Search in Publications

Found 6383 publications

The effects of environmental factors on the embryonic and late postembryonic life through epigenetic mechanisms

Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap

Publication Date: 2025-05-25

Volume: 166

Issue: 21

Page Range: 799-807

Description:

It has long been known that, in addition to genetic factors, epigenetic effects fundamentally influence the functioning of the living organism. Although the genome of individual cells of the human body is almost identical, the access, transcription and expression of genetic information are influenced by epigenetic effects. The eukaryotic nuclear DNA is wrapped around histone octamers to form the nucleosome, the basic unit of the chromatin structure. The covalent modifications of the histone proteins cause epigenetic changes. Human conception, followed by the division and implantation of the fertilized egg into the maternal decidua, is a complex process that requires the coordinated functioning of embryological, immunological processes and anatomical structures. The steps of these processes are genetically determined and the coarse- and fine-tuning of these effects occurs at the epigenetic level by external effects such as hormones, toxins, changes in diet, infections, or cell differentiation. The most significant rearrangements occur in the embryonic period after the fertilization of the egg. In our paper, we review the literature to present the effects that influence the fine-tuning of genome function at the epigenetic level. Disturbances of these mechanisms are the basis of several pathologies that threaten conception, implantation and successful pregnancy, such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction or premature birth. In addition, epigenetic alterations acting during the period of plasticity of individual development can cause diseases that appear in the young, adult and even old age of the offspring, which can even be inherited through generations.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/650.2025.33305

Contribution to knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Achipterina (Acari, Oribatida, Ceratokalummidae)

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-05-19

Volume: 51

Issue: 4

Page Range: 251-257

Description:

Achipterina (Oribatida, Ceratokalummidae) currently comprises four species, collectively distributed in the tropical and subtropical areas. We describe a new species—A. mangrovicasp. nov.—based on adults collected from litter of a mangrove forest in the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, southern Vietnam. It is the first representative of the family discovered in the Vietnamese fauna. The new species is characterized in having a bidentate rostrum, setiform rostral and lamellar setae, long inner tooth of lamellar cusp, unilaterally fusiform bothridial seta, long interlamellar seta, dentate anterior part of pteromorph, oval and oblique notogastral porose area Aa. The morphology of the gnathosoma, ovipositor, and legs are presented for the first time for Achipterina. An identification key and summary of distribution and habitats of the known species of Achipterina are provided. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:906EA4DE-A0A3-475C-B273-F8327F44832F.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2025.2488432

Comparison of some economic traits by genetic cluster of Aberdeen Angus cattle

Publication Name: Archives Animal Breeding

Publication Date: 2025-05-12

Volume: 68

Issue: 2

Page Range: 279-286

Description:

The Angus cattle population of Hungary was categorized into four groups using 12 microsatellite markers exhibiting notable genetic variations. Moreover, some traits influencing the profitability and sustainability of beef cattle farming were compared between groups. Data were obtained from 5075 cows (born between 1990-2020) and 19 142 calves (born between 1997-2023), including 10 629 bull calves and 8513 heifer calves of different genetic backgrounds. Genetic groups were distinguished by origin, color, size, and type: blue group (BG), red group (RG), green group (GG), and yellow group (YG). The six investigated traits were age at first calving (AFC), productive lifespan (PL), number of calves born (NCB), culling age (AGE), birth weight (BW), and the 205 d adjusted weaning weight (WW). The averages of the six tested traits were as follows: AFC - 2.35 ± 0.54 years; NCB - 5.89 ± 3.69 heads; PL - 6.85 ± 4.13 years; AGE - 9.2 ± 4.26 years; BW - 29.4 ± 4.28 kg; and WW - 176.9 ± 44.07 kg. YG excelled in terms of NCB, PL, AGE, and WW traits, while RG performed best in terms of AFC and BW. BG displayed the lowest performance across NCB, PL, AGE, BW, and WW. The heavier Red Angus individuals were largely behind the performance of the traditional-type, smaller British-type Black and Red Angus individuals in the tested traits affecting sustainability and profitability. Significant reproduction and longevity trait differences exist among different genetic groups of Angus beef cattle genotyped by DNA microsatellite information. The results indicated significant differences in terms of the performance of different Angus types with regard to the tested traits. These findings could be useful in developing breeding concepts and making selection decisions, contributing to more efficient and sustainable breeding strategies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5194/aab-68-279-2025

