-
Heliyon Jun 2024The COVID-19 pandemic led to a labour shortage crisis at maritime ports. Therefore, stakeholders of this industry must have robust tools to maintain good performance...
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a labour shortage crisis at maritime ports. Therefore, stakeholders of this industry must have robust tools to maintain good performance indicators of productivity and competitiveness. One of the most critical issues is the labour force related to allocation, performance evaluation, and foreseeing/adapting to new requirements. Many authors have studied the characteristics, elements, trends, and factors crucial in its management. However, there needs to be a comprehensive understanding of this concern. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a systematic literature review on labour force management in the maritime ports to (1) understand the elements and factors that strongly relate to human management and (2) identify future research directions to address the impact of labour shortages. Research questions and keywords were used to search academic databases for peer-reviewed papers, articles, or books. The search, selection and quality assessment processes were performed using the PRISMA methodology. This resulted in 32 documents for review and categorised based on their contributions to the research questions and content. The main findings include factors in labour force management, challenges in optimisation, technology and automation use, methods for evaluating performance, and the impact of the regulatory framework. In addition, potential future research streams were proposed to guide further studies into the needs of this industry.
PubMed: 38832284
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31401 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Nanoparticles have recently become considered as a crucial player in contemporary medicine, with therapeutic uses ranging from contrast agents in imaging to carriers for... (Review)
Review
Nanoparticles have recently become considered as a crucial player in contemporary medicine, with therapeutic uses ranging from contrast agents in imaging to carriers for the transport of drugs and genes into a specific target. Nanoparticles have the ability to have more precise molecular interactions with the human body in order to target specific cells and tissues with minimal adverse effects and maximal therapeutic outcomes. With the least number of side effects and the greatest possible therapeutic benefit, nanoparticles can target particular cells and tissues through more precise molecular interactions with the human body. The majority of global public health problems are now treated with green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which substantially affect the fundamental structure of DNA and proteins and thus display their antimicrobial action. AgNPs can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and induce oxidative stress. By inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF)-1, pro-inflammatory mediators generated by silver nanoparticles are reduced, mucin hypersecretion is lessened, and gene activity is subsequently regulated to prevent infections. The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using various plants and their applications in antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities have been extensively discussed in this article. Also, because only natural substances are utilized in the manufacturing process, the particles that are created naturally are coated, stabilized, and play a vital role in these biomedical actions. The characterization of AgNPs, possibility of preparing AgNPSs with different shapes using biological method and their impact on functions and toxicities, impact of size, shape and other properties on AgNPs functions and toxicity profiles, limitations, and future prospects of green-mediated AgNPs have also been reported in this study. The major goal of this study is to provide readers with a comprehensive, informed, and up-to-date summary of the various AgNPs production and characterization methods and their under-investigational antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. This review provides instructions and suggestions for additional studies based on AgNPs. This evaluation also pushes researchers to look into natural resources like plant parts in order to create useful nanobiotechnology.
PubMed: 38828360
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29766 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jul 2024Respiratory diseases pose a grave threat to human life. Therefore, understanding their pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy is important. Ferroptosis is a novel type of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Respiratory diseases pose a grave threat to human life. Therefore, understanding their pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy is important. Ferroptosis is a novel type of iron-dependent programmed cell death, distinct from apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy, characterised by iron, reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxide accumulation, as well as glutathione (GSH) depletion and GSH peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation. A close association between ferroptosis and the onset and progression of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer, has been reported. Recent studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds exhibit unique advantages in the treatment of respiratory diseases owing to their natural properties and potential efficacy. These compounds can effectively regulate ferroptosis by modulating several key signalling pathways such as system Xc -GSH-GPX4, NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, Nrf2-GPX4, and Nrf2/HO-1, thus playing a positive role in improving respiratory diseases.
