Safety impacts of alcohol and other drugs in construction

Estimated 638,400 persons suffered a work-related injury or illness in 2009-2010 and 337 lost their lives as a result in 2009-2010. In 2013-2014, there were 186 fatalities with 29 (16%) occurring in construction. Very little is known about what proportion of accidents are directly attributable to the effects of AOD. Anecdotal evidence highlights issues of AOD and its association with safety risk on construction sites. Research Objective: • To scientifically evaluate the relationship between the use of AOD and the safety impacts within the Australian construction industry to engender a cultural change in the workforce • A nationally consistent and collaborative approach involving government, employers and employees, unions and other key industry stakeholders

Heparin/heparan sulphate-based drugs

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are an untapped source of novel chemical entities and, therefore, offer exciting new opportunities for the development of novel drug molecules because of their unique physical and biological properties. Advances in the functional understanding of GAG–protein interactions are enabling the development of GAG mimetics for use as anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and anti-thrombotic agents. Many anti-thrombotic molecules, such as Fondaparinux and Idraparinux, have been successful in clinical trials, and a new generation of heparin mimetic oligosaccharides and small molecules are currently in different stages of clinical development. In particular, the recent increased activity in the development of new mimetics by altering the composition of sulphated GAGs is very encouraging. This article reviews structurally defined heparin-mimetic oligosaccharides and small molecules currently in development or clinical trials...