University of Szeged

Drainage ditches play a key role in the conservation of fragmented landscapes by providing refuge sites and secondary habitats for many terrestrial and aquatic organisms across various taxa. Species richness of ditches can exceed that of adjacent natural habitats, but here, we looked further and assessed the role of drainage ditches in shaping the community structure of true bugs aiming to better estimate ditches’ conservation value from the point of their species and trait composition. We tested the effects of the ditch substrate (saline, sandy or fen), landscape matrix (agrarian or grassland) and vegetation (species richness of all plants and invasive plants, and abundance of woody plants) on the true bug communities of 60 drainage ditches in the lowland of East-Central Europe. We found that substrate and landscape matrix contributed the most in determining true bug communities. Based on species composition, different substrates and landscape matrix types had distinct communities, but the trait composition showed differentiation according to the landscape matrix in saline habitats only. The trait composition in true bug communities was more diverse in grassland ditches than in agrarian ones, which hosted more habitat generalists associated with invasive vegetation. We concluded that a pronounced gradient in habitat stress, originating in substrate salinity and aridity, causes the differentiation of the true bug communities based on their trait composition. Additionally, intense habitat stress increases the number of habitat specialists and the conservation value of a drainage ditch.

We establish power-series expansions for the asymptotic expectations of the vertex number and missed area of random disc-polygons in planar convex bodies with $C^{k+1}_+$ -smooth boundaries. These results extend asymptotic formulas proved in Fodor et al. (2014).

In standard SMLM methods, the photoswitching of single fluorescent molecules and the data acquisition processes are independent, which leads to the detection of single molecule blinking events on several consecutive frames. This mismatch results in several data points with reduced localization precision, and it also increases the possibilities of overlapping. Here we discuss how the synchronization of the fluorophores’ ON state to the camera exposure time increases the average intensity of the captured point spread functions and hence improves the localization precision. Simulations and theoretical results show that such synchronization leads to fewer localizations with 15% higher sum signal on average, while reducing the probability of overlaps by 10%.

Introduction The internet has become a part of everyday life, and during the COVID-19 pandemic the rate of internet use has raised even higher, which increases the possibility of compulsive and problematic use leading to the acceptance of online misbeliefs and conspiration theories. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between COVID-19-related misconceptions and internet addiction among adult recreational online gamers. Methods A sample of 1671 recreational video game users completed the online survey (male: n = 1522 (91.08%), mean age = 21.83, SD = 4.18; female: n = 149 (8.91%), mean age = 24.33, SD = 8.38). Demographic questions, risk factors and health-related questions, internet use and addiction were measured alongside a short questionnaire about common COVID-19-related topics, such as its origin and risk of infection. Results Out of all participants 248 (14.8%) answered all the COVID-19-related questions properly, thus having no misconceptions, while 545 (32.6%) had one wrong answer, 532 (31.8%) had 2 wrong answers, 251 (15.0%) had 3 wrong answers, 78 (4.7%) had 4 wrong answers and 17 (1.0%) had 5 wrong answers. Significant factors to a higher number of COVID-misconceptions were time spent studying (χ2 (35,1671) = 63.86, p = 0.002), marital status (χ2 (15,1671) = 30.65 p = 0.01) and secondary employment (χ2 (51,671) = 14.88, p = 0.01). Although 17.1% of the participants reached the threshold score for internet addiction, the predictors of COVID-19 misconceptions were marital status (β = −0.06, p = 0.01) and time spent studying (β = 0.05, p = 0.03), while neither daily internet use, internet addiction scores or risk factors predicted these misconceptions in a linear regression model. Discussion Our study concludes that Internet addiction did not directly influence misconceptions about the COVID-19 pandemic in this population despite the surprisingly high rate of problematic users.

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) models derived from human stem cells are powerful tools to improve our understanding of cerebrovascular diseases and to facilitate drug development for the human brain. Yet providing stem cell–derived endothelial cells with the right signaling cues to acquire BBB characteristics while also retaining their vascular identity remains challenging. Here, we show that the simultaneous activation of cyclic AMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibition of the TGF-β pathway in endothelial cells robustly induce BBB properties in vitro. To target this interaction, we present a small-molecule cocktail named cARLA, which synergistically enhances barrier tightness in a range of BBB models across species. Mechanistically, we reveal that the three pathways converge on Wnt/β-catenin signaling to mediate the effect of cARLA via the tight junction protein claudin-5. We demonstrate that cARLA shifts the gene expressional profile of human stem cell–derived endothelial cells toward the in vivo brain endothelial signature, with a higher glycocalyx density and efflux pump activity, lower rates of endocytosis, and a characteristic endothelial response to proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, we illustrate how cARLA can improve the predictive value of human BBB models regarding the brain penetration of drugs and targeted nanoparticles. Due to its synergistic effect, high reproducibility, and ease of use, cARLA has the potential to advance drug development for the human brain by improving BBB models across laboratories.

