http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/23914/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/23044/ 2011-03-01T00:00:00Z Introduction: Diseases of the liver represent a major health problem. Often treatments are ineffective, prompting the need for new therapeutic strategies. From extensive preclinical studies, gene therapy in particular mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-derived vectors, has now emerged as the prime candidate for clinical application. AAV-mediated gene therapy for inherited liver diseases has now become a clinical reality, in particular for the treatment of hemophilia B. Areas covered: This review provides a summary of current literature on AAV-mediated gene therapies for both inherited and acquired liver diseases and outlines different strategies to overcome current clinical limitations. The unique properties of AAV over other viral vectors are highlighted as well as the current challenges which are faced for wide-ranging clinical application. Expert opinion: Despite the extensive positive results from animal models, successful application in clinical settings is hampered by immunological barriers. However, immune suppression and other strategies can be employed to overcome these limitations. Given some of their unique advantages, AAV vectors are currently the most obvious candidate for hepatic gene therapy applications, however, serotype-related issues of immune reactivity still represent a formidable barrier for clinical success. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/19802/ 2010-03-01T00:00:00Z China has witnessed a rapid increase in waste electrical and electronics equipment (WEEE) in the recent years, but has not yet established corresponding recycling and disposal systems with appropriate administrative oversight. Consequently, most household waste appliances have neither been effectively recycled nor safely treated. However, efforts were made to improve the situations. Reviewing the history of China's legislation in this field since the 1990s, this paper affirms China's recent achievements in the last few years with commentary on several of the latest regulations and laws. Through the research on WEEE recycling chain and related laws, the authors first analyze the significant impact this legislation has imposed on manufacturing, recycling, treatment, and exportation/importation in China's household appliance industry. Secondly, the authors indicate various difficulties in the implementation of the newly made laws and regulations. Finally, the authors propose several practical suggestions with regard to promoting the implementation of these laws and regulations, based on the existing state conditions and the experience of other countries in the recycling industry, such as those of European countries, America, and Japan.