Is Bullying Always about Status? Status Goals, Forms of Bullying, Popularity and Peer Rejection during Adolescence

Bullying has been associated with status goals among peers, but this research has not distinguished among forms of bullying, nor included actual status or popularity among peers in an integrated analysis. To this aim, in concurrent correlational data, we examined adolescent status goals as predictors of peer-reported physical, verbal, exclusionary and electronic bullying, and these further as predictors of popularity and peer rejection (N = 256; 67.2% girls; M age = 12.2 years). We also explored potential indirect associations of status goals with popularity and peer rejection via forms of bullying. The findings indicated that verbal bullying was the most common form of bullying. Status goals were positively related to all but physical bullying, yet only verbal bullying partially mediated this association with popularity. Electronic bullying was unrelated to popularity and peer rejection, when controlling for other bullying forms (but was positively related to rejection at the bi-variate level). The findings underscore the importance of assessing bullying as a heterogeneous construct, as related goals and adjustment among peers may depend on its specific form.

Changes in physical performance, body composition and physical training during military operations: systematic review and meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis applying PRISMA guidelines with a PICOS format was constructed to provide an overview of changes in physical performance, body composition and physical training in soldiers during prolonged (≥ 3 months) military operations. Twenty-four studies out of the screened 4431 records filled the inclusion criteria. A small decrease in endurance performance was the most consistent finding (Hedge's g [g] - 0.21, 95% CI - 0.01 to - 0.41) while small overall increases in maximal strength of the lower (g 0.33, 95% CI 0.16-0.50) and upper body (g 0.33, 95% CI 0.19-0.46) were observed. In addition, small increases in strength endurance (push-up, g 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.52; sit-up g 0.26, 95% CI 0.07-0.44) were observed. The overall changes in body composition were trivial. Heterogeneity in the outcome variables varied mainly between low to moderate. Large inter-individual variations were observed in physical training volume, including decrements especially in endurance training frequency and volume. A reduction in total training load was often associated with negative changes in body composition and physical performance according to the principle of training specificity. Individuals with higher initial fitness level were more susceptible to decrements in their physical performance during operation.

Physical fitness and anthropometrics in Finnish soldiers during their early career: prospective changes during a 3-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Physical fitness is a fundamental capability required of military personnel, but studies focusing on longitudinal changes in physical fitness and anthropometrics in soldiers are lacking. The aim was to evaluate physical fitness and anthropometrics in soldiers during their early career.

METHODS

A 3-year prospective study included 180 male soldiers (baseline age 26±2 years) with measures of a 12 min running test, standing long jump, sit-up and push-up tests, and body mass, height and waist circumference (WC). Baseline data were stratified into tertiles, and the changes within each tertile were analysed using dependent t-tests and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

12 min running test distance decreased on average by 2% (-54 m), sit-up performance 3% (-1.5 repetitions (reps)/min), push-up performance 4% (-1.9 reps/min) and standing long jump performance 1% (-2.1 cm) over the 3-year period (p<0.05). Both aerobic and muscular fitness decreased consistently among the highest baseline tertile (12 min running test: -70 m, sit-ups: -3.2 reps/min, push-ups: -7.5 reps/min, standing long jump: -5.5 cm; p<0.001), whereas both aerobic and muscular fitness levels were maintained and push-up performance was improved (p<0.05) in the lowest baseline tertiles. Body mass increased on average by 4% (+3.4 kg) and WC by 4% (+3.9 cm) (p<0.001), and these increases were observed for all baseline tertiles (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Small decrements in physical fitness and anthropometrics exist during the early career of soldiers. The changes in physical fitness differed according to baseline fitness levels. The results indicate that support for exercise training may be needed even in a soldier's early career.

