The neural correlates of infant and adult goal prediction: evidence for semantic processing systems

The adult N400 has been related to the semantic processing of language and action. Little is known on the development of this system. The sequential nature of action ensures that an individual can anticipate the conclusion of an observed action via the use of semantic rules. We developed an Event-related potential paradigm where infants and adults observed simple sequences of actions. In one condition the conclusion of the sequence was anticipated whereas in the other condition the conclusion was not anticipated. Adults and infants at 9 and 7 months were assessed via the same neural mechanisms – the N400 component of the event-related potential and analysis of the theta frequency. Results indicated that adults and infants at 9 months produced N400-like responses when anticipating the conclusion of actions. The infants at 7 months displayed no N400 component. Analysis of the theta frequency provided support for the relation between the N400 and semantic processing. This study suggests that infants at 9 months anticipate goals and use similar cognitive mechanisms to adults in this task. In addition, this result suggests that components of language processing may derive from action understanding in early development

Validation of a multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR ELISA for the detection of 19 respiratory tract pathogens

<p>Introduction Since acute respiratory tract infections inflict a high burden of disease in children worldwide, a multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction combined with a microwell hybridization assay (m-RT-PCR ELISA) to detect 19 different respiratory pathogens was developed and validated.</p><p>Methods A total of 430 respiratory specimens were retrospectively tested in parallel by both the advanced 19-valent m-RT-PCR ELISA as well as by culture or individual RT-PCR assays used in clinical routine.</p><p>Results The mean (median) sensitivity of the m-RT-PCR-ELISA in the retrospective test was 93.3% (95.1%; range 83.3-100 %), and the mean (median) specificity was 99.8 and 100 % (range 98.6-100 %), respectively. The mean positive predictive value was 99.3 % (range 934-100 %) and the mean negative predictive value was 95.3 % (range 98.4-100 %). Feasibility and clinical value of the 19-valent method was prospectively shown on 16,231 incoming clinical specimens from patients between 0 and 16 years of age with acute respiratory tract infections admitted to pediatric hospitals or private practices from October 2003 to June 2010 in three regions in Germany (Kiel, Mainz, Freiburg; Freiburg to June 2007 only). At least one microorganism was detected in 10,765 of 16,231 (66.3 %) clinical specimens: 5,044 RV, 1,999 RSV, 1,286 AV, 944 EV, 737 seasonal IVA, 173 pandemic WA H1N1-2009, 899 MPV, 518 CV, 383 PIV3, 268 PIV1, 259 Mpn, 205 IVB, 164 PIV2, 144 PIV4, 103 Bp, 29 Cpn and 29 Bpp, while reovirus and Lpn were not present in these specimens from a pediatric population. More than one organism could be detected in 13.4 % of the specimens.</p><p>Conclusions The m-RT-PCR ELISA evaluated here improves the spectrum for diagnosing respiratory infections and is a feasible instrument for individual diagnostic and epidemiological studies.</p>