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Treatment of esophageal and extraesophageal reflux syndromes is mainly focused on inhibiting the secretion of hydrochloric acid. In spite of the high efficacy of proton pump inhibitors, approx. 30–60% of GERD patients experience daily symptoms. Beside acid reflux, other factors such as abnormal esophageal peristalsis, visceral hypersensitivity, ineffective esophageal clearance mechanisms, and impaired mucosal barrier also play an important role in generating GERD symptoms. An additional therapeutic proposition is a procedure aimed at improving the defense mechanisms of esophageal mucosa rather than inhibiting the damage-inducing factors. The preparation consisting of hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (SC) and poloxamer 407 protects against harmful factors (hydrochloric acid, pepsin) and accelerates mucosal healing and regeneration, constituting a substantial element of monotherapy or add-on therapy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The purpose of the work was to determine the effect of the post-harvest residue biomass of field pea, spring rye and their mixtures on mineral nitrogen content in the soil profile after the forecro...

The conducted studies show post-harvest residues of sowing/pea mixtures limit leaching of mineral nitrogen deeper into the soil profile compared to post-harvest residues of sowing peas, as ...

Research was conducted in Poland in 2017–2019 at Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce. It aimed at determining the effect of the bacteria Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum, the amino acid L-alpha proline, and the mineral nitrogen fertiliser regime on iron content in soil during the period of rapid growth of spring wheat plants, as well as in spring wheat grain and straw. The following two factors were examined: (I) biological products: untreated control, Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum, L-alpha proline, Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum + L-alpha proline, (II) mineral nitrogen fertiliser regime: nonfertilised control, 60 kg Nּha−1, 90 kg Nּha−1, 90 kg Nּha−1 + foliar fertilisation. The study demonstrated that, during the period of rapid spring wheat plant growth, Fe content was the highest in the soil following an application of Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum + L-alpha proline + mineral nitrogen fertiliser applied at the rate of 90 kg Nּha−1. This combination resulted in the highest concentration and uptake of iron by spring wheat grain, whereas for straw, the same result was also achieved following mineral nitrogen fertiliser at a rate of 90 kg Nּha−1 + foliar fertilisation.

Due to its immunomodulatory effect, vitamin D has been associated with clinical parameters and outcomes in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) which are chronic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Upon synthesis or digestion, vitamin D is metabolized in the liver to form 25(OH)D3, the major circulating metabolite. Further renal hydroxylation generates 1,25(OH)2D3, the most potent metabolite. Our aim was to examine the association between vitamin D levels, and its supplementation and pain intensity in 39 IBD patients and 33 healthy individuals. 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 serum levels were measured. Each subject filled out visual analog scale (VAS) and Laitinen’s pain assessment scales. Laboratory results were obtained, and disease activity was assessed. Linear regression was employed to investigate the correlation between 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3 and pain intensity, clinical activity parameters, C-reactive protein, disease duration, and dietary habits. In IBD patients, 25(OH)D3 was increased, whereas 1,25(OH)2D3 was not. Vitamin D3 supplementation did not influence their levels. No correlation was found between pain scores, disease activity, inflammatory status, disease duration or dietary habits and both forms of vitamin D. Elevated 25(OH)D3 and normal 1,25(OH)D3 were found in IBD patients as compared to the controls. We discovered no effect from supplementation and no association between pain severity and vitamin D.

Post-harvest residues of narrow-leafed lupin/oat mixtures are a valuable source of biological nitrogen for the following crop plants, including winter cereals. Hybrid winter rye, which is increasingly popular in Germany and Poland, positively responds to cultivation at good sites. The objective of the research was to determine the effect of the biomass of the post-harvest residues of narrow-leafed lupin, oat and their mixtures on yield performance and amount of nitrogen accumulated in hybrid winter rye grain. The following two factors were examined in an experiment: factor I - forecrop mixtures: narrow-leafed lupin - pure stand 100%, oat - pure stand 100%, narrow-leafed lupin 75% + oat 25%, narrowleafed lupin 50% + oat 50%, narrow-leafed lupin 25% + oat 75%; factor II - forecrop harvest date: the stage of narrow-leafed lupin flowering, the stage of narrow-leafed lupin flat green pod. The results demonstrated that oat and narrow-leafed lupin/oat mixtures containing 25 + 75% and 50 + 50% of the respective components and harvested at the stage of narrow-leafed lupin flat green pod supplied the greatest amount of post-harvest residue biomass, and narrow-leafed lupin harvested at the aforementioned stage accumulated the most nitrogen. Hybrid winter rye following the forecrop of narrow-leafed lupin/oat mixture containing 50 + 50% of the respective components and harvested at the stage of narrowleafed lupin flat green pod produced the highest grain yield.

