Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Translation and psychometric evaluation of a French version of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the reliability and the factor structure of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-French version. BACKGROUND The patient's perspective is essential when assessing risk for adverse events at hospital discharge. Developed in the USA, the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale is the only instrument that measures an individual's self-perception of readiness before leaving the hospital. A French version of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale was developed and validated. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS A convenience sample of 265 older inpatients from four medical units was selected. The translation and cultural adaptation of the scale involved experts in gerontology and the French language and included back translation. The items were semantically evaluated and pretested in 10 older inpatients. The scale's psychometric properties were internally validated by using confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. Reliability was assessed by examining the internal consistency of its items. RESULTS Goodness-of-fit indices of the confirmatory factor analyses were not adequate, but reliability was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0·80). Exploratory factor analysis of the French version provided results close to those described for the English version, with three similar subscales (physical and emotional readiness, coping with medical treatment and personal care), whereas the initially described Expected Support subscale was not identified in the French version. CONCLUSION The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-French version appears to be partially consistent with its original English version, but requires additional adaptation to fully take into account the Swiss context and culture to achieve its original aim. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Assessing patient readiness for hospital discharge before leaving hospital could help nurses to improve the discharge planning process and achieve better patient preparedness and care coordination.
Nurses' perceptions of their professional practice environment: a cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe nurses' perceptions concerning their professional practice environment in mainland China and identify factors associated with these views. BACKGROUND Globally, the environments in which nurses work influence the quality of nursing practice and health care. DESIGN A cross-sectional descriptive survey using both paper- and online-based delivery modes was used. METHOD A convenience sampling method was used. The survey questionnaire was composed of sociodemographic items and the 38-item Chinese version of Professional Practice Environment survey. The content of the paper-based questionnaire was identical to the online survey. Pearson's chi-square test was conducted to compare the demographic characteristics of these two data sets. Descriptive statistics analysis included frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Multiple linear regression analysis using the Backwards method was applied to identify independent predictors of each subscale of the 38-item Chinese version of Professional Practice Environment. RESULTS A total of 573 questionnaires were analysed. The mean score of each subscale of the 38-item Chinese version of Professional Practice Environment in this study ranged from 2·66-3·05. All subscales except work motivation (3·05, standard deviation: 0·44) scored less than 3·0. Areas rated as most in need of improvement included control over practice, interpersonal interaction, supportive leadership and handling conflict, and staff relationships with physicians and autonomy. CONCLUSION This study has identified nurses' perspectives regarding their workplaces in contemporary China. These data have provided an important baseline for developing and implementing culturally appropriate strategies to improve the working environment of Chinese nurses. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE A supportive and enabling work environment promotes professional development and the safety and quality of health care. Addressing these factors is important in optimising work place environments.
The National Trauma Triage Protocol: Can this tool predict which patients with trauma will benefit from helicopter transport?

BACKGROUND Helicopter transport (HT) is an important component of American trauma care, but prospectively identifying patients that would benefit from this resource remains difficult. The objective of this study was to assess the role of the National Trauma Triage Protocol (NTTP) in selecting patients that would benefit from HT. METHODS Subjects transported by HT or ground transport from the scene of injury in 2007 were identified using the National Trauma Databank version 8. Criteria from the stepwise NTTP available in the data set were collected including physiologic data, anatomic injuries identified by DRG International Classification of Diseases—9th Rev. codes, and age. Subgroups of patients who met specific triage criteria were evaluated using logistic regression to determine if transport modality was an independent predictor of survival after controlling for demographics, injury severity, prehospital time, and presence of other NTTP triage criteria. Standard test characteristics were calculated for each criterion to predict trauma center need (TCN). The performance of triage criteria to predict TCN was compared between the groups using independent receiver operating characteristic area under the curve analysis. RESULTS There were 258,387 subjects transported either by helicopter (16%) or by ground (84%). HT subjects were more severely injured (mean [SD], Injury Severity Score, 15.9 [12] vs. 10.2 [10], p < 0.01). Logistic regression identified HT as an independent predictor of survival in subjects with a subset of triage criteria, including penetrating injury, GCS<14, RR<10 or >29 breaths per minute, and age>55 years. Each criterion previously mentioned was significantly more predictive of TCN in the HT group than in the ground transport group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Patients who meet certain triage criteria in the field seem to have an independent survival benefit if transported to a trauma center by helicopter. Furthermore, these criteria are highly specific and more reliably predict TCN in the HT group. The specific triage criteria listed previously should be carefully considered when developing policies for scene helicopter use in the trauma setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III.
Polymer scaffolds with no skin-effect for tissue engineering applications fabricated by thermally induced phase separation

Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) based methods are widely used for the fabrication of porous scaffolds for tissue engineering and related applications. However, formation of a less-/non-porous layer at the scaffold’s outer surface at the air–liquid interface, often known as the skin-effect, restricts the cell infiltration inside the scaffold and therefore limits its efficacy. To this end, we demonstrate a TIPS-based process involving the exposure of the just quenched poly(lactide-co-caprolactone):dioxane phases to the pure dioxane for a short time while still being under the quenching strength, herein after termed as the second quenching (2Q). Scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry and contact angle analysis revealed a direct correlation between the time of 2Q and the gradual disappearance of the skin, followed by the widening of the outer pores and the formation of the fibrous filaments over the surface, with no effect on the internal pore architecture and the overall porosity of scaffolds. The experiments at various quenching temperatures and polymer concentrations revealed the versatility of 2Q in removing the skin. In addition, the in vitro cell culture studies with the human primary fibroblasts showed that the scaffolds prepared by the TIPS based 2Q process, with the optimal exposure time, resulted in a higher cell seeding and viability in contrast to the scaffolds prepared by the regular TIPS. Thus, TIPS including the 2Q step is a facile, versatile and innovative approach to fabricate the polymer scaffolds with a skin-free and fully open porous surface morphology for achieving a better cell response in tissue engineering and related applications.
Three-dimensional poly (ε-caprolactone)/hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds incorporating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for the repair of bone defects

We previously demonstrated that three-dimensional (3D) hydroxyapatite (HAP)-collagen (COL)-coated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds (HAP-COL-PCL) possess appropriate nano-structures, surface roughness, and nutrients, providing a favorable environment for osteogenesis. However, the effect of using 3D HAP-COL-PCL scaffolds incorporating BMSCs for the repair of bone defects in rats has been not evaluated. 3D PCL scaffolds coated with HAP, collagen or HAP/COL and incorporating BMSCs were implanted into calvarial defects. At 12 weeks after surgery, the rats were sacrificed and crania were harvested to assess the bone defect repair using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), histology, immunohistochemistry and sequential fluorescent labeling analysis. 3D micro-CT reconstructed images and quantitative analysis showed that HAP-COL-PCL groups possessed better bone-forming capacity than HAP-PCL groups or COL-PCL groups. Fluorescent labeling analysis revealed the percentage of tetracycline labeling, alizarin red labeling, and calcein labeling in HAP-COL-PCL groups were all greater than in the other two groups (P < 0.05), and the result was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining and histological analysis of bone regeneration. This study demonstrates that 3D HAP-COL-PCL scaffolds incorporating BMSCs markedly enhance bone regeneration of bone defects in rats.
Enhancement of biodegradation and osseointegration of poly(ε-caprolactone)/calcium phosphate ceramic composite screws for osteofixation using calcium sulfate

Internal fixation devices, which can stabilize and realign fractured bone, are widely used in fracture management. In this paper, a biodegradable composite fixator, composed of poly(ε-caprolactone), calcium phosphate ceramic and calcium sulfate (PCL/CPC/CS), is developed. The composition of CS, which has a high dissolution rate, was expected to create a porous structure to improve osteofixation to the composite fixator. PCL, PCL/CPC, and PCL/CPC/CS samples were prepared and their physical properties were characterized in vitro. In vivo performance of the composite screws was verified in the distal femurs of rabbits. Results showed that the PCL/CPC/CS composite had a higher compressive strength (28.55 ± 3.32 MPa) in comparison with that of PCL (20.64 ± 1.81 MPa) (p < 0.05). A larger amount of apatite was formed on PCL/CPC/CS than on PCL/CPC, while no apatite was found on PCL after simulated body fluid immersion. In addition, PCL/CPC/CS composites also had a faster in vitro degradation rate (13.05 ± 3.42% in weight loss) relative to PCL (1.79 ± 0.23%) and PCL/CPC (4.32 ± 2.18%) (p < 0.001). In animal studies, PCL/CPC/CS screws showed a greater volume loss than that of PCL or PCL/CPC at 24 weeks post-implantation. Under micro-computerized tomography observation, animals with PCL/CPC/CS implants had better osseointegration in terms of the structural parameters of the distal metaphysis, including trabecular number, trabecular spacing, and connectivity density, than the PCL screw. This study reveals that the addition of CS accelerates the biodegradation and enhanced apatite formation of the PCL/CPC composite screw. This osteoconductive PCL/CPC/CS is a good candidate material for internal fixation devices.
A vascular tissue engineering scaffold with core–shell structured nano-fibers formed by coaxial electrospinning and its biocompatibility evaluation

