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Research suggests developmental bibliotherapy has a transformative effect on participants (Adams & Pitre, 2000). Specifically, bibliotherapy has been shown to develop a reader's empathy towards others (Comer-Kidd & Castano, 2013) and positively influence a reader's attitude towards individual differences (Routel, 2009; Gavigan & Kurtts, 2010). Through the constructs of developmental bibliotherapy and literature circles, the use of adolescent literature enhances preservice teachers' attitudes toward students impacted by disabilities. Preservice teachers in a required literacy course within an educator preparation program participated in literature circles and read young adolescent literature with protagonists impacted by disabilities. This chapter presents ways literature circles impacted preservice teachers.

This article provides ethical guidance on using race in health research as a variable or in defining the study population. To this end, a plain, non-exhaustive checklist is provided for researchers and research ethics committees, preceded by a brief introduction on the need for justification when using race as a variable or in defining a study population, the problem of exoticism, that distinctions pertain between race, ethnicity and ancestry, the problematic naming of races, and that race does not serve well as a presumed biological construct in genetic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The electronic medical record (EMR)/electronic health record (EHR) is becoming an integral component of many primary-care outpatient practices. Before implementing an EMR/EHR system, primary-care practices should have an understanding of the potential benefits and limitations.Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically review the recent literature around the impact of the EMR/EHR within primary-care outpatient practices.Materials and Methods: Searches of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, ABI Inform, and Cochrane Library were conducted to identify articles published between January 1998 and January 2010. The gray literature and reference lists of included articles were also searched. 30 studies met inclusion criteria.Results and Discussion: The EMR/EHR appears to have structural and process benefits, but the impact on clinical outcomes is less clear. Using Donabedian's framework, five articles focused on the impact on healthcare structure, 21 explored healthcare process issues, and four focused on health-related outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outcomes-based dental curriculum has necessitated revision in course structure, content and teaching methodologies, to ensure horizontal and vertical integration. This study compared the Oral Biology courses taught at the four universities involved in training undergraduate dental students in South Africa. The relevance of each topic was then assessed by 120 practising dentists on a five-point Likert scale. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to evaluate the data. All four universities presented similar topics, but differed widely in their modes of tuition. However, lectures were still the predominant form of teaching. More than 75 per cent of the respondents rated all the topics as extremely relevant except for embryology, calcium and bone metabolism, taste and deglutition, and forensics (rated relevant by only 57 per cent, 60 per cent, 70 per cent and 45 per cent respectively). More than 25 per cent of the respondents were unsure of the relevance of embryology (28%); calcium metabolism (30%) and forensic dentistry (37%). This study confirmed the need for peer review to help design new, outcomes-based courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

David A Geier,1,2 Janet K Kern,1,3 Lisa K Sykes,2 Mark R Geier1,2 1Research Department, The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 2Research Department, CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, 3Research Department, CONEM US Autism Research Group, Allen, TX, USA Background: Previous studies on genetic testing of chromosomal abnormalities in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found that ~80% have negative genetic test results (NGTRs) and ~20% have positive genetic test results (PGTRs), of which ~7% were probable de novo mutations (PDNMs). Research suggests that parental age is a risk factor for an ASD diagnosis. This study examined genotypic variation in ASD and its relationship to parental age and phenotype.Methods: Phenotype was derived from detailed clinical information, and genotype was derived from high-resolution blood chromosome and blood whole-genome copy number variant genetic testing on a consecutive cohort (born: 1983–2009) of subjects diagnosed with ASD (N=218).Results: Among the subjects examined, 80.3% had NGTRs and 19.7% had PGTRs, of which 6.9% had PDNMs. NGTR subjects were born more recently (the risk of PDNMs decreasing by 12% per more recent birth year) and tended to have an increased male–female ratio compared to PDNM subjects. PDNM subjects had significantly increased mean parental age and paternal age at subject’s birth (the risk of a PDNM increasing by 7%–8% per year of parental or paternal age) compared to NGTR subjects. PGTR and NGTR subjects showed significant improvements in speech/language/communication with increasing age. PGTR subjects showed significant improvements in sociability, a core feature of an ASD diagnosis, with increasing age, whereas NGTR subjects showed significant worsening in sociability with increasing age.Conclusion: This study helps to elucidate different phenotypic ASD subtypes and may even indicate the need for differential diagnostic classifications. Keywords: genotype, phenotype, autism spectrum disorder, microarray, advanced age, gene, pervasive developmental disorder, parental age

