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Integrating sustainability into risk management is essential for the agri-food sector, as it addresses socio-ecological factors in business operations. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is widely used for risk management but often lacks precise numerical analysis. This paper subsequently evaluates these enhancements to FMEA, with the objective of (1) conducting a comprehensive examination of research on sustainable risk management in the agri-food industry, and (2) Analyze recent research on improving the FMEA method's effectiveness in risk management. The mini-review is systematically organized by collecting articles, selecting them based on publication year and keywords, screening titles, screening for inclusion, assessing quality through a full-text review, extracting, and analyzing data, and finally reporting the findings. An analysis of 20 papers from 2010 to 2024 was conducted, examining a variety of frameworks. The mini-review was chosen for its flexibility and focus, making it ideal for offering insights with less time and resources. The review results suggest that FMEA has been significantly altered to improve its capabilities, mainly through the integration of fuzzy logic and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Fuzzy FMEA reduces uncertainty, while FMEA-DEA assesses direct and indirect relationships between failure modes, improving risk prioritization. The paper concludes by summarizing the application of FMEA-DEA for sustainable risk management in the agri-food sector.

Purpose: This mini-review presents strategies for assessing and treating communication difficulties in individuals with comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Standardized assessments such as the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals and the Test of Language Development provide quantitative insights, while pragmatic tools, such as the Pragmatic Language Skills Inventory and the Social Communication Questionnaire provide qualitative measures of social communication skills. A comprehensive assessment also integrates clinical interviews, multi-contextual observations, Views: A multifaceted approach tailored to individual needs is required to effectively treat communication difficulties. Evidence suggests benefits from social skills training, structured group therapy sessions, and speech and language therapy focusing on expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language skills. Augmentative and alternative communication systems provide support for individuals with limited verbal skills. In addition, the development of supportive academic frameworks, such as Individualized Education Programs or Individualized Accommodation Plans, involves environmental modifications and collaborative educational planning including psychologists, educators, and families. Conclusions: Comorbid ADHD and ASD significantly impair communication, necessitating precise evaluation and multimodal interventions such as social skills training and augmentative and alternative communication tools. Collaborative, evidence-based approaches enhance functional outcomes and quality of life in affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA) allows bidirectional crosstalk between the brain and gut microbiota (GM) and is believed to contribute to regulating mood/cognition/behaviour/metabolism/health and homeostasis. Manipulation of GM through faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a new, exciting and promising treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Aims: This mini-review examines current research into GM and FMT as a therapy for depression. Methods: Original research articles published in Medline/Cochrane Library/PubMed/EMBASE/PsycINFO databases/National Institute of Health website Clinicaltrials.gov/controlled-trials.com were searched. Full articles included in reference lists were evaluated. We summarise current data on GM and depression and discuss communication through the MGBA and the interaction of antidepressants and GM through this. We review compositions of dysbiosis in depressed cohorts, focusing on future directions in the treatment of MDD. Results: Studies have demonstrated significant gut dysbiosis in depressed patients compared to healthy cohorts, with overgrowth of pro-inflammatory microbiota, reduction in anti-inflammatory species and reduced overall stability and taxonomic richness. FMT allows the introduction of healthy microbiota into the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating the restoration of eubiosis. Conclusion: The GM plays an integral role in human health and disease through its communication with the rest of the body via the MGBA. FMT may provide a means to transfer the healthy phenotype into the recipient and this concept in humans is attracting enormous attention as a prospective treatment for psychopathologies, such as MDD, in the future. It may be possible to manipulate the GM in a number of ways, but further research is needed to determine the exact likelihood and profiles involved in the development and amelioration of MDD in humans, as well as the long-term effects and potential risks of this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative oncology is an understudied field of science. We are far from understanding the key mechanisms behind Peto's paradox, i.e., understanding how long-lived and large animals are not subject to a higher cancer burden despite the longer exposure time to mutations and the larger number of cells exposed.In this work, we investigated the scientific evidence on such mechanisms through a systematic mini-review of the literature about the relation of longevity and/or large body mass with physiological, genetic, or environmental traits among mammalian species. More than forty thousand articles were retrieved from three repositories, and 383 of them were screened using an active-learning-based tool. Of those, 36 articles on longevity and 37 on body mass were selected for the review. Such articles were examined focusing on: number and type of species considered, statistical methods used, traits investigated, and observed relationship with longevity and/or body mass. Where applicable, the traits investigated were matched with one or more hallmarks of cancer.We obtained a list of potential candidate traits to explain Peto's paradox related to replicative immortality, cell senescence, genome instability and mutations, proliferative signaling, growth suppression evasion, and cell resistance to death.Our investigation suggests that different strategies have been followed to prevent cancer in large and long-lived species. The large number of papers retrieved emphasizes that more studies can be launched in the future, using more efficient analytical approaches to comprehensively evaluate the convergent biological mechanisms essential for acquiring longevity and large body mass without increasing cancer risk.

Background: Emerging adults, of whom significant numbers report chronic pain, are characterized as having unique needs and challenges. Psychological/behavioral treatments found to be beneficial for reducing pain outcomes in children and adults are understudied in emerging adults. Following a systematic review of the literature, our objective is to report on quantitative studies of psychological/behavioral interventions for chronic pain in emerging adults. Method: We conducted a search of six databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science) and reference sections in dissertations and systematic reviews to 4/ 29/2023. Keywords and phrases were search term combinations of “chronic/ persistent pain”, “emerging/young adults,” and “intervention/treatment” using Boolean logic. Results: Our review resulted in identifying 37 articles, of which 2 duplicates were removed, and 31 were further excluded by a screening process based on various inclusionary and exclusionary criteria. The search yielded four studies on psychological/behavioral interventions (yoga, acceptance and commitment therapy and relaxation), all of which positively affected the pain experience and/or pain-related outcomes. These studies presented issues in design such as not being blinded or randomized, having a small sample size, and potential confounds that were not reported or examined. Discussion: The low number of studies reveals a large gap in the literature and is a call-to-action to further expand our understanding of effective and safer psychological/behavioral therapies for chronic pain in emerging adults. Successful pain management during this developmental phase may help young adults achieve positive trajectories for personal, occupational, relational, and health aspects of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different techniques have been proposed for RNA extraction, many of which have found extensive use in biological research. The introduction of these methods has greatly improved molecular diagnostics, drug discovery, and numerous other research and clinical endeavors. In this review, the working principles of the most commonly used RNA extraction methods for research and clinical applications are discussed. Current automation efforts and the quest for more efficient and cost-effective methods are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundEmerging adults, of whom significant numbers report chronic pain, are characterized as having unique needs and challenges. Psychological/behavioral treatments found to be beneficial for reducing pain outcomes in children and adults are understudied in emerging adults. Following a systematic review of the literature, our objective is to report on quantitative studies of psychological/behavioral interventions for chronic pain in emerging adults.MethodWe conducted a search of six databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science) and reference sections in dissertations and systematic reviews to 4/29/2023. Keywords and phrases were search term combinations of “chronic/persistent pain”, “emerging/young adults,” and “intervention/treatment” using Boolean logic.ResultsOur review resulted in identifying 37 articles, of which 2 duplicates were removed, and 31 were further excluded by a screening process based on various inclusionary and exclusionary criteria. The search yielded four studies on psychological/behavioral interventions (yoga, acceptance and commitment therapy and relaxation), all of which positively affected the pain experience and/or pain-related outcomes. These studies presented issues in design such as not being blinded or randomized, having a small sample size, and potential confounds that were not reported or examined.DiscussionThe low number of studies reveals a large gap in the literature and is a call-to-action to further expand our understanding of effective and safer psychological/behavioral therapies for chronic pain in emerging adults. Successful pain management during this developmental phase may help young adults achieve positive trajectories for personal, occupational, relational, and health aspects of their lives.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has made great strides in research over the last decade. Data analysis has been aided by developments in bioinformatics tools and artificial intelligence, allowing biological and clinical researchers to get a deeper understanding of the different cell clusters and their dynamics within tumours. Combining conventional treatment modalities like chemotherapy and radiation with immunotherapy is a growing trend in cancer treatment. Hence, knowledge of the tumour microenvironment and the effect of each treatment modality on the TME, at a single cell level can provide treating clinicians with better clues for patient stratification and prognostication. With this knowledge, immunotherapy could become successful in treating a wide range of cancers, opening the path for the creation of even more effective treatment strategies. Despite the widespread availability of scRNA-seq technology, computational analysis and data interpretation are still challenges. Worldwide, such challenges are being addressed by various researchers, strengthening the contribution of this technology towards cancer elimination. In this mini-review, we primarily focus on the technique, its workflow, and the computational aspects of scRNA technology, along with an overview of the current challenges in the analysis and interpretation of the data generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well-known herb Barleria lupulina is traditionally used as a medicinal and decorative plant. The various parts of this plant are reported to contain a range of phytoconstituents, including terpenes and terpenoidal compounds, iridoid glucosides, iridoid diglucosides, phenylpropanoid glucosides, and phenylethanoid glucosides. Antibacterial, antiarthritic, CNS depressive, anti-osteoporotic, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects are present in isolated components and extract of B. lupulina. This in-depth analysis covers the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological use, and mechanism of action of B. lupulina.

