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Rajagopalan RM, Cakici J, Bloss CS. A Vision for Empirical ELSI along the R&D Pipeline. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2024; 15:81-86. [PMID: 38214924 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2023.2297931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ramya M Rajagopalan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UC San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- Center for Empathy and Technology, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, UC San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Julie Cakici
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UC San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, La Jolla, USA
| | - Cinnamon S Bloss
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UC San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- Center for Empathy and Technology, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, UC San Diego, La Jolla, USA
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Overgaard HJ, Linn NYY, Kyaw AMM, Braack L, Win Tin M, Bastien S, Vande Velde F, Echaubard P, Zaw W, Mukaka M, Maude R. School and community driven dengue vector control and monitoring in Myanmar: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 7:206. [PMID: 38313099 PMCID: PMC10837613 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18027.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dengue is the most common and widespread mosquito-borne arboviral disease globally estimated to cause >390 million infections and >20,000 deaths annually. There are no effective preventive drugs and the newly introduced vaccines are not yet available. Control of dengue transmission still relies primarily on mosquito vector control. Although most vector control methods currently used by national dengue control programs may temporarily reduce mosquito populations, there is little evidence that they affect transmission. There is an urgent need for innovative, participatory, effective, and locally adapted approaches for sustainable vector control and monitoring in which students can be particularly relevant contributors and to demonstrate a clear link between vector reduction and dengue transmission reduction, using tools that are inexpensive and easy to use by local communities in a sustainable manner. Methods Here we describe a cluster randomized controlled trial to be conducted in 46 school catchment areas in two townships in Yangon, Myanmar. The outcome measures are dengue cases confirmed by rapid diagnostic test in the townships, dengue incidence in schools, entomological indices, knowledge, attitudes and practice, behavior, and engagement. Conclusions The trial involves middle school students that positions them to become actors in dengue knowledge transfer to their communities and take a leadership role in the delivery of vector control interventions and monitoring methods. Following this rationale, we believe that students can become change agents of decentralized vector surveillance and sustainable disease control in line with recent new paradigms in integrated and participatory vector surveillance and control. This provides an opportunity to operationalize transdisciplinary research towards sustainable health development. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability in Myanmar the project has been terminated by the donor, but the protocol will be helpful for potential future implementation of the project in Myanmar and/or elsewhere.Registration: This trial was registered in the ISRCTN Registry on 31 May 2022 ( https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN78254298).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans J. Overgaard
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, As, 1432, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, KHON KAEN, 40002, Thailand
| | - Nay Yi Yi Linn
- Central Vector Borne Disease Control Unit, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Aye Mon Mon Kyaw
- Yangon Regional Health Department, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Leo Braack
- Malaria Consortium, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | | | - Sheri Bastien
- Faculty of Landscape and Society, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Fiona Vande Velde
- Faculty of Landscape and Society, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Pierre Echaubard
- School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, London, WC1H 0XG, UK
- Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, 73170, Thailand
| | - Win Zaw
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
| | - Richard Maude
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Raban R, Marshall JM, Hay BA, Akbari OS. Manipulating the Destiny of Wild Populations Using CRISPR. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:361-390. [PMID: 37722684 PMCID: PMC11064769 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-031623-105059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Genetic biocontrol aims to suppress or modify populations of species to protect public health, agriculture, and biodiversity. Advancements in genome engineering technologies have fueled a surge in research in this field, with one gene editing technology, CRISPR, leading the charge. This review focuses on the current state of CRISPR technologies for genetic biocontrol of pests and highlights the progress and ongoing challenges of using these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Raban
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Bruce A Hay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
