Innovative Research Strategies Research Articles

The New Education Politics in the United States

During the COVID-19 pandemic, school district politics rose to prominence on the nation's political agenda, as school boards grappled with controversial decisions about reopening schools and implementing mask mandates. A growing number of political scientists are using newly available data and innovative research strategies to examine policy responsiveness, elections, segregation and inequality, state takeovers, interest groups, democratic deliberation, and public opinion—all while focusing on the unique context of education politics. We illuminate the distinctive institutional and policy context of US education politics and review new research in the field, including growing evidence of partisan polarization and the continuing significance of race for influencing power and decision making about schools in the United States. The field has made great strides in the last decade; we highlight the emerging themes from that already rapidly growing literature, while pointing out areas for future research.

Advancing HIV cure research in low- and middle-income countries requires empowerment of the next generation of scientists

While low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in Southern and Eastern Africa, bear the largest burden of the HIV globally, investigators working on the front lines in these regions are leading a limited number of research efforts, particularly related to HIV cure. Conducting HIV cure research in high-burden HIV LIMCs provides an unparalleled opportunity to formulate innovative research strategies, design trials tailored to the local context, evaluate clinical outcomes within key and vulnerable populations, meaningful involvement of stakeholders, and to shape policies in areas where HIV prevention and cure interventions can yield the most significant impact. Further, the high prevalence of infection, with varied HIV strains affecting large diverse populations, creates a unique environment for studies that would not be feasible in any other part of the world. This underscores the critical importance of addressing obstacles to unlock the full potential of research efforts in these regions. In this viewpoint, we identify significant challenges facing early career investigators in LMICs, particularly in Africa, that hinder their full engagement in HIV cure research. Drawing examples from the International AIDS Society's Research-for-Cure Academy, we provide practical recommendations to overcome barriers that include limited access to funding, effective mentors, educational and career development opportunities, coupled with inadequate investment in infrastructure that contribute towards the limited number of investigators from high-burden HIV LIMCs who are spearheading cutting-edge cure research. Addressing these challenges is crucial to empower investigators who possess unique insights and expertise, and who are well positioned to lead HIV cure-related research efforts. We acknowledge and welcome initiatives that promote capacity building and knowledge exchange between early-career investigators in LMICs and their peers and scientific leaders from high-income countries (HICs). Prioritizing investment in global collaboration and partnership will play a pivotal role in empowering the next generation of African scientists and clinicians. To expedite advancements of cure-related strategies that will be effective in high-burden HIV LMICs, we endorse the sustainable expansion of these pivotal initiatives in these regions, to enhance their effectiveness and hasten progress in the pursuit of a global HIV cure.

Innovations in Molecular Biology-Cutting-Edge Breakthroughs in Molecular Genetics

The field of molecular biology has experienced significant breakthroughs in recent years, driven by cutting-edge technologies and innovative research strategies. This abstract provides a concise overview of some key advancement that has shaped the landscape of molecular biology. One prominent area of progress involves the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system, which has revolutionized genetic manipulation. Researchers have refined and expanded its applications, enabling precise modifications to the genome for therapeutic purposes, functional genomics, and the development of genetically modified organisms. In the realm of nucleic acid sequencing, the advent of third-generation sequencing technologies has enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of deciphering complex genomes. Single-cell sequencing techniques have provided unprecedented insights into cellular heterogeneity, unraveling diverse cell populations within tissues and shedding light on the intricacies of developmental processes and disease progression. The integration of omics technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, has propelled systems biology to new heights. This holistic approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of biological systems, unveiling intricate molecular networks and signaling pathways. Advanced computational methods and artificial intelligence applications have played a pivotal role in processing and interpreting the vast amounts of data generated by these high-throughput techniques. Furthermore, the exploration of the microbiome's role in health and disease has gained momentum. Advances in metagenomics have enabled a deeper understanding of microbial communities, their interactions, and their impact on host physiology. The identification of specific microbial signatures associated with various diseases has opened avenues for novel therapeutic interventions and personalized medicine. Conclusion: Recent advances in molecular biology have transformed the field, offering unprecedented opportunities for scientific discovery and medical applications. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary approaches continues to propel molecular biology forward, paving the way for new insights into the complexities of life at the molecular level

NINDS Health Equity Strategic Planning Process Overview, High-Level Recommendations, and Guide.

