Roll Back Malaria

Roll Back Malaria is an initiative intended to halve the suffering caused by this disease by 2010. The initiative is being developed as a social movement. Action is directed by national authorities backed by a global partnership which consists of development agencies, banks, private sector groups and researchers. The World Health Organization, the World Bank, UNICEF and UNDP founded the partnership in October 1998. The WHO has established a new Cabinet Project, and a WHO-wide strategy and workplan, to support the partnership. High quality, practical, consistent and relevant technical advice is made available through networks of experts based in research, academic, and disease control institutions, particularly those in endemic countries. The initiative also supports research and development of new products and tools to control malaria. Implementation of Roll Back Malaria began with a series of in-country consultations in 1998, followed by sub-regional consensus building and inception meetings. The current period is one of momentum building at country level during which national authorities are developing their own strategies with the global partners. It is anticipated that, during the year 2000, RBM movements will become active in at least 30 countries.     

Recent advances in the design and performance of research assistants

Every laboratory needs personnel who work 24 hours a day 7 days a week, are efficient, obedient, capable of showing initiative, insightful and affable. Our experience of laboratory workers tells us that there is an immense way to go to achieve these goals. Having tired of the normal, Darwinian approach, a project has been initiated to achieve these ends through genetic technologies.     

The benefit sharing vision of H3Africa

One of the central ethical tenets of research in developing countries is the sponsor's obligation to benefit host participants and communities. Two known models of benefits provision dominate the ethical discourse of research in developing countries. The first model, known as the “reasonable availability,” endorses the obligation to provide interventions proven to be effective at the end of a study. This contrasts with the second model, known as “fair benefits,” which endorses other forms of benefits that host communities may deem as fair beyond those derived directly from the study's findings. This paper explores a third benefit model consistent with the writings of the Human Hereditary and Health in Africa (H3Africa) research initiative. The H3Africa—a North‐South collaborative initiative predicated by U.S. National Institutes of Health, the Wellcome Trust and the African Society of Human Genetics upholds a benefit model that endorses capacity building as the primary obligation of its research agenda. This is evident by the endorsement of mechanisms to strengthen capacity building in its research projects. While capacity building remains a plausible means of improving the expertise, quality and independence of research in Africa, sustainable measures are needed to realizing the full potential for African‐led research on the continent.     

Systematics Agenda 2000: an historical perspective

The publication of Systematics Agenda 2000 in February, 1994 represented an historic event in the collaboration of the systematic biology community designed to set a research agenda for a twenty five year period across the areas of basic and applied systematics. How the community came to take the initiative to produce such a consensus is outlined. Of special interest is the emergence of the Systematics Agenda 2000 initiative from a North American perspective to a truly global enterprise.     

The Human Frontier Science Program: its aims and a proposal for its implementation

Reactions to the Human Frontier Science Program have been mixed. It has been welcomed as an important initiative in basic biological research yet regarded with suspicion by some outside Japan who see it as facilitating access to European and North American fundamental research. However, suspicion is clearing away and the governments concerned are looking forward to the Program's implementation. In this article, the Program's aims and the mechanisms for its execution are outlined as proposed in the light of a recent feasibility study.     

Computational knowledge integration in biopharmaceutical research

An initiative to increase biopharmaceutical research productivity by capturing, sharing and computationally integrating proprietary scientific discoveries with public knowledge is described. This initiative involves both organisational process change and multiple interoperating software systems. The software components rely on mutually supporting integration techniques. These include a richly structured ontology, statistical analysis of experimental data against stored conclusions, natural language processing of public literature, secure document repositories with lightweight metadata, web services integration, enterprise web portals and relational databases. This approach has already begun to increase scientific productivity in our enterprise by creating an organisational memory (OM) of internal research findings, accessible on the web. Through bringing together these components it has also been possible to construct a very large and expanding repository of biological pathway information linked to this repository of findings which is extremely useful in analysis of DNA microarray data. This repository, in turn, enables our research paradigm to be shifted towards more comprehensive systems-based understandings of drug action.     

