bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on a ‘virtual’ practice development unit: changing practice through identity development
Authors: Fielding Carol , Rooke Debbie , Graham Iain , Keen Steven
Published: April 2008

Aims. This paper draws together the personal thoughts and critical reflections of key people involved in the establishment of a ‘virtual’ practice development unit of clinical nurse specialists in the south of England.

Background. This practice development unit is ‘virtual’ in that it is not constrained by physical or specialty boundaries. It became the first group of Trust‐wide clinical nurse specialists to be accredited in the UK as a practice development unit in 2004.

Design and methods. The local university was asked to facilitate the accreditation process via 11 two‐hour audio‐recorded learning sessions. Critical reflections from practice development unit members, leaders and university staff were written 12 months after successful accreditation, and the framework of their content analysed.

Findings and discussion. Practice development was seen as a way for the clinical nurse specialists to realize their potential for improving patient care by transforming care practice in a collaborative, interprofessional and evolutionary manner. The practice development unit provided a means for these nurses to analyse their role and function within the Trust. Roberts’ identity development model for nursing serves as a useful theoretical underpinning for the reflections contained in this paper.

Conclusions. These narratives provide another example of nurses making the effort to shape and contribute to patient care through organizational redesign. This group of nurses began to realize that the structure of the practice development unit process provided them with the means to analyse their role and function within the organization and, as they reflected on this structure, their behaviour began to change.

Relevance to clinical practice. Evidence from these reflections supports the view that practice development unit participants have secured a positive and professional identity and are, therefore, better able to improve the patient experience.
Shifting roles in nursing – does role extension require role abdication?
Authors: Pearcey Patricia
Published: April 2008

Aims and objectives.  To discuss findings relating to role extension and loss of nursing care to auxiliary nurses.

Background.  There is ongoing discussion in the literature about what nurses’ roles may be and how the extension of role affects patient care. Various models have been devised to measure outcomes and the value of nursing to patients. However, there are limited data on the views of nurses themselves in terms of what they perceive their role to be and what they feel about role change.

Design.  A qualitative approach was used with the help of the elements of grounded theory.

Methods.  Data were analysed using a constant comparative method with core categories identified. The study described in this paper was the final of three. The first two studies involved student nurses and through theoretical sampling, the third sample was chosen to expand the data gained from the students.

Results.  The findings from the student studies indicated concern that the nursing role was being undertaken by auxiliary nurses. The results of the final study, as discussed in this paper, confirmed this. However, one main difference was that qualified nurses were not necessarily unhappy about auxiliary nurses’ role expansion but were concerned that the role of the nurse was moving away from the bedside.

Conclusions.  The data suggest that nurses’ roles may be hard to define. An abdication of role, as opposed to delegation of role, seems to be occurring. Critical thinking is needed to ensure this is a decision advocated by clinical nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses need to be explicit about what their clinical roles are. This study provides data expressing the views of clinical nurses about role expansion and role abdication and corresponding feelings about it.
Development and psychometric testing of a Chinese version of the Fatigue Scale‐Children in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Yi‐Chien , Hinds Pamela S , Yeh Chao‐Hsing , Yang Chao‐Ping
Published: April 2008

Aims.  The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Fatigue Scale‐Children (FS‐C‐C).

Background.  Cancer‐related fatigue is one of the most distressing and prevalent symptoms reported by paediatric oncology patients during and after their cancer treatment. A reliable and valid instrument to measure fatigue is essential to the successful clinical care of paediatric oncology patients in Taiwan who experience this troubling symptom.

Design and methods.  A total of 108 paediatric oncology Taiwanese patients who were aged 7–12 years participated in this cross‐sectional, instrumentation study. The FS‐C was translated into Chinese by using an established translation/back‐translation method. The psychometric testing of the FS‐C‐C included internal consistency, content validity, construct validity, convergent validity, criterion‐related validity and known‐group validity.

Results.  The FS‐C‐C achieved an acceptable internal consistency coefficient. Content validity was moderately high (content validity indices ranged from 83–100%). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three‐factor model as an acceptable model fit (the goodness‐of‐fit index and adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index both were greater than 0·9; normed fit index, 0·89; root‐mean‐square residual, 0·15). Although the results did not support the known‐group hypothesis, the convergent validity, concurrent validity and predictive validity of the FS‐C‐C were supported by significant associations with the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, the Anxious/Depressed subscale of the Child Behaviour Checklist and the generic and disease‐specific scores on the Quality of Life for Children with Cancer instrument, respectively.

Conclusion.  Our newly developed FS‐C‐C is a reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of cancer‐related fatigue intensity in Taiwanese children.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The FS‐C‐C could provide useful information to guide clinical practice in assessing and managing cancer‐related fatigue in childhood cancer patients in Taiwan.
A best‐evidence synthesis review of the administration of psychotropic pro re nata (PRN) medication in in‐patient mental health settings
Authors: Baker John A , Lovell Karina , Harris Neil
Published: April 2008

Aims and objectives.  This paper aims to synthesise published literature of drug use/administration studies of pro re nata psychotropic medications in mental health wards.

Design.  The study employed a best‐evidence synthesis review design.

Background.  The administration of psychotropic pro re nata medications is a frequently used clinical intervention in mental health wards. Pro re nata contributes to exposing patients to high doses of antipsychotic medication. Despite the frequent use of pro re nata, there is limited evidence of their effectiveness.

Methods.  A best‐evidence synthesis review.

Results.  Six major themes emerged from the literature: (i) frequency of administration; (ii) administration during the 24‐hour day; (iii) administration associated with length and stage of admission; (iv) rationales for administration; (v) medicines administered (including route of administration); and (vi) effects and side effects of the medicines administered.

Conclusions.  Overall findings indicate that the administration of psychotropic pro re nata varies radically and appears to be influenced by many variables.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients are most likely to receive a benzodiazepine or typical antipsychotic as pro re nata. Pro re nata is an important and under‐researched clinical intervention used in mental health wards.
A systematic review of professional support interventions for breastfeeding
Authors: Hannula Leena , Kaunonen Marja , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu
Published: April 2008

Objectives.  The objectives of this systematic review were first, to describe how breastfeeding is professionally supported during pregnancy, at maternity hospitals and during the postnatal period. Secondly, to find out how effective interventions are in supporting breastfeeding.

Background.  Breastfeeding is an effective way to promote the health of infants. In many countries, the rates for breastfeeding remain lower than recommended. Many studies have examined breastfeeding promotion interventions; some of them are successful and some fail. It is important to find effective combinations of support.

Design.  Systematic review.

Methods.  Search of CINAHL, Medline and Cochrane Central Register databases were conducted for data collection. The search was limited to articles published in Finnish, Swedish and English between the year 2000 and March 2006, focusing on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support interventions. Two reviewers independently analysed 36 articles in the final analysis.

Results.  Interventions expanding from pregnancy to the intrapartum period and throughout the postnatal period were more effective than interventions concentrating on a shorter period. In addition, intervention packages using various methods of education and support from well‐trained professionals are more effective than interventions concentrating on a single method.

Conclusions.  During pregnancy, the effective interventions were interactive, involving mothers in conversation. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) as well as practical hands off ‐teaching, when combined with support and encouragement, were effective approaches. Postnatally effective were home visits, telephone support and breastfeeding centres combined with peer support.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Professionals need breastfeeding education and support of their organisations to act as breastfeeding supporters. The BFHI ‐programme is effective and it would be wise to include the core components of the programme in breastfeeding promotion interventions. Mothers benefit from breastfeeding encouragement and guidance that supports their self‐efficacy and feelings of being capable and empowered, and is tailored to their individual needs.
Engaging service users in the development of stroke services: an action research study
Authors: Jones Stephanie P , Auton Malcolm F , Burton Christopher R , Watkins Caroline L
Published: April 2008

Aims and objectives.  To develop local stroke services by involving, in a meaningful way, those affected by stroke in identifying and prioritising service development issues.

Background.  Consideration should be given to including the views of service users in the evaluation and re‐design of services. In stroke, the involvement of patients and carers in the development of services has generally been at a consultative level. There is a need to explore strategies to engage patients and carers more fully with the service development agenda.

Design.  Action research.

Methods.  Within the Reflection Phase of this action research study patients’ and carers’ experiences of stroke services were explored by semi‐structured interviews and focus groups. In the Planning and Action Phases, externally facilitated workgroups comprising patients, carers and professionals used a synthesis of the data to identify a range of service development priorities, which informed the development of action plans.

Results.  Information provision, preparation for transfer of care and the integration of social and leisure activities appear to be priorities for the development of stroke services from the perspective of patients and carers. These findings informed the work of four collaborative workgroups to lead developments in the stroke pathway as follows: stroke prevention and immediate care, early and continuing rehabilitation, transfer of care and long‐term support and information provision.

Conclusion.  Stroke patients and carers played a key and meaningful part in the identification and prioritisation of service development issues. External facilitation ensured progress with service development and maintaining patient and carer participation. Several pragmatic recommendations for enhancing the local delivery of stroke services were made.

Relevance to Clinical Practice.  With external facilitation it is possible for stroke service users to take a meaningful role in service developments that moves beyond consultation.
Exchanging and countering points of view: a linguistic perspective on school students' use of electronic conferencing
Authors: Coffin C. , North S. , Martin D.
Published: April 2008

Abstract  The ability to argue is an important academic goal in secondary education. This paper reports on an exploratory study which investigated how asynchronous text‐based conferencing provides a new site for school students to rehearse and develop their skills in argumentation. The study used linguistic tools of analysis to investigate two key questions:

How is argumentation structured in asynchronous text‐based conferencing?

