scholarly journals Two years into the Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative: reflections on conducting a large-scale replication of Brazilian biomedical science

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kleber Neves ◽  
Clarissa França Dias Carneiro ◽  
Ana Paula Wasilewska-Sampaio ◽  
Mariana Abreu ◽  
Bruna Valério Gomes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Random Sample ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Laboratory Methods ◽  
Publish Or Perish ◽  
Common Laboratory ◽  
Successes And Failures

Scientists have increasingly recognized that low methodological and analytical rigor combined with publish-or-perish incentives can make the published scientific literature unreliable. As a response to this, large-scale systematic replications of the literature have emerged as a way to assess the problem empirically. The Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative is one such effort, aimed at estimating the reproducibility of Brazilian biomedical research. Its goal is to perform multicenter replications of a quasi-random sample of at least 60 experiments from Brazilian articles published over a 20-year period, using a set of common laboratory methods. In this article, we describe the challenges of managing a multicenter project with collaborating teams across the country, as well as its successes and failures over the first two years. We end with a brief discussion of the Initiative’s current status and its possible future contributions after the project is concluded in 2021.

scholarly journals The Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative: a systematic assessment of Brazilian biomedical science

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olavo Bohrer Amaral ◽  
Kleber Neves ◽  
Ana Paula Wasilewska-Sampaio ◽  
Clarissa França Dias Carneiro
Keyword(s):  
Biomedical Research ◽  
National Level ◽  
Life Sciences ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Laboratory Methods ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Interlaboratory Variability ◽  
Systematic Effort ◽  
Common Laboratory

With concerns over research reproducibility on the rise, systematic replications of published science have become an important tool to estimate the replicability of findings in specific areas. Nevertheless, such initiatives are still uncommon in biomedical science, and have never been performed at a national level. The Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative is a multicenter, systematic effort to assess the reproducibility of the country’s biomedical research by replicating between 60 and 100 experiments from Brazilian life sciences articles. The project will focus on a set of common laboratory methods, performing each experiment in multiple institutions across the country, with the reproducibility of published findings analyzed in the light of interlaboratory variability. The results, due in 2021, will allow us not only to estimate the reproducibility of Brazilian biomedical science, but also to investigate if there are aspects of the published literature that can be used to predict it.

Pharmacological Targeting of Neuronal Kv7.2/3 Channels: A Focus on Chemotypes and Receptor Sites

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (23) ◽  
pp. 2637-2660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Miceli ◽  
Maria V. Soldovieri ◽  
Paolo Ambrosino ◽  
Laura Manocchio ◽  
Ilaria Mosca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Functional Heterogeneity ◽  
Molecular Scaffolds ◽  
Kv7 Channels ◽  
Receptor Sites ◽  
Pharmacological Targets ◽  
Pharmacological Potential

Background: The Kv7 (KCNQ) subfamily of voltage-gated potassium channels consists of 5 members (Kv7.1-5) each showing characteristic tissue distribution and physiological roles. Given their functional heterogeneity, Kv7 channels represent important pharmacological targets for the development of new drugs for neuronal, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. <p> Objective: In the present manuscript, we focus on describing the pharmacological relevance and potential therapeutic applications of drugs acting on neuronally-expressed Kv7.2/3 channels, placing particular emphasis on the different chemotypes, and highlighting their pharmacodynamic and, whenever possible, pharmacokinetic peculiarities. <p> Methods: The present work is based on an in-depth search of the currently available scientific literature, and on our own experience and knowledge in the field of neuronal Kv7 channel pharmacology. Space limitations impeded to describe the full pharmacological potential of Kv7 channels; thus, we have chosen to focus on neuronal channels composed of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 subunits, and to mainly concentrate on their involvement in epilepsy. <p> Results: An astonishing heterogeneity in the molecular scaffolds exploitable to develop Kv7.2/3 modulators is evident, with important structural/functional peculiarities of distinct compound classes. <p> Conclusion: In the present work we have attempted to show the current status and growing potential of the Kv7 pharmacology field. We anticipate a bright future for the field, and express our hopes that the efforts herein reviewed will result in an improved treatment of hyperexcitability (or any other) diseases.

Recent Developments in the Downstream Processing of Phycobiliproteins from Algae: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayekpam Chandralekha Devi ◽  
G. K. Hamsavi ◽  
Simran Sahota ◽  
Rochak Mittal ◽  
Hrishikesh A. Tavanandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Downstream Processing ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Wall Structure ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Cell Wall Disruption ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Macro Algae

Abstract: Algae (both micro and macro) have gained huge attention in the recent past for their high commercial value products. They are the source of various biomolecules of commercial applications ranging from nutraceuticals to fuels. Phycobiliproteins are one such high value low volume compounds which are mainly obtained from micro and macro algae. In order to tap the bioresource, a significant amount of work has been carried out for large scale production of algal biomass. However, work on downstream processing aspects of phycobiliproteins (PBPs) from algae is scarce, especially in case of macroalgae. There are several difficulties in cell wall disruption of both micro and macro algae because of their cell wall structure and compositions. At the same time, there are several challenges in the purification of phycobiliproteins. The current review article focuses on the recent developments in downstream processing of phycobiliproteins (mainly phycocyanins and phycoerythrins) from micro and macroalgae. The current status, the recent advancements and potential technologies (that are under development) are summarised in this review article besides providing future directions for the present research area.

scholarly journals Adherence and competence assessment in studies of CBT for psychosis: current status and future directions

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Fowler ◽  
R. Rollinson ◽  
P. French
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Careful Assessment

All good quality trials of psychological interventions need to check formally that therapists have used the techniques prescribed in the published therapy manuals, and that the therapy has been carried out competently. This paper reviews methods of assessing adherence and competence used in recent large-scale trials of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for psychosis in the UK carried out by our research groups. A combination of the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale and specific versions of the Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis Adherence Scales provides an optimal assessment of adherence and competence. Careful assessment of the competence and adherence can help identify the procedures actually carried out with individuals within trials. The basic use of such assessments is to provide an external check on treatment fidelity on a sample of sessions. Such assessment can also provide the first step towards moving research towards making sense of CBT for psychosis as a complex intervention and identifying which techniques work for which problems of people with psychosis, at which stages of disorder?

Current status of large-scale cryogenic gravitational wave telescope

2003 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. S871-S884 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kuroda ◽  
M Ohashi ◽  
S Miyoki ◽  
T Uchiyama ◽  
H Ishitsuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Current Status

Vulnerability and Importance of Arctic Wetlands as large-scale nature-based solutions for Sustainability in a Changing Climate

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisie Kåresdotter ◽  
Zahra Kalantari
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Arctic Wetlands

&lt;p&gt;Wetlands as large-scale nature-based solutions (NBS) provide multiple ecosystem services of local, regional, and global importance. Knowledge concerning location and vulnerability of wetlands, specifically in the Arctic, is vital to understand and assess the current status and future potential changes in the Arctic. Using available high-resolution wetland databases together with datasets on soil wetness and soil types, we created the first high-resolution map with full coverage of Arctic wetlands. Arctic wetlands' vulnerability is assessed for the years 2050, 2075, and 2100 by utilizing datasets of permafrost extent and projected mean annual average temperature from HadGEM2-ES climate model outputs for three change scenarios (RCP2.6, 4.5, and 8.5). With approximately 25% of Arctic landmass covered with wetlands and 99% being in permafrost areas, Arctic wetlands are highly vulnerable to changes in all scenarios, apart from RCP2.6 where wetlands remain largely stable. Climate change threatens Arctic wetlands and can impact wetland functions and services. These changes can adversely affect the multiple services this sort of NBS can provide in terms of great social, economic, and environmental benefits to human beings. Consequently, negative changes in Arctic wetland ecosystems can escalate land-use conflicts resulting from natural capital exploitation when new areas become more accessible for use. Limiting changes to Arctic wetlands can help maintain their ecosystem services and limit societal challenges arising from thawing permafrost wetlands, especially for indigenous populations dependent on their ecosystem services. This study highlights areas subject to changes and provides useful information to better plan for a sustainable and social-ecological resilient Arctic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keywords: Arctic wetlands, permafrost thaw, regime shift vulnerability, climate projection&lt;/p&gt;

