Biomacromolecule-ligand interactions

The interactions and binding of various ligands to biomacromoleculcs e.g. DNA and proteins finds widespread application in the design and development of novel pharmaceuticals. DNA has been identified as the target molecule for a number of drugs and carcinogens and the supramolecular synthetic approach has led to the discovery of a range of bimetallo iron cylinders that bind to DNA inducing remarkable structural effects. The cylinders arc chiral and the enantiomers were separated on cellulose packed in paper or in a column. The optimum mobile phase for efficient separation was found to be 90% acctonitrilc: 10% 0.02 M NaCl. The (M)-enantiomers of the parent cylinder have been found to bind to DNA in the major groove. I Hydrophobic methyl groups were added at various positions on the ligand backbone. UV/visible absorbance, circular and linear dichroism were used to investigate any interactions of the metal complex with DNA with the aim of investigating any sequence preference or selectivity upon binding. Competitive binding studies and molecular dynamics simulations were used to probe the binding geometries of the enantiomers of the parent cylinder and two methylated cylinders to DNA as the exact site of interaction of the (P)-enantiomers of the parent cylinder was unclear. It was concluded that the methylated bimetallo iron cylinders bind to DNA and provide major groove recognition and may show some sequence preference. Circular dichroism was used to structurally characterise a range of buanosine-rich oligonucleotides (GRO's) and to investigate their interactions with a nucleolar protein - nucicolin. Biological/anti-proliferative activity has been related to the ability of the oligonucleotide to bind to this protein. It was found that nucleolin does bind to a biologically active GRO in the presence of K+ and induces a structural change in it

Detection of benzimidazole carbamates and amino metabolites in liver by surface plasmon resonance-biosensor

This research was funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under the Food Institutional Research Measure as part of the National Development Plan (Project 05/R&D/TN/355)peer-reviewedTwo surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor screening assays were developed and validated to detect 11 benzimidazole carbamate (BZT) and four amino-benzimidazole veterinary drug residues in liver tissue. The assays used polyclonal antibodies, raised in sheep, to detect BZTs and amino-benzimidazoles. A modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction method was developed to isolate benzimidazole carbamate residues. Liver samples were extracted using an acetonitrile extraction method. BZTs were purified by dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) using C18 sorbent. Residues of amino-benzimidazoles were effectively cleaned-up using a simple cyclohexane defatting step. The assays were validated in accordance with the performance criteria described in 2002/657/EC. The BZT assay limit of detection was calculated to be 32 μg kg−1, the detection capability (CCβ) was determined to be 50 μg kg−1 and the mean recovery of analytes was in the range 77–132%. The amino-benzimidazole assay limit of detection was determined to be 41 μg kg−1, the CCβ was determined to be 75 μg kg−1 and analyte recovery was in the range 103–116%. Biosensor assay performance was tested by analysing liver tissue from animals treated with benzimidazole drugs and comparing the results with an ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) confirmatory method. All non-compliant samples were identified using the biosensor assays.Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marin

Demonstration of a multi-technique approach to assess glacial microbial populations in the field

The ability to perform microbial detection and characterization in-field at extreme environments, rather than on returned samples, has the potential to improve the efficiency, relevance and quantity of data from field campaigns. To date, few examples of this approach have been reported. Therefore, we demonstrate that the approach is feasible in subglacial environments by deploying four techniques for microbial detection: real-time polymerase chain reaction; microscopic fluorescence cell counts, adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay and recombinant Factor C assay (to detect lipopolysaccharide). Each technique was applied to 12 subglacial ice samples, 12 meltwater samples and two snow samples from Engabreen, Northern Norway. Using this multi-technique approach, the detected biomarker levels were as expected, being highest in debris-rich subglacial ice, moderate in glacial meltwater and low in clean ice (debris-poor) and snow. Principal component analysis was applied to the resulting dataset and could be performed in-field to rapidly aid the allocation of resources for further sample analysis. We anticipate that in-field data collection will allow for multiple rounds of sampling, analysis, interpretation and refinement within a single field campaign, resulting in the collection of larger and more appropriate datasets, ultimately with more efficient science return

Traversing community attitudes and interaction experiences with large agricultural vehicles on rural roads

Agriculture is one of Australia's largest rural industries. Oversized and slow moving industry equipment and vehicles, hereafter referred to as large agricultural vehicles (LAVs), use public roads. Restrictions exist regarding their on-road operation, but whether this is a function of the risk that their on-road use represents is unknown. A convenience sample of community members was used to explore perspectives about LAVs' presence on roads. An online survey was used to explore LAV interaction experiences, risk perceptions, and how best to promote safe interactions. Ethics approval was obtained. The participants' (N = 239) exposure to LAVs on roads in the last 12 months was variable, but there were clear seasonal points when encounters could be expected. The participants indicated that LAVs have a right to drive on the road (94.8%), and most interactions were neutral, with four LAV crashes reported. Other vehicle types were perceived as representing a higher risk to rural road safety than LAVs. The use of the driver's license test to increase knowledge about LAVs' presence, how to respond, and the use of signs were suggested in order to improve safety. The participants commonly interacted with LAVs, and rarely experienced negative events such as crashes. Continued communication about LAV presence on rural roads is an important consideration in order to help ensure safe interactions

Assessing the role that entertainers play in alcohol marketing and the maintenance of good order within on-trade licensed premises

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Systematic review of the impact of heatwaves on health service demand in Australia

