The impact of a vertically transmitted microsporidian, Nosema granulosis on the fitness of its Gammarus duebeni host under stressful environmental conditions

Although purely vertically transmitted parasites are predicted to cause low pathogenicity in their hosts, the effects of such parasites on host fitness under stressful environmental conditions have not previously been assessed. Here, we investigate the effects of Nosema granulosis, a vertically transmitted, microsporidian parasite of the brackish water amphipod Gammarus duebeni, on host growth and survival under conditions of host–host competition and limited food. The parasite had no effect on host survival, but caused a reduction in juvenile growth. Stressful environmental conditions also led to a reduction in G. duebeni growth. However, we found no evidence to support the prediction that parasitized hosts would suffer a greater reduction in fitness than uninfected hosts under adverse environmental conditions. We interpret our results in the context of selection for successful vertical parasite transmission

Effects of Chronic Sleep and Food Deprivation on In Vivo Levels of Prepro-Hypocretin (PPH)

The hypocretin peptides are two hypothalamic peptides known to be involved in both sleeping and feeding behavior, however their specific roles in these domains are not well understood. The present study sought to determine the effect of chronic (72-hour) sleep deprivation and (48-hour) food deprivation on preprohypocretin (PPH), which is the precursor for the hypocretin peptides. PPH levels were visualized and quantified via in situ hybridization. A three-factor ANOVA ( group x dorsal/ventral x medial/lateral) revealed a significant effect of subregion, specifically dorsal/middle and ventral/medial exhibited elevated PPH levels, however there was no effect of group. A between group one-way ANOVA revealed no effect of group on PPH levels. It is theorized that four possible domains may be responsible for these results: presence of hypothalamic neuronal subpopulations, role of circadian rhythm, role of hypocretins in locomotive behavior and inextricably confounded variables. These are discussed at length

Effects of Chronic Sleep and Food Deprivation on In Vivo Levels of Prepro-Hypocretin (PPH)

The hypocretin peptides are two hypothalamic peptides known to be involved in both sleeping and feeding behavior, however their specific roles in these domains are not well understood. The present study sought to determine the effect of chronic (72-hour) sleep deprivation and (48-hour) food deprivation on preprohypocretin (PPH), which is the precursor for the hypocretin peptides. PPH levels were visualized and quantified via in situ hybridization. A three-factor ANOVA ( group x dorsal/ventral x medial/lateral) revealed a significant effect of subregion, specifically dorsal/middle and ventral/medial exhibited elevated PPH levels, however there was no effect of group. A between group one-way ANOVA revealed no effect of group on PPH levels. It is theorized that four possible domains may be responsible for these results: presence of hypothalamic neuronal subpopulations, role of circadian rhythm, role of hypocretins in locomotive behavior and inextricably confounded variables. These are discussed at length

Concurrent Sessions - In the Recipe for a Great First Year, Just Add a Little S.A.G.E.!

This project/research report will examine the details of a successful peer mentoring program to promote student success and smooth student transition/matriculation. Five years of data outlines the growth of the program from non-existent to flourishing

Unmasking quality: exploring meanings of health by doing art

This paper arises from a presentation at the ‘Quality in Healthcare’ symposium at Cumberland Lodge, England, in 2013. MK, CR and SH conceived the paper and led the writing of the manuscript. JF, JL-D, AC, DE contributed substantially to the intellectual content of the paper through providing critical commentary and interpretation. All authors read and approved the final manuscript

Increasing Compliance of Chlorhexidine Wipes to Prevent Hospital-Acquired Infections

AbstractHealthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are complications of healthcare linked to increased mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. Assiduous surveillance and constant reeducation can decrease HAI incidence and reduce the healthcare burden caused by these events. Evidence has demonstrated that using 2% chlorhexidine wipes instead of bathing with soap and water greatly reduces the bacteria on the skin and prevents infections such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections and central line-associated bloodstream infections. The practice-focused question for this quality assurance doctoral project was to evaluate if an educational intervention improved compliance of chlorhexidine wipe use among ICU nurses with the hope of improving HAIs over 3 months. Information processing theory helped produce educational interventions for staff while preparing to implement the project. The quality health outcomes model was used as a basis for the project, and findings showed a significant increase in compliance with chlorhexidine gluconate bathing after reeducating staff (z = -1.96, p \u3c 0.05). While the results of the quality improvement educational project showed a significant spike in compliance following the educational intervention, the number of documented chlorhexidine gluconate baths decreased with time. This decrease in compliance supports the notion that education should be ongoing and surveillance closely monitored to avoid downward trends. Future projects addressing these important issues should continue and stakeholders need more involvement to maximize sustainability. HAIs have a significant effect on the hospital, staff, and the community it serves; continued surveillance must be a part of further studies of infection control

Who trusts Twitter? Openness to ideas as a predictor of trust and interest in news of an international disaster presented in Twitter and traditional on-line journalism formats

Twitter is an increasingly utilized tool for communication during major events including natural disasters; however, there is little research investigating this topic and how individual differences might predict reactions to information in this medium. The current study seeks to understand how the personality trait of openness to ideas predicts perceptions of a Twitter source\u27s trustworthiness and interest relative to a journalistic source. Participants were randomly assigned to read a simulated account of a flood presented either as a Twitter account or a journalistic account and then rated perceptions of the sources. Results indicate that Twitter is trusted less than a journalistic account; however, moderator effects revealed that openness to ideas was positively correlated with trust in the Twitter condition but negatively correlated with trust in the journalistic format. The present study helps to clarify the role of personality in the process of consuming information on-line