A multi-layered approach to developing academic written communication skills for nursing students.

OBJECTIVES: Academic literacy in nursing students has historically been poor this research therefore aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an embedded multidisciplinary approach to academic written communication skills for first year Bachelor of Nursing students in Australia. METHODS: This initiative consisted of (1) collaboratively embedding academic skills with nursing staff and Learning and Academic Skills Advisors using scaffolded tasks, curriculum/material development, workshops/tutorials on writing skills; and (2) individual support sessions. Data was obtained via questionnaire. RESULTS: Responses were received from 92 (74% local and 26% international) students. Key findings showed the collaborative approach to embedding skills with added follow up, was beneficial for students' skills development, including improved academic writing, increased confidence, and recognition of the importance of academic writing. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to equip student to develop academic literacy and an embedded academic literacy program has been determined to assist and may contribute to future professionalisation in nursing.

Yield Progress in Forage Maize in NW Europe-Breeding Progress or Climate Change Effects?

Yield increases in forage maize (Zea mays L.) in NW Europe over time are well documented. The driving causes for these, however, remain unclear as there is little information available regarding the role of plant traits triggering this yield progress. Ten different hybrids from the same maturity group, which have typically been cultivated in Northwest Germany from 1970 to recent and are thus representing breeding progress over four decades, were selected for a 2-year field study in northern Germany. Traits that were investigated included leaf area index, leaf architecture, photosynthesis, radiation use efficiency, root mass, root length density, and turnover. Based on a mixed model analysis with these traits as co-variates, parameters related to leaf characteristics, in particular the number and length of leaves, the radiation use efficiency, and the leaf orientation, were identified as most influential on the yield progress (0.13 tons ha-1 year-1). In contrast to our hypothesis, root biomass only increased negligibly in newer hybrids compared to older ones, confirming the 'functional equilibrium' theory for high input production systems. Due to an abundance of nutrients and water in such high input systems, there is no incentive for breeders to select for carbon partitioning toward the rooting system. Breeding evidence to increase forage quality were also negligible, with no change in cob starch concentration, forage digestibility, nor NDF content and NDF digestibility. The observed increase in yield over the last four decades is due to a combination of increased temperature sums (~240 GDD within 40 years), and a higher radiation interception and radiation use efficiency. This higher radiation interception was driven by an increased leaf area index, with a higher number of leaves (16 instead of 14 leaves within 40 years) and longer leaves of newer compared to older hybrids. Future selection and adaptation of maize hybrids to changing environmental conditions are likely to be the key for high productivity and quality and for the economic viability of maize growing and expansion in Northern Europe.

Abundance of adverse environmental conditions during critical stages of crop production in Northern Germany.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the abundance of adverse environmental conditions e.g. frost, drought, and heat during critical crop growth stages, which are assumed to be altered by climate change, is crucial for an accurate risk assessment for cropping systems. While a lengthening of the vegetation period may be beneficial, higher frequencies of heat or frost events and drought spells are generally regarded as harmful. The objective of the present study was to quantify shifts in maize and wheat phenology and the occurrence of adverse environmental conditions during critical growth stages for four regions located in the North German Plain. First, a statistical analysis of phenological development was conducted based on recent data (1981-2010). Next, these data were used to calibrate the DSSAT-CERES wheat and maize models, which were then used to run three climate projections representing the maximum, intermediate and minimum courses of climate development within the RCP 8.5 continuum during the years 2021-2050. By means of model simulation runs and statistical analysis, the climate data were evaluated for the abundance of adverse environmental conditions during critical development stages, i.e. the stages of early crop development, anthesis, sowing and harvest. RESULTS: Proxies for adverse environmental conditions included thresholds of low and high temperatures as well as soil moisture. The comparison of the baseline climate and future climate projections showed a significant increase in the abundance of adverse environmental conditions during critical growth stages in the future. The lengthening of the vegetation period in spring did not compensate for the increased abundance of high temperatures, e.g. during anthesis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the need to develop adaptation strategies, such as implementing changes in cropping calendars. An increase in frost risk during early development, however, reveals the limited feasibility of early sowing as a mitigation strategy. In addition, the abundance of low soil water contents that hamper important production processes such as sowing and harvest were found to increase locally.

Quantitative characterization of single cells by use of immunocytochemistry combined with multiplex LA-ICP-MS.

