Trueness of five different 3D printing systems including budget- and professional-grade printers: An In vitro study.

Problem: Several types of 3D printers with different techniques and prices are available on the market. However, results in the literature are inconsistent, and there is no comprehensive agreement on the accuracy of 3D printers of different price categories for dental applications. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of five different 3D printing systems, including a comparison of budget- and higher-end 3D printing systems, according to a standardized production and evaluation protocol. Material and methods: A maxillary reference model with prepared teeth was created using 16 half-ball markers with a diameter of 1 mm to facilitate measurements. A reference file was fabricated using five different 3D printers. The printed models were scanned and superimposed onto the original standard tesselation language (.stl) file, and digital measurements were performed to assess the 3-dimensional and linear deviations between the reference and test models. Results: After examining the entire surface of the models, we found that 3D printers using Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology -120.2 (20.3) µm create models with high trueness but high distortion. Distortions along the z-axis were found to be the highest with the stereolithography (SLA)-type 3D printer at -153.7 (38.7) µm. For the 4-unit FPD, we found 201.9 (41.8) µm deviation with the digital light processing (DLP) printer. The largest deviation (-265.1 (55.4) µm) between the second molars was observed for the DLP printer. Between the incisor and the second molar, the best results were produced by the FFF printer with -30.5 (76.7) µm. Conclusion: Budget-friendly 3D printers are comparable to professional-grade printers in terms of precision. In general, the cost of a printing system is not a reliable indicator of its level of accuracy.

Contributions to our knowledge on avian louse flies (Hippoboscidae: Ornithomyinae) with the first European record of the African species Ornithoctona laticornis.

BACKGROUND: Louse flies (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) are important blood-sucking parasites of birds and mammals with a worldwide distribution. The aim of our study was to collect louse flies from birds across multiple sites in Hungary and evaluate the effects of avian traits on louse fly-host relationships. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2022, 237 louse flies were collected from birds at multiple locations in Hungary. The louse flies were identified to species level by morphological and molecular methods. Louse fly species and their seasonal dynamics were analyzed. RESULTS: Six louse fly species were identified: Ornithomya avicularia, Ornithomya fringillina, Ornithomya biloba, Ornithomya chloropus, Ornithoica turdi and Ornithoctona laticornis. Results of statistical analyses indicated that habitat, migration habits and the feeding places of birds have significant effects on their possible role as hosts of O. avicularia, O. fringillina and O. turdi. Analysis of the temporal distribution of avian louse flies showed different seasonal patterns according to species. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted that O. turdi clustered separately from other members of the subfamily Ornithomyinae which thus did not form a monophyletic group. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents one of the longest continuous collections of ornithophilic louse fly species in Europe so far. Avian traits were shown to influence louse-fly infestation. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on O. laticornis in Europe. The ability of this African louse fly species to survive in Europe, as demonstrated in the present study, may be an indication of its future establishment. Our findings, in accordance with previous reports, also indicated that the subfamily Ornithomyinae should be taxonomically revised.

Evaluation of the accuracy of intraoral scanners for complete-arch scanning: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the complete-arch scanning accuracy of different intraoral scanners (IOSs) to that of reference standard tessellation language (STL) files. DATA: Studies comparing the trueness and precision of IOS STL files with those of reference STL scans for different arch types (dentate, edentulous, completely edentulous with implants, and partially edentulous with implants) were included in this study. SOURCES: An electronic search of five databases restricted to the English Language was conducted in October 2021. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 3,815 studies were identified, of which 114 were eligible for inclusion. After study selection and data extraction, pair-wise comparison and NMA were performed to define the accuracy of scanning for four arch subgroups using four outcomes (trueness and precision expressed as mean absolute deviation and root mean square values). Cochrane guidelines and the QUADAS-2 tool were used to assess the risk of bias. GRADE was used for certainty assessment. RESULTS: Fifty-three articles were included in this NMA. Altogether, 26 IOSs were compared directly and indirectly in 10 network systems. The accuracy of IOSs scans were not significantly different from the reference scans for dentate arches (three IOSs), edentulous arches (three IOSs), and completely edentulous arches with implants (one IOS). The accuracy of the IOSs was significantly different from the reference scans for partially edentulous arches with implants. Significant accuracy differences were found between the IOSs, regardless of clinical scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of complete-arch scanning by IOSs differs based on clinical scenarios. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Different IOSs should be used according to the complete arch type.

