Effects of trace enrichment in cobble streams and rivers on the aquatic midge (Diptera: Chironomidae).

Chironomidae (Diptera) are commonly used as indicators of environmental degradation. This study examined the effects of mine drainage on chironomid assemblages in northeastern New Brunswick rivers. At mine drainage receiving sites, significantly elevated concentrations of metals in water (Ba, Fe, K, Mn and Zn; p \u3c 0.05) and in periphyton (Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn; p \u3c 0.002) were detected. Concentrations in periphyton were 10--100 times higher than in water, suggesting that metal uptake from diet may be a more important source of metals for primary consumers than surrounding water. Chironomid composition was significantly different at mine drainage receiving sites than at reference sites. To assess the effects of metal enriched periphyton on aquatic invertebrates downstream of metal mining facilities, periphyton was collected at mine drainage receiving (MIN) and reference (REF) sites in northeastern New Brunswick rivers and fed to Chironomus riparius in a 10-d bioassay. These results suggest that primary consumers feeding on periphyton are at risk of significant mortality and reduced growth, compromising the viability of most metal intolerant populations. Consequently, metal enrichment of periphyton could explain observed differences in chironomid communities of mine drainage receiving rivers. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 40-03, page: 0644. Adviser: Jan J. H. Ciborowski. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2000

Pannexin 1 regulates postnatal neural stem and progenitor cell proliferation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pannexin 1 forms ion and metabolite permeable hexameric channels and is abundantly expressed in the brain. After discovering pannexin 1 expression in postnatal neural stem and progenitor cells we sought to elucidate its functional role in neuronal development.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We detected pannexin 1 in neural stem and progenitor cells <it>in vitro</it> and <it>in vivo</it>. We manipulated pannexin 1 expression and activity in Neuro2a neuroblastoma cells and primary postnatal neurosphere cultures to demonstrate that pannexin 1 regulates neural stem and progenitor cell proliferation likely through the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Permeable to ATP, a potent autocrine/paracine signaling metabolite, pannexin 1 channels are ideally suited to influence the behavior of neural stem and progenitor cells. Here we demonstrate they play a robust role in the regulation of neural stem and progenitor cell proliferation. Endogenous postnatal neural stem and progenitor cells are crucial for normal brain health, and their numbers decline with age. Furthermore, these special cells are highly responsive to neurological injury and disease, and are gaining attention as putative targets for brain repair. Therefore, understanding the fundamental role of pannexin 1 channels in neural stem and progenitor cells is of critical importance for brain health and disease.</p

Managing change in the nursing handover from traditional to bedside handover – a case study from Mauritius

BACKGROUND: The shift handover forms an important part of the communication process that takes place twice within the nurses' working day in the gynaecological ward. This paper addresses the topic of implementing a new system of bedside handover, which puts patients central to the whole process of managing care and also addresses some of the shortcomings of the traditional handover system. METHODS: A force field analysis in terms of the driving forces had shown that there was dissatisfaction with the traditional method of handover which had led to an increase in the number of critical incidents and complaints from patients, relatives and doctors. The restraining forces identified were a fear of accountability, lack of confidence and that this change would lead to more work. A 3 – step planned change model consisting of unfreezing, moving and refreezing was used to guide us through the change process. Resistance to change was managed by creating a climate of open communication where stakeholders were allowed to voice opinions, share concerns, insights, and ideas thereby actively participating in decision making. RESULTS: An evaluation had shown that this process was successfully implemented to the satisfaction of patients, and staff in general. CONCLUSION: This successful change should encourage other nurses to become more proactive in identifying areas for change management in order to improve our health care system

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Youth With Treatment Resistant Major Depression

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common in youth and treatment options are limited. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in adolescents and transitional aged youth with treatment resistant MDD.Methods: Thirty-two outpatients with moderate to severe, treatment-resistant MDD, aged 13–21 years underwent a three-week, open-label, single center trial of rTMS (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01731678). rTMS was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using neuronavigation and administered for 15 consecutive week days (120% rest motor threshold; 40 pulses over 4 s [10 Hz]; inter-train interval, 26 s; 75 trains; 3,000 pulses). The primary outcome measure was change in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D). Treatment response was defined as a &gt;50% reduction in Ham-D scores. Safety and tolerability were also examined.Results: rTMS was effective in reducing MDD symptom severity (t = 8.94, df = 31, p &lt; 0.00001). We observed 18 (56%) responders (≥ 50% reduction in Ham-D score) and 14 non-responders to rTMS. Fourteen subjects (44%) achieved remission (Ham-D score ≤ 7 post-rTMS). There were no serious adverse events (i.e., seizures). Mild to moderate, self-limiting headaches (19%) and mild neck pain (16%) were reported. Participants ranked rTMS as highly tolerable. The retention rate was 91% and compliance rate (completing all study events) was 99%.Conclusions: Our single center, open trial suggests that rTMS is a safe and effective treatment for youth with treatment resistant MDD. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed.Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT0173167

Iranian staff nurses' views of their productivity and human resource factors improving and impeding it: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Nurses, as the largest human resource element of health care systems, have a major role in providing ongoing, high-quality care to patients. Productivity is a significant indicator of professional development within any professional group, including nurses. The human resource element has been identified as the most important factor affecting productivity. This research aimed to explore nurses' perceptions and experiences of productivity and human resource factors improving or impeding it. METHOD: A qualitative approach was used to obtain rich data; open, semi-structured interviews were also conducted. The sampling was based on the maximum variant approach; data analysis was carried out by content analysis, with the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Participants indicated that human resources issues are the most important factor in promoting or impeding their productivity. They suggested that the factors influencing effectiveness of human resource elements include: systematic evaluation of staff numbers; a sound selection process based on verifiable criteria; provision of an adequate staffing level throughout the year; full involvement of the ward sister in the process of admitting patients; and sound communication within the care team. Paying attention to these factors creates a suitable background for improved productivity and decreases negative impacts of human resource shortages, whereas ignoring or interfering with them would result in lowering of nurses' productivity. CONCLUSION: Participants maintained that satisfactory human resources can improve nurses' productivity and the quality of care they provide; thereby fulfilling the core objective of the health care system

Photoswitching Using Visible Light: A New Class of Organic Photochromic Molecules

A versatile new class of organic photochromic molecules that offers an unprecedented combination of physical properties including tunable photoswitching using visible light, excellent fatigue resistance, and large polarity changes is described. These unique features offer significant opportunities in diverse fields ranging from biosensors to targeted delivery systems while also allowing non-experts ready synthetic access to these materials

Introductory management and leadership for nurses

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