Toward functional proteomics of alveolar macrophages

2005 ◽  
Vol 288 (4) ◽  
pp. L585-L595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haifeng M. Wu ◽  
Ming Jin ◽  
Clay B. Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Alveolar Macrophages ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Mononuclear Phagocyte ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Blood Monocytes ◽  
Protein Patterns ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
The Impact

Alveolar macrophages (AM) belong to a phenotype of macrophages with distinct biological functions and important pathophysiological roles in lung health and disease. The molecular details determining AM differentiation from blood monocytes and AM roles in lung homeostasis are largely unknown. With the use of different technological platforms, advances in the field of proteomics have made it possible to search for differences in protein expression between AM and their precursor monocytes. Proteome features of each cell type provide new clues into understanding mononuclear phagocyte biology. In-depth analyses using subproteomics and subcellular proteomics offer additional information by providing greater protein resolution and detection sensitivity. With the use of proteomic techniques, large-scale mapping of phosphorylation differences between the cell types have become possible. Furthermore, two-dimensional gel proteomics can detect germline protein variants and evaluate the impact of protein polymorphisms on an individual's susceptibility to disease. Finally, surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization (SELDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry offers an alternative method to recognizing differences in protein patterns between AM and monocytes or between AM under different pathological conditions. This review details the current status of this field and outlines future directions in functional proteomic analyses of AM and monocytes. Furthermore, this review presents viewpoints of integrating proteomics with translational topics in lung diseases to define the mechanisms of disease and to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

scholarly journals Current status of ticks and tick-host relationship in domestic and wild animals from Pantanal wetlands in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 107 (suppl) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Henrique Duarte Cançado ◽  
João Luiz Horácio Faccini ◽  
Guilherme de Miranda Mourão ◽  
Eliane Mattos Piranda ◽  
Valéria Castilho Onofrio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Good Representation ◽  
Hard Tick ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul ◽  
Amblyomma Tigrinum

ABSTRACT This is a commented list of tick’s species collected on various wild and domestic animals, including the reports on scientific literature for the studied region. Most of animals were small or medium mammals. Carnivores were the main taxa group examined. Although, the pampas deer ( Ozotocerus bezoarticus) and giant anteater ( Mymercophaga tridactyla) also has a good representation on study. Among domestic animals, dogs, horses and cattle were examined. Summing up, 18 tick species were listed for the region. Sixteen were hard ticks (Ixodidae) and two soft ticks (Argasidae). Amblyomma sculptum was the most common and abundant hard tick. Ornithodoros rostratus (Argasidae) was very abundant, being the more important Argasidae tick on the study region. The following species were colleted or reported on scientific literature: Argas miniatus Koch, 1844; Ornithodoros rostratus Aragão, 1911; Dermacentor nitens Newmann, 1897; Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus Canestrini, 1887; Amblyomma tigrinum Koch, 1844; A. dissimile Koch, 1844; A. ovale Koch, 1844; A. pauvum Aragão, 1908; A. sculptum Berlese, 1888; A. calcaratum Neumann, 1899; A. coelebs Neumann, 1899; A. dubittatum Newmann, 1899; A. scalpturatum Newmann, 1906; A. naponense Packard, 1869; A. nodosum Newmann, 1899; A. pseudoconcolor Aragão, 1908; A. rotundatum Koch, 1844; A. triste Koch, 1844.

Biomedical Research at the Time of “Publish or Perish”

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-255
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Quintaliani ◽  
Ildo Nicoletti
Keyword(s):  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Publish Or Perish

scholarly journals Cloud and Precipitation Parameterizations in Modeling and Variational Data Assimilation: A Review

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (11) ◽  
pp. 3766-3784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Data Assimilation ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Variational Data Assimilation ◽  
Current Status ◽  
General Question ◽  
Observation Error ◽  
Moist Processes

Abstract This paper first reviews the current status, issues, and limitations of the parameterizations of atmospheric large-scale and convective moist processes that are used in numerical weather prediction and climate general circulation models. Both large-scale (resolved) and convective (subgrid scale) moist processes are dealt with. Then, the general question of the inclusion of diabatic processes in variational data assimilation systems is addressed. The focus is put on linearity and resolution issues, the specification of model and observation error statistics, the formulation of the control vector, and the problems specific to the assimilation of observations directly affected by clouds and precipitation.

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