Developing an integrated genomic selection approach beyond biomass for varietal protection and nutritive traits in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Breeding target traits can be broadened to include nutritive value and plant breeder's rights traits in perennial ryegrass by using in-field regression-based spectroscopy phenotyping and genomic selection. Perennial ryegrass breeding has focused on biomass yield, but expansion into a broader set of traits is needed to benefit livestock industries whilst also providing support for intellectual property protection of cultivars. Numerous breeding objectives can be targeted simultaneously with the development of sensor-based phenomics and genomic selection (GS). Of particular interest are nutritive value (NV), which has been difficult and expensive to measure using traditional phenotyping methods, resulting in limited genetic improvement to date, and traits required to obtain varietal protection, known as plant breeder's rights (PBR) traits. In order to assess phenotyping requirements for NV improvement and potential for genetic improvement, in-field reflectance-based spectroscopy was assessed and GS evaluated in a single population for three key NV traits, captured across four timepoints. Using three prediction approaches, the possibility of targeting PBR traits using GS was evaluated for five traits recorded across three years of a breeding program. Prediction accuracy was generally low to moderate for NV traits and moderate to high for PBR traits, with heritability highly correlated with GS accuracy. NV did not show significant or consistent correlation between timepoints highlighting the need to incorporate seasonal NV into selection indexes and the value of being able to regularly monitor NV across seasons. This study has demonstrated the ability to implement GS for both NV and PBR traits in perennial ryegrass, facilitating the expansion of ryegrass breeding targets to agronomically relevant traits while ensuring necessary varietal protection is achieved.

Improving the psychiatric knowledge, skills, and attitudes of primary care physicians, 1950-2000: a review

OBJECTIVE

The authors reviewed the literature on mental health education for primary care physicians and made recommendations for the design of educational programs and research.

METHOD

They searched the MEDLINE and PsycLIT databases from 1950 to 2000 by using a variety of key words and subjects.

RESULTS

More than 400 articles were identified, ranging from empirical studies to philosophical articles. Many identified a perceptual gap between primary care and psychiatry as the basis for problems of contextual relevance in psychiatric education for primary care practitioners. There were few empirical studies; most reported only results of satisfaction surveys or simple tests of knowledge. Long-term outcomes were less positive; there were important negative findings.

CONCLUSIONS

An extensive literature published over five decades identified a strong need for ongoing mental health training for primary care physicians. Helpful recommendations exist related to objectives, methods, and evaluation. However, there are organizational and attitudinal issues that may be equally or more important for educators to consider than the selection of educational methods.

Patient support and education for promoting adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS

BACKGROUND

Highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with improved health outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, full therapeutic benefit from HAART may require near-perfect adherence to prescribed regimens.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of patient support and education interventions for improving adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in people living with HIV and AIDS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Studies were identified using AIDSLINE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, HEALTHSTAR, PSYCHLIT, SOCIOLOGICAL ABSTRACTS, INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL ABSTRACTS, SCIENCE CITATION INDEX, EMBASE, and abstracts from global AIDS meetings, ICAAC, and other major meetings from January 1996 to April 1999. Further information was sought through contact with authors, reference lists, and Collaborative Review Group databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be included, studies had to describe a supportive or educational intervention to improve adherence to a HAART regimen in HIV positive patients, and include a comparison group. Eligible HAART regimens were defined as consisting of at least three anti-HIV drugs one of which must be a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. At least one measure of adherence was also required.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data on study design, participants, interventions, and outcomes were extracted from the reports onto specifically designed data collection forms by at least two reviewers.

MAIN RESULTS

One study satisfied the eligibility criteria. It compared a pharmacist-led intervention consisting of educational counseling and availability of follow-up telephone support with conventional dispensing of HAART pills. This intervention significantly improved adherence to HAART, and adherence to HAART significantly predicted undetectable viral load at 24 weeks. However, participating in the intervention did not significantly predict a subsequently undetectable viral load at 24 weeks.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Implications for practice Currently a pharmacist-led program of educational and supportive counseling is the only available intervention which has been shown in a controlled study to improve adherence to HAART, with less evidence that viral load is subsequently reduced. Implications for research Controlled trials are urgently needed to determine which interventions can significantly improve adherence to HAART. Whether interventions that improve adherence also suppress viral load and improve clinical outcomes should also be considered.

[Report on the state of animal sanitation in Canada]

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The impact of Canada's animal health status on trade

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An overview of pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) and vesicular stomatitis from the Canadian Animal Health Network

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