Current Collaborative Efforts Research Articles

The HIV Pandemic: An Examination of Its Impact, Challenges, and Ongoing Efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has been one of the most significant global health crises, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the brunt of its impact. Since the virus emerged in the early 1980s, it has profoundly affected the region, leading to widespread health, economic, and social challenges. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, the epidemic persists, driven by a complex interplay of factors including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, socio-economic disparities, and pervasive stigma and discrimination. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the HIV pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, exploring its origins, epidemiology, and multifaceted impacts on health and society. It also discusses the ongoing challenges in the region’s HIV/AIDS response, including barriers to treatment access, socio-economic determinants, and the need for innovative research and development. Furthermore, the review highlights current prevention, treatment, and international collaboration efforts, and outlines future directions for enhancing access to care, addressing socio-economic factors, and advancing research. Ultimately, this review underscores the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on overcoming the persistent barriers that continue to hinder progress. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Sub-Saharan Africa, health crisis, treatment, prevention, stigma, socio-economic impact

Penetrating Firearm-Inflicted Injury—The Neglected Traumatic Brain Injury

This Viewpoint discusses penetrating firearm-inflicted brain injury and the current collaborative efforts to perform more penetrating brain injury–specific randomized clinical trials and comparative effectiveness research to identify effective management guidelines.

Urine Metabolome Dynamics Discriminate Influenza Vaccination Response.

Influenza represents a major and ongoing public health hazard. Current collaborative efforts are aimed toward creating a universal flu vaccine with the goals of both improving responses to vaccination and increasing the breadth of protection against multiple strains and clades from a single vaccine. As an intermediate step toward these goals, the current work is focused on evaluating the systemic host response to vaccination in both normal and high-risk populations, such as the obese and geriatric populations, which have been linked to poor responses to vaccination. We therefore employed a metabolomics approach using a time-course (n = 5 time points) of the response to human vaccination against influenza from the time before vaccination (pre) to 90 days following vaccination. We analyzed the urinary profiles of a cohort of subjects (n = 179) designed to evenly sample across age, sex, BMI, and other demographic factors, stratifying their responses to vaccination as “High”, “Low”, or “None” based on the seroconversion measured by hemagglutination inhibition assay (HAI) from plasma samples at day 28 post-vaccination. Overall, we putatively identified 15,903 distinct, named, small-molecule structures (4473 at 10% FDR) among the 895 samples analyzed, with the aim of identifying metabolite correlates of the vaccine response, as well as prognostic and diagnostic markers from the periods before and after vaccination, respectively. Notably, we found that the metabolic profiles could unbiasedly separate the high-risk High-responders from the high-risk None-responders (obese/geriatric) within 3 days post-vaccination. The purine metabolites Guanine and Hypoxanthine were negatively associated with high seroconversion (p = 0.0032, p < 0.0001, respectively), while Acetyl-Leucine and 5-Aminovaleric acid were positively associated. Further changes in Cystine, Glutamic acid, Kynurenine and other metabolites implicated early oxidative stress (3 days) after vaccination as a hallmark of the High-responders. Ongoing efforts are aimed toward validating these putative markers using a ferret model of influenza infection, as well as an independent cohort of human seasonal vaccination and human challenge studies with live virus.

Inclusion of patient-reported outcome instruments in US FDA medical device marketing authorizations

BackgroundThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages the incorporation of the patient voice throughout the medical device total product lifecycle. This study examined the incorporation of patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments in the evaluation of medical devices over a six-year period. PRO instruments used to inform study endpoints were extracted from the summary documents and clinical trial data of premarket authorizations posted on publicly available FDA databases between October 1, 2014—September 30, 2020.ResultsPROs were included in 53% of authorizations, with 34% using PROs as primary and secondary endpoints. This study found that PRO instruments were used in each type of marketing authorization and in all medical specialties examined in this study.ConclusionsExpanding the current collaborative efforts to develop and modify PRO instruments may help to improve use of PROs in medical device evaluations.

