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The article reviews the book "Sustainability Indicators: A Scientific Assessment," edited by Tomas Hak, Bedrich Moldan and Arther Lyon Dahl.

The article reviews the book "Sustainability Indicators: A Scientific Assessment," edited by Tomáš Hák, Bedŕich Moldan and Arthur Lyon Dahl.

Reviews books on climatic changes. 'Paleoclimatology,' by Thomas J. Crowley and Gerald R. North; 'Climate Change: The IPCC Scientific Assessment,' edited by J.T. Houghton, G.J. Jenkins and J.J. Ephraums.

Reviews the book "Climate Change: The IPCC Scientific Assessment," by J.T. Houghton, G.J. Jenkins and J.J. Ephraums.

The article reviews several environmental books including “Sustainability Indicators: A Scientific Assessment,” edited by Tomás Hák, Bedrich Moldan, and Arthur Lyon Dahl, “What We Know About Climate Change,” by Kerry Emmanuel and “The Working Landscape: Founding, Preservation, and the Politics of Place," by Peler F. Cannavo.

The article reviews the book "Peer Review and Scientific Assessment: A Handbook for Funding Organizations, Regulatory Agencies, and Editors," by A. Alan Moghissi, Betty R. Love and Sorin R. Straja.

The article reviews the book "Sustainability Indicators: A Scientific Assessment," edited by Tomáš Hák, Bedŕich Moldan and Arthur Lyon Dahl.

The article reviews the book "Scientific Assessment and Management of Animal Pain: Volume 10, Technical Series," coordinated by D. J. Mellor, P. M. Thornber, A. C. David Bayvel and S. Kahn.

Reviews the books `Climate Change: The IPCC Scientific Assessment,' edited by J.T. Houghton, G.J. Jenkins and J.J. Ephraums, `Leaving Eden to Protect and Manage the Earth,' by E.G. Nisbet, `Global Environmental Issues: A Climatological Approach,' by David E. Kemp, `Global Climate Change and Life on Earth,' edited by Richard L. Wyman and `Global Climate Change and California,' edited by Joseph B. Knox and Ann Foley Scheuring.

However, Papanicolaou dares to demand an answer to the questions: Do mystical experiences have an existence independent of their perception? Papanicolaou accepts as fundamentally correct Stace's extensively discussed phenomenology of mystical experience, including the extrovertive (a nonsensuous unity of all things) and the introvertive (a loss of self merging in a universal consciousness). (eBook). [Extracted from the article]

The article reviews the book "Sustainability Indicators: A Scientific Assessment," edited by Tomáš Hák, Bedřich Moldan and Arthur Lyon Dahl.

The article reviews several books on geography, hydrology and environment, including "GNSS Markets & Applications," by Len Jacobson, "Ocean Science," by Jennifer Hoffman, and "Sustainability Indicators; A Scientific Assessment," edited by Thomas Hák.

Lithobionts (rock-dwelling organisms) have been recognized as agents of aesthetic and physico-chemical deterioration of stonework. In consequence, their removal from cultural heritage stone surfaces (CHSS) is widely considered a necessary step in conservation interventions. On the other hand, lithobiontic communities, including microbial biofilms ('biological patinas'), can help integrate CHSS with their environmental setting and enhance biodiversity. Moreover, in some cases bioprotective effects have been reported and even interpreted as potential biotechnological solutions for conservation. This paper reviews the plethora of traditional and innovative methodologies to characterize lithobionts on CHSS in terms of biodiversity, interaction with the stone substrate and impacts on durability. In order to develop the best management and conservation strategies for CHSS, such diagnosis should be acquired on a case-by-case basis, as generalized approaches are unlikely to be suitable for all lithobionts, lithologies, environmental and cultural contexts or types of stonework. Strategies to control biodeteriogenic lithobionts on CHSS should similarly be based on experimental evaluation of their efficacy, including long-term monitoring of the effects on bioreceptivity, and of their environmental safety. This review examines what is known about the efficacy of control methods based on traditional-commercial biocides, as well as those based on innovative application of substances of plant and microbial origin, and physical techniques. A framework for providing a balanced scientific assessment of the role of lithobionts on CHSS and integrating this knowledge into management and conservation decision-making is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KEY POINTS: Discerning Experts: The Practices of Scientific Assessment for Environmental Policy — Glenn SuterThe Triumph of Doubt: Dark Money and the Science of Deception — Glenn SuterEnvironmental Risk Assessment, A Toxicological Approach, 2nd Edition — Glenn SuterPromising Practices for Addressing the Underrepresentation of Women in Science, Engineering and Medicine: Opening Doors — Robert StevensonRisk Bites — Glenn Suter [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviews three nonfiction books on earth sciences. Watching the World's Weather,' by William James Burroughs; 'Atmospheric Data Analysis,' by Roger Daley; 'Climate Change: The IPCC Scientific Assessment,' by J.T. Houghton, G.J. Jenkins and J.J. Ephraums.

