jngomez's blog

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the best predicted number of diverse sets of arthropods found indoors.  Homes located in wealthy neighbourhoods have a high number of arthropod diversity. This effect is known as “luxury effect” in which a more biological diversity is present in wealthy areas. There is a high correlation with plant presence and plant associaciated arthropods that find their way into indoor areas such as homes or other surrounding structure. (Leong et al. 2016) This application and idea can be used in our proposal project because observing plants near window sills will account for some of the arthropods found and studied.

An inhibitor we would use to target TLR3 is (R)-2-(3-chloro-6-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamido)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (4a). This inhibitor is also referred to as compound 4a. It is an antagonist to TLR3 signaling and it inhibits the expression of downstream signaling pathways that are assisted by the TLR3/dsRNA complex. This compound is able to inhibit TLR3 signaling without affecting other types of TLRs. This illustrates it's highly selectivity characteristic. It also holds the property of being low cytotoxicity. In order to further emphasize that it directly binds to TLR3, a fluorescence anisotropy assay will be used to demonstrate that it competes with dsRNA, which is known to be involved in activating TLRs.

An inhibitor we would use to target TLR3 is (R)-2-(3-chloro-6-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamido)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (4a) a compound known as 4a. It is an antagonist to TLR3 signaling and is also known to inhibit the expression of downstream signaling pathways assisted by the TLR3/dsRNA complex. This compound is able to inhibit TLR3 signaling and does not affect other types of TLRs which illustrates its highly selectivity characteristic. It also holds the property of being low cytotoxicity. In order to further emphasize that it directly binds to TLR3, a fluorescence anisotropy assay demonstrated that it competes with dsRNA, which we know is involved in activating TLRs.

The equilibrium is driven towards the product by removing some of the product and permitting it to condense and remain in the side arm of the distillation head, throughout the reaction time. The collected water separates from the desired n-propyl propanoate product in the side arm which when tipped back into the RB flask, the water layer remains and the n-propyl propanoate is back in the flask. In addition, for this experiment sulfuric acid serves as a catalyst which goes into the reaction the same way it came out. This strong acid speeds up the reaction towards equilibrium because it is a fast proton source for the oxygen carbonyl to pick up. It eventually gains back its proton from a protonated oxygen to prove itself as a catalyst. 

To a 10-mL round-bottomed flask (RBF), propanoic acid (0.823 mL), 1-propanol (0.973 mL) and concentrated sulfuric acid (4 drops) was added. Contents were thoroughly mixed and permitted to gently reflux for 15 minutes.  Apparatus was then tipped while ensuring lower water layer remained in the side arm. Reflux was resumed for another 15 minutes. After having had allowed it to reflux for an additional 15 minutes, total of 45 minutes, the solution was permitted to cool. At this time, the solution was a light tan color. Entire contents in side arm were dumped back into RBF. After transferring contents into new tube, the solution was washed with water (1 mL), two times with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (1 mL), and then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride (1 mL). 

During this experiment, 1-propanol was reacted with propanoic acid using acidic conditions and the n-propyl propanoate was obtained in 25.98% yield. The product was light tan color with a pineapple mixed with acetone aroma. The sulfuric acid, the catalyst was used to speed up the reaction but did not affect the percent yield. The IR spectroscopy was analyzed and it showed that water was still present in my product since above the 3000 cm^-1 there are large absorptions, indicating there are O-H containing impurities. The peak at around 1700 cm^-1 is due to C=O stretching vibrations of a carbonyl C=O bond. The stretch from 2968.45 cm^-1  to 2881.65 cm^-1  illustrates the carbon and hydrogen bond. The two peaks around of range of 1000 cm^-1 to 1200 cm^-1 where 1188.15 cm^-1 and 1083.99 cm^-1 are located are due to C-O stretching vibrations of C-O bonds, thereby concluding the purity of ester.  

MiR-128 plays a role in modulating chemotherapeutic sensitivity in cancer stem cells by targeting Bmi-1 and Musashi-1, and when MiR-128 expression is lowered in cancer tissue it involves with chemotherapeutic resistance [19] BMI1 is a proto-oncogene and a part of the polycomb group complex. It plays a role in DNA damage repair and is a factor in resistance to chemotherapies [23]. On the other hand, Musashi-1 is an RNA binding protein controlling expression of target RNAs [24]. With the use of BRM270 it will lead to an increase in the expression of  miR-128 by 2-3 folds in a lung adenocarcinoma cell like A549. It basically blocks activation of NF-kB and this leads to inhibiting miR-21 expression which is involved in resistance to chemotherapeutic agents like gefitinib and this will then result in lowering proliferation in A549 cells [19].

Bv8 is also known as Prok2 which stands for Prokineticin 2 and is known to be expressed in bone marrow. Bv8 is expressed in Cd11b+Gr1+ cells and it controls mobilization of these cells from the bone marrow during the formation of tumors. Bv8 is also involved in promoting angiogenesis . The Prok2 signaling pathway is involved in regulating a diverse set of biological process through a variety of intracellular signaling pathways like calcium mobilization

For this particular scenario posed, I feel that the type of breed that should be saved and vaccinated is a German Shepherd. We all know German Shepherd's tplay a vast role in society today. Ranging from serving in the police force to army. In these particular situations they serve roles like detecting bombs or drugs present around the surrounding area. According to the American Kennel Club German shepherds when you first look at a German shepherd they are strong and well-musculated, who are attentive, and alert. According to American Kennel Club, “It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand.” [2] As one can see they have multiple roles in a person life and will serve each one with loyalty and confidence characteristics.   

The breed of dog that should be saved is a German Shepherd. The reasons behind this is because this particular breed is known to serve in the police force and army. According to the American Kennel Club German shepherds when you first look at a German shepherd they are strong and well-musculated, who are attentive, and alert. According to American Kennel Club, “It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand.” [2] As one can see they have multiple roles in a person life and will serve each one with loyalty and confidence characteristics.