Expedient synthesis of an atypical oxazolidinone compound library

In order to address the current downturn in the drug discovery pipeline, initiatives are being undertaken to synthesise screening libraries of sp3-rich, low molecular weight compounds. As part of the European Lead Factory initiative, the synthesis and derivatisation of a simple hexahydrooxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-2(1H)-one bicyclic carbamate has been achieved. The synthetic route employed involved a telescoped hetero-Diels-Alder/[2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/cyclisation sequence to deliver the desired core scaffold containing two points for further diversification. When applied, this synthesis was found to be robust and scalable which allowed the production of a 155 compound library

One hundred priority questions for the development of sustainable food systems in sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing an expected doubling of human population and tripling of food demand over the next quarter century, posing a range of severe environmental, political, and socio-economic challenges. In some cases, key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in direct conflict, raising difficult policy and funding decisions, particularly in relation to trade-offs between food production, social inequality, and ecosystem health. In this study, we used a horizon-scanning approach to identify 100 practical or research-focused questions that, if answered, would have the greatest positive impact on addressing these trade-offs and ensuring future productivity and resilience of food-production systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Through direct canvassing of opinions, we obtained 1339 questions from 331 experts based in 55 countries. We then used online voting and participatory workshops to produce a final list of 100 questions divided into 12 thematic sections spanning topics from gender inequality to technological adoption and climate change. Using data on the background of respondents, we show that perspectives and priorities can vary, but they are largely consistent across different professional and geographical contexts. We hope these questions provide a template for establishing new research directions and prioritising funding decisions in sub-Saharan Africa

IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL POLICIES ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY AND FOOD SECURITY IN MALAWI, 1964-2014

Malawi agriculture has undergone various policy regimes targeted at improving productivity and food self-sufficiency. Policy influence has often come from the World Bank and other donors who have pushed for a costly and state minimalist policy, against government wish for a welfarist approach. This situation has created a long-standing schism between the Bank and Government since the signing of the first SAP loan in 1981, thus affecting implementation of agricultural policies. This has resulted in food market reforms being partial and often reversed, with state marketing boards still playing a major role. These have created instability in maize prices and stocks in the national strategic grain reserve, often resulting in food crises and putting into question the achievements of the farm input subsidy program in achieving food security. This paper analyses the impact of Malawi agricultural policies on crop productivity over the past fifty years (1964-2014) and the resulting food security status of the country by drawing on national level data. This is confounded by the fact that up to 38% of Malawians still do not get adequate food supplies and the percentage of stunted children is high at 42.4%. Dietary diversification, improved research and technology development and transfer, upscaling of irrigation and policy consistency are critical to achieving national and household food security. Equally, development and empowerment of the private sector is the panacea for a strong maize marketing system that would deliver stable supply and pricin

One hundred priority questions for the development of sustainable food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing an expected doubling of human population and tripling of food demand over the next quarter century, posing a range of severe environmental, political, and socio-economic challenges. In some cases, key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in direct conflict, raising difficult policy and funding decisions, particularly in relation to trade-offs between food production, social inequality, and ecosystem health. In this study, we used a horizon-scanning approach to identify 100 practical or research-focused questions that, if answered, would have the greatest positive impact on addressing these trade-offs and ensuring future productivity and resilience of food-production systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Through direct canvassing of opinions, we obtained 1339 questions from 331 experts based in 55 countries. We then used online voting and participatory workshops to produce a final list of 100 questions divided into 12 thematic sections spanning topics from gender inequality to technological adoption and climate change. Using data on the background of respondents, we show that perspectives and priorities can vary, but they are largely consistent across different professional and geographical contexts. We hope these questions provide a template for establishing new research directions and prioritising funding decisions in sub-Saharan Africa