Early Adolescent Cognitive and Affective Empathy

Abstract. Cognitive and affective empathy have diverging relations to social–emotional adjustment. However, particularly during adolescence, these associations are not thoroughly understood. Using the Basic Empathy Scale (BES), we examined cognitive and affective empathy (including emotional contagion and emotional disconnection) in association with social–emotional adjustment (negative affect, shyness, social self-efficacy, friendship quality, and peer victimization) in early adolescents ( N = 321). Cognitive empathy and emotional contagion showed divergent links (cognitive empathy was related to positive adjustment, while emotional contagion was related to negative adjustment but also higher friendship quality). Emotional disconnection was negatively associated with social self-efficacy, supporting affective empathy as having multiple factors itself. The findings further validate the BES as a three-factor measure and have implications for understanding social–emotional adjustment in youth.

Interpersonal Rejection and Social Motivation in Adolescence: Moderation by Narcissism and Gender

Research on interpersonal rejection is voluminous, but less is known about perceived rejection in relation to social goals among peers during adolescence, especially while also considering factors that may moderate these associations. In a correlational design, we surveyed a diverse sample of middle school students to examine concurrent (Study 1; N = 269) and short-term longitudinal (Study 2; N = 321) links between rejection and adolescent communal (affiliation, closeness) and agentic (status, influence) goals, and narcissism and gender as moderators in the associations between rejection and social goals. Rejection was negatively related to (Study 1) and predicted decreases in (Study 2) communal goals. Narcissism was positively related to and predicted increases in agentic goals, and moderated the association between rejection and agentic goals (in both studies). One moderated effect of gender was found: perceived rejection predicted decreases in agentic goals for girls, but increases in agentic goals for boys. Our findings mostly align with existing research on interpersonal rejection in youth, and extend this literature by demonstrating that perceived rejection is meaningfully related to changes in trait-like social goals among peers, suggesting it may alter not only situation-specific cognitions, but also globalized goals, or motivations for peer interaction. The findings also call for further research on individual differences in associations between rejection and social goals, along with other outcomes.

Adolescent Social Goal Development: Mean-Level Changes and Prediction by Self-Esteem and Narcissism

We examined mean-level social goal development among peers during middle school, and self-esteem and narcissism as predictors of trait-like goal orientations across time. Survey data were collected on three occasions, in two middle schools in Finland (N = 384; 12-14 years; 53% girls). As expected, average increases in agentic-communal goals (reflecting prosocial self-assertion, or consideration of the self and others) and decreases in submissive-separate (isolation) goals were observed over time. Also, despite cross-sectional (concurrent) links from self-esteem to social status goals among peers reported in prior research, only narcissism was associated with increases in agentic (status) and agentic-separate (dominance) goals and decreases in goals of communal nature, whereas self-esteem was associated with increases in agentic-communal goals alone. Our findings align with and are discussed in the context of existing research on adolescent personal and social development. The findings provide among the first evidence for normative social goal development during middle school, and have implications for understanding self-esteem and narcissism in adolescent development: whereas narcissism is positively related to status and dominance goal development, self-esteem is only related to development of goals high in agentic and communal orientation, reflecting consideration of the self as well as others.

Forms of Prosocial Behaviors are Differentially Linked to Social Goals and Peer Status in Adolescents

Traditionally, prosocial behaviors are conceptualized and assessed as a unidimensional construct, but recent research suggests they include various distinct forms, reflecting proactive (instrumental, self-benefiting), reactive (in response to an individual in need), and altruistic (beneficial to others without expectation of personal gain) functions. The authors examined these forms of adolescent prosocial behavior and their links to social goals and social adjustment among peers. In Study 1, they examined agentic (status) and communal (closeness) goals in relation to self-reported altruistic, reactive, and proactive prosocial behaviors. In Study 2, they examined peer-reported altruistic and proactive prosocial behaviors in association with likeability, rejection, and popularity among peers. The associations varied meaningfully among the forms of prosocial behavior. For instance, proactive prosocial behaviors were positively related to agentic goals and popularity, whereas altruistic prosocial behaviors were positively related to communal goals and likeability by peers. The findings underscore the importance of examining multiple forms of prosocial behaviors during adolescence.

Placing Evidence-Based Interventions at the Fingertips of School Social Workers

Through a university-community collaborative partnership, the perceived needs of evidence-based practices (EBPs) among school social workers (SSWs) in a large school district in central Florida was assessed. A survey (response rate = 83.6%) found that although 70% of SSWs claim to use EBPs in their everyday practice, 40% do not know where to find them, which may partially explain why 78% of respondents claim to spend 1 to 4 h every week looking for adequate EBPs. From this needs assessment, the translational model was used to address these perceived needs. A systematic review of the literature found 40 tier 2 EBPs, most of which (23%) target substance use, abuse, and dependence. After discussion with academic and community partners, the stakeholders designed, discussed, and implemented a searchable, online, password-protected, interface of these tier 2 EBPs, named Evidence-Based Intervention Toolkit (eBIT). Lessons learned, future directions, and implications of this "one-stop shop" for behavioral health are discussed.

Situation-specificity of children's social goals: Changing goals according to changing situations?

Children's agentic and communal goals were examined in hypothetical conflict, group entry, victimization, and positive situations ( N = 310, 11—13 years). Multilevel modeling was used to separate the variation in goals to the between- and within- (i.e., situation-specific) individual levels. About half of the variation in goals was due to individual differences. Boys endorsed more agentic goals than girls. A positive perception of self was associated with more agentic goals, whereas a positive perception of peers was associated with high degrees of communal goals. In addition, agentic goals were associated with rejection, whereas communal goals were related to peer acceptance. Children aimed for closeness with peers most often when no stressful interaction pattern was imposed (positive situation), endorsing fewer affiliation aims when involved in a conflict, and having the least of these aims when victimized by peers. Agentic goals, in turn, were most common in the victimization situation, the next typical in conflict and positive situations, and least likely in the group entry situation. Finally, the way children adjusted their goals in response to the victimization situation varied between children, and was related to sociometric status in older children.

Time doesn't change everything: the longitudinal course of distress tolerance and its relationship with externalizing and internalizing symptoms during early adolescence

Although distress tolerance is an emerging construct of empirical interest, we know little about its temporal change, developmental trajectory, and prospective relationships with maladaptive behaviors. The current study examined the developmental trajectory (mean- and individual-level change, and rank-order stability) of distress tolerance in an adolescent sample of boys and girls (N = 277) followed over a four-year period. Next we examined if distress tolerance influenced change in Externalizing (EXT) and Internalizing (INT) symptoms, and if EXT and INT symptoms in turn influenced change in distress tolerance. Finally, we examined if any of these trends differed by gender. Results indicated that distress tolerance is temporally stable, with little mean- or individual-level change. Latent growth models reported that level of distress tolerance is cross-sectionally associated with both EXT and INT symptoms, yet longitudinally, only associated with EXT symptoms. These results suggest that distress tolerance should be a focus of research on etiology and intervention.

Instrumental and reactive functions and overt and relational forms of aggression

This study examined the development of adolescent self-reported instrumental-overt, instrumental-relational, reactive-overt, and reactive-relational aggression during middle school ( N = 384; 12–14 years; 53% boys). Growth modeling indicated average increases in instrumental-relational aggression, and decreases in reactive-overt and reactive-instrumental aggression over time. Further, overt and relational aggression driven by reactive reasons (functions) predicted gains in aggression driven by instrumental reasons, and overt form of aggression predicted increases in relational form of aggression across time.

Adolescent resource control

This study examined adolescent coercive and prosocial resource control strategies in relation to various indices of peer-reported behaviors and peer regard ( N = 384; 12–14 years). Coercive control was uniquely positively related to physical and relational aggression and peer disliking, and negatively to prosocial behaviors when controlling for prosocial control, which, in turn, was uniquely negatively related to physical aggression and social withdrawal, and positively to prosocial behaviors, peer liking, and popularity. Findings from person-centered analyses augmented these findings, indicating that bi-strategic, coercive, prosocial, typical, and non-controllers exhibit divergent patterns of social adjustment among peers. Implications for the study of adolescent social adjustment are discussed, including increased understanding of adolescent resource control and aggression among peers at school.

Physical and relational aggression in early adolescence: associations with narcissism, temperament, and social goals

This study examined adolescent narcissism, temperament (frustration and affiliation), and social goals in association with peer-reported physical and relational aggression (N = 384; 12-14 years). Narcissism was positively associated with dominance goals and negatively with closeness goals for peer interaction. Moreover, narcissism was positively associated with physical aggression via dominance goals for boys, and with relational aggression via dominance goals for both genders. Temperamental frustration and affiliation were both positively associated with relational aggression, but also interacted in their associations with this variable; affiliation was positively associated with relational aggression only at high levels of frustration. Supporting and extending existing research, the present findings suggest that adolescent personality and social goals are meaningfully associated with physical and relational aggression in the peer context.

Beyond situational ambiguity in peer conflict: unique and combined effects of cues from an antagonist and a best friend

In accord with increasing recognition of the situation specificity of childhood social behaviors, individual and contextual differences in children's responses to potential peer conflict were examined (hostile attribution, behavioral strategies, and affective reactions; N = 367, 9-12 years, 197 girls). Situational cues from 2 sources, the antagonist and a witnessing best friend, were designed to suggest the antagonist's intentions. Multilevel modeling indicated that children's responses generally varied more according to cues from the antagonist than friend, but the latter also affected responses, especially when conflicting with other situational information. Cognitive and affective responses were also influenced by gender, social goals, friendship quality, and self-efficacy for peer interaction. Findings provide theoretical insight on the context of peer conflict.

Deep, respiratory tract and ear infections caused by Pseudallescheria (Scedosporium) and Microascus (Scopulariopsis) in Finland. A 10-year retrospective multi-center study

Deep, respiratory tract and ear infections due to Microascaceae (Pseudallescheria, Scedosporium, Microascus or Scopulariopsis) were studied nationwide in Finland during 1993-2002. The data were based on 52,000 fungal cultures that represented about 50% of all such specimens in Finland and included all Finnish cases of profound immunosuppression. There were 39 cases that were re-evaluated as clinically significant, i.e., three pneumonias, two deep pedal infections and five wound infections, 11 sinusitis and 18 ear infections. The pedal infections and most pneumonias occurred in immunocompromised patients. Most cases, except the ear infections, were due to Pseudallescheria boydii. Two patients had lethal P. boydii pneumonia and a deep P. boydii infection of the foot contributed to a third lethal case. Two of the patients with lethal outcomes had received an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). Two patients with haematological malignancies were cured of deep site infections by a prolonged course of itraconazole. Wound, sinus and ear infections were cured or improved by local surgery or topical therapy. There were 0.8-1.7 cases of any type of infection per million inhabitants per year (MY) and 3.4 cases/1000 AHSCT. Mortality associated with Microascaceae in any type of patient was 0.06-0.12 MY.

Muscle mass and strength, body composition and dietary intake in master strength athletes vs untrained men of different ages

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare muscle strength and thickness, body composition and dietary intake between master strength athletes and controls.

METHODS

Cross-sectional comparison between: 1) young control men (25.7+/-3.4 y; n=10); 2) middle-aged master athletes (52.1+/-4.7 y; n=9); 3) middle-aged control men (51.9+/-3.1 y; n=11); 4) older master athletes (71.8+/-3.8 y; n=8); and 5) older control men (70.6+/-3.3 y; n=10). Athletes had been strength trained for 22.8+/-14.9 y. Maximal isometric strength of the leg extensors was measured with a leg dynamometer, body composition by skin folds, muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis with an ultrasound scanner and dietary intake by food diaries for 4 days.

RESULTS

Athletes had more lean body mass than age-matched controls (P<0.001-0.05) and young controls more than older controls (P<0.01). No group differences were observed in the thickness of vastus lateralis. Athletes showed higher absolute strength and strength per vastus lateralis thickness ratio than all control groups (P<0.01-0.001). Body mass adjusted dietary intake did not differ between the strength trained and control men. Dietary intake did not correlate with strength, muscle thickness and lean body mass.

CONCLUSION

The present older men with a long-term history of strength training showed greater muscle strength and strength per muscle thickness ratio than the untrained controls. The data support the usefulness of continuous strength training to preserve muscle strength in older men.

"I'm OK but You're Not" and Other Peer-Relational Schemas: Explaining Individual Differences in Children's Social Goals

This study examined the links among 5th and 6th graders' (279 girls and 310 boys) self- and peer perceptions, social goals, and social behavior. Social goals mediated the effects of self- and peer perceptions on 3 types of behavior: proactive aggression, prosocial behavior, and withdrawal. In addition to their main effects (self-perception predicting variance in agentic goals, peer perception being related to communal goals), self- and peer perception interacted in influencing social goals; for instance, the effects of a positive view of oneself were different in the contexts of a positive versus a negative perception of peers. It is suggested that in order to predict children's social behavior more accurately, researchers should investigate children's dual perceptions of themselves and of their peers--that is, their peer-relational schemas--instead of assessing self-perception and peer perception in isolation from each other.

An Interpersonal Circumplex Model of Children's Social Goals: Links With Peer-Reported Behavior and Sociometric Status

The objective of the present research was to develop an assessment model for children's social goals. The aims were (a) to fit children's social goals to a circumplex model and to examine links between goals and peer-reported social behaviors (aggression, withdrawal, and prosocial behavior) in a sample of 276 participants (134 girls, 11- to 12-year-olds) and (b) to replicate these findings and examine whether social behavior mediates the relationship between goals and sociometric status in an independent cross-validation sample of 310 participants (143 girls, 11- to 13-year-olds). Results showed a satisfactory fit to the circumplex model and adequate psychometric properties of the goal scales of the new measure, the Interpersonal Goals Inventory for Children. Other findings included significant and meaningful relations between goals and peer-reported behavior. Social behavior mediated the relations between goals and sociometric status.

The effect of structures on indoor humidity--possibility to improve comfort and perceived air quality

The research presented in this paper shows that moisture transfer between indoor air and hygroscopic building structures can generally improve indoor humidity conditions. This is important because the literature shows that indoor humidity has a significant effect on occupant comfort, perceived air quality (PAQ), occupant health, building durability, material emissions, and energy consumption. Therefore, it appears possible to improve the quality of life of occupants when appropriately applying hygroscopic wood-based materials. The paper concentrates on the numerical investigation of a bedroom in a wooden building located in four European countries (Finland, Belgium, Germany, and Italy). The results show that moisture transfer between indoor air and the hygroscopic structure significantly reduces the peak indoor humidity. Based on correlations from the literature, which quantify the effect of temperature and humidity on comfort and PAQ for sedentary adults, hygroscopic structures can improve indoor comfort and air quality. In all the investigated climates, it is possible to improve the indoor conditions such that, as many as 10 more people of 100 are satisfied with the thermal comfort conditions (warm respiratory comfort) at the end of occupation. Similarly, the percent dissatisfied with PAQ can be 25% lower in the morning when permeable and hygroscopic structures are applied.

Recurrent Sphingomonas paucimobilis -bacteraemia associated with a multi-bacterial water-borne epidemic among neutropenic patients

A cluster of septicaemias due to several water-related species occurred in a haematological unit of a university hospital. In recurrent septicaemias of a leukaemic patient caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis, genotyping of the blood isolates by use of random amplified polymorphic DNA-analysis verified the presence of two distinct S. paucimobilis strains during two of the separate episodes. A strain of S. paucimobilis identical to one of the patient's was isolated from tap water collected in the haematological unit. Thus S. paucimobilis present in blood cultures was directly linked to bacterial colonization of the hospital water system. Heterogeneous finger-printing patterns among the clinical and environmental isolates indicated the distribution of a variety of S. paucimobilis clones in the hospital environment. This link also explained the multi-microbial nature of the outbreak.

Enteral suspension of nifedipine for neonates. Part 2. Stability of an extemporaneously compounded nifedipine suspension

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical, microbiological and physical stability of an extemporaneously prepared nifedipine oral suspension, packaged in disposable syringes and prepared in a hospital pharmacy for paediatric use.

