Comparison of High-Resolution 14C and Luminescence-Based Chronologies of the MIS 2 Madaras Loess/Paleosol Sequence, Hungary: Implications for Chronological Studies

Numerous loess/paleosol sequences (LPS) in the Carpathian Basin span the period of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2 and the last glacial maximum (LGM). Nevertheless, only two known records—Madaras and Dunaszekcső—preserve highly resolved records with absolute chronologies with minimal uncertainties, which enable the meaningful assessment of feedbacks and short-term climatic fluctuations over this period. The Madaras profile is located at the northern margin fringe of the Bácska loess plateau; Dunaszekcső, located on the Danube to its west, yields a chronology built on over 100 14C dates yet spans only part of MIS 2, missing half of the LGM including its peak. Here, we add to the previously published 14C chronology for Madaras (15 dates) with an additional 17 14C and luminescence ages. Resulting age models built solely on quartz OSL and feldspar pIRIRSL data underestimate the 14C based chronology, which is likely based on inaccuracies related to luminescence signal behavior; we observe age underestimations associated with unusual quartz behavior and significant signal loss, a phenomenon also observed in Serbian and Romanian loess, which may relate to non-sensitized grains from proximal sources. Our new chronology provides higher resolution than hitherto possible, yielding consistent 2 sigma uncertainties of ~150–200 years throughout the entire sequence. Our study indicates that the addition of further dates may not increase the chronological precision significantly. Additionally, the new age model is suitable for tackling centennial-scale changes. The mean sedimentation rate based on our new age-depth model (10.78 ± 2.34 years/cm) is the highest yet recorded in the Carpathian Basin for MIS 2. The resolution of our age model is higher than that for the Greenland NGRIP ice core record. The referred horizons in our profile are all characterized by a drop in accumulation and a higher sand input, the latter most likely deriving from nearby re-exposed sand dunes

Evolution and environment of the eastern linear pottery culture: A case study in the site of Polgár-Piócási-Dűlő

A salvage excavation preceding a major investment project was conducted in 2006–2007, during which associated settlement features of a Middle Neolithic, Eastern Linear Pottery Culture (Alföld Linearbandkeramik – ALBK) were uncovered in an area called Piócási-dűlő on the eastern outskirts of Polgár. The features of the ALBK settlement date from two periods. The cluster of multi-functional pits yielding a rich assortment of finds, the handful of post-holes and an unusual ritual well found in the southern part of the investigated area formed one unit from the earliest phase of the Middle Neolithic (ALBK I). The settlement’s other occupation can be assigned to the late phase of the Middle Neolithic (ALBK IV). Five houseplans representing the remains of timber-framed buildings outlined a distinct area with three multi-functional pits. Associated with the above features were 8 burials. The preliminary archaeobotanical results from Polgár–Piócási-dűlő are based on the plant material found within the sediments of 11 archaeological structures, which mainly represent pits and a welI. It can be stated that the natural environment offered habitats in which oak trees dominated in the local vegetation, forming floodplain forests and wooded steppes. They also provided food in the form of fruits and formed an optimal habitat for domestic animals. Arable fields were probably also established in the vicinity of the settlements, suggested by findings of macroscopic plant remains that represented cultivated species. In both settlement phases lithic production activities are manifested both by the local on-site lithic production and – most importantly – by the presence of imported, mainly mesolocal, raw materials that point to contacts with deposit areas, or off-site preliminary working of obsidian and limnoquartzites. The kit of harvesting tools and a large number of grinding stones – especially in the younger phase – for the preparation of plant food suggest a major role of plant cultivation

A felső és alsó endoszkópiák indikációja, a diagnózisok megoszlása és minőségi mutatók 2010–2011-ben a Semmelweis Egyetem I. Belgyógyászati Klinikáján