Advancing Ocean Governance in Marine Regions Through Stakeholder Dialogue Processes

The poor state of the ocean and the transboundary nature of the marine environment require bold action by States coordinated across sectors and territorial boundaries in order to deal with the manifold challenges the ocean is facing—and with it humankind. Cooperation and coordination among States and stakeholders in marine regions have proven to be important levers for policy implementation and to strengthen ocean governance, yet remain challenging. Transparent and engaging stakeholder dialogue processes have the potential to provide guidance for the necessary transformation toward ocean sustainability and support the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for the ocean, SDG 14 and other interlinked ocean-related targets. The aim of this study is to review the challenges and opportunities of current collaborative efforts, namely multi-stakeholder dialogue and exchange processes, within and between marine regions to accelerate transformative action, contributing to these global goals. This paper builds on knowledge co-production and collaborative governance literature, and reviews experiences by stakeholders with ocean-related science-policy interfaces in an effort to strengthen regional ocean governance. As an exemplary case of such interfaces, this study assesses the Marine Regions Forum, a newly established inclusive dialogue and exchange platform for diverse actors from marine regions that aims to provide an informal space for joint learning and support regional action and international governance processes alike. Employing latent content analysis of interviews with experts, critical common barriers that hamper current collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders in marine regions are identified, such as fragmented governance frameworks, power and resource imbalances, and lack of meaningful stakeholder engagement. Pathways to address these challenges, such as through common goal orientation, contextualisation, inclusivity, trust building and meaningful continuous interactions are also identified. This paper concludes by discussing the value added of transparent and inclusive collaborative processes in the transformation of ocean governance toward achieving sustainability.

Using advanced information and communication technologies to advance oncology education in Africa.

BackgroundRecent work has highlighted the tremendous potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in advancing global oncology education, research and care. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the development of effective approaches for online education even more crucial. Here we assessed the readiness, interest and potential models for effective implementation of ICT-powered oncology education in Africa.MethodsBuilding on previous work by the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), a survey was conducted to assess the electronic learning (e-Learning) readiness of oncology health professionals using an online self-assessment tool. Components of e-Learning readiness assessed include access to computers, Internet, appropriate bandwidth and interest. As a practical test model, an ICT resource-intensive radiation oncology training programme was implemented via the Global Oncology University (GO-U) collaborative education platform. An analysis of results, challenges and opportunities resulting from these is discussed for advancing online oncology education in Africa.ResultsThe survey showed over 92% of health professionals have access to computers, laptops or other technology that can allow them to participate in online education. Over 45% of oncology health professionals have already participated in some form of online education. Interest in online education was over 93%. Models for effective online learning in oncology include synchronous and asynchronous short-term courses for continuous education and long-term degree and residency programmes. There was a significant increase in skills level following the collaborative radiation oncology training model used by the GO-U platform.ConclusionAfrica has the capacity to implement successful e-Learning in oncology, which is consistent with findings in previous work such as the AORTIC. Greater investment by institutions and governments is needed in terms of resources and policy changes to facilitate the implementation of effective online oncology training. Purposeful engagement of diaspora oncology health professionals with relevant cultural backgrounds as with some current collaborative efforts is highly recommended in helping turn brain drain into brain circulation.

Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Maize: Current Status and Collaborative Efforts for its Management in Nepal

Abstract available with the full text.

Climate Change, Agency Decision-Making, and the Resilience of Land-Based Livelihoods

AbstractMany rural communities in the western United States are surrounded by public lands and are dependent on these landscapes for their livelihoods. Climate change threatens to affect land-based livelihoods through both direct impacts and public land agency decision-making in response to impacts. This project was designed to understand how Bureau of Land Management (BLM) permittees, including ranching and recreation-based businesses in Colorado, are vulnerable to both climate change and management responses and how permittees and the BLM are adapting and could adapt to these changes. We conducted 60 interviews in two BLM field offices to gather permittee and agency employees’ observations of change, impacts, responses, and suggestions for adaptive actions. Data suggested that permittees are dependent on BLM lands and are sensitive to ecological and management changes and that current management policies and structures are often a constraint to adaptation. Managers and permittees are already seeing synergistic impacts, and the BLM has capacity to facilitate or constrain adaptation actions. Participants suggested increased flexibility at all scales, timelier within-season adjustments, and extension of current collaborative efforts to assist adaptation efforts and reduce impacts to these livelihoods.