METHODS

Two different suspensions were prepared, from nifedipine tablets and drug powder, by using an autoclaved 1.0% solution of hypromellose as the vehicle. The final theoretical drug concentration was 1 mg/mL. Doses of 1.0 ml were packaged into a 2 ml syringe with a cap. Nifedipine suspensions were stored under three conditions: at room temperature (22 degrees C), in a refrigerator (6 degrees C) protected from light, and at room temperature (22 degrees C) exposed to artificial daylight (400 lux) under controlled circumstances. The nifedipine concentration was measured in suspensions protected from light on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28, and in suspensions exposed to light at 0, 3, 6, 18 and 24 h, and on days 2, 3, 5 and 7 after preparation. Nifedipine was analysed by a reproducible and validated stability-indicating HPLC-method. Microbiological and physical stability of the nifedipine suspension samples protected from light were examined for 28 days.

RESULTS

Mean nifedipine concentration remained over 90% of the initial concentration throughout the 4-week study period in light-protected unit-dose suspensions, prepared from either crushed tablets or drug powder with hypromellose 1.0%. When exposed to light, however, nifedipine decomposed rapidly. Photodegradation of nifedipine exceeded 25% within 3 h and was essentially complete within 7 days.

CONCLUSION

In the University Hospital of Kuopio, newborns have been treated with nifedipine suspension prepared from tablets, and preliminary experiences with administration of suspension have been encouraging. It may also be possible to apply this methodology to other medicines used in paediatrics.

Antifungal activity of some mono, bis and quaternary Mannich bases derived from acetophenone

The development of resistance to current antifungal therapeutics drives search for new effective agents. Some Mannich bases have antifungal activity, but no information is available regarding the antifungal activity of acetophenone derived Mannich bases. Mono Mannich bases of acetophenone 1-3 were synthesized and converted into their corresponding bis derivatives, 5-7. Representative quaternary derivatives 4 and 8 were also synthesized. Antifungal activities of the compounds were evaluated using some yeasts and dermatophytes in vitro. Mono Mannich base 3 and quaternary compounds 4 and 8 were found to be 2-16 times more potent than the reference compound amphotericin B against dermatophytes: Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum canis. Compounds 4 and 8 were also found to be 2 times more effective compared with amphotericin B against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Quaternization procedure improved the biological activity dramatically, whereas conversion of mono Mannich bases to corresponding bis derivatives generally did not affect antifungal activity. Our results suggest that acetophenone derived mono Mannich base 3 and quaternary derivatives 4 and 8 may serve as leading compounds for further studies to develop new antifungal agents with their highly potent antifungal activity.

Microbiological stability of a fentanyl, bupivacaine and clonidine mixture in a 0.9% sodium chloride infusion stored in syringes and reservoirs

Combinations of extradural opioids and local anesthetic solutions are used in clinical practice, although little information exists on their microbiological or chemical stability. Currently there are no commercially available, prepacked, ready-to-use epidural mixtures of these medications and all mixtures must be prepared by the pharmacist. Epidural analgesic mixtures have been prepared on an as-needed basis. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiological stability of a fentanyl, bupivacaine and clonidine mixture in a 0.9% sodium chloride infusion (without preservatives), prepared by the pharmacist in order to provide a basis for recommendations on the exchange of containgers (polypropylene syringes and polyvinylchloride [PVC] reservoirs). This mixture maintained microbiological stability for at least 28 days when prepared under aseptic conditions using a laminar air flow station, with a grade A environment and a B background, and using sterile clothes and equipment. During aseptic preparation in a grade A environment, less than 1 colony forming unit (CFU)/m3 and less than 3500 particles greater than 0.5 micrometers with no particle being greater than 5 micrometers, and in a grade B environment less than 10 CFU/m3 and less than 350,000 particles greater than 0.5 micrometers and less than 2,000 particles greater than 5 micrometers are allowed. Putatuive in situ antimicrobial activity of the drug mixture did not interfere with sterility testing. A pH difference was observed over time between the polypropylene syringes and the PVC reservoirs.

