From owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Fri Jan 5 08:43:33 2001 Return-Path: Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 110) id 0DDD717B5C; Fri, 5 Jan 2001 08:43:31 +0000 (GMT) Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 60001) id BF1ED17B60; Fri, 5 Jan 2001 08:43:30 +0000 (GMT) To: schisto@net.bio.net Newsgroups: bionet.organisms.schistosoma From: huynh@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Chuong Huynh) Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2001 18:19:26 +0000 Subject: International Training Course on Bioinformatics Message-Id: <20010105084330.BF1ED17B60@mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk> Sender: owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Precedence: bulk International Training Course on Bioinformatics (Computational Biology) Applied to Genomic Studies Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 21-June 15, 2001 A workshop Sponsored by UNDP/World Bank/WHO - Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, TDR and The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ, Brazil Call for Applications The International Training Course on Bioinformatics (Computational Biology) Applied to Genomics is an initiative designed as part of the activities of WHO/TDR in collaboration with NIAID sponsored Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center, other sponsoring Agencies and The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation- FIOCRUZ, Brazil. The aim of this initiative is to promote capability of endemic countries scientists to apply cutting edge DNA technology to tropical diseases research. The objective is to introduce the participants to basic information on the application of genome information and the potential for development of tools that can be applied in tropical diseases research. The international four-week training course will focus on bioinformatics (computational biology) concepts and proposal writing with specific emphasis on the tropical diseases in TDR portfolio (Malaria, Tuberculosis, Dengue, Leishmaniasis, Chagas' disease, African sleeping sickness, leprosy, filariasis, onchocerciasis, and schistosomiasis). The objective of the course is to establish a "train-the-trainer" programme in a multidisciplinary and international networking framework for bioinformatics/computational biology, applied to pathogen genome research and development of new products. A group of 20 scientists will participate in theoretical and practical courses on basic and medium level bioinformatics applicable to pathogen genome research and prepare for teaching similar courses in their home country, at the same time promoting South-South and North-South interactions in computational biology/bioinformatics and tropical diseases research. Appropriate training material will be prepared to assist in these courses, in the form of powerpoint and www presentations, as well as a manual. Selected candidates are expected to write a bioinformatics and applied genomics related grant proposal during the training course and participate in competetion for fellowship awards to foster a career in bioinformatics to be organized by WHO/TDR. http://www.dbbm.fiocruz.br/class/ Workshop Language: Instructions will be in ENGLISH. The format of this FOUR WEEK training course will be three hours of lectures in the morning and 5-6 hours of practical/hands-on training on both NT and Unix workstations in the afternoon each day. In addition, 1-2 evenings and 2 Saturdays are also planned. The four-week "train-the-trainer" training course will provide fundamentals of various Bioinformatics tools and concepts, how to use these tools and proposal preparation. Related topics to be dealt with during the training course include: * Fundamentals in computing and networking * Fundamentals in statistics * Concepts in database development * Identification of genes, functional motifs, and assigning functions to the protein sequences * Analysis of sequences of nucleic acids and proteins at both gene and genomic level * Analysis of gene expression data from Micro-arrays, Proteomics, Metabolic pathways * Prediction of secondary structures, Visualization of 3-D structures of Nucleic acids and proteins * How to develop a bioinformatics training workshop and center * Case studies applying Bioinformatics tools to gain insight in drug resistance, drug and vaccine design * Scientific grant writing and grant proposal preparation Faculty will include scientists from FIOCRUZ, Brazil; American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), USA; National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), USA; University of Pennsylvania, USA; Naval Medical Research Center (DOD/NMRC), USA; The Institute of Genomic Research (TIGR), USA; Sanger Centre, UK; and other academic or research organizations. Workshop Venue: The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ located in Rio, Brazil is linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Health and responsible for developing activities in science and technology in health, including programmes in basic and applied research, teaching, maintains a reference hospital and ambulatory assistance, strategies formulation in public health and information dissemination, personnel training, production of vaccines, drugs, diagnostic kits and reagents, quality control and development of tec hnologies for health. Twenty scientists (7 from Latin America, 5 from Africa, 5 from Asia, 3 from non-tropical countries) will be selected, based on the following criteria: 1. Ph.D or post-doctoral level trainee/investigator with either: a. good biochemistry/molecular biology background in tropical diseases and basic knowledge in (bio) informatics (e.g. use of internet, basic notions of Unix/Linux), or b. with good informatics background and basic knowledge in biochemistry/ molecular biology in tropical diseases. 