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Student learning is increasingly taking place in digital environments both within and outside schooling contexts. Educational assessments are following suit, both to take advantage of the conveniences and opportunities that digital environments provide as well as to reflect the mediums of learning increasingly taking place in societies around the world. A social context relevant to learning and assessment in the digital age is the great differences in access to and competence in technology among students from different segments of societies. Therefore, access and competency in relation to technology become critical contexts for evaluations that rely on digitally based assessments. This chapter examines the digital divide between students from different segments of the society and discusses strategies for minimizing effects of digital divide on assessments of student learning. The research focuses on two types of demographic groups--gender and socioeconomic status (SES) groups--that have been highlighted in research on the digital divide. The research utilizes data from IEA's International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) 2013 for Grade 8 students administered in 21 jurisdictions around the world. It thus provides an international perspective on digital divide as an important context for international assessments as well as assessments within jurisdictions such as Mexico that are conducting assessments in digitally based environments.

This study examines the association between moral disengagement and cyberbullying using a measure of moral disengagement tailored to cyberbullying. It also examines adolescents' self-beliefs in their competence to engage in cyberbullying (cyberbullying self-efficacy beliefs) and how these beliefs may moderate the relation between moral disengagement and cyberbullying. Participants were 942 mainly White (83.5%) boys and girls from Grades 7 to 9 (M[subscript age] = 13.2 years, range = 11-15 years). Results revealed that when students believed firmly in their cyberbullying capabilities, high levels of self-reported cyberbullying were associated with greater moral disengagement proneness even when controlling for knowledge of cyberbullying moral standards. These results suggest that reducing cyberbullying will involve more than policies that sanction such behavior. Factors that reduce the use of moral disengagement processes, particularly among those students who believe in their cyberbullying capabilities, need to be promoted.

Acid soils limit yields of many important crops including canola (Brassica napus), Australia’s third largest crop. Aluminium (Al3+) stress is the main cause of this limitation primarily because the toxic Al3+ present inhibits root growth. Breeding programmes do not target acid-soil tolerance in B. napus because genetic variation and convincing quantitative trait loci have not been reported. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the BnASSYST diversity panel of B. napus genotyped with 35 729 high-quality DArTseq markers. We screened 352 B. napus accessions in hydroponics with and without a toxic concentration of AlCl3 (12 μM, pH 4.3) for 12 days and measured shoot biomass, root biomass, and root length. By accounting for both population structure and kinship matrices, five significant quantitative trait loci for different measures of resistance were identified using incremental Al3+ resistance indices. Within these quantitative trait locus regions of B. napus, 40 Arabidopsis thaliana gene orthologues were identified, including some previously linked with Al3+ resistance. GWAS analysis indicated that multiple genes are responsible for the natural variation in Al3+ resistance in B. napus. The results provide new genetic resources and markers to enhance that Al3+ resistance of B. napus germplasm via genomic and marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2012 change in Australia's immigration policy saw increased resettlement of refugees with disability, with a large number fleeing political instability in Iraq and Syria. The evidence on service disparities for resettled refugees with disability and their families is sparse. The study aim was to explore, from multiple stakeholder perspectives, the experiences of people with disability from Iraqi and Syrian refugee backgrounds resettled in Australia, with a view to informing future services and supports. Interviews with nine family members of 11 people with disability from Iraqi and Syrian refugee backgrounds and seven practitioners working in refugee specific services. Persons with disability had a range of disabilities including intellectual or developmental, physical and sensory. Interviews were translated from Arabic to English as required and analysed using thematic analysis. Two themes described the practices and service interventions that addressed disparities: (1) Getting the basics right: Refugee specific services played a crucial role during early settlement in ensuring access to medical, health and social care including diagnosis, medication, equipment, housing and financial support. (2) Ongoing access to disability supports: Refugee specific services assisted families with longer‐term supports once immediate needs were met, including accessing services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Participants described benefits such as having access to interpreters and Arabic‐speaking staff, demonstrating services' attention to cultural sensitivity and safety, and problems including waiting times, bureaucratic processes and housing needs. Refugee specific services, disability services and health services should collaboratively develop and implement strategies to tackle the intersectional nature of issues resettled refugees with disability and their families encounter in Australia. These should be informed by the experiences of people with disability and family members from refugee backgrounds and privilege holistic practices that avoid reliance on one sector alone to address the complex needs of refugees with disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrant and refugee youth (MRY) in Australia face specific experiences that inform their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Migrant and refugee communities experience poor health outcomes and low service uptake. Additionally, youth are vulnerable to poor sexual health. This review examines the understandings and perspectives of MRY. A systematic review was conducted as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42021241213. Nine databases were systematically searched. Inclusion criteria specified literature reporting on migrant and/or refugee youth perspectives and attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health; peer-reviewed qualitative, mixed-methods and/or quantitative studies or grey literature reports; records using Australian research; literature published in English between January 2000 and March 2021. Records that did not report on MRY and did not examine participant views or perspectives; were abstract-only, reviews, pamphlets, protocols, opinion pieces or letters; did not include Australian research; were published before 2000 and/or in a language other than English were excluded. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was used to assess studies' methodological quality. Thematic synthesis methods guided data extraction and analysis. Twenty-eight papers were included in the final review. Three themes were identified in MRY constructions of SRHR: (1) experiences of silence and shame; (2) understandings of and responses to SRHR risks; (3) navigation of relationships and sexual activity. Socioecological factors shaped MRY perspectives at individual, interpersonal, institutional and societal levels. Societal factors and interpersonal relationships significantly influenced decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the science community continues to ask how its responsibility to society needs to be expressed in the modern world, higher education grapples with issues of its own, including issues embroiled in the perennial tug-of-war between principle and economic pragmatism. In this paper, the authors give an account of the origins and development of a new undergraduate course in "ecological agriculture" at a regional Australian university campus. In this story, the tug-of-war is dragged strongly back to central issues of purpose and philosophy. Supplementary pragmatic information included are summaries from the feedback from students who have undergone the course and members of the relevant industry obtained through the course evaluations done in the years 2002-2005; moreover, a brief explanation as to how the obstacles faced were met in launching the programme has also been included. Course aims and outcomes are appended. (Contains 3 figures, 2 tables and 2 notes.)