Actual research demonstrates that LA-ICP-MS is capable of being used as an imaging tool with cellular resolution. The aim of this investigation was the method development for LA-ICP-MS to extend the versatility to quantitative and multiplexing imaging of single eukaryotic cells. For visualization of individual cells selected, lanthanide-labeled antibodies were optimized for immuno-imaging of single cells with LA-ICP-MS. The molar content of the artificial introduced labels per cell was quantified using self-made nitrocellulose-coated slides for matrix-matched calibration and calculated amounts were in the range of 3.1 to 17.8 atmol per cell. Furthermore, the quantification strategy allows a conversion of 2D intensity profiles based on counts per second (cps) to quantitative 2D profiles representing the molar amount of the artificial introduced elemental probes per pixel for each individual cell. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

In vitro phase I metabolism of cis-zearalenone.

The present study investigates the in vitro phase I metabolism of cis-zearalenone (cis-ZEN) in rat liver microsomes and human liver microsomes. cis-ZEN is an often ignored isomer of the trans-configured Fusarium mycotoxin zearalenone (trans-ZEN). Upon the influence of (UV-) light, trans-ZEN isomerizes to cis-ZEN. Therefore, cis-ZEN is also present in food and feed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the in vitro phase I metabolism of cis-ZEN in comparison to that of trans-ZEN. As a result, an extensive metabolization of cis-ZEN is observed for rat and human liver microsomes as analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS and high-resolution MS. Kinetic investigations based on the substrate depletion approach showed no significant difference in rate constants and half-lives for cis- and trans-ZEN in rat microsomes. In contrast, cis-ZEN was depleted about 1.4-fold faster than trans-ZEN in human microsomes. The metabolite pattern of cis-ZEN revealed a total of 10 phase I metabolites. Its reduction products, α- and ß-cis-zearalenol (α- and ß-cis-ZEL), were found as metabolites in both species, with α-cis-ZEL being a major metabolite in rat liver microsomes. Both compounds were identified by co-chromatography with synthesized authentic standards. A further major metabolite in rat microsomes was monohydroxylated cis-ZEN. In human microsomes, monohydroxylated cis-ZEN is the single dominant peak of the metabolite profile. Our study discloses three metabolic pathways for cis-ZEN: reduction of the keto-group, monohydroxylation, and a combination of both. Because these routes have been reported for trans-ZEN, we conclude that the phase I metabolism of cis-ZEN is essentially similar to that of its trans isomer. As trans-ZEN is prone to metabolic activation, leading to the formation of more estrogenic metabolites, the novel metabolites of cis-ZEN reported in this study, in particular α-cis-ZEL, might also show higher estrogenicity.

Soil denitrification potential and its influence on N2O reduction and N2O isotopomer ratios.

RATIONALE: N2O isotopomer ratios may provide a useful tool for studying N2O source processes in soils and may also help estimating N2O reduction to N2. However, remaining uncertainties about different processes and their characteristic isotope effects still hamper its application. We conducted two laboratory incubation experiments (i) to compare the denitrification potential and N2O/(N2O+N2) product ratio of denitrification of various soil types from Northern Germany, and (ii) to investigate the effect of N2O reduction on the intramolecular (15)N distribution of emitted N2O. METHODS: Three contrasting soils (clay, loamy, and sandy soil) were amended with nitrate solution and incubated under N2 -free He atmosphere in a fully automated incubation system over 9 or 28 days in two experiments. N2O, N2, and CO2 release was quantified by online gas chromatography. In addition, the N2O isotopomer ratios were determined by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and the net enrichment factors of the (15)N site preference (SP) of the N2O-to-N2 reduction step (η(SP)) were estimated using a Rayleigh model. RESULTS: The total denitrification rate was highest in clay soil and lowest in sandy soil. Surprisingly, the N2O/(N2O+N2) product ratio in clay and loam soil was identical; however, it was significantly lower in sandy soil. The IRMS measurements revealed highest N2O SP values in clay soil and lowest SP values in sandy soil. The η(SP) values of N2O reduction were between -8.2 and -6.1‰, and a significant relationship between δ(18)O and SP values was found. CONCLUSIONS: Both experiments showed that the N2O/(N2O+N2) product ratio of denitrification is not solely controlled by the available carbon content of the soil or by the denitrification rate. Differences in N2O SP values could not be explained by variations in N2O reduction between soils, but rather originate from other processes involved in denitrification. The linear δ(18)O vs SP relationship may be indicative for N2O reduction; however, it deviates significantly from the findings of previous studies.

