bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Abortions and Seroprevalences to Selected Infectious Agents in Dairy Cows
Authors: Hässig M. , Lubsen J.
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to determine whether the occurrence of abortion is related to the seroprevalence of abortion‐causing infectious agents. In a cross‐sectional study, cattle from dairy farms in Switzerland that were defined as having an abortion problem were divided into two groups: cows with a history of abortion within the previous 3 months (cases) and cows without a history of abortion (controls). A positive titre to Leptospira spp. was associated with an increased probability of being a case (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.21–2.47). There were interactions between Coxiella burnetti titre and parity, and between Chlamydia psittaci and C. burnetti titre and breed. Multiparous cases after the second lactation with a positive titre to C. burnetti were less likely (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.22–0.82) to be cases. Swiss Browns (Swiss Braunvieh and Brown Swiss) with a positive titre to C. psittaci and Swiss Browns with a positive titre to C. burnetti were more likely (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.13–2.37 and OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.15–2.78, respectively) to be cases. Parity alone was not associated with the occurrence of abortion.
Haemorrhagic Septicaemia by Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida in a Black‐tip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Authors: Briones V. , Fernández A. , Blanco M. , Ramiro F. , de Vicente M. L. , Garcia J. , Méndez J. L. , Goyache J.
Published: May 2010

One black‐tip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) was found dead without previous signs of disease. Major lesions consisted in cutaneous erythema, mainly at the base of the fins, focal to diffuse inflammatory lesions in gills and intestinal wall, and discrete haemorrhages in the same organs, liver and kidneys. Microcolonies of Gram‐negative rods were observed in the lamina propia of gills, underneath the intestinal mucosa and randomly distributed in the renal and hepatic parenchymas. Also, emboli containing Gramnegative rods were observed in capillaries of these organs. Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida was isolated in pure culture from gills, liver and intestine. Specific immunostaining confirmed the relationship between the isolate and lesion‐associated bacteria. No previous reports on this infection in sharks have been found in the literature.
Infection‐induced Protection AgainstHaemonchus contortusin Merino and Manchego Sheep. Relationship to Serum Antibody Response
Authors: Gómez‐Muνoz M. T. , Cuquerella M. , de la Fuente C. , Gómez‐Iglesias L. A. , Alunda J. M.
Published: May 2010

Resistance to primary and secondary infections withHaemonchus contortuswas studied in 10‐month‐old Manchego and Merino sheep. No notable interbreed differences were observed after primary infections in the parameters determined (prepatency period, faecal egg output, abomasal worm burden). Previously infected sheep (200 L‐3/kg live weight (lw)) from both breeds showed notable protection after challenge (400 L‐3/kg lw), evidenced by lower eggs/g faeces (epg) values and worm burdens. A protective response in the Manchego breed was associated with arrested development of fourth stage larvae in the abomasal mucosa, whereas in the Merino breed a more rapid expulsion mechanism seems to be involved. Serum antibody levels (IgG, IgA) were infective dose‐dependent and protection from re‐infection was not clearly related to the parasite‐specific IgG response estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting.
The Effect ofN‐duopropenide (a New Disinfectant with Quaternary Ammonium Iodides) and Formaldehyde on Survival of Organisms of Sanitary Interest in Pig Slurry
Authors: Redondo V. A. de la Puente , Martín C. B. Gutiérrez , Blanco N. García Del , Ferri E. F. Rodríguez
Published: May 2010

The counts of different groups of organisms (mesophilic total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, enterobacteriaceae, faecal coliform bacteria and faecal streptococci type D), as well as the presence or absence ofPseudomonasspp. andSalmonellaspp., were recorded in both unfiltered and filtered pig slurry samples at 1, 8 and 29 days of storage, before and after applyingN‐duopropenide (a new disinfectant with a quaternary ammonium structure) at 1, 2 times 1, 5 and 2 times 5% concentrations of the commercial product (equivalent to 0.11, 2 times 0.11, 0.55 and 2 times 0.55%, respectively, of active ingredient) for 1 h, or 0.5% commerical formaldehyde for 6 days. Before disinfection, anaerobic and aerobic organisms resulted in the highest counts (between 6 and 7 log units/ml), followed by enterobacteriaceae, faecal coliforms and streptococci (4–5 log units/ml). The unfiltered slurry showed higher bacterial counts than the filtered slurry. The variation in counts was similar for all the groups studied, with the highest count on day 1 of storage with a continuous decrease over the 3 days studied.N‐duopropenide efficacy depended on the dose used, but a 2 times 5% concentration resulted in total inactivation (100% reduction) of all the bacteria studied, except for the total aerobic and anaerobic organisms present in unfiltered slurry. Formaldehyde efficacy was much lower. In respect ofPseudomonasspp., more isolates were obtained after usingN‐duopropenide at lower concentrations (1 and 2 times 1%) than before treatment, thus suggesting its suitability for selective isolation of this genus. Finally, noSalmonellaspp. strains were isolated in any of the cases considered in this study.
Strain Differentiation of Clostridium perfringens by Bacteriocin Typing, Plasmid Profiling and Ribotyping
Authors: Schalch B. , Eisgruber H. , Schau H. P. , Wiedmann M. , Stolle A.
Published: May 2010

