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Although low-cost air quality sensors facilitate the implementation of denser air quality monitoring networks, enabling a more realistic assessment of individual exposure to airborne pollutants, their sensitivity to multifaceted field conditions is often overlooked in laboratory testing. This gap was addressed by introducing an in-field calibration and validation of three PAQMON 1.0 mobile sensing low-cost platforms developed at the Mining and Metallurgy Institute in Bor, Republic of Serbia. A configuration tailored for monitoring PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations along with meteorological parameters was employed for outdoor measurement campaigns in Bor, spanning heating (HS) and non-heating (NHS) seasons. A statistically significant positive linear correlation between raw PM2.5 and PM10 measurements during both campaigns (R > 0.90, p ≤ 0.001) was observed. Measurements obtained from the uncalibrated NOVA SDS011 sensors integrated into the PAQMON 1.0 platforms exhibited a substantial and statistically significant correlation with the GRIMM EDM180 monitor (R > 0.60, p ≤ 0.001). The calibration models based on linear and Random Forest (RF) regression were compared. RF models provided more accurate descriptions of air quality, with average adjR2 values for air quality variables in the range of 0.70 to 0.80 and average NRMSE values between 0.35 and 0.77. RF-calibrated PAQMON 1.0 platforms displayed divergent levels of accuracy across different pollutant concentration ranges, achieving a data quality objective of 50% during both measurement campaigns. For PM2.5, uncertainty ( U r ) was below 50% for concentrations between 9.06 and 34.99 µg/m3 in HS and 5.75 and 17.58 µg/m3 in NHS, while for PM10, it stayed below 50% from 19.11 to 51.13 µg/m3 in HS and 11.72 to 38.86 µg/m3 in NHS.

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Dry MeOH extract of Ferula heuffelii (Apiaceae) underground parts was tested for spasmolytic, gastroprotective and antioxidant activities. HPLC analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid (CGA; 34.6 mg/g) was its main constituent. Extract in vitro exhibited notable total antioxidant activity (FRAP value=1.0 µmol Fe2+ /mg), and scavenging of DPPH (SC50 =62.5 µg/ml) and • OH radicals (49.5 % at 20 µg/ml in 2-deoxyribose assay). In vitro on isolated rat ileum, extract exhibited significant spasmolytic activity, i. e., it showed 124.6 % of maximal atropine effect on spontaneous contractions (at 100 µg/ml), and reduced spasmogenic effect of KCl (80 mm) to 44.4 % (at 60 µg/ml) and of highest applied concentration of ACh to 26.3 % (at 120 µg/ml). In parallel experiments, spasmolytic effect of CGA was also demonstrated. In acute EtOH-induced gastric ulceration model in rats, extract (100 mg/kg p.o.) showed significant gastroprotective effect (gastric damage score 0.50), similar to ranitidine (20 mg/kg p.o.). Obtained results showed that tested F. heuffelii polar extract represents new herbal preparation with potential use against some gastrointestinal complaints.

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Designated as the most harmful for health, PM2.5 aerosol fraction was a subject of our study. It was collected for all four seasons during 2014/15 in the suburban area of Belgrade (Serbia) and analysed for Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, As, Ba and Pb elements and for NH4+, NO3- and SO42- ions by particle-induced X-ray emission and ion chromatography techniques, respectively. Obtained concentrations have been treated by a combination of several receptor-oriented models to reveal source contributions to the suburban PM2.5 at different spatial scales. Applied positive matrix factorization analysis indicated five main groups of emission sources: biomass burning (14.5%), traffic (3.9%), regional combustion/secondary sulphates (28.8%), local combustion/secondary nitrates (29.7%) and soil (5.4%). Local heating units had been pointed out as dominant contributors by long-range transport and ground-wind circulation analyses. Air masses circulating over the Balkan Peninsula denoted regional emissions as responsible for the high concentrations of secondary sulphates. Local and long-range transport analyses combined suggested that the BB and the LC/NO3 originated from the wider urban area. Several Saharan dust episodes were detected as well. Presented results might be a basis for the development of air pollution mitigation strategies in the continental Balkan area, considered one of the most polluted and under-investigated European regions.

