The Effectiveness of Hypnoanalgesia Using Conventional and Placebo Hypnosis Induction.

The effectiveness of hypnosis-based pain management is well-established. However, mechanisms of action and specific effective components are not well understood. The sociocognitive theory of hypnosis proposes that the effectiveness of hypnosis for pain management is determined by the nonspecific features of response expectancy and context. We tested this claim by contrasting the effectiveness of 2 hypnoanalgesia procedures in a within subjects design using the cold pressor task. The 2 procedures were identical, including analgesic suggestions, except for the hypnosis induction used. One condition involved a well-established hypnosis induction, including suggestions for focused attention, relaxation, and deepening. The other condition included a sham induction procedure using only white noise. In our confirmatory analysis (N = 46), we found that pain tolerance increased compared to baseline equivalently in the conventional and sham induction conditions (mean increase 13.7 and 12.4 seconds respectively, average within subject difference -1.27 seconds, 90% confidence interval [CI] = -8.46, 5.90). This finding supports the claim of the sociocognitive theory considering that response expectancy for pain reduction was also equivalent between the conditions (average difference 2.30, 90% CI = -2.23, 6.84). However, self-reported hypnosis depth was greater in the conventional induction condition (average difference -.78, 90% CI: -1.36, -.07), which contradicts sociocognitive predictions. Our findings indicate that conventional procedural elements of hypnosis inductions, such as suggestions for focused attention, relaxation, and deepening, may not be necessary to achieve acute pain reduction in an experimental setting when the hypnosis intervention includes analgesic suggestions. PERSPECTIVE: This study assessed the necessary effective components of hypnosis-based analgesia interventions. Our findings suggest that procedural features such as suggestions for focused attention, relaxation, and deepening may not be necessary for hypnoanalgesia as long as pain relief suggestions are present, and the hypnosis context and response expectancy are established. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on Open Science Framework with the registry number e96xk, available at https://osf.io/e96xk.

Are Platelet-Related Parameters Prognostic Predictors of Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in IgA Nephropathy?

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is associated with chronic inflammation. Platelet-related parameters, such as the platelet (PLT) count, platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were examined as potential prognostic indicators for renal and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in IgAN. We were interested in whether platelet-related parameters are risk factors for ESKD and CV events in IgAN patients. Methods: In a monocentric retrospective study, 124 IgAN patients were divided into two groups based on the cut-off value of the PAR. All-cause mortality, major CV events, and end-stage renal disease were the primary combined endpoints. Secondary endpoints, such as CV or renal endpoints, were also analyzed separately. Results: The patients' mean age was 43.7 ± 13.5 years, and the follow-up time was 124 ± 67 months. The K-M curve showed that the PLR, PAR, and PLT were strongly associated with primary combined (p = 0.002, p = 0.004, p = 0.001) and renal outcomes (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001), but not with CV outcomes in IgAN. However, when combined with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) or metabolic syndrome (MetS), the PAR was found to be a significant predictor of both primary (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and secondary outcomes (p = 0.001 and p = 0.038; p = 0.001 and p = 0.015). Additionally, the PLR correlated with albuminuria (r = -0.165, p = 0.033) and LVH (r = -0.178, p = 0.025), while PLT correlated with eGFR (r = 0.158, p = 0.040). Conclusions. Elevated PARs and PLRs may predict progression to end-stage kidney disease, but in combination with LVH and MetS, they were related to CV events in IgAN. The determination of PARs and PLRs can be useful and cost-effective parameters for assessing both cardiovascular and renal risks in IgAN.

Enhanced Resistance to Viruses in Nicotiana edwardsonii 'Columbia' Is Dependent on Salicylic Acid, Correlates with High Glutathione Levels, and Extends to Plant-Pathogenic Bacteria and Abiotic Stress.

