Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhu Zhou, Mary F. Paine, Tory R. Spindle, Shiew-Mei Huang, Lei Zhang
Summary: The FDA has not approved cannabis as a safe and effective drug, but with the increasing state legalization of medical cannabis, healthcare providers and consumers should understand the safety and efficacy associated with cannabis.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Adrien Comte, C. Sylvie Campagne, Sabine Lange, Adrian Garcia Bruzon, Lars Hein, Fernando Santos-Martin, Harold Levrel
Summary: This study conducts a systematic literature review on ecosystem accounting to analyze the evolving trends and challenges. The results show the diversity in concepts, methodologies, and applications in ecosystem accounting, with the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) being the most widely used framework. Future work should focus on implementation issues, methodological advancements, data improvement, collaborations, and supporting the use of ecosystem accounts in decision-making.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hoang Phuc Trinh, Sang-Hoon Lee, Garam Jeong, Hyeokjun Yoon, Hee-Deung Park
Summary: Mainstream anammox processes face challenges such as difficulty in out-selection of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, high organic carbon to nitrogen ratio, retention of anammox bacteria, and influence of high concentrations of ammonia and nitrite compounds. Efficient strategies are necessary to manage high carbon to nitrogen ratios, improve performance in low-intensity wastewater, and retain anammox bacteria for widespread application in full-scale WWTPs. Key elements in the design, operation, and maintenance of mainstream anammox processes in full-scale WWTPs are also suggested.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Raquel Martin Rios, Francisca Lopez-Torrecillas, Ignacio Martin Tamayo
Summary: There is increasing evidence that executive functions have significant effects on nicotine abuse, with updating ability showing the strongest association with years of smoking. Smokers performed worse on updating tasks, indicating a potential relationship between working memory capacity and smoking behavior.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Laura I. Salazar-Fontana
Summary: Cell and Gene Therapy Products (CGT) are a novel and complex group of biotherapeutics developed to treat specific conditions with limited or no effective treatments. A regulatory risk-based approach is necessary to define a sound development plan and enable a benefit:risk analysis aligned with the characteristics of each CGT product.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vipin Chandra Kalia, Woo Yong Shim, Sanjay Kumar Singh Patel, Chunjie Gong, Jung-Kul Lee
Summary: With an increasing global demand for food due to a growing human population, people in higher socioeconomic status countries have shifted their preferences towards meat, particularly chicken. Studies have shown the importance of feed in regulating the animal gut microbiome, and an imbalance in microbiota can lead to disorders and diseases. The use of antibiotics as feed additives has been banned, leading researchers to identify alternative options for improving feed efficiency and poultry product quality. This research is significant for the future development of a sustainable poultry industry.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zheqin Dong, Pavel A. Levkin
Summary: Liquid super-repellent surfaces with bio-inspired micro-topography have unique properties, such as self-cleaning and low-friction, making them valuable for various applications. However, traditional microfabrication methods face challenges in fabricating delicate 3D topographies. The emerging 3D microprinting techniques offer unparalleled design freedom and flexibility, enabling the design and fabrication of super-repellent microstructures with remarkable properties.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Parusu Kavya Teja, Jinal Mithiya, Abhijeet S. Kate, Khemraj Bairwa, Siddheshwar K. Chauthe
Summary: This article introduces the background and advantages of herbal nano medicines (HNMs), as well as the challenges and opportunities in this field. Through the analysis of numerous research and review articles, this article summarizes different preparation methods and evaluation parameters for HNMs, and highlights the potential and importance of combining herbal medicine with nanotechnology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
T. Yang, Y. Yang, X. Wang, G. Zhang, Z. Cheng
