Search

This study investigates nitrogen-doped carbon synthesis and electrochemical properties as electrode material for energy storage devices, an additional focus of the work is on the electrochemical exfoliation synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon using various precursors and doping methods. The physical properties of the synthesized sample are characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the N-doped carbons are studied using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling. Finally, the work explores the potential application of the N-doped carbons as electrode material for energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors. The results show that N-doped carbons exhibit electrochemical performance superior to that of graphene oxide, with higher electrical capacitance. The results demonstrate the potential of N-doped carbons as high-performance electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage applications. This paper aims to explain the advantages of N-doping in carbon materials more precisely in graphene and the use of these materials in creating electrodes for application in supercapacitors and batteries.

Abstract Background Nasopharyngeal carriage of potential pathogens is important as it is both the major source of transmission and the prerequisite of invasive disease. New methods for detecting carriage could improve comfort, accuracy and laboratory utility. The aims of this study were to compare the sensitivities of a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and a nasal wash (NW) in detecting potential respiratory pathogens in healthy adults using microbiological culture and PCR. Results Healthy volunteers attended for nasal washing and brushing of the posterior nasopharynx. Conventional and real-time PCR were used to detect pneumococcus and meningococcus. Statistical differences between the two nasal sampling methods were determined using a nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test; differences between culture and PCR methods were determined using the McNemar test. Nasal washing was more comfortable for volunteers than swabbing (n = 24). In detection by culture, the NW was significantly more likely to detect pathogens than the NPS (p < 0.00001). Overall, there was a low carriage rate of pathogens in this sample; no significant difference was seen in the detection of bacteria between culture and PCR methods. Conclusions Nasal washing and PCR may provide effective alternatives to nasopharyngeal swabbing and classical microbiology, respectively.

Abstract Background Influenza epidemics continue to cause morbidity and mortality within the human population despite widespread vaccination efforts. This, along with the ominous threat of an avian influenza pandemic (H5N1), demonstrates the need for a much improved, more sophisticated influenza vaccine. We have developed an in vitro model system for producing a membrane-bound Cytokine-bearing Influenza Vaccine (CYT-IVAC). Numerous cytokines are involved in directing both innate and adaptive immunity and it is our goal to utilize the properties of individual cytokines and other immunomodulatory proteins to create a more immunogenic vaccine. Results We have evaluated the immunogenicity of inactivated cytokine-bearing influenza vaccines using a mouse model of lethal influenza virus challenge. CYT-IVACs were produced by stably transfecting MDCK cell lines with mouse-derived cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-2 and IL-4) fused to the membrane-anchoring domain of the viral hemagglutinin. Influenza virus replication in these cell lines resulted in the uptake of the bioactive membrane-bound cytokines during virus budding and release. In vivo efficacy studies revealed that a single low dose of IL-2 or IL-4-bearing CYT-IVAC is superior at providing protection against lethal influenza challenge in a mouse model and provides a more balanced Th1/Th2 humoral immune response, similar to live virus infections. Conclusion We have validated the protective efficacy of CYT-IVACs in a mammalian model of influenza virus infection. This technology has broad applications in current influenza virus vaccine development and may prove particularly useful in boosting immune responses in the elderly, where current vaccines are minimally effective.

Cowpea is a highly drought-adapted leguminous crop with great promise for improving agricultural sustainability and food security. Here, we report analyses derived from array-based genotyping of 2,021 accessions constituting a core subset of the world's largest cowpea collection, held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria. We used this dataset to examine genetic variation and population structure in worldwide cowpea. We confirm that the primary pattern of population structure is two geographically defined subpopulations originating in West and East Africa, respectively, and that population structure is associated with shifts in phenotypic distribution. Furthermore, we establish the cowpea core collection as a resource for genome-wide association studies by mapping the genetic basis of several phenotypes, with a focus on seed coat pigmentation patterning and color. We anticipate that the genotyped IITA Cowpea Core Collection will serve as a powerful tool for mapping complex traits, facilitating the acceleration of breeding programs to enhance the resilience of this crop in the face of rapid global climate change., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The author(s) declare no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Genetics Society of America.)

We present the cases of 2 children diagnosed with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts, a very rare vascular anomaly, on investigation of cardiac symptomatology. Poorly developed portal venous systems necessitated staged shunt occlusion. This was achieved using atrial flow regulator devices positioned in an inferior vena cava stent platform performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory., Competing Interests: The Occlutech Atrial Flow Regulators (65AFR04M) used in this study were provided on a compassionate basis by Occlutech. The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (© 2024 The Authors.)

