Testing the validity and reliability of the doping willingness in sport scale

Although research investigating doping in sport is burgeoning, there is still a lack of proxy measures of doping behavior that have undergone extensive psychometric testing. To address this issue, we modified a previously used measure of doping willingness in sport and tested aspects of validity and reliability across four studies. In Study 1, we provided support for the face and content validity of the items, and then found support for the factor structure of the scale in a sample of athletes (N = 205) using confirmatory factor analysis. In Study 2, we collected data from an independent sample of athletes (N = 236) to provide further evidence for the factor structure of the scale using confirmatory factor analysis as well as provided evidence for concurrent and discriminant validity. In Study 3, a further independent sample of athletes (N = 144) completed the scale and provided support for discriminant and predictive validity of the scale. In Study 4, we collected data from a further independent sample (N = 74) to provide support for the test-retest reliability, and stability of items. Lastly, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the samples across Studies 3 and 4, and the composite sample across all four studies which provided further support for the factor structure of the final 8-item scale. Taken together, these findings provide psychometric support for the scale to be used to measure the willingness of athletes to use banned substances to help facilitate future research investigating doping in sport.     

Methyl psilalate: a new antimicrobial metabolite from Psila boliviensis

Psila boliviensis (Wedd.) Cabr. yielded a new phenylpropanoid, named methyl psilalate. The structure was established by means of standard spectroscopic techniques. The microbiological evaluation of the compound revealed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.     

Pharmacological properties of indazole derivatives: recent developments

The chemistry of indazole and its N-oxide derivatives is very well-known. Indazole derivatives were extensively studied as bioactive compounds, such as anti-aggregatory and vasorelaxant activity by NO release and increase of cGMP levels and anticancer effects, antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, among others. Recently, the research and development in the medicinal chemistry of these systems have produced compounds with contraceptive activities for men, for the treatment of osteoporosis, inflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, indazole N-oxide derivatives were poorly studied as bioactive compounds, but recently compounds with antiparasitic properties were produced. In this presentation, recent developments in the chemistry and medicinal chemistry of indazole and its N-oxide derivatives will be reviewed.     

Understanding disseminated intravascular coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is associated with a high mortality rate, with patient outcomes largely dependent upon swift recognition and appropriate management of events. This article provides a basic overview of the condition, and its pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and nursing management, so that effective intervention may be implemented, maximising the chances of patient recovery.