Showing papers by "University of Malaya published in 2020"
University of Sydney1, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust2, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust3, Spanish National Research Council4, University of Haifa5, The Chinese University of Hong Kong6, University of Bern7, University of Mainz8, Kurume University9, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile10, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico11, Mansoura University12, Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research13, Shanghai Jiao Tong University14, Aarhus University Hospital15, Marmara University16, University of Lisbon17, University of São Paulo18, Paris Diderot University19, University of Western Australia20, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University21, Minia University22, University of Malaya23, National Autonomous University of Mexico24, Yonsei University25, University of Paris26, University of Turin27
TL;DR: A panel of international experts from 22 countries propose a new definition of metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease that is both comprehensive yet simple for the diagnosis of MAFLD and is independent of other liver diseases.
1,705 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that China was ill-prepared to deal with the challenges the COVID-19 epidemic has posed and the uses and implications of internet of things (IoT) technologies for mapping the spread of infection.
Abstract: Objectives To provide an overview of the three major deadly coronaviruses and identify areas for improvement of future preparedness plans, as well as provide a critical assessment of the risk factors and actionable items for stopping their spread, utilizing lessons learned from the first two deadly coronavirus outbreaks, as well as initial reports from the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Wuhan, China. Methods Utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, USA) website, and a comprehensive review of PubMed literature, we obtained information regarding clinical signs and symptoms, treatment and diagnosis, transmission methods, protection methods and risk factors for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19. Comparisons between the viruses were made. Results Inadequate risk assessment regarding the urgency of the situation, and limited reporting on the virus within China has, in part, led to the rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout mainland China and into proximal and distant countries. Compared with SARS and MERS, COVID-19 has spread more rapidly, due in part to increased globalization and the focus of the epidemic. Wuhan, China is a large hub connecting the North, South, East and West of China via railways and a major international airport. The availability of connecting flights, the timing of the outbreak during the Chinese (Lunar) New Year, and the massive rail transit hub located in Wuhan has enabled the virus to perforate throughout China, and eventually, globally. Conclusions We conclude that we did not learn from the two prior epidemics of coronavirus and were ill-prepared to deal with the challenges the COVID-19 epidemic has posed. Future research should attempt to address the uses and implications of internet of things (IoT) technologies for mapping the spread of infection.
1,138 citations
TL;DR: The utility of HBM constructs in understanding COVID-19 vaccination intention and WTP are demonstrated and demonstrate the utility of no affordability barriers as well as by socio-economic factors, such as higher education levels, professional and managerial occupations and higher incomes.
Abstract: The development of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection is on the way. To prepare for public availability, the acceptability of a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine and willingness to pay (WTP) were a...
547 citations
TL;DR: The findings demonstrate the utility of HBM constructs in understanding COVID-19 vaccination intent and WTP and it is important to improve health promotion and reduce the barriers to CO VID-19 vaccine.
Abstract: Background This study attempts to understand coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine demand and hesitancy by assessing the public’s vaccination intention and willingness-to-pay (WTP). Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines produced in China and preference for domestically-made or foreign-made vaccines was also investigated. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted on 1–19 May 2020. The health belief model (HBM) was used as a theoretical framework for understanding COVID-19 vaccination intent and WTP. Results A total of 3,541 complete responses were received. The majority reported a probably yes intent (54.6%), followed by a definite yes intent (28.7%). The perception that vaccination decreases the chances of getting COVID-19 under the perceived benefit construct (OR = 3.14, 95% CI 2.05–4.83) and not being concerned about the efficacy of new COVID-19 vaccines under the perceived barriers construct (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.31–2.09) were found to have the highest significant odds of a definite intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of WTP for COVID-19 vaccine was CNY¥200/US$28 (IQR CNY¥100–500/USD$14–72). The highest marginal WTP for the vaccine was influenced by socio-economic factors. The majority were confident (48.7%) and completely confident (46.1%) in domestically-made COVID-19 vaccine. 64.2% reported a preference for a domestically-made over foreign-made COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions The findings demonstrate the utility of HBM constructs in understanding COVID-19 vaccination intent and WTP. It is important to improve health promotion and reduce the barriers to COVID-19 vaccination.
467 citations
University of Sydney1, The Chinese University of Hong Kong2, Shanghai Jiao Tong University3, Kurume University4, Yonsei University5, Wenzhou Medical College6, Mansoura University7, Marmara University8, University of Indonesia9, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University10, National University of Singapore11, National Taiwan University12, Aga Khan University13, University of Malaya14, Mahidol University15, University of Western Australia16, University of Tokyo17
TL;DR: The clinical practice guidelines of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver on MAFLD are presented to improve patient care and awareness of the disease and assist stakeholders in the decision-making process by providing evidence-based data.
Abstract: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the principal worldwide cause of liver disease and affects nearly a quarter of the global population. The objective of this work was to present the clinical practice guidelines of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) on MAFLD. The guidelines cover various aspects of MAFLD including its epidemiology, diagnosis, screening, assessment, and treatment. The document is intended for practical use and for setting the stage for advancing clinical practice, knowledge, and research of MAFLD in adults, with specific reference to special groups as necessary. The guidelines also seek to improve patient care and awareness of the disease and assist stakeholders in the decision-making process by providing evidence-based data. The guidelines take into consideration the burden of clinical management for the healthcare sector.
361 citations
TL;DR: An overview of the various risk-based approaches that are used for isolation, containment, separation, restoration reclamation and remediation of soil, sediments, surface water and groundwater contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and organic compounds can be found in this article.
Abstract: The global use of petroleum hydrocarbons for energy and raw materials in various applications has increased with extensive release of a wide variety of contaminants into the environment, affecting soil, surface water and groundwater. The effect results to numerous health, ecological and environmental issues. However, treatment of contamination and pollution caused by petroleum hydrocarbons is a huge and laborious work. It involves several in situ or ex situ treatments comprising containment, separation and destruction which include biological, chemical, physico-chemical, thermal and heat, electric and electromagnetic, acoustic and ultrasonic treatment methods. These treatment methods involve several other techniques and strategies as listed in this review. The health risks pose by petroleum hydrocarbon pollution have driven scientists to research, develop and implement risk-based remediation strategies for restoration and reclamation of affected environments. To select the best treatment option for remediation, it is important to comprehend the nature, composition, properties, sources of pollution, type of environment, fate, transport and distribution of the pollutants, mechanism of degradation, interaction and relationships with microorganisms, the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting remediation. It helps to evaluate and predict the chemical behaviour of the pollutants with the short and long-term effects and mitigate the effects of pollution and limit exposure to the pollutants. Despite the available remediation options for petroleum hydrocarbon management and removal, sufficient and complete remediation can be implemented by adoption of proper approach derived from risk-based management procedure that can be practical, scientifically defensible, widely adapted, sustainable, non-invasive, eco-friendly and cost-efficient. This paper provides an overview of the various remediation and treatment technologies derived from risk-based approaches that are used for isolation, containment, separation, restoration reclamation and remediation of soil, sediments, surface water and groundwater contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and organic compounds.
358 citations
University of Birmingham1, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust2, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences3, University of Angers4, University of Malaya5, Marmara University6, University of Paris7, Wenzhou Medical College8, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University9, The Chinese University of Hong Kong10, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust11, Royal Free Hospital12, Newcastle University13, University of Plymouth14, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust15, John Radcliffe Hospital16, University of Oxford17
TL;DR: The FAST score provides an efficient way to non-invasively identify patients at risk of progressive NASH for clinical trials or treatments when they become available, and thereby reduce unnecessary liver biopsy in patients unlikely to have significant disease.
339 citations
TL;DR: To assess current trajectories towards the GPW13 UHC billion target—1 billion more people benefiting from UHC by 2023—the authors estimated additional population equivalents with UHC effective coverage from 2018 to 2023, and quantified frontiers of U HC effective coverage performance on the basis of pooled health spending per capita.
304 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors found that membrane treatment is the ultimate choice of approach to completely remove the antibiotics, while the filtered antibiotics are still retained on the membrane, while real-time monitoring system is also recommended to ascertain that, wastewater is cleared of antibiotics.
296 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of 1660 patents related to biodiesel production were reviewed and grouped into five categories depending on whether they related to starting materials, pre-treatment methods, catalysts, reactors and processing methods or testing methods.
