Digital microscopy systems are beginning to replace traditional light microscopes for morphologic analysis of blood films, but these are geographically restricted to individual computers and technically limited by manufacturer's constraints. We explored the use of a scanner-agnostic web-based artificial intelligence (AI) system to assess the accuracy of white blood cell (WBC) differentials and blast identification in haematological malignancies. Digitized images of 20 normal and 124 abnormal peripheral blood films were uploaded to the web-based platform (Techcyte©) and WBC differentials performed using the online AI software. Digital images were viewed for accuracy and manual cell reassignment was performed where necessary. Results were correlated to the 'gold standard' of manual microscopy for each WBC class, and sensitivity and specificity of blast identification were calculated. The AI digital differential was very strongly correlated to microscopy (r>.8) for most normal cell types and did not require any manual reassignment. The AI digital differential was less reliable for abnormal blood films (r=.50-.87), but could be greatly improved by manual assessment of digital images for most cell types (r>.95) with the exception of immature granulocytes (r=.62). For blast identification, initial AI digital differentials showed 96% sensitivity and 25% specificity, which was improved to 99% and 84%, respectively, after manual digital review. The Techcyte platform allowed remote viewing and manual analysis of digitized slides that was comparable to microscopy. The AI software produced adequate WBC differentials for normal films and had high sensitivity for blast identification in malignant films.The Techcyte platform allowed remote viewing and manual analysis of digitized slides that was comparable to microscopy. The AI software produced adequate WBC differentials for normal films and had high sensitivity for blast identification in malignant films.The stiff-stalk heterotic group in Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important source of inbreds used in U.S. commercial hybrid production. Founder inbreds B14, B37, B73, and, to a lesser extent, B84, are found in the pedigrees of a majority of commercial seed parent inbred lines. We created high-quality genome assemblies of B84 and four expired Plant Variety Protection (ex-PVP) lines LH145 representing B14, NKH8431 of mixed descent, PHB47 representing B37, and PHJ40, which is a Pioneer Hi-Bred International (PHI) early stiff-stalk type. Sequence was generated using long-read sequencing achieving highly contiguous assemblies of 2.13-2.18 Gbp with N50 scaffold lengths >200 Mbp. Inbred-specific gene annotations were generated using a core five-tissue gene expression atlas, whereas transposable element (TE) annotation was conducted using de novo and homology-directed methodologies. Compared with the reference inbred B73, synteny analyses revealed extensive collinearity across the five stiff-stalk genomes, although unique components of the maize pangenome were detected. Comparison of this set of stiff-stalk inbreds with the original Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic breeding population revealed that these inbreds represent only a proportion of variation in the original stiff-stalk pool and there are highly conserved haplotypes in released public and ex-Plant Variety Protection inbreds. Despite the reduction in variation from the original stiff-stalk population, substantial genetic and genomic variation was identified supporting the potential for continued breeding success in this pool. The assemblies described here represent stiff-stalk inbreds that have historical and commercial relevance and provide further insight into the emerging maize pangenome. Management of patients with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can lead to significant costs. Reported cost-saving initiatives have focused on minimizing inappropriate testing in low-risk patients and optimizing alternative anticoagulant selection. We sought to further investigate how utilizing various HIT laboratory testing models would impact total cost of testing and alternative anticoagulant use. Utilizing a retrospective cohort of adult patients tested for HIT over three years within our institution, we evaluated how utilization of four distinct laboratory models impacted total number of HIT test combinations completed, time to HIT testing finalization, percentage of patients discharged from the hospital prior to HIT testing finalization, total alternative anticoagulant days, and total anticipated major bleed events. Additionally, we calculated cost of laboratory testing and alternative anticoagulant associated with each model. A total of 482 patients were included in our cohort. VX-984 solubility dmso A laboratory testing model that utilized an in-house platelet factor 4 (PF4)-heparin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) completed three days weekly, and reflex serotonin release assay (SRA) with a five-day turnaround resulted in the shortest mean time to HIT testing finalization, lowest percentage of patients discharged prior to HIT testing finalization, and lowest total alternative anticoagulant days. Institutions should evaluate current HIT laboratory testing practices and assess for opportunities for optimization. Testing models utilizing a PF4-heparin antibody ELISA with a reflex SRA for positive results may improve testing metrics and lead to lower utilization of alternative anticoagulants.Institutions should evaluate current HIT laboratory testing practices and assess for opportunities for optimization. Testing models utilizing a PF4-heparin antibody ELISA with a reflex SRA for positive results may improve testing metrics and lead to lower utilization of alternative anticoagulants. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on health systems. Predictors of adverse outcomes need to be investigated to properly manage COVID-19 patients. The Braden Scale (BS), commonly used for the assessment of pressure ulcer risk, has recently been proposed to identify frailty. To investigate the predictive utility of the BS for prediction of in-hospital mortality in a cohort of COVID-19 patients admitted to non-ICU wards. We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study evaluating all patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection consecutively admitted over a 2-month period (from March 6 to May 7, 2020) to the COVID-19 general wards of our institution. Demographic, clinical, and nursing assessment data, including admission BS, were extracted from electronic medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the association between the BS score and in-hospital death. Braden Scale was assessed in 146 patients (mean age 74.7years; 52% males). On admission, 46 had a BS ≤ 15, and 100 patients had a BS > 15.