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Infestations by the parasitic weed genus Striga result in significant losses to cereal crop yields across sub‐Saharan Africa. The problem disproportionately affects subsistence farmers who frequently lack access to novel technologies. Effective Striga management therefore requires the development of strategies utilizing existing cultural management practices. We report a multiyear, landscape‐scale monitoring project for Striga asiatica in the mid‐west of Madagascar, undertaken over 2019–2020 with the aims of examining cultural, climatic, and edaphic factors currently driving abundance and distribution. Long‐distance transects were established across the middle‐west region of Madagascar, over which S. asiatica abundance in fields was estimated. Analysis of the data highlights the importance of crop variety and legumes in driving Striga density. Moreover, the dataset revealed significant effect of precipitation seasonality, mean temperature, and altitude in determining abundance. A composite management index indicated the effect of a range of cultural practices on changes in Striga abundance. The findings support the assertion that single measures are not sufficient for the effective, long‐term management of Striga. Furthermore, the composite score has potential as a significant guide of integrated Striga management beyond the geographic range of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic weed genus Striga causes huge losses to crop production in sub‐Saharan Africa, estimated to be in excess of $7 billion per year. There is a paucity of reliable distribution data for Striga; however, such data are urgently needed to understand current drivers, better target control efforts, as well as to predict future risks. To address this, we developed a methodology to enable rapid, large‐scale monitoring of Striga populations. We used this approach to uncover the factors that currently drive the abundance and distribution of Striga asiatica in Madagascar. Two long‐distance transects were established across the middle‐west region of Madagascar in which S. asiatica abundance in fields adjacent to the road was estimated. Management, crop structure and soil data were also collected. Analysis of the data suggests that crop variety, companion crop and previous crop were correlated with Striga density. A positive relationship between within‐field Striga density and the density of the nearest neighbouring fields indicates that spatial configuration and connectivity of suitable habitats is also important in determining Striga spread. Our results demonstrate that we are able to capture distribution and management data for Striga density at a landscape scale and use this to understand the ecological and agronomic drivers of abundance. The importance of crop varieties and cropping patterns is significant, as these are key socio‐economic elements of Malagasy cropping practices. Therefore, they have the potential to be promoted as readily available control options, rather than novel technologies requiring introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including sense of safety working with Ebola-infected patients; pragmatic stance to enabling newly qualified nurses to recognize deterioration in hospitalised children; and quality of working life.

Background: Many parasitic plants of the genera Striga and Cuscuta inflict huge agricultural damage worldwide. To form and maintain a connection with a host plant, parasitic plants deploy virulence factors (VFs) that interact with host biology. They possess a secretome that represents the complement of proteins secreted from cells and like other plant parasites such as fungi, bacteria or nematodes, some secreted proteins represent VFs crucial to successful host colonisation. Understanding the genome-wide complement of putative secreted proteins from parasitic plants, and their expression during host invasion, will advance understanding of virulence mechanisms used by parasitic plants to suppress/evade host immune responses and to establish and maintain a parasite-host interaction. Results: We conducted a comparative analysis of the secretomes of root (Striga spp.) and shoot (Cuscuta spp.) parasitic plants, to enable prediction of candidate VFs. Using orthogroup clustering and protein domain analyses we identified gene families/functional annotations common to both Striga and Cuscuta species that were not present in their closest non-parasitic relatives (e.g. strictosidine synthase like enzymes), or specific to either the Striga or Cuscuta secretomes. For example, Striga secretomes were strongly associated with 'PAR1' protein domains. These were rare in the Cuscuta secretomes but an abundance of 'GMC oxidoreductase' domains were found, that were not present in the Striga secretomes. We then conducted transcriptional profiling of genes encoding putatively secreted proteins for the most agriculturally damaging root parasitic weed of cereals, S. hermonthica. A significant portion of the Striga-specific secretome set was differentially expressed during parasitism, which we probed further to identify genes following a 'wave-like' expression pattern peaking in the early penetration stage of infection. We identified 39 genes encoding putative VFs with functions such as cell wall modification, immune suppression, protease, kinase, or peroxidase activities, that are excellent candidates for future functional studies. Conclusions: Our study represents a comprehensive secretome analysis among parasitic plants and revealed both similarities and differences in candidate VFs between Striga and Cuscuta species. This knowledge is crucial for the development of new management strategies and delaying the evolution of virulence in parasitic weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The study mapped the support provided for newly qualified practitioners across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Background Newly qualified practitioners require support and guidance to facilitate their transition from student to their new role as qualified practitioner. Professional bodies advocate that programmes be provided but the type and intensity of that support is variable. Methods Telephone interviews were conducted with 24 people delivering support for newly qualified practitioners across professions in 13 different health care trusts. Documents ( n = 41) related to support programmes were analysed. Two case study site visits and a knowledge exchange conference of 45 delegates completed the data collection. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method of analysis. Results Support for newly qualified practitioners was largely idiosyncratic to profession and Trust. Evidence emerged of a conceptual shift from basic competency acquisition toward a corporate induction programme. Conclusions Interdisciplinary programmes can provide generic transitional support, but the newly qualified practitioners favoured skill acquisition to help them to be effective in their new role. Measuring the impact of newly qualified practitioner support on patient outcome and the practitioner is required. Implications for nursing management A career pathway for those who support newly qualified practitioners and one that includes specific preparation for the role is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with John Albarran and Julie Scholes, co-editors of the journal, is presented. Among the issues they discussed include what the journal means to them, what they consider as the most memorable or proudest moments as an editor, and their vision for the journal as well as what has been their inspiration.

An introduction to articles published within the issue is presented, including one which investigated the diagnostic accuracy of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scoring in predicting survival or mortality in critically ill patients, another on the impact of delayed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) on mortality and nursing workload, and one on translation and application in China of the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire.

Aim To explore critical care nurses' decisions to seek help from doctors. Background Despite their well-documented role in improving critically ill patients' outcomes, research indicates that nurses rarely take decisions about patients' treatment modalities on their own and constantly need to seek advice or authorization for their clinical decisions, even for protocol-guided actions. However, research around the factors related to, and the actual process of, such referrals is limited. Design A grounded theory study, underpinned by a symbolic interactionist perspective. Methods Data collection took place in a general intensive care unit between 2010 - 2012 and involved: 20 hours of non-participant and 50 hours of participant observation; ten informal and ten formal interviews; and two focus groups with ten nurses, selected by purposive and theoretical sampling. Data analysis was guided by the dimensional analysis approach to generating grounded theory. Findings Nurses' decisions to seek help from doctors involve weighing up several occasionally conflicting motivators. A central consideration is that of balancing their moral obligation to safeguard patients' interests with their duty to respect doctors' authority. Subsequently, nurses end up in a position of dual agency as they need to concurrently act as an agent to medical practitioners and patients. Conclusion Nurses' dual agency relationship with patients and doctors may deter their moral obligation of keeping patients' interest as their utmost concern. Nurse leaders and educators should, therefore, enhance nurses' assertiveness, courage and skills to place patients' interest at the forefront of all their actions and interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including critical care, intensive care units, and stress felt by nurses.

An introduction to the journal is presented that focuses on articles about the art and science of critical care nursing including the knowledge and attitude of clinicians and relatives towards the role of independent mental capacity advocates in the intensive care setting, examination of mechanically ventilated (MV) patient's experience of thirst, and the patients' perspective of communication whilst they are on a low-sedation MV protocol.

An introduction to the journal is presented wherein the editor discusses various reports published within the issue including the challenges raised by dual agency for the critical care nurse (CCN) by Josef Trapani, a paper by P. Nydahl et al which examined how long nurses devoted their time to write entries about those under their care and a study by M. Elliott et al on the factors associated with adverse events after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge.

