International patenting in ophthalmology: An analysis of its structure and relevance for the development of drugs and diagnostics

While investigative ophthalmologists access peer-reviewed journals as part of their daily routine, and while they regularly visit scientific congresses, they rarely peruse patent documents as an information source. Among the reasons for this negligence are the incompatibility of patent search algorithms with those known from journal databases, a legalistic and frequently redundant language, and misconceptions about the nature of the patenting system. Here we present key data and analyses from the ophthalmology module of a patent database system that we are developing to address some of these problems. We show that international patent applications consistently reflect developer interest in the ocular drug and diagnostics field; that they are technically focused lead indicators of developments that frequently feature in peer-reviewed patenting only much later; and that patenting targets are well aligned with the unmet therapeutic needs of populations in industrialized countries. Most applications (74%–78% in years since 2006) are supported with experimental data, and most (on average, 80%–90%) faced at least one objection to patentability during their initial stage of examination. In contrast to the peer-reviewed scenery that is highly diverse, the corresponding patenting arena shows a pronounced focus on the United States

Two new species of Genoplesium R.Br. sensu lato (Orchidaceae: Prasophyllinae) from the Central Coast of New South Wales

We describe two new species of Prasophyllinae from New South Wales, in the genus Genoplesium R.Br. following the generic classification currently in use at the National Herbarium of New South Wales. One of these new species, Genoplesium branwhiteorum M.A.M.Renner & P.H.Weston, which we name for the Branwhite family, has been known for nearly a decade under the informal name Corunastylis sp. Charmhaven (NSW896673). The other new species, G. geminatum M.A.M.Renner & Towle has been confused with both G. rufum (R.Br.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. and G. trifidum (Rupp) M.A.M.Renner, although it is more similar to G. mucronatum (Rupp) M.A.M.Renner and G. tasmanicum D.L.Jones, and possesses a combination of features of consistent expression supporting its recognition as a new species. Three new combinations are made. Genoplesium cuspidatum (D.L.Jones & L.M.Copel.) M.A.M.Renner, comb. nov. is based on Corunastylis cuspidata D.L.Jones & L.M.Copel., Genoplesium laminatum (Fitzg.) M.A.M.Renner, is based on Prasophyllum laminatum Fitzg. and Genoplesium mucronatum (Rupp) M.A.M.Renner is based on Prasophyllum mucronatum Rupp. [listed as a synonym of G. rufum in PlantNet]

A review of Dendrobium kingianum Bidwill ex Lindl. (Orchidaceae) with morphological and molecular-phylogenetic analyses

Populations of Dendrobium kingianum Bidwill ex Lindl. from near Newcastle, New South Wales to southern and central west Queensland and encompassing all regions of the distribution were studied using field observations, morphometric analysis and nrITS sequences. A total of 281 individuals were used to construct regional descriptions of D. kingianum and 139 individuals were measured for 19 morphological characters, and similarities and differences among specimens summarised using multivariate statistical methods. Patterns of morphological variation within D. kingianum are consistent with a single variable species that expresses clinal variation, with short growing plants in the south and taller plants in the northern part of the distribution. The nrITS gene tree suggests two subgroups within D. kingianum subsp. kingianum, one comprising northern, the other southern individuals, which may overlap in the vicinity of Dorrigo, New South Wales. The disjunct D. kingianum subsp. carnarvonense in central west Queensland, which can be distinguished by a predominately subterranean habit and a narrower labellum midlobe, was resolved sister to D. moorei, which renders D. kingianum paraphyletic in the nrITS gene tree, but this position was not supported. Regional descriptions documenting clinal variation are provided. All previously described varieties, including D. kingianum var. pulcherrimum Rupp, are colour and growth forms of D. kingianum subsp. kingianum

Adaptive coping strategies in patients with chronic pain conditions and their interpretation of disease

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We examined which adaptive coping strategies, referring to the concept of 'locus of disease control', were of relevance for patients with chronic pain conditions, and how they were interconnected with patients' life satisfaction and interpretation of disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a multicenter cross-sectional anonymous survey with the AKU questionnaire, we enrolled 579 patients (mean age 54 ± 14 years) with various chronic pain conditions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Disease as an adverse interruption of life was the prevalent interpretation of chronic pain conditions. As a consequence, patients relied on external powerful sources to control their disease (i.e., <it>Trust in Medical Help</it>; <it>Search for Information and Alternative Help</it>), but also on internal powers and virtues (i.e., <it>Conscious Way of Living</it>; <it>Positive Attitudes</it>). In contrast, <it>Trust in Divine Help </it>as an external transcendent source and <it>Reappraisal: Illness as Chance </it>as an internal (cognitive) strategy were valued moderately. Regression analyses indicated that <it>Positive Attitudes </it>and higher age were significant predictors of patients' life satisfaction, but none of the other adaptive coping strategies. While the adaptive coping strategies were not associated with negative interpretations of disease, the cognitive reappraisal attitude was of significant relevance for positive interpretations such as value and challenge.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The experience of illness may enhance intensity and depth of life, and thus one may explain the association between internal adaptive coping strategies (particularly <it>Reappraisal</it>) and positive interpretations of disease. To restore a sense of self-control over pain (and thus congruence with the situation), and the conviction that one is not necessarily disabled by disease, is a major task in patient care. In the context of health services research, apart from effective pain management, a comprehensive approach is needed which enhances the psycho-spiritual well-being of patients.</p

Nonconservative Lagrangian mechanics II: purely causal equations of motion

This work builds on the Volterra series formalism presented in [D. W. Dreisigmeyer and P. M. Young, J. Phys. A \textbf{36}, 8297, (2003)] to model nonconservative systems. Here we treat Lagrangians and actions as `time dependent' Volterra series. We present a new family of kernels to be used in these Volterra series that allow us to derive a single retarded equation of motion using a variational principle