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Aim: The purpose of this paper is to report on the evaluation of the online Global Leadership Mentoring Community, a programme designed to build relationships across seven global regions and promote leadership development for emerging nurse leaders. Background: There is a pressing need and opportunity for sustainable global leadership mentoring programmes. This programme of Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma) brought mentors and mentees together from across the world to build leadership capacity, understand global leadership issues and build networks. Community coordinators purposively selected mentors from each of Sigma's seven Global Regions, and mentees were chosen through a process of snowball sampling. Mentors and mentees met monthly with quarterly group calls. Methods: The study followed a programme evaluation, outcomes‐focused approach. All eleven pairs of mentors‐mentees were invited to complete online surveys at the outset and end of programme capturing both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and for qualitative data, a thematic analysis. Findings: Quantitative data confirmed that all 22 participants gained from the experience. From qualitative analysis, themes emerged illustrating the scope of achievements: 1. facilitation of successful outcomes for both mentors and mentees, 2. challenges of global mentoring and 3. strategies for successful global mentoring. Discussion/Conclusion: Participants reported that creating global leadership is a longitudinal process that needs sustained attention to effect change. This evaluation identified many strengths of the programme and recommended its continuation to help further development of global leaders, particularly through focusing more purposefully on policy issues. Implications for Nursing Policy: Empowerment of nurses globally through a Global Leadership Mentoring Community can improve leadership at all levels, thus emboldening their voices to influence nursing and health policy and ultimately improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference between the pharmacokinetics of prednisone and prednisolone when given orally to cats. Recommendations in current literature are based on clinical opinions, as the bioactivity and bioavailability of prednisone and prednisolone have not yet been determined in cats. Six adult cats were utilized for this study. A three-dose crossover trial was performed with a 14-day wash-out period between each treatment. The three treatment groups consisted of: treatment 1, oral prednisone tablets (a one-time dose of 10 mg); treatment 2, oral prednisolone tablets (a one-time dose of 10 mg); and treatment 3, intravenous prednisolone (a one-time dose of 10 mg). Anaesthesia was performed with isoflurane gas, and a single-lumen jugular intravenous catheter was placed. The animals were allowed to recover for 1 day before starting the treatment protocol. On day 1, all animals received one of the three treatments. Following intravenous treatment, blood samples of 1.5 mL were drawn immediately prior to drug administration and post-treatment at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 30 and 45 min, and 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h. Following oral treatments, blood samples of 1.5 mL were drawn immediately prior to drug administration and post-treatment at 7, 18 and 30 min, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h. The serum samples were collected and frozen at –70oF for shipment to the laboratory for analysis of serum concentrations of prednisone and prednisolone. This procedure was repeated until all cats had gone through the three treatment groups. Determination of glucocorticoid concentrations in feline serum was performed using HPLC mass spectrum analysis. Serum prednisolone levels were measured, as prednisone needs to be converted by the liver to the active form prednisolone. Results revealed that when oral prednisolone was given, serum prednisolone pharmacokinetics were: mean half-life for absorption = 0.47 h, mean half-life for excretion = 0.66 h, mean area under the curve (AUC) = 3230.55 ng/mL/h, mean time to maximum serum concentration (Tmax) = 0.77 h, and mean maximum serum concentration (Cmax) = 1400.81 ng/mL. When oral prednisone was given, serum prednisolone pharmacokinetics were: mean half-life for absorption = 0.90 h, mean half-life for excretion = 2.46 h, mean AUC = 672.63 ng/mL/h, mean Tmax = 1.44 h, and mean Cmax = 122.18 ng/mL. A paired t-test was also performed to compare the Cmax and AUC of serum prednisolone, for prednisone vs. prednisolone given orally. These calculations revealed that the Cmax values of serum prednisolone were significantly greater for oral prednisolone than oral prednisone ( P = 0.001), and that the reported AUC values were significantly different at P = 0.016. These differences may be due to decreased gastrointestinal absorption of prednisone vs. prednisolone, or to decreased hepatic conversion of prednisone to prednisolone in cats. These data indicate that oral prednisolone is the superior choice for cats. Funding: The Companion Animal Fund, Michigan State University. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intradermal testing (IDT) and aeroallergen-specific IgE serum testing (ASIST) are considered important tests for the demonstration of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity in atopic dogs. However, false-positive and negative reactions can occur using either testing method for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the most important criteria used in the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, i.e. the ‘gold standard’, are the patient's history and clinical findings. Subsequently, IDT and ASIST are primarily used to select aeroallergens for allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). The purpose of this study was to compare the results of IDT and ASIST to the histories of dogs with atopic dermatitis in which there was a very distinct history of a specific warm weather, seasonal pruritus component. Twenty-nine atopic dogs with histories of a warm weather, seasonal pruritus or a year-round pruritus with observable exacerbations during warm weather seasons were included in the study. Dogs with concurrent flea allergy were excluded. For each dog, a 45-aeroallergen intradermal test (IDT) and a 48-aeroallergen-specific IgE immunoassay [Allercept™ Northeast Regional Allergy Screen – (ANRAS)] were performed. In our geographical location, the times for tree, grass, and weed pollination are quite distinct. Dates for pollen levels were obtained from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, National Allergy Bureau Counting Stations. Each pollen was reported as follows: tree pollens predominantly in April and May, grass pollens predominantly in June and July, and weed pollens predominantly in August until a killing frost (KF). The histories reported by the 29 dogs’ owners were as follows: seasonal onset or exacerbation of pruritus from April or May until KF in 15 dogs (Group 1), from June or July until KF in nine dogs (Group 2), and from August until KF in five dogs (Group 3). For Group 1, IDT correlated well with positive reactions to tree, grass, and weed pollens in nine of 15 dogs (60%), and ANRAS correlated well in 12 of 15 dogs (80%). When the results of IDT and ANRAS were combined for each dog, the combined results correlated well with the history in 14 of 15 dogs (93%). For Group 2, IDT correlated well with positive reactions to grass and weed pollens in three of nine dogs (33%), and ANRAS correlated well in seven of nine dogs (78%). When the results of IDT and ANRAS were combined for each dog, the combined results correlated well with the history in eight of nine dogs (89%). For Group 3, IDT correlated well with positive reactions to weed pollens in five of five dogs (100%), and ANRAS correlated well in two of five dogs (40%). When the results of IDT and ANRAS were combined for each dog, the combined results correlated well with the history in five of five dogs (100%). In conclusion, IDT correlated well with the history in 17 of 29 dogs (59%) for all groups, ANRAS correlated well in 21 of 29 dogs (72%) for all groups, and combining IDT and ANRAS results correlated well in 27 of 29 dogs (93%) for all groups. The results of this study strongly support the simultaneous use of both IDT and ANRAS for the selection of aeroallergens for ASIT in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Funding: Michigan State University Dermatology Research Account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inexpensive, rapid, in-clinic IgE screening immunoassay [Allercept™ E-Screen™– (E-Screen)] has been developed to detect the presence of aeroallergen-specific IgE in the serum of potentially atopic dogs. The working hypothesis of this study is that a positive E-Screen result is an effective indicator of the likelihood of positive results on a 48-aeroallergen-specific IgE immunoassay [Allercept™ Northeast Regional Allergy Screen – (ANRAS)] and 45-aeroallergen intradermal testing (IDT) in dogs with atopic dermatitis. The objective of this study was to compare the results of the E-Screen to the results of the ANRAS and IDT in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Forty-four dogs with a history suggestive of atopic dermatitis were included in the study. The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was based on history, physical findings, and systematic rule out of other causes of a primary pruritic skin disease. This included the use of home-cooked elimination diets for 8-week trials and empirical treatment for scabies when appropriate. Dogs with a concurrent flea allergy dermatitis or cutaneous adverse reaction to foods were excluded. All clients of the dogs in the study complied with the following drug withdrawals prior to testing: 90 days for all repositol corticosteroids; 30 days for all other injectable, oral and topical corticosteroids; 14 days for all antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungals and essential fatty acid supplements; and 7 days for all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For each dog included in the study, the E-Screen, ANRAS, and IDT were performed. All investigators involved were blinded as to the results of the E-Screen until the end of the study. Only dogs with IDT and ANRAS results compatible with the dog's history of pruritus were considered for further evaluation. These dogs were subsequently treated using allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) utilizing the results of IDT alone for selection of allergens and followed for a minimum of 6 months. The results of IDT and ANRAS were compatible with the history of pruritus in 30 dogs, with the E-Screen test being negative in 17 dogs (57%) and positive in 13 dogs (43%). Follow up on ASIT was obtained on all 30 dogs, with a range of follow up of 6–22 months (mean 13.3 months). Seventeen owners reported a >50% reduction in pruritus with ASIT alone. Four