Rapid, economical single-nucleotide polymorphism and microsatellite discovery based on de novo assembly of a reduced representation genome in a non-model organism: a case study of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua.

By combining next-generation sequencing technology (454) and reduced representation library (RRL) construction, the rapid and economical isolation of over 25 000 potential single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and >6000 putative microsatellite loci from c. 2% of the genome of the non-model teleost, Atlantic cod Gadus morhua from the Celtic Sea, south of Ireland, was demonstrated. A small-scale validation of markers indicated that 80% (11 of 14) of SNP loci and 40% (6 of 15) of the microsatellite loci could be amplified and showed variability. The results clearly show that small-scale next-generation sequencing of RRL genomes is an economical and rapid approach for simultaneous SNP and microsatellite discovery that is applicable to any species. The low cost and relatively small investment in time allows for positive exploitation of ascertainment bias to design markers applicable to specific populations and study questions.

Balancing selection on MHC class I in wild brown trout Salmo trutta.

Evidence is reported for balancing selection acting on variation at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in wild populations of brown trout Salmo trutta. First, variation at an MHC class I (satr-uba)-linked microsatellite locus (mhc1) is retained in small S. trutta populations isolated above waterfalls although variation is lost at neutral microsatellite markers. Second, populations across several catchments are less differentiated at mhc1 than at neutral markers, as predicted by theory. The population structure of these fish was also elucidated.

Demographics and landscape features determine intrariver population structure in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): the case of the River Moy in Ireland.

Contemporary genetic structure of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the River Moy in Ireland is shown here to be strongly related to landscape features and population demographics, with populations being defined largely by their degree of physical isolation and their size. Samples of juvenile salmon were collected from the 17 major spawning areas on the river Moy and from one spawning area in each of five smaller nearby rivers. No temporal allele frequency differences were observed within locations for 12 microsatellite loci, whereas nearly all spatial samples differed significantly, suggesting that each was a separate population. Bayesian clustering and landscape genetic analyses suggest that these populations can be combined hierarchically into five genetically informative larger groupings. Lakes were found to be the single most important determinant of the observed population structure. Spawning area size was also an important factor. The salmon population of the closest nearby river resembled genetically the largest Moy population grouping. In addition, we showed that anthropogenic influences on spawning habitats, in this case arterial drainage, can affect relationships between populations. Our results show that Atlantic salmon biodiversity can be largely defined by geography, and thus, knowledge of landscape features (for example, as characterized within Geographical Information Systems) has the potential to predict population structure in other rivers without an intensive genetic survey, or at least to help direct sampling. This approach of combining genetics and geography, for sampling and in subsequent statistical analyses, has wider application to the investigation of population structure in other freshwater/anadromous fish species and possibly in marine fish and other organisms.

Introducing total quality management in an area health board.

It is essential for the health care industry to demonstrate a quality service. The Canterbury Area Health Board (CAHB), New Zealand is in the process of establishing the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and this paper addresses the key issues of committing to TQM. Highlighted are the Board's implemented programmes, business plan and role of the health care industry.

A team process for the introduction of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique to a public hospital service.

AIMS: To introduce the technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to Christchurch hospitals by a process involving all surgeons in the general surgical team. To assess prospectively the potential for cost-saving. METHOD: A visiting surgeon with experience of the procedure, demonstrated the technique and supervised operations by members of the team on twenty six informed consenting patients. RESULTS: The process has enabled all general surgeons to gain competence in the technique, with low complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: The process adopted in Christchurch quickly familiarised all general surgeons with the technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, so that it was safely and efficiently made available to all patients who could benefit. The capacity of the procedure to reduce the cost per case treated was assessed, and reduced social cost to patients demonstrated.