This paper offers advice to early-mid career researchers in Mathematical Biology from ten past and current Presidents of the Society for Mathematical Biology. The topics covered include deciding if a career in academia is right for you; finding and working with a mentor; building collaborations and working with those from other disciplines; formulating a research question; writing a paper; reviewing papers; networking; writing fellowship or grant proposals; applying for faculty positions; and preparing and giving lectures. While written with mathematical biologists in mind, it is hoped that this paper will be of use to early and mid career researchers across the mathematical, physical and life sciences, as they embark on careers in these disciplines., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: There is limited evidence regarding the prevalence and impact of iron deficiency (ID) in children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)., Methods: Retrospective single-center review of all children between 2010 and 2020 with a diagnosis of DCM and complete iron studies. ID was defined as ≥2 of ferritin <20 μg/liter, iron <9 μmol/liter, transferrin >3 g/liter, or transferrin saturation (TSat) <15%. Clinical and laboratory indices and freedom from a composite adverse event (CAE) of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), heart transplant, or death were compared between children with and without ID., Results: Of 138 patients with DCM, 47 had available iron studies. Twenty-nine (62%) were iron deficient. Children with ID were more likely to be receiving inotropes (17, 59%, p = 0.005) or invasive/noninvasive ventilation (13, 45%, p = 0.016) than those who were iron replete. They had a higher incidence of anemia (22, 76%, p = 0.004) and higher NT-proBNP (1,590 pmol/liter, IQR 456-3,447, p = 0.001). Children with ID had significantly less freedom from the CAE at 1-year (54% ± 10%), 2-years (45 ± 10), and 5-years (37% ± 11%) than those without (p = 0.011). ID and anemia were the only significant predictors of the CAE on univariate Cox regression., Conclusions: ID is highly prevalent in children with DCM. Iron studies are undermeasured in clinical practice, but ID is associated with severe heart failure (HF) and an increased risk of the CAE. The need for iron replacement therapy should be considered in children who present in HF with DCM., (Crown Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Development of high yielding cowpea varieties coupled with good taste and rich in essential minerals can promote consumption and thus nutrition and profitability. The sweet taste of cowpea grain is determined by its sugar content, which comprises mainly sucrose and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) including raffinose and stachyose. However, GOS are indigestible and their fermentation in the colon can produce excess intestinal gas, causing undesirable bloating and flatulence. In this study, we aimed to examine variation in grain sugar and mineral concentrations, then map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and estimate genomic-prediction (GP) accuracies for possible application in breeding. Grain samples were collected from a multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population grown in California during 2016-2017. Grain sugars were assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Grain minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and combustion. Considerable variation was observed for sucrose (0.6-6.9%) and stachyose (2.3-8.4%). Major QTLs for sucrose (QSuc.vu-1.1), stachyose (QSta.vu-7.1), copper (QCu.vu-1.1) and manganese (QMn.vu-5.1) were identified. Allelic effects of major sugar QTLs were validated using the MAGIC grain samples grown in West Africa in 2017. GP accuracies for minerals were moderate (0.4-0.58). These findings help guide future breeding efforts to develop mineral-rich cowpea varieties with desirable sugar content., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) race 4 (FOV4) is a highly pathogenic soil-borne fungus responsible for Fusarium wilt in cotton ( Gossypium spp. ) and represents a continuing threat to cotton production in the southwest states of the United States, including California, New Mexico, and Texas. Pima ( G. barbadense L.) cotton, which is highly valued for its fiber quality, has been shown to be more susceptible to this pathogen than Upland ( G. hirsutum L.) cotton. Still, some Pima cultivars present resistance to FOV4 infection. Methods: To gain insights into the FOV4-resistance mechanism, we performed comparative transcriptional and metabolomic analyses between FOV4-susceptible and FOV4-resistant Pima cotton entries. FOV4-resistant Pima-S6 and FOV4-susceptible Pima S-7 and Pima 3-79 cotton plants were infected with FOV4 in the greenhouse, and the roots harvested 11 days post-infection for further analysis. Results: We found that an enhanced root phenylpropanoid metabolism in the resistant Pima-S6 cultivar determines FOV4-resistance. Gene-ontology enrichment of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolism categories correlated with the accumulation of secondary metabolites in Pima-S6 roots. Specifically, we found esculetin, a coumarin, an inhibitor of Fusarium's growth, accumulated in the roots of Pima-S6 even under non-infected conditions. Genes related to the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolism, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 2 (PAL2) and pleiotropic drug resistance 12 (PDR12) transporter, were found to be upregulated in Pima-S6 roots. Discussion: Our results highlight an essential role for the phenylpropanoid synthesis pathway in FOV4 resistance in Pima-S6 cotton. These genes represent attractive research prospects for FOV4-disease resistance and breeding approaches of other cotton cultivars of economic relevance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Ojeda-Rivera, Ulloa, Pérez-Zavala, Nájera-González, Roberts, Yong-Villalobos, Yadav, Chávez Montes, Herrera-Estrella and Lopez-Arredondo.)

In vertebrate vision, early retinal circuits divide incoming visual information into functionally opposite elementary signals: On and Off, transient and sustained, chromatic and achromatic. Together these signals can yield an efficient representation of the scene for transmission to the brain via the optic nerve. However, this long-standing interpretation of retinal function is based on mammals, and it is unclear whether this functional arrangement is common to all vertebrates. Here we show that male poultry chicks use a fundamentally different strategy to communicate information from the eye to the brain. Rather than using functionally opposite pairs of retinal output channels, chicks encode the polarity, timing, and spectral composition of visual stimuli in a highly correlated manner: fast achromatic information is encoded by Off-circuits, and slow chromatic information overwhelmingly by On-circuits. Moreover, most retinal output channels combine On- and Off-circuits to simultaneously encode, or multiplex, both achromatic and chromatic information. Our results from birds conform to evidence from fish, amphibians, and reptiles which retain the full ancestral complement of four spectral types of cone photoreceptors., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

