Potential impacts of climate change on soil properties

Climate change is expected to have a vigorous impact on soils and ecosystems due to elevated temperature and changes in precipitation (amount and frequency), thereby altering biogeochemical and hydrological cycles. Several phenomena associated with climate change and anthropogenic activity affect soils indirectly via ecosystem functioning (such as higher atmospheric CO2 concentration and N deposition). Continuous interactions between climate and soils determine the transformation and transport processes. Long-term gradual changes in abiotic environmental factors alter naturally occurring soil forming processes by modifying the soil water regime, mineral composition evolution, and the rate of organic matter formation and degradation. The resulting physical and chemical soil properties play a fundamental role in the productivity and environmental quality of cultivated land, so it is crucial to evaluate the potential outcomes of climate change and soil interactions. This paper attempts to review the underlying long-term processes influenced by different aspects of climate change. When considering major soil forming factors (climate, parent material, living organisms, topography), especially climate, we put special attention to soil physical properties (soil structure and texture, and consequential changes in soil hydrothermal regime), soil chemical properties (e.g. cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter content as influenced by changes in environmental conditions) and soil degradation as a result of longterm soil physicochemical transformations. The temperate region, specifically the Carpathian Basin as a heterogeneous territory consisting of different climatic and soil zones from continental to mountainous, is used as an example to present potential changes and to assess the effect of climate change on soils. The altered physicochemical and biological properties of soils require accentuated scientific attention, particularly with respect to significant feedback processes to climate and soil services such as food security.

Xylanibacillus composti gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from compost

A novel Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, designated as K13^T, was isolated from compost and characterized using a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain showed highest similarity (93.8 %) to Paenibacillus nanensis MX2-3^T. Cells of strain K13^T were aerobic, motile rods. The major fatty acids were anteiso C15 : 0 (34.4 %), iso C16 : 0 (17.3 %) and C16 : 0 (10.0 %). The major menaquinone was MK-7, the polar lipid profile included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine and an aminophospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 52.3 %. Based on phenotypic, including chemotaxonomic characteristics and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, it was concluded that strain K13^T represents a novel genus, for which the name Xylanibacillus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type species of the genus is Xylanibacillus composti, the type strain of which is strain K13^T (=DSM 29793^T=NCAIM B.02605^T).

Mixed Ovarian Tumor Composed of Brenner Tumor and Adult-Type Granulosa Cell Tumor: A Case Report of a Very Rare Mixed Ovarian Tumor and a Review of the Literature

A combination of ovarian tumors with the same histogenetic origin but different histologic subtype is relatively common, whereas a co-occurrence of tumors with different histogenetic origin is rare. We report a case of mixed ovarian tumor composed of Brenner tumor and adult-type granulosa cell tumor, a combination that to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in the literature until now.

Quisquiliibacterium transsilvanicum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel betaproteobacterium isolated from a waste-treating bioreactor

A new betaproteobacterium, CGI-09^T, was isolated from an activated sludge bioreactor which treated landfill leachate. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the new strain shared the highest pairwise similarity values with members of the order Burkholderiales: Derxia gummosa IAM 13946^T (family Alcaligenaceae), 93.7 % and Lautropia mirabilis DSM 11362^T (family Burkholderiaceae), 93.6 %. Cells of strain CGI-09^T were rod-shaped and non-motile. The new strain was oxidase and catalase positive and capable of reducing nitrate to nitrite. The predominant fatty acids were C16 : 1 ω7c, C16 : 0, cycloC17 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω7c, the major respiratory quinone was Q-8, and the detected polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown phospholipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain CGI-09^T was 70.2 mol%. The new bacterium can be distinguished from the members of genera Derxia and Lautropia based on its non-motile cells, arginine dihydrolase activity, its high cyclo C17 : 0 fatty acid content and the lack of hydroxy fatty acids. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular data, strain CGI-09^T is considered to represent a new genus and species within the family Burkholderiaceae, for which the name Quisquiliibacterium transsilvanicum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CGI-09^T (=DSM 29781^T=JCM 31785^T).

