Although grounded theory and qualitative content analysis are similar in some respects, they differ as well; yet the differences between the two have rarely been made clear in the literature. The purpose of this article was to clarify ambiguities and reduce confusion about grounded theory and qualitative content analysis by identifying similarities and differences in the two based on a literature review and critical reflection on the authors’ own research. Six areas of difference emerged: (a) background and philosophical base, (b) unique characteristics of each method, (c) goals and rationale of each method, (d) data analysis process, (e) outcomes of the research, and (f) evaluation of trustworthiness. This article provides knowledge that can assist researchers and students in the selection of appropriate research methods for their inquiries.

Four new 3-methyl-4-ethylideneproline-containing peptides, lucentamycins A-D (1-4), have been isolated from the fermentation broth of a marine-derived actinomycete identified by phylogenetic methods as Nocardiopsis lucentensis (strain CNR-712). The planar structures of the new compounds were assigned on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques, while the absolute configurations of the amino acid residues were determined by application of the advanced Marfey method. Lucentamycins A (1) and B (2) showed significant in vitro cytotoxicity against HCT-116 human colon carcinoma.

A novel meroterpenoid, azamerone, was isolated from the saline culture of a new marine-derived bacterium related to the genus Streptomyces. Azamerone is composed of an unprecedented chloropyranophthalazinone core with a 3-chloro-6-hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexylmethyl side chain. The structure was rigorously determined by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. A possible biosynthetic origin of this unusual ring system is proposed. [structure: see text]