Our earlier research showed that an interspecific tobacco hybrid (Nicotiana edwardsonii 'Columbia' [NEC]) displays elevated levels of salicylic acid (SA) and enhanced resistance to localized necrotic symptoms (hypersensitive response [HR]) caused by tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tobacco necrosis virus (TNV), as compared with another interspecific hybrid (Nicotiana edwardsonii [NE]) derived from the same parents. In the present study, we investigated whether symptomatic resistance in NEC is indeed associated with the inhibition of TMV and TNV and whether SA plays a role in this process. We demonstrated that enhanced viral resistance in NEC is manifested as both milder local necrotic (HR) symptoms and reduced levels of TMV and TNV. The presence of an adequate amount of SA contributes to the enhanced defense response of NEC to TMV and TNV, as the absence of SA resulted in seriously impaired viral resistance. Elevated levels of subcellular tripeptide glutathione (GSH) in NEC plants in response to viral infection suggest that in addition to SA, GSH may also contribute to the elevated viral resistance of NEC. Furthermore, we found that NEC displays an enhanced resistance not only to viral pathogens but also to bacterial infections and abiotic oxidative stress induced by paraquat treatments. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Heat Treatments at Varying Ambient Temperatures and Durations Differentially Affect Plant Defense to Blumeria hordei in a Resistant and a Susceptible Hordeum vulgare Line.

Our previous research showed that a powdery mildew resistant barley line (MvHV07-17) maintains its resistance to Blumeria hordei (Bh) even if plants are exposed to a long-term high temperature of 35°C for 120 h before Bh inoculation, whereas such high temperature pretreatment further increases susceptibility to infection in the susceptible barley line MvHV118-17. In the present study, we extended this approach using short-term high-temperature water treatment (49°C for 30 s) to determine how it affects powdery mildew resistance in these barley lines. We found that this short-term heat shock (HS) impaired plant defense responses, as reflected by development of Bh colonies and visible necrotic spots on leaves of MvHV07-17, which does not develop visible symptoms upon Bh inoculation under optimal growth conditions. In contrast, both HS and long-term heat stress enhanced susceptibility to Bh in MvHV118-17 plants. These results were supported by the measurement of Bh biomass using a qPCR method. Furthermore, microscopic examinations showed that HS elevated the rate of successful Bh penetration events and the spread of cell death in the surrounding mesophyll area and allowed for colony formation and sporulation in resistant barley, whereas early and effective plant defense responses, such as papilla formation and single-cell epidermal hypersensitive response, were significantly reduced. Furthermore, we found that the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in both resistant and susceptible barley was correlated with susceptibility induced by HS and long-term heat-stress. This study may contribute to a better understanding of plant defense responses to Bh in barley exposed to heat. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Renal and cardiovascular prognostic significance of echocardiographic early diastolic mitral annular velocity in IgA nephropathy.

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), as in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity are many times higher than in the general population, and diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) has prognostic significance as well. Tissue Doppler Echocardiography (TDI) is another method for measuring myocardial contractility and determining diastolic dysfunction. 79 IgAN patients (age 46 ± 11 years) with CKD stages 1-3 were investigated and followed for 70 ± 28.7 months. Doppler echocardiography was used to measure the E (early) and A (late) waves, as well as the E wave deceleration time (EDT) during mitral inflow. TDI was used to measure early (Ea) and late (Aa) diastolic velocities (lateral and septal basal wall fragment average). From these, we calculated the E/Ea and Ea/Aa ratios. The primary combined endpoints were total mortality, major CV events, and end-stage renal disease, and the secondary endpoints were cardiovascular or renal (eGFR decreased below 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 or renal replacement therapy was started). Patients with decreased Ea (< 13 cm/s) had significantly more endpoints (20/42 vs. 3/37; p = 0.001) than patients with higher Ea (≥ 13 cm/s). The secondary renal endpoints were also significantly higher (p = 0.004). In a multivariate model, the eGFR showed independent correlation with the E/A ratio (r = 0.466; p < 0.01), EDT (r = - 0.270; p < 0.01), Ea/Aa ratio (r = 0.455; p < 0.01), and decreased Ea (r = 0.544; p < 0.01). Independent factors influencing Ea were only EDT by uni- and multivariate regression but age and albuminuria by logistic regression. Decreased Ea measured by TDI seems to be an eligible factor to predict the prognosis of IgA nephropathy. The decreased Ea may be a helpful parameter to identify high-risk CKD patients.