Genetics of Gilles De La Tourette Syndrome: Accelerating Discoveries Through Large-Scale Collaborative Efforts

Overall Abstract Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a common, albeit still under-diagnosed, neuropsychiatric disorder that is caused by a complex genetic basis, interacting with environmental factors. This symposium will showcase exciting findings from all current large-scale collaborative efforts aiming to elucidate the genetic background of TS, through diverse approaches and studies of several thousands of individuals with TS; genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aiming to identify common variants associated to the disorder, whole-exome sequencing approaches seeking rare variants, gene-expression studies aiming to identify the relative contribution of genetics versus environmental factors, and sophisticated approaches aiming to dissect complex and comorbid phenotypes. We will present novel TS susceptibility genes implicated on a genome-wide significance level either by GWAS, large-scale CNV scans or whole-exome sequencing and introduce heritable TS sub-phenotypes. We will also present large-scale GWAS meta-analysis of TS together with other, often comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. Finally, after more than two decades of active research aiming to identify the genetic background of TS etiology, we are on the verge of a new era, yielding exciting and rapid discoveries in the field of TS genetics. Investigators from around the world, representing multiple disciplines and scientific approaches, are joining their efforts in large-scale initiatives supported both by the European Union and US National funding agencies. Propelled by the gradual availability of large scale TS cohorts, novel methodologies for the study of both common and rare genetic variants, and importantly, sheer enthusiasm by multiple researchers working together across different countries, the new era of TS genetics holds the promise to identify novel targets for improved therapies.

Drawing on Museums: Early Visual Fieldnotes by Franz Boas and the Indigenous Recuperation of the Archive

ABSTRACTIn the first decade of his Northwest Coast fieldwork (1886–1897), Franz Boas made and commissioned a series of research drawings of Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl) objects held by museums in Berlin and elsewhere. Using them as elicitation tools, Boas added primary fieldnotes (in German, English, and Kwak'wala) directly onto them, providing a basis for his earliest publications on anthropological theory and methods as well as Kwakwaka’wakw art, song, and ceremony. Until recently, however, these visual fieldnotes—long relegated to the archive—have been severed from both the museum collections and Boas's foundational ethnographic research. In this essay, I discuss the drawings in the context of current collaborative efforts to document historic ethnographic materials with the Kwakwaka’wakw, who are recuperating such anthropological and archival resources in support of current cultural production and ceremonial revitalization. [ethnographic methods, museums, history of anthropology, Franz Boas, Kwakwaka’wakw]

Innovation in Polymer Science and Technology 2016 (IPST 2016)

PREFACEInternational Conference on Innovation in Polymer Science and Technology 2016 (IPST2016)It is with great pleasure that we introduce this special issue of the IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, which publishes papers selected from the presentations made at the International Conference and Exhibition on Innovation in Polymer Science and Technology 2016 (IPST2016) in Medan, Indonesia. This event which was attended by about 260 partisipants from all continents, was organized by the Indonesian Polymer Association (HPI), which was supported by Universitas Sumatra Utara (USU) and Universitas Negeri Medan (UNIMED) on November 7 – 10, 2016.This special edition encompasses a range of complementary research topics from excellent scientists concentrated in the southern hemisphere. The increasing global interest in sustainability is highlighted in this issue, with novel methods, new materials, applications and products. This international conference covered some topics, viz. biomass based and biodegradable polymers, advanced rubber process and technology, nanostructure, polymer composites, polymer in renewable energy, synthesis and functional polymer. We applaud the efforts of the conference participants and encourage their current and future personal and collaborative efforts in this important field of scientific endeavor.We would like to express our sincere gratitude and our highest appreciation to K.U. (Katja) Loos (University of Groningen, The Netherlands), Mochamad Chalid (Indonesia), Ishak bin Ahmad (Malaysia), Sunit Hendrana (Indonesia), Rameshwar Adhikari (Nepal), Lorenzo Massimo Polgar (The Netherlands), Wu Guozhong (China), Hermawan Judawisastra (Indonesia), Md Akil Hazizan (Malaysia), Ji Heung Kim (Korea), Md. Abu Bin Hasan Susan (Bangladesh), I Made Arcana (Indonesia), Nadras Othman (Malaysia), Wilairat Cheewasedtham (Thailand), Agus Haryono (Indonesia), Sudaryanto (Indonesia), Sudirman (Indonesia), for reviewing and giving recommendation on manuscripts from all participants of IPST 2016. With our warm regards,Rike Yudianti (Indonesian Institute of Science)Jun-ichi Azuma (Osaka University, Japan)Editor-in-ChiefInnovation in Polymer Science & Technology 2016

