Norbornene-based anion receptors as D-alanine binders

Vancomycin is currently used as last-line therapy against many Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. Herein, we report a series of peptidomimetic norbornene-based anion receptors that were designed as simple vancomycin mimics New hosts were evaluated for their affinity to both acetate and acetyl D-Ala by 1H NMR titration. Modest binding to both anions was observed in DMSO-d6 (Log Ka 1-2 for TBA Acetyl D-Alanine) in the anticipated 1:1 mode of binding.

Patients presenting with fractures are likely to be vitamin D deficient: are we getting enough sun?

BACKGROUND: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D serves a crucial role in bone metabolism through its role on osteoclast and osteoblastic function. To assess the implication of vitamin D and its relationship to bone fracture and fracture force, we have examined vitamin D levels in patients requiring inpatient fracture management. METHODS: We performed serological testing of vitamin D levels, calcium, parathyroid hormone and liver function tests on patients admitted to our rural institution in southeastern Australia for inpatient fracture management. All participants completed a questionnaire designed to screen for potential contributing factors to bony fragility. Demographic data were also obtained including age, gender and body mass index. Fracture location and the type of inpatient management as well as the force of injury were included in our analysis. RESULTS: We recruited 100 patients to the study, with a median age of 72 (range 22-98) of whom 66 were women. Most had low-energy fractures (79%), treated by internal fixation (73%) or arthroplasty (9%) with 18 treated non-operatively. The majority of the patients were at best vitamin D insufficient, <75 nmol/L (77%), and 38% were vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L). Only 14 patients had a formal diagnosis of osteoporosis at presentation, with 63 patients claiming daily sun exposure in line with recommendations for vitamin D sufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency is common in patients presenting with fractures in southeastern Australia and is not confined to elderly patients. All patients with fractures should be assessed for vitamin D levels and treated in accordance with vitamin D deficiency guidelines.

Statistically modelling the relationships between Type D personality and social support, health behaviors and symptom severity in chronic illness groups

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to develop a predictive model of how Type D personality influences health behaviours, social support and symptom severity and assess its generalisability to a range of chronic illnesses.

DESIGN: Participants were classified as either healthy (n = 182) or having a chronic illness (n = 207). Participants completed an online survey measuring Type D and a range of health-related variables. Chronic illness participants were classified as having either a functional somatic syndrome (i.e. chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia), where the underlying pathological processes were unclear, or illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, where the causes are well understood.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were health behaviours, social support and both physical and psychological symptoms.

RESULTS: The rate of Type D was higher in chronic illness participants (53%) than in healthy controls (39%). Negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI) both correlated with outcome measures, although NA was generally the stronger predictor. Using NA and SI as independent subscales led to superior prediction of health outcomes than using categorical or continuous representations.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that the relationship between Type D and health outcomes may generalise across different chronic illnesses.