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The food coloring agent E171 raises many questions concerning its negative impact on human health because of the fact that it contains nanoparticle fractions (NPs, diameter < 100 nm). Numerous studies showed its influence on organisms, including the ability to disrupt the intestinal barrier. In the present study, we verified the potential toxicity and pro-inflammatory activity of three different E171 samples (containing NPs fractions) and one TiO2 NPs sample (60–600 µg mL−1) towards Caco-2 colon cancer cells. The experiments revealed no significant changes in terms of the vitality of Caco-2 cells after 24 h of exposure (XTT test). However, after 72 h, a decrease in the proliferation of Caco-2 cells caused by three TiO2 substances was observed. Moreover, deterioration of the metabolic activity of Caco-2 cells (ATP test) by all analyzed substances at 300 and 600 µg mL−1 was seen. While a 24-h exposure to each tested substance resulted in a negligible release of LDH, a prolonged exposure (72 h) indicated an elevated release of LDH, suggesting potential toxicity. All TiO2 samples induced the elevated release of two primary proinflammatory cytokines, i.e., IL-1β and TNF-α, in a dose-independent manner. The discrepancies in the results come from the differences in the share of individual sizes in four TiO2 products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The focus in dermatology has shifted from solely treating skin conditions to considering the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their family members. Aim: To identify and categorise instruments that assess the impact of chronic skin diseases on the QoL of family members and caregivers. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using the Scopus and Medline databases, with search terms related to QoL, dermatology, and family/caregivers. Articles published up to January 2024 were reviewed, and relevant instruments were categorised. Results: The search yielded 2799 papers, of which 153 were reviewed in detail. Twenty instruments were identified and categorised into generic, dermatology-specific, and disease-specific tools. Conclusions: The review highlights the importance of assessing family QoL in dermatology. Integrating these tools into clinical practice can enhance support for family members, improving overall patient care. Further development and refinement of these tools are necessary to capture the full impact on family QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of the study was to identify chromosome damage using the sister chromatid exchange assay and DNA fragmentation by the comet assay in dogs with cancer, as well as to determine the suitability of these techniques for assessing chromatin stability in healthy and sick dogs (with squamous cell carcinoma). The genetic assays are very sensitive and can be used as biomarkers of normal DNA replication and repair potential and the maintenance of control over the entire cell cycle. The use of the cytogenetic tests will enable a more precise assessment of genome stability and integrity in animals and make it possible to determine the number of chromosomal instabilities generated in a given individual, which can be indicative of its health status. Genome instability is a characteristic trait of tumours and includes changes in DNA and in chromosomes. The aim of the study was to identify chromosome damage using the sister chromatid exchange assay and DNA fragmentation by the comet assay in dogs with cancer, as well as to determine the suitability of these techniques for the assessment of chromatin stability in healthy and sick dogs. The assays identified genomic instabilities in dogs with cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) and in healthy dogs. The genetic assays are very sensitive and can be used as biomarkers of normal DNA replication and repair potential and the maintenance of control over the entire cell cycle. The use of the cytogenetic tests will enable the more precise assessment of genome stability and integrity in animals and make it possible to determine the number of chromosomal instabilities generated in a given individual, which can be indicative of its health status. The identification of instabilities can be used in routine diagnostic examination in dogs with cancer for more accurate diagnosis and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent decades, the practice of artificial insemination has become increasingly prevalent in canine reproduction, thereby underscoring the necessity for improved semen quality assessment routines. While the bacterial microflora of the reproductive system of female dogs has been extensively studied, there is comparatively limited analysis of the male dog's reproductive tract's microbiota. In the field of andrology, a few connections have already been discovered between seminal bacteria and semen's qualitative parameters. The objective of this study was to determine whether the bacteria present in semen samples from breeding dogs can influence the semen's characteristics. The results indicated that multiple bacterial species present in semen samples from breeding dogs are associated with inferior sperm parameters. Moreover, a greater bacterial load was observed to be related with poorer semen quality in breeding dogs. Assessing canine semen quality helps to detect infertility in males, but identifying factors that influence canine semen quality