Bacteriocin typing, plasmid profiling and ribotyping were used to type 34 food and patient Clostridium perfringens isolates from 10 food poisoning cases, respectively, outbreaks. In nine cases/outbreaks bacteriocin patterns showed identical main groups. Subgroups differed within all cases/outbreaks. Plasmid profiles were identical for all isolates within each of three outbreaks. In eight food poisoning cases and outbreaks, all the ribotypes of each food and stool isolate were found to be identical. All three typing methods give valuable results for the characterization of C. perfringens beyond the species level. Bacteriocin typing represents a suitable addition to plasmid typing, particularly since the results do not show any correlation between losses of plasmids and changes in bacteriocin sensitivity patterns. Ribotyping was found to be a suitable tool to determine the genetic relationship of C. perfringens isolates in the context of food‐borne poisoning.
Isotype‐Specific Immune Responses in Murine Experimental Anisakiasis
Authors: Perteguer M. J. , Cuéllar C.
Published: May 2010

A murine experimental model of anisakiasis has been developed in BALB/ c and C57BL/ 10 mice orally inoculated with an Anisakis simplex living third stage larva (L3) in order to investigate isotype‐specific immune responses against excretory‐secretory (ES) products and crude extracts (CE) from L3. Specific antibody production showed similar patterns against both ES and CE antigens with higher levels against the latter. The dynamics of the production showed the earliest responses in BALB/c, in which antibodies were principally of the immunoglobulin (Ig)M isotype. Responses to the IgG1 subclass were mainly produced in the C57BL/ 10 strain. Levels of IgG2a were practically undetectable. With sera from C57BL/ 10 mice high levels of the IgG2b isotype were detected. A slight IgG3 response was only detected against the CE antigen in the C57BL/ 10 strain by the end of the experiment and IgA responses were very low. Humoral responses against A. simplex antigens are different depending on individual characteristics and thymus‐independent epitopes might be represented into A. simplex antigens and their stimuli could be different regarding the murine strain used.
Experimental Mixed Infection With Yersinia Enterocolitica and Listeria Monocytogenes in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Najdenski H. , Nikolova S. , Wesselinova D. , Kazatchca D. , Vesseunova A.
Published: May 2010

The pathogenesis and the cell immune response (CIR) of guinea pigs after mixed infection with Y. enterocolitica and L. monocytogenes was investigated. The guinea pigs were infected per os with 1,1 times 109 CFU Y. enterocolitica 0:3, (pYV+) and four days later with 1,1 times 109 CFU L. monocytogenes 4B.

Clinical, paraclinical and morphological findings attending the infectious process were followed in dynamics up to the 28th day post infection (p.i.) with L. monocytogenes. The phagocyting activity of alveolar macrophages (aMa) was suppressed against Y. enterocolitica, in contrast to peritoneal macrophages (pMa) engulfing yersiniae more actively at the end of the study. Moreover, the tendency of augmented entering in both phagocytes of L. monocytogenes cells was well demonstrated, starting at the earlier intervals of examination.

Histopathological studies showed a purulent meningoencephalitis and a catarrhal pneumonie, non‐reactive micronecroses in the spleen and lymphadenitis catarrhalis in the mesenteric lymph nodes.

Analysis of the T‐cell immune response (T‐CIR) showed maximal values in the spleen lymphocytes after Y. enterocolitica and L. monocytogenes mixed infection. The B‐CIR occurred early (at the 7th day p.i.) and was maximal at the 28th day p.i. in blood lymphocytes.

The results obtained demonstrated that the mixed infection of guinea pigs with Y. enterocolitica and L. monocytogenes runs has a non lethal, generalized illness with a dominant role of L. monocytogenes cells.
Infections and Reinfections with Avian Pneumovirus Subtype A and B on Belgian Turkey Farms and Relation to Respiratory Problems
Authors: Van de Zande S. , Nauwynck H. , Cavanagh D. , Pensaert M.
Published: May 2010

A longitudinal study was performed on six turkey farms in order to determine whether infections with avian pneumovirus (APV) occur and if they are related to outbreaks of respiratory problems in Belgium. Blood was taken at 1–3 week intervals of 20 identified animals during the fattening period. On five farms, the turkeys seroconverted against APV shortly after the appearance of respiratory problems. On two farms, where the animals had not been vaccinated against APV, attempts were made to isolate APV during the outbreaks. Two isolates were obtained: one of subtype A, the other of subtype B. These results indicate that the respiratory problems on five farms were related to an infection with APV. A second increase in APV antibody titres detected on four farms at the end of the fattening period, indicates that reinfections frequently occur. This is, to our knowledge, the first report on the isolation of an APV subtype A on the continent.
Diagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi in Saudi Arabian Camels (Camelus dromedarius) by the Passive Haemagglutination Test and Ag‐ELISA
Authors: Omer O. H. , Magzoub M. , Haroun E. M. , Mahmoud O. M. , Hamid Y. M. Abdel
Published: May 2010

