UNESCO Workshop on
Science for Peace
and
Regional Scientific Cooperation in Molecular Biology, Microbiology
and Biotechnology
ABSTRACTS
Park Plaza Hotel, Jerusalem
29 & 30 November - 1 December 1999
Vladimir A.
Kouzminov
Deputy Director
For some four
years the UNESCO-Venice Office has been involved in the activities of the School by sponsoring and co‑organizing
important activities aimed at the reinforcement of co‑operation between
scientific institutions and individual scientists of the Europe and
Mediterranean regions with the major objective to contribute to the stable and
lasting peace in these two regions and all over the world.
The exclusively important role of science in the peace building process is widely recognized, since science is making a significant contribution to the constructive dialogue between different cultures and acting as a powerful antidote to intolerance and ideological and racia1 barriers.
Therefore, your Symposium should be considered as an important
contribution to arranging the follow-up actions to the World Conference on
Science as well as to the better understanding of the potential
role of scientific cooperation in the peace building process in the Middle
East.
We strongly believe that your symposium will provide ideas and concrete
proposals on cooperation in biology and related areas as well as in other
disciplines of science between universities and scientific centers of your countries.
We wish you a great success in your deliberations.
The UNESCO Venice
Office is also please to express its gratitude to the Hebrew University of
Jerusalem, which hosts the International School for Molecular Biology and
Microbiology directed by Prof. Y. Becker, the Israel National Commission for
UNESCO and other national scientific-educational institutions of Israel and of
the Palestine Authority for their organizational efforts which led to this
important meeting. We are looking forward to receiving from all of you
innovative proposals on cooperation in science which will bring the stable and
lasting peace in your region closer to the reality.
UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM
AND
UNESCO GRANADA II PROCESS
Introduction to the UNESCO Workshop on Science for Peace
and Regional Scientific Cooperation
Yechiel Becker,
Director UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM and Science for Peace
Tel.
02-675-8394, e-mail: becker@md2.huji.ac.il.
The
UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM and Science for Peace was established in April 1994, when an
agreement was signed by Professor Adnan Badran, then Deputy Director General of
UNESCO, Paris and Professor Yehoshua Ben -Arieh, then the Rector of the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem. The activities to organize the International School
started in 1994, after the approval of the concept by Professor Badran. Hence,
at the end of 1999 I have the pleasure of summarizing six years of activities
on the two approaches for ISMBM: to develop the concept of Science for Peace by
scientific collaboration between scientists in the Middle East and scientists
in institutions worldwide. A series of three International Symposia on Science
for Peace had lead to the establishment of the Jerusalem Statement on Science
for Peace recommending that “scientific endeavors and achievements be used only
for peaceful purposes and for greater benefit of humanity; there is free
movement of the academic community” and “the academic environment remains open
and dedicated to the free expression of ideas.”
The
financial support provided by Professor Federico Mayor, Director General of
UNESCO and later by UNESCO-Venice office has made possible the organization of
many scientific workshops as well as support to Palestinian students to study
Microbiology for a MSc or Ph.D. degree at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Lately the Thyssen Foundation, Germany, is providing fellowships to the
Palestinian students studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
A
very important contribution to the scientific cooperation between Palestinian
and Israeli scientists came about when Prof. Federico Mayor and the Assistant
Director General, Daniel Janicot announced the Granada II Process and provided
financial support for Palestinian-Israeli collaborative projects in education,
science and culture. The Granada II Process was led by Dr. Anis Al-Qaq, Deputy
Minister, Palestinian Ministry for International Development and Mr. Uri
Bar-Ner from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Ministry. The Granada II Process
has provided a base for scientific cooperation between Palestinian and Israeli
scientists. The Granada II Process was supported by Mr. Avi Shoket during his
tenure as the Israeli Ambassador to UNESCO and Professor Amnon Rubinstein,
Knesset member, who participated in all the phases of discussions and
negotiations of the Granada II Process.
To
all the participants of the Granada II Process and especially, Dr. Anis Al-Qaq,
Uri Bar-Ner for their achievement in formalizing the scientific collaboration
between Palestinians and Israelis in the filed of science, education and
culture. Thanks are due to Prof. Ziad Abdeen, Dean, Al-Quds University and Dr.
Vincent Maelham, Vice Chancellor, Bethlehem University in the Holy Land, who
cosigned with me the scientific contract of Granada II Process.
Special
thanks are due to Professor Vladimir Kouzminov, Deputy Director of
UNESCO-Venice office for his continuous financial support to the International
School and to Mr. Pierre Lasserre, Director, UNESCO-Venice office, who planned
to take part in the UNESCO Workshop.
I
wish to thank the members of the UNESCO Workshop Scientific Committee for their
collaboration in preparing the UNESCO Workshop. I thank all the contributors of
their research in the fields of Molecular Biology, Microbiology and
Biotechnology. I hope that this workshop will be the first in a series of
Palestinian-Israeli scientific UNESCO workshops on Science for Peace, that will
enhance the understanding and scientific collaboration for the benefit of all
the peoples in the Middle East.
Professor
Yechiel Becker
Director,
UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Virology,
Faculty
of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, POB 12272, Jerusalem91120,
Israel
Fax: (972-2) 6784010, Tel:
(972-2)6758394, e-mail: becker@md2.huji.ac.il
(Internet:http://www.tau.ac.il/~becker/UNESCO_HUJ/ismbm.html)
UNESCO –HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF
JERUSALEM
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR MOLECULAR
BIOLOGY
AND MICROBIOLOGY (ISMBM)
A concept to Ensure Protection of Biological
Sciences Against Misuse
Yechiel Becker, Director
UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM and Science for Peace
The
UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM and Science for Peace, established in 1995, had initiated the
International Symposia on Science for Peace (1995, 1997 and 1998) in addition
to the scientific activities of the International School for Molecular Biology
and Microbiology (ISMBM) (1).
The
members of the scientific community that met in Jerusalem to participate in the
Second International Symposium on Science for Peace (1997) had accepted the
Seville Statement on Violence (1986) which included the responsibility of
scientists to prevent the misuse of scientific concepts to justify domination
and violence, the Genoa Declaration on Science and Society (1995) and the Como
Declaration on Science Society and Ethics (1996). These statements provide an
important paradigm for the concept of Culture of Peace that is promoted by
UNESCO.
The
participants of the Second Symposium on Science for Peace (1997) had issued the
'Jerusalem Statement on Science for
Peace' recommend that "scientific
endeavors and achievements be used only for peaceful purposes and for the
greater benefit of humanity.”(2).
The
second "Jerusalem Statement on
Science on the Need to EIiminate Weapons of Mass Destruction and to Prevent the
Misuse of Biological and Chemical Sciences" (1998) was issued in
response to threats of use of biological and chemical weapons against people.
Hundreds of scientists had already supported the Jerusalem Statements (3).
The
support of Science for Peace ideas is the responsibility of all scientists and
the public. Combined efforts are needed to eliminate weapons of mass
destruction for the benefit of current and future generations and the
preservation of the world environment by preventing the misuse of scientific
knowledge. The acceptance of the Science for Peace concepts by scientists, the
public and its leaders will allow the activities of UNESCO on Science for Peace
to succeed.
The International
School made possible for two Palestinian students to study for a MSc degree in
Microbiology at the Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of the
Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Acknowledgments
The activities of the UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM are supported by UNESCO-Venice Office. The Palestinian students are supported with annual grants from the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung, Koln, Germany.
References
1 Y. Becker, V. Kouzininov and R. Santesso, International Symposia on Science for Peace (First and Second Symposia). Published by UNESCO, Venice office, 1997
2 Jerusalem
Statement on Science for Peace, 1997, Published in Reference1.
3 The Jerusalem Statement on
the Need to Eliminate Weapons of Mass
Destruction and to Prevent the Misuse of Biological and Chemical Weapons, 1998. (Attached).
Professor
Yechiel Becker
Director,
UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Virology,
Faculty
of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, POB 12272, Jerusalem91120,
Israel
Fax: (972-2) 6784010, Tel: (972-2)6758394,
e-mail: becker@md2.huji.ac.il
(Internet:http://www.tau.ac.il/~becker/UNESCO_HUJ/ismbm.html)
UNESCO
–HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR MOLECULAR
BIOLOGY
AND MICROBIOLOGY (ISMBM)
JERUSALEM
STATEMENT ON SCIENCE FOR PEACE
Occasion for the
Preparation of the Statement
Members of the
international scientific community met in Jerusalem January 20 - 23, 1997 to
participate in the "Second International Symposium on 'Science for Peace."
This Statement on Science for Peace resulted from the presentations and
discussions, which addressed both the current situations in the Middle East and
a broader set of geographical situations.
The Symposium
was organized and hosted by the UNESCO-Hebrew University of Jerusalem
International School for Molecular Biology and Microbiology (ISMBM) with
additional support from UNESCO (Paris, Venice Office, Global Network for
Molecular and Cellular Biology), the International Institute of Theoretical and
Applied Physics and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
With the
background of the UNESCO charter and several important international documents
addressing the social and ethical responsibilities of scientists, we heard
presentations and discussions of how scientists can work for peace and the
beneficial utilization of scientific results.
In 1989 UNESCO
accepted the Seville Statement on Violence (1986) which included the
responsibility of scientists to prevent the misuse of scientific concepts to
justify domination and violence.
UNESCO sought to convince the public that "the same species who
invented wars is capable of inventing peace" since peace begins in our
minds, thus paving the way to the UNESCO Culture of Peace Programme.
In 1995, at the
time of the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations, representatives of the
world's major Academies of Science and international scientific community
issued the Genoa Declaration on Science and Society. In the Genoa Declaration
they assert their adherence to the principle of "respect for diversity of
cultures within societies and promotion of science as a distinctive and
important contributor to bridging such diverse cultures and promoting peaceful
coexistence in accord with the principles of freedom, autonomy and rationality."
UNESCO promoted
a Forum in 1996 in Como, Italy to further reflect on these issues. The resulting Como Declaration on
Science, Society and Ethics further addresses the role of science for providing
an important paradigm for Culture of Peace in the areas of disarmament and
reconversion.
The Jerusalem Statement on Science for
Peace
We, members of
the international scientific community gathered at the "Second
International Symposium on 'Science for Peace'" in Jerusalem January 20 -
23, 1997, address this appeal to all individuals and institutions working in
science and for science. As the
language of science is universal and cooperation in science builds important
bridges of communication, we appeal for increased and unified efforts to adopt
Science for Peace as an important goal in concert with the goal of fostering a
Culture of Peace.
We recommend
that all parties and especially scientists work to ensure that
1. scientific
endeavors and achievements are used only for peaceful purposes and for the
greater benefit of humanity;
2. there is free
movement of members of the academic community;
3. there is a
free flow and sharing of scientific information and knowledge;
4. the academic
environment remains open and dedicated to the free expression of ideas.
We recommend
that efforts be undertaken to develop a "Science for Peace Oath" for
young scientists to take when accepting their degrees. This oath could be similar to the
Hippocratic Oath, which is taken by Medical School graduates.
From Jerusalem,
the City of Peace, we call upon everyone to work for the rapid implementation
of these ideals to further enhance the peace process. We encourage commitment and action to remove obstacles to
these ideals.
We request that
UNESCO, governments and other organizations facilitate the achievement of the
recommendations of this document.
Recommended Actions for the Middle East
This Science for
Peace symposium was a unique opportunity for creative suggestions and concrete
proposals to be presented and discussed by representatives with different
backgrounds and perspectives from the Middle East. In light of these presentations and discussions, and in
order to achieve the recommendations of the Jerusalem Statement on Science for
Peace, we recommend that UNESCO become involved and supportive of:
1. specific
actions to foster mobility and increased contacts among all members of the
academic community in the region;
2. the
establishment of a world class international institution of higher learning and
research in the Middle East open to all students without regard for country of
origin, religious faith or gender.
From the outset,
this international university would be dedicated to finding transdisciplinary
solutions to the human resources, development and social needs of the area.
The participants
of this Science for Peace symposium dedicate themselves to work within their
own institutions and governments for these goals.
We propose, as
an immediate step, the formation of a committee, to be convened by the participants
of this symposium, with participation and support by UNESCO, in order to plan
the process for achieving these goals in the Middle East. The committee should include an
appropriate distribution of representatives from the academic communities of
the Middle East as well as outside the region.