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OBJECTIVES: As there are no previous studies of the European wild-garlic (Allium ursinum) effects on the gastrointestinal system, despite its traditional applications in gastrointestinal disorders' treatment and regular use in the human diet, we have quantified and compared spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of its different leaf extracts. METHODS: Wild-garlic extracts were tested for spasmolytic activity on isolated rat ileum, antimicrobial activity on selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi by microdilution method and antioxidant capacity by DPPH radical-scavenging assay. KEY FINDINGS: Wild-garlic extracts were found to decrease ileal basal tone. As the relaxation of K+ -induced contractions was similar to one caused by papaverin, the observed spasmolytic effect was most likely mediated through Ca2+ -channel inhibition. Ethanolic extract (with the highest phenolic and high alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides' levels) produced the strongest spasmolytic activity. In case of acetylcholine-induced contractions, only hydromethanolic extract showed no statistical difference in comparison with positive control. All samples exhibited certain antioxidant potential and strong antimicrobial activity against tested enteropathogenic strains (Salmonella enteritidis was the most sensitive, followed by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis). CONCLUSION: Besides other already established health-promoting effects, wild garlic could be useful in treatment of mild gastrointestinal disturbances.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of black currant (Ribes nigrum L. 'Ben Sarek') juice on the blood pressure and frequency of cardiac contractions, as well as vasomotor responses of rat aortic rings. Arterial blood pressure was measured directly from the carotid artery in the anaesthetized rabbits. The aortic rings were pre-contracted with KCl (80 mmol·L-1), after which black currant juice was added. An intravenous injection of black currant juice (0.33-166.5 mg·kg-1) induced a significant and dose-dependent decrease of rabbit arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The black currant juice decreased arterial blood pressure of rabbit by 22.33% ± 3.76% (p < 0.05) and heart rate by 17.18% ± 2.93% (p < 0.05). Cumulative addition of the black currant juice (0.01-3 mg·mL-1) inhibited concentration-dependent KCl induced contractions of the isolated rat aorta. The black currant juice, at the concentration of 3 mg·mL-1, caused a maximum relaxation of 21.75% ± 3.15% (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that black currant juice can induce hypotension. The hypotensive effect of the black currant may occur as the consequence of its inhibitory activity on the rate of heart contraction and vasorelaxant effects.

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AIMS: One of the most popular beverages worldwide, green tea, was investigated for its potential protective effect in a rat model of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by monitoring functional and morphological changes in kidneys. MAIN METHODS: The study was conducted on four groups of rats: control group (C), treated with only gentamicin (GM), treated with only green tea (GT) and treated with both gentamicin and green tea (GT+GM). Kidney function, oxidant and antioxidant parameters of renal tissue, as well as histopathological studies were assessed. Morphometric analysis was used to quantify these histopathological changes. KEY FINDINGS: Gentamicin caused significant elevations in serum creatinine and urea and oxidative stress parameter (AOPP), while antioxidative enzyme catalase was significantly decreased. Histological sections of kidneys in GM group revealed necrosis of proximal tubules, vacuolation of cytoplasm and massive mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates in interstitium. Coadministration of green tea with gentamicin histologically showed renoprotective effect. Histological results were confirmed and quantified by morphometric analysis. Also in this group we measured ameliorated parameters of renal functions and antioxidative defense. SIGNIFICANCE: Regenerative potential of green tea after renal injury induced by gentamicin could be explained through the decrease of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Green tea is a natural antioxidant, with many health promoting effects, widely available and in accordance to that affordable. Because of the established habits, people largely consume it as a beverage. It could be beneficial in the reduction of oxidative stress and changes caused by it primarily in renal tubules and interstitium.

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Plants from the genus Ferula L. (Apiaceae) were used for various purposes in traditional medicine of different nations throughout the history. Ferula heuffelii Griseb. ex Heuffel is a perennial species endemic for Balkan peninsula. Ten compounds which belong to classes of prenyl-furocoumarin-, prenyl-dihydrofurochromone-, prenyl-benzoyl- and prenyl-benzoylfuranone-type sesquiterpenoids, as well as sesquiterpene coumarins and phenylpropanoids, were, for the first time, isolated from the CHCl3 extract of the underground parts of this plant and identified. Furthermore, extract and three isolated compounds, i.e., latifolone (1), dshamirone (4), and (2S*,3R*)-2-[(3E)-4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dien-1-yl]-2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2,3-dimethylfuro[3,2-c]coumarin (6) were, for the first time, evaluated for their in vitro antispasmodic activities in three experimental models: spontaneous contraction, and ACh- and KCl-induced contraction of an isolated rat ileum. The extract (0.1-1.3 mg/ml) and compound 6 (1-10 µg/ml) exhibited dose-dependent effect in all three models. Compound 1 (1-6 µg/ml) affected spontaneous contractions and those induced by KCl, while compound 4 (8 µg/ml) displayed only moderate activity with ACh-induced contractions. It can be concluded that tested compounds contribute to exhibited antispasmodic activity of crude extract. Additionally, extract (0.1-1.3 mg/ml) was tested for in vitro relaxant activity on an isolated rat trachea, and relaxed the KCl-induced contractions in a dose-dependent manner.

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The acute negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of the commercial extract of ginkgo leaf (Gingium(®)) and ethanolic extracts of onion bulbs and celery root on spontaneous and noradrenalin-stimulated contractions of the Wistar rat atria were investigated. All analyzed extracts exerted negative inotropic effects on the isolated rat atria. Among the tested extracts, the extract of ginkgo showed the strongest negative inotropic effects on rat atria, either in spontaneous or noradrenalin-induced contractions, being more potent than the onion and celery extracts, respectively.

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Activity concentrations of main terrestrial radioisotopes (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were measured in geological samples collected in Libya's Jabal Eghei area, in order to contribute to the establishment of a baseline map of the environmental radioactivity levels and to estimate the associated environmental risk to the population. Activity concentrations ranged from 22 to 5256 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra, from 11 to 221 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th and from 132.0 to 2304 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. Using these results, representative risk factors were calculated: the total absorbed gamma dose rate in air (ranged from 25.5 to 2434.3 nGy h(-1) with a mean value of 251.8 nGy h(-1)), the radium equivalent activity (55-5281 Bq kg(-1), with the mean value of 537 Bq kg(-1)), external hazard index (0.149-14.24, with a mean value of 1.451) and annual outdoor effective dose (31.3-2985.4 µSv, with a mean value of 308.9 µSv). Accordingly, the radiation risk is above the world average, mainly as the consequence of discovered uranium anomalies.

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Sideritis raeseri spp. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr., known as "mountain tea," has been widely used in the Mediterranean region as a spice and in folk medicine as a very popular decoction because of its anti-inflammatory, carminative, analgesic, antitussive, stomachic, and antimicrobial properties. The study was aimed to investigate the effects of an ethanol extract of S. raeseri on intestinal activity. Air-dried and powdered aerial parts were extracted with 96% ethanol. The rat ileum preparations were incubated in Tyrode's solution gassed (95% O(2)/5% CO(2)) at 37°C. The ethanol extract of S. raeseri (0.03-0.3 mg/mL) relaxed spontaneous contractions in isolated rat ileum, similar to that produced by papaverine. The plant extract in a concentration-dependent manner (0.015-0.15 mg/mL) significantly inhibited the contractile response to acetylcholine (P<.01). Atropine inhibited the response to acetylcholine. A similar relaxation-inducing effect of the S. raeseri extract was observed on the precontracted ileum by histamine and barium chloride. Plant extract (0.03-0.3 mg/mL) significantly shifted the histamine concentration-response curve to the right and down (P<.01). The S. raeseri extract (0.03-0.3 mg/mL) significantly inhibited the contractions induced by barium chloride (P<.01). The results show that the ethanol extract of S. raeseri can produce inhibition of the the spontaneous rat ileum contractions and contractions induced by different spasmogens. These data indicate that S. raeseri acts as a spasmolytic on intestinal smooth muscle, which justifies its use in gastrointestinal disorders.

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The aim of this study was to establish microbial and heavy metal pollution of the Sava River at three locations close to industry and urban areas (Sabac, Obrenovac, Beograd) in Serbia. Heavy metal analysis included Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the river water and sediment samples. Using the microbiological analysis we tried to establish the effectiveness of total coliforms, faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli in detecting pollution of surface waters. We found that E. coli levels steadily increased downstream from Sabac (location 1; 2100 MPN per 100 mL) to Belgrade (location 3; 10000 MPN per 100 mL). To prevent bacterial contamination, it is necessary to reduce the discharge of wastewater with faecal matters near highly populated towns. Heavy metal levels in sediments correlated with those in the river water. Fluctuations attributed mainly to anthropogenic sources were not high. These results point to acceptable anthropogenic contribution to heavy metal content in the Sava River and to low environmental risk.