Objectives: Heatwaves have been linked to increased levels of health service demand in Australia. This systematic literature review aimed to explore health service demand during Australian heatwaves for hospital admissions, emergency department presentations, ambulance call-outs, and risk of mortality. Study design: A systematic review to explore peer-reviewed heatwave literature published from 2000 to 2020. Data sources: Articles were reviewed from six databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsychINFO, ProQuest, Science Direct). Search terms included: heatwave, extreme heat, ambulance, emergency department, and hospital. Studies were included if they explored heat for a period of two or more consecutive days. Studies were excluded if they did not define a threshold for extreme heat or if they explored data only from workers compensation claims and major events. Data synthesis: This review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (#CRD42 02122 7395). Forty-five papers were included in the final review following full-text screening. Following a quality assessment using the GRADE approach, data were extracted to a spreadsheet and compared. Significant increases in mortality, as well as hospital, emergency, and ambulance demand, were found across Australia during heatwave periods. Admissions for cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, mental and behavioural conditions exhibited increases during heatwaves. The most vulnerable groups during heatwaves were children (< 18 years) and the elderly (60+). Conclusions: Heatwaves in Australia will continue to increase in duration and frequency due to the effects of climate change. Health planning is essential at the community, state, and federal levels to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves on health and health service delivery especially for vulnerable populations. However, understanding the true impact of heatwaves on health service demand is complicated by differing definitions and methodology in the literature. The Excess Heat Factor (EHF) is the preferred approach to defining heatwaves given its consideration of local climate variability and acclimatisation. Future research should explore evidence-based and spatially relevant heatwave prevention programs. An enhanced understanding of heatwave health impacts including service demand will inform the development of such programs which are necessary to promote population and health system resilience

An Investigation into the environmental impact of off-licensed premises on residential neighbourhoods

In recent times there has been a great deal of concern about levels of anti-social behaviour across the UK. Several reports have investigated the role of alcohol as a potentially important contributor to this problem. Most research has concentrated on public houses and nightclubs. This is in contrast to the view that the off-trade sector is indicated as the source of the current rise in alcohol consumption across the UK over the past 20 years. This research focusing on licensed convenience stores (grocers / newsagents) operating in residential areas and these often provide a broad range of services for the wider community, not just drinkers or the over-18s. The impact of such premises on residents is likely to be continuous and long-lasting, affecting the whole community

Canine Support Program: Student perceptions and preferences at a regional university and implications for health, well-being, and student support enhancements

Issue Addressed: Canine Support Programs (CSPs) are a potential solution to growing university student support demands. While current studies focus on the impacts of CSPs, there is limited understanding of the views and expectations of tertiary students about CSPs. This study explored the perceptions and preferences of students in an Australian regional university about CSPs. Methods: A questionnaire with multiple choice and open-ended questions surveyed residential students' perspectives about CSP. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tests and thematic analysis for open responses. Results: Majority (98%) of participants (sample n = 48) would support a CSP on campus. Frequent, small-group interactions of ≥15 min involving physical contact were preferred. Dog disposition, welfare-trained handlers, and veterinary certification were important aspects of program safety. Participants strongly agreed a CSP would improve mental health and well-being, relieve stress, reduce feelings of homesickness, provide support, comfort, and enable social interactions. Conclusion: There is strong support among the study population for CSP to be established on campus. This study supports earlier research that CSP has benefit potential for new, stressed, and/or students who love dogs. The preferences of students should inform program design to enhance utility and impact. This aligns with Health Promoting Universities and College's Okanagan Charter principle of ‘engaging student voices’. More institutional awareness and support for CSPs will be necessary for integration. So What?: This study reveals the need for tailored and creative student support beyond traditional offerings including those that focus on student well-being and social initiatives. CSPs can be utilised as an advocate, enabler, and medium for mental health promotion action and well-being support for tertiary students; thereby, contributing to the ‘Health Promoting University’ agenda in Australia. It also reinforces the need for a Health in All Policies approach to be incorporated into our tertiary education sector. Future actions should focus on improving institutional awareness, support, and sector implementation

Biomacromolecule-ligand interactions

The interactions and binding of various ligands to biomacromoleculcs e.g. DNA and proteins finds widespread application in the design and development of novel pharmaceuticals. DNA has been identified as the target molecule for a number of drugs and carcinogens and the supramolecular synthetic approach has led to the discovery of a range of bimetallo iron cylinders that bind to DNA inducing remarkable structural effects. The cylinders arc chiral and the enantiomers were separated on cellulose packed in paper or in a column. The optimum mobile phase for efficient separation was found to be 90% acctonitrilc: 10% 0.02 M NaCl. The (M)-enantiomers of the parent cylinder have been found to bind to DNA in the major groove. I Hydrophobic methyl groups were added at various positions on the ligand backbone. UV/visible absorbance, circular and linear dichroism were used to investigate any interactions of the metal complex with DNA with the aim of investigating any sequence preference or selectivity upon binding. Competitive binding studies and molecular dynamics simulations were used to probe the binding geometries of the enantiomers of the parent cylinder and two methylated cylinders to DNA as the exact site of interaction of the (P)-enantiomers of the parent cylinder was unclear. It was concluded that the methylated bimetallo iron cylinders bind to DNA and provide major groove recognition and may show some sequence preference. Circular dichroism was used to structurally characterise a range of buanosine-rich oligonucleotides (GRO's) and to investigate their interactions with a nucleolar protein - nucicolin. Biological/anti-proliferative activity has been related to the ability of the oligonucleotide to bind to this protein. It was found that nucleolin does bind to a biologically active GRO in the presence of K+ and induces a structural change in it.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo