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Toxicity and horizontal transfer of chlorantraniliprole against the Asian subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann): effects of donor:recipient ratio, exposure duration and soil type

Neoh KB, Hu J, Yeoh BH, Lee CY

Pest Manag Sci, 2012 May;68(5):749-56.
PMID: 22076820 DOI: 10.1002/ps.2322

The effectiveness of chlorantraniliprole and other insecticides (bifenthrin, fipronil, indoxacarb, imidacloprid and chlorfenapyr) were tested against Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann). Four experiments were conducted: a topical bioassay, a horizontal transfer study, an insecticide bioavailability test and a feeding bioassay.
Subterranean termite open-air foraging and tolerance to desiccation: Comparative water relation of two sympatric Macrotermes spp. (Blattodea: Termitidae)

Hu J, Neoh KB, Appel AG, Lee CY

Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol, 2012 Feb;161(2):201-7.
PMID: 22085890 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.10.028

The foraging patterns of termites are strongly related to physiological limits in overcoming desiccation stress. In this study, we examined moisture preferences and physiological characteristics of Macrotermes carbonarius (Hagen) and M. gilvus (Hagen) as both exhibit conspicuous patterns of foraging activity. Despite both species showing no significant differences in calculated cuticular permeability, and percentage of total body water, they differed greatly in rate of water loss and surface area to volume ratio. For example, M. carbonarius which had a lower surface area to volume ratio (29.26-53.66) showed lower rate of water loss and percentage of total body water loss. This also resulted in higher LT(50) when exposed to extreme conditions (≈2% RH). However, contrasting observations were made in M. gilvus that has smaller size with higher surface area to volume ratio of 40.28-69.75. It is likely that the standard equation for calculating insect surface areas is inadequate for these termite species. The trend was further supported by the result of a moisture preference bioassay that indicated M. carbonarius had a broader range of moisture preference (between 5% and 20%) than M. gilvus which had a relatively narrow moisture preference (only 20%). These results explain why M. carbonarius can tolerate desiccation stress for a longer period foraging above-ground in the open air; while M. gilvus only forages below ground or concealed within foraging mud tubes.
The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on the experiences of cancer patients: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Zhou B, Gek Mui L, Li J, Hu J

Patient Educ Couns, 2024 Jun 29;127:108353.
PMID: 38964172 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108353

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed qualitative research to explore cancer patients' perspectives on MBIs, including benefits, challenges, and recommendations.
METHODS: This systematic review focused on synthesizing qualitative data and was registered with PROSPERO under the protocol registration number xxx. Searched 7 databases for qualitative studies on MBIs & cancer patients (17 studies, 365 patients). Analyzed data using themes & assessed confidence in findings.
RESULTS: Thematic analysis using NVivo software revealed four significant themes: (1) benefits and positive outcomes (e.g., symptom improvement, team support, positive experiences), (2) challenges and difficulties (e.g., practice challenges, negative experiences), (3) the journey of change and acceptance (e.g., shifts in perception, personal growth, and acceptance), and (4) adaptations and recommendations (e.g., program modification and flexibility).
CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based interventions have the potential to offer cancer patients positive emotional experiences, increased team support, and opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and acceptance. This, in turn, can help them manage the psychological distress associated with cancer. Customizing programs to align with individual patients' needs and preferences can enhance engagement and effectiveness.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Integrating MBIs into Patient Education and Counseling, tailored to individual needs and with ongoing support, can enhance cancer care. Group interventions foster peer support and effectiveness. Training providers and ensuring accessibility are crucial. Research and customization to patients' journeys optimize outcomes and satisfaction. A patient-centered approach is essential for positive experiences and improved clinical outcomes.
A model for risk factors harms and of smartphone addiction among nursing students: A scoping review

Zhou B, Mui LG, Li J, Yang Y, Hu J

Nurse Educ Pract, 2024 Feb;75:103874.
PMID: 38244336 DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2024.103874

