102,124 research outputs found

    The mitochondrial genome assembly of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) reveals two different atp6 gene sequences in cytoplasmic male sterile accessions

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    Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has always aroused interest among researchers and breeders, being a valuable resource widely exploited not only to breed F1 hybrid varieties but also to investigate genes that control stamen and pollen development. With the aim of identifying candidate genes for CMS in fennel, we adopted an effective strategy relying on the comparison between mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) of both fertile and sterile genotypes. mtDNA raw reads derived from a CMS genotype were assembled in a single molecule (296,483 bp), while a draft mtDNA assembly (166,124 nucleotides, 94 contigs) was performed using male fertile sample (MF) sequences. From their annotation and alignment, two atp6-like sequences were identified. atp6-, the putative mutant copy with a 300 bp truncation at the 5’-end, was found only in the mtDNA of CMS samples, while the wild type copy (atp6+) was detected only in the MF mtDNA. Further analyses (i.e., reads mapping and Sanger sequencing), revealed an atp6+ copy also in CMS samples, probably in the nuclear DNA. However, qPCRs performed on different tissues proved that, despite its availability, atp6+ is expressed only in MF samples, while apt6- mRNA was always detected in CMS individuals. In the light of these findings, the energy deficiency model could explain the pollen deficiency observed in male sterile flower. atp6- could represent a gene whose mRNA is translated into a not-fully functional protein leading to suboptimal ATP production that guarantees essential cellular processes but not a high energy demand process such as pollen development. Our study provides novel insights into the fennel mtDNA genome and its atp6 genes, and paves the way for further studies aimed at understanding their functional roles in the determination of male sterility

    The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) floral transcriptome in Pinot noir variety: identification of tissue-related gene networks and whorl-specific markers in pre- and post-anthesis phases

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    The comprehension of molecular processes underlying the development and progression of flowering in plants is a hot topic, not only because that often the products of interest for human and animal nutrition are linked to the development of fruits or seeds, but also because the processes of gametes formation occurring in sexual organs are at the basis of recombination and genetic variability which constitutes the matter on which evolution acts, whether understood as natural or human driven. In the present study, we used an NGS approach to produce a grapevine flower transcriptome snapshot in different whorls and tissues including calyx, calyptra, filament, anther, stigma, ovary, and embryo in both pre- and post-anthesis phases. Our investigation aimed at identifying hub genes that unequivocally distinguish the different tissues providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that are at the basis of floral whorls and tissue development. To this end we have used different analytical approaches, some now consolidated in transcriptomic studies on plants, such as pairwise comparison and weighted-gene coexpression network analysis, others used mainly in studies on animals or human’s genomics, such as the tau (τ) analysis aimed at isolating highly and absolutely tissue-specific genes. The intersection of data obtained by these analyses allowed us to gradually narrow the field, providing evidence about the molecular mechanisms occurring in those whorls directly involved in reproductive processes, such as anther and stigma, and giving insights into the role of other whorls not directly related to reproduction, such as calyptra and calyx. We believe this work could represent an important genomic resource for functional analyses of grapevine floral organ growth and fruit development shading light on molecular networks underlying grapevine reproductive organ determination

    Clinical pathways and patient-related outcomes in hospital-based settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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    Clinical pathways represent a multi-disciplinary approach to translate clinical practice guidelines into practical interventions. The literature from 2010 onward regarding the efficacy of adopting a clinical pathway on patient-related outcomes within the in-hospital setting has not been synthesized yet. For this reason, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to critically synthe-size the literature from 2010 onward about the efficacy of clinical pathways, compared with standard of care, on patient-related outcomes in different populations and to determine the effects of clinical pathways on patient outcomes. We searched PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and reference lists of the included studies. Two independent reviewers screened the 360 identified articles and selected fifteen eligible articles, which were evaluated for content and risk of bias. Eleven studies were finally included. Given the commonalities of the measured outcomes, a meta-analysis including eight studies was performed to evaluate the effect size of the associations between clinical pathways and quality of life (OR=1.472 [0.483–4.486]; p=0.496), and two meta-analyses, including four studies, were performed to evaluate the effect sizes of the associations between clinical pathways with satisfaction (OR=2.226 [0.868–5.708]; p=0.096) and length of stay (OR=0,585 [0.349–0.982]; p=0.042). Reduced length of stay appeared to be associated with clinical pathways, while it remains unclear whether adopting clinical pathways could improve levels of quality of life and satisfaction. More primary research is required to determine in specific populations the efficacy of clinical pathways on patient-related outcomes. (www.actabiomedica.it)

    Data set from Dellafiore F, Arrigoni C, Ghizzardi G, Baroni I, Conte G, Turrini F, Castiello G, Magon A, Pittella F, Caruso R. Development and validation of the pressure ulcer management self-efficacy scale for nurses. J Clin Nurs. 2019 Sep;28(17-18):3177-3188. doi: 10.1111/jocn.14875. Epub 2019 Apr 21. PMID: 30938908.

