Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
S. W. How, D. Y. S. Low, B. F. Leo, S. Manickam, B. H. Goh, S. Y. Tang
Summary: Following recent viral outbreaks, there is an increased global demand for gloves, particularly antimicrobial gloves that can combat microbial transmission and hospital-acquired infections. These gloves are manufactured using various antimicrobial chemicals and advanced technologies, such as colloidal particles and nanomaterials, to enhance their effectiveness. Future research should focus on the impact of these gloves on skin microbiota and irritation during prolonged use, as well as ensuring the careful integration of antimicrobial agents without compromising the gloves' mechanical properties. (c) 2023 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Shadi Aghamohammad, Mahdi Rohani
Summary: From the introduction of the first antibiotic to the present day, antibiotic resistance has become a challenging problem in medicine. The presence of resistant isolates in clinical and even asymptomatic fecal carriers has become a difficult public health issue. Therefore, the use of new antimicrobial combination therapies or alternative agents with antimicrobial activity, such as plant-, metal-, and nanoparticle-based agents, may be crucial. Recently, probiotics have gained attention as a potential candidate to combat infectious disease control and antimicrobial resistance by restoring the balance of the microbial population.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Saurabh Sid, Rahul S. Mor, Anand Kishore, Vijay Singh Sharanagat
Summary: Bio-sourced packaging materials are emerging as an alternative to conventional polymers, with natural feedstock-based biopolymers economically competitive due to their wide availability, easy processing, biodegradability, and good mechanical properties. Bio-based polyesters offer diverse alternatives with varying degrees of biodegradability. However, bio-based drop-in plastics remain the market leader for their excellent physical properties, cost-effectiveness, and durability.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Dragana Tomanic, Marko Samardzija, Zorana Kovacevic
Summary: Despite preventive and therapeutic measures, mastitis remains a common health problem in dairy herds. In order to reduce the risks associated with antibiotic therapy, many scientific studies have explored non-antibiotic alternative approaches. These studies have identified novel, effective, and safe agents that have the potential to reduce antibiotic use and improve animal productivity and environmental protection.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Stefano Rosa, Paolo Pesaresi, Chiara Mizzotti, Vincent Bulone, Bruno Mezzetti, Elena Baraldi, Simona Masiero
Summary: Fungicide use is crucial in intensive agriculture to combat pathogens and prevent production losses. However, some active compounds currently used may be banned due to concerns about their impact on the environment and human health. To ensure food security, it is important to develop new biomolecules that effectively control pathogens while being safe for the environment and human health. This review discusses the use of novel low-risk biological compounds, such as small RNAs and short peptides, as promising alternatives to contentious fungicides.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Education & Educational Research
Paul Tristen Balwant, Roshnie Doon
Summary: The traditional Oxford tutorial model, though well supported in literature, is costly and may be overlooked by research-driven academics. With higher education institutions facing significant funding cuts worldwide, exploring economically viable alternatives is crucial.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ummu Umaimah Mohd Nordin, Noraini Ahmad, Norazlinaliza Salim, Nor Saadah Mohd Yusof
Summary: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can be treated with topical, systemic, and phototherapy treatments depending on the severity. Lipid-based nanoparticles are a novel drug delivery system that can encapsulate drugs and efficiently reach the targeted site seamlessly.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Javier Munoz-Garcia, Dominique Heymann, Irina Giurgea, Marie Legendre, Serge Amselem, Beatriz Castaneda, Frederic Lezot, Jorge William Vargas-Franco
Summary: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by bone fragility and extra-skeletal manifestations. This review focuses on outlining and describing current pharmacological treatments for OI, including antiresorptive agents, anabolic agents, growth hormone, and anti-TGF beta antibody. The different options and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties will be discussed, with a focus on achieving important clinical goals such as reducing fracture incidence and improving pain.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yan Zhang, Mingyao Cui, Jianguo Wang, Xiaoliang Liu, Xianjun Lyu
Summary: Cyanide is highly toxic and poses environmental risks in gold extraction. Extensive research has been conducted to find eco-friendly alternatives, leading to the successful development of novel synthetic gold lixiviants (NESGLs) such as Jinchan. These NESGLs are less toxic compared to cyanide and have achieved comparable gold recoveries without altering the cyanidation process. The growing industrial applications of NESGLs suggest a potential shift away from cyanide dominance.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Hiba Alaoui Mdarhri, Rachid Benmessaoud, Houda Yacoubi, Lina Seffar, Houda Guennouni Assimi, Mouhsine Hamam, Rihabe Boussettine, Najoie Filali-Ansari, Fatima Azzahra Lahlou, Idrissa Diawara, Moulay Mustapha Ennaji, Mohamed Kettani-Halabi
Summary: Resistance to antimicrobials, especially multidrug resistance, is a major challenge in today's healthcare system. New approaches, such as the use of new antibiotics combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, nanoparticles, and antisense antimicrobial therapeutics, are being examined to overcome bacterial resistance. Combination therapy, using multiple therapies together, is also highlighted for more effective treatment of infectious diseases and improving access to quality healthcare.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nicolas Papon, Brent R. Copp, Vincent Courdavault
Summary: The marine environment is a rich source of biodiversity and chemical compounds, with marine natural products (MNPs) playing a significant role in drug discovery. However, challenges such as low bioavailability and complex structures hinder the discovery and supply of MNPs. Metabolic engineering offers a promising solution for sustainable production of MNPs in the future.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Olga V. Kisil, Tatiana A. Efimenko, Olga V. Efremenkova
Summary: The genus Amycolatopsis has been identified as a potential producer of new antibiotics, with its wide variety of biosynthetic gene clusters from complete genome sequences showcasing its ability to be a source of novel antibiotics. This knowledge highlights the prospects for further research on this genus as a significant source of antibiotics.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Guangqun Ma, Xiaoyun Chai, Guige Hou, Fenglan Zhao, Qingguo Meng
Summary: Mulberry leaves extracts have shown various health benefits such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and anticholesterol activities. These effects may be attributed to their strong antioxidant properties, inhibition of enzymes, and diverse chemical constituents.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Md. Ashraf Hussain, Tofael Ahmed Sumon, Sabuj Kanti Mazumder, Mir Mohammad Ali, Won Je Jang, Muyassar Hamid Abualreesh, S. M. Sharifuzzaman, Christopher Lyon Brown, Hyun-Tai Lee, Eun-Woo Lee, Md. Tawheed Hasan
Summary: Meeting consumer demands for fresh and safely processed fisheries products free of chemical preservatives is a challenge for the aqua-food industry. Natural preservatives like chitosan and essential oils have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can extend shelf-life and maintain quality of fish and seafood products. This study highlights recent developments and effective use of natural preservatives in the aqua-food industry, while addressing the harmful impacts of chemical preservatives and noting research gaps in Southeast Asian countries.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Abdul Najim
Summary: Freeze desalination (FD) is a promising desalination method that requires less energy and reduces corrosion risk compared to other methods. This review paper discusses the advances in FD methods, including stand-alone and hybrid approaches, and explores future research focus. Results show that ice seeding in FD can produce potable water, while post-treatment is required without ice seeding. Stand-alone progressive FD has higher plant capacity than suspension FD, and integrating FD with membrane distillation significantly improves plant capacity.