bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Luteolin alleviates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats by inhibiting metalloenzymes expression
Authors: Daude Rakesh B. , Shah Jigna S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Diabetes patients are more prone to acute kidney injury (AKI). Endopeptidases known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cause extracellular matrix destruction and are responsible for ischemic organ damage. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) affects almost one third of all diabetic patients. MMP-2 and MMP-9 lead to the breakdown of the basement membrane of the glomeruli and thereby the advancement of ischemic injury in diabetes. In addition, histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC-2) is the primary regulator of important signalling processes in the diabetic kidney. A possible treatment approach for diabetic kidney preservation is the flavonoid luteolin (LT), which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Our aim was to investigate the renoprotective potential of LT in diabetes by modulating MMP-2, MMP-9 and HDAC-2 activity. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and HDAC-2 were statistically higher in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat renal homogenate after renal ischemic reperfusion injury. These changes were reversed with 2 weeks of pre-treatment with LT (50 mg/kg po). In diabetic rats, pre-treatment with LT significantly reduced oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis compared to control animals. Preventive LT prior to renal ischemia showed improvement in body weight, kidney weight/body weight ratio, reversal of renal injury and biochemical changes with lower activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), hydroxyproline (HP), pathological damage and fibrosis in renal tissue. Our data imply that LT prevents DN in rats by inhibiting MMP-2, MMP-9 and HDAC-2 expression, as well as by lowering the indices of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory factors and fibrosis.
Antioxidant potential and chemical composition of new generation extruded snack pellets supplemented with fresh broccoli addition
Authors: Combrzynski Maciej , Biernacka Beata , Wojtowicz Agnieszka , Bakowski Maciej , Mitrus Marcin , Wojtunik-Kulesza Karolina , Oniszczuk Anna , Rozylo Renata 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The therapeutic potential of broccoli has been highlighted by its function in the prevention of cancer, diabetes and other diseases. As a result, there is a great deal of interest in creating innovative functional foods supplemented with broccoli. In the extrusion-cooking process, raw materials based on potato mixes with the addition of fresh broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var italica, Brassicaceae) were used to create new generation extruded snack pellets. A prototype single screw extruder-cooker with L/D=20 was utilized, and various processing conditions (screw speed 60 and 100 rpm, as well as either 32 and 36% levels of initial moisture content) were applied. Mixtures of 10% and 30% fresh broccoli contents were investigated. The final snack pellets obtained under such processing conditions were determined for their antioxidant potential, polyphenols, proximate composition and fatty acids profile. We found that in the presence of fresh broccoli in blends, higher screw speed and higher moisture content allowed obtaining (in most samples) a higher polyphenal content in the resulting pellets. Over all, the antioxidant potential of snack pellets increased with the addition of fresh broccoli. Pellets with 30% addition of the broccoli processed at screw speed 100 rpm at moisture content of 32% displayed the highest total polyphenols content and highest antioxidant activity. Moreover, such samples demonstrated notable increase in the content of total protein, crude ash, as well as MUFA and PUFA in the total amount of fatty acids.
Fosfomycin activity in vitro against Escherichia coli strains isolated from urine specimens
Authors: Zdzieblo Magdalena , Biernasiuk Anna , Helon Pawel , Malm Anna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Urinary tract infections are caused mostly by uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains. The aim of this paper was to assess the activity of fosfomycin in vitro against 74 E. coli strains isolated from urine samples of outpatients with acute cystitis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the recommended method of serial drug dilution in Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with glucose-6-phosphate (25 mg/L). The estimated MIC values were in the range of 1-32 mg/L. The prevalence of fosfomycin-sensitive strains was 45.9%, while that of fosfomycin-resistant strains – 54.1%. The time-kill assay was performed for a chosen clinical strain (MIC = 1 mg/L) in Mueller-Hinton broth also supplemented with glucose-6-phosphate in the presence of various concentrations of fosfomycin (0.5-64 mg/L). The bacterial population density was expressed as log CFU (colony forming units)/mL. The decrease of the bacterial population viability after 6h incubation was found with ∆log CFU/mL = 1.05-5.02, depending on fosfomycin concentration. However, bactericidal effect of this antibiotic (∆log CFU/mL >3) was observed only at the highest concentrations (32-64 mg/L). Moreover, after prolonged incubation (24 h), the re-growth of bacterial population revealed as the increase of its viability (∆log CFU/mL = 1.03-3.03) was observed at fosfomycin concentration in the range 0.5-32 mg/L, but not at 64 mg/L. This phenomenon may be due the presence of subpopulations of spontaneous mutants sensitive only to higher concentrations of this antibiotic comparing to MIC. The presented data confirm a need to monitor the sensitivity of uropathogenic E. coli strains to fosfomycin.