Short peptide sequences consisting of two cysteine residues separated by three other amino acids display complete change from random coil to α‐helical secondary structure in response to addition of Ag⁺ ions. The folded CXXXC/Ag⁺ complex involves formation of multinuclear Ag⁺ species and is stable in a wide pH range from below 3 to above 8. The complex is stable through reversed‐phase HPLC separation as well as towards a physiological level of chloride ions, based on far‐UV circular dichroism spectroscopy. In electrospray MS under acidic conditions a peptide dimer with four Ag⁺ ions bound was observed, and modelling based on potentiometric experiments supported this to be the dominating complex at neutral pH together with a peptide dimer with 3 Ag⁺ and one proton at lower pH. The complex was demonstrated to work as a N‐terminal nucleation site for inducing α‐helicity into longer peptides. This type of silver‐mediated peptide assembly and folding may be of more general use for stabilizing not only peptide folding but also for controlling oligomerization even under acidic conditions.

Ammonia is a crucial component in the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen, with various harmful environmental effects. The primary source of NH3 is agriculture, particularly the application of fertilizers in crop cultivation. A significant portion of the nitrogen content from fertilizers, when applied without utilization, is released into the environment, becoming a source of loss and pollution. Emissions occur both from the soil and through stomata. However, if the compensation point concentration of the apoplast is lower than the nearby concentration of NH3, stomatal absorption occurs. Additionally, cuticular deposition processes and bidirectional exchange of droplets on foliage (rain, dew, guttation) contribute to the ammonia cycle within the canopy. Depending on the conditions, a considerable amount of the ammonia emitted by the soil can be recaptured by the canopy. This recapture helps reduce both nitrogen loss from fertilizers and environmental pollution. This article presents a general review of models simulating the bi-directional exchange of ammonia in the soil—plant—atmosphere system, focusing on determining ammonia loss and amounts recycled by the canopy. The review covers concepts and parameterization of various model inputs.

Peripheral nerve injuries induce a severe motor and sensory deficit. Since the availability of autologous nerve transplants for nerve repair is very limited, alternative treatment strategies are sought, including the use of tubular nerve guidance conduits (tNGCs). However, the use of tNGCs results in poor functional recovery and central necrosis of the regenerating tissue, which limits their application to short nerve lesion defects (typically shorter than 3 cm). Given the importance of vascularization in nerve regeneration, we hypothesized that enabling the growth of blood vessels from the surrounding tissue into the regenerating nerve within the tNGC would help eliminate necrotic processes and lead to improved regeneration. In this study we reported the application of macroscopic holes into the tubular walls of silk-based tNGCs and compared the various features of these improved silk ⁺ tNGCs with the tubes without holes (silk ⁻ tNGCs) and autologous nerve transplant in an 8-mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. Using a combination of micro-computed tomography and histological analyses, we were able to prove that the use of silk ⁺ tNGCs induced the growth of blood vessels from the adjacent tissue to the intraluminal neovascular formation. A significantly higher number of blood vessels in the silk ⁺ group was found compared with autologous nerve transplants and silk ⁻ , accompaniec by improved axon regeneration at the distal coaptation point compared with the silk ⁻ tNGCs at 7 weeks postoperatively. In the 15-mm (critical size) sciatic nerve defect model, we again observed a distinct ingrowth of blood vessels through the tubular walls of silk ⁺ tNGCs, but without improved functional recovery at 12 weeks postoperatively. Our data proves that macroporous tNGCs increase the vascular supply of regenerating nerves and facilitate improved axonal regeneration in a short-defect model but not in a critical-size defect model. This study suggests that further optimization of the macroscopic holes silk ⁺ tNGC approach containing macroscopic holes might result in improved grafting technology suitable for future clinical use.

Traditional approaches to fluvial sedimentary analysis often face challenges in deciphering complex, multivariate data-sets. This study combines compositional data analysis (CoDA) with principal component analysis (PCA) to enhance the characterization of depositional processes and sub-environments within the Shendi Formation. The PCA applied to centered log ratio (clr)-transformed grain size distributions, reveals three principal components with ~ 91.86% of the data variance explained, representing distinct processes: bedload-dominated channel-bar dynamics, overbank deposi-tion, and high-energy flood events. Specific lithofacies associations strongly correlate to each principal component. This integrated approach enables the identification of subtle yet significant patterns within the complex sedimentological record. The Shendi Formation exhibits characteristics of a dynamic fluvial setting with variations in flow energy, channel migration, and periodic flooding. Our findings demonstrate the power of CoDA-PCA in refining the understanding of fluvial depositional systems and highlight its potential for broader applications.

