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Highlights • Yield correlated with five senescence traits from NDVI-time curves. • No correlation for yield between environments in 5 out of 6 comparisons (broad sense heritability = 0.39). • All senescence traits correlated negatively with concentration of water soluble carbohydrates at anthesis. • Water soluble carbohydrates correlated between environments in 6 out of 6 comparisons (broad sense heritability = 0.89). • Selection for low concentration of WSC could improve yield by improving both grain number per m2 and leaf area duration. Abstract High throughput phenotyping of canopy senescence based on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) could be useful in plant breeding. The aim of this paper was to assess the association between grain yield and canopy senescence quantified with NDVI in oat lines selected for grain yield and milling quality. Sixteen lines were grown in four winter-rainfall environments where logistic curves between NDVI and thermal time from anthesis (GS60) were fitted to return five traits: maximum NDVI, NDVImax ; minimum NDVI, NDVImin ; thermal time to 50% senescence, x50; rate of senescence, rate; and the area under the NDVI curve, area. Across sources of variation, residuals of yield after removing the effect of phenology correlated with area (r = 0.69), NDVImax (r = 0.67), x50 (r = 0.57), NDVImin (r = 0.51) and rate (r = −0.30), all significant at P < 0.05. All five senescence traits correlated negatively with concentration of water soluble carbohydrates at anthesis, particularly area (r = −0.75, P < 0.0001). There was no correlation for yield between environments in 5 out of 6 comparisons (broad sense heritability = 0.39) and water soluble carbohydrates correlated between environments in 6 out of 6 comparisons (broad sense heritability = 0.89). Correlations between environments were irregular for senescence traits. Selection for low concentration of water soluble carbohydrates could increase oat grain yield by improving both grain number per m2 and leaf area duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Grain quality associated with environmental conditions between GS31 and 200 °Cd after flowering. • In stressful environments, trade-offs between yield and quality were important. • Water soluble carbohydrates were the crux of these trade-offs. • Breeding targets "specialist" phenotypes for grain and fodder but traits meeting market standards spread across types. • "Generalist" phenotypes can accommodate multiple agronomic uses but specialists are required where trade-offs are involved. Abstract The profitability of oat crops depends on quality attributes in relation to milling and hay marketing standards. The aims of this paper were to (i) quantify grain and hay quality traits in varieties and advanced grain, hay and grazing oat lines, and (ii) analyse the effect of line, environment and their interaction from the viewpoint of phenotypic plasticity. The experiment included 29 lines grown in the winter-rainfall region of South Australia. Grain traits included hectolitre weight, screenings, groat percentage, brightness and concentration of oil and protein. Hay traits, measured at GS71, included digestibility, crude protein, water soluble carbohydrates, acid detergent fibre, and neutral detergent fibre. High temperature, high vapour pressure deficit, and water deficit in the developmental window from GS31 to 200 °Cd after GS60 reduced hectolitre weight and groat percentage, and increased screenings. For hay, the proportion of water soluble carbohydrates declined, the proportion of both acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre increased, and digestibility decreased with higher minimum temperature in a window from approx. −500 to +500 °Cd centred at anthesis. For both grain and hay, current lines returned high yield and high quality in favourable environments, where further improvement could focus on yield and maintenance of quality. In stressful environments, trade-offs between yield and quality were important; water soluble carbohydrates were the crux of these trade-offs. For grain, high concentration of water soluble carbohydrates favoured high hectolitre weight, low screenings and high groat percentage, at the expense of yield. For hay, high concentration of water soluble carbohydrates associated with higher digestibility and lower fibre, at the expense of yield. Nitrogen adds a layer of complexity to these relations, which were partially captured by leaf greenness measured with SPAD. Greener leaves associated with lower concentration of water soluble carbohydrates, hence capturing the established negative correlation between nitrogen and water soluble carbohydrates. Greener leaves associated positively with yield and protein concentration in grain and hay, lower digestibility and higher neutral (and acid) detergent fibre. Whereas the breeding program targets "specialist" phenotypes for grain and fodder, quality traits meeting market standards were spread across types. "Generalist" phenotypes can accommodate multiple agronomic uses but specialists are required where trade-offs are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oats likely emerged as part of the weedy grass assemblage in early wheat and barley crops. Some Avena species, such as A. fatua and A. sterilis, evolved into aggressive weeds, and the high interspecific competitive ability of cultivated oats (A. sativa) is valued agronomically to facilitate weed control in rotations. We tested the hypothesis, verified in many crops, that high yield of oats is related to low intraspecific competitive ability. Ten contemporary oat varieties, selected for grain