Pure amine-bis(phenol) ligands are readily accessible in high yield, often >90%, when the Mannich condensation reactions are performed “on water” or in poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG). Microwave-assisted synthesis dramatically reduces the time and energy required to prepare these molecules, typically from 24 h to 5 min. The approach seems to be widely applicable (7 amines and 5 phenols were tested to yield a diverse set of bis(phenol) ligands). Significant improvements in yield were observed for ligands derived from di-tert-amyl and di-tert-butyl phenols, possibly resulting from a hydrophobic effect. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for the ligand derived from p-cresol and N,N′-dimethylethylenediamine is reported.Key words: amine-phenol, Mannich condensation, on water, microwave, ligand, high-throughput.

This study, conducted in Newfoundland and Labrador, assessed the level of awareness, perceptions and concerns of healthcare providers, health researchers, data managers and the general public about the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information (PHI) for research purposes. Data collection involved surveys and followup focus groups with participants. Results indicate a poor understanding generally with regard to privacy rights and responsibilities. Many professionals are unfamiliar with the legislative environment for PHI, particularly as it pertains to the access and use of PHI for research purposes. Lack of familiarity with basic requirements for patient-based research, coupled with heightened sensitivity to privacy issues owing to various federal and provincial regulatory initiatives, could have a chilling effect on health research. Importantly, our results indicate that the public is much less concerned about the use of their PHI for health research purposes than are professionals who collect, store and share it. RésuméLa présente étude, menée à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, évalue le degré de sensibilisation, de perception et de préoccupation des fournisseurs de soins de santé, des chercheurs, des gestionnaires de données et du grand public au sujet de la collecte, de l'utilisation et de la divulgation des renseignements personnels sur la santé (RPS) à des fins de recherche. Les données ont été recueillies au moyen de sondages et de groupes de discussion auprès des répondants. Les résultats indiquent une faible compréhen-sion générale des droits et des responsabilités au sujet des renseignements personnels. Plusieurs professionnels ne sont pas familiers avec le contexte législatif des RPS, particulièrement en ce qui concerne l' accès et l'utilisation des RPS à des fins de recherche. Le manque de connaissances des exigences de base pour la recherche axée sur les patients, conjugué à la sensibilité des questions touchant aux renseignements personnels en raison des nombreux règlements fédéraux et provinciaux, pourrait causer des revers pour la recherche sur la santé. De plus, nos résultats indiquent que le public est beaucoup moins préoccupé par l'utilisation de leurs RPS à des fins de recherche que ne le sont les professionnels qui recueillent, gèrent et partagent ces renseignements.

Engaging with the public for their input about genomic medicine is critical before it is implemented into routine healthcare practice. In order to inform discussion and planning for the introduction of genome sequencing into clinical care in an Eastern Canadian province, we implemented a program of public engagement activities. Here, we report a qualitative summary of two town hall discussions utilizing a hybrid information-consultation approach with 20 residents of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Discussion revealed largely positive attitudes towards genomic medicine; however, critical reflection around informed consent models, the return of sequencing findings, and access to qualified healthcare professionals revealed numerous public concerns. Public support will be important to realize the potential benefits of genomics and precision medicine to health outcomes. Our findings highlight public concerns that must be addressed in educational and informed consent documents related to sequencing. Town hall attendees endorsed ongoing public education and awareness-building initiatives which could help foster transparency and trust as genomics is integrated into healthcare systems.

BackgroundThis project formed the final part of three, one-year studies that were carried out at specialist schools for pupils with dyslexia in Hilversum, the Netherlands; Monkstown, Dublin, Ireland; and Mark, Somerset, England. The projects were funded by COMENIUS, which is a programme designed to promote co-operation in the field of education in the European Union, and were undertaken in order to increase the participating teachers' knowledge of difficulties faced by pupils with dyslexia when learning mathematics.