The passive haemagglutination test and Ag‐ELISA were employed to monitor antibody titres and antigenaemia levels in 4 Najdi camels experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi. The two tests were also used to determine the prevalence of trypanosomiasis in a total of 218 Najdi camels in the Gassim region, Central Saudi Arabia, during the period from October 1992 to September 1993. Trypanosoma evansi antibodies in the experimentally infected camels rose after 14–21 days and reached a maximum of between 1:64 and 1:128 by the 12th week post infection. Circulating antigens were detected in the experimentally infected camels one week post infection and antigenaemia levels fluctuated but generally remained above preinfection OD values. The results obtained from the field survey showed that 5.5 % of the sampled camels were parasitologically positive for trypanosomes, while 19.7 % were serologically positive by the passive haemagglutination test and 13.8 % by Ag‐ELISA. No significant age difference in seropositivity was observed in the tested camels.
Proton pump inhibitor and clopidogrel interaction: The case for watchful waiting
Authors: Tan Victoria P , Yan Bryan P , Hunt Richard H , Wong Benjamin CY
Published: May 2010

Clopidogrel is an integral part of the management of several important vascular diseases. However the medium to long term clinical outcomes are poorer for these patients if they experience gastro‐intestinal bleeding, hence patients with risk factors for gastro‐intestinal bleeding are frequently prescribed proton pump inhibitors. Conflicting evidence exists as to the existence of an adverse interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump. This review examines the original studies, which suggested the adverse interaction, the subsequent and most recent studies, the pharmaco‐dynamics of the two drugs and suggests an algorithm for the use of clopidogrel with proton pump inhibitors.
Nosocomial mortality and early prediction of patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wang Xin , Cui Zhuang , Li Hechao , Saleen Ali F , Zhang Dapeng , Miao Bin , Cui Yunfeng , Zhao Erpeng , Li Zhonglian , Cui Naiqiang
Published: May 2010

Background and Aims:  The aim of this study is to analyze factors (especially serum total cholesterol) that can enable early prediction of in‐hospital mortality of patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods:  Predictive factors (especially serum total cholesterol) for in‐hospital mortality were evaluated retrospectively from the clinical data obtained from 338 SAP patients in our hospital from January 1999 to January 2008, who underwent intensive care, blood routine, blood biochemical tests and even computed tomography at the time of admission.

Results:  This analysis revealed that within 24 h after admission, serum total cholesterol (TC) was a mortality‐reduced factor when it is between 4.37 mmol/L and 5.23 mmol/L (P < 0.05). Evaluated TC was accompanied by decreased C‐reactive protein (CRP). CRP > 170 mg/L and albumin (ALB) < 30 g/L increased the fatal outcome (P < 0.05). Low albumin was a stronger predictor than CRP.

Conclusions:  Within 24 h after admission, moderate elevation of TC level seemed to increase the resistance to inflammation and hence improved the survival rate in patients with SAP, and reduced the in‐hospital mortality. Inflammatory reaction (with or without infection), hypoalbuminemia and TC were prognostic factors for in‐hospital mortality; both high levels of CRP and low ALB levels were associated with in‐hospital mortality in patients with SAP.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α‐secreting CD16+ antigen presenting cells are effectively removed by granulocytapheresis in ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Sanchez‐Garcia Joaquin , Serrano‐López Juana , García‐Sanchez Valle , Alvarez‐Rivas Miguel A , Jimenez‐Moreno Rosario , Pérez‐Seoane Carlos , Herrera‐Arroyo Concepcion , Serrano Josefina , De Dios Juan F , Torres‐Gomez Antonio
Published: May 2010

Background and Aim:  In human blood, two main subsets of antigen‐presenting‐cells (APCs) have been described: plasmocytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) which are further subdivided in CD11c‐mDC and CD16‐mDC DC. In ulcerative colitis patients (UC) peripheral blood APCs express significant levels of the activation and lack immature‐tolerogeneic APCs. Adacolumn selective granulocytapheresis (GCAP) has been associated with clinical efficacy in patients with UC. In the present study we sought the effect of sequential GCAP procedures in peripheral blood APCs in patients with UC and the effect on soluble cytokines.

Methods:  We used multiparametric flow cytometry to quantify peripheral blood APCs and serum cytokines in 210 samples obtained from seven patients with steroid‐dependent or steroid resistant UC undergoing GCAP treatment. Samples were drawn before, after 30 and 60 min of each session.

Results:  Each GCAP session resulted in a dramatic tenfold reduction of peripheral blood CD16‐mDC (P < 0.01), pDC decreased twofold (P = 0.05) but CD11c‐mDC remained unchanged. This depletion was reached after 30 min and maintained at 60 min. The depletion of CD16‐mDC and monocytes was associated with a reduction of serum tumor necrosis factor levels and a raise in interleukin‐10 levels, although no statistical difference was reached.

Conclusion:  The effect of GCAP in peripheral blood APC consisted mainly on a significant depletion of tumor necrosis factor‐α secreting CD16‐mDC. This finding could suggest a potential mechanism of GCAP beneficial effect that must be confirmed in larger series.
Significance of each narrow‐band imaging finding in diagnosing squamous mucosal high‐grade neoplasia of the esophagus
Authors: Ishihara Ryu , Inoue Takuya , Uedo Noriya , Yamamoto Sachiko , Kawada Natsuko , Tsujii Yoshiki , Kanzaki Hiromitu , Hanafusa Masao , Hanaoka Noboru , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Iishi Hiroyasu , Tatsuta Masaharu , Tomita Yasuhiko , Ishiguro Shingo
Published: May 2010

Background and Aim:  Although narrow‐band imaging (NBI) is used increasingly in clinical situations, the significance of each NBI finding has not been investigated. The primary endpoint of the present study was to identify the significant NBI findings to diagnose esophageal mucosal high‐grade neoplasia.