Urine-grown cultures of 23 clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria having a range of minimum inhibitory concentration values for chorhexidine were challenged with various concentrations of this antiseptic. The results suggest that cells of Providencia stuartii, in particular, exhibit a considerable degree of resistance to chlorhexidine under these conditions, concentrations of up to 10 000--20 000 microgram/ml of urine being necessary to produce complete loss of viability of such cultures. Of the other two antiseptics tested, phenoxyethanol proved to be the more effective, the recommended use concentration of 2% v/v producing reductions in viable counts of greater than six logarithms in all the strains examined. It is suggested that phenoxyethanol may be a suitable alternative to the cationic agents for use in antiseptic policies for bladder management of urinary tract infections with Providencia stuartii. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract Background The Asian population is one of the fastest growing ethnic minority groups in western countries. However, cancer screening uptake is consistently lower in this group than in the native-born populations. As a first step towards developing an effective cancer screening intervention program targeting Asian women, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review, without geographic, language or date limitations, to update current knowledge on the effectiveness of existing intervention strategies to enhance breast and cervical screening uptake in Asian women. Methods This study systematically reviewed studies published as of January 2010 to synthesize knowledge about effectiveness of cancer screening interventions targeting Asian women. Fifteen multidisciplinary peer-reviewed and grey literature databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Results The results of our systematic review were reported in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Of 37 selected intervention studies, only 18 studies included valid outcome measures (i.e. self-reported or recorded receipt of mammograms or Pap smear). 11 of the 18 intervention studies with valid outcome measures used multiple intervention strategies to target individuals in a specific Asian ethnic group. This observed pattern of intervention design supports the hypothesis that employing a combination of multiple strategies is more likely to be successful than single interventions. The effectiveness of community-based or workplace-based group education programs increases when additional supports, such as assistance in scheduling/attending screening and mobile screening services are provided. Combining cultural awareness training for health care professionals with outreach workers who can help healthcare professionals overcome language and cultural barriers is likely to improve cancer screening uptake. Media campaigns and mailed culturally sensitive print materials alone may be ineffective in increasing screening uptake. Intervention effectiveness appears to vary with ethnic population, methods of program delivery, and study setting. Conclusions Despite some limitations, our review has demonstrated that the effectiveness of existing interventions to promote breast and cervical cancer screening uptake in Asian women may hinge on a variety of factors, such as type of intervention and study population characteristics. While some studies demonstrated the effectiveness of certain intervention programs, the cost effectiveness and long-term sustainability of these programs remain questionable. When adopting an intervention program, it is important to consider the impacts of social-and cultural factors specific to the Asian population on cancer screening uptake. Future research is needed to develop new interventions and tools, and adopt vigorous study design and evaluation methodologies to increase cancer screening among Asian women to promote population health and health equity.

Abstract Background In the past 50 years there has been a substantial increase in the volume of published research and in the number of authors per scientific publication. There is also significant pressure exerted on researchers to produce publications. Thus, the purpose of this study was to survey corresponding authors in published medical journals to determine their opinion on publication impact in relation to performance review and promotion. Methods Cross-sectional survey of corresponding authors of original research articles published in June 2007 among 72 medical journals. Measurement outcomes included the number of publications, number of authors, authorship order and journal impact factor in relation to performance review and promotion. Results Of 687 surveys, 478 were analyzed (response rate 69.6%). Corresponding authors self-reported that number of publications (78.7%), journal impact factor (67.8%) and being the first author (75.9%) were most influential for their annual performance review and assessment. Only 17.6% of authors reported that the number of authors on a manuscript was important criteria for performance review and assessment. A higher percentage of Asian authors reported that the number of authors was key to performance review and promotion (41.4% versus 7.8 to 22.2%). compared to authors from other countries. Conclusions The number of publications, authorship order and journal impact factor were important factors for performance reviews and promotion at academic and non-academic institutes. The number of authors was not identified as important criteria. These factors may be contributing to the increase in the number of authors per publication.

An abstract of the article "Three dimensional transvaginal ultrasound scan: is cervical length longer?," by L. Alabi-isama and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Cervix length vs. cervical volume in predicting preterm birth," by L. Sykes and colleagues is presented.

Emerging evidence supports the theory that some autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may result from a combination of genetic/biochemical susceptibility, specifically a reduced ability to excrete mercury (Hg), and exposure to Hg at critical developmental periods. Elemental/inorganic Hg is released into the air/water where it becomes methylated and accumulates in animal tissues. The US population is primarily exposed to methyl-Hg by fish consumption. In addition, many pharmaceuticals have been, and some continue to be, a ubiquitous source of danger because they contain mercurials. Mercurials may he found in drugs for the eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin: in bleaching creams: as preservatives in cosmetics, tooth pastes, lens solutions, vaccines, allergy test and immunotherapy solutions: in antiseptics, disinfectants, and contraceptives; in fungicides and herbicides; in dental fillings and thermometers; and many other products. Hg has been found to cause immune, sensory, neurological, motor, and behavioural dysfunctions similar to traits defining/associated with ASDs, and that these similarities extend to neuroanatomy, neurotransmitters, and biochemistry. Furthermore, a review of molecular mechanisms indicates that Hg exposure can induce death, disorganization and/or damage to selected neurons in the brain similar to that seen in recent ASD brain pathology studies, and this alteration may likely produce the symptoms by which ASDs are diagnosed. Finally, a review of treatments suggests that ASD patients who undergo protocols to reduce Hg and/or its effects show significant clinical improvements in some cases. In conclusion, the overwhelming preponderance of the evidence favours acceptance that Hg exposure is capable of causing some ASDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the FUT2 gene that result in a lack of expression of histo-blood group antigens on secreted glycoproteins may shape the vaginal microbiota with consequences for birth outcome. To test this, we analysed the relationship between secretor status, vaginal microbiota and gestational length in an ethnically diverse cohort of 302 pregnant women, including 82 who delivered preterm. Lactobacillus gasseri and L. jensenii were found to have distinct co-occurrence patterns with other microbial taxa in non-secretors. Moreover, non-secretors with Lactobacillus spp. depleted high diversity vaginal microbiota in early pregnancy had significantly shorter gestational length than Lactobacillus spp. dominated non-secretors (mean of 241.54 days (sd=47.14) versus 266.21 (23.61); P -value=0.0251). Similar gestational length differences were observed between non-secretors with high vaginal diversity and secretors with Lactobacillus spp. dominance (mean of 262.52 days (SD=27.73); p - value =0.0439) or depletion (mean of 266.05 days (SD=20.81); p - value =0.0312). Our data highlight secretor status and blood-group antigen expression as being important mediators of vaginal microbiota-host interactions in the context of preterm birth risk.