The purpose of the present work was to assess the ability of five new oxicam analogues to interact with the lipid bilayers. To characterize the interaction of newly synthesized NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) analogues with DPPC lipid bilayers the two following techniques were applied – differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results obtained by these experimental approaches show that new oxicams analogues interact with the lipid model membranes under consideration. As demonstrated both in calorimetric and spectroscopic studies, the greatest influence on the thermotropic properties of the lipid membrane and on the quenching of fluorescence of Laurdan and Prodan was exerted by a derivative named PR47 containing in its structure a two–carbon aliphatic linker with a carbonyl group, as well as bromine and trifluoromethyl substituents.

Introduction Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may coexist with Helicobacter pylori infection, which can be the cause of chronic gastrointestinal complaints. Aim Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of amoxicillin and rifaximin in the treatment of these diseases. Material and methods The lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) and the urea breath test (13C-UBT) were performed in 116 patients. In 62 patients the coexistence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and H. pylori infection was observed. Then, in group I (n = 30) pantoprazole (2 × 40 mg), amoxicillin (2 × 1000 mg) and metronidazole (2 × 500 mg) and in group II (n = 32) pantoprazole and amoxicillin at the above doses and rifaximin (3 × 400 mg) were administered for 10 days. After 6 weeks, both breath tests were repeated and the degree of remission of symptoms was measured using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Results After the treatment the LHBT index decreased in group I from 61.2 ±19.4 ppm to 22.0 ±8.2 ppm (p 0.05). The decrease of pain below 3.0 points in the VAS was obtained in 64.8% of patients in group I and in 56.2% in group II. Conclusions Combination of amoxicillin and rifaximin may be effective in the treatment of patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome and concomitant H. pylori infection.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases have shown true promise in early clinical studies due to reported activity in BRCA-associated cancers. PARP inhibitors may represent a potentially important new class of chemotherapeutic agents directed at targeting cancers with defective DNA-damage repair. In order to widen the prospective patient population that would benefit from PARP inhibitors, predictive biomarkers based on a clear understanding of the mechanism of action are required. In addition, a more sophisticated understanding of the toxicity profile is required if PARP inhibitors are to be employed in the curative, rather than the palliative, setting. PARP inhibitors have successfully moved into clinical practice in the past few years, with approval granted from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) within the past two years. The United States FDA approval of olaparib applies to fourth-line treatment in germline BRCA-mutant ovarian cancer, and European EMA approval of olaparib for maintenance therapy in both germline and somatic BRCA-mutant platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. This review covers the current understanding of PARP, its inhibition, and the basis of the excitement surrounding these new agents. It also evaluates future approaches and directions required to achieve full understanding of the intricate interplay of these agents at the cellular level.

The objective of the study was to establish the effect of component share in mixtures and harvest date on concentrations of selected heavy metals in the green fodder of field pea, oat, and their mixtures. The research hypothesis assumed that the cultivation of peas and oats in pure sowing, and in mixtures will also allow to choose combinations from which the forage will have the lowest content of heavy metals. Field research was conducted at the Zawady Experimental Farm (52° 03′ 39″ N, 22° 33′ 80″ E) which belongs to Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities. Two factors were tested in the study: I—component share in the mixture: field pea—pure stand 100%, oat—pure stand 100%, field pea 75% + oat 25%, field pea 50% + oat 50%, field pea 25% + oat 75%; II—harvest date: field pea flowering stage, field pea flat pod stage. Plant material was sampled to determine the following elements: Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni. The results of the study demonstrated that field pea grown in pure stand had the highest copper and zinc contents, and the lowest chromium and nickel contents. Field pea mixed with oat significantly reduced heavy metal content in green fodder. Cadmium and lead contents in the green fodder of field pea/oat mixtures were too low to be determined by means of the spectrometer Perkin Elmer Optima 8300. Regular checks of heavy metal contents are recommended in spite of their low amounts in the green fodder of field pea/oat mixtures.