Neurologic mortality is increasing in the United States and is occurring in an inequitable manner. There is a major need for innovative research strategies to eliminate these inequities. In 2020, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) embarked on a health equity strategic planning process, which culminated in a 3-day public workshop and research recommendations provided by a working group of its National Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council (NANDSC WG) to the NINDS. This Neurology® supplement is dedicated to the NINDS health equity strategic planning process. As cochairs of the NANDS WG, we developed this summary to provide an overview of the process and a guide for navigating this special issue. Detailed recommendations from the NANDS WG are distributed throughout various articles in this supplement and supported with extensive commentary on the state of the science in health equity. Consolidated high-level recommendations from this process are presented at the end of this article.

A large-scale genetic screen identifies genes essential for motility in Agrobacterium fabrum.

The genetic and molecular basis of flagellar motility has been investigated for several decades, with innovative research strategies propelling advances at a steady pace. Furthermore, as the phenomenon is examined in diverse bacteria, new taxon-specific regulatory and structural features are being elucidated. Motility is also a straightforward bacterial phenotype that can allow undergraduate researchers to explore the palette of molecular genetic tools available to microbiologists. This study, driven primarily by undergraduate researchers, evaluated hundreds of flagellar motility mutants in the Gram-negative plant-associated bacterium Agrobacterium fabrum. The nearly saturating screen implicates a total of 37 genes in flagellar biosynthesis, including genes of previously unknown function.

The molecular mechanisms and intervention strategies of mitophagy in cardiorenal syndrome.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is defined as a disorder of the heart and kidney, in which acute or chronic injury of one organ may lead to acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. It is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, resulting in high economic costs and social burdens. However, there is currently no effective drug-based treatment. Emerging evidence implicates the involvement of mitophagy in the progression of CRS, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this review, we summarized the crucial roles and molecular mechanisms of mitophagy in the pathophysiology of CRS. It has been reported that mitophagy impairment contributes to a vicious loop between CKD and CVD, which ultimately accelerates the progression of CRS. Further, recent studies revealed that targeting mitophagy may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for CRS, including clinical drugs, stem cells and small molecule agents. Therefore, studies focusing on mitophagy may benefit for expanding innovative basic research, clinical trials, and therapeutic strategies for CRS.

A Focus Group Study of Palliative Physician and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Perceptions of Dealing with Depression in the Dying.

Objective: To ascertain palliative physicians’ and consultation-liaison psychiatrists’ perceptions of depression care processes in patients with very poor prognoses, exploring key challenges and postulating solutions. Methods: A qualitative focus group study involving three 1-h online focus groups (2 palliative medicine and 1 psychiatry) were conducted between November-December 2020. Fellows and trainees were recruited from Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (n = 11) and Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (n = 4). Data underwent conventional qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants perceived depression care to be complex and challenging. Perceived barriers included: inadequate palliative care psychiatry skills with variation in clinical approaches; lack of supportive health infrastructure (poor access to required interventions and suboptimal linkage between palliative care and psychiatry); lack of research support; and societal stigma. Suggested solutions included integrating care processes between palliative care and psychiatry to improve clinician training, establish supportive health systems and promote innovative research designs. Conclusions: Developing clinician training, supportive health systems and innovative research strategies centering on integrating palliative care and psychiatry care processes may be integral to optimising depression care when providing care to people with very poor prognoses.

The Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolites in the Gut-Kidney-Heart Axis of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Emerging evidences demonstrate the involvement of gut microbiota in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CKD-associated complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and intestinal dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the interactions between the gut, kidney and heart in CKD state, and elucidate the significant role of intestinal microbiota in the gut-kidney-heart axis hypothesis for the pathophysiological mechanisms of these diseases, during which process mitochondria may serve as a potential therapeutic target. Dysregulation of this axis will lead to a vicious circle, contributing to CKD progression. Recent studies suggest novel therapies targeting gut microbiota in the gut-kidney-heart axis, including dietary intervention, probiotics, prebiotics, genetically engineered bacteria, fecal microbiota transplantation, bacterial metabolites modulation, antibiotics, conventional drugs and traditional Chinese medicine. Further, the identification of specific microbial communities and their corresponding pathophysiological metabolites and the illumination of the gut-kidney-heart axis may contribute to innovative basic research, clinical trials and therapeutic strategies against CKD progression and uremic complications in CKD patients.

