate dataset, we used the d-correlation method for our principal component analysis (PCA). Further statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and logistic regressions, were performed to identify additional significant correlations within certain subsets of the data. Fusion mutations were identified in 27% of the PTC samples, involving nine distinct genes: RET, NTRK3, CCDC6, ETV6, MET, ALK, NCOA4, EML4, and SQSTM1. RET and CCDC6 fusions were associated with type of thyroidectomy, RAI therapy, smaller tumor size, and history of Hashimoto's disease. NCOA4 fusion correlated with sex, multifocality, microcarcinoma character, history of goiter, and obstructive pulmonary disease. EML4 fusion was also linked with surgical procedure type and smaller tumor size, as well as the history of hypothyroidism. SQSTM1 fusion was associated with multifocality and a medical history of thyroid/parathyroid adenoma. NTRK3 and ETV6 fusions showed significant associations with Hashimoto's disease, and ETV6, also with endometriosis. Moreover, fusion mutations were linked to younger age at the time of diagnosis, particularly the fusion of ETV6. The frequent occurrence of fusion mutations and their associations with certain clinicopathological metrics highlight the importance of integrating molecular profiling into routine PTC management. Early detection of fusion mutations can inform surgical decisions and therapeutic strategies, potentially improving clinical outcomes.

Assessing obsessive-compulsive symptoms in a subclinical and clinical sample: the development of the Hungarian version of the OCI-R.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of clinical obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is around 1-2% in the population. Questionnaires, such as the OCI-R, are a useful tool in the diagnositc process. The purpose of this study was to develop the Hungarian version of the OCI-R, examine its validity and reliability, and its ability to differentiate between clinical and subclinical OCD. METHODS: Confirmatiory factor analysis was carried out on the subclinical sample (N = 4301). Reliability analysis was carried out on both samples, and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the two samples. RESULTS: The six-factor structure identical to the original was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. In the subclinical sample, all scales but Neutralizing had good reliability. Reliability analysis on the clinical sample (N = 26) showed good Cronbach's alpha values for all scales except for Hoarding. There were significant differences between the two groups on three scales: Neutralizing, Washing, and Obsessing, with the clinical group scoring significantly higher on these scales. The average score for Checking, Hoarding, and Ordering was higher in the subclinical sample, although the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the advantages of symptom severity scales, such as the OCI-R, in the diagnostic process of obsessive-compulsive disorder. (Neuropsychopharmacol Hung 2024; 26(3): 144-152)

Canine companionship as a resilience factor: a quantitative inquiry into the impact of pet ownership on burnout mitigation among radiologists and radiographers.

Background: The demanding nature of diagnostic imaging, coupled with the increasing workload and exposure to high-stress scenarios, underscores the pressing concern of burnout among radiologists and radiographers in modern healthcare settings. The objective was to investigate the interplay between family characteristics, workplace characteristics, pet ownership, and the occurrence of burnout. Methods: An online, quantitative, cross-sectional study with a non-random, purposive sampling method was carried out among Hungarian radiologists and radiographers from 1st of September to 1st of November 2022. Results: We examined the results of 406 responses predominantly from females (79.8%, n = 324), including 70.7% radiographers (n = 287). Cronbach's alpha values for depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE), and personal accomplishment (PA) were 0.74, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively. Average burnout scores were 8.35 (SD = 6.62) for DP, 26.26 (SD = 12.74) for EE, and 32.86 (SD = 9.52) for PA. DP demonstrated a balanced distribution (low: 35.7%, moderate: 27.3%, high: 36.9%). Conversely, EE and PA skewed towards high levels, with 52.5% (n = 213) and 49.5% (n = 201). Significant associations were found between gender and DP (p = 0.006), age (31-40 years) and DP/PA (p < 0.001; p = 0.004), absence of children and all burnout dimensions (p < 0.05), and pet ownership (p = 0.004) with lower EE, particularly for dog owners (p = 0.009). Occupation lacked a significant effect on burnout dimensions (p > 0.05). Employees without a second job had higher EE (p = 0.002) and lower PA (p = 0.008). Increasing healthcare experience correlated with decreased DP values (p = 0.001), while working over 40 h weekly negatively impacted all burnout dimensions (p ≤ 0.05). 15.5% (n = 63) exhibited signs of high burnout, with the age group 31-40 demonstrating the highest proportion (25.4%, n = 27) and significant associations with marital status, absence of children, pet ownership, private healthcare, 10-19 years in healthcare, and working over 40 h weekly. Conclusions: There is a pressing need for evidence-based strategies to alleviate burnout among radiologists and radiographers. There is a growing importance of recognizing the role of pets, especially dogs, as valuable companions for emotional support and stress relief. Implementing pet-friendly policies or therapy programs can contribute to a positive and supportive workplace, potentially mitigating burnout among essential frontline healthcare professionals.