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Rahtz E, Bell SL, Nurse A, Wheeler BW, Guell C, Elliott LR, Thompson CW, McDougall CW, Lovell R. What is known about what works in community-involved decision-making relating to urban green and blue spaces? A realist review protocol. Syst Rev 2023; 12:169. [PMID: 37730620 PMCID: PMC10512649 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02333-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is now a relatively well-established evidence base suggesting that greener living environments and time spent in urban green and blue spaces (UGBS) can be beneficial for human health and wellbeing. However, benefits are not universal and there remain widespread social inequalities in access to such resources and experiences, particularly along axes of class, race, ethnicity, age and disability, and in relation to efforts to increase the availability and accessibility of such spaces. These injustices often relate to distributive, procedural and recognition-based processes. There is growing interest in how to ensure that efforts to increase access to or use of UGBS (whether through infrastructural or social programmes) result in equitable outcomes whilst minimising potential for exacerbating existing inequalities and injustices. Community engagement is considered an important step towards more inclusive UGBS decision-making, from planning and design to management and maintenance processes. It is thought to contribute to better and more widely trusted decisions, enhanced democracy, community satisfaction, civic interest and feelings of green space ownership, and greater longevity of UGBS projects. However, uneven representation and barriers to participation can create imbalances and undermine these benefits. METHODS An iterative, multi-stage realist-inspired review will be conducted to ask what works, in what context and in what ways relating to the meaningful involvement of communities in UGBS decision-making, focusing on the skills, capacities and capabilities of different stakeholders and the role of contexts and processes. 'Effectiveness' (or what works) will be understood as a multifaceted outcome, encompassing both the processes and results of community engagement efforts. Following a scoping stage to identify initial programme theory, inclusion/exclusion criteria and derive search terms, relevant databases and grey literature will be searched to identify interdisciplinary literature in two phases. The first phase will be used to further develop programme theories, which will be articulated as 'if then' statements. The second phase searches will be used to identify sources to further explore and evidence the programme and formal theory. We will assess all includable evidence for conceptual richness, prioritising more conceptually rich sources if needed. DISCUSSION The realist synthesis will explore the key context, mechanism and outcome configurations that appear to explain if and how different approaches to community-involved UGBS decision-making are or are not effective. We will consider factors such as different conceptualisations of community, and if and how they have been involved in UGBS decision-making; the types of tools and approaches used; and the socio-cultural and political or governance structures within which decision-making takes place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmylou Rahtz
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Peter Lanyon Building 12, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Sarah L Bell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Peter Lanyon Building 12, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Alexander Nurse
- Department of Geography and Planning, Roxby Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZT, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Peter Lanyon Building 12, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Cornelia Guell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Peter Lanyon Building 12, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Lewis R Elliott
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Peter Lanyon Building 12, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Catharine Ward Thompson
- OPENspace Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9DF, UK
| | - Craig W McDougall
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Peter Lanyon Building 12, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Peter Lanyon Building 12, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
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Pare Toe L, Dicko B, Linga R, Barry N, Drabo M, Sykes N, Thizy D. Operationalizing stakeholder engagement for gene drive research in malaria elimination in Africa—translating guidance into practice. Malar J 2022; 21:225. [PMID: 35870909 PMCID: PMC9308116 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04241-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGene drive mosquitoes are increasingly considered a potential transformational tool for vector control of malaria mosquitoes. As part of efforts to promote responsible research in this field, a number of guidance documents have been published by the World Health Organization, National Academies and expert groups. While virtually all recent guidance documents on gene drive research stress the importance of stakeholder engagement activities, no specific guidelines on implementing them have been established. Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium developing a vector-control gene drive approach to eliminate malaria, has reflected on how its stakeholder engagement strategy translates engagement guidance documents into practice. The project analysed and addressed the tension between the context specificities and the international recommendations. The engagement strategy combines published recommendations for responsible gene drive research, information collected from the local context where the project operates and a set of principles guiding the choices made. This strategy was first developed during the early phases of the project’s research, years ahead of any activities with gene drive mosquitoes in those countries of operations. These earlier activities, and their related engagement, allow the project to develop and adapt an engagement strategy appropriate for potential gene drive research in its field site countries. This paper offers a description of a stakeholder engagement strategy operationalization based on (1) adaptation to stakeholder preferences, (2) inclusiveness and (3) empowerment and accountability. The authors hope to offer concrete examples to support other projects with the development and implementation of their engagement strategies with particular attention to the co-development principle.