Professor
Yechiel Becker
Director,
UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Virology,
Faculty
of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, POB 12272, Jerusalem91120,
Israel
Fax: (972-2) 6784010, Tel:
(972-2)6758394, e-mail: becker@md2.huji.ac.il
(Internet:http://www.tau.ac.il/~becker/UNESCO_HUJ/ismbm.html)
CAN UNESCO
CONTRIBUTE TO THE PEACE PROCESS
IN THE MIDDLE
EAST?
AVI SHOKET
Former
Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Israel to UNESCO
Following the Oslo Agreement in 1993, UNESCO has
demonstrated its interest in helping the peace process through a programme of
cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians (later called the
Israel-Palestinian Programme of Cooperation, I.P.P.C.). The first landmark was
an encounter between Israeli and Arab intellectuals that took place in Granada
in December 1993, accompanied by a meeting between Shimon Peres and Yasser
Arafat. The second stage was the launching of the Granada II Process in
February 1998 in Ramallah. Fifteen cooperative projects were agreed upon in the
fields of education, science and culture. In the meantime, UNESCO sponsored the
establishment of the International School for Molecular Biology and
Microbiology and the setting up on the Israeli-Palestinian Media Forum. The
latter aims to foster professional cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian
journalists. Recently, UNESCO supported the establishment in the Middle East of
an international scientific center around a synchrotron light for experimental
science and applications. Positive steps towards the implementation of the
project have already been taken. Its contribute to the promotion of applied and
fundamental research in biology, medicine, environmental science, physics and
chemistry. The list of the activities, some of which are mentioned above, is
indeed impressive Nonetheless, application and results are at this stage still
very modest and need careful follow-up. The purpose of this vast effort is to
bring Israelis and Palestinians together and to build bridges of mutual
understanding and knowledge. It should contribute to reshape attitudes and
change perceptions since separation and hostility have perpetuated existing
stereotypes, prejudice and negative political socialization processes with
marked implications for the conflict itself, yet, political constraints and a
meager budget stand in the way. Some of the Arab parties oppose “normalization”
(tatbia) of relations with Israel, so long as the political conflict remains
unsettled. On the other hand, UNESCO’s one-sided and stark politicized
treatment of the issue of Jerusalem has raised some doubts in Israel regarding
UNESCO’s competence to play the role of an honest broker.
The year 2000 was declared the United Nations International Year for the Culture of Peace. What better time for UNESCO to take up the challenge and give its Middle East projects a new and impartial impetus?
Future
Challenges for Regional Cooperation
Bracha
Rager Ph.D
Professor
of Microbiology and Immunology, Ben Gurion University
and
Chief Scientist, Ministry of Health
The desire for a healthier
and better world in which to live our lives and raise our children is common to
all people and all generations. Now, as we near the end of one century and
enter the next, our past achievements and technological advances make us more
optimistic about our future than perhaps at any stage in recent history.
Despite substantial gains in global health over recent decades, inequalities in
health status have widened. A review in health trends in the past 50 years
finds that health and poverty are are closely linked. Poverty is often
associated with ill health, while ill health can lead to poverty. Improvements
in health depend on socioeconomic developments, provision of safe water,
sanitation facilities and personal hygiene, and the establishment and expansion
of national health services.
While over the past
millennium, and the last decade in particular, global health status has
improved dramatically, great numbers of people have seen little or any
improvement at all. The gaps between the health status of rich and poor are
still wide. Closing these gaps depends largely on political will and commitment
of individual governments, and the active support of the international
community.
Health should be considered
as an essential component of the globalization process that is reshaping our
world; it should be included in the growing interaction between countries that
currently exist in terms of world trade, services, foreign investments and
capital markets.
Changes in the political
environment in our region provide a wonderful opportunity to build new
partnerships in health, science and technology that our region so urgently
needs.
One of the major
achievements of the 20th century is the increase in life expectancy.
Nonetheless, we are slowly learning that one of life’s most important lessons:
not just how to live longer, but also how to stay longer in good health with
less disability.
The Role of UNESCO BETCEN at
Bethlehem University in Promoting the Development
of Plant Biotechnology In
Palestinian Territory
and Arab Countries.
Naim Iraki
UNESCO Biotechnology
Educational and Training Center
(UNESCO BETCEN) for
Palestinian Territory and Arab Countries. Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory.
Abstract:
The UNESCO BETCEN was founded in 1995 as an initiative of Prof. Indra Vasil, chairman of the UNESCO Biotechnology Action Council, to promote the development of research in Plant Molecular Biology and Agricultural Biotechnology in the Palestinian community and Arab countries. The achievement of these goals is planned to be through four types of activities: First, courses in various fields of Plant Biotechnology offered to young scientists from Palestinian Territory and Arab countries. Second, training programs in modern research techniques held at the BETCEN's laboratory at Bethlehem University and at laboratories of Israeli institutes. Third, Research fellowships for postgraduate students in Palestine and Arab countries. Fourth, conduction of multilateral large-scale research projects in collaboration with Israeli laboratories. Five such research projects are being conducted at the BETCEN's laboratory in various fields of Plant Biotechnology in collaboration with seven Israeli laboratories, three German, one Egyptian, and two American research groups. These fields include; Biocontrol, Plant Pathology, Plant Virology, Plant Tissue Culture, and Biodiversity.
Session 2- Regional Cooperation of Human Genetics
The Genetics of Hearing Loss in the
Israeli and Palestinian Populations
Karen B. Avraham1 and Moien Kanaan2
1Department of Human Genetics &
Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv,
Israel; 2Life Sciences Department, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem,
Palestinian Authority.
A new era in hearing
research has been taking place over the past few years with the advent of
structural and functional genomics.
The molecular and biological basis for hereditary hearing loss is being
elucidated at a fast pace, with the hope that these discoveries will herald new
treatments for deafness. The
isolation of fifteen genes associated with non-syndromic deafness in the past
few years has led to the identification of proteins essential for the proper
functioning of the inner ear.
The people of the Middle
East region offer a rich resource for genetic research due to their ethnic
diversity and multitude of diseases.
Most important, genetic research will ultimately help those most
affected by genetic diseases, by providing scientists with an understanding of
the causes of the diseases. In the
future, this may lead to treatments and cures. One example is hearing loss, where one in 1000 children is
born profoundly deaf. Single gene
mutations have been shown to cause hearing loss in adults, and age-related
hearing loss, affecting as many as 1/3 of the population, may very well have a
genetic basis as well. In the
Palestinian society, hearing loss affects a considerably higher proportion of
people, reaching 7-10% of the population in some areas. This is attributed in many cases to
high consanguineous marriage patterns, seen in up to 50% of the society.
An overview of progress in
the field of hereditary deafness, in the context of our ongoing collaboration,
will be discussed. Our findings
show that approximately 30% of inherited deafness is due to mutations in one
gene, connexin 26. In families
where a mutation in connexin 26 has not been found, we are performing
experiments in order to determine the chromosomal location of the defective
gene, and will continue with the goal of identifying new genes for hearing loss
in both the Palestinian and Israeli populations.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF HEARING LOSS
IN PALESTINIAN KINDREDS.
M.N. Kanaan1, H.
Shahen1-2,J.
Morrow3,T. Sobe2, M-C, King3,
K.B. Avraham2,E. D.
Lynch1.
(1) Department
of Life Sciences, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, Palestine; (2) Department of Human Genetics and
Molecular Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; (3) Department of Medicine and
Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle WA.
In Palestine,
the prevalence of inherited prelingual profound deafness is among the highest
in the world, affecting 5-10% of
children in some geographic areas.
We have initiated a
comprehensive
study of genetic causes of hearing loss in the Palestinian population. A pilot survey of probonds with
prelingual bilateral nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) indicates that mutations
in connexin 26 (GJB 2) account for 30% (8/27) of cases, all of whom were from
multiply affected families.
Homozygosity for
three connexin 26 mutations was observed: 30 delG, 229 T to C, and 167
delT. One case was a compound
heterozygote for 167 delT and 233 delC.
Comparative haplotype analysis of Jewish and Palestinian Kindrerds
indicates that the 167 delT mutation probably occurred independently, perhaps
multiple times. In four large
Palestinian consanguineous kindreds with congenital profound bilateral hearing
loss, all known deafness loci
(DFNA and DFNB) were excluded by linkage analysis are the cause of
inherited hearing loss. Genome
wide analysis of linkage is progress in these four families and should reveal
novel hearing- related genes.
Why A DNA:
Mark Spigelman: Royal Free UCL Medical
School Dept of Bacteriology, London UK and Kuvin Center for the Study of
Infectious & Tropical Diseases and Ancient DNA Hadassah Medical School
Hebrew University Jerusalem Israel.
Moien Kanaan: Life Sciences Department,
Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, Palestinian
Authority
Bacterial DNA from M tb has been detected in archaeological specimens since 1994 when our unit investigated bones with dates varying from the 17th century to the Byzantine period. The bones came from areas as far a field as 17th Century Scotland, Byzantine Turkey and pre European contact Borneo. More recently we have detected a similar sequence from an extinct American bison which has been carbon dated to 17000 Yrs bp.
Since 1994 our results have
been replicated in a number of institutions-most notably by Salo et al on a
Peruvian mummy from 1000 BCE and Zink et al on a 5000 year old Egyptian
skeleton.
Our unit in London has continued to expand the field by detecting DNA sequences relating to infection with M.leprae in specimens from Hungary, Poland as well as two specimens from Palestine from about 600A.D. We have also worked with the British Museum and recovered E.coli DNA from the gut contents of Lindow Man.
Practical aspects of the ancient DNA microbial technology are already emerging—it has been used by our unit to assist an American law enforcement Agency in a murder enquiry. As well it is being utilized in the search for a vaccine for the 1918 Influenza virus. Using bodies of victims of this epidemic buried on Spitzbergen an island within the Arctic Circle.
Following the 1996 meeting of the UK Ancient Biomolecules Initiative in Cambridge, where it was felt that all ancient DNA sequences should be confirmed by a second independent laboratory. We have been working in close co-operation with the laboratory of Professor C Greenblatt at the Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious & Tropical Diseases and Ancient DNA Hadassah Medical School Hebrew University Jerusalem Israel.
Our most recent joint work involves a Welcome funded project in the UK jointly run by Prof. M Spigelman and Dr J Holton from the Department of Bacteriology and Dr Mark G. Thomas from the Center for Genetic Anthropology, Darwin Building, University College London. We are collaborating with Dr I Pap from the Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary. The work involves a study of 200 naturally mummified individuals from the 18-19th centuries found in a crypt in Vac, outside Budapest. We have thus far identified TB using PCR techniques in 8 out of 25 individuals studied and based on our X-ray and autopsy findings our ongoing study anticipates that up to 50 TB infected individuals will be found in this continuing study.
With such a wonderful resource of 50 infected and 150 negative control individuals we are planning to expand our work and look for human resistance factors in these individuals based on recent work on the NRAMP (Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein) gene. This gene has been cloned and at this host resistance locus Bcg/Ity/Lsh, mutations impair resistance to intracellular parasite infection. Experimental models analyzing antimycobacterial defense have shown differences in resistance or vulnerability to infection by Mycobacteria, guided by a dominant gene which exists in two allelic forms - bcgr and bcg5: the former confers resistance; the latter represents greater vulnerability.
In a joint study between all three Universities it is our intention to utilize our Hungarian Material to study the nature of the NRAMP gene in these people and to see if there are differences between the infected and uninfected individuals. The outcome of this work will be to enhance and further develop technology for the extraction amplification and assessment of ancient DNA in all four departments involved- each having its own strengths and weaknesses enabling us to investigate the genetic basis of host resistance to TB and perhaps other diseases.
In the areas of Israel and the Palestinian authority there could well be remains of skeletons which were amongst the earliest Hominids to host an environmental Mycobacterium which over the millennia developed into human TB. Commencing initially perhaps as a soil bacterium and slowly changing genetically as the host defenses changed. Additionally, in this region some of the earliest villages were established, with consequent plant and animal domestication and as such, is the area where humanity was first exposed to the zoonotic microbes, which subsequently became animal &/or human disease causing organisms. This research project may help to train scientist to take advantage of any such remains subsequently uncovered. The technology developed in this type of work may eventually lead to answers in the history of human infections. Knowing the progenitors of many diseases could well be an invaluable tool in their control.