Micrococcoides hystricis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Micrococcaceae, phylum Actinobacteria

A Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated TSL3T, was isolated from faeces of a porcupine, Hystrix indica, from the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Hungary. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain is phylogenetically related to the family Micrococcaceae. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was found with Micrococcus terreus V3M1T (96.50 %) followed by Arthrobacter humicola KV-653T (96.43 %). Cells of strain TSL3T were aerobic, non-motile and coccoid-shaped. The main fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (54.4 %), iso-C16 : 0 (18.2 %) and iso C15 : 0 (9.7 %). The major menaquinone was MK-7, and the polar lipid profile included phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, dimannosylglyceride, trimannosyldiacylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, three unknown phospholipids and two unknown glycolipids. Strain TSL3T showed the peptidoglycan structure A4alpha l-Lys - Gly - l-Glu. The DNA G+C content of strain TSL3T was 58.4 mol%. Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation clearly showed that strain TSL3T could be differerentiated from the members of other genera in the family Micrococcaceae. According to these results, strain TSL3T represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Micrococcoides hystricis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TSL3T (=DSM 29785T=NCAIM B. 02604T).

Nesterenkonia pannonica sp. nov., a novel alkaliphilic and moderately halophilic actinobacterium

An alkaliphilic and moderately halophilic bacterial strain characterized by optimal growth at pH 9.0-10.0 and with 5-7 % (w/v) NaCl, designated BV-35^T, was isolated from water of a soda pan located in Kiskunság National Park, Hungary. Cells of the orange-pigmented colony were Gram-stain-positive, non-motile and non-endospore-forming coccoid rods. The isolate was strictly aerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Strain BV-35^T displayed a peptidoglycan similar to type A4α, l-Lys-l-Glu (A11.54 according to www.peptidoglycan-types.info) but containing additionally 4-aminobutyric acid. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the predominant isoprenoid quinone, and anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 were its major cellular fatty acids. The DNA G+C content of strain BV-35^T was 65.4 mol%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the novel isolate showed the closest relationship to Nesterenkonia populi GP 10-3^T (97.9 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness between BV-35^T and N. populi was 46.7 %. The distinguishing phenotypic and genetic results of this polyphasic study revealed that strain BV-35^T represents a novel member of the genus Nesterenkonia, for which the name Nesterenkonia pannonica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BV-35^T (=DSM 29786^T=NCAIM B 02606^T).

New dressing combination for the treatment of partial thickness burn injuries in children

Burns are among the most common causes of injury in children. Several wound dressings are available to conservatively treat second-degree burns. Seventy-three children were treated with Aquacel Ag foam and Zn-hyaluronon gel to determine their effectiveness on partial thickness burns. We applied silver nitrate solution on 25% of patients for 24 hrs, then checked burn depth. If the burn was superficial second degree, we applied the dressing under study. All dressings were removed 6-7 days later. In the remaining children we used Aquacel Ag foam dressing with Zn-hyaluronon gel at first intervention. The dressing was checked on the second day, and removed on the sixth or seventh day (unless it had spontaneously separated). Hot water scalds were the main cause of injury. Other causes included hot oil, flame and contact, among others. Wound size was on average 5% total body surface area. Burns were seen on all body parts, and in 38 cases on more than one area. None of the 73 children treated with this dressing were diagnosed with wound infection. We observed the epithelialization of the burned areas on the 6th or 7th day after primary treatment. These dressings efficiently promote epithelialization, and a further advantage of Zn-hyaluronon gel is that it enhances cell regeneration and inhibits dressing fixation into the wound. Based on our experience, with this dressing combination we can achieve gentle, child-friendly and cost-effective treatment, excellent wound healing and favourable cosmetic results.

[Knowledge, experience and attitudes of laymen in oncological health services]

INTRODUCTION

There is much less emphasis on the survey of the laymen's attitudes towards their awareness of patients' rights and organization of care, and cooperation.

AIM

The most important goal of this niche study was to explore how much laymen know about the organization of care and to assess their attitudes when they are under oncological care.

METHOD

Data collection was completed in outpatient oncology departments in two different hospitals treating high number of patients (n = 271).

