Synthesis of a highly pure lipid core peptide based self-adjuvanting triepitopic group A Streptococcal vaccine, and subsequent immunological evaluation

We have developed a highly pure, self-adjuvanting, triepitopic Group A Streptococcal vaccine based on the lipid core peptide system, a vaccine delivery system incorporating lipidic adjuvant, carrier, and peptide epitopes into a single molecular entity. Vaccine synthesis was performed using native chemical ligation. Due to the attachment of a highly lipophilic adjuvant, addition of 1% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate was necessary to enhance peptide solubility in order to enable ligation. The vaccine was synthesized in three steps to yield a highly pure product (97.7% purity) with an excellent overall yield. Subcutaneous immunization of B10. BR (H-2(k)) mice with the synthesized vaccine, with or without the addition of complete Freund's adjuvant, elicited high serum IgG antibody titers against each of the incorporated peptide epitopes.

Using front-end and formative evaluation to design and test persuasive bird feeding warning signs

Wildlife feeding is a wide-spread and controversial practice that can pose serious threats to the safety of both wildlife and visitors. The design and effectiveness of warning signs in recreational areas varies considerably and is rarely the product of theoretical models or scientific research. This study uses front-end and formative evaluation to design and test the perceived effectiveness of warning signs relating to bird feeding. Stage One examined visitors' beliefs, attitudes and bird feeding behaviour and found significant differences between feeders and non-feeders. Stage Two involved designing and evaluating three signs that built on the beliefs, knowledge and mis/conceptions identified in Stage One. Respondents thought the sign that focused on the birds' health and safety would be the most persuasive, however, elements of the other two signs were also positively evaluated. The article concludes with recommendations for the wording of future bird feeding warning signs. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.