Emma Campbell

Sequencing wheat chromosome arm 7BS delimits the 7BS/4AL translocation and reveals homoeologous gene conservation

Complex Triticeae genomes pose a challenge to genome sequencing efforts due to their size and repetitive nature. Genome sequencing can reveal details of conservation and rearrangements between related genomes. We have applied Illumina second generation sequencing technology to sequence and assemble the low copy and unique regions of Triticum aestivum chromosome arm 7BS, followed by the construction of a syntenic build based on gene order in Brachypodium. We have delimited the position of a previously reported translocation between 7BS and 4AL with a resolution of one or a few genes and report approximately 13% genes from 7BS having been translocated to 4AL. An additional 13 genes are found on 7BS which appear to have originated from 4AL. The gene content of the 7DS and 7BS syntenic builds indicate a total of ~77,000 genes in wheat. Within wheat syntenic regions, 7BS and 7DS share 740 genes and a common gene conservation rate of ~39% of the genes from the corresponding regions in Brachypodium, as well as a common rate of colinearity with Brachypodium of ~60%. Comparison of wheat homoeologues revealed ~84% of genes previously identified in 7DS have a homoeologue on 7BS or 4AL. The conservation rates we have identified among wheat homoeologues and with Brachypodium provide a benchmark of homoeologous gene conservation levels for future comparative genomic analysis. The syntenic build of 7BS is publicly available at http://www.wheatgenome.info.

Mental distress and human rights of asylum seekers

Purpose – This paper studies the experiences of asylum seekers in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between mental wellbeing, living conditions, and Australia’s detention policies in light of human rights. Design/methodology/approach – Using grounded theory, data were collected via observations, semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, and document analysis. Participants included seven asylum seekers and three professionals working with them. Findings – In light of a human rights framework, this paper reports on the mental distress suffered by asylum seekers in detention, the environments of constraint in which they live, and aspects of detention centre policy that contribute to these environments. The findings highlight a discrepancy between asylum seekers’ experiences under immigration detention policy and Australia’s human rights obligations. Research limitations/implications – This research indicates human rights violations for asylum seekers in detention...

People detained for prolonged periods in immigration detention experienced significant psychological and interpersonal difficulties that make it difficult to rebuild their lives following release from detention

Research objective: This study sought to explore the experience of extended periods of immigration detention from the perspective of previously detained asylum seekers and to identify the consequences of these experiences for life after release. Design: This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. Participants: The sample included 17 adult refugees who had been held in immigration detention funded by the Australian government for an average of three years and two months and who had since been released having received permanent residency visas (n = 11) or had temporary visas awaiting permanent residency (n = 4). Participants were from Middle-Eastern countries of origin and included 16 males and one female. Participants were recruited through records of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture and through support networks of former detainees. Data collection and analysis: The qualitative component of this study used semi-structured interviews (average 5 hours in length) undertaken with participants on average three years and eight months following their release from immigration detention. Interviews sought to explore the meaning and consequences of detention and postdetention experiences and more specifically, to explore psychological well-being, daily life, significant events, relationships and ways of coping throughout these periods. Quantitative measures of current mental health and quality of life were also used. Psychological symptoms were measured using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and the 16 item PTSD scale in Part IV of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ-PTSD). Quality of life was measured using The World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment short version (WHOQOL-Bref). Ethics approval was obtained from the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Institutional Ethics Committee and from the La Trobe University Human Ethics Committee. Main findings: Qualitative findings identified that participants all had significant difficulty rebuilding their lives in the years following release from immigration detention. They described an ongoing sense of insecurity and injustice, difficulties with relationships, described poor mental health and significant changes to their view of self, which participants attributed to detention. Depression and demoralisation, concentration and memory disturbances, and persistent anxiety were very commonly reported. Quantitative measures found high rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and low quality of life scores. Authors’ conclusions: The results strongly suggest that the psychological and interpersonal difficulties participants were suffering at the time of interview were the legacy of their adverse experiences while detained. An important implication of this study is that the negative consequences of detention compromised the capacity of refugees to benefit from the opportunities ultimately afforded by permanent protection. Contact details for original author: tuccim@foundationhouse.org.au

Untangling occupations and social structures: asylum seekers in Australia

Introduction/rationale: Occupational therapists frequently work with people with diabetes, with a diagnosed prevalence of approximately 4%, and a further 4% of the population estimated to be undiagnosed. Approximately half of people with diabetes have sub-optimal glycaemic control. The complications of poorly managed diabetes impact on quality of life, morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Medication management, physical activity, healthy eating and stress reduction are the four pillars of diabetes management. These lifestyle changes can be difficult. Objectives : This pilot study explored how homes and communities can support, or make it difficult, for people with diabetes to undertake and sustain diabetes self-management behaviours. Method : Two comparative methodologies were employed. Nominal group technique was used to brainstorm and prioritise barriers and facilitators in both homes and communities in a group setting. Additionally, an experiential sampling method captured everyday barriers and facilitators, as participants respond to one SMS per day for 30 days asking, ‘What made it easy or difficult to management your medications, physical activity, healthy eating and stress today?’ Results or practice implications: Twenty-one participants were recruited for the study. Both methods produced complementary findings. The findings were synthesised to develop six principles for creating supportive environments for diabetes self-management that focussed on routines, family, community awareness, information environments, time management and occupational participation. Conclusion: Occupational therapists, as experts in everyday living, have an opportunity to foster environments that support lifestyle change for people with diabetes.

Enhancing occupational therapy students’ understanding of human rights by focusing on social and occupational justice

Abstract of paper that presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia, 25th National Conference and Exhibition, 24-26 July 2013, Adelaide Convention Centre.Abstract of paper that presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia, 25th National Conference and Exhibition, 24-26 July 2013, Adelaide Convention Centre.Abstract of paper that presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia, 25th National Conference and Exhibition, 24-26 July 2013, Adelaide Convention Centre.

The human rights challenges and occupational injustices experienced by asylum seekers in Australia

Abstract of paper that presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia, 25th National Conference and Exhibition, 24-26 July 2013, Adelaide Convention Centre.Abstract of paper that presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia, 25th National Conference and Exhibition, 24-26 July 2013, Adelaide Convention Centre.Abstract of paper that presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia, 25th National Conference and Exhibition, 24-26 July 2013, Adelaide Convention Centre.