2. Full time availability for the duration of the FOUR-WEEK training course. 3. Have permanent access at home institution to personal computers and a teaching facility, e-mail and reliable access to the internet (www), be actively engaged in biochemistry, molecular biology, computational biology/bioinformatics or closely related research in tropical diseases. 4. Must be fluent in English 5. Submit the following documents by e-mail ONLY to class@dbbm.fiocruz.br and identify the country of origin: a. A biographical sketch including educational training, relevant research experience, list of publications (relevant to research experience) in a TDR targeted disease; b. A letter describing 1) how the information learned in the workshop will enhance your research projects and training; 2.) how you and your institution can collaborate in an international network for bioinformatics in genome analysis and include the range of activities currently supported at your institution; 3) a statement describing your relationship with other supported or ongoing research projects that will be enhanced by your participation in the training course [2 page limit]; c. A recommendation letter from a senior investigator. d. Complete application form Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by March 05, 2001 by e-mail. >Workshop fee: There is NO registration fee The UNDP/World Bank/WHO - Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, TDR is the international training course sponsor. Support for international facilitators is being provided by other agencies as cosponsor of the programme. Local hospitality will be provided by FIOCRUZ. All selected candidates from endemic regions will be supported. A limited number of travel fellowships for candidates from non-endemic regions will be available. NOTE: ALL CORRESPONDENCE WILL ONLY BE BY E-MAIL. Applicants are required to send their application, statement, and recommendation through e-mail to: class@dbbm.fiocruz.br ***Important dates to Remember*** February 15, 2001: Application deadline March 05, 2001: Acceptance notification May 21 - June 15, 2001: International Training Course on Bioinformatics (Computational Biology) Applied to Genomic Studies --- From owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Mon Jan 8 12:02:46 2001 Return-Path: Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 110) id 259EC17A5E; Mon, 8 Jan 2001 12:02:44 +0000 (GMT) Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 60001) id 6CEAA17AC8; Mon, 8 Jan 2001 12:02:40 +0000 (GMT) To: schisto@net.bio.net Newsgroups: bionet.organisms.schistosoma From: daj@nhm.ac.uk (David Johnston) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 09:23:44 +0000Subject: Symposium Abstracts: Subject: Symposium Abstracts: Diversity among Schistosomes - Perspectives for Message-Id: <20010108120240.6CEAA17AC8@mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk> Sender: owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Dear Collegues, An International Symposium entitled "Diversity among Schistosomes - Perspectives for Control" was held at the Department of Parasitology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China, from October 16 - October 22, 2000. It was the sixth in a series of annual meetings on the subject and was organised and chaired by Yonglong Li and Andreas Ruppel. We are pleased to be able to provide WWW access to information from this meeting (including the abstracts of all presentations). These provides a valuable insight into the diversity and quality of schistosomiasis research currently being undertaken in China. A report of the meeting will appear in Trends in Parasitology in early 2001. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/schisto/prcschisto/ With Best wishes for 2001, David Johnston and Malcolm Kennedy David A. Johnston, Secretary to the WHO Schistosoma Genome Network, Biomedical Parasitology Division, Dept. of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, England, UK. ***PLEASE NOTE NEW PHONE / FAX NUMBERS*** Tel: 020-7942-5566/5008/5152 Fax: 020-7942-5347 (from outside the UK: 44-20-7942 ****) ***PLEASE NOTE NEW PHONE / FAX NUMBERS*** eMail daj@nhm.ac.uk http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/schisto/ The Biomedical Parasitology Division is a WHO Collaborating Centre for the identification of schistosomes and their snail hosts. From owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Fri Jan 12 08:12:11 2001 Return-Path: Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 110) id 90B3A17A56; Fri, 12 Jan 2001 08:12:09 +0000 (GMT) Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 60001) id 87BFF17AC2; Fri, 12 Jan 2001 08:12:07 +0000 (GMT) To: schisto@net.bio.net Newsgroups: bionet.organisms.schistosoma From: daj@nhm.ac.uk (David Johnston) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 16:38:14 +0000 Subject: POSITIONS IN MOLECULAR PARASITOLOGY (AUSTRALIA) Message-Id: <20010112081207.87BFF17AC2@mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk> Sender: owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Precedence: bulk TWO POSITIONS IN MOLECULAR PARASITOLOGY (AUSTRALIA) We are seeking two experienced, enthusiastic and motivated scientists committed to parasite genomics and/or genetics. You will be employed by The University of Melbourne and will work on an industry-linked program. 