NeuroWRAP: integrating, validating, and sharing neurodata analysis workflows.

Multiphoton calcium imaging is one of the most powerful tools in modern neuroscience. However, multiphoton data require significant pre-processing of images and post-processing of extracted signals. As a result, many algorithms and pipelines have been developed for the analysis of multiphoton data, particularly two-photon imaging data. Most current studies use one of several algorithms and pipelines that are published and publicly available, and add customized upstream and downstream analysis elements to fit the needs of individual researchers. The vast differences in algorithm choices, parameter settings, pipeline composition, and data sources combine to make collaboration difficult, and raise questions about the reproducibility and robustness of experimental results. We present our solution, called NeuroWRAP (www.neurowrap.org), which is a tool that wraps multiple published algorithms together, and enables integration of custom algorithms. It enables development of collaborative, shareable custom workflows and reproducible data analysis for multiphoton calcium imaging data enabling easy collaboration between researchers. NeuroWRAP implements an approach to evaluate the sensitivity and robustness of the configured pipelines. When this sensitivity analysis is applied to a crucial step of image analysis, cell segmentation, we find a substantial difference between two popular workflows, CaImAn and Suite2p. NeuroWRAP harnesses this difference by introducing consensus analysis, utilizing two workflows in conjunction to significantly increase the trustworthiness and robustness of cell segmentation results.

Domains of core competency, standards, and quality assurance for building global capacity in health promotion: the galway consensus conference statement.

This paper reports the outcome of the Galway Consensus Conference, an effort undertaken as a first step toward international collaboration on credentialing in health promotion and health education. Twenty-nine leading authorities in health promotion, health education, and public health convened a 2-day meeting in Galway, Ireland, during which the available evidence on credentialing in health promotion was reviewed and discussed. Conference participants reached agreement on core values and principles, a common definition, and eight domains of core competency required to engage in effective health promotion practice. The domains of competency are catalyzing change, leadership, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, advocacy, and partnerships. The long-term aim of this work is to stimulate a global dialogue that will lead to the development and widespread adoption of standards and quality assurance systems in all countries to strengthen capacity in health promotion, a critical element in achieving goals for the improvement of global population health.

Cancer causes and prevention: a condensed appraisal in Europe in 2008.

The rising cancer burden in Europe, mainly due to a rapidly ageing population, demands a clear and coordinated response from researchers, oncologists and other physicians, public health professionals and policy-makers. Primary and secondary prevention is the front line in the complex battle against cancer in Europe. To formulate the best strategies in this fight, the major determinants of cancer are summarised in the order of their relative importance in Europe, including tobacco smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity, occupational factors, environmental factors, infectious agents and genetic and hormonal factors. Furthermore, this paper offers explicit recommendations on individual behaviour modification and possible public policies. It also details the numerous examples of European policies and programmes already in effect which aim to reduce the impact of these risk factors on cancer. Although there are still pending questions, which need further epidemiologic research, it is also true that we have more operational knowledge for cancer prevention than ever before. The prompt implementation of prevention programmes such as those detailed here should be applied with determination to maximise the prevention results.