ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0122-0123
Current Organisations
Università degli Studi di Verona
,
Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona
,
US Geological Survey
,
University of Tasmania Faculty of Health
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Related Links
Publications
Salience effects: L2 sentence production as a window on L1 speech planning
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-03-2016
Not just semantics: Strong frequency and weak cognate effects on semantic association in bilinguals
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2010
DOI: 10.3758/MC.38.6.723
How is palliative care understood in the context of dementia? Results from a massive open online course
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 13-12-2017
Abstract: A palliative approach to the care of people with dementia has been advocated, albeit from an emergent evidence base. The person-centred philosophy of palliative care resonates with the often lengthy trajectory and heavy symptom burden of this terminal condition. To explore participants’ understanding of the concept of palliative care in the context of dementia. The participant population took an online course in dementia. The participant population took a massive open online course on ‘Understanding Dementia’ and posted answers to the question: ‘palliative care means …’ We extracted these postings and analysed them via the dual methods of topic modelling analysis and thematic analysis. A total of 1330 participants from three recent iterations of the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course consented to their posts being used. Participants included those caring formally or informally for someone living with dementia as well as those with a general interest in dementia Participants were found to have a general awareness of palliative care, but saw it primarily as terminal care, focused around the event of death and specialist in nature. Comfort was equated with pain management only. Respondents rarely overtly linked palliative care to dementia. A general lack of palliative care literacy, particularly with respect to dementia, was demonstrated by participants. Implications for dementia care consumers seeking palliative care and support include recognition of the likely lack of awareness of the relevance of palliative care to dementia. Future research could access online participants more directly about their understandings/experiences of the relationship between palliative care and dementia.
Anergic self-reactive B cells present self antigen and respond normally to CD40-dependent T-cell signals but are defective in antigen-receptor-mediated functions
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 10-05-1994
Abstract: B-cell tolerance to soluble protein self antigens such as hen egg lysozyme (HEL) is mediated by clonal anergy. Anergic B cells fail to mount antibody responses even in the presence of carrier-primed T cells, suggesting an inability to activate or respond to T helper cells. To investigate the nature of this defect, B cells from tolerant HEL/anti-HEL double-transgenic mice were incubated with a membrane preparation from activated T-cell clones expressing the CD40 ligand. These membranes, together with interleukin 4 and 5 deliver the downstream antigen-independent CD40-dependent B-cell-activating signals required for productive T-B collaboration. Anergic B cells responded to this stimulus by proliferating and secreting antibody at levels comparable to or better than control B cells. Furthermore, anergic B cells presented HEL acquired in vivo and could present the unrelated antigen, conalbumin, targeted for processing via surface IgD. In contrast, the low immunoglobulin receptor levels on anergic B cells were associated with reduced de novo presentation of HEL and a failure to upregulate costimulatory ligands for CD28. These defects in immunoglobulin-receptor-mediated functions could be overcome in vivo, suggesting a number of mechanisms for induction of autoantibody responses.
Workshops on diagnosis and management of dementia for general practitioners: A pre-post intervention study of dementia knowledge
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-027804
Abstract: To assess improvements in dementia knowledge among general practitioner (GP) registrars and supervisors following their participation in dementia workshops. Pre–post intervention study. General practice education in Australia. 296 GP registrars and 91 GP supervisors. Registrars participated in a 3-hour face-to-face workshop on diagnosing and managing dementia. Supervisors participated in a 2-hour modified version of the workshop designed to support them in teaching registrars. The Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) was used to assess overall dementia knowledge as well as knowledge on four subscales (causes and characteristics communication and behaviour care considerations risks and health promotion). Changes in mean scores and the proportion of participants obtaining a threshold score (90th percentile score preworkshop) were used as measures of improvement. Few registrars and supervisors identified previous experience of formal dementia education. At baseline, mean dementia knowledge scores were 36 for registrars and 37 for supervisors of a total score of 50. Both groups had significantly improved overall dementia knowledge following the workshop with a mean score of 43. Improvements in knowledge were observed for all four DKAS subscales. Between preworkshop and postworkshop periods, there was an increase in the proportion of registrars and supervisors obtaining the threshold score for total DKAS as well as the four subscales. A significantly higher proportion of registrars compared with supervisors obtained the threshold score postworkshop in the areas of causes and characteristics and risks and health promotion. Prior to the workshop, no differences in overall dementia knowledge were observed between registrars and supervisors. While knowledge improved in all areas for both groups postworkshop, findings from this study suggest the need to include foundational content such as the causes and characteristics of dementia in educational workshops for both trainee and experienced GPs.
Room for improvement: An online survey of allied health professionals’ dementia knowledge
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.12886
Abstract: To evaluate the dementia knowledge of allied health professionals and identify their specific learning needs. An online survey was conducted with allied health professionals enrolled in the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course, a free course open to anyone, worldwide. The primary outcome measure was the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale, assessed prior to course commencement. The survey was completed by 1591 participants. The mean dementia knowledge score was 35.0 (SD 8.4), with 13% (n = 207) achieving a target score of 45/50 or above, indicating comprehensive dementia knowledge. Key knowledge gaps were in the areas of dementia onset and non‐pharmacological management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Allied health professionals surveyed had significant gaps in dementia knowledge. Educators planning dementia curriculum for allied health professionals could consider addressing areas of knowledge related to the identified items, with view to providing a foundation for excellence in dementia care.
Spoonish Spanerisms: A lexical bias effect in Spanish
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 2006
Island Study Linking Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) Targeting Dementia Risk Reduction: Protocol for a Prospective Web-Based Cohort Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.2196/34688
Abstract: Up to 40% of incident dementia is considered attributable to behavioral and lifestyle factors. Given the current lack of medical treatments and the projected increase in dementia prevalence, a focus on prevention through risk reduction is needed. We aim to increase dementia risk knowledge and promote changes in dementia risk behaviors at in idual and population levels. The Island Study Linking Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) is a long-term prospective, web-based cohort study with nested interventions that will be conducted over a 10-year period. Target participants (n=10,000) reside in Tasmania and are aged 50 years or over. Survey data on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to modifiable dementia risk factors will be collected annually. After each survey wave, participants will be provided with a personalized dementia risk profile containing guidelines for reducing risk across 9 behavioral and lifestyle domains and with opportunities to engage in educational and behavioral interventions targeting risk reduction. Survey data will be modeled longitudinally with intervention engagement indices, cognitive function indices, and blood-based biomarkers, to measure change in risk over time. In the initial 12 months (October 2019 to October 2020), 6410 participants have provided baseline data. The study is ongoing. Recruitment targets are feasible and efforts are ongoing to achieve a representative s le. Findings will inform future public health dementia risk reduction initiatives by showing whether, when, and how dementia risk can be lowered through educational and behavioral interventions, delivered in an uncontrolled real-world context. DERR1-10.2196/34688
Gender Bender: Gender Errors in L2 Pronoun Production
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-09-2010
What the tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) says about homophone frequency inheritance
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-02-2012
Assessing the Impact of Online Health Education Interventions From 2010-2020: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-08-2022
DOI: 10.1177/08901171211039308
Abstract: Systematically review the evaluation and impact of online health education interventions: assess approaches used, summarize main findings, and identify knowledge gaps. We searched the following databases: EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Studies were included if (a) published in English between 2010-2020 in a peer-reviewed journal (b) reported an online health education intervention aimed at consumers, caregivers, and the public (c) evaluated implementation OR participant outcomes (d) included ≥ 100 participants per study arm. Two authors extracted data using a standardized form. Data synthesis was structured around the primary outcomes of the included studies. 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. We found substantial heterogeneity in study population, design, intervention, and primary outcomes, and significant methodological issues that resulted in moderate to high risk of bias. Overall, interventions that were available to all (e.g., on YouTube) consistently attained a large global reach, and knowledge was consistently improved. However, the impact on other outcomes of interest (e.g., health literacy, health behaviors) remains unclear. Evidence around the impacts of the type of online health education interventions assessed in this review is sparse. A greater understanding of who online interventions work for and what outcomes can be achieved is crucial to determine, and potentially expand, their place in health education.