Prospective evaluation of Candida antigen and antibody assays for detection of Candida infections in children with malignant disease

The clinical efficacy of assays for Candida albicans antigens by latex agglutination and for antibodies by indirect haemagglutination were prospectively evaluated in the diagnosis of invasive Candida infections in 38 children suffering from acute leukaemia or other malignant disease. The controls were 74 other patients without any malignancy; 72 of these had no signs or symptoms of fungal infections, but 2 had an invasive C. albicans infection. During a period of 21 months, 302 serum samples were tested by both assays, and the results were compared with clinical and other microbiological data. Invasive fungal infection was diagnosed on clinical grounds in 2 of the immunocompromised children, and periodic gut colonization was demonstrated in 11 of 36 (31%) children in this group. Positive Candida antigen was detected in 14 patients (37%) and a positive antibody titre in 7 patients (18%). Colonization was not correlated with antigen or antibody titre. Compared with the presence of invasive fungal infection, the antibody assay detected all four infections, whereas the antigen assay detected one of the two C. albicans septicaemias. Although the Candida antibody assay performed well, a detectable change in antibody titres appeared only slowly. Thus it was of no clinical help when antifungal treatment was to be considered. Follow-up of antibody titres, however, gave confirmation of the presence of fungal infection as well as the response to antifungal treatment.

Outer Membrane Proteins and Lipopolysaccharides in Pathovars of Xanthomonas campestris

Variations in the outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of 54 isolates belonging to 16 different pathovars of Xanthomonas campestris were characterized. OMP samples prepared by sarcosyl extraction of cell walls and LPS samples prepared by proteinase K treatment of sonicated cells were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of 4 M urea. In general, the OMP and LPS profiles within each pathovar were very similar but different from the profiles of other pathovars. Heterogeneity in OMP and LPS profiles was observed within X. campestris pv. campestris, X. campestris pv. translucens, and X. campestris pv. vesicatoria. LPSs were isolated from six X. campestris pathovars, which fell into two major groups on the basis of O antigenicity. The O antigens of X. campestris pv. begoniae, X. campestris pv. graminis, and X. campestris pv. translucens cross-reacted with each other; the other group consisted of X. campestris pv. campestris, X. campestris pv. pelargonii, and X. campestris pv. vesicatoria. A chemical analysis revealed a significant difference between the compositions of the neutral sugars of the LPSs of those two groups; the LPSs of the first group contained xylose and a 6-deoxy-3- O -methyl hexose, whereas the LPSs of the other group lacked both sugars.

Fungal gut colonization with Candida or Pityrosporum sp. and serum Candida antigen in preterm neonates with very low birth weights

To evaluate the diagnostic value of gut colonization by yeasts and of candida antigen in serum for predicting fungal infection in very premature neonates, faecal and serum samples were obtained biweekly from 27 newborn babies treated at our neonatal intensive care unit. Altogether 82 sets of serum and faecal samples were obtained. 17 babies were followed for > or = 4 weeks. Blood cultures, both by routine and lysis centrifugation techniques, were performed for bacteria and fungi if infection was suspected. All children were given systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. Five of the children died, all without evidence of fungal infection. No systemic antifungal treatments were given. Quantitative faecal cultures demonstrated Candida albicans in 3 (11%) (10(3)-10(5) colony forming units/g) and Pityrosporum sp. in 8 (30%) of the preterm neonates. Candida antigen in titre 4 was detected in 1/82 serum samples. The child subsequently died with no other evidence of candida infection. In 56 full term neonates treated at the intensive care unit during the same period and tested by 1 set of samples, faecal colonization with Candida sp. was detected in 2 (4%) and with Pityrosporum sp. in 4 (15%). None were positive for candida antigen. Fungal gut colonization did not lead to clinical infection in the preterm neonates studied. The false positivity rate of the candida antigen test was low (0.7%). The predictive value of the test could not be determined in this study group with no systemic fungal infections. The role of pityrosporum as an inducer of neonatal infections remains to be evaluated.

