Iowa Crime Rate Comparisons Report, Iowa Department of Public Safety,1999

This report describes how Iowa compares to other states in the nation. To promote consistency, the Iowa totals and the other states’ information have been taken entirely from the FBI’s national publication called Crime in the United States; 1999. The Iowa information in Crime in the United States; 1999 is based upon actual summary totals for selected reporting jurisdictions and produced by the U.S. Department of Justice, F.B.I. These Iowa totals cannot be compared to the 1999 Incident-Based Iowa Uniform Crime Reports, which are based on actual totals for all reporting Iowa law enforcement jurisdictions.

Iowa Crime Rate Comparisons Report, 2000

This report describes how Iowa compares to other states in the nation. To promote consistency, the Iowa totals and the other states’ information have been taken entirely from the FBI’s national publication called Crime in the United States; 2000. The Iowa information in Crime in the United States; 2000 is based upon actual summary totals for selected reporting jurisdictions and produced by the U.S. Department of Justice, F.B.I. These Iowa totals cannot be compared to the 2000 Incident-Based Iowa Uniform Crime reports, which are based on actual totals for all reporting Iowa law enforcement jurisdictions.

One naive T cell, multiple fates in CD8+ T cell differentiation.

The mechanism by which the immune system produces effector and memory T cells is largely unclear. To allow a large-scale assessment of the development of single naive T cells into different subsets, we have developed a technology that introduces unique genetic tags (barcodes) into naive T cells. By comparing the barcodes present in antigen-specific effector and memory T cell populations in systemic and local infection models, at different anatomical sites, and for TCR-pMHC interactions of different avidities, we demonstrate that under all conditions tested, individual naive T cells yield both effector and memory CD8+ T cell progeny. This indicates that effector and memory fate decisions are not determined by the nature of the priming antigen-presenting cell or the time of T cell priming. Instead, for both low and high avidity T cells, individual naive T cells have multiple fates and can differentiate into effector and memory T cell subsets.

Multiple origins of invasive and "native" water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) in Switzerland

The marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) has been introduced in many places of Central and Western Europe due to commercial trades with Eastern Europe, and is rapidly replacing the native pool frog (P. lessonae). A large number of Pelophylax species are distributed in Eastern Europe and the strong phenotypic similarity between these species is rendering their identification hazardous. Consequently, alien populations of Pelophylax might not strictly be composed of P. ridibundus as previously suspected. In the present study, we analyzed the cytochrome b and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 genes of introduced and native Pelophylax from Switzerland (299 individuals), in order to properly identify the source populations of the invaders and the genetic status of the native species. Our study highlighted the occurrence of several genetic lineages of invasive frogs in western Switzerland. Unexpectedly, we also showed that several populations of the native pool frog (P. lessonae) cluster with the Italian pool frog P. bergeri from central Italy (considered by some authors as a subspecies of P. lessonae) Hence, these populations are probably also the result of introductions, meaning that the number of native P. lessonae populations is less important than expected in Switzerland. These findings have important implications concerning the conservation of the endemic pool frog populations, as the presence of multiple alien species could strongly affect their long-term subsistence.

Corticosterone regulates multiple colour traits in Lacerta [Zootoca] vivipara males.

Ornamental colours usually evolve as honest signals of quality, which is supported by the fact that they frequently depend on individual condition. It has generally been suggested that some, but not all types of ornamental colours are condition dependent, indicating that different evolutionary mechanisms underlie the evolution of multiple types of ornamental colours even when these are exhibited by the same species. Stress hormones, which negatively affect condition, have been shown to affect colour traits based on different pigments and structures, suggesting that they mediate condition dependence of multiple ornament types both among and within individuals. However, studies investigating effects of stress hormones on different ornament types within individuals are lacking, and thus, evidence for this hypothesis is scant. Here, we investigated whether corticosterone mediates condition dependence of multiple ornaments by manipulating corticosterone levels and body condition (via food availability) using a two-factorial design and by assessing their effect on multiple colour traits in male common lizards. Corticosterone negatively affected ventral melanin- and carotenoid-based coloration, whereas food availability did not affect coloration, despite its significant effect on body condition. The corticosterone effect on melanin- and carotenoid-based coloration demonstrates the condition dependence of both ornaments. Moreover, corticosterone affected ventral coloration and had no effect on the nonsexually selected dorsal coloration, showing specific effects of corticosterone on ornamental ventral colours. This suggests that corticosterone simultaneously mediates condition dependence of multiple colour traits and that it therefore accounts for covariation among them, which may influence their evolution via correlational selection.