Markers of success: A study of twins' instructed second language acquisition
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
The impact of temporary deferral due to low hemoglobin: Future return, time to return, and frequency of subsequent donation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-09-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1537-2995.2010.02881.X
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of a 6-month deferral due to low hemoglobin (Hb) on the subsequent donation patterns of Australian whole blood donors. The study was a retrospective cohort study of the donation patterns of all whole blood donors deferred for low Hb during a 2-month period compared with donors who were not deferred. Donations 3 years after eligibility to give blood were recorded. Analysis of proportion returning, time to return, and frequency of donation was performed using logistic regression, survival analysis, and negative binomial regression. Among first-time donors, 20.9% of low Hb-deferred donors returned during the follow-up period versus 69.9% of those not deferred. Among repeat donors, 64.0% of deferred donors returned versus 91.0% of those not deferred. Temporary deferral delayed time to first return (p < 0.001), reduced frequency of donation (2.4 donations per donor before deferral compared to 1.1 per donor in first year of follow-up), and increased the likelihood of dropping out in later years of follow-up. However, if a donor returned promptly once eligible and gave more donations in the first year, the negative impact on future donation patterns was diminished. High frequency of attendance before deferral was the strongest predictor of time to return and future donation frequency. Deferral for low Hb had a strong effect on first-time and repeat donors. This study highlights the influence of strong donation habits on return after deferral and the importance of encouraging donors to return promptly once eligible.
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor c-fms is a novel target of imatinib
Publisher: American Society of Hematology
Date: 15-04-2005
DOI: 10.1182/BLOOD-2004-10-3967
Abstract: Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that suppresses the growth of bcr-abl–expressing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) progenitor cells by blockade of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–binding site of the kinase domain of bcr-abl. Imatinib also inhibits the c-abl, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor, abl-related gene (ARG) and stem-cell factor (SCF) receptor tyrosine kinases, and has been used clinically to inhibit the growth of malignant cells in patients with CML and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Although initially considered to have minimal effects of normal hematopoiesis, recent studies show that imatinib also inhibits the growth of some nonmalignant hematopoietic cells, including monocyte/macrophages. This inhibition could not be attributed to the known activity profile of imatinib. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that imatinib targets the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor c-fms. Phosphorylation of c-fms was inhibited by therapeutic concentrations of imatinib, and this was not due to down-regulation in c-fms expression. Imatinib was also found to inhibit M-CSF–induced proliferation of a cytokine–dependent cell line, further supporting the hypothesis that imatinib affects the growth and development of monocyte and/or macrophages through inhibition of c-fms signaling. Importantly, these results identify an additional biologic target to those already defined for imatinib. Imatinib should now be assessed for activity in diseases where c-fms activation is implicated, including breast and ovarian cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Whose? L2 English speakers' possessive pronoun gender errors
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 15-11-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S1366728910000325
Abstract: This article reports the results of an experiment on production of his/her in English as a second language (L2) by proficient native speakers of Italian, Spanish, and Dutch. In Dutch and English, 3rd person singular possessive pronouns agree in gender with their antecedents, in Italian and Spanish possessives in general agree with the noun they accompany (possessum). However, while in Italian the 3rd person singular possessives overtly agree in gender with the possessums, in Spanish they lack overt morphological gender marking. Dutch speakers were found to make very few possessive gender errors in any condition, Spanish and Italian speakers, on the other hand, behaved like Dutch speakers when the possessum was inanimate, but made more errors when it was animate (e.g., his mother ). Thus, even proficient L2 speakers are susceptible to the influence of automatic processes that should apply in their first language alone. The pattern of results has implications for pronoun production and models of bilingual language production.
'Fit for Purpose': a cohort-centric approach to MOOC design
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-07-2014
Engaging in Participatory Community-Based Arts: Perspectives of People Living with Dementia
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 19-05-2023
DOI: 10.1155/2023/3088449
Abstract: For people living with dementia, participatory community-based art activities have the potential to enhance the dignity of the in idual, reaffirm a sense of identity, and provide social engagement. To identify opportunities to enhance the inclusion of people living with dementia in participatory community-based arts activities, this study sought the insights of people living with dementia. People living with dementia were invited to participate in semistructured group interviews to share their insights about participatory community-based arts activities. Interviews were analysed thematically to explore perceptions of benefits, opportunities, and ways to enhance participation in such activities. Participation in community arts was perceived to deliver benefits to social engagement and potentially reduce stigma through offering an education opportunity. Three key areas were identified as ways to enhance the engagement of people with dementia: knowing about the existing opportunities, accessing the activities (in terms of transport, venue proximity, timing, and wayfinding), and receiving support while attending the activity. Adequate information, easy access, a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the facilitators’ enabling approach, and a judgement-free environment are desirable features which are congruent with dementia-inclusive arts activities. Enhanced engagement of people living with dementia may reduce stigma and improve community education.
Participatory community-based arts for older people living with dementia in the community: how are they evaluated? A scoping review
Publisher: PAGEPress Publications
Date: 23-02-2021
DOI: 10.4081/GC.2021.9470
Abstract: Although the interests in participative arts for people living with a dementia has increased over the last decade, what is yet to be reviewed is how participatory community- based arts activities for this group of people are evaluated. The overall aim of the following scoping review is to understand the scope of measurement/evaluation methods/approaches used in studies that recruited participants with dementia from the community (not from health/clinical or residential aged care settings or nursing homes) and delivered community-based participatory arts activities rograms (not art therapy programs) to them. The methodological framework by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) for undertaking a scoping review article was applied to this study. Collation, summarizing and reporting the results was carried out considering the research questions. 7 articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria published from 2013 to 2020. The type of arts activities included co-designs and co-creation of various types of arts (n=1), museum visiting and art-making activities (n=4), artistic education-based program (n=1), group singing (n=1). This scoping review shed light on the paucity of research in which older people living with dementia were recruited from the community (not healthcare/clinical settings) to participate in participatory community- based art activities. Also, the results revealed that evaluation of participatory community-based arts activities for older people living with dementia in the community should include methods/techniques to get a deeper insight into the participants’ values and perspectives and the social interaction benefits of such programs.
Cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mortality burden of cardiometabolic risk factors from 1980 to 2010: a comparative risk assessment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
Characteristics and value of ‘meaningful activity’ for people living with dementia in residential aged care facilities: “You’re still part of the world, not just existing”
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-12-2023
DOI: 10.1177/14713012221144488
Abstract: Most residential aged care facilities support residents to participate in activities and the importance of activities that are suited to in idual preferences and abilities is widely acknowledged. Participating in activities, including those considered to be ‘meaningful’ has the potential to improve residents’ quality of life. However, what makes activities meaningful for people living with dementia in residential aged care facilities is unclear. The aim of this study was to understand the key characteristics of ‘meaningful activity’ in residential aged care facilities and the perceived value of residents participating in these activities. Using a qualitative study design, this study explored ‘meaningful activities’ from the perspectives of people living with dementia in residential aged care facilities, their family members and staff. Across four residential aged care facilities, residents (n = 19) and family members (n = 17) participated in in idual interviews while staff (n = 15) participated in focus group interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Participant responses suggest that the meaning of an activity is subjective, varying over time and between in iduals. Key characteristics of an activity that makes it meaningful include being enjoyable, social and engaging, aligning with the persons’ interests, preferences, and abilities. To be considered meaningful, activities need to do more than occupy the person. The activity needs to be linked to a personally relevant goal and an aspect of the in iduals’ identity. Participating in ‘meaningful activities’ was perceived as valuable to encourage participation and socialising, provide a sense of normality for residents and improve their wellbeing. The findings of this study further our understanding of the concept of ‘meaningful activity’ for people living with dementia in residential aged care facilities. Understanding the key attributes of ‘meaningful activity’ can also provide practical guidance for those supporting people with dementia to participate in these types of activities.
Imatinib inhibits the in vitro development of the monocyte/macrophage lineage from normal human bone marrow progenitors
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2003
The Etiology of Individual Differences in Second Language Acquisition in Australian School Students: A Behavior-Genetic Study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-07-2012
Interpersonal communication may improve equity in dementia risk education
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-04-2023
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.602
Abstract: Encouraging people to adopt life‐long habits that reduce dementia risk is necessary to manage the growing global prevalence of this condition and is, therefore, a global health priority. Current initiatives promoting risk‐reducing behaviour primarily attract participants from a limited range of backgrounds, even if widely available. This may inadvertently increase health inequities, as the people who are most likely to develop dementia are the people who are least involved in risk‐reduction initiatives. Interpersonal communication can effectively disseminate health messages to demographically erse populations and may, therefore, broaden the reach of dementia risk‐reduction information. Coding reliability thematic analysis was used to categorise reports of information sharing provided by participants from one global online dementia risk education initiative, the Preventing Dementia Massive Open Online Course, or MOOC. These reports of information sharing were provided in response to the feedback question: “If you have already applied your MOOC learning, please tell us how.” Information was reportedly shared with a wide range of people, including those from demographic groups that are under‐represented among Preventing Dementia MOOC participants. Information about specific risk factors was shared, along with general information about the course and/or dementia risk reduction. Some participants also reported that the people they shared information with were initiating risk‐reducing behaviours. Interpersonal communication has the potential to disseminate dementia risk reduction information to, and promote behaviour change among, a broad group of people at risk of dementia, thereby increasing equity in dementia risk education.
Consumer Access, Appraisal, and Application of Services and Information for Dementia (CAAASI-Dem): a validation study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-10-2021
Evaluating Course Completion, Appropriateness, and Burden in the Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Massive Open Online Course: Cohort Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 07-12-2021
DOI: 10.2196/21681
Abstract: Massive open online course (MOOC) research is an emerging field to date, most research in this area has focused on participant engagement. The aim of this study is to evaluate both participant engagement and measures of satisfaction, appropriateness, and burden for a MOOC entitled Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) among a cohort of 3518 international course participants. We assessed the association of key outcomes with participant education level, MS status, caregiver status, sex, and age using summary statistics, and 2-tailed t tests, and chi-square tests. Of the 3518 study participants, 928 (26.37%) were people living with MS. Among the 2590 participants not living with MS, 862 (33.28%) identified as formal or informal caregivers. Our key findings were as follows: the course completion rate among study participants was 67.17% (2363/3518) the course was well received, with 96.97% (1502/1549) of participants satisfied, with an appropriate pitch and low burden (a mean of 2.2 hours engagement per week) people living with MS were less likely than those not living with MS to complete the course and people with a recent diagnosis of MS, caregivers, and participants without a university education were more likely to apply the material by course completion. The Understanding MS MOOC is fit for purpose it presents information in a way that is readily understood by course participants and is applicable in their lives.
General practitioners attitude and confidence scale for dementia (GPACS-D): Confirmatory factor analysis and comparative subscale scores among GPs and supervisors
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-01-2019
English possessive gender agreement in production and comprehension: Similarities and differences between young monolingual English learners and adult Mandarin-English second language learners
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1017/S0142716417000017
Abstract: Second language learners of English occasionally establish gender agreement between a possessive determiner and the local noun that follows it, rather than with its target antecedent (*“Mary i loves his i brother”). The production and comprehension profiles of adult Mandarin second language learners of English and monolingual English-speaking children were examined to establish (a) if such errors result from an inherent tendency to establish agreement locally within the noun phrase or rather from transfer of first language agreement procedures, and (b) if these errors are production specific or rather reflect nontarget grammatical representations, thus also affecting comprehension. The results of the elicited production portion of the study support the hypothesis that gender agreement errors in learners’ production of possessives result from a generalized tendency to establish local agreement. The results of the comprehension portion of the study suggest that the observed tendency for local agreement within the noun phrase is production specific and does not characterize learners’ grammatical representations as a whole.
Global Patterns and Controls of Nutrient Immobilization on Decomposing Cellulose in Riverine Ecosystems
Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1029/2021GB007163
Abstract: Microbes play a critical role in plant litter decomposition and influence the fate of carbon in rivers and riparian zones. When decomposing low‐nutrient plant litter, microbes acquire nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from the environment (i.e., nutrient immobilization), and this process is potentially sensitive to nutrient loading and changing climate. Nonetheless, environmental controls on immobilization are poorly understood because rates are also influenced by plant litter chemistry, which is coupled to the same environmental factors. Here we used a standardized, low‐nutrient organic matter substrate (cotton strips) to quantify nutrient immobilization at 100 paired stream and riparian sites representing 11 biomes worldwide. Immobilization rates varied by three orders of magnitude, were greater in rivers than riparian zones, and were strongly correlated to decomposition rates. In rivers, P immobilization rates were controlled by surface water phosphate concentrations, but N immobilization rates were not related to inorganic N. The N:P of immobilized nutrients was tightly constrained to a molar ratio of 10:1 despite wide variation in surface water N:P. Immobilization rates were temperature‐dependent in riparian zones but not related to temperature in rivers. However, in rivers nutrient supply ultimately controlled whether microbes could achieve the maximum expected decomposition rate at a given temperature. Collectively, we demonstrated that exogenous nutrient supply and immobilization are critical control points for decomposition of organic matter.
Validation of an automated immunoglobulin G-only cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody screening assay and an assessment of the risk of transfusion transmitted CMV from seronegative blood
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-12-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1537-2995.2008.01932.X
Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody donor screening assays have predominantly included both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) detection. However, since in the majority of cases both CMV IgG and IgM are detected concomitantly during early seroconversion, CMV assays based only on IgG are now widely applied for donor screening. The performance of an automated microparticle CMV IgG assay (Abbott AxSYM CMV IgG microparticle enzyme immunoassay [MEIA]) was compared with an established total antibody blood screening assay (Abbott CMV Total AB EIA). Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using 5050 random blood donors and 13 seroconversion panels. A risk analysis was undertaken to estimate the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted CMV (TT-CMV) from presumptive seronegative blood components. The EIA achieved marginally (but not significantly) better resolved sensitivity (100%) than the AxSYM IgG assay (99.93%). The AxSYM IgG resolved specificity (99.34%) was superior to the EIA (96.4%). This superiority was maintained (98.61%) when a modified cutoff was applied to the AxSYM IgG assay to achieve 100 percent resolved sensitivity. The seroconversion sensitivities of the EIA and the AxSYM IgG were equivalent, detecting the same bleed as positive in the majority of the seroconversion panels tested. The median TT-CMV residual risk estimate for the two assays was approximately 1 in 66,000 (range, 42,000-165,000). The AxSYM IgG MEIA is suitable for blood donor screening and was optimized by applying a modified cutoff of 9 AU per mL. The modeling predicts that implementing the AxSYM IgG assay would not negatively impact the already very low risk of TT-CMV associated with seronegative blood components in Australia.