Changes in the titers of IgG antibodies against farmer's lung antigens in the sera of healthy dairy farmers

We investigated the effects of exposure to biologic dust on IgG antibody levels of farmers during the indoor feeding season for cattle. The reference group consisted of 90 healthy, nonsmoking teachers. At the beginning of the indoor feeding season, the mean titer of IgG antibodies to A. umbrosus for the farmers was significantly higher than that for the teachers (P less than .001). During the indoor feeding season, the IgG antibody titer of A. umbrosus but not the titers of the other three studied microbes decreased for the farmers. For the teachers, titers of all four microbes decreased. The study confirmed earlier findings that, in Finland, exposure to A. umbrosus is related to cattle raising. The study also shows that during the indoor feeding season for cattle, the quality of hay and bedding materials is reflected in the serum antibody profile of even healthy dairy farmers.

Class-specific antibodies during follow up of patients with farmer's lung

Sequential serum samples of 13 patients with acute farmer's lung (FL) taken during a follow-up of 18-36 months, were tested for antibodies of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM and IgE classes against Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Micropolyspora faeni, and compared with contemporary lung function parameters. In the acute phase, antibodies of several Ig classes were present, those of IgG and IgA being most common. At the end of the follow-up, the mean values of all antibody titres were lower than in the acute phase, and antibodies were now mostly of one or two Ig classes only. The reduction in antibody levels was most often detectable in IgG and IgA antibodies against T. vulgaris. Antibody titres correlated inversely with tested lung function parameters, especially IgA antibodies with pulmonary diffusing capacity. Our results show that a follow-up of levels of class-specific antibodies, especially of IgG and IgA gives valuable information on causative microbes and on temporal changes of the exposure.

Class-specific antibodies during follow up of patients with farmer's lung

Sequential serum samples of 13 patients with acute farmer's lung (FL) taken during a follow-up of 18-36 months, were tested for antibodies of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM and IgE classes against Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Micropolyspora faeni, and compared with contemporary lung function parameters. In the acute phase, antibodies of several Ig classes were present, those of IgG and IgA being most common. At the end of the follow-up, the mean values of all antibody titres were lower than in the acute phase, and antibodies were now mostly of one or two Ig classes only. The reduction in antibody levels was most often detectable in IgG and IgA antibodies against T. vulgaris. Antibody titres correlated inversely with tested lung function parameters, especially IgA antibodies with pulmonary diffusing capacity. Our results show that a follow-up of levels of class-specific antibodies, especially of IgG and IgA gives valuable information on causative microbes and on temporal changes of the exposure.

Parabens as antimicrobial preservatives in creams

Antimicrobial effectiveness of methylparaben and a mixture of methyl- and propylparabens in an oil-in-water cream was studied. How the number of microbes and inclusion of nutrients into the cream affect the effectiveness of these compounds were also investigated, as well as the survival of test microbes in the cream without preservatives. Survival of microbes and antimicrobial effectiveness of parabens against the microbes in the cream were dependent on the species and number of microbes present and also on the amount of nutrients available for the microbes. In spite of the large amount of water, the cream studied did not readily support microbial growth unless the number of microbes was large or nutrients were added. Parabens were not effective antimicrobial agents against the yeast studied. The bacterial species showed different sensitivities to parabens. A mixture of methyl- and propylparabens was more effective than the methylester alone.

Microbiological purity testing of semisolid topical preparations

The reliability of the poured plate method for purity testing of three different creams and an anhydrous ointment was studied. The ability of some nonionic surfactants to elute the microbes from the semisolid preparations to water phase and possible detrimental effects of these surfactants on the microbes was especially investigated. The method was used to test the effect of preparation temperature and of storage on the number of microbes in creams. Nonionic surfactants studied did not generally harm the bacteria. Variation was, however, found between different bacterial species and even bacterial strains. The surfactants studied eluted bacteria quantitatively from the water-containing creams but not from the water-free ointment. The concentration needed for quantitative elution of microbes was dependent on the surfactant used, being lower for Brij 58 than for Tween 80. Heating of the phases up to 60 or 70 degrees C for a short time during the preparation of the creams does not ensure the microbial purity of the preparation. In creams made at 80 degrees C, however, all the bacteria had died, only the spores of B. subtilis survived this temperature. After two months storage at 5 degrees C, all microbes tested were still detected in creams. There were, however, differences in survival of different microbes. None of the bacteria multiplied during the storage, but decreased slightly in number.