Abstract: Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Compared with fossil fuels, it has the potential to alleviate environmental pressures and achieve sustainable development. In this paper, 1660 patents related to biodiesel production were reviewed. They were published between January 1999 and July 2018 and were retrieved from the Derwent Innovation patent database. The patents were grouped into five categories depending on whether they related to starting materials, pre-treatment methods, catalysts, reactors and processing methods, or testing methods. Their analysis shows that the availability of biodiesel starting materials depends on climate, geographical location, local soil conditions, and local agricultural practices. Starting materials constitute 75% of overall production costs and, therefore, it is crucial to select the best feedstock. Pre-treatment of feedstock can improve its suitability for processing and increase extraction effectiveness and oil yield. Catalysts can enhance the solubility of alcohol, leading to higher reaction rates, faster biodiesel production processes, and lower biodiesel production costs. Moreover, the apparatus and processes used strongly affect the oil yield and quality, and production cost. In order to be commercialized and marketed, biodiesel should pass either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards or European Standards (EN). Due to increases in environmental awareness, it is likely that the number of published patents on biodiesel production will remain stable or even increase.
289 citations
TL;DR: The present review paper is aimed to discuss the adsorption properties of CO2 on the MOFs based on the Adsorption mechanisms and the design of the MOF structures.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The possibility of an intermediate host facilitating the emergence of the virus in humans has already been shown with civet cats acting as intermediate hosts for SARS-CoVs, and dromedary camels for MERS-CoV.
Abstract: were identified beginning with the discovery of SARS-CoV in 2002. With the recent detection of SARS-CoV-2, there are now seven human coronaviruses. Those that cause mild diseases are the 229E, OC43, NL63 and HKU1, and the pathogenic species are SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Coronaviruses (order Nidovirales, family Coronaviridae, and subfamily Orthocoronavirinae) are spherical (125nm diameter), and enveloped with club-shaped spikes on the surface giving the appearance of a solar corona. Within the helically symmetrical nucleocapsid is the large positive sense, single stranded RNA. Of the four coronavirus genera (α,β,γ,δ), human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are classified under α-CoV (HCoV-229E and NL63) and β-CoV (MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, HCoVOC43 and HCoV-HKU1). SARS-CoV-2 is a β-CoV and shows fairly close relatedness with two bat-derived CoV-like coronaviruses, bat-SL-CoVZC45 and bat-SL-CoVZXC21. Even so, its genome is similar to that of the typical CoVs. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV originated in bats, and it appears to be so for SARS-CoV-2 as well. The possibility of an intermediate host facilitating the emergence of the virus in humans has already been shown with civet cats acting as intermediate hosts for SARS-CoVs, and dromedary camels for MERS-CoV. Human-to-human transmission is primarily achieved through close contact of respiratory droplets, direct contact with the infected individuals, or by contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. The coronaviral genome contains four major structural proteins: the spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E) and the nucleocapsid (N) protein, all of which are encoded within the 3' end of the genome. The S protein mediates attachment of the virus to the host cell surface receptors resulting in fusion and subsequent viral entry. The M protein is the most abundant protein and defines the shape of the viral envelope. The E protein is the smallest of the major structural proteins and participates in viral assembly and budding. The N protein is the only one that binds to the RNA genome and is also involved in viral assembly and budding. Replication of coronaviruses begin with attachment and entry. Attachment of the virus to the host cell is initiated by interactions between the S protein and its specific receptor. Following receptor binding, the virus enters host cell cytosol via cleavage of S protein by a protease enzyme, followed by fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. The next step is the translation of the replicase gene from the virion genomic RNA and then translation and assembly of the viral replicase complexes. Following replication and subgenomic RNA synthesis, encapsidation occurs resulting in the formation of the mature virus. Following assembly, virions are transported to the cell surface in vesicles and released by exocytosis.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong1, Showa University2, National University of Singapore3, University of Queensland4, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital5, National Taiwan University6, Chulalongkorn University7, University of Malaya8, Asan Medical Center9, Jikei University School of Medicine10, Oita University11
TL;DR: This position statement of the Asian Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy shares successful experience in maintaining safe and high-quality endoscopy practice at a time when resources are limited.
Abstract: Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic. Risk of transmission may occur during endoscopy and the goal is to prevent infection among healthcare professionals while providing essential services to patients. Asia was the first continent to have a COVID-19 outbreak, and this position statement of the Asian Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy shares our successful experience in maintaining safe and high-quality endoscopy practice at a time when resources are limited. Sixteen experts from key societies of digestive endoscopy in Asia were invited to develop position statements, including patient triage and risk assessment before endoscopy, resource prioritisation and allocation, regular monitoring of personal protective equipment, infection control measures, protective device training and implementation of a strategy for stepwise resumption of endoscopy services after control of the COVID-19 outbreak.
TL;DR: For the first time, predictions from pythia8 obtained with tunes based on NLO or NNLO PDFs are shown to reliably describe minimum-bias and underlying-event data with a similar level of agreement to predictions from tunes using LO PDF sets.
Abstract: New sets of CMS underlying-event parameters (“tunes”) are presented for the pythia8 event generator. These tunes use the NNPDF3.1 parton distribution functions (PDFs) at leading (LO), next-to-leading (NLO), or next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) orders in perturbative quantum chromodynamics, and the strong coupling evolution at LO or NLO. Measurements of charged-particle multiplicity and transverse momentum densities at various hadron collision energies are fit simultaneously to determine the parameters of the tunes. Comparisons of the predictions of the new tunes are provided for observables sensitive to the event shapes at LEP, global underlying event, soft multiparton interactions, and double-parton scattering contributions. In addition, comparisons are made for observables measured in various specific processes, such as multijet, Drell–Yan, and top quark-antiquark pair production including jet substructure observables. The simulation of the underlying event provided by the new tunes is interfaced to a higher-order matrix-element calculation. For the first time, predictions from pythia8 obtained with tunes based on NLO or NNLO PDFs are shown to reliably describe minimum-bias and underlying-event data with a similar level of agreement to predictions from tunes using LO PDF sets.
TL;DR: The chemical constituents of macroalgae and microalgae show great variations, especially their lipid, carbohydrate and protein contents, which could affect the qualities of the pyrolytic products.
University of Cambridge1, Brigham and Women's Hospital2, National Institutes of Health3, Netherlands Cancer Institute4, Chapel Allerton Hospital5, University of Helsinki6, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute7, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust8, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center9, City of Hope National Medical Center10, Lund University11, Ghent University12, University of Florida13, McGill University14, McGill University Health Centre15, University of Southern California16, Curie Institute17, University of Pennsylvania18, Leipzig University19, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre20, Harvard University21, Mayo Clinic22, University of Cologne23, University of Miami24, Vilnius University25, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague26, National University of Singapore27, Mines ParisTech28, University of Eastern Finland29, University of California, Irvine30, University of Vermont31, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich32, University of Toronto33, University of Malaya34, Oulu University Hospital35, Monash University, Clayton campus36, University of Melbourne37, University of Chicago38, Sapienza University of Rome39, Hannover Medical School40, University of Oulu41, Garvan Institute of Medical Research42, University of New South Wales43, Princess Anne Hospital44, Aarhus University Hospital45, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre46, Copenhagen University Hospital47, Huntsman Cancer Institute48, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute49, French Institute of Health and Medical Research50, Université de Montréal51, Vanderbilt University Medical Center52
TL;DR: PALB2 is confirmed as a major breast cancer susceptibility gene and substantial associations between germline PALB2 PVs and ovarian, pancreatic, and male breast cancers are established.
Abstract: PURPOSETo estimate age-specific relative and absolute cancer risks of breast cancer and to estimate risks of ovarian, pancreatic, male breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers associated with germl...
New York University1, University of Malaya2, University of Pennsylvania3, Susan G. Komen for the Cure4, Queen's University5, International Agency for Research on Cancer6, University of Panama7, National Autonomous University of Mexico8, Pontifical Xavierian University9, Brigham and Women's Hospital10, Ohio State University11, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai12, Mount Sinai Hospital13, Johns Hopkins University14, University of Washington15, World Bank Group16, Eastern Michigan University17
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe phases of early detection program development, beginning with management strategies required for the diagnosis of clinically detectable disease based on awareness education and technical training, history and physical examination, and accurate tissue diagnosis, and highlight the challenges and opportunities of implementing successful breast cancer early detection programs, and the complex interplay of barriers and facilitators to achieving early detection for breast cancer in real world settings are considered.