Visual salience effects on speaker choices
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 11-10-2017
DOI: 10.1017/S0142716416000345
Abstract: The effect of visual salience on speakers’ choices is investigated by contrasting the effects of both visual and linguistic manipulations on picture descriptions and eye movements. Two-character pictures were used, which can be described in one of two complementary ways (e.g., a cop chasing a robber can be described either from a chasing or from a fleeing perspective), and using simple actives or other alternative syntactic structures (e.g., “a robber is being chased by a cop”). The pictures were preceded by a verb priming one of the two perspectives and/or a preview of one of the two characters. The results show that the visual manipulation affects looks to the characters regardless of which perspective had been linguistically primed, but it only affects verbal descriptions in the absence of a linguistic prime. Linguistically priming one of the perspectives, in contrast, has a reliable effect on both looks to the characters and verbal descriptions. These results suggest that visual salience does not influence linguistic choices directly.
Distilling authentic community-led strategies to support people with dementia to live well
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2018
Communication in dementia care: Experiences and needs of carers
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-03-2022
DOI: 10.1177/14713012221080003
Abstract: To ensure the well-being, quality of life and quality of care of people living with dementia, carers need to have the necessary communication knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to a person’s changing abilities and needs. Understanding carers’ communication experiences and needs in the context of dementia care is an important step in enabling effective education and support for carers. This study aimed to investigate communication challenges faced by carers and their coping strategies, influencing factors, and communication education and training needs. The s le involved 258 carers enrolled in an online dementia care program, and data were collected using a 16-item questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric inferential statistics, including Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman’s rho, were used to analyse the data. The participants reported experiencing a range of challenges in communicating with people living with dementia and employing various strategies in addressing these challenges, either independently or with the support of others. Improvements in a number of factors would be beneficial for carers, including more time for caring, more care and social support, as well as enhanced skills in communicating with people living with dementia. A large majority of the participants indicated their need for education or training in communication knowledge and skills, and those with higher learning needs were likely to be younger, care workers and other health professionals, and those with less care experience. Recommendations are made for future research and efforts to maximise effective education and support for carers of people living with dementia.
Prevention of Autoimmunity by Induction of Cutaneous Tolerance
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2001
Evaluating Course Completion, Appropriateness, and Burden in the Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Massive Open Online Course: Cohort Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 23-06-2020
Abstract: assive open online course (MOOC) research is an emerging field to date, most research in this area has focused on participant engagement. he aim of this study is to evaluate both participant engagement and measures of satisfaction, appropriateness, and burden for a MOOC entitled Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) among a cohort of 3518 international course participants. e assessed the association of key outcomes with participant education level, MS status, caregiver status, sex, and age using summary statistics, and 2-tailed i t /i tests, and chi-square tests. f the 3518 study participants, 928 (26.37%) were people living with MS. Among the 2590 participants not living with MS, 862 (33.28%) identified as formal or informal caregivers. Our key findings were as follows: the course completion rate among study participants was 67.17% (2363/3518) the course was well received, with 96.97% (1502/1549) of participants satisfied, with an appropriate pitch and low burden (a mean of 2.2 hours engagement per week) people living with MS were less likely than those not living with MS to complete the course and people with a recent diagnosis of MS, caregivers, and participants without a university education were more likely to apply the material by course completion. he Understanding MS MOOC is fit for purpose it presents information in a way that is readily understood by course participants and is applicable in their lives.
Building dementia knowledge globally through the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-04-2019
DOI: 10.1038/S41539-019-0042-4
Abstract: The prevalence of dementia is escalating world-wide and knowledge deficits remain a barrier to community inclusiveness and quality care. The need for quality, comprehensive education has been identified as a key priority for global action plans on dementia. The Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (UDMOOC) offers the potential to improve dementia knowledge globally. Completion rates for the UDMOOC (2016–2017) were on average 42% of enrolments, and 69% of participants care or have cared for people with dementia. The current study shows baseline dementia knowledge was positively related to previous learning about dementia from various types of exposure to the condition including having family members and/or working with people with the condition, and having undertaken dementia education. However, knowledge of all participant groups showed substantial improvements after completion of the UDMOOC. This was shown regardless of educational background and previous experience of dementia, and group differences after completing the UDMOOC were minimised. The UDMOOC is therefore an effective knowledge translation strategy to improve dementia knowledge for a erse, international learner group.
Needs of older people living with dementia in low and middle-income Asian countries: A scoping review
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-09-2023
Development and psychometric evaluation of the Dementia Public Stigma Scale
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-01-2022
DOI: 10.1002/GPS.5672
Abstract: Dementia is a stigmatised condition and dementia‐related stigma is associated with low self‐esteem, poor psychological wellbeing, social isolation and poor quality of life in people living with dementia and their families. There is, however, a lack of valid measures that accurately quantify dementia‐related stigma in the general public. This study reports the initial psychometric evaluation of a new tool designed to measure dementia‐related public stigma amongst community dwelling adults. A s le of 3250 in iduals aged 18 and over completed an online survey on their beliefs and feelings regarding dementia and people living with dementia, and their behavioural intentions towards people living with dementia. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using Maximum Likelihood with oblique rotation was performed to extract factors. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the factor structure using goodness‐of‐fit index (GFI), the comparative fit index (CFI), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) to evaluate the model fit. Internal consistency was measured for the final scale version. EFA resulted in a 16‐item, 5‐factor model (Fear and discomfort, Negative perceptions, Positive perceptions, Burden, and Exclusion) that explained 50.43% of the total variance. The CFA‐estimated model demonstrated a good fit all fit indices were larger than 0.95 (GFI = 0.967, CFI = 0.959) and smaller than 0.05 (RMSEA = 0.048). The final scale showed moderate to high reliability scores ranging from α = 0.738 to 0.805. The Dementia Public Stigma Scale is a tool with reliability, and some demonstrated validity. This scale can be used to measure the public stigma of dementia amongst adults and may be used in the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at dementia‐related stigma reduction.
Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphisms are associated with major infection following allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation
Publisher: American Society of Hematology
Date: 15-05-2002
DOI: 10.1182/BLOOD.V99.10.3524
Abstract: Life-threatening complications such as graft versus host disease and infection remain major barriers to the success of allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). While pretransplantation conditioning and posttransplantation immunosuppression are important risk factors for infection, the reasons that similarly immunosuppressed transplant recipients show marked variation in frequency of infection after allogeneic SCT are unclear. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency is a risk factor for infection in other situations where immunity is compromised. We investigated associations betweenMBL2 gene polymorphisms and risk of major infection following allogeneic SCT. Ninety-seven related allogeneic donor-recipient pairs were studied. Clinical data including survival, days of fever, graft versus host disease incidence and severity, and infection were collected by case note review. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction and sequence-specific primers.MBL2 coding mutations were associated with an increased risk of major infection following transplantation. This association was seen for donor (P = .002, odds ratio [OR] 4.1) and recipient (P = .04, OR 2.6) MBL2 genotype.MBL2 promoter variants were also associated with major infection. The high-producing haplotype HYA was associated with a markedly reduced risk of infection (recipient HYA P = .0001, OR 0.16 donor HYA P = .001, OR 0.23). Donor MBL2 coding mutations and recipientHYA haplotype were independently associated with infection in multivariate analysis. These results suggest that MBL2genotype influences the risk of infection following allogeneic SCT and that both donor and recipient MBL2 genotype are important. These findings raise the possibility that MBL replacement therapy may be useful following transplantation.
Predictors of dementia knowledge in a rural general public sample
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12777
Abstract: To investigate dementia knowledge within a rural Australian general public cohort and understand demographic predictors of knowledge in this population. A cross‐sectional study comprising quantitative surveys. 321 participants were recruited from the Tasmanian general public (February‐September 2017). 28% of participants were from remote or outer regional postcodes the remainder were from inner regional areas. The median age was 46 years 35% were male. 30% had participated in prior dementia education, 29% had worked with people living with dementia, and 23% had no identified personal experience of people living with dementia. No interventions were conducted as part of this study. Dementia knowledge was assessed using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale. Demographic variables were also collected. Mean dementia knowledge was moderate and participants scored highest on the care considerations subscale. Those with personal experience with a person living with dementia scored significantly higher on all subscales, and overall, than those without. Dementia education, general education, and previous work, care or close relationship with people living with dementia were all significant predictors in a regression model explaining nearly a third of the variance in overall dementia knowledge. While personal experience of dementia improves knowledge of the condition, dementia education is the most important predictor. Deficits identified in knowledge of risk factors, and incomplete knowledge about aspects important to quality care, suggest a need for further education for the general public, particularly in the light of the rising prevalence of dementia in ageing rural populations.
Family carers of people living with dementia and discussion board engagement in the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-02-2023
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2042188
Abstract: This study compared discussion board involvement between family carers and non-carers in the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (UD-MOOC). A mixed methods observational cohort study of family carers and non-carers was undertaken over the February-April 2020 UD-MOOC. Discussion board engagement was measured as number of posts and replies and examined longitudinally using mixed models. Discussion topics were explored through structural topic models (STM). Subsequently, thematic analysis of STM derived-topic exemplars was conducted to contextualise these discussions. Family carers were ( These results may reflect underlying motivational differences and circumstantial relevance. Perhaps the greater engagement by family carers is related to a sense of having inadequate relevant offline social resources, where engagement in the UD-MOOC discussion boards may serve as means to share experiences with others.
Graded expression of source memory revealed by analysis of gaze direction
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 27-11-2017
The Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND): A longitudinal public health research program targeting dementia risk reduction
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1002/ALZ.045539
Impact of dementia literacy interventions for non-health-professionals: systematic review and meta-analysis
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-02-2021
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1884843
Abstract: To assess evidence regarding the effects of interventions aimed at improving dementia literacy for different groups of non-health-professionals. A systematic search for relevant interventions was conducted using a range of online databases (e.g. CINAHL, Embase, Medline, ProQuest, and PsycINFO) and hand-searching of reference lists. Eligible interventions were identified based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria and methodological quality criteria. Meta analyses were performed using a random-effects model. The final review included 14 interventions, which were either randomised controlled trials or non-randomised controlled trials. The interventions had varied contents, approaches, settings, and outcome measures. Evidence of improved dementia literacy in various aspects was found, and the intervention effects were strongest on knowledge of dementia. There is evidence for the positive impact of dementia literacy interventions on different groups of non-health-professionals. Best practices in intervention contents, approaches, and outcome measures should be examined to guide future interventions.
Imatinib inhibits the functional capacity of cultured human monocytes
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-12-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1711.2004.01296.X
Abstract: Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been reported to specifically inhibit the growth of bcr-abl expressing chronic myeloid leukaemia progenitors. This drug functions by blocking the ATP-binding site of the kinase domain of bcr-abl, and has also been found to inhibit the c-abl, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, ARG and stem cell factor receptor tyrosine kinases. Reports have recently emerged demonstrating that imatinib also inhibits the growth of non-malignant haemopoietic cells. Here, we demonstrate that concentrations of imatinib within the therapeutic dose range inhibit the function of cultured monocytes (CM) from normal donors. A decrease in the response of CM to LPS was observed morphologically and functionally, with CM grown in the presence of imatinib showing decreased pseudopodia formation and inhibition of IL-6 and TNF-alpha production following LPS stimulation. Imatinib also reduced the ability of M-CSF and GM-CSF stimulated CM to phagocytose zymosan particles, with uptake of non-opsonized zymosan by M-CSF stimulated CM (M-CM) being most affected. M-CM that had been cultured in the presence of imatinib were also impaired in their ability to stimulate responder cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. These results demonstrate that human monocytes cultured in the presence of imatinib are functionally impaired, and suggest that imatinib displays inhibitory activity against other kinase(s) that play a role in monocyte/macrophage development.
Morphophonological and conceptual effects on Dutch subject-verb agreement
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2010
Object attraction in subject-verb agreement construction
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2001
Flow cytometric analysis of cell division by dilution of CFSE related dyes
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2013
DOI: 10.1002/0471142956.CY0911S64
Abstract: The technique described in this unit uses the intracellular fluorescent label carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) to track proliferating cells. Covalently bound CFSE is ided equally between daughter cells, allowing discrimination of successive rounds of cell ision. The technique is applicable to in vitro cell ision, as well as to in vivo ision of adoptively transferred cells and can resolve eight or more successive generations. CFSE is long lived, permitting analysis for several months after cell transfer, and has the same spectral characteristics as fluorescein, so monoclonal antibodies conjugated to phycoerythrin or other compatible fluorochromes may be used to immunophenotype the iding cells. In addition, information is given on a second‐generation dye, Cell Trace Violet (CTV), excited by 405‐nm blue laser light. CTV is chemically related to CFSE, but allows the 488‐nm line of the Argon laser to be used for other probes. Curr. Protoc. Cytom . 64:9.11.1‐9.11.12. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mannose-binding lectin status is associated with risk of major infection following myeloablative sibling allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Publisher: American Society of Hematology
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1182/BLOOD-2007-07-100222
Abstract: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a mediator of innate immunity that influences the risk of infection in a range of clinical settings. We previously reported associations between MBL2 genotype and infection in a retrospective study of myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). However, other studies have been inconclusive, and the role of MBL in reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) transplantation is unknown. Here we report a prospective study examining MBL2 genotype, MBL levels, and risk of major infection following HLA-matched sibling myeloablative (n = 83) and RIC (n = 59) HCT. Baseline MBL levels were higher in recipients than donors (P .001), and recipient MBL levels increased during the peritransplantation period (P = .001), most notably in MBL2 wild-type in iduals receiving myeloablative total body irradiation (mTBI). MBL2 coding mutations were associated with major infection in recipients receiving mTBI. The cumulative incidence of major infection in recipient harboring an MBL2 mutation receiving mTBI was 70.6%, compared with 31.1% of those without mutations not receiving mTBI (P = .01). MBL status was not associated with infection in RIC transplants. These results confirm the association of MBL status with risk of infection in myeloablative, TBI-conditioned transplantation. Studies examining the role of MBL replacement therapy to prevent infection in this setting should be considered.