Relationship between arterial stiffness, left ventricular diastolic function, and renal function in chronic kidney disease.

AIM: In chronic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction have prognostic significance as well. However, the relationship between diastolic dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and renal function has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: 79 IgA nephropathy patients (aged 46 ± 11 years) and 50 controls were investigated. Tissue Doppler imaging was used to measure early (Ea) and late (Aa) diastolic velocities. Arterial stiffness was measured by a photoplethysmographic (stiffness index (SI)) and an oscillometric method (aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao)). RESULTS: We compared the IgAN patients to a similar cardiovascular risk group with a preserved eGFR. A strong correlation was found between Ea/Aa and SI (p < 0.001), also with PWVao (p < 0.001), just in IgAN, and with eGFR (p < 0.001) in both groups. IgAN patients were divided into groups CKD1-2 vs. CKD3-5. In the CKD 3-5 group, the incidence of diastolic dysfunction increased significantly: 39% vs. 72% (p = 0.003). Left ventricle rigidity (LVR) was calculated, which showed a close correlation with SI (p = 0.009) and eGFR (p = 0.038). By linear regression analysis, the independent predictors of SI were age, E/A, and E/Ea; SI was the predictor of LVR; and E/A and hypertension were the predictors of eGFR. CONCLUSION: In chronic kidney disease, increased cardiac rigidity and vascular stiffness coexist with decreased renal function, which is directly connected to diastolic dysfunction and vascular stiffness. On the basis of comparing the CKD group to the control group, vascular alterations in very early CKD can be identified.

Antibacterial effect of essential oils and their components against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni revealed by microdilution and direct bioautographic assays.

Bacterial spot of stone fruits caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) is one of the most significant diseases of several Prunus species. Disease outbreaks can result in severe economic losses while the control options are limited. Antibacterial efficacy of essential oils (EOs) of thyme, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon grass, citronella grass, and lemon balm was assessed against two Hungarian Xap isolates. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by broth microdilution assay and for the identification of active EOs' components a newly introduced high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-Xap (direct bioautography) method combined with solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) was applied. All EOs inhibited both bacterium isolates, but cinnamon proved to be the most effective EO with MIC values of 31.25 µg/mL and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively. Compounds in the antibacterial HPTLC zones were identified as thymol in thyme, trans-cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon, eugenol in clove, borneol in rosemary, terpinen-4-ol in tea tree, citral (neral and geranial) in lemon grass and lemon balm, and citronellal and nerol in citronella grass. Regarding active compounds, thymol had the highest efficiency with a MIC value of 50 µg/mL. Antibacterial effects of EOs have already been proven for several Xanthomonas species, but to our knowledge, the studied EOs, except for lemon grass and eucalyptus, were tested for the first time against Xap. Furthermore, in case of Xap, this is the first report demonstrating that direct bioautography is a fast and suitable method for screening anti-Xap components of complex matrices, like EOs.

The Role of Two Heart Biomarkers in IgA Nephropathy.

Cardiovascular mortality is a leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD), as is IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The purpose of this study is to find different biomarkers to estimate the outcome of the disease, which is significantly influenced by the changes in vessels (characterized by arterial stiffness) and the heart. In our cross-sectional study, 90 patients with IgAN were examined. The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured as a heart failure biomarker by an automated immonoassay method, while the carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP) as a fibrosis marker was determined using ELISA kits. Arterial stiffness was determined by measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Renal function and routine echocardiography examinations were performed as well. Based on eGFR, patients were separated into two categories, CKD 1-2 and CKD 3-5. There were significantly higher NT-proBNP (p = 0.035), cfPWV (p = 0.004), and central aortic systolic pressure (p = 0.037), but not CITP, in the CKD 3-5 group. Both biomarker positivities were significantly higher in the CKD 3-5 group (p = 0.035) compared to the CKD 1-2 group. The central aortic systolic pressure was significantly higher in the diastolic dysfunction group (p = 0.034), while the systolic blood pressure was not. eGFR and hemoglobin levels showed a strong negative correlation, while left ventricular mass index (LVMI), aortic pulse pressure, central aortic systolic pressure, and cfPWV showed a positive correlation with NT-proBNP. cfPWV, aortic pulse pressure, and LVMI showed a strong positive correlation with CITP. Only eGFR was an independent predictor of NT-proBNP by linear regression analysis. NT-proBNP and CITP biomarkers may help to identify IgAN patients at high risk for subclinical heart failure and further atherosclerotic disease.

Antimicrobial Diterpenes from Rough Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa Mill.).

Solidago rugosa is one of the goldenrod species native to North America but has sporadically naturalized as an alien plant in Europe. The investigation of the root and leaf ethanol extracts of the plant using a bioassay-guided process with an anti-Bacillus assay resulted in the isolation of two antimicrobial components. Structure elucidation was performed based on high-resolution tandem mass spectrometric and one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic analyses that revealed (-)-hardwickiic acid (Compound 1) and (-)-abietic acid (Compound 2). The isolates were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties against several plant pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Both compounds demonstrated an antibacterial effect, especially against Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus spizizenii, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens) with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) between 1 and 5.1 µg/mL (5-20 times higher than that of the positive control gentamicin). In the used concentrations, minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was reached only against the non-pathogen B. spizizenii. Besides their activity against Fusarium avenaceum, the highest antifungal activity was observed for Compound 1 against Bipolaris sorokiniana with an IC50 of 3.8 µg/mL.

Life Cycle, PESTLE and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Membrane Contactor-Based Nitrogen Recovery Process.

Nitrogen is one of the most critical nutrients in the biosphere, and it is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Nitrogen exists in the atmosphere vastly as a gaseous form, but only reactive nitrogen is usable for plants. It is a valuable resource and worth recovering in the wastewater sector. The aim of this work was to prepare a comprehensive environmental analysis of a novel membrane contactor-based process, which is capable of highly efficient nitrogen removal from wastewater. Life cycle assessment (LCA), PESTLE and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) were applied to evaluate the process. The EF 3.0 method, preferred by the European Commission, IMPACT World+, ReCiPe 2016 and IPCC 2021 GWP100 methods were used with six different energy resources-electricity high voltage, solar, nuclear, heat and power and wind energy. The functional unit of 1 m3 of water product was considered as output and "gate-to-gate" analysis was examined. The results of our study show that renewable energy resources cause a significantly lower environmental load than traditional energy resources. TOPSIS score was used to evaluate the alternatives in the case of MCDA. For the EU region, the most advantageous option was found to be wind energy onshore with a score of 0.76, and the following, nuclear, was 0.70.

Ethical and medical dilemmas in paid living kidney donor transplantation.

Due to the shortage of deceased and genetically- or emotionally-related living donors, living unrelated paid donor (LURpD) kidney transplantation has been considered; however, this practice may result in medical, ethical and social dilemmas, induce organ trading (commodification), and even criminal activities. Commodification also risks undermining public trust in the transplant system and impeding the development of proper altruistic or deceased donor programs by ignoring altruism, volunteerism, and dignity. However, despite many objections by authoritative organizations, black market practices are involved in up to 10% of all transplants worldwide. The authors strongly discourage any payment or rewards for organ donation, and instead urge the governments of all countries to provide adequate and accessible kidney health care. However, it is an undeniable fact that paid-living donor transplantation is increasing despite all objections, disapprovals and regulations. We feel it as our responsibility not to ignore this uncertain and undesirable practice, but rather to underline the necessity for strict rules and prohibitions to minimize unacceptable medical, social and ethical risks as long as it exists. Furthermore, economic profit, be it direct or indirect, must not be the goal of those involved, and the employment of intermediaries must be avoided entirely. Additionally, the donor should be in a position where not donating has no detrimental effect on his/her future in any way (free agency). In our view, every country has the obligation and responsibility to provide adequate kidney health care and to make kidney transplantation accessible to those in need. This provision is key to stop transplant tourism and commercialization of kidney transplantation. The nephrology community has a duty to establish structures that optimize organ availability within strict ethical limits. The legal position of LURpD varies considerably worldwide. Strictly respecting each country's legislation and local values is mandatory to minimize medical and ethical risks and controversies.