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Vásquez VN, Reddy MR, Marshall JM. Environmentally appropriate vector control is facilitated by standard metrics for simulation-based evaluation. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.953212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As anthropogenic factors contribute to the introduction and expansion of new and established vector species, the geographic incidence of mosquito-borne disease is shifting. Computer simulations, informed by field data where possible, facilitate the cost-effective evaluation of available public health interventions and are a powerful tool for informing appropriate policy action. However, a variety of measurements are used in such assessments; this can complicate direct comparisons across both vector control technologies and the models used to simulate them. The expansion of biocontrol to include genetically engineered organisms is now prompting additional metrics with no analogy to traditional measurement approaches. We propose Standard Entomological Metrics (SEMs) to facilitate the model-based appraisal of both existing and novel intervention tools and define two examples: Suppression Efficacy Score and Time to Reduction Target. We formulate twelve synthetic case studies featuring two vector control technologies over three years of observed daily temperature in Cairns, Australia. After calculating Suppression Efficacy Score and Time to Reduction Target results, we apply these example outcomes to a discussion of health policy decision-making using SEMs. We submit that SEMs such as Suppression Efficacy Score and Time to Reduction Target facilitate the wholistic and environmentally appropriate simulation-based evaluation of intervention programs and invite the community to further discussion on this topic.
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Overgaard HJ, Linn NYY, Kyaw AMM, Braack L, Win Tin M, Bastien S, Vande Velde F, Echaubard P, Zaw W, Mukaka M, Maude R. School and community driven dengue vector control and monitoring in Myanmar: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18027.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Dengue is the most common and widespread mosquito-borne arboviral disease globally estimated to cause >390 million infections and >20,000 deaths annually. There are no effective vaccines or preventive drugs. Control of dengue transmission relies primarily on mosquito vector control. Although most vector control methods currently used by national dengue control programs may temporarily reduce mosquito populations, there is little evidence that they affect transmission. There is an urgent need for innovative, participatory, effective, and locally adapted approaches for sustainable vector control and monitoring in which students can be particularly relevant contributors and to demonstrate a clear link between vector reduction and dengue transmission reduction, using tools that are inexpensive and easy to use by local communities in a sustainable manner. Methods. Here we describe a cluster randomized controlled trial to be conducted in 46 school catchment areas in two townships in Yangon, Myanmar. The outcome measures are dengue cases confirmed by rapid diagnostic test in the townships, dengue incidence in schools, entomological indices, knowledge, attitudes and practice, behavior, and engagement. Conclusions. The trial involves middle school students that positions them to become actors in dengue knowledge transfer to their communities and take a leadership role in the delivery of vector control interventions and monitoring methods. Following this rationale, we believe that students can become change agents of decentralized vector surveillance and sustainable disease control in line with recent new paradigms in integrated and participatory vector surveillance and control. This provides an opportunity to operationalize transdisciplinary research towards sustainable health development. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability in Myanmar the project has been terminated by the donor, but the protocol will be helpful for potential future implementation of the project in Myanmar and/or elsewhere. Registration: This trial was registered in the ISRCTN Registry on 31 May 2022 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN78254298).