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The acute effect of ethanol extracts ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), and onion (Allium cepa L.) on arterial blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) in anesthetized normotensive rats was examined and compared. Arterial BP was registered in the left carotid artery. The data showed that intravenous administration of the extracts produced dose-dependent and reversible hypotensive and bradycardic effects. The most effective in reducing arterial BP and HR is extract of garlic. There were statistically significant differences in bradycardic and hypotensive effects of the garlic and ginkgo extracts.

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Helichrysum plicatum (Turkish Helichrysum) has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastric and hepatic disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine the relaxant activity of an extract of H. plicatum flowers on isolated rat ileum. Segments of ileum of rats were suspended in an organ bath. Cumulative concentrations of H. plicatum ethanol extract induced a relaxant effect on spontaneous rat ileum contractions. H. plicatum extract caused a mean contractile response of 81.68 +/- 6.17% (at a dose of 0.01 mg/mL) and 30.08 +/- 9.07% (at a dose of 1 mg/mL). A similar effect was observed with papaverine (0.01-3 microg/mL). H. plicatum extract (0.01-1 mg/mL) relaxed high K+ (80 mM) precontractions, an effect similar to that caused by papaverine (0.01-3 microg/mL). The plant extract (0.03-0.3 mg/mL) also induced a significant depression of the cumulative concentration response curve for acetylcholine (5-1500 nM) (p < 0.01). Atropine (140 nM) abolished the acetylcholine effect. The extract (0.03-0.3 mg/mL) reduced the histamine (1-300 nM) and BaCl2 (3-900 microM) induced contractions (p < 0.01). Our results showed the relaxant effect of the ethanol extract of Helichrysum plicatum flowers on the isolated rat intestine Extract of H. plicatum can inhibit the spontaneous ileum contractions and contractions induced by acetylcholine, histamine, barium and potassium ions.

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The acute negative inotropic and chronotrophic effects of aqueous and alcoholic garlic extracts (Allium sativum L.) on spontaneous and adrenalin-stimulated contractions of the Wistar rat atria were investigated. The addition of garlic extracts to isolated rat atria evoked negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Ethanolic garlic extract exerts much stronger negative inotropic (58.33 +/- 14.76%) effects than aqueous extract (43.66 +/- 16.32%). The difference in frequency reduction is especially conspicuous. Aqueous garlic extract very slightly affects the frequency, while ethanolic extract reduces it by more than 40%. In addition to these effects, the positive inotropism and chronotropism induced by the addition of noradrenaline, were much more antagonized by ethanolic garlic extract than by aqueous extract. Moreover, ethanolic garlic extract establishes sinus rhythm in the atria with extrasystoles induced by noradrenaline.

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INTRODUCTION: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is used in the traditional herbal medicine to treat intestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of parsley on spontaneous and acetylcholine induced contractions on isolated rat ileum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar albino rats (250-300 g) were used in this study. The ileum portions were isolated out and cleaned off mesenteries. Preparations 2 cm long were mounted in 20 ml tissue baths containing Tyrode's solution maintained at 37 degrees C and aerated with a mixture of 5% carbon dioxide in oxygen. In the first part of experiments, contractile responses to the aqueous (ethanol) extracts of parsley were recorded. In the second part, increasing concentrations of acetylcholine were added to the organ bath for a full concentration response curve and then concentration response curves were obtained after adding the aqueous (ethanol) extracts of parsley. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Our results showed that aqueous (62.22 +/- 7.15%) and ethanol (79.16 +/- 9.34%) extracts of parsley in dose dependent manner decreased the tonus of spontaneous contractions of isolated rat ileum. The aqueous (32.16 +/- 2.75%) and ethanol (53.96 +/- 4.86%) extracts of parsley reduced the acetylcholine induced contraction, the reduction was greater with ethanol extract than with the aqueous one. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of parsley exert antispasmodic activity on rat ileum. The relaxant effect of ethanol extract was better comparing to aqueous extract of parsley.