It is one area where Palestinian and Israeli institutions can work and cooperate as equals for the benefit of all.
Session 3- Environment
and Water Resources in the Middle East
What
can we learn from Israel’s "Water Crisis" of 1999
Tom Berman, Israel
Oceanographic and Limnological Research,
Kinneret Limnological
Laboratory
P.O.Box 345, Tiberias
14-102, Israel
E-mail: tberman@inter.net.il or tom _berman@alum.mit.edu
The drought of 1999 has served to focus attention on the critical state
of Israel’s water resources. The country’s integrated "Water Economy"
depends almost entirely on three sources; the Coastal Aquifer, the Mountain
Aquifer and the Northern Jordan-Lake Kinneret Basin, which are linked by the
National Water Carrier system. Since the 1970’s there has been a more or less
consistent excess ratio of withdrawal to renewal of water in the Coastal
Aquifer (to a lesser extent in the Mountain Aquifer) and a concomitant decline
in water quality (rise in salinity, nitrates and other pollutants. This has
also lessened the already limited storage capacity of the aquifers. Water quality
has been maintained in Lake Kinneret but nevertheless this water still has a
relatively high salinity level.
Because
of the lack of storage capacity it is extremely difficult to plan strategy to
save water for dry periods by conserving water from wet periods. Until now it
has been possible to guarantee drinking water supply by cutting back
agricultural allowances e.g. during the droughts of 1990-91 and 1999. However,
as the annual demand for drinking water rises and amounts of high quality water
allocated to agriculture decline, it will eventually (perhaps within a very few
years) become impossible to rely on this agricultural "buffer" and
shortages of drinking water are likely. (Of course, huge economic losses from
the impact on agriculture and indeed the possible demise of large agricultural
areas are also part of this scenario).
With
the reasonable forecast of increasing demand for high quality water (due to
population growth and life style expectation, regional water sharing
commitments In the framework of existing and future Peace Agreements and the
impacts of global warming) the overall prospects are not bright. Moreover, the
continuing deterioration of the aquifers can only be halted by stopping the
policy of over-extraction.
What
can be done if excess withdrawal is to cease, a healthy agricultural sector is
to be maintained and adequate drinking water to be supplied to a growing
population. The only realistic and appropriate answer is immediate and massive
investment in large-scale desalination, both of brackish waters (including
recycled sewage) and seawater. Optimally, planning for desalination plants and
the distribution of desalinated water should be co-ordinated between Israel and
her neighbours. Possibly international support could be obtained for such a
program. The threat of a major water crisis is not one limited to Israel and
ensuring adequate water supplies is in the higher interests of all the nations
of the region.
WHY A TRANSBOUNDARY BIOSPHERE
RESERVE
AT THE DEAD SEA BASIN?
Gidon Bromberg, Friends of the Earth
Middle East
The Biosphere Reserve concept is
characterized by a holistic approach to nature protection and human development
promoting cooperation at local, regional and international level.
The
Tragedy of the Commons
The Dead Sea Basin (DSB) is a single
ecosystem. The fact that it crosses international borders does not make one
particular area independent of the other in an ecological sense. Development
undertaken to date has generally ignored issues on the other side of the
border. The development model to date is characterized by each side seeking to
maximize their efforts to exploit the DSB's resources without any consideration
of the sum total impact or carrying capacity of the Basin as a whole.
The Transboundary Biosphere Reserve
concept provides the framework for a much-needed regional management plan for
integrated sustainable development. The concept foresees the creation of a
trilateral management authority that would be responsible for developing a
regional master plan or simply coordinating national development patterns so
that the interests of the Basin as a whole would be considered. Economically
and ecologically infeasible development (like the currently proposed 55,000 new
hotel rooms around the Dead Sea) could therefore be avoided.
A
Framework for Regional and International Cooperation
The Biosphere Reserve strengthens
cooperation and improves communication at the regional and international
levels. The Biosphere Concept encourages cooperative activities in the field of
scientific research, conservation measures, education and training between the
institutions within a Biosphere Reserve. On the international level all
registered sites become a member of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
This network enables exchange of experiences between stakeholders living in
similar environments and joint activities between the different Biosphere
Reserves.
WATER
RESOURCES EVALUATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT BASIN
German—Israeli—Jordanian—Palestinian
Joint Research Program
Akiva Flexer
Head of Israeli Research Group
Tel Aviv University
The evaluation of freshwater resources in the Jordan Valley is essential to satisfy the water demand of the growing Jordanian, Israeli and Palestinian population living in this region. The challenge of scientists from countries in the region with their German counterpart working in this field is not only the quantity of fresh water. To improve water quality is a main objective of the intensive studies in the last three years.
The German Federal Ministry of Education, Sciences and Technology
(BMBF) supported together with the Israeli Ministry for Science, Art and Sport,
a multinational research program on the sustainable utilization of aquifer
systems bordering the lower Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea between the years
1997 and 2000. The results of this research project are encouraging in every
aspect, so that a second phase of this research program is planned The obtained
results are essential for water resources planners in the region to understand
the hydrodynamic and the hydrogeological conditions of ground water flow in the
lower part of the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea. The objectives of
the first phase of the research project are:
a. Encouraging
the cooperative aspects between the research in the region to solve water
problem in teamwork.
b. Understanding
the hydrodynamic and the hydrogeological conditions in the lower Jordan Valley
and the surrounding Escarpments on both sides of the Jordan River.
Evaluating of the effects of surface Dead Sea water level changes
on the aquifers bordering the Dead Sea.
Applied Camel
Research in Desert Areas
Reuven Yagil
Slome Professor in Desert Animal Breeding,
International Camel Center, Sapir Center, Central Arava, P.O. Box
128, Mobile Post Haarava
86825 Israel
R. Yagil*, U. Merin**, H. Waron***
*International Camel Center, **Volcani Institute,
***Veterinary Institute
The
animal most associated with the Middle East is the camel (Camelus Dromedarius).
In spite of this, research, especially that related to agricultural development
has been mainly carried out by the scientists in Israel. These scientists have
also directed courses on camel husbandry and health in Africa and Asia and
training courses in Israel. At the moment an active research program is
underway in the Central Arava one of the hottest and driest areas of
Israel, examining the special characteristics of camel milk. This as part of an
on going farming enterprise where specific milking techniques and making of
milk products are being carried out. In order to prepare the European and North
American markets for camel products it is necessary to document various data
concerning the camel, the most important being its apparent resistance to diseases
– this reflects in few viral diseases known and in the medicinal properties of
the milk. A research program examining the immunology of camels and treatment
of various ailments has begun.
It is
proposed that a group of scientists, molecular biologists, microbiologists,
physiologists and endocrinologists set up a series of research projects that
can be carried out independently or in collaboration and in total present a
complete picture of this amazing qualities of camels.
Session 4 –
Frontiers of Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology: Into the
Third Millennium
RAYMOND KAEMPFER, Ph.D.
Dr.
Philip M. Marcus Professor of Molecular Biology and Cancer Research
Faculty
of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
E-mail:
kaempfer@cc.huji.ac.il
Few
fields progress as rapidly and continue to turn in surprising developments as
often as molecular biology. For this reason it is difficult to predict where
this discipline, in which basic discovery impacts so swiftly on biotechnology,
will go in the next decades. Nevertheless, I will try to delineate areas in
need of special attention and promise.
With
the impending completion of the human genome sequence and the establishment of
open reading frames for proteins and RNA molecules, much effort will be
invested towards identifying genes affected by genetic diseases and thus to
methods of gene therapy. Here, particular attention should be paid to obtaining
regulatable expression of the transgene in duration and intensity, to allow
tuning to the needs of the organism. Merely maximizing expression will not
bring much benefit. Biotechnology of transgenic animals and plants will
similarly require regulatable expression. Hence, study of the regulation of
gene expression, especially by cis-acting regulatory elements, will continue to
occupy a most central place in molecular biology.
With
the rise of higher-speed computations, existing approaches to the study of
macromolecule structure will be improved significantly. In particular, larger
RNA molecules are in urgent need of structural resolution; in this field,
progress has actually been slow over the last 25 years. Thus,
structure-function relationships in RNA and how they affect the efficiency of
gene expression at splicing of precursor transcripts, at cytoplasmic transport
of messenger RNA and at its translation into protein, and the effect thereon of
proteins that recognize individual and common features in RNA molecules, will
need to catch up with the progress already made on DNA and its interaction with
proteins. This work will deepen our understanding of differentiation,
development, as well as infectious agents and how they work.
Strong
efforts will undoubtedly be directed towards the structural basis for
receptor-ligand interactions and signal transduction. Such research, already
under way, will rapidly create novel avenues for rational drug development in
the fields of metabolism, immunology and disease, especially through the
chemistry of peptides and small molecules. Here, much work will be invested in
understanding, at the level of gene expression, the basis for many facets of regulation
of the immune response such as immunosuppression and interactions of the immune
system with the brain and other organs.
The
initial period of discovery of gene regulatory mechanisms in bacteria and
higher cells - celebrated during the second half of the 20th C - was based
heavily on genetic and biochemical analysis. Overall, the near future will
increasingly bring both structural insight and an enhanced integration of whole
cell biology with study of molecular mechanisms that regulate gene
expression.
EXPOSED
AND HIDDEN INFORMATION IN PROTEIN AND DNA SEQUENCES
Hanah Margalit,
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
One of the major challenges in computational molecular biology is to extract significant biological facts from the huge amounts of data that are accumulated in the sequence and structure, as large as possible, and by the use of computational and statistical methods to infer from these data common patterns or principles that are related to the question under study. In some cases such information is evident from the sequences themselves, but in many cases it is hidden and can be revealed by extracting features that are inherent in the sequences, but are not obvious at the sequence level per se. Specific examples for such computational analyses regarding regulatory sequences at the transcription and translation levels will be demonstrated.
Session 5 -Biological Controls of Insects
NEMATODES—A
POTENT NON-HAZARDOUS BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT
Daniel Segal 1,Itamar Glazer2, Naim Iraki 3, and Ralf-Udo Ehlers4
1 Dept. Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, Tel Aviv
University,
Tel-Aviv 69978
2Dept. Nematology, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani
Center,
Bet Dagan 50-250
3UNESCO Biotechnology Center, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, West
Bank
4Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Abteilung Biotechnologie
&
Biologischer Pflanzenschutz, des Instituts für Phytopathologie,
Klausdorfer Str.
2836, 24223 Raisdorf
Biological agents are increasingly used for insect
pest control as alternatives to the hazardous chemical insecticides. Among
them, insect killing nematodes are second only to the bacterium Bacillus
thuringiensis as highly potent bioinsecticides. Insect-killing nematodes from
the family Heterorhabditidae are 1mm long worms, which live in the soil. The
infective stage persists in the soil without feeding or reproduction and
carries in its intestine the symbiotic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescence. It
actively seeks and locates target insect larvae and pupae in the soil,
penetrates the host and releases the symbiotic bacteria into the haemocel of
the insect. The bacteria proliferate, kill the host insect within24 hours, and
provide nutrients for reproduction of nematodes. After several cycles of
reproduction, when resources in the insect cadaver become limited the nematodes
leave in large number the cadaver, carrying with them the symbiotic bacteria,
in search for a new target insect. The high, wide host range, lack of effect on
warm-blooded animals and the availability of procedures for in vitro mass
rearing of these nematodes in liquid fermentors make them powerful
bioinsecticides. However, their
sensitivity to environmental extremes upon storage and application in the
field, and the instability of their liquid culture currently restrict their use
to high-value crops and to mild-climate habitats.
Through a DFG-sponsored collaboration, our four
laboratories develop several complementary approaches for enhancing various
parameters of efficacy of these nematodes. We screen for new isolates from
warmer and drier habitats typical of the Middle-East and characterize
parameters of their efficacy, we use selection, mutagenesis, and genetic
engineering to enhance tolerance of these nematodes towards heat and desiccation;
we characterize their mode of reproduction in liquid culture with the aim of
using genetic approaches to enhance the hermaphroditic reproduction in liquid
culture; and we attempt to manipulate the symbiotic bacteria so they can better
support nematode reproduction in
vitro. Our achievements along these lines of research will be described.