yield and milling attributes, where grown in three environments. Response to competition was calculated as 100 x (Yb - Yc)/Yc, where Y is yield measured in border (b) and centre (c) rows. The same definition was used to calculate response to competition of yield components (biomass, harvest index, grain number, grain weight) and the components of grain number (panicle number and grains per panicle). Yield response to competition was affected by all three sources of variation, i.e. environment, variety and variety x environment interaction. The interaction demonstrates the plasticity of yield response to intraspecific competition; for example, the response to competition of variety Mortlock varied from 9% to 71% among environments. This plasticity in yield response to competition was partially related to variety-dependent responses to competition for biomass and harvest index, number of panicles and number of grains per panicle. We did not find the expected negative association between yield and variety-dependent response to competition. We discuss how this lack of correlation could relate to sampling issues, i.e. a limitation in the range of environments and varieties explored in this study, or reflect a legitimate feature of oat crops arising from early and contemporary selective pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured yield and its components, phenology, leaf greenness, and concentration of water soluble carbohydrates and concentration of nitrogen in shoots of 29 oat varieties to determine (i) the phenotypic plasticity of these traits as a means to capture genotype-by-environment interactions, (ii) the role of these traits and their plasticity in adaptation to drought, and (iii) putative trade-offs between drought adaptation and yield potential. Varieties spaned grain, hay and grazing types, and ranged from 1301 to 1927 °Cd from sowing to anthesis. Yield was measured in nine environments while other traits were measured in 4–7 out of the 9 environments. Averaged across varieties, yield varied from 0.3 to 4.2 t ha −1 . The main environmental drivers of yield were water supply:demand from 500 °Cd before to 500 °Cd after anthesis, and minimum temperature in the same period. Phenotypic plasticity of yield, quantified as variance ratio, ranged from 0.60 to 1.22 for grain types and from 0.28 to 1.06 for their grazing and hay counterparts; high yield plasticity was associated with an asymmetric response to growing conditions: yield increased 3.3 ± 0.28 t ha −1 per unit increase in plasticity under favourable conditions, and 0.6 ± 0.16 t ha −1 per unit increase in plasticity under stress. For our combination of varieties and environments, genotypes were better discriminated in favourable environments, where selection for high plasticity would improve both yield potential and drought adaptation. After accounting for plasticity, yield residuals revealed consistent phenological thresholds (943 °Cd for GS31, 1470 °Cd for GS60) for adaptation to both favourable and stressful conditions. Yield correlated with leaf greenness (SPAD), particularly during grain fill. As expected from theory, yield was closely related to grains per m 2 and weakly related to grain weight. Grains per m 2 were negatively related to concentration of water soluble carbohydrates in shoots, which were in turn negatively correlated with shoot nitrogen concentration. Under favourable conditions, some varieties maintained a high concentration (>20%) of water soluble carbohydrates at harvest. Selection against this trait could improve yield potential, but residual labile carbohydrates can also be exploited in dual grain-feed varieties, and can provide flexibility for hay growers when logistics preclude cutting at the common water ripe (GS71) target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L -arginine 4-nitrophenalate 4-nitrophenol dihydrate (LAPP) has been synthesized and grown by solution growth at room temperature using deionized water as a solvent. The various functional groups of the sample were identified by Fourier transform infra-red and Fourier transforms – Raman spectroscopic analyses. The Laser damage threshold of LAPP has been studied. Refractive index of LAPP single crystal was measured using Metricon prism coupler Instrument. The etching studies were carried out to study the quality of the grown crystals. The third order nonlinear optical properties of LAPP sample was analyzed by the Z -scan technique using 532 nm diode pumped CW Nd: YAG laser. The LAPP material exhibits negative optical nonlinearity. The results show that LAPP sample has potential applications in nonlinear optics and it can be exploited for optical limiting or switching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual crops accommodate environmental variation through grain number, whereas grain weight is more stable. Grain number is determined in a species-specific window which has been established for many crops, but not for oat. Field trials were established at two sites in southern Australia and in one site in southern Chile where successive, single 14-d shading periods were applied from crop establishment to maturity to identify the developmental window when the crop is most responsive to stress. Three oat varieties were compared in Australia (Mitika, Williams and Wintaroo) and two in Chile (Mitika and Yallara). Unshaded controls yielded from 327 g m −2 in Australia to 747 g m −2 in Chile. The overall pattern of yield response to time of stress was similar to that of wheat; it spanned the period from stem elongation (GS31) to about 10 days after anthesis. In line with theory, most of the yield response was mediated through response in grain number; further, the two environments in Australia where reduction in grain number in response to stress shortly before anthesis was larger, individual grain weight increased with shading. Grains per panicle was more responsive to stress than panicles per m 2 , in contrast to other cereals. The critical period is often assumed to be species-specific. However, our limited comparison of varieties suggests that there might also be varietal differences in oat. Interaction between time of shade and variety was significant for harvest index in all locations. Hence, we propose genotype-dependent response to time of stress is worth exploring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Analyze the results and complications of various surgical interventions in a large cohort of children with non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) head and neck infections and suggest a heuristic treatment protocol for managing this condition while aiming to maximize cure and minimize complications. Methods Retrospective chart review of 104 consecutive patients diagnosed with head and neck NTM at a tertiary paediatric hospital between January 1994 and December 2013 inclusive. Results 104 patients ranged in age between 8 months to 15 years (mean age 27 months) were reviewed and 97 patients were included in the final analysis. 6 patients excluded due to lack of follow-up and one excluded due to systemic immunocompromised condition. Sub-sites of NTM infections were submandibular ( n = 48, 46%), cervical ( n = 40, 38%), parotid ( n = 18, 17%) and submental ( n = 4, 4%). Some patients had more than one lesion so counted twice. Higher cure rates were demonstrated for primary excision (81%, p < 0.01) versus incisional interventions (44%, p < 0.01). Marginal mandibular nerve palsy following surgery was seen in 7 patients (7.2%). This was permanent in 4 patients (4%) and temporary in 3 patients (3%). All children who were complicated with marginal mandibular palsies had lesions in the submandibular region. The rate of palsy for submandibular disease alone was 15%, while 8% presented permanent palsy and 6% temporary. Marginal mandibular nerve palsy was more likely following excisional compared to incisional procedures (6 versus 1 patient, p < 0.01). Hypertrophic scarring occurred in 7 patients: 3 patients following excision and 4 patients after an incisional procedure. One patient suffered long term spinal accessory nerve damage presented as winged scapula. Conclusions Excision of NTM provides better cure rates compared to incision although at the expense of long term post-surgical morbidity. Excision should probably be the first line of treatment when the risk for neural damage is low. Incision and drainage with or without antimycobacterial treatment may be the preferred option for at-risk sub-sites (submandibular or parotid) in order to reduce long term morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystals of l-arginine 4-nitrophenolate 4-nitrophenol dihydrate (LAPP) have been grown successfully from the solution of l-arginine and 4-nitrophenol. Slow evaporation of solvent technique was adopted to grow the bulk single crystals. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the grown crystal has monoclinic crystal system with space group of P21. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis shows the good crystalline nature. The crystalline perfection of the grown single crystals was analyzed by HRXRD by employing a multicrystal X-ray diffractometer. The functional groups were identified from proton NMR spectroscopic analysis. Linear and nonlinear optical properties were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Kurtz powder technique respectively. It is found that the grown crystal has no absorption in the green wavelength region and the SHG efficiency was found to be 2.66 times that of the standard KDP. The Thermal stability of the crystal was found by obtaining TG/DTA curve. The mechanical behavior of the grown crystal has been studied by Vicker's microhardness method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using slow evaporation solution growth technique, single crystals of sodium para nitro phenolate have been grown from the solutions prepared from three different molecular ratios of para-nitro phenol and sodium hydroxide. Structural analyses were carried out by powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrum to conform the grown crystals. Thermal stability of the grown crystals was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA). UV–vis spectral analysis has been carried out to find the cut off wavelength of the grown crystals. Variations in the cut off wavelengths have been observed. Nonlinear optical property has been confirmed by Kurtz powder technique. The observed optical properties have confirmed that the molar concentration of para nitro phenol influenced significantly on the linear and nonlinear optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A new organic NLO crystal has been grown and the structure was solved. [•] Properties of the grown crystals were analysed by various spectral characterizations. [•] Second harmonic generation efficiency has been found as 4.5 times that of KDP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Although there is increasing evidence of barriers to nutritional health among elderly assisted-living residents, there has not been the same emphasis when examining the ways in which these individuals experience their mealtimes, as well as the factors that they perceive as contributing to their overall sense of health and well-being. Mealtimes may be disregarded as being particularly unimportant or hurried and overlooked, especially for those residents who