AIM: To delineate the prevalence of smartphone addiction among nursing students. Further, to identify associated harms and underlying risk factors based on established theoretical models.
BACKGROUND: Smartphones have become indispensable tools for students. However, excessive use can lead to smartphone addiction, causing physiological, psychological and social harm. Nursing students represent a unique population whose smartphone use may differ from other disciplines due to clinical training demands.
METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Seven databases were systematically searched from inception to August 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research on smartphone addiction, harms and risks among nursing students. Data were extracted and thematically synthesized.
RESULTS: Studies (n=39) met inclusion criteria, representing 15 countries. Rates of smartphone addiction among nursing students ranged from 19% to 72%, averaging 40-50%. Incorporated into Engel's biopsychosocial models, the harm is emphasized across individual inclinations, emotional aspects, cognitive processes and executive functions. Physiological harms include sleep disruption, vision concerns,other physiological concerns. psychologically, addiction correlated with increased anxiety and depression,decline in self-esteem, learning and attention and other psychological concerns. socially, it encompasses harms such as interpersonal relationships challenges, career development and decline in social abilities. The I-PACE model identifies various risk factors for smartphone addiction among nursing students, including personal factors such as interpersonal relationship anxiety and perceived academic pressure, affective factors like high stress and learning burnout, cognitive factors such as the need for online social interaction and low perception of social support, as well as executive factors like extended usage duration, poor self-control and usage before sleep.
CONCLUSION: Smartphone addiction among nursing students presents tangible harms. A proposed theoretical model integrating established frameworks provides avenues to better comprehend addiction genesis and potential intervention strategies. Given addiction's multi-factorial nature, future research investigating harm mitigation through optimizing predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors is warranted.
Sensitive biomolecule detection in lateral flow assay with a portable temperature-humidity control device

Choi JR, Hu J, Feng S, Wan Abas WA, Pingguan-Murphy B, Xu F

Biosens Bioelectron, 2016 May 15;79:98-107.
PMID: 26700582 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.12.005

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have currently attracted broad interest for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, but their application has been restricted by poor quantification and limited sensitivity. While the former has been currently solved to some extent by the development of handheld or smartphone-based readers, the latter has not been addressed fully, particularly the potential influences of environmental conditions (e.g., temperature and relative humidity (RH)), which have not yet received serious attention. The present study reports the use of a portable temperature-humidity control device to provide an optimum environmental requirement for sensitivity improvement in LFAs, followed by quantification by using a smartphone. We found that a RH beyond 60% with temperatures of 55-60°C and 37-40°C produced optimum nucleic acid hybridization and antigen-antibody interaction in LFAs, respectively representing a 10-fold and 3-fold signal enhancement over ambient conditions (25°C, 60% RH). We envision that in the future the portable device could be coupled with a fully integrated paper-based sample-to-answer biosensor for sensitive detection of various target analytes in POC settings.
Advances in paper-based point-of-care diagnostics

Hu J, Wang S, Wang L, Li F, Pingguan-Murphy B, Lu TJ, et al.

Biosens Bioelectron, 2014 Apr 15;54:585-97.
PMID: 24333570 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.10.075

Advanced diagnostic technologies, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), have been widely used in well-equipped laboratories. However, they are not affordable or accessible in resource-limited settings due to the lack of basic infrastructure and/or trained operators. Paper-based diagnostic technologies are affordable, user-friendly, rapid, robust, and scalable for manufacturing, thus holding great potential to deliver point-of-care (POC) diagnostics to resource-limited settings. In this review, we present the working principles and reaction mechanism of paper-based diagnostics, including dipstick assays, lateral flow assays (LFAs), and microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), as well as the selection of substrates and fabrication methods. Further, we report the advances in improving detection sensitivity, quantification readout, procedure simplification and multi-functionalization of paper-based diagnostics, and discuss the disadvantages of paper-based diagnostics. We envision that miniaturized and integrated paper-based diagnostic devices with the sample-in-answer-out capability will meet the diverse requirements for diagnosis and treatment monitoring at the POC.
Total Synthesis of (-)-Conolutinine

Feng X, Jiang G, Xia Z, Hu J, Wan X, Gao JM, et al.

