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Climate change forces agriculture to face the rapidly growing virulence of biotrophic fungal pathogens, which in turn drives researchers to seek new ways of combatting or limiting the spread of diseases caused by the same. While the use of agrochemicals may be the most efficient strategy in this context, it is important to ensure that such chemicals are safe for the natural environment. Heterocyclic compounds have enormous biological potential. A series of heterocyclic scaffolds (1,3,4-thiadiazole, 1,3-thiazole, 1,2,4-triazole, benzothiazine, benzothiadiazine, and quinazoline) containing 2,4-dihydroxylaryl substituents were investigated for their ability to inhibit the growth and development of biotrophic fungal pathogens associated with several important cereal diseases. Of the 33 analysed compounds, 3 were identified as having high inhibitory potential against Blumeria and Puccinia fungi. The conducted research indicated that the analysed compounds can be used to reduce the incidence of fungal diseases in cereals; however, further thorough research is required to investigate their effects on plant–pathogen systems, including molecular studies to determine the exact mechanism of their activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) must restrict their intake of phenylalanine, which can also affect the levels of other essential and non-essential amino acids due to inadequate supply. Therefore, our objective was to assess amino acids in serum samples from 20 PKU patients and compare them with results from 51 healthy subjects. A sample analysis was conducted using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We obtained levels of 28 substances, including amino acids, biogenic amines, carnitine, and acetylcarnitine. Kynurenine (p = 0.000001), tyrosine (p = 0.0002), asparagine (p = 0.001), proline (p = 0.012), and the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (p < 0.000001) were identified as features that differed between the studied groups, being significantly lower in patients with PKU. Glycine (p = 0.000012), putrescine (p = 0.0055), asymmetric dimethylarginine (p = 0.01), creatinine (p = 0.035) levels, as well as the total level of glucogenic amino acids (p = 0.0018), and the ratios of putrescine/ornithine (p = 0.003) and citrulline/ornithine (p = 0.0043) were significantly higher in the PKU group. In conclusion, the amino acid profiles in patients with PKU differ significantly from those in healthy peers, with potential clinical implications. These findings confirm the importance of metabolic testing in clinical practice and highlight the necessity for adequate dietary monitoring and adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermocosmetics are products intended for sensitive and problematic skin. They are a good solution for additional care of skin affected by conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, or for couperose skin. The compounds of particular importance in the care of atopic skin include ceramides, ectoine, hyaluronic acid, vitamins A and E, as well as natural vegetable oils. The aim of this work was to develop a qualitative and quantitative approach and to investigate the characteristics of formulations such as a face cream, topical cream, body lotion, and cleansing foam dedicated to patients with atopic dermatitis. The finished cosmetic formulation was evaluated by performing formulation stability tests at different times and temperatures, together with packaging compatibility and organoleptic evaluation. Preservative tests were carried out to determine the efficacy of the preservative. In addition, dermatological and instrumental tests were done to verify the product properties. The newly developed cosmetic formulations showed good physical and chemical characteristics, typical of this type of product. They were also structurally and microbiologically stable during storage at various temperatures. Dermatological tests did not reveal any irritating or allergenic properties. The best data were obtained for the face cream--namely improvement of skin hydration by 21.88%, reduction of transepidermal water loss by 15.86%, alleviation of erythema by 15.77%, and of skin sensitivity by 17.20%. This work resulted in the preparation of innovative dermocosmetics to be used for atopic skin. The cosmetics have a unique composition and delicate formula, show high biofunctionality, and meet all the requirements for cosmetic products intended for marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]