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    Data set from Dellafiore F, Arrigoni C, Ghizzardi G, Baroni I, Conte G, Turrini F, Castiello G, Magon A, Pittella F, Caruso R. Development and validation of the pressure ulcer management self-efficacy scale for nurses. J Clin Nurs. 2019 Sep;28(17-18):3177-3188. doi: 10.1111/jocn.14875. Epub 2019 Apr 21. PMID: 30938908 This is the abstract: Background: Pressure ulcers (PUs) represent a current issue for healthcare delivery. Nurse self-efficacy in managing PUs could predict patients' outcome, being a proxy assessment of their overall competency to managing PUs. However, a valid and reliable scale of this task-specific self-efficacy has not yet been developed. Objectives: To develop a valid and reliable scale to assess nurses' self-efficacy in managing PUs, that is, the pressure ulcer management self-efficacy scale for nurses (PUM-SES). Methods: This study had a multi-method and multi-phase design, where study reporting was supported by the STROBE checklist (File S1). Phase 1 referred to the scale development, consisting in the items' generation, mainly based on themes emerged from the literature and discussed within a panel of experts. Phase 2 focused on a three-step validation process: the first step aimed to assess face and content validity of the pool of items previously generated (initial version of the PUM-SES); the second aimed to assess psychometrics properties through exploratory factorial analysis; the third step assessed construct validity through confirmative factorial analysis, while concurrent validity was evaluated describing the relationships between PUM-SES and an established general self-efficacy measurement. Reliability was assessed through the evaluation of stability and internal consistency. Results: PUM-SES showed evidence of face and content validity, adequate construct and concurrent validity, internal consistency and stability. Specifically, PUM-SES had four domains, labelled as follows: assessment, planning, supervision and decision-making. These domains were predicted by the same second-order factor, labelled as PU management self-efficacy. Conclusion: PUM-SES is a 10-item scale to measure nurses' self-efficacy in PU management. A standardised 0-100 scoring is suggested for computing each domain and the overall scale. PUM-SES might be used in clinical and educational research. Relevance to clinical practice: Optimising nurses' self-efficacy in PU management might enhance clinical assessment, determining better outcomes in patients with PUs

    Digital and technological solutions in cardiovascular nursing and perspectives for a smooth digital shift: A discussion paper

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    Digital and technological solutions (DTS) in cardiovascular nursing are profoundly transforming the landscape of patient care by integrating advanced data-driven approaches. DTS help to enhance patient outcomes and streamline clinical workflows, supporting the shift of the traditional roles of healthcare providers and patients towards more engaged and collaborative care processes. This article presents a perspective in this regard. The adoption of DTS, including mobile health applications and wearable devices, enables continuous monitoring and management of patient health, fostering significant improvements in cardiovascular health management. However, the rapid incorporation of such technologies presents various challenges, such as robust data standardization, the development of digital literacy among healthcare professionals, and addressing privacy and security concerns. Effective integration of DTS into nursing practice demands structured clinical curricula that equip nurses with essential technological skills and a deep understanding of ethical considerations. Theoretical frameworks should guide the systematic implementation and integration of digital tools, ensuring comprehensive consideration of the complexities involved in digital transformations in healthcare

    Nosce te ipsum: An Italian national survey to explore choice's differences in End of Life (EoL) care between healthcare professionals and general public

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    Background: The current debate regarding decision-making at the End-of-Life (EoL) is increasing remarkably and has spread all over the world. However, literature has paid little attention to describe choice's differences in EoL care between healthcare professionals and general public. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the difference between choices in EoL care made by healthcare professionals and those of the general public within the Italian context. Setting and participants: In 2017, an Italian widespread survey was conducted using a snowball sampling. A total of 2038 participants completed the survey, 55.64% of which were the general public. Results: The main differences related to specific EoL choices made by healthcare professionals and the general public. In particular, healthcare professionals were more likely to avoid cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical forms of breathing in terminal-stage conditions, and they were also more likely to be favorable towards the use of opioids to avoid suffering. Overall, healthcare professionals were also more likely to make a choice rather than express a ‘not sure’ answer. Conclusion: The higher percentage of participants in the general public group that chose ‘not sure’ highlighted the importance of addressing and enhancing people's self-awareness. More cross-national investigation should help to frame the understanding of the choice's differences in EoL care between healthcare professionals and general public
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