Characterization of Bacteriophage cd2, a Siphophage Infecting Carnobacterium divergens and a Representative Species of a New Genus of Phage.

Carnobacterium divergens is frequently isolated from natural environments and is a predominant species found in refrigerated foods, particularly meat, seafood, and dairy. While there is substantial interest in using C. divergens as biopreservatives and/or probiotics, some strains are known to be fish pathogens, and the uncontrolled growth of C. divergens has been associated with food spoilage. Bacteriophages offer a selective approach to identify and control the growth of bacteria; however, to date, few phages targeting C. divergens have been reported. In this study, we characterize bacteriophage cd2, which we recently isolated from minced beef. A detailed host range study reveals that phage cd2 infects certain phylogenetic groups of C. divergens. This phage has a latent period of 60 min and a burst size of ~28 PFU/infected cell. The phage was found to be acid and heat sensitive, with a complete loss of phage activity when stored at pH 2 or heated to 60°C. Electron microscopy shows that phage cd2 is a siphophage, and while it shares the B3 morphotype with a unique cluster of Listeria and Enterococcus phages, a comparison of genomes reveals that phage cd2 comprises a new genus of phage, which we have termed as Carnodivirus. IMPORTANCE Currently, very little is known about phages that infect carnobacteria, an important genus of lactic acid bacteria with both beneficial and detrimental effects in the food and aquaculture industries. This report provides a detailed characterization of phage cd2, a novel siphophage that targets Carnobacterium divergens, and sets the groundwork for understanding the biology of these phages and their potential use in the detection and biocontrol of C. divergens isolates.

Genome Sequences of Bacteriophages cd2, cd3, and cd4, which Specifically Target Carnobacterium divergens.

Carnobacteria have been implicated in food spoilage, but also in protection against pathogenic bacteria. We report the isolation and complete genome sequences of three bacteriophages (phages cd2, cd3, and cd4) that specifically target Carnobacterium divergens. The genome sizes are approximately 57 kbp and have limited homology to known enterococcal and streptococcal phages.

Vancouver dietitians' perspectives on their roles in long-term care.

PURPOSE: In this study, we sought insight into the clinical practice experiences of dietitians working independently (i.e., as the only dietitian in a facility) in long-term care (LTC). We hoped to learn about their work roles and identify specific factors that facilitate their success. METHODS: Grounded theory methods were used. Data were collected through 11 semi-structured interviews. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative method, which included coding, memo writing, and ongoing discussion between the two researchers. RESULTS: When speaking about their roles, participants identified both specific tasks they had to complete and broader roles they fulfilled. Many of these roles focused on relationships with co-workers and building effective multidisciplinary teams. Effective teamwork was linked with dietitians' personal feelings of success in providing resident-focused nutritional care in the LTC setting. CONCLUSIONS: The LTC dietitians' various roles were generally self-appointed, and they focused more on the purpose of their work than on tasks. A primary focus of these roles was the multidisciplinary team and the promotion of effective teamwork, especially, but not exclusively, as it applies to the provision of nutritional care. Successful teamwork was linked to dietitians' reports of personal success in their work.

Implementing the British Columbia Nutrition Survey: perspectives of interviewers and facilitators.

The British Columbia Nutrition Survey was the last of ten provincial nutrition surveys completed between 1988 and 1999. A qualitative process evaluation was conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses of British Columbia Nutrition Survey procedures, as perceived by 27 public health nurses and dietitians directly involved in data collection. Data for the process evaluation were collected through in-depth telephone interviews, during which interviewers and facilitators described their experiences working for the survey. Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts identified codes that were then organized into eight categories, including issues arising from interviewer and facilitator training, challenges in recruiting survey participants, reflections on safety for survey personnel and participants, facilitators' key role, the flexibility required to implement the protocol, and communication within the survey research team. Two final categories related to rewarding aspects of the job: insights affecting professional practice, and meeting survey participants and personnel. Evaluation findings show the importance of establishing open communication between research planners and those conducting surveys. This communication is needed to ensure that workers' needs are met, the quality of the study is maximized, and evaluations of study protocols include the perspectives of those directly involved in data collection.