In this article, a tubular vascular tissue engineering scaffold with core–shell structured fibers was produced by coaxial electrospinning at an appropriate flow rate ratio between the inner and outer solution. PCL was selected as the core to provide the mechanical property and integrity to the scaffold while collagen was used as the shell to improve the attachment and proliferation of vascular cells due to its excellent biocompatibility. The fine core–shell structured fibers were demonstrated by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope observations. Subsequently, the collagen shell was crosslinked by genipin and further bound with heparin. The crosslinking process was confirmed by the increasing of tensile strength, swelling ratio and thermogravimetric analysis measurements while the surface heparin content was characterized by means of a UV-spectrophotometer and activated partial thromboplastin time tests. Furthermore, the mechanical properties such as stitch strength and bursting pressure of the as-prepared scaffold were measured. Moreover, the biocompatibility of the scaffold was evaluated by cytotoxicity investigation with L929 cells via MTT assay. Endothelial cell adhesion assessments were conducted to reveal the possibility of the formation of an endothelial cell layer on the scaffold surface, while the ability of smooth muscle cell penetration into the scaffold wall was also assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The as-prepared core–shell structured scaffold showed promising potential for use in vascular tissue engineering.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual college student perspectives on disparities in weight-related behaviours and body image: a qualitative analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To (1) explore college students' perceived sexual orientation-related barriers to engaging in physical activity, eating healthfully and maintaining healthy body images and (2) identify types of campus resources on physical activity, healthy eating and body image available to lesbian, gay and bisexual college students. BACKGROUND Previous research has highlighted sexual orientation disparities in weight status, physical activity, healthy eating and body image. Despite this, little is known about the context surrounding these disparities. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using individual interviews. METHODS Thirty (15 males, 15 females) lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and pansexual-identified college students, aged 18-30 years participated in the study. Quasi-inductive coding was used to analyse transcribed interview data and an iterative coding process was used to organise data into themes. RESULTS Many felt their sexual orientation helped them be physically active, engage in healthful eating habits and have a positive body image. However, sexual orientation was also identified as a stressor that adversely impacted physical activity and eating habits. CONCLUSIONS Lesbian, gay and bisexual students may have to negotiate their sexuality in ways that could adversely influence their physical activity, eating habits and body image. Both clinical and institutional interventions should be inclusive of all people, including lesbian, gay and bisexual, queer, and pansexual students. Further, tailored interventions to meet the specific health needs of sexual minority populations are needed. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Clinicians need to understand the context in which sexual minority young adults experience health promotion messaging and programming. Clinic-based tailored interventions are critical as part of a multi-faceted approach in promoting physical activity and healthier eating habits for all young people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and pansexual, to more effectively address the prevention of chronic diseases.
Impact of hand burns on health-related quality of life in children younger than 5 years