PURPOSE
This comprehensive review systematically outlines the regulatory role of ferroptosis in the onset and progression of respiratory diseases and provides evidence for treating respiratory diseases by targeting ferroptosis with TCM compounds. These insights aim to offer potential remedies for the clinical prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
We searched scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI using keywords such as "ferroptosis","respiratory diseases","chronic obstructive pulmonary disease","bronchial asthma","acute lung injury","pulmonary fibrosis","lung cancer","traditional Chinese medicine","traditional Chinese medicine compound","monomer", and "natural product" to retrieve studies on the therapeutic potential of TCM compounds in ameliorating respiratory diseases by targeting ferroptosis. The retrieved data followed PRISMA criteria (preferred reporting items for systematic review).
RESULTS
TCM compounds possess unique advantages in treating respiratory diseases, stemming from their natural origins and proven clinical effectiveness. TCM compounds can exert therapeutic effects on respiratory diseases by regulating ferroptosis, which mainly involves modulation of pathways such as system Xc -GSH-GPX4,NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, Nrf2-GPX4, and Nrf2/HO-1.
CONCLUSION
TCM compounds have demonstrated promising potential in improving respiratory diseases through the regulation of ferroptosis. The identification of specific TCM-related inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis holds great significance in developing more effective strategies. However, current research remains confined to animal and cellular studies, emphasizing the imperative for further verifications through high-quality clinical data.
Topics: Ferroptosis; Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Animals; Signal Transduction; Acute Lung Injury; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Reactive Oxygen Species; Pulmonary Fibrosis
PubMed: 38824825
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155738 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jul 2024Biopreservation strategies such as the use of Mediterranean plant extracts to ensure food safety are promising to deal with the emergence of antimicrobial resistances... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Biopreservation strategies such as the use of Mediterranean plant extracts to ensure food safety are promising to deal with the emergence of antimicrobial resistances and the overreliance on food chemical additives. In the last few decades, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for evaluating the in vitro antibacterial potential of plant extracts against the most relevant foodborne pathogens has been widely reported in the literature. The current meta-analysis aimed to summarise and analyse the extensive evidence available in the literature regarding the in vitro antimicrobial capability of Allium, Ocimum and Thymus spp. extracts against foodborne pathogens. A systematic review was carried out to gather data on AST results of these extracts against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, including inhibition diameters (ID) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). A total of 742 records were gathered from a raw collection of 2,065 articles. Weighted mixed-effect linear models were adjusted to data to obtain pooled ID, pooled MIC and the relationship between both model estimations and observations. The pooled results revealed B. cereus as the most susceptible bacteria to Allium sativum (pooled ID = 20.64 ± 0.61 mm) by diffusion methods and S. aureus (pooled MIC = 0.146 mg/mL) by dilution methods. Diffusion methods did not yield conclusive results for Ocimum spp. extracts; however, the lowest pooled MIC was obtained for S. aureus (0.263 mg/mL). Among the foodborne pathogens evaluated, B. cereus showed the highest sensitivity to Thymus spp. extracts by both diffusion and dilution methods (pooled ID = 28.90 ± 2.34 mm and MIC = 0.075 mg/mL). The methodology used for plant extraction was found to not significantly affect MIC values (p > 0.05). Overall, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the studied extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was demonstrated. Finally, the robustness of the meta-regression model was confirmed, also revealing an inversely proportional correlation between the ID and MIC measurements (p < 0.0001). These results provide a robust scientific basis on the factors affecting the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of extracts from Mediterranean plants. They also provide valuable information for stakeholders involved in their industrial application in food, including producers, regulatory agencies and consumers which demand green-labelled foods.
