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Sustainable reductions in African malaria transmission require innovative tools for mosquito control. One proposal involves the use of low-threshold gene drive in Anopheles vector species, where a ‘causal pathway’ would be initiated by (i) the release of a gene drive system in target mosquito vector species, leading to (ii) its transmission to subsequent generations, (iii) its increase in frequency and spread in target mosquito populations, (iv) its simultaneous propagation of a linked genetic trait aimed at reducing vectorial capacity for Plasmodium, and (v) reduced vectorial capacity for parasites in target mosquito populations as the gene drive system reaches fixation in target mosquito populations, causing (vi) decreased malaria incidence and prevalence. Here the scope, objectives, trial design elements, and approaches to monitoring for initial field releases of such gene dive systems are considered, informed by the successful implementation of field trials of biological control agents, as well as other vector control tools, including insecticides, Wolbachia, larvicides, and attractive-toxic sugar bait systems. Specific research questions to be addressed in initial gene drive field trials are identified, and adaptive trial design is explored as a potentially constructive and flexible approach to facilitate testing of the causal pathway. A fundamental question for decision-makers for the first field trials will be whether there should be a selective focus on earlier points of the pathway, such as genetic efficacy via measurement of the increase in frequency and spread of the gene drive system in target populations, or on wider interrogation of the entire pathway including entomological and epidemiological efficacy. How and when epidemiological efficacy will eventually be assessed will be an essential consideration before decisions on any field trial protocols are finalized and implemented, regardless of whether initial field trials focus exclusively on the measurement of genetic efficacy, or on broader aspects of the causal pathway. Statistical and modelling tools are currently under active development and will inform such decisions on initial trial design, locations, and endpoints. Collectively, the considerations here advance the realization of developer ambitions for the first field trials of low-threshold gene drive for malaria vector control within the next 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address a controversy over use of the term "gene drive" to include both natural and synthetic genetic elements that promote their own transmission within a population, arguing that this broad definition is both practical and has advantages for risk analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address a controversy over use of the term "gene drive" to include both natural and synthetic genetic elements that promote their own transmission within a population, arguing that this broad definition is both practical and has advantages for risk analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Considerations for first field trials of low-threshold gene drive for malaria vector control" published in the Malaria Journal. The correction addresses errors in the references to Figures 2 and 3 in the original article. The article has been updated to correct these errors. The publisher remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. The authors of the original article are listed at the end of the correction notice. [Extracted from the article]

We address a controversy over use of the term "gene drive" to include both natural and synthetic genetic elements that promote their own transmission within a population, arguing that this broad definition is both practical and has advantages for risk analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address a controversy over use of the term "gene drive" to include both natural and synthetic genetic elements that promote their own transmission within a population, arguing that this broad definition is both practical and has advantages for risk analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address a controversy over use of the term "gene drive" to include both natural and synthetic genetic elements that promote their own transmission within a population, arguing that this broad definition is both practical and has advantages for risk analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Letter to the Editor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document explores the importance of addressing ethical, social, and cultural issues in global health research. It suggests the implementation of consultation services in research ethics to assist researchers and institutions in navigating these challenges. The document proposes key features of these consultation services, including integrating ethical considerations throughout the research process and prioritizing perspectives from the global South. It also acknowledges the difficulties in implementing these features, such as communication barriers and administrative obstacles. Additionally, the document discusses the key features of an Ethics and Social Determinants of Health program for global health research, which aims to integrate ethical considerations into scientific endeavors and prioritize perspectives from the global South. It suggests focusing on specific cases to identify and propose solutions to common issues, such as community engagement, regulatory gaps, and responsible partnerships with the private sector. The document emphasizes the importance of evaluating strategies, activities, and outcomes to enhance the impact of these programs. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers the authors' insight on the issues of ethical, social, and cultural (ESC) which is used to encourage reflection among global health research community such as funders and researchers. They say that they draw lessons with the ESC Program of the Grand Challenges in Global Health (GCGH) initiative. They mentions that the ESC Program was funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2005 and 2011 to propose fundamental features of consultation services in research ethics (CSRE).

We have used DNA microarrays to follow Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) gene regulation during interaction with human epithelial cells. Host-cell contact induced changes in the expression of 347 genes, more than 30% of which encode proteins with unknown function. The upregulated genes included transporters of iron, chloride, amino acids, and sulfate, many virulence factors, and the entire pathway of sulfur-containing amino acids. Approximately 40% of the 189 upregulated genes coded for peripherally located proteins, suggesting that cell contact promoted a substantial reorganization of the cell membrane. This was confirmed by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis on adhering bacteria using mouse sera against twelve adhesion-induced proteins. Of the 12 adhesion-induced surface antigens, 5 were able to induce bactericidal antibodies in mice, demonstrating that microarray technology is a valid approach for identifying new vaccine candidates and nicely complements other genome mining strategies used for vaccine discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the activation of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in human colon cancers. Effect of beta-catenin antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on the level of axin2 and human naked cuticle (hnkd) mRNA; Expression of axin2 and hnkd in colon cancer cell lines; Correlation of the increased expression of axin2 and hnkd with truncations in polyposis coli.