Background: Previous research on the psychological mechanisms of obesity has primarily focused on acute psychopathology. However, there is limited literature on the role of more complex and entrenched psychological processes in weight management. The current study aimed to expand previous research by examining more enduring psychological constructs, including early maladaptive schemas (EMS), schemas modes, and trauma. Methods: Participants (N = 125) comprised adults with normal weight (n = 40) and obesity (n = 85) from community and clinical settings in Australia. Eligible participants completed a series of self-report questionnaires via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Two, separate, one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were conducted to examine group differences on the outcome variables. Results: Findings indicated a significant effect of group on EMS and schema modes, V =.51, F(32, 92) = 2.97, p <.001, partial η2 =.51. Follow-up univariate tests revealed that individuals with obesity endorsed significantly more maladaptive schemas and schema modes and significantly less healthy schema modes than individuals with normal weight. In addition, results demonstrated a significant effect of group on childhood trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, V =.19, F(6, 118) = 4.70, p <.001, partial η2 =.19. Subsequent univariate tests and chi-square analyses indicated that individuals with obesity reported significantly more childhood trauma as well as significantly more PTSD symptoms within the last month than normal weight individuals. Conclusion: This was the first study to compare EMS and schema modes in treatment-seeking individuals with obesity and normal weight controls using the short form version 3 of the Young Schema Questionnaire and revised, 118-item, Schema Mode Inventory. Overall, findings revealed that individuals with obesity experience more complex and enduring psychological difficulties than normal weight individuals. Increased assessment and targeted treatment of these underlying mental health concerns may contribute to a more holistic conceptualisation of obesity and could improve the long-term success of weight management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Largely attributed to the tyranny of distance, timely transfer of patients with major traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from rural or regional hospitals to metropolitan trauma centres is not always feasible. This has warranted emergent craniotomies to be undertaken by non‐neurosurgeons at their local hospitals with previous acceptable results reported in regional Australia. Our institution endorses this ongoing potentially life‐saving practice when necessary and emphasize the need for neurosurgical units to provide ongoing TBI education to peripheral hospitals. In this first of a two‐part narrative review, the authors describe the recommended diagnostic pathway for patients with a suspected TBI presenting to rural or regional hospitals and discuss local surgical management options in the presence or absence of a CT scanner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite being the first validated measure of grazing, the Grazing Questionnaire (GQ) has not been investigated among individuals with obesity. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the GQ in an obesity sample. Methods: Participants (N = 259) were recruited from community and clinical settings in Australia. The sample comprised adults with normal weight (n = 77) and obesity (n = 182). A portion of individuals with obesity (n = 102) had binge eating disorder (BED). Data from the obesity group was examined to establish the factor structure, validity, and reliability of the GQ. A one-way ANOVA with planned contrasts was conducted to compare scores on the GQ across groups. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 2-factor model of the GQ was the best model fit for individuals with obesity. The GQ demonstrated high internal consistency, test–retest reliability over 3 months, and convergent and divergent validity. As hypothesised, the obesity group had significantly higher scores on the GQ than the normal weight group, while the obesity with BED group had significantly higher scores than the obesity without BED group. Conclusion: This was the first study to investigate the psychometric properties of the GQ in an obesity sample. Overall, findings indicated that the GQ is a psychometrically sound measure of grazing among individuals with obesity. These findings provide further support for two distinct subtypes of grazing and highlight the importance of increased assessment and management of grazing behaviours for individuals with obesity and eating disorders. Plain English summary: Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the greatest challenges for individuals with obesity. Certain eating patterns such as grazing may contribute to difficulties in weight management. Grazing is the repetitive and unplanned eating of small amounts of food that is not related to feeling hungry. Researchers and clinicians often use self-report questionnaires to measure grazing. However, the first validated questionnaire of grazing has not been investigated among individuals with obesity. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine and validate the Grazing Questionnaire in individuals with obesity. Overall, our results showed that the Grazing Questionnaire is a valid and reliable self-report measure of grazing in individuals with obesity. Similar to previous research, we found that there are two subtypes of grazing. The first subtype involves continuous, unplanned eating. The second subtype is associated with a sense of loss of control over eating. We also found that people with obesity and binge eating disorder graze more than people with obesity that do not have binge eating disorder, while both groups graze more than individuals with normal weight. We recommend that clinicians routinely assess and treat unhelpful grazing patterns when working with individuals with obesity and eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined systems-level costs before and after the implementation of an emergency department paediatric sepsis screening, recognition and treatment pathway. Aggregated hospital admissions for all children aged < 18y with a diagnosis code of sepsis upon admission in Queensland, Australia were compared for 16 participating and 32 non-participating hospitals before and after pathway implementation. Monte Carlo simulation was used to generate uncertainty intervals. Policy impacts were estimated using difference-in-difference analysis comparing observed and expected results. We compared 1055 patient episodes before (77.6% in-pathway) and 1504 after (80.5% in-pathway) implementation. Reductions were likely for non-intensive length of stay (− 20.8 h [− 36.1, − 8.0]) but not intensive care (–9.4 h [− 24.4, 5.0]). Non-pathway utilisation was likely unchanged for interhospital transfers (+ 3.2% [− 5.0%, 11.4%]), non-intensive (− 4.5 h [− 19.0, 9.8]) and intensive (+ 7.7 h, [− 20.9, 37.7]) care length of stay. After difference-in-difference adjustment, estimated savings were 596 [277, 942] non-intensive and 172 [148, 222] intensive care days. The program was cost-saving in 63.4% of simulations, with a mean value of $97,019 [− $857,273, $1,654,925] over 24 months. A paediatric sepsis pathway in Queensland emergency departments was associated with potential reductions in hospital utilisation and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the reproductive stage, chilling temperatures and frost reduce the yield of chickpea and limit its adaptation. The adverse effects of chilling temperature and frost in terms of the threshold temperatures, impact of cold duration, and genotype-by-environment-by-management interactions are not well quantified. Crop growth models that predict flowering time and yield under diverse climates can identify combinations of cultivars and sowing time to reduce frost risk in target environments. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM-chickpea) model uses daily temperatures to model basic crop growth but does not include penalties for either frost damage or cold temperatures during flowering and podding stages. Regression analysis overcame this limitation of the model for chickpea crops grown at 95 locations in Australia using 70 years of historic data incorporating three cultivars and three sowing times (early, mid, and late). We modified model parameters to include the effect of soil water on thermal time calculations, which significantly improved the prediction of flowering time. Simulated data, and data from field experiments grown in Australia (2013 to 2019), showed robust predictions for flowering time (n = 29; R2 = 0.97), and grain yield (n = 22; R2 = 0.63–0.70). In addition, we identified threshold cold temperatures that significantly affected predicted yield, and combinations of locations, variety, and sowing time where the overlap between peak cold temperatures and peak flowering was minimal. Our results showed that frost and/or cold temperature–induced yield losses are a major limitation in some unexpected Australian locations, e.g., inland, subtropical latitudes in Queensland. Intermediate sowing maximise yield, as it avoids cold temperature, late heat, and drought stresses potentially limiting yield in early and late sowing respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Environmental decision-makers are more diverse than co-production processes acknowledge. • Issue definition is science-led, making it hard for environmental managers to contribute. • Environmental managers make important and varied knowledge contributions. • Environmental managers value science and this influences their participation. • Scientist-manager relationships facilitate mutual understanding and use of knowledge. Transdisciplinary collaborative processes like knowledge co-production have been promoted as valuable mechanisms to address complex environmental management issues. Their value is based on epistemic and participatory ideals involving academic and non-academic knowledge and values being elicited and deliberated upon. While idealised processes of participation have been described, the actual nature of non-academic contributions including those of environmental managers has received scant attention. We explore the role and input of environmental managers in knowledge co-production, drawing on two cases from Australia and South Africa. We use an analytical frame based on the co-production idiom which focuses on process legitimacy when involving lay participants in science-informed dialogue. Environmental managers tend to be treated as part of a homogeneous group of 'policy-makers' but our research reveals that this characterisation masks individuals with a diversity of motivations, skills and responsibilities who contribute empirical, pragmatic and normative knowledge to co-production. Our results also suggest that environmental managers were not always able to contribute meaningfully to the critical early step of issue definition. These new insights suggest better conceptualisation of decision-maker expertise and roles, and flexibility in design and implementation of collaborative processes, are required if knowledge co-production is to achieve a participatory ideal and substantively better environmental management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing general practice in Australia, emphasizing the importance of sustaining and enhancing the role of general practitioners (GPs) in providing comprehensive and coordinated patient care. It highlights the strain on the current healthcare system, the need to address funding cuts, and the significance of fostering doctor-patient relationships for better health outcomes.

Aim: Refugees are at increased risk of tuberculosis infection due to time spent in crowded camps, decreased nutrition and originating from countries whose own tuberculosis control systems may have been disturbed. In Australia, tuberculosis is screened for in for all refugees aged 11-34 years old and in those aged 2-10 years arriving from high-incidence countries. Our aims were to determine if refugee children aged under 2 years of age should also be screened.Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-regression was carried out on studies in refugee children under 18 years old, involving screening for tuberculosis (active or latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI)). Studies were extracted from the last 10 years from a range of bibliographic databases using the search terms 'tuberculosis', 'children', 'screening' and 'refugee', which tested for tuberculosis using the tuberculin skin test (TST) or QuantiFERON-Gold (Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA)).Results: Of the 15 included studies, prevalence of LTBI in < 2-year-olds was 5% using IGRA and 15% using TST (P < 0.05). Prevalence increased with age (odds ratio 1.12; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.17) cumulatively and decreased where IGRA was used for screening compared to TST (odds ratio 0.38; 95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.58). Prevalence of LTBI did not differ between general versus clinic refugee cohorts.Conclusions: Refugees are a particularly vulnerable group in their susceptibility to tuberculosis, and LTBI management is a critical part of tuberculosis disease control due to the lifetime risk of developing active tuberculosis. A prevalence of 5-15% for LTBI in the under 2 years age group would support them being included in screening programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the perception of general practice as "boring" and the need to elevate the importance of whole-person care and community-based medicine among medical students. It discusses the value of general practice in providing important clinical interactions and highlights the challenges and implications of policy changes on access to healthcare.

