Genetic characterization of the zoonotic parasite Ancylostoma caninum in the central and eastern United States.

Ancylostoma caninum is the most common nematode parasite of dogs in the United States. The present study aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology of A. caninum isolates from the central and eastern states of the United States using the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (cox1) gene and to compare them with those reported globally. We isolated eggs from faecal samples of dogs and characterized each isolate based on cox1 sequences. A total of 60 samples originating from Kansas, Iowa, New York, Florida and Massachusetts were included. 25 haplotypes were identified in the United States dataset with high haplotype diversity (0.904). Sequence data were compared to sequences from other world regions available in GenBank. Global haplotype analysis demonstrated 35 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.931. Phylogenetic and network analysis provide evidence for the existence of moderate geographical structuring of A. caninum haplotypes. Our results provide an updated summary of A. caninum haplotypes and data for neutral genetic markers with utility for tracking hookworm populations. Sequences have been deposited in GenBank (ON980650-ON980674). Further studies of isolates from other regions are essential to understand the genetic diversity of this parasite.

Characterizing the knowledge of educators receiving training in systematic literacy instruction.

Addressing the needs of students with dyslexia requires an in-depth knowledge of various components of a multi-dimensional approach to reading intervention, which is supported by an understanding of the structure of the language being taught. The current study explored the association between teacher knowledge of the English language and different stages of training provided through 2-year courses that meet the objectives of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) standards of teacher knowledge and practice. It included 347 K-12 licensed teachers who were at various stages of training when they completed a test of knowledge in the areas of Phonological Sensitivity, Phonemic Awareness, Decoding, Spelling, and Morphology. The level of terminal degree (i.e., BA or MA) held by participating teachers and their amount of teaching experience did not predict performance on the test. In contrast, participating teachers differed in their level of knowledge as a function of how much training they had received as part of a 2-year course. Increased training was associated with elevated levels of knowledge. Moreover, teachers who completed the 2-year training program and went on to obtain certification through a national certifying organization had reliably greater knowledge than those who had not. Additionally, the weakest domains of knowledge across all teachers were in spelling and morphology, suggesting a need for improved training in these domains, given that they are identified deficiencies for persistently poor responders to reading intervention and in children presenting with late emerging forms of reading disability.

Sensitivity of a mixed field dosimetry algorithm to uncertainties in thermoluminescent element readings.

An error analysis of the effects of the algorithms used to resolve the deep and shallow dose components for mixed fields from multi-element thermoluminescent (TLD) badge systems was undertaken for a commonly used system. Errors were introduced independently into each of the four element readings for a badge, and the effects on the calculated dose equivalents were observed. A normal random number generator was then utilized to introduce simultaneous variations in the element readings for different uncertainties. The Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program radiation fields were investigated. Problems arising from the discontinuous nature of the algorithm were encountered for a number of radiation sources for which the algorithm misidentified the radiation field. Mixed fields of low energy photons and betas were found to present particular difficulties for the algorithm. The study demonstrates the importance of small fluctuations in the TLD element's response in a multi-element approach.