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- Wang, Fang, et al.
(author)
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Emerging contaminants: A One Health perspective
- 2024
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In: Innovation. - 2666-6758. ; 5
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Environmental pollution is escalating due to rapid global development that often prioritizes human needs over planetary health. Despite global efforts to mitigate legacy pollutants, the continuous introduction of new substances remains a major threat to both people and the planet. In response, global initiatives are focusing on risk assessment and regulation of emerging contaminants, as demonstrated by the ongoing efforts to establish the UN's Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention. This review identifies the sources and impacts of emerging contaminants on planetary health, emphasizing the importance of adopting a One Health approach. Strategies for monitoring and addressing these pollutants are discussed, underscoring the need for robust and socially equitable environmental policies at both regional and international levels. Urgent actions are needed to transition toward sustainable pollution management practices to safeguard our planet for future generations.
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- Chng, Kern Rei, et al.
(author)
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Cartography of opportunistic pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in a tertiary hospital environment
- 2020
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In: Nature Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1078-8956 .- 1546-170X. ; 26, s. 941-951
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although disinfection is key to infection control, the colonization patterns and resistomes of hospital-environment microbes remain underexplored. We report the first extensive genomic characterization of microbiomes, pathogens and antibiotic resistance cassettes in a tertiary-care hospital, from repeated sampling (up to 1.5 years apart) of 179 sites associated with 45 beds. Deep shotgun metagenomics unveiled distinct ecological niches of microbes and antibiotic resistance genes characterized by biofilm-forming and human-microbiome-influenced environments with corresponding patterns of spatiotemporal divergence. Quasi-metagenomics with nanopore sequencing provided thousands of high-contiguity genomes, phage and plasmid sequences (>60% novel), enabling characterization of resistome and mobilome diversity and dynamic architectures in hospital environments. Phylogenetics identified multidrug-resistant strains as being widely distributed and stably colonizing across sites. Comparisons with clinical isolates indicated that such microbes can persist in hospitals for extended periods (>8 years), to opportunistically infect patients. These findings highlight the importance of characterizing antibiotic resistance reservoirs in hospitals and establish the feasibility of systematic surveys to target resources for preventing infections. Spatiotemporal characterization of microbial diversity and antibiotic resistance in a tertiary-care hospital reveals broad distribution and persistence of antibiotic-resistant organisms that could cause opportunistic infections in a healthcare setting.
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- You, Xiaohu, et al.
(author)
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Towards 6G wireless communication networks: vision, enabling technologies, and new paradigm shifts
- 2021
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In: Science China Information Sciences. - : Science Press. - 1674-733X .- 1869-1919. ; 64:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The fifth generation (5G) wireless communication networks are being deployed worldwide from 2020 and more capabilities are in the process of being standardized, such as mass connectivity, ultra-reliability, and guaranteed low latency. However, 5G will not meet all requirements of the future in 2030 and beyond, and sixth generation (6G) wireless communication networks are expected to provide global coverage, enhanced spectral/energy/cost efficiency, better intelligence level and security, etc. To meet these requirements, 6G networks will rely on new enabling technologies, i.e., air interface and transmission technologies and novel network architecture, such as waveform design, multiple access, channel coding schemes, multi-antenna technologies, network slicing, cell-free architecture, and cloud/fog/edge computing. Our vision on 6G is that it will have four new paradigm shifts. First, to satisfy the requirement of global coverage, 6G will not be limited to terrestrial communication networks, which will need to be complemented with non-terrestrial networks such as satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication networks, thus achieving a space-air-ground-sea integrated communication network. Second, all spectra will be fully explored to further increase data rates and connection density, including the sub-6 GHz, millimeter wave (mmWave), terahertz (THz), and optical frequency bands. Third, facing the big datasets generated by the use of extremely heterogeneous networks, diverse communication scenarios, large numbers of antennas, wide bandwidths, and new service requirements, 6G networks will enable a new range of smart applications with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies. Fourth, network security will have to be strengthened when developing 6G networks. This article provides a comprehensive survey of recent advances and future trends in these four aspects. Clearly, 6G with additional technical requirements beyond those of 5G will enable faster and further communications to the extent that the boundary between physical and cyber worlds disappears.
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- Danko, David, et al.