The objective of the work was to determine the effect of undersown catch crops, which were either autumn-incorporated or left on the soil surface as mulch for spring incorporation, on the microelement content in the tubers of potato cultivated in the integrated and organic production system. Field research was conducted at the Zawady Experimental Farm owned by Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Poland (52° 03′ 39″ N, 22° 33′ 80″ E). The following two factors were examined in the study: (i) organic fertilisation, control, farmyard manure, serradella, westerwolds ryegrass, serradella applied as mulch and westerwolds ryegrass applied as mulch and (ii) production system, organic and integrated. Microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were determined in potato tubers samples. The tubers of potato manured with autumn-incorporated serradella had the highest iron and zinc contents, whereas tubers following autumn-incorporated serradella and spring-incorporated serradella mulch had the highest boron content. Manuring with undersown catch crops and farmyard manure contributed to a decline in the potato tuber content of copper and manganese. Potato cultivated in the integrated production system contained more copper, manganese and zinc, whereas organic tubers had more iron and boron.

The aim of the study was to estimate target values of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) pharmacokinetic parameters in children with proteinuric glomerulopathies by calculating the pharmacokinetic parameters of MMF metabolites (mycophenolic acid [MPA], free MPA [fMPA] and MPA glucuronide [MPAG]) and assessing their relation to proteinuria recurrence. One hundred and sixty-eight blood samples were collected from children, aged 3-18 years, diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome or lupus nephritis. MMF metabolites concentrations were examined before drug administration (Ctrough) and up to 12h afterward employing high-performance liquid chromatography. Dose-normalized MPA Ctrough and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12h (AUC12) were within 0.29-6.47 μg/mL/600 mg/m(2) and 9.97-105.52 μg h/mL/600 mg/m(2), respectively. MPA Ctrough was twofold lower (p=0.024) in children with proteinuria recurrence. MPA, fMPA and MPAG concentrations correlated positively to respective AUC12. It may be suggested MMF metabolites monitoring in children with proteinuric glomerulopathies is justified by MPA Ctrough2 μg/mL in patients at risk of the proteinuria recurrence. Such a recurrence is most probably caused by not sufficient MPA concentration during proteinuric glomerulopathies treatment. MPA Ctrough3 μg/mL may be considered as an efficient one to avoid proteinuria recurrence. Finally, MPA target AUC12 should exceed 60 μg h/mL to ensure the safe and effective treatment in children with nephrotic syndrome, however, the upper limit is still to be established.

Using whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we investigated influence of selected compounds from groups of prenylated chalcones and flavonoids: xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol on the activity of Kv1.3 channels in human leukemic Jurkat T cells. Obtained results provide evidence that both examined compounds were inhibitors of Kv1.3 channels in these cells. The inhibitory effects occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. The estimated value of the half-blocking concentration (EC50) was about 3 μM for xanthohumol and about 7.8 μM for isoxanthohumol. The inhibition of Kv1.3 channels by examined compounds was not complete. Upon an application of the compounds at the maximal concentrations equal to 30 μM, the activity of Kv1.3 channels was inhibited to about 0.13 of the control value. The inhibitory effect was reversible. The application of xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol did not change the currents’ activation and inactivation rate. These results may confirm our earlier hypothesis that the presence of a prenyl group in a molecule is a factor that facilitates the inhibition of Kv1.3 channels by compounds from the groups of flavonoids and chalcones. The inhibition of Kv1.3 channels might be involved in antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of the compounds observed in cancer cell lines expressing these channels.

A new solvatochromic complex of copper (II) and 3H-indolium (HQIndol) with the formula (HQIndol) 3 Cu has been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, UV–vis, IR spectroscopies, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and static magnetic susceptibility and conductance measurements. The stoichiometry of complex has been determined as 1:3 (M:L) and the binding constant was calculated to be 5.86 × 10 16 mol −1 L at 25 °C in CH 3 OH. Magnetization measurements indicate that (HQIndol) 3 Cu sample is paramagnetic with spin S = 1/2 for which phase transition from paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic has been registered at T N = 2.5 K. The symmetry of the EPR spectrum points to elongated tetragonal octahedral geometry of the complex. Examined heterochelate exhibits solvatochromic properties. Blue shift of the vis absorption band with increased solvent polarity is observed, Δ ν ‾ max in examined solvents amounts to 1466 cm − 1 .

Common hop (Humulus lupulus) constitutes a source of numerous prenylated chalcones such as xanthohumol (XH) and flavanones such as 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) and isoxanthohumol (IXH). Range of their biological activities includes estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, anti-cancer, and antioxidant activities. The aim of the present work was to characterize the influence of prenylated polyphenols on model 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) membranes by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopies. All studied compounds intercalated into DPPC bilayers and decreased its melting temperature as recorded by DSC, Laurdan and Prodan fluorescence, and ATR-FTIR. Polyphenols interacted mainly with glycerol backbone and acyl chain region of membrane. Magnitude of the induced effect correlated both with lipophilicity and molecular shape of the studied compounds. Elbow-shaped 8-PN and IXH were locked at polar–apolar region with their prenyl chains penetrating into hydrophobic part of the bilayer, while relatively planar XH molecule adopted linear shape that resulted in its deeper insertion into hydrophobic region. Additionally, by means of DSC and Laurdan fluorescence IXH was demonstrated to induce lateral phase separation in DPPC bilayers in gel-like state. It was assumed that IXH-rich and IXH-poor microdomains appeared within membrane. Present work constitutes the first experimental report describing interactions of prenylated hop polyphenols with phospholipid model membranes.

The primary objective in modern obstetrics and prenatal diagnosis is to predict risks of congenital abnormalities. The aim of the research was to assess the correlation between selected oxidative stress biomarkers with the risk of foetal chromosomal aberration evaluated at the first trimester screening. A series of studies show that balanced free radical activity and oxidative homeostasis are essential for proper bodily growth and function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be one of the factors associated with disruption of cell cycle and tissue development, thus leading to developmental abnormalities. That's why it's so important to examine connection between level of oxidative stress and congenital abnormalities. Using ultrasonography examinations between 11–13+6d gestational weeks combined with serum levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein A and human chorionic gonadotropin and spectrophotometric analysis of oxidative stress markers such as glutathione (GSH), S-transferase, S-nitrosothiols (RSNO), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), protein and nitrites we tried to find correlation between birth defects and oxidative stress status. In conclusion, our analysis suggests that elevated maternal serum levels of protein, S-transferase and TEAC as well as decreased maternal serum levels of GSH and protein correlated with the risk of chromosomal aberrations and congenital developmental defects in a foetus.

Solvatochromic studies on two new merocyanines, prepared from 5-(5-bromo-6-hydroxynaphthyl-2)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate and 5-(5-nitro-6-hydroxynaphthyl-2)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate, were performed in 21 solvents using UV–vis spectroscopy. The VBHB model (J.A. Soroka and K.B. Soroka in J. Phys. Org. Chem. 4:592–604, 1991) was applied to describe their solvatochromic properties. The results indicate that both dyes exhibit variable solvatochromism, i.e. it is positive in nonpolar solvents and negative in polar aprotic and protic solvents. The solvatochromic shifts of both merocyanines are approximately 8000 cm−1(for toluene to water). The studies revealed that these two merocyanines exist in solutions as nonpolar (quinoid, i.e. vinylogous amide, V) or polar (zwitterionic, i.e. betaine, B) forms in their ground state, respectively. The dye with a nitro substituent can also form a hydrogen-bonded betaine (HB). This dye is found to be the first compound in the whole group of 7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium merocyanines that does not comply with the VBHB model assumptions.

During the development of synthesis of acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives, newly synthesized pyridinium derivatives were used by the UV-initiated polymerization quarantines of new polymer design for the synthesized self-adhesive acrylics with excellent performance, for which tack, peel adhesion, shear strength and shrinkage were measured. For example, the best tack and peel adhesion performances were achieved after 30 and 60 s UV radiation for 3.0 wt% pyridinium photoinitiator PPP, after 60 and 90 s UV exposure for 4.0 wt% pyridinium photoinitiator HPP and after 90 s UV-crosslinking in the case of 5.0 wt% pyridinium photoinitiator OPP. An increase of novel pyridinium photoinitiators concentration causes in an increase of the monomers conversion. For high photoinitiator content, characterized for each investigated photoinitiator, ranging from about 3.0 (PPP) to 5.0 wt% (OPP), the degree of monomer conversion reaches a maximum value of about 99.6 wt%. Preliminary results are reported illustrating the effectiveness of the acrylic PSA development.