Potential predictive biomarker for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: serum neuron-specific enolase
Authors: Majeed Islam Fareed , Baban Rayah Sulaiman , Salman Isam Noori , AlRufaie Mohauman M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The early stages of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are symptomless. A reliable dependable and sensitive biomarker is needed for the purpose of early identification of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as a biomarker for early identification of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Patient samples were collected from the National Diabetes Center, Mustansiriyah University; a case control study was done from April 2022 to November 2022, in Baghdad, Iraq. One hundred sixty individuals between 30 to 60 years-old were included. Participants were divided into three groups: group one included 40 type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, group two consisted of 40 type 2 diabetic patients without peripheral neuropathy and group three included 80 apparently in good health as the control. Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring System (TCSS) was used for clinical evaluation of peripheral neuropathy. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured by the CLOVER A1c system. In addition, serum NSE levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.
Age, sex, and other standard variables were used as a basis for comparisons between groups. Statistically, diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy demonstrated higher level of NSE (28.42±6.93 ng/ml) than did either diabetic patients without peripheral neuropathy (21.07±2.0 ng/ml) or controls (12.54±2.34 ng/ml) with a high degree of significance (p <0.001). In the context of Discrimination between DPN patients and diabetic patients without neuropathy, the area under curve for neuron-specific enolase was 0.812, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.716-0.909, p <0.001. Cut-off value of serum neuron-specific enolase was 22.53 ng/ml, sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 77%, respectively. In the context of discrimination between DPN and controls, the area under curve for neuron-specific enolase was 1.00, 95% confidence interval was 1.0-1.0, p <0.001. At a cut-off value of serum neuron-specific enolase = 18.3 ng/ml, both the sensitivity and specificity were 100%. Neuron-specific enolase could potentially be used as a biomarker to detect early diabetic peripheral neuropathy and prevent it from developing to an advanced state.
New perspectives on the use of glucagon-like peptide 1 in diseases of the central nervous system
Authors: Lupina Malgorzata , Listos Joanna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 is a neuromodulatory peptide that regulates the carbohydrate metabolism. It can cross the blood-brain barrier, and, indeed, while mostly produced in the distal small intestine and colon, it is also synthesized in the nucleus of the solitary tract of the brain stem. The wide distribution of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors in the different areas of the brain is responsible for the pleiotropic effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 in the central nervous system. Notably, the peptide plays important roles in regulating food intake, in memory functioning, as well as in neuroprotective processes and emotions. This makes it an important tool in the treatment of many central nervous system related abnormalities, such as neurodegenerative diseases, addictions and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Temporal changes in small mammal (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) assemblages in Košice Zoo (Slovakia)
Authors: Csanády Alexander , Stanko Michal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study summarizes 17-year results of teriological research of small mammal fauna in Košice Zoo (near the village of Kavečany, 48°47’10.04”N, 21°12’3.26”E, 380 – 420 m a.s.l.). The small mammals evaluated in this study were obtained by trapping in three periods (1992 – 1994, 2000 – 2001, 2003 – 2004) and were the results of three diploma theses. In total, 688 small mammals belonging to 13 species of four families Soricidae, Gliridae, Cricetidae and Muridae were recorded by trapping during the study period. Rodents significantly dominated with 8 species, 583 ex. (84.7%) compared to insectivores represented by 5 species, 105 ex. (15.3%). A gradual diversity decline of small mammal fauna was recorded, with only four mammal species confirmed in 2003 – 2004. This marked difference over the last 17 years was probably the result of anthropic modifications of the Zoo area, mainly the cutting of trees and shrubs of the alluvium, technical modifications of the streambeds as well as the deratization of the building areas and animal enclosures. The assemblage’s structure of captured small mammals could also be influenced by other factors, such as the predominant type of traps used, or the number of exposed traps in the vegetation and non-vegetation periods of the year. The obtained results are also a suitable basis and source of information for comprehensive and long-term monitoring in this area, given the epidemiological importance of this group of animals and the possibility of contact with exotic animals.
Woodland Brown Lopinga achine (Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) still surviving in the Hlučín region?
Authors: Kuras Tomáš , Mazalová Monika 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The study is focused on the distribution of the critically endangered Lopinga achine in the Hlučín region, near the border to Poland. Lopinga achine has been considered extinct there since the early 1970s. The paper provides data on the current distribution at several new localities in the vicinity of Vřesina near Opava, Píšt, Hať and Děhylov (Silesia). The population of L. achine is not abundant in the Hlučín region. Host plant of the larvae is the sedge Carex brizoides, which makes it different from most other European populations. Currently, two isolated populations of L. achine survive in the Czech Republic (i.e. populations in Silesia and southeastern Moravia). Both the populations are threatened with extinction due to changes in forest management.