Abstract: Objectives: The study aim was to examine how Registered Nurses identify and respond to deteriorating patients during in-hospital simulation exercises. Design: Mixed methods study using simulated actors. Setting: A rural hospital in Victoria, Australia. Participants: Thirty-four Registered Nurses each completed two simulation exercises. Methods: Data were obtained from the following sources: (a) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) rating to assess performance of Registered Nurses during two simulation exercises (chest pain and respiratory distress); (b) video footage of the simulation exercises; (c) reflective interview during participants’ review of video footage. Qualitative thematic analysis of video and interview data was undertaken. Results: Themes generated from the data were: (1) exhausting autonomous decision-making; (2) misinterpreting the evidence; (3) conditioned response; and (4) missed cues. Assessment steps were more likely to be omitted in the chest pain simulation, for which there was a hospital protocol in place. Conclusions: Video review revealed additional insights into nurses’ decision-making that were not evident from OSCE scoring alone. Feedback during video review was a highly valued component of the simulation exercises. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The author reflects on the publication of academic journals and on the impact that the articles which are contained in journals can have on audiences across the globe. She suggests that what is published has the power to transform what people do and that is why it is considered mightier than the sword. She argues that professional journals provide a repository of new knowledge to inform developments in practice and advance thinking and It is essential they remain accessible to clinicians.

Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging provides a noninvasive, non-destructive method with which to measure heterogenous changes in photosynthetic metabolism in plants infected by pathogens. The availability of commercial imaging fluorimeters has helped make this technique available to the wider scientific community, but considerable care is needed, both in experimental design and in the interpretation of results, to make the most of this powerful analytical tool. The origins of changes in chlorophyll fluorescence yield are discussed and the use of conventional and novel combinatorial imaging approaches explored, together with complementary techniques such as thermal imaging. This review examines the use of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging as a method for the early detection of viral, bacterial and fungal infection, before symptoms are visible by eye, and also as a means with which to probe underlying pathogen-induced changes in host physiology in both compatible and incompatible interactions. The use of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging to study host physiology is greatly enhanced when the atmosphere around the leaf is manipulated and simultaneous measurements of gas exchange made: The cost to the host plant of different resistance mechanisms can be calculated, the fate of the products of photosynthetic electron transport determined and localised alterations in the source-sink status of host tissue visualised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This is a report of a study investigating processes used by final-year nursing students to recognize and act on clinical cues of deterioration in a simulated environment. Background. Initial decisions about patients who are deteriorating in medical and surgical wards are often made by newly qualified nurses and doctors, increasing the risk of clinical error. There has been an emphasis on the use of teams in simulation; however, signs of deterioration are missed by individual clinicians. Methods. During July 2008, final-year undergraduate nursing students in Australia attended a simulation laboratory for 1.5 hours and completed a knowledge questionnaire and two (mannequin-based) scenarios simulating deteriorating patients with hypovolaemic and septic shock. Scenarios were video-recorded and reflective interviews conducted. Additionally, scenarios were stopped around the midpoint to ascertain students' level of Situation Awareness. Results. Fifty-one students participated in the study, providing a total of 102 videoed scenarios and 51 interviews. Thematic analysis of video data and reflective interviews identified considerable differences in processes used by students to identify cues. Four aspects of cue recognition were evident: initial response, differential recognition of cues, accumulation of signs and diversionary activity. Conclusion. Nursing skills training should emphasize the importance of trends in identifying and acting on deterioration and the need for systematic assessment in stressful situations. Nursing curricula should focus on enhancing the ability to piece information together, including linking pathophysiology with patient assessment, and identify trends, rather than seeing observations as parallel to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic witchweeds (Striga spp.) and broomrapes (Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.) directly invade the roots of crop plants connecting to the vascular system and abstracting nutrients and water. As a consequence they cause devastating losses in crop yield. Genetic resistance to parasitic weeds is a highly desirable component of any control strategy. Resistance to parasitic plants can occur at different stages of the parasite lifecycle: before attachment to the host, during penetration of the root or after establishment of vascular connections. New studies are beginning to shed light on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in plant–plant resistance. The first resistance gene to Striga, encoding a CC-NBS-LRR Resistance protein (R) has been identified and cloned suggesting that host plants resist attack from parasitic plants using similar surveillance mechanisms as those used against fungal and bacterial pathogens. It is becoming clear that the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway plays an important role in resistance to parasitic plants and genes encoding pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins are upregulated in a number of the resistant interactions. New strategies for engineering resistance to parasitic plants are also being explored, including the expression of parasite-specific toxins in host roots and RNAi to silence parasite genes crucial for development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Contamination of aquifers by organic pollutants threatens groundwater supplies and the environment. In situ biodegradation of organic pollutants by microbial communities is important for the remediation of contaminated sites, but our understanding of the relationship between microbial development and pollutant biodegradation is poor. A particular challenge is understanding the in situ status of microorganisms attached to solid surfaces, but not accessible via conventional sampling of groundwater. We have developed novel flow-through microcosms and examined dynamic changes in microbial community structure and function in a phenol-degrading system. Inoculation of these microcosms with a complex microbial community from a plume in a phenol-contaminated aquifer led to the initial establishment of a population dominated by a few species, most attached to the solid substratum. Initially, phenol biodegradation was incomplete, but as the microbial community structure became more complex, phenol biodegradation was more extensive and complete. These results were replicated between independent microcosms, indicating a deterministic succession of species. This work demonstrates the importance of examining community dynamics when assessing the potential for microbial biodegradation of organic pollutants. It provides a novel system in which such measurements can be made readily and reproducibly to study the temporal development and spatial succession of microbial communities during biodegradation of organic pollutants at interfaces within such environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this article is to analyse the research papers published in Nursing in Critical Care ( n = 168) over the past 15 years to examine trends in methodology, theoretical contribution and authorship. Background: Research is a contested term and the paper starts with defining the criteria by which papers were selected for the review. Methods: The approach undertaken was a documentary review based on an adaptation of Schatzman's dimensional analysis. Papers were loaded into a matrix then categorized and grouped to determine trends and frequency. Conclusion: Research papers published in the journal reflect a wide range of interests and broad spread of research methods. Qualitative and quantitative data are used by authors but to distinguish papers into these two categories would be over simplistic. Systematic reviews along with randomized control trials and studies using a quasi-experimental design are the least frequently occurring approaches in the published papers, although they are growing in number in recent years. All the papers make explicit the implications for clinical practice and as such contribute to the growing body of knowledge to inform critical care nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue including the audit of ventilator care bundle compliance, survey result on critical care nurses' attitude to delirium assessment and retrospective analysis of unplanned extubations.

The authors reflect on the online publication of the journal Nursing in Critical Care, and the common initiatives among critical care nurses. They introduce the articles in the current issue including the 4S framework on patient assessment and communication by M. Corbally and F. Timmins, the significance of Shock Index in injuries found in the emergency departments by A. Toccaceli et al., and the use of physical restraint in intensive care units by S. Freeman et al.

The parasitic weed Striga causes devastating losses in cereal yields in sub-Saharan Africa. The parasite lifecycle is intimately linked with its host via a complex interchange of signals. Understanding the molecular basis of these interactions and of host resistance to Striga is essential for the identification of genes for improving crop yield via biotechnological or marker assisted breeding strategies. Cloning and sequencing of ESTs from the ‘model’ parasite Triphysaria versicolor is facilitating the identification of parasitism genes. The identification of resistance to Striga in sorghum and rice germplasm is allowing molecular dissection of these traits using genomic platforms and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. QTL underlying different resistance phenotypes have been identified and the use of advanced backcross populations is allowing the exploitation of sources of resistance in wild relatives of cereals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Physiological and molecular responses to phosphorus (P) supply and mycorrhizal infection by Glomus intraradices were compared in European (River) and African (H511) maize ( Zea mays) cultivars to examine the extent to which these responses differed between plants developed for use in high- and low-nutrient-input agricultural systems. • Biomass, photosynthetic rates, nutrient and carbohydrate contents, mycorrhizal colonization and nutrient-responsive phosphate transporter gene expression were measured in nonmycorrhizal and mycorrhizal plants grown at different inorganic phosphorus (Pi) supply rates. • Nonmycorrhizal River plants grew poorly at low Pi but were highly responsive to mycorrhizal infection; there were large increases in biomass, tissue P content and the rate of photosynthesis and a decline in the expression of phosphate transporter genes. Nonmycorrhizal H511 plants grew better than River plants at low Pi, and had a higher root : shoot ratio. However, the responses of H511 plants to higher Pi supplies and mycorrhizal infection were much more limited than those of River plants. • The adaptations that allowed nonmycorrhizal H511 plants to perform well in low-P soils limited their ability to respond to higher nutrient supply rates and mycorrhizal infection. The European variety had not lost the ability to respond to mycorrhizas and may have traits useful for low-nutrient agriculture where mycorrhizal symbioses are established. New Phytologist (2005) doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01472.x © New Phytologist (2005) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ donation has become an accepted practice within the critical care setting; however, tissue donation is seldom considered within the ICU environment and even less in other hospital departments.This study describes the results from an early base line audit performed as the first stage in a larger action research project following the implementation of the Donor Liaison Scheme in an NHS trust. It was designed to assess the current level of knowledge, confidence and value system staff have, working in all areas of the hospital setting in relation to organ and tissue donation.The results from this audit highlight key areas for practice development across all areas of this NHS trust.Many healthcare professionals working within this trust are unaware that donation can be considered. The respondents identified a lack of knowledge and confidence to be able to identify and discuss the options of donation with a family, yet the majority believe strongly that a person's wishes should be respected after death.People who have signed on the NHS ODR anticipate that healthcare professionals will access the ODR and support their family in following through their wishes; therefore, all healthcare professionals should receive education on donation issues as an integral part of bereavement and end of life decision training.Education strategies that adopt an experiential approach should be developed in order to create confidence in healthcare professionals to offer choice in donation options [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is known that many ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi are able to utilise complex organic sources of nitrogen. Two hypotheses were tested using isolates of tropical EcM fungi grown in vitro: (i) EcM fungi isolated from mineral soils of tropical rain forests are less able to utilise organic sources of nitrogen than mineral sources; and (ii) nitrogen isotope discrimination patterns follow those of the nitrogen source utilised. Pisolithus albus and Tomentella sp. represented tropical EcM fungi and they were grown along with Thelephora terrestris. All three species were able to utilise bovine serum albumen as a nitrogen source and P. albus produced the greatest biomass on this source of nitrogen. Nitrate was generally less well utilised than ammonium although all three species were able to grow on this nitrogen source. The nitrogen source which led to the greatest biomass also led to the highest fungal nitrogen concentration in P. albus and Tomentella sp., but not T. terrestris. All three species discriminated against 15N when grown on BSA and NO3 but there were interspecific differences in isotope discrimination when grown on NH4. From a limited number of isolates, it was found that EcM fungi from tropical soils utilise protein nitrogen as well as mineral nitrogen and there can be considerable nitrogen isotope discrimination during the utilisation of all these nitrogen sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses topics including the basic ingredients for a healthy working environment, the job satisfaction of Malaysian medical, surgical and critical care nurses and the impact of music therapy on patients who undergo endotracheal (ET) suctioning after a cardiothoracic surgery.

An introduction is presented where the editor discusses various reports in the issue on topics include the needs of family members of the critically ill, ways to improve communication in an emergency department and the concept of guided family-centered care in a Danish neonatal intensive care unit.

An introduction is presented in which the editor talks about the articles published within the issue on topics including enteral nutrition (EN), end of life care, and the Jordanian critical care nurses' (CCN) knowledge and practice related to EN.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses reports published within the issue including a study on the issue of sedation and delirium in Denmark, a review of the impact of interruptions on mediation administration in paediatric intensive care units and approaches involving manipulating clinical environment.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the impact of gender and sex on patient outcomes, a unit in Spain that tried to attend more specifically to the needs of intensive care unit (ICU) relatives, and the workload of advanced nurse practitioners in critical care (ANPCC).

A computer-controlled video system is described where images of chlorophyll fluorescence from oat (Avena sativa L.) leaves are captured throughout an induction curve. The fluorescence parameters φII and ΔFm/F'm which represent photosystem II photochemical efficiency and non-photochemical quenching respectively are calculated from images taken under actinic and saturating illumination. They are compared with the equivalent parameters determined from simultaneous measurements made with a non-imaging modulated fluorimeter. The leaves are imaged in the chamber of an infra-red gas analyser, allowing the relationship between the fluorescence parameters and CO2 assimilation to be determined. Under a series of illumination conditions and partial pressures of CO2 the values of ΦII determined by image analysis are in close agreement with those obtained by modulated fluorimetry and are linearly related to CO2 assimilation. The values of ΔFm/F'm determined by image analysis are linearly related to those obtained by modulated fluorimetry but the absolute values differ between the two systems. The video system described can be used to examine quantitative changes in fluorescence parameters in a heterogeneous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various topics within the issue including the factors affecting a nurse's judgments when weaning patients, end-of-life care in a pediatric intensive care unit and the formulation of a bowel management tool.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including leadership in health care delivery, Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) and management of patients in intensive care unit (ICU).