BACKGROUND The purpose of this multicenter study was to evaluate the impact of hand burn injury in preschool children younger than 5 years on health-related quality of life, including both physical and psychosocial function, in the 5 years after burn injury. METHODS This prospective case series assessed children younger than 5 years admitted to four pediatric burn centers. Each child’s family completed the American Burn Association/Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Outcome Questionnaire (BOQ), a validated and reliable assessment tool, which measures the physical and psychosocial functioning of the child with burn injury ages 0 year to 5 years, at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months after discharge. Multivariate models controlling for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were developed, and recovery curves were generated for the time since burn using generalized estimating equations with random effects. RESULTS A cohort of 438 patients was followed up prospectively. Mean (SD) patient age was 2.2 (1.2) years, mean (SD) total body surface area (TBSA) was 28% (22.4%), and 19% had inhalation injury. Children with hand burns had lower scores in most of the areas tested, with the most pronounced and significant differences were in fine motor function, gross motor function, and appearance. These findings applied to both small (<20% TBSA) and large (≥20% TBSA) burns. The most profound impact of hand burns was noted in fine and gross motor function during the 4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION Children with hand burns have significantly worse outcomes than do children with burns in other areas. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiologic/prognostic study, level III.
Somatic symptoms, sleep disturbance and psychological distress among women undergoing oocyte pick-up and in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study investigated the relationship between somatic symptoms, sleep disturbance and psychological distress in women who underwent oocyte pick-up and in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer. BACKGROUND According to worldwide research, women receiving assisted reproductive technologies may suffer from somatic and psychological symptoms and even experience sleep disturbance. Apparently, the guilt of infecundity forces Asian women to conceal this scenario and delay the time at which they accept medical assistance and mental support. DESIGN A longitudinal study. METHODS The subjects in this study were infertile female patients who received oocyte pick-up and in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer therapies in a hospital in northern Taiwan. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, including somatic symptoms, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a five-item brief symptom rating scale. Data were analysed using the McNemar's test, Wilcoxon Sign Rank and fully entered multiple regression with spss version 20.0 software. RESULTS The mean age of 100 participants was 34·54 (SD = 3·94) years old. They experienced abdominal distention, breast engorgement, nausea, faintness, diarrhoea, sleep disturbance and psychological distress when they received in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer; these results were apparently higher than those receiving oocyte pick-up. In addition, sleep disturbance was the most significant factor involved in psychological distress during oocyte pick-up and in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer therapies. The most serious indicator of the women's psychological distress during oocyte pick-up and in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer treatment is anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Sleep disturbance was the most significant factor involved in the psychological distress of women having problems with conception. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Assisted reproductive technologies nurses can assess women's psychological distress by caring for their sleep disturbance without directly exploring their mood state. Moreover, these medical personnel should understand infertile female patients' psychological distress is mainly associated with their sleep disturbance. Developing various strategies to improve both sleep quality and psychological distress for infertile female patients should be recognised in future studies.
Formation of an ascorbate–apatite composite layer on titanium

An ascorbate–apatite composite layer was successfully formed on NaOH- and heat-treated titanium by coprecipitating L-ascorbic acid phosphate and low-crystalline apatite in a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution at 37 °C for 48 h. The supersaturated calcium phosphate solutions used have chemical compositions attainable by mixing infusion fluids officially approved for clinical use. The amount of immobilized L-ascorbic acid phosphate ranged from 1.0 to 2.3 µg mm−2, which is most likely to be sufficient for the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on titanium. Since ascorbate is important for the collagen synthesis and subsequent osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells, titanium coated with the ascorbate–apatite composite layer would be useful as a scaffold in bone tissue engineering and as a bone substitute.
Pain and concomitant symptoms in medical and elective surgical inpatients: a point prevalence survey.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study (1) reports the prevalence of severe pain and other symptoms among both medical and elective surgical patients and (2) examines the co-occurrence of severe pain and other symptoms and symptom-related distress. BACKGROUND As symptom burden can interfere with patients' rehabilitation, daily activities and quality of life, detection and optimal management of pain and other symptoms is important for good nursing care. DESIGN Cross-sectional point prevalence survey. METHODS Data were collected by self-report on 10 predetermined screening days from medical and surgical patients admitted to a local hospital in Oslo, Norway. Patients rated their average level of pain on movement during the last 24 hours on a 0-10 numeric rating scale (severe pain defined as ≥7). The occurrence of other symptoms and symptom distress were measured with 15 items from the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Data on comorbidities were also collected. RESULTS A total of 602 patients participated in the study (response rate = 71%). Medical patients had a higher incidence of symptoms than surgical patients and reported more symptom distress. Surgical patients reported higher levels of pain than medical patients, but the prevalence of severe pain did not differ between the two groups. In analyses adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities, severe pain among medical patients was associated with severe distress due to concentration difficulties, vomiting, itching and swelling, while severe pain among surgical patients was associated with the occurrence of drowsiness. CONCLUSION Associations between severe pain and other symptoms differ for medical and elective surgical patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Knowledge of concurrent symptoms and comorbidities in medical and surgical patients experiencing severe pain may help nurses to better tailor management of the patients' symptoms and improve quality of care.