Changes of nestling ringing dates in nine bird species over seven decades.

Climate change co-occurs with an advancement of avian breeding season (indexed as laying dates or fledging dates) in the temperate zone, suggesting a causality between them. Here, we investigate whether the long-term shifts in nestling (chick) ringing dates also mirror this phenomenon. This index is biased by inherent shortcomings, such as the non-independence of dates (in nestmates, colony members), poor accuracy (long period suitable for ringing), and strange shape of distributions. These shortcomings can be reduced by applying the median of annual ringing dates as an index of breeding phenology. The advantage of this index is that data are available for long periods and large sample sizes. By accepting certain compromise between statistical discipline and fieldwork realities, we examined changes in the breeding phenology of 9 bird species from 1951 to 2020 in Hungary. We found that the annual median of ringing dates advanced significantly (by 9-14 days) in the Black-headed Gull, Common Kestrel, Barn Swallow, Great Tit, and Eurasian Blue Tit. Contrarily, no significant (all P > 0.16) changes occurred in the case of the Common Tern, Black-crowned Night-heron, Common Buzzard, and Long-eared Owl. We also found that the proportion of Great Tits' second brood has been reduced in recent decades.

A national DREEM: exploring medical and dental students' perceptions on their learning environment across Hungary.

BACKGROUND: Hungarian medical schools attract a diverse student body, enrolling numerous international and Hungarian students annually. The learning environment, encompassing all facets of their academic experience, significantly influences the overall educational experience at the medical schools. As the first nationwide survey, this study aimed to assess and compare the perceptions of international and Hungarian medical and dental students regarding their learning environment across the four medical schools in Hungary. METHODS: The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) tool was used to get a better insight into the perceptions of international and Hungarian medical and dental students on their learning environment (LE). The questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms and the Neptun Educational System across the four medical schools in Hungary. To gain deeper insights into the participants' perceptions, a qualitative component was also added to the survey, comprising five open-ended questions. The research was carried out between April and October 2022. To analyse quantitative data, IBM SPSS was used, while the transcription and exploration of the qualitative data was performed using the Sketch Engine software. RESULTS: A total of 1164 valid responses were received. The results illuminate similarities and differences in perceptions of the learning environment between international and Hungarian medical and dental students. As anticipated, international students' perceptions were somewhat less favourable compared to their domestic counterparts, who are generally more accustomed to the workings of the Hungarian higher educational system (total DREEM score was 118.1 for the former, and 122.6 for the latter student population). Notably, significant differences were observed in perceptions of teachers and the overall atmosphere. CONCLUSION: The total score of the DREEM questionnaire was interpreted as "more positive than negative" for both international and Hungarian students, consistent with findings from other DREEM surveys, suggesting overall satisfaction with the learning environment. However, regular and ongoing evaluation of the learning environment is recommended in order to identify areas for improvement, ensure high standards of education, and continuously enhance the overall student experience.