Methods:  Between August 2007 and January 2009, we detected 59 new superficial esophageal lesions. The video images of NBI were recorded digitally. NBI findings such as brownish dots (dilated intra‐epithelial papillary capillary loop [IPCL]), tortuous IPCL, elongated IPCL, caliber change in IPCL, variety in IPCL shapes, demarcation line, brownish epithelium, and protrusion or depression were evaluated using the video images. The association between each NBI finding and diagnosis of mucosal high‐grade neoplasia, and intra‐ and interobserver agreement was evaluated.

Results:  In univariate analysis, brownish epithelium, brownish dots, tortuous IPCL, variety in IPCL shapes and demarcation line were associated significantly with diagnosis of mucosal high‐grade neoplasia. In multivariate analysis, brownish epithelium and brownish dots were confirmed to be independent factors. Odds ratios were 25.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4–268) for brownish epithelium and 19.3 (95% CI: 1.8–207.7) for brownish dots. Intraobserver agreement was substantial for brownish epithelium and brownish dots. Interobserver agreement was moderate in brownish epithelium and brownish dots.

Conclusions:  Brownish epithelium and brownish dots were confirmed to be significant and reproducible NBI findings in the diagnosis of squamous mucosal high‐grade neoplasia of the esophagus. Initial assessment of esophageal lesions should be done based on these findings.
Rescue therapy for lamivudine‐resistant chronic hepatitis B: Comparison between entecavir 1.0 mg monotherapy, adefovir monotherapy and adefovir add‐on lamivudine combination therapy
Authors: Kim Hong Joo , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Cho Yong Kyun , Sohn Chong Il , Jeon Woo Kyu , Kim Byung Ik
Published: May 2010

Background and Aim:  There have been no reports comparing the therapeutic results of adefovir (ADV) and entecavir (ETV) rescue therapy for patients with lamivudine (LAM)‐resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to compare the cumulative efficacy and resistance of ETV 1.0 mg monotherapy, ADV monotherapy and ADV add‐on LAM combination therapy in LAM‐refractory patients.

Methods:  One hundred and four patients were included in the following three treatment groups; group 1 (n = 24), LAM was switched to ETV (1.0 mg once a day); group 2 (n = 44), LAM was switched to ADV (10 mg once a day); and group 3 (n = 36), ADV was added to LAM (10 mg once a day).

Results:  After 6 months of rescue treatment, alanine aminotransferase normalization was observed in 75.0%, 65.9% and 74.3% of patients receiving ETV monotherapy, ADV monotherapy and ADV add‐on therapy, respectively. A significantly higher log10HBV‐DNA drop at 6 months occurred in the ADV add‐on group compared with the ETV group. The rate of HBV‐DNA polymerase chain reaction undetectability (<300 copies/mL) 6 months after initiation of ETV monotherapy, ADV monotherapy and ADV add‐on therapy was 33.3%, 27.3% and 68.6%, respectively (P = 0.003). The cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rate was significantly higher in ADV add‐on/ADV monotherapy groups compared with the ETV monotherapy group (P = 0.022). Viral breakthrough and genotypic resistance were detected in six (25.0%) and six (13.6%) patients in the ETV and ADV monotherapy groups, whereas no cases of genotypic resistance were detected in ADV add‐on group 24 months after initiation of antiviral treatment (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Adefovir add‐on treatment in patients with LAM‐resistant CHB suppresses HBV replication more effectively than ETV or ADV monotherapy. Additionally, no genotypic resistance was detected in the ADV add‐on group.
Population‐based epidemiology study of autoimmune hepatitis: A disease of older women?
Authors: Ngu Jing H , Bechly Kristen , Chapman Bruce A , Burt Michael J , Barclay Murray L , Gearry Richard B , Stedman Catherine A M
Published: May 2010

Background and Aim:  The etiology of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unknown, and limited epidemiological data are available. Our aim was to perform a population based epidemiological study of AIH in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Methods:  To calculate point prevalence, all adult and pediatric outpatient clinics and hospital discharge summaries were searched to identify all cases of AIH in the Canterbury region. Incident cases were recruited prospectively in 2008. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from case notes. Both the original revised AIH criteria and the simplified criteria were applied and cases were included in the study if they had definite or probable AIH.

Results:  When the original revised criteria were used, 138 cases (123 definite and 14 probable AIH), were identified. Prospective incidence in 2008 was 2.0/100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8–3.3/100 000). Point prevalence on 31 December 2008 was 24.5/100 000 (95% CI 20.1–28.9). Age‐standardized (World Health Organization standard population) incidence and prevalence were 1.7 and 18.9 per 100 000, respectively. Gender‐specific prevalence confirmed a female predominance, while ethnicity‐specific prevalence showed higher prevalence in Caucasians. 72% of cases presented after 40 years of age and the peak age of presentation was in the sixth decade of life.