Topics: Thymus Plant; Plant Extracts; Ocimum; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Allium; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Food Microbiology; Food Safety; Bacillus cereus; Listeria monocytogenes
PubMed: 38823853
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114408 -
Cureus Apr 2024Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer often diagnosed at advanced stages, highlighting the urgent need for early detection strategies. This... (Review)
Review
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer often diagnosed at advanced stages, highlighting the urgent need for early detection strategies. This systematic review explores the potential of fecal and urinary biomarkers for early PDAC detection. A comprehensive search identified eight relevant studies investigating various biomarkers, including proteins, metabolites, microbial profiles, DNA mutations, and non-coding RNAs. Promising findings suggest that urinary biomarkers related to metabolic alterations, inflammatory processes, fecal microbiome profiles, and fecal miRNAs hold diagnostic potential even at early stages of PDAC. Combining biomarkers into panels may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Challenges such as validation in larger cohorts, standardization of protocols, and regulatory approval must be addressed for clinical translation. Despite these hurdles, non-invasive urinary and fecal biomarkers represent a promising avenue for improving PDAC outcomes through early detection.
PubMed: 38813271
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59248 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis May 2024The presence of -nitroso compounds, particularly -nitrosamines, in pharmaceutical products has raised global safety concerns due to their significant genotoxic and... (Review)
Review
The presence of -nitroso compounds, particularly -nitrosamines, in pharmaceutical products has raised global safety concerns due to their significant genotoxic and mutagenic effects. This systematic review investigates their toxicity in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), drug products, and pharmaceutical excipients, along with novel analytical strategies for detection, root cause analysis, reformulation strategies, and regulatory guidelines for nitrosamines. This review emphasizes the molecular toxicity of -nitroso compounds, focusing on genotoxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and other physiological effects. Additionally, it addresses the ongoing nitrosamine crisis, the development of nitrosamine-free products, and the importance of sensitive detection methods and precise risk evaluation. This comprehensive overview will aid molecular biologists, analytical scientists, formulation scientists in research and development sector, and researchers involved in management of nitrosamine-induced toxicity and promoting safer pharmaceutical products.
PubMed: 38799236
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.12.009 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2024Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit exceedingly intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Pragmatic and effective solutions remain elusive, significantly compromising... (Review)
Review
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit exceedingly intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Pragmatic and effective solutions remain elusive, significantly compromising human life and health. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) participates in the regulation of multiple pathophysiological processes, including CNS disorders. Considering the widespread involvement of ATF4 in the pathological process of CNS disorders, the targeted regulation of ATF4 by plant-derived bioactive compounds (PDBCs) may become a viable strategy for the treatment of CNS disorders. However, the regulatory relationship between PDBCs and ATF4 remains incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to comprehensively review the studies on PDBCs targeting ATF4 to ameliorate CNS disorders, thereby offering novel directions and insights for the treatment of CNS disorders. A computerized search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify preclinical experiments related to PDBCs targeting ATF4 for the treatment of CNS disorders. The search timeframe was from the inception of the databases to December 2023. Two assessors conducted searches using the keywords "ATF4," "Central Nervous System," "Neurological," "Alzheimer's disease," "Parkinson's Disease," "Stroke," "Spinal Cord Injury," "Glioblastoma," "Traumatic Brain Injury," and "Spinal Cord Injury." Overall, 31 studies were included, encompassing assessments of 27 PDBCs. Combining results from in vivo and in vitro studies, we observed that these PDBCs, via ATF4 modulation, prevent the deposition of amyloid-like fibers such as Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein. They regulate ERS, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, restore mitochondrial membrane integrity to prevent oxidative stress, regulate synaptic plasticity, modulate autophagy, and engage anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Consequently, they exert neuroprotective effects in CNS disorders. Numerous PDBCs targeting ATF4 have shown potential in facilitating the restoration of CNS functionality, thereby presenting expansive prospects for the treatment of such disorders. However, future endeavors necessitate high-quality, large-scale, and comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies to further validate this therapeutic potential.