owners reported mild adverse reactions, and the ASIT injection protocols were modified with a >50% reduction in pruritus being reported with ASIT alone. Two owners reported <50% reduction in pruritus with ASIT alone, and seven owners reported severe adverse reactions such that ASIT was discontinued. These observations strongly support the likelihood that the allergens used in ASIT are significant causes of the dogs’ atopic dermatitis. Due to the high numbers of false-negative E-Screen test results (57%), it is not recommended that this test be used to screen for the presence of aeroallergen-specific IgE in the serum of potentially atopic dogs. Funding: Heska Corporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of human-to-pig transmission, pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus was detected in pigs soon after it emerged in humans. In the United States, this transmission was quickly followed by multiple reassortment between the pandemic virus and endemic swine viruses. Nine reassortant viruses representing 7 genotypes were detected in commercial pig farms in the United States. Field observations suggested that the newly described reassortant viruses did not differ substantially from pandemic (H1N1) 2009 or endemic strains in their ability to cause disease. Comparable growth properties of reassortant and endemic viruses in vitro supported these observations; similarly, a representative reassortant virus replicated in ferrets to the same extent as did pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and endemic swine virus. These novel reassortant viruses highlight the increasing complexity of influenza viruses within pig populations and the frequency at which viral diversification occurs in this ecologically important viral reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retinoblastoma is the most common malignant tumour of the eye in childhood, with nearly all bilateral tumours and around 17% to 18% of unilateral tumours due to an oncogenic mutation in the RB1 gene in the germline. Genetic testing enables accurate risk assessment and optimal clinical management for the affected individual, siblings, and future offspring. Material and Methods: We carried out the first UK-wide audit of understanding of genetic testing in individuals with retinoblastoma. A total of 292 individuals aged 16 to 45 years were included. Results: Patients with bilateral disease were significantly more likely to understand the implications of retinoblastoma for siblings and children. There was a significant association between not knowing the results of genetic testing or not understanding the implications and not having children, particularly in women. Surprisingly, this was also true for individuals treated for unilateral disease with a low risk of retinoblastoma for their offspring. Conclusion: We are concerned that individuals may be making life choices based on insufficient information regarding risks of retinoblastoma and reproductive options. We suggest that improvement in transition care is needed to enable individuals to make informed reproductive decisions and to ensure optimal care for children born at risk of retinoblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-M syndrome is a primordial growth disorder caused by mutations in CUL7, OBSL1 or CCDC8. 3-M patients typically have a modest response to GH treatment, but the mechanism is unknown. Our aim was to screen 13 clinically identified 3-M families for mutations, define the status of the GH-IGF axis in 3-M children and using fibroblast cell lines assess signalling responses to GH or IGF1. Eleven CUL7, three OBSL1 and one CCDC8 mutations in nine, three and one families respectively were identified, those with CUL7 mutations being significantly shorter than those with OBSL1 or CCDC8 mutations. The majority of 3-M patients tested had normal peak serum GH and normal/low IGF1. While the generation of IGF binding proteins by 3-M cells was dysregulated, activation of STAT5b and MAPK in response to GH was normal in CUL7-/- cells but reduced in OBSL1-/- and CCDC8-/- cells compared with controls. Activation of AKT to IGF1 was reduced in CUL7-/- and OBSL1-/- cells at 5 min post-stimulation but normal in CCDC8-/- cells. The prevalence of 3-M mutations was 69% CUL7, 23% OBSL1 and 8% CCDC8. The GH-IGF axis evaluation could reflect a degree of GH resistance and/or IGF1 resistance. This is consistent with the signalling data in which the CUL7-/- cells showed impaired IGF1 signalling, CCDC8-/- cells showed impaired GH signalling and the OBSL1-/- cells showed impairment in both pathways. Dysregulation of the GH-IGF-IGF binding protein axis is a feature of 3-M syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Early epidemiologic and serologic studies have suggested pre-existing immunity to the pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus (H1N1pdm) may be altering its morbidity and mortality in humans. To determine the role that contemporary seasonal H1N1 virus infection or trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) might be playing in this immunity we conducted a vaccination-challenge study in ferrets. Vaccination with TIV was unable to alter subsequent morbidity or contact transmission in ferrets following challenge with H1N1pdm. Conversely, prior infection with the contemporary seasonal H1N1 strain altered morbidity, but not transmission, of H1N1pdm despite the detection of only minimal levels of cross reactive antibodies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]