RAPD-PCR Analysis
of Two Novel Strains (Bethlehem 11 and Bethlehem 22) of the Entomopathogenic
Nematode Heterorhabditis indica
Michael A. Sansour, Omar
M. Dar Issa, Basma Sanduqa, and Naim M. Iraki
UNESCO Biotechnology Educational and Training Center (UNESCO BETCEN)
for Palestinian Territory and Arab Countries. Bethlehem University, Bethlehem,
Palestinian Territory.
Abstract
Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) have a great potential for
application as biocontrol agents against soil-borne pests. Since they exhibit host specificity,
there is a need for isolation of a large number of strains to facilitate the
control of a broader range of pests.
Knowledge about the biology, including classification of these nematodes
is a prerequisite for their successful use as biocontrol agents. Classical
identification methods based on morphology and crosses have several
limitations. For example, some
times the morphological variation in a population is too low to allow
distinction between two related strains. Thus, molecular based-techniques seem
to offer a better choice in this regard. As an alternative to classical
approaches, Random Amplified Polymorhpic DNA (RAPD) PCR technique may reveal
molecular-based variations not only at the species level but also at the strain
and individual levels. This
molecular information may contribute to an accurate identification.
Two entomopathogenic nematode strains were isolated from Batir and
Irtas in Bethlehem area and identified by crosses as Heterorhabditis indica.
The two strains, Bethlehem 11 and Bethlehem 22, were examined for their
genetic relatedness to one another and to other EPN strains by RAPD markers.
Results of preliminary tests based on RAPD markers showed that DNA banding
patterns from Bethlehem 11 and Bethlehem 22 strains are at 90% similarity. However, these strains showed only 65%
similarity in DNA banding patterns with another H. indica strain LN2 isolated from India. The DNA banding patterns of both Bethlehem strains were at
25% similarity to the corresponding patterns of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora strain HP88 isolated from USA. When the Heterorhabditis strains were compared with Steinernema. feltiea EN008 no similarity was observed.
The above results indicate that both Bethlehem strains are
genetically very close to one another. This is perhaps due to the fact of their
very close geographic origin.
Furthermore, the degree of similarity, as shown by the RAPD-PCR technique,
decreases when the compared nematodes are taxonomically far apart from one
another indicating the reliability of this technique.
This work is supported by a research fellowship from the UNESCO
BETCEN at Bethlehem University.
The effect of insect-infection
with Serratia marcescens and Beauvaria bassiana on the invasion and
recovery of the insect-pathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis
indica
Omar M. Dar-Issa,
Michael A. Sansour, Linda Attyeh, and Naim M. Iraki
UNESCO Biotechnology Educational and Training
Center (UNESCO BETCEN)
for Palestinian Territory and Arab Countries.
Bethlehem University. Bethlehem,
Palestinian Territory.
Abstract
Biological
control agents, such as nematodes, bacteria, and fungi have been successfully
used as alternatives of chemical pesticides. Their use involves in some cases a
combination of two or more agents. The combined agents may interact with one
another during their application either outside or inside the target insect
leading to either increased or decreased efficiency of the biological control
process. The nature of such interactions and their effect on the efficacy of
each biocontrol agent has not been given an adequate attention yet. In this
work, we study the effect of insect-infection by the entomopathogenic bacterium
Serratia marcescens and the fungus Beauvaria bassiana on the invasion and
recovery of the Insect-pathogenic Nematode Heterorhabditis
indica, strain Bethlehem 11(B11). The insect used in this study was larvae
of Galleria mellonella. Preliminary
experiments showed that the survival of Infective Juveniles (IJs) of B11 is not
affected by incubation in S. marcescens
culture for 48 hours at continuous shaking. Although infection of G. mellonella larvae for 24 hours with S. marcescens or B. Bassiana before nematode infection had no significant effect on
insect mortality, the invasion of nematode IJ's into the insect was
dramatically reduced. That is; when the insect larvae were infected with
nematode IJ's alone (control), the penetration reached 9.7%. However, when the Galleria larvae were preinfected with S. marcescens or B. bassiana for 24 hours the penetration was restricted to 1.7% and
2.0% respectively.
Similar
effect of the insect preinfection was obtained on the recovery of nematode
infective Juveniles to adults. The recovery of IJ's in larvae infected with
either B. bassiana or S. marcescens was 1.8% compared to 9.6%
recovery in the control.
The
above data show that preinfection of Galleria
larvae for 24 hours with either S.
marcescens or B. bassiana affects
the penetration of IJ's into the insect, but has no effect on the development
of these Juveniles into adults inside the infected insect body. Perhaps there
is a secretion of certain substance from the infected Galleria, which
prevents penetration of IJs.
This work is
supported by a research fellowship from the UNESCO BETCEN at Bethlehem
University.
Session 6- Plant
Biotechnology
In Vitro Propagation
of " Za'atar" (Origanum
syriacum L.) and Initiation of Callus Culture from Leaf Discs.
Rami M. Arafeh1, Rida Shibli2
and Naim M. Iraki1.
UNESCO Biotechnology Educational and Training Center (UNESCO BETCEN)
for Palestinian Territory and Arab Countries. Bethlehem University, Bethlehem,
Palestinian Territory.
Biotechnology Center,
Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbed, Jordan.
Abstract:
Mother stock plants for micropropagation of "Za'atar" Origanum syriacum L. (Labiatae) were
initiated from seeds. Seeds were surface sterilized and incubated on the
surface of solid, half-strength MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) media and left
for germination in the dark. Mother stocks were grown on solid MS media with
low level of phytohormones; (0.4 mg/l) Benzyladenine (BA) and (0.1 mg/l)
Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Proliferation was experimented using different
concentrations of kinetin, BA, or Thidiazurone (TDZ) (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6,
and 2.0 mg/l). Nodal segment proliferation was greater at low concentration of
either kinetin (0.4 mg/l) or BA (0.8 mg/l). TDZ failed to promote stem
proliferation of Origanum syriacum L.
at the tested concentrations.
In vitro rooting of stem segments was experimented using different levels
(0.0, 0.1, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 mg/l) of Indole acetic acid ( IAA),
Indole botyric acid (IBA), and NAA. Highest root number and length was obtained
at (0.8 mg/l) IAA. In vitro rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and
transferred to grow under greenhouse conditions.
Callus was induced by culturing leaf discs (5 mm2) at
different 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) levels (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0,
1.5 and 2.0 mg/l). Best callus induction and fresh weight accumulation was
obtained at low 2,4-D levels (0.1 or 0.5 mg/l). Callus maintenance was tested
at different BA, and TDZ levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mg/l) with or
without 0.5mg/l 2,4-D. Highest callus diameter was measured when TDZ
concentration was (1.5 mg/l) with or without (0.5 mg/l) 2,4-D. Callus growth on
media supplemented with BA was reduced compared to growth on media supplemented
with TDZ.
Evolutionary
Divergence, Floral Biology and Conservation of the Royal Irises (Iris sect. Oncocyclus) in Israel and West Bank
Naim M. Iraki,1Peter Comes, and 2Avi Schmida.
UNESCO Biotechnology Educational and Training Center (UNESCO BETCEN) for
Palestinian Territory and Arab Countries. Bethlehem University. Bethlehem.
Palestinian Territory.
1 University of Mainz,
Mainz, Germany.
2 Botany Department.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
The
Royal Irises (Iris section Oncocyclus) is a group of eight species
distributed in small and limited areas in Israel and West Bank of Palestinian
Territory. They develop extraordinarily large flowers with a dark patch on the
outer petals. These patches serve as landing platform for pollinators. This
group of important plants is exposed to extinction by overgrazing and
destruction of habitats by humans.
Our
current knowledge does not provide a clear answer of whether the Royal Irises
in Israel and West Bank are a cluster of separate species or a group of
ecotypes within the same species. Knowledge about taxonomic boundaries,
pollination mechanisms, and patterns of distribution and habitats of these
Irises would be of great assistance in implementing strategies for their conservation
in natural habitats. In long term considerations, such important information
would help in introducing the Royal Irises into agriculture.
This
multilateral research project aims at establishing scientific collaboration
between the Israeli and Palestinian groups for studying morphological,
physiological, ecological, and molecular aspects of these Irises towards a
greater understanding of their taxonomy and towards development of applies
conservation biology.
A Study of Some
Factors Affecting Seed Germination of Gundelia
tournfortii
Naim
M. Iraki, Omar M. Dar-Issa, and Mai El-aza
UNESCO
Biotechnology Educational and Training Center For Palestinian Territory and
Arab Countries. Bethlehem University. Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory.
Abstract:
Gundelia tournefortii is a perennial
wild plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The young inflorescence of the
plant is edible and it is used as a vegetable in the Palestinian and other Arab
societies. The seeds of the plant do not germinate easily and vegetative growth
is resumed yearly through adventitious stems arising from underground root
buds. The main obstacles hindering the introduction of this plant into
cultivation include the spiny leaves and the difficulty in propagation through
seeds due to seed dormancy. The purpose of this work was to study some of the
mechanisms accounting for inhibiting seed germination of this plant.
Seed
germination experiments were conducted on MS agar medium supplemented with 3%
sucrose. Seeds were incubated at 25 « 1°C and at 14 hours cool light photoperiod or in the dark. Before use
in experiments, all seeds were released from the headlet. Seed germination was
recorded after two weeks of incubation. A seed that showed emergence of radicle
and shoot was considered as a germinated seed. The germination was studied on
seed from headlets that were collected from the field at three stages; fresh
mature seeds, 4 months old, and 8 months old seeds.
Intact fresh
mature seeds failed to germinate. However, removal or rupture of the pericarp
resulted in 100% germination. Seeds of 4-month-old headlets showed 55%
germination when the pericarp was removed or ruptured. This germination rate
was reduced to zero when the headlets were collected 8 months after maturity.
On the other hand, when seeds of this age were incubated on media containing
40mg/L GA the germination rate was 33%. These results indicate that seed
germination is inhibited by two factors; mechanical barrier imposed by the
pericarp and a physiological factor that accumulates with seed maturity
and can be partially overcome by 40mg/LGA treatment.
Chilling the
8-month-old seeds at 5°C for one month had no significant effect on germination rate. Also,
seed incubation in the dark did not change germination rate of the 4-month-old
seeds.
This work is
supported by a research fellowship from the UNESCO BETCEN at Bethlehem
University.
Session 7-Epidemioloy of Leishmanaisis and Molecular Diagnosis
Isolation and
Determination of Mycelial Growth Rate and
Spore Germination
of a Novel Isolate of the
Entomopathogenic
Fungus B. bassiana from Palestine.
Ruba Qubaja, Naim M.
Iraki, *Mohamad S. Ali-Shtayeh, and Moh'd I. Mahassneh.
UNESCO Biotechnology Educational and Training Center
(UNESCO BETCEN) for
Palestinian Territory and Arab Countries. Bethlehem University. Bethlehem,
Palestinian Territory.
* An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestinian Territory.
Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) have been used to control a broad range of insect pests. As for any other biocontrol agent, field application requires profound knowledge about the biological characteristics as well as nutritional requirements for inexpensive mass production of the agent. For EPF, determination of optimal conditions for mycelial growth as well as spore germination are important steps towards application of these fungi as biocontrol agents. The fungus was isolated from soil samples taken from irrigated fields in Nablus area by baiting with Galleria mellonella. Identification of the fungal isolated was performed based on microscopic examination of morphological characteristic as well as on growth patterns. The fungus was identifies as Beauvaria bassiana®
The MGR of the newly isolated B. bassiana Nab55 was measured on different media. The optimal radial MGR of this isolate was 2.49mm/day on 5%ground rice supplemented with 5% yeast extract and 2.3mm/day on medium containing 10% ground rice. Lower growth rates were obtained on Sabouroud dextrose agar medium (1.02 mm/day) and on potato dextrose agar medium (1.03mm/day). The optimal temperature for both mycelial growth and spore germination was 25°C. Moreover, we have studied the effect of temperature on the MGR of B. bassiana Nab55. The results revealed that the optimum MGR of our strains at 25°C.
This work is supported by a research fellowship from the UNESCO BETCEN at Bethlehem University.
CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN ISRAEL AND THE
WEST BANK AN EMERGING ZOONOSIS
Gad Baneth1,
Khaldoun A. Bader2, Ziad A. Abdeen2, Lionel F. Schnur3 and, Charles L. Jaffe3
1School
of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel. 2Health
Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu-Deis, The
Palestinian Authorirty. 3Department of Parasitology, The Kuvin
Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew
University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Visceral leishmaniasis
(VL) is an infectious disease that is fatal if not rapidly diagnosed and
treated. VL, caused by Leishmania infantum
in the Middle East, is a zoonotic disease. In this region Phlebotomine
sandflies are the vectors of L. infantum
and the domestic dog is considered to be the major reservoir for this parasite.
Humans are accidental hosts.
A
known focus of VL exists in Northern Israel where cases of infantile disease
have been reported sporadicaly over several decades. Recently, VL has been
reported in dogs and people in central Israel, and in the Palestinian West Bank
near major population centers. Between January, 1994 and November, 1999 55 dogs
were diagnosed with this disease in Israel and 12 in the West Bank. During the
same period 106 children were diagnosed with acute VL, 103 from Palestinian
Health Institutions in the West Bank and 3 from Israeli hospitals. The disease
has been diagnosed in children and dogs living mainly in rural villages near
areas of new urban development. Reports of canine VL in Israel indicate that
the infection is spreading to areas where it was not previously reported and is
bridging the gap between the older northern focus and the newly-recognized
central focus. A survey of wild jackals and foxes indicates that VL is present
among these wild canines that may play an important role in the epidemiology
and spread of this disease. The epidemiology of VL in our region still conforms
to the classical pattern for L. infantum,
that of a predominantly infantile infection with the dog as a major
peridomestic reservoir. This differs from the current epidemiology of VL in
southern Europe where the main risk group for this disease is immune
compromised of young adults
infected with HIV. In conclusion,
the new VL focus, which seems to have recently emerged poses a significant
threat to the health of people and animals in the Palestinian West Bank and
Israel. More research is warranted to study the risk factors for infection and
to devise preventative programs.
This study was supported by the
German-Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation project on Leishmaniosis in Israel and
the West Bank funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the
NIAID-REPTEC grant no. TA-REP-98-P8-140.
A REPETITIVE DNA
SEQUENCE OF WUCHERERIA BANCROFTI
EXHIBITS
STRUCTURAL FEATURES CORRESPONDING TO REGIONS
OF
ATTACHMENT TO THE NUCLEAR SCAFFOLD/MATRIX, AND TO PUTATIVE ORIGINS OF
REPLICATION.
Ibrahim Abbasi, The Kuvin Centre for
the Study of Infectious and Tropical
Diseases, Hebrew University of
Jerusalem, P.O.Box 12272 Jerusalem 91120,
Israel;
Reda M. Ramzy, Research and Training
center on Vector Borne Diseases,
Ain-Shams University, Faculty of
Science Bldg. Abbasia Square, Cairo, Egypt.
Joseph Hamburger*, The Kuvin Centre
for the Study of Infectious and
Tropical Diseases, Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, P.O.Box 12272 Jerusalem
91120, Israel;
We have cloned and characterized a long dispersed DNA repeated
sequence (LDR1) from Wuchereria bancrofti, the major causative agent of
lymphatic filariasis. The cloned sequence is 1674bp long, is species specific
and occurs at approximately 1000 copies per haploid genome. These characteristics
of LDR1 were exploited for the design of primers for diagnostic polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) assays. The potential complex secondary structure of LDR1
was initially suggested by its extreme AT richness (78.3%), and later directly
indicated by its retarded migration
and poly-dispersed banding pattern upon polyacrylamide
gel-electrophoresis (PAGE). Subsequent analyses by electron microscopy
demonstrated partial unwinding of LDR1 and variable hairpin loop structures
which are in line with the presence of a DNA unwinding element (DUE), and with
the poly-dispersed banding pattern upon PAGE. Computational analyses
demonstrated the following features within LDR1: an energetically unstable
duplex configuration typical of a DUE, sequences capable of forming
multiple-stems and loops by intra-strand base pairing, and a profound DNA
curvature. In addition, LDR1 exhibited long ATC stretches, potential binding
sites of topoisomerase II, and other sequence elements similar to those found
in genomic regions known to be associated with nuclear matrix/scaffold
(S/MARs). We conclude from these structural features that LDR1 is a putative
S/MAR. These features are also compatible with structural features previously
shown in putative origins of replication associated with S/MARs. Such
structures have not been previously described in parasites.
Session 8- Frontiers of Medicine
Abstract: Frontiers in Neurological Research
Tamir Ben-Hur, M.D., Ph.D.
In this last decade of the millenium dramatic changes have occurred in the neurological sciences. The use of modern molecular biology tools resulted in novel definitions and classifications of genetic neurological disorders and brought insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of disease. Technological breakthroughs in neuroimaging have enabled the functional localization of normal cognitive and emotional processes in the living brain as well as neuroanatomic localization of diseases. Moreover, neuroimaging techniques have set new standards in the monitoring of disease activity and response to therapy. These advances are already leading to the development of better surgical and pharmacological treatments in neurological diseases and closer to clinical application of cell and gene therapy. As medical sciences advance we are faced with complex ethical issues that require exact definitions of the beginning and cessation of life and measurements of quality of life. Knowledge in the neurological sciences is instrumental in leading the public discussion in such issues.
Modulators of Apoptosis
As A Cancer Therapeutics:
Jamal Mahajna,
PhD.
OSI
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 106 Charles Lindbergh Blvd. Uniondale, NY 11553,U.S.A,
R&D Regional
Research Center-The Galilee Society, P. O. Box 536, Eilaboun 16972,
Israel.
Apoptosis or programmed cell death (PCD), an evolutionary conserved intracellular pathway function to remove unwanted or damaged cells, involved in embryonic development, homeostasis, tumorigenesis and as a defense mechanism against pathogens. Defects in the programmed cell death mechanisms can extend cell life-span, contributing to neoplastic cell expansion independently of cell division and contribute to the development of several pathological conditions including cancer, auto-immunity and AIDS.
The majority of chemotherapeutic agents as well as radiation utilizes the apoptotic pathway to induce cancer cell death. Resistance to standard chemotherapies also seems to be determined by alterations in the apoptotic pathways of cancer cells. Understanding the signals and mechanisms leading to apoptosis or resistance to apoptosis may allow the development of better chemo- or radiotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of cancer and potentially the development of therapeutic agents for other diseases in which de-regulation of apoptosis is implicated.
The identification of gene families that control the
physiological cell death pathway is essential for our strategy and we utilize
that knowledge for the development of novel assays. Several genes implicated in
controlling the apoptotic process have been identified including the Bcl2 and
Bcl2-related genes.. Some genes such as Bcl2 Bcl-xL and MCL-1 act as
anti-apoptotic genes. Wile Bax,
Bad, Bak, Bcl-xS and Bik induce apoptosis. Furthermore, additional family of
genes functions as an executor of apoptosis named caspases have been
identified. Moreover, several viral proteins have been reported to inhibit
programmed cell death including BHRF1, LMW5-HL, poxvirus CrmA and baculovirus
p35. Some viral proteins such as E1B-19kDa and BHRF1 have been demonstrated to
block apoptosis by a mechanism similar to Bcl2, while others such as poxvirus
CrmA and baculovirus p35 block apoptosis by inhibiting the activity of
caspases.
Apoptosis-inducing proteins are normally co-expressed with anti-apoptotic proteins, and it has been proposed that the relative ratio between the anti-apoptotic (e.g., Bcl2) and the pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bax) determine whether the cell will survive or die. Although the mechanism by which the Bcl2-related proteins regulate programmed cell death is unclear, dimerization seems important in mediating that process. Members of the Bcl2 family share highly conserved domains including BH1, BH2, BH3 and BH4. While the BH1 and the BH2 domains are required for homodimerization of Bcl2 and Bcl-xL, the BH3 domain in pro-apoptotic proteins including Bax has been shown to be critical for homodimerizations, heterodimerizations and apoptotic function.
Adding to the complexity of the regulation of cell death
by Bcl2-related genes is the existence of multiple variants for each gene with
various functions and cellular localization. For example, the Bcl2 gene encodes
two proteins generated by alternative RNA splicing, Bcl2a and Bcl2b. While Bcl2a contains a
hydrophobic C-terminal domain essential for membrane anchoring and for
anti-apoptotic function, Bcl2b is missing that region. Similarly, the Bcl-x gene encodes two
proteins, Bcl-xL and Bcl-xS generated by alternative splicing. Bcl-xL has been
shown to block apoptosis induced by a variety of stimuli, while the
alternatively spliced Bcl-xS promotes apoptosis. Five different Bax variants
have thus far been characterized including Bax-a, Bax-b, Bax-g, Bax-d and Bax-w. Data will be
presented showing the identification of a novel Bax variant. Thus, the
existence of alternatively spliced variants of genes involved in programmed
cell death provides an additional layer of gene regulation of that process.
Our long-term objective is to develop a selective, potent and well-tolerated therapeutics by selecting modulators of apoptosis. Agents modulating apoptosis are of extraordinary promise for the treatment of several states of disease including cancer, AIDS, auto-immune diseases and neuro-degenerative diseases. To achieve our goal we utilized a mechanism-based approach for the identification of the desired compounds. Some of these strategies and molecular targets will be presented. One such approach will be to target the protein/protein interaction of proteins involved in controlling the apoptosis pathway such as the interaction of Bcl2 with Bax proteins.
Excessive accumulation of cells due to defects in PCD
and Diseases.
· Cancer,
· Auto-immune disorders like
· Viral infections like AIDS
· Removal of potentially auto-reactive lymphocytes during development and after the completion of an immune response.
· Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease
· Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, retinitis pigmentosa, epilepsy and alcoholic brain damage are
Gene
Therapy To Regulate Apoptosis
· p53
· Inducers of apoptosis, such as bax, bclXs and caspases.
THE TRADITIONAL MEDICINE OF THE MIDDLE EASTERN
REGION
Dr. Stephen Fulder, Consultancy and Research on Biomedicine ("CAROB")
Clil, Doar Nah Oshrat, Israel 25233 Tel.: +972-4-9969414 Fax.: +972-4-9969837
The
traditional medicine of the Middle eastern region is a rich system derived from
Arabic/Hippocratic medicine. There is an extensive knowledge concerning some
600 medicinal plants. Some became the basis of Western medicine and herbalism,
and much is still an unexplored
territory. However Arabic medicine in the region is in almost terminal decline.
Although there is a strong current interest in herbal and traditional medicine
in Israel, this interest is
limited to European or Western herbs, many of which derive originally from
Arabic medicine. The protection and revival of Arabic medicine could have some
important benefits to both Arabic and Jewish communities in the region and
could be an interesting cooperative peace-building activity. For example it
could offer easily available folk medicine tools for self care, provide economic gains in terms of new
remedies and crops, support
and cement traditional culture and is a subject of general interest that
cuts across dividing lines in the region. Besides this, 30% of the Israel flora
are threatened, and a large number of them are medicinal. Some species have
almost disappeared from the region. It would be a tragedy if medicinal plants,
which can hold immense potential for medicines of the future, would vanish.
There has been almost no work in Israel so far on the preservation and
development of Arabic medicine, and none at all in utilizing it as a cultural,
educational or social resource.
In
response to this situation, the
Galilee Society for Health Research and Services, the leading NGO of the Arab
sector of Israel, has carried out a regional survey of traditional medicine
throughout Israel and the Palestinian areas in order to gather knowledge and
understand the current status of local indigenous medicine and medicinal
plants. The program found only 31 practitioners, and revealed that their
knowledge is fragmentary. 150 medicinal plants were catalogued. Both the
knowledge and some of the medicinal plants are in danger of disappearing altogether from the region. Therefore
a multidisciplinary program was set up to support and protect indigenous
medicine, involving both Jewish and Arab experts.
During
the last three years, besides the survey, there has been extensive text
research and inquiry among therapists to build a knowledge base on local
medicine. Another part has been the construction of a horticultural research
station and plant nursery to grow, study and propagate the medicinal plants.