Advances in Breeding Methodologies to Develop Resistance Genes against Blast: A Review

Finger millet is still neglected cereal crop mostly grown and consumed by resource-poor people mainly in arid and semi-arid tropics. The projected food demand of the global population will pressure plant breeders to secure the demand by improving the yield of major cereal crops. To meet this demand, there is a consistent need to look beyond the conventional farming system to increase production and productivity in sustainable ways. However, finger millet production and productivities are limited by many factors namely biotic and abiotic. Of biotic factors, finger millet blast disease is the most limiting factor. The disease is caused by the filamentous ascomycetous fungus called Magnaporthe oryzae. Under favorable conditions, the pathogen can devastate the entire field in all finger millet growing regions. Moreover, the frequent breakdown of blast resistance causes significant yield losses worldwide. The utilization of innovative and efficient research strategies guarantees future sustainable production of finger millet. Therefore, exploring an advanced breeding methodologies presently being used and discussing future directions for development of blast resistant varieties will help providing a broad understanding concept for finger millet breeding.

EDUCATIONAL TRADITIONS OF RESEARCH EDUCATION AND CREATION OF A LEARNING CENTER FOR JUNIOR SCHOOLCHILDREN IN THE SYSTEM OF THE JUNIOR ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF UKRAINE

The article summarizes the historical development of the formation of the education system on a research basis, from antiquity to the present. The problem of search and introduction of innovative pedagogical technologies for the development of research activities of primary school students, the formation of a holistic picture of the world in the context of changes in the modern education system is outlined. The emphasis is placed on D. Dewey’s research learning technologies, the main provisions of which are considered fundamental for innovative research strategies such as learning strategy through research at the request of students, integrated learning and more. The experience of the Children’s Academy “Futurum” at the National Centre “Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine” is presented – an educational space for primary school students, which was created to promote scientific education, create conditions for creative creativity, the competence development through the research. One of the features of the educational process of the Children’s Academy “Futurum” is mentioned, namely: the synthesis and adaptation of international educational practices in research education. It is noted that an important component in the organization of such educational centres is the involvement in pedagogical practice with children of scientists, educators and researchers and their training in methods of working with students. Teaching methods are based on the integration of types of education, their principles, and methods. Multilevel integration promotes children’s development of critical, analytical, creative thinking. It is outlined that the research approach in teaching involves the organization of students’ activities related to the solution of the research problem, the formation of skills to creatively and independently master and synthesize different ways of working. The conclusions are formulated that for the introduction of scientific education in work with children of the primary school age it is necessary: the comprehensive study of research models, considering the age psychological characteristics of the primary school students in teaching scientific knowledge and training teachers for this activity.

Use of Zebrafish Models to Boost Research in Rare Genetic Diseases.

Rare genetic diseases are a group of pathologies with often unmet clinical needs. Even if rare by a single genetic disease (from 1/2000 to 1/more than 1,000,000), the total number of patients concerned account for approximatively 400 million peoples worldwide. Finding treatments remains challenging due to the complexity of these diseases, the small number of patients and the challenge in conducting clinical trials. Therefore, innovative preclinical research strategies are required. The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful animal model for investigating rare diseases. Zebrafish combines conserved vertebrate characteristics with high rate of breeding, limited housing requirements and low costs. More than 84% of human genes responsible for diseases present an orthologue, suggesting that the majority of genetic diseases could be modelized in zebrafish. In this review, we emphasize the unique advantages of zebrafish models over other in vivo models, particularly underlining the high throughput phenotypic capacity for therapeutic screening. We briefly introduce how the generation of zebrafish transgenic lines by gene-modulating technologies can be used to model rare genetic diseases. Then, we describe how zebrafish could be phenotyped using state-of-the-art technologies. Two prototypic examples of rare diseases illustrate how zebrafish models could play a critical role in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of rare genetic diseases and their use to identify innovative therapeutic solutions.

