Project Place
Basic Terminology of Crystal Implementation of InChI for chemi- Engineering cally modified large biomolecules Crystal engineering is the design and synthesis of The IUPAC International Chemical Identifier (InChI) functional crystalline structures, based on a bottom-up algorithm is now well established as a powerful means approach from smaller building blocks. Crystal engi- of denoting the basic chemical structure of a well- neering is a fascinating new subject that has expanded defined, small (<1024 atoms) organic molecule as a rapidly in the last 20 years. It is also attracting the unique machine-readable character string, suitable interest of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. for electronic data storage, searching, and exchange. It overlaps with supramolecular chemistry, X-ray crys- The IUPAC Division VIII InChI Subcommittee is now tallography, materials science, and solid-state chemis- starting work on a complete overhaul of the InChI try, but is a distinct discipline in itself. The subject goes algorithm, i.e. the beginning of plans for a second ver- beyond the traditional divisions of organic, inorganic, sion of InChI. A crucial part of this work is intended and physical chemistry; this makes for an eclectic to address the known shortcomings of the current blend of ideas, techniques, and strategies. InChI algorithm pertaining to the handling (or lack The diversity in focus and scientific basis of the thereof) of various types of biological substances. researchers in the field has led to numerous terminol- Chemically modified sequences are becoming very ogy practices that are not consistent among research important in life science research both as tools and as groups, causing confusion and unnecessary conflicts. products. Chemically modified biologics range from The purpose and scope of this project is to provide siRNA sequences, established therapeutics such as a basic glossary of terms for this rapidly evolving, Levimir and Byetta for diabetes, to the growing area of highly interdisciplinary field, to identify and debate antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). There is currently open questions, and to point out new directions. no standard approach for the naming of chemically The objectives of this project are: to produce guide- modified biologics; this constitutes a tremendous lines for terminology (glossary of terms) in the area opportunity for InChI to become established as the of crystal engineering; to ensure that these guidelines naming technology. are accepted by a large group of leading researchers in the field; and to have these guidelines implemented For more information, contact the Task Group Chair Keith Taylor
18 CHEMISTRY International September-October 2014 Project Place
Toxicology in the classroom – Teacher’s edition Following the pilot testing of Toxiclaro in schools the Teacher’s edition was developed in a printed format to support teaching in schools where access to comput- ers and audio-visual equipment are limited.
conducted in Malawi and came up with several very valuable observations and recommendations to review and refine the existing material. Experimental amend- ments were made and the results were used for the computer animation. The project was also an expansion of a project of the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) of the World Health Organization. The IPCS multilevel course aims at training different groups of people in the sound management of pesticides. The course material addresses trainers and technical and medical personnel. The Toxiclaro project aimed to Toxicology in the classroom – Children’s edition expand this approach to young people, educating The Children’s edition was developed after a work- them about protecting themselves from the harmful shop held in Malaysia in late 2011. The content follows effects of pesticides and hazardous chemicals, and closely with that of the Teacher’s edition but included developing a safety culture for the future (feature pub- simple text and many illustrations. This book contains lished in Chem. Int. Nov-Dec 2009 pp. 17-20). a storytelling section incorporating 11 comic strips The Toxiclaro initiative originated from the intended to further illustrate the understanding of Chemistry and Human Health (IUPAC Division VII) and chemical risks to human health and the environment. the working group formally met to plan the project in May 2005 at the Federal Agency for Risk Assessment, Interactive Multimedia CD-version Berlin, Germany. Several meetings followed and the The original CD version has now been updated to Toxiclaro package was finally developed in a joint incorporate the experience’s gained from the pilot effort involving IUPAC, WHO, UNEP, and the Universiti trials. Sains Malaysia. It was pilot tested in both urban and rural schools Toxiclaro has now been translated into Spanish and in Argentina, Ghana and Malaysia. Presentations on Polish. Further translations are envisaged. Toxiclaro were held during the annual congress of The new IUPAC project aims to produce a second the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology in version with new toxicological content that will pay Chandigarh (2008) and Hong Kong (2012); Toxiclaro particular attention to the understanding of chemical was also presented at the 2011 conference in Carpi/ risks to human health and the environment. The proj- Italy of the Collegium Ramazzini. It won two awards ect will strengthen the association of IUPAC with edu- (gold medal and special) at the Malaysia Technology cational material relating to the safe use of chemicals. Exposition in Kuala Lumpur in February 2013. Toxiclaro is currently available via the UNEP web- Comments and recommendations are welcome. For more information contact Task site www.unep.org/chemicalsandwaste/UNEPsWork/ Group Chairman Wayne A. Temple
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