Org. Lett., 2015 Sep 18;17(18):4428-31.
PMID: 26315849 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b02046

The first enantioselective synthesis of (-)-conolutinine was achieved in 10 steps. The synthesis featured a catalytic asymmetric bromocyclization of tryptamine to forge the tricycle intermediate. Hydration of an alkene catalyzed by Co(acac)2 was also employed as a key step to diastereoselectively introduce the tertiary alcohol moiety. The absolute configuration of (-)-conolutinine was established to be (2S,5aS,8aS,13aR) based on this asymmetric total synthesis.
An integrated lateral flow assay for effective DNA amplification and detection at the point of care

Choi JR, Hu J, Gong Y, Feng S, Wan Abas WA, Pingguan-Murphy B, et al.

Analyst, 2016 05 10;141(10):2930-9.
PMID: 27010033 DOI: 10.1039/c5an02532j

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have been extensively explored in nucleic acid testing (NAT) for medical diagnostics, food safety analysis and environmental monitoring. However, the amount of target nucleic acid in a raw sample is usually too low to be directly detected by LFAs, necessitating the process of amplification. Even though cost-effective paper-based amplification techniques have been introduced, they have always been separately performed from LFAs, hence increasing the risk of reagent loss and cross-contaminations. To date, integrating paper-based nucleic acid amplification into colorimetric LFA in a simple, portable and cost-effective manner has not been introduced. Herein, we developed an integrated LFA with the aid of a specially designed handheld battery-powered system for effective amplification and detection of targets in resource-poor settings. Interestingly, using the integrated paper-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-LFA, we successfully performed highly sensitive and specific target detection, achieving a detection limit of as low as 3 × 10(3) copies of target DNA, which is comparable to the conventional tube-based LAMP-LFA in an unintegrated format. The device may serve in conjunction with a simple paper-based sample preparation to create a fully integrated paper-based sample-to-answer diagnostic device for point-of-care testing (POCT) in the near future.
Paper-based point-of-care testing for diagnosis of dengue infections

Choi JR, Hu J, Wang S, Yang H, Wan Abas WA, Pingguan-Murphy B, et al.

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2017 Feb;37(1):100-111.
PMID: 26912259

Dengue endemic is a serious healthcare concern in tropical and subtropical countries. Although well-established laboratory tests can provide early diagnosis of acute dengue infections, access to these tests is limited in developing countries, presenting an urgent need to develop simple, rapid, and robust diagnostic tools. Point-of-care (POC) devices, particularly paper-based POC devices, are typically rapid, cost-effective and user-friendly, and they can be used as diagnostic tools for the prompt diagnosis of dengue at POC settings. Here, we review the importance of rapid dengue diagnosis, current dengue diagnostic methods, and the development of paper-based POC devices for diagnosis of dengue infections at the POC.
The role of tyrosine hydroxylase gene variants in suicide attempt in schizophrenia

Hu J, Chan LF, Souza RP, Tampakeras M, Kennedy JL, Zai C, et al.

Neurosci Lett, 2014 Jan 24;559:39-43.
PMID: 24275212 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.11.025

