The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FF), thiamphenicol (TP) and chloramphenicol (CP) after single intravenous (i.v.) or oral (p.o.) administration was studied in an independent cross-over study in broiler turkeys. All the fenicol antibiotics were administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg b.w. and their concentrations in plasma samples were assayed using the same validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by a noncompartmental method. The kinetic profiles of the compounds were compared with the results of the structure-activity relationship. According to the proposed mathematical description, no differences in plasma clearance values for the studied antibiotics were observed. The mean residence time values of FF, TF, and CP after i.v. injection were 3.37+/-0.63, 2.43+/-0.29, and 2.12+/-0.21 h, respectively. The mean values of Varea for FF (1.39+/-0.31 L/kg) and TP (1.31+/-0.19 L/kg) were similar, but significantly different from that of CP (1.04+/-0.12 L/kg). The bioavailabilities of FF, TP, and CP after oral administration were 82%, 69%, and 45%, respectively. Differences in the bioavailability values of the compared fenicol antibiotics correspond to the ratio of the apolar/polar surface areas of their particles.

The aim of this study was to characterize modified basalt fabrics as semi-finished articles for application in personal protective equipment (PPE), i.e. protective gloves. Resistance to the thermal properties for three fabrics made of basalt fibers differed in the aspect of mass per square meter and thickness as well as for the aluminized modifications presented. The modifications were obtained by gluing aluminum foil to the fabric with two kinds of glue. The results of the measurements are presented in the form of tables and figures. The study focused on the elaboration of the optimal textile modification designed for use in protective gloves against thermal and mechanical risks. According to the specifications of related European standards, only one way of proposed modification meets the requirements and can be successfully used for manufacturing the final product.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to check an applicability of aluminized basalt fabrics for production of gloves protecting simultaneously against thermal and mechanical factors. Design/methodology/approach – Six variants of protective gloves were manufactured using two different glove constructions: more simple and cheaper with the anatomical thumb arrangement (model A), and more ergonomic one with so called “distance gussets” (model B). Aluminized basalt fabrics were contained in the back side of all variants and in only one variant of palm side. Then the protective properties against thermal and mechanical factors were measured according to the up-to-date standards. Findings – The fulfillment of contact heat requirement was achieved for all glove variants at 100°C. Application of aluminized basalt fabrics in the glove back side allowed obtaining the fourth performance level in the case of resistance to small metal splashes and assuring the highest protection against the radiant heat and small metal splashes. Fulfillment of standard requirements for all examined mechanical parameters was achieved and significantly higher values than reqired for the highest performance level were registered. Research limitations/implications – The further research including upscalling strategy as well as industrial conditions requirements should be taking into account for basalt textiles development. Moreover functionalization of basalt yarns and fabrics seems to be promising feature. Practical implications – The preliminary utility trials were done and registered results are very promising, shows that this kind of gloves will be cheaper than produced so far and could be used in the glass, welder companies. Social implications – The basalt textiles applied for protective gloves or other personal protective equipment can ensure safety at work for end users operating in mechanical and thermal risk scenarios. Originality/value – Up till now the basalt fabrics have not been recognized as a material for the personal protective equipment, they were used mostly for technical purposes.

Liposomes act as efficient drug carriers. Recently, epirubicin (EPI) formulation was developed using a novel EDTA ion gradient method for drug encapsulation. This formulation displayed very good stability and drug retention in vitro in a two-year long-term stability experiment. The cryo-TEM images show drug precipitate structures different than ones formed with ammonium sulfate method, which is usually used to encapsulate anthracyclines. Its pharmacokinetic properties and its efficacy in the human breast MDA-MB-231 cancer xenograft model were also determined. The liposomal EPI formulation is eliminated slowly with an AUC of 7.6487, while the free drug has an AUC of only 0.0097. The formulation also had a much higher overall antitumor efficacy than the free drug.