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8
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Connolly JB, Mumford JD, Glandorf DCM, Hartley S, Lewis OT, Evans SW, Turner G, Beech C, Sykes N, Coulibaly MB, Romeis J, Teem JL, Tonui W, Lovett B, Mankad A, Mnzava A, Fuchs S, Hackett TD, Landis WG, Marshall JM, Aboagye-Antwi F. Recommendations for environmental risk assessment of gene drive applications for malaria vector control. Malar J 2022; 21:152. [PMID: 35614489 PMCID: PMC9131534 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04183-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Building on an exercise that identified potential harms from simulated investigational releases of a population suppression gene drive for malaria vector control, a series of online workshops identified nine recommendations to advance future environmental risk assessment of gene drive applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Connolly
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK.
| | - John D Mumford
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK
| | | | | | - Owen T Lewis
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sam Weiss Evans
- Program On Science, Technology & Society, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Geoff Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK
| | | | - Naima Sykes
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK
| | - Mamadou B Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jörg Romeis
- Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - John L Teem
- Genetic Biocontrols LLC, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Willy Tonui
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS Consultancy) Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brian Lovett
- Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA
| | - Aditi Mankad
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, CSIRO Land & Water, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Abraham Mnzava
- African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Silke Fuchs
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK
| | | | - Wayne G Landis
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, College of the Environment, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Fred Aboagye-Antwi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Schairer CE, Triplett C, Akbari OS, Bloss CS. California Residents’ Perceptions of Gene Drive Systems to Control Mosquito-Borne Disease. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:848707. [PMID: 35360388 PMCID: PMC8960626 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.848707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists developing gene drive mosquitoes for vector control must understand how residents of affected areas regard both the problem of mosquito-borne disease and the potential solutions offered by gene drive. This study represents an experiment in public engagement at an early stage of technology development, intended to inform lab scientists about public attitudes toward their research and inspire consideration and conversation about the social ramifications of creating mosquitoes with gene drive. Online focus groups with California residents explored views on mosquito-borne disease risk, current mosquito control methods, and the proposed development and use of different classes of gene drives to control Ae. aegypti. Rather than a dogmatic rejection of genetic engineering or gene drive, many participants expressed pragmatic concerns with cost, control, the ability to narrowly target specific species, and the challenges of mistrust and institutional cooperation. Work like this can inform the alignment of community priorities and the professional priorities of scientists and vector control specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia E. Schairer
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia Triplett
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Empathy and Technology, Insitute for Empathy and Compassion, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cinnamon S. Bloss
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Empathy and Technology, Insitute for Empathy and Compassion, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Cinnamon S. Bloss,
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Collins MH, Potter GE, Hitchings MDT, Butler E, Wiles M, Kennedy JK, Pinto SB, Teixeira ABM, Casanovas-Massana A, Rouphael NG, Deye GA, Simmons CP, Moreira LA, Nogueira ML, Cummings DAT, Ko AI, Teixeira MM, Edupuganti S. EVITA Dengue: a cluster-randomized controlled trial to EValuate the efficacy of Wolbachia-InfecTed Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in reducing the incidence of Arboviral infection in Brazil. Trials 2022; 23:185. [PMID: 35236394 PMCID: PMC8889395 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-05997-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are a major global health problem, with over 2.5 billion at risk for dengue alone. There are no licensed antivirals for these infections, and safe and effective vaccines are not yet widely available. Thus, prevention of arbovirus transmission by vector modification is a novel approach being pursued by multiple researchers. However, the field needs high-quality evidence derived from randomized, controlled trials upon which to base the implementation and maintenance of vector control programs. Here, we report the EVITA Dengue trial design (DMID 17-0111), which assesses the efficacy in decreasing arbovirus transmission of an innovative approach developed by the World Mosquito Program for vector modification of Aedes mosquitoes by Wolbachia pipientis. Methods DMID 17-0111 is a cluster-randomized trial in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, with clusters defined by primary school catchment areas. Clusters (n = 58) will be randomized 1:1 to intervention (release of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes) vs. control (no release). Standard vector control activities (i.e., insecticides and education campaigns for reduction of mosquito breeding sites) will continue as per current practice in the municipality. Participants (n = 3480, 60 per cluster) are children aged 6–11 years enrolled in the cluster-defining school and living within the cluster boundaries who will undergo annual serologic surveillance for arboviral infection. The primary objective is to compare sero-incidence of arboviral infection between arms. Discussion DMID 17-0111 aims to determine the efficacy of Wolbachia-infected mosquito releases in reducing human infections by arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and will complement the mounting evidence for this method from large-scale field releases and ongoing trials. The trial also represents a critical step towards robustness and rigor for how vector control methods are assessed, including the simultaneous measurement and correlation of entomologic and epidemiologic outcomes. Data from this trial will inform further the development of novel vector control methods. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT04514107. Registered on 17 August 2020 Primary sponsor: National Institute of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-05997-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Collins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gail E Potter
- Biostatistics Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.,The Emmes Company, LLC, Rockville, USA
| | - Matt D T Hitchings
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ellie Butler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michelle Wiles
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sofia B Pinto
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Australia
| | - Adla B M Teixeira
- School of Education, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Arnau Casanovas-Massana
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nadine G Rouphael
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory A Deye
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cameron P Simmons
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Australia
| | - Luciano A Moreira
- Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mauricio L Nogueira
- Medical School of São Jose do Rio Preto FAMERP, São Jose do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Derek A T Cummings
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Albert I Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Srilatha Edupuganti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Vincent R, Adhikari B, Duddy C, Richardson E, Wong G, Lavery J, Molyneux S. 'Working relationships' across difference - a realist review of community engagement with malaria research. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:13. [PMID: 37621950 PMCID: PMC10444998 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17192.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Community engagement (CE) is increasingly accepted as a critical aspect of health research, because of its potential to make research more ethical, relevant and well implemented. While CE activities linked to health research have proliferated in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), and are increasingly described in published literature, there is a lack of conceptual clarity around how engagement is understood to 'work', and the aims and purposes of engagement are varied and often not made explicit. Ultimately, the evidence base for engagement remains underdeveloped. Methods: To develop explanations for how and why CE with health research contributes to the pattern of outcomes observed in published literature , we conducted a realist review of CE with malaria research - a theory driven approach to evidence synthesis. Results: We found that community engagement relies on the development of provisional 'working relationships' across differences, primarily of wealth, power and culture. These relationships are rooted in interactions that are experienced as relatively responsive and respectful, and that bring tangible research related benefits. Contextual factors affecting development of working relationships include the facilitating influence of research organisation commitment to and resources for engagement, and constraining factors linked to the prevailing 'dominant health research paradigm context', such as: differences of wealth and power between research centres and local populations and health systems; histories of colonialism and vertical health interventions; and external funding and control of health research. Conclusions: The development of working relationships contributes to greater acceptance and participation in research by local stakeholders, who are particularly interested in research related access to health care and other benefits. At the same time, such relationships may involve an accommodation of some ethically problematic characteristics of the dominant health research paradigm, and thereby reproduce this paradigm rather than challenge it with a different logic of collaborative partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vincent
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Robin Vincent Learning and Evaluation Ltd, Sheffield, S89FH, UK
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Claire Duddy
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Services, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Emma Richardson
- Health Research, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Geoff Wong
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Services, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - James Lavery
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, USA
- Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, USA
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, University of Oxford, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya
| | - The REAL team: Mary Chambers, Phaik Yeong Cheah, Al Davies, Kate Gooding, Dorcas Kamuya, Vicki Marsh, Noni Mumba, Deborah Nyirenda, and Paulina Tindana.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Robin Vincent Learning and Evaluation Ltd, Sheffield, S89FH, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Services, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
- Health Research, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, USA
- Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, University of Oxford, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya
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12
