Additive and dose-dependent mixture effects of Flumite 200 (flufenzin, acaricide) and Quadris (azoxystrobin, fungicide) on the reproduction and survival of Folsomia candida (Collembola)

Chemical plant protection is still a dominant agricultural practice in the world, and usually fields are treated with several pesticides many times per year. This means that not only the single substances affect the environment and the non-target organisms, but their mixtures. Our model organism was Folsomia candida (Collembola). We aimed to gain information on the toxicity of Quadris (azoxystrobin) and Flumite 200 (flufenzine aka. diflovidazine) on survival and reproduction and whether the animals can mitigate the toxicity with soil and/or food avoidance behaviour. Also, we aimed to test the effect of the mixture of these two pesticides. We used the OECD 232 reproduction test, a soil avoidance test, and a food choice test for both single pesticides and their mixture. We prepared the mixtures based on the concentration addition model, so the 50% effective concentrations (EC50) of the single materials were used as one toxic unit with a constant ratio of the two materials in the mixture. In the end, the measured mixture EC and LC (lethal concentration) values were compared to the estimate of the concentration addition model. Both materials were toxic to the Collembola in much higher concentrations than the recommended field concentrations (Flumite 200 EC50: 1.096, LC50: 1.561, Quadris EC50: 65.568, LC50: 386.165 mg kg-1). The springtails did not consistently avoid the polluted soils, this only happened in higher concentrations. The mixtures seemed to have additive effects on the reproduction and we found dose-dependent interaction with the survival (EC50: 1.022 Toxic Unit, 0.560 Flumite 200 and 33.505 Quadris; LC50: 1.509 Toxic Unit, 0.827 Flumite 200 and 49.471 mg kg-1 Quadris). The deviation from the concentration addition model suggests that the curve starts with a synergy. but above EC50 it becomes antagonistic. We conclude that both Quadris and Flumite 200 are safe for springtails until the recommended field concentration is respected. However, if higher concentrations are used the animals cannot avoid Flumite 200 and the toxic effects can fully manifest. Consequently, the dose-dependent deviation from the concentration addition model is a reason for caution as the low concentrations were synergistic for survival. That means the field concentrations can possibly cause synergistic effects. However, to clarify that further tests are necessary.

Urbanization decreases species richness, and increases abundance in dry climates whereas decreases in wet climates: A global meta-analysis

Soil invertebrates have an essential role in decomposition, nutrient turnover and soil structure formation, all of which are strongly threatened by urbanization. Sealing, compaction by trampling and pollution destroy and degrade city soils and potentially damage soil-living invertebrates. The existing literature on how urbanization affects soil invertebrates is inconsistent, presenting both negative and positive effects. Therefore, here we aimed to synthesize the effects of urbanization on soil invertebrates considering their taxonomic (Acari, Annelida, Carabidae, Collembola, Gastropoda, Isopoda, Myriapoda, Nematoda) and functional (soil living vs. soil-related; mobility) identities, as well as to examine how the overall effect is modulated by climatic conditions (total annual precipitation, annual mean ambient temperature), urban heat island effect (based on ambient temperature differences between urban and rural areas) and city population. In a systematic review using hierarchical and categorical meta-analyses, we extracted 158 effect sizes from 75 studies on abundance and 125 effect sizes from 84 studies on species richness. Invertebrate abundance showed an increase (r = 0.085), whereas species richness significantly decreased with increasing urbanization (r = -0.168). The reason behind this could be that a few generalist species can adapt well to the urban environment and achieve strongly elevated densities. The species richness of annelids (r = -0.301), springtails (r = -0.579), and snails (r = -0.233) decreased with advancing urbanization, most probably because these animals are sensitive to soil compaction and pollution, both of which are common consequences of urbanization. The temperature did not modify the effects of urbanization, but precipitation modified the effects on abundance (r = -0.457). Abundance increased with advancing urbanization in drier climates, probably because irrigation increased soil moisture, whereas it decreased in wet climates, as urban areas were drier than their surroundings. Making future cities more climate-neutral could better sustain soil biodiversity.

Aspirin Mediates Its Antitumoral Effect Through Inhibiting PTTG1 in Pituitary Adenoma

CONTEXT

DNA demethylation and inhibitory effects of aspirin on pituitary cell proliferation have been demonstrated.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind the aspirin-related effects in pituitary cells.

METHODS

DNA methylome and whole transcriptome profile were investigated in RC-4B/C and GH3 pituitary cell lines upon aspirin treatment. Effects of aspirin and a demethylation agent, decitabine, were further tested in vitro. PTTG1 expression in 41 human PitNET samples and whole genome gene and protein expression data of 76 PitNET and 34 control samples (available in Gene Expression Omnibus) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Aspirin induced global DNA demethylation and consequential transcriptome changes. Overexpression of Tet enzymes and their cofactor Uhrf2 were identified behind the increase of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Besides cell cycle, proliferation, and migration effects that were validated by functional experiments, aspirin increased Tp53 activity through p53 acetylation and decreased E2f1 activity. Among the p53 controlled genes, Pttg1 and its interacting partners were downregulated upon aspirin treatment by inhibiting Pttg1 promoter activity. 5hmC positively correlated with Tet1-3 and Tp53 expression, and negatively correlated with Pttg1 expression, which was reinforced by the effect of decitabine. Additionally, high overlap (20.15%) was found between aspirin-regulated genes and dysregulated genes in PitNET tissue samples.

CONCLUSION

A novel regulatory network has been revealed, in which aspirin regulated global demethylation, Tp53 activity, and Pttg1 expression along with decreased cell proliferation and migration. 5hmC, a novel tissue biomarker in PitNET, indicated aspirin antitumoral effect in vitro as well. Our findings suggest the potential beneficial effect of aspirin in PitNET.