During pregnancy the immune system needs to maintain immune tolerance of the foetus while also responding to infection, which can cause premature activation of the inflammatory pathways leading to the onset of labour and preterm birth. The vaginal microbiome is an important modifier of preterm birth risk, with Lactobacillus dominance during pregnancy associated with term delivery while high microbial diversity is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Glycans on glycoproteins along the lower female reproductive tract are fundamental to microbiota-host interactions and the mediation of inflammatory responses. However, the specific glycan epitopes involved in these processes are not well understood. To address this, we conducted glycomic analyses of cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) from 36 pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth and 4 non-pregnant women. Our analysis of N- and O-glycans revealed a rich CVF glycome. While O-glycans were shown to be the main carriers of ABO blood group epitopes, the main features of N-glycans were the presence of abundant paucimannose and high mannose glycans, and a remarkable diversity of complex bi-, tri-, and tetra-antennary glycans decorated with fucose and sialic acid. We identified immuno-regulatory epitopes, such as Lewis antigens, and found that fucosylation was negatively correlated to pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL-1β, MMP-8, C3a and C5a, while glycans with only sialylated antennae were mainly positively correlated to those. Similarly, paucimannose glycans showed a positive correlation to pro-inflammatory factors. We revealed a high abundance of glycans which have previously been identified as hallmarks of cancer and viral glycosylation, such as Man8 and Man9 high mannose glycans. Although each pregnant woman had a unique glycomic profile, longitudinal studies showed that the main glycosylation features were consistent throughout pregnancy in women who delivered at term, whereas women who experienced extreme preterm birth exhibited sharp changes in the CVF glycome shortly before delivery. These findings shed light on the processes underlying the role of glycosylation in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome and associated host immune responses. In addition, these discoveries facilitate our understanding of the lower female reproductive tract which has broad implications for women's health., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Preterm birth is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality across the world. Both term and preterm labour are preceded by inflammatory activation in uterine tissues. This includes increased leukocyte infiltration, and subsequent increase in chemokine and cytokine levels, activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors as NF-κB and increased prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is one of the myometrial activators and stimulators., Methods: Here we investigated the role of PGF2α in pro-inflammatory signalling pathways in human myometrial cells isolated from term non-labouring uterine tissue. Primary myometrial cells were treated with G protein inhibitors, calcium chelators and/or PGF2α. Nuclear extracts were analysed by TranSignal cAMP/Calcium Protein/DNA Array. Whole cell protein lysates were analysed by Western blotting. mRNA levels of target genes were analysed by RT-PCR., Results: The results show that PGF2α increases inflammation in myometrial cells through increased activation of NF-κB and MAP kinases and increased expression of COX-2. PGF2α was found to activate several calcium/cAMP-dependent transcription factors, such as CREB and C/EBP-β. mRNA levels of NF-κB-regulated cytokines and chemokines were also elevated with PGF2α stimulation. We have shown that the increase in PGF2α-mediated COX-2 expression in myometrial cells requires coupling of the FP receptor to both Gαq and Gαi proteins. Additionally, PGF2α-induced calcium response was also mediated through Gαq and Gαi coupling., Discussion: In summary, our findings suggest that PGF2α-induced inflammation in myometrial cells involves activation of several transcription factors - NF-κB, MAP kinases, CREB and C/EBP-β. Our results indicate that the FP receptor signals via Gαq and Gαi coupling in myometrium. This work provides insight into PGF2α pro-inflammatory signalling in term myometrium prior to the onset of labour and suggests that PGF2α signalling pathways could be a potential target for management of preterm labour., Competing Interests: The PhD project of LR was partially funded by ObsEva. PB is a consultant to ObsEva and holds shares in the company. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Riaposova, Kim, Hanyaloglu, Sykes, MacIntyre, Bennett and Terzidou.)