may be lonely and have feelings of isolation, ultimately leading to a reduced food intake and poor nutrition. Methods A convenience sample of 38 men and women, aged ≥65 years, were selected from four assisted-living facilities in and around Montclair, NJ, USA, to participate in focus group discussions. Data were analysed using content analysis procedures. Results Participants described their experiences of mealtimes, and the factors contributing to an overall sense of well-being during these occasions. The ability to make healthy food choices, socialise, interact with staff, friends and family members, and enjoy a tasty meal in a warm and inviting dining environment, may provide a dignity that is unmatched by other services. Conclusions The findings of the present study highlight the importance of maintaining the health of elderly assisted-living residents through strategies that enhance their mealtime experiences. Listening to the food voice of elderly through research such as that carried out in the present study will help policy makers develop a plan that will effectively deal with systemic barriers prevalent in these facilities, and incorporate strategies to motivate and encourage their residents to increase their food intake and improve their health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quantify night-time ( S) and diurnal ( S) tree water uptake, two sets of sap flow sensors (heat-pulse compensated) were installed per tree in the north-east and south-west sides of the trunk in three trees per treatment. There were two treatments: (1) control, irrigated with 100 % ETc (T), and (2) deficit, irrigated at 60 % ETc (T) with daily irrigations at the peak atmospheric demand (December-January). Normalised S by trees was in the range of 15-25 % throughout the season, compared to normalised S, for T and T, respectively. Furthermore, S was parabolically correlated to plant water status from the previous day, measured as midday stem water potential. We also found strong correlations between S and nocturnal vapour pressure deficit for T and T, indicating that nocturnal transpiration was significant for both treatments. Differences in S were observed for the NE and SW sensors for T, being significantly less for the NE side (sunny side) compared to the SW side (more shaded). No differences were observed for T regarding probe positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The burden of disease due to otitis media (OM) in Asia Pacific countries was reviewed to increase awareness and raise understanding within the region. Methods: Published literature and unpublished studies were reviewed. Results: In school-age children, OM prevalence varied between 3.25% (Thailand) and 12.23% (Philippines) being highest (42%) in Aboriginal Australian children. OME prevalence at school age varied between 1.14% (Thailand) and 13.8% (Malaysia). Higher prevalence was reported in children with hearing impairment, HIV, pneumonia and rhinitis. CSOM prevalence was 5.4% in Indonesia (all ages), 15% in Aboriginal Australian children and 2–4% in Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam (WHO estimate). OM prevalence/incidence and service utilisation were highest in children 2–5 years of age. The disease burden was substantially higher in Pacific Island children living in New Zealand (25.4% with OME), and was highest in indigenous Australians (>90% with any OM). Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae dominated as primary causes of AOM in all studies. Few studies examined pneumococcal serotype distribution. Health-related cost estimates for OM, when available, were substantial. In developing countries, significant investment is needed to provide facilities for detection and treatment of ear disease in children, if long term hearing deficits and other sequelae are to be prevented. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests an important burden of disease and economic cost associated with OM in most Asia Pacific countries and a potential benefit of prevention through vaccination. Large, prospective community-based studies are needed to better define the prevalence of ear disease in children, and to predict and track pneumococcal conjugate vaccine impacts. AOM prevention through vaccination may also provide a means of reducing antibiotic use and controlling antibiotic-resistant disease in children. This review highlights the need for additional research, and provides a basis on which to build and develop regional guidelines for OM management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Introduction: Acute bacterial sinusitis is common in the pediatric population. Intracranial spread of infection is a rare but life-threatening complication of acute sinusitis. Due to the infrequent presentation of this complication, there are no well-defined management protocols for the acute sinusitis. Case Series: We present three pediatric cases where children presented with intracranial sepsis, and the underlying source of infection was from the paranasal sinuses. In all cases, endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in the acute setting, with the use of frontal sinus mini-trephines playing a significant role. Discussion: We describe our experience and review the available literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports on research which has detected a variable length polymorphism in a fragment of a human chromosome in myotonic dystrophy (DM) patients. Description of DM; Use of genomic and complementary DNA probes; Causes on increases in the size of theallele in DM patients; Increase in severity of disease in successive generations accompanied by increase in number of trinucleotide repeats.