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In this paper we present the results of studying the effects of the essential oil of Calamintha glandulosa Silic (EOCG) on the isolated rat ileum. C. glandulosa Silic has been used in folk medicine as an antispasmodic. EOCG (0.003-1 mg/ml) inhibited spontaneous contraction of the ileum (EC50 of 210.48 +/- 9.12 microg/ml). The calcium channel blocking activity was confirmed by inhibition of K(+) (80 mmol/l) induced contractions with EOCG (EC50 of 88.81 +/- 6.01 microg/ml). EOCG shifted cumulative calcium curves in depolarizing medium downward (EC50 of 18.18 +/- 1.87 mmol/l), similar to the effects of verapamil. Our results confirm that the EOCG shows spasmolytic action in rat ileum. The spasmolytic effect of the EOCG was due to blockade of calcium influx. One of the main components of the EOCG is monoterpenoide pulegone. Namely, pulegone (0.15-50 micromol/l) inhibited the spontaneous (EC50 of 9.02 +/- 0.08 microg/ml), and K(+) induced contractions of the ileum (EC50 of 4.05 +/- 0.14 microg/ml), and run rightward the dose response curve of calcium. Pulegone may have a main role in spasmolytic activities of the plant.

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Acute effects of different extracts of mistletoe stem (Viscum album) were investigated on values of arterial blood pressure in Wistar rats. Arterial blood pressure was registered by direct method in the left carotid artery and the investigated extracts (total ethanol, ether and ethyl acetate) of mistletoe stem were administered into the right jugular vein. The total ethanol extract exhibited the best effect even on the lowest applied concentration (3.33 x 10(-5) mg kg(-1)) and significantly decreased the blood pressure after applied concentration 1.00 x 10(-3) mg kg(-1). On the contrary, the ether and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited notable activity only by higher administered doses. Atropine as a nonselective blocker of muscarinic receptors reduced the hypotensive effects of ethanol extract of mistletoe. Hexocycline, a selective blocker of muscarine receptors, significantly raised blood pressure and decreased the hypotensive effect of ethanol extract of mistletoe on arterial blood pressure in rats.

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Gentamicin (GM) is a widely used antibiotic against serious and life-threatening infections, but its usefulness is limited by the development of nephrotoxicity. Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine if pentoxifylline could protect the kidney in this experimental model. Thirty male Wistar rats were used. The animals were divided into three groups, each with 10 animals. The GM group of animals was treated daily with gentamicin in a dose of 100 mg/kg for eight days. The GMP group of animals was treated daily with pentoxifylline in a dose of 45 mg/kg and the same dose of gentamicin as the GM group for eight days. The control group received 1 mL/day saline intraperitoneally. For histological analysis, 5 microm-thick sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and Jones methenamine silver. The morphometric parameters included were glomerular area, major and minor axis, perimeter, diameter, roundness, and mean optical density. Biochemical analyses were used to determine concentrations of blood urea, serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium. In the GM group of rats, glomerular basement membrane was diffusely and unequally thickened with polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and coagulation-type necrosis and vacuolization of cytoplasm of proximal tubules epithelial cells were observed. In the GMP group of rats, glomeruli were slightly enlarged with thickened basement membrane in some segments but without coagulation-type necrosis of proximal tubules epithelial cells. Blood urea and serum creatinine concentration in the GM group were significantly elevated in comparison with the GMP group, while the potassium level was decreased. The present study indicated that pentoxifylline could provide a marked protective effect against gentamicin-induced acute renal failure, most likely mediated by vascular decongestion.

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Different animal models are used to evaluate the process of epileptogenesis. In this investigation the kindling model of epilepsy was used. The epileptic focus was induced in Chinchilla rabbits by stimulation of the hippocampus with electric stimuli. We presumed that the extracts of Ginkgo biloba affect the formation of kindling epilepsy. Bioelectric activity of the brain was registered throughout the development of kindling with and without standardized extracts from dried ginkgo leaves (EGb 761). For each animal the following has been determined: the values of the minimum current strength necessary for the origination of threshold after-discharge (AD) - discharges appearing after the cessation of stimulation; duration of the threshold AD; number of stimulations necessary for the origination of full kindling; time latency for the development of full kindling; number of spontaneous epileptogenic discharges manifested in EEG two days following the formation of full kindling during 60-minute registration. The results show that the process of epileptogenesis was influenced by EGb 761. It has been established that if the animals received EGb 761, significantly weaker minimum current strength was necessary for the development of the epileptogenic focus and the AD were longer, while the number of necessary electrostimulations for the appearance of full kindling was less and the latency was shorter.

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