The reading preferences of 13-year-old boys and girls were examined to identify the factors determining reading achievement. Students from each Canadian province and one territory (N = 20,094) completed a questionnaire on, among others, the types of in-class reading activities. T-test results indicate that the boys spent more time reading textbooks, magazines, newspapers, Internet articles and electronic encyclopedias, while the girls read more novels, fiction, informative or non-fiction texts, and books from the school or local libraries. Logistical regression shows that reading achievement for both sexes was determined by identical reading preferences: reading novels, informative texts, and books from the school library, as well as level of interest in the class reading material and participation in the discussions on what was read in class.

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RationaleNontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) diseases are difficult to treat infections, especially in lung transplant (LTx) candidates. Currently, there are paucity of recommendations on the management of NTM infections in LTx, focusing on Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M.abscessus(MAB), and M.kansasii(MK).MethodsPulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, LTx surgeons, and Delphi experts with expertise in NTM were recruited. A patient representative was also invited. Three questionnaires were distributed to panelists comprising of questions with multiple response statements. Delphi methodology with a Likert scale of 11 points (5 to −5) was applied to define the agreement between experts. Responses from the first two questionnaires were collated to develop a final questionnaire. The consensus was described as a median rating >4 or <- four indicating for or against the given statement. After the last round of questionnaires, a cumulative report was generated.ResultsPanelists recommend performing sputum cultures and a chest CT scan for NTM screening in lung transplant candidates. Panelists recommend against absolute contraindication to LTx even with multiple positive sputum cultures for MAC, M.abscessus,or M.kansasii.Panelists recommend MAC patients on antimicrobial treatment and culture harmful can be listed for LTx without further delay. Panelists recommend six months of culture-negative for M.kansasii, whereas a 12-month further treatment from the time of culture-negative for M.abscessusbefore listing for LTx.ConclusionNTM LTx study consensus statement has provided essential recommendations in NTM management in LTx and can be utilized as an expert opinion while awaiting evidence-based contributions.