Rhizosphere bacteria from the Bolivian highlands improve drought tolerance in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.).

Aims: Drought is one of the most destructive abiotic factors for agricultural production, causing considerable yield losses. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is cultivated worldwide in different environmental conditions due to its nutritional characteristics and ability to grow in harsh environments.

Frequency of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Variants in Individuals Evaluated for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.

Objective: To evaluate whether cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) variants are more common among individuals tested for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) compared with controls.

Study Design: Data were studied from 1021 individuals with commercial genetic testing for suspected PCD and 91 777 controls with genetic testing at the same company (Invitae) for symptoms/diseases unrelated to PCD or CFTR testing. The prevalence of CFTR variants was compared between controls and each of 3 groups of individuals tested for PCD (PCD-positive, -uncertain, and -negative molecular diagnosis).

Assessment of graduate public health education in Nepal and perceived needs of faculty and students.

Background: Despite the large body of evidence suggesting that effective public health infrastructure is vital to improving the health status of populations, many universities in developing countries offer minimal opportunities for graduate training in public health. In Nepal, for example, only two institutions currently offer a graduate public health degree. Both institutions confer only a general Masters in Public Health (MPH), and together produce 30 graduates per year.

Effect of an STD/HIV behavioral intervention on women's use of the female condom.

Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV behavior change intervention in increasing women's use of the female condom.

Methods: A total of 604 women at high risk for STDs and HIV in New York City, Baltimore, Md, and Seattle, Wash, enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a small-group, skills-training intervention that included information and skills training in the use of the female condom.

Results: In a logistic regression, the strongest predictors of use were exposure to the intervention (odds ratio [OR] = 5.