The article discusses a study focusing on the use of adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy in children with middle ear effusion at the time of myringotomy plus ventilation tube insertion (MVTI). Topics discussed include the complications of MVTI including velopharyngeal insufficiency, nasopharyngeal stenosis and haemorrhage; the costs and risks of the treatment; and the use of hospital morbidity data in the study.

The article presents a study of patients with peritonsillar abscess, which refers to collection of pus between the pharyngeal masculature and palatine tonsil capsule. Topics discussed include analysis of septic shock associated with complications in the infection, therapeutics and clinical outcomes regarding diagnosis of patients, and descriptive statistical analysis.

Objective:To describe the concomitant imaging and genetic findings in children diagnosed with non-syndromic unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 60 children diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2015 in a tertiary-level paediatric institution.Results:Average age at diagnosis was 4.3 years. All children were considered non-syndromic. Hearing loss was categorised as mild (17 children), moderate (17 children), severe (7 children) or profound (19 children). Imaging was performed in 43 children (71.66 per cent). Nineteen patients (44.2 per cent) had positive computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging findings. Genetic testing was performed in 51 children (85 per cent). Sixteen children (31 per cent) tested positive to connexin 26 (GJB2); 1 patient (2 per cent) had a homozygous mutation of GJB2 and 15 were heterozygous carriers. Amongst children who tested positive as heterozygous carriers of a GJB2 mutation, there was a high rate of positive imaging findings (47 per cent compared to 37.2 per cent in the total cohort). A genetic abnormality was confirmed in 50 per cent of children with positive imaging findings who underwent genetic testing.Conclusion:Rates of concomitant imaging and genetic findings suggest that both investigations are of value in the study of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Pachyonychia congenita is a rare keratinising disorder, which typically presents during the first three years of life and usually affects the nails and palmoplantar surfaces. It can involve the larynx and potentially result in life-threatening airway obstruction.Methods:A case report is presented and the findings of a literature review are reported. The review involved a PubMed search using the keywords ‘pachyonychia congenita’ together with ‘larynx’, ‘laryngeal involvement’, ‘laryngeal obstruction’, ‘airway obstruction’, ‘hoarseness’ and/or ‘stridor’.Results:A five-year-old boy, with confirmed pachyonychia congenita, presented with complications of laryngeal involvement over a four-year period. He required three intubations and a tracheostomy for acute airway obstruction. Treatment with potassium titanyl phosphate laser laryngoscopy stabilised the progression of laryngeal disease.Conclusion:Patients with pachyonychia congenita and laryngeal involvement can have a varied presentation, ranging from hoarseness to acute airway obstruction. Management can be a challenge, requiring early evaluation, regular surveillance and aggressive treatment. This paper reports our experience in managing and treating the laryngeal complications of a child with pachyonychia congenita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The molecular structure of 2BCA and its conformer was examined. • The molecular analysed using FT-IR, FT-Raman, NMR, and UV–Vis techniques. • The charge transfer in the molecule is investigated by examining the FMO in relation to NBO research. • The compound's chemical shift is determined, indicating a favourable change in it. • The assignments are completed based on the Total Energy Distribution (TED). The molecule of 2-Biphenyl Carboxylic Acid (2BCA), which contains peculiar features, was explored making use of density functional theory (DFT) and experimental approaches in the area of quantum computational research. The optimised structure, atomic charges, vibrational frequencies, electrical properties, electrostatic potential surface (ESP), natural bond orbital analysis and potential energy surface (PES) were obtained applying the B3LYP approach with the 6–311++ G (d,p) basis set.. The 2BCA molecule was examined for possible conformers using a PES scan. The methods applied for spectral analyses included FT-IR, FT-RAMAN, NMR, and UV–Vis