\u3cem\u3eVaccinium corymbodendron\u3c/em\u3e Dunal as a bridge between taxonomic sections and ploidies in \u3cem\u3eVaccinium\u3c/em\u3e: A work in progress

The species V. corymbodendron of section Pyxothamnus has shown value as a potential bridge between taxonomic sections and ploidies in Vaccinium when involved as either a first generation or second generation parent. Tetraploid V. corymbodendron has hybridized successfully with 2x and 4x section Cyanococcus species and with 2x section Vitis-idaea. Hybridizations with other sections are currently being tested. Second generation allotetraploid V. corymbodendron - V. vitis-idaea hybrids have hybridized successfully with 4x section Oxycoccus (cranberry), 4x section Cyanococcus (blueberry), and 2x section Vitis-idaea (lingonberry). It appears that these allotetraploid hybrids may allow gene movement among these diverse sections at the 4x level. Further test-crosses are being made to evaluate the range of crossability of 4x V. corymbodendron and the V. corymbodendron allotetraploids with other taxonomic sections of Ericaceae

A systematic review on the effects of group singing on persistent pain in people with long‐term health conditions

Singing can have a range of health benefits; this paper reviews the evidence of the effects of group singing for chronic pain in people with long‐term health conditions. We searched for published peer‐reviewed singing studies reporting pain measures (intensity, interference and depression) using major electronic databases (last search date 31 July 2018). After screening 123 full texts, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria: five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), seven non‐RCTs and one qualitative study. Included studies were appraised using Downs and Black and the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme quality assessments. Included studies reported differences in the type of singing intervention, long‐term condition and pain measures. Due to the high heterogeneity, we conducted a narrative review. Singing interventions were found to reduce pain intensity in most studies, but there was more equivocal support for reducing pain interference and depression. Additionally, qualitative data synthesis identified three key linked and complementary themes: physical, psychological and social benefits. Group singing appears to have the potential to reduce pain intensity, pain interference and depression; however, we conclude that there is only partial support for singing on some pain outcomes based on the limited available evidence of varied quality. Given the positive findings of qualitative studies, this review recommends that practitioners are encouraged to continue this work. More studies of better quality are needed. Future studies should adopt more robust methodology and report their singing intervention in details. Group singing may be an effective and safe approach for reducing persistent pain and depression in people with long‐term health conditions.Health and Social Care Research Centr

Sedimentology and stratigraphy of syn-subduction Miocene fine-grained turbidites deposited in first stages of trench-slope basin development: Whakataki Formation, North Island, New Zealand

This study provides a detailed sedimentological, stratigraphic and depositional model for the lower Whakataki Formation. The fine-grained nature of the turbidite successions and common Tbcde successions suggests deposition associated with medial to distal submarine fan deposits. However, the textural and compositional immaturity, combined with a high carbonaceous and carbonate content of the clastic sediments indicates a proximal detrital input. In the examined section of the lower Whakataki Formation the sedimentology and facies associations identified that the turbidite successions were deposited as dilute low-density turbidity currents that transported sediment down-slope, overflowing or bypassing upper- and mid-trench-slope basins into a structurally confined lower trench-slope basin. Flows entering the structurally confined basin were deflected to the north-northeast, producing palaeo-flow along the axis of the basin and represent deposition in the early stages of trench-slope basin development. Here, we provide a depositional model for a lower (immature) trench-slope basin and highlight that the application of the ‘classical’ submarine-fan model to all fine-grained turbidite deposits is not always appropriate.</p