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Geanta M, Tanwar AS, Lehrach H, Satyamoorthy K, Brand A. Horizon Scanning: Rise of Planetary Health Genomics and Digital Twins for Pandemic Preparedness. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2022; 26:93-100. [PMID: 34851750 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated research and development not only in infectious diseases but also in digital technologies to improve monitoring, forecasting, and intervening on planetary and ecological risks. In the European Commission, the Destination Earth (DestinE) is a current major initiative to develop a digital model of the Earth (a "digital twin") with high precision. Moreover, omics systems science is undergoing digital transformation impacting nearly all dimensions of the field, including real-time phenotype capture to data analytics using machine learning and artificial intelligence, to name but a few emerging frontiers. We discuss the ways in which the current ongoing digital transformation in omics offers synergies with digital twins/DestinE. Importantly, we note here the rise of a new field of scholarship, planetary health genomics. We conclude that digital transformation in public and private sectors, digital twins/DestinE, and their convergence with omics systems science are poised to build robust capacities for pandemic preparedness and resilient societies in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Geanta
- Centre for Innovation in Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
- KOL Medical Media, Bucharest, Romania
- United Nations University-Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ankit Singh Tanwar
- United Nations University-Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Hans Lehrach
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Berlin, Germany
- Alacris Theranostics GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Angela Brand
- United Nations University-Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair in Public Health Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Cucu AA, Baci GM, Dezsi Ş, Nap ME, Beteg FI, Bonta V, Bobiş O, Caprio E, Dezmirean DS. New Approaches on Japanese Knotweed ( Fallopia japonica) Bioactive Compounds and Their Potential of Pharmacological and Beekeeping Activities: Challenges and Future Directions. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:2621. [PMID: 34961091 PMCID: PMC8705504 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Known especially for its negative ecological impact, Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is now considered one of the most invasive species. Nevertheless, its chemical composition has shown, beyond doubt, some high biological active compounds that can be a source of valuable pharmacological potential for the enhancement of human health. In this direction, resveratrol, emodin or polydatin, to name a few, have been extensively studied to demonstrate the beneficial effects on animals and humans. Thus, by taking into consideration the recent advances in the study of Japanese knotweed and its phytochemical constituents, the aim of this article is to provide an overview on the high therapeutic potential, underlining its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, among the most important ones. Moreover, we describe some future directions for reducing the negative impact of Fallopia japonica by using the plant for its beekeeping properties in providing a distinct honey type that incorporates most of its bioactive compounds, with the same health-promoting properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Antonia Cucu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (G.-M.B.); (V.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Gabriela-Maria Baci
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (G.-M.B.); (V.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Ştefan Dezsi
- Faculty of Geography, Babeş-Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mircea-Emil Nap
- Faculty of Geodesy, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, 020396 Bucharest, Romania;
- Faculty of Horticulture, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florin Ioan Beteg
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Victoriţa Bonta
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (G.-M.B.); (V.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Otilia Bobiş
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (G.-M.B.); (V.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Emilio Caprio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Università, Portici, 100-80055 Naples, Italy;
| | - Daniel Severus Dezmirean
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (G.-M.B.); (V.B.); (D.S.D.)
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Rai PK, Singh JS. Plant invasion in protected areas, the Indian Himalayan region, and the North East India: progress and prospects. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL SCIENCE ACADEMY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s43538-021-00013-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Sena A, Ebi K. When Land Is Under Pressure Health Is Under Stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:E136. [PMID: 33375481 PMCID: PMC7796245 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The land provides vital resources to support life on Earth. Land ecosystems services have social, cultural, and spiritual benefits and promote human health and well-being. However, human activities, particularly ongoing unsustainable land practices, are negatively impacting ecosystems through desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD). This article highlights the pressures and impacts of DLDD on human health through exposure pathways, including water security and safety; sanitation and hygiene; food security and safety; air quality; and soil quality. We describe the impacts on 19 health outcomes in three groups: non-communicable diseases; injuries; and infections, parasitic and nutritional diseases. The magnitude of these health impacts is mediated by social, economic, and health system-related factors. We propose actions for the health sector to respond to the DLDD challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderita Sena
- Centre of the Study and Research of Health Emergencies and Disasters, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-361, Brazil
| | - Kristie Ebi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, WA 98195, USA;
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Kumar Rai P, Singh JS. Invasive alien plant species: Their impact on environment, ecosystem services and human health. ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS 2020; 111:106020. [PMID: 32372880 PMCID: PMC7194640 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.106020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Ecological perturbations caused by biotic invasion have been identified as a growing threat to global sustainability. Invasive alien plants species (IAPS) are considered to be one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss and thereby altering the ecosystem services and socio-economic conditions through different mechanisms. Although the ecological impacts of IAPS are well documented, there is a dearth of studies regarding their economic quantification, livelihood considerations, biotechnological prospects (phytoremediation, bioenergy, phyto-synthesis of nanoparticles, biomedical, industrial applications etc.) and human health risk assessments of IAPS. In this context, the current panoramic review aimed to investigate the environmental, socio-ecological and health risks posed by IAPS as well as the compounded impact of IAPS with habitat fragmentation, climate and land use changes. To this end, the need of an integrated trans-disciplinary research is emphasized for the sustainable management of IAPS. The management prospects can be further strengthened through their linkage with geo-spatial technologies (remote sensing and GIS) by mapping and monitoring the IAPS spread. Further, the horizon of IAPS management is expanded to ecological indicator perspectives of IAPS, biosecurity, and risk assessment protocols with critical discussion. Moreover, positive as well as negative implications of the IAPS on environment, health, ecosystem services and socio-economy (livelihood) are listed so that a judicious policy framework could be developed for the IAPS management in order to mitigate the human health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Kumar Rai