Objective: The objective of the study was to comprehensively synthesise the components of integrated clinical pathways (ICPs) and post-operative outcomes of patients undergone total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA & TKA) and hip fracture surgeries., Background: Previous systematic reviews examined components and effectiveness of ICPs for lower limb joint replacement and hip fracture surgeries., Design and Methods: An updated systematic review guided by the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework. Electronic databases, Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCOhost-CINAHL, the Cochrane Reviews and Trails, EMBASE and PubMed, were searched from 2007 to 31 January 2021. Due to the heterogeneity of the methods and data collection tools of included studies, pooling of the quantitative data was not possible. Therefore, the included studies were synthesised and presented narratively under subthemes of arthroplasty and hip fracture surgeries. The PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews was used., Results: Twenty-four studies met selection criteria with 11 examined ICPs for hip fracture and 13 for the THA and TKA. Twenty-one ICPs were reviewed, and 33 components were extracted. The most frequently included components for hip fracture subgroup were 'discharge disposition arrangement' and 'dedicated personnel and resources'. 'Exercise plan' and 'pain management' were for the arthroplasty subgroup. A significant reduction in the length of stay and post-operative complications were associated with the ICPs. Results were mixed for the effectiveness of ICPs in reducing unplanned hospital admissions, mortality rates, post-operative complications and hospital costs., Conclusion: The number of ICP components varied across studies. This review could not recommend a one size-fits-all ICP that could be adapted for use for patients undergoing hip fracture and joint replacement surgeries., Relevance for Clinical Practice: This review identified research evidence-based components considered as essential for the inclusion in ICP's for hip fracture and arthroplasty surgeries. Further research is suggested to determine the patient experience and healthcare providers' acceptance of ICPs., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stent angioplasty is a palliative procedure for neonates and infants with symptomatic tetralogy of Fallot prior to surgical repair. We review our institutional outcomes of RVOT stenting., Methods: Retrospective review of all infants with tetralogy of Fallot under 3 months of age who underwent primary native RVOT stent angioplasty at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia between January 2010 and December 2020. Demographics and echocardiographic pulmonary artery dimensions were collected pre-stent angioplasty and prior to surgical repair., Results: Twenty (20) infants underwent primary RVOT stenting. Median age at stent was 14 days (interquartile range [IQR] 7-32) and median weight 2.7 kg (IQR 2.1-3.4). Three patients underwent hybrid per-ventricular procedures. Indication for RVOT stenting was recurrent hyper-cyanotic spells in 12 (60%) and duct-dependent pulmonary blood flow in 8 (40%). Saturations increased from a median of 80% (IQR 75-85) to 91% (IQR 90-95) post procedure (P<0.001). A single major complication occurred: transient complete atrioventricular dissociation requiring isoprenaline infusion for <24 hours. Twelve (12, 60%) required catheter re-intervention prior to definitive repair for further augmentation of pulmonary blood flow. There were two non-cardiac deaths distant from the stent procedure, but prior to surgical repair. Median right and left pulmonary artery Z-scores increased respectively from -2.06 (IQR -2.99 to -0.17) and -1.2 (IQR -2.59 to -0.14) prior to RVOT stent, to -0.74 (IQR [-1.21 to 0.26], P=0.01) and 0.06 (IQR [-1.87 to 1.15], P=0.006) by the time of definitive repair. Eighteen (18) patients achieved definitive repair at a median age of 6.1 months (IQR 4.7-7.3). Palliation with more than one RVOT stent was associated with an increased duration of cardiac bypass (P=0.035) and cross-clamp (P=0.044) time at definitive repair., Conclusions: In symptomatic neonates and infants with tetralogy of Fallot at high-risk of peri-operative complications, RVOT stent angioplasty can safely and effectively augment pulmonary blood flow prior to definitive repair., (Crown Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study is to synthesize evidence on risk factors associated with newborn 31-day unplanned hospital readmissions (UHRs). A systematic review was conducted searching CINAHL, EMBASE (Ovid), and MEDLINE from January 1st 2000 to 30th June 2021. Studies examining unplanned readmissions of newborns within 31 days of discharge following the initial hospitalization at the time of their birth were included. Characteristics of the included studies examined variables and statistically significant risk factors were extracted from the inclusion studies. Extracted risk factors could not be pooled statistically due to the heterogeneity of the included studies. Data were synthesized using content analysis and presented in narrative and tabular form. Twenty-eight studies met the eligibility criteria, and 17 significant risk factors were extracted from the included studies. The most frequently cited risk factors associated with newborn readmissions were gestational age, postnatal length of stay, neonatal comorbidity, and feeding methods. The most frequently cited maternal-related risk factors which contributed to newborn readmissions were parity, race/ethnicity, and complications in pregnancy and/or perinatal period., Conclusion: This systematic review identified a complex and diverse range of risk factors associated with 31-day UHR in newborn. Six of the 17 extracted risk factors were consistently cited by studies. Four factors were maternal (primiparous, mother being Asian, vaginal delivery, maternal complications), and two factors were neonatal (male infant and neonatal comorbidities). Implementation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for inpatient care and individualized hospital-to-home transition plans, including transition checklists and discharge readiness assessments, are recommended to reduce newborn UHRs., What Is Known: • Attempts have been made to identify risk factors associated with newborn UHRs; however, the results are inconsistent., What Is New: • Six consistently cited risk factors related to newborn 31-day UHRs. Four maternal factors (primiparous, mother being Asian, vaginal delivery, maternal complications) and 2 neonatal factors (male infant and neonatal comorbidities). • The importance of discharge readiness assessment, including newborn clinical fitness for discharge and parental readiness for discharge. Future research is warranted to establish standardised maternal and newborn-related variables which healthcare providers can utilize to identify newborns at greater risk of UHRs and enable comparison of research findings., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The vertebrate inner retina is driven by photoreceptors whose outputs are already pre-processed; in zebrafish, outer retinal circuits split "color" from "grayscale" information across four cone-photoreceptor types. It remains unclear how the inner retina processes incoming spectral information while also combining cone signals to shape grayscale functions. We address this question by imaging the light-driven responses of amacrine cells (ACs) and bipolar cells (BCs) in larval zebrafish in the presence and pharmacological absence of inner retinal inhibition. We find that ACs enhance opponency in some bipolar cells while at the same time suppressing pre-existing opponency in others, so that, depending on the retinal region, the net change in the number of color-opponent units is essentially zero. To achieve this "dynamic balance," ACs counteract intrinsic color opponency of BCs via the On channel. Consistent with these observations, Off-stratifying ACs are exclusively achromatic, while all color-opponent ACs stratify in the On sublamina., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Accurate assessment of pediatric pain remains a challenge, especially for children who are preverbal or unable to communicate because of their health condition or a language barrier. A 2008 meta-analysis of 12 studies found a moderate correlation between 3 dyads (child-caregiver, child-nurse, and caregiver-nurse). We updated this meta-analysis, adding papers published up to August 8, 2021, and that included intraclass correlation/weighted kappa statistics (ICC/WK) in addition to standard correlation. Forty studies (4,628 children) were included. Meta-analysis showed moderate pain rating consistency between child and caregiver (ICC/WK = 0.51 [0.39-0.63], correlation = 0.59 [0.52-0.65], combined = 0.55 [0.48-0.62]), and weaker consistency between child and health care provider (HCP) (ICC/WK = 0.38 [0.19-0.58], correlation = 0.49 [0.34-0.55], combined = 0.45; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.55), and between caregiver and HCP (ICC/WK = 0.27 [-0.06 to 0.61], correlation = 0.49 [0.32 to 0.59], combined = 0.41; 95% confidence interval 0.22-0.59). There was significant heterogeneity across studies for all analyses. Metaregression revealed that recent years of publication, the pain assessment tool used by caregivers (eg, Numerical Rating Scale, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale), and surgically related pain were each associated with greater consistency in pain ratings between child and caregiver. Pain caused by surgery was also associated with improved rating consistency between the child and HCP. This updated meta-analysis warrants pediatric pain assessment researchers to apply a comprehensive pain assessment scale Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System to acknowledge psychological and psychosocial influence on pain ratings., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The International Association for the Study of Pain.)