RESULTS

26.1% of the respondents did not collect further information about their supposed disease. 69.0% thought that the pathologist deals exclusively with the dead or did not know what their duties are. Only 39.7% of the respondents indicated that the pathologist plays a role in the diagnostic process of cancers. The latter two findings were not influenced by the respondents' level of education.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a clear evidence that the majority of the respondents were not familiar with the organisationof the care in oncology and, depending on the level of their education, a high percentage does not even want to learn about it at all. The authors propose that informing the layman would lead to a higher quality of patient care, and consequently to greater patient safety. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(33), 1314-1319.

Microbiological investigations on the water of a thermal bath at Budapest

Thermal baths are unique aquatic environments combining a wide variety of natural and anthropogenic ecological factors, which also appear in their microbiological state. There is limited information on the microbiology of thermal baths in their complexity, tracking community shifts from the thermal wells to the pools. In the present study, the natural microbial community of well and pool waters in Gellért bath was studied in detail by cultivation-based techniques. To isolate bacteria, 10% R2A and minimal synthetic media (with "bath water") with agar-agar and gellan gum were used after prolonged incubation time; moreover, polyurethane blocks covered with media were also applied. Strains were identified by sequencing their 16S rRNA gene after grouping them by amplified rDNA restriction analysis. From each sample, the dominance of Alphaproteobacteria was characteristic though their diversity differed among samples. Members of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Beta- and Gamma-proteobacteria, Deinococcus-Thermus, and Bacteroidetes were also identified. Representatives of Deinococcus-Thermus phylum appeared only in the pool water. The largest groups in the pool water belonged to the Tistrella and Chelatococcus genera. The most dominant member in the well water was a new taxon, its similarity to Hartmannibacter diazotrophicus as closest relative was 93.93%.

EZH2 is a sensitive marker of malignancy in salivary gland tumors

BACKGROUND

The immunohistochemical detection of Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) proved to be a useful tool to recognize the malignant nature of tumors in a wide variety of neoplasms. The histological diagnostics of salivary gland tumors is a challenging task, and a reliable marker of malignancy would be extremely helpful.

METHODS

EZH2 expression was investigated in 54 malignant and 40 benign salivary gland tumors of various histological types by standard immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The majority (n = 52) of the malignant tumors stained positively, while all the investigated benign tumors were negative for EZH2.

CONCLUSIONS

EZH2 expression in salivary gland tumors, similarly to the tumors of other organs is not characteristic for any tumor type, but is a solid marker of the malignant nature of the tumors.

[Metastatic tumors in the ovary, difficulties of histologic diagnosis]

The ovary is a common site of metastases. Secondary tumors account for 3-40% of all ovarian malignancies. Most ovarian metastases arise from the colon, although tumors of the breast, stomach and endometrium are also common places of origin. Clinical and histological features of metastatic tumors frequently mimic primary ovarian malignancies, causing serious diagnostic problems for the surgical pathologist. However, differentiation between primary ovarian cancer and ovarian metastasis is important in order to prevent inappropriate management and suboptimal treatment. The distinction between primary and secondary ovarian malignancies is especially difficult in cases when the metastasis is diagnosed before the primary tumor. Frozen section is widely used in the intra-operative assessment of patients with ovarian tumors but it can be very difficult to distinguish certain types of primary ovarian tumors and metastases from other sites. We examined 152 cases of secondary ovarian neoplasm diagnosed at the National Institute of Oncology, Hungary from 2000 to 2014. Colorectal cancer was the most common primary tumor (58 cases), followed by breast (33 cases), endometrium (30 cases) and stomach cancer (13 cases). The differential diagnosis proved the most difficult in cases when endometrioid and mucinous tumors were present in the ovaries. Metastases of colorectal and gastric adenocarcinomas may simulate benign or borderline cystadenomas too. In these cases the knowledge of the patient's history and immunohistochemical stains were helpful. In our study we discuss the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing these secondary ovarian tumors from primary ovarian neoplasms and the limits of the intraoperative frozen sections.

EFFICACY DATA OF CYANTRANILIPROLE CONTAINING INSECTICIDE PREPARATION ON CABBAGE ROOT FLY (DELIA RADICUM LINNAEUS) IN WINTER OILSEED RAPE

The increasing pressure of oilseed rape pests emphasized the need to improve the insecticide portfolio, i.e. register new active ingredients with new insecticide mode of action. The tested seed treatment formulation applied at 32; 40 and 50 UAT rate of containing cyantraniliprole as active substance. 40 UAT rate gives acceptable control of the Cabbage root fly in each trial. Despite the long lasting flight and egg laying period of cabbage root fly, the standard control products and also this product give 50-65% efficacy. It is enough to reduce damage of the Cabbage root fly and prevent economical damage in oilseed rape.

