The number of students with identified learning differences (LDs) of all kinds is increasing in higher education. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 27 current and previous students with a range of specific LDs by means of semi-structured interviews, using a thematic approach. The findings revealed that participants shared many life experiences and preferences for learning irrespective of their type of LD. Participants generally held one of two views about their identity as 'neurodiverse': a 'difference' view--where neurodiversity was seen as a difference incorporating a set of strengths and weaknesses, or a 'medical/deficit' view--where neurodiversity was seen as a disadvantageous medical condition. The former view was associated with expressions of greater career ambition and academic self-esteem, while the latter view was associated more with processes for obtaining the Disabled Students' Allowance. Many of the participants reported similar experiences in education and with university support; many did not feel adequately supported by their institutions. Recommendations are made for increased awareness training among lecturers and better liaison between university departments.
Background: The aims of this study were to compare salivary cytokines and total protein, between children with nephrotic syndrome and healthy children; and to examine whether saliva parameters can differentiate between steroid sensitivity and resistance, and between disease remission and relapse. Methods: Twenty-seven children with nephrotic syndrome were classified according to steroid sensitivity and resistance, and disease remission and relapse. Twenty healthy children served as controls. Whole saliva samples were collected from all the participants. Urine and blood tests done on the same day as the saliva collection were recorded. Salivary total protein was quantified using bicinchoninic acid; and IFNγ, IL-4, IL-8, IL-6 and IL1β levels using ELISA. Results: The mean ages of the nephrotic syndrome and control groups were 11.3±2.4 and 9±4.2, respectively. Compared to the control group, for the nephrotic syndrome group, total salivary protein was significantly lower; as were the levels of all the cytokines examined except IFNγ. Statistically significant differences were not found in any of the salivary markers examined, between the children with nephrotic syndrome who were treatment sensitive (n=19) and resistant (n=8). Protein and IL-8 salivary levels were lower in the active (n=7) than in the remission (n=20) group. Conclusions: Salivary parameters distinguished children with nephrotic syndrome in relapse from healthy children. This may be due to decreased salivary protein excretion, which reflects decreased plasma levels, consequent to proteinuria. Accordingly, salivary markers may be developed as a diagnostic or screening tool for NS activity.
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