(author)
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A global metagenomic map of urban microbiomes and antimicrobial resistance
- 2021
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In: Cell. - : Elsevier BV. - 0092-8674 .- 1097-4172. ; 184:13, s. 3376-3393
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present a global atlas of 4,728 metagenomic samples from mass-transit systems in 60 cities over 3 years, representing the first systematic, worldwide catalog of the urban microbial ecosystem. This atlas provides an annotated, geospatial profile of microbial strains, functional characteristics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) markers, and genetic elements, including 10,928 viruses, 1,302 bacteria, 2 archaea, and 838,532 CRISPR arrays not found in reference databases. We identified 4,246 known species of urban microorganisms and a consistent set of 31 species found in 97% of samples that were distinct from human commensal organisms. Profiles of AMR genes varied widely in type and density across cities. Cities showed distinct microbial taxonomic signatures that were driven by climate and geographic differences. These results constitute a high-resolution global metagenomic atlas that enables discovery of organisms and genes, highlights potential public health and forensic applications, and provides a culture-independent view of AMR burden in cities.
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- Wang, Cheng-Xiang, et al.
(author)
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On the Road to 6G: Visions, Requirements, Key Technologies, and Testbeds
- 2023
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In: IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials. - : IEEE-INST ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS INC. - 1553-877X. ; 25:2, s. 905-974
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fifth generation (5G) mobile communication systems have entered the stage of commercial deployment, providing users with new services, improved user experiences as well as a host of novel opportunities to various industries. However, 5G still faces many challenges. To address these challenges, international industrial, academic, and standards organizations have commenced research on sixth generation (6G) wireless communication systems. A series of white papers and survey papers have been published, which aim to define 6G in terms of requirements, application scenarios, key technologies, etc. Although ITU-R has been working on the 6G vision and it is expected to reach a consensus on what 6G will be by mid-2023, the related global discussions are still wide open and the existing literature has identified numerous open issues. This paper first provides a comprehensive portrayal of the 6G vision, technical requirements, and application scenarios, covering the current common understanding of 6G. Then, a critical appraisal of the 6G network architecture and key technologies is presented. Furthermore, existing testbeds and advanced 6G verification platforms are detailed for the first time. In addition, future research directions and open challenges are identified to stimulate the on-going global debate. Finally, lessons learned to date concerning 6G networks are discussed.
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- Du, Qian, et al.
(author)
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Porcine circovirus type 2 infection promotes the SUMOylation of nucleophosmin-1 to facilitate the viral circular single-stranded DNA replication
- 2024
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In: PLoS Pathogens. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7366 .- 1553-7374. ; 20:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The mechanism of genome DNA replication in circular single-stranded DNA viruses is currently a mystery, except for the fact that it undergoes rolling-circle replication. Herein, we identified SUMOylated porcine nucleophosmin-1 (pNPM1), which is previously reported to be an interacting protein of the viral capsid protein, as a key regulator that promotes the genome DNA replication of porcine single-stranded DNA circovirus. Upon porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection, SUMO2/3 were recruited and conjugated with the K263 site of pNPM1's C-terminal domain to SUMOylate pNPM1, subsequently, the SUMOylated pNPM1 were translocated in nucleoli to promote the replication of PCV2 genome DNA. The mutation of the K263 site reduced the SUMOylation levels of pNPM1 and the nucleolar localization of pNPM1, resulting in a decrease in the level of PCV2 DNA replication. Meanwhile, the mutation of the K263 site prevented the interaction of pNPM1 with PCV2 DNA, but not the interaction of pNPM1 with PCV2 Cap. Mechanistically, PCV2 infection increased the expression levels of Ubc9, the only E2 enzyme involved in SUMOylation, through the Cap-mediated activation of ERK signaling. The upregulation of Ubc9 promoted the interaction between pNPM1 and TRIM24, a potential E3 ligase for SUMOylation, thereby facilitating the SUMOylation of pNPM1. The inhibition of ERK activation could significantly reduce the SUMOylation levels and the nucleolar localization of pNPM1, as well as the PCV2 DNA replication levels. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of circular single-stranded DNA virus replication and highlight NPM1 as a potential target for inhibiting PCV2 replication. Different types of DNA viruses employ different mechanisms to replicate their genome DNA. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the most representative circular single-stranded DNA virus that harms the pig industry all over the world. In this study, we found that the PCV2 Cap interacting protein pNPM1 also interacts with PCV2 DNA in a SUMOylated form to promote PCV2 DNA replication. The SUMOylation of pNPM1 at the conserved K263 site is critical for the interaction of pNPM1 with PCV2 DNA and the replication of PCV2 DNA. Furthermore, we found that PCV2 infection promotes the SUMO2/3 mediated SUMOylation of pNPM1, while does not significantly alter the expression level of pNPM1. PCV2 Cap is the major component that promotes pNPM1 SUMOylation by activating ERK/Ubc9/TRIM24 signalings. These results contribute to a better understanding of the replication mechanism of circular single-stranded DNA viruses, particularly PCV2.