Hierarchical analyses of genetic differentiation in a hybrid zone of Sorex araneus (Insectivora : Soricidae)

Microsatellites are used to unravel the fine-scale genetic structure of a hybrid zone between chromosome races Valais and Cordon of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) located in the French Alps. A total of 269 individuals collected between 1992 and 1995 was typed for seven microsatellite loci. A modified version of the classical multiple correspondence analysis is carried out. This analysis clearly shows the dichotomy between the two races. Several approaches are used to study genetic structuring. Gene flow is clearly reduced between these chromosome races and is estimated at one migrant every two generations using X-statistics and one migrant per generation using F-statistics. Hierarchical F- and R-statistics are compared and their efficiency to detect inter- and intraracial patterns of divergence is discussed. Within-race genetic structuring is significant, but remains weak. F-ST displays similar values on both sides of the hybrid zone, although no environmental barriers are found on the Cordon side, whereas the Valais side is divided by several mountain rivers. We introduce the exact G-test to microsatellite data which proved to be a powerful test to detect genetic differentiation within as well as among races. The genetic background of karyotypic hybrids was compared with the genetic background of pure parental forms using a CRT-MCA. Our results indicate that, without knowledge of the karyotypes, we would not have been able to distinguish these hybrids from karyotypically pure samples.

Genetic and phenotypic population divergence on a microgeographic scale in brown trout.

Salmonid populations of many rivers are rapidly declining. One possible explanation is that habitat fragmentation increases genetic drift and reduces the populations' potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions. We measured the genetic and eco-morphological diversity of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a Swiss stream system, using multivariate statistics and Bayesian clustering. We found large genetic and phenotypic variation within only 40 km of stream length. Eighty-eight percent of all pairwise F(ST) comparisons and 50% of the population comparisons in body shape were significant. High success rates of population assignment tests confirmed the distinctiveness of populations in both genotype and phenotype. Spatial analysis revealed that divergence increased with waterway distance, the number of weirs, and stretches of poor habitat between sampling locations, but effects of isolation-by-distance and habitat fragmentation could not be fully disentangled. Stocking intensity varied between streams but did not appear to erode genetic diversity within populations. A lack of association between phenotypic and genetic divergence points to a role of local adaptation or phenotypically plastic responses to habitat heterogeneity. Indeed, body shape could be largely explained by topographic stream slope, and variation in overall phenotype matched the flow regimes of the respective habitats.

Multifocalité du carcinome épidermoïde sur les voies digestive supérieure et respiratoire distale : technicité du diagnostic endoscopique [Multiple squamous cell carcinoma of the upper digestive and lower respiratory tracts : methodology of endoscopic screening]

L'étude porte sur 951 porteurs d'un cancer primaire bucco-pharyngo-laryngé, et révèle un taux de multifocalité du carcinome épidermoïde sur les voies digestive supérieure (bouche-pharynx-oesophage) et aérienne distale (larynx-trachée-bronches) s'élevant à 14,5 %. Les secondes localisations peuvent être simultanées (6,4 %) ou successives (8,1 %) à la découverte du premier cancer: dès la deuxième année du follow-up leur incidence dépasse celle des récidives. Elles se localisent tant au niveau ORL (8,5 %) qu'oesophagien (3 %) ou bronchique (3 %). Le cancer du voile présente un taux de multifocalité particulièrement élevé (51 %). Les auteurs décrivent un type d'endoscopie de dépistage (bucco-pharyngo-oesophago-laryngo-trachéobronchoscopie) dont la fiabilité repose sur une technicité spécifique d'une part, et sur la connaissance des caractéristiques propres aux secondes localisations d'autre part. Ce dépistage systématique permet de détecter les tumeurs secondaires à un stade le plus souvent précoce et encore asymptomatique.

African tick-bite fever: a new entity in the differential diagnosis of multiple eschars in travelers. Description of five cases imported from South Africa to Switzerland.

African tick-bite fever (ATBF) is a newly described spotted fever rickettsiosis that frequently presents with multiple eschars in travelers returning from sub-Saharan Africa and, to a lesser extent, from the West Indies. It is caused by the bite of an infected Amblyomma tick, whose hunting habits explain the typical presence of multiple inoculation skin lesions and the occurrence of clustered cases. The etiological agent of ATBF is Rickettsia africae, an emerging tick-borne pathogenic bacterium. We describe herein a cluster of five cases of ATBF occurring in Swiss travelers returning from South Africa. The co-incidental infections in these five patients and the presence of multiple inoculation eschars, two features pathognomonic of this rickettsial disease, suggested the diagnosis of ATBF. Indeed, the presence of at least one inoculation eschar is observed in 53-100% of cases and multiple eschars in 21-54%. Two patients presented regional lymphadenitis and one a mild local lymphangitis. Though a cutaneous rash is described in 15-46% of cases, no rash was observed in our series. ATBF was confirmed by serology. Thus, ATBF has recently emerged as one of the most important causes of flu-like illness in travelers returning from Southern Africa. The presence of one or multiple eschars of inoculation is an important clinical clue to the diagnosis. It can be confirmed by serology or by PCR of a biopsy of the eschar. Culture can also be done in reference laboratories. Dermatologists and primary care physicians should know this clinical entity, since an inexpensive and efficient treatment is available.