The effect of school lockdown on well-being and self-esteem of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic affected adolescents' mental health diversely. Methods: Our objective was to examine the one-year change in well-being (WHO-5 well-being index) and self-esteem (Rosenberg self-esteem scale) among secondary school students affected by school lockdown (lockdown group) compared to control students unaffected by the pandemic (pre-pandemic group), utilizing data from a longitudinal survey study conducted in Hungary. We used linear mixed models stratified by sex and adjusted for family structure and family communication. Results: Two hundred twenty seven pre-pandemic (128 girls, 99 boys) and 240 lockdown (118 girls, 122 boys) students were included. Both boys' and girls' well-being declined in the pre-pandemic group but remained stable in the lockdown group. Post-hoc analyses on WHO-5 items revealed that the pre-pandemic and lockdown groups differed significantly on Item 4 (waking up feeling fresh and relaxed). Boys' self-esteem did not change over the observation period in neither groups. As for girls, self-esteem of girls during lockdown increased over the observation period, while it did not change in the pre-pandemic group. Better family communication was consistently associated with higher well-being and self-esteem scores for both sexes. Discussion: Our results suggested that students may have benefitted from altered academic circumstances due to lockdown (e.g., more sleep) and students struggling with waking up early benefitted the most from lockdown (as shown in our post hoc analysis). Additionally, our results also indicate that families should be involved in mental health promotion interventions, especially in time of adversities. This study underscores the multifaceted effects of pandemic-related factors on adolescent mental health and highlights the need to also investigate the unexpected benefits of pandemic-related restrictions to incorporate this knowledge in health promotion programs targeting the well-being of students.

Stability of Resistance of Maize to Ear Rots (Fusarium graminearum, F. verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus) and Their Resistance to Toxin Contamination and Conclusions for Variety Registration.

All major ear rots (F. graminearum, F. verticillioides, and Aspergillus flavus) and their toxins are present in maize of preharvest origin in Hungary. Resistance can be an important tool in reducing the infection and toxin contamination from these rots in maize. Previous results identified resistance differences in maize hybrids that were suitable for use in evaluating their risk from toxigenic fungi and their toxins. During the tests, two methodical improvements were achieved: the use of three isolates of the fungus secured and a more precise estimation of resistance to ear rots and their resistance to toxin accumulation or overproduction. The improvement in sampling and the tests of subsamples made the evaluation for the statistics much more exact. This way, we were able to reduce the Within value, providing a statistically more reliable method of evaluation. Earlier data had confirmed that toxin contamination could not be predicted well from visual ear rot severity data. Contradictory results for hybrid ranking were often identified between isolates. The resistance to disease and toxin contamination is not generally valid. The new suggested methodology compares the performance of hybrids in a large number of epidemic situations to identify adaptable hybrids that can respond to diverse conditions; therefore, the stability of resistance and toxin response is decisive information to evaluate risk analyses. The increased number of disease toxin data allowed for lower LSD 5% values for toxins, a much finer analysis of toxin overproduction and underproduction, and a wider database for stability analyses. This way, we obtained important additional separated information about resistance to accumulation of toxins and about maize resistance to these pathogens that is suitable to provide much more reliable testing than was possible until now. Globally, about 50-100 million metric tons can be saved by excluding susceptible hybrids from commercial production.

Road mortality of water snakes in light of landscape structure and traffic intensity in north-eastern Hungary.

Road mortality can be a serious threat to different animals, including snakes. However, mortality patterns can vary between species, intraspecific groups, locations and time. We compared the number of road-killed individuals (carcasses) of two semiaquatic water snakes (Natrix natrix and N. tessellata) on 58 km of road sections bordered by an active floodplain and a flood-protected former floodplain on one side and mountainous areas on the other in NE Hungary based on surveys conducted once every two weeks in three non-consecutive years. The results showed high road mortality of snakes, with a spring and an autumn peak corresponding to the times when snakes emerge from and return to hibernating sites. The results show that small-scale spatial differences in road mortality were mediated by landscape structure along the road, while the effects of traffic volume, flood regime and the age and sex of the individuals were negligible. For conservation, the study suggests that establishing culvert passages under the road and/or artificial hibernating sites on the floodplain-side of the roads in critical sections can be promising in reducing road-related mortality.