These are now operational at a site near Kfar Kanna in the Nazareth region of
the Galilee. Plant ecophysiology will be studied in this center, with a view to
preservation. In addition, plants are supplied to researchers for
pharmacological studies. For example studies are now in progress on liver
diseases and diabetes at the Technion. There are social and community elements
to this program, as local
communities value the restoration of traditional culture. There is also a
peace-building element, in which Jewish and Arab experts and staff are working
closely with each other and with the local communities. Some trial lectures
have already been given to women in the Nablus area.
Our
vision is to be able to build
up a medicinal plant botanical
garden, which could be a site of
interest and education in the North, for Jews, Arabs and foreign tourists
alike. It would be the only botanical garden in Israel devoted exclusively to
medicinal plants. A similar site is envisioned in the Nablus area. The educational and tourist aspects
have not yet begun. For this aspect, it is envisioned that 2 linked resource
centers be established, in Israel and the Palestinian areas. The centers will
initiate an education programs for schools, for researchers, and for the
public, coordinate supply of
seedlings throughout Israel and the Palestinian areas, build proper
computerized data bases, organize and keep in touch with existing therapists
and find ways of preserving their knowledge, issue publications, arrange international
cooperation with similar programs in other parts of the world, especially the Arab world, sponsor meetings and
workshops and other tasks.
Ilan Rosenshine, Tatiana Umanski, Ofir
Ilan, Adi Peleg-Lavi, Yuan Fang, Israel Nisan, and Devorah Friedberg Department
of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, The Hebrew University Faculty of
Medicine, POB 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Enteropathogenic E.
coli (EPEC) elicit changes in host cell morphology and cause actin
rearrangement, a phenotype that has been commonly referred to as
attaching/effacing (AE) lesions. The ability of EPEC to induce AE lesions is
dependent upon a type III protein secretion/translocation system, that is
encoded by genes clustered in a 35.6 kb DNA segment, named the locus of
enterocyte effacement (LEE). The LEE genes are organized in at least five LEE transcriptional unites all of which
are expressed via a regulatory cascade, initiated by IHF. IHF, an heterodimeric DNA-binding
protein, activates directly two transcriptinal unites including LEE1 and rorf2. IHF binds to a consensus sequence upstream from the promoter
of ler, the first gene in the LEE1 operon. Ler, is a positive
regulator that mediates the expression of other LEE operons, including LEE2, LEE3, LEE4, and LEE5. Expression
of both IHF and Ler is needed to elicit the formation of attaching and effacing
lesions. IHF,and Ler together with
other factors, as yet to identified, regulate the expression of LEE genes to
allow formation of the type III secretion system and effector proteins, only
when needed. The preformed type III secretion system is “contact activated” and
gains full activity only upon contact with the host cell. The initial
attachment might be mediated by a secreted exopolysacchride (EPS). Secretion of
EPS is mediated by the Etk, and Etp proteins encoded by the etk, etp
genes, that are expressed in EPEC but not in non-pathogenic E. coli K12.
Implementation
of PCR Methods for the Detection of the Phytopathogenic bacteria Clavibacter michiganensis subsp.
michiganesis and Erwinia herbicola pathovar-gypsophila
in Palestinian Agriculture
1Michael A. Sansour, 1Naim
M. Iraki, 2Rudolf Eichenlaub, 3Shulamit Manulis, and 4Isaac
Barash
1.
UNESCO Biotechnology Educational and Training Center (UNESCO BETCEN)
for Palestinian Territory and Arab Countries. Bethlehem University, Bethlehem,
Palestinian Territory
2.
Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld, Germany
3.
ARO, Volcani Center, Israel
4.
Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
Abstract
Bacterial diseases of
plants cause heavy losses to many crops worldwide. The coryneform bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis
subsp.michiganensis (C.m.m) causes wilt and canker to tomato, leading to
severe crop failure and losses up to 60%.
It is generally transmitted by contaminated seeds or transplants. Also, the phytopathogenic bacetrium Erwinia herbicola is the most
destructive pathogen of the ornamental plant Gypsophila paniculata L.. This pathogen induces gall formation at
wound sites mainly in the crown region of the stem. Neither resistant cultivars
nor effective chemical controls of both pathogens are available. Therefore, there is an urgent need for
reliable, specific and rapid diagnostic methods to detect these pathogens in
the propagation material of the crop. Molecular techniques using polymerase
chain reaction for the detection of these phytopathogenic bacteria have been
developed already in German and Israeli laboratories.
The molecular detection techniques were applied in our laboratory, and are available to serve the Palestinian farmers. Cmm was detected in infected tomato seedlings using the Cmm-5 and Cmm-6 primers derived from the repeat region of the pat-1 gene allowing a sensitive detection of virulent Cmm strains. For the same purpose, PCR primer pairs, based on the cytokinins genes (etzI) were used for the detection of virulent E. herbicola strains in G. paniculata plants.
This work is supported by a grant from DFG, Germany
PALESTINIAN
BRUCELLOSIS
CONTROL
PROGRAMME
Domingo, E, Shuaibi,
H., Hassouneh, M.and Ortiz, A.
Ministry of
Agriculture (PNA) – UNDP
Brucellosis is a major zoonosis all over the world. Brucella melitensis, one of the six identified species, is widespread in all Mediterranean Countries affecting animals and human beings. The degree of infection largely depends on husbandry practices and control measures.
The situation in Palestine is very serious. Two
indicators are enough to justify
it: more than 800 reported human cases every year (30 per 100.000
inhabitants) and 18.6% prevalence in the sheep and goat population (original
data from the survey conducted in Nov 98-Feb99 in the scope of the project work
plan).
The strategy adopted by the Palestinian
Authority to control brucellosis in sheep and goats is mass vaccination,
regardless of age and sex with the only exception of mature pregnant females.
Mass vaccination will be repeated every two years and newly born and
one-year-old animals will be vaccinated the years in between.
Rev1 vaccine, full dose (1x109)
subconjunctival route (eye drop) has been used.
The first mass vaccination campaign has been
implemented in 1999. A total of 871.839 sheep and goats were vaccinated. Non
vaccinated pregnant females amounted the 7.5% of the total mature females. The
farmer database used in the campaign is the output of the first registration of
livestock owners in Palestine (see report 1-PBCP).
The following activities are being implemented
at the same time:
·
Diagnosis of
abortions in sheep and goats
·
Enhancement of
diagnostic capabilities: bacteriology and serology
·
Observational
studies
·
KAP study
·
Health education
·
Farmer extension
This Programme is
funded by the Governments of Spain, Japan and Argentina
(White Helmets
Commission).
in
sheep and goats
Y. Hisham., Hawareth I., Khraim F., Golani I., Hassuneh M.
Summary :
Sheep and goats are considered the main part of our animal population .
Every year the farmers lose large numbers of their lambs and kids due to
mortality or morbidity.
The following activities will be conducted :
1.
Training of Vet. staff how to deal with this problem as necropsy and
treatment .
2.
Strengthening of diagnostic capabilities of the VIC (Vet . Investigation Center).
3.
Cooperation between the farmers and the veterinary services and private
veterinarians .
4.
Investigation and analysis of the causative agents of mortality
and morbidity.
Session
10: DNA Vaccines Against Viruses
UNESCO-HEBREW UNIVERSIY OF JERUSALEM
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
AND MICROBIOLOGY (ISMBM)
DNA VACCINES AGAINST
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS-1 (HSV)
S. Bujanover, Y.
Asher1 and Y. Becker 1
1 Dept. Molecular
Virology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Israel
DNA Vaccination is a new era in the
fields of the struggles against infectious diseases. It is safer than now exist
strategies because don’t deal with a pathogenic microorganism, but only with
it’s several genes that have to be expressed in the animal cells and in such a
way to represent the pathogen’s antigenes to the immune system. In the area of
the antiherpetic vaccine development, some works has already been published on
DNA vaccination. They show that the introduction of the expression vectors,
coding for different herpetic genes (or their fragments) can cause significant
immune response in experimental animals. The aim of our investigation in the
DNA vaccines against HSV-1 is to develop an experimental system that can
provide full protection on immunized animals against lethal challenge with
pathogenic HSV-1 strains. It involves the design of the most effective DNA
constructs and optimal route of these vectors deliver. We already have shown
that intramuscular injection of HSV-1 glycoprotein B coding expression vector
can protect mice against lethal challenge with HSV-1 pathogenic strain F.
Acknowledgment.
Supported by UNESCO Granada II Process,
Joint Project for a Bilateral Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation in Virus
Diagnosis: Diagnosis of Herpes Infection in Palestinian and Israeli.
Populations and Development of a DNA Vaccine.
Financial Support: UNESCO, Paris
Professor
Yechiel Becker
Director,
UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Virology,
Faculty
of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, POB 12272, Jerusalem91120,
Israel
Fax: (972-2) 6784010, Tel:
(972-2)6758394, e-mail: becker@md2.huji.ac.il
(Internet:http://www.tau.ac.il/~becker/UNESCO_HUJ/ismbm.html)
T
H E H E B R E W U N I V E R S IT Y O F J E R U S A L E M
FACULTY OF MEDICINE
HSV-1 ICP 27 COLOCALIZES WITH CELLULAR
PML IN NUCLEAR BODIES (PODs) AND TRANSPORTS PML TO A CYTOPLASMIC PROTEASOMES
AND TRANSPORTS NFKAPPAB TO THE NUCLEUS IN INFECTED CELLS.
S. Bujanover1, Y. Asher1,
K-S. Chang2 and Y. Becker 1.
1 Dept. Molecular
Virology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Israel, and 2 Division of Laboratory Medicine, The U. of Texas M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
The promyelocytic leukemia gene, PML,
encodes a phosphoprotein that functions as a transcriptional regulator that
localizes to nuclear PODs containing the cellular proteins SP-100,
ubiquitin-like PIC1 and the interferon stimulated 20-KDa product of gene
ISG-20. In HSV-1 infected HeLa cells at 2-hrs p.i., the immediate early (IE)
ICP27 protein, coded by the UL54 gene, was found by confocal microscopy to
localize with PML in the nuclear PODs. At 4-6 hrs p.i. the nuclear PML and
ICP27 localized in a cytoplasmic site, probably the site of the proteasomes.
Infection of HeLa cells with HSV-1 recombinant that does not express the UL54
gene, did not change the localization and the PML containing PODs remained
attached to the chromosomes that were pushed to the nuclear membrane.
Transfection of 293 cell line with a pCi-UL54 expression vector revealed that
ICP27 completely removed the nuclear PML to the cytoplasm. PML binds Sp1 and
inhibits transcription of the checkpoint genes G1/S (K.S. Chang et al. (1998)).
Since the promoter of HSV-1 UL54 gene has Sp1 responsive elements it is
possible that the removal of the nuclear PML by ICP27 ensures the transcription
of the viral IE genes and the prevention of apoptosis of the infected cells.
Computer analysis of the transcription factor binding sites on HSV-1 a, b and g
gene reveled an abundance of SP1 responsive elements in all the early and late
virus genes. Therefore, the removal of PML from the nucleus by ICP27 ensures
efficient transcription of all virus genes.
To determine if HSV-1 ICP27 influences
the induction of cellular genes in the infected cell nucleus, antibodies to the
cellular transcription factor NFkappaB were used to detect this transcription
factor at different times post infection using confocal microscopy. It was found
that ICP27 induces the transport of NFkB from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. A
model will be presented that explains the involvement of transport of ICP27
from the cytoplasm to the infected nucleus and its role in the activation of
the transcription of HSV-1 and cellular genes.
Acknowledgments.
We thank Prof. Y. Ben Neriah and Dr. A.
Yaron for a gift of anti-NFkB antibodies. Supported by UNESCO Granada II
Process, Joint Project for a Bilateral Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation in Virus
Diagnosis: Diagnosis of Herpes Infection in Palestinian and Israeli.
Populations and Development of a DNA Vaccine.
Financial Support: UNESCO, Paris
Department of Molecular
Virology, POB 12272, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
Fax:
972-2-678 4010 * Tel: 972-2-675-8394
E-mail:
BECKER@MD2.HUJI.AC.IL
ABSTRACT
Development of a DNA
vaccine against Human Herpes virus 8 (HHV8)
Reem Jaber1, Yael
Asher2, Sergey Bujanover2, and Yechiel Becker2
1 AL-Quds
University, 2 Department of Molecular
Virology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Human
herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) or Kaposi’s sarcoma KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) was
uncovered in 1994 in KS lesions as foreign DNA sequence, absent from healthy
skin tissue. HHV-8 is a gammma herpesvirus sharing homology with herpesvirus
saimiri and EBV and it is suggested to be the etiological factor for developing
KS.