Summary: Due to their potential in converting heat to electricity, thermoelectric materials have been a major focus in condensed matter physics and material science. Recently, there has been increased interest in the role of topological properties in thermoelectrics. Topological insulators and semimetals/metals with exotic electronic band structures and quantum surface states offer new opportunities to enhance thermoelectric properties. This review article presents the advantageous combination of topological properties in thermoelectric materials, with examples of novel topological materials and their applications for high thermoelectric performance. It also explores the working mechanism and challenges for further development, providing valuable insights for the search of outstanding thermoelectric materials.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Yulin Xu, Xiaofei Lu, Guijin Su, Xing Chen, Jing Meng, Qianqian Li, Chenxi Wang, Bin Shi
Summary: EPFRs are classified as potential environmental pollutants due to their persistence and ability to generate reactive oxygen species. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the formation, influencing factors, and toxic mechanisms of EPFRs, which hinders exposure toxicity assessments and risk prevention strategies. To bridge this gap, a literature review was conducted to summarize the formation, environmental effects, and biotoxicity of EPFRs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Fatemeh Bayati, Mahsa Mohammadi, Maryam Valadi, Saeid Jamshidi, Arron Munggela Foma, Ehsan Sharif-Paghaleh
Summary: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subgroup of CD4(+) T cells that play a key role in immune tolerance regulation, preventing autoimmunity and aiding tumor evasion of immune recognition. Their therapeutic potential in transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer therapy is being actively studied for improving treatment options.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Amjad Khalil, Alberto Quaglia, Pierre Gelat, Nader Saffari, Hassan Rashidi, Brian Davidson
Summary: Liver disease is a major cause of premature death, with a high incidence worldwide. Liver transplantation has become an established treatment for end-stage liver disease, but it still faces many limitations. This review summarizes the milestones, current limitations, and ongoing research in liver transplantation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natalie Burden, Martin J. D. Clift, Gareth J. S. Jenkins, Briony Labram, Fiona Sewell
Summary: The unique properties of nanomaterials require additional considerations for safety assessment compared to traditional materials. Developing new testing methods is essential to effectively evaluate the hazards and risks associated with nanomaterials.
Review
Engineering, Aerospace
A. Raju Kulkarni, G. La Rocca, L. L. M. Veldhuis, G. Eitelberg
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of sub-scale flight testing in unconventional aircraft design and highlights the necessity of using a catalog of customized sub-scale models to predict full-scale aircraft behavior.
PROGRESS IN AEROSPACE SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Timothy M. Rawson, Richard C. Wilson, Danny O'Hare, Pau Herrero, Andrew Kambugu, Mohammed Lamorde, Matthew Ellington, Pantelis Georgiou, Anthony Cass, William W. Hope, Alison H. Holmes
Summary: Precision antimicrobial dosing and novel monitoring methods play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and combating antimicrobial resistance, as there is significant variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antimicrobial agents. Holmes and colleagues discuss how individualized treatment and biosensors can contribute to antimicrobial stewardship in the face of these challenges.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Simon More, Vasileios Bampidis, Diane Benford, Claude Bragard, Thorhallur Halldorsson, Susanne Hougaard Bennekou, Kostas Koutsoumanis, Kyriaki Machera, Hanspeter Naegeli, Soren Nielsen, Josef Schlatter, Dieter Schrenk, Vittorio Silano, Dominique Turck, Maged Younes, Peter Aggett, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Alessandra Giarola, Agnes De Sesmaisons-Lecarre, Jose Tarazona, Hans Verhagen, Antonio Hernandez-Jerez
Summary: This Statement proposes a harmonised approach for establishing Health-Based Guidance Values (HBGVs) for regulated products that are also nutrients, outlining specific considerations and a decision tree for risk characterisation. It recommends involving relevant EFSA Panels and units for integrated hazard and risk characterisation of regulated products that are also nutrients.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maged Younes, Gabriele Aquilina, Laurence Castle, Karl-Heinz Engel, Paul Fowler, Maria Jose Frutos Fernandez, Peter Fuerst, Ursula Gundert-Remy, Rainer Guertler, Trine Husoy, Melania Manco, Wim Mennes, Peter Moldeus, Sabina Passamonti, Romina Shah, Ine Waalkens-Berendsen, Detlef Waffle, Emanuela Corsini, Francesco Cubadda, Didima De Groot, Rex FitzGerald, Sara Gunnare, Arno Christian Gutleb, Jan Mast, Alicja Mortensen, Agnes Oomen, Aldert Piersma, Veronika Plichta, Beate Ulbrich, Henk Van Loveren, Diane Benford, Margherita Bignami, Claudia Bolognesi, Riccardo Crebelli, Maria Dusinska, Francesca Marcon, Elsa Nielsen, Josef Schlatter, Christiane Vleminckx, Stefania Barmaz, Maria Cart, Consuelo Civitella, Alessandra Giarola, Ana Maria Rincon, Rositsa Serafimova, Camilla Smeraldi, Jose Tarazona, Alexandra Tard, Matthew Wright