results. Vibrational frequencies for all typical modes of vibration were found using the Potential Energy Distribution (PED) data. The UV–Vis spectrum was simulated using the TD-DFT technique, which is also seen empirically. The Gauge-Invariant Atomic Orbital (GIAO) approach was employed to model and study the 13C and 1H NMR spectra of the 2BCA molecule in a CDCL3 solution. The spectra were then exploited experimentally to establish their chemical shifts. To predict the donor and acceptor interaction, the NBO analysis was used. The electrostatic potential surface was employed to anticipate the locations of nucleophilic and electrophilic sites. Hirshfeld surfaces and their related fingerprint plots are exploited for the investigation of intermolecular interactions. Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) helps to measure and illustrate electron correlation effects, offering precise insights into chemical bonding, reactivity, and the electronic structure of 2BCA. According to Lipinski and Veber's drug similarity criteria, 2BCA exhibits the typical physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties that make it a potential oral pharmaceutical candidate. According to the findings of a molecular docking study, the 2BCA molecule has promise as a treatment agent for the Nipah virus (PDB ID: 6 EB9), which causes severe respiratory and neurological symptoms in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The quantification of components of the water balance is essential for designing strategies for improving water productivity of almond under different irrigation management. It is also needed for minimising the offsite movement of nutrients out of the rhizosphere. The present investigation involves the use of HYDRUS-2D simulations conducted on field data recorded for a full grown surface drip irrigated almond orchard over a season (July 20, 2009 to May 31, 2010). The model evaluated the daily fluctuations in water under full pulsed (FIp), sustained deficit pulsed (SDIp) and full continuous (FIc) irrigation. The impact of pulsing on the dynamics of the water flux was also assessed. In the SDIp treatment, water was applied to replace 65% of calculated crop evapotranspiration (ETc), compared to 100% ETC replacement in the other two treatments. The data showed that the RMSE between weekly measured and simulated moisture content in the whole domain clustered within 0.022–0.04cm3 cm−3, with their magnitude equal to the standard error of the water content measurements. The variation was further reduced (0.013–0.026cm3 cm−3) when considering only the 30cm soil depth, the site of maximum root density in almonds, indicating a good prediction of seasonal soil moisture distribution and plant water uptake. However, sap flow measurements underestimated water uptake by 31% as compared to the simulated root water uptake. Water uptake efficiency under SDIp (68%) was higher compared to full water application conditions under FIp and FIc (54–55%). The higher irrigation amounts (565–583mm) under 100% ETC treatments (FIp and FIc) largely contributed to non-productive water fluxes (deep drainage losses and evaporation). The leaching fraction was estimated to be 0.14 under SDIp, in spite of the fact that negligible drainage was predicted during the mid season of almond growth (November to January). The average modelled soil solution salinity (ECsw) of the profile also remained below the threshold for yield reduction during the growing season in all treatments. The seasonal water uptake by almonds under pulsed (FIp) and slow discharge continuous irrigation (FIc) remained almost on par, indicating that pulsing did not provide any added advantage, although it is a viable alternative to slow discharge continuous irrigation. The irrigation water productivity (WPI) increased substantially (37%), yield was reduced by 8% and about 35% of irrigation water was saved under sustained deficit irrigation (SDIp) compared to full irrigation (FIp). We conclude that in regions with severe water scarcity, SDIp appears to be a promising deficit irrigation strategy for almond cultivation, and irrigating almonds above the SDIp level may enhance unproductive water usage in the form of accelerated drainage, which eventually may lead to potential danger of migration of nutrients and solutes to the groundwater, thereby posing a threat to the quality of groundwater and receiving surface water bodies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To examine the impact of implementing sepsis bundle in multiple Asian countries, having 'team' vs. 