Left ventricular myocardial mass index associated with cardiovascular and renal prognosis in IgA nephropathy.

INTRODUCTION: In chronic kidney disease (CKD), like in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity are many times higher than in the general population, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for CV disease. This follow-up study investigated the association between left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and renal or cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: We examined 118 IgAN patients prospectively. LVMI and LV geometry was investigated using echocardiography. The primary combined endpoints were total mortality, major CV events, and end-stage renal disease. Secondary endpoints, i.e.-cardiovascular or renal endpoints,-were also examined separately. RESULTS: Sixty seven percent were males, mean age 53.5 ± 13.5. Mean follow-up time: 184 months. LVMI inversely correlated with eGFR (corr. coefficient: -0.365; p < 0.01). We divided the patients into two groups based on the LVMI cut-off suggested by the literature. The presence of LVH caused a worse prognosis in primary (p < 0.001), renal endpoints (p = 0.01), and also in CV endpoints (p = 0.001). The higher LVMI in men significantly worsened the prognosis in all endpoints. Concentric hypertrophy meant a worse prognosis. Independent predictors of LVMI were gender and eGFR in uni- and multivariate regression and hemoglobin levels only in logistic regression. Independent predictors of the primary endpoint were LVMI, eGFR, gender, obesity, HT, DM, and metabolic syndrome in Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Increased LVMI may predict the progression to end-stage renal disease and CV events in IgAN. Determining LVMI may be a useful parameter not only in CV risk but also in the stratification of renal risk in CKD.

Near-Isogenic Barley Lines Show Enhanced Susceptibility to Powdery Mildew Infection Following High-Temperature Stress.

Barley cultivation is adversely affected by high-temperature stress, which may modulate plant defense responses to pathogens such as barley powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei, Bgh). Earlier research focused mainly on the influence of short-term heat stress (heat shock) of barley on Bgh infection. In this study, our aim was to investigate the effects of both short- and long-term heat stress (35 °C from 30 s to 5 days) on Bgh infection in the barley cultivar Ingrid and its near-isogenic lines containing different powdery mildew resistance genes (Mla12, Mlg, and mlo5) by analyzing symptom severity and Bgh biomass with RT-qPCR. The expression of selected barley defense genes (BAX inhibitor-1, Pathogenesis- related protein-1b, Respiratory burst oxidase homologue F2, and Heat shock protein 90-1) was also monitored in plants previously exposed to heat stress followed by inoculation with Bgh. We demonstrated that pre-exposure to short- and long-term heat stress negatively affects the resistance of all resistant lines manifested by the appearance of powdery mildew symptoms and increased Bgh biomass. Furthermore, prolonged heat stress (48 and 120 h) enhanced both Bgh symptoms and biomass in susceptible wild-type Ingrid. Heat stress suppressed and delayed early defense gene activation in resistant lines, which is a possible reason why resistant barley became partially susceptible to Bgh.