OCD/TS

Although sample sizes remain relatively small, current collaborative efforts are beginning to bear fruit in the quest to elucidate the genetic architecture of TS and OCD. A recent meta analysis of 2,936 OCD cases and 7,279 controls did not identify any variants that surpassed the threshold for genome wide significance, but confirmed that OCD is a highly polygenic disorder, with the majority of risk conferred by SNPs with high minor allele frequencies (MAF≥0.4). The most recent meta analysis of TS (N=4,232 cases; 8,318 controls) identified one variant that passed the threshold for genome wide significance (p=2.9 x 10-8). This variant did not remain significant when additional replication samples were examined. A CNV analysis using the same data identified two genes that were significantly associated with TS, NRXN1 and CNTN6, present in 1.2% of TS cases.

Supporting Teachers of English Language Learners at a Turnaround School

This article summarizes findings from surveys and interviews with five teachers at an elementary school in the Salt Lake City School District that is participating in the federally funded School Improvement Grant program to raise the achievement of all students. The qualitative data analysis focuses on two major themes: (1) the current attitudes, perceptions, and practices in place for meeting the needs of the large population of English language learners (ELLs) currently enrolled at the school and (2) the current collaborative efforts and support for teachers regarding meeting the needs of ELLs. These data are then compared to recent literature to determine the needs of this specific school. The authors offer recommendations for creating a schoolwide focus for meeting the needs of ELLs in the context of professional development and professional learning community initiatives while utilizing both the literature and suggestions from the participants. They conclude by addressing the implications of these recommendations.

Abuse Liability and Anti‐Addiction Potential of the Atypical Mu Opioid Receptor Agonist IBNtxA

OBJECTIVEIBNtxA is a novel μ opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, structurally related to the classical MOR antagonist naltrexone, that preferentially signals through truncated MOR splice variants. This unique pharmacological profile produces potent analgesia with reduced side effects, including no conditioned place preference (CPP) when tested at a single dose. The purpose of this study is to 1) evaluate a range of IBNtxA doses to more fully assess its abuse liability and 2) determine the effects of IBNtxA on morphine CPP expression and reinstatement of morphine CPP.METHODSIBNtxA was synthesized and compared to morphine in standard CPP expression assays. Following morphine CPP training, IBNtxA was tested for its effects in inducing CPP reinstatement on its own or attenuating morphine‐primed reinstatement.RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSIBNtxA is an intriguing preclinical drug that opens the door to new MOR splice variant‐selective pharmacotherapeutics with effective analgesic properties but reduced side effects. IBNtxA may have utility as an adjunct therapy in agonist replacement strategies (e.g., methadone). Current collaborative efforts are aimed at developing novel analogues of IBNtxA for further analysis and understanding ligand‐receptor interactions across MOR splice variants using molecular modeling.Support or Funding InformationRowan University Seed Fund; travel support from Dean of College of Science and Mathematics and the Rowan University Assistant Professor and Instructor Travel Fund.

Formative Research to Examine Collaboration Between Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants, and Children and Head Start Programs

Both the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) Programs serve low-income women and children at high risk for health disparities, yet they do not have a formal state-level partnership in Connecticut. Both programs serve children up to age five, yet children's participation in the WIC Program declines sharply after 2years of age, limiting the potential benefits of cross-program participation. The goal of this study is to examine current and prospective collaboration efforts among the WIC and HS/EHS Programs in Connecticut and identify barriers to collaboration. An online survey was administered to staff from both programs. Six focus groups were held in January, 2012 with staff and participants from both programs. Results showed areas of existing collaboration between local WIC and HS/EHS Programs, yet also identified many areas where relationships could be strengthened or established. Common themes that were identified included a need for more knowledge among staff about the other program, collaboration involving sharing of client information, and improving referral procedures. Staff from both programs strongly expressed interest in a cross-program collaboration (73% of HS staff and 86% of WIC staff). This research serves as a framework for how a state-level collaboration could be established in Connecticut, to enable these two programs to work together more efficiently and effectively for the benefit of mothers and children. Results can provide other State WIC Programs with a blueprint for collaborating with HS/EHS.