- Phyto-technologies and Invasion Lab, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - J S Singh
- Ecosystem Analysis Lab, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.), Varanasi, 221005, India
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Sardas S, Buyuk AS, Beceren A. It Is Time to Revitalize the Antibiotic Pipeline: Systems Ecology Can Help. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2020; 24:124-128. [PMID: 32073984 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2020.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobials have been known for millennia, but innovative antibiotics are currently in short supply. New antimicrobial discoveries are being threatened by planetary scale loss of biodiversity that has important impacts on species and ecosystems. This expert review underscores that microorganisms in nature and their diversity are essential cornerstones to revitalize the antibiotic innovation and discovery pipeline. The recent rise of systems ecology and planetary health offers new and actionable potentials in this regard. Without a systems scale focus and appreciation of systems ecology, the global threats to human and planetary health from inappropriate use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance will continue to escalate with serious consequences to all life on the planet. With acutely pressing research and development needs to revitalize antibiotic treatment and novel diagnostic tools for personalized medicine, national health systems ought to work across knowledge silos not only within but also across the ministries, for example, health, agriculture, environment, economy, trade, and social services ministries that collectively impact on systems ecology and by extension on health innovations including the antibiotic discovery pipeline. Such systems vision can also help to revitalize antibiotic discovery pipeline as most antibiotics have natural origins or have designs inspired or based on molecules in the environment and microorganisms that produce antibiotics. Above all, our audience and responsibility include every person who has an interest in his or her own health, in the health of his or her fellow human beings and all life on the planet, and in the health of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semra Sardas
- Department of Toxicology and Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Seyma Buyuk
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Beceren
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Özdemir V. Innovating Governance for Planetary Health with Three Critically Informed Frames. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2019; 23:623-630. [PMID: 31794294 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2019.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In May 2019, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services warned that "around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction." In September 2019, Naomi Klein, an astute writer on environmental change, described the interconnected social and ecological breakdowns on the planet in a new book. Ecological crises noted by these and other scholars speak well to the rise of planetary health as a new scholarship. Loss of biodiversity has manifold negative impacts on health, for example, rise of zoonotic infections and changes in healthy microbiome. But reducing our ecological footprints is not enough. We ought to change mindsets, the narrow science, and technology governance regimes that value nature and other life forms instrumentally by their usefulness to us. I describe three new, broader and critically informed, frames on governance for planetary health. First, I explain why we ought to acknowledge animal sentience, for example, as recognized in Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. I describe how political determinants of health, power, and agency operate at multiple sociological and planetary loci, not only among human beings but also at human and nonhuman animal interfaces. Second, planetary health calls for a shift toward ecological and political determinants beyond a narrow anthropocentric view, while resisting the entrenched dogma of exponential growth with finite planetary natural resources. Third, for critically informed governance of emerging technologies in planetary health (e.g., glycomics, artificial intelligence, health care robots), I refer to a question highlighted recently (Frodeman, 2019): "When Plato (more exactly, Juvenal) asked who guards the guardians, he was questioning whether any group can be trusted to look past its own interests for the common good." Hence, it is time we broaden the question "Who will guard the guardians?" beyond the scientific community, to actors in science policy as well. Policy questions cannot be limited to "which social issues emerge from a new technology?" but ought to include, "who should be framing science and technology policy, and why?" Youth leaders of the global climate movement such as Greta Thunberg and others are now rightly asking these epistemological questions that might contribute toward a new social contract on health for all sentient beings on planet Earth. While ecological changes accelerate and a new space industry is emerging, governance for planetary health will continue to be at the epicenter of systems thinking, responsible innovation and science policy in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vural Özdemir
- OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology, New Rochelle, New York
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Abstract
AbstractIncreasing recognition of interdependencies of the health of humans, other organisms and ecosystems, and of their importance to socio-ecological systems, necessitates application of integrative concepts such as One Health and EcoHealth. These concepts open new perspectives for research and practice but also generate confusion and divergent opinion, prompting new theories, and call for empirical clarification and evaluation. Through a semi-systematic evaluation of knowledge generation in scientific publications (comprised of literature reviews, conceptual models and analyses of communities of practice), we show how integrative concepts and approaches to health evolve and are adopted. Our findings indicate that while their contexts, goals and rationales vary, integrative concepts of health essentially arise from shared interests in living systems. Despite recent increased attention to ecological and societal aspects of health including broader sustainability issues, the focus remains anthropocentric and oriented towards biomedicine. Practices reflect and in turn transform these concepts, which together with practices also influence ways of integration. Overarching narratives vary between optimism and pessimism towards integrated health and knowledge. We conclude that there is an urgent need for better, coherent and more deeply integrative health concepts, approaches and practices to foster the well-being of humans, other animals and ecosystems. Consideration of these concepts and practices has methodological and political importance, as it will transform thinking and action on both society and nature and specifically can enrich science and practice, expanding their scope and linking them better. Transdisciplinary efforts are crucial to developing such concepts and practices to properly address the multiple facets of health and to achieve their appropriate integration for the socio-ecological systems at stake. We propose the term “transdisciplinary health” to denote the new approaches needed.
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