The Relation Between Gender and Number Agreement Processing
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2002
DEC-205lo Langerinlo neonatal Langerhans' cells preferentially utilize a wortmannin-sensitive, fluid-phase pathway to internalize exogenous antigen
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2003
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2567.2003.01759.X
Abstract: Antigen treatment of neonatal epidermis results in antigen-specific immune suppression. Compared with adult counterparts, neonatal Langerhans' cells (LC) demonstrate an impaired ability to transport antigen to the lymph node (LN). As it is possible that neonatal LC have a reduced ability to endocytose antigen, we evaluated the acquisition of endocytic function, the expression of uptake receptors and the internalization of soluble and small particulate antigens in neonatal, juvenile and adult mice. Although LC from 4-day-old mice were weakly positive for the mannose-type receptor, Langerin, they were capable of internalizing fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran, but to a lesser extent than LC from 6-week-old mice. However, when ratio data were calculated to account for variations in fluorescence intensity at 4 degrees, it was demonstrated that neonatal LC continued to internalize antigen over a longer period of time than adult mice and, as the ratios were much higher, that neonatal cells were also relatively more efficient in antigen uptake. When receptors for mannan and mannose were competitively blocked, LC from neonatal mice, but not adult mice, could still efficiently internalize FITC-dextran. Consequently, the uptake of FITC-dextran, in part, occurred via alternative receptors or a receptor-independent fluid-phase pathway. A feasible pathway is macropinocytosis, as LC from 4-day-old mice demonstrated a reduction in FITC-dextran internalization by the macropinocytosis inhibitor, wortmannin. Evidence of a functional macropinocytosis pathway in neonatal LC was further supported by internalization of the soluble tracer Lucifer Yellow (LY). We conclude that neonatal LC preferentially utilize a wortmannin-sensitive, fluid-phase pathway, rather than receptor-mediated endocytosis, to internalize antigen. As neonatal LC are capable of s ling their environment without inducing immunity, this may serve to avoid inappropriate immune responses during the neonatal period.
Measuring consumer access, appraisal and application of services and information for dementia (CAAASI-Dem): a key component of dementia literacy
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-11-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12877-020-01891-3
Abstract: The ability to locate, navigate and use dementia services and information, either for oneself or in providing care for others, is an essential component of dementia literacy. Despite dementia literacy being understood to be inadequate in many settings, no validated instrument exists to measure these elements. Here we describe the development and preliminary validation of the Consumer Access, Appraisal and Application of Services and Information for Dementia (CAAASI-Dem) tool. Items were adapted from existing health literacy tools and guided by discussion posts in the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (UDMOOC). Following expert review and respondent debriefing, a modified CAAASI-Dem was administered to UDMOOC participants online. On the basis of descriptive statistics, inter-item and item total correlations and qualitative feedback, this was further refined and administered online to a second cohort of UDMOOC participants. Exploratory factor analysis identified underlying factor structure. Items were retained if they had significant factor loadings on one factor only. Each factor required at least three items with significant factor loadings. Internal consistency of factors in the final model was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. From a pool of 70 initial items with either a 5-point Likert scale (Not at all confident – Extremely confident or Strongly agree – Strongly disagree) or a binary scale (Yes – No), 65 items were retained in CAAASI-Dem-V1. Statistical and qualitative analysis of 1412 responses led to a further 34 items being removed and 11 revised to improve clarity. The 31 item CAAASI-Dem-V2 tool was subsequently administered to 3146 participants, one item was removed due to redundancy and EFA resulted in the removal of an additional 4 items and determination of a five factor structure: Evaluation and engagement Readiness Social supports Specific dementia services and Practical aspects . The five factors and 26 constituent items in CAAASI-Dem align with functional, critical, and communicative aspects of dementia health literacy from the perspective of the carer. As a screening tool for people living with dementia and their carers, CAAASI-Dem potentially provides a means to determine support needs and may be a key component of the dementia literacy assessment toolbox.
‘If I had dementia, the things that might help me to eat include...’: Exploring findings from a massive open online course
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2021
DOI: 10.1002/ALZ.050564
Abstract: Maximising opportunities to enhance nutrition are a crucial part of providing care to people with dementia, since their risk of malnutrition is increased due to progressive symptoms. A person‐centred approach to eating coupled with skilled caregivers is essential to minimise symptom burden, reduce dependence and maintain quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of encouraging eating for those with dementia from responses to a discussion board within a free and openly accessible course: the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (UD‐MOOC), which asks ‘If I had dementia, the things that might help me to eat include...’. A total of 3,651 participant discussion responses were collected from 2018 and 2019 course enrolments. Responses were analysed using structural topic modelling followed by secondary thematic analysis to develop meaningful themes to depict participant perceptions. The majority of participants were female, tertiary educated Australians over 50 years old. One third were paid caregivers. Thirteen topics were isolated from structural topic modelling, from which six major themes were identified: personalised food modifications (such as changes to texture, meal size and frequency of food offered), meal choice (including eating implements and providing food options), meal presentation (including sensory stimulation), eating environment (such as dining and social surroundings), eating assistance (with a focus on independence and encouragement) and end of life nutrition (such as eating safety and perceptions of tube feeding). Meal timing preference was seldom raised. By exploring perceptions from a discussion board provoking a first‐person stance, participants demonstrated erse awareness of important aspects to encourage eating in dementia. Furthermore, the opportunity to explore perceived experience provided an understanding of what eating means to caregivers and how they may approach person‐centred eating for people with dementia. In the context of previous research, the findings of this study suggest a gap between perceived best care strategies and practical application of these strategies. This supports the need to nurture opportunities that allow awareness to be implemented in practice and education programs that support current and future dementia caregivers.
Advanced practice radiation therapists: an Australian context
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-05-2018
DOI: 10.1002/JMRS.280
Island Study Linking Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) Targeting Dementia Risk Reduction: Protocol for a Prospective Web-Based Cohort Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-11-2021
Abstract: p to 40% of incident dementia is considered attributable to behavioral and lifestyle factors. Given the current lack of medical treatments and the projected increase in dementia prevalence, a focus on prevention through risk reduction is needed. e aim to increase dementia risk knowledge and promote changes in dementia risk behaviors at in idual and population levels. he Island Study Linking Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) is a long-term prospective, web-based cohort study with nested interventions that will be conducted over a 10-year period. Target participants (n=10,000) reside in Tasmania and are aged 50 years or over. Survey data on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to modifiable dementia risk factors will be collected annually. After each survey wave, participants will be provided with a personalized dementia risk profile containing guidelines for reducing risk across 9 behavioral and lifestyle domains and with opportunities to engage in educational and behavioral interventions targeting risk reduction. Survey data will be modeled longitudinally with intervention engagement indices, cognitive function indices, and blood-based biomarkers, to measure change in risk over time. n the initial 12 months (October 2019 to October 2020), 6410 participants have provided baseline data. The study is ongoing. ecruitment targets are feasible and efforts are ongoing to achieve a representative s le. Findings will inform future public health dementia risk reduction initiatives by showing whether, when, and how dementia risk can be lowered through educational and behavioral interventions, delivered in an uncontrolled real-world context. ERR1-10.2196/34688
Non-HLA immunogenetic polymorphisms and the risk of complications after allogeneic hemopoietic stem-cell transplantation
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2004
DOI: 10.1097/01.TP.0000111769.45088.A2
Abstract: Existing data indicate that non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) immunogenetic polymorphisms influence the risk of complications after allogeneic hemopoietic stem-cell transplantation. However, prior studies have been limited by small s le size and limited genotyping. We examined 22 polymorphisms in 11 immunoregulatory genes including cytokines, mediators of apoptosis, and host-defense molecules by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers in 160 related myeloablative transplants. Associations were confirmed in two independent cohorts. An intronic polymorphism in the tumor necrosis factor gene (TNF 488A) was associated with the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (odds ratio [OR] 16.9), grades II to IV acute GVHD (OR 3.3), chronic GVHD (OR 12.5), and early death posttransplant (OR 3.4). Recipient Fas -670G and donor interleukin (IL)-6 -174G were independent risk factors for acute GVHD. Recipient IL-10 ATA and Fas -670 genotype were independent risk factors for chronic GVHD. Recipient IL-1beta +3953T was associated with hepatic acute GVHD, and Fas -670G was associated with major infection. These results highlight the potential importance of cytokine and apoptosis gene polymorphisms in stem-cell transplantation, and indicate that non-HLA genotyping may be useful to identify in iduals at the highest risk of complications and new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Are tomorrow’s doctors prepared to prevent dementia? A cross-sectional study of Tasmanian medical students’ knowledge of dementia risk factors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2021.11.005
Abstract: Tomorrow's doctors are unprepared to prevent dementia. This cross-sectional study invited medical students enrolled in the University of Tasmania 5-year medical degree (MBBS) to participate in an online questionnaire during 2019. This study measured students' recall of risk factors, prompted and unprompted, for dementia and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) score. Data were collected via an online survey comprising the DKAS, and risk factor questions adapted from the Alzheimer's Research UK National Monitor Survey, with questions on CVD risk factors added for comparison. Medical students (n = 82) proffered fewer unprompted risk factors for dementia than for CVD and were less proficient at recognizing dementia risk factors from a prompted list. Knowledge of vascular risk factors for dementia was particularly limited. Their broader dementia knowledge was generally adequate and DKAS scores were at the level of a qualified doctor by final year. Whilst medical students' general knowledge of dementia was satisfactory, their knowledge of modifiable risk factors of dementia was limited. If replicated elsewhere, this raises concerns about whether the future medical workforce is equipped to take a necessary lead role in managing dementia risk reduction. As dementia incidence rises worldwide, and 40% cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors, educational programs may need to urgently address these deficiencies.
Which Aspects of Psychological Resilience Moderate the Association between Deterioration in Sleep and Depression in Patients with Prostate Cancer?
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-07-2022
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of psychological resilience on sleep-deterioration-related depression among patients with prostate cancer, in terms of the total score and in idual symptoms. From a survey of 96 patients with prostate cancer, 55 who reported a deterioration in their sleep quality since diagnosis and treatment completed the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Moderation analysis was conducted for the scale total scores and for the ‘core’ symptoms of each scale within this s le, based on data analysis. Interaction analysis was used to identify key associations. The moderation analysis suggested that psychological resilience moderated the depressive effect of sleep deterioration that patients reported occurred after their diagnosis and treatment and did so at the total and ‘core’ symptom levels of being able to see the humorous side of things and to think clearly when under pressure, but there was an interaction between this moderating effect, the strength of psychological resilience, and severity of sleep deterioration. Although it appears to be a successful moderator of depression arising from sleep deterioration that was reported by patients with prostate cancer, the effectiveness of psychological resilience is conditional upon the severity of patients’ sleep difficulties and the strength of their psychological resilience. Implications for the application of resilience training and concomitant therapies for patients with prostate cancer with sleep difficulties and depression are discussed.
Activating killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor haplotype influences clinical outcome following HLA-matched sibling haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1111/TAN.13327
Abstract: Natural killer cells are thought to influence the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), impacting on relapse, overall survival, graft versus host disease and the control of infection, in part through the complex interplay between the large and genetically erse killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family and their ligands. This study examined the relationship between KIR gene content and clinical outcomes including the control of opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus in the setting of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling HSCT in an Australian cohort. The presence of the KIR B haplotype which contain more activating receptors in the donor, in particular centromeric B haplotype genes (Cen-B), was associated with improved overall survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing sibling HSCT and receiving myeloablative conditioning. Donor Cen-B haplotype was also associated with reduced acute graft versus host disease grades II-IV whereas donor telomeric-B haplotype was associated with decreased incidence of CMV reactivation. In contrast, we were not able to demonstrate a reduced rate of relapse when the donor had KIR Cen-B, however relapse with a donor Cen-A haplotype was a competing risk factor to poor overall survival. Here we show that the presence of donor activating KIR led to improved outcome for the patient, potentially through reduced relapse rates and decreased incidence of acute GvHD translating to improved overall survival. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Relationship between dementia knowledge and occupational strain among staff of residential facilities for older adults: A cross-sectional survey
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-02-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S12126-023-09523-Y
Abstract: Working with people living with dementia in residential facilities for older adults can be challenging, and this is exacerbated when staff have a limited understanding of dementia. However, the relationship between knowledge of dementia and strain in caring for people with dementia among residential facility staff is unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between dementia knowledge and strain in caring for people with dementia. A questionnaire containing the Dementia Knowledge Assessment and Strain in Dementia Care Scales was administered in 2017 and 2019 to 141 staff in three southern Australian residential facilities for older adults. Bivariate and hierarchical regression analysis examined inter-scale relationships and the power of dementia strain to explain knowledge variance. It was found that staff had substantial gaps in dementia knowledge (mean score 32/50) and low strain in dementia care (mean score 4/16). A positive relationship was found between higher dementia knowledge and greater strain in dementia care (r s = 0.319, p .001), particularly with feeling that residents are not receiving appropriate care from colleagues (Factor 1 Frustrated Empathy r s = 0.392, p .001). Frustrated Empathy explained a significant amount of variance in dementia knowledge beyond demographic variables. The findings suggest that more comprehensive dementia knowledge is associated with higher strain in care of people with dementia, particularly in the context of perceived lapses in the quality of care provided by colleagues. Arguably, organisational-wide dementia education to address identified gaps should be supported by facilitating staff enaction of their knowledge to improve care.
The Drivers of Conversations About Dementia Risk Reduction: A Qualitative Study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2023
Effect of a dementia education intervention on the confidence and attitudes of general practitioners in Australia: A pretest post-test study
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2019-033218
Abstract: This study assessed the impact of a Dementia Education Workshop on the confidence and attitudes of general practitioner (GP) registrars (GPR) and GP supervisors (GPS) in relation to the early diagnosis and management of dementia. Pretest post-test research design. Continuing medical education in Australia. 332 GPR and 114 GPS. Registrars participated in a 3-hour face-to-face workshop while supervisors participated in a 2-hour-modified version designed to assist with the education and supervision of registrars. The General Practitioners Confidence and Attitude Scale for Dementia was used to assess overall confidence, attitude to care and engagement. A t-test for paired s les was used to identify differences from preworkshop (T1) to postworkshop (T2) for each GP group. A t-test for independent s les was undertaken to ascertain differences between each workshop group. A Cohen’s d was calculated to measure the effect size of any difference between T1 and T2 scores. Significant increases in scores were recorded for Confidence in Clinical Abilities , Attitude to Care and Engagement between pretest and post-test periods. GPR exhibited the greatest increase in scores for Confidence in Clinical Abilities and Engagement . Targeted educational interventions can improve attitude, increase confidence and reduce negative attitudes towards engagement of participating GPs.
