Altered feeding behavior and immune competence in paper wasps: A case of parasite manipulation?

Paper wasps (Polistes dominula), parasitized by the strepsipteran Xenos vesparum, are castrated and desert the colony to gather on plants where the parasite mates and releases primary larvae, thus completing its lifecycle. One of these plants is the trumpet creeper Campsis radicans: in a previous study the majority of all wasps collected from this plant were parasitized and focused their foraging activity on C. radicans buds. The unexpected prevalence and unusual feeding strategy prompted us to investigate the influence of this plant on wasp behavior and physiology through a multidisciplinary approach. First, in a series of laboratory bioassays, we observed that parasitized wasps spent more time than non-parasitized ones on fresh C. radicans buds, rich of extra-floral nectaries (EFNs), while the same wasps ignored treated buds that lacked nectar drops. Then, we described the structure and ultra-structure of EFNs secreting cells, compatible with the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Subsequently, we analysed extracts from different bud tissues by HPLC-DAD-MS and found that verbascoside was the most abundant bioactive molecule in those tissues rich in EFNs. Finally, we tested the immune-stimulant properties of verbascoside, as the biochemical nature of this compound indicates it might function as an antibacterial and antioxidant. We measured bacterial clearance in wasps, as a proxy for overall immune competence, and observed that it was enhanced after administration of verbascoside—even more so if the wasp was parasitized. We hypothesize that the parasite manipulates wasp behavior to preferentially feed on C. radicans EFNs, since the bioactive properties of verbascoside likely increase host survival and thus the parasite own fitness.

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Recycling resources: silica of diatom frustules as a source for spicule building in Antarctic siliceous demosponges

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society ◽

10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa058 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Riesgo ◽

Sergi Taboada ◽

Nathan J Kenny ◽

Nadia Santodomingo ◽

Juan Moles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Analytical Approach ◽

Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

Feeding Strategy ◽

Silica Supports ◽

Storage Vesicles ◽

Organic Nutrients ◽

Dissolved Silicon ◽

Silica Skeleton ◽

Antarctic Sponges ◽

Diatom Silica

Abstract Dissolved silicon (DSi) is biologically processed to produce siliceous skeletons by a variety of organisms including radiolarians, silicoflagellates, choanoflagellates, plants, diatoms and some animals. In the photic ocean, diatoms are dominant consumers over competing other silicifiers. In Antarctica, where DSi is not particularly limiting, diatoms and sponges coexist in high abundances. Interestingly, diatom ingestion by sponges is a regular feeding strategy there. Although it was known that the diatom organic nutrients are readily metabolized by the sponges, what happened to the inorganic diatom silica skeleton remained unexplored. Here, we have conducted a multi-analytical approach to investigate the processing of diatom silica and whether it is reconverted into sponge silica. We have documented widespread diatom consumption by several demosponges, identifying storage vesicles for the diatom-derived silica by electron microscopy and microanalysis. Diatom-consuming sponges showed upregulation of silicatein and silicase genes, which in addition to the δ 30Si values of their silica, supports that the sponges are converting the ingested diatom silica into sponge silica without much further Si fractionation. Our multidisciplinary approach suggests that the reutilization of diatom silica by sponges is a common feature among Antarctic sponges, which should be further investigated in other latitudes and in other silicifiers.

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AAC Supports for Individuals With Rett Syndrome Across the Lifespan

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac24.3.74 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 74-85

Author(s):

Sandra M. Grether

Keyword(s):

Rett Syndrome ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Preliminary Analysis ◽

Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

Motor Deficits ◽

Complex Profile ◽

Communication Behaviors ◽

The Individual

Individuals with Rett syndrome (RS) present with a complex profile. They benefit from a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. In our clinic, the Communication Matrix © (Rowland, 1990/1996/2004) is used to collect data about the communication skills and modalities used by those with RS across the lifespan. Preliminary analysis of this data supports the expected changes in communication behaviors as the individual with RS ages and motor deficits have a greater impact.

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Traumatic Brain Injury: A Trauma Surgeon's Perspective

Perspectives on Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders ◽

10.1044/nnsld22.3.82 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 82-89

Author(s):

Oscar D. Guillamondegui

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

Trauma Team ◽

The United States ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Term Care ◽

Injured Brain ◽

The Moment

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious epidemic in the United States. It affects patients of all ages, race, and socioeconomic status (SES). The current care of these patients typically manifests after sequelae have been identified after discharge from the hospital, long after the inciting event. The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of identification and management of the TBI patient from the moment of injury through long-term care as a multidisciplinary approach. By promoting an awareness of the issues that develop around the acutely injured brain and linking them to long-term outcomes, the trauma team can initiate care early to alter the effect on the patient, family, and community. Hopefully, by describing the care afforded at a trauma center and by a multidisciplinary team, we can bring a better understanding to the armamentarium of methods utilized to treat the difficult population of TBI patients.

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Percutaneous Tracheostomy: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Perspectives on Voice and Voice Disorders ◽

10.1044/vvd18.2.87 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 87-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Vinciya Pandian ◽

Thai Tran Nguyen ◽

Marek Mirski ◽

Nasir Islam Bhatti

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Quality Assurance ◽

Data Collection ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

Percutaneous Tracheostomy ◽

Johns Hopkins Hospital ◽

Prospective Data ◽

Comprehensive Service ◽

Over Time

Abstract The techniques of performing a tracheostomy has transformed over time. Percutaneous tracheostomy is gaining popularity over open tracheostomy given its advantages and as a result the number of bedside tracheostomies has increased necessitating the need for a Percutaneous Tracheostomy Program. The Percutaneous Tracheostomy Program at the Johns Hopkins Hospital is a comprehensive service that provides care to patients before, during, and after a tracheostomy with a multidisciplinary approach aimed at decreasing complications. Education is provided to patients, families, and health-care professionals who are involved in the management of a tracheostomy. Ongoing prospective data collection serves as a tool for Quality Assurance.

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