Genetic factors underlying the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19

Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap

Publication Date: 2025-05-04

Volume: 166

Issue: 18

Page Range: 679-696

Description:

The clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic cases to life-threatening complications and death. Severe disease progression is more common in older individuals and males, as well as in the presence of various comorbidities. Beyond these risk factors, the intrinsic characteristics of the virus and the host genetic factors also contribute to the heterogeneous clinical course of COVID-19. Genetic research is fundamental in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying congenital diseases, identifying the genes and proteins responsible for the susceptibility to various inherited conditions, recognizing therapeutically relevant targets, suggesting drug repurposing, and clarifying causal relationships for modifiable environmental risk factors. Although these studies typically take a long time to conduct, especially to translate their findings into clinical practice, the scientific community has swiftly uncovered genetic signals underlying the diverse COVID-19 phenotypes. In this review, in addition to a concise summary of SARS-CoV-2 recognition and the initial steps of the immune responses, we aim to provide an overview of the literature concerning the genetic factors associated with susceptibility to the disease and its severe progression. We also review the pioneering research in identifying the affected genes and the most significant genome-wide association studies, covering both common and rare genetic variants, which have greatly contributed to understand the etiology of the disease and have guided effective COVID-19 treatment during the most challenging times.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/650.2025.33280

The impact of the application of artificial intelligence preparedness on sustainable development goals: An empirical analysis

Publication Name: Multidisciplinary Science Journal

Publication Date: 2025-05-01

Volume: 8

Issue: 5

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies and societies around the world. As AI is increasingly being invested in, some countries are developing specific strategies for AI development. These countries are striving to improve their competitiveness and achieve greater economic growth by becoming leaders in AI. In addition to AI development, countries are striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In achieving these goals, countries are concerned about protecting the environment and preserving the resources they have for future generations. This paper examines the impact of AI adoption on sustainable development, with a focus on progress toward the United Nations SDGs. Therefore, this paper analyzed how the willingness of countries to use AI affects the achievement of sustainable development in those countries. Accordingly, the AI Preparedness Index and Sustainable Development Goals indicators were used for 158 countries in the world. The relationship between these variables was examined using multiple regression analysis. The results of the multiple regression analysis show that the willingness of countries to apply AI affects the realization of the SDGs of those countries. However, not all dimensions of readiness for the application of AI have an impact on the goals of sustainable development. It has been shown that the dimensions of digital infrastructure and human capital and labor market policies have the greatest influence on the SDGs. Based on this; countries must strengthen these two dimensions regarding the application of AI in order to realize the SDGs. By strengthening the potential for AI development, these countries are improving sustainability through achieving the SDGs.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.31893/multiscience.2026354

Evaluating Fiscal and Monetary Policy Coordination Using a Nash Equilibrium: A Case Study of Hungary

Publication Name: Mathematics

Publication Date: 2025-05-01

Volume: 13

Issue: 9

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Effective coordination between fiscal and monetary policy is crucial for macroeconomic stability, yet achieving it presents significant challenges due to differing objectives and institutional setups. This study evaluates the strategic interaction between fiscal and monetary authorities in Hungary from 2013 to 2023, employing the Nash equilibrium framework under the assumption of non-cooperative behavior. By modeling the authorities as independent players optimizing distinct payoff functions based on key economic indicators (interest rates, government spending, inflation, output gap, fiscal deficit, and public debt), the analysis estimates the best response strategies and computes the resulting Nash equilibrium. The key findings reveal persistent deviations between actual policies and the computed equilibrium strategies. Specifically, actual fiscal policy was consistently more expansionary (average actual deficit −2.6% to 7.6% GDP vs. equilibrium recommendations ranging from 8.5% surplus to −3.0% deficit) than the Nash equilibrium indicated, particularly during periods of economic growth. Monetary policy often lagged in equilibrium recommendations, maintaining low interest rates (e.g., 0.9% actual vs. 11.5% equilibrium in 2019) before implementing sharp increases (13% actual vs. approx. 3.5–3.8% equilibrium in 2022–2023) that significantly overshot the equilibrium. These misalignments underscore potential suboptimal outcomes arising from independent policymaking, contributing to increased public debt and heightened inflationary pressures in the Hungarian context. This study highlights the potential benefits of aligning policies closer to mutually consistent strategies, suggesting that improved coordination frameworks could enhance macroeconomic stability, offering insights relevant to Hungary and similar economies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/math13091427