Conclusions:  This is the first and largest population‐based epidemiology study of AIH in a geographically defined region using standardized inclusion criteria. The observed incidence and prevalence rates are among the highest reported. The present study confirms that AIH presents predominantly in older women, with a peak in the sixth decade, contrary to the classical description of the disease.
Oxidation of dimethylsulfide to tetrathionate by Methylophaga thiooxidans sp. nov.: a new link in the sulfur cycle
Authors: Boden Rich , Kelly Donovan P. , Murrell J. Colin , Schäfer Hendrik
Published: May 2010

A new pathway of dimethylsulfide (DMS) metabolism was identified in a novel species of Gammaproteobacteria, Methylophaga thiooxidans sp. nov., in which tetrathionate (S4O62−) was the end‐product of DMS oxidation. Inhibitor evidence indicated that DMS degradation was initiated by demethylation, catalysed by a corrinoid demethylase. Thiosulfate was an intermediate, which was oxidized to tetrathionate by a cytochrome‐linked thiosulfate dehydrogenase. Thiosulfate oxidation was coupled to ATP synthesis, and M. thiooxidans could also use exogenous thiosulfate as an energy source during chemolithoheterotrophic growth on DMS or methanol. Cultures grown on a variety of substrates oxidized thiosulfate, indicating that thiosulfate oxidation was constitutive. The observations have relevance to interactions among sulfur‐metabolizing bacteria in the marine environment. The production of tetrathionate from an organosulfur precursor is previously undocumented and represents a potential step in the biogeochemical sulfur cycle, providing a ‘shunt’ across the cycle.
A wide diversity of previously undetected free‐living relatives of diplomonads isolated from marine/saline habitats
Authors: Kolisko Martin , Silberman Jeffrey D. , Cepicka Ivan , Yubuki Naoji , Takishita Kiyotaka , Yabuki Akinori , Leander Brian S. , Inouye Isao , Inagaki Yuji , Roger Andrew J. , Simpson Alastair G. B.
Published: May 2010

Over the last 15 years classical culturing and environmental PCR techniques have revealed a modest number of genuinely new major lineages of protists; however, some new groups have greatly influenced our understanding of eukaryote evolution. We used culturing techniques to examine the diversity of free‐living protists that are relatives of diplomonads and retortamonads, a group of evolutionary and parasitological importance. Until recently, a single organism, Carpediemonas membranifera, was the only representative of this region of the tree. We report 18 new isolates of Carpediemonas‐like organisms (CLOs) from anoxic marine sediments. Only one is a previously cultured species. Eleven isolates are conspecific and were classified within a new genus, Kipferlia n. gen. The remaining isolates include representatives of three other lineages that likely represent additional undescribed genera (at least). Small‐subunit ribosomal RNA gene phylogenies show that CLOs form a cloud of six major clades basal to the diplomonad‐retortamonad grouping (i.e. each of the six CLO clades is potentially as phylogenetically distinct as diplomonads and retortamonads). CLOs will be valuable for tracing the evolution of diplomonad cellular features, for example, their extremely reduced mitochondrial organelles. It is striking that the majority of CLO diversity was undetected by previous light microscopy surveys and environmental PCR studies, even though they inhabit a commonly sampled environment. There is no reason to assume this is a unique situation – it is likely that undersampling at the level of major lineages is still widespread for protists.
Molecular evolution ofLegionella pneumophila dotAgene, the contribution of natural environmental strains
Authors: Costa Joana , Tiago Igor , Da Costa Milton S. , Veríssimo António
Published: May 2010

Given the role of DotA protein in establishing successful infections and the diversity of host cells interacting withLegionella pneumophilain nature, it is possible that this gene product is a target for adaptive evolution. We investigated the influence ofL. pneumophilaisolates from natural environments with the molecular evolution of this crucial virulence‐related gene. The population genetic structure ofL. pneumophilawas inferred from the partial sequences ofrpoBanddotAof 303 worldwide strains. The topology of the two inferred trees was not congruent and in the inferreddotAtree the vast majority of the natural environmental isolates were clustered in a discrete group. The Ka/Ks ratio demonstrated that this group, contrary to all others, has been under strong diversifying selection. The alignment of all DotA sequences allowed the identification of several alleles and the amino acid variations were not randomly distributed. Moreover, from these results we can conclude thatdotAfromL. pneumophilaclinical and man‐made environmental strains belong to a sub‐set of all genotypes existing in nature. A split graph analysis showed evidence of a network‐like organization and several intergenic recombination events were detected withinL. pneumophilastrains resulting in mosaic genes in which different gene segments exhibited different evolutionary histories. We have determined that the allelic diversity ofdotAis predominantly found inL. pneumophilaisolates from natural environments, suggesting that niche‐specific selection pressures have been operating on this gene. Indeed, the high level ofdotAallelic diversity may reflect fitness variation in the persistence of those strains in distinct environmental niches and/or tropism to various protozoan hosts.
Integrating Different Perspectives on Socialization Theory and Research: A Domain‐Specific Approach
Authors: Grusec Joan E. , Davidov Maayan
Published: May 2010