It
has been published that HHV-8 encodes
80 complete ORFs. ORF73 encodes the major immunogenic latent infection
protein. For studying ORF73 we used a mammalian ORF73 expression vector which
was prepared by Dr. Ronit Sarid and named pRS97 and its genetic map is:
Both
BHK cells ( transfected with PRS
97 plasmid ) and PCB-1 cells were stained with anti-ORF 73 antibodies and
examined under confocal microscope; preliminary results showed cytoplasmic
dot-like immunofluorescent localization pattern for ORF73 protein.
It is necessary to develop a reliable,
sensitive and specific serological test to examine human sera for HHV-8. For
this purpose we are examining the immunogenic capacity of the ORF73 coded
protein by injecting pRS97 DNA four times, at weekly intervals, into sabra mice both by intramuscular and subcutaneous routes.
Five weeks after the start of the pRS97 DNA vaccination, the presence of
anti-ORF73 protein antibodies will be determined.
Acknowledgments: Supported by Granada II Process, UNESCO, Paris. Joint project for a bilateral Palestinian-Israeli Cooperation in Virus Diagnosis and Development of a DNA vaccine. Financial support: UNESCO, Paris.
Session
11- Virus Diseases of Humans, Animals and Plants in the Middle East
KAPOSI’S
SARCOMA-ASSOCIATED HERPESVIRUS:
EPIDEMIOLOGY
AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Ronit Sarid, Faculty of Life
Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan
52900
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the eight human herpesvirus (HHV8), and is implicated as a major etiologic agent in the formation of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL; termed also body cavity-based lymphoma) and multicentric Castleman’s disease. Although the virus is important from a clinical and a public health standpoint, it also promises to provide a rich source of basic information on how viruses induce cellular transformation.
The prevalence of KSHV varies widely in different countries and geographic regions, being lower in Northern Europe and the United States than in Southern Europe, and highest in several parts of Africa. A strong correlation between KSHV seroprevalence rates and incidence rates for classic KS was reported. We have studied the seroprevalence of KSHV in immigrating Ethiopian Jews in Israel and determined that 76 of 199 sera (38.2%) were seropositive for KSHV anti-ORF65 antibodies. However, in spite of the relatively high KSHV-seroprevalence only one case of KS was reported up to now in this population. Furthermore, endemic and HIV-associated KS is rare in Ethiopia. This data suggests the involvement of additional cofactors, and/or existence of KSHV variants with different pathogenic potential.
The mechanisms by which KSHV is involved in pathogenesis of human neoplasms are still unclear. Several genes of KSHV with potentially tumorigenic activities have been identified. Viral homologues of cellular genes that encode proteins with potential transforming, growth-promoting, chemoatractive and survival properties have been suggested to play a role in neoplasm development. However, we found that the majority of these genes are expressed only in the lytic/productive phase of viral life cycle, whereas most of the neoplastic cells are latently infected. We mapped a KSHV DNA locus with latency-associated gene expression, which includes three different adjacent open reading frames (ORFs) termed ORF K13, ORF72 and ORF73 (encoding a viral FLIP and a viral cyclinD homologues and a unique latency associated-nuclear antigen, respectively). Functional studies of these genes will be presented.
Ella Mendelson,
Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of
Health. The Chaim
Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer,
52621, Israel.
Enteroviruses are small, single stranded RNA viruses comprising a family of 64 antigenically distinct strains, among them the three types of poliovirus. They cause a variety of clinical symptoms although most infections are asymptomatic or mild. Aseptic meningitis is caused by many types and can appear in the form of outbreaks. Enteroviruses are endemic all over the world. They are transmitted by the oral-fecal route and thus are highly prevalent in the Middle-East. Outbreaks of poliomyelitis has affected Israel, the West Bank and Gaza strip alike in the past but have stopped due to intensive immunization programs. Other enteroviruses, without vaccine, continue to cause outbreaks, which spread into the populations of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. One of this outbreaks, an outbreak of aseptic meningitis due to a new variant of Echovirus 4 occurred in 1997 and was investigated by the Central Virology Laboratory using clinical samples submitted from all Israel and Gaza strip. Identification of the causative agent was initially difficult due to apparent antigenic difference from standard prototypes. The EV4 isolates accounted for 68% of all enterovirus isolates in our laboratory in 1997. The age distribution of the patients was: 0-11m, 11.2%; 1-4y, 16.1%; 5-9y, 31.8%; 10-14y, 9.9%; 15-20y, 9.5%; 21-44y, 21.5%; and > 45y, 0%. Males between 1 and 14 y were affected more frequently than females of the same age. The sequences of 25 of 28 EV4 isolates analyzed were closely related to each other, and the remaining three isolates had <95% homology to the others and to each other. Three closely related subgroups were identified which correlated with geographical distribution but the temporal distribution did not reveal links leading to the source of the outbreak. These results indicate that the outbreak was caused by a variant of Echovirus 4, which apparently did not circulate in the area before, and thus was capable of causing a widespread infection.
Viruses Without
Borders Part II:
Poliovirus Circulation
in
Israel and the
Palestinian Authority
Lester
M . Shulman, Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba
Medical
Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
The
last reported case of poliomyelitis within the borders of Israel and the PA
occurred in October 1988 at the end of a year long outbreak. Wild poliovirus
(PV) is still in circulation in adjacent regions.
Surveillance
of AFP cases and contacts is the formal method for determining presence of wild
PV. Environmental sampling offers a powerful supplementary method for detecting
poliovirus circulation that does not require the appearance of paralytic cases. PV from sewage samples from 20-34
sentinel communities in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, have been screened
monthly since 1989 by selective passage on HEp2 cells at 40!C for 5 days
(selects against growth of most oral polio vaccine (OPV) derived strains)
followed my neutralization by anti-vaccine monoclonal and/or cross absorbed
polyclonal antibodies. Since 1998, processed samples are first plaque purified
on L20B cells (mouse cells expressing the human PV receptor [PVR]) to select
for PV. Molecular epidemiology using PCR based sequence analysis identified
three categories of poliovirus isolates which have been recovered since 1988:
wild type isolates, isolates
closely related (3 99.5% similarity) to their respective OPV strains, and
highly divergent OPV type 2 derived isolates.
Wild
type 1 poliovirus was found in sewage from in Gaza in 1991; in Israel, Gaza,
and the West Bank in 1994-5; and Gaza in 1996. They were quite distinct from
concurrent Jordanian and Saudi Arabian isolates (<83% homologous) but
similar (>92% homologous) to a 1992 Egyptian isolate as are isolates from
the 1987-88 outbreak of poliomyelitis. Comparison with contemporary isolates
from adjacent regions confirmed multiple introductions. Analysis and
characterization of the OPV derived and highly diverged strains will be
presented.
This
cutting edge analysis of virus isolates from sewage combines rapid, highly
sensitive molecular epidemiology with detection of subclinical PV transmission.
Sequence comparisons allows to 1) confirm presence of wild and diverged
viruses, 2) determine sources of the imported viruses and possible pathways of
virus transmission, 3) identify areas sustaining virus transmission, and 4)
help monitor the progress of control efforts.
As
the global effort to eradicate poliomyelitis approaches its goal, regional
cross border cooperation and information exchange, molecular epidemiological
methods and environmental sampling assume greater importance for documenting
and ensuring that PV circulation has ceased.
Rabies Epidemiology in the West Bank and Israel;
Patterns and Risks
K.Bader1, D. David 2 , B. Jakobson 2 , H. Khanfer1, C. Greenblatt3¨
D. Manalo4 , T. Aurbach5, Y. Becker6†
1 Al-Quds University, Health Research Center, East Jerusalem, WB.
2 Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan, Israel
3 Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Kuvin Center, Israel
4 Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Braun School of Public Health, Israel
5 Harvard University, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA
6†UNESCO-Hebrew University of Jerusalem
International School for Molecular Biology†and Science
for Peace.
[AU1]Rabies is endemic in the area of the West Bank and Israel. Regardless the intensive efforts made in the sixties to control the reservoir animal, the disease has re-emerged in the area resulting in three human cases in the last years.
Our data showed that the disease risk have increased in the last decade following an over all increase in the total number of animals diagnosed, and the absence of effective control strategy. The change of the role different animal species plays in the spread of the disease, and the increase of risk is analyzed. The need for a joint collaboration and the implementation of new control strategies is discussed.
|
|
Acknowledgement:
The authors would like to thank the UNESCO-Granada II Process for its financial support that helped to achieve this work.
|
|
Molecular epidemiology of
rabies virus isolates from Israel
and other Middle and Near Eastern countries
David D1. , Yakobson B1, Smith J.S2 , Bader K4 and Stram Y3
1Rabies Laboratory, 3Virology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
3Rabies Laboratory, Viral and Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch Division of Viral
and Rickettsial Diseases, National Centers for Infectious Diseases 1600 Clifton Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
4 Al - Quds University, Jerusalem, Israel.
Two hundred and twenty six isolates of rabies from different areas of Israel including three human isolates and one sample from South Lebanon were diagnosed between 1993 and 1998 by direct immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies to the viral nucleoprotein (N). An epidemiological survey based on nucleotide sequence analysis of 328 bp from the C- terminus of the N protein coding region and the non- coding region between the nucleoprotein- phosphoprotein (NS gene) was performed. Phylogenetic analysis of the Israeli isolates showed that they were related geographically but not according to host species. Five variants, geographically- related groups distributed in four national regions were identified. In each region rabies virus was isolated from more than one animal species. A comparison of the sequence analysis of rabies samples from the rest of world revealed a two - nucleotide change that distinguished the Middle East variants from the rest.
AKNOWLDGMENT: Support by GRANADA II process. Joint project for bilateral Israeli Palestinian cooperation in rabies research: Rabies in Israel and West Bank, Palestinian Authority: Rabies diagnosis epidemiology and vaccination. Financial support by UNESCO Paris.
Molecular analysis of retrovirus integrants into
herpesvirus in an experimental double infection of chickens
Davidson, I1., R. Borenshtein1,
H-J Kung2 and Rl. L. Witter3
1. Division of Avian Diseases, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
2. UC Davis Cancer Center/Basic Science, Sacramento, Ca, U.S.A.
3. Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory, USDA, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A.
Marek's disease virus (MDV), a herpesvirus, and the retrovirus reticuloendotheliosis (REV) and avian leukosis viruses (ALV) are oncogenic viruses of poultry, causing tumors, as a single or a multiple infection. As a result of a double herpes and retrovirus infection in one cell, the free retroviral DNA can integrate either into the cellular or into the MDV genome, in either its free or chromosome-integrated form. The REV long terminal repeat (LTR) integration into REV was first described by Isfort et al. (1992) following tissue culture co-infection with MDV and REV. The recombinant virus, RM1, changed its biology compared to the original MDV (Witter et al., 1997).
The present study was addressed to determine whether avian retroviruses integrate into the MDV genome in vivo, in chickens experimentally co-infected with both viruses. Ten chicks were infected at day-old with ALV, subgroup J (Payne, 1998) and with MDV at 14 days old. At 45 days post-infection the birds were bled and the blood buffy coat cell DNA were amplified with both MDV and ALV-J primers to determine the infection status. Nine and 7 birds were positive for MDV and ALV-J, respectively, and 6 birds carried a double virus infection. To demonstrate the presence of the retroviral LTR in the MDV genome, the MDV-DNA ( 200 kbp) was separated from the genomic DNA by pulse field gel electophoresis (PFGE) and identified with probes for both MDV and ALV-LTR. In contrast to in vitro replicated MDV, that could be purified by PFGE (Isfort et al., 1992), the MDV carried in peripheral blood lymphocytes did not migrate in the PFGE on same conditions, denoting that it was integrated into the cellular genome, same as was the ALV-LTR.