Pollen, particularly from the Ambrosia genus, plays a pivotal role in triggering allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms. This review delves into the global background of Ambrosia, focusing on its origins, invasive potential, and spread to South America. The ecological niche for Ambrosia species is explored, emphasizing its stability globally but exhibiting unique and dynamic features in South America. Information on Ambrosia pollen concentration in South America is summarized, revealing varying levels across countries. The establishment of new aerobiology stations, as highlighted in the latest findings, contributes valuable data for understanding allergen risk management in the region. The health perspective addresses the rise in allergic diseases due to climate change, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring, especially in South America. Agricultural damage inflicted by Ambrosia is discussed, emphasizing its invasive potential, high seed production, and negative impact on crops, forage quality, and livestock. The review also positions Ambrosia as a marker of climate change, discussing the effects of global warming on pollen seasons, concentrations, and allergenic characteristics. The importance of expanding aerobiology stations in South America is underscored, requiring collaborative efforts from government, scientific societies, and academic institutions. The review concludes by advocating for increased monitoring to address potential challenges posed by Ambrosia, offering a basis for tailored interventions and future research in South American regions.

Our study investigates the effects of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles combined microwave pretreatment on the anaerobic digestibility and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) of meat industry sludge. One of our main objectives was to see whether the different microwave-based pretreatment procedures can enhance biogas production by improving the biological availability of organic compounds. Results demonstrated that combining microwave irradiation with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles considerably increased SCOD (enhancement ratio was above 1.5), the rate of specific biogas production, and the total cumulative specific biogas volume (more than a threefold increment), while having no negative effect on the biomethane content. Furthermore, the assessment of the sludge samples’ dielectric properties (dielectric constant and loss factor measured at the frequency of 500 MHz) showed a strong correlation with SCOD changes (r = 0.9942, R² = 0.99), offering a novel method to evaluate pretreatment efficiency.

We investigate branching processes in varying environment, for which $\overline{f}_n \to 1$ and $\sum_{n=1}^\infty (1-\overline{f}_n)_+ = \infty$ , $\sum_{n=1}^\infty (\overline{f}_n - 1)_+ < \infty$ , where $\overline{f}_n$ stands for the offspring mean in generation n . Since subcritical regimes dominate, such processes die out almost surely, therefore to obtain a nontrivial limit we consider two scenarios: conditioning on nonextinction, and adding immigration. In both cases we show that the process converges in distribution without normalization to a nondegenerate compound-Poisson limit law. The proofs rely on the shape function technique, worked out by Kersting (2020).

Objectives Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study was to explore paediatric general practitioners’ (GP Peds) antibiotic prescription practice in suspected respiratory tract infections (RTIs), using the capability–opportunity–motivation–behaviour framework. Design The design is a qualitative study based on individual, semistructured telephone or virtual interviews. Setting Paediatric general practice in Hungary. We applied stratified maximum variation sampling to cover the categories of age, sex and geographical location of participants. Participants We interviewed 22 GP Peds. Nine were male and 13 were female: 2 of them were less than 40 years old, 14 were between 40 and 60 years, and 6 were above 60 years. 10 worked in low-antibiotic prescription areas, 5 in areas with medium levels of antibiotic prescription, 3 in high-antibiotic prescription areas, and 4 in and around the capital city. Results Study participants had varying antibiotic prescription preferences. Personal experience and physical examination play a central role in GP Peds’ diagnostic and treatment practice. Participants emphasised the need to treat children in their entirety, taking their personal medical record, social background and sometimes parents’ preferences into account, besides the acute clinical manifestation of RTI. Most respondents were confident they apply the most effective therapy even if, in some cases, this meant prescribing medicines with a higher chance of contributing to the development of AMR. Some participants felt antibiotic prescription frequency has decreased in recent years. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a more prudent attitude toward antibiotic prescribing may have become more common but also highlight relevant gaps in both physicians’ and public knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. To reinforce awareness and close remaining gaps, Hungary should adopt its national AMR National Action Plan and further increase its efforts towards active professional communication and feedback for primary care physicians.

A surface-wave microwave discharge is applied to deposit reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) into the liquid subsequently used as a medium for laser ablation of a Zn metallic target. It is shown that during laser ablation in plasma-treated liquids the H2O2 concentration decreases, while in deionized water (DIW) significant H2O2 is produced. Meanwhile, the pH—initially adjusted by applying reductive metals—increases in the acidic liquids and decreases in the alkaline ones. During months of storage the pH of colloids stabilize around pH 6, which insures the long-term stability of RONS. It is demonstrated that in DIW metallic Zn NPs are created, which gradually oxidize during storage, while in the plasma-treated liquids ZnO NPs are produced with the mean size of 18 nm. In the alkaline plasma-treated liquid the NPs form large aggregates, which slows the dissolution of NPs. In the acidic and neutral solutions besides NPs nanosheets are also formed, which during storage evolve into nanosheet networks as a result of the dissolution of NPs. The band gap of the colloidal ZnO is found to decrease with the formation of aggregates and nanosheet networks. The ZnO NPs ablated in plasma-treated liquids exhibit a high-intensity visible emission covering the green-to-red spectral region. The photoluminescence spectra is dominated by the orange-red emission—previously not detected in the case of laser-ablated ZnO NPs and attributed to the interstitial Zn and oxygen sites—and the yellow emission, which can be attributed to the OH groups on the surface. It is shown that during months of storage, due to the dissolution of NPs and formation of nanosheets, the intensity of the visible emission decreases and shifts to the blue-green spectral region.