Topics: Activating Transcription Factor 4; Humans; Central Nervous System Diseases; Animals; Phytochemicals; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 38795641
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116811 -
Viruses Apr 2024This systematic review investigates the immunosuppressive environment in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by dysfunctional and exhausted... (Review)
Review
This systematic review investigates the immunosuppressive environment in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by dysfunctional and exhausted HBV-specific T cells alongside an increased infiltration of HBV-specific CD4+ T cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs). Heightened expression of checkpoint inhibitors, notably PD-1, is linked with disease progression and recurrence, indicating its potential as both a prognostic indicator and a target for immunotherapy. Nevertheless, using PD-1 inhibitors has shown limited effectiveness. In a future perspective, understanding the intricate interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses holds promise for pinpointing predictive biomarkers and crafting novel treatment approaches for HBV-associated HCC.
Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Hepatitis B virus; Adaptive Immunity; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B, Chronic; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes; Immunotherapy
PubMed: 38793588
DOI: 10.3390/v16050707 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Numerous challenges remain within conventional cell-based therapy despite the growing trend of stem cells used to treat various life-debilitating diseases. These... (Review)
Review
Numerous challenges remain within conventional cell-based therapy despite the growing trend of stem cells used to treat various life-debilitating diseases. These limitations include batch-to-batch heterogeneity, induced alloreactivity, cell survival and integration, poor scalability, and high cost of treatment, thus hindering successful translation from lab to bedside. However, recent pioneering technology has enabled the isolation and enrichment of small extracellular vesicles (EVs), canonically known as exosomes. EVs are described as a membrane-enclosed cargo of functional biomolecules not limited to lipids, nucleic acid, and proteins. Interestingly, studies have correlated the biological role of MSC-EVs to the paracrine activity of MSCs. This key evidence has led to rigorous studies on MSC-EVs as an acellular alternative. Using EVs as a therapy was proposed as a model leading to improvements through increased safety; enhanced bioavailability due to size and permeability; reduced heterogeneity by selective and quantifiable properties; and prolonged shelf-life via long-term freezing or lyophilization. Yet, the identity and potency of EVs are still relatively unknown due to various methods of preparation and to qualify the final product. This is reflected by the absence of regulatory strategies overseeing manufacturing, quality control, clinical implementation, and product registration. In this review, the authors review the various production processes and the proteomic profile of MSC-EVs.
Topics: Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Extracellular Vesicles; Proteomics; Umbilical Cord; Exosomes; Proteome
PubMed: 38791378
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105340 -
Toxins May 2024Food-producing animals are exposed to mycotoxins through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact with contaminated materials. This exposure can lead to serious... (Review)
Review
Food-producing animals are exposed to mycotoxins through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact with contaminated materials. This exposure can lead to serious consequences for animal health, affects the cost and quality of livestock production, and can even impact human health through foods of animal origin. Therefore, controlling mycotoxin exposure in animals is of utmost importance. A systematic literature search was conducted in this study to retrieve the results of monitoring exposure to mycotoxins in food-producing animals over the last five years (2019-2023), considering both external exposure (analysis of feed) and internal exposure (analysis of biomarkers in biological matrices). The most commonly used analytical technique for both approaches is LC-MS/MS due to its capability for multidetection. Several mycotoxins, especially those that are regulated (ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins, fumonisins, T-2, and HT-2), along with some emerging mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin, nivalenol, beauvericin, enniantins among others), were studied in 13,818 feed samples worldwide and were typically detected at low levels, although they occasionally exceeded regulatory levels. The occurrence of multiple exposure is widespread. Regarding animal biomonitoring, the primary objective of the studies retrieved was to study mycotoxin metabolism after toxin administration. Some compounds have been suggested as biomarkers of exposure in the plasma, urine, and feces of animal species such as pigs and poultry. However, further research is required, including many other mycotoxins and animal species, such as cattle and sheep.
Topics: Animals; Mycotoxins; Animal Feed; Sheep; Food Contamination; Poultry; Swine; Cattle; Biological Monitoring; Livestock
PubMed: 38787070
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050218