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common inherited retinal dystrophy with a prevalence of about 1 in 4,000, affecting approximately 1.5 million people worldwide. Patients with RP experience progressive visual field loss as the retina degenerates, destroying light-sensitive photoreceptor cells (rods and cones), with rods affected earlier and more severely than cones. Spatio-temporal patterns of retinal degeneration in human RP have been well characterised; however, the mechanism(s) giving rise to these patterns have not been conclusively determined. One such mechanism, which has received a wealth of experimental support, is described by the trophic factor hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that rods produce a trophic factor necessary for cone survival; the loss of rods depletes this factor, leading to cone degeneration. In this article, we formulate a partial differential equation mathematical model of RP in one spatial dimension, spanning the region between the retinal centre (fovea) and the retinal edge (ora serrata). Using this model we derive and solve an inverse problem, revealing for the first time experimentally testable conditions under which the trophic factor mechanism will qualitatively recapitulate the spatio-temporal patterns of retinal regeneration observed in human RP., Competing Interests: The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Roberts.)

Cotton ( Gossypium spp.) is the most important renewable source of natural textile fiber and one of the most cultivated crops around the world. Plant-parasitic nematode infestations, such as the southern Root-Knot Nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita , represent a threat to cotton production worldwide. Host-plant resistance is a highly effective strategy to manage RKN; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of RKN-resistance remain largely unknown. In this study, we harness the differences in RKN-resistance between a susceptible (Acala SJ-2, SJ2), a moderately resistant (Upland Wild Mexico Jack Jones, WMJJ), and a resistant (Acala NemX) cotton entries, to perform genome-wide comparative analysis of the root transcriptional response to M. incognita infection. RNA-seq data suggest that RKN-resistance is determined by a constitutive state of defense transcriptional behavior that prevails in the roots of the NemX cultivar. Gene ontology and protein homology analyses indicate that the root transcriptional landscape in response to RKN-infection is enriched for responses related to jasmonic and salicylic acid, two key phytohormones in plant defense responses. These responses are constitutively activated in NemX and correlate with elevated levels of these two hormones while avoiding a fitness penalty. We show that the expression of cotton genes coding for disease resistance and receptor proteins linked to RKN-resistance and perception in plants, is enhanced in the roots of RKN-resistant NemX. Members of the later gene families, located in the confidence interval of a previously identified QTL associated with RKN resistance, represent promising candidates that might facilitate introduction of RKN-resistance into valuable commercial varieties of cotton. Our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie RKN resistance in cotton., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ojeda-Rivera, Ulloa, Roberts, Kottapalli, Wang, Nájera-González, Payton, Lopez-Arredondo and Herrera-Estrella.)

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the term used to denote a group of inherited retinal-degenerative conditions that cause progressive sight loss. Individuals with this condition lose their light-sensitive photoreceptor cells, known as rods and cones, over a period of years to decades; degeneration starting in the retinal periphery, and spreading peripherally and centrally over time. RP is a rod-cone dystrophy, meaning that rod health and function are affected earlier and more severely than that of cones. Rods degenerate due to an underlying mutation, whereas the reasons for cone degeneration are unknown. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain secondary cone loss and the spatio-temporal patterns of retinal degeneration in RP. One of the most promising is the trophic factor hypothesis, which suggests that rods produce a factor necessary for cone survival, such that, when rods degenerate, cone degeneration follows. In this paper we formulate and analyse mathematical models of human RP under the trophic factor hypothesis. These models are constructed as systems of reaction-diffusion partial differential equations in one spatial dimension, and are solved and analysed using a combination of numerical and analytical methods. We predict the conditions under which cones will degenerate following the loss of a patch of rods from the retina, the critical trophic factor treatment rate required to prevent cone degeneration following rod loss and the spatio-temporal patterns of cone loss that would result if the trophic factor mechanism alone were responsible for retinal degeneration., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A Melody valve was successfully placed across a very stenotic right-sided component of a common atrioventricular valve because of ongoing troublesome arrhythmias in a young woman with an unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect, a very dilated right atrium and a hypoplastic right ventricle. Four years later, she remains well.

Background: Covered stent implantation for treatment of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is effective and can prevent aortic wall injury. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up, including imaging, are lacking. We report the acute and long-term outcomes for use of the Large Diameter Advanta V12 covered stent for treatment of native and recurrent CoA., Methods: A prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized study was performed including 70 patients (43 male), median age 17 years, median weight 57.4 kg with CoA who underwent implantation of the Large Diameter Advanta V12 covered stent. Annual follow-up for 5 years included Doppler echocardiography to calculate diastolic velocity: systolic velocity ratio., Results: CoA diameter increased from 5.6±3.6 to 14.9±3.9 mm ( P <0.0001) and the pressure gradient decreased from 35.8±16.2 to 5.6±7.9 mm Hg ( P <0.0001). Preimplantation diastolic velocity:systolic velocity of 0.6±0.16 dropped to 0.34±0.13 ( P <0.0001) and was maintained at 5 years. Computed tomography angiograms at 12 months postimplantation demonstrated the stent:transverse arch diameter to be similar, 0.91±0.09 to postprocedure 0.86±0.14. Major adverse vascular events at 30 days and 12 months were 1.4% and 4.3%, respectively. Significant adverse events included three patients who required stent implantation to treat infolding. There were no mortalities., Conclusions: The Large Diameter Advanta V12 covered stent is safe and effective for the treatment of CoA with an immediate and sustained reduction of the pressure gradient over 12 months and 5 years as assessed by preimplantation and postimplantation Doppler echocardiography and 12-month computed tomography angiography. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00978952. URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au; Unique identifier: ACTRN12612000013864.