How do students use language to negotiate their position on an issue?

The originality of our study lies in the use of a functional linguistic method of analysis which provides unique insights into how students use language to argue, insights that can inform teaching and learning both in school history (the context for this paper) and more generally. Our interest in language is based on the premise that it is central to the learning process – a premise supported by work in socio‐cultural psychology and systemic functional linguistics.

The most significant findings to emerge from the analysis were that (1) counter‐argumentation was rare; and (2b) the more tentatively a claim is phrased the more likely it is that students will challenge or counter it.
Predictors of academic attainments of young people with Down's syndrome
Authors: Turner S. , Alborz A. , Gayle V.
Published: April 2008

Background  Earlier studies of young people with Down's syndrome have investigated a relatively limited range of variables which may influence their academic attainment. The relative strength of such influences and how they may vary during the school career, has also been under‐researched.

Aims  The aim of the paper is to identify the contemporary and antecedent predictors of the level of academic attainment achieved by a representative sample of young people with Down's syndrome.

Sample  The paper reports data from three studies of 71 young people with Down's syndrome and their families. Mean IQ at the time of the first study (t1) was 40.4. Mean chronological age was 9 years at t1, 14 at t2, and 21 at t3, when all the young people had left school.

Methods  The outcome measure was the 58‐item Academic Attainments Index (AAI), comprising three sub‐scales covering reading, writing and numeracy. Predictors of the outcome were derived from questionnaires and interviews from tutors, mothers and fathers. A path analysis approach was used to investigate the pattern of predictors of the outcome over the three studies.

Results  Factors predicting greater progress in this measure between t2 and t3 were lower chronological age and attendance at mainstream school. Progress from t1 to t2 was also associated with attendance at mainstream school, as well as with higher t1 mental age, mother's practical coping style and higher child attentiveness. Background factors predicting higher t1 AAI scores were higher mental age, attendance at mainstream school and father's internal locus of control. The path analysis model predicted 48% of the variance in t3 outcome scores. Severity of intellectual impairment was by far the most significant predictor.

Conclusion  Limitations to the study include evidence of attrition bias towards more able children, and the need to obtain the t3 outcome measure from tutors for some young people and parents for others. Parents may have over‐estimated abilities. Results are broadly in agreement with other studies, and confirm the pattern reported earlier with this group. Mainstream school attendance had a modest beneficial effect on AAI scores throughout the school career of the children, independently of level of intellectual disability. Identification of predictors of attainment levels and of improvement over time may help parents, teachers and other professionals involved with families of children and young people with Down's syndrome optimise the attainment of such skills.
Social goals and conflict strategies of individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities who present problems of aggression
Authors: Pert C. , Jahoda A.
Published: April 2008

Background A few recent studies have adopted a social cognitive perspective to explore how individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs), who present problems of aggression, view their social world. The focus has mainly been on participants' perceptions of others' behaviour within conflict situations. The present exploratory study aims to compliment existing research by exploring social cognitive factors that may influence how individuals respond to conflict.

Methods Study was carried out with 20 aggressive and 20 non‐aggressive men and women who have a mild to moderate ID. The ‘Social Goals and Strategies for Conflict’ (SGASC) assessment was devised to explore whether group or gender differences could be found in participants' expected outcomes of aggressive strategies, their expected outcomes of submissive strategies and their emotional reaction to these outcomes. Participants' social goals within hypothetical situations of conflict were also explored.

Results It was found that aggressive and non‐aggressive participants have different social goals. There were no significant differences for expected outcomes of aggression or submissiveness. Nevertheless, a number of trends suggest that more aggressive participants expect negative outcomes for submissiveness compared with their non‐aggressive peers.

Conclusions While the findings of this study are tentative, investigating the social outcomes that are valued by individuals with ID who present problems of aggression appears to be a promising area for further research, with possible implications for clinical assessment and treatment.
A study of complicated grief symptoms in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Dodd P. , Guerin S. , McEvoy J. , Buckley S. , Tyrrell J. , Hillery J.
Published: April 2008

Introduction  Previous studies have shown a significant association between familial bereavement and the onset of challenging behaviours and psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, little work has been done to accurately describe the specific symptoms of grief, in particular symptoms of complicated grief in this population. Consensus criteria for the diagnosis of complicated grief have been drawn up and tested for validity in the general population.

Aims  To examine the occurrence of symptoms of complicated grief, and to explore the relationships between complicated grief and bereavement experience.

Method  A bereavement history questionnaire and a newly developed measure examining for symptoms of complicated grief were administered to a group of carers of people with mild or moderate ID, who had experienced a parental bereavement within the previous 2 years. The questionnaires were also administered to a matched comparison group, who had not been bereaved.