Urbanization hampers biological control of insect pests: A global meta-analysis

Biological control is a major ecosystem service provided by pest natural enemies, even in densely populated areas where the use of pesticides poses severe risks to human and environmental health. However, the impact of urbanization on this service and the abundance patterns of relevant functional groups of arthropods (herbivores, predators, and parasitoids) remain contested. Here, we synthesize current evidence through three hierarchical meta-analyses and show that advancing urbanization leads to outbreaks of sap-feeding insects, declining numbers of predators with low dispersal abilities, and weakened overall biological pest control delivered by arthropods. Our results suggest that sedentary predators may have the potential to effectively regulate sap-feeders, that are one of the most important pests in urban environments. A well-connected network of structurally diverse and rich green spaces with less intensive management practices is needed to promote natural plant protection in urban landscapes and sustainable cities.

The adaptation of The parental reflective functioning questionnaire adolescent version to the Hungarian language and presentation of its psychometric characteristics

Introduction

Parental reflective function is the ability of a parent to attribute mental states to their child and to themselves. The Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire is widely used for the measurement of this construct, the adolescent version of which can be used by parents of children aged 12-18.

Objectives

The aim of our research was to adapt the adolescent version of The Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire to the Hungarian language.

Methods

In our study 240 mothers completed the adolescent version of The Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ-A), and the Reflective Function Questionnaire (RFQ).

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the original three-factor structure. The principal component analysis resulted in a two-factor structure. Factors corresponded to the original questionnaire’s certainty in mental states (Alpha = .81) and interest and curiosity subscales (Alpha = .70). When analyzing the relationship between parental reflective function and reflective function, the subscales of the parental reflective function questionnaire were examined with two types of median coding in addition to polar coding. During the first median coding, the frequency of scores in the middle of the scales reflected optimal mentalization, while the frequency of extreme values on the scales corresponded to less favorable reflective functioning. With the second median coding, hypermentalization and hypomentalization subscales were also created. The second median transcoding proved to be the most suitable for capturing the relationship between RFQ and PRFQ-A.

Conclusions

The questionnaire proved to be a reliable measure on the Hungarian sample and we recommend using the additional subscales.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Children living in institutional care: How can mentalization-based interventions improve their perspective-taking and conflict resolution skills?

Introduction

Trauma, stress, and attachment problems are negatively related to the development of mentalization. Children raised in institutional care are more exposed to these difficulties, therefore the development of population-specific interventions that aim to improve mentalization skills would be highly desirable.

Objectives

Our goal is to develop mentalization-based intervention programs for specific age groups (9-13 years, 14-18 years, and adult staff members of institutional care centers) - that support children’s and adolescents’ social functioning and conflict resolution skills.

Methods

The mentalization-based intervention targeting institutional care staff was launched first. Due to the pandemic, this intervention was executed online with two intervention (N = 17) and two passive control (N = 15) groups. Before and after the intervention, participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, the Mini Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, The Strengths, and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire.

Results

The intervention protocol and our results will be shown at the conference. There was no significant difference between the two intervention and two passive control groups in the demographic features. Mentalization uncertainty and burnout was positively related(rs(23) = .42, p = .034), while mentalization uncertainty and parental competence was negatively associated (rs(23) = - .41, p = .041).

Conclusions

The intervention program will be fine-tuned and optimized based on the results of the pilot study. In the next interventions, we plan to focus on the issues that the staff perceived as most difficult and to conduct interventions among the children.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The relationship between parental reflective functioning, attachment style, parental competence, and stress

Introduction

Previous studies indicated, that mentalization mediates the link between adult attachment and stress, however, this relationship was not tested before among non-clinical parents of children aged between 12 and 18 years.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between parental reflective functioning, attachment style, perceived parental sense of competence, and stress among parents.

Methods

After providing written consent, 186 non-clinical mothers completed a questionnaire packet that included a demographic form, The Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire - Adolescent version, the Attachment Style Questionnaire, the Parental Sense of Competence Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. A moderated mediation analysis with parental sense of competence as a dependent variable, mother’s attachment style as an independent variable, certainty about mental states hypermentalization subscale as a mediator, and stress as a moderator was conducted.

Results

In the moderated mediation analysis, the direct effect of the attachment style on the parental sense of competence in the case of preoccupied attachment style was significant (p < .001). The interaction term of the hypermentalization subscale by perceived stress was also significant in the case of low level (w = -1.57, p < .001) and high level of perceived stress (w= 1.21, p = .049) among mothers with a preoccupied attachment style.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the preoccupied attachment style is related to the parental sense of competence through certainty about mental states hypermentalization in case of low level and high level of perceived stress, so mentalization-based interventions are warranted.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The relationship between mothers’ attachment style, mindful parenting, and perception of the child

Introduction

Maternal attachment style plays a major role in the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology. Previous studies indicated that a secure attachment style is associated with higher levels of mindfulness and a higher quality of the parent-child relationship.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the mothers’ attachment style, mindful parenting, and perception of the child.

Methods

Data was collected from 144 non-clinical mothers, who have a child below the age of 3 years. Mothers completed self-report questionnaires including the following scales: a demographic questionnaire, Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale (IMP), and the Mothers’ Object Relations Scale (MORS-SF). Mediation analyses with Mothers’ Object Relations Scale warmth and invasion subscales as dependent variables, mother’s attachment style as an independent variable and, mindful parenting as a mediator were conducted.

Results

In mediation analysis, the direct effects of the mothers’ attachment style on the perception of the child were not significant. However, indirect effects through mindful parenting were significant; higher levels of mindful parenting were associated with higher levels of MORS-SF warmth and lower levels of MORS-SF invasion.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that attachment styles are related to the perception of the child through mindful parenting. Mindfulness-based parenting training might be useful in case of attachment-related problems to improve the parent-child relationship.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Pollution impacts on water bugs (Nepomorpha, Gerromorpha): state of the art and their biomonitoring potential

As water pollution poses an increasing risk worldwide, it is timely to assess the achievements of the aquatic macroinvertebrate ecotoxicology to provide a sound basis for the discipline's future and support the development of biomonitoring. Aquatic and semi-aquatic bugs (Hemiptera: Nepomorpha, Gerromorpha) are ubiquitous in almost all water types, sometimes in high densities, and play a significant role in organic material turnover and energy flow. Nevertheless, they are ignored in the water pollution biomonitoring schemes. Here, based on 300 papers, we review and evaluate the effects of chemical pesticides, microorganism-derived pesticides, insecticides of plant origin, heavy metals, eutrophication, salinisation and light pollution which are summarised for the first time. Our review encompasses the results of 100 laboratory and 39 semi-field/field experiments with 47 pesticides and 70 active ingredients. Pyrethroids were found to be more toxic than organochlorine, organophosphate and neonicotinoid insecticides to water bugs, like other macroinvertebrate groups. Additionally, in 10 out of 17 cases, the recommended field concentration of the pesticide was higher than the LC50 values, indicating potential hazards to water bugs. The recommended field concentrations of pesticides used in mosquito larvae control were found non-toxic to water bugs. As very few replicated studies are available, other findings on the effects of pesticides cannot be generalised. The microorganism-derived pesticide Bti appears to be safe when used at the recommended field concentration. Data indicates that plant-derived pesticides are safe with a high degree of certainty. We have identified three research areas where water bugs could be better involved in water biomonitoring. First, some Halobates spp. are excellent, and Gerris spp. are promising sentinels for Cd contamination. Second, Micronecta and, to a certain extent, Corixidae species composition is connected to and the indicator of eutrophication. Third, the species composition of the Corixidae is related to salinisation, and a preliminary method to quantify the relationship is already available. Our review highlights the potential of water bugs in water pollution monitoring.

A relative quantitation method for measuring DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation using guanine as an internal standard

Global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation play an important role in gene expression. They can be connected with several diseases. The modification status could be a biomarker to determine the status of disease. A fast, easy and accurate liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed for the precise quantitation of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Formic acid was used for the hydrolysis of the DNA strand resulting in nucleobases. These polar hydrolysis products were separated on a normal phase column using reversed phase eluents in inverse gradient mode. Multiple reaction monitoring was applied to achieve high selectivity and sensitivity for the quantitation. A new relative quantitation model was developed by using guanine, as an internal standard, present in samples. The new method was successfully validated with excellent accuracy and precision values in the range of 0.005-0.5% for 5hmC and 1-15% for 5mC. The main advantages of this quantitation method are that, due to relative quantitation, calibration curves can be used without reacquiring the calibration points and no additional isotope labeled internal standards are required. The method was tested to identify the concentrations of 5mC and 5hmC in various sample types. The lowest level of DNA sample required in the case of 0.005% 5hmC is 0.5 μg.

Basking Site Selection and Usage Strategies of the European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Babat valley (Gödöllő, Hungary)

Sun basking is the most common method for freshwater turtles, such as the European pond turtle, to maintain optimal body temperature. The attributes of the macro- and microhabitat features around the basking sites affect the basking site selection of the European pond turtle. To protect the European pond turtle, it is important to know the basking habits among the biological characteristics of the species, along with the effects of the habitat characteristics and the choice of the type of basking sites. The purpose of our research was to detect the effects of macro- and microhabitat features on the selection of basking sites. We wanted to determine basking site type selection according to the carapace length classes and if there is any difference in the choice of basking trunks and branches with different thicknesses. Turtles choose basking sites with less closed vegetation in their environment. We have detected seasonal differences in the microhabitat features. The closing reed and Typha sp. had a negative effect on the number of observed basking turtles. The most popular type of basking sites in the pond system was the commonly occurred fallen tree trunks and branches in the water, regardless of turtle body size. Most turtles used thinner tree trunks and branches for basking. In the meantime, we found differences in the choice of basking trunks between the turtles with different body sizes. Younger turtles with smaller bodies appeared in larger numbers on emergent branches with smaller diameters.

The inter-individual variance can provide additional information for the ecotoxicologists beside the mean

The hypothesis that the inter-individual parameter variability is an unexploited area of ecotoxicology was proposed several decades ago. Although some illustrative examples were presented to support this hypothesis in the last decades, it has never been tested on an extensive, coherent database. In this study, variance changes of 105 dose-response curves were analysed. All data originated from the same experiment, where the effects of the insecticide Trebon EC were investigated in a dose-response manner on 15 traits of the collembolan Folsomia candida in four subsequent generations and two types of insecticide treatments. A consistent relationship between inter-individual variance and insecticide application was found in 2 (first clutch size and growth-reproduction trade-off) out of the 15 of the parameters. Contrary to the mean, the variance of the first clutch size showed consistent differences compared to the control. Furthermore, the variance of the growth-reproduction trade-off was consistently different from the control except in one case (F3 generation of the transgenerational treatment). Higher first clutch size variances were found in F1 and a lower one in the F2 and F3 generations than in that of the control. This overall pattern of the variance changes of the first clutch size and the trade-off seems to be a quick response to the insecticide application. In the short term, we have found that variance increased with insecticide treatment (P and F1 generation), because phenotypic variance generally increases due to environmental stress. Disruptive selection could be another mechanism between the more detoxification less reproduction strategy and the more reproduction less detoxification strategy. However, in the later generations (F2-F3) the variance decreases compared to the control, which could be because on short term selection stronger on the viability parameters and in long-term selection on reproduction becomes stronger. According to our results, analysis of the variance changes of some parameters may give information about the effects of the pesticide even when the mean does not predict any impact. Testing variance changes are important in ecotoxicology because variance change can signalise toxicant impact even when the mean does not change in certain cases.

Three Dimensional Cell Culturing for Modeling Adrenal and Pituitary Tumors

In vitro monolayer conditions are not able to reproduce the complexity of solid tumors, still, there is scarce information about the 3D cell culture models of endocrine tumor types. Therefore, our aim was to develop in vitro 3D tumor models by different methodologies for adrenocortical carcinoma (H295R), pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (RC-4B/C and GH3) and pheochromocytoma (PC-12). Various methodologies were tested. Cell biological assays (cell viability, proliferation and live cell ratio) and steroid hormone production by HPLC-MS/MS method were applied to monitor cellular well-being. Cells in hanging drops and embedded in matrigel formed multicellular aggregates but they were difficult to handle and propagate for further experiments. The most widely used methods: ultra-low attachment plate (ULA) and spheroid inducing media (SFDM) were not the most viable 3D model of RC-4B/C and GH3 cells that would be suitable for further experiments. Combining spheroid generation with matrigel scaffold H295R 3D models were viable for 7 days, RC-4B/C and GH3 3D models for 7–10 days. ULA and SFDM 3D models of PC-12 cells could be used for further experiments up to 4 days. Higher steroid production in 3D models compared to conventional monolayer culture was detected. Endocrine tumor cells require extracellular matrix as scaffold for viable 3D models that can be one reason behind the lack of the usage of endocrine 3D cultures. Our models help understanding the pathogenesis of endocrine tumors and revealing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. They could also serve as an excellent platform for preclinical drug test screening.

Integrated twin-screw wet granulation, continuous vibrational fluid drying and milling: A fully continuous powder to granule line

Highly homogeneous low-dose (50 μg) tablets were produced incorporating perfectly free-flowing granules prepared by a fully integrated Continuous Manufacturing (CM) line. The adopted CM equipment consisted of a Twin-Screw Wet Granulator (TSWG), a Continuous Fluid Bed Dryer (CFBD) and a Continuous Sieving (CS) unit. Throughout the experiments a pre-blend of lactose-monohydrate and corn starch was gravimetrically dosed with 1 kg/h into the TSWG, where they were successfully granulated with the drug containing water-based PVPK30 solution. The wet mass was subsequently dried in the CFBD on a vibratory conveyor belt and finally sieved in the milling unit. Granule production efficiency was maximized by determining the minimal Liquid-to-Solid (L/S) ratio (0.11). Design of Experiments (DoE) were carried out in order to evaluate the influence of the drying process parameters of the CFBD on the Loss-on-Drying (LOD) results. The manufactured granules were compressed into tablets by an industrial tablet rotary press with excellent API homogeneity (RSD < 3%). Significant scale-up was realized with the CM line by increasing the throughput rate to 10 kg/h. The manufactured granules yielded very similar results to the previous small-scale granulation runs. API homogeneity was demonstrated (RSD < 2%) with Blend Uniformity Analysis (BUA). The efficiency of TSWG granulation was compared to High-Shear Granulation (HSG) with the same L/S ratio. The final results have demonstrated that both the liquid distribution and more importantly API homogeneity was better in case of the TSWG granulation (RSD 1.3% vs. 4.5%).

Agricultural trichothecene mycotoxin contamination affects the life-history and reduced glutathione content of Folsomia candida Willem (Collembola)

There is limited data available concerning the effect of T-2/HT-2 toxin or deoxynivalenol (DON) on invertebrates such as springtails, and no data on their life history and oxidative stress. Control maize and DON or T-2 toxin contaminated maize were fed to Folsomia candida with a toxin content of 16324 mg DON kg–1 or 671 mg T-2 kg–1 maize. Ten to twelve days old animals were investigated in a life-history test and a stress protein test.T-2 toxin did not affect Folsomia candida in any measured parameters. The DON exposed group showed decreased growth and reproduction, and a higher survival rate. DON treatment resulted in lower protein content, while reduced glutathione content was higher than in control. It suggests that DON activated the glutathione-related detoxification pathway, which possibly causes a higher survival rate. The results also suggest that the oral toxicity of DON or T-2 is lower than through physical contact.For that reason, DON and T-2 toxin contaminated maize is not suggested to be used as green manure in the native state. Alternative solutions could be using mycotoxin contaminated maize for biogas production, or after decontamination by bacterial strains, it can be used as organic fertilizer.

Demethylation Status of Somatic DNA Extracted From Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors Indicates Proliferative Behavior

BACKGROUND

Cytosine intermediaries 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), epigenetic hallmarks, have never been investigated in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET).

OBJECTIVE

To examine methylation-demethylation status of global deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in PitNET tissues and to assess its correlation with clinical and biological parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Altogether, 57 PitNET and 25 corresponding plasma samples were collected. 5mC and 5hmC were investigated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1); tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 through 3 (TET1-3); and ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 and 2 (UHRF1-2) were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Levels of 5hmC and UHRF1-2 were explored by immunohistochemistry. Effect of demethylating agent decitabine was tested on pituitary cell lines.

RESULTS

5hmC/5mC ratio was higher in less differentiated PitNET samples. A negative correlation between Ki-67 proliferation index and 5hmC, 5hmC to 5mC ratio were revealed. Higher 5mC was observed in SF-1 + gonadotroph adenomas with a higher Ki-67 index. Expressions of TET2 and TET3 were significantly higher in adenomas with higher proliferation rate. UHRF1 showed gradually increased expression in higher proliferative adenoma samples, and a significant positive correlation was detected between UHRF2 expression and 5hmC level. Decitabine treatment significantly decreased 5mC and increased 5hmC levels in both cell lines, accompanied with decreased cell viability and proliferation.

CONCLUSION

The demethylation process negatively correlated with proliferation rate and the ratio of 5hmC to 5mC was higher in less differentiated adenomas. Therefore, epigenetic markers can be potential biomarkers for PitNET behavior. Altering the epigenome in adenoma cells by decitabine decreased proliferation, suggesting that this treatment might be a novel medical treatment for PitNET.

Basking activity pattern of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Babat valley (Gödöllő, Hungary)

The populations of the widespread European pond turtle and their numbers are decreasing in Hungary and other European countries. Knowledge of basking habits, along with other biological characteristics of the species, could be important to preserve the European pond turtle. The purpose of our research was to assess the seasonal and daily basking activity of the European pond turtle, and the effects of weather parameters on sun-basking, for which no prior data exist for Hungary. Our study was carried out in the area of a dammed valley pond system at Gödöllő (Hungary) over two years. The results showed that the seasonal peak of the turtles’ basking (the highest number of observed sun-basking turtles) was in the spring. When using a finer time scale (1.5-hour intervals), we found that daily activity peaks were earlier in the spring and summer (11:00–12:30 h) than in autumn (12:30–14:00 h). Based on three measured temperatures (air temperature in shade and sunlight, water temperature), the number of basking turtles positively correlated with temperatures and varied seasonally; the optimal temperature ranges also shifted during the year. In the spring and autumn, turtles started sun-basking at lower temperatures than in the summer. We observed the narrowest optimal temperature ranges in the summer as well. Based on a Principal Component Analysis of weather parameters, low humidity and high air temperature created optimal basking conditions, whereas high humidity, and low air and water temperatures had an adverse effect.

Next-generation sequencing identifies novel mitochondrial variants in pituitary adenomas

PURPOSE

Disrupted mitochondrial functions and genetic variants of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been observed in different human neoplasms. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be used to detect even low heteroplasmy-level mtDNA variants. We aimed to investigate the mitochondrial genome in pituitary adenomas by NGS.

METHODS

We analysed 11 growth hormone producing and 33 non-functioning [22 gonadotroph and 11 hormone immunonegative] pituitary adenomas using VariantPro™ Mitochondrion Panel on Illumina MiSeq instrument. Revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS) of the mtDNA was used as reference. Heteroplasmy was determined using a 3% cutoff.

RESULTS

496 variants were identified in pituitary adenomas with overall low level of heteroplasmy (7.22%). On average, 35 variants were detected per sample. Samples harbouring the highest number of variants had the highest Ki-67 indices independently of histological subtypes. We identified eight variants (A11251G, T4216C, T16126C, C15452A, T14798C, A188G, G185A, and T16093C) with different prevalences among different histological groups. T16189C was found in 40% of non-recurrent adenomas, while it was not present in the recurrent ones. T14798C and T4216C were confirmed by Sanger sequencing in all 44 samples. 100% concordance was found between NGS and Sanger method.

CONCLUSIONS

NGS is a reliable method for investigating mitochondrial genome and heteroplasmy in pituitary adenomas. Out of the 496 detected variants, 414 have not been previously reported in pituitary adenoma. The high number of mtDNA variants may contribute to adenoma genesis, and some variants (i.e., T16189C) might associate with benign behaviour.

Transgenerational and multigenerational stress gene responses to the insecticide etofenprox in Folsomia candida (Collembola)

Insecticide exposure may cause both transgenerational and multigenerational effects on populations, but the molecular mechanisms of these changes remain largely unclear. Many studies have focused on either transgenerational or multigenerational mechanisms but did neglect the comparative aspects. This study assessed whether the pyrethroid insecticide etofenprox (formulation Trebon^® 30 EC) shows transgenerational and/or multigenerational effects on the survival and reproduction of Folsomia candida (Collembola). The activation of stress-related genes was studied to detect whether etofenprox modifies the expression of reproduction-associated genes in trans- and multigenerational treatments. A laboratory study was carried out for three generations with five insecticide concentrations in LUFA 2.2 soil. In the transgenerational treatment, only the parent generation (P) was exposed, but the subsequent generations were not. In the multigenerational treatment, all three generations were exposed to the insecticide in the same manner. Multigenerational exposure resulted in reduced reproduction effects over generations, suggesting that F. candida is capable of acclimating to enhanced concentration levels of etofenprox during prolonged exposure over multiple generations. In the transgenerational treatment, the heat shock protein 70 was up-regulated and cytochrome oxidase 6N4v1 expression down-regulated in a dose-dependent manner in the F2 generation. This finding raises the possibility of the epigenetic inheritance of insecticide impacts on parents. Furthermore, CYP6N4v1 expression was oppositely regulated in the trans- and multigenerational treatments. Our results draw attention to the differences in molecular level responses of F. candida to trans- and multigenerational etofenprox exposure.

Comprehensive analysis of circulating microRNAs in plasma of patients with pituitary adenomas

BACKGROUND

Circulating miRNAs in pituitary adenoma would help patient care especially in non-functioning adenoma cases as minimally invasive biomarkers of tumor recurrence and progression.

AIM

Our aim was to investigate plasma miRNA profile in patients with pituitary adenoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

149 plasma and extracellular vesicle (preoperative, early- and late postoperative) samples were collected from 45 pituitary adenoma patients. Adenomas were characterized based on anterior pituitary hormones and transcription factors by immunostaining. MiRNA next generation sequencing was performed on 36 samples (discovery set). Individual TaqMan assay was used for validation on extended sample set. PA tissue miRNAs were evaluated by TaqMan array and literature data.

RESULTS

Global downregulation of miRNA expression was observed in plasma samples of pituitary adenoma patients compared to normal samples. Expression of 29 miRNAs and isomiR variants were able to distinguish preoperative plasma samples and normal controls. MiRNAs with altered expression in both plasma and different adenoma tissues were identified. 3, 7 and 66 miRNAs expressed differentially between preoperative and postoperative plasma samples in growth hormone secreting, FSH/LH+ and hormone-immunonegative groups, respectively. MiR-143-3p was downregulated in late- but not in early postoperative plasma samples compared to preoperative ones exclusively in FSH/LH+ adenomas. Plasma level of miR-143-3p discriminated these samples with 81.8% sensitivity and 72.3% specificity (AUC=0.79; p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Differentially expressed miRNAs in pituitary adenoma tissues have low abundance in plasma minimizing their role as biomarkers. Plasma miR-143-3p decreases in patients with FSH/LH+ adenoma indicated successful surgery, but its application for evaluating tumor recurrence needs further investigation.

Effectiveness of the Gerundium Youth Educating Program in Hungary

The acceptance of brain death and the legitimation of organ transplantation is very much dependent on the general knowledge of the society. In Hungary, the legislation of brain death is based on presumed consent. There is no structural education about the topic so far.

AIM

The role of the Gerundium program is to educate high school students about the importance of transplantation and the meaning of brain death. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Gerundium contemporary educational program in a pilot study.

METHOD

The education was held by medical students who successfully completed a preparatory elective course consisting of relevant information in the topic. Medical students used simple language during the 45-minute presentations. Two tests with simple but representative questions created by experts were completed by high school students: one directly before contemporary education and another 5 to 6 weeks after the lecture.

RESULTS

A total of 147 tests were completed: 78 before and 69 after the presentation in the city of Debrecen and 294 before the lecture in the city of Győr. In Debrecen, the overall correct answers increased by 6.05% (P < .05; before vs after). The results show that the knowledge transfer is highly effective in this manner and the students know significantly more weeks after the lectures.

CONCLUSION

There is much to do to broadly inform society about transplantation and brain death, but we will continue to increase the number of students and measure the dynamic change of the students' knowledge.

Survivin as a potential therapeutic target of acetylsalicylic acid in pituitary adenomas

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is known as a cancer preventing agent, but there is no data available regarding the effect of ASA on pituitary cells.

We investigated 66 nonfunctioning (NFPA) and growth hormone (GH)-producing adenomas and 15 normal pituitary samples. Functional assays (cell viability, proliferation, flow cytometry cell cycle analysis, caspase-3 activation and DNA degradation) were applied to explore the effect of ASA, YM155 (survivin inhibitor), survivin-targeting siRNA and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in RC-4B/C and GH3 cells. Pituitary adenoma xenografts were generated in immunocompromised mice.

We found that survivin was overexpressed and TRAIL was downregulated in NFPAs compared to normal pituitary tissue. ASA decreased proliferation but did not induce apoptosis in pituitary cells. Additionally, ASA treatment decreased cells in S phase and increased cells in G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Inhibition of survivin using an inhibitor or siRNA-mediated silencing reversed the ASA-induced growth inhibition partially. In addition, we also found survivin-independent effects of ASA on the cell cycle that were mediated through inhibition of cyclin A, cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and phospho-CDK2. We also aimed to test the effect of acetylsalicylic acid in an animal model using RC-4 B/C cells, but in contrast to GH3 cells, RC-4 B/C cells failed to adhere and grow a xenograft.

We concluded that ASA inhibited the growth of pituitary adenoma cells. Survivin inhibition is a key mechanism explaining its antineoplastic effects. Our results suggest that inhibition of survivin with small molecules or ASA could serve as potential therapeutic agents in NFPA.

Left atrial thrombus under dabigatran in a patient with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Dabigatran is a new direct competitive inhibitor of thrombin and is equally effective and safe as warfarin in the prevention of thromboembolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We present a case of a 60-year-old man with persistent nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who switched from acenocoumarol to dabigatran 110 mg twice daily. After five months the patient developed a large atrial thrombus, occlusion of the tibial arteries of the right foot, cerebellar infarction and multiple infarctions in kidneys and spleen. Blood test showed a dabigatran concentration of 35 ng/ml six hours after intake, correlating with a low trough concentration of 24-27 ng/mL and significantly increased thromboembolic risk. Other risk factors for thromboembolism were excluded. The present case indicates that in selected patients, there might be an indication for dose adjustments based on serum levels of dabigatran to ensure patient efficacy (thromboembolic events) and safety (bleeding).

Vitamin D-neutralizing CYP24A1 expression, oncogenic mutation states and histological findings of human papillary thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the present study were to examine gene and protein expression of the vitamin D-inactivating 24-hyroxylase (CYP24A1) and the activating 1-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) enzyme in human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), furthermore, to investigate the association between CYP24A1 expression and numerous clinical, histological parameters and somatic oncogene mutation status of thyroid tumor tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene expression analysis was carried out in 100 Hungarian thyroid samples, both normal and papillary tumor tissue sections of the same patient. The specific mRNA to the selected genes was analyzed by TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The somatic oncogene mutation states of BRAF, NRAS, HRAS and KRAS were also tested.

RESULTS

CYP24A1 mRNA expression was markedly increased in 52 cases (52%) of the examined papillary cancers compared with that of normal thyroid tissue. There was a tendency toward difference in the distribution of high-level CYP24A1 in the PTC accompanied with somatic oncogene mutation. Positive correlation was seen between increased CYP24A1 expression rate and a group of variables reflecting tumor malignity (mainly vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, tumor size, hypothyreosis) by principal components analysis. No significant alteration was seen in CYP27B1 gene expression between neoplastic and normal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

A definite alteration was seen in vitamin D3-inactivating CYP24A1 gene activity in PTC compared to their normal tissues on a relatively large patient population. Our findings raise the possibility that CYP24A1 may also directly be involved in thyroid carcinogenesis.

New method for automatic body length measurement of the collembolan, Folsomia candida Willem 1902 (Insecta: Collembola)

The collembolan, Folsomia candida, is widely used in soil ecotoxicology. In recent years, growth rate of collembolans has become as frequently used endpoint as reproduction rate in ecotoxicological studies. However, measuring collembolan body sizes to estimate growth rate is a complicated and time-consuming task. Here we present a new image analysis method, which facilitates and accelerates the body length measurement of the collembolan Folsomia candida. The new software package, called CollScope, consists of three elements: 1) an imaging device; 2) photographing software; 3) an ImageJ macro for image processing, measurement and data analysis. We give a complete description of the operation of the software, the image analyzing process and describe its accuracy and reliability. The software with a detailed usage manual is attached as Supplementary Material. We report a case study to demonstrate that the automated measurement of collembolan body sizes is highly correlated with the traditional manual measurements (estimated measuring accuracy 0.05 mm). Furthermore, we performed a dose-response ecotoxicity test using cadmium-sulfate by using CollScope as well as classical methods for size measurement. Size data measured by CollScope or manually did not differ significantly. Furthermore the new software package decreased time consumption of the measurements to 42% when tested on 35 animals. Consequently, methodological investigations performed in this study should be regarded as a recommendation for any other routine dose-response study where body growth is an endpoint.

Cell sorting in a Petri dish controlled by computer vision

Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) applying flow cytometry to separate cells on a molecular basis is a widespread method. We demonstrate that both fluorescent and unlabeled live cells in a Petri dish observed with a microscope can be automatically recognized by computer vision and picked up by a computer-controlled micropipette. This method can be routinely applied as a FACS down to the single cell level with a very high selectivity. Sorting resolution, i.e., the minimum distance between two cells from which one could be selectively removed was 50–70 micrometers. Survival rate with a low number of 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and NE-4C neuroectodermal mouse stem cells was 66±12% and 88±16%, respectively. Purity of sorted cultures and rate of survival using NE-4C/NE-GFP-4C co-cultures were 95±2% and 62±7%, respectively. Hydrodynamic simulations confirmed the experimental sorting efficiency and a cell damage risk similar to that of normal FACS.

Astroglia‐derived retinoic acid is a key factor in glia‐induced neurogenesis

Astroglial cells are essential components of the neurogenic niches within the central nervous system. Emerging evidence suggests that they are among the key regulators of postnatal neurogenesis. Although astrocytes have been demonstrated to possess the potential to instruct stem cells to adopt a neuronal fate, little is known about the nature of the glia-derived instructive signals. Here we propose that all-trans retinoic acid, one of the most powerful morphogenic molecules regulating neuronal cell fate commitment, may be one of the glia-derived factors directing astroglia-induced neurogenesis. According to data obtained from several complementary approaches, we show that cultured astrocytes express the key enzyme mRNAs of retinoic acid biosynthesis and actively produce all-trans retinoic acid. We show that blockage of retinoic acid signaling by the pan-RAR antagonist AGN193109 prevents glia-induced neuron formation by noncommitted stem cells. Therefore, we provide strong in vitro evidence for retinoic acid action in astroglia-induced neuronal differentiation.

Phase transition in the collective migration of tissue cells: experiment and model

We have recorded the swarming-like collective migration of a large number of keratocytes (tissue cells obtained from the scales of goldfish) using long-term videomicroscopy. By increasing the overall density of the migrating cells, we have been able to demonstrate experimentally a kinetic phase transition from a disordered into an ordered state. Near the critical density a complex picture emerges with interacting clusters of cells moving in groups. Motivated by these experiments we have constructed a flocking model that exhibits a continuous transition to the ordered phase, while assuming only short-range interactions and no explicit information about the knowledge of the directions of motion of neighbors. Placing cells in microfabricated arenas we found spectacular whirling behavior which we could also reproduce in simulations.

Caspofungin susceptibility testing of Candida inconspicua: correlation of different methods with the minimal fungicidal concentration

Minimal inhibitory and minimal fungicidal concentrations of caspofungin were determined for 48 Candida inconspicua isolates. By using CLSI (formerly NCCLS) methodology with the partial inhibition endpoint criterion, caspofungin exhibited a good fungicidal effect against C. inconspicua (the MIC(90) was 0.25 microg/ml and the minimum fungicidal concentration [MFC] was 0.5 microg/ml after 24 h). Total inhibition yielded falsely elevated MICs, exceeding even the respective MFCs.

Auto-reverse nuclear migration in bipolar mammalian cells on micropatterned surfaces

A novel assay based on micropatterning and time-lapse microscopy has been developed for the study of nuclear migration dynamics in cultured mammalian cells. When cultured on 10-20-microm wide adhesive stripes, the motility of C6 glioma and primary mouse fibroblast cells is diminished. Nevertheless, nuclei perform an unexpected auto-reverse motion: when a migrating nucleus approaches the leading edge, it decelerates, changes the direction of motion, and accelerates to move toward the other end of the elongated cell. During this process, cells show signs of polarization closely following the direction of nuclear movement. The observed nuclear movement requires a functioning microtubular system, as revealed by experiments disrupting the main cytoskeletal components with specific drugs. On the basis of our results, we argue that auto-reverse nuclear migration is due to forces determined by the interplay of microtubule dynamics and the changing position of the microtubule organizing center as the nucleus reaches the leading edge. Our assay recapitulates specific features of nuclear migration (cell polarization, oscillatory nuclear movement), while it allows the systematic study of a large number of individual cells. In particular, our experiments yielded the first direct evidence of reversive nuclear motion in mammalian cells, induced by attachment constraints.

Restriction enzyme analysis of ribosomal DNA shows that Candida inconspicua clinical isolates can be misidentified as Candida norvegensis with traditional diagnostic procedures

We identified 29 yeast isolates from 22 patients using the API ID32C panel. Twenty-eight of these isolates were Candida norvegensis and one was C. inconspicua. Although C. norvegensis is considered a pseudohypha-producing species, only one isolate produced pseudohyphae. Restriction enzyme analysis of PCR-amplified ribosomal DNA with four different enzymes proved that all isolates were C. inconspicua.

TPPP/p25 promotes tubulin assemblies and blocks mitotic spindle formation

Recently, we isolated from bovine brain a protein, TPPP/p25 and identified as p25, a brain-specific protein that induced aberrant tubulin assemblies. The primary sequence of this protein differs from that of other proteins identified so far; however, it shows high homology with p25-like hypothetical proteins sought via blast. Here, we characterized the binding of TPPP/p25 to tubulin by means of surface plasmon resonance; the kinetic parameters are as follows: kon, 2.4 x 10(4) M(-1) x s(-1); koff, 5.4 x 10(-3) s(-1); and Kd, 2.3 x 10(-7) M. This protein at substoichometric concentration promotes the polymerization of tubulin into double-walled tubules and polymorphic aggregates or bundles paclitaxel-stabilized microtubules as judged by quantitative data of electron and atomic force microscopies. Injection of bovine TPPP/p25 into cleavage Drosophila embryos expressing tubulin-GFP fusion protein reveals that TPPP/p25 inhibits mitotic spindle assembly and nuclear envelope breakdown without affecting other cellular events like centrosome replication and separation, microtubule nucleation by the centrosomes, and nuclear growth. GTP counteracts TPPP/p25 both in vitro and in vivo.

Distribution and susceptibility of Candida species isolated in the Medical University of Debrecen

Data of Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species isolated during the 1997-2000 period in the Medical and Health Science Center of the University of Debrecen are analysed. The number of yeast isolates increased from 408 to 1213 per year during this period. Dominance of C. albicans has been persistent, but a slight increase of C. glabrata and C. krusei could be observed. Distribution of different Candida species isolated from 16 body sites indicates that C. albicans seems to be still the most aggressive Candida species. Investigation of 244 urinary Candida isolates (parallel with bacterial cultures) suggests that tha aetiological role of Candida species in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections can be hypothesized if colony forming unit (CFU) number of yeasts is higher than 10(4)/ml and bacteria are present in low CFU number or are absent. Antifungal susceptibility testing of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. krusei against Flucytosine, Amphotericin-B, Miconazole, Ketoconazole and Fluconazole suggests that Amphotericin-B is still the most effective antifungal agent. Finally, the problems in judging the aetiological role of isolated Candida species in the pathogenesis of different types of diseases are critically discussed.

Searching for new-type antifungal drugs (an outline for possible new strategies)

New approaches for treatment of invasive fungal infections are necessary to cope with emerging resistant fungal pathogens of humans. In this paper, three different strategies are presented and evaluated to find new-type antifungal drugs and their targets. While experimental data obtained with potent chitinase inhibitors, e.g. allosamidin, and small-size antifungal proteins of fungal origin are encouraging more efforts are needed to verify and exploit the possible involvement of intracellular thiols, e.g. glutathione, and their metabolic enzymes in the pathogenesis of mycoses caused by dimorphic fungi. Chitinase inhibitors seem to hinder the cell separation of yeasts and the fragmentation of filamentous fungi quite effectively and, hence, they may be implicated in future therapies of systemic mycoses. In addition, small-size antifungal proteins possessing a broad inhibition spectrum may also provide us with promising new agents for the treatment of different kinds of (e.g. cutaneous) fungal infections.

Distinct behavior of mutant triosephosphate isomerase in hemolysate and in isolated form: molecular basis of enzyme deficiency

In a Hungarian family with severe decrease in triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) activity, 2 germ line-identical but phenotypically differing compound heterozygote brothers inherited 2 independent (Phe240Leu and Glu145stop codon) mutations. The kinetic, thermodynamic, and associative properties of the recombinant human wild-type and Phe240Leu mutant enzymes were compared with those of TPIs in normal and deficient erythrocyte hemolysates. The specific activity of the recombinant mutant enzyme relative to the wild type was much higher (30%) than expected from the activity (3%) measured in hemolysates. Enhanced attachment of mutant TPI to erythrocyte inside-out vesicles and to microtubules of brain cells was found when the binding was measured with TPIs in hemolysate. In contrast, there was no difference between the binding of the recombinant wild-type and Phe240Leu mutant enzymes. These findings suggest that the missense mutation by itself is not enough to explain the low catalytic activity and "stickiness" of mutant TPI observed in hemolysate. The activity of the mutant TPI is further reduced by its attachment to inside-out vesicles or microtubules. Comparative studies of the hemolysate from a British patient with Glu104Asp homozygosity and with the platelet lysates from the Hungarian family suggest that the microcompartmentation of TPI is not unique for the hemolysates from the Hungarian TPI-deficient brothers. The possible role of cellular components, other than the mutant enzymes, in the distinct behavior of TPI in isolated form versus in hemolysates from the compound heterozygotes and the simple heterozygote family members is discussed.

[Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of breast diseases]

Authors report about the role of contrast medium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of breast diseases, and experiences with this method. The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the method. The results was correlated with the histopathological findings, and compared to the diagnostic accuracy of the conventional X-ray mammography in breast lesions. X-ray and MR-mammography were evaluated in 220 patients (238 breasts) scheduled for breast surgery. The breasts were examined with T1-weighted transversal images using contrast medium enhanced semidynamic technique with 3D fast low angle shot (FLASH) sequence. Each breast was given a routine examination with 3 mammographic views. Contrast enhanced MR-mammography is a highly sensitive method for the detection of breast cancer, it has a higher diagnostic accuracy (84.5%), than conventional X-ray mammography (82.4%). When MRI and conventional X-ray mammography were used together, very high sensitivity but a lower diagnostic accuracy (81.5%) was achieved. MRI was effective in revealing mammographically equivocal or occult lesions and multifocal tumors even in dense breasts, but it was less reliable for some invasive lobular cancers, non-invasive ductal carcinomas, fibroadenomas and hyperplastic breast changes. Presently accepted indications for MRI of the breast are: (1) patients with breast implants--to demonstrate prothesis complications and tumor relapses; (2) postoperative imaging in patients after tumorectomy and radiation therapy--in these cases MRI allows differentiation between tumor relapses and extensive scars; (3) proven axillary lymph node metastasis from an unknown primary carcinoma; (4) preoperative MR imaging in cases suspected or verified carcinomas within dense breasts to exclude multicentricity/multifocality; (5) follow-up in chemotherapy of breast cancer; (6) patients with high-risk constellation.

Characterisation of Rhodococcus equi strains isolated from foals and from immunocompromised human patients

The cultural, morphological, biochemical, serological characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of 25 Rhodococcus equi strains isolated from lungs and lung abscesses of pneumonic foals and 5 R. equi strains isolated from immuno-compromised human patients were examined. All R. equi strains showed common cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics both with conventional tests and on the basis of their enzyme profile. The R. equi strains examined were resistant to penicillins with the exception of ampicillin, to sulphamethazine and several strains also to sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim. All strains were susceptible to erythromycin and rifampicin. The strains isolated from humans showed somewhat higher rate of antibiotic resistance to penicillin, cefotaxime, kanamycin, streptomycin, lincomycin, and oxytetracycline. The overwhelming majority (96%) of the equine isolates belonged to serotype 1 in Prescott's serotyping system, while the human isolates could not be serotyped.