Abstract: When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chances of survival are very high. However, women in many settings face complex barriers to early detection, including social, economic, geographic, and other interrelated factors, which can limit their access to timely, affordable, and effective breast health care services. Previously, the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) developed resource-stratified guidelines for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. In this consensus article from the sixth BHGI Global Summit held in October 2018, the authors describe phases of early detection program development, beginning with management strategies required for the diagnosis of clinically detectable disease based on awareness education and technical training, history and physical examination, and accurate tissue diagnosis. The core issues address include finance and governance, which pertain to successful planning, implementation, and the iterative process of program improvement and are needed for a breast cancer early detection program to succeed in any resource setting. Examples are presented of implementation, process, and clinical outcome metrics that assist in program implementation monitoring. Country case examples are presented to highlight the challenges and opportunities of implementing successful breast cancer early detection programs, and the complex interplay of barriers and facilitators to achieving early detection for breast cancer in real-world settings are considered.
TL;DR: In this article, the analysis of the thermochemical conversion of biomass with the use of thermogravimetric analyzer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analyzer is discussed.
TL;DR: Owing to smart and aqueous hydrogels, robust mechanical strength, adhesiveness, stretchability, strain sensitivity, and self-healability are the critical factors that can identify the reliability and robustness of the energy storage and conversion devices.
Abstract: In the present review, we focused on the fundamental concepts of hydrogels-classification, the polymers involved, synthesis methods, types of hydrogels, properties, and applications of the hydrogel. Hydrogels can be synthesized from natural polymers, synthetic polymers, polymerizable synthetic monomers, and a combination of natural and synthetic polymers. Synthesis of hydrogels involves physical, chemical, and hybrid bonding. The bonding is formed via different routes, such as solution casting, solution mixing, bulk polymerization, free radical mechanism, radiation method, and interpenetrating network formation. The synthesized hydrogels have significant properties, such as mechanical strength, biocompatibility, biodegradability, swellability, and stimuli sensitivity. These properties are substantial for electrochemical and biomedical applications. Furthermore, this review emphasizes flexible and self-healable hydrogels as electrolytes for energy storage and energy conversion applications. Insufficient adhesiveness (less interfacial interaction) between electrodes and electrolytes and mechanical strength pose serious challenges, such as delamination of the supercapacitors, batteries, and solar cells. Owing to smart and aqueous hydrogels, robust mechanical strength, adhesiveness, stretchability, strain sensitivity, and self-healability are the critical factors that can identify the reliability and robustness of the energy storage and conversion devices. These devices are highly efficient and convenient for smart, light-weight, foldable electronics and modern pollution-free transportation in the current decade.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology1, Texas Tech University2, University of Geneva3, CERN4, University of Strasbourg5, École normale supérieure de Lyon6, Université de Montréal7, Université catholique de Louvain8, University of Wisconsin-Madison9, Ohio State University10, University of Southampton11, University of Melbourne12, Imperial College London13, Rutgers University14, Claude Bernard University Lyon 115, University of California, Santa Cruz16, University of Porto17, University of Chicago18, University of California, Berkeley19, University of Zurich20, University of California, Irvine21, Lund University22, University of California, Davis23, University of Bristol24, Fermilab25, University of Grenoble26, Austrian Academy of Sciences27, Northwestern University28, University of Oxford29, RWTH Aachen University30, University of Malaya31, University of Washington32, Harvard University33, Durham University34, National Central University35, Chung-Ang University36, University of Tokyo37, Vrije Universiteit Brussel38, University of Auvergne39, University of Amsterdam40, Sao Paulo State University41, Stockholm University42, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory43, Carnegie Mellon University44, University of Padua45, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory46, University of Vienna47, Quaid-i-Azam University48, Max Planck Society49, University of Naples Federico II50, University of Copenhagen51, University of Hamburg52, Chulalongkorn University53, Cornell University54, Northeastern University55, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory56, Université libre de Bruxelles57, Centre national de la recherche scientifique58
TL;DR: The final report of the ATLAS-CMS Dark Matter Forum, a forum organized by ATLAS and CMS collaborations with the participation of experts on theories of dark matter, to select a minimal basis set of simplified models that should support the design of the early LHC Run-2 searches is presented in this paper.
TL;DR: This study addressed the inhibitors of m-wallet innovation adoption through the lens of innovation resistance theory (IRT) by applying a sophisticated two-staged structural equation modeling-artificial neural network (SEM-ANN) approach and successfully extended the IRT by integrating socio-demographics and perceived novelty.
TL;DR: A comprehensive survey on state-of-the-art deep learning, IoT security, and big data technologies is conducted and a thematic taxonomy is derived from the comparative analysis of technical studies of the three aforementioned domains.