Low-temperature bacteria have potential to produce biohydrogen and are often considered a potential renewable energy generator for the future. However, the bacteria have presented poor hydrogen yield due to slow metabolic rate and prolonged lag phase often caused by their restricted growth temperature limit. The ineffective search for new biocatalysts from cold environments and the application of modification techniques almost jeopardize the economic viability of these strains in the biohydrogen production research. This article examined cold genetic and enzymatic adaptation potentials that led to the continuous expression of novel biocatalysts of biotechnological importance under the following headings; cold-adapted bacteria, biohydrogen-producing bacteria, strategies for adapting to stress in low temperatures, performance of cold-adapted bacteria in biohydrogen production, challenges of cold-adapted bacteria in biohydrogen production and future prospect. Finding new strains and studying their unique properties can improve the efficiency of hydrogen production by cold-adapted bacteria, as this new area has not yet been extensively studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple corn (Zea mays L.) is a special variety of corn, rich in a large amount of anthocyanins and other functional phytochemicals, and has always ranked high in the economic benefits of the corn industry. However, most studies on the stability of agronomic traits and the interaction between genotype and environment in cereal crops focus on yield. In order to further study the accumulation and stability of special anthocyanins in the growth process of purple corn, this review starts with the elucidation of anthocyanins in purple corn, the biosynthesis process and the gene regulation mechanism behind them, points out the influence of anthocyanin metabolism on anthocyanin metabolism, and introduces the influence of environmental factors on anthocyanin accumulation in detail, so as to promote the multi-field production of purple corn, encourage the development of color corn industry and provide new opportunities for corn breeders and growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mini-review, enhanced with a bibliometric analysis, explores biochar production via sewage sludge pyrolysis and its diverse applications, employing a bibliometric method to map the scientific landscape and key research impacts. It outlines the pyrolysis technique, a process converting sewage sludge into biochar by heating in an oxygen-free environment, which minimizes waste while producing valuable biochar. The review assesses biochar’s characteristics-like its large surface area and porosity-beneficial for soil improvement, water filtration, carbon storage, and contaminant removal. It addresses production challenges and environmental benefits, urging further research to fine-tune pyrolysis and broaden biochar’s uses across various sectors.