The prognostic role of heart rate recovery after exercise and metabolic syndrome in IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are higher in chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in the general population. Reduced heart rate recovery (HRR) is an independent risk factor for CV disease. The aim of the study was to determine the prognostic role of HRR in a homogenous group of CKD patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five IgA nephropathy patients (82 male, 43 female, age 54.7 ± 13 years) with CKD stage 1-4 were investigated and followed for average 70 months. We performed a graded exercise treadmill stress test. HRR was derived from the difference of the peak heart rate and the heart rate at 1 min after exercise. Patients were divided into two groups by the mean HRR value (22.9 beats/min). The composite (CV and renal) endpoints included all-cause mortality and any CV event such as stroke, myocardial infarction, revascularisation (CV) and end-stage renal disease, renal replacement therapy (renal). RESULTS: Patients with reduced HRR (< 23 bpm) had significantly more end point events (22/62 patients vs. 9/53 patients, p = 0.013) compared to the higher HRR (≥23 bpm). Of the secondary the endpoints (CV or renal separately) rate of the renal endpoint was significantly higher in the lower HRR group (p = 0.029), while there was no significant difference in the CV endpoint between the two HRR groups (p = 0.285). Independent predictors of survival were eGFR and diabetes mellitus by using Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in metabolic syndrome and non-metabolic syndrome when examined at the combined endpoints (cardiovascular and renal) or at each endpoint separately. The primary endpoint rate was increased significantly with the increased number of metabolic syndrome component (Met.sy. comp. 0 vs. Met. sy. comp. 2+, primary endpoints, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that reduced HRR measured by treadmill exercise test has a predictive value for the prognosis of IgA nephropathy. The presence of metabolic syndrome may worsen the prognosis of IgA nephropathy.

Analysis of pathological and biological features of small renal masses based on the tumor size / Kis méretu vesedaganatok patológiai és biológiai jellemzoinek elemzése a tumorméret alapján.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A kis méretu vesedaganatok között lényegesen gyakoribbak a benignus elváltozások, és a kis malignus tumorok biológiai tulajdonságai is kedvezobbek, mint a nagyobb daganatokéi. Célkituzés: Szerzok a kis méretu vesetumorok tulajdonságait vizsgáltuk különbözo alcsoportokban. Módszer: 2000. január 1. és 2015. január 1. között 1272 beteg esetén végeztünk mutétet vesedaganat miatt. Közülük 496 betegnek volt kis méretu vesetumora. A betegek átlagéletkora 59 ± 12 év volt. A betegeket a tumorméret alapján három csoportba osztottuk. Az 1. csoportban a daganat mérete ≤4 cm, a 2. csoportban ≤3 cm és a 3. csoportban ≤2 cm volt. Eredmények: Az eltávolított daganat nagysága átlagosan 29 ± 8 mm volt. A szövettan 418 esetben (84%) malignus, míg 78 alkalommal (16%) benignus elváltozást mutatott. A 2 cm-nél kisebb daganatoknál malignitás csak az esetek 73,2%-ában fordult elo. A malignus és a benignus tumorok méretében szignifikáns eltérés volt (p = 0,008). Rosszul differenciált daganat - grade 3. és 4. - az esetek 10,8%-ában, 14,4%-ában, illetve 20,7%-ában volt jelen, amikor a tumorméret kisebb mint 2 cm, 2,1-3 cm, illetve 3,1-4,0 cm volt. A vesecarcinomáknál az átlagosan 10 éves utánkövetési ido alatt progresszió az esetek 5,5%-ában fordult elo. Következtetés: A kis méretu vesetumor az összes vesedaganat 39%-át tette ki. Ezek nagy része malignus volt, és benignus elváltozás az esetek 16%-ában fordult elo. A malignitás elofordulása a 2 cm-nél kisebb tumoroknál volt a legalacsonyabb. A tumorméret szoros összefüggést mutatott a malignitás gyakoriságával és a daganat differenciáltságával. A kedvezo patológiai és biológiai eredmények alapján a 2 cm alatti daganatoknál felmerül annak lehetosége, hogy esetükben az aktív követés vagy minimálisan invazív kezelés alkalmazása kerüljön elotérbe. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(42): 1693-1697. INTRODUCTION: The incidence of benign lesions is more common in small renal masses (SRMs) and biological behavior of small malignancies is better compared to larger ones. OBJECTIVE: The authors measured the characteristics of SRMs in different subgroups. METHOD: From January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2015, 1272 patients underwent surgery for renal tumors. In 496 of the 1272 cases, the patients had SRMs. The mean age of the patients was 59 ± 12 years. Based on the sizes, the SRMs were divided into three groups. The sizes of the renal tumors were ≤4 cm in Group 1, ≤3 cm in Group 2 and ≤2 cm in Group 3. RESULTS: The mean diameter of the removed SRMs was 29 ± 8 mm. Histology confirmed renal cell carcinoma in 418 cases (84%), while benign tumor was present in 78 patients (16%). However, with the tumor size ≤2 cm, malignancy was detected in 73.2% of the cases. There was a significant difference in the sizes of the malignant and the benign masses (p = 0.008). Grade 3 or 4 tumors were present in 10.8%, 14.4% and 20.7% when the tumor size was ≤2 cm, 2.1 to 3 cm, and 3.1 to 4 cm in diameter, respectively. During the mean 10-year follow-up period, tumor progression was detected only in 5.5% of malignancies. CONCLUSION: In 39% of all cases, the patients had SRMs. The majority of SRMs were malignant, and benign lesion occurred only in 16% of the cases. The incidence of malignant tumors was the lowest when the size of SRMs was ≤2 cm. The size of the tumor was highly associated with probability of malignancy and tumor grading. Based on the favorable pathological and biological results in tumors below 2 cm, active surveillance or minimally invasive treatment could be the preferred management. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(42): 1693-1697.

