Towards conserving natural diversity: A biotic inventory by observations, specimens, DNA barcoding and high-throughput sequencing methods.

The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has been given a broad conservation mandate to conserve natural diversity. A prerequisite for fulfilling this purpose is to be able to identify the species and communities that make up that biodiversity. We tested a set of varied methods for inventory and monitoring of plants, birds and terrestrial invertebrates on a grid of 40 sites in a 938 ha study area in the Slikok Creek watershed, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. We sampled plants and lichens through observation and specimen-based methods. We surveyed birds using bird call surveys on variable circular plots. We sampled terrestrial arthropods by sweep net sampling, processing samples with High Throughput Sequencing methods. We surveyed for earthworms, using the hot mustard extraction method and identified worm specimens by morphology and DNA barcoding. We examined community membership using clustering methods and Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling. We documented a total of 4,764 occurrences of 984 species and molecular operational taxonomic units: 87 vascular plants, 51 mosses, 12 liverworts, 111 lichens, 43 vertebrates, 663 arthropods, 9 molluscs and 8 annelid worms. Amongst these records, 102 of the arthropod species appeared to be new records for Alaska. We found three non-native species: Deroceras agreste (Linnaeus, 1758) (Stylommatophora: Agriolimacidae), Dendrobaena octaedra (Savigny, 1826) (Crassiclitellata: Lumbricidae) and Heterarthrus nemoratus (Fallén, 1808) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). Both D. octaedra and H. nemoratus were found at sites distant from obvious human disturbance. The 40 sites were grouped into five community groups: upland mixed forest, black spruce forest, open deciduous forest, shrub-sedge bog and willow. We demonstrated that, at least for a subset of species that could be detected using these methods, we were able to document current species distributions and assemblages in a way that could be efficiently repeated for the purposes of biomonitoring. While our methods could be improved and additional methods and groups could be added, our combination of techniques yielded a substantial portion of the data necessary for fulfilling Kenai National Wildlife Refuge's broad conservation purposes.

Mindfulness-based lifestyle programs for the self-management of Parkinson's disease in Australia.

Despite emerging evidence suggesting positive outcomes of mindfulness training for the self-management of other neurodegenerative diseases, limited research has explored its effect on the self-management of Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to characterize the experiences of individuals participating in a facilitated, group mindfulness-based lifestyle program for community living adults with Stage 2 PD and explore how the program influenced beliefs about self-management of their disease. Our longitudinal qualitative study was embedded within a randomized controlled trial exploring the impact of a 6-week mindfulness-based lifestyle program on patient-reported function. The study was set in Melbourne, Australia in 2012-2013. We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants before, immediately after, and 6 months following participation in the program. Sixteen participants were interviewed prior to commencing the program. Of these, 12 were interviewed shortly after its conclusion, and 9 interviewed at 6 months. Prior to the program, participants felt a lack of control over their illness. A desire for control and a need for alternative tools for managing the progression of PD motivated many to engage with the program. Following the program, where participants experienced an increase in mindfulness, many became more accepting of disease progression and reported improved social relationships and self-confidence in managing their disease. Mindfulness-based lifestyle programs have the potential for increasing both participants' sense of control over their reactions to disease symptoms as well as social connectedness. Community-based mindfulness training may provide participants with tools for self-managing a number of the consequences of Stage 2 PD.

The effects of a mindfulness-based lifestyle program for adults with Parkinson's disease: a mixed methods, wait list controlled randomised control study.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second commonest neurodegenerative disease in developed countries. Current treatment for PD is pharmacologically focused and can have significant side-effects. There is increasing interest in holistic approaches including mindfulness to help manage the challenges associated with living with PD. We hypothesised that there would be an improvement in PD associated function and wellbeing in participants after participating in a 6-week mindfulness-based lifestyle program, and that these improvements would be sustainable at 6 months. Our primary objective was to determine changes in function and wellbeing associated with PD. METHODS: An exploratory prospective, mixed-method, randomised control trial incorporating a before and after design with a waitlist control, with an embedded qualitative component was conducted in 2012-2013. Participants included community living adults with disability congruent to H&Y Stage 2 PD, aged 18-75, fluent in spoken and written English and able to attend at least four of six sessions of the program. Participants were randomised to the intervention or wait-list control groups at two locations. All participants in the wait-list control group eventually received the intervention. Two randomisation codes were created for each location. Allocation to the intervention or wait-list control was by random number generation. The program facilitator and participants were blinded to participant data. RESULTS: Group 1 included 35 participants and group 2 (the waitlist control), 37. Data was analysed from 24 (group 1) and 33 (group 2) participants. The intervention group, compared to the waitlist control, showed a small improvement in function and wellbeing associated with PD immediately after the program (t-score = -0.59) and at 6-month post intervention (t-score = -1.42) as reported by the PDQ-39 SI. However this finding was not significant (p = 0.56 and 0.16 respectively). A small yet significant effect size (ß = 0.23) in PDQ-39 ADL was reported in group 1 after 6-months post-intervention. This showed a positive improvement in the ADL as reported by group 1 after 6-months (t-score -1.8, p = 0.04). Four secondary measures are reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest mindfulness-based lifestyle programs have potential to assist participants in managing the ongoing difficulties associated with a neurological condition such as Parkinson's disease. Importantly, our study shows promise for the long term benefits of such programs. Improvements to participant activities in daily living and mindfulness were retained at 6-months post intervention. A more definitive study should be conducted in a larger sample of PD patients to further explore these findings and their impact on reducing stress and anxiety in PD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12612000440820 , 17(th) April 2012.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the basking shark Cetorhinus maximus (Chondrichthyes, Cetorhinidae).

The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the world's second largest fish and the subject of strong conservation concern. Minimal genetic assessment exists for this globally distributed but regionally endangered species. We describe the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of C. maximus, obtained via polymerase chain reaction-based Sanger sequencing. The total length of the mitogenome is 16,670 bp and consists of 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and 13 protein-coding genes. The base composition has an A + T bias (63.6%), as is often seen in other sharks. Gene order is equivalent to that found in most vertebrates.

The effects of a mindfulness-based lifestyle programme for adults with Parkinson's disease: protocol for a mixed methods, randomised two-group control study.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in developed countries. There is an increasing interest in the use of mindfulness-related interventions in the management of patients with a chronic disease. In addition, interventions that promote personal control, stress-management and other lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, assist in reducing disability and improving quality of life in people with chronic illnesses. There has been little research in this area for people with PD. METHODS: A prospective mixed-method randomised clinical trial involving community living adults with PD aged <76 years and with moderate disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr stage 2) PD. Participants will be randomised into the ESSENCE 6-week programme or a matched wait list control group. ESSENCE is a multifaceted, healthy lifestyle and mindfulness programme designed to improve quality of life. We aim to determine whether participation in a mindfulness and lifestyle programme could improve PD-related function and explore self-management related experiences and changing attitudes towards self-management. The outcome measures will include 5 self-administered questionnaires: PD function and well-being questionnaire (PDQ39), Health Behaviours, Mental health, Multidimensional locus of control, and Freiburg mindfulness inventory. An embedded qualitative protocol will include in-depth interviews with 12 participants before and after participation in the 6-week programme and a researcher will observe the programme and take notes. ANALYSIS: Repeated measures of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will examine the outcome measures for any significant effects from the group allocation, age, sex, adherence score and attendance. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically. We will outline the benefits of, and barriers to, the uptake of the intervention. ETHICS: This protocol has received ethics approval from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee project number CF11/2662-2011001553. DISSEMINATION: This is the first research of its kind in Australia involving a comprehensive, lifestyle-based programme for people with PD and has the potential to involve a broader range of providers than standard care. The findings will be disseminated through peer reviewed journals, primary care conferences in Australia as well as abroad and through the Parkinson's community. REGISTRATION DETAILS: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12612000440820.

Development of an outpatient oncology symptom management clinic.

The Symptom Management Clinic (SMC) at University Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, was established to meet identified needs of patients with cancer seen in an outpatient setting. The initial step in the formation of the SMC consisted of the development of a business plan and the presentation of that business plan to the hospital administration. The development of clinic procedures using the creation of a guideline for pain management as an example is presented, as are medication reconciliation and patient teaching. Implications for clinical practice include the essential nature of collaborative relationships among medical oncologists, nursing, pharmacy, and administrative staff members. Interdisciplinary collaboration among the staff of the SMC facilitated referral to appropriate services within the institution and community.

Obese young people's accounts of intervention impact.

OBJECTIVE: To uncover in-depth qualitative accounts of intervention impact from obese young people during a period of lifestyle change after attending a residential weight-loss camp. METHODS: An innovative, progressively focused process of (1) single end-of-stay interviews, (2) interviews repeated in the home environment at 3 months and (3) 9 months. Comprehensive data were collected from five information-rich cases who contributed at each stage. Verbatim transcripts were analysed to identify issues associated with camp impact. RESULTS: Reporting positive in-camp experiences, there were also anxieties about returning home and successfully translating knowledge and behaviors into longer term strategies. Inductive analysis suggested cognitive ambiguity in relation to positive camp impact. This developed and intensified over the 9 months of post-camp experience, despite the help of supportive others. CONCLUSION: Young people described a positive post-camp impact that continued into the home environment. Unexpectedly, though it was also an ambiguous experience. Cognitive ambiguity created behavioral conflict which undermined motivation for sustained healthy living. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These unique accounts enable service providers to better understand post-camp experiences and use them to work with young people towards more positive outcomes. Even after intensive and successful intervention young people may still require ongoing support for continued lifestyle change.