Combining ability for foliar diseases, insect-pests and quality in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Combining ability analysis was carried out following Line × Tester analysis for green fodder yield, stem girth, ºBrix, important foliar diseases, shoot fly and stem borer in nine male sterile lines, four testers and their thirty six hybrids in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.]. Highly significant variances for lines as well as testers were observed indicating presence of wide range of genetic variation among the lines and testers for most of the traits. Variance due to Lines × Testers interaction was also found highly significant for all the characters studied except sooty stripe disease. The estimates of sca variances were higher than those of gca for all the characters suggesting predominance of non-additive gene action in all the traits studied. Among the lines ICSA 725 and ICSA 467 were found to be the best combiners whereas among the testers G 203 and SDSL 92113 were found to be superior when yield and resistance to diseases and insect were considered together. Among the hybrids, 95A × SSG 59-3, 296A × SSG 59-3, 467A × SSG 59-3, 467A × SDSL 92113 and 725A × SSG 59-3 were having better sca effects for yield and resistance traits

Genetic diversity in seed and restorer parents in relation to grain yield and its component traits in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Genetic diversity in the breeding materials is an essential component to improve the efficiency of any crop improvement programme. In present study, 150 seed and restorer parents were evaluated for grain yield and its component traits at two diverse agro-ecologies CCSHAU-Hisar and ICRISAT-Patancheru. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among hybrid parents for all traits. Clustering of hybrid parents clearly partitioned almost all the B- and R-lines into separate groups indicating B- and R-lines to be genetically distant from each other. Further, seed (B-lines) and restorer (R-lines) parents were found distributed in four clusters each, and hybrid parents having same plant type (having similar set of specific traits) were found in same cluster. Significant numbers of hybrid parents having common parent in their pedigrees were found in same cluster. Cluster B-IV of B-lines and cluster R-III of R-lines had higher grain yield and above average performance for other grain linked traits. Grain yield was found to have highly positive significant correlation with all the traits under study for both B- and R-lines, except for effective tillers plant-1. Stover yield followed by panicle girth and panicle length had highest positive direct effect on grain yield

"More than just a medical student”: a mixed methods exploration of a structured volunteering programme for undergraduate medical students

Background As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic Imperial College School of Medicine developed a structured volunteering programme involving 398 medical students, across eight teaching hospitals. This case study aims to illuminate the experiences of volunteers, mechanisms of learning and draw lessons for future emergencies and curriculum improvements. Methods Using an illuminative approach to evaluation we invited all volunteers and supervisors to complete a mixed-methods survey. This gathered nominal demographic information and qualitative data related to motivations, experiences, insights into learning, processual and contextual factors. Qualitative responses were coded, thematically organised, and categorised into an overarching framework. Mann-Whitney U tests determined whether volunteers’ overall rating of the experience varied according to demographic features and modulating factors. Spearman’s rank correlation assessed the relationship between aspects of induction and supervision, and overall volunteering rating. Follow up interviews were carried out with students to check back findings and co-create conclusions. Results Modulating factors identified through thematic analysis include altruistic motivation, engaged induction and supervision, feeling valued, having responsibility and freedom from the formal curriculum. Statistically significant positive correlations are identified between volunteers overall rating and being a year 1 or 2 student, ability to discuss role and ask questions during induction, being male, and having regular meetings and role support from supervisors. Qualitatively reported impacts include improved wellbeing, valuable contribution to service and transformative learning. Transformative learning effects included reframing of role within the multidisciplinary team, view of effective learning and view of themselves as competent clinicians. The number of weeks, number of shifts per week, and the role the volunteers performed, did not significantly impact experiences. Conclusions While acknowledging the uniqueness of the situation presented by the first wave COVID-19, we suggest the features of a successful service-learning programme include: a learner-centred induction, engaged and appreciative supervisors, and the entrustment of students with meaningful work with reciprocal benefits to services. Programmes in similar settings may find that 1) volunteering is best appreciated in years 1 or 2, 2) students with altruistic motivations and meaningful work may flourish without formal outcomes and assessments, and 3) that female volunteers may experience emergency learning differently to men

Genetic Diversity Patterns and Heterosis Prediction Based on SSRs and SNPs in Hybrid Parents of Pearl Millet

The present investigation was performed to assess genetic divergence and heterosis prediction in hybrid parents of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R Br.] using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Using 56 SSR loci, 412 alleles were detected in 147 lines with an average of 7.36 alleles per locus, and 75,007 SNP loci were detected in 117 lines. Both SSR- and SNP-based clustering and structure analysis partitioned all maintainer (B) and restorer (R) lines into two clear-cut separate groups, indicating the existence of two diverse gene pools, each representing the seed and restorer parents in pearl millet. Results of analysis of molecular variance and principal coordinate analysis also showed significant diversity between B and R lines. The correlation between parental genetic distances estimated based on SSRs and SNPs was high and significant (r = 0.58, p < .01). Similar clustering pattern of hybrid parents was observed with both marker systems, although the cost of genotyping was 41% less with SNPs than with SSRs, and the ratio of loci detected with SNPs was much higher (1:364 SSR/SNP), hence the use of SNPs is indicated over SSRs for germplasm characterization. A set of 136 hybrids (including all B × B, R × R, and B × R crosses) generated crossing 17 hybrid parents (nine B lines and eight R lines) in half diallel (without reciprocal) fashion, and evaluation at two locations revealed that the correlation between genetic distance and better parent heterosis for grain yield was moderate, positive, and significant (with SSR, 0.33, p < .01; with SNP, 0.35, p < .01), hence both SSRs and SNPs were found comparable in results for heterosis prediction

Central pancreatectomy without anastomosis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Central pancreatectomy has a unique application for lesions in the neck of the pancreas. It preserves the distal pancreas and its endocrine functions. It also preserves the spleen.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This is a retrospective review of 10 patients who underwent central pancreatectomy without pancreatico-enteric anastomosis between October 2005 and May 2009. The surgical indications, operative outcomes, and pathologic findings were analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All 10 lesions were in the neck of the pancreas and included: 2 branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), a mucinous cyst, a lymphoid cyst, 5 neuroendocrine tumors, and a clear cell adenoma.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Central pancreatectomy without pancreatico-enteric anastomosis for lesions in the neck and proximal pancreas is a safe and effective procedure. Morbidity is low because there is no anastomosis. Long term endocrine and exocrine function has been maintained.</p

A Role for Behavior in the Relationships Between Depression and Hostility and Cardiovascular Disease Incidence, Mortality, and All-Cause Mortality: the Prime Study.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral factors are important in disease incidence and mortality and may explain associations between mortality and various psychological traits. PURPOSE: These analyses investigated the impact of behavioral factors on the associations between depression, hostility and cardiovascular disease(CVD) incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality. METHODS: Data from the PRIME Study (N = 6953 men) were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models, following adjustment for demographic and biological CVD risk factors, and other psychological traits, including social support. RESULTS: Following initial adjustment, both depression and hostility were significantly associated with both mortality outcomes (smallest SHR = 1.24, p < 0.001). Following adjustment for behavioral factors, all relationships were attenuated both when accounting for and not accounting for other psychological variables. Associations with all-cause mortality remained significant (smallest SHR = 1.14, p = 0.04). Of the behaviors included, the most significant contribution to outcomes was found for smoking, but a role was also found for fruit and vegetable intakes and high alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate well-known associations between depression, hostility, and mortality and suggest the potential importance of behaviors in explaining these relationships