Clear guidance to select the most accurate technologies for 3D printing dental models - A network meta-analysis✰.

OBJECTIVES: Thus far, the findings of numerous studies conducted on the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) printed dental models are conflicting. Therefore, the aim of the network meta-analysis (NMA) is to determine the accuracy of 3D printed dental models compared with digital reference models. DATA: Studies comparing the accuracy of 3D printed full-arch dental models manufactured using different printing techniques to initial STL files were included. SOURCES: This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021285863). An electronic search was performed across four databases in November 2021, and search was restricted to the English language. STUDY SELECTION: A systematic search was conducted based on a prespecified search query. 16,303 articles were pooled after the removal of the duplicates. Following study selection and data extraction, 11 eligible studies were included in the NMA in 6 subgroups. The outcomes were specified as trueness and precision and expressed as root mean square (RMS) and absolute mean deviation values. Seven printing technologies were analyzed: stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling/fused filament fabrication (FDM/FFF), MultiJet, PolyJet, continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), and LCD technology. The QUADAS-2 and GRADE were used to evaluate the risk of bias and certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: SLA, DLP, and PolyJet technologies were the most accurate in producing full-arch dental models. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of the NMA suggest that SLA, DLP, and PolyJet technologies are sufficiently accurate for full-arch dental model production for prosthodontic purposes. In contrast, FDM/FFF, CLIP, and LCD technologies are less suitable for manufacturing dental models.

Metabolic syndrome in patients with COPD: Causes and pathophysiological consequences.

BACKGROUND: Decreased physical activity significantly increases the probability of prevalent metabolic syndrome (MetS) with substantial impact on the expected course of COPD. OBJECTIVE: Our research aims to assess the metabolic consequences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its interrelations with age, sex, comorbidities, drug intake, degree of decreased lung function, nutritional status, physical activity and quality of life. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on a random sample (n = 401) at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation of the National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology from March 1, 2019 to March 1, 2020 in Budapest, Hungary. Anthropometric and respiratory function tests and laboratory parameters of all patients were registered. RESULTS: MetS occurred in 59.1% of COPD patients with significant gender difference (male: 49.7% female: 67.6%). Concerning BMI, the prevalence of MetS was higher with BMI≥25 kg m-2 (P < 0.0001). Patients with this syndrome had significantly worse FEV1%pred (43 (30-56) vs. 47 (36-61); P = 0.028), lower quality of life (CAT: 26 (21-32) vs. 24.5 (19-29); P = 0.049) and significantly more frequent exacerbations (2 (1-3) vs.1 (0-2); P < 0.05), than patients without MetS. The prevalence of comorbidities were higher in overweight/obese patients (BMI> 25 kg m-2). CONCLUSIONS: In COPD patients MetS negatively affect respiratory function and quality of life and promotes exacerbations of the disease. MetS is related to nutritional status and the level of systemic inflammation in COPD patients.