Results/Conclusions  This carer‐based comparison study has revealed that bereaved individuals with ID experience complicated grief symptoms following the death of a parent, with one‐third of the bereaved group experiencing 10 or more clinically apparent symptoms. In addition, complicated grief symptoms were more likely to occur with higher rates of bereavement ritual involvement. These findings have both clinical and research implications.
The relationship between intellectual disability, Indigenous status and risk of reoffending in juvenile offenders on community orders
Authors: Frize M. , Kenny D. , Lennings C.
Published: April 2008

Background Intellectual disability (ID), age and aboriginal status have been independently implicated as risk factors for offending to varying degrees. This study examined the relationship between age, ID and the Indigenous status of juvenile offenders. It also examined the outcomes of the sample's offending in terms of court appearances and sentencing, criminogenic needs and risk of reoffending.

Method The sample comprised 800 juvenile offenders on community orders of whom 19% were Indigenous, who completed theNew South Wales Young People on Community Order Health Surveybetween 2003 and 2005. Risk and criminogenic needs were evaluated using the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (Australian Adaptation) (YLS/CMI: AA).

Results Those with an ID were found to have a higher risk of reoffending than those without an ID. Those with an ID were also more likely to be younger and Indigenous. For Indigenous young offenders, there was no difference between those with and without an ID in risk category allocation or number of court dates. For non‐Indigenous young offender, those with an ID had higher risk scores and more court dates.

Conclusions This study provided evidence that Indigenous status may play a significant role in the relationship between ID and offending in juvenile offenders on community orders. These findings have clear implications for the ‘risk’, ‘needs’ and ‘responsivity’ principles of offender classification for treatment. Emphasis is placed on the requirement for addressing the needs of Indigenous juvenile offenders with an ID.
Evaluation of the interaction between ivermectin and albendazole following their combined use in lambs
Authors: ALVAREZ L. , LIFSCHITZ A. , ENTROCASSO C. , MANAZZA J. , MOTTIER L. , BORDA B. , VIRKEL G. , LANUSSE C.
Published: April 2008

Mixtures of drugs from different chemical families have been proposed as a valid strategy to delay the development of anthelmintic resistance. The current work summarizes the outcome of the evaluation of the plasma disposition kinetics of albendazole (ABZ) and ivermectin (IVM) administered either alone or co‐administered to lambs infected with gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes resistant to both anthelmintic molecules. Thirty six (36) Corriedale lambs naturally infected with multiple resistant GI nematodes were allocated into six treatment groups: (a) ABZ intravenous (ABZIV); (b) IVMIV; (c) ABZIV + IVMIV; (d) ABZ intraruminal (IR); (e) IVM subcutaneous (SC) and (f) ABZIR + IVMSC. Plasma samples were collected over 15 days post‐treatment and analysed by HPLC. The estimated pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were statistically compared using parametric and non‐parametric statistical tests. The presence of IVM did not affect the plasma disposition kinetics of ABZ and its metabolites after the i.v. administration. However, the ABZ sulphoxide (ABZSO) area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) after the intraruminal (i.r.) administration of ABZ alone compared to that obtained for the combined treatment with IVM [subcutaneous (s.c.) injection]. The IVM plasma AUC obtained after its i.v. co‐administration with ABZ was 88% higher (P < 0.05) compared to the treatment with IVM alone. Any marked difference on IVM PK parameters was observed between the treatments ABZ + IVM and IVM alone injected subcutaneously. The data obtained here indicate that the co‐administration of ABZ and IVM does not induce an adverse kinetic interaction. This type of pharmacology‐based evaluation of drug interactions is becoming highly relevant as drug combinations are now widely used as an alternative to control resistant helminth parasites in livestock.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of meloxicam in piglets
Authors: FOSSE T. K. , HAGA H. A. , HORMAZABAL V. , HAUGEJORDEN G. , HORSBERG T. E. , RANHEIM B.
Published: April 2008

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of meloxicam in piglets (16–23 days old) were studied using a stratified parallel group design. One group (n = 13) received 0.4 mg/kg meloxicam intravenously, while the other group (n = 12) received physiological saline solution. A carrageenan‐sponge model of acute inflammation was used to evaluate the effects of meloxicam. The plasma clearance was low (0.061 L/kg/h), the volume of distribution was low (0.19 L/kg) and the elimination half‐life was short (2.7 h). At most time points, the mean concentration of meloxicam in plasma exceeded the concentrations in exudate indicating a limited accumulation of the drug at the site of the inflammation. There were significant differences between the groups in the exudate prostaglandin E2(PGE2) concentration, but the inhibition of PGE2in the meloxicam group was limited. The inhibition of thromboxane B2(TXB2) production in serum in the meloxicam group was extensive, but of shorter duration than the PGE2inhibition in exudate.
Environmental risks from the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)–the need for molecular ecology
Authors: WILLIAMSON M.
Published: April 2008