Summary: This opinion presents an updated safety assessment of the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171) based on new scientific evidence. Studies indicated that while particles smaller than 30 nm may have limited relevance to E 171 safety assessment, general and organ toxicity were not observed at the tested doses. Adverse effects were indicated in terms of potential immunotoxicity and inflammation with E 171 and potential neurotoxicity with TiO2 NPs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Tarazona, Marta Martinez, Maria-Aranzazu Martinez, Arturo Anadon
Summary: Several medicinal products are being considered as potential treatments for the COVID-19 pandemic, which could result in unprecedented levels of antiviral emissions into the aquatic environment. Environmental risk assessments have shown low concern for chloroquines and dexamethasone, but very high impact for ivermectin and azithromycin. Limited information on the ecotoxicity of antiviral drugs has led researchers to use an innovative pharmacodynamic-based approach to assess their potential harm to aquatic ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Tarazona, Guillermo Tarazona, Jose Tarazona
Summary: Environmental risk assessment is crucial for pesticide authorization, and current approaches may not fully capture the complexity of agricultural ecosystems. A simplified model presented in this work aims to predict the impact of pesticides on population abundance, with a focus on terrestrial vertebrates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Simon More, Vasileios Bampidis, Diane Benford, Claude Bragard, Thorhallur Halldorsson, Antonio Hernandez-Jerez, Susanne Hougaard Bennekou, Kostas Koutsoumanis, Claude Lambre, Kyriaki Machera, Hanspeter Naegeli, Soren Nielsen, Josef Schlatter, Dieter Schrenk, Vittorio Silano, Dominique Turck, Maged Younes, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Qasim Chaudhry, Francesco Cubadda, Roland Franz, David Gott, Jan Mast, Alicja Mortensen, Agnes G. Oomen, Stefan Weigel, Eric Barthelemy, Ana Rincon, Jose Tarazona, Reinhilde Schoonjans
Summary: The European Food Safety Authority has developed a Guidance on Particle-TR, defining criteria for assessing small particles and information requirements. The guidance is divided into three groups addressing solubility, particle fraction in materials, and safety study information presentation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose V. Tarazona, Irene Cattaneo, Lars Niemann, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Maria Carmen Gonzalez-Caballero, Mercedes de Alba-Gonzalez, Ana Canas, Noelia Dominguez-Morueco, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Argelia Castano, Teresa Borges, Andromachi Katsonouri, Konstantinos C. Makris, Ilse Ottenbros, Hans Mol, Annelies De Decker, Bert Morrens, Tamar Berman, Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Samuel Fuhrimann, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Milena Horvat, Loic Rambaud, Margaux Riou, Greet Schoeters, Eva Govarts, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Till Weber, Petra Apel, Sonia Namorado, Tiina Santonen
Summary: Pyrethroids are commonly used insecticides that can be monitored in humans. A tiered approach was used to assess the risk of pyrethroid exposure, starting with a conservative screening and followed by probabilistic approaches and substance-specific assessments. The study analyzed data from various countries and found that some metabolites exceeded the screening value in children populations, but were below the human biomonitoring guidance values. Overall, the study suggests a low health concern at the population level, although a potential risk for highly exposed children cannot be completely excluded.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Tarazona, Maria del Carmen Gonzalez-Caballero, Mercedes de Alba-Gonzalez, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Ana Canas, Noelia Dominguez-Morueco, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Irene Cattaneo, Andromachi Katsonouri, Konstantinos C. Makris, Thorhallur Halldorsson, Kristin Olafsdottir, Jan-Paul Zock, Jonatan Dias, Annelies De Decker, Bert Morrens, Tamar Berman, Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Christian Lindh, Liese Gilles, Eva Govarts, Greet Schoeters, Till Weber, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Tiina Santonen, Argelia Castano