Distribution and current status of mountain hawkweeds (Hieracium) populations in Mt. Králický Sněžník
Authors: Mlčoch Patrik , Trčálková Eliška 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Central European mountains are important diversity centers of the genus Hieracium. Here, we provide an account of the genus in supramontane to subalpine zones of summit parts of Mt. Králický Sněžník, based on a detailed field inventory in 2021 and 2022. Ten species were recorded (H. chrysostyloides, H. moravicum, H. nigritum, H. nivimontis, H. obscuratum, H. schustleri, H. stygium, H. uechtritzianum, H. murorum, H. lachenalii), of which two (H. moravicum a H. obscuratum) were found here for the first time. New data about their ecology and habitat requirements are given and causes of their threat are discussed. The study also contains a summary of historical data relating to the locality.
A Comparative In Vitro Toxicological Screening of a Closed-End Heated Tobacco Product *
Authors: Niu Zhenyu , Zhang Qi , Nie Meng , Fu Lili , Luo Junjun , Li Xinduo , Zhou Jie , Liu Jiakai , Song Zheng , Liu Chuan , Zhang Ke , Liang Jingjing , Jiang Xingtao , Wu Zehong , Li Bin , Xu Te 
Published: December 2023

SUMMARY
Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are a recent category of tobacco products, with their relative safety compared to cigarette smoking and potential to help smokers to quit being two reasons why regulators may consider their market approval. Designed to heat tobacco rather than to burn in order to produce aerosol, different heating techniques are applied to commercial HTPs, which may result in differing aerosol formation. Therefore, each product requires separate assessment. This work focuses on a closed-end HTP (coded as HTP-A), which is electrically heated and designed to allow puffing air flow to bypass its tobacco section, resulting in reduced oxygen concentration within the tobacco section during heating and aerosol forming. To provide a preliminary aerosol chemistry and in vitro toxicological screening, this study assessed HTP-A against a commercial electrically heated HTP (IQOSTM, coded as HTP-B) and a 3R4F reference cigarette. Under Health Canada Intense (HCI) smoking regime, the levels of 9 regulatory priority toxicants in the aerosol of HTP-A were either reduced or comparable to those in HTP-B on a per-stick basis. Additionally, both HTPs showed significant reduction (greater than 90%) in comparison to those measured in mainstream smoke of 3R4F cigarette for these toxicants. Using a set of standard in vitro toxicological assays (Ames, Micronucleus and Neutral Red Uptake), the two HTPs showed no observable responses while significant toxicity responses were recorded for 3R4F’s total particulate matter. Based on these preliminary results, the novel closed-end HTP-A design may provide similar toxicological profiles to the comparator HTP-B. Further toxicological and clinical assessments are warranted to evaluate HTP-A’s potential for exposure or disease risk reduction. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 32 (2023) 146–156]
Effect of eco-friendly digital printing on the fastness properties of single jersey knitted fabrics
Authors: Kadem Füsun Doba , Özdemir Şehpal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this study, single jersey knitted fabrics were produced from 100 % Ne 12/1 cotton, 100 % Ne 30/1 cotton, Ne 12/1 70% cotton + 30% hemp, Ne 30/1 50% modal + 50 % cotton, Ne 30/1 100 % viscose, and Ne 30/1 50 % viscose + 50 % cotton. The raw materials were bleached and singed, after which reactive pretreatment paste recipes were padded onto the fabrics, and then colored with digital printing. Fastness analyses and spectrophotometric color measurements were applied to the samples. When the results were determined, it was obviously seen that the washing, ironing, and rubbing fastness are of very high degrees because reactive dyestuffs make covalent bonds with the fibers. Thus, the increase in the amount of thickener also increased the bonding and provided better adhesion of the color.
Evaluation of Insulation against Contact Heat, Radiant Heat and Sensory Comfort of Basalt Fabric-Based Composites with Parylene C Coating
Authors: Tokarska Magdalena , Miśkiewicz Pamela , Puszkarz Adam K. , Nosal Andrzej 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The article concerns research on using Parylene C coating on basalt fabric-based composites with potential use in protective clothing to improve their insulation against contact heat and radiant heat, as well as the sensory comfort of the user. The outcomes of the contact heat method showed that applying Parylene C coating improved the thermal insulation of all tested composites. Two of them achieved the first efficiency level of protection. The results of the radiant heat method presented that using the Parylene C coating did not cause changes in the thermal insulation against heat radiation of all tested materials; the radiant heat transfer index reached values in the range of 12.4 - 12.9 s. X-ray tomography (micro-CT) allowed for identifying breaks/snaps in basalt fibers irritating the user’s skin in direct contact with the composite. Micro-CT results also showed that using Parylene C coating eliminated the effect of skin irritation and increased the usability of basalt fabrics in clothing.