TL;DR: In this paper, an extreme learning machine integrated with cuckoo search algorithm was developed to predict and optimize the process parameters of microwave irradiation-assisted transesterification process conditions.
National Taiwan University1, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich2, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg3, Jichi Medical University4, National University of Singapore5, China Medical University (Taiwan)6, University of Malaya7, Chulalongkorn University8, Nihon University9, National Cheng Kung University10, Kaohsiung Medical University11, Shanghai Jiao Tong University12, United States Department of Veterans Affairs13, Oita University14, University of Bordeaux15, The Chinese University of Hong Kong16, University of New South Wales17
TL;DR: Evidence supports the proposal that eradication therapy should be offered to all individuals infected with H. pylori and mass screening and eradication of H.pylori should be considered in populations at higher risk of GC.
Abstract: Objective A global consensus meeting was held to review current evidence and knowledge gaps and propose collaborative studies on population-wide screening and eradication of Helicobacter pylori for prevention of gastric cancer (GC). Methods 28 experts from 11 countries reviewed the evidence and modified the statements using the Delphi method, with consensus level predefined as ≥80% of agreement on each statement. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was followed. Results Consensus was reached in 26 statements. At an individual level, eradication of H. pylori reduces the risk of GC in asymptomatic subjects and is recommended unless there are competing considerations. In cohorts of vulnerable subjects (eg, first-degree relatives of patients with GC), a screen-and-treat strategy is also beneficial. H. pylori eradication in patients with early GC after curative endoscopic resection reduces the risk of metachronous cancer and calls for a re-examination on the hypothesis of ‘the point of no return’. At the general population level, the strategy of screen-and-treat for H. pylori infection is most cost-effective in young adults in regions with a high incidence of GC and is recommended preferably before the development of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. However, such a strategy may still be effective in people aged over 50, and may be integrated or included into national healthcare priorities, such as colorectal cancer screening programmes, to optimise the resources. Reliable locally effective regimens based on the principles of antibiotic stewardship are recommended. Subjects at higher risk of GC, such as those with advanced gastric atrophy or intestinal metaplasia, should receive surveillance endoscopy after eradication of H. pylori. Conclusion Evidence supports the proposal that eradication therapy should be offered to all individuals infected with H. pylori. Vulnerable subjects should be tested, and treated if the test is positive. Mass screening and eradication of H. pylori should be considered in populations at higher risk of GC.
TL;DR: This review focuses on the basic concept underlying the stealth behavior of NPs by polymer coating, whereby the fundamental surface coating characteristics such as molecular weight, surface chain density as well as conformations of polymer chains are of utmost importance for efficient protection of NPS.
Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a powerful drug-delivery tool for cancer therapies to enhance the specificity of drug actions, while reducing the systemic side effects. Nonetheless, NPs interact massively with the surrounding physiological environments including plasma proteins upon administration into the bloodstream. Consequently, they are rapidly cleared from the blood circulation by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) or complement system, resulting in a premature elimination that will cause the drug release at off-target sites. By grafting a stealth coating layer onto the surface of NPs, the blood circulation half-life of nanomaterials can be improved by escaping the recognition and clearance of the immune system. This review focuses on the basic concept underlying the stealth behavior of NPs by polymer coating, whereby the fundamental surface coating characteristics such as molecular weight, surface chain density as well as conformations of polymer chains are of utmost importance for efficient protection of NPs. In addition, the most commonly used stealth polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(2-oxazoline) (POx), and poly(zwitterions) in developing long-circulating NPs for drug delivery are also thoroughly discussed. The biomimetic strategies, including the cell-membrane camouflaging technique and CD47 functionalization for the development of stealth nano-delivery systems, are highlighted in this review as well.
TL;DR: This review highlights the therapeutic approaches of using wound dressings functionalized with silver nanoparticles and their potential role in revolutionizing wound healing and the physiology of the skin and wounds is discussed to place the use of Ag-NPs in wound care into perspective.