In many countries, immigrant women constitute a substantial proportion of women giving birth. With gestational diabetes being one of the most common complications in pregnancy, understanding gestational diabetes in the context of international migration becomes increasingly relevant. Here, we examine the current evidence related to international migration and gestational diabetes, including short- and long-term adverse outcomes and the experiences of immigrant women with gestational diabetes care and long-term follow-up. Existing evidence focuses on immigrants in high-income countries, and has mainly examined differences in the risk of developing gestational diabetes, or on the experiences of immigrant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Studies suggest that the risk of gestational diabetes may be influenced by migration and that immigrant women likely experience particular barriers to care and follow-up. Current research on perinatal outcomes is inconclusive and studies on long-term outcomes are practically absent. Future research should include data on country of origin and examine the role of premigration and postmigration factors in developing gestational diabetes and its associated short- and long-term outcomes. Understanding these factors will provide useful insights into improving the health and health care needs of migrating populations and enable inclusion of culturally appropriate health care practices, thereby improving the health of our current and future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a physicochemical parameter widely used in the evaluation of surface water quality; however, its role as an agent of transport and transference of pollutants sometimes is still disregarded. The heterogeneous composition of DOC, predominantly composed of humin, humic and fulvic acids, renders it an inherent capacity to bind to organic and inorganic pollutants. This is an important feature when the knowledge of present and future conditions of aquatic environments is of concern. Some authors concluded that DOC is a controlling agent of mobility of metals, phosphorus, herbicides, and pesticides, among others. Nevertheless, some physical and chemical conditions in the water column and in the sediment can immobilize the contaminants and make the DOC less soluble, which will hamper the formation of DOC-pollutant complexes. This mini review is intended to present the importance of DOC quantification and some information on its association with water contaminants, which could render them unavailable for uptake. HIGHLIGHTS Dissolved organic carbon represents an important role in the dynamics of pollutants in water bodies.; There is a close relationship between the DOC and a pollutant in surficial sediments and pore water.; The heterogeneity of DOC composition turns it into a versatile ligand in aquatic systems.;

As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (PG) has preventive and therapeutic effects on various diseases. Ginsenosides are main active ingredients of PG and have good pharmacological effects. Due to the diversity of chemical structures and physicochemical properties of ginsenosides, Currently, related studies on PG monomer saponins are mainly focused on the cardiovascular system, nervous system, antidiabetic, and antitumor. There are few types of research on the toxin treatment, predominantly exogenous toxicity. PG and its monomer ginsenosides are undoubtedly a practical option for treating exogenous toxicity for drug-induced or metal-induced side effects such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, metal toxicity and other exogenous toxicity caused by drugs or metals. The mechanism focuses on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic, as well as modulation of signaling pathways. It summarized the therapeutic effects of ginseng monomer saponins on exogenous toxicity and demonstrated that ginsenosides could be used as potential drugs to treat exogenous toxicity and reduce drug toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butane, an aliphatic hydrocarbon with explosive and flammable properties, is widely misused especially by young people. Acting as an asphyxiant gas, butane mainly targets the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. We aimed to review butane‐attributed toxicities due to its harmful use or misuse reported in a two‐decade period. We searched English‐language publications reporting butane toxicities from 2000 up to 2021 and collected data on age, gender, route and source of exposure, country of origin, clinical presentation and outcome. Among 54 butane's harmful use/misuse cases identified in the literature, there were 11 survivors successfully discharged from the hospital. Patients were predominantly males with a mean age ± SD of 23 ± 13 years. The main route of exposure was inhalation. Manifestations were mainly cardiac and neurological. Majority of the cases were reported from Europe and Japan. To conclude, butane exposure is at risk of severe central nervous system and cardiac toxicities, which may result in a fatal outcome. Therefore, in the event of a sudden or suspicious death in a young individual, our findings suggest that butane's harmful use/misuse should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in capsaicinoids increased recently due to its potential for commercial use, including food products, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical, and self-defence products. Hence, there is an urge to develop an efficient qualitative and quantitative method of capsaicinoids so as to protect the consumer right and upright the regulation regarding their concentration in the aforementioned products. Therefore, this mini-review is aimed at assisting readers in choosing the best analytical method for detecting capsaicinoids in a variety of samples, which includes selected recent journals. HPLC, NMR spectroscopy, and electrochemical sensors are among the analytical methods chosen in this review. The advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each analytical method are thoroughly examined. It also discusses the validation methods such as the accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limits of the techniques. This mini-review is believed to benefit not only researchers, but also the related regulatory institutions in the determination of capsaicinoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper intends to show the importance of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) as well as the trends, challenges, and implications to educational policy. To achieve this, the proponents did a mini-review. The paper searched the internet for relevant and timely research papers and articles mainly focusing on the education management information system. After garnering enough materials for the mini-review, the tedious task of evaluating and analyzing the concepts and contexts of each material took place. Based on the evaluation, this paper found that some studies have shown promising results and positive experiences with the implementation education management information system (EMIS) in their institution. However, some did not execute well due to several reasons and factors. In addition, some research papers provided essential recommendations and suggestions that will help solve these different problems of EMIS. In the end, the paper concluded and shared some significant implications that school administrators can use for future references for policy and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is an essential part of life, and its availability is important for all living purposes, due to industrial development and the high demand for agricultural products that humans require for their survival, it has produced a high level of environmental pollution, which has generated a problem in recent decades. Among the large number of pollutants that have been found in wastewater is the glyphosate molecule (Gly), the most widely used herbicide for agriculture. Within this context, this mini-review summarizes the current advances and discussions on the development of nanomaterials, focusing on their application to capture the glyphosate molecule and thus, improve wastewater treatment. Metallic organic framework structures, graphene, and porous organic solids are among the most versatile porous materials that have been extensively investigated for application in glyphosate capture. Under this context, the intention of the following review is to provide and summarize the discussion of research advances in the recent capture of glyphosate, from wastewater using nanostructured materials.