Return-to-Play Timeline and Recovery Predictors After COVID-19 Infection in Elite Football Players

Publication Name: Sports

Publication Date: 2025-05-01

Volume: 13

Issue: 5

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The pandemic period significantly impacted professional football, leading to mandatory SARS-CoV-2 testing and quarantine. Our study aimed to examine the factors influencing time of recovery after a positive test, including return-to-training (RTT) and return-to-first-match (RTFM) of male football players in a first-division Hungarian team between 8 May 2020 and 30 June 2022. Infection was determined using mandatory RT-PCR testing 3 times per week, which later decreased to 1 to 2 times per week, in 55 elite players. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services symptom list and modified with relevant factors of return-to-play in football. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2-positive players in the three consecutive years was 5.26; 21.43 and 45.71%. Mild symptoms were present in test-positive players, completing the questionnaire (n = 31), predominantly loss of smell and dry cough. Post-infection fatigue levels correlated with the perceived performance decline. In players with precisely documented dates (n = 18), the average RTT was 18.7 days, while the RTFM was 67.3 days. Older players returned to training faster than their younger counterparts and the RT-PCR Ct number had a weak negative correlation with RTFM. Mental support was provided by family and friends in 68% of the players. This study highlights the variability in return-to-play timelines and the role of age, symptom severity and mental help in recovery and emphasizes the need for individualized rehabilitation in elite football.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/sports13050147

A Systematic Analysis of Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithms in Tumor Classification

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2025-05-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 9

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study explores existing research on neural networks, fuzzy logic-based models, and genetic algorithms applied to brain tumor classification. A systematic review of 53 studies was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, covering search strategy, selection criteria, quality assessment, and data extraction. Articles were collected from three scientific databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE. The review primarily focuses on practical contributions, with most studies emphasizing applications over conceptual insights. Key methods in the field demonstrate significant impact and innovation. Commonly used training and testing mechanisms include dataset splitting, augmentation, and validation techniques, highlighting their widespread adoption for performance evaluation. The analysis of evaluation metrics shows that accuracy and the DICE score are the most frequently used, alongside sensitivity, specificity, recall, and other domain-specific measures. The variety of metrics underscores the need for tailored approaches based on dataset characteristics and research objectives. By highlighting trends, challenges, and research gaps, this review provides actionable insights for advancing BTC research. It offers a comprehensive overview of techniques and evaluation methods to guide future developments in this critical domain.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app15095186

Ion-Implanted Diamond Blade Diced Ridge Waveguides in Pr:YLF—Optical Characterization and Small-Signal Gain Measurement

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2025-05-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 9

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Planar optical waveguides were fabricated in Pr:YLF crystals by ion implantation. In a further step, ridge waveguides were fabricated using precision diamond dicing. These enable strong light confinement and have propagation losses as low as 0.4 dB/cm. To study the influence of ion implantation on the spectroscopic properties, fluorescence and lifetime measurements were conducted in the ridge waveguides. Under blue pumping, small-signal optical gains of 6.5 dB/cm and 5 dB/cm were demonstrated at wavelengths of 607 nm and 639 nm, respectively. These results make ion-implanted ridge waveguides in Pr:YLF promising candidates for compact integrated lasers in the visible spectral region with high output powers in the watt range.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app15094956