Objective: Research has indicated that individuals with obesity have neurocognitive deficits, especially in cognitive flexibility that may in turn impact on their weight loss and maintenance. Consequently, we examined the efficacy of a manualised face-to-face cognitive remediation therapy for obesity (CRT-O) within a randomised controlled trial, in terms of improving cognitive flexibility, reducing binge eating behaviour, improving quality of life and helping with weight loss.Methods: 80 adults with obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2), 70% binge eaters, received three weekly sessions of group Behavioural Weight Loss (BWL) and then were randomised to 8 sessions of individual CRT-O or to a no-treatment control group.Results: Mixed-effects model analyses revealed that the CRT-O group had a significant improvement in their cognitive flexibility at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up compared to the control group (Cohen's d = 0.96 to 2.1). 68% of those in the CRT-O group achieved a weight loss of 5% or more at follow-up compared to only 15% of the controls (Cohen's d = 1.3). Changes in set-shifting predicted changes in weight (p < .05). Binge eating reduced in the CRT-O group compared to the control (Cohen's d = 0.80).Discussion: This is the first study showing the efficacy of CRT-O for obesity. Future CRT-O studies with longer follow-ups and pairing it with longer BWL programs are needed.Trials Registry (anzctr): 12613000537752.Date Of Anzctr Registration: 14 May 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Children in out-of-home care have well-documented health and developmental needs. Research suggests that Aboriginal children in care have unmet health and intervention needs. In metropolitan Sydney, Kari Aboriginal Resources Inc. (KARI), an Aboriginal organization, provides support to indigenous children in care, including clinical assessment and intervention. We wanted to determine the health and developmental needs of a subset of children in out-of-home care with KARI, who had been in stable care for at least a year. We wanted to identify child, carer, and intervention characteristics that contributed to children doing well. We also wanted to identify enablers and barriers to providing culturally competent intervention. Methods We used mixed methods. From the KARI clinic database over the past 3 years, we identified children who had been in stable care with KARI for >12 months. We compared clinical measures and outcomes for these children with results from previous audits. We carried out a group discussion and key informant interviews with therapists and caseworkers to identify risk and resilience factors for each child, as well as enablers and barriers to culturally competent intervention. Results The health and developmental profile of the 26 children identified as being in stable care was similar to that of previous audits. Most (88%) were getting speech pathology intervention; one third were getting occupational therapy and psychological intervention; most children and their carers attended cultural programmes. The majority of children (25/26) improved in their developmental health. Caseworkers and therapists identified risk and resilience factors related to child, carer, and home characteristics. They also identified elements of good practice; systemic issues prevented some interventions from being carried out. Conclusions There are challenges delivering a trauma-informed, culturally respectful service to Aboriginal children in out-of-home care in an urban setting, but it can be done if attention is paid to culture and the enablers and barriers are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimal breastfeeding has benefits for the mother-infant dyads. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the early postnatal period in a culturally and linguistically diverse population in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Methods: The study used routinely collected perinatal data on all live births in 2014 (N = 17,564) in public health facilities in two Local Health Districts in Sydney, Australia. The prevalence of mother's breastfeeding intention, skin-to-skin contact, EBF at birth, discharge and early postnatal period (1-4 weeks postnatal) were estimated. Multivariate logistic regression models that adjusted for confounders were conducted to determine association between cessation of EBF in the early postnatal period and socio-demographic, psychosocial and health service factors. Results: Most mothers intended to breastfeed (92%), practiced skin-to-skin contact (81%), exclusively breastfed at delivery (90%) and discharge (89%). However, the prevalence of EBF declined (by 27%) at the early postnatal period (62%). Younger mothers (<20 years) and mothers who smoked cigarettes in pregnancy were more likely to cease EBF in the early postnatal period compared to older mothers (20-39 years) and those who reported not smoking cigarettes, respectively [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =2.7, 95%CI 1.9-3.8, P <0.001 and AOR = 2.5, 95%CI 2.1-3.0, P <0.001, respectively]. Intimate partner violence, assisted delivery, low socio-economic status, pre-existing maternal health problems and a lack of partner support were also associated with early cessation of EBF in the postnatal period. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that while most mothers intend to breastfeed, and commence EBF at delivery and at discharge, the maintenance of EBF in the early postnatal period is sub-optimal. This highlights the need for efforts to promote breastfeeding in the wider community along with targeted actions for disadvantaged groups and those identified to be at risk of early cessation of EBF to maximise impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dense consensus genetic maps based on high-throughput genotyping platforms are valuable for making genetic gains in Brassica napus through quantitative trait locus identification, efficient predictive molecular breeding, and map-based gene cloning. This report describes the construction of the first B. napus consensus map consisting of a 1,359 anchored array based genotyping platform; Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT), and non-DArT markers from six populations originating from Australia, Canada, China and Europe. We aligned the B. napus DArT sequences with genomic scaffolds from Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea, and identified DArT loci that showed linkage with qualitative and quantitative loci associated with agronomic traits. Results: The integrated consensus map covered a total of 1,987.2 cM and represented all 19 chromosomes of the A and C genomes, with an average map density of one marker per 1.46 cM, corresponding to approximately 0.88 Mbp of the haploid genome. Through in silico physical mapping 2,457 out of 3,072 (80%) DArT clones were assigned to the genomic scaffolds of B. rapa (A genome) and B. oleracea (C genome). These were used to orientate the genetic consensus map with the chromosomal sequences. The DArT markers showed linkage with previously identified non-DArT markers associated with qualitative and quantitative trait loci for plant architecture, phenological components, seed and oil quality attributes, boron efficiency, sucrose transport, male sterility, and race-specific resistance to blackleg disease. Conclusions: The DArT markers provide increased marker density across the B. napus genome. Most of the DArT markers represented on the current array were sequenced and aligned with the B. rapa and B. oleracea genomes, providing insight into the Brassica A and C genomes. This information can be utilised for comparative genomics and genomic evolution studies. In summary, this consensus map can be used to (i) integrate new generation markers such as SNP arrays and next generation sequencing data; (ii) anchor physical maps to facilitate assembly of B. napus genome sequences; and (iii) identify candidate genes underlying natural genetic variation for traits of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is one of the most important diseases of oilseed and vegetable crucifiers worldwide. The present study describes (1) the construction of a genetic linkage map, comprising 255 markers, based upon simple sequence repeats (SSR), sequence-related amplified polymorphism, sequence tagged sites, and EST-SSRs and (2) the localization of qualitative (race-specific) and quantitative (race non-specific) trait loci controlling blackleg resistance in a doubled-haploid population derived from the Australian canola ( Brassica napus L.) cultivars Skipton and Ag-Spectrum using the whole-genome average interval mapping approach. Marker regression analyses revealed that at least 14 genomic regions with LOD ≥ 2.0 were associated with qualitative and quantitative blackleg resistance, explaining 4.6-88.9 % of genotypic variation. A major qualitative locus, designated RlmSkipton ( Rlm4), was mapped on chromosome A7, within 0.8 cM of the SSR marker Xbrms075. Alignment of the molecular markers underlying this QTL region with the genome sequence data of B. rapa L. suggests that RlmSkipton is located approximately 80 kb from the Xbrms075 locus. Molecular marker- RlmSkipton linkage was further validated in an F population from Skipton/Ag-Spectrum. Our results show that SSR markers linked to consistent genomic regions are suitable for enrichment of favourable alleles for blackleg resistance in canola breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycaspis (Synglycaspis) confined to Australia includes gall-inducing and lerp-forming species that are probably highly specific to different