Summary: The risk assessment of pesticide residues in food is a key priority in food safety. Most jurisdictions have implemented pre-marketing authorization processes and large monitoring programs, resulting in reduced exposure levels of European consumers to the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erik Urionabarrenetxea, Carmen Casas, Nerea Garcia-Velasco, Miguel Santos, Jose V. Tarazona, Manu Soto
Summary: Plant Protection Products (PPP) may have adverse effects on non-target soil organisms, and the European Food and Safety Authority has developed a software tool called PERSAM for soil exposure assessments. This study integrates spatially explicit exposure and effect data to estimate the risk quotient of four PPP active substances on non-target species, considering European landscape and agricultural variability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriele Treu, Jaroslav Slobodnik, Nikiforos Alygizakis, Alexander Badry, Dirk Bunke, Alessandra Cincinelli, Daniela Classen, Rene W. R. J. Dekker, Bernd Goeckener, Georgios Gkotsis, Georg Hanke, Guy Duke, Morten Jartun, Paola Movalli, Maria-Christina Nika, Heinz Ruedel, Jose V. Tarazona, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis, Victoria Tornero, Katrin Vorkamp, Lee A. Walker, Jan Koschorreck, Valeria Dulio
Summary: There is a wealth of apex predator samples available in European research collections that can be used for chemical monitoring and regulation. However, current assessment practices do not effectively utilize these data due to a lack of guidance and fragmented information. The European LIFE APEX project successfully used existing sample collections and advanced screening methods to detect over 4,560 pollutants. They recommend establishing infrastructures that include apex predators as an early warning system and integrating their chemical data into future assessments and management across regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexander Badry, Jaroslav Slobodnik, Nikiforos Alygizakis, Dirk Bunke, Alessandra Cincinelli, Daniela Classen, Rene W. R. J. Dekker, Guy Duke, Valeria Dulio, Bernd Goeckener, Georgios Gkotsis, Georg Hanke, Morten Jartun, Paola Movalli, Maria-Christina Nika, Heinz Ruedel, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis, Jose V. Tarazona, Victoria Tornero, Gabriele Treu, Katrin Vorkamp, Lee A. Walker, Jan Koschorreck
Summary: Monitoring data from apex predators played a crucial role in the development of early chemicals legislations and environmental protection. Analyzing samples from apex predators helps identify compounds with bioaccumulative properties. With the recovery of apex predator populations, these samples are now available for research and stored in accessible online databases, facilitating the connection between science and policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2022)
Review
Toxicology
M. C. Astuto, D. Benford, L. Bodin, I Cattaneo, T. Halldorsson, J. Schlatter, R. M. Sharpe, J. Tarazona, M. Younes
Summary: Male reproduction is affected by some phthalates, with a decrease in testosterone levels serving as a reference point for risk assessment. Phthalates, particularly DEHP, exhibit the most non-monotonic dose responses among chemicals. These responses have significant implications for chemical risk assessment.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Irene Cattaneo, Alexander D. D. Kalian, Matteo R. R. Di Nicola, Bruno Dujardin, Sara Levorato, Luc Mohimont, Alexis V. V. Nathanail, Edoardo Carnessechi, Maria Chiara Astuto, Jose V. V. Tarazona, George E. N. Kass, Antoine K. Djien Liem, Tobin Robinson, Paola Manini, Christer Hogstrand, Paul S. S. Price, Jean Lou C. M. Dorne
Summary: The assessment of combined exposure, toxicity, and risk is the main focus of human health and animal health risk assessment when dealing with multiple chemicals. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently published guidance documents on both the methodologies and criteria for grouping chemicals. These documents provide principles and methodologies for all steps of risk assessment as well as criteria for grouping chemicals, aiming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of combined risk assessment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Irene Cattaneo, Alexis Nathanail, Edoardo Carnesecchi, Maria Chiara Astuto, Melina Steinbach, Antony John Williams, Sandrine Charles, Ophelia Gestin, Christelle Lopes, Dominique Lamonica, Jose Vicente Tarazona, Jean Lou C. M. Dorne
