Genetic analysis of grain yield in pigeonpea using male sterile lines

Three male sterile pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) lines (MS-3A, MS-4A and MS-Prabhat) were used as female parents and pollinated by 7 fertile testers, chosen for their wide genetic and geographical diversity. The 10 parents and 21 F1 hybrids were planted in 1982. Data for yield and 6 other agronomic traits were recorded on randomly selected fertile plants and analysed for combining ability. GCA variance was higher than SCA for yield, pods/plant, seeds/pod, seed size and days to flowering. MS-Prabhat was a good general combiner for dwarfness, earliness and seeds/pod. Tester C11 was the best general combiner for yield (54 g/plant)., 14 ref., Three male sterile pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) lines (MS-3A, MS-4A and MS-Prabhat) were used as female parents and pollinated by 7 fertile testers, chosen for their wide genetic and geographical diversity. The 10 parents and 21 F1 hybrids were planted in 1982. Data for yield and 6 other agronomic traits were recorded on randomly selected fertile plants and analysed for combining ability. GCA variance was higher than SCA for yield, pods/plant, seeds/pod, seed size and days to flowering. MS-Prabhat was a good general combiner for dwarfness, earliness and seeds/pod. Tester C11 was the best general combiner for yield (54 g/plant)

Track E Implementation Science, Health Systems and Economics

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138412/1/jia218443.pd

Reverse cascade screening of newborns for hereditary haemochromatosis: a model for other late onset diseases?

Background: Genetic testing can determine those at risk for hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) caused by HFE mutations before the onset of symptoms. However, there is no optimum screening strategy, mainly owing to the variable penetrance in those who are homozygous for the HFE Cys282Tyr (C282Y) mutation. The objective of this study was to identify the majority of individuals at serious risk of developing HFE haemochromatosis before they developed life threatening complications. Methods: We first estimated the therapeutic penetrance of the C282Y mutation in people living in la Somme, France, using genetic, demographic, biochemical, and follow up data. We examined the benefits of neonatal screening on the basis of increased risk to relatives of newborns carrying one or two copies of the C282Y mutation. Between 1999 and 2002, we screened 7038 newborns from two maternity hospitals in the north of France for the C282Y and His63Asp (H63D) mutations in the HFE gene, using bloodspots collected on Guthrie cards. Family studies and genetic counselling were undertaken, based on the results of the baby's genotype. Findings: In la Somme, we found that 24% of the adults homozygous for the C282Y mutation required at least 5 g iron to be removed to restore normal iron parameters (that is, the therapeutic penetrance). In the reverse cascade screening study, we identified 19 C282Y homozygotes (1/370), 491 heterozygotes (1/14) and 166 compound heterozygotes (1/42) in 7038 newborns tested. The reverse cascade screening strategy resulted in 80 adults being screened for both mutations. We identified 10 previously unknown C282Y homozygotes of whom six (four men and two women) required venesection. Acceptance of neonatal screening was high; parents understood the risks of having HH and the benefits of early detection, but a number of parents were reluctant to take the test themselves. Neonatal screening for HH is straightforward. Reverse cascade screening increased the efficiency of detecting affected adults with undiagnosed haemochromatosis. This strategy allows almost complete coverage for HH and could be a model for efficient screening for other late onset genetic diseases

Evidence of injection drug use in Kisumu, Kenya: Implications for HIV prevention.

BackgroundInjection drug use is increasingly contributing to the HIV epidemic across sub-Saharan Africa. This paper provides the first descriptive analysis of injection drug use in western Kenya, where HIV prevalence is already highest in the nation at 15.1%.MethodsWe draw on quantitative data from a study of injection drug use in Kisumu, Kenya. We generated descriptive statistics on socio-demographics, sexual characteristics, and drug-related behaviors. Logistic regression models were adjusted for sex to identify correlates of self-reported HIV positive status.ResultsOf 151 participants, mean age was 28.8 years, 84% (n = 127) were male, and overall self-reported HIV prevalence reached 19.4%. Women had greater than four times the odds of being HIV positive relative to men (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.5, CI: 1.7, 11.8, p = .003). Controlling for sex, ever experiencing STI symptoms (Adjusted Odds ratio [AOR] 4.6, 95% CI 1.7, 12.0, p = .002) and sharing needles or syringes due to lack of access (AOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2, 10.5, p = .02) were significantly associated with HIV positive status. Lower education (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 0.9, 5.6, p=.08), trading sex for drugs (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 0.9, 8.8, p = .08), being injected by a peddler (AOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0, 8.5, p = .05), and injecting heroin (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0, 5.7, p = .06), were marginally associated with HIV.ConclusionsThis exploratory study identified patterns of unsafe drug injection and concurrent sexual risk in western Kenya, yet few resources are currently available to address addiction or injection-related harm. Expanded research, surveillance, and gender sensitive programming are needed

Evidence of injection drug use in Kisumu, Kenya: Implications for HIV prevention.