Quality of life in long-term breast cancer survivors - a 10-year longitudinal population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors may experience adverse effects of cancer and/or treatment years after completion of therapy, which can considerably decrease quality of life (QoL). Little is known about the time course of QoL in breast cancer survivors beyond the fifth year post-diagnosis, when routine follow-up care has usually terminated. We therefore explored in detail whether and to what extent restrictions in breast cancer survivors persist and whether changes or aggravations in QoL occurred over time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: QoL was assessed 1, 3, 5, and 10 years post-diagnosis in a population-based cohort of initially 387 female breast cancer patients from Saarland (Germany), using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. Time course of QoL over 10 years post-diagnosis was assessed for survivors and survivors' QoL was compared cross-sectionally to the German general population after adjustment for age. RESULTS: A total of 182 out of 238 patients alive (76.5%) responded in the 10-year, 160 patients (67.2%) participated in all follow-ups. Although breast cancer survivors and controls reported comparable general health and overall QoL, survivors reported significantly more restrictions on most functioning and symptom scales at each follow-up. Detriments in various QoL dimensions (e.g. physical and social functioning; pain, financial difficulties) aggravated from year 5 to 10. Generally, restrictions were largest for the youngest survivors. CONCLUSION: Relevant restrictions in QoL persist over years in breast cancer survivors and affect predominantly younger women. The aggravation of restrictions in QoL beyond the fifth year may indicate deficits in health care and psychosocial support of breast cancer patients after completion of routine follow-up care.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Virulence and Resistance Data: A New Analysis Tool.

The functioning and features of the new software package VAT (Virulence Analysis Tool) are introduced. VAT provides a range of methods for the analysis of plant pathosystems. The techniques are applicable to other binary data sets that are organized in large two-way tables, e.g., molecular marker data. The main features are data entry, descriptive tools, and inference statistics by resampling. About 50 well-established or newly developed indices allow a detailed diversity analysis of sexually and asexually reproducing populations. VAT facilitates a comprehensive, effective, and logically consistent evaluation and presentation of virulence and resistance data. A translation option simplifies the comparison of results from differently coded pathotypes. The software package comes with a detailed manual and is freely available on the internet at tau.ac.il/lifesci/departments/plant_s/members/kosman/VAT.html and at va-tipp.de .

Health-related quality of life during the 10 years after diagnosis of colorectal cancer: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: To compare long-term quality of life (QoL) of colorectal cancer survivors with QoL in the general population and investigate changes in QoL of survivors during the 10 years after diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Health-related QoL was assessed 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after diagnosis in a population-based cohort starting with 439 patients with colorectal cancer from Saarland, Germany, using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30. QoL after 5 and 10 years and time course of QoL during the 10 years after diagnosis were compared with controls from the general population of Germany, after controlling for sex and age. RESULTS: Overall, 234 and 196 patients were still alive after 5 and 10 years, respectively. Of these survivors, 178 (76%) responded in the 5-year follow-up, 133 (68%) in the 10-year follow-up, and 117 (60%) participated in all follow-ups. Over the entire follow-up, younger survivors (age at diagnosis, < 60 years) reported restrictions in role, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning and specific problems like constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and insomnia. Older survivors (age at diagnosis, ≥ 70 years) reported comparable or even better QoL than controls within the first 3 to 5 years after diagnosis and comparable to worse QoL 5 to 10 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Although younger survivors continuously reported detriments in various QoL dimensions during the 10-year period after diagnosis, detriments in older survivors became apparent in the long run only.

[Episodic ataxias]. / Episodiske ataksier.

BACKGROUND: Episodic ataxias (EAs) exist in sporadic and familial forms. They have considerable genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Better understanding of the disorders will hopefully improve management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review is based on personal experience and recent literature. RESULTS: EAs are rare autosomal dominant paroxysmic disorders. At present, five forms have been identified. EA 1 is caused by mutations in the potassium channel gene KCNA1 on chromosome 12p13, EA 2 by mutations in the calcium channel gene CACNA1A gene on chromosome 19p13, and EA 5 by mutations in the calcium channel gene CACNB4&beta on chromosome 2q22-q23. Neither gene nor linkage has been identified for EA 3 and 4. As the name indicates, EAs are characterized by paroxystic ataxia. Patients with EA 1 also have interictal myokymia. EAs are characterized by both locus and allelic heterogeneity, since different genes can cause an almost similar phenotype and different mutations in a gene can cause different disorders. Beside EA, mutations in the KCNA1 gene can cause partial epilepsy and myokymia alone, mutations in the CACNA1A gene can cause familial hemiplegic migraine 1 and spinocerebellar ataxia 6, while mutations in the CACNB4&beta4 gene can cause generalized epilepsy and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. EA can often be efficiently treated with acetazolamide. INTERPRETATION: EAs are rare autosomal dominant disorders caused by mutations in ion-channel genes. The disorders are not life threatening but disabling without treatment or when medical treatment is ineffective or not tolerated.