The Role of Voluntary Agencies in the Funding of Biomedical Research

Neuroinflammation represents a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases implicated both in their onset and progression. Neuroactive steroids act as physiological regulators and protective agents in the nervous system. Therefore, the attention of biomedical research has been recently addressed in evaluating whether neuroactive steroids, such as progestagens, androgens, and estrogens may also affect neuroinflammatory pathways. Observations so far obtained suggest a general anti-inflammatory effect with a beneficial relapse on several neurodegenerative experimental models, thus confirming the potentiality of a neuroprotective strategy based on neuroactive steroids. In this scenario, neuroactive steroid metabolism and the sophisticated machinery involved in their signaling are becoming especially attractive. In particular, because metabolism of neuroactive steroids as well as expression of their receptors is affected during the course of neurodegenerative events, a crucial role of progesterone and testosterone metabolites in modulating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration may be proposed. In the present review, we will address this issue, providing evidence supporting the hypothesis that the efficacy of neuroactive steroids could be improved through the use of their metabolites.

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Neuroethical Responsibilities

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/s0317167100005138 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 269-277 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Eric Racine ◽

Judy Illes

Keyword(s):

Canadian Journal ◽

Biomedical Research ◽

Cognitive Enhancement ◽

Incidental Finding ◽

French Language ◽

Scientific Integrity ◽

Self Reflection ◽

Social Responsibilities ◽

And Training

ABSTRACT:Neuroscience represents a dynamic area of biomedical research where neuroethical responsibilities for researchers are emerging. This paper is the companion piece to the French-language one also published in this issue of the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. It serves as a review of recent advances in neuroethics through the lens of three cases: (1) incidental finding of anomalies in neuroimaging research; (2) creation of neurotechnologies that can lead to cognitive enhancement, and (3) responsible communication of research results. We propose and discuss a multidimensional framework of neuroethical responsibilities to help tackle these issues. The framework reiterates the fundamental role of scientific integrity, puts in the foreground social responsibilities pertaining to the eventual use of neuroscience knowledge, and highlights self-reflection in research and training of researchers.

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A Private Welfare Agency for White-Collar Workers Between the Wars

International Review of Social History ◽

10.1017/s002085900000804x ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 19-39

Author(s):

Gregory Anderson

Keyword(s):

Public Expenditure ◽

Labour Force ◽

White Collar ◽

Welfare Provision ◽

The World ◽

White Collar Workers ◽

High Level ◽

Unemployment Problem ◽

Voluntary Agencies

Despite the proliferation of studies concerned with the unemployment problem and the mechanics of welfare provision between the world wars, most historians have focused either on the difficulties facing manual workers or on the role of state services in the provision of benefits. This emphasis is not surprising given the persistence of a high level of manual unemployment in this period, which led in turn to an unprecedented demand for maintenance and a huge increase in public expenditure on unemployment relief. However, the emphasis upon manual workers has led to an unfortunate neglect of other sections of the labour-force, while the concern with the evolution of state services has diverted attention from the continuing importance of voluntary agencies in the field of welfare provision.

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Reflections on dynamic consent in biomedical research: the story so far

European Journal of Human Genetics ◽

10.1038/s41431-020-00771-z ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Harriet J. A. Teare ◽

Megan Prictor ◽

Jane Kaye

Keyword(s):

Digital Divide ◽

Biomedical Research ◽

Digital Health ◽

Future Research ◽

New Approach ◽

Dynamic Consent ◽

Integral Role ◽

Use Of Social Media ◽

And Control

AbstractDynamic consent (DC) was originally developed in response to challenges to the informed consent process presented by participants agreeing to ‘future research’ in biobanking. In the past 12 years, it has been trialled in a number of different projects, and examined as a new approach for consent and to support patient engagement over time. There have been significant societal shifts during this time, namely in our reliance on digital tools and the use of social media, as well as a greater appreciation of the integral role of patients in biomedical research. This paper reflects on the development of DC to understand its importance in an age where digital health is becoming the norm and patients require greater oversight and control of how their data may be used in a range of settings. As well as looking back, it looks forwards to consider how DC could be further utilised to enhance the patient experience and address some of the inequalities caused by the digital divide in society.

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Formative evaluation results of a phase 2 Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE)

Journal of Clinical and Translational Science ◽

10.1017/cts.2020.500 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (6) ◽

pp. 493-497

Author(s):

Judy A. Kimberly ◽

Sharon I. Rounds ◽

Elizabeth O. Harrington ◽

Susan McNamara

Keyword(s):

Biomedical Research ◽

Formative Evaluation ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Multidisciplinary Research ◽

Professional Networks ◽

Professional Societies ◽

Research Excellence ◽

Primary Focus ◽

Number Of Publications

AbstractIntroduction:Because a primary focus of Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) is the development of junior-level investigators into competent and successful research scientists, evaluation of their skills, mentoring experiences, and usefulness of COBRE services is paramount to the transition of the Center to a self-sustaining, collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment. A formative evaluation, focused on the processes of a COBRE, was undertaken and is presented here.Methods:Two instruments, one for completion by junior investigators and one for completion by mentors, were developed for the purpose of evaluating this COBRE. Areas of inquiry were relationships between junior investigators and mentors, research self-efficacy, mentee progress, and satisfaction with the COBRE. All eight of the COBRE’s current junior investigators and six of their mentors completed the online questionnaires.Results:Junior investigators were very positive about mentors and vice versa. Junior investigators were least positive about their progress as academicians and most positive about their abilities to develop collaborations with other scholars/professionals. Mentors felt as though junior investigators could benefit most by increasing the number of publications they had generated.Conclusions:Activities provided by the CardioPulmonary Vascular Biology (CPVB) COBRE were extremely positive. Junior investigators felt as though the scientific, academic, and professional development opportunities afforded by this COBRE were integral to their success as researchers; however they would like more assistance developing professional networks (i.e., serving on committees of professional societies). Leadership of the CPVB COBRE may consider expanding the role of their advisory committee to ensure these opportunities are provided.

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Charles Nicholas Hales. 25 April 1935 — 15 September 2005

Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society ◽

10.1098/rsbm.2009.0019 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 56 ◽

pp. 105-130

Author(s):

Kenneth Siddle ◽

J. Paul Luzio ◽

Stephen O'Rahilly

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Disease ◽

Insulin Secretion ◽

Biomedical Research ◽

Early Life ◽

Clinical Biochemistry ◽

Diabetes Research ◽

Cambridge University ◽

New Ideas ◽

Polypeptide Hormones

Charles Nicholas (‘Nick’) Hales was for 40 years a leading figure in UK biomedical research, and for 25 years Head of the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at Cambridge University. During a distinguished career he made major contributions to diabetes research in three quite different fields: development and application of immunoassay methods for polypeptide hormones such as insulin; elucidation of mechanisms regulating insulin secretion; and demonstration of the role of early life nutrition in the development of metabolic disease in adulthood. He had a boundless enthusiasm for science, and especially for exploring new ideas, that infected all who had the privilege of working with him.

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