species of Eucalyptus subgenus Eucalyptus. Based on available information, their distribution appears restricted to temperate, south-eastern and southern Australia. This paper reports the biology of an unnamed (suspected new species) of Glycaspis (Synglycaspis) that induces spherical, ostiolate galls on the leaves of Eucalyptus macrorhyncha in central western tablelands of NSW. This species completes two generations in a year. Oviposition elicits a passive response in the leaves of E. macrorhyncha. In this work we demonstrate that the host tissue not only supplies water, but also nutrients to the developing embryo via the embedded pedicel. Feeding action of the first instar initiates the gall and morphogenetic gradients become apparent around the feeding site. These gradients direct gall growth. The gall attains its near final spherical shape during the second instar and this spherical gall remains plugged with sugary material, which all the immature stages secrete from the last abdominal segment. No significant gall growth occurs during the occupation of the gall by the third, fourth and fifth instars. The first and second instars feed on the newly differentiated parenchyma tissue in galls, whereas the third, fourth and fifth instars feed on phloem of galls. Consequently the multi-layer parenchymatous nutritive tissue that initially develops lining the chamber dries and shrivels, when the later instars inhabit galls. This shrinkage induces a gradual thinning of gall walls, which is also aggravated by modest expansive growth of the gall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum elaeagnifolium is a weed of national significance in Australia. However, the genetic diversity of S. elaeagnifolium is poorly understood. Four amplified fragment length polymorphism primer combinations were utilised to investigate the genetic variation and structure of 187 S. elaeagnifolium individuals collected from 94 locations in Australia. High genetic diversity was found, with an average Jaccard's genetic similarity at 0.26. Individuals were assigned to two genetic clusters or considered as admixed according to their membership coefficient value ( q) calculated by Bayesian model-based genetic structure analysis. This suggested that Australian S. elaeagnifolium may have originated from two distinct gene pools. These results were further supported by principal co-ordinates analysis. Large spatial groups of individuals assigning to these two gene pools were found in western Victoria and south-western New South Wales ( NSW) and northern NSW, which correlated well with the early records of S. elaeagnifolium in both regions. The high genetic diversity found here could add difficulties to effective control of S. elaeagnifolium across regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade) is an invasive perennial weed in Australia, with aerial growth commencing in spring from either the perennial root system or the soil seedbank, with senescence occurring in autumn. A total of 642 S. elaeagnifolium individuals were collected at flowering from 92 locations in south-eastern Australia to study morphological variation and its implications for management. Large morphological variation was found between individuals from different locations. Leaf length, width and area ranged from 1.44 to 10.6 cm, 0.39 to 4.09 cm and 0.41 to 25.8 cm2 respectively. Plants from higher rainfall regions were significantly taller and had larger leaves, suggesting a possible correlation between rainfall and morphology. Scanning electron microscopy comparison of leaf surfaces showed lower trichome and stomatal densities on the adaxial surface (67.0 ± 3.3 trichomes mm−2 and 603.4 ± 29.2 stomata mm−2 respectively) than on the abaxial surface (131.9 ± 7.2 trichomes mm−2 and 813.7 ± 30.5 stomata mm−2 respectively). The morphological plasticity of S. elaeagnifolium highlighted in this study could probably contribute to its adaptability and partly explain its establishment and continuing expansion in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the inequities in most measures of child health including early childhood development in Australia. An overview of the evidence of child health inequalities in Australia is provided. The author discusses the role of the health care system in addressing inequities in early childhood development. The author emphasizes the need to adopt a comprehensive primary health care system that supports proportionate universalism.

Olive production in Australia has continued to increase in recent years, however there remains a high degree of confusion on the genetic identities of the cultivars being grown. In the present study, seven microsatellite (simple sequence repeat; SSR) loci were used to identify a set of 53 olive tree samples from different sources. The microsatellite DNA profiles of all 53 tree samples, including seven unknown trees, were compared with the SSR profiles of 14 reference olive cultivars. A total of 60 fragments (alleles), averaging 8.57 alleles per microsatellite locus, were amplified. High average values were found for the observed heterozygosity, the expected heterozygosity, and the polymorphic information content (0.73, 0.74, and 0.72, respectively). While all seven microsatellite markers proved useful for characterisation and identification purposes, a combination of three SSR primer pairs (DCA9, DCA18, and EM030) was sufficient to distinguish all 53 olive samples. The microsatellite allelic profiles allowed the 53 tree samples to be grouped into 23 genotypes. The allelic profiles of 14 of these genotypes matched with their reference cultivars, while the genetic identities of the remaining nine genotypes could not be confirmed. Some of these unknown genotypes may have been derived from feral olive trees, or were due to mislabelling and/or planting errors among Australian olive cultivars. Our results confirm the usefulness of microsatellite markers as a tool for cultivar differentiation and identification, and indicate the need for reliable identification of mother plants for commercial propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested that child abuse and neglect (CAN) is under recognised and under reported. Our aims were to examine and compare child protection (CP) knowledge, confidence and practice of frontline clinicians in general practice and hospital settings in South Western Sydney (SWS). We surveyed doctors and nurses in general practice and in the emergency department (ED) in a district in SWS using a validated questionnaire. Of the 113 responses, 62 were general practitioners (GPs), 9 practice nurses, 26 ED nurses and 16 ED doctors. The confidence level with identifying CAN was moderate, with a significant difference between groups. The majority (59%) had made previous CP reports, few suspected but decided not to report; reporting rates differed significantly. A majority (80%) reported some CP training; of the 22 with no training, 21 were GPs and practice nurses. Of those reporting some training, more than 70 per cent of ED nurses, GPs and practice nurses felt their training was inadequate, compared with 19 per cent of ED doctors. There are significant differences in confidence and practice between frontline clinicians in primary care and ED. Targeted CP training should be provided for all frontline clinicians with particular emphasis on primary care GPs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human rights are those basic standards without which people cannot live in dignity. Children are at risk of human rights violations because of their vulnerability in society. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a United Nations (UN) treaty acknowledges that addressing children’s human rights requires special attention. In Australia groups such as children seeking asylum, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with disabilities, children in care and children living in poverty are identified to be at particular risk. As individuals and collectively, we have had a long history of gathering information, advocacy and tailoring training to improve children’s health and well-being. A human rights approach and the use of the CRC provide an additional framework to do this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the science community continues to ask how its responsibility to society needs to be expressed in the modern world, higher education grapples with issues of its own, including issues embroiled in the perennial tug-of-war between principle and economic pragmatism. In this paper, the authors give an account of the origins and development of a new undergraduate course in 'ecological agriculture' at a regional Australian university campus. In this story, the tug-of-war is dragged strongly back to central issues of purpose and philosophy. Supplementary pragmatic information included are summaries from the feedback from students who have undergone the course and members of the relevant industry obtained through the course evaluations done in the years 2002-2005; moreover, a brief explanation as to how the obstacles faced were met in launching the programme has also been included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the policy statement of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians towards better health for refugee children and young people in Australia and New Zealand. The principles behind such policy recognize that the refugee and asylum seeker children have the same rights to health care and the health status of children only partly dependent on health services. This statement recommends health service enhancement, the promotion of research, and professional practice.

Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) is a weed of national significance in Australia. Among the several arthropod agents introduced into Australia to control populations of P. hysterophorus biologically, Epiblema strenuana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is the most widespread and abundant agent. By intercepting the normal transport mechanisms of P. hysterophorus, the larvae of E. strenuana drain nutrients, other metabolic products, and energy, and place the host plant under intense metabolic stress. In this study, determinations of total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) levels and carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of fixed products in different parts of the plant tissue, including the gall, have been made to establish the function of gall as a sink for the nutrients. Values of δ13C and δ15N in galls were significantly different than those in proximal and distal stems, whereas the TNC levels were insignificant, when measured in the total population of P. hysterophorus, regardless of plant age. However, carbon, nitrogen, and TNC signatures presented significant results, when assayed in different developmental stages of P. hysterophorus. Carbon isotope ratios in galls were consistently more negative than those from the compared plant organs. Nitrogen isotope ratios in galls, on the contrary, were either similar to or less negative than the compared plant organs, especially within a single host-plant stage population (i.e., either rosette, preflowering, or flowering stage). TNC levels varied within compared plant populations. The stem distal to the gall functioned more efficiently as a nodal channel than the stem proximal to the gall, especially in the translocation of nitrogenous nutrients. Our findings indicate that the gall induced by E. strenuana functions as a sink for the assayed nutrients, although some variations have been observed in the patterns of nutrient mobilization. By creating a sink for the nutrients in the gall, E. strenuana is able to place the overall plant metabolism under stress, and this ability indicates E. strenuana has the necessary potential for use as a biological-control agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present the findings and report the outcomes of all patients with periocular squamous intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC) treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) in Australia between 1993 and 1999.Design: Prospective, noncomparative, multicenter, interventional case series.Methods: A prospective series of 53 patients undergoing MMS for periocular IEC over a 7-year period (1993–1999).Main outcome measures: Recurrence, site, size of IEC, prior recurrence, and size of final defect.Results: Fifty-three patients had 27 (51%) lower eyelid, 17 (32%) medial canthus, and 9 (17%) upper eyelid IEC. Most (85%) of the IECs were present for less than 5 years. Fifty-eight percent were primary IECs, and 42% were recurrent IECs. There were no differences in the clinical features of primary and recurrent IECs. Significant subclinical tumor extension was found, whereby the defect exceeded tumor size by at least 2 size groups (≥2 cm) in 25% of cases. Follow-up to date was available in 68% (36 of 53) of cases (19 primary and 17 recurrent IECs). With a mean follow-up of 77.4 months (median, 75; range, 44–120 months), 3 (8.3%; exact 95% confidence interval 1.8%–23.1%) cases recurred. Hence, the recurrence rate was 5.3% (1 of 19) for primary periocular IEC and 11.8% (2 of 17) for recurrent periocular IEC.Conclusions: The Australian MMS database provides data for the first prospective series of periocular IEC managed by MMS. Periocular IEC demonstrates significant subclinical tumor extension, with no significant differences in the clinical features of primary and recurrent lesions. Compared with other published studies, the recurrence rate of 5% and 12% for primary and recurrent lesions, respectively, with more than 5-years of follow-up for most cases emphasizes the importance of margin-controlled excision for periocular IEC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers are faced with many difficulties in accessing effective health care when settling in Australia. Cultural, language and financial constraints, lack of awareness of available services, and lack of health provider understanding of the complex health concerns of refugees can all contribute to limiting access to health care. Understanding the complexities of a new health care system under these circumstances and finding a regular health provider may be difficult. In some cases there may be a fundamental distrust of government services. The different levels of health entitlements by visa category and (for some) detention on arrival in Australia may further complicate the provision and use of health services for providers and patients. Children are particularly at risk of suboptimal health care due to the impact of these factors combined with the effect of resettlement stresses on parents’ ability to care for their children. Unaccompanied and separated children, and those in detention experience additional challenges in accessing care. This article aims to increase awareness among health professionals caring for refugee children of the challenges faced by this group in accessing and receiving effective health care in Australia. Particular consideration is given to the issues of equity, rights of asylum seekers, communication and cultural sensitivities in health care provision, and addressing barriers to health care. The aim of the paper is to alert practitioners to the complex issues surrounding the delivery of health care to refugee children and provide realistic recommendations to guide practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing appropriate and responsive care to refugees from diverse backgrounds and with unique health needs is challenging. Refugee children may present with a wide range of conditions, which may be unfamiliar to health professionals in developed countries. Additionally, refugees may experience unfamiliarity with the Australian health system and distrust of authority figures and/or medical practitioners. This article provides an overview of the priority areas in health and health management for paediatric refugee patients for paediatricians as well as other relevant health care providers caring for this group. Specific issues covered include general health assessment, infectious diseases, immunization, growth and nutrition, oral health, development and disability, mental health and child protection. Comprehensive health assessment can assist in identifying children at risk of poor health and to provide them with timely and effective care, advocacy and appropriate referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectiveTo present the results of all patients with periocular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with Mohs'' micrographic surgery (MMS) in Australia between 1993 and 1999.: DesignProspective, noncomparative, multicenter, interventional case series.: ParticipantsSeventy-nine patients undergoing MMS for periocular SCC over a 7-year period (1993–1999).: Main outcome measuresRecurrence after MMS, site, size, prior recurrence, defect size, histologic subtype, and presence of perineural invasion (PNI).: ResultsSeventy-nine patients had 54 (68%) lower eyelid, 19 (24%) medial canthus, and 6 (7.6%) upper eyelid SCCs. The most common histologic subtypes were well differentiated (48.7%) and moderately differentiated (35.1%) SCC. Seventy-three percent were primary tumors and 27% were recurrent tumors. Three (4.3%) cases had histologically confirmed PNI. Two of the 3 cases with PNI were recurrent (P = 0.1355), and surgical excision was the most frequent prior treatment (P = 0.0192), with up to 3 prior excisions in 1 case. None of the patients with PNI received adjunctive radiotherapy, and none have recurred with follow-ups to date of 4, 5, and 6 years, respectively. A median follow-up of 73 months (mean, 77.3; range, 42–117) was available in 56 (71%) cases, of which 2 (3.64%; exact 95% confidence interval, 0.44%–12.53%) recurred. Both cases were primary, moderately differentiated SCCs.: ConclusionThis is the largest reported prospective series of periocular SCC managed by MMS, with a median follow-up of over 5 years. It demonstrates that MMS has the lowest reported recurrence rate (3.64%) of any treatment modality for periocular SCC. That there were no recurrences for cases with PNI further emphasizes the importance of margin-controlled excision for periocular SCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectiveTo report the outcome with 5-year strict follow-up (only cases where 5-year follow-up is available) of all patients with periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treated with Mohs'' micrographic surgery (MMS) in Australia between 1993 and 1996.: DesignProspective, noncomparative, multicenter, interventional case series.: MethodsA prospective series of 819 patients, undergoing MMS for periocular BCC over a 3-year period (1993–1996).: Inclusion criteriaPeriocular BCC referred for MMS.: Main outcome measuresRecurrence, site, size, prior occurrence, defect size, histologic subtype, and presence of perineural invasion.: ResultsEight hundred nineteen patients had 257 (54%) lower eyelid, 195 (41%) medial canthus, and 22 (5%) upper eyelid BCCs. The most common histologic subtypes were nodulocystic (43%) and infiltrating (30%) (P = 0.0003). Sixty-eight percent were primary and 32% were recurrent tumors. Five-year follow-ups for cases between 1993 and 1996 were available in 347 (42%) cases. There were 7 recurrences (2.0%; exact 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82%–4.1%), 5 of which were at the medial canthus and all of which were previously recurrent, with up to 3 recurrences before MMS. Previous recurrence (P<0.0001), infiltrating (5) or superficial (2) histologic subtype (P = 0.0882), and medial canthal site were the main predictors of recurrence after MMS. There were no recurrences for primary BCC, and the 5-year recurrence for previously recurrent BCC was 7.8% (exact 95% CI: 3.2%–15.4%).: ConclusionThe Australian MMS database is the largest prospective nationwide series of periocular BCC managed by MMS. The strict 5-year recurrence rates of 0% and 7.8% for primary and recurrent tumors, respectively, confirm MMS as the treatment of choice for periocular BCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectiveTo present the findings of all patients with periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treated with Mohs'' micrographic surgery (MMS) in Australia between 1993 and 1999.: DesignProspective, noncomparative, multicenter, interventional case series.: MethodsProspective series of 1295 patients undergoing MMS for periocular BCC over a 7-year period (1993–1999).: Inclusion criteriaPeriocular BCC referred for MMS.: Main outcome measuresSite, tumor size, prior occurrence, defect size, histologic subtype, and presence of perineural invasion.: ResultsTwelve hundred ninety-five patients had 615 (47.5%) lower eyelid, 626 (48.3%) medial canthus, and 51 (3.9%) upper eyelid BCCs. The most common histologic subtypes were nodulocystic (39.5%) and infiltrating (34.8%) (P = 0.0008). Sixty-eight percent were primary and 32% were recurrent tumors. Previously recurrent BCCs were larger (P<0.0001), with larger defects (P<0.0001) than primary BCCs, and had more subclinical extension (P<0.0001) requiring more levels for complete excision (P<0.0001). Furthermore, superficial BCCs were more likely to have a prior occurrence (P<0.0001). In this series, perineural invasion was found in 1% of cases, with greater subclinical tumor extension in such cases (P = 0.0657).: ConclusionThe Australian MMS database is the largest prospective, nationwide series of high-risk periocular BCC managed by MMS. Almost 50% of tumors were at the medial canthus, with nodulocystic and infiltrating being the most common histologic subtypes. Recurrent BCCs comprised a third of tumors and were larger, with larger defects and more subclinical extension than primary BCCs. Perineural invasion was found in 1% of cases and also had greater subclinical extension. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study set out to examine the socio-cultural, familial and environmental factors influencing health, eating habits and patterns of physical activity contributing to child and adolescent overweight and obesity. Semi-structured, community-based interviews were conducted with contrasting key informant three-generation families; and generation by generation focus groups of grandparents, parents and children from four cultural communities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Purposive sampling occurred from Turkish, Greek, Indian and Chinese communities that have migrated to Australia within the last three generations ( n = 160, eight families, 47 children aged 5–15 years, 29 parents, 42 grandparents). Evidence of two-way influences on eating and physical activity across three generations was evident, with children reporting the greatest cross-cultural diversity. A range of dietary restrictions was reported across all cultural groups. Efforts to foster healthy eating and lifestyle patterns within communities were evident. Parents, as a generation in particular, felt the need for more access to education and support regarding healthy limits for pre-puberty and puberty stages. There is a dynamic influence of culture on many aspects of family