Abstract: Infections are the main reason why most people die from burns and diabetic wounds. The clinical challenge for treating wound infections through traditional antibiotics has been growing steadily and has now reached a critical status requiring a paradigm shift for improved chronic wound care. The US Centers for Disease Control have predicted more deaths from antimicrobial-resistant bacteria than from all types of cancers combined by 2050. Thus, the development of new wound dressing materials that do not rely on antibiotics is of paramount importance. Currently, incorporating nanoparticles into scaffolds represents a new concept of 'nanoparticle dressing' which has gained considerable attention for wound healing. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been categorized as metal-based nanoparticles and are intriguing materials for wound healing because of their excellent antimicrobial properties. Ag-NPs embedded in wound dressing polymers promote wound healing and control microorganism growth. However, there have been several recent disadvantages of using Ag-NPs to fight infections, such as bacterial resistance. This review highlights the therapeutic approaches of using wound dressings functionalized with Ag-NPs and their potential role in revolutionizing wound healing. Moreover, the physiology of the skin and wounds is discussed to place the use of Ag-NPs in wound care into perspective.
TL;DR: An in-depth review of the recent advancement of pretreatment methods focusing on microalgal and lignocellulosic biomass is presented.
Colorado State University1, Texas A&M University2, University of Maryland, College Park3, EcoHealth Alliance4, Charité5, Wellcome Trust6, University of Queensland7, Leiden University Medical Center8, Erasmus University Rotterdam9, Emory University10, Boston University11, University of Malaya12, Food and Agriculture Organization13, Curtin University14, University of California, Davis15, Mount Sinai Hospital16, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine17, University of Hong Kong18, University of Chicago19, Ohio State University20, University of Melbourne21
TL;DR: Author(s): Calisher, Charles; Carroll, Dennis; Colwell, Rita; Corley, Ronald B; Drosten, Christian; Enjuanes, Luis; Farrar, Jeremy; Field, Hume; Golding, Josie; Gorbalenya, Alexander; Haagmans, Bart; Hughes, James M; Karesh, William B; Keusch, Gerald T; Lam, Sai Kit; Lubroth, Juan; Mackenzie, John S.
01 Mar 2020
TL;DR: In this paper, advances in lignocellulose pretreatment technologies for bio-ethanol production are reviewed and critically discussed, and the challenges faced and future research needs are addressed especially in optimization of operating parameters and assessment of total cost of biofuel production from LBS at large scale by using different pretreatment methods.
Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass has been recognized as promising feedstock for biofuels production. However, the high cost of pretreatment is one of the major challenges hindering large-scale production of biofuels from these abundant, indigenously-available, and economic feedstock. In addition to high capital and operation cost, high water consumption is also regarded as a challenge unfavorably affecting the pretreatment performance. In the present review, advances in lignocellulose pretreatment technologies for biofuels production are reviewed and critically discussed. Moreover, the challenges faced and future research needs are addressed especially in optimization of operating parameters and assessment of total cost of biofuel production from lignocellulose biomass at large scale by using different pretreatment methods. Such information would pave the way for industrial-scale lignocellulosic biofuels production. Overall, it is important to ensure that throughout lignocellulosic bioethanol production processes, favorable features such as maximal energy saving, waste recycling, wastewater recycling, recovery of materials, and biorefinery approach are considered.
10 Aug 2020
TL;DR: The use of a combination of a magnetic material and an activated carbon material for dye adsorption in wastewater treatment is described, which can provide an economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly water-purification process.
Abstract: Since the turn of the 21st century, water pollution has been a major issue, and most of the pollution is generated by dyes. Adsorption is one of the most commonly used dye-removal methods from aqueous solution. Magnetic-particle integration in the water-treatment industry is gaining considerable attention because of its outstanding physical and chemical properties. Magnetic-particle adsorption technology shows promising and effective outcomes for wastewater treatment owing to the presence of magnetic material in the adsorbents that can facilitate separation through the application of an external magnetic field. Meanwhile, the introduction of activated carbon (AC) derived from various materials into a magnetic material can lead to efficient organic-dye removal. Therefore, this combination can provide an economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly water-purification process. Although activated carbon from low-cost and abundant materials has considerable potential in the water-treatment industry, the widespread applications of adsorption technology are limited by adsorbent recovery and separation after treatment. This work specifically and comprehensively describes the use of a combination of a magnetic material and an activated carbon material for dye adsorption in wastewater treatment. The literature survey in this mini-review provides evidence of the potential use of these magnetic adsorbents, as well as their magnetic separation and recovery. Future directions and challenges of magnetic activated carbon in wastewater treatment are also discussed in this paper.