Job burnout is a psychological syndrome which results from chronic occupational stress and cognitive impairments are among its negative consequences. The demands of the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged the healthcare system increasing the risk of job burnout among healthcare professionals. The studies conducted so far have mainly focused on the effects of job burnout on executive functions. Visuospatial functions are a cognitive domain which plays an important role in healthcare workers' optimal performance. Healthcare workers are constantly relying on their visuospatial abilities in order to care for their patients as they are required to use techniques that involve manipulation of medical instruments, they need to have excellent hand-eye coordination and great perception of spatial anatomy, factors that can affect healthcare workers' performance is of significance and can put patient safety at risk. However, our understanding of how visuospatial functions are being affected in job burnout is limited. The scope of this mini-review is to examine the evidence concerning the relationship of job burnout with visuospatial functions. The sparsity of the relevant empirical evidence does not allow for definite conclusions. However, given the implications of diminished visuospatial abilities in patient safety we highlight the need for studies exploring the effects of job burnout on visuospatial functions. Limitations of studies are discussed.

Helicobacter canis, an enterohepatic Helicobacter, has proven its role in human diseases and has been rediscussed in recent years as its zoonotic potential is increasingly described. Routine microbiological detection of this pathogen is a difficult task as its culture may fail due to fastidious growth. It is therefore supposed that many clinical laboratories under-recognize H. canis infections. A review of all clinical and microbiological literature currently available from previous relevant H. canis human clinical cases, mainly bacteremia, added with a clinical case observed at the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, was performed. Clinical features of H. canis reports show the presence of underlying clinical conditions in 89% of the cases, bacteremia in 83%, associated fever in 58%, and recent close contact with pets in 83%, especially dogs. The observed microbiological trends from 10 cases of bacteremia were a median of 4 days until positive blood culture bottle detection, subcultures showing a thin layer of small colonies under microaerophilic atmosphere at 35–42°C after 3–4 days of growth, and an identification requiring 16S rRNA sequencing given the difficulties observed with MALDI-TOF MS. Low MICs were observed for penicillins, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, carbapenems, and metronidazole in opposition to high MICs for ciprofloxacin. A frequent association of H. canis and bacteremia in immunocompromised patients with recurrent fever in contact with pets, especially dogs, was identified. Considering the fastidious growing capacities, final identification from blood cultures may not be expected before 7 days. Intravenous ceftriaxone, oral doxycycline, or metronidazole has been suggested as efficient therapeutic choices.

Higenamine, a natural product with multiple targets in heart diseases, is originally derived from Aconitum, which has been traditionally used in China for the treatment of heart disease, including heart failure, arrhythmia, bradycardia, cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, etc. This study is aimed to clarify the role of higenamine in heart diseases. Higenamine has effects on improving energy metabolism of cardiomyocytes, anti-cardiac fibroblast activation, anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis. Accumulating evidence from various studies has shown that higenamine exerts a wide range of cardiovascular pharmacological effects in vivo and in vitro, including alleviating heart failure, reducing cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, attenuating pathological cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. In addition, several clinical studies have reported that higenamine could continuously increase the heart rate levels of healthy volunteers as well as patients with heart disease, but there are variable effects on systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, the heart protection and therapeutic effects of higenamine on heart disease are related to regulating LKB1/AMPKα/Sirt1, mediating the β2-AR/PI3K/AKT cascade, induction of heme oxygenase-1, suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signaling, and targeting ASK1/MAPK (ERK, P38)/NF-kB signaling pathway. However, the interventional effects of higenamine on heart disease and its underlying mechanisms based on experimental studies have not yet been systematically reviewed. This paper reviewed the potential pharmacological mechanisms of higenamine on the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of heart disease and clarified its clinical applications. The literature shows that higenamine may have a potent effect on complex heart diseases, and proves the profound medicinal value of higenamine in heart disease.