Where is the border between normal and abnormal blood pressure and what is the therapeutic goal in cardiovascular and renal diseases? / Hol van a normális és a kóros vérnyomás közötti határ, és mi a terápiás cél a cardiovascularis és a renalis betegségekben?

Összefoglaló. Az irodalmi adatok arra utalnak, hogy a systolés vérnyomás értékének emelkedése már 110-115 Hgmm-tol együtt jár az atherosclerosissal összefüggo elváltozások kialakulásával is és ezzel együtt a cardiovascularis és a renalis funkció romlásával. Az összefüggés exponenciális, de mértékét az életkor jelentosen befolyásolja. A kezelés során az elérendo vérnyomás célértéke a jelenlegi adatok alapján 120-130 Hgmm között helyezkedik el a 18-65 év közötti populációban; idosebb korban - különösen 80 év felett - ennél magasabb, a 130 Hgmm alatti érték elérése nem reális, de talán nem is szükséges. A leghelyesebb az egyéni vérnyomásprofil meghatározása, és számos befolyásoló tényezot is figyelembe kell venni a páciens legmegfelelobb kezeléséhez. A populáció egészségének javításához és megorzéséhez az egyik legfontosabb és leggyakoribb cardiovascularis kockázati tényezot, a magas vérnyomást idoben fel kell fedezni, amihez a vérnyomást rendszeresen szükséges ellenorizni, és ezzel párhuzamosan kell végezni a prevenciót célzó tevékenységeket (nevelés, oktatás, szurés, egészségtudatos életmód) is. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(34): 1351-1361. Summary. The data in the literature suggest that the increase in the value of systolic blood pressure from 110-115 mmHg leads to the development of atherosclerotic process and to the deterioration of cardiovascular and renal function. The correlation is initially linear, then above 140-150 mmHg it is already exponential, but it is also related to the progression of the age. The systolic target for therapy is between 120-130 mmHg in the population aged 18-65; in older ages - especially over 80 years - it is higher and reaching the value below 130 mmHg is unrealistic, and may even be not necessary. It is the best to determine the individual treatment, taking into account the individual blood pressure profile and the factors influencing the patient. In order to improve and maintain the health of the population - in addition to unknown hypertension - it is necessary to regularly monitor blood pressure and apply the known preventive methods (education, training, screening, etc). Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(34): 1351-1361.

Heat Stress Pre-Exposure May Differentially Modulate Plant Defense to Powdery Mildew in a Resistant and Susceptible Barley Genotype.