To overcome that obstacle and to detect the presence of MDV and ALV-J chimerical molecules, we applied the recently developed Hot Spot-combined PCR assay (HS-cPCR) (Borenshtein and Davidson, 1999). The HS-cPCR consisted of two consecutive amplification steps: the first employed MDV primers for the junctions between the unique and terminal (TRL and TRS) or internal repeat (IRL and IRS) fragments of MDV that were demonstrated as "Hot Spots" for retroviral LTR integrations in vitro (Isfort et al., 1992; Jones et al., 1993). In the second amplification step the first PCR product was amplified with heterologous primers, one of the MDV hot spot and the second of the retroviral LTR. To detect the LTR insertion in both possible orientations, the forward and the reverse LTR primers were analyzed separately. The HS-cPCR products were Southern blotted and hybridized with a ALV-LTR probe. In 3 out of the 10 birds, 10 chimeric molecules were detected, and their molecular composition was evidenced by Southern blotting with the ALV-LTR probe and nested amplification.
Borenshtein R. and I. Davidson (1999) J. of Virol. Methods, In Press.
Isfort R., D. Jones, R. Kost , R.L. Witter and H-J Kung (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 89:
991-995.
Jones D., R. Isfort, R. L. Witter, R. Kost and H-J Kung (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
90: 3855-3859.
Payne J (1998) Avian Pathol. 27 (Suppl. 1): S-36-S45.
Witter R.L., D. Li, D. Jones and H-J Kung (1997) Avian Dis. 41: 407-421.
This study was supported by Grant IS-2707-96R from the USA-Israel Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD).
Development of a Regional Viral Indexing and
Certification Program
for Plant
Propagation Materials in the Middle East
Maxwell
D.P. and Nakhla M.K. University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
Hadidi
A., US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, USA.
Mazyad
H.M. and Shalaby a., Agricultureal Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
Czosnek
H., Akad F. and Zeidan M., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
Iraki
N., Tawil J. and Dar-Issa O.M., Bethlehem University, Palestinian Authority.
Abstract:
Fruits
and vegetables are the most important horticultural commodity in the Middle
East, but their production and export is restricted by the availability of
improved, healthy, especially virus-free, propagation material. The goal of
this project is to develop a reliable testing program for identifying major
viruses of tomato, potato, banana and stone fruits. The standardized
technologies will be incorporated into the virus testing laboratories of the
MERC participants.
The
following diagnostic techniques have been adapted for the detection of the
tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and for the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV).
For the detection of TYLCV, we applied southern blot hybridization,
squash-blot, squash PCR, and Immuno capture PCR. Dot blot hybridization, RT-PCR,
Immuno capture RT-PCR, and ELISA were adapted to detect CMV. Moreover, research
work is being conducted to evaluate detection methods for other important
viruses such as grapevine and potato viruses that are common in the region.
Perspectives
of regional rabies control in light of the recent success in oral vaccination
of feral carnivores in Israel.
Yakobson B.A.*, King R. J.**, David D.*, Sheichat N.***, Rotenderg D.*, Dveres N.*, Samina I.****, Zaharin Y.***, Perl S.***, Lichawsky D*** and Orgad U.***
* Department of Rabies, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
** National Reserve and Park Authority, Israel
*** Department of Pathology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
**** Department of Vaccine Control, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
Rabies is a major zoonotic disease in the Middle East, including the region encompassed by Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the territories administered by the Palestine Authority. Exposure of livestock and humans to rabid domestic and wild canids is a widespread problem common to the region. Two sylvatic reservoirs for the disease are known to be domestic dogs, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackals (Canis aureus). Rabies surveillance, diagnosis, pre-exposure vaccination of domestic dogs, public awareness programs, public health infrastructures, and post-exposure treatment of humans together result in high economic costs associated with the disease. It has also been estimated that proposed rabies control efforts funded by the four parties will cost almost 11 million US dollars over the next four years. The veterinary and public health authorities in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the Palestine Authority, with assistance from expert consultants, are proposing a cooperative approach to the problem recognizing that common multinational problems can best be resolved by mutual, cross border efforts to share information, technology, and resources. The four year project proposed herein includes multilateral collaboration between Public Health, Animal Production, and Veterinary administrations of the region.
The oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of wildlife and domestic free-ranging dogs via vaccine-laden baits is now a feasible alternative to population reduction. It also can be used as an adjunct to the parenteral vaccination of dogs for that segment of the canid population that cannot be captured and restrained. The oral immunization of red foxes with several different live attenuated or recombinant vaccines has led to a substantial decrease in the number of rabies cases in Europe.
The main objectives of the project are: a) to undertake ecological and behavioral studies of red foxes, golden jackals, and domestic dogs, and to examine dog-human intractions as they relate to control of the disease; b) to execute pilot feasibility field trials to orally vaccinate foxes, jackals, and free-ranging dogs in the lower Jordan River Valley; c) to critically evaluate the results of preliminary field trials and plan more extensive rabies control by ORV, including the role of ORV in conjunction with ongoing parenteral dog vaccination programs.
As a prerequisite for a regional oral vaccination program, a comparison trial of two commercial oral rabies vaccines was performed in captive golden jackals in Israel. Thirty-three golden jackals, over 9 months of age, that were trapped in one location, participated in the vaccination and challenge experiment. Nine of the animals were fed with the "Raboral -V-RG" vaccine produced by Rhone Merieux, and fourteen animals with the "Rabigen SAG 2" vaccine made by Virbac S.A., France. Ten animals served as unvaccinated controls. All animals were negative by RFFIT for rabies antibodies prior to vaccination. The immune responses were examined with the same test on Days 30 and 150 post vaccination and 60 days after the challenge. All animals were challenged by the IM injection of one ml of a 50% solution of rabbit serum in PBS containing 1750 LD50 of a local rabies isolate from a jackal (after one intracerebral passage in suckling mice). Seroconversion was 30.0% on Day 30 and 44.4% on Day 150 in animals that received "Raboral -V-RG", and 57.1% and 78.5% in those that received "Rabigen SAG 2". A rise in antibody titers was observed in all vaccinated animals 60 days after challenge. Survival rate of jackals vaccinated with "Raboral V-RG" was 77.7% (7/9) and 85.7% (12/14) in those vaccinated with "Rabigen SAG 2", as measured 180 Days after the challenge, whereas all ten unvaccinated controls died from rabies between Days 16-44.
A field trial on about 400 km2 in northern Israel to attempt oral vaccination of feral carnivores using recombinant "Raboral V-RG" vaccine in a fish meal polymer bait so far is showing promising results. In the light of the efficacy of vaccination with the oral vaccines and the techniques of field vaccination acquired in field trial, we feel confident that large scale of ORV will greatly contribute to existing control measures.
An important component of this project is the transfer of information, both within country and among the four parties.
An implementation of a regional rabies computer-based system to facilitate information transfer is already undergoing. Such information includes an on-line exchange and synthesis of epidemiological data from all four parties, including statistical analysis and computer generated maps.
MASS VACCINATION STRATEGIES IN GOATS WITH REV1 VACCINE
(full dose)
Shuaibi, A., Khawla Al-Njoum, Domingo, E.,Khraim,F.,Ghadeer Jayousi. And Hassouneh, M.
The implementation of "mass vaccination" with full dose (1x10*9) Rev1 Conj. (conjunctival) under conditions of uncontrolled mating is difficult because there is never a certain time in which all the animals in a flock can be considered non-pregnant and hence safely vaccinated.
The problem is still worst in areas with a high prevalence of abortive diseases, where there is the opportunity of getting pregnant again a few months after abortion.
Both these conditions are prevalent in Palestine, where during the first "mass vaccination" campaign "presumptive" pregnant ewes and goats were not vaccinated. Although this situation didn't greatly affect de campaign (only 7.2% of the mature females were not vaccinated) it is important to find out wether this precaution will have to be taken into account again during the second year, when one year old females will receive their second dose of vaccine. And also in the third year of the campaign, when carpet vaccination will be applied again and the question will remain: “should pregnant mature animals that were vaccinated two years before be left unvaccinated?”.
It is also known that residual virulence and immunogenicity differ among different commercial vaccines and for this reason it is necessary to know how the vaccine that is being used in the vaccination campaign behaves.
The objective of this research project is to improve the efficacy in the implementation of the mass vaccination campaign
SEROLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
ON FOOT AND MOUTH
DISEASE (FMD) IMMUNE
STATUS IN SHEEP AND GOATS
Faquaha, S., Khawla Al-Njoum, Fidah Hamdam, Hassuneh, M.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a major constraint in livestock production causing mortality in young animals and reduced groth rates and milk yields. Countries with reported FMD prevalence are excluded from exports into FMD free countries. FMD is one of the most infectious animal virus diseases and most difficult to control. Sero-surveillance of livestock populations indicates the presence of antibodies against the FMD virus and the provision of protection.
The research project aims at the evaluation of the immune status of small ruminants in selected flocks by monitoring and serological investigation by means of the immuno assay technique (ELISA). Samples will be collected from registered flocks in different district consisting of minimum 50 animals. The obtained data of the pilot project will serve as the basis for further investigations and planning of control measures mainly vaccinations and control of animal movements.
The
Move-in Website and the Regional Veterinary Information System
Yakobson, B.A.1., Elad, D.1.,
Shoukry, S. G.2, Aldomy, F.3, Shiaibi, H.4,
Sitman, D.5 and
de Rooij, R. C.6.
1)Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan,
Israel; 2) GOVS, Egypt; 3) Veterinary Sevices, Amman, Jordan; 4) VIC,
Rammallah, Palestinian Authority; 5) Tel
Aviv University, Israel; 6) RDP Livestock Services, the Netherlands.
In recent years,
Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority have jointly initiated a
number of animal health activities in a regional context. The implementation of
various cooperative animal health projects should improve the control of animal
diseases, zoonoses and the quality and safety of animal products in the area.
During the meeting of the Multilateral Working Group on Regional Economic
Commission of the European Union it was agreed to target veterinary issues for
regional cooperation. The regional animal health activities are supported by
donors within the framework of the peace process. The main donors involved are
the European Commission (EC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID). The EC provides financial support to the Regional Animal Health cooperation
Program for the Middle East, for planning and subsequent execution for regional
disease control of foot and mouth. disease and rabies. Additional aspects of
the projects focus on the development of human resources and regional
communication. One EC-supported activity is the Regional Veterinary Information
System Project (RVISP), electronically linking senior officials and major
institutions in the region. The main aim of the project is to establish a
computerized network system, enabling exchange of information and news between
the central epidemiological units of the four regional parties. This project
may serve as a model for national information networks A website (Move-in.org)
is an integral component of this project and contains general information on
the major veterinary research and diagnostic institutes and personnel therein
in the area, details of livestock production , and disease regulation in
participating parties.
Regional
cooperation is of mutual interest and includes the following activities:
Session 13 -Scientific
Cooperation in the Middle East
The participants had discussed the outcome of the workshop:
K. Bader (Al Quds
University, PA) Indicated that the scientific collaborations should continue
and the researchers should work together to provide health to all people.
Palestinian students should study in Israeli laboratories for the benefit of
both sides. Suggests creating a UNESCO Network of collaborating institutions in
the Middle East. Next year’s workshop will be organized by Al Quds University.
N. Iraqi: (Bethlehem
University, P.A.): suggested to organize the First
Middle East Workshop or Symposium for Arab scientists from Jordan,
Egypt, and Tunisia on Plant Biotechnology and Human Medicine at Bethlehem
University. The Middle East Workshop on Science for Peace will be organized in
collaboration with the UNESCO-HUJ ISMBM in the year 2000.
Ella Mendelson: (National Virus
Laboratory, Israel) suggests organizing a Palestinian-Israeli workshop at the
annual meeting of the Israel society of microbiology to enhance the contacts
with Israeli scientists in various fields of microbiology.
Lester Schulman: (National Virus
Laboratory, Israel) suggested a workshop on computation in Molecular Biology.
Husam Massalha: (Israel Ministry of Science) was very
impressed with the number of scientists whom attended the UNESCO workshop and
the successful organization. Suggested that a dialogue on research
collaboration must be continued and young Palestinian and Israeli
scientists visiting laboratories in Israel and in the Palestinian
Authority should be encouraged and fostered. The organizing committee should
continue its activities after the workshop.
Y. Becker: Summarized the
suggestions and recommendations and extended to N. Iraqi and K.Bader
cooperation in the organization of workshops in Bethlehem and Al-Quds
Universities. All the recommendations will be presented to Prof. Vladimir
Kouzminov, Deputy Director, UNESCO-Venice office.