Is the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course Accessible and Effective for Everyone? Native Versus Non-Native English Speakers
Publisher: Athabasca University Press
Date: 21-04-2021
DOI: 10.19173/IRRODL.V22I3.5380
Abstract: Most massive open online courses (MOOCs) are offered in English, including those offered by non-English speaking universities. The study investigated an identified English language dementia MOOC’s accessibility and effectiveness in improving the dementia knowledge of non-native English speaker participants. A total of 6,389 enrolees (age range 18–82 years 88.4% female) from 67 countries was included in analyses. Dementia knowledge was measured by the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) before and after the MOOC completion. Rates of completion were also compared. Native English speakers (n = 5,320) were older, more likely to be female, less likely to be employed, and had lower educational attainment than non-native English speakers (n = 1025). Native English speakers were also more likely to care for or have cared for a family member or friend living with dementia than were non-native English speakers. Native English speakers had a significantly higher DKAS score both pre- (M = 33.0, SD = 9.3) and post-MOOC (M = 44.2, SD = 5.5) than did non-native English speakers (M = 31.7, SD = 9.1 and M = 40.7, SD = 7.7 for pre- and post-MOOC, respectively). Non-native English speakers with low pre-MOOC dementia knowledge scores gained significantly less dementia knowledge following course completion than did native English speakers (p .001, adjusted for age and education). There was no significant difference between the two groups in their likelihood of completing the MOOC. Our findings suggest that non-native English speakers are motivated and able to complete the MOOC at similar rates to native English speakers, but the MOOC is a more effective educational intervention for native English speakers with low dementia knowledge.
Truth, hope and the disclosure of a dementia diagnosis: A scoping review of the ethical considerations from the perspective of the person, carer and clinician
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-02-2022
DOI: 10.1177/14713012211067882
Abstract: This paper explores contemporary approaches to balancing truth with the provision of hope during the disclosure of a dementia diagnosis. We discuss the ethical significance of these practices as they relate to each member of the triad – the person, the carer and the clinician – at the point of diagnosis and beyond. The process of disclosing a diagnosis of dementia is complex. It encompasses breaking bad news while balancing hope, with truth about a progressive life-limiting condition. The process of receiving the diagnosis likewise challenges the person who may be unprepared for the diagnosis, while carers seek information and supports. The impact of receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be life-changing and harmful at the personal level – for both the person and carer. This risk of harm becomes a critical consideration for clinicians when deciding on the level of truth: what information should be relayed and to whom? That risk is also balanced against the ethical issue of patient autonomy, which includes the right to know (or not) and make informed decisions about therapeutic interventions. While the consensus is that the autonomy of the person living with dementia must be upheld, controversy exists regarding the extent to which this should occur. For instance, at diagnosis, it is common for clinicians to use euphemisms rather than the word dementia to maintain hope, even though people and carers prefer to know the diagnosis. This practice of therapeutic lying is a pervasive ethical issue in dementia care, made more acceptable by its roots in diagnosis disclosure.
A preposition is something you can end a sentence with: Learning English stranded prepositions through structural priming
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 04-11-2015
Abstract: This study investigated whether second language (L2) learners of English could learn to produce stranded prepositions through structural priming. Structural priming is the tendency for speakers to repeat the structure of previously experienced sentences, without intention or conscious awareness of such behaviour, and is thought to be associated with implicit learning of syntactic structure. The syntactic structure chosen for this study was the stranded preposition in English relative clauses, a structure which is known to be difficult for L2 learners to acquire, and which is often replaced by a related ungrammatical interlanguage variant: null preposition (null prep). It was hypothesized that, during and just after a structural priming treatment, learners would produce more sentences containing stranded prepositions and fewer null prep sentences than before the treatment. The results revealed that learners indeed produced more stranded prepositions during and after priming than before and we interpret this behaviour as a possible indication of implicit learning of an L2 structure. However, learners did not produce significantly fewer null preps during and after priming than before. We discuss the findings in terms of second language acquisition theory, interlanguage processes, and possible pedagogical implications.
Age-related ranges of memory, activation, and cytotoxic markers on CD4 and CD8 cells in children
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-1994
DOI: 10.1007/BF01540982
Understanding non-return after a temporary deferral from giving blood: A qualitative study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2012
Acquisition of immune function during the development of the Langerhans cell network in neonatal mice
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2001
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-2567.2001.01221.X
Abstract: The immunological function of the Langerhans cell (LC) network in neonatal skin was examined by defining the development of cutaneous immunity relative to the structure, phenotype and function of the epidermal LC network in neonatal, juvenile and adult mice. Analysis of epidermal sheets showed the presence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II+, multilectin receptor DEC-205- cells within the epidermis of 3-day-old mice both cell density and DEC-205 expression increased until day 14. When visualized with antibodies directed at MHC II, the network was poorly formed in 3- and 7-day-old mice, as there was a lower cell density and poor MHC II expression on dendritic processes, compared to mice at day14. Application of a fluorescent antigen to 3-day-old mice revealed that the LC were inefficient in transporting antigen to the draining lymph node. There was an improvement at day 7 and by day 14 comparable numbers of antigen carrying cells were detected in the lymph nodes of 6-week-old mice. The reduced antigen carriage in 3- and 7-day-old mice correlated with a poor contact sensitivity response. This was not simply due to failure to present antigen, but development of immunosuppression, as transfer of T cells from adult mice that were previously treated with antigen when they were 3 days old, to adult recipients resulted in antigen specific immunosuppression. Analysis of CD80 and CD86 expression showed that LC from day 3 skin expressed CD80, but not CD86 and application of antigen through this skin was inefficient in upregulating CD86. These findings indicate that when the neonatal LC network is poorly developed it is functionally immature and antigen applied through this 'functionally immature network' results in antigen specific immunosuppression.
Investigating opinions of, and perceptions to, advanced practice radiation therapist roles
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
The interplay of syntax and form in sentence production: A cross-linguistic study of form effects on agreement
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2008
Related Organisations
University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Location: No location found
Università Degli Studi Di Pavia Facoltà Di Medicina E Chirurgia
Location: Italy
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Location: United States of America
Australian Red Cross Blood Service South Australia
Location: Australia
Related Funding Activities
Recruiting And Retaining Australian Blood Donors: A Social-psychological Analysis Of The Role Of Attitudes, Identity, And Norms
Start Date: 2005
End Date: 2008
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityThe Impact Of Haemoglobin Deferral On Blood Donors: Perceptions, Health And Non-return
Start Date: 2006
End Date: 2008
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityThe Impact Of Haemoglobin Deferral On Blood Donors: Perceptions, Health And Non-return
Start Date: 2006
End Date: 2008
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityExamining The Impact Of Marketing Communications On Brand Image, Brand Equity And Behaviour Outcomes
Start Date: 2008
End Date: 2009
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityTransforming Awareness, Literacy Andamp; Knowledge Of Traumatic Brain Injury (TALK-TBI)
Start Date: 2021
End Date: 2025
Funder: Department of Health
View Funded Activity