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Goldsmith CL, Kang KE, Heitman E, Adelman ZN, Buchman LW, Kerns D, Liu X, Medina RF, Vedlitz A. Stakeholder Views on Engagement, Trust, Performance, and Risk Considerations About Use of Gene Drive Technology in Agricultural Pest Management. Health Secur 2021; 20:6-15. [PMID: 34981962 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2021.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene drive is an experimental technique that may make it possible to alter the genetic traits of whole populations of a species through the genetic modification of a relatively small number of individuals. This technology is sufficiently new that literature on the understanding and views of stakeholders and the public regarding the use of gene drive organisms in agricultural pest management is just beginning to emerge. Our team conducted a 2-pronged engagement process with Texas gene drive agricultural stakeholders to ascertain their values, beliefs, and preferences about the efficacy, safety, and risk management considerations of gene drive technology as a potential tool for agricultural pest management. We found that a majority of stakeholders support gene drive research and its potential use for managing agricultural pests. Our work with stakeholders confirms both their willingness to be engaged and the importance they place on stakeholder and public engagement regarding these issues, as well as the need to address these issues before use of gene drive as a pest management mechanism will be accepted and trusted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Goldsmith
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Ki Eun Kang
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Elizabeth Heitman
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Leah W Buchman
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - David Kerns
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Xinsheng Liu
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Raul F Medina
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Arnold Vedlitz
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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13
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Abstract
Gene drives are an emerging technology with tremendous potential to impact public health, agriculture, and conservation. While gene drives can be described simply as selfish genetic elements (natural or engineered) that are inherited at non-Mendelian rates, upon closer inspection, engineered gene drive technology is a complex class of biotechnology that uses a diverse number of genetic features to bias rates of inheritance. As a complex technology, gene drives can be difficult to comprehend, not only for the public and stakeholders, but also to risk assessors, risk managers, and decisionmakers not familiar with gene drive literature. To address this difficulty, we describe a gene drive classification system based on 5 functional characteristics. These characteristics include a gene drive's objective, mechanism, release threshold, range, and persistence. The aggregate of the gene drive's characteristics can be described as the gene drive's architecture. Establishing a classification system to define different gene drive technologies should make them more comprehensible to the public and provide a framework to guide regulatory evaluation and decisionmaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Overcash
- Justin Overcash, PhD, is an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Science Fellow, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Riverdale, MD
| | - Andrew Golnar
- Andrew Golnar, PhD, is an APHIS Science Fellow, Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO
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14
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Schairer CE, Najera J, James AA, Akbari OS, Bloss CS. Oxitec and MosquitoMate in the United States: lessons for the future of gene drive mosquito control. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 115:365-376. [PMID: 34313556 PMCID: PMC8592615 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1919378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to growing concerns regarding mosquito-borne diseases, scientists are developing novel systems of vector control. Early examples include Oxitec's OX513A genetically-engineered mosquito and MosquitoMate's Wolbachia-infected mosquito, and systems using 'gene-drive' are in development. Systems based on genetic engineering are controversial and institutions around the world are grappling with the question of who should have a say in how such technologies are field-tested and used. Based on media coverage and public records, we created comparative timelines of the efforts of Oxitec and MosquitoMate to navigate federal and local governance and bring their products to market in the United States. We analyze these timelines with particular attention to the role of public input in technology governance. These cases illustrate how governance of technology in the US is diverse, complex, and opaque. Further, the public response to proposed field trials of the Oxitec product highlights inconsistencies between public expectations for governance and actual practice. As gene-drive mosquito control products develop, both federal and local agencies will find their legitimacy tested without a better procedure for transparently integrating public input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia E. Schairer
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James Najera
- Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anthony A. James
- Departments of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cinnamon S. Bloss
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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15