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9. |
- Duan, Dongban, et al.
(author)
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Gadolinium Neutron Capture Reaction-Induced Nucleodynamic Therapy Potentiates Antitumor Immunity
- 2023
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In: CCS Chemistry. - : Chinese Chemical Society. - 2096-5745. ; 5:11, s. 2589-2602
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A nuclear reaction-induced dynamic therapy, denoted as nucleodynamic therapy (NDT), has been invented that triggers immunogenic cell death and successfully treats metastatic tumors due to its unexpected abscopal effect. Gadolinium neutron capture therapy (GdNCT) is binary radiotherapy based on a localized nuclear reaction that produces high-energy radiations (e.g., Auger electrons, γ-rays, etc.) in cancer cells when 157Gd is irradiated with thermal neutrons. Yet, its clinical application has been postponed due to the poor ability of Auger electrons and γ-rays to kill cells. Here, we engineered a 157Gd-porphyrin framework that synergizes GdNCT and dynamic therapy to efficiently produce both •OH and immunogenic 1O2 in cancer cells, thereby provoking a strong antitumor immune response. This study unveils the fact and mechanism that NDT heats tumor immunity. Another unexpected finding is that the Auger electron can be the most effective energy-transfer medium for radiation-induced activation of nanomedicines because its nanoscale trajectory perfectly matches the size of nanomaterials. In mouse tumor models, NDT causes nearly complete regression of both primary and distant tumor grafts. Thus, this 157Gd-porphyrin framework radioenhancer endows GdNCT with the exotic function of triggering dynamic therapy; its application may expand in clinics as a new radiotherapy modality that utilizes GdNCT to provoke whole-body antitumor immune response for treating metastases, which are responsible for 90% of all cancer deaths.
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10. |
- Fang, Evandro F., et al.
(author)
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A research agenda for ageing in China in the 21st century (2nd edition): Focusing on basic and translational research, long-term care, policy and social networks.
- 2020
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In: Ageing Research Reviews. - : Elsevier BV. - 1568-1637. ; 64
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- One of the key issues facing public healthcare is the global trend of an increasingly ageing society which continues to present policy makers and caregivers with formidable healthcare and socio-economic challenges. Ageing is the primary contributor to a broad spectrum of chronic disorders all associated with a lower quality of life in the elderly. In 2019, the Chinese population constituted 18 % of the world population, with 164.5 million Chinese citizens aged 65 and above (65+), and 26 million aged 80 or above (80+). China has become an ageing society, and as it continues to age it will continue to exacerbate the burden borne by current family and public healthcare systems. Major healthcare challenges involved with caring for the elderly in China include the management of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), physical frailty, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, with emerging challenges such as providing sufficient dental care, combating the rising prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among nursing home communities, providing support for increased incidences of immune diseases, and the growing necessity to provide palliative care for the elderly. At the governmental level, it is necessary to make long-term strategic plans to respond to the pressures of an ageing society, especially to establish a nationwide, affordable, annual health check system to facilitate early diagnosis and provide access to affordable treatments. China has begun work on several activities to address these issues including the recent completion of the of the Ten-year Health-Care Reform project, the implementation of the Healthy China 2030 Action Plan, and the opening of the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders. There are also societal challenges, namely the shift from an extended family system in which the younger provide home care for their elderly family members, to the current trend in which young people are increasingly migrating towards major cities for work, increasing reliance on nursing homes to compensate, especially following the outcomes of the ‘one child policy’ and the ‘empty-nest elderly’ phenomenon. At the individual level, it is important to provide avenues for people to seek and improve their own knowledge of health and disease, to encourage them to seek medical check-ups to prevent/manage illness, and to find ways to promote modifiable health-related behaviors (social activity, exercise, healthy diets, reasonable diet supplements) to enable healthier, happier, longer, and more productive lives in the elderly. Finally, at the technological or treatment level, there is a focus on modern technologies to counteract the negative effects of ageing. Researchers are striving to produce drugs that can mimic the effects of ‘exercising more, eating less’, while other anti-ageing molecules from molecular gerontologists could help to improve ‘healthspan’ in the elderly. Machine learning, ‘Big Data’, and other novel technologies can also be used to monitor disease patterns at the population level and may be used to inform policy design in the future. Collectively, synergies across disciplines on policies, geriatric care, drug development, personal awareness, the use of big data, machine learning and personalized medicine will transform China into a country that enables the most for its elderly, maximizing and celebrating their longevity in the coming decades. This is the 2nd edition of the review paper (Fang EF et al., Ageing Re. Rev. 2015).
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