Fungi: friends or foes-an outreach science initiative for the collection of airborne fungal spores by high school students.

Fungi mostly reproduce through spores that are adapted for airborne dispersal; hence, fungal spores (and fungi) are found virtually everywhere. Fungi can be "friends or foes." Our friends include fungi used in the food and biotech industries, fungi that contribute to the cycling of carbon and nutrients, and those involved in the decontamination of polluted soils and/or water, to mention just a few examples.

Gallic acid derivatives as inhibitors of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) larval settlement: Lead optimization, biological evaluation and use in antifouling coatings.

The addition of biocides to marine coatings has been the most used solution to avoid marine biofouling, however they are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) to marine ecosystems. The development of natural products or Nature-inspired synthetic compounds to replace these harmfull biocides has been pursued as one of the most promising antifouling (AF) alternatives. Following a bioprospection strategy, we have previously reported the AF activity of gallic acid persulfate (1) against the settlement of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae (EC = 18 µM and LC/EC = 27) without exhibiting ecotoxicity to Artemia salina.

Development of a genomic predictive model for cholangiocarcinoma using copy number alteration data.

Aims: Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare tumour arising from the biliary tract epithelium. The aim of this study was to perform a genomic characterisation of CC tumours and to implement a model to differentiate extrahepatic (ECC) and intrahepatic (ICC) cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods: DNA extracted from tumour samples of 23 patients with CC, namely 10 patients with ECC and 13 patients with ICC, was analysed by array comparative genomic hybridisation.

Evaluating the effects of the Licensing Act 2003 on the characteristics of drinking occasions in England and Wales: a theory of change-guided evaluation of a natural experiment.

Background And Aims: The Licensing Act 2003 deregulated trading hours in England and Wales. Previous evaluations have focused upon consumption and harm outcomes, finding mixed results. Several evaluations speculated on the reasons for their results, noting the role of changes in the characteristics of drinking occasions.

The sensitivity of Demodex canis (Acari: Demodicidae) to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia - an in vitro study.

The essential oil of the Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) (tea tree oil) has been effective in previous studies, in the treatment of infestation by Demodex mites in humans. The present study aimed at evaluating the in vitro acaricidal effect of this herbal medicine on Demodex canis. For the parasitological examination, samples were collected from a dog's skin and examined using optical microscopy.

Diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer metabolism: Is there a relationship?

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of glucose levels and diabetes mellitus in prostate cancer (PCa) biology.

Materials And Methods: Two PCa cell lines (LNCap and PC3) were cultured in RPMI medium with different glucose concentrations [5mM (LG) and 25mM (HG)]. Expressions of androgen receptor, Her2/neu and glucose transporters (GLUT1, 3, 5 and 12) were evaluated by flow cytometry.

Single-Dose, Randomized, Open-Label, Two-Way, Crossover Bioequivalence Study of Two Formulations of Pregabalin 300 mg Hard Capsules in Healthy Volunteers Under Fasting Conditions.

Aims: This bioequivalence study was conducted to assess the bioequivalence of two formulations, test and reference, of pregabalin 300 mg hard capsules, under fasting conditions.

Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, single-dose, open-label, laboratory-blinded, two-way crossover study, with a minimum washout period of 7 days. Plasma samples were collected prior to and up to 36 h after dosing.

Bioequivalence study of two formulations of ibandronic acid 150-mg film-coated tablets in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions: a randomized, open-label, three-way, reference-replicated crossover study.

Aims: This bioequivalence study aimed to compare rate and extent of absorption of a generic medicinal product of ibandronic acid 150-mg film-coated tablet versus Bonviva(®).

Methods: This was a single-centre, open-label, randomized, three-way, three-sequence, reference-replicated, crossover bioequivalence study, under fasting conditions. A single oral dose of ibandronic acid as one 150-mg film-coated tablet was administered in each study period.

Study on the bioequivalence of two formulations of eplerenone in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions: data from a single-center, randomized, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover bioequivalence study.

Background: Eplerenone (CAS 107724-20-9) prevents the binding of aldosterone, a key hormone in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS), which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and is indicated, in addition to standard therapy including beta-blockers, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in stable patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF < or = 40%) and clinical evidence of heart failure after recent myocardial infarction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the bioequivalence of a new eplerenone 50 mg formulation (test formulation) vs. the reference product, as required by European regulatory authorities for the marketing of a generic product.

Truncated areas under the curve in the assessment of pioglitazone bioequivalence. Data from a single-center, single-dose, randomized, open-label, 2-way cross-over bioequivalence study of two formulations of pioglitazone 45 mg tablets under fasting conditions.

Background: Pioglitazone (CAS 112529-15-4 for the HCl form) is an oral antidiabetic agent that is a member of the group of drugs known as thiazolidinediones. It is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the bioequivalence of a new pioglitazone 45 mg formulation (test formulation) vs.

Bioequivalence studies of two different film-coated tablet formulations of valacyclovir of two different strengths in healthy volunteers.

These studies were conducted in order to assess the bioequivalence of two film-coated formulations containing 250 mg and 1000 mg of valacyclovir (INN: valaciclovir; CAS 124832-26-4), which is the L-valyl ester and a pro-drug of the antiviral drug acyclovir (INN: aciclovir). In the study with valacyclovir 250 mg, 36 healthy subjects were enrolled in a randomized, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover study, with a washout period of 10 days. In the study with valacyclovir 1000 mg, 46 healthy subjects were enrolled in a randomized, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover study, with a washout period of 7 days.

Bioequivalence study of two different tablet formulations of donepezil using truncated areas under the curve. A single-center, single-dose, randomized, open-label, 2-way crossover study under fasting conditions.

Background: Donepezil hydrochloride (CAS 120014-06-4) is a piperidine-based, reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). It is postulated to exert its therapeutic effect by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine (ACh) through reversible inhibition of its hydrolysis by AChE.

Mycophenolate mofetil 500-mg tablet under fasting conditions: single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, four-way replicate crossover, bioequivalence study in healthy subjects.

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA), is an immunosuppressive agent indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in allogeneic kidney, heart, or liver transplant recipients. The European regulatory authorities require bioequivalence studies for the marketing of generic products.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the bioequivalence of a generic (test) and branded (reference) formulation of MMF 500 mg and MPA.

Results of a single-center, single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, two-way crossover bioequivalence study of two formulations of valsartan 160-mg tablets in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions.

Background: Valsartan is a nonpeptide, orally active angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker used to treat hypertension alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the relative bioavailability of a new valsartan 160-mg formulation (ie, test drug) and that of a reference formulation so that bioequivalence could be assessed, as required by European regulatory authorities for the marketing of a generic product.

Methods: This was a single-center, single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 2-way crossover study with a minimum washout period of 7 days; drug was administered to healthy volunteers under fasting conditions.

Bioequivalence study of two enteric-coated formulations of pantoprazole in healthy volunteers under fed conditions.

This study was conducted in order to assess the bioequivalence of two enteric-coated formulations of 40 mg pantoprazole (CAS 102625-70-7), under fed conditions. Seventy-four healthy subjects, age ranging from 24 to 55 years, were enrolled in a two-centre, randomised, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover study, with a minimum washout period of 7 days. Plasma samples were collected up to 30.

Bioequivalence study of two different film-coated tablet formulations of losartan-hydrochlorothiazide in healthy volunteers.

The study was conducted in order to assess the bioequivalence of two film-coated formulations containing 100 mg of losartan (CAS 124750-99-8) and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide (CAS 58-93-5). Seventy-three healthy subjects were enrolled in a randomised, single-dose, open-label, two-way crossover study, with a minimum washout period of 7 days.