Purpose: To observe and describe nurse-caregiver communication of hospital-to-home transition information at the time of discharge at a tertiary children's hospital of Western Australia., Design and Methods: A multi-stage qualitative descriptive design involved 31 direct clinical observations of hospital-to-home transition experiences, and semi-structured interviews with 20 caregivers and 12 nurses post-discharge. Eleven caregivers were re-interviewed 2-4 weeks post-discharge. Transcripts of audio recordings and field notes were analyzed using content analysis. Medical records were examined to determine patients' usage of hospital services within 30 days of discharge., Results: Four themes emerged from the content analysis: structure of hospital-to-home transition information; transition information delivery; readiness for discharge; and recovery experience post-hospital discharge. Examination of medical records found seven patients presented to the Emergency Department within 2-19 days post-discharge, of which three were readmitted. Primary caregivers of three readmitted patients all had limited English proficiency., Conclusion: The study affirmed the complexity of transitioning pediatric patients from hospital to home. Inconsistent content and delivery of information impacted caregivers' perception of readiness for discharge and the recovery experience., Practice Implications: Nurses need to assess readiness for discharge to identify individual needs using a validated tool. Inclusion of education on hospital-to-home transition information and discharge planning/process is required in the orientation program for junior and casual staff to ensure consistency of information delivery. Interpreter services should be arranged for caregivers with limited language proficiency throughout the hospital stay especially when transition information is being provided. Nurses should apply teach-back techniques to improve caregivers' comprehension of information., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are valuable genetic resources for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of complex agronomic traits especially suitable for minor effect QTL. Here, 162 BC 3 F 7 -BC 7 F 3 CSSLs derived from crossing two susceptible parent lines, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 'Suinong14' (recurrent parent) × wild soybean (G. soja Siebold & Zucc.) ZYD00006, were used for QTL mapping of soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycine Ichinohe) resistance based on female index (FI) and cysts per gram root (CGR) through phenotypic screening and whole-genome resequencing of CSSLs. Phenotypic results displayed a wide range of distribution and transgressive lines in both HG Type 2.5.7 FI and CGR and demonstrated a higher correlation between CGR and root weight (R 2 = .5424) compared with than between FI and CGR (R 2 = .0018). Using the single-marker analysis nonparametric mapping test, 33 significant QTL were detected on 18 chromosomes contributing resistance to FI and CGR. Fourteen QTL contributing 5.6-15.5% phenotypic variance (PVE) to FI were revealed on 11 chromosomes, and 16 QTL accounting for 6.1-36.2% PVE in CGR were detected on 14 chromosomes with strong additive effect by multiple-QTL model (MQM) mapping. Twenty-five and 13 out of all 38 QTL identified for FI and CGR on 20 chromosomes were from ZYD00006 and Suinong14, respectively. The CSSLs with the combination of positive alleles for FI, CGR, and root weight exhibited low nematode reproduction. For the first time, QTL associated with CGR have been detected, and both FI and CGR should be considered for breeding purposes in the absence of strong resistance genes such as rhg1 and Rhg4., (© 2021 The Authors. The Plant Genome published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Crop Science Society of America.)

With a recent emphasis on sterile compounding regulatory requirements, a newly constructed space or renovations to an existing space may need to be considered in any pharmacy where sterile compounding occurs. Pharmacy leaders from two facilities within a health system outline their experience with important aspects of cleanroom renovation learned through the process. Identifying how to maintain sterile compounding operations during construction is required to continue patient-care services. The collaboration of several disciplines on a construction team will help ensure the new/ renovated space has the necessary components to eventually support compounding sterile preparations. Through thorough understanding of the proposed changes of sterile compounding regulatory requirements and extensive planning, a successful renovation and go-live coordination can occur. This article serves to summarize key takeaways from two pharmacy leaders' cleanroom construction experiences., (Copyright© by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, Inc.)

Objectives To assess whether adding clinical information and written discharge documentation variables improves prediction of paediatric 30-day same-hospital unplanned readmission compared with predictions based on administrative information alone. Methods A retrospective matched case-control study audited the medical records of patients discharged from a tertiary paediatric hospital in Western Australia (WA) between January 2010 and December 2014. A random selection of 470 patients with unplanned readmissions (out of 3330) were matched to 470 patients without readmissions based on age, sex, and principal diagnosis at the index admission. Prediction utility of three groups of variables (administrative, administrative and clinical, and administrative, clinical and written discharge documentation) were assessed using standard logistic regression and machine learning. Results Inclusion of written discharge documentation variables significantly improved prediction of readmission compared with models that used only administrative and/or clinical variables in standard logistic regression analysis (χ2 17=29.4, P=0.03). Highest prediction accuracy was obtained using a gradient boosted tree model (C-statistic=0.654), followed closely by random forest and elastic net modelling approaches. Variables highlighted as important for prediction included patients' social history (legal custody or patient was under the care of the Department for Child Protection), languages spoken other than English, completeness of nursing admission and discharge planning documentation, and timing of issuing discharge summary. Conclusions The variables of significant social history, low English language proficiency, incomplete discharge documentation, and delay in issuing the discharge summary add value to prediction models. What is known about the topic? Despite written discharge documentation playing a critical role in the continuity of care for paediatric patients, limited research has examined its association with, and ability to predict, unplanned hospital readmissions. Machine learning approaches have been applied to various health conditions and demonstrated improved predictive accuracy. However, few published studies have used machine learning to predict paediatric readmissions. What does this paper add? This paper presents the findings of the first known study in Australia to assess and report that written discharge documentation and clinical information improves unplanned rehospitalisation prediction accuracy in a paediatric cohort compared with administrative data alone. It is also the first known published study to use machine learning for the prediction of paediatric same-hospital unplanned readmission in Australia. The results show improved predictive performance of the machine learning approach compared with standard logistic regression. What are the implications for practitioners? The identified social and written discharge documentation predictors could be translated into clinical practice through improved discharge planning and processes, to prevent paediatric 30-day all-cause same-hospital unplanned readmission. The predictors identified in this study include significant social history, low English language proficiency, incomplete discharge documentation, and delay in issuing the discharge summary.