Effective and resource efficient strategies for recruiting families in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, nutrition, and obesity prevention research: A systematic review with expert opinion

Background: The recruitment of participants into intervention research has been notoriously difficult for research teams around the world, where many researchers fail to recruit 100% of their target sample size within their pre-agreed timescale. The recruitment of families into experimental research projects is also challenging, yet there has not been a comprehensive assessment of how to recruit families to family-based health promotion research. Therefore, we systematically identified effective and resource-efficient strategies for recruiting families into health promoting intervention research. Methods: Four databases were searched for published reviews. Intervention studies were extracted from included reviews. Subsequently, a Delphi study was conducted with 35 experts in relevant family-based research. We assessed extracted data from our review and Delphi participants’ opinions by collating responses into overarching themes based on recruitment setting and recruitment strategies to identify effective and resource-efficient strategies for recruiting families into intervention research. Results: A total of 64 articles (n = 49 studies) were included. Data regarding recruitment duration (33%), target sample size (32%), reach (18%), expressions of interest (33%), and enrolment rate (22%) were scarcely reported. Recruitment settings (84%) and strategies (73%) used were available for most studies. However, the details were vague, particularly regarding who was responsible for recruitment or how recruitment strategies were implemented. The Delphi showed recruitment settings and strategies fell under 6 themes: school-based, print/electronic media, community settings-based, primary care-based, employer-based, and referral-based strategies. The most common recruitment setting was in schools and the most common recruitment strategies were passive strategies (e.g., sending letters). Of the Delphi participants, 62% reported under-recruitment in their most recent family-based experimental study. Discussion: Under-recruitment in family-based trials is a major issue. Moreover, most studies applied similar recruitment strategies, predominantly through schools, despite known challenges of recruiting in schools. Our findings suggest that researchers should employ a multifaceted recruitment approach that targets adults and children and provides potential participants with repeated exposure to study information. Reporting on recruitment can also be improved by better adherence to existing guidelines. Improved reporting around effectiveness of recruitment will give future researchers the ability to better budget their time, resources, and provide greater confidence in meeting their target sample size. Future research should investigate the estimated cost of recruiting families into trials; as well as more sophisticated and innovative research strategies (e.g., consulting experts in data science, marketing, advertising, graphic design, social media). Conflict of interest: We have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Design of a peptide-based vaccine from late stage specific immunogenic cross-reactive antigens of PE/PPE proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Since decades now, Tuberculosis (TB) is among the leading cause of death globally. Innovative and extensive research strategies are necessary to lower TB incidence and achieve the End TB Strategy milestone. Epitope-based vaccine designing and development provides a promising solution with high efficacy and effectiveness. Mining of less studied genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is crucial for recognizing potential antigenic peptide epitopes which can mount protective immune response in host. Many proteins from ESX associated Proline-Glutamate (PE)/ Proline-Proline-Glutamate (PPE) family are virulence factors and alter host mediated immune response against the pathogen.In the present study, we have targeted 34 late stage expressing (being expressed at 90 days) PE/PPE proteins of Mtb for prediction and identification of promiscuous, immunogenic and cross-reactive CD4+ T cell specific epitopes. We found a total of 149 promiscuous and cross-reactive epitopes out of which 42 were antigenic as well. Further, we shortlisted top 10 Promiscuous, Cross-reactive CD4+ T cell specific, Antigenic Peptide Epitopes (PCAPEs) which were characterized to be non-allergenic and pro-inflammatory cytokine inducing in nature. These epitopes also showed strong binding affinity for CD8+ T cell restricted Major Histo-compatibility Complex (MHC) class I alleles. Additionally, these PCAPEs showed wide population coverage of 99.6% globally for both MHC class I and class II alleles. Molecular docking studies were conducted to confirm the affinity of these shortlisted peptides for widely occurring MHC alleles. Additionally, we performed codon adaptation and in silico cloning of the recombinant vaccine construct incorporating EsxA (ESAT-6) as an adjuvant and the 10 selected PCAPEs joined by linkers. The recombinant vaccine construct showed strong affinity for Toll-like receptor2 (TLR2) immune receptor in docking studies. In silico prediction based study using C-ImmSim server shows significant population of Th1 type immune cells with memory cells lasting for months in response to our vaccine administration.Since, majority of TB vaccines under clinical trials are antigens expressed at early stages; a combinatorial approach inclusive of peptide epitopes derived from proteins being expressed at all stages could be a promising strategy to design and develop effective TB vaccine. Synthesis and experimental validation of this multi-epitopic recombinant TB vaccine construct may result in an effective vaccine to confer protection against Mtb.

