Internet-based profiler system as integrative framework to support translational research

Background  

Translational research requires taking basic science observations and developing them into clinically useful tests and therapeutics. We have developed a process to develop molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis by integrating tissue microarray (TMA) technology and an internet-database tool, Profiler. TMA technology allows investigators to study hundreds of patient samples on a single glass slide resulting in the conservation of tissue and the reduction in inter-experimental variability. The Profiler system allows investigator to reliably track, store, and evaluate TMA experiments. Here within we describe the process that has evolved through an empirical basis over the past 5 years at two academic institutions.     

Establishment of an efficient germ-free animal system to support functional microbiome research

正Germ-free animals are indispensable models for human and animal functional microbiome research Germ-free animals are animals that typically have no microorganisms living in or on them. These animals have become irreplaceable research tools for studying the relationships among single bacteria strains, multiple bacteria strains and hosts.     

A compatible support system for cell culture in biomedical research

The lack of a suitable system to culture epithelial cells for a long period under a luminal-antiluminal medium gradient, was the reason to develop a new system. It consists of an interchangeable sheet of permeable support material, which is set in place by two tight fitting holding rings. For special demands the supports can be coated with extracellular matrix proteins improving cellular attachment and terminal differentiation. The handling of the sheets by forceps proceeds easily and quickly, thus fastening the transfer of cultured cells without additional manipulations. The sheets can be transferred to a newly developed microperfusion chamber on which an apical and a basal perfusion over a long culture period parallel to a transepithelial electrophysiological registration becomes possible. The chamber has an extremely low amount of fluid dead space. The separate perfusion of cultured cells under isotonic, hypotonic or hypertonic conditions opens new possibilities. Thus, culture can be performed under most natural conditions e.g., that found within the kidney.     

UN system efforts to support the response to AIDS in China

INTRODUCTION China has made considerable progress in the response to the AIDS epidemic in the past years, particularly in terms of commitment by the national leadership, the establish- ment of a supportive policy framework, improved under- standing of the…     

United Nations system efforts to support the response to AIDS in China

In the last two years, we have seen a remarkable intensification in the response to AIDS in China. A number of organizations have joined and contributed to the efforts of the Chinese government in responding the AIDS epidemic in China. This article specifically describes the role of the United Nations in supporting and strengthening those responses.Achievements of the United Nations (UN) highlighted in the article include: strengthened leadership and political commitment to respond to AIDS; improved HIV/AIDS surveillance and information; expanded prevention efforts; improved treatment, care and support to people living with HIV and increased resources for AIDS programs. Additional roles of e., one national plan on AIDS; one national coordinating authority for AIDS; and one monitoring and evaluation system for AIDS. In addition, the UN system is expected to strengthen alignment and harmonization of activities of all international organizations and improved accountability and oversight. Remaining challenges identified include increasing awareness of AIDS and reducing stigma and discrimination; reducing vulnerability and risk behaviour among specific groups;providing improved treatment, care and support for people living with HIV; promoting stronger engagement by civil society, and; addressing the gender dimensions of AIDS.     

United Nations system efforts to support the response to AIDS in China

In the last two years, we have seen a remarkable intensification in the response to AIDS in China. A number of organizations have joined and contributed to the efforts of the Chinese government in responding the AIDS epidemic in China. This article specifically describes the role of the United Nations (UN) in supporting and strengthening those responses. Achievements of the United Nations highlighted in the article include: strengthened leadership and political commitment to respond to AIDS; improved HIV/AIDS surveillance and information; expanded prevention efforts; improved treatment, care and support to people living with HIV and increased resources for AIDS programs. Additional roles of the United Nations system in the near future include strengthening national leadership by supporting the 'three ones', i.e., one national plan on AIDS; one national coordinating authority for AIDS; and one monitoring and evaluation system for AIDS. In addition, the UN system is expected to strengthen alignment and harmonization of activities of all international organizations and improved accountability and oversight. Remaining challenges identified include increasing awareness of AIDS and reducing stigma and discrimination; reducing vulnerability and risk behaviour among specific groups; providing improved treatment, care and support for people living with HIV; promoting stronger engagement by civil society, and; addressing the gender dimensions of AIDS.     

United Nations system efforts to support the response to AIDS in China

In the last two years, we have seen a remarkable intensification in the response to AIDS in China. A number of organizations have joined and contributed to the efforts of the Chinese government in responding the AIDS epidemic in China. This article specifically describes the role of the United Nations in supporting and strengthening those responses. Achievements of the United Nations （UN） highlighted in the article include： strengthened leadership and political commitment to respond to AIDS; improved HIV/AIDS surveillance and information; expanded prevention efforts; improved treatment, care and support to people living with HIV and increased resources for AIDS programs. Additional roles of the United Nations system in the near future include strengthening national leadership by supporting the ‘three ones＇, i. e., one national plan on AIDS; one national coordinating authority for AIDS; and one monitoring and evaluation system for AIDS. In addition, the UN system is expected to strengthen alignment and harmonization of activities of all international organizations and improved accountability and oversight. Remaining challenges identified include increasing awareness of AIDS and reducing stigma and discrimination; reducing vulnerability and risk behaviour among specific groups; providing improved treatment, care and support for people living with HIV; promoting stronger engagement by civil society, and; addressing the gender dimensions of AIDS.     

Priority list of research areas for radiological nuclear threat countermeasures

To help the nation prepare for the possibility of a terrorist attack using radiological and nuclear devices, the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Homeland Security Council established an interagency working group. The working group deliberated on the research needs for radiological/ nuclear threat countermeasures and identified and prioritized 18 areas for further attention. The highest priorities were given to research on (1) radioprotectors for use prior to exposure; (2) therapeutic agents for postexposure treatment; (3) antimicrobial therapy for infections associated with radiation exposure; (4) cytokines and growth factors; (5) mechanisms of radiation injury at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organism levels; and (6) automation of biodosimetric assays. High priority was given to (1) developing biomarkers for biodosimetry; (2) enhancing training in the radiation sciences; (3) exploring the consequences of combined injury; (4) establishing a repository of information regarding investigational countermeasures; and (5) following the health of an exposed population to better prepare for subsequent events. The research areas that the committee felt required the attention of the radiation research community are described in this report in an effort to inform this community about the needs of the nation and to encourage researchers to address these critical issues.     

European policy review: Biodiversity research to support European policy

Biodiversity research is essential to underpin the development, implementation and evaluation of policy that impacts on or protects biodiversity. An example is presented on how European terrestrial biodiversity research is being integrated to strengthen policy input. ALTER-Net is a Long-Term Biodiversity, Ecosystem and Awareness Research Network funded by the 6th European Union Framework Programme for Research and Development.