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease accounts for one-third of global deaths. However, the mechanism of atherosclerosis is not fully understood. It is well-known that the Rho GTPase family, especially Rho A, plays a vital role in the development and progression of arteriosclerosis. Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Rho GEFs), which act upstream of Rho GTPases, are also involved in the atheromatous pathological process. Despite some research on the role of Rho GEFS in the regulation of atherosclerosis, the number of studies is small relative to studies on the essential function of Rho GEFs. Some studies have preliminarily revealed Rho GEF regulation of atherosclerosis by experiments in vivo and in vitro. Herein, we review the advances in research on the relationship and interaction between Rho GEFs and atheroma to provide a potential reference for further study of atherosclerosis.

Job burnout is a psychological syndrome which results from chronic occupational stress and cognitive impairments are among its negative consequences. The demands of the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged the healthcare system increasing the risk of job burnout among healthcare professionals. The studies conducted so far have mainly focused on the effects of job burnout on executive functions. Visuospatial functions are a cognitive domain which plays an important role in healthcare workers' optimal performance. Healthcare workers are constantly relying on their visuospatial abilities in order to care for their patients as they are required to use techniques that involve manipulation of medical instruments, they need to have excellent hand-eye coordination and great perception of spatial anatomy, factors that can affect healthcare workers' performance is of significance and can put patient safety at risk. However, our understanding of how visuospatial functions are being affected in job burnout is limited. The scope of this mini-review is to examine the evidence concerning the relationship of job burnout with visuospatial functions. The sparsity of the relevant empirical evidence does not allow for definite conclusions. However, given the implications of diminished visuospatial abilities in patient safety we highlight the need for studies exploring the effects of job burnout on visuospatial functions. Limitations of studies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter canis , an enterohepatic Helicobacter, has proven its role in human diseases and has been rediscussed in recent years as its zoonotic potential is increasingly described. Routine microbiological detection of this pathogen is a difficult task as its culture may fail due to fastidious growth. It is therefore supposed that many clinical laboratories under-recognize H. canis infections. A review of all clinical and microbiological literature currently available from previous relevant H. canis human clinical cases, mainly bacteremia, added with a clinical case observed at the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, was performed. Clinical features of H. canis reports show the presence of underlying clinical conditions in 89% of the cases, bacteremia in 83%, associated fever in 58%, and recent close contact with pets in 83%, especially dogs. The observed microbiological trends from 10 cases of bacteremia were a median of 4 days until positive blood culture bottle detection, subcultures showing a thin layer of small colonies under microaerophilic atmosphere at 35–42°C after 3–4 days of growth, and an identification requiring 16S rRNA sequencing given the difficulties observed with MALDI-TOF MS. Low MICs were observed for penicillins, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, carbapenems, and metronidazole in opposition to high MICs for ciprofloxacin. A frequent association of H. canis and bacteremia in immunocompromised patients with recurrent fever in contact with pets, especially dogs, was identified. Considering the fastidious growing capacities, final identification from blood cultures may not be expected before 7 days. Intravenous ceftriaxone, oral doxycycline, or metronidazole has been suggested as efficient therapeutic choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higenamine, a natural product with multiple targets in heart diseases, is originally derived from Aconitum , which has been traditionally used in China for the treatment of heart disease, including heart failure, arrhythmia, bradycardia, cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, etc. This study is aimed to clarify the role of higenamine in heart diseases. Higenamine has effects on improving energy metabolism of cardiomyocytes, anti-cardiac fibroblast activation, anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis. Accumulating evidence from various studies has shown that higenamine exerts a wide range of cardiovascular pharmacological effects in vivo and in vitro , including alleviating heart failure, reducing cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, attenuating pathological cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. In addition, several clinical studies have reported that higenamine could continuously increase the heart rate levels of healthy volunteers as well as patients with heart disease, but there are variable effects on systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, the heart protection and therapeutic effects of higenamine on heart disease are related to regulating LKB1/AMPKα/Sirt1, mediating