Integrated dataset of screening hits against multiple neglected disease pathogens

New chemical entities are desperately needed that overcome the limitations of existing drugs for neglected diseases. Screening a diverse library of 10,000 drug-like compounds against 7 neglected disease pathogens resulted in an integrated dataset of 744 hits. We discuss the prioritization of these hits for each pathogen and the strong correlation observed between compounds active against more than two pathogens and mammalian cell toxicity. Our work suggests that the efficiency of early drug discovery for neglected diseases can be enhanced through a collaborative, multi-pathogen approach.     

Relative changes in genetic variability and correlations in an early-maturing maize population during recurrent selection

Four cycles of S(1) family recurrent selection to improve grain yield and resistance to Striga hermonthica have been completed in TZE-Y Pop STR C(0.) In order to determine whether or not to continue with the recurrent scheme, it was desirable to evaluate the amount of residual genetic variance and associated parameters in the population. The objective of this study was to characterize the relative changes in the levels of the genetic variances, heritability estimates and genetic correlation coefficients, and to predict future gains from selection for grain yield, Striga resistance and other agronomic traits. Fifty S(1) families, derived from each cycle, were evaluated under Striga-infested and Striga-free conditions at Mokwa, Ikenne and Abuja, Nigeria, in 2005 and 2007. Under Striga infestation, genetic variances for grain yield, days to anthesis, plant height and Striga damage generally increased in the advanced cycles of selection. In contrast, the genetic variances for days to silk, anthesis-silking interval, ears per plant, ear aspect and number of emerged Striga plants decreased with selection. The advanced cycles of selection significantly out-yielded the original cycle in both research environments. Heritabilities for grain yield, Striga damage and number of emerged Striga plants were significantly greater than zero. The realized gains from selection for grain yield under Striga infestation (52?kg?ha(-1)?cycle(-1)) and Striga-free conditions (130?kg?ha(-1)?cycle(-1)) were remarkably lower than the predicted gains (350 and 250?kg?ha(-1?)cycle(-1), respectively). Adequate genetic variability exists in cycle 4 of the scheme to ensure future gains from selection.     

Traditional medicines as a mechanism for driving research innovation in Africa

Background

Malaria remains a serious problem in French Guiana, which is at potential risk for drought linked with the El Niño Event and where there could be a risk of malaria epidemic after the onset of an El Niño event.

Methods

A time series analysis using ARIMA was developed to investigate temporal correlations between the monthly Plasmodium falciparum case numbers and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as measured by the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) at the Cayenne General Hospital between 1996 and 2009.

Results

The data showed a positive influence of El Niño at a lag of three months on P. falciparum cases (p < 0.001). The incorporation of SOI data in the ARIMA model reduced the AIC by 4%.

Conclusions

Although there is a statistical link, the predictive value of ENSO to modulate prevention intervention seems marginal in French Guiana. However, additional work should refine the regional dependence of malaria on the ENSO state.     

Traditional medicines as a mechanism for driving research innovation in Africa

The outcomes from recent high profile deliberations concerning African health research and economic development all point towards the need for a mechanism to support health innovation on the continent. The mission of the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI), is to promote and sustain African-led health product innovation to address African public health needs through the assembly of research networks, and building of capacity to support human and economic development. ANDI is widely viewed as the vehicle to implementing some of these recommendations. There is tremendous opportunity for Africa, to leverage the expertise in natural products and traditional medicines in support of this objective to kick-start innovation. This report highlights key recommendations that have emerged through expert forums convened by ANDI on the challenges, opportunities and prospects for investing in this important area of research.