Identification Of Structural Factors Research Articles

Identification of structural factors that affect binding to cannabinoid receptor type 1

Similar to the opioid system, the endocannabinoid system which regulates immune response, memory and nociceptive thresholds, cell communication, appetite, and metabolism, also modulates (via Cannabinoid receptor type 1 - CB1R) the rewarding effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Although currently there is significant controversy concerning the (legal) use of cannabis, it has been established that prolonged consumption of a large variety of chemicals from the cannabinoid family can lead to the development of psychiatric and cardiovascular pathologies. In addition to (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC or simply THC), the main addictive component of cannabis, 43 other synthetic cannabimimetic agents are currently classified as Schedule I drugs and their use in the U.S. is illegal (DEA-DCT-DIR-032-18 [1]). In this study, three-dimensional spectrometric data-activity relationship (3D-SDAR) quantitative and categorical models aimed at better understanding the molecular mechanism of action and the structural features governing binding to CB1R were developed. The performance parameters for a consensus model constructed from composite PLS and KNN quantitative models achieved R2 of 0.703 for an external blind set and an accuracy of 0.846, sensitivity of 0.870, and specificity of 0.840 for binary classification. In addition to the classical A, B, C-tricyclic terpenoid system, other structural alerts were also discovered and reported. We also identified the presence of a hERG linked toxicophore in the molecular structures of a subset of diaryl-(piperidinyl)purines which are known to be selective and potent CB1R binders.

Community perceptions of the socio-economic structural context influencing HIV and TB risk, prevention and treatment in a high prevalence area in the era of antiretroviral therapy

Following calls for targeted HIV prevention interventions in so-called “hotspots”, we explored subjective perceptions of community members in places considered to be high HIV and tuberculosis (TB) transmission areas and those with low prevalence. Although more people now have access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), some areas are still experiencing high HIV transmission rates, presenting a barrier to the elimination of HIV. A rapid qualitative assessment approach was used to access a sample of 230 people who contributed narratives of their experiences and perceptions of transmission, treatment and prevention of HIV and TB in their communities. Theoretical propositions case study strategy was used to inform and guide the thematic analysis of the data with Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, UK. Our results support the concept of linking perceived control to health through the identification of structural factors that increase communities’ sense of agency. People in these communities did not feel they had the efficacy to effect change in their milieu. The few socio-economic opportunities promote social mobility in search of better prospects which may have a negative impact on community cohesion and prevention strategies. Communities were more concerned with improving their immediate social and economic situations and prioritised this above the prevention messages. Therefore approaches that focus on changing the structural and environmental barriers to prevention may increase people’s perceived control. Multifaceted strategies that address the identified constructs of perceived control may influence the social change necessary to make structural interventions successful.

Restrições à ocorrência da CV e do pronome lexical sujeitos no português

Analysis of the presence of an empty category and a lexical pronoun in the subject position of tensed clauses in Portuguese. Identification of general structural factors which determine a restriction pattern for the occurence of these categories; and identification of structural factors which are specific to particular types of sentences and which determine change in the pattern.