Clinical value of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / Az ómega-3 zsírsavak pótlásának klinikai értéke krónikus obstruktív tüdobetegségben.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Civilizált világunk, miközben látszólag túltáplált, ómega-3-hiányban szenved. A hosszú szénláncú, többszörösen telítetlen zsírsavak számos anyagcsere-megbetegedés (például elhízás, 2-es típusú diabetes mellitus, szív- és érrendszeri megbetegedések) kialakulásában játszhatnak szerepet. A halolajban lévo zsírsavak erosítik az immunrendszert, csökkentik a koleszterin- és trigliceridszintet, csökkentik a gyulladást. Célkituzés: Vizsgálatunk célja a többszörösen telítetlen zsírsavak bevitelének monitorozása, valamint a tüdofunkcióval és az életminoséggel való kapcsolatuk értékelése krónikus obstruktív tüdobetegségben (COPD). Módszer: Kérdoívünket az Országos Korányi Pulmonológiai Intézet Légzésrehabilitációs Osztályán, 2019. március 1. és 2020. március 1. között 40 év feletti COPD-s betegek körében vettük fel. Az életminoség mérésére a betegségspecifikus Szent György Légzési Kérdoívet alkalmaztuk, a légzésfunkciós és antropometriai adatokat az egészségügyi elektronikus nyilvántartási rendszerbol nyertük ki. Eredmények: A betegek medián életkora 66 (IQR 60-73) év volt, a nemek közötti megoszlást tekintve 47,5% férfi és 52,5% no. A medián BMI 26,0 (IQR 21,7-30,6) kg/m2, a FEV1 (ref%) 48,0 (IQR 38,1-55,3) volt. Az ómega-3 zsírsavakat a betegek 4,7%-a (n = 19) szedi rendszeresen, elsosorban kezeloorvosa javaslatára, a javasolt napi dózisban (0,25-0,50 g/nap). Esetükben jobb életminoséget tapasztaltunk (65,8 [52,4-79,7] vs. 72,2 [56,2-88,6]; p = 0,044), kevesebb társbetegséggel rendelkeztek (hypertonia: 10 [52,6%] vs. 275 [72,1%]; p = 0,066), kevesebb gyógyszert használtak (gyors hatású béta-2-agonista: 5 [25,3%] vs. 197 [51,7%]; p = 0,031), alacsonyabb volt a fellángolások száma (1 [1-3] vs. 2 [1-4]; p = 0,029), és nagyobb volt a 6 perces sétatávolság (300 [177-387] vs. 251 [150-345]; p = 0,121). Következtetés: Eredményeink arra utalnak, hogy a többszörösen telítetlen zsírsavak bevitele összefüggésben lehet az életminoséggel COPD-s betegekben. Vizsgálatunk szerint a betegek ómega-3-bevitele nem kielégíto - eredményeink alapján szeretnénk felhívni a figyelmet e zsírok fogyasztásának fontosságára. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(1): 23-30. INTRODUCTION: Our civilized world, while seems to be overweight, suffers from omega-3 deficiency. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can play a role in the development of many metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease). Fatty acids in fish oil strengthen the immune system, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, have been proven to be beneficial, reduce inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to monitor the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and to evaluate their relationship with lung function and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHOD: Our questionnaire was completed at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation of the National Koranyi Institute for Pulmonology between March 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020 among COPD patients over 40 years of age. We used the disease-specific St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire to measure the quality of life; the respiratory function and anthropometric data were extracted from the electronic health record system. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 66 (IQR 60-73) years, with a gender division of 47.5% male and 52.5% female. The median BMI was 26.0 (IQR 21.7-30.6) kg/m2, and the median FEV1 (%pred) was 48.0 (IQR 38.1-55.3). In the form of a dietary supplement, 4.7% (n = 19) of patients take omega-3 fatty acids regularly, mainly on the recommendation of their doctor, at the recommended daily dose (0.25-0.50 g/day). Among them, we detected a better quality of life (65.8 [52.4-79.7] vs. 72.2 [56.2-88.6]; p = 0.044), had fewer comorbidities (hypertension: 10 [52.6%] vs. 275 [72.1%]; p = 0.066), consumed fewer drugs (short-acting bronchodilators: 5 [25.3%] vs. 197 [51.7%]; p = 0.031), had fewer exacerbations (1 [1-3] vs. 2 [1-4]; p = 0.029), and higher six-minute walking distance (300 [177-387] vs. 251 [150-345]; p = 0.121). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids may be related to the quality of life in COPD patients. According to our study, the intake of omega-3 in patients is unsatisfactory, and based on our results, we would like to draw attention to the importance of consuming these fats. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(1): 23-30.

Role of new digital technologies and telemedicine in pulmonary rehabilitation : Smart devices in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases.