Summary: New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) provide tools for risk assessment in the context of food and feed chemicals. This review highlights the tiered methods used in problem formulation, with in silico models filling data gaps and biologically-based models applicable in data-rich situations. Practical examples are provided to demonstrate the application of these approaches in real-world settings. Future perspectives include addressing challenges such as chemical mixtures and multiple stressors in various organisms and ecosystems.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eva Govarts, Liese Gilles, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Tiina Santonen., Petra Apel., Paula. Alvito, Elena. Anastasi, Helle Raun Andersen, Anna-Maria Andersson, Lenka Andryskova, Jean-Philippe Antignacj, Brice Appenzeller, Fabio Barbone, Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Robert Barouki, Tamar Berman, Wieneke Bil, Teresa Borges, Jurgen Buekers, Ana Canas-Portilla, Adrian Covaci, Zsofia Csako, Elly Den Hond, Darina Dvorakova, Lucia Fabelova, Tony Fletcherx, Hanne Frederiksen, Catherine Gabriel, Catherine Ganzleben, Thomas Goen, Thorhallur Halldorsson, Line S. Haug, Milena Horvat, Pasi Huuskonen, Medea Imboden, Marta Jagodic Hudobivnik, Beata Janasik, Natasa Janev Holcer, Spyros Karakitsios, Andromachi Katsonouri, Jana Klanova, Venetia Kokaraki, Tina Kold Jensen, Jani Koponen, Michelle Laeremans, Federica Laguzzi, Rosa Lange, Nora Lemke, Sanna Lignell, Anna Karin Lindroos, Joana Lobo Vicente, Mirjam Luijten, Konstantinos C. Makris, Darja Mazej, Lisa Melymuki, Matthieu Meslin, Hans Molar, Parisa Montazeri, Aline Murawski, Sonia Namorado, Lars Niemann, Stefanie Nabler, Baltazar Nunes, Kristin Olafsdottir, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Nafsika Papaioannou, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Pavel Pileri, Veronika Plichta, Michael Poteser, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Loic Rambaud, Elke Rauscher-Gabernig, Katarina Rausova, Sylvie Remy, Margaux Riou, Valentina Rosolen, Christophe Rousselle, Maria Rather, Denis Sarigiannis, Maria J. Silva, Zdenka Slejkovec, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Anja Stajnko, Tamas Szigeti, Jose V. Tarazona, Cathrine Thomsen, Ziga Tkalec, Hanna Tolonen, Tomas Trnovec, Maria Uhl, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Elsa Vasco, Veerle J. Verheyen, Susana Viegas, Anne Marie Vinggaard, Nina Vogel, Katrin Vorkamp, Wojciech Wasowicz, Till Weber, Sona Wimmerova, Marjolijn Woutersen, Philipp Zimmermann, Martin Zvonari, Holger Koch, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Marta Esteban Lopez, Argelia Castano, Lorraine Stewartx, Ovnair Sepaix, Greet Schoeters
Summary: As part of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative, a human biomonitoring survey was conducted in 23 countries to produce comparable data for the EU. The survey utilized existing HBM capacity in Europe and aligned national or regional studies under the HBM4EU program. The survey included over 10,000 participants from different age groups and measured various biomarkers to assess exposure levels to different chemicals. The data obtained can be used as a reference for global comparison, evaluate the effectiveness of the European Commission's chemical strategy, and guide policy-making.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sebastian Hoffmann, Elisa Aiassa, Michelle Angrish, Claire Beausoleil, Frederic Y. Bois, Laura Ciccolallo, Peter S. Craig, Rob B. M. de Vries, Jean Lou C. M. Dorne, Ingrid L. Druwe, Stephen W. Edwards, Chantra Eskes, Marios Georgiadis, Thomas Hartung, Aude Kienzler, Elisabeth A. Kristjansson, Juleen Lam, Laura Martino, Bette Meek, Rebecca L. Morgan, Irene Munoz-Guajardo, Pamela D. Noyes, Elena Parmel, Aldert Piersmal, Andrew Rooney, Emily Senal, Kristie Sullivan, Jose Tarazona, Andrea Terron, Kris Thayer, Jan Turner, Jos Verbeek, Didier Verloo, Mathieu Vinken, Sean Watford, Paul Whaley, Daniele Wikoff, Kate Willett, Katya Tsaioun
Summary: The workshop aimed to explore the integration of evidence-based methods with mechanistic evidence evaluation, specifically focusing on their application in the development and assessment of adverse outcome pathways (AOP) in chemical risk assessment. The discussions revolved around assessing certainty in AOPs, literature-based AOP development, and the incorporation of certainty and non-animal evidence into decision frameworks. Challenges related to methodology were identified, leading to recommendations such as aligning the processes of AOP development and systematic review methodology, improving evidence mapping and text mining methods, and fundamentally changing the approach to chemical risk and uncertainty assessment.
ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION
(2022)