SUMMARYThis study used ‘think aloud’ to explore issues around using a standardised questionnaire to assess persistent pain after joint replacement. Twenty participants with moderate–extreme persistent pain in their replaced hip or knee completed the Chronic Pain Grade (CPG) while ‘thinking aloud’. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Completion of the CPG by patients was influenced by four issues: challenges with the question wording or response options on the CPG items; the fluctuating nature of pain and functional limitations; the need to account for co-morbidities and pain elsewhere; and adjustment to pain. These issues reflect those that have arisen previously in patients with musculoskeletal pain, and need to be considered when assessing persistent joint pain, both before and after joint replacement.

We have prepared the mononuclear complexes [Ru(bpy)2(AB)][PF6]2, [Ru(bpy)(AB)2][PF6]2, and [Ru(AB)3][PF6]2 (designated Ru − AB, Ru − AB 2 , and Ru − AB 3 , respectively) [where bpy is 2,2‘-bipyridine and AB is the asymmetric bis(bipyridyl) bridging ligand 2,2‘:3‘,2‘‘:6‘‘,2‘‘‘-quaterpyridine] in which there are one, two, or three (respectively) bpy-type fragments pendant from the {Ru(bpy)3}2+ core. In every case the less hindered site A of the ligand AB is coordinated to Ru(II) and the more hindered site B is pendant. Reaction with Re(CO)5Cl affords the heteronuclear complexes [Ru(bpy)2{ABRe(CO)3Cl}][PF6]2, [Ru(bpy){ABRe(CO)3Cl}2][PF6]2, and [Ru{ABRe(CO)3Cl}3][PF6]2 (designated Ru − ABRe, Ru − ABRe 2 , and Ru − ABRe 3 , respectively) in which each pendant site B is now coordinated to a {Re(CO)3Cl} fragment. Because of the conformational properties of the AB ligand, in the tetranuclear Ru − ABRe 3 complex the Ru-based chromophore occupies an internal position in a sort of molecular ball, the three Re-based groups being located outside. Electrochemical studies show that the pendant {Re(CO)3Cl} fragments exert an electron-withdrawing effect on the {Ru(bpy)3}2+ core such that the Ru(II)/Ru(III) redox couple moves to more positive potentials as the number of pendant {Re(CO)3Cl} fragments increases. We employed steady-state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy to investigate the Re → Ru intercomponent energy transfer taking place in the mixed-metal complexes and found that Re → Ru energy transfer takes place with 100% efficiency in all cases. For the tetranuclear complex, it is thus possible to convey a substantial portion of the electronic excitation energy from the molecular periphery to the center. It is also found that the peripheral Re-containing units exert a shielding effect against luminescence quenching processes at the Ru center by molecular oxygen dissolved in the solvent. During the syntheses, the unexpected byproduct [Ru(AB)(η3-AB)Cl][PF6] was also isolated in which one of the AB ligands is coordinated in a hitherto unseen terdentate mode; this was crystallographically characterized. Data for [Ru(AB)(η3-AB)Cl][PF6]·2MeCN:  C44H34ClF6N10PRu; triclinic, P1̄; a = 10.578(3) Å, b = 14.330(2) Å, c = 14.761(3) Å; α = 84.56(2)°, β = 70.408(12)°, γ = 86.03(2)°; V = 2096.8(8) Å3; Z = 2.

The UK regulatory body for registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), maintains the professional register of RVNs. Every year, a proportion fail to re-join the register. This research aimed to identify the factors that predict retention and to make recommendations to inform the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as the regulator as well as both the veterinary nursing and veterinary professions. An analysis of the raw quantitative data generated by the 2014 and 2019 RCVS surveys of the veterinary nurse profession was undertaken using multivariable logistic regression analysis. First, bivariable associations were estimated using unadjusted odds ratios to explore whether there are any (unconditional) associations between each predictor and the outcome. Predictors that were significant unconditional predictors of intention to leave were then entered into a multivariable logistic regression, yielding adjusted odds ratios. Quantitative analysis found significant relationships between intention to leave and the following factors in both the 2014 and 2019 survey data: job satisfaction; believing that veterinary nursing offers good opportunities for career progression; satisfaction with employer support; and having a second job. The following factors were significant in 2014, but not in 2019: undertaking nurse clinics, feeling valued, and being respected by veterinary surgeons. The factors that influence the retention of registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) within the profession are multifactorial and individual. Nurses are responsible for ensuring that those they work with are aware of their skill set and that they themselves are accountable for utilisation of those skills. When veterinary nurses are supported by their employers, they are more likely to stay in the profession. Having a clearly defined career structure and mapped routes for progression will be helpful with retention. A sense of job satisfaction was another important factor in retention. A pay structure linked to a career pathway framework, such as in human-centred nursing, is an area for further work.

Background: The popularity of brachycephalic dogs continues to increase despite inherent breed health problems. Increased education of current and potential brachycephalic dog owners could reduce the desirability of severely affected dogs. Methods: Members of the general public were prospectively recruited to assess their understanding and opinions of brachycephalic breed-related health problems, before and after an educational intervention on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Results: A total of 587 people participated. Before the intervention most participants considered characteristics of BOAS to be normal for brachycephalic dogs. Following the intervention this was moderately reduced. Responses highlighted that defining 'normal' for a breed is difficult. Referring to a trait as 'normal', even in a negative context results in normalisation. 99.7% of participants had an improved understanding of BOAS following the intervention. However, only 53.0% of the total participants and 29.3% of brachycephalic dog owning participants had their opinion of brachycephalic dogs changed. 99.5% of participants believed that potential owners should be more aware of BOAS and 57.3% of brachycephalic dog owners would have liked further information about breed health problems before purchasing their dog. Conclusion: Educational interventions may be beneficial in improving understanding and awareness of BOAS however, normalisation of clinical signs of BOAS remains prevalent. K E Y W O R D Sbrachycephalic, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), breed health, public perception, questionnaire