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The aim of this study was to compare the photocatalytic activity of ZnO and four inexpensive TiO2-based pigments in the degradation of tetracyclines, beta-lactams, sulfonamides and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. TiO2-P25 (Aeroxide®) was used as the reference standard catalyst. For the photocatalytic degradation of selected drugs, kinetics were determined, and intermediates were identified. Efficient drug degradation was observed in the presence of ZnO and TiO2 pigments containing only anatase. The pigment containing a mixture of anatase and rutile was practically inactive. ZnO had the highest photocatalytic activity, higher than the standard. The other pigments were found to be less active than the standard. However, the use of these pigments for drug degradation may be economically justified due to their significantly lower price than TiO2-P25 (Aeroxide®). Seventy-two drug degradation products were identified. The photodegradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. It was found that the degradation products of the tested drugs are very similar regardless of the catalyst used. Only the photodegradation products of diclofenac and consequently its products were significantly different in the presence of ZnO compared to TiO2-containing photocatalysts. It was confirmed that the tested photocatalysts, with the exclusion of FS, could be useful for pharmaceutical degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lincomycin belongs to the antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine. Its residues are easily spread in the environment because of its physicochemical properties, including resistance to biodegradation and good solubility in water. One of the effective methods for the removal of lincomycin from wastewater is the photocatalytic process, but it is not widely used due to the price of photocatalysts. The aim of this work was to compare the photocatalytic efficiency and the mechanism of lincomycin degradation initiated by UVa radiation in the presence of TiO2-P25 and ZnO, as well as in the presence of industrial pigments commonly used in construction and containing TiO2. Lincomycin was found to undergo efficient photocatalytic degradation in the presence of a commercial TiO2-P25 photocatalyst, industrial pigments containing only anatase, and in the presence of ZnO. On the contrary, industrial pigments containing only rutile or a mixture of rutile and anatase practically did not show any photocatalytic activity. The composition of the solutions after the degradation of lincomycin in the presence of TiO2-P25 and ZnO differed significantly. Most of the identified organic degradation products contained conserved pharmacophores, and some of them could have been highly ecotoxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact of aquatic microbiocenoses with antibiotics present in the environment can cause the former to develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, the search for methods to detect antibiotics and drug-resistant microorganisms in the environment is important. The presented paper proposes a simple procedure to assess environmental exposure to antibiotics and the presence of non-susceptible microorganisms. Medium solutions with selected antibiotics and a microbial growth indicator were applied to test plates, and were inoculated with water samples from various ecosystems. After incubation, the susceptibility of the microorganisms to antibiotics was determined and presented in chronic microbial toxic concentration (MTC) values. It was confirmed that the presented procedure enables the assessment of the antibiotic susceptibility and adaptation potential of unselected microorganisms from different aquatic ecosystems. However, the MTC values depend on the inoculum volume, the density and seasonal activity of the microorganisms, the method of inoculum preparation, and the incubation time of the test plate. The described procedure may be practically applied as a screening test to identify the presence of drug-resistant microorganisms. Additionally, it may also be suitable as a method to assess environmental exposure to antibiotics. However, prior standardisation is required before implementing this procedure in quantitative studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is an inflammatory, primary scarring alopecia, however its pathogenesis is not completely elucidated. S100A7 is a multifunctional, antimicrobial protein with proinflammatory properties. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is implicated in the development of various autoimmune skin diseases. Aim: To determine the tissue expression of S100A7, S100A4 and IL-17 in LPP Material and methods: The immunohistochemical analysis was performed on biopsy specimens obtained from individuals with histologically confirmed lichen planopilaris (n = 23), alopecia areata (AA) (n = 11), and healthy controls (n = 14). The expression was evaluated using Zeiss Axio Imager A2 light microscope. Results: The number of cells showing S100A7 expression was significantly higher in LPP lesional skin compared to AA lesional skin (p = 0.0002) and normal skin of healthy controls (p < 0.0001). The number of cells showing IL-17 expression was significantly higher in LPP lesional skin compared to normal skin of healthy controls (p < 0.0001) and the number of cells showing IL-17 expression was significantly higher in AA lesional skin compared to normal skin of healthy controls (p < 0.0001). The number of cells showing IL-17 expression was not significantly different in LPP lesional skin and in AA lesional skin (p > 0.05). The number of cells showing S100A4 expression was not significantly different in LPP lesional skin, AA lesional skin and in normal skin of healthy controls. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest the possible role of S100A7 and IL-17 in the pathogenesis of LPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with Benedict Hesse of Cracow's (ca. 1389-1456) question about the resurrection, from the ms Kraków, BJ, 1369, ff. 24r-26r. The article demonstrates that the question comes from the Commentary on Matthew's Gospel by Hesse and is also preserved in two other manuscripts: ms Kraków, BJ, 1366, pp. 516-521, and ms Città del Vaticano, BAV, Vat.Lat.14646, ff. 161va-163va. On this basis, it is possible to determine the dating of the question's composition to the years 1446-March 7, 1448. The article also analyses the doctrinal content of the question. Hesse considers the details related to the resurrection in a numerically identical body. The medieval theologian points out the metaphysical possibility of resurrection, its time and place, as well as the material structure of the risen body. A critical edition of the text crowns the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonamides can be effectively removed from wastewater through a photocatalytic process. However, the mineralization achieved by this method is a long-term and expensive process. The effect of shortening the photocatalytic process is the partial degradation and formation of intermediates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and transformation of photocatalytic reaction intermediates in aerobic biological processes. Sulfadiazine and sulfamethoxazole solutions were used in the study, which were irradiated in the presence of a TiO2-P25 catalyst. The resulting solutions were then aerated after the addition of river water or activated sludge suspension from a commercial wastewater treatment plant. The reaction kinetics were determined and fifteen products of photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides were identified. Most of these products were further transformed in the presence of activated sludge suspension or in water taken from the river. They may have been decomposed into other organic and inorganic compounds. The formation of biologically inactive acyl derivatives was observed in the biological process. However, compounds that are more toxic to aquatic organisms than the initial drugs can also be formed. After 28 days, the sulfamethoxazole concentration in the presence of activated sludge was reduced by 66 ± 7%. Sulfadiazine was practically non-biodegradable under the conditions used. The presented results confirm the advisability of using photocatalysis as a process preceding biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic progressive, lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory disease whose pathogenesis is complex and not fully elucidated. Aim: In the current study we have investigated for the first time the expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and S100A7 in lesional skin obtained from female individuals with histologically confirmed VLS. Material and methods: In our study we used skin biopsies obtained from female patients with histologically confirmed VLS (n = 20) and skin samples from healthy age- and gender-matched individuals (plastic surgery procedures) (n = 10) serving as controls. The tissue expressions of IL-17 and S100A7 were assessed with an immunohistochemical method. Results: The number of cells showing IL-17 expression was significantly higher in VLS lesional skin as compared to normal skin of healthy controls (p < 0.0001). In VLS lesional skin, IL-17 was expressed in the epidermis and by cells within the inflammatory infiltrate in the upper dermis. The number of cells showing S100A7 expression was significantly higher in VLS lesional skin as compared to normal skin of healthy controls (p < 0.0001). In VLS lesional skin, S100A7 was expressed by suprabasal keratinocytes in epidermis. S100A7 was also expressed by cells within the inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis. Conclusions: The results of our study may suggest the involvement of IL-17 and S100A7 in the pathogenesis of VLS. The better understanding of this disease may lead to the development of novel, effective therapeutic strategies e.g. using well-known biologics IL-17 inhibitors class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction & Objectives Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder resulting in patchy, non-scaring hair loss. The pathogenesis for AA involves loss of immune privilege for the hair follicle through overactivity of the Th1 and Th17 