VectorBase/PlasmoDB

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VectorBase.org and PlasmoDB.org are part of VEuPathDB, a US NIH Bioinformatic Resource Center. Training provided will cover how to use our bioinformatic resources for those studying arthropod vectors and malaria. 

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• General overview (lecture)

• Site Search (lecture | worksheet | answer key)

• Strategy System (lecture | worksheet | answer key)

• Gene Pages and Genome Browser (lecture | worksheet | answer key)

• GO Enrichment analysis (lecture | worksheet | answer key) 

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IR Mapper

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IR Mapper is a tool that interactively displays results from standardized insecticide resistance tests (both phenotypic and resistance mechanisms) on Anopheles species, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus generated using WHO or CDC standard test protocols. Data are updated monthly with newly published literature. Training will be provided on how to use this resource. (lecture)

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VIPR (Virus Pathogen Resource)

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The Virus Pathogen Resource, (ViPR) is a freely available, NIAID-funded resource that supports the research of viral pathogens in the NIAID Category A-C Priority Pathogen lists and those causing (re)emerging infectious diseases. ViPR integrates data from external sources (GenBank, UniProt, Immune Epitope Database, Protein Data Bank, etc.), direct submissions, internal curation and analysis pipelines, and provides a suite of bioinformatics analysis and visualization tools to expedite virology research. 

 

The ViPR site hosts data on the Flaviviridae and Togaviridae families, as well as pages dedicated to Dengue and Zika viruses. 

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• Introduction  to ViPR (lecture)

• Dengue virus search tools (lecture)

• Searching using ortholog groups (lecture)

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FAIR Data for Africa

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When considering  the global challenge of implementing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) and Open data practices; Africa has unique capacity strengths and gaps, considerations, perspective, and opportunities.  Jane Wyngaard, University of Cape Town, discusses these from a African technologists' perspectives

Mosquito surveillance data standarization considerations. - lecture coming soon

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How to do a gene drive risk assessment (Bayesian statistics)

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Genetic control methods using synthetic gene drives have been suggested as potentially applicable to dominant malaria vectors in Africa. Before deployment of any gene drive can be considered, there is need for both further scientific research of gene drive and the application of fit-for-purpose probabilistic risk assessments within a staged testing and development pathway. Bayesian statistics provides a structured framework for the testing and evaluation of scientific predictions and hypotheses with empirical data. Key elements for a gene drive risk assessment will include the structured elicitation of expert opinion and the incorporation of empirical information provided by surveillance monitoring and experimental studies.

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> About our risk assessment - lecture coming soon

> Into to Baysian - lecture coming soon

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Mosquito surveillance data – Data considerations

 

Mosquito surveillance data is routinely collected. But how this data is recorded and stored has significant implications to its historical value and reuse. In this hands-on virtual discussion and exercise VectorBase curators Samuel Rund and Sarah Kelly will discuss some considerations for how to maximize the historical value of mosquito surveillance data and some options and reasons to increase data -reuse of that data.

 

• Part 1: Intro to VectorBase MapVEu tool for visualizing surveillance data and an overview of US mosquito abatement district surveillance data sharing considerations. (lecture)

• Part 2: Hand-on exercises for managing  surveillance data (lecture | Files:  A, B, C, D, MIReAD handout)

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Intro to Global Vector Hub

 

The Global Vector Hub (GVH) aims  to assist in capacity building for vector control globally, establish a community of practice for vector control interventions, and enable stakeholders to make evidence-based decisions. The main audiences of the GVH are public health officials, vector control agents and vector researchers. (lecture)

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