Comparison of metazoan parasites of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, from three geographical areas of coastal Newfoundland.

This study compared metazoan parasites in the digestive tract of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua , captured from 3 geographical areas off the northeastern (NE), southeastern (SE), and southwestern (SW) coasts of Newfoundland. Samples were obtained by line trawl and frozen after capture, and the digestive tract was subsequently examined for metazoan parasites following conventional parasitological methods. Mean abundance of nematodes, but not the trematodes, and an acanthocephalan was significantly greater in cod taken from the NE than from the SE or SW areas, which were generally similar. Four species of trematodes, 3 nematodes, and an acanthocephalan, Echinorhynchus gadi , were the dominant parasites observed. Differences in mean abundance among samples from different areas might be related to the types of prey consumed rather than to environmental factors. The dominant parasites were probably acquired by cod on the NE coast after feeding on capelin, Mallotus villosus , which serve as paratenic hosts for several helminth species. Previous studies on tagging, feeding, and prevalence of 3 parasites have revealed differences in the populations of cod from the NE than from the SW or SE areas. Results from the present study, indicating geographical differences in parasite mean abundance and prevalence from the digestive tract of Atlantic cod between SW and NE areas, support the view of distinct coastal cod stocks off Newfoundland.

Influence of petroleum hydrocarbons on the endoparasitic helminths of the common eider, Somateria mollissima, from Newfoundland.

A comparison of commonly occurring metazoan parasites in the digestive tract was made between common eiders, Somateria mollissima, that were contaminated with oil and reference birds confiscated from illegal hunting. There was a greater number of commonly occurring parasites and their abundance in reference than in oiled eiders. Except for an acanthocephalan, Polymorphus botulus, which was embedded in the wall of the intestinal tract, most of the other taxa of parasites, including trematodes, cestodes and nematodes, were probably voided from the birds following ingestion of oil. Reference eiders harboured fewer species and a substantially lower mean abundance of parasites than those studied in Newfoundland and Labrador more than four decades ago; this may be a signal of a changing prey base or an increase in prey availability as winter ice cover continues to decline.

Allergy and spirituality.

This article considers the relationships of allergic reactions to substances and emotions. It deals with spiritual sensitivity as well. Resistance is a key to allergic reactions: Allergic reactions involve the body's resistance to substances, emotions, and their energies. A major problem in spiritual formation is resistance to giving up the prideful and self-centered position and moving into loving relationships. It is sometimes possible from an alternative approach to promote spirituality by treating allergy. In spiritual formation, one may sometimes decrease allergic tendencies by giving up pride and other negative emotions. I propose that the alternative method I advocate not only reduces symptoms but deals with causes on an energetic level. It works with physical, emotional and spiritual factors. It provides new ways for counselors and spiritual directors to quickly get to basic issues and clear negative emotions and beliefs. This may be accomplished within or in connection with the therapists' or directors' particular religions, practices and/or therapeutic approaches.

Direct in situ reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for detection of measles virus.

New methods are described for combined intracellular reverse transcription (RT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using single primer pairs, with direct incorporation of digoxigenin-11-dUTP into amplificants (direct in situ RT/PCR). Routinely used fixatives and minimal pre-treatments were employed. Target sequences of measles virus nucleocapsid (N) and phosphoprotein genes were detected within measles virus infected Vero cells, both in suspension and in formalin-fixed sections, that had been treated by in situ reverse transcription and 30 cycles of direct in situ PCR. Uninfected cells, omission of Taq polymerase, and irrelevant primers were used as controls. Distribution of measles virus within infected cells was determined by in situ hybridisation and immunocytochemistry for measles virus N gene and protein, respectively. Confirmation of amplification within sections was by gel electrophoresis, Southern blotting and sequencing of extracted amplicons. In the majority of cases, measles-infected cells exhibited intense cytoplasmic signal after direct in situ PCR; this was not seen in uninfected cells or infected cells reacted either with irrelevant primers or without Taq polymerase. Unfixed cells in suspension required nested reaction. Measles-specific in situ hybridisation and immunocytochemistry gave an identical signal distribution in sections. Nuclear artifact occurred in some sections and was unpredictable, although it was greatest either in areas of cellular damage, following DNase predigestion, or with vigorous protease pre-treatment. In situ RT-PCR is feasible for measles virus in acutely infected cells both in sections and in suspension. Further work is required to improve the procedure and to eliminate artefactual nuclear signal.

Research considerations: nursing home quality perceptions.

1. One of our nation's most challenging health care problems is providing quality care for nursing home residents. Those of us who desire to evaluate and to improve the quality of care provided in a nursing home must attempt to define quality in specific terms, even though it is a product of many factors. 2. Ideally, there should be congruence between resident and staff perceptions of the importance and occurrence of indicators of quality in a nursing home setting. However, minimal to moderate congruence of perceptions was found in this study. 3. The fact that the majority of 30 residents in two nursing homes considered these 17 quality indicators to be important further validates them as markers of the quality of care in nursing homes. Use of a comprehensive quality assurance process that includes some or all of these indicators for evaluating and improving care in nursing homes could demonstrate a real commitment to quality that would go beyond only responding to the requirements of consumers and external regulators.

Profile of hospital governance: a report from the nation's hospitals.

During the 1980s, hospital governing boards struggled to solve a host of new and difficult problems while attempting to meet the needs of their communities. As we enter the last decade of the 20th century, different challenges lie ahead. To meet these challenges, hospital boards must first understand their various responsibilities. The results of this survey will provide a starting point to understand how hospitals are currently dealing with issues such as governing board composition and organization, board/CEO relations, and governing board operations. (Future articles in Trustee will focus on individual aspects of the survey.) In so doing, readers may begin to unlock the key to increased effectiveness.