BackgroundInjection drug use is increasingly contributing to the HIV epidemic across sub-Saharan Africa. This paper provides the first descriptive analysis of injection drug use in western Kenya, where HIV prevalence is already highest in the nation at 15.1%.MethodsWe draw on quantitative data from a study of injection drug use in Kisumu, Kenya. We generated descriptive statistics on socio-demographics, sexual characteristics, and drug-related behaviors. Logistic regression models were adjusted for sex to identify correlates of self-reported HIV positive status.ResultsOf 151 participants, mean age was 28.8 years, 84% (n = 127) were male, and overall self-reported HIV prevalence reached 19.4%. Women had greater than four times the odds of being HIV positive relative to men (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.5, CI: 1.7, 11.8, p = .003). Controlling for sex, ever experiencing STI symptoms (Adjusted Odds ratio [AOR] 4.6, 95% CI 1.7, 12.0, p = .002) and sharing needles or syringes due to lack of access (AOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2, 10.5, p = .02) were significantly associated with HIV positive status. Lower education (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 0.9, 5.6, p=.08), trading sex for drugs (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 0.9, 8.8, p = .08), being injected by a peddler (AOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0, 8.5, p = .05), and injecting heroin (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0, 5.7, p = .06), were marginally associated with HIV.ConclusionsThis exploratory study identified patterns of unsafe drug injection and concurrent sexual risk in western Kenya, yet few resources are currently available to address addiction or injection-related harm. Expanded research, surveillance, and gender sensitive programming are needed

Semen collection and seminal characteristics of the Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

The development of a reliable non-invasive method of crocodile semen collection is fundamental for assessing male fertility and for implementing the benefits of artificial insemination for reproductive and genetic management of farmed populations and the captive breeding of endangered species. Following an initial description of male reproductive anatomy in the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), this study developed a successful, reliable method of semen collection using cloacal digital manipulation of the terminal segment of the ductus deferens. Semen was recovered from 30 of 31 collection attempts from a total of 24 sedated males ranging from 197cm to 400cm in body length. Seminal characteristics (including abnormal sperm morphology) and bacteriology were documented for the first time. Mean (±SEM) seminal volume, pH, osmolality, sperm concentration, percentage of motile sperm and the percentage of sperm with an intact membrane measured 0.91±0.16mL, 7.3±0.1, 335.5±9.0mOsmkg-1, 2.29±0.26×109, 50.7±4.2%, and 79.9±3.6%, respectively. Sperm abnormalities included macro and microcephalic nuclei, teratoid spermatozoa, loose heads and a range of abnormal flagella. Most semen samples contained spermatozoa with what are presumed to be cytoplasmic droplets but the confirmation and then significance of this phenomenon as a sperm maturational pathology require further validation. In an attempt to develop targeted antibiotics for use in semen diluents, microflora of the penile shaft, sulcus and semen of a subset of crocodiles was analysed for culture and sensitivity. While a diverse range of bacteria were identified, the majority were sensitive to gentamicin. This study represents the first step towards assessment of breeding soundness examination and the use of artificial insemination technology in the saltwater crocodile industry

Evidence of injection drug use in Kisumu, Kenya: Implications for HIV prevention

BACKGROUND: Injection drug use is increasingly contributing to the HIV epidemic across sub-Saharan Africa. This paper provides the first descriptive analysis of injection drug use in western Kenya, where HIV prevalence is already highest in the nation at 15.1%. METHODS: We draw on quantitative data from a study of injection drug use in Kisumu, Kenya. We generated descriptive statistics on socio-demographics, sexual characteristics, and drug-related behaviors. Logistic regression models were adjusted for sex to identify correlates of self-reported HIV positive status. RESULTS: Of 151 participants, mean age was 28.8 years, 84% (n=127) were male, and overall self-reported HIV prevalence reached 19.4%. Women had greater than four times the odds of being HIV positive relative to men (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.5, CI: 1.7, 11.8, p=.003). Controlling for sex, ever experiencing STI symptoms (Adjusted Odds ratio [AOR] 4.6, 95% CI 1.7, 12.0, p=.002) and sharing needles or syringes due to lack of access (AOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2, 10.5, p=.02) were significantly associated with HIV positive status. Lower education (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 0.9, 5.6, p=.08), trading sex for drugs (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 0.9, 8.8, p=.08), being injected by a peddler (AOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0, 8.5, p=.05), and injecting heroin (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0, 5.7, p=.06), were marginally associated with HIV. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study identified patterns of unsafe drug injection and concurrent sexual risk in western Kenya, yet few resources are currently available to address addiction or injection-related harm. Expanded research, surveillance, and gender sensitive programming are needed