1. Postdoctoral scientist You will isolate gender-specific genes from important parasitic nematodes by suppression subtractive hybridisation, determine the sequences of cloned expressed sequence tags, characterise expression patterns in different developmental stages/tissues and examine the functional roles of these genes. This research will provide insights into molecular aspects of reproduction and development, and aims to develop novel approaches for parasite control. Qualifications/skills: Applicants must have a doctoral qualification and significant postdoctoral experience, with skills in parasitology or microbiology, gene isolation using differential screening methods, sequence analysis, prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, and emerging technologies of genome analysis. Skills in computational biology are an advantage. 2. Research scientist You will establish novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for the identification (genotyping) of infectious organisms and for disease diagnosis. Qualifications/skills: Applicants [BSc (Hons), MSc, MVSc or PhD] must have extensive experience in automated DNA sequencing and computational analyses, as well as in the use of PCR-based methods for the identification of parasites and/or microorganisms, preferably single-strand conformation polymorphism and/or other sequence-based analytical methods. Experience also required in the processing of biological samples, the isolation and purification of DNA, and some expertise in diagnostic microbiology or parasitology. Appointment: For both positions, fixed term period of 2 years, subject to satisfactory probation period, with the prospect of continuing appointment. Salary dependent on experience. Applications to: Assoc Prof Robin Gasser, Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne. Please provide addresses of three referees. Email address: r.gasser@vet.unimelb.edu.au. Closing date is 15th January, 2001. --- From owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Mon Jan 15 12:58:24 2001 Return-Path: Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 110) id 5F3F717A79; Mon, 15 Jan 2001 12:58:22 +0000 (GMT) Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 60001) id A054717AA6; Mon, 15 Jan 2001 12:58:20 +0000 (GMT) To: schisto@net.bio.net Newsgroups: bionet.organisms.schistosoma Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 08:18:15 +0000 Subject: Training Workshop on Schistosomiasis in Sender: Message-Id: <20010115125820.A054717AA6@mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk> From: nobody@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Nobody) Sender: owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Precedence: bulk =46rom Prof. C. O. Adewunmi, Nigeria by way of Davi= d Johnston ******************************************************************** Dear Colleagues, Introduction Ondo state is situated in the heartland of the tropical rainforest belt of western Nigeria. The inhabitants are mostly farmers. The population of the state is about 2,300,000.0. The state stakes a lot in the education of its indigenous people (Yorubas) and is one of the educationally advanced states in Nigeria. There are 18 Local Goverments (LGS) in Ondo state with about 60% of the LGS heavily infected with schistosomiasis. The prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis in the state reached such an alarming status that the problem was highlighted on the national network of the national television three times in April and May this year (2000). A committee was set up by the State Government. Schistosomiasis was found to be highly endemic in fifteen LGAs in Ondo State. These are Akoko N/W, Akoko N/E, Akoko S/W, Akoko S/E, Ondo West, Ondo East, Akure South, Akure North, Owo, Ifedore, Idanre, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Odigbo, Okitipupa and Irele, whereas it was found to be endemic in three LGAs which are Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Ose A training workshop on the control of schistosomiasis was held at the Spcialist Hospital, Akure, Ondo State between December 13th - 21st, 2000. Resource persons were drawn from Nigerian and German Institutions. Please find attached the Communique at the end of the Workshop. Thank you. Prof. C. O. Adewunmi Consultant COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE END OF TRAINING OF RAINERS [T.O.T] WORKSHOP ON SCHISTOSOMIASIS CONTROL IN ONDO STATE FROM 3TH-21ST DECEMBER, 2000 AT CONFERENCE HALL, STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, AKURE This Training of Trainers (T. O. T.) workshop was conducted for thirty (30) participants which consisted of Schistosomiasis Control Officers from all the eighteen (18) Local Government areas in the state, State Ministry of Health Officers and Health Management Board Officers (HBM). These participants will be responsible for subsequent training of other Health Officers in the state and Local Governments so as to achieve the objective of the project. The workshop was a nine -day programme, which consisted of theory and practical sessions and field trips. Eminent international resource persons on the following topics presented papers: - (a) Epidemiology of human African Schistosomiasis (b) Taxonomy, Morphology, biology and transmission of human African Schistosomiasis. (c) Planning and organisation of epidemiological studies. (d) Methodology of study of human