Introduction Cysteine cathepsins are involved in the development and progression of numerous inflammation-associated diseases such as cancer, arthritis, bone and immune disorders. Consequently, there is a drive to progress research efforts focused on cathepsin use in diagnostics and as therapeutic targets in disease.Areas covered This review discusses the potential of cysteine cathepsins as therapeutic targets in inflammation-associated diseases and recent advances in preclinical and clinical research. We describe direct targeting of cathepsins for treatment purposes and their indirect use in diagnostics.Expert opinion The targeting of cysteine cathepsins has not translated into the clinic; this failure is attributed to off- and on-target side effects and/or the lack of companion biomarkers. learn more This field now embraces developments in diagnostic imaging, the activation of prodrugs and antibody-drug conjugates for targeted drug delivery. The future lies in improved molecular tools and therapeutic concepts that will find a wide spectrum of uses in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.Introduction MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), a synthetic ring-substituted amphetamine, has become one of the most widely used recreational psychostimulant drugs in the world. Among recreational ecstasy/MDMA users, polydrug use is a phenomenon whose common purpose is to experience the synergistic effect of the combined drugs, moderate MDMA effects, prevent potential toxicity, enhance a high or come down from a high from other drugs, or simply to treat existing medical conditions. Thus, MDMA-drug interactions (MDMA-DIs) lead to a higher risk of acute and life-threatening MDMA toxicity.Areas covered This article provides an overview of the MDMA-DIs with pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse. In addition, available evidence is summarized along with clinical recommendations. Finally, the increasing importance of MDMA-DIs is highlighted.Expert opinion There is a reduced number of published MDMA-DIs studies and scarce clinically significant MDMA-DIs documented in the literature. Experimental evidence points out the relevance of MDMA-DI's when MDMA is co-administered with pharmaceuticals that are metabolized by the CYP2D6 due to MDMA inhibitory action and in the case of repeated MDMA administration (MDMA-MDMAIs).Background. The community health worker (CHW) model is utilized globally to promote health and reduce health disparities in hard-to-reach and underserved communities. The model is deemed successful due to involvement of these natural helpers who are familiar with the local customs, language, and traditions. "Research" CHWs (also known as promotores) serve as cultural mediators between their community and academic researchers and are increasingly involved in the design and implementation of research; yet few of these individuals have received formal training in research methods or ethics. This study identified requisite skills and knowledge needed by research CHWs. Method. Investigators who utilized the CHW/promotor model were recruited to complete a survey and participate in one of four focus group sessions. Participants identified (1) research roles, (2) training received, (3) research competencies, (4) training barriers and facilitators, and (5) assessment preferences. Results. Participants (n = 20) completed a survey with 19 also participating in a focus group session. All participants involved CHWs in research implementation, with nearly half involving CHWs in the study design and/or dissemination of findings phases. Critical thinking skills and application of ethical principles (e.g., demonstrating respect) were prioritized over knowledge of research infrastructure (e.g., institutional review board/ethics review process). Research ethics training designed for academic researchers was deemed inappropriate because sophisticated terminology and web-based delivery were perceived as an access barrier. Self-assessment and contextualized scenarios were recommended to assess critical thinking. Conclusions. Researchers using the CHW model should provide relevant and accessible research competency training.Background C-Pulse is a new, nonblood contacting device based on the concept of counter-pulsation that is designed for long-term implantation. However, there is a lack of comprehensive investigation of the pressure and velocity fields under the action of C-Pulse. Aim In this paper, we aim to conduct a numerical simulation of the underlying mechanism of the device in order to analyze its performance and related undesirable issues. Materials & methods A 3D finite element model is utilized to simulate the mechanism of the blood pumping. Results & conclusion The simulation well reproduced the essential characteristics of the C-Pulse. Preliminary results were in a reasonable range while a couple of irregular flow patterns were identified.Introduction After the genomic era, the analysis of the proteome has gained increasing importance. Peptides and/or proteins present in tissue or body fluids can depict health and are prone to change during disease, not only in configuration but also in abundance. Early on, high throughput proteome analysis was implemented in the diagnostic of therapy-linked or induced complications arising after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Several proteomic approaches are currently used in the prediction or diagnosis of acute and/or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).Areas covered This review will report on two high throughput proteomics technologies used in the clinical setting to date, namely enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for key proteins involved in the pathogenesis of acute GvHD and on capillary electrophoresis coupled on-line to mass spectrometry (CE-MS). Here, we summarize the current data and discuss the strength as well as the limitations of each method and compare the usefulness and practicability in the post-HSCT setting for prediction and diagnosis of acute GvHD.Expert commentary Both technologies are applied in the clinic and have been tested on several hundred patients after HSCT. The data from both technologies may complement each other in diagnosis of GvHD.