Preliminary geological work, based on remote sensing analysis, using artificially enhanced satellite data
Authors: Adamek Katarzyna , Lupa Michał , Leśniak Andrzej , Ryznar Jakub , Ochtyra Adrian , Marcinkowska-Ochtyra Adriana , Wyczałek-Jagiełło Michał 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study aims to identify areas that present similar spectral characteristics to collected rock samples through the use of satellite imagery and spectral analysis. The results indicate that pixels marked in the satellite images exhibit similarities to the spectral characteristics of the samples. Misclassified objects or areas may be included in the results due to mixed pixels and spatial resolution limitations. The similarities identified could result from the region’s mineral composition of building materials, bare land, or dry vegetation. The averaged spectral curve patterns of the samples show similarity overall, but they are not identical, as reflected by the tenth quantile of the similarity coefficient. This research provides a valuable support tool for preliminary geological assessment, and information relating to vast and challenging-to-access parts of prospective areas for further investigation.
Who Participates in Participatory Budgeting? Unravelling of Who Shows Up
Authors: Baláž Martina Benzoni , Gašparík Jozef 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Participatory budgeting (PB) is often described as one of the most successful instruments for participation, engaging people in decision-making, and prioritising where to allocate public money. It has travelled in the form of comprehensive administrative reforms and politically neutral devices to improve governance, especially when arriving to Europe and the Central Eastern European region (CEE). Recently, it was brought to light that PB development in the CEE region was undoubtedly different from the original case; instead of resulting in radical changes to increase activities in favour of marginalised groups, it results only in small changes. This work presents a single case study of the Czech city Brno; information consisting of age, gender, education, economic activity, and preferences of all the PB participants was collated for five years, from its inception in 2017 till 2021. In this case, we observe and analyse the particularities of the participant group, not only in static terms of one year but also drafting a trend on how the participatory base developed throughout the five years. Both desk and field research were employed to gather data. The turnout at PB voting does not copy the general demographic composition of Brno’s residents. Results show that some segments are represented by PB voters with higher proportions, making them more involved in deciding which projects in the city are to be executed using PB. In this way, the description of data-gathering in Brno contributes to the methodology of quantitative data gathering, which might be expanded to other CEE cities in order to elaborate comparisons in the future.
Key Criteria Influencing Stakeholders’ Decision-making about PB Continuation: The Case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Kukučková Soňa , Bakoš Eduard 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Participatory budgeting (PB) is a modern trend involving citizens in decisions on distributing public resources. Assuming that the identified drawbacks of PB are described as internal and external factors, simple criteria were developed to predict the fate of PB. These criteria reflect stakeholders’ decisions about PB continuation in the future. Using panel data between 2017-2022 from the Czech Republic, it appears that the selected criteria were evaluated as an upgrading process, signalling the continuation of PB. However, this does not mean abandoning the process in the case of downgrading. The results indicate a certain probability for upgrading PB to continue, while the fate of downgrading PB is indeterminate and could depend on other factors. In the case of new governance after an electoral change, using the criteria could help explain the actual situation regarding the interest of stakeholders in PB.
Reorganising Local Public Utilities: Where and Why We Can Argue for the Remunicipalization Trends?
Authors: Petkovšek Veronika , Hrovatin Nevenka , Pevcin Primož 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe paper is based on the use of evidence to scrutinise the effect of the Public-Private Partnership Act on the local public utility providers, where the context of the water and wastewater sector in Slovenia serves as an example. The Act affected the legal status of public enterprises, where solely public ownership was prescribed, and therefore demanded the reorganisation of existing public enterprises. The paper aims to evaluate the reorganisation process and the trend of remunicipalisation, the motives of reorganisation (political, pragmatic or transformative) and the advantages and disadvantages of the reorganisation process. A detailed, structured online questionnaire was designed and pretested for primary data collection to reach these aims. The questionnaire was sent to the Slovenian local public utility providers in water and wastewater management. The data was collated from 2018 to 2020. It was used in the analysis to provide evidence about the outcomes of the reorganisation process. The results show that new legislation contributed to increased public ownership in local public utility provision. The results also reveal that pragmatic motivating factors contributed to increased municipal buying out of private investors from (public) enterprises. The reorganisation process led municipalities into remunicipalisation, meaning that full municipal ownership and control increased.