Applications to release genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment, usually the agricultural environment, are increasing exponentially. Many involve crop plants that are also weeds. Studies of biological invasions and of biological control show that the probability that a genetically new organism establishing itself is small; it is also unpredictable and in some cases could have severe ecological effects. GMOs pose risks both because they will be released in large numbers and because the greater the genetic novelty the greater the possibility of ecological novelty. Molecular ecology is an essential ingredient in ensuring that risks are assessed efficiently.
The construction of recA–deficient Rhizobium meliloti and R. leguminosarum strains marked with gusA or luc cassettes for use in risk–assessment studies
Authors: SELBITSCHKA W. , POHLER A. , SIMON R.
Published: April 2008

A vector system was developed employing the recA genes of Rhizobium meliloti and Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar. viciae as target sequences for the stable genomic integration of foreign DNA. The plasmid vectors can be used either as integration vectors (single cross–over), or as gene replacement vectors (double cross–over). Gene replacement results in the antibiotic–marker–free integration of cloned DNA into the recA genes of R. meliloti and R. leguminosarum bv. viciae. Consequently, the recombinant strains become recombination deficient (RecA‐). The expression of integrated genes is under the control of the neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptll) promoter of transposon Tn5. The system was used to construct recA mutant strains of R. meliloti and R. leguminosarum by. viciae, carrying the Escherichia coli gusA gene encoding β–glucuronidase as well as the firefly (Photinus pyralis) luc gene encoding luciferase as marker genes. The GUS activity in the constructed strains was found to be absolutely stable over more than 100 generations of non–selective growth in liquid culture. The stability was also confirmed in root–nodule passages. In addition, the potential use of the luc gene as a stable genetic marker in the unequivocal identification of tagged strains among indigenous microbes in non–sterile soil was demonstrated. It is proposed to use bioluminescent recA mutants as model organisms in risk assessment studies with genetically engineered Rhizobium strains.
Intergeneric natural plasmid transformation between E. coli and a marine Vibrio species
Authors: PAUL J.H. , THURMOND J.M. , FRISCHER M.E. , CANNON J P.
Published: April 2008

Natural transformation is the mechanism of procaryotic gene transfer that involves the uptake and expression of genetic information encoded in extracellular DNA. This process has been regarded as a mechanism to transfer genes (primarily chromosomal markers) between closely related strains or species. Here we demonstrate the cell–contact–dependent transfer of a non–conjugative plasmid from a laboratory E. coli strain to a marine Vibrio species, the first report of intergeneric natural plasmid transformation involving a marine bacterium. The nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors nalidixic acid and rifampicin inhibited the ability of the E. coli to function as a donor. However, dead cells also served as efficient donors. There was an obligate requirement for cell contact. No transfer occurred in the presence of DNase I, when donors and recipients were separated by a 0.2–μm filter, or when spent medium alone was used as a source of transforming DNA. These results indicate that contact–mediated intergeneric plasmid exchange can occur in the absence of detectable viable donor cells and that small non–conjugative plasmids can be spread through heterogeneous microbial communities by a process previously not recognized, natural plasmid transformation. These findings are important in the assessment of genetic risk to the environment, particularly from wastewater treatment systems and the use of genetically engineered organisms in the environment.
Male reproductive tactics in the threespine stickleback– an evaluation by DNA fingerprinting
Authors: RICO C. , KUHNLEIN U. , FITZGERALD G. J.
Published: April 2008

A random sample of 17 threespine stickleback nests was analysed using DNA fingerprinting. DNA from the guardian male and a random subsample of 10 fry per nest was probed with pYNZ132, a human single–locus VNTR probe which detects a multilocus fingerprint pattern in sticklebacks. Band–sharing indices (BSIs, the proportion of bands shared by two individuals) between the guardian male and its fry were calculated. In 147 of a total of 170 pair–wise comparisons the BSIs varied between 0.40 and 0.77. The guardian male was thought to be the true father of all these fry (p < 0.10). For the remaining 23 fry the BSIs varied between 0.09 and 0.34, suggesting that these fry were fathered by a different male (P<0.06). Once the paternal bands in each legitimate fry were determined, the remaining (i.e. maternal) bands among these fry were compared. Based on the BSIs obtained, the minimum number of females that spawned per nest was determined, and the maternal DNA fingerprints of the legitimate fry were traced back. In one nest five eggs of the sample had been fertilized by a sneaker, in two nests the guardian male had stolen eggs from a rival male, and in another nest one of the eggs was fertilized by a sneaker and three were stolen eggs.
The genetic legacy of Mother Goose– phylogeographic patterns of lesser snow goose Chen caerulescens caerulescens maternal lineages
Authors: QUINN T. W.
Published: April 2008