Scleroderma: Nomenclature, etiology, pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatments: Facts and controversies

Scleroderma refers to a heterogeneous group of autoimmune fibrosing disorders. The nomenclature of scleroderma has changed dramatically in recent years, with morphea (localized scleroderma), limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, and systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma encompassing the currently accepted disease subtypes. Major advances have been made in the molecular studies of morphea and systemic sclerosis; however, their etiologies and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. Although morphea and systemic sclerosis demonstrate activation of similar inflammatory and fibrotic pathways, important differences in signaling pathways and gene signatures indicate they are likely biologically distinct processes. Morphea can cause significant morbidity but does not affect mortality, whereas systemic sclerosis has the highest disease-specific mortality of all autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Treatment recommendations for morphea and systemic sclerosis are based on limited data and largely expert opinions. Current collaborative efforts in morphea and systemic sclerosis research will hopefully lead to better understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of these rare and varied diseases and improved treatment options.

Tourism organizations and land trusts: a sustainable approach to natural resource conservation?

This study explores current and potential collaboration efforts between land trusts (LTs) and tourism entities in the USA. LTs and tourism entities have convergent needs and goals regarding natural resource protection, possibly making them suitable partners. Sustainable tourism development needs natural resource protection; land trusts have proved economically viable and effective methods for protecting natural areas. While some case studies have described collaboration efforts by selected LTs and tourism entities, this mixed methods exploratory study is based upon survey data from 279 local and regional LTs operating across the USA. The study is grounded in both the Primary Environmental Care (PEC) conceptual model and Jafari's Background Tourism Elements concept, providing clarity on current and potential collaboration efforts between LTs and tourism entities. The survey showed that tourism-related characteristics, especially scenic qualities, were acceptable to land trusts, and that tourism was the most mentioned industry within LT areas. Only 39% of LTs currently work with tourism entities; however, only 4% of LTs report opposition from tourism entities to their conservation work. LT managers were strongly in favor of future collaboration with tourism interests. All five of the key components required for the PEC model were found.

European and North American lung cancer screening experience and implications for pulmonary nodule management

The potential for low dose computed tomography (LDCT) to act as an effective tool in screening for lung cancer is currently the subject of several randomised control trials. It has recently been given prominence by interim results released by the North American National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). Several other trials assessing LDCT as a screening tool are currently underway in Europe, and are due to report their final results in the next few years. These include the NELSON, DLSCT, DANTE, ITALUNG, MILD and LUSI trials. Although slow to instigate a trial of its own, the UK Lung Screen (UKLS) trial will shortly commence. The knowledge gained from the newer trials has mostly reinforced and refined previous concepts that have formed the basis of existing nodule management guidelines. This article takes the opportunity to summarise the main aspects and initial results of the trials presently underway, assess the status of current collaborative efforts and the scope for future collaboration, and analyse observations from these studies that may usefully inform the management of the indeterminate pulmonary nodule. Key Points • Low dose CT screening for lung cancer is promising. • The effect of LDCT screening on mortality is still uncertain. • Several European randomised controlled trials for LDCT are underway. • The trials vary in methodology but most compare LDCT to no screening. • Preliminary results have reinforced existing nodule management concepts.

Preservice Teacher Preparation for Inclusion

Performance mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 have demanded ever-greater access to the general curriculum for all students, including those with disabilities. Inclusive classrooms and the elevated expectations for all students have a profound impact on preservice teacher preparation. This study obtained information about preservice teacher preparation for inclusive classrooms from a national sample of faculty members in special education, elementary and secondary education, and curriculum and instruction at teacher-education institutions. Faculty perceptions of training efforts used to prepare preservice teachers for inclusion were assessed through electronic survey methods. The survey instrument used a 5-point, Likert-type scale and open-ended questions focused on program elements and perceived effectiveness of inclusion and collaboration. Results indicated a high level of agreement among respondents regarding training efforts and program effectiveness. The study identified issues with current practices, program coordination or collaboration efforts, and training needed for preservice educators. Recommendations for further research and programming suggestions for inclusion and collaboration are provided.

International collaborative research: a Colombian model that promotes infant health and research capacity

Current collaborative efforts in international research with resource-poor nations are frequently paternalistic and deprive these nations of the skills necessary to build independent research capacity. Resource-poor nations have become progressively suspicious of research endeavors originated in industrialized nations that have minimal impact on the health care needs of their populations. The current trend toward globalization requires that certain standards be established to guide these collaborative efforts to create strong partnerships that promote independent evidence-based health research. The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive approach to health-related international collaborative research with resource-poor nations using as an example a model that has been developed in Colombia, South America.