'non-team' models of patient care.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Eight urban hospitals, five countries in Asia.Participants: Adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.Interventions: Implementation was divided into six quartiles: Baseline, Education and four Quality Improvement quartiles.Main Outcome Measures: Quarterly bundle compliance and in-hospital mortality with respect to bundle completion and implementation model.Methods: In the team model, the implementation was championed by intensivists, where the bundle was completed in the intensive care unit. The non-team model led by emergency physicians completed the bundle in the emergency department as part of standard care.Results: Five hundred and fifty-six patients were enrolled. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 29.9%, and 67.1% of the patients had septic shock. Compliance to the bundle was 13.3, 26.9, 37.5, 45.9, 48.8 and 54.5% over the six quartiles of implementation (P < 0.01). With team model, compliance increased from 37.5% baseline to 88.2% in the sixth quartile (P < 0.01), whereas hospitals with a non-team model increased compliance from 5.2 to 39.5% (P < 0.01). Crude in-hospital mortality was better in the patients who received the entire bundle (24.5 vs. 32.7%, P = 0.04). Bundle completion was associated with crude in-hospital mortality reduction (odds ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.99), but this survival benefit disappeared after adjustment for confounding variables.Conclusions: Through education and quality improvement efforts, initially low sepsis bundle compliance was improved in Asia. A team model was more effective in achieving bundle compliance compared with a non-team model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: Peri-orbital infections can be classified as pre-septal or post-septal depending upon the location of the focus of infection. The ability to differentiate between these two is frequently difficult at the initial presentation, with marked orbital edema and pain limiting the ophthalmic examination. Hence, it is important to identify all the features at presentation that will lead to an accurate and rapid diagnosis and treatment. Our retrospective review of peri-orbital infections identifies contrasting features between these two groups that will aid the clinician in the subsequent management of these infections. Design and setting: A retrospective review over an 11-year period of children admitted to a tertiary children''s hospital for the treatment of peri-orbital cellulitis was undertaken. The two subgroups were identified, those suffering from a pre-septal infection and those with a post-septal infection. The groups were compared with respect to their presentation, clinical findings, findings on CT and surgical intervention. Results: Two hundred and sixty-two children were identified with peri-orbital infections, 227 pre-septal, and 35 post-septal. There were statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-septal groups with regards to the following: age (3.9 vs. 7.5 years, p <0.001), medical co-morbidities (19% vs. 0%, p <0.01), a history of trauma (40% vs. 11% of cases, p <0.003), clinical diagnosis of acute sinusitis (9% vs. 91% of cases, p <0.001), and fever (47% vs. 94%, p <0.001). Ophthalmologic examination identified diplopia (p <0.001), opthalmoplegia (p <0.001) and proptosis (p <0.001) as significant features of a post-septal infection. Intravenous antibiotics were successful in treating the majority of cases, with 5% of pre-septal, and 25% of post-septal infections requiring surgery. Conclusion: When considering the management of a child with a peri-orbital infection, features from the history and examination such as trauma, medical co-morbidities and ophthalmic signs will guide management and delineate the indications for early CT imaging. In the absence of acute visual compromise or other signs of disease progression, initial management with intravenous antibiotics for 48h to cover Staphylococcal aureus and Streptococcal pyogenes with nasal decongestant should be considered before surgical intervention is contemplated. A multi team approach is essential in obtaining the best outcome for the child. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the case concerning the clinical manifestations of an infant with persistent empyema. Differential diagnosis for difficult reintubation; Use of intravenous antibiotics and drainage of abscess in treating the disease; Development of a right-sided pleural effusion on the infant.