There are several different theoretical and research approaches to the study of socialization, characterized by frequently competing basic tenets and apparently contradictory evidence. As a way of integrating approaches and understanding discrepancies, it is proposed that socialization processes be viewed from a domain perspective, with each domain characterized by a particular form of social interaction between the object and agent of socialization and by specific socialization mechanisms and outcomes. It is argued that this approach requires researchers to identify the domain of social interaction they are investigating, to understand that phenotypically similar behaviors may belong to different domains, and to acknowledge that caregivers who are effective in one type of interaction may not be effective in another.
Commentary and Challenges to Grusec and Davidov’s Domain‐Specific Approach
Authors: Dunn Judy
Published: May 2010

J. E. Grusec and M. Davidov’s article (this issue) about domains of parenting and their links with different aspects of childhood outcome raises both interesting questions and challenges. Four of these concerns are discussed in relation to early childhood. First is the issue of bidirectionality. Recent studies highlight the contribution of individual differences in children, and of dyadic measures that include both child and parent, to the quality of parent–child relationships. Second, the specification of domains can be problematic, given the evidence of overlap between domains, and of combinations of different domains in real‐life interactions. Third, developmental issues need to be addressed, as do cultural and cohort influences. Finally, children need to be considered as family members who monitor interactions between other family members, learn from and influence these others. The challenge to their account posed by models of family environments that include effects not shared by siblings merit attention.
Modules, Theories, or Islands of Expertise? Domain Specificity in Socialization
Authors: Gelman Susan A.
Published: May 2010

The domain‐specific approach to socialization processes presented by J. E. Grusec and M. Davidov (this issue) provides a compelling framework for integrating and interpreting a large and disparate body of research findings, and it generates a wealth of testable new hypotheses. At the same time, it introduces core theoretical questions regarding the nature of social interactions, from the perspective of both children and their caregivers. This commentary draws on the literature regarding domain specificity in cognitive development, applauds what is innovative and exciting about applying a domain‐specific approach to socialization processes, and points to questions for future research. Foremost among these is what is meant by “domain specificity.”
Connecting Cues: Overlapping Regularities Support Cue Discovery in Infancy
Authors: Sahni Sarah D. , Seidenberg Mark S. , Saffran Jenny R.
Published: May 2010

The present work examined the discovery of linguistic cues during a word segmentation task. Whereas previous studies have focused on sensitivity to individual cues, this study addresses how individual cues may be used to discover additional, correlated cues. Twenty‐four 9‐month‐old infants were familiarized with a speech stream in which syllable‐level transitional probabilities and an overlapping novel cue served as cues to word boundaries. Infants’ behavior at test indicated that they were able to discover the novel cue. Additional experiments showed that infants did not have a preexisting preference for specific test items and that transitional probability information was necessary to acquire the novel cue. Results suggest one way learners can discover relevant linguistic structure amid the multiple overlapping properties of natural language.
Do Effects of Early Child Care Extend to Age 15 Years? Results From the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development
Authors: Vandell Deborah Lowe , Belsky Jay , Burchinal Margaret , Steinberg Laurence , Vandergrift Nathan ,   NICHD Early Child Care Research Network
Published: May 2010

Relations between nonrelative child care (birth to 4½ years) and functioning at age 15 were examined (N = 1,364). Both quality and quantity of child care were linked to adolescent functioning. Effects were similar in size as those observed at younger ages. Higher quality care predicted higher cognitive–academic achievement at age 15, with escalating positive effects at higher levels of quality. The association between quality and achievement was mediated, in part, by earlier child‐care effects on achievement. High‐quality early child care also predicted youth reports of less externalizing behavior. More hours of nonrelative care predicted greater risk taking and impulsivity at age 15, relations that were partially mediated by earlier child‐care effects on externalizing behaviors.
The Development of Social Essentialism: The Case of Israeli Children’s Inferences About Jews and Arabs
Authors: Birnbaum Dana , Deeb Inas , Segall Gili , Ben‐Eliyahu Adar , Diesendruck Gil
Published: May 2010

Two studies examined the inductive potential of various social categories among 144 kindergarten, 2nd‐, and 6th‐grade Israeli children from 3 sectors: secular Jews, religious Jews, and Muslim Arabs. Study 1—wherein social categories were labeled—found that ethnic categories were the most inductively powerful, especially for religious Jewish children. Study 2—wherein no social category labels were provided—found no differences across sectors either in the inductive potential of ethnic categories or in children’s capacity to visually recognize social categories. These results stress the importance of labels and cultural background in children’s beliefs about social categories. The implications of these findings for accounts of the development of social essentialism are discussed.
Antecedents and Correlates of the Popular‐Aggressive Phenomenon in Elementary School
Authors: Rodkin Philip C. , Roisman Glenn I.
Published: May 2010

This study identified correlates and developmental antecedents that distinguish popular‐aggressive elementary school children from other youth. Drawing on the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 1022), popular‐aggressive children were identified through teacher ratings over Grades 3–6. Potential correlates included social competence as rated by observers, mothers, and teachers. Potential developmental antecedents included cognitive functioning, maternal sensitivity, and participation in child care through age 4.5. Multinomial regressions allowed for the determination of group differences net of covariates such as gender, ethnicity, maternal education, and income‐to‐needs. Results showed that popular‐aggressive elementary school children were distinguished from other youth as having had an extensive child‐care history. Discussion focuses on developmental associations between child‐care quantity and aggression.
Children’s Sleep and Adjustment Over Time: The Role of Socioeconomic Context
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Kelly Ryan J. , Buckhalt Joseph A. , Benjamin Hinnant J.
Published: May 2010