Heat stress negatively affects barley production and under elevated temperatures defense responses to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei, Bgh) are altered. Previous research has analyzed the effects of short-term (30 s to 2 h) heat stress, however, few data are available on the influence of long-term exposure to heat on powdery mildew infections. We simultaneously assessed the effects of short and long term heat pre-exposure on resistance/susceptibility of barley to Bgh, evaluating powdery mildew infection by analyzing symptoms and Bgh biomass with RT-qPCR in barley plants pre-exposed to high temperatures (28 and 35 °C from 30 s to 5 days). Plant defense gene expression after heat stress pre-exposure and inoculation was also monitored. Our results show that prolonged heat stress (24, 48 and 120 h) further enhanced Bgh susceptibility in a susceptible barley line (MvHV118-17), while a resistant line (MvHV07-17) retained its pathogen resistance. Furthermore, prolonged heat stress significantly repressed the expression of several defense-related genes (BAX inhibitor-1, Pathogenesis related-1b and Respiratory burst oxidase homologue F2) in both resistant and susceptible barley lines. Remarkably, heat-suppressed defense gene expression returned to normal levels only in MvHV07-17, a possible reason why this barley line retains Bgh resistance even at high temperatures.

A pattern-triggered immunity-related phenolic, acetosyringone, boosts rapid inhibition of a diverse set of plant pathogenic bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Acetosyringone (3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyacetophenone, AS) is a syringyl-type phenolic compound rarely found in plants in free form. It has been shown earlier to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas bacteria in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase (AS mix). RESULTS: We detected elevated levels of free AS in Nicotiana tabacum and N. benthamiana plants after inducing pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) by injecting bacterial elicitor flg22, or pathogenicity-mutant Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae 61 hrcC- bacteria; but not after inoculations with compatible or incompatible pathogens at the time of PTI onset. In this study, we demonstrate that the antibacterial effect of the AS mix is general, as growth of several Gram-negative and -positive phytopathogenic bacteria was characteristically inhibited. The inhibition of bacterial metabolism by the AS mix was rapid, shown by the immediate drop of luminescence intensity of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 lx strain after addition of AS mix. The mechanism of the bacteriostatic effect was investigated using fluorescent reporter dye assays. SYTOX Green experiments supported others' previous findings that the AS mix does not result in membrane permeabilization. Moreover, we observed that the mode of action could be depolarization of the bacterial cell membrane, as shown by assays carried out with the voltage sensitive dye DIBAC4(3). CONCLUSIONS: Level of free acetosyringone is elevated during plant PTI responses in tobacco leaves (N. tabacum and N. benthamiana). When combined with hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase (AS mix), components of the mix act synergistically to inhibit bacterial metabolism and proliferation rapidly in a wide range of plant pathogens. This effect is related to depolarization rather than to permeabilization of the bacterial cell membrane. Similar AS mixture to the in vivo model might form locally at sites of invading bacterial attachment to the plant cells and the presence of acetosyringone might have an important role in the inhibition of bacterial proliferation during PTI.

The Versatile Roles of Sulfur-Containing Biomolecules in Plant Defense-A Road to Disease Resistance.

Sulfur (S) is an essential plant macronutrient and the pivotal role of sulfur compounds in plant disease resistance has become obvious in recent decades. This review attempts to recapitulate results on the various functions of sulfur-containing defense compounds (SDCs) in plant defense responses to pathogens. These compounds include sulfur containing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, the tripeptide glutathione, thionins and defensins, glucosinolates and phytoalexins and, last but not least, reactive sulfur species and hydrogen sulfide. SDCs play versatile roles both in pathogen perception and initiating signal transduction pathways that are interconnected with various defense processes regulated by plant hormones (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, ROS-mediated reversible oxidation of cysteine residues on plant proteins have profound effects on protein functions like signal transduction of plant defense responses during pathogen infections. Indeed, the multifaceted plant defense responses initiated by SDCs should provide novel tools for plant breeding to endow crops with efficient defense responses to invading pathogens.