BACKGROUND: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are conditions characterized by a variable progression. Some individuals experience longer asymptomatic periods while others acute worsening periods and/or exacerbations triggered by symptom multiplication factors. Medications are adjusted to the patients' respiratory function, self-assessment of health and emerging certain physical changes. A more effective treatment may be applied by real-time data registered during the patient's everyday life. AIM AND METHODS: Introducing new modern digital technology in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) to help tracking the patients' medication, thus we systematically reviewed the latest publications on telemedicine and pulmonary telerehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The use of the latest digital technologies in PR is very exciting and offers great opportunities while treating patients affected by specific conditions. On the one hand, adherence to medication can be improved in patients with chronic respiratory diseases by using these new state of the art devices; on the other hand, digital devices will also be able to monitor various physiological parameters of patients during their usual everyday activities. Data can be stored on a smartphone and shared with the provider. Relying on this information, physicians will be able to tailor medications and dosage to the specific needs of individual patients. Telerehabilitation may be a sustainable solution to the growing burden of chronic respiratory disease worldwide. However, PR must keep its cornerstones, such as education and motivations, which are most successful when conducted in person. Many issues remain to be resolved in the future, e.g. cybersecurity while using smart devices since they offer unique opportunities for PR.

Effect of interval training with non-invasive ventilation in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-a prospective cohort study with matched control group.

BACKGROUND: In severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interval training (IT) can be performed with oxygen support, which provides beneficial effect on metabolic processes, tissue perfusion, and peripheral muscle function. METHODS: A prospective cohort study with matched controls was performed on patients in Budapest at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation of the National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology between January 1, 2020 and March 1, 2020. After a complex condition assessment, both case and control patients participated in a 3-week long complex pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program that included individual training, education, nutrition, and psychological counseling. Anthropometric and functional data of patients were recorded at both the beginning and end of the PR program. Our research aimed to assess the effect of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with severe COPD who underwent IT. RESULTS: A total of 18 [male/female: 10 (55.6%)/8 (44.4%)] patients were enrolled in our study. IT with NIV significantly improved the patients' 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) (m) [216.0 (211.5-233.7) vs. 274.0 (247.5-313.5); P<0.001] and quality of life [COPD Assessment Test (CAT): 29.0 (26.9-32.0) vs. 15.0 (13.5-17.5); P<0.001], [modified Medical Research Council (mMRC): 2.0 (1.5-2.0) vs. 1.0 (1.0-2.0); P=0.009]; in addition, there was a significant increase in inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) (ref%) [65.0 (63.0-69.0) vs. 74.7 (70.5-75.0); P=0.015], in chest kinematics (cm) [3.0 (2.5-4.0) vs. 5.5 (4.0-6.5); P<0.001], work rate (Watt) [25.0 (24.0-27.0) vs. 36.0 (35.0-38.0); P<0.001], volume of oxygen consumption [VO2/kg (mL/kg/min): 8.8 (8.5-9.2) vs. 10.3 (10.2-10.7); P<0.001], and Body-mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise (BODE) index [5.0 (5.0-6.7) vs. 4.0 (3.0-5.0); P=0.006], while the results of the control group were non-significant [6MWD, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), CAT, mMRC, BODE index]. CONCLUSIONS: In severe COPD, IT with NIV is well tolerated during PR, it has a significant beneficial effect on the quality of life, improves exercise capacity and respiratory functions, decreases dynamic hyperinflation and dyspnea.

Prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in association with the occurrence of acute exacerbations.

BACKGROUND: Based on current evidence, vaccination is recommended against the influenza virus and pneumococcus to avoid serious acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the rate of their vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. To determine the prevalence and effectiveness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in COPD patients, and to prove its hypothetical association with the decreasing number of acute exacerbations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination history were collected from 250 patients selected by simple random sampling from all COPD patients in Budapest at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation of the National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology between 01 January 2019 and 01 June 2019. Inclusion criteria were the following: age 40 years and diagnosis of COPD. Odds ratios (ORs) were evaluated based on the occurrence of acute exacerbations during the preceding year. RESULTS: The average age was 66.62 (±8.34) years, 67.30 (±8.54) for males, and 66.09 (±8.16) for females. Man:woman ratio: 43.6%:56.4% in total. Overall prevalence of influenza vaccination was 23.6%, and the pneumococcal vaccination rate was 10.8% among COPD patients. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination showed a significant protective effect and reduced the occurrence of exacerbations in the following year, influenza vaccination OR: 2.11 (95% CI: 0.88-5.02), pneumococcal vaccination OR: 1.06 (95% CI: 0.84-1.34), when taking both vaccination: OR: 2.37 (95% CI: 1.39-4.08). CONCLUSIONS: We found association between influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and the reduced risk of hospitalization due to exacerbations in the ensuing year. The prevalence of vaccination is significantly below the optimal level.

