Computational study of the therapeutic potentials of a new series of imidazole derivatives against SARS-CoV-2

Owing to the urgent need for therapeutic interventions against the SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, we employed an in silico approach to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory potential of newly synthesized imidazoles. The inhibitory potentials of the compounds against SARS-CoV-2 drug targets - main protease (Mpro), spike protein (Spro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) were investigated through molecular docking analysis. The binding free energy of the protein-ligand complexes were estimated, pharmacophore models were generated and the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties of the compounds were determined. The compounds displayed various levels of binding affinities for the SARS-CoV-2 drug targets. Bisimidazole C2 scored highest against all the targets, with its aromatic rings including the two imidazole groups contributing to the binding. Among the phenyl-substituted 1H-imidazoles, C9 scored highest against all targets. C11 scored highest against Spro and C12 against Mpro and RdRp among the thiophene-imidazoles. The compounds interacted with HIS 41 - CYS 145 and GLU 288 – ASP 289 – GLU 290 of Mpro, ASN 501 of Spro receptor binding motif and some active site amino acids of RdRp. These novel imidazole compounds could be further developed as drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 following lead optimization and experimental studies.

Research on medical migration from sub-Saharan medical schools: usefulness of a feasibility process to define barriers to data collection and develop a practical study

CONTEXT

The maldistribution of physicians in sub-Saharan Africa is having serious impacts on population health. Understanding the effect requires investigation from both donor and recipient countries. However, investigation from the perspective of donor countries has been lacking.

METHODS

This brief communication describes a model process for the design of a research project that addresses medical migration issues from the perspective of eight African medical schools. During an international meeting, the participants designed an initial "ideal" study, and then rapidly tested its feasibility through a brief survey, and group discussion through a listserv, teleconferences and one face-to-face meeting.

FINDINGS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Innovative research ideas can be followed-up with surveys to test the feasibility of an "ideal" research design, modifying the design accordingly. This is currently occurring with our medical migration survey study.

International training in medical education--the FAIMER institute 2002 fellowship experience

The concept of Medical Education as a specific discipline has advanced significantly. The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), Philadelphia, USA was formed in the year 2000 to disseminate the concept to medical schools worldwide. FAIMER Institutes are 2-year long fellowship programs that were developed in 2001 to teach education methods and leadership skills to middle and senior level academicians from medical institutions in the developing world. In addition, the Institute fellows also carry out a curriculum innovation project in their institutions, in the interim period between two U.S. based workshops. This paper describes the experience of the authors and their co-fellows who participated in the 2002 FAIMER Institute and highlights the main learning points of the course.