Background Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide from an infectious disease. This review aimed to investigate the association between prior cytomegalovirus infection and tuberculosis disease. Methods Six bibliographic databases were searched from their respective inception to 31 December 2021. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Results Of 5476 identified articles, 15 satisfied the inclusion criteria with a total sample size of 38 618 patients. Pooled findings showed that individuals with cytomegalovirus infection had a higher risk of tuberculosis disease compared to those not infected with cytomegalovirus (odds ratio [OR], 3.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18–4.70). Age was the only covariate that exerted a significant effect on the result of the association. Meta-analysis of risk estimates reported in individual studies showed a marked and significant correlation of cytomegalovirus infection with active tuberculosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.34–4.51; adjusted OR, 1.14; 95% CI,.71–1.57). A clear dose-response relation was inferred between the levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies and the risks of tuberculosis events (OR for high levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies, 4.07; OR for medium levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies, 3.58). Conclusions The results suggest an elevated risk of tuberculosis disease among individuals with a prior cytomegalovirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation represents a crucial mechanism of epigenetic regulation in hematologic malignancies. The methylation process is controlled by specific DNA methyl transferases and other regulators, which are often affected by genetic alterations. Global hypomethylation and hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes are associated with hematologic cancer development and progression. Several epi-drugs have been successfully implicated in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including the hypomethylating agents (HMAs) decitabine and azacytidine. However, combinations with other treatment modalities and the discovery of new molecules are still the subject of research to increase sensitivity to anti-cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we summarized the main functions of DNA methylation regulators and genetic events leading to changes in methylation landscapes. We provide current knowledge about target genes with aberrant methylation levels in leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and malignant lymphomas. Moreover, we provide an overview of the clinical trials, focused mainly on the combined therapy of HMAs with other treatments and its impact on adverse events, treatment efficacy, and survival rates among hematologic cancer patients. In the era of precision medicine, a transition from genes to their regulation opens up the possibility of an epigenetic-based approach as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated disinfectants are widely used in hospitals, COVID-19 quarantine facilities, households, institutes, and public areas to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus as they are effective against viruses on various surfaces. Medical facilities have enhanced their routine disinfection of indoors, premises, and in-house sewage. Besides questioning the efficiency of these compounds in combating coronavirus, the impacts of these excessive disinfection efforts have not been discussed anywhere. The impacts of chlorine-based disinfectants on both environment and human health are reviewed in this paper. Chlorine in molecular and in compound forms is known to pose many health hazards. Hypochlorite addition to soil can increase chlorine/chloride concentration, which can be fatal to plant species if exposed. When chlorine compounds reach the sewer/drainage system and are exposed to aqueous media such as wastewater, many disinfection by-products (DBPs) can be formed depending on the concentrations of natural organic matter, inorganics, and anthropogenic pollutants present. Chlorination of hospital wastewater can also produce toxic drug-derived disinfection by-products. Many DBPs are carcinogenic to humans, and some of them are cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic. DBPs can be harmful to the flora and fauna of the receiving water body and may have adverse effects on microorganisms and plankton present in these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalimantan is a part of Indonesia, which occupies the southern three-quarters of the island of Borneo, sharing a border with the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Although most areas of Kalimantan have low and stable transmission of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, there are relatively high case numbers in the province of East Kalimantan. Two aspects of malaria endemicity in Kalimantan differentiate it from the rest of Indonesia, namely recent deforestation and potential exposure to the zoonotic malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi that occurs in relatively large numbers in adjacent Malaysian Borneo. In the present review, the history of malaria and its current epidemiology in Kalimantan are examined, including control and eradication efforts over the past two centuries, mosquito vector prevalence, anti-malarial use and parasite resistance, and the available data from case reports of knowlesi malaria and the presence of conditions which would support transmission of this zoonotic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its prevalent nature, diabetes mellitus has become one of the most serious endocrine illnesses affecting a patient's quality of life due to the manifestation of side effects such as cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Curcumin ((1E, 6E) 21, 7‐bis (4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione), a major compound of turmeric, has been used in conventional medicine because of its safe nature and cost‐effectiveness to meliorate diabetes and its comorbidities. These effects have also been observed in rodent models of diabetes resulting in a reduction of glycemia and blood lipids. Both the preventive and therapeutic activities of this compound are due to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory characteristics. Furthermore, preclinical outcomes and clinical investigation demonstrate that the use of curcumin neutralizes insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia. Despite the many benefits of curcumin, its two limiting factors, solubility and bioavailability, remain a challenge for researchers; therefore, several methods such as drug formulation, nano‐drug delivery, and the use of curcumin analogs have been developed to deliver curcumin and increase its bioavailability. Practical applications: The rise of people with type 2 diabetes has become a major concern at the global healthcare level. The best diabetes treatments today are anti‐diabetic drug administration, lifestyle‐related interventions (such as healthy eating and daily physical activity), arterial pressure detection, and fat control. The polyphenol curcumin, found in turmeric, can promote health by acting on a variety of cellular signaling pathways. This review article discusses curcumin and its role in the treatment of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver is an important part in human beings and plays a very important and major role in metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics from the body. Further, hepatotoxicity is caused by different types of toxic chemicals, such as antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents, paracetamol (C8H9NO2), thioacetamide (C2H5NS), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), silymarin (C25H22O10), ethanol (C2H5OH) and excessive alcohol intake and microbes is well researched. The markedly available synthetic drugs to treat liver sickness in this condition also cause further damage to the liver. Therefore, herbal medicines have become increasingly famous and their utilization is wide-spread. In medicinal plant derived drugs, that have been utilized in the treatment of liver diseases for a long time, the protection of a healthy liver has been essential for the overall well-being of an individual. Liver injury induced by toxins is more common now-a-days. Herbal remedies are focused in the pharmaceutical industry to evolve a safe route for liver disorders and it is very low cost, no side effects compared with synthetic drugs. Therefore, hepatoprotective plants such as Avicennia alba, Anisochilus carnosus, Baliospermum montanum, Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea, Eclipta alba, Justicia adhatada, Phyllanthus emblica, Pisonia grandis and Syzgium cumini were reviewed. The present review is aimed at compiling data on promising phytochemicals from medicinal plants that have been tested in hepatotoxicity models using modern scientific system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian system of medicine – Ayurveda says "When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no use". In this context, mushroom constitutes one of the major resources for nutraceuticals. Biomolecules of mushrooms have attracted the attention of researchers around the globe due to their proven healthy attributes. They have a plenitude of health-giving properties and these range from immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic, anticholesterolic to antiarthritic activities. Mushrooms contain both primary and secondary metabolites. The primary metabolites provide energy while the secondary metabolite exhibits medicinal properties. Hence, the mushroom can be a recipe for human wellness and will play a significant role in fighting COVID-19 pandemics and other infectious diseases. The key findings suggested in this paper refer to the exploration of health and the healing traits of biomolecules of mushrooms. This article reviews the current status of the medicinal attributes of mushrooms and their biomolecules in different diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, reproductive diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The global malnutrition-related morbidity and mortality among children under five and lactating women presents a frightening picture and also a black spot on the human face. Malnutrition is responsible for more ill-health than any other cause. Mushrooms as a rich source of bioactive compounds can be claimed as "Best from the Waste" since they grow on the most abundant organic wastes of the Earth, the lignocellulosic substrate, and 'Best of the Rest' because they are excellent nutraceutical resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry, a sustainable land use practice adopted as a strategy under Kyoto Protocol, plays a crucial role to mitigate the inevitable climate change with a promising potential of carbon sequestration in their biomass and utilization of their numerous resource. Agroforestry is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustaining livelihoods, and partial solutions for biodiversity