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Seed-based restoration in dryland environments is commonly limited by low and sporadic rainfall, extreme temperatures, and degraded soils. These challenges are exacerbated in dryland mine restoration sites where species are seeded onto mine waste substrates due to limited availability of topsoil. Native grasses are focal dryland and mine restoration species, though the ability to deliver seeds to targeted sites presents further constraints to seed-based restoration due to complex seed morphology and site attributes. Seed enhancement technologies (SETs) may help to mitigate environmental stressors and improving seed handling. In this study, SETs which promote seedling recruitment and/or address edaphic challenges while also improving seed morphology and handling were tested in four Australian native grasses (Cymbopogon ambiguus, C. obtectus, Eulalia aurea, and Eriachne obtusa). Flash flaming or acid digestion (depending on species), extruded seed pellets with or without the addition of topsoil, and flaming or acid digestion used in combination with extruded pellets (with or without topsoil) were evaluated on topsoil and mine waste substrates. Material treated with either flash flaming or acid digestion tended to produce similar maximum emergence (week 3), final emergence (week 14), and above-ground biomass (week 14) on both topsoil and mine waste when compared to the un-enhanced ('control') treatment. Extruded pellets enhanced emergence (maximum and final) on both soil types, though had no effect on biomass. Extruded pellets containing topsoil and/or when used in combination with flash flamed or acid digested florets, provided the most significant benefits to seedling emergence, particularly on mine waste soil. However, SETs were unable to mitigate the detrimental effects of mine waste substrates on seedling biomass. This study shows promise for improving seed-based restoration in post-mine and dryland environments using SETs, though also highlights potential limitations and the importance of understanding long-term (i.e., beyond emergence) plant recruitment outcomes in SET applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Billions of dollars are spent annually on ecological restoration efforts around the world and yet successful attainment of restoration targets still falls short in many regions. Globally, ecosystem restoration is becoming increasingly challenged with changes in climate. Years with extreme climatic events that limit plant establishment, such as severe drought, heatwaves, and floods are projected to increase in frequency. A critical evaluation of current ecological restoration practices and changes to those practices are needed to attain global restoration targets. For plant restoration, many efforts globally focus on planting in a single year following disturbance. The odds of restoration efforts being conducted in a year that is inconducive to plant establishment may be calculated using climatic risk data. We propose a risk‐mitigation approach to restoration wherein plantings are conducted across multiple years for projects in a bet‐hedging strategy and evaluated through an adaptive management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SOLO PRACTITIONER Paul Sueno, MD, had a good idea of the challenges he would face when he opened his private practice in Tacoma, Washington, in 2012. His late father, also [...]

The healthcare landscape is shifting rapidly, and for family physicians, that change is placing increased importance on their role within the system. Family physicians can thrive by embracing high-value, patient-centered [...]

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) places primary care physicians (PCPs) front and center in the mission to improve the health of Americans, and lower overall healthcare costs. But new ACA-derived [...]

After months of using electronic health records (EHR) with patients, you should be getting to know your system. Here are some ways to maximize your EHR's features. Functionality and expenses [...]

After weeks, or even months, of preparation, the real test of your electronic health records (EHR) system is when you start using it in office with real patients on real [...]

The study's goals were simple: Assemble a diverse group of 29 physicians across the United States, match them with electronic health record (EHR) systems, let them experiment, and report on [...]

Extruded pellets containing activated carbon (AC) can be used to sow native seeds while simultaneously applying herbicide to control invasive species. Incorporating AC in pellets has been demonstrated to protect native seeds; however, there may be unintended detrimental impacts to seedling emergence. We aimed to optimize seed position within pellets to maximize emergence and survival of the perennial shrub Jacksonia furcellata. Seeds were positioned at 2 mm (top), 6 mm (middle), and 12 mm (bottom) within pellets (with or without AC), sown on or below the soil surface, and compared to non‐pelleted seeds sown under the soil surface in the equivalent positions (2, 6, and 12 mm depth). Trays were treated with a pre‐emergent herbicide (Simazine) or left unsprayed. Emergence (without herbicide) was significantly higher from seeds positioned at the bottom of pellets without AC sown on the soil surface (70%), compared to non‐pelleted seeds sown at the bottom (12 mm below the soil surface; 57%). However, emergence was inhibited when seeds were positioned in the middle (6 mm) of pellets with AC (32%). When treated with Simazine, survival was highest from seeds positioned at the bottom of pellets with AC (60%), compared to pellets without AC (15%) and non‐pelleted seeds sown at the bottom (12 mm below the soil surface; 15%). Jacksonia furcellata seeds positioned at the bottom of pellets, sown on the soil surface, shows promise to minimize negative impacts to emergence, and maximize herbicide protection. Further testing with additional species is required to refine pellet production (e.g. recipe, extrusion, and shape) for optimal emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WHILE EXPERTS PREDICT CONTINUED COST PRESSURE IN 2014, PRIMARY CARE COULD RENEFIT FROM WIDESCALE CHANGE Every challenge is an opportunity. And while this list of 10 challenges facing physicians seems [...]