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Wang GH, Gamez S, Raban RR, Marshall JM, Alphey L, Li M, Rasgon JL, Akbari OS. Combating mosquito-borne diseases using genetic control technologies. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4388. [PMID: 34282149 PMCID: PMC8290041 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24654-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria, pose significant global health burdens. Unfortunately, current control methods based on insecticides and environmental maintenance have fallen short of eliminating the disease burden. Scalable, deployable, genetic-based solutions are sought to reduce the transmission risk of these diseases. Pathogen-blocking Wolbachia bacteria, or genome engineering-based mosquito control strategies including gene drives have been developed to address these problems, both requiring the release of modified mosquitoes into the environment. Here, we review the latest developments, notable similarities, and critical distinctions between these promising technologies and discuss their future applications for mosquito-borne disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Hong Wang
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Stephanie Gamez
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robyn R Raban
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - John M Marshall
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Luke Alphey
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, UK
| | - Ming Li
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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16
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Suppression of female fertility in Aedes aegypti with a CRISPR-targeted male-sterile mutation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2105075118. [PMID: 34031258 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2105075118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti spread devastating viruses such as dengue, which causes disease among 100 to 400 million people annually. A potential approach to control mosquito disease vectors is the sterile insect technique (SIT). The strategy involves repeated release of large numbers of sterile males, which reduces insect populations because the sterile males mate and thereby suppress the fertility of females that would otherwise mate with fertile males. While SIT has been successful in suppressing certain agricultural pests, it has been less effective in depressing populations of Ae. aegypti This limitation is in part because of the fitness effects resulting from mutagenizing the mosquitoes nonspecifically. Here, we introduced and characterized the impact on female fertility of an Ae. aegypti mutation that disrupts a gene that is specifically expressed in testes. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate a null mutation in the Ae. aegypti β2-tubulin (B2t) gene, which eliminates male fertility. When we allowed wild-type females to first mate with B2t mutant males, most of the females did not produce progeny even after being subsequently exposed to wild-type males. We also introduced B2t mutant and wild-type males simultaneously with wild-type females and found that a larger number of B2t mutant males relative to the wild-type males was effective in significantly suppressing female fertility. These results raise the possibility of employing B2t sterile males to improve the efficacy of SIT in suppressing populations of Ae. aegypti through repeated releases and thereby reduce the transmission of viruses by these invasive mosquitoes.
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17
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Schairer CE, Triplett C, Buchman A, Akbari OS, Bloss CS. Interdisciplinary development of a standardized introduction to gene drives for lay audiences. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:273. [PMID: 33153449 PMCID: PMC7643426 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is wide consensus that the public should be consulted about emerging technology early in development, it is difficult to elicit public opinion about innovations unfamiliar to lay audiences. We sought public input on a program of research on genetic engineering to control mosquito vectors of disease that is led by scientists at the University of California and funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In preparation for this effort, we developed a series of narrated slideshows to prompt responses to the development of gene drive mosquito control strategies among lay people. We describe the development and content of these slideshows and evaluate their ability to elicit discussions among focus group participants. METHODS In developing these materials, we used an iterative process involving input from experts in molecular genetics and vector control. Topics were chosen for their relevance to the goals of the scientists leading the program of research. Significant time was devoted to crafting explanations that would be accessible to uninitiated members of the public but still represent the science accurately. Through qualitative analysis of focus group discussions prompted by the slideshows, we evaluated the success of these slideshows in imparting clear technical information sufficient to inform lay discussion. RESULTS The collaboration resulted in a series of four narrated slideshows that were used to anchor discussions in online focus groups. Many participants described the slideshows as interesting and informative, while also raising concerns and possible risks that were not directly addressed in the material presented. Open-ended comments from participants suggest that the slideshows inspired critical questions, reflection, and conversation about genetically engineered and gene drive mosquitoes. After the final and most technically complex slideshow, however, some respondents made comments suggestive of overwhelm or confusion. CONCLUSION Our narrated slideshows prompted engaged conversations about genetically engineered mosquitoes among members of the public who were generally naïve to this technology. Narrated slideshows may serve as viable and useful tools for future public engagement on other controversial emerging medical and public health technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia E Schairer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0811, La Jolla, California, 92093-0811, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia Triplett
- Center for Wireless and Population Health Systems, The Qualcomm Institute of Calit2, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Buchman
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cinnamon S Bloss
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0811, La Jolla, California, 92093-0811, USA.
