Comparison of the antiremodeling effects of losartan and mirabegron in a rat model of uremic cardiomyopathy

Uremic cardiomyopathy is characterized by diastolic dysfunction (DD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and fibrosis. Angiotensin-II plays a major role in the development of uremic cardiomyopathy via nitro-oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms. In heart failure, the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) is up-regulated and coupled to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated pathways, exerting antiremodeling effects. We aimed to compare the antiremodeling effects of the angiotensin-II receptor blocker losartan and the β3-AR agonist mirabegron in uremic cardiomyopathy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was induced by 5/6th nephrectomy in male Wistar rats. Five weeks later, rats were randomized into four groups: (1) sham-operated, (2) CKD, (3) losartan-treated (10 mg/kg/ day) CKD, and (4) mirabegron-treated (10 mg/kg/day) CKD groups. At week 13, echocardiographic, histologic, laboratory, qRT-PCR, and Western blot measurements proved the development of uremic cardiomyopathy with DD, LVH, fibrosis, inflammation, and reduced eNOS levels, which were significantly ameliorated by losartan. However, mirabegron showed a tendency to decrease DD and fibrosis; but eNOS expression remained reduced. In uremic cardiomyopathy, β3-AR, sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA), and phospholamban levels did not change irrespective of treatments. Mirabegron reduced the angiotensin-II receptor 1 expression in uremic cardiomyopathy that might explain its mild antiremodeling effects despite the unchanged expression of the β3-AR

Neighbourhood dynamics and socio-spatial change in Budapest

In this paper the socio-spatial differentiation that has taken place in the metropolitan region of Budapest since the change of regime is analysed. It is intended to show how local underlying structures and new regulatory contexts (e.g. free market, local urban policies) as well as legacies of the past work together in setting a diverse path of development within the city. In line with the objective in the analytical part of the paper the overall pattern of socio-spatial change in the metropolitan region is analysed with the aid of census data. This is followed by the interpretation of empirical research data gathered in different neighbourhoods of the city as part of an international research project. It is demonstrated that with the post-socialist transition the locational preferences of relevant stakeholders (both residents and investors) changed significantly which caused a sharp turn in the trajectory of the individual urban zones. This included the rediscovery of the city-centre, a slow but steady upgrading and gentrification of the historical residential quarters, the gradual social erosion in the housing estates, decline and later re-investment in the industrial brown field zone, and a boom, and later stagnation in the suburban areas. However, due to local policies and global effects (e.g. global financial crisis) individual development tracks of neighbourhoods are gaining importance in Budapest, making the pattern of investment-disinvestment more mosaic like within the same urban zone. As a consequence it is almost impossible to assess one urban zone as a homogeneous area, and set in a universal model. Dynamics more and more depend on local efforts and mechanisms. The study demonstrates that local forces are increasingly powerful in urban development and the overall future of the cities seems to depend on the total sum of efforts, investments and quality of change in its neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood dynamics and socio-spatial change in Budapest

In this paper the socio-spatial differentiation that has taken place in the metropolitan region of Budapest since the change of regime is analysed. It is intended to show how local underlying structures and new regulatory contexts (e.g. free market, local urban policies) as well as legacies of the past work together in setting a diverse path of development within the city. In line with the objective in the analytical part of the paper the overall pattern of socio-spatial change in the metropolitan region is analysed with the aid of census data. This is followed by the interpretation of empirical research data gathered in different neighbourhoods of the city as part of an international research project. It is demonstrated that with the post-socialist transition the locational preferences of relevant stakeholders (both residents and investors) changed significantly which caused a sharp turn in the trajectory of the individual urban zones. This included the rediscovery of the city-centre, a slow but steady upgrading and gentrification of the historical residential quarters, the gradual social erosion in the housing estates, decline and later re-investment in the industrial brown field zone, and a boom, and later stagnation in the suburban areas. However, due to local policies and global effects (e.g. global financial crisis) individual development tracks of neighbourhoods are gaining importance in Budapest, making the pattern of investment-disinvestment more mosaic like within the same urban zone. As a consequence it is almost impossible to assess one urban zone as a homogeneous area, and set in a universal model. Dynamics more and more depend on local efforts and mechanisms. The study demonstrates that local forces are increasingly powerful in urban development and the overall future of the cities seems to depend on the total sum of efforts, investments and quality of change in its neighbourhoods

Plot-level field monitoring with Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope data for examination of sewage sludge disposal impact

Agricultural use of sewage sludge is one of the means of sustainable environmental management. In order to monitor the short-term effects of sludge disposal a multi-year, high-resolution data collection was planned on arable land in south-eastern Hungary. Data acquisition was applied at the highest temporal and spatial resolution using Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope satellite imagery observing the vegetation period based on vegetation indices (EVI, NDVI) from 2016 to 2021. There were statistical differences in the case of sunflower and maize biomass productions but the spatial and statistical deviations between the affected and non-affected areas of sludge disposal were generally not significant. The sensitivity of EVI in the dense vegetation period and its applicability might be emphasized in a comparative analysis