By using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify and sequence 178 bp of a rapidly evolving region of the mtDNA genome (segment I of the control region) from 81 individuals, approximately 11% of the variation present in the lesser snow goose Chen caerulescens caerulescens L. mitochondrial genome was surveyed. The 26 types of mtDNA detected formed two distinct mitochondrial clades that differ by an average of 6.7% and are distributed across the species range. Restriction analysis of amplified fragments was then used to assign the mtDNA of an additional 29 individuals to either of these clades. Within one major clade, sequence among mtDNAs was concordant with geographic location. Within the other major clade the degree of sequence divergence among haplotypes was lower and no consistent geographic structuring was evident. The two major clades presumably result from vicariant separation of lesser snow geese during the Pleistocene.
Use of a novel plasmid to monitor the fate of a genetically engineered Pseudomonas putida strain
Authors: GENTHNER F. J. , CAMPBELL R. P. , PRITCHARD P. H.
Published: April 2008

Plasmid pSI30 was constructed to increase the sensitivity of detection of a genetically engineered micro‐organism (GEM) and its recombinant DNA in environmental samples. This broad host‐range, mobilizable plasmid contained chlorocatechol (clc) degradative genes, antibiotic resistance genes (ampicillin and kanamycin) and a fragment of eukaryotic DNA. The clc genes encode enzymes that convert 3‐chlorocatechol to maleylacetic acid permitting the host, Pseudomonas putida RC‐4, to grow on 3‐chlorobenzoate. This catabolic phenotype was exploited using enrichment procedures to detect RC‐4(pSI30) cells, freeliving in the water column or when irreversibly bound to surfaces. The eukaryotic DNA sequence provided a unique target allowing positive identification by DNA:DNA hybridization. Using the eukaryotic DNA sequence as a probe, no transfer of the plasmid to indigenous bacteria was detected. Persistence of RC‐4(pSI30) and its ability to multiply upon addition of 3‐chlorobenzoate were demonstrated 78 days after its addition to natural freshwater. In flow‐through microcosms RC‐4(pSI30), undetectable as free‐living cells, was found by enrichment as irreversibly bound sessile forms. These experiments revealed the stability of pSI30 and its utility in a ‘combination’ detection system for tracking the survival of a GEM and its DNA in environmental samples.
Evolutionary history of the honey bee Apis mellifera inferred from mitochondrial DNA analysis
Authors: GARNERY L. , CORNUET J.‐M. , SOLIGNAC M.
Published: April 2008

Variability of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the honey bee Apis mellifera L. has been investigated by restriction and sequence analyses on a sample of 68 colonies from ten different subspecies. The 19 mtDNA types detected are clustered in three major phylogenetic lineages. These clades correspond well to three groups of populations with distinct geographical distributions: branch A for African subspecies (intermissa, monticola, scutellata, andansonii and capensis), branch C for North Mediterranean subspecies (caucasica, carnica and ligustica) and branch M for the West European populations (mellifera subspecies). These results partially confirm previous hypotheses based on morphometrical and allozymic studies, the main difference concerning North African populations, now assigned to branch A instead of branch M. The pattern of spatial structuring suggests the Middle East as the centre of dispersion of the species, in accordance with the geographic areas of the other species of the same genus. Based on a conservative 2% divergence rate per Myr, the separation of the three branches has been dated at about 1 Myr BP.
DNA sequence variation of the mitochondrial control region among geographically and morphologically remote European brown trout Saltno trutta populations
Authors: BERNATCHEZ L. , GUYOMARD R. , BONHOMME F.
Published: April 2008

Throughout its natural range, the brown trout Salmo trutta L. exhibits a complex pattern of morphological and life‐history variation. This has led to considerable taxonomic confusion, hampering the understanding of the evolutionary history of the species. To document the phylogenetic relationships among morphologically and geographically remote brown trout populations across western Europe, we determined the DNA sequence variation in segments of the mitochondrial control region for 151 individuals representing 24 populations. DNA was prepared for double‐stranded sequencing by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty‐one variable nucleotide positions within a 640‐bp fragment surveyed defined 12 genotypes differing by a mean of 7 nucleotide substitutions (range 1–12). Five major phylogenetic assemblages differing by mean sequence divergence estimates of 0.96 to 1.44% were identified. These groupings exhibited a strong spatial partitioning but lacked congruence with either ecological or morphological differentiation. Complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) monomorphism across all Atlantic basin populations contrasted with the high interdrainage genetic diversity observed in more southerly populations. This study exemplified the usefulness of mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis for estimating phylogenetic relationships within S. trutta populations.
The nodular endophytes of Coriaria spp. form a distinct lineage within the genus Frankia
Authors: NICK G. , PAGET E. , SIMONET P. , MOIROUD A. , NORMAND P.
Published: April 2008