An experiment was conducted in 2004–2007 at the University of Podlasie Zawady Experimental Station (52°06′N, 22°50′E), Siedlce, Poland, to examine the effect of either post-harvest residues or residues and straw of spring triticale (Triticale), field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and their mixtures containing the following proportions of both components: 75+25, 50+50, 25+75% on the subsequent crop of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A field experiment was designed as split-blocks with three replicates. Residue mass, straw mass as well as N, P, K, Ca and Mg amounts were determined in the residues and straw. The residue amount of spring triticale was the greatest. N, Ca and Mg amounts in the residues of spring triticale/field pea mixtures were similar or higher whereas P and K amounts were similar or lower compared with spring triticale residues. Spring triticale straw contained less N, P, Ca and Mg than the straw of either field pea or spring triticale/field pea mixtures. Grain yield, yield component...

Interaction of plant alkaloid, berberine, with zwitterionic and negatively charged phospholipid bilayers Berberine exhibits many pharmacological activities e.g. antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing. Interaction of berberine with model membranes was studied for the first time using differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy and turbidity measurements. Influence of berberine on thermotropic properties of bilayers formed from zwitterionic DMPC was insignificant, whereas in bilayers formed from negatively charged DMPG berberine reduced the temperature and cooperativity of main phospholipid phase transition. In higher concentrations berberine induced complex double-peak transition, with the new peak appearing in temperature higher than the original one. It suggested the interaction of the alkaloid with lipid headgroup region of the bilayer. Additionally, berberine quenched fluorescence of Prodan to a higher extent than Laurdan that pointed to stronger interaction with membrane segments close to its surface. Berberine-induced fluorescence quenching of both probes was more pronounced in DPPG than in DPPC bilayers. It was concluded that electrostatic interactions governed berberine association with model membrane.

Aim: Interaction was examined of nitric oxide (NO) and cytochrome P-450 (CYP-450)-dependent arachidonic acid derivatives, 20-HETE and EETs, in control of arterial pressure (MABP) and renal function. Modification of this interaction by changing sodium intake was also studied. Methods: On low, standard or high Na diet (LS, STD and HS rats respectively) effects of sequential blockade of NO synthases (NOS) and CYP-450 enzyme activity on MABP, renal blood flow (RBF, Transonic probe), renal medullary perfusion (MBF, laser-Doppler technique), medullary tissue NO (selective electrode) and renal excretion were examined in anaesthetized rats. All NOS were blocked with Nϖ-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), the neuronal NOS with S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC), and CYP-450 with 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT). Results: In each diet group the baseline MABP was highest in rats pre-treated with l-NAME. CYP-450 inhibition significantly decreased MABP only in LS (−9%) and HS rats (−22%) pre-treated with l-NAME. This MABP decrease correlated directly with the dietary sodium content (r = 0.644, P

5-(3-Bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate (Ia) was used as an indicator for anionic surface active agents determination in the manual direct two-phase titration according to the International Standard [ISO 2271:1989] Surface active agents. The solvatochromic dye (Ia) can successfully replace the recommended mixed indicator consisting of a mixture of Acid Blue I and carcinogenic dimidium bromide. The detection of the titration endpoint with use of this dye turned out much easier than with the use of the mixed indicator. The procedure was also modified replacing carcinogenic and mutagenic chloroform with less toxic dichloromethane. The concentrations of the anionic surface – active substances in few commercially available products were determined using modified two-phase titration method.

A new method for the preparation of solvatochromic 5-(5-X-6-hydroxynaphthyl-2)-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium merocyanines A new method for the preparation of 7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium solvatochromic dye precursors has been investigated. 5-(6-Hydroxynaphthyl-2)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate, 5-(5-bromo-6-hydroxynaphthyl-2)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate and 5-(5-nitro-6-hydroxynaphthyl-2)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate were obtained via demethylation of the corresponding 5-(5-X-6-methoxynaphthyl-2)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium salts. The application of pyridinium hydrochloride in the demethylation of the methoxy perchlorates allowed to obtain the products with the almost quantitative yield in a very short time, especially when the reaction was carried out using microwave irradiation.