Increased EBV Reactivation in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Early Multiple Sclerosis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been consistently associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), but whether this virus is a trigger of MS remains undetermined. Recently, EBV-infected B cells recognized by activated CD8_ T cells have been detected in the meninges of autopsied MS patients. In addition, a strong EBV-specific CD8_ T cell response in the blood of patients with MS of recent onset was reported. Here, to further explore the putative relationship between MS and EBV, we assessed the EBV-specific cellular and humoral immune responses in the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with early MS or other neurological diseases, separated into inflammatory (IOND) and non-inflammatory (NIOND) groups. The MS non-associated neurotropic herpesvirus cytomegalovirus (CMV) served as a control. Fifty-eight study subjects were enrolled, including 44 patients (13 with early MS (onset of MS less than one year prior to the assay), 15 with IOND and 16 with NIOND) in the immunological arm of the study. The cellular immune response was investigated using a functional CFSE cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) assay performed with short-term cultured EBV- or CMVspecific effector T cells from the CSF and the blood. The humoral immune response specific for these two viruses was also examined in both the blood and the CSF. The recruitment of a given virusspecific antibody in the CSF as compared to the blood was expressed as antibody indexes (AI). We found that, in the CSF of early MS patients, there was an enrichment in EBV-, but not CMV-specific, CD8_ CTL as compared to the CSF of IOND (P_ 0.003) and NIOND patients (P_0.0009), as well as compared to paired blood samples (P_0.005). Additionally, relative viral capsid antigen (VCA)-, but not EBV encoded nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1)- or CMV-specific, AI were increased in the CSF of early MS as compared to IOND (P_0.002) or NIOND patients (P_0.008) and correlated with the EBVspecific CD8_ CTL responses in the CSF (rs_0.54, P_0.001). Fourteen additional patients were enrolled in the virological arm of the study: using semi-nested PCR, EBV-encoded nuclear RNA1 (EBER1)-a transcript expressed during all stages of EBV infection-was detected in the CSF of 2/4 early MS, but only 1/6 IOND and 0/4 NIOND patients. Altogether, our data suggest that a reactivation of EBV, but not CMV, is taking place in the central nervous system of patients with MS of recent onset. These data significantly strengthen the link between EBV and MS and may indicate a triggering role of EBV in this disease. This work was supported by grants from the Swiss National Foundation and from the Swiss Society for Multiple Sclerosis.

Testing for potential contextual bias effects during the verification stage of the ACE-V methodology when conducting fingerprint comparisons

This study was conducted to assess if fingerprint specialists could be influenced by extraneous contextual information during a verification process. Participants were separated into three groups: a control group (no contextual information was given), a low bias group (minimal contextual information was given in the form of a report prompting conclusions), and a high bias group (an internationally recognized fingerprint expert provided conclusions and case information to deceive this group into believing that it was his case and conclusions). A similar experiment was later conducted with laypersons. The results showed that fingerprint experts were influenced by contextual information during fingerprint comparisons, but not towards making errors. Instead, fingerprint experts under the biasing conditions provided significantly fewer definitive and erroneous conclusions than the control group. In contrast, the novice participants were more influenced by the bias conditions and did tend to make incorrect judgments, especially when prompted towards an incorrect response by the bias prompt.

Modifications neurocomportementales secondaires à la sclérose en plaques [Neurobehavioral changes occurring during multiple sclerosis]

Behavioral changes occurring in patients affected by multiple sclerosis (MSI are often neglected by physicians but are actually part of the clinical spectrum of the disease. In addition, they are known to be responsible for a decline in the quality of life of MS patients. Recently, there has been a growing interest to investigate changes in the emotional experience of MS patients and their decision making, showing that the ability to take advantageous decisions was altered in MS. This paper reviews existing data on this topic.

The Lausanne cohort Lc65+: a population-based prospective study of the manifestations, determinants and outcomes of frailty

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a relatively new geriatric concept referring to an increased vulnerability to stressors. Various definitions have been proposed, as well as a range of multidimensional instruments for its measurement. More recently, a frailty phenotype that predicts a range of adverse outcomes has been described. Understanding frailty is a particular challenge both from a clinical and a public health perspective because it may be a reversible precursor of functional dependence. The Lausanne cohort Lc65+ is a longitudinal study specifically designed to investigate the manifestations of frailty from its first signs in the youngest old, identify medical and psychosocial determinants, and describe its evolution and related outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN: The Lc65+ cohort was launched in 2004 with the random selection of 3054 eligible individuals aged 65 to 70 (birth year 1934-1938) in the non-institutionalized population of Lausanne (Switzerland). The baseline data collection was completed among 1422 participants in 2004-2005 through questionnaires, examination and performance tests. It comprised a wide range of medical and psychosocial dimensions, including a life course history of adverse events. Outcomes measures comprise subjective health, limitations in activities of daily living, mobility impairments, development of medical conditions or chronic health problems, falls, institutionalization, health services utilization, and death. Two additional random samples of 65-70 years old subjects will be surveyed in 2009 (birth year 1939-1943) and in 2014 (birth year 1944-1948). DISCUSSION: The Lc65+ study focuses on the sequence "Determinants --> Components --> Consequences" of frailty. It currently provides information on health in the youngest old and will allow comparisons to be made between the profiles of aging individuals born before, during and at the end of the Second World War.