Inflammation, adenoma and cancer: objective classification of colon biopsy specimens with gene expression signature.

Gene expression analysis of colon biopsies using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays can contribute to the understanding of local pathophysiological alterations and to functional classification of adenoma (15 samples), colorectal carcinomas (CRC) (15) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (14). Total RNA was extracted, amplified and biotinylated from frozen colonic biopsies. Genome-wide gene expression profile was evaluated by HGU133plus2 microarrays and verified by RT-PCR. We applied two independent methods for data normalization and used PAM for feature selection. Leave one-out stepwise discriminant analysis was performed. Top validated genes included collagenIValpha1, lipocalin-2, calumenin, aquaporin-8 genes in CRC; CD44, met proto-oncogene, chemokine ligand-12, ADAM-like decysin-1 and ATP-binding casette-A8 genes in adenoma; and lipocalin-2, ubiquitin D and IFITM2 genes in IBD. Best differentiating markers between Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease were cyclin-G2; tripartite motif-containing-31; TNFR shedding aminopeptidase regulator-1 and AMICA. The discriminant analysis was able to classify the samples in overall 96.2% using 7 discriminatory genes (indoleamine-pyrrole-2,3-dioxygenase, ectodermal-neural cortex, TIMP3, fucosyltransferase-8, collectin sub-family member 12, carboxypeptidase D, and transglutaminase-2). Using routine biopsy samples we successfully performed whole genomic microarray analysis to identify discriminative signatures. Our results provide further insight into the pathophysiological background of colonic diseases. The results set up data warehouse which can be mined further.

Helicobacter pylori and antrum erosion-specific gene expression patterns: the discriminative role of CXCL13 and VCAM1 transcripts.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection affects approximately half of the world, leads to chronic gastritis and peptic ulceration, and is linked to gastric carcinoma. Our aims were to compare the gene expression profile (GEP) of H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative gastric erosions and adjacent mucosa to explain the possible role and response to H. pylori infection and to get erosion-related mRNA expression patterns. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted, amplified, and biotinylated from gastric biopsies of patients with H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative antrum erosions (ER) (8/8) and adjacent macroscopically normal mucosae (8/8). The GEP was evaluated using HGU133plus2.0 microarrays. Two independent normalizations (MAS5.0, RMA), PAM feature selection, hierarchical cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis were done. The expression of 14 genes was also measured by real-time-polymerase chain reaction. VCAM-1 and CXCL13 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done. RESULTS: In H. pylori infection, significant overexpression of MHC class II antigen-presenting genes, interleukin-7 receptor, ubiquitin-D, CXCR4, lactoferrin immune response-related genes, CXCL-2 and -13, CCL18 chemokine ligand, and VCAM-1 genes were established. In erosive gastritis, increased proliferation (MET) and transport (UCP2, SCFD1, KPNA4) were found, while genes associated with adhesion (SIGLEC11), transcription regulation (ESRRG), and electron and ion transport (ACADM, CLIC6) were down-regulated. Discriminant analysis successfully classified all samples into four groups (HP+ER-, HP+ER+, HP-ER+, HP-ER-) using a reduced gene set (20). Significant overexpression of VCAM-1 and CXC13 protein was detected by IHC in HP+ samples (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Whole genomic microarray analysis yielded new H. pylori infection and erosion-related gene expression changes. Discriminative genes can be used in mRNA-based diagnostic classification of gastric biopsies.

[Identification of colorectal cancer, adenoma, and inflammatory bowel disease specific gene expression patterns using whole genomic oligonucleotide microarray system]. / Vastagbél-adenoma, vastagbélrák és IBD-specifikus génexpressziós mintázatok meghatározása teljes genomszintu oligonukleotid microarray-rendszerrel.