The elemental compositions of zoned alkali feldspar megacrysts from the Karkonosze pluton have been analysed and Pb isotope ratios determined using LA-ICP-MS, EMPA and TIMS. The results are used to interpret the magmatic environments within which they crystallized. Growth zones in the megacrysts show fluctuating trace element patterns that reflect a systematic relationship between incompatible LREE and compatible Ba. Chemical gradients between zones in the cores and rims of the megacrysts are not accompanied by significant variation in initial Pb isotope composition. The nucleation and crystallization of the megacrysts is interpreted as having occurred in an environment of magmatic hybridization caused by mixing of mantle and crustal components in which effective homogenization of the Pb isotope composition preceded the onset of megacryst growth. The concentrations of LREE in alkali feldspar zones were used to reconstruct hypothetical melt compositions. Some of the zones appear to have crystallized in an homogenous magmatic environment having clear geochemical affinities with end-member magmas in the Karkonosze pluton, whereas others crystallized in heterogeneous domains of magma hybridization. With the exception of Nd, zones crystallized in more homogeneous magma show LREE fractionation under near-equilibrium conditions. Trace element abundances of megacrysts grown in dynamic, homogeneous magmatic environments of the Karkonosze pluton occasionally deviate from the predicted patterns and show LREE impoverishment.

The demand for ultraviolet (UV)-crosslinkable pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) has rapidly been increasing. A variety of different PSAs containing new photoreactive pyridinium derivatives have been evaluated for their effectiveness in improving adhesion and cohesion in UV-crosslinkable PSAs. PSAs have been evaluated with respect to the tack, peel adhesion, and shear strength. This article summarizes the breakthrough technology used to achieve better performances in UV-crosslinkable acrylic PSAs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007

The modification of the manual direct two-phase titration method for anionic surface active agent determination is presented. The purpose was to find such organic solvent which can replace solvents applied in the method i. e. chloroform or dichloromethane since both are harmful, exhibiting carcinogenic, mutagenic and, embryotoxic properties. As a new solvent 1-butanol or isobutyl alcohol was used. The reaction in the examined alcohols caused to be acidic during the titration process. Thus the solvatochromic dye (1) i. e. 5-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate has been replaced with 1-phenyl-2-[2-(3-nitro-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-3,3-dimethyl-3H-indolium perchlorate (2). The pKa (3.51) of (2) facilitates its dissociation, and has the same color change at the titration endpoint. The modified method was tested on three different concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate solution, and the results are in good agreement with the real ones.

The direct two-phase titration method with use of solvatochromic dye, i. e. 5-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate (1) for cationic surfactants determination is presented which is the modification of an earlier described procedure for anionic surface active substances detection. The method was tested on standard solution of benzethonium chloride (cationic detergent) which enables to estimate its accuracy as well as on few commercially available products to verify its utility. The influence of pH value of the probe on the titration endpoint determination was discussed and a simple solution of this problem has been proposed.

The work refers to the already published modification of widely used method for anionic active agents determination which concerns the replacement of the mixed indicator, consisting of Acid Blue 1 and carcinogenic Dimidium Bromide, applied in the International Standard ISO 2271:1989 with solvatochromic dye i.e. 5-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-7,7-dimethyl-7H-indolo[1,2-a]quinolinium perchlorate (1). The value of pKa for examined dye (1) amounts to 6.59 thus the influence of different pH values of the probes on the analysis results was studied i.e. precision of determination of titration endpoint and the same the result of the quantitative analysis. The change of pH for aqueous and apparent pH for organic phase were determined during the titration process. It was shown that there is no effect of the pH change in its range varying from 3.5 to 5 on the results. The modification of the method for the probes which pH do not fit to the range mentioned above is presented.

Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we investigated the influence of 8-prenylnaringenin on the activity of the voltage-gated Kv1.3 potassium channels in the human leukemic T lymphocyte cell line Jurkat. 8-prenylnaringenin is a potent plant-derived phytoestrogen that has been found to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. The results show that it inhibited the Kv1.3 channels in a concentration-dependent manner. Complete inhibition occurred at concentrations higher than 10 μM. The inhibitory effect of 8-prenylnaringenin was reversible. It was accompanied by a significant acceleration of channel inactivation without any pronounced change in the activation rate. Of the naringenin derivatives tested to date, 8-prenylnaringenin is the most potent inhibitor of the Kv1.3 channels. The potency of the inhibition may be due to the presence of a prenyl group in the molecule of this flavonoid. The inhibition of the Kv1.3 channels might be involved in the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of 8-prenylnaringenin that have been observed in cancer cell lines expressing these channels.

Dipeptidyl aminopeptidases I and IV have recently found wide practical application (polypeptide sequencing, clinical diagnostics) so it is necessary to extend present methods and work out new ones for determination of their activity. A new, voltammetric method for determination of peptidase activity is proposed, which allows optimization of the determination conditions according to the activity to be measured. The method has some advantages over the spectrophotometric methods, such as applicability to opaque solutions and higher sensitivity.