Researchers perception regarding socio-technical approaches implementation in their own research. Thermal energy storage researchers as example

The enhancement and the understanding of the societal dynamics in the energy systems within transition entails the inclusion of innovative policy and research strategies. This inclusion raises several questions that change profoundly the nature of the research and innovation endeavour, questions that have not been sufficiently explored in the literature. These questions are, among others, the complexities an scope of socio-technical integration or the emergence of new roles and patterns such as user-inspired innovations or community innovations. Based on the assumptions of the responsible-based approaches advocating to energy system actors to collaborate sharing responsibility and the benefits that perspectives integration brings in the development of proactive and archivable energy and climate policies, this study analyses a group of researchers within the field of thermal energy storage (TES) for renewable energy applications, for the purpose of evaluating their perception regarding to the inclusion of alternative policy proposals and collaborative research strategies. The proposed methodology was based on the use of the common theoretical backgrounds of socio-technical transition for the construction of an responsibility-based approach and the proposal of a survey tool for gathering the empirical evidence from researchers opinions. The survey data was collected from a representative group of researchers (33 countries, 215 targeted researches completing the surveys at 31% with a final N = 72). Findings shows willingness to include citizens as beneficiaries but not as participants of research decisions, the prevalence of the use of social sciences to increase the acceptance of technology and remarkable unawareness regarding collaborative research strategies. This paper brings an important contribution for the selected researchers that can be extrapolate to other energy communities since illuminates the possibility of adapting and asses TES to include new patterns and new governance strategies based in RRI.

Agroforestry Research in India: Major Achievements, Challenges and Way Forward

Agroforestry in India has earned popularity by meeting the domestic and industrial wood requirement besides satisfying the needs of other ecosystem services. However, it’s promotion has met with numerous challenges like lack of organizational and institutional structure coupled with marketing /consumption and technological challenges. These challenges were resolved through technological, organizational and marketing interventions. The High Yielding Short Rotation (HYSR) clones, precision silvicultural technology, multi functional agroforestry models and value addition technology resulted in establishment of over 75000 hectare of plantation during the period between 2008 and 2018 in association with paper, plywood, match wood, timber and biomass power generation industries. The conceptualization and implementation of bi, tri and quad-partite model contract farming has ensured organizational interventions and brought the agroforestry stakeholders in the value chain system. Similarly, assurance of buy back coupled with price supportive system for major farm grown trees are the major marketing interventions. The innovative research and developmental strategies have attracted all wood based industries to organized industrial agroforestry promotion and development ensuring self-reliance in raw material domain. Similarly, the tree growing farmers are attracted towards tree industrial agro forestry for its assured buy back higher productivity and profitability. This, research-based agroforestry value chain system is one of the innovative models and has excellent replication potential across the country.

Limited Treatment Options for Diabetic Wounds: Barriers to Clinical Translation Despite Therapeutic Success in Murine Models.

Significance: Millions of people worldwide suffer from diabetes mellitus and its complications, including chronic diabetic wounds. To date, there are few widely successful clinical therapies specific to diabetic wounds beyond general wound care, despite the vast number of scientific discoveries in the pathogenesis of defective healing in diabetes. Recent Advances: In recent years, murine animal models of diabetes have enabled the investigation of many possible therapeutics for diabetic wound care. These include specific cell types, growth factors, cytokines, peptides, small molecules, plant extracts, microRNAs, extracellular vesicles, novel wound dressings, mechanical interventions, bioengineered materials, and more. Critical Issues: Despite many research discoveries, few have been translated from their success in murine models to clinical use in humans. This massive gap between bench discovery and bedside application begs the simple and critical question: what is still missing? The complexity and multiplicity of the diabetic wound makes it an immensely challenging therapeutic target, and this lopsided progress highlights the need for new methods to overcome the bench-to-bedside barrier. How can laboratory discoveries in animal models be effectively translated to novel clinical therapies for human patients? Future Directions: As research continues to decipher deficient healing in diabetes, new approaches and considerations are required to ensure that these discoveries can become translational, clinically usable therapies. Clinical progress requires the development of new, more accurate models of the human disease state, multifaceted investigations that address multiple critical components in wound repair, and more innovative research strategies that harness both the existing knowledge and the potential of new advances across disciplines.