Background: Uncomplicated hyperglycaemia is a common presentation in the emergency department (ED). Rapid glucose control is associated with the risk of iatrogenic hypoglycaemia. We sought to determine the safety of a rapid glucose control protocol delivered in a 24-h emergency department observation unit (OU).Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the OU for hyperglycaemia where the assessing clinician deemed there was no other reason for medical admission apart from hyperglycaemia; and that the patient could be safely discharged provided their hyperglycaemia was adequately treated. The rapid glucose control protocol consists of 4-6 hourly glucose monitoring and insulin injections according to a sliding scale. We report the demographics, reduction in glucose values and the incidence of hypoglycaemia in the OU. We also determine the rate of discharge from OU and the rate of hospital admission at 30 days.Results: We included 101 patients. The mean age was 53.5 years (95% CI 50.4-56.6) and 64% of patients were male. The mean HbA1c value was 12.8% (95% CI 12.3-13.3). The mean admission and discharge glucose values were 27.2 (95% CI 26.3-28.1) and 13.9 (95% CI 13.2-14.6) mmols/l respectively. There was no incidence of hypoglycaemia in the OU. We successfully discharged 90.1% of the patients from the OU, of which 3 (3.3%) patients were admitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge.Conclusion: ED OU is a safe location to deliver effective management for patients presented with uncomplicated severe hyperglycaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Triethylaminium picrate (TEAP) crystals were grown using the slow evaporation solution growth method. • The grown crystal is belongs to Orthorhombic crystal system with space group Pca2 1. • The superamolecular characteristic of the TEAP was confirmed by the Hirshfield analysis. FT-IR and Polarized Raman spectral analyses confirmed the presence of different functional groups in the TEAP. • UV–vis–NIR study identified the good optical transmission window and the lower (TEAP) cut-off wavelength. Vickers' microhardness and dielectric study were analyzed. • Thermal (TG, DSC) analyses were used to investigate the thermal behaviour of the material. The Kurtz-Perry powder technique was used to analyze the crystal's nonlinear optical (NLO) property. Triethylaminium picrate (TEAP) crystals were grown using the slow evaporation solution growth method at ambient (35 °C) temperature. Salt was synthesized from Picric acid, and Triethylamine and methanol was used as solvents. The solution was mixed at a 1:1 ratio and evaporated slowly, produced yellow colour single crystal of TEAP with an average dimension of 19 × 8 × 5 mm3. The structure of the compound was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) study, which confirms that the crystal is belongs to Orthorhombic crystal system, and its crystallinity was confirmed by the Bragg peak in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern. The superamolecular characteristic of the TEAP was confirmed by the Hirshfield analysis. CHN elemental analysis confirmed the stoichiometry and chemical composition of the synthesized complex salts. FT-IR and Polarized Raman spectral analyses confirmed the presence of different functional groups in the complex. UV–vis–NIR study identified the optical transmission window and the lower (TEAP) cut-off wavelength. Vickers' microhardness analysis determined the mechanical stability of the grown crystal. Studies of dielectric and AC conductivity were analyzed as a function of frequency. The thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques were used to investigate the thermal behaviour of the material. The Kurtz-Perry powder technique was used to analyze the crystal's nonlinear optical properties (NLO) and found that its SHG efficiency was 1.5 times higher than that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). The results from the obtained characterizations conclude that the TEAP crystal could be useful for NLO applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The utility of angiography and embolisation of selected branches of the external carotid artery is occasionally helpful in the management of recurrent epistaxis, pre-operative devascularisation of tumours such as angiofibromas, and other head and neck conditions. The use of embolisation for recalcitrant post-tonsillectomy bleeding due to the formation of an aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm of branches of the external carotid artery has been described [P. Simoni, J. Bello, B. Kent, Pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery secondary to tonsillectomy treated with selective embolization, Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. 59 (2) (2001) 125–128]. There are also reports of pseudoaneurysm formation on the internal carotid following tonsillectomy [F. Tovi, A. Leiberman, Y. Hertzanu, L. Golcman, Pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery secondary to tonsillectomy, Int. J. Pediatr. Otolaryngol. 13 (1987) 69–75]. The repeated presentation of a 5-year-old girl with post-operative tonsillectomy bleeding on three separate occasions, each approximately 1 week apart, prompted the consideration of the diagnosis of aneurysm formation, and hence, angiography was performed. The anomalous finding from this study precluded embolisation due to the risk of blindness. This experience has prompted this review which highlights the important issues of angiographic assessment prior to embolisation. The relevance of this to external carotid artery ligation is also reflected upon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]