the β2-AR/PI3K/AKT cascade, induction of heme oxygenase-1, suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signaling, and targeting ASK1/MAPK (ERK, P38)/NF-kB signaling pathway. However, the interventional effects of higenamine on heart disease and its underlying mechanisms based on experimental studies have not yet been systematically reviewed. This paper reviewed the potential pharmacological mechanisms of higenamine on the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of heart disease and clarified its clinical applications. The literature shows that higenamine may have a potent effect on complex heart diseases, and proves the profound medicinal value of higenamine in heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is characterized by apoptosis of endothelial cells, an imbalance between vasoconstrictory and vasodilatory substances, the imbalance between ROS and antioxidants, vascular remodeling, loss of vascular integrity which leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. To date, no therapeutic intervention is available as a promising agent. This may be due to a poor understanding of the underlying mechanism involved in vascular endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis. Animal models sharing identical features as that of humans are paramount to understand fundamental physiology, mechanism and to explore new targets for developing therapeutic agents. Thus, it becomes mandatory to re-explore the available animal models for a better understanding of molecular pathways involving vascular endothelial dysfunction. The purpose of this paper is to review different models for vascular endothelial dysfunction to the outlook for developing new drugs to treat vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Large volumes of conventional crude oil continue to be shipped by sea from production to consumption areas across the globe. In addition, unconventional petroleum products also transverse pelagic habitats; for example, diluted bitumen from Canada's oilsands which is shipped along the Pacific coast to the United States and Asia. Therefore, there is a continuing need to assess the toxicological consequences of chronic and catastrophic petroleum spillage on marine wildlife. Peer-reviewed literature on the toxicity of unconventional petroleum such as diluted bitumen exists for teleost fish, but not for fauna such as marine mammals. In order to inform research needs for unconventional petroleum toxicity we conducted a comprehensive literature review of conventional petroleum toxicity on marine mammals. The common endpoints observed in conventional crude oil exposures and oil spills include hematological injury, modulation of immune function and organ weight, genotoxicity, eye irritation, neurotoxicity, lung disease, adrenal dysfunction, metabolic and clinical abnormalities related to oiling of the pelage, behavioural impacts, decreased reproductive success, mortality, and population-level declines. Based on our findings and the body of literature we accessed, our recommendations for future research include: 1) improved baseline data on PAH and metals exposure in marine mammals, 2) improved pre- and post-spill data on marine mammal populations, 3) the use of surrogate mammalian models for petroleum toxicity testing, and 4) the need for empirical data on the toxicity of unconventional petroleum to marine mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide petroleum exploration and transportation continue to impact the health of the marine environment through both catastrophic and chronic spillage. Of the impacted fauna, marine reptiles are often overlooked. While marine reptiles are sensitive to xenobiotics, there is a paucity of petroleum toxicity data for these specialized fauna in peer reviewed literature. Here we review the known impacts of petroleum spillage to marine reptiles, specifically to marine turtles and iguanas with an emphasis on physiology and fitness related toxicological effects. Secondly, we recommend standardized toxicity testing on surrogate species to elucidate the mechanisms by which petroleum related mortalities occur in the field following catastrophic spillage and to better link physiological and fitness related endpoints. Finally, we propose that marine reptiles could serve as sentinel species for marine ecosystem monitoring in the case of petroleum spillage. Comprehensive petroleum toxicity data on marine reptiles is needed in order to serve as a foundation for future research with newer, unconventional crude oils of unknown toxicity such as diluted bitumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frailty is an age-related dynamic status, characterized by a reduced resistance to stressors due to the cumulative decline of multiple physiological systems. Several researches have highlighted a relationship between physical frailty and cognitive decline; however, the role of specific cognitive domains has not been deeply clarified yet. Current studies have hypothesized that physical frailty and neuropsychological deficits may share systemic inflammation and increased oxidative stress in different neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. However, the role of the executive dysfunction should be investigated in a more detailed way using a multidimensional approach. With this aim, we conducted a review of the literature on the few experimental articles published to discuss the existence of a relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment in neurocognitive