Relations were examined between children’s sleep and their externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Longitudinal relations were examined when children were in 3rd (T1) and 5th (T2) grades, and cross‐sectional relations were assessed at T2. Participants included 176 children at T1 (M = 8.68 years) and 141 children at T2 (M = 10.70 years). Sleep was examined via subjective reports and actigraphy. Children reported on anxiety, self‐esteem, and depression symptoms, and parents reported on children’s externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, sleep problems were associated with worse adjustment outcomes; African American children or those from lower socioeconomic status homes were at particular risk. Findings highlight the importance of adequate sleep for children’s optimal development, especially in the context of ecological risk.
Mexican‐Heritage Children’s Attention and Learning From Interactions Directed to Others
Authors: Silva Katie G. , Correa‐Chávez Maricela , Rogoff Barbara
Published: May 2010

The study builds on ethnographic research noting an emphasis in many Indigenous communities of the Americas on learning through keen observation of and participation in ongoing community activities. Forty‐four U.S. Mexican‐heritage 5‐ to 11‐year‐old children whose families likely have experience with Indigenous ways more frequently attended to and learned from a toy construction activity that was directed to another child, compared to 36 U.S. Mexican‐heritage children whose mothers had extensive experience with Western school (and related European American practices). The results support the idea that children whose family history emanates from Indigenous communities of México may be especially oriented to learning by observing ongoing events, and that this method of learning may be less commonly used by children whose families have extensive experience with schooling (and related Western practices).
Parent Involvement and Children’s Academic and Social Development in Elementary School
Authors: El Nokali Nermeen E. , Bachman Heather J. , Votruba‐Drzal Elizabeth
Published: May 2010

Data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Childcare and Youth Development (N = 1,364) were used to investigate children’s trajectories of academic and social development across 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine within‐ and between‐child associations among maternal and teacher reports of parent involvement and children’s standardized achievement scores, social skills, and problem behaviors. Findings suggest that within‐child improvements in parent involvement predict declines in problem behaviors and improvements in social skills but do not predict changes in achievement. Between‐child analyses demonstrated that children with highly involved parents had enhanced social functioning and fewer behavior problems. Similar patterns of findings emerged for teacher and parent reports of parent involvement. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
The Dynamics of Free Recall and Their Relation to Rehearsal Between 8 and 10 Years of Age
Authors: Lehmann Martin , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: May 2010

The present study longitudinally examined changes in recall in children between the ages of 8 and 10 years. Given the increasingly sophisticated use of memory strategies during this developmental period, correspondences between study and recall dynamics were of particular interest. Seventy‐six children performed free‐recall tasks on 5 occasions over a 2‐year period. Video and audio analyses revealed that children tended to recall items successively from nearby serial positions. This so‐called lag‐recency effect was particularly pronounced when items from nearby serial positions were conjunctly rehearsed during study. Implications for understanding study–recall correspondences are discussed in relation to other developmental changes of this period including memory capacity.
Binary Shading Using Appearance and Geometry
Authors: Buchholz Bert , Boubekeur Tamy , DeCarlo Doug , Alexa Marc
Published: May 2010

In the style of binary shading, shape and illumination are depicted using two colours, typically black and white, which form coherent lines and regions in the image. We formulate the problem of assigning colours in the rendered image as an energy minimization, computed using graph cut on the image grid. The terms of this energy come from two sources: appearance (shading) and geometry (depth and curvature). Our contributions are in the use of geometric information in determining colours, and how this information is incorporated into a graph cut approach. This optimization yields boundaries between black and white regions that tend towards being shorter and to run along geometric features like creases. We show a range of results, and demonstrate that this approach produces more coherent images than simpler approaches that make local decisions when assigning colours, or that do not use geometry.
Estimation and Adjustment of Bias in Randomized Evidence by Using Mixed Treatment Comparison Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dias S. , Welton N. J. , Marinho V. C. C. , Salanti G. , Higgins J. P. T. , Ades A. E.
Published: May 2010

There is good empirical evidence that specific flaws in the conduct of randomized controlled trials are associated with exaggeration of treatment effect estimates. Mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis, which combines data from trials on several treatments that form a network of comparisons, has the potential both to estimate bias parameters within the synthesis and to produce bias-adjusted estimates of treatment effects. We present a hierarchical model for bias with common mean across treatment comparisons of active treatment versus control. It is often unclear, from the information that is reported, whether a study is at risk of bias or not. We extend our model to estimate the probability that a particular study is biased, where the probabilities for the ‘unclear’ studies are drawn from a common beta distribution. We illustrate these methods with a synthesis of 130 trials on four fluoride treatments and two control interventions for the prevention of dental caries in children. Whether there is adequate allocation concealment and/or blinding are considered as indicators of whether a study is at risk of bias. Bias adjustment reduces the estimated relative efficacy of the treatments and the extent of between-trial heterogeneity.
Cultural Imagery and Statistical Models of the Force of Mortality: Addison, Gompertz and Pearson
Authors: Turner Elizabeth L. , Hanley James A.
Published: May 2010