Research methodology for in vivo measurements of resting energy expenditure, daily body temperature, metabolic heat and non-viral tissue-specific gene therapy in baboons

A large number of studies have shown that the baboon is one of the most commonly used non-human primate (NHP) research model for the study of immunometabolic complex traits such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance (IR), adipose tissue dysfunction (ATD), dyslipidemia, obesity (OB) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This paper reports on innovative technologies and advanced research strategies for energetics and translational medicine with this NHP model. This includes the following: measuring resting energy expenditure (REE) with the mobile indirect calorimeter Breezing®; monitoring daily body temperature using subcutaneously implanted data loggers; quantifying metabolic heat with veterinary infrared thermography (IRT) imaging, and non-viral non-invasive, tissue-specific ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) gene-based therapy. These methods are of broad utility; for example, they may facilitate the engineering of ectopic overexpression of brown adipose tissue (BAT) mUCP-1 via UTMD-gene therapy into baboon SKM to achieve weight loss, hypophagia and immunometabolic improvement. These methods will be valuable to basic and translational research, and human clinical trials, in the areas of metabolism, cardiovascular health, and immunometabolic and infectious diseases.

Advanced Data Analytics for Clinical Research Part II: Application to Cardiothoracic Surgery.

In the first part of this series, we introduced the tools of Big Data, including Not Only Standard Query Language data warehouse, natural language processing (NLP), optical character recognition (OCR), and Internet of Things (IoT). There are nuances to the utilization of these analytics tools, which must be well understood by clinicians seeking to take advantage of these innovative research strategies. One must recognize technical challenges to NLP, such as unintended search outcomes and variability in the expression of human written texts. Other caveats include dealing written texts in image formats, which may ultimately be handled with transformation to text format by OCR, though this technology is still under development. IoT is beginning to be used in cardiac monitoring, medication adherence alerts, lifestyle monitoring, and saving traditional labs from equipment failure catastrophes. These technologies will become more prevalent in the future research landscape, and cardiothoracic surgeons should understand the advantages of these technologies to propel our research to the next level. Experience and understanding of technology are needed in building a robust NLP search result, and effective communication with the data management team is a crucial step in successful utilization of these technologies. In this second installment of the series, we provide examples of published investigations utilizing the advanced analytic tools introduced in Part I. We will explain our processes in developing the research question, barriers to achieving the research goals using traditional research methods, tools used to overcome the barriers, and the research findings.

Deep Phenotyping of HIV Neurocognitive Complications Among Individuals Residing in High-Income Countries.

People living with HIV (PLWH) residing in high-income countries (HICs) are, in theory, well positioned to benefit from clinical care strategies that predict optimal neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric outcomes. However, there is substantial inter-individual variability in access to clinical care, prevalence of co-occurring risk factors, and comorbid health conditions that represent barriers to achieving the full potential of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Complex interactions between these variables translate into heterogeneity in HIV clinical phenotypes, including abnormalities in brain structure and function. The growing population of PLWH in HICs who are now reaching advanced age introduces additional causal pathways of neurocognitive variability among PLWH receiving ART. These patterns foreshadow trends expected to develop globally in response to increased access to ART. This chapter reviews the combination of highly dimensional risk factors for neurocognitive complications among PLWH residing in HICs. We begin with a brief description of the neuropathological, neuroimaging, and neurocognitive signatures of HIV, followed by a summary of controversies regarding the clinical presentation of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), including putative synergies between HIV disease dynamics and advanced age. Finally, we introduce innovative research strategies that have potential to advance the existing conceptual framework of HAND and, ideally, catalyze the development and of clinical interventions needed to achieve HIV treatment and eradication efforts.

State, Society, and Informality in Cities of the Global South

Contemporary urbanization in the Global South merits greater attention from scholars of comparative politics. Governance, associational life, and political behavior take distinctive forms in the social and institutional environments created by rapid urbanization, particularly within informal settlements and labor markets. In this special issue, we examine forms of collective action and claims-making in these spaces. We also consider how the state assesses, maps, and responds to the demands of informal sector actors. Tackling questions of citizen and state behavior in these informal urban contexts requires innovative research strategies due to data scarcity and social and institutional complexity. Contributors to this symposium offer novel strategies for addressing these challenges, including the use of informal archives, worksite-based sampling, ethnographic survey design, enforcement process-tracing, and crowd-sourced data.