disorders, particularly focusing on the domain of executive dysfunction. The data suggest that physical frailty and cognitive decline, especially executive dysfunction, are two aspects strongly linked in mild and major neurocognitive disorders due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In light of this, a new framework linking aging, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases is needed. In order to analyze the effects that aging processes have on neural decline and neurocognitive disease, and to identify relevant groups of users and patients, future longitudinal studies should adopt a multidimensional approach, in the field of primary prevention and in the continuum from mild to major neurocognitive disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF) is one of the subclasses of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that has been widely investigated in the last decade. Among the ZIF members, a particular interest has been devoted to ZIF‐8 due to various factors, such as mild and fast synthesis conditions, framework stability and the right pore aperture to perform various separations. Recently, there has also been growing interest in developing ZIF‐8 as a thin layer membrane on polymeric substrates as they are considerably cheaper than the inorganic ones. This review then discusses recent advances in this field, focusing on various fabrication strategies and promising future applications. The challenges and future perspectives are also discussed with an emphasis on employing this approach in industrial scale. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is characterized by recurrent thrombosis. We report the case of a 36-year-old male who had acute right-sided ischemic stroke and right leg ischemia secondary to left ventricular (LV) thrombus caused by primary APLS. The literature review suggested that the LV thrombus presented most commonly with systemic embolism and was associated with a mortality rate of 22.2% with treatment. Thrombophilic workup in young patients with a systemic thromboembolic episode (s) is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paeoniflorin is derived from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., Paeonia lactiflora Pall., or Paeonia veitchii Lynch and has been used in traditional medical applications for more than 2,000 years. Paeoniflorin is a monoterpenoid glycoside with various effects on liver diseases. Recent studies have revealed that paeoniflorin demonstrates a wide range of activities, including hepatic protection, cholestasis alleviation, liver fibrosis attenuation, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease prevention, and hepatocellular carcinoma inhibition involved in multiple pathways. Moreover, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and immune regulation with the regulation of TLR4-NF-κB, ROCK/NF-κB, HO-1, mitochondria-dependent as well as HMGB1‐TLR4 signaling pathways are correlated with hepatic protection in liver injury and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Antioxidative mechanisms, anti-inflammation, and hepatic transporter regulation involved in NOX4, PI3K/Akt/Nrf2, NF‐κB, NTCP, BSEP, as well as MRP2 signals are mainly relevant to the anticholestatic effect of paeoniflorin. The inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation and alleviation of extracellular matrix deposition via vast signals such as mTOR/HIF-1α, TGF-β1/Smads, and JAK2/STAT6 are primarily involved in the antifibrotic effect of paeoniflorin. The regulation of macrophages also contributes to the alleviation effect on liver fibrosis. In addition, the reduction of invasion, metastasis, and adhesion and the induction of apoptosis-related targets, including Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, are related to its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma. The literature indicates that paeoniflorin might have potent efficacy in complex liver diseases and demonstrates the profound medicinal value of paeoniflorin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of infertility indicated for women failed to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and for women over 35 years failed to conceive after 6 mo of unprotected intercourse, because the fertility decline as women approach 40 years. Evaluation of infertile couple should begin with semen analysis of male partner. If the semen analysis is within normal range, evaluation then move on to female partner. Evaluation of the infertile woman should be carried in cost-effective manner to identify the causes of infertility using the least invasive methods. Methods of evaluation of infertile women include: 1) history and physical examination; 2) evaluation of the male partner; 3) documentation of ovulation; 4) evaluation of the ovarian reserve; 5) evaluation of cervical causes of infertility; 6) evaluation of uterine causes of infertility; 7) documentation of the tubal patency; and 8) exclusion of peritoneal causes of infertility. Evaluation of infertile couple should include evaluation of both partners. Semen analysis for the male partner, followed by documentation of ovulation and evaluation of genital tract patency. PCT is not used as routine evaluation of infertile women. Laparoscopy is not used as routine evaluation of infertile women unless there is suspected peritoneal factors of infertility or endometriosis or tubal occlusion. Ovarian reserve should only be done for infertile women with diminished response to external gonadotropins (not routine).