Background: In adults, central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (cAIx) are independently associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. There is increasing interest in central hemodynamic indices in children. We aimed to assess the accuracy of current techniques against invasive intra-aortic measurements in children., Methods: Intra-aortic pressure waveforms were recorded with simultaneous brachial, radial, and carotid waveforms in 29 children (6.7 ± 3.9 years old) undergoing cardiac catheterization. Adult and age-appropriate transfer functions (TFs) (brachial adult: b-aTF; radial adult: r-aTF; radial for 8-year-old children: TF8; and radial for 14-year-old children: TF14) were used to synthesize central aortic waveforms from peripheral waveforms calibrated either to invasively or noninvasively recorded BP. Central hemodynamic indices were measured by pulse wave analysis., Results: cSBP measured from invasively calibrated r-aTF (β = 0.84; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.91; mean error ± SDD = -1.0 ± 5.0 mm Hg), TF8 (β = 0.78; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.84; mean error ± SDD = 4.4 ± 5.6 mm Hg), and TF14 (β = 0.82; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.90; mean error ± SDD = 2.0 ± 4.7 mm Hg)-synthesized central waveforms correlated with and accurately estimated intra-aortic cSBP measurements, while noninvasively calibrated waveforms did not. cAIx derived from TF-synthesized central waveforms did not correlate with intra-aortic cAIx values, and degree of error was TF-dependent., Conclusions: The currently available r-aTF accurately estimates cSBP with invasive pulse pressure calibration, while. Age-appropriate TFs do not appear to provide additional benefit. Accuracy of cAIx estimation appears to be TF dependent., (© American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The objective of this study was to describe the response by state boards of pharmacy pertaining to personal protective equipment shortages during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. All webpages of state boards of pharmacy were independently reviewed for written guidance pertaining to personal protective equipment conservation strategies in sterile compounding and deviations from United States Pharmacopeia General Chapter <797> standards; each guidance was then reviewed for referenced sources. Of 52 state pharmacy regulatory bodies, 38 (73.08%) provided guidance to modifying personal protective equipment use during sterile compounding activities to mitigate supply shortages. The references for each guidance varied, however, most referenced CriticalPoint, LLC or the United States Pharmacopeia. A few of the guidance documents from boards also permitted other deviations from United States Pharmacopeia Chapter <797> standards. Early in the pandemic, pharmacists within sterile compounding practices had to conserve personal protective equipment while mitigating contamination risk. Pharmacists looked to state boards of pharmacy for guidance. This report shows a high level of state response to the personal protective equipment shortage induced by the pandemic., (Copyright© by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, Inc.)

Plants evolve innate immunity including resistance genes to defend against pest and pathogen attack. Our previous studies in cotton ( Gossypium spp.) revealed that one telomeric segment on chromosome (Chr) 11 in G. hirsutum cv. Acala NemX ( rkn1 locus) contributed to transgressive resistance to the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita , but the highly homologous segment on homoeologous Chr 21 had no resistance contribution. To better understand the resistance mechanism, a bacterial chromosome (BAC) library of Acala N901 (Acala NemX resistance source) was used to select, sequence, and analyze BAC clones associated with SSR markers in the complex rkn1 resistance region. Sequence alignment with the susceptible G. hirsutum cv. TM-1 genome indicated that 23 BACs mapped to TM-1-Chr11 and 18 BACs mapped to TM-1-Chr 21. Genetic and physical mapping confirmed less BAC sequence (53-84%) mapped with the TM-1 genome in the rkn1 region on Chr 11 than to the homologous region (>89%) on Chr 21. A 3.1-cM genetic distance between the rkn1 flanking markers CIR316 and CIR069 was mapped in a Pima S-7 × Acala NemX RIL population with a physical distance ∼1 Mbp in TM-1. NCBI Blast and Gene annotation indicated that both Chr 11 and Chr 21 harbor resistance gene-rich cluster regions, but more multiple homologous copies of Resistance (R) proteins and of adjacent transposable elements (TE) are present within Chr 11 than within Chr 21. (CC)-NB-LRR type R proteins were found in the rkn1 region close to CIR316, and (TIR)-NB-LRR type R proteins were identified in another resistance rich region 10 cM from CIR 316 (∼3.1 Mbp in the TM-1 genome). The identified unique insertion/deletion in NB-ARC domain, different copies of LRR domain, multiple copies or duplication of R proteins, adjacent protein kinases, or TE in the rkn1 region on Chr 11 might be major factors contributing to complex recombination and transgressive resistance., Competing Interests: RN was employed by the company Cotton Incorporated. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Wang, Ulloa, Nichols and Roberts.)

In vertebrate vision, the tetrachromatic larval zebrafish permits non-invasive monitoring and manipulating of neural activity across the nervous system in vivo during ongoing behavior. However, despite a perhaps unparalleled understanding of links between zebrafish brain circuits and visual behaviors, comparatively little is known about what their eyes send to the brain via retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Major gaps in knowledge include any information on spectral coding and information on potentially critical variations in RGC properties across the retinal surface corresponding with asymmetries in the statistics of natural visual space and behavioral demands. Here, we use in vivo two-photon imaging during hyperspectral visual stimulation as well as photolabeling of RGCs to provide a functional and anatomical census of RGCs in larval zebrafish. We find that RGCs' functional and structural properties differ across the eye and include a notable population of UV-responsive On-sustained RGCs that are only found in the acute zone, likely to support visual prey capture of UV-bright zooplankton. Next, approximately half of RGCs display diverse forms of color opponency, including many that are driven by a pervasive and slow blue-Off system-far in excess of what would be required to satisfy traditional models of color vision. In addition, most information on spectral contrast was intermixed with temporal information. Taken together, our results suggest that zebrafish RGCs send a diverse and highly regionalized time-color code to the brain., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To identify risk factors associated with 30-day all-cause unplanned hospital readmission at a tertiary children's hospital in Western Australia., Methods: An administrative paediatric inpatient dataset was analysed retrospectively. Patients of all ages discharged between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014 were included. Demographic and clinical information at the index admission was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis., Results: A total of 3330 patients (4.55%) experienced at least one unplanned readmission after discharge. Readmission was more likely to occur in patients who were either older than 16 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.98), utilising private insurance as an inpatient (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.00-1.34), with greater socio-economic advantage (OR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.02-1.41), admitted on Friday (OR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.05-1.39), discharged on Friday/Saturday/Sunday (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.10-1.44; OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.57; OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.47, respectively), with four or more diagnoses at the index admission (OR = 2.41; 95% CI 2.08-2.80) or hospitalised for 15 days or longer (OR = 2.39; 95% CI 1.88-2.98). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the predictive model is 0.645., Conclusions: A moderate discriminative ability predictive model for 30-day all-cause same hospital readmission was developed. A structured discharge plan is suggested to be commenced from admission to ensure continuity of care for patients identified as being at higher risk of readmission. A recommendation is made that a designated staff member be assigned to co-ordinate the plan, including assessment of patients' and primary carers' readiness for discharge. Further research is required to establish comprehensive paediatric readmission rates by accessing linkage data to capture different hospital readmissions., (© 2019 The Authors Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).)

