In spite of increasing evidence that
parasitic worms may protect
humans from developing allergic and autoimmune diseases and the continuing
identification of defined helminth-derived immunomodulatory molecules,
to date no new anti-inflammatory drugs have been developed from these
organisms. We have approached this matter in a novel manner by synthesizing
a library of drug-like small molecules based upon phosphorylcholine,
the active moiety of the anti-inflammatory Acanthocheilonema
viteae product, ES-62, which as an immunogenic protein
is unsuitable for use as a drug. Following preliminary in vitro screening
for inhibitory effects on relevant macrophage cytokine responses,
a sulfone-containing phosphorylcholine analogue (11a)
was selected for testing in an in vivo model of inflammation, collagen-induced
arthritis (CIA). Testing revealed that 11a was as effective
as ES-62 in protecting DBA/1 mice from developing CIA and mirrored
its mechanism of action in downregulating the TLR/IL-1R transducer,
MyD88. 11a is thus a novel prototype for anti-inflammatory
drug development.
Mathematical ability is a major contributory factor to the success of a student in any science course. This paper aims to determine the source of the difficulty that students often find when performing calculations in chemistry. Through the design and analysis of a set of chemistry questions and analogous mathematics questions, set in a Standard Grade context, it is revealed that a basic grasp of mathematics is missing
Recognising the importance of graduates being equipped with appropriate employability skills alongside their subject-specific skills, we have had transferable skills training embedded throughout our degree programmes for 30 years. More recently, a specific employability skills module for final-year honours students has been created. This module consists of a programme of activities supporting employability skills, which was delivered to final-year undergraduate students from 2012 to 2015. A key feature in the development and delivery of these activities was the involvement of external experts. Detailed questionnaires have captured student perceptions and thematic analysis has revealed key themes. The module has been perceived to be highly useful, resulting in significant increases in students’ confidence across key areas of employability skills. Furthermore, students may hold skewed perceptions of the relevance of generic employability skills to their chosen career path. This fact should be considered when delivering employability skills programmes
Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a significant socioeconomic burden for sub-Saharan Africa due to its huge impact on livestock health. Existing therapies including those based upon Minor Groove Binders (MGBs), such as the diamidines, which have been used for decades, have now lost efficacy in some places due to the emergence of resistant parasites. Consequently, the need for new
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.