conservation. Worldwide, agroforestry is practiced by more than 1.2 billion people, on around 1 billion hectares (ha) of land area, while in India, around 25.32 million hectares area comes under agroforestry. Agroforestry system is the enhancement of overall farm productivity, soil enrichment through litter fall, above and below ground carbon sequestration, maintaining environmental services. Different agroforestry systems are adapted at the global level and periodic monitoring and estimation of area under agroforestry, monitoring of tree and soil carbon stocks is still a challenging task due to the lack of uniform methodology. The review analyzes the potential of agroforestry systems for climate adaptation and mitigation as well as their implications for the livelihood of human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide diversity of plant protection products (PPP) is used for crop protection leading to the contamination of soil, water, and air, which can have ecotoxicological impacts on living organisms. It is inconceivable to study the effects of each compound on each species from each compartment, experimental studies being time consuming and cost prohibitive, and animal testing having to be avoided. Therefore, numerous models are developed to assess PPP ecotoxicological effects. Our objective was to provide an overview of the modeling approaches enabling the assessment of PPP effects (including biopesticides) on the biota. Six categories of models were inventoried: (Q)SAR, DR and TKTD, population, multi-species, landscape, and mixture models. They were developed for various species (terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates, primary producers, micro-organisms) belonging to diverse environmental compartments, to address different goals (e.g., species sensitivity or PPP bioaccumulation assessment, ecosystem services protection). Among them, mechanistic models are increasingly recognized by EFSA for PPP regulatory risk assessment but, to date, remain not considered in notified guidance documents. The strengths and limits of the reviewed models are discussed together with improvement avenues (multigenerational effects, multiple biotic and abiotic stressors). This review also underlines a lack of model testing by means of field data and of sensitivity and uncertainty analyses. Accurate and robust modeling of PPP effects and other stressors on living organisms, from their application in the field to their functional consequences on the ecosystems at different scales of time and space, would help going toward a more sustainable management of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the proliferation of Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (CyanoHABs) has increased with water eutrophication and climate change, impairing human health and the environment in relation to water supply. In drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), the bio-coagulation based on natural coagulants has been studied as an eco-friendly alternative technology to conventional coagulants for both turbidity and CyanoHABs removal. Plant-based coagulants have demonstrated their coagulation efficiency in turbidity removal, as reported in several papers but its ability in cyanobacterial removal is still limited. This paper mainly reviewed the application of plant-based coagulants in DWTPs, with focus on turbidity removal, including cyanobacterial cells. The future potential uses of these green coagulants to reduce noxious effects of cyanobacterial proliferation are presented. Green coagulants advantages and limitations in DWTPs are reviewed and discussed summarizing more than 10 years of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striving for longevity is neither a recent human desire nor a novel scientific field. The first article on this topic was published in 1838, when the average human life expectancy was approximately 40 years. Although nowadays people on average live almost as twice as long, we still (and perhaps more than ever) look for new ways to extend our lifespan. During this seemingly endless journey of discovering efficient methods to prolong life, humans were enthusiastic regarding several approaches, one of which is caloric restriction (CR). Where does CR, initially considered universally beneficial for extending both lifespan and health span, stand today? Does a lifelong decrease in food consumption represent one of the secrets of centenarians' long and healthy life? Do we still believe that if we eat less, we will live longer? This review aims to summarize the current literature on CR as a potential life-prolonging intervention in humans and discusses metabolic pathways that underlie this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the characteristics of climate change in different regions of the world are all composed of the above three factors, and the author believes that these three factors can be used as potential factors to measure the risk of climate change. Three other risk factors closely related to extreme weather and climate events are inadequate climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, natural disasters, and ecological damage. At the same time, this book can be used as extracurricular auxiliary materials for graduate students majoring in natural disaster assessment, climate change risk assessment, and comprehensive disaster risk analysis because this book can be applied to climate change risk courses, disaster risk science courses, and so forth, and has reference value for readers to understand climate change risk. [Extracted from the article]