African Schistosomiasis. (e) Identification of schistosome eggs, cercarial and adult worms. (f) Diagnosis of human African Schistosomiasis. (g) Parasitological Techniques (h) Control of Schistosomiasis. (i) Morphorlogy, anatomy and dissection of snails. (j) Identification of snails, Ecology and Control of Snails (k) Chemotherapy of Schistosomiasis. At the end of the Workshop, the participants unanimously agreed that the objective of the workshop has been achieved and they have been adequately equipped to train other health workers in schistosomiasis Control. However, the participants felt that for the objective of the control programme to be properly achieved, the following issues should be seriously considered: 1. Advocacy meetings should be held by the State and local government policy makers to sensitise them on the gravity of the situation and preventive measures; 2. Promotion of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aridan) tree. Aridan tree is a local plant readily available in the state and can be cultivated in any vegetation in the southern part of the country. It has been known and accepted by our local communities over the years to have medicinal and nutritive properties. This wonderful plant has been authenticated nationally and internationally to be effective as a molluscicide. In view of this, it is suggested that Ondo State Government should invest in the planting of Aridan trees at the riverbanks of areas suspected to be endemic site. In pursuant of this, it is suggested that the ministry of Health should collaborate with Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and relevant departments at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife. 3 Government should source for funds from external donors to implement various aspect of the programme. 4 Government should embark on mass training to improve skills of Health Workers in all the relevant areas e.g. Health Education and Laboratory Unit. 5 Government should endeavour to equip laboratory adequately to facilitate easy diagnosis and effective treatment. 6 Once this programme takes off, Government should ensure adequate supply of relevant drugs at all times. 7 It is suggested that there should be an effective monitoring team to ensure that all the five strategies of control programme are carried out simultaneously vis-=E0-vis a) Health Education b) Control Of snails c) Chemotherapy strategy d) Improve water supply e) Improve sanitation 8 Government should provide adequate logistic supports to run the project both at the State and Local Government Levels. 9 Government should strengthen various programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of the rural people e .g. Construction of pit latrines, sinking of bore holes and wells. 10 Government should provide a room/space out of the existing one at the State Hospital to act as a laboratory where provisions can be made diagnosis/for raising of snails which can help in the control programme. =46inally, the participants expressed their gratitude to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adefari for his commitment and support for this programme. The participants also express their gratitude to the state Ministry of Health for organising this important Training Workshop. Participants promised to make best use of the knowledge they have gained during the training programme. =8A=8A=8A=8A=8A=8A=8A=8A =8A=8A=8A=8A=8A=8A=8A=8A=8A.. Dr. Olawole, G. A. Mr.E. B. Fajuko Chairman secretary Communiqu=E9 Committee Members 1. Dr. G. A. Olawole - Chairman 2. Mrs. J. E. Akerele 3. Mrs. C. O. Awe 4. Mrs. M.T. Abiodun Fowowe 5. Mr. Olafisoye 6. Mr. E.B. Fajuko . -Secretary ******************************************************************** Attachment converted: Macintosh HD:T.O.T.doc (WDBN/MSWD) (000172A6) David A. Johnston, Secretary to the WHO Schistosoma Genome Network, Biomedical Parasitology Division, Dept. of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, England, UK. Tel: 020-7942-5566/5008/5152 =46ax: 020-7942-5347 (from outside the UK: 44-20-7942 ****) eMail daj@nhm.ac.uk http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/schisto/ The Biomedical Parasitology Division is a WHO Collaborating Centre for the identification of schistosomes and their snail hosts. From owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Mon Jan 15 13:03:22 2001 Return-Path: Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 110) id 92D0E17A79; Mon, 15 Jan 2001 13:03:21 +0000 (GMT) Received: by mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk (Postfix, from userid 60001) id 9E84C17A86; Mon, 15 Jan 2001 13:03:19 +0000 (GMT) To: schisto@net.bio.net Newsgroups: bionet.organisms.schistosoma From: daniela.ram@weizmann.ac.il (Daniela Ram) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 13:59:22 +0000 Subject: cercaria cDNA library of Scistosoma mansoni Message-Id: <20010115130319.9E84C17A86@mercury.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk> Sender: owner-schisto@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Dear Colleagues, I would like to receive a cDNA library from the cercarial stage of Schistosoma mansoni. We have shown alternative splicing of the HSF gene in adult worm, and now I would like to compare the structure of the transcript in adult worm to that in cercaria. I would be greatful, if anybody could help me in this respect! Thank you in advance, Daniela Ram e-mail daniela.ram@weizmann.ac.il fax: 972-8-9344141 Department of Immunology The weizmann institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.