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An important goal of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action UNGAP (UNderstanding Gastrointestinal Absorption-related Processes, www.ungap.eu) is to improve standardization of methods relating to the study of oral drug absorption. Solubility is a general term that refers to the maximum achievable concentration of a compound dissolved in a liquid medium. For orally administered drugs, relevant information on drug properties is crucial during drug (product) development and at the regulatory level. Collection of reliable and reproducible solubility data requires careful application and understanding of the limitations of the selected experimental method. In addition, the purity of a compound and its solid state form, as well as experimental parameters such as temperature of experimentation, media related factors, and sample handling procedures can affect data quality. In this paper, an international consensus developed by the COST UNGAP network on recommendations for collecting high quality solubility data for the development of orally administered drugs is proposed.

An important goal of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action UNGAP (UNder-standing Gastrointestinal Absorption-related Processes, www.ungap.eu) is to improve standardization of methods relating to the study of oral drug absorption. Solubility is a general term that refers to the maximum achievable concentration of a compound dissolved in a liquid medium. For orally administered drugs, relevant information on drug properties is crucial during drug (product) development and at the regulatory level. Collection of reliable and reproducible solubility data requires careful application and understanding of the limitations of the selected experimental method. In addition, the purity of a compound and its solid state form, as well as experimental parameters such as temperature of experimentation, media related factors, and sample handling procedures can affect data quality. In this paper, an international consensus developed by the COST UNGAP network on recommendations for collecting high quality solubility data for the development of orally administered drugs is proposed.

Contains fulltext : 234437.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access), Although oral drug delivery is the preferred administration route and has been used for centuries, modern drug discovery and development pipelines challenge conventional formulation approaches and highlight the insufficient mechanistic understanding of processes critical to oral drug absorption. This review presents the opinion of UNGAP scientists on four key themes across the oral absorption landscape: (1) specific patient populations, (2) regional differences in the gastrointestinal tract, (3) advanced formulations and (4) food-drug interactions. The differences of oral absorption in pediatric and geriatric populations, the specific issues in colonic absorption, the formulation approaches for poorly water-soluble (small molecules) and poorly permeable (peptides, RNA etc.) drugs, as well as the vast realm of food effects, are some of the topics discussed in detail. The identified controversies and gaps in the current understanding of gastrointestinal absorption-related processes are used to create a roadmap for the future of oral drug absorption research.

Global challenges of ongoing urbanization especially in areas with increased coastal, fluvial and pluvial flooding cannot be solved by mere engineering solutions. Reversed Engineering with Nature is a concept that puts the natural system central, but it does seek symbioses with engineering systems into a new hybrid condition. This spatial hybridity is not only about integrating natural and engineered systems but also in considering surface and subsurface as one united space. Anticipating global challenges by synchronizing natural and engineered system and the spatial planning of surface and subsurface means innovating governance processes and products. This paper focusses on the question on how to integrate information the natural and engineered systems in surface and subsurface in urban development plans. The study of a series of plans for the case studies, New York (USA) and Natori (Japan), both struck by natural disasters, should expose the role of technical information. Especially the impact of an disaster to which usually engineering solutions are installed is an important test factor in this study. The conclusions show that the role of the spatial plan defines the visualization, to work consciously with the effects of climate change, it is important to include the subsurface information., Environmental Technology and Design, Urban Design

OBJECTIVE: The underlying microbial basis, predictors of therapeutic outcome and active constituent(s) of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) mediating benefit remain unknown. An international panel of experts presented key elements that will shape forthcoming FMT research and practice. DESIGN: Systematic search was performed, FMT literature was critically appraised and a 1-day round-table discussion was conducted to derive expert consensus on key issues in FMT research. RESULTS: 16 experts convened and discussed five questions regarding (1) the role of donor and recipient microbial (bacteria, viruses, fungi) parameters in FMT; (2) methods to assess microbiota alterations; (3) concept of keystone species and microbial predictors of FMT, (4) influence of recipient profile and antibiotics pretreatment on FMT engraftment and maintenance and (5) new developments in FMT formulations and delivery. The panel considered that variable outcomes of FMT relate to compositional and functional differences in recipient's microbiota, and likely donor-associated and recipient-associated physiological and genetic factors. Taxonomic composition of donor intestinal microbiota may influence the efficacy of FMT in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections and UC. FMT not only alters bacteria composition but also establishes trans-kingdom equilibrium between gut fungi, viruses and bacteria to promote the recovery of microbial homeostasis. FMT is not a one size fits all and studies are required to identify microbial components that have specific effects in patients with different diseases. CONCLUSION: FMT requires optimisation before their therapeutic promise can be evaluated for different diseases. This summary will guide future directions and priorities in advancement of the science and practice of FMT.

The hydrological cycle crosses three environments: the geosphere, the biosphere, and the technosphere. The geosphere is the collective name for lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. The technosphere is the part of environment composed by wide variety of technological artefacts and the biosphere is composed of all ecosystems. These spheres can’t be analyzed and described separately but need to be understood as one hybrid space. Hybridity is defined as a system that is composed out of several separated systems drinking and sewer water is connected to the natural system because it also discharges rainwater. In order to be able to intervene in this system it needs to be described and analyzed to be understood. Moreover, it needs to be linked to urban space and quality to be able to harmonize urban development and water management. The urgency at the core of this study is the contemporary issue of climate change and consequently the changing hydrological cycle. To deal with pluvial flooding in cities, reduce energy use by introducing decentralized sewer systems, improve water quality by separated sewer systems and introducing blue-green infrastructure this study aims to give proper understanding and means to improve the water system, the water chain and urban quality simultaneously. One of the concepts to deal with water excess and energy use reduction is the application of a decentralized water circulation system called "Closed City", which was presented in 2005. Closed City is defined as “a city that does not have adverse effects on its surroundings, such as water depletion or emission of pollution”. This proposal is to improve the water storage and water purification capacity of cities, to store and recycle rainwater and sewage. This is believed possible by creating a self-sustaining water circulation system that responds to water shortages and floods., Environmental Technology and Design, Water Resources