Effects of cultivar and nitrogen application rate on lint, seed, oil, and protein yields of field-grown cotton

Article describes how the objective of this study was to evaluate the lint, seed, oil, and protein yield responses of cultivars with different seed mass and composition to N application rates (0–168 kg N ha−1) for field-grown cotton. The authors conclude that variability in the distribution of photosynthates to fiber and seed as well as seed oil and protein composition can significantly alter trends in fiber, seed, and seed component yields in response to cultivar or N application rates for field-grown cotton

Increasing frailty is associated with higher prevalence and reduced recognition of delirium in older hospitalised inpatients: results of a multi-centre study

Purpose: Delirium is a neuropsychiatric disorder delineated by an acute change in cognition, attention, and consciousness. It is common, particularly in older adults, but poorly recognised. Frailty is the accumulation of deficits conferring an increased risk of adverse outcomes. We set out to determine how severity of frailty, as measured using the CFS, affected delirium rates, and recognition in hospitalised older people in the United Kingdom. Methods: Adults over 65 years were included in an observational multi-centre audit across UK hospitals, two prospective rounds, and one retrospective note review. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), delirium status, and 30-day outcomes were recorded. Results: The overall prevalence of delirium was 16.3% (483). Patients with delirium were more frail than patients without delirium (median CFS 6 vs 4). The risk of delirium was greater with increasing frailty [OR 2.9 (1.8–4.6) in CFS 4 vs 1–3; OR 12.4 (6.2–24.5) in CFS 8 vs 1–3]. Higher CFS was associated with reduced recognition of delirium (OR of 0.7 (0.3–1.9) in CFS 4 compared to 0.2 (0.1–0.7) in CFS 8). These risks were both independent of age and dementia. Conclusion: We have demonstrated an incremental increase in risk of delirium with increasing frailty. This has important clinical implications, suggesting that frailty may provide a more nuanced measure of vulnerability to delirium and poor outcomes. However, the most frail patients are least likely to have their delirium diagnosed and there is a significant lack of research into the underlying pathophysiology of both of these common geriatric syndromes

Gender-based Differences in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-related Diarrheal Disease and Helminthic Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Qualitative evidence suggests that inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) may affect diarrheal and helminthic infection in women disproportionately. We systematically searched PubMed in June 2014 (updated 2016) and the WHO website, for relevant articles. Methods: Articles dealing with the public health relevance of helminthic and diarrheal diseases, and highlighting the role of gender in WASH were included. Where possible, we carried out a meta-analysis. Results: In studies of individuals 5 years or older, cholera showed lower prevalence in males (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.34–0.94), while Schistosoma mansoni (1.38; 95% CI 1.14–1.67), Schistosoma japonicum (1.52; 95% CI 1.13–2.05), hookworm (1.43; 95% CI 1.07–1.89) and all forms of infectious diarrhea (1.21; 95% CI 1.06–1.38) showed a higher prevalence in males. When studies included all participants, S. mansoni and S. japonicum showed higher prevalence with males (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.27–1.55 and 1.84; 95% CI 1.27–2.67, respectively). Prevalence of Trichiuris and hookworm infection showed effect modification with continent. Conclusions: Evidence of gender differences in infection may reflect differences in gender norms, suggesting that policy changes at the regional level may help ameliorate gender related disparities in helminthic and diarrheal disease prevalence