Absztrakt: Bevezetés és célkitűzés: A Semmelweis Egyetem I. Belgyógyászati Klinikájának endoszkópos laboratóriumában vizsgálták a felső és alsó endoszkópiák indikációit, a diagnózisok megoszlását indikációk szerint, valamint a kolonoszkópiák minőségi mutatóit. Módszer: 2010. január 1. és 2011. december 31. között 2987 beteg felső és alsó endoszkópos vizsgálatának adatait elemezték (férfi/nő: 1361/1626, átlagéletkor: 60,7 év, SD: 16,7 év) a fekvő- és járóbeteg-megjelenések riportjaiból. Eredmények: A felső endoszkópiák során a jóindulatú fekélybetegség, nyelőcső-varicositas, gyomorpolip és gyomorrák előfordulási gyakorisága 10,8%, 4,5%, 6,1% és 2,9% volt. Az alsó endoszkópos vizsgálatok vastagbélpolipot, diverticulosist, daganatot és gyulladásos bélbetegséget 29,9%, 22,4%, 6,9% és 9,7%-ban írtak le. A betegek 26,3%-át vizsgálták okkult/manifeszt GI-vérzés indikációjával. A vérzés indikációjával vizsgált betegek idősebbek voltak (p<0,01), több volt a férfi (p<0,001, OR: 1,64), gyakrabban szedtek acenocoumarol- vagy heparinkészítményeket (p<0,001), gyakoribb volt a jóindulatú fekélybetegség (p<0,001, OR: 2,83) és nyelőcső-varicositas (p<0,001, OR: 2,79), a gasztroszkópiák, valamint a kolonoszkópiák során a colorectalis daganat (p<0,001, OR: 3,27). A kolonoszkópiák 81%-a volt komplett. Az inkomplett vizsgálat hátterében elégtelen előkészítés (38,2%), technikai nehézség (25,1%) és daganat miatti szűkület (20,5%) állt. Következtetés: A diagnózisok megoszlása és a minőségi mutatók (adenomatalálat, komplettálási arány) megfeleltek az adott populációban várhatónak. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(52), 2074–2081. | Abstract: Introduction and aim: The aim was to assess the incidence of endoscopic findings based on the indication of the procedures in upper/lower endoscopies, and measuring quality indicators of colonoscopies at the 1st Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest. Method: Data of 2987 patients (male/female:1361/1626, mean age: 60.7 years(y), SD: 16.7y) between 01.01.2010 and 31.12.2011 were analyzed. Both inpatient and outpatient records were collected. Results: Incidence of peptic ulcer disease, esophageal varices, gastric polyps and gastric cancer were 10.8%, 4.5%, 6.1%, 2.9% in upper endoscopies, respectively. In colonoscopies colorectal polyps, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer and IBD were found in 29.9%, 22.4%, 6.9%, 9.7%, respectively. In patients having upper endoscopy with GI bleeding indication, older age (p<0.001), male gender (p<0.001, OR: 1.64), acenocoumarol/heparin use (p<0,001, peptic ulcers and esophageal varices were more frequent (p<0.001, OR: 2.83 and p<0.001, OR: 2.79), while in colonoscopies colorectal cancer had higher incidence (p<0.001, OR:3.27). 81% of colonoscopies were complete. Causes of incomplete procedures were ineffective bowel preparation (38.2%), technical difficulties (25.1%) and strictures (20.5%). Conclusion: The endoscopic findings and quality indicators (adenoma detection rate, coecal intubation rate) were in line with that reported in published series. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(52), 2074–2081

Genetic Differentiation of the Western Capercaillie Highlights the Importance of South-Eastern Europe for Understanding the Species Phylogeography

The Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) is a grouse species of open boreal or high altitude forests of Eurasia. It is endangered throughout most mountain range habitat areas in Europe. Two major genetically identifiable lineages of Western Capercaillie have been described to date: the southern lineage at the species' southernmost range of distribution in Europe, and the boreal lineage. We address the question of genetic differentiation of capercaillie populations from the Rhodope and Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, across the Dinaric Mountains to the Slovenian Alps. The two lineages' contact zone and resulting conservation strategies in this so-far understudied area of distribution have not been previously determined. The results of analysis of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of 319 samples from the studied populations show that Alpine populations were composed exclusively of boreal lineage; Dinaric populations of both, but predominantly (96%) of boreal lineage; and Rhodope-Rila populations predominantly (>90%) of southern lineage individuals. The Bulgarian mountains were identified as the core area of the southern lineage, and the Dinaric Mountains as the western contact zone between both lineages in the Balkans. Bulgarian populations appeared genetically distinct from Alpine and Dinaric populations and exhibited characteristics of a long-term stationary population, suggesting that they should be considered as a glacial relict and probably a distinct subspecies. Although all of the studied populations suffered a decline in the past, the significantly lower level of genetic diversity when compared with the neighbouring Alpine and Bulgarian populations suggests that the isolated Dinaric capercaillie is particularly vulnerable to continuing population decline. The results are discussed in the context of conservation of the species in the Balkans, its principal threats and legal protection status. Potential conservation strategies should consider the existence of the two lineages and their vulnerable Dinaric contact zone and support the specificities of the populations