T-2 mycotoxin slows down the development of mouse blastocysts, decreases their blastomere number and increases chromatin damage

The mycotoxin T-2 has many harmful effects on mammalian cells and reproductive functions. In the present study, the in vitro effect of T-2 toxin on mouse blastocysts was examined. Embryos were cultured in media supplemented with 0.5, 0.75 and 1 ng/ml T-2. Different exposure times were applied [96 h (treatment I) or 24 h following 72 h in toxin-free media (treatment II)]. Blastomere number, nuclear chromatin status and blastocoel formation were investigated in blastocysts. Our data show that the effect of T-2 toxin may vary depending on the stage of the embryo at the start of exposure. At 96 h of exposure, the blastocysts had blastomeres with normal chromatin quality but their developmental potential was decreased. After 24 h of exposure applied following a 72-h culture, blastomeres had a higher level of chromatin damage, although their developmental potential was the same as in the control embryos. In both cases, decreased mitotic rate was found, which resulted in decreased blastomere number even at low toxin concentration

Hypoxia-induced transcription of dopamine D3 and D4 receptors in human neuroblastoma and astrocytoma cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Dopaminergic pathways that influence mood and behaviour are severely affected in cerebral hypoxia. In contrast, hypoxia promotes the differentiation of dopaminergic neurons. In order to clarify the hypoxic sensitivity of key dopaminergic genes, we aimed to study their transcriptional regulation in the context of neuroblastoma and astrocytoma cell lines exposed to 1% hypoxia.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Quantitative RT-PCR assays revealed that the transcription of both type D3 and D4 postsynaptic dopamine receptors (DRD3 and DRD4) was induced several fold upon 2-day hypoxia in a cell-specific manner, while the vascular endothelial growth factor gene was activated after 3-hr incubation in hypoxia. On the other hand, mRNA levels of type 2 dopamine receptor, dopamine transporter, monoamino oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase were unaltered, while those of the dopamine receptor regulating factor (DRRF) were decreased by hypoxia. Notably, 2-day hypoxia did not result in elevation of protein levels of DRD3 and DRD4.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In light of the relatively delayed transcriptional activation of the DRD3 and DRD4 genes, we propose that slow-reacting hypoxia sensitive transcription factors might be involved in the transactivation of DRD3 and DRD4 promoters in hypoxia.</p

A Balaton és Budapest környéke turisztikai térségbe utazók fogyasztói preferenciáinak összehasonlító vizsgálata a helyi alapanyagok tükrében = Green restaurants in popular Hungarian destinations? – Examination of consumer preferences in the light of seasonal and local ingredients at Lake Balaton and Greater Budapest region

Cikkünkben először a szezonális és helyi alapanyagokhoz köthető vendéglátóhelyi gyakorlatokat azonosítjuk szakirodalmak alapján, majd összegezzük a fenntartható éttermi trendeket a fogyasztók szemszögéből. Ezután ismertetjük az alkalmazott Q-módszertan jellegzetességeit, valamint a balatoni és a Budapest környéki desztinációba utazók mintájának jellemzőit, majd elemezzük a kutatás alapján meghatározott fogyasztói csoportokat és megfogalmazzuk javaslatainkat. = In the following article, restaurant practices related to seasonal and local ingredients are firstly identified based on recent literature and then sustainable restaurant trends are summarized from the perspective of consumers. Next, Q-methodology is described, as well as the characteristics of the sample of travelers to Balaton and Greater Budapest destinations. Finally, consumer groups (factors) are determined based on our research, then managerial and academic implications are given at the end of the article

Excavations in Brigetio in 2020

In 2020, excavations were carried out simultaneously at several locations both in the territory of the legionary fortress and the military town of Brigetio. As a result, new information was gained regarding the structure of the legionary fortress and a number of late Roman period graves were also identified. The most significant result of the campaign was the excavation of an almost intact cellar in the western zone of the canabae