Key Message: This paper combined GWAS, meta-analysis and sequence homology comparison with common bean to identify regions associated with seed size variation in domesticated cowpea. Seed size is an important trait for yield and commercial value in dry-grain cowpea. Seed size varies widely among different cowpea accessions, and the genetic basis of such variation is not yet well understood. To better decipher the genetic basis of seed size, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and meta-analysis were conducted on a panel of 368 cowpea diverse accessions from 51 countries. Four traits, including seed weight, length, width and density were evaluated across three locations. Using 51,128 single nucleotide polymorphisms covering the cowpea genome, 17 loci were identified for these traits. One locus was common to weight, width and length, suggesting pleiotropy. By integrating synteny-based analysis with common bean, six candidate genes (Vigun05g036000, Vigun05g039600, Vigun05g204200, Vigun08g217000, Vigun11g187000, and Vigun11g191300) which are implicated in multiple functional categories related to seed size such as endosperm development, embryo development, and cell elongation were identified. These results suggest that a combination of GWAS meta-analysis with synteny comparison in a related plant is an efficient approach to identify candidate gene (s) for complex traits in cowpea. The identified loci and candidate genes provide useful information for improving cowpea varieties and for molecular investigation of seed size.

The appearance of the seed is an important aspect of consumer preference for cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.). Seed coat pattern in cowpea has been a subject of study for over a century. This study makes use of newly available resources, including mapping populations, a reference genome and additional genome assemblies, and a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping platform, to map various seed coat pattern traits to three loci, concurrent with the Color Factor ( C ), Watson ( W ), and Holstein ( H ) factors identified previously. Several gene models encoding proteins involved in regulating the later stages of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway have been identified as candidate genes, including a basic helix-loop-helix gene ( Vigun07g110700 ) for the C locus, a WD-repeat gene ( Vigun09g139900 ) for the W locus and an E3 ubiquitin ligase gene ( Vigun10g163900 ) for the H locus. A model of seed coat development, consisting of six distinct stages, is described to explain some of the observed pattern phenotypes., (Copyright © 2019 Herniter, Lo, Muñoz-Amatriaín, Lo, Guo, Huynh, Lucas, Jia, Roberts, Lonardi and Close.)

As antimicrobial resistance increases, it is crucial to develop new treatment strategies to counter the emerging threat. In this paper, we consider combination therapies involving conventional antibiotics and debridement, coupled with a novel anti-adhesion therapy, and their use in the treatment of antimicrobial resistant burn wound infections. Our models predict that anti-adhesion-antibiotic-debridement combination therapies can eliminate a bacterial infection in cases where each treatment in isolation would fail. Antibiotics are assumed to have a bactericidal mode of action, killing bacteria, while debridement involves physically cleaning a wound (e.g. with a cloth); removing free bacteria. Anti-adhesion therapy can take a number of forms. Here we consider adhesion inhibitors consisting of polystyrene microbeads chemically coupled to a protein known as multivalent adhesion molecule 7, an adhesin which mediates the initial stages of attachment of many bacterial species to host cells. Adhesion inhibitors competitively inhibit bacteria from binding to host cells, thus rendering them susceptible to removal through debridement. An ordinary differential equation model is developed and the antibiotic-related parameters are fitted against new in vitro data gathered for the present study. The model is used to predict treatment outcomes and to suggest optimal treatment strategies. Our model predicts that anti-adhesion and antibiotic therapies will combine synergistically, producing a combined effect which is often greater than the sum of their individual effects, and that anti-adhesion-antibiotic-debridement combination therapy will be more effective than any of the treatment strategies used in isolation. Further, the use of inhibitors significantly reduces the minimum dose of antibiotics required to eliminate an infection, reducing the chances that bacteria will develop increased resistance. Lastly, we use our model to suggest treatment regimens capable of eliminating bacterial infections within clinically relevant timescales., Competing Interests: I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: A.M.K. is a co-inventor on the patent ‘Modulating bacterial MAM polypeptides in pathogenic disease’ (US9529005, issued Dec 27, 2016).

Purpose: The impact of a gravimetric-based technology-assisted workflow (TAWF) system on the nonhazardous compounded sterile product (CSP) error capture rate, production times, and pharmacy staff perceptions of compounding methods was evaluated., Methods: For 2 weeks prior to TAWF implementation, staff used a punch clock to document production times with a volumetric method. Preimplementation error data were captured in a previous study; TAWF software captured error and time data in the postimplementation period. An online staff survey was administered before and 90 days after TAWF implementation to evaluate perceptions of the 2 methods., Results: The error capture rates were 0.47% in the preimplementation period and 41.48% in the postimplementation period. The median time to prepare CSPs was significantly shorter in the preimplementation period versus the postimplementation period (p < 0.0001). The median time to check CSPs was significantly shorter at both 90 days (p < 0.0001) and 180 days (p = 0.0006) after TAWF implementation. When asked if the current method was the safest and the most accurate method for preparation, staff members' perceptions improved from neutrality to agreement when the TAWF was implemented. Staff members were in agreement that the volumetric method was faster than the gravimetric TAWF method but were neutral as to whether the latter was the preferred compounding method., Conclusion: The study results indicated that gravimetric-based TAWF preparation of nonhazardous CSPs is slower than manual volumetric preparation but can improve the error capture rate. Staff perceived the gravimetric TAWF method to be the safest and most accurate for producing CSPs., (© American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2019. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) is a major crop for worldwide food and nutritional security, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, that is resilient to hot and drought-prone environments. An assembly of the single-haplotype inbred genome of cowpea IT97K-499-35 was developed by exploiting the synergies between single-molecule real-time sequencing, optical and genetic mapping, and an assembly reconciliation algorithm. A total of 519 Mb is included in the assembled sequences. Nearly half of the assembled sequence is composed of repetitive elements, which are enriched within recombination-poor pericentromeric regions. A comparative analysis of these elements suggests that genome size differences between Vigna species are mainly attributable to changes in the amount of Gypsy retrotransposons. Conversely, genes are more abundant in more distal, high-recombination regions of the chromosomes; there appears to be more duplication of genes within the NBS-LRR and the SAUR-like auxin superfamilies compared with other warm-season legumes that have been sequenced. A surprising outcome is the identification of an inversion of 4.2 Mb among landraces and cultivars, which includes a gene that has been associated in other plants with interactions with the parasitic weed Striga gesnerioides. The genome sequence facilitated the identification of a putative syntelog for multiple organ gigantism in legumes. A revised numbering system has been adopted for cowpea chromosomes based on synteny with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). An estimate of nuclear genome size of 640.6 Mbp based on cytometry is presented., (© 2019 The Authors. The Plant Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Experimental Biology.)