Radial Reaction–Diffusion–Advection (RDA) fronts for A + B → C reactions find wide applications in many natural and technological processes. In liquid solutions, their dynamics can be perturbed by buoyancy-driven convection due to concentration gradients across the front. In this context, we conducted microgravity experiments aboard a sounding rocket, in order to disentangle dispersion and buoyancy effects in such fronts. We studied experimentally the dynamics due to the radial injection of A in B at a constant flow rate, in absence of gravity. We compared the obtained results with numerical simulations using either radial one– (1D) or two–dimensional (2D) models. We showed that gravitational acceleration significantly distorts the RDA dynamics on ground, even if the vertical dimension of the reactor and density gradients are small. We further quantified the importance of such buoyant phenomena. Finally, we showed that 1D numerical models with radial symmetry fail to predict the dynamics of RDA fronts in thicker geometries, while 2D radial models are necessary to accurately describe RDA dynamics where Taylor–Aris dispersion is significant.

The identification of immunogenic peptides has become essential in an increasing number of fields in immunology, ranging from tumor immunotherapy to vaccine development. The nature of the adaptive immune response is shaped by the similarity between foreign and self-protein sequences, a concept extensively applied in numerous studies. Can we precisely define the degree of similarity to self? Furthermore, do we accurately define immune self? In the current work, we aim to unravel the conceptual and mechanistic vagueness hindering the assessment of self-similarity. Accordingly, we demonstrate the remarkably low consistency among commonly employed measures and highlight potential avenues for future research.

Background The increasing antibacterial drug resistance remains a threat to global health with increasing mortality and morbidity. There is an urgent need to find novel antibacterials and develop alternative strategies to combat the increasing antibacterial drug resistance. Objective We aimed to synthesize novel small-molecule antibacterials to evaluate the structuredependent antibacterial compound activities against S. aureus and MRSA. Method Compounds were synthesized by primary N-alkylation to form alkyl acridinium salts that were further functionalized with substituted phenyl residues and finally purified by column chromatography. The antibacterial growth inhibition activity was determined as MIC value. Results: The substituent effects on the determined antibacterial growth inhibitory properties have been discussed. Conclusion The best activities have been found for compounds with methoxy functions, exceeding the activities of reported novel antibacterial peptides. The compounds have also shown antibacterial drug-enhancing effects, which have been manifested as a reduction in the MIC values of the used antibiotics.

This study investigates the relationship between attitudinal and non-attitudinal variables that impact digital technology use by EFL students in Vietnam. An adapted questionnaire was administered to 1,005 students from different tertiary courses. The results showed that students have a positive attitude to the use of technology and sometimes apply digital tools in their language learning. Although there is a low correlation between learners’ technology attitude and their usage of applications, other variables like age, English proficiency levels, digital competence, and the major being pursued can predict the usage of technology among students.

Acne and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that significantly impact patients' quality of life. In the June issue of the Journal, we highlight the challenges in treating acne in skin of color (SOC) patients. Recent studies focusing on trifarotene, a selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist, demonstrated significant improvements in acne severity and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in SOC patients. We will also delve into the early and aggressive treatment of HS and highlight a link between HS and increased cardiovascular risk. These insights demand a paradigm shift toward a more proactive and holistic management of HS, integrating skin and systemic health considerations to enhance patient outcomes significantly.

Some generalizations of spin Sutherland models descend from ‘master integrable systems’ living on Heisenberg doubles of compact semisimple Lie groups. The master systems represent Poisson–Lie counterparts of the systems of free motion modeled on the respective cotangent bundles and their reduction relies on taking quotient with respect to a suitable conjugation action of the compact Lie group. We present an enhanced exposition of the reductions and prove rigorously for the first time that the reduced systems possess the property of degenerate integrability on the dense open subset of the Poisson quotient space corresponding to the principal orbit type for the pertinent group action. After restriction to a smaller dense open subset, degenerate integrability on the generic symplectic leaves is demonstrated as well. The paper also contains a novel description of the reduced Poisson structure and a careful elaboration of the scaling limit whereby our reduced systems turn into the spin Sutherland models.