Repeated attempts at isolating the Frankia endophyte of Coriaria spp. have not yielded infective microbial cultures that could fulfil Koch's postulates. In order to circumvent the critical isolation step, nodule endophytes of Coriaria were characterized directly by means of specific amplification of nodule DNA (PCR) followed by sequencing of part of the 16S rDNA gene. Three closely related sequences were obtained from nodules originating from France, Mexico and New Zealand, containing unique sequences different from all other Frankia strains characterized so far. The sequences obtained were closest (with 5 or 6 substitutions) to those of Frankia alni and those of Casuarina‐infective Frankia strains, respectively. Two nucleotides unique to the Coriaria endophyte sequences were used to define specific primers, resulting in a hybridization test that could discriminate between Frankia DNAs originating from Coriaria nodules and those recovered from all cultured Frankia strains tested. The endophytes of Coriaria thus appear to form a distinct Frankia lineage.
DNA stabilization and amplification from museum collections of extracts originally intended for allozyme analysis
Authors: TAN AN‐MING , ORREGO CRISTIÁN
Published: April 2008

Protein extracts originally prepared for isozyme electrophoresis two decades ago contain surviving DNA sequences susceptible to amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Amplification was also possible after stabilization of such extracts on filter paper and immersion under mineral oil without refrigeration.
RFLP analysis of genetic variation in North American populations of the fall armyworm moth Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: LU YANG‐JIANG , ADANG M. J. , ISENHOUR D. J. , KOCHERT G. D.
Published: April 2008

A high level of genetic variability was detected in North American fall armyworm (FA W), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), populations by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of genomic DNA. In nearly all cases individual larvae could be differentiated using 22 probe‐enzyme combinations. Laboratory colonies formed distinct groups based on RFLP analysis. Individuals from a colony of the previously determined ‘rice strain’ formed a group showing obvious deviation in RFLP patterns from the other five populations, which included a population from a ‘com strain’ colony. The results were consistent with previous studies using allozymes which indicated that there are two genetically differentiated forms of the fall armyworm. Diagnostic markers were also found that distinguish these two groups.
Asymmetric hybridization between two species of sunfishes (Lepomis: Centrarchidae)
Authors: KONKLE B. R. , PHILIPP D. P.
Published: April 2008

Many of the sunfishes (Centrarchidae) hybridize in natural systems, yet little is known about the interactions among hybridizing individuals in nature. We used allozyme electrophoresis to identify interspecific hybrids between bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and pumpkinseed (L. gibbosus) in Lake Opinicon, Ontario, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to identify the maternal parentage of those individuals. All 44 individuals collected and identified electrophoreti‐cally as F1 hybrids had a pumpkinseed mtDNA haplotype, indicating that hybridization between these species in Lake Opinicon is asymmetrical; F1 hybrids result only from matings between female pumpkinseed and male bluegill.
Estimating average within‐group relatedness from DNA fingerprints
Authors: REEVE H. K. , WESTNEAT D. F. , QUELLER D. C.
Published: April 2008

We present a detailed analysis of a regression and an equivalent band‐sharing technique for estimating mean within‐group relatedness from DNA fingerprint data. First, we show that the relatedness estimate obtained from this technique tends to underestimate the pedigree relatedness in random‐mating populations, but that the degree of underestimation will be small unless DNA fingerprint similarity among unrelated individuals is unusually high. We derive the exact asymptotic downward bias as a function of allele frequency and probabilities of identity by descent. We suggest some methods for removing the small downward bias in the regression estimate. Secondly, we show that the technique yields accurate estimates of parent‐offspring, full, and half‐sibling relatedness in natural populations of the red‐winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus and indigo bunting Passerina cyanea.
Design and testing of a plant‐specific PCR primer for ecological and evolutionary studies
Authors: CULLINGS K.W.
Published: April 2008

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer, 28KJ (5‐GGCGGTAAATTCCGTCC‐3), was developed to specifically amplify plant DNA. This primer is located approximately 250 bases downstream of the 5′ end of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene, and it was used in combination with the universal primer 28C. The specificity of this primer combination was tested against 31 angiosperms, 9 conifers, 1 alga and 30 fungi (21 basidiomycetes and 9 ascomycetes). Both herbarium specimens and fresh samples were tested. The 28KJ/28C primer combination successfully amplified all angiosperm and conifer DNAs, but no fungal or algal DNAs. Plant DNA was amplified from plant/fungal symbioses (ectomycorrhizae of conifers and ericoid mycorrhizae of Ericaceous plants), and the plants involved in these symbioses were identified by comparing DNA sequences or restriction enzyme digest patterns of the mycorrhizal DNAs to those of known plant samples. These methods allow rapid and accurate identification of plant associates in complex plant/ fungal systems when the identity of the roots is unclear.
Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in satellite DNA distinguish chromosomal races of the white‐footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus
Authors: SIMMONS A. D. , LONGMIRE J. L. , REEDER T. W. , WICHMAN H. A. , BAKER R. J.
Published: April 2008