Evidence has shown that attempted suicide in psychiatric disorders is a complex interplay of genes and environment. Noradrenergic dysfunction due to abnormalities in the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of suicidal behavior in mood disorders. However, suicide is a leading cause of mortality in schizophrenia too. Recent evidence suggests that TH gene variants may also increase the risk of suicide attempts in schizophrenia patients, although the interaction with established clinical risk factors is unclear. This study aimed to identify TH gene variants conferring risk for suicide attempt in schizophrenia while accounting for the interaction between this gene and clinical risk factors. We performed analysis on four TH SNPs (rs11564717, rs11042950, rs2070762, rs689) and the common TCAT repeat (UniSTS:240639) for 234 schizophrenia patients (51 suicide attempters and 183 non-attempters). Clinical risk factors and ethnic stratification were included as covariates. Single marker analysis identified the SNP rs11564717 (p=0.042) and the TCAT(6) (p=0.004) as risk variants for suicide attempt. We also identified the haplotype A-A-A-G as a risk factor for suicide attempt (p=0.0025). In conclusion, our findings suggest that TH polymorphisms may contribute to the risk of attempted suicide in schizophrenia even after accounting for established clinical risk factors and ethnic stratification. Further larger scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and to understand the mechanisms underlying the role of TH gene variants in suicide attempt in schizophrenia.
Preparation and photodynamic bactericidal effects of curcumin-β-cyclodextrin complex

Lai D, Zhou A, Tan BK, Tang Y, Sarah Hamzah S, Zhang Z, et al.

Food Chem, 2021 Nov 01;361:130117.
PMID: 34058659 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130117

To overcome the poor water solubility of curcumin, a curcumin-β-cyclodextrin (Cur-β-CD) complex was prepared as a novel photosensitizer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to verify the formation of Cur-β-CD. Furthermore, the ROS generation capacity and photodynamic bactericidal effect were measured to confirm this Cur-β-CD complex kept photodynamic activity of curcumin. The result showed Cur-β-CD could effectively generate ROS upon blue-light irradiation. The plate count assay demonstrated Cur-β-CD complex possess desirable photodynamic antibacterial effect against food-borne pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. The cell morphology determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed Cur-β-CD could cause cell deformation, surface collapse and cell structure damage of the bacteria, resulting in the leakage of cytoplasmic; while agarose gel electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE further illustrated the inactivation mechanisms by Cur-β-CD involve bacterial DNA damage and protein degradation.
Fulltext Chalcomoracin is a potent anticancer agent acting through triggering Oxidative stress via a mitophagy- and paraptosis-dependent mechanism

Han H, Chou CC, Li R, Liu J, Zhang L, Zhu W, et al.

Sci Rep, 2018 06 22;8(1):9566.
PMID: 29934599 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27724-3

Chalocomoracin (CMR), one of the major secondary metabolites found in fungus-infected mulberry leaves, is a potent anticancer agent. However, its anticancer mechanism remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated the potent anti-tumor activity and molecular mechanism of CMR both in vitro and in vivo. We showed for the first time that CMR treatment markedly promoted paraptosis along with extensive cytoplasmic vacuolation derived from the endoplasmic reticulum, rather than apoptosis, in PC-3 and MDA-MB-231cell lines. Additional studies revealed that ectopic expression of Myc-PINK1 (PTEN-induced kinase 1), a key regulator of mitophagy, rendered LNCap cells susceptible to CMR-induced paraptosis, suggesting that the mitophagy-dependent pathway plays a crucial role in inducing paraptosis by activating PINK1. CMR treatment directly upregulated PINK1 and downregulated Alix genes in MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 cell lines. Furthermore, mitophagy signaling and paraptosis with cytoplasmic vacuolation could be blocked by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), indicating the novel pathway was triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. An in vivo MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor model revealed that CMR suppressed tumor growth by inducing vacuolation production through the same signal changes as those observed in vitro. These data suggest that CMR is a potential therapeutic entity for cancer treatment through a non-apoptotic pathway.
Photodynamic inactivation of Burkholderia cepacia by curcumin in combination with EDTA

Hu J, Lin S, Tan BK, Hamzah SS, Lin Y, Kong Z, et al.

