Cotton is unusual among major crops in that large acreages are grown under both irrigated and rainfed conditions, making genotype x environment interactions of even greater importance than usual in designing crop-improvement strategies. We describe the impact of well-watered versus water-limited growth conditions on the genetic control of fiber quality, a complex suite of traits that collectively determine the utility of cotton. Fiber length, length uniformity, elongation, strength, fineness, and color (yellowness) were influenced by 6, 7, 9, 21, 25 and 11 QTLs (respectively) that could be detected in one or more treatments. The genetic control of cotton fiber quality was markedly affected both by general differences between growing seasons ("years") and by specific differences in water management regimes. Seventeen QTLs were detected only in the water-limited treatment while only two were specific to the well-watered treatment, suggesting that improvement of fiber quality under water stress may be even more complicated than improvement of this already complex trait under well-watered conditions. In crops such as cotton with widespread use of both irrigated and rainfed production systems, the need to manipulate larger numbers of genes to confer adequate quality under both sets of conditions will reduce the expected rate of genetic gain. These difficulties may be partly ameliorated by efficiencies gained through identification and use of diagnostic DNA markers, including those identified herein.

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The management of people with diabetes in police custody has received little attention. Few guidelines are available for police officers to manage people with diabetes who are being detained in custody, despite the risk of metabolic derangement occurring in this situation. The use of drugs and alcohol by the detainee prior to arrest may confuse identification of the symptoms and signs of hyper‐ and hypoglycaemia, and emergency treatment in hospital may be required because of inadequate or inappropriate management while in custody. To evaluate current practice, to identify problem areas and to help implement change, a liaison was established between a specialist diabetes service and the local police force. An experienced diabetes specialist nurse identified problem areas in collaboration with the police custodial team and the forensic nursing service. Input from specialist medical and dietetic staff was sought and issues pertaining to awareness, staff training, equipment and dietary provision were evaluated. This liaison initiative led to the implementation of training for police staff to deal with people with diabetes who require insulin therapy, in blood glucose monitoring and in the management of diabetic emergencies. Equipment for diabetic management in the police station was upgraded, and training provided for its use. Police awareness of the potential problems associated with diabetes was heightened. Audit and further evaluation of these changes are being performed to ensure that these acquired skills and staff competence are maintained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons.