In this chapter, Gijsbert Rutten, Iris Van de Voorde and Rik Vosters, refine the Labovian distinction based primarily on the type of language learning involved by bringing in the contact-based... Show moreIn this chapter, Gijsbert Rutten, Iris Van de Voorde and Rik Vosters, refine the Labovian distinction based primarily on the type of language learning involved by bringing in the contact-based insights of Milroy (2007) on this issue. Exploring the extent to which the transmission-diffusion distinction can also apply to orthographic, rather than phonological or morphosyntactic, changes, the authors discuss a range of different examples of both transmission and – various subtypes of – diffusion, mostly from Dutch, German and English. Their central argument is that diffusion must be seen as the dominant driver of orthographic change, but transmission-type changes are also possible in specific historical contexts, for instance in relation to explicit instruction in schools or in closely-knit social networks. Building on different examples and cases, the chapter also explains the link between diffusion and supralocalization, as local and regional spelling practices in medieval times give way to more supraregional writing traditions in postmedieval times. As such, these processes of geographical diffusion of innovations across communities often lay the ground work for later standardization efforts. However, by discussing a slightly more elaborate case study on spelling change and pluricentricity in Dutch language history, the authors show how the development of such supraregional writing traditions often leads not only to linguistic standardization, but also results in a linguistic landscape which can best be described as pluricentric, consisting of different national and regional normative centers from which innovations spread Show less
Leprosy is a multifactorial chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis that affects the skin and nerves. More than 200.000 new cases are diagnosed per year; thus,... Show moreLeprosy is a multifactorial chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis that affects the skin and nerves. More than 200.000 new cases are diagnosed per year; thus, transmission is still ongoing. The most likely way of transmission is the respiratory route form human-to-human; however, transmission is still not clearly understood. Early diagnosis of leprosy is crucial to reduce and avoid transmission as well as leprosy-associated disabilities, which are also a cause of stigma. Currently, diagnosis is performed based on clinical signs and symptoms and late- or mis-diagnosis are not uncommon.In this thesis, we combined the study of pathogen transmission with host transcriptomic and genomic biomarkers. To explore M. leprae transmission a One Health approach was followed, where human, animal and environmental samples were studied.The combination of demographic characteristics, pathogen detection, genetic and/or transcriptomic biomarkers can be applied in a multifactorial leprosy signature applicable for early diagnosis of leprosy and/or to guide intervention strategies. Identification of predictive biomarkers will in due course lead to prompt treatment, preventing leprosy-associated irreversible disabilities as well as reducing M. leprae transmission. Show less
This ecological community has long been known to affect host biology, and their diverse roles have been further clarified in recent years following numerous studies of animal:microbiota... Show moreThis ecological community has long been known to affect host biology, and their diverse roles have been further clarified in recent years following numerous studies of animal:microbiota interactions in diverse systems.In this thesis, I will shed light on the ecological interactions between the burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides, and its gut microbiota. I will investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the transmission and colonization of gut microbiota of this species. In addition, I will examine some 9 of the effects conferred by the beetle’s microbiota on its ecology. My research highlights the association between host behaviour and gut microbiota ecology.My data contributes to an increased understand of the relationships between insect parental care and the social transmission of beneficial gut bacteria. My study will help us to better understand the complex interactions between insects and their microbiota. Show less
Hoek, A.H.A.M. van; Stalenhoef, J.E.; Duijkeren, E. van; Franz, E. 2016
The work presented in this thesis aimed at increasing our understanding of the effect of helminths on Plasmodium spp. immune response in co-infected individuals living in endemic countries. It... Show moreThe work presented in this thesis aimed at increasing our understanding of the effect of helminths on Plasmodium spp. immune response in co-infected individuals living in endemic countries. It presents data from studies conducted in rural and semi urban areas of Lambaréné (Gabon) where the burden of malaria and helminths is particularly important. Although scarce previous studies have indicated an effect of helminths on malaria outcomes and immune response to Plasmodium spp. parasite in co-infected subjects. However it is still debated how consistent is this effect across study sites and teams and what its immunological basis is. Show less
Outline of the Thesis Part I Pneumocystis in kidney transplant recipients: transmission, risk factors , new diagnostic and chemo-prophylactic strategies. Chapter 2 describes the characteristics of... Show moreOutline of the Thesis Part I Pneumocystis in kidney transplant recipients: transmission, risk factors , new diagnostic and chemo-prophylactic strategies. Chapter 2 describes the characteristics of a large outbreak of Pneumocystis pneumonia among kidney transplant recipients. By performing a classical outbreak investigation and by application of new molecular genotyping techniques, the potential of the __interhuman transmission hypothesis__ is addressed and discussed. In Chapter 3 all currently available data on reported outbreaks of Pneumocystis pneumonia is systematically reviewed with the emphasis on mortality data, clinical risk factors and transmission analyses. In the case-control study described in Chapter 4, we performed a detailed risk factor analysis for development of PCP in kidney transplant recipients and used the multivariate output data to estimate the effects of several chemoprophylactic strategies by modeling the expected incidence and number-needed-to-treat to provide efficient PCP chemoprophylaxis over a 2-year period post transplantation. Chapter 5 reports the data of a prospective study on the serum markers S-adenosylmethionine and (1-->3)-_-D-glucan serum levels and correlation with clinical parameters in HIVnegative immunocompromised patients __ the majority kidney transplant recipients - with Pneumocystis pneumonia. Potential applicability for treatment monitoring and assessment of P. jirovecii pulmonary load is also discussed. Part II Genetic predisposition for development of invasive aspergillosis in stem cell transplant recipients Chapter 6 describes a multicenter study on the impact of the Y238X stop mutation in the human Dectin-1 receptor (which senses and attaches to glucan moieties of the fungal cell wall) on the risk of development of invasive aspergillosis in stem cell transplant recipients. In Chapter 7 a retrospective study of the influence of genetic variation in the macrophage activation route with respect to the relative additional risk for development of invasive aspergillosis is presented. Part III Experimental markers for detection of fungal infection: scintigraphic imaging. In Chapter 8 the clinical applicability of radiolabeled antimicrobial peptides and antifungal drugs for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections is reviewed, together with a concise discussion about how promising agents should be further developed. The results of the thesis are summarized and discussed in Chapter 9. Show less
Intestinal schistosomiasis is a disease caused by the tre-Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907). Man is the principal final host of this parasitic worm and the intermediate host is a fresh water snail... Show moreIntestinal schistosomiasis is a disease caused by the tre-Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907). Man is the principal final host of this parasitic worm and the intermediate host is a fresh water snail. The adult worms, which are some 8-15 mm long, inhabit the portal venous system. There, the females produce large amounts of eggs, many of which are excreted with the faeces. The remaining eggs get stuck in the tissues where they die. As a result of the dead eggs bilharzial granulomas are formed which are the main cause of pathologie changes in the host. The excreted eggs hatch on immersion in water and the escaping miracidia can freely live in the water for several hours. If they succeed in penetrating an intermediate host snail (in Ethiopia; Biomphalaria pfeifferi) a mother sporocyst, several daughter sporocysts, and eventually, after some 4-5 weeks, many cercariae are produced, The phase of asexual multiplication in the snail host results in the production of large numbers of exclusively either male or female cercariae. Only snails that have been penetrated successfully by several miracidia may shed cercariae of both sexes. The free living cercariae have a short life span: most of them die within 24 hours. Man may become infected when his skin is exposed to water containing cercariae. When the cercariae penetrate man's skin they are transformed into schistosomules and in some 40-60 days these schistosomules develop into adult worms that migrate to the portal and mesenteric veins. Then eggs are produced again. Show less