Food Res Int, 2018 09;111:265-271.
PMID: 30007685 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.05.042

Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) is an aerobic Gram-negative bacillus found in various aquatic environments and can cause food contamination. We investigated the photodynamic antibacterial effects of food additive curcumin combined with EDTA on B. cepacia. We found a ~4-log reduction in B. cepacia viability when photo-irradiated with curcumin at 50 μM by blue LED light (16 mW/cm2) for 30 min with 0.4% (w/v) EDTA. Moreover, the bacterial morphological alterations and the leakage of intracellular contents were observed after photodynamic treatment. There were also obvious genomic DNA cleavage and a general loss of bacterial proteins assigned to large-scale protein degradation after photodynamic inactivation treatment. Collectively, curcumin in combination with EDTA illuminated by blue LED is a potential candidate for photodynamic inactivation of B. cepacia.
n-Butanol Extract of Lotus Seeds Exerts Antiobesity Effects in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice via Activating Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase

Wang Z, Hu J, Hamzah SS, Ge S, Lin Y, Zheng B, et al.

J Agric Food Chem, 2019 Jan 30;67(4):1092-1103.
PMID: 30621393 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b05281

In this study, the antiobesity effects of n-butanol extract of lotus seeds (LBE) were evaluated in cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. LBE decreased lipid contents in mature 3T3-L1 cells without obvious cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, LBE supplementation also led to weight loss and improved plasma lipid profiles in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, LBE could activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) accompanied by down-regulation of lipogenesis related genes (PPARγ, aP2, LPL, C/EBPα, FAS, SREBP-1c) and up-regulation of lipolysis genes (adiponectin and PPARα) in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrated LBE possesses antiadipogenic and antilipogenic activities which are, at least partially, mediated by the activation of AMPK signaling pathways.
Fulltext Curcumin-Based Photodynamic Sterilization for Preservation of Fresh-Cut Hami Melon

Lin Y, Hu J, Li S, Hamzah SS, Jiang H, Zhou A, et al.

Molecules, 2019 Jun 27;24(13).
PMID: 31252525 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24132374

Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are the main sources of foodborne illness outbreaks with implicated pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. This study aimed at investigating the influence of two key parameters (concentration of curcumin and illumination time) on the effects of curcumin-based photodynamic sterilization on the preservation of fresh-cut Hami melons. The results indicated that illumination with 50 μmol/L curcumin for 60 min using a blue LED lamp reduced the total aerobic microorganism count by ~1.8 log CFU/g in fresh-cut Hami melons. Besides this, the effects of photodynamic sterilization on the soluble solids content, color, water content, firmness, and sensory indices of the fresh-cut Hami melons were also evaluated. Compared to the control group, photodynamic sterilization can effectively delay the browning rate and maintain the luminosity, firmness, water content, and soluble solids content of fresh-cut Hami melon. The sensory quality was indeed preserved well after 9 days of storage in a fridge. These results showed that photodynamic sterilization is an effective and promising technology to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut Hami melons.
Enhancement of photodynamic bactericidal activity of curcumin against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa using polymyxin B

Zhou F, Lin S, Zhang J, Kong Z, Tan BK, Hamzah SS, et al.

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther, 2021 Dec 08;37:102677.
PMID: 34890782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102677

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an emerging opportunistic pathogen, which can cause bacterial skin diseases such as green nail syndrome, interdigital infections and folliculitis. Curcumin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been demonstrated as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of skin infection though its inactivation of gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we examined the adjuvant effect of polymyxin B on the antibacterial activity of curcumin-mediated aPDT against P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa was treated with curcumin in the presence of 0.1-0.5 mg/L polymyxin B and irradiated by blue LED light (10 J/cm2). Bacterial cultures treated with curcumin alone served as controls. Colony forming units (CFU) were counted and the viability of P. aeruginosa was calculated after aPDT treatment. The possible underlying mechanisms for the enhanced killing effects were also explored.
RESULTS: The killing effects of curcumin-mediated aPDT against P. aeruginosa was significantly enhanced by polymyxin B (over 2-log reductions). Moreover, it was also observed that addition of polymyxin B in the curcumin-mediated aPDT led to the apparent bacterial membrane damage with increased leakage of cytoplasmic contents and extensive DNA and protein degradation.
DISCUSSION: The photodynamic action of curcumin against P. aeruginosa could be significantly enhanced by the FDA-approved drug polymyxin B. Our results highlight the potential of introducing polymyxin B to enhance the effects of aPDT treatment against gram-negative skin infections, in particular, P. aeruginosa.
Comprehensive properties of photodynamic antibacterial film based on κ-Carrageenan and curcumin-β-cyclodextrin complex

Lai D, Zhou F, Zhou A, Hamzah SS, Zhang Y, Hu J, et al.

Carbohydr Polym, 2022 Apr 15;282:119112.
PMID: 35123747 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119112

In this study, a biodegradable photodynamic antibacterial film (Car-Cur) was prepared using casting method with κ-Carrageenan (κ-Car) as film-forming substrate and curcumin-β-cyclodextrin (Cur-β-CD) complex as photosensitizer. The comprehensive performance of this Car-Cur film was investigated. The obtained results showed that the concentration of Cur-β-CD was an important factor determining the properties of film including tensile strength (TS) elongation at break (EB), water vapor permeability (WVP), water content (WC) and thermal stability. When the concentration of Cur-β-CD is 1%, the film demonstrated the maximum TS and EB, increased thermal stability, with desirable WVP and WC. Furthermore, this film also showed good photodynamic antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli upon irradiation of blue LED light. Moreover, the film can be degraded in the soil in one week. In conclusion, our results suggested Car-Cur photodynamic film could be developed as biodegradable antimicrobial packaging material for food preservation.
Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Caregiver Burden In Breast Cancer Patients: The Mediating Role of Anxiety and Depression

Wang S, Zhang Q, Goh PH, Hu J, Liu X, Du J, et al.

J Clin Psychol Med Settings, 2023 Sep;30(3):645-653.
PMID: 36385422 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09927-z

Breast cancer impacts not only the physical and mental health of patients but also the people around them-especially their caregivers. This study examined the relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and caregiver burden in breast cancer patients through the mediating pathway of anxiety and depression.
METHODS: A total of 236 breast cancer patients from China completed the Chinese Version of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (PSS), the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Chinese version of the General Anxiety Symptoms Scale (GAD-7). In addition, caregivers of these breast cancer patients were surveyed by the Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ).
RESULTS: Structural equation model showed that our model fitted well [χ2 /df = 1.966, TLI = 0.959, CFI = 0.994, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.065 (0-0.12)] and revealed that anxiety, but not depression, mediated the relationship between PTSS in breast cancer patients and caregiver burden.
CONCLUSION: The level of PTSS was positively correlated with anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients, and the level of anxiety and depression was positively related to caregiver burden. The PTSS of patients positively predicted caregiver burden and this relationship appears to be mediated by the patient's anxiety.
Long-term spatiotemporal evolution and coordinated control of air pollutants in a typical mega-mountain city of Cheng-Yu region under the "dual carbon" goal

Li X, Abdullah LC, Sobri S, Syazarudin Md Said M, Aslina Hussain S, Poh Aun T, et al.

J Air Waste Manag Assoc, 2023 Sep;73(9):649-678.
PMID: 37449903 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2023.2232744