The root-knot nematode (RKN) species Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica cause substantial root system damage and suppress yield of susceptible cowpea cultivars. The narrow-based genetic resistance conferred by the Rk gene, present in some commercial cultivars, is not effective against Rk -virulent populations found in several cowpea production areas. The dynamics of virulence within RKN populations require a broadening of the genetic base of resistance in elite cowpea cultivars. As part of this goal, F1 and F2 populations from the cross CB46-Null (susceptible) x FN-2-9-04 (resistant) were phenotyped for M. javanica induced root-galling (RG) and egg-mass production (EM) in controlled growth chamber and greenhouse infection assays. In addition, F[Formula: see text] families of the same cross were phenotyped for RG on field sites infested with Rk -avirulent M. incognita and M. javanica The response of F1 to RG and EM indicated that resistance to RKN in FN-2-9-04 is partially dominant, as supported by the degree of dominance in the F2 and F[Formula: see text] populations. Two QTL associated with both RG and EM resistance were detected on chromosomes Vu01 and Vu04. The QTL on Vu01 was most effective against aggressive M. javanica , whereas both QTL were effective against avirulent M. incognita Allelism tests with CB46 x FN-2-9-04 progeny indicated that these parents share the same RKN resistance locus on Vu04, but the strong, broad-based resistance in FN-2-9-04 is conferred by the additive effect of the novel resistance QTL on Vu01. This novel resistance in FN-2-9-04 is an important resource for broadening RKN resistance in elite cowpea cultivars., (Copyright © 2019 Ndeve et al.)

Objective: To synthesise evidence on risk factors associated with paediatric unplanned hospital readmissions (UHRs)., Design: Systematic review., Data Source: CINAHL, EMBASE (Ovid) and MEDLINE from 2000 to 2017., Eligibility Criteria: Studies published in English with full-text access and focused on paediatric All-cause, Surgical procedure and General medical condition related UHRs were included., Data Extraction and Synthesis: Characteristics of the included studies, examined variables and the statistically significant risk factors were extracted. Two reviewers independently assessed study quality based on six domains of potential bias. Pooling of extracted risk factors was not permitted due to heterogeneity of the included studies. Data were synthesised using content analysis and presented in narrative form., Results: Thirty-six significant risk factors were extracted from the 44 included studies and presented under three health condition groupings. For All-cause UHRs, ethnicity, comorbidity and type of health insurance were the most frequently cited factors. For Surgical procedure related UHRs, specific surgical procedures, comorbidity, length of stay (LOS), age, the American Society of Anaesthesiologists class, postoperative complications, duration of procedure, type of health insurance and illness severity were cited more frequently. The four most cited risk factors associated with General medical condition related UHRs were comorbidity, age, health service usage prior to the index admission and LOS., Conclusions: This systematic review acknowledges the complexity of readmission risk prediction in paediatric populations. This review identified four risk factors across all three health condition groupings, namely comorbidity; public health insurance; longer LOS and patients<12 months or between 13-18 years. The identification of risk factors, however, depended on the variables examined by each of the included studies. Consideration should be taken into account when generalising reported risk factors to other institutions. This review highlights the need to develop a standardised set of measures to capture key hospital discharge variables that predict unplanned readmission among paediatric patients., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Purpose: The impact of a gravimetric-based technology-assisted workflow (TAWF) system on hazardous compounded sterile product (CSP) production time, staff perception of safety, and job satisfaction was evaluated., Methods: For 2 weeks before implementation of a gravimetric-based TAWF, staff utilized an automated punch clock to document the time to prepare and check CSPs compounded volumetrically. Simultaneously, an anonymous, online survey was e-mailed to staff to evaluate their perceptions regarding the safety of volumetric preparation and satisfaction with their role preparing CSPs. At 30 and 90 days postimplementation of the TAWF, staff completed identical follow-up surveys to evaluate safety and satisfaction using the gravimetric-based TAWF. The TAWF software captured product preparation and check times postimplementation. Data regarding the accuracy of compounding were collected postimplementation and compared to accuracy data available in the published literature., Results: The median time to prepare CSPs preimplementation ( n = 643) was 445 seconds versus 359 seconds ( n = 728) 90 days after implementation of the gravimetric-based TAWF ( p < 0.001). The median time to review and check CSPs was 45 seconds before implementation and 19 seconds 90 days after implementation ( p < 0.01). Survey respondents preferred to use the TAWF to compound CSPs over volumetric preparation. There was no difference in respondents' perception of safety and accuracy of the TAWF preimplementation versus postimplementation., Conclusion: The gravimetric-based TAWF preparation of hazardous CSPs was faster and more accurate than manual volumetric preparation and improved staff perception regarding the accuracy of the CSP preparation process., (Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fusarium wilt, caused by the soilborne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, is a vascular disease of cotton (Gossypium spp.). F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 1 (FOV1) causes major plant injury and yield loss in G. hirsutum cultivars with coinfection with root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), while F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (FOV4) causes plant damage without nematode coinfection in G. hirsutum and in G. barbadense cultivars. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of the interspecific cross G. barbadense Pima S-7 × G. hirsutum Acala NemX revealed separate multiple loci determining resistance to FOV1 and FOV4, confirming that race specificity occurs in F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum. Based on the area under the disease progress stairs, six major QTLs on chromosomes (Chrs) 1, 2, 12, 15 (2), and 21 contributing 7 to 15% to FOV1 resistance and two major QTLs on Chrs 14 and 17 contributing 12 to 33% to FOV4 resistance were identified. Minor-effect QTLs contributing to resistance to both FOV1 and FOV4 were also identified. These results define and establish a pathosystem of race-specific resistance under polygenic control. This research also validates the importance of previously reported markers and chromosome regions and adds new information for the location of F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum resistance genes. Some F 8 recombinant inbred lines have resistance to both FOV1 and FOV4 and also to root-knot nematode, providing multiple resistance sources for breeding.