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editors discuss various articles published within the issue including one on restoration of quality nursing care in South Africa, another on older people in critical care and one on nurses' stress management during critical incidents.

An introduction is presented in which several articles discusses in the issue on topics including communication between patients and health care professionals; examining palliative care; and the impact of a critical care admission.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses various reports published within the issue including one by Pattison and O'Gara on the complex and sensitive area of practice for the critical care outreach team and another by Langley and colleagues on the comparison between End-of-Life Care (EOL) practices in Europe and those of Critical Care Nurses' (CCN) practice in South Africa.

The author reflects on the building of emotional resilience in the nursing profession. She suggests that negative media attention and criticism can lead nurses to feel despondent and overwhelmed. She argues that the nursing profession needs to build a culture that nurtures resilience and teaches nurses new ways to practice resiliently.

An introduction is presented for this issue that notes articles on topics such as intensive care unit (ICU) delirium, sedation practices in ICUs, and alcohol-related admissions to ICU.

An introduction is presented for this issue of "Nursing in Critical Care" periodical that mentions articles on topics such as do not resuscitate orders, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and the information needs of ICU (intensive care unit) charge nurses.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Stenhouse and Endacott on caring for pregnant women in critical care units, one by Engstrom and Lindberg on the experiences eight mothers had in intensive care units following complicated births and one by Pattison and Eastham on outreach episodes in a specialist oncology hospital.

This article discusses that a decade ago, "Nursing in Critical Care" was launched as the new journal for critical care nurses. In the pilot issue, the vision set was to provide a journal that would be at the leading edge of innovation, research and critical care debate concerning the nature of critical care nursing in Great Britain and in Europe. Through its pages, the journal would assist nurses to unveil the complexity of patient care and to celebrate the uniqueness of critical care nursing. In particular, the aims of "Nursing in Critical Care," which remain relevant today, were about improving standards in patient care and developing excellence in practice through the dissemination of accessible, high quality and scholarly publications.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including patient care in intensive care unit (ICU); association between resilience and sustainability; and critical care patients.

An editorial is presented which discusses nursing in critical care. It mentions that the periodical is committed to promoting quality research and papers, regardless of nationality, which impact and enhance the delivery of safe, compassionate and individualized care. It presents information on initiatives taken by the periodical for promoting continuing professional development.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including intensive care practice, mechanically ventilated patient outcomes; and intensive care patients.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including a case for global family-centered care in paediatric intensive care settings (PICU), the evolution of critical care nursing, and a quality improvement methodology audit of nurse-influenced standards.

The article presents an introduction to this issue of the journal that focuses on the importance of sleep in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the families of critically ill patients.

The authors comment on succession planning in health care professions. Succession planning is often associated with or directed toward senior leadership positions. It has received less attention in health care research, however, it is likely to return as a hot topic. There will be a need for strategic leadership in critical care services to ensure succession planning remains sustainable and of high quality.

An introduction to the magazine is presented that discusses articles published within the issue including one on the application of patient diaries in critical care practice, another on issues related to post-traumatic stress recovery, and one on oral care practice for intubated patients.

An introduction to the articles published within the issue is presented, including the differences in haemofilter circuit performance between continuous veno-veno haemofiltration (CVVH) and continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration, the use of visual methods to create autobiographical memory for survivors of crtical care, and peer education for self-efficacy among patients subjected to bypass surgery.

An introduction is presented which discusses various reports within the issue on topics including complications associated with early mobilization of patients receiving mechanical ventilation, the end-of-life care survey administered to Turkish critical care nurses, and ulcer prevention.