lifestyle across three generations. To achieve successful intervention design, childhood obesity researchers need to collaborate with diverse groups and communities. Considering the role and influence of extended family, a multigenerational, whole-of-community approach beyond that of parent and child populations ought to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brian F. Buxton, one of Australia's greatest cardiac surgeons, died in May 2022, aged 82 years. In June 2022, a memorial celebration of Brian's life was held in Melbourne, Australia, attended by 550 colleagues and friends from many walks of life-not only "medical people" but also friends involved in Brian's sailing and hiking activities. This Special Article includes an introduction from Professor Jayme Bennetts, President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS), an abridged version of a memorial address by Professor James Tatoulis and contributions from two other long-term professional colleagues and personal friends of Buxton, Professor Jaishankar Raman and Professor Franklin Rosenfeldt, founding editor of Heart, Lung and Circulation. Buxton was an outstanding and pioneering surgeon, clinical leader, and good friend to many. The Brian F. Buxton Cardiac and Thoracic Aortic Surgery Unit in Melbourne, Australia, is now so named in honour of his outstanding achievements and as a legacy. Vale Brian F. Buxton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is a novel non-invasive alternative for patients with primary renal cell cancer who do not undergo surgical resection. The FASTRACK II clinical trial investigated the efficacy of SABR for primary renal cell cancer in a phase 2 trial. This international, non-randomised, phase 2 study was conducted in seven centres in Australia and one centre in the Netherlands. Eligible patients aged 18 years or older had biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of primary renal cell cancer, with only a single lesion; were medically inoperable, were at high risk of complications from surgery, or declined surgery; and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–2. A multidisciplinary decision that active treatment was warranted was required. Key exclusion criteria were a pre-treatment estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, previous systemic therapies for renal cell cancer, previous high-dose radiotherapy to an overlapping region, tumours larger than 10 cm, and direct contact of the renal cell cancer with the bowel. Patients received either a single fraction SABR of 26 Gy for tumours 4 cm or less in maximum diameter, or 42 Gy in three fractions for tumours more than 4 cm to 10 cm in maximum diameter. The primary endpoint was local control, defined as no progression of the primary renal cell cancer, as evaluated by the investigator per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (version 1.1). Assuming a 1-year local control of 90%, the null hypothesis of 80% or less was considered not to be worthy of proceeding to a future randomised controlled trial. All patients who commenced trial treatment were included in the primary outcome analysis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02613819 , and has completed accrual. Between July 28, 2016, and Feb 27, 2020, 70 patients were enrolled and initiated treatment. Median age was 77 years (IQR 70–82). Before enrolment, 49 (70%) of 70 patients had documented serial growth on initial surveillance imaging. 49 (70%) of 70 patients were male and 21 (30%) were female. Median tumour size was 4·6 cm (IQR 3·7–5·5). All patients enrolled had T1–T2a and N0–N1 disease. 23 patients received single-fraction SABR of 26 Gy and 47 received 42 Gy in three fractions. Median follow-up was 43 months (IQR 38–60). Local control at 12 months from treatment commencement was 100% (p<0·0001). Seven (10%) patients had grade 3 treatment-related adverse events, with no grade 4 adverse events observed. Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were nausea and vomiting (three [4%] patients), abdominal, flank, or tumour pain (four [6%]), colonic obstruction (two [3%]), and diarrhoea (one [1%]). No treatment-related or cancer-related deaths occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first multicentre prospective clinical trial of non-surgical definitive therapy in patients with primary renal cell cancer. In a cohort with predominantly T1b or larger disease, SABR was an effective treatment strategy with no observed local failures or cancer-related deaths. We observed an acceptable side-effect profile and renal function after SABR. These outcomes support the design of a future randomised trial of SABR versus surgery for primary renal cell cancer. Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose A shortage of donor hearts and high waiting list mortality have resulted in many transplant centers pursuing alternate strategies for utilization of adult donor hearts. Programs in Europe and Australia have demonstrated success with heart transplantation following donation after circulatory death (DCD); however, there are no active DCD heart transplant centers in the US. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential impact of DCD donors on the US heart transplant donor pool. Methods The 2005-2017 UNOS/OPTN registry was retrospectively reviewed for all deceased donors. Potential donors who did not donate any organ for transplant were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression model for successful heart transplantation among donation after brain death (DBD) donors was generated using relevant demographic and clinical characteristics based on clinical experience. Covariates included donor age, gender, BMI, ethnicity, medical history, and ABO blood type. This model was then applied to Maastricht 3 DCD donors of other organs to identify suitable donors for heart transplantation. Results A total of 73,119 DBD donors and 12,148 DCD donors from 2005-2017 met inclusion criteria. Among the DBD donors, 30,422 (41.6%) were used for heart transplantation and 42,697 (58.4%) were not. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of successful heart transplantation. After applying this model to suitable DCD donors, an additional 5,271 potentially eligible heart transplant donors were identified during the study period, including 671 in 2016 alone. The supply of potential DCD hearts has increased annually (Figure). Conclusion DCD donation in heart transplantation has the potential to increase the pool of donor organs by approximately 20% per year in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the discovery of a variant of the fungus Puccinia striiformis that causes stripe rust on barley and wild Hordeum species in Australia. Genetic susceptibility of host plant; Pathogenicity; Pathotypes.