is a complicated task. The objective of this study was the assessment of the potential influence of bacteria found in canine semen samples on the characteristics of dogs' semen. In this study, semen samples were collected manually from 30 dogs and subjected to a comprehensive examination. The results of sperm motility, concentration, viability, and morphology were statistically analysed in relation to the number of bacteria in the semen (CFUs/mL) and the seminal microbiota. Samples with an increased bacterial count per millilitre were associated with lower-quality sperm motility (p < 0.05). The most frequently isolated bacterial genera from the analysed semen samples were Staphylococcus spp. (26.0%), Corynebacterium spp. (17.8%), and Streptococcus spp. (16.4%). The presence of β-haemolytic Escherichia coli bacteria was linked to suboptimal semen samples, characterised by significantly reduced semen viability and a lower proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Corynebacterium spp. was associated with reduced bacterial load and superior semen quality (p < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of bacterial cell counts and microbiota diversity in relation to various factors influencing canine semen quality, providing a more comprehensive understanding of canine reproductive well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, compotes, juices, and jams were produced using chokeberry, cherry, apricot, peach, apple (Idared and Champion), wild strawberry, or raspberry fruits. The anticholinesterase as well as antioxidant activities of fruits and preserves (freshly prepared and after 1, 5, and 10 months of storage) were compared. The loss (p < 0.05) of the anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of freshly prepared products vs. corresponding fruits was observed (all preserves from raspberry, cherry juice and jam, apricot juice, and Idared and wild strawberry jams) while chokeberry juice and apricot compote increased the anti-AChE activity. In the case of the anti-BChE activity of freshly prepared products, no change (apricot juice and jam), the loss (chokeberry compote and jam, cherry juice and jam, Champion compote, p < 0.05), or the increase in the activity (peach and apple Idared, apricot compote, juice, apricot compote, raspberry juice, p < 0.05) were recorded. In most cases, the anticholinesterase activities of freshly prepared products vs. products stored for 10 months were retained, and no considerable losses of the biological activities were observed. Even after 10 months of storage, all of the preserves retained the anti-AChE activity (except apricot and Idared compotes, chokeberry, cherry and Idared juices, and chokeberry and apricot jams, p < 0.05). Similarly, the preserves retained the anti-BChE activity after 10 months of storage (at p < 0.05, except cherry, apricot, peach and Idared compotes, chokeberry juice and chokeberry, peach and raspberry jams, at p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cholinesterase theory stands as the most popular worldwide therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the absence of a cure for AD, a plant-based diet has been repeatedly shown as positive in the prevention of AD, including exploring ready-made products in stores and the development of new functional foods. Goal: This study compared the anti-acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase activity of thirty-two Polish market soups and five newly formulated soups intended to be functional. Additionally, the research aimed to assess the significance of animal content, distinguishing between vegan and vegetarian options, in cholinesterase inhibition. Materials and methods: The anticholinesterase activity was investigated using a spectrophotometric method, and the inhibitory activity was expressed as % inhibition of the enzyme. The study categorized soups into three groups based on ingredients: those containing animal-derived components, vegetarian soups and vegan soups. Results: Soups exhibited varying levels of activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), indicating differences in their compositions. Composition appeared to be the primary factor influencing anticholinesterase activity, as soups within each group showed significant variability in activity levels. While some commercial soups demonstrated notable anticholinesterase activity, they did not surpass the effectiveness of the optimized soups developed in the laboratory. Certain ingredients were associated with higher anticholinesterase activity, such as coconut, potato, onion, garlic, parsley and various spices and herbs. Conclusions: Vegetarian and vegan soups exhibited comparable or even superior anticholinesterase activity compared to animal-derived soups, highlighting the importance of plant-based ingredients. The study underscores the need for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying the anticholinesterase activity of soups, including the impact of ingredient combinations and processing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evernia prunastri is a lichen widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Its biological properties still need to be discovered. Therefore, our paper focuses on studies of E. prunastri extracts, including its main metabolites evernic acid (EA) or atranorin (ATR). Phytochemical profiles using chromatographic analysis were confirmed. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using in vitro chemical tests and in vitro enzymatic cells-free tests, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT). The anti-inflammatory potential using cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and hyaluronidase were determined. The neuroprotective potential using acetylcholinesterase, (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase (Tyr) was estimated. The hypoglycemic activity was also confirmed (α-glucosidase). Principal component analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the biological activity of extracts. The inhibitory effect of EA and ATR on COX-2 AChE, BChE, Tyr, and α-glucosidase was evaluated using molecular docking techniques and confirmed for EA and ATR (besides α-glucosidase). The penetration of EA and ATR from extracts through the blood–brain barrier was confirmed using the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay blood–brain barrier test. In conclusion, depending on chemical surroundings and the concentration, the E. prunastri extracts, EA or ATR, showed attractive pleiotropic properties, which should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drawing attention to the increasing role of non-financial information, including this referring to social capital, in the process of complex company evaluation and verifying assumptions that socially responsible companies enhance the supportive activities of their employees directed at building social capital within the organization, and present valuable information about such activity in their non-financial reports. Design/methodology/approach: In order to verify the above assumptions, the study was conducted on a random sample of 6 companies engaged in industrial activities, companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, and included in the WIG-ESG index. An analysis and evaluation were based on the annual reports for 2022, as well as the content published on the websites. Findings: For companies to present achievements in building social capital measures enabling comparisons would be necessary as well as tools supporting their introduction. So far such needs have not been explicitly addressed and remain unnoticed. Research limitations/implications: Limitations refer to poorly addressed enhancement of employees’ initiative to show real engagement rather than triggered by management obliged to report non-financial information. Implications involve the necessity to design measures capable of demonstrating the effectiveness of strategies employed by companies reporting numerous activities aimed at building social capital. Research would be useful to verify how the activities affect civic engagement. Practical implications: Reports on non-financial information should include activities that are undertaken following employees’ initiative. They should also show interest in proving their effectiveness and contribution to long-term core organizational values development. Social implications: The article should impact society by addressing relevant issues of CSR (non-financial) reporting in its social dimension. It indicates gaps and deficiencies in the way of designing social policies by companies and points directions that may lead to better understanding of the role of individual employees who should be empowered and accountable in the process of building social capital. Such changes could enable authentic and long-lasting civic engagement that can benefit individuals and society as a whole. Originality/value: The article approaches non-financial reporting from a different perspective. While presenting the advantages of the new standards visible in numerous activities undertaken by firms, it identifies areas of improvement to ensure this sort of reporting can genuinely strengthen social capital and civic engagement. It is addressed to companies and other decisionmakers to indicate how reporting should evolve and what are its missing elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Skin diseases affect patients at any age, but as each period in life is different, tools used to assess quality of life impairment should be adjusted according to the particular age group. Adolescence is a unique time, when young individuals go through many changes, making them especially vulnerable to stress. Aim: Translation and validation of a Polish language version of the Teenagers Quality of Life questionnaire (T-QoL) questionnaire. Material and methods: T-QoL was translated following international guidelines. A group of 34 dermatological patients, aged 12-19 years old, with various skin diseases were given the T-QoL as well as the CDLQI or DLQI to complete. They were also asked to complete the T-QoL questionnaire for the second time after 3-5 days. Statistical analysis of the results was performed. Results: The Polish version of T-QoL is internally consistent (Cronbach a 0.893 for the whole questionnaire). Moreover, it presents very good convergent validity (ICC = 0.864). No statistically significant differences between each question were noticed between the first and second time of completing the form. T-QoL scores correlated significantly with DLQI (p = 0.008, r = 0.636) and CDLQI (p < 0.001, r = 0.777) scores. Conclusions: The Polish version of the T-QoL questionnaire is a reliable instrument with adequate convergent validity, consistency and reproducibility. It can be successfully used to measure quality of life impairment among teenagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]