We describe selected artistic and statistical depictions of the force of mortality (hazard or mortality rate), which is a concept that has long preoccupied actuaries, demographers and statisticians. We provide a more graphic form for the force-of-mortality function that makes the relationship between its constituents more explicit. The ‘Bridge of human life’ in Addison’s allegorical essay of 1711 provides a particularly vivid image, with the forces depicted as external. The model that was used by Gompertz in 1825 appears to treat the forces as internal. In his 1897 essay Pearson mathematically modernized ‘the medieval conception of the relation between Death and Chance’ by decomposing the full mortality curve into five distributions along the age axis, the results of five ‘marksmen’ aiming at the human mass crossing this bridge. We describe Addison’s imagery, comment briefly on Gompertz’s law and the origin of the term ‘force of mortality’, describe the background for Pearson’s essay, as well as his imagery and statistical model, and give the bridge of life a modern form, illustrating it via statistical animation.
Predicting Participation in Higher Education: A Comparative Evaluation of the Performance of Geodemographic Classifications
Authors: Brunsdon Chris , Longley Paul , Singleton Alex , Ashby David
Published: May 2010

Participation in UK higher education is modelled by using Poisson regression techniques. Models using geodemographic classifications of neighbourhoods of varying levels of detail are compared with those using variables that are directly derived from the census, using a cross-validation approach. Increasing the detail of geodemographic classifiers appears to be justified in general, although the degree of improvement becomes more marginal as the level of detail is increased. The census variable approach performs comparably, although it is argued that this depends heavily on an appropriate choice of predictors. The paper concludes by discussing these results in a broader practice-oriented and pedagogic context.
Previous adult attention‐deficit and hyperactivity disorder symptoms and risk of dementia with Lewy bodies: a case–control study
Authors: Golimstok A. , Rojas J. I. , Romano M. , Zurru M. C. , Doctorovich D. , Cristiano E.
Published: May 2010

Introduction:  Previous reports have shown that in Dementia with Lewy body (DLB) and attention‐deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a hypodopaminergic and noradrenergic substrate seems to play a central role in developing the diseases. We investigated the hypothesis that attention deficit may precede DLB expressed as adult ADHD symptoms long before the clinical onset of dementia.

Methods:  Patients with DLB, Alzheimer disease type (ADT) and controls were recruited from the membership of the Italian Hospital Medical Care Program in Argentina from 2000 to 2005. The DSM‐IV criteria adapted for the identification of adult patients with ADHD and validated to Spanish Wender Utah Rating Scale were used to identify individuals with preceding ADHD symptoms during their adult life. Analysis of categorical variables was carried out using chi‐square. Mann–Whitney test was used for continuous variables. Statistical significance was P < 0.05.

Results:  A total of 109 patients with DLB and 251 patients with ADT were matched by age, sex and year of education with 149 controls. The frequency of preceding ADHD symptoms in DLB cases was 47.8% in ADT 15.2% and 15.1% in the control group. The prevalence of ADHD symptoms in DLB cases was significantly higher compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.001, OR 5.1 95%CI 2.7–9.6) and also higher when compared with ADT (P ≤ 0.001, OR 4.9, 95%CI 2.8–8.4).

Conclusion:  We found a higher risk of DLB in patients with preceding adult ADHD symptoms. To date, there is no clear explanation for the association found; however, further investigation will widen our understanding about both disorders.
Does the treatment of spastic equinovarus deformity following stroke with botulinum toxin increase gait velocity? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Foley N. , Murie‐Fernandez M. , Speechley M. , Salter K. , Sequeira K. , Teasell R.
Published: May 2010

While botulinum toxin‐A (BT‐A) has been used to treat lower‐limb focal spasticity successfully, its effect on characteristics of gait has not been well defined. The objective of this systematic review was to establish the treatment effect associated with the use of BT‐A for equinovarus to improve gait velocity following stroke, using a meta‐analytic technique. Relevant studies were identified through a literature search encompassing the years 1985 to November 2009. Studies were included if (i) the sample was composed of adult subjects recovering from either first or subsequent stroke, presenting with spastic equinovarus deformity of the ankle preventing full active dorsiflexion, and (ii) subjects who received BT‐A were compared with subjects who had received a placebo, or (iii) in the absence of a placebo‐controlled condition, subject had received BT‐A and was assessed before and after treatment. A standardized mean difference (SMD) ± standard error and 95% confidence interval (CI) for gait velocity between the treatment and control group was calculated for each study, using Hedges’s g, and the results pooled. Eight trials, five randomized controlled trials, and three single group intervention studies were included. Data representing 228 subjects were available for pooled analysis. Treatment with BT‐A was associated with a small improvement in gait velocity (Hedge’s g = 0.193 ± 0.081; 95% CI: 0.033 to 0.353, P < 0.018) representing an increase of 0.044 meters/s. The use of BT‐A for lower‐limb post‐stroke equinovarus because of spasticity was associated with a small, but statistically significant increase in gait velocity.