The Multilateral Initiative on Malaria: co-ordination and co-operation in international malaria research

The Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) is an international alliance of organisations and individuals. It aims to maximise the impact of scientific research against malaria, through strengthening research capacity in Africa, promoting global collaboration and co-ordination, and increasing available resources. Since its establishment in 1997, the initiative has generated a remarkable level of enthusiasm and activity. Many new scientific partnerships have been established, enabled by enhanced communications and novel funding mechanisms. Dovetailing of research activities with control programmes is also improving. The challenges posed by malaria remain great, however, and in order to achieve a sustainable impact it will be crucial for the research community to capitalise on what has been achieved to date and to maintain the momentum for action well into the next millennium. This article is a personal view contributed by the Wellcome Trust as the nominated co-ordinator for MIM during 1998 and a leading international funder of malaria research. It aims to explain how the novel malaria initiative operates, to summarise some of its key outcomes, and to set out the perspectives for the future.     

Pesticide Use in Commercial Potato Production: Reflections on Research and Intervention Efforts towards Greater Ecosystems Health in Northern Ecuador

Since 1990, an interdisciplinary and interinstitutional team of scientists has led a research-intervention initiative examining pesticide impacts on agricultural production, human health, and the environment in the highly commercial potato growing province of Carchi, Ecuador. This article synthesizes the key results of that initiative, analyzes the lessons concerning the process of transdisciplinary ecosystems health research from a methodological perspective, and identifies priority future research opportunities. Research on this initiative has covered a broad range of activities with a full spectrum of rural stakeholders. These have included: health studies of the incidence of pesticide poisonings and the neurological impacts of pesticide exposure on farmers and their families; environmental and personal exposure studies; economic studies on the role of pesticides in agricultural production; sociological studies of farmers attitudes, knowledge, and practices related to pesticide use; and participatory interventions to reduce pesticide-related impacts. Research results have shown that pesticide poisoning incidence in the potato growing zones of Carchi, Ecuador match the highest reported rates in the world. A majority of farm household members suffer significant neurological impairment. Economic and participatory research has shown that there are viable alternatives to the use of Class 1 highly toxic pesticides in the zone. Nevertheless, cultural and political factors are impeding substantial changes in current practices. Future research-intervention activities include longitudinal analyses of the health, environmental, and production impacts of participatory interventions, and a scaling up of analyses to encompass other regions in the Andean mountain ecosystem with more limited indicators of key constructs.     

Pathways to Obesity Prevention: Report of a National Institutes of Health Workshop1

There is an extensive research base on obesity treatment and on the health benefits of weight loss, but relatively little research has focused on obesity prevention. This article summarizes results of a workshop conducted by investigators funded under a National Institutes of Health initiative designed to stimulate novel research for obesity prevention. The 20 pilot studies funded under this initiative involved study populations that were diverse with respect to life stage and ethnicity, were conducted in a variety of natural and research settings, and involved a mix of interventions, including face‐to‐face group and individual counseling, as well as mail, telephone, and internet‐based approaches. The workshop, which occurred approximately halfway through the 3‐year funding period, emphasized concepts and experiences related to initiating and conducting obesity prevention studies. Investigators discussed theoretical perspectives as well as various challenges encountered, for example, in study implementation in different clinical and community settings, in working with children and families, and in studying pregnant and postpartum women. Other topics discussed included the difficulty of motivating individuals for prevention of weight gain, relevant cultural and racial/ethnic considerations, and the particular need for valid and practical measures of energy balance, body composition, and physical fitness in obesity prevention research. A key conclusion was that using obesity treatment as the primary paradigm may be a limiting perspective for considering obesity prevention issues. Further insights derived from the workshop deliberations are reflected in a detailed list of recommendations for future obesity prevention research.     

The unholy trinity: taxonomy, species delimitation and DNA barcoding

Recent excitement over the development of an initiative to generate DNA sequences for all named species on the planet has in our opinion generated two major areas of contention as to how this 'DNA barcoding' initiative should proceed. It is critical that these two issues are clarified and resolved, before the use of DNA as a tool for taxonomy and species delimitation can be universalized. The first issue concerns how DNA data are to be used in the context of this initiative; this is the DNA barcode reader problem (or barcoder problem). Currently, many of the published studies under this initiative have used tree building methods and more precisely distance approaches to the construction of the trees that are used to place certain DNA sequences into a taxonomic context. The second problem involves the reaction of the taxonomic community to the directives of the 'DNA barcoding' initiative. This issue is extremely important in that the classical taxonomic approach and the DNA approach will need to be reconciled in order for the 'DNA barcoding' initiative to proceed with any kind of community acceptance. In fact, we feel that DNA barcoding is a misnomer. Our preference is for the title of the London meetings--Barcoding Life. In this paper we discuss these two concerns generated around the DNA barcoding initiative and attempt to present a phylogenetic systematic framework for an improved barcoder as well as a taxonomic framework for interweaving classical taxonomy with the goals of 'DNA barcoding'.     

Translating research findings into practice - the implementation of kangaroo mother care in Ghana

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a safe and effective method of caring for low birth weight infants and is promoted for its potential to improve newborn survival. Many countries find it difficult to take KMC to scale in healthcare facilities providing newborn care. KMC Ghana was an initiative to scale up KMC in four regions in Ghana. Research findings from two outreach trials in South Africa informed the design of the initiative. Two key points of departure were to equip healthcare facilities that conduct deliveries with the necessary skills for KMC practice and to single out KMC for special attention instead of embedding it in other newborn care initiatives. This paper describes the contextualisation and practical application of previous research findings and the results of monitoring the progress of the implementation of KMC in Ghana. METHODS: A three-phase outreach intervention was adapted from previous research findings to suit the local setting. A more structured system of KMC regional steering committees was introduced to drive the process and take the initiative forward. During Phase I, health workers in regions and districts were oriented in KMC and received basic support for the management of the outreach. Phase II entailed the strengthening of the regional steering committees. Phase III comprised a more formal assessment, utilising a previously validated KMC progressmonitoring instrument. RESULTS: Twenty-six out of 38 hospitals (68 %) scored over 10 out of 30 and had reached the level of 'evidence of practice' by the end of Phase III. Seven hospitals exceeded expected performance by scoring at the level of 'evidence of routine and institutionalised practice.' The collective mean score for all participating hospitals was 12.07. Hospitals that had attained baby-friendly status or had been re-accredited in the five years before the intervention scored significantly better than the rest, with a mean score of 14.64. CONCLUSION: The KMC Ghana initiative demonstrated how research findings regarding successful outreach for the implementation of KMC could be transferred to a different context by making context-appropriate adaptations to the model.     

Prospects for Malaria Elimination in Mesoamerica and Hispaniola

Malaria remains endemic in 21 countries of the American continent with an estimated 427,000 cases per year. Approximately 10% of these occur in the Mesoamerican and Caribbean regions. During the last decade, malaria transmission in Mesoamerica showed a decrease of ~85%; whereas, in the Caribbean region, Hispaniola (comprising the Dominican Republic [DR] and Haiti) presented an overall rise in malaria transmission, primarily due to a steady increase in Haiti, while DR experienced a significant transmission decrease in this period.The significant malaria reduction observed recently in the region prompted the launch of an initiative for Malaria Elimination in Mesoamerica and Hispaniola (EMMIE) with the active involvement of the National Malaria Control Programs (NMCPs) of nine countries, the Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) for Mesoamerica, and the Council of Health Ministries of Central America and Dominican Republic (COMISCA). The EMMIE initiative is supported by the Global Fund for Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) with active participation of multiple partners including Ministries of Health, bilateral and multilateral agencies, as well as research centers. EMMIE’s main goal is to achieve elimination of malaria transmission in the region by 2020. Here we discuss the prospects, challenges, and research needs associated with this initiative that, if successful, could represent a paradigm for other malaria-affected regions.     

The epigenome network of excellence

An initiative funded by the European Union is building a collaborative network of established and younger research groups to tackle key questions in epigenetics.     

Development of Nonsocial Behaviour in the Asiatic Elephant

The elephant calf, a defended follower is completely dependent on adults till the age of 3 months. It begins to explore and attempts to feed at 3 to 6 months, and then becomes partially independent with some feeding on its own. The characteristics of behavior in adults are examined and the development of this pattern in the calf is traced by analyis of duration, transition and clustering of the behavioural elements. Essential activities like suckling, locomotion and lying down for rest appear soon after birth whereas elements of feeding, grooming and play appear only at a later stage. The calf takes the initiative in suckling and its termination, drinking directly by mouth till the age of 6 months. The first element of feeding appears at about a week in attempts to pick up and hold objects in the trunk. Co-ordination of limb, trunk and mouth movement is achieved by about 1 month. The calf is strong enough to pull out plants by 6 months when independent feeding begins. In about a year feeding, drinking and dusting patterns are well developed.     

Systemwide Initiative on Malaria and Agriculture: AnInnovative Framework for Research and Capacity Building

The Systemwide Initiative on Malaria and Agriculture (SIMA) is an initiative of international agricultural research centers to promote research and capacity building on the links between malaria and agriculture and to validate innovative interventions that would strengthen and complement existing malaria-control strategies in clearly defined settings. Knowledge regarding the nature and dynamics of agroecosystems is particularly needed for the purpose of developing appropriate farmer-managed preventive measures against malaria. SIMA research aims to make use of new and existing information on biomedical and socioeconomic determinants of malaria risks in formulating and evaluating the feasibility of integrated strategies. The initiative is especially interested and proactive in promoting and facilitating transdisciplinary and participatory research in relation to malaria. The convening institute for SIMA is the International Water Management Institute at its Africa Regional Office in Pretoria, South Africa. This article outlines SIMAs objectives and scope of activities and also highlights achievements, challenges, and opportunities for future collaboration.     

Stem cell research in Singapore

Singapore is investing heavily in stem cell research. This investment is part of an ambitious biomedical science initiative designed to enhance its thriving economy.     

Italian Development Cooperation: the commitment for the struggle against malaria in Africa

The Italian Development Cooperation (DGCS) support the health reform process in Developing Countries, with the aim to provide populations in greatest need with access to decentralized health services. DGCS acts in close coordination with the donor community, United Nations' system and the World Bank, in agreement with sector-wide approach (SWAP) for health sector development. Since malaria control in endemic countries is a relevant component of the health system, DGCS is actively involved in the struggle against malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting control activities and research capability strengthening. The following African countries are presently receiving bilateral support for antimalaria activities: Burkina Faso, Centre de Lutte contre le Paludisme in Ouagadougou; Ethiopia, community-based malaria control in Tigray; Eritrea, malaria control at national level in the framework of the Public Health and Rehabilitation Programme for Eritrea (PHARPE) initiative; Madagascar, malaria surveillance at national level; Tanzania, feasibility study for the support to the national malaria control programme. Support is provided by technical/financial assistance involving Italian academic and research institutions. On the multilateral channel, DGCS has provided regular contribution for WHO's work in malaria control and participates to the WHO Roll Back Malaria initiative. A new commitment to malaria is the trilateral joint scientific endeavour USA-Italy-Burkina Faso for the development and field testing of a candidate vaccine suitable for African populations.     

NHSnet in Scottish primary care: lessons for the future

ObjectiveTo evaluate the primary care communications initiative, which introduced NHSnet to primary care in Scotland.DesignSemi-structured telephone interviews, postal questionnaire.SettingAll 15 Scottish health boards, random sample of 1 in 3 of all Scottish general practices.ParticipantsInformation management and technology managers of health boards, 355 practice managers in the general practices.Results99% of Scottish general practices agreed to participate in initiative. Health boards varied significantly in project management styles (from minimal to total control), the nature of the networks they established (intranets or direct connections), costs to practices (from nothing to £125 per general practitioner per year), and training provided (from none to an extensive programme). In 56% of practices someone accessed NHSnet at least once a week. Practices varied considerably in amount of internet training received and staff groups targeted and in the intention to provide desktop access to NHSnet through a practice network.ConclusionThe initiative has successfully introduced a network that links Scottish general practices, health boards, and hospital trusts. However local variation in this “national” initiative may affect its use in primary care. Health authorities and general practices in England and Wales may wish to note these findings in order to avoid unhelpful variation.     

脊椎动物学实验教学改革探索

根据脊椎动物学实验的教学现状和特点,从2002年起对脊椎动物学实验教学进行了一系列的教学改革和探索。通过整合实验内容、改变教学方法和手段、结合当地脊椎动物资源与科研、改进实验考核方法等措施,促进了学生学习动物学知识的积极性和主动性,提高了实验教学效果和学生的综合能力。     

“微生物学”全英文课程的建设改革与思考

“微生物学”是高等院校生物类、生物工程类及相关专业的专业基础课程。目前我国高等院校的“微生物学”以中文授课为主,但随着“双一流”建设等教改政策的推进及学生求学多元化需求的增加,全英文“微生物学”课程建设已势在必行。华东理工大学自2016年即开始“微生物学”全英文授课,并在授课方式和课程内容方面进行了改革和创新。“微生物学”全英文课程开设后,学生的学习兴趣有了很大的提高,科研能力和实践能力有了长足的进步,在专业英语的听、说、读、写能力方面也领先于同年级其他同学,为“双一流”建设背景下国家级一流本科专业创新性人才培养提供了重要支撑。