We describe a polymorphism revealed by a high‐copy‐number tandem repeat which serves to distinguish most individuals sampled (96%) from two chromosomal races of Peromyscus leucopus. Classical morphology, allozymes, mtDNA, and rDNA have all failed to provide fixed markers which separate these two chromosomal races. Data from P. leucopus further documents the utility of DNA polymorphisms to establish the natal origin (DNA ‘zipcodes’) of populations or individuals.
Variable stability of antibiotic‐resistance markers in Bacillus cereus UW85 in the soybean rhizosphere in the field
Authors: HALVERSON L. J. , CLAYTON M. K. , HANDELSMAN J.
Published: April 2008

We compared the stability of antibiotic‐resistance markers in strains derived from Bacillus cereus UW85 in culture media and in the soybean rhizosphere in a growth chamber and in the field. We studied two independent, spontaneous mutants resistant to neomycin, three independent, spontaneous mutants resistant to streptomycin, and strains carrying plasmid pBC16, which encodes tetracycline resistance. Antibiotic‐resistance markers were maintained in populations of all UW85 derivatives in culture and in the rhizosphere of soybeans grown in soil in a growth chamber. In two field experiments, antibiotic resistance was substantially lost in rhizosphere populations of B. cereus as early as 14 or as late as 116 days after planting. To distinguish between death of the inoculated strain and loss of its marker, we tested populations of B. cereus for other phenotypes (orange pigmentation, plasmid‐borne resistance to tetracycline, and biocontrol activity) that are typical of UW85‐derivatives used as inoculum, but atypical of the indigenous populations of B. cereus, and these phenotypes were maintained in populations from which the marker was lost. In general, neomycin‐resistance markers were maintained at a higher frequency than streptomycin‐resistance markers, and maintenance of antibiotic‐resistance markers varied with position on the root and with the year of the experiment. In a semi‐defined medium, the UW85 derivatives grew at the same rate as the wild type at 28°C, but most grew more slowly than the wild type at 16°C, demonstrating that antibiotic resistance can affect fitness under some conditions. The results suggest that the stability of antibiotic‐resistance markers should be assessed in the ecosystems in which they will be studied.
Determination of paternity in dragonflies by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA fingerprinting
Authors: HADRYS H. , SCHIERWATER B. , DELLAPORTA S. L. , DESALLE R. , BUSS L. W.
Published: April 2008

We used Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting to address issues of paternity in two odonate species. Amplification artifacts of RAPD markers were controlled by assessing paternity patterns relative to the banding patterns generated by quantitative mixtures of DNA from putative parents (‘synthetic offspring’). In the aeshnid dragonfly Anax parthenope, for which the mating histories of both males and females were unknown, we found strong evidence for complete paternity success for the contact guarding male. In the highly polygamous libellulid dragonfly Orthetrum coerulescens, we detected and quantified mixed paternity in sequentially produced offspring clutches and demonstrated that fertilization success is correlated with the duration of copulation. Our results suggest that RAPD fingerprinting is suitable to address issues of paternity in systems which are genetically uncharacterized and produce large offspring clutches.
Genetic differentiation of cocoa (Theobrotna cacao L.) populations revealed by RAPD analysis
Authors: RUSSELL J. R. , HOSEIN F. , JOHNSON E. , WAUGH R. , POWELL W.
Published: April 2008

In order to preserve and exploit the valuable genetic resources of tropical forest trees, such as cocoa, a systematic assessment of the available genetic variability is necessary. The approach we have used is based on a simple mini‐prep DNA extraction procedure together with a polymerase‐chain‐reaction‐ (PCR)‐based polymorphic assay procedure (RAPD). Twenty‐five cocoa accessions: IMCs and PAs collected from Peru and LCTEENs collected from Ecuador, which are difficult to distinguish using morphological or biochemical descriptors, were uniquely fingerprinted using a minimum of three oligonucleotide primers. Analysis of the variability detected using RAPDs clearly discriminated between the geographical origin of the three cocoa populations. Partitioning of variability into within and between population components revealed that most variation was detected within a population. The potential of RAPD analysis to facilitate the rationalization of field gene banks and provide accurate estimates of diversity to allow optimization of collecting strategies is discussed
Screening techniques for detecting allelic variation in DNA sequences
Authors: LESSA E. P. , APPLEBAUM G.
Published: April 2008

This article reviews four ‘DNA screening techniques’, namely heteroduplex analysis, single‐strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) as tools for the study of allelic variation in natural populations. The resolving power, advantages, and limitations of each technique are discussed and compared. We also provide some criteria for choosing among techniques and illustrate some practical issues with examples taken primarily from our own laboratory experience.