Ectopic lymphoid structures in primary cutaneous melanoma

Ectopic lymphoid structures have been described in several tumor types including metastatic lesions, but not primary tumors, of patients with melanoma. Here we present evidence of B-cell follicles in primary cutaneous melanomas, being present in 39 of 147 cases (27 %). B-cell clusters were associated with T lymphocytes, most of which belonging to CD45RO(+) memory T cells. A network of CD21(+) follicular dendritic cells was demonstrated in 8 of 22 cases studied (36 %). MECA-79(+) HEV-like venules were observed in the neighborhood of the follicles in the majority of cases, however, their presence was not confined to tumors hosting ectopic lymphoid structures. The appearance of B-cell aggregates did not show association with the outcome of the disease, although a trend for their higher prevalence was observed in thicker tumors. Our results show that neogenesis of lymphoid structures does occur in primary melanomas, albeit with lower frequency compared to that reported in metastases.

Comparative statistical analysis of osteoporosis treatment based on Hungarian claims data and interpretation of the results in respect to cost-effectiveness

The efficacy of interventions used in real life for the treatment of osteoporosis has not been evaluated on a national basis. We analysed the database of the single Hungarian health care provider between 2004 and 2010. A marked reduction in fracture incidence and hospitalization was seen, which also proved to be cost-effective.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis and its consequences place a significant burden on the health care systems of developed countries. Present therapeutic modalities are effective in reducing the risk of fractures caused by osteoporosis. However, we do not know whether the interventions introduced in the past 15 years have significantly reduced the number of osteoporotic fractures in real life, and if yes, how cost-effectively.

METHODS

The database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration in Hungary was analysed for the period between 2004 and 2010. Two specific patient groups were identified within the population. Patients, who were under osteoporosis treatment in more than 80% of the potential treatment days in three consecutive years (patients with high compliance), were compared with patients where this ratio was under 20% (patients with low compliance). Several statistical comparative models were implemented in order to capture a complete picture on the differences. Because of natural data heterogeneity of administration databases, propensity matching was applied as well.

RESULTS

Comparing treated vs. control subjects, patients with high compliance showed a significant decrease in fracture risk and hospitalization, which was more robust after propensity adjustment. On the basis of the observed statistically significant differences, cost-effectiveness analysis was implemented. Utility loss due the observed fractures was compared with the total cost differences of the two arms based on modelling. Our calculations proved the cost-effectiveness of the long-term high compliance in real world settings.

CONCLUSION

Our findings infer that the standardized and uniform health care of osteoporotic patients in a country may reduce general fracture incidence and hospitalization in a cost-effective way.

Cetuximab and platinum-based chemoradio- or chemotherapy of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor expressing adenoid cystic carcinoma: a phase II trial

Background:

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The efficacy and toxicity of cetuximab with concomitant platinum-based chemoradio- or chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic ACC, respectively, was evaluated.

Methods:

Eligible patients (9 with locally advanced tumour and 12 with metastases) had positive tumour EGFR expression. The cetuximab loading dose (400 mg m⁻²) was followed by 250 mg m⁻² per week. Locally advanced tumours were irradiated (mean dose 65 Gy) and treated with concomitant cisplatin (75 mg m⁻², intravenously). Patients with metastases received concomitant cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (4 × 1000 mg m⁻²).

Results:

For patients with locally advanced disease (median follow-up: 52 months), the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 64 months and the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate was 100%. For patients with metastases (median follow-up: 72 months), the median PFS and OS were 13 and 24 months, respectively. In both groups the objective response rate was >40%. Skin rash, in-field dermatitis, mucositis and vomiting were the most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events.

Conclusion:

In this single-arm study, the efficacy of cetuximab plus chemoradio- or chemotherapy appeared favourable as compared with historical controls. All side effects were manageable and did not hamper the treatment.