BACKGROUND: Discrimination and classification of colorectal diseases (adenoma, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease) using biopsy samples and expression microarrays, has not been solved yet, nevertheless, it can contribute to the understanding of the colonic diseases. METHODS: Total ribonucleic acid was extracted, amplified and biotinylated from frozen colonic biopsies of 15 patients with colorectal cancer, 15 with adenoma, 14 with inflammatory bowel disease and 8 normal controls. Genome-wide gene expression profile was evaluated by Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays. Two independent methods were used for data normalization and "Prediction Analysis of Microarrays" was performed for feature selection. Leave one-out stepwise discriminant analysis was performed. The expression results were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Top validated genes included CD44 antigen, met proto-oncogene, chemokine ligand-12, ADAM-like decysin-1 and ATP-binding casette-A8 genes in adenoma; collagen IValpha1, lipocalin-2, calumenin, aquaporin-8 genes in colorectal cancer; and lipocalin-2, ubiquitin D and interferon induced transmembrane protein 2 genes in inflammatory bowel disease. The discriminant analysis was able to classify the samples in overall 96.2% using 7 discriminatory genes. The expression of 94% of the 52 genes measured by Taqman real-time polymerase chain reaction correlated with the results obtained using Affymetrix microarrays at a significance of p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully performed whole genomic microarray analysis to identify discriminative signatures using routine biopsy samples. The results set up data warehouse which can be further mined.

[Somatostatin in the treatment of pancreatic diseases]. / Somatostatin a hasnyálmirigy betegségeinek kezelésében.

Somatostatin and its synthetic analogues have important physiological roles in human. These compounds antagonize the endocrine and exocrine secretion of pancreas, which provide theoretical ground for their use in patients with pancreatic diseases. For a quarter of a century many researchers have investigated the effect of somatostatin and octreotide in animal models of experimental pancreatitis and in patients with acute pancreatitis, and in those with complications of pancreatic operations, fistulas and pseudocysts. In most of these studies the use of synthetic octreotide with longer duration proved to be more efficient. In experimental and acute pancreatitis somatostatin and octreotide were less effective than expected, however, they proved to be helpful in preventing complications of pancreatic operations and in the therapy of fistulas and pseudocysts.

[Endoscopic treatment of liver tumors]. / A májdaganatok kezelése endoszkópos módszerekkel.

In cases of patients of high operation risk the endoscopic stent implantation has the smallest morbidity and mortality as well as it ensures acceptable life quality in non-resec table neoplastic stenosis of liver portal region. In better life expectancy the more expensive metallic stents can be recommended because they are committed with less complications.

[Carcinoid tumors]. / Carcinoid tumorok.

Carcinoids are characteristically indolent, but heterogeneous tumors with respect to their site of origin, endocrine features, clinical manifestations and biologic behaviour. The authors summarize the current laboratory, endoscopic and radiologic methods used for the diagnosis of carcinoid tumors. Treatment modalities should be directed against the tumor and the hormonal excess state. The authors review the outcome of most frequently used therapies, including somatostatin-analogue and interferon treatment, chemotherapy, embolization, receptor-targeted radiotherapy and surgical intervention). Patients with carcinoid tumors, with or without carcinoid syndrome, are best managed by a multidisciplinary approach.

Molecular cytogenetic characterisation of Salix viminalis L. using repetitive DNA sequences.

Salix viminalis L. (2n = 38) is a diploid dicot species belonging to the Salix genus of the Salicaceae family. This short-rotation woody crop is one of the most important renewable bioenergy resources worldwide. In breeding for high biomass productivity, limited knowledge is available on the molecular cytogenetics of willow, which could be combined with genetic linkage mapping. The present paper describes the adaptation of a fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) protocol as a new approach to analyse the genomic constitution of Salix viminalis using the heterologous DNA clones pSc119.2, pTa71, pTa794, pAs1, Afa-family, pAl1, HT100.3, ZCF1 and the GAA microsatellite marker. Three of the nine probes showed unambiguous signals on the metaphase chromosomes. FISH analysis with the pTa71 probe detected one major 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA locus on the short arm of one chromosome pair; however, the pTa794 rDNA site was not visible. One chromosome pair showed a distinct signal around the centromeric region after FISH with the telomere-specific DNA clone HT100.3. Two chromosome pairs were found to have pAs1 FISH signals, which represent a D-genome-specific insert from Aegilops tauschii. Based on the FISH study, a set of chromosomes with characteristic patterns is presented, which could be used to establish the karyotype of willow species.