Clarifying the spatiotemporal distribution and impact mechanism of pollution is the prerequisite for megacities to formulate relevant air pollution prevention and control measures and achieve carbon neutrality goals. Chongqing is one of the dual-core key megacities in Cheng-Yu region and as a typical mountain-city in China, environmental problems are complex and sensitive. This research aims to investigate the exceeding standard levels and spatio-temporal evolution of criteria pollutants between 2014 and 2020. The results indicated that PM10, PM2.5, CO and SO2 were decreased significantly by 45.91%, 52.86%, 38.89% and 66.67%, respectively. Conversely, the concentration of pollutant O3 present a fluctuating growth and found a "seesaw" phenomenon between it and PM. Furthermore, PM and O3 are highest in winter and summer, respectively. SO2, NO2, CO, and PM showed a "U-shaped", and O3 showed an inverted "U-shaped" seasonal variation. PM and O3 concentrations are still far behind the WHO, 2021AQGs standards. Significant spatial heterogeneity was observed in air pollution distribution. These results are of great significance for Chongqing to achieve "double control and double reduction" of PM2.5 and O3 pollution, and formulate a regional carbon peaking roadmap under climate coordination. Besides, it can provide an important platform for exploring air pollution in typical terrain around the world and provide references for related epidemiological research.Implications: Chongqing is one of the dual-core key megacities in Cheng-Yu region and as a typical mountain city, environmental problems are complex and sensitive. Under the background of the "14th Five-Year Plan", the construction of the "Cheng-Yu Dual-City Economic Circle" and the "Dual-Carbon" goal, this article comprehensively discussed the annual and seasonal excess levels and spatiotemporal evolution of pollutants under the multiple policy and the newest international standards (WHO,2021AQG) backgrounds from 2014 to 2020 in Chongqing. Furthermore, suggestions and measures related to the collaborative management of pollutants were discussed. Finally, limitations and recommendations were also put forward.Clarifying the spatiotemporal distribution and impact mechanism of pollution is the prerequisite for cities to formulate relevant air pollution control measures and achieve carbon neutrality goals. This study is of great significance for Chongqing to achieve "double control and double reduction" of PM2.5 and O3 pollution, study and formulate a regional carbon peaking roadmap under climate coordination and an action plan for sustained improvement of air quality.In addition, this research can advanced our understanding of air pollution in complex terrain. Furthermore, it also promote the construction of the China national strategic Cheng-Yu economic circle and build a beautiful west. Moreover, it provides scientific insights for local policymakers to guide smart urban planning, industrial layout, energy structure, and transportation planning to improve air quality throughout the Cheng-Yu region. Finally, this is also conducive to future scientific research in other regions of China, and even megacities with complex terrain in the world.
Antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture: Occurrence and strategies in Southeast Asia

Suyamud B, Chen Y, Quyen DTT, Dong Z, Zhao C, Hu J

Sci Total Environ, 2024 Jan 10;907:167942.
PMID: 37863226 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167942

Aquaculture is a highly important and expanding industry in Southeast Asia (SEA). An upcoming problem is the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens due to the unchecked use of antibiotics and human clinical practices. This review focused insight into the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and strategies from SEA aquaculture based on the original research publication over the period 2002 to 2023. Amongst the 11 SEA countries, the most AMR report has come from Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, respectively. The AMR found in SEA aquaculture were classified into 17 drug classes. The most reported AMR are aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, (fluoro)quinolones, tetracycline, sulpha group and multi-drug. Beta-lactams, tetracycline, sulpha group are reported in each country with the reported frequencies higher than 40 %. Escherichia coli, Aeromonas and Vibrio are the most widely and frequently reported ARB in SEA aquaculture. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indexes for the sample containing multiple bacterial isolates were generally low, while the medium numbers of MAR indexes for the typical bacteria species were higher than 0.2 and showed higher MAR levels than the global mean. Most of the detected ARGs are related to beta-lactams, tetracycline, sulpha group, and aminoglycosides. Amongst the beta-lactam resistance genes, blaTEM, and blaSHV are the most frequently detected. Almost all the available information of antibiotics, ARB and ARGs in SEA aquaculture was consistent with the global scale analysis. In addition, factors that contribute to the development and spread of AMR in SEA aquaculture were discussed. Moreover, the national action plan to combat AMR in SEA countries and the available technologies that already applied in the SEA aquaculture are also included in this review. Such findings underline the need for synergistic efforts from scientists, engineers, policy makers, government managers, entrepreneurs, and communities to manage and reduce the burden of AMR in aquaculture of SEA countries.

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