cells and dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Treg).1 Rezpegaldesleukin (REZPEG: NKTR-358) is a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated recombinant human interleukin 2 (rhIL-2) with the ability to selectively promote the activation and up-to 12-fold expansion of Tregs, while having relatively minimal effect on conventional T cells (Tcons).2 REZPEG is a biologic therapy and represents a potential novel therapeutic approach for patients with severe to very-severe AA. There are currently no biologic therapies approved for the treatment of AA. REZPEG has previously demonstrated clinical activity in patients with chronic inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematous. Specifically, a Phase 1b study of REZPEG for patients with moderate-to-severe AD demonstrated a rapid time to response (2-4 weeks) during induction therapy and a prolonged durability of response, i.e. throughout the 36-week follow-up after cessation of therapy. These results support further development of REZPEG for patients with moderate to severe AD (phase 2b study ongoing, NCT06136741) and other inflammatory skin diseases, including AA. Objective Evaluate the efficacy and safety of REZPEG in patients with severe alopecia areata. Materials & Methods We are conducting a Phase 2b, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, international, multicenter study of REZPEG vs placebo for JAK-inhibitor naïve patients with severe to very severe AA. Eligibility requires adult males (aged 18-60 years) or adult females (aged 18-70) with severe to very severe AA with the following inclusion criteria: baseline Severity Alopecia Tool (SALT) score ≥ 50, stable hair loss for 6-months, current episode of severe AA of less than 8-years, and no hair loss from causes other than AA. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 3:3:2 ratio to 2 different REZPEG dosing regimens vs. placebo, administered subcutaneously, during the treatment period and all patients will undergo an extended follow-up. The primary endpoint for this study is the percent change from baseline in SALT score at end of treatment period. Key secondary/exploratory endpoints include the following: percent change from baseline in SALT score at other assessed timepoints, proportions with ≥ 50%, 75%, 90% reduction in SALT at end of treatment period and other assessed timepoints, proportion of patients with absolute SALT score ≤ 10, ≤ 20, ≤ 30, ≤ 50 at end of treatment period and other assessed timepoints, safety/tolerability, various patient reported outcomes (PROs), pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Results Trial ongoing (NCT 06340360). Conclusion REZPEG is a novel regulatory T cell stimulating therapy that may confer prolonged therapeutic benefit for patients with chronic inflammatory skin conditions, including AA and AD. This phase 2b trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of multiple dosing regimens of REZPEG in JAK-inhibitor and biologic-therapy naïve patients with severe to very severe alopecia areata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multistep synthesis of novel bis-terephthalthioamides based on methyl esters of amino acids (AAs) was proposed using conventional heating and microwave-assisted approaches. In fact, the comparative case study on the thionation of new symmetrical diamides with Lawesson's reagent (LR) was performed. The microwave-accelerated small-scale methodology was successfully employed on the whole pathway from substrates (Gly, Ala, Val, Tyr, Ser) to products (symmetrical dithioamides of terephthalic acid), resulting in significantly reduced reaction time, energy requirements, and slightly increased reaction yields when compared to conventional heating. Moreover, the intermolecular similarity of novel terephthalic acid derivatives was estimated in the multidimensional space (mDS) of the structure/property-related in silico descriptors using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The distance-oriented structure/property distribution was also correlated with the experimental lipophilic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, I collected the basic information about principia on Lombard' s Sentences from the University of Cracow in the fifteenth century scattered in the different locations. Delivering the principium was an academic ceremony which gathered the university community around the bachelor. The student was obliged to present the speech, which started with the invocation of God' s grace, continued with the protestatio, eulogy based on the biblical verse, solution of the theological question and was crowned by the thanksgiving. We are currently aware of seventeen excerpts from Cracow scholars: some of them have already been thoroughly studied, but the majority are still waiting in the manuscripts for the critical edition. This paper collected the most important information about the preserved texts, their location in the manuscripts and the state of editions. In this way, the paper gives the tools to continue and to deepen future investigations on the principia in fifteenth-century Cracow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]