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Center for Wireless and Population Health Systems, The Qualcomm Institute of Calit2, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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18
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Naegeli H, Bresson J, Dalmay T, Dewhurst IC, Epstein MM, Guerche P, Hejatko J, Moreno FJ, Mullins E, Nogué F, Rostoks N, Sánchez Serrano JJ, Savoini G, Veromann E, Veronesi F, Bonsall MB, Mumford J, Wimmer EA, Devos Y, Paraskevopoulos K, Firbank LG. Adequacy and sufficiency evaluation of existing EFSA guidelines for the molecular characterisation, environmental risk assessment and post-market environmental monitoring of genetically modified insects containing engineered gene drives. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06297. [PMID: 33209154 PMCID: PMC7658669 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular and synthetic biology are enabling the engineering of gene drives in insects for disease vector/pest control. Engineered gene drives (that bias their own inheritance) can be designed either to suppress interbreeding target populations or modify them with a new genotype. Depending on the engineered gene drive system, theoretically, a genetic modification of interest could spread through target populations and persist indefinitely, or be restricted in its spread or persistence. While research on engineered gene drives and their applications in insects is advancing at a fast pace, it will take several years for technological developments to move to practical applications for deliberate release into the environment. Some gene drive modified insects (GDMIs) have been tested experimentally in the laboratory, but none has been assessed in small-scale confined field trials or in open release trials as yet. There is concern that the deliberate release of GDMIs in the environment may have possible irreversible and unintended consequences. As a proactive measure, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been requested by the European Commission to review whether its previously published guidelines for the risk assessment of genetically modified animals (EFSA, 2012 and 2013), including insects (GMIs), are adequate and sufficient for GDMIs, primarily disease vectors, agricultural pests and invasive species, for deliberate release into the environment. Under this mandate, EFSA was not requested to develop risk assessment guidelines for GDMIs. In this Scientific Opinion, the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) concludes that EFSA's guidelines are adequate, but insufficient for the molecular characterisation (MC), environmental risk assessment (ERA) and post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) of GDMIs. While the MC,ERA and PMEM of GDMIs can build on the existing risk assessment framework for GMIs that do not contain engineered gene drives, there are specific areas where further guidance is needed for GDMIs.
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19
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Cheung C, Gamez S, Carballar-Lejarazú R, Ferman V, Vásquez VN, Terradas G, Ishikawa J, Schairer CE, Bier E, Marshall JM, James AA, Akbari OS, Bloss CS. Translating gene drive science to promote linguistic diversity in community and stakeholder engagement. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1551-1565. [PMID: 32589115 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1779328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Information about genetic engineering (GE) for vector control in the United States is disseminated primarily in English, though non-English speakers are equally, and in some geographic regions even more affected by such technologies. Non-English-speaking publics should have equal access to such information, which is especially critical when the technology in question may impact whole communities. We convened an interdisciplinary workgroup to translate previously developed narrated slideshows on gene drive mosquitoes from English into Spanish, reviewing each iteration for scientific accuracy and accessibility to laypeople. Using the finalised stimuli, we conducted five online, chat-based focus groups with Spanish-speaking adults from California. Overall, participants expressed interest in the topic and were able to summarise the information presented in their own words. Importantly, participants asked for clarification and expressed scepticism about the information presented, indicating critical engagement with the material. Through collaboration with Spanish-speaking scientists engaged in the development of GE methods of vector control, we translated highly technical scientific information into Spanish that successfully engaged Spanish-speaking participants in conversations about this topic. In this manuscript, we document the feasibility of consulting Spanish-speaking publics about a complex emerging technology by drawing on the linguistic diversity of the scientific teams developing the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Cheung
- The Qualcomm Institute, Calit2, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Gamez
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Victor Ferman
- Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Váleri N Vásquez
- Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Innovative Genomics Institute, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Energy and Resources Group, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Berkeley Institute for Data Science, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gerard Terradas
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Judy Ishikawa
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia E Schairer
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ethan Bier
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John M Marshall
- Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Innovative Genomics Institute, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Anthony A James
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cinnamon S Bloss
- The Qualcomm Institute, Calit2, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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