bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical field stimulated modulation of cell fate of pre‐osteoblasts on PVDF/BT/MWCNT based electroactive biomaterials
Authors: Bhaskar Nitu , Kachappilly Midhun C. , Bhushan Venkatesh , Pandya Hardik J. , Basu Bikramjit
Published: November 2022

The present study reports the impact of the interplay between electroactive properties of the biomaterials and electrical stimulation (ES) toward the cell proliferation, migration and maturation of osteoprogenitors (preosteoblasts; MC3T3‐E1) on the electroactive poly (vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF)‐based composites. The barium titanate (BaTiO3; BT; 30 wt%) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT; 3 wt%) were introduced into the PVDF via melt mixing, which led to an enhancement of the dielectric permittivity, electrical conductivity, and surface roughness. We also present the design and development of an in‐house customized 12‐well plate‐based device for providing different types (DC, square, biphasic) of ES to cells in culture in a programmable manner. In the presence of ES of 1 V cm−1, biophysical stimulation experiments performed using 12‐well plate‐based device revealed that PVDF composite (PVDF/30BT/3MWCNT) can facilitate the enhanced adhesion and proliferation of the MC3T3‐E1 in non‐osteogenic media, with respect to non‐stimulated conditions. Importantly, MC3T3‐E1 cells demonstrated significantly better migration and differentiation on the PVDF/30BT/3MWCNT under ES when compared to ES‐free culture conditions. Similar enhancement with respect to alkaline phosphatase activity, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and calcium deposition in MC3T3‐E1 cells was recorded, when pre‐osteoblasts were grown for 21 days on electroactive substrates. All these observations supported the activation of osteo‐differentiation fates, which were further promoted in the osteogenic medium. The present study demonstrates that the synergistic interactions of ES with piezoelectric PVDF‐based polymer composite can potentially enhance the proliferation, migration, and osteogenesis of the pre‐osteoblast cells, rendering it a promising bioengineering strategy for bone tissue engineering.
The facilitating effect of physiological self‐tracking on organ donation
Authors: Hoang Chi , Ng Sharon
Published: November 2022

Encouraging people to donate their organs is not an easy endeavor. Globally, the percentage of organ donors is low. Prior research shows that one of the major impediments to organ donation is the perception that donating an organ is equivalent to giving up part of the self. Such a perception may be mitigated by physiological self‐tracking though. Findings from three studies reveal that physiological self‐tracking facilitates greater acceptance of and encourages organ donation. This happens because a focus on one's physiological data, as part of the self‐tracking process, leads consumers to view their body as distinct from their self (i.e., self–body dualism). Consequently, people are less likely to equate donating organs with losing a part of themselves. The findings suggest that encouraging greater use of self‐trackers may help people overcome their organ donation inhibitions.
Diagnosis, prevalence, and outcomes of sarcopenia in kidney transplantation recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Zhi , Shi Wei , Zou Min , Zeng Qi‐Shan , Feng Yue , Luo Zhen‐Yi , Gan Hua‐Tian
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of sarcopenia and its clinical predictors and clinical impact vary among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), in part because of different diagnostic criteria. This study aimed to assess the reported diagnosis criteria of sarcopenia and compare them in terms of prevalence, clinical predictors, and impact of sarcopenia. The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for the full‐length reports published until 28 January 2022. The subgroup analysis, meta‐regression, and sensitivity analysis were performed and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2. A total of 681 studies were retrieved, among which only 23 studies (including 2535 subjects, 59.7% men, mean age 49.8 years) were eventually included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence in these included studies was 26% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 20–34%, I2 = 93.45%], including 22% (95% CI: 14–32%, I2 = 88.76%) in men and 27% (95% CI: 14–41%, I2 = 90.56%) in women (P = 0.554 between subgroups). The prevalence of sarcopenia diagnosed using low muscle mass was 34% (95% CI: 21–48%, I2 = 95.28%), and the prevalence of using low muscle mass in combination with low muscle strength and/or low physical performance was 21% (95% CI: 15–28%, I2 = 90.37%) (P = 0.08 between subgroups). In meta‐regression analyses, the mean age (regression coefficient: 1.001, 95% CI: 0.991–1.011) and percentage male (regression coefficient: 0.846, 95% CI: 0.367–1.950) could not predict the effect size. Lower body mass index (odds ratio (OR): 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39–0.84, I2 = 61.5%), female sex (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16–0.61, I2 = 0.0%), and higher age (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05–1.10, I2 = 10.1%) were significantly associated with a higher risk for sarcopenia in KTRs, but phase angle (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.16–4.26, I2 = 84.5%) was not associated with sarcopenia in KTRs. Sarcopenia was not associated with rejections (risk ratio (RR): 0.67, 95% CI: 0.23–1.92, I2 = 12.1%), infections (RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.34–3.12, I2 = 87.4%), delayed graft functions (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.46–1.43, I2 = 0.0%), and death (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.32–2.82, I2 = 0.0%) in KRTs. Sarcopenia was found to be very common in KRTs. However, we have not found that sarcopenia had a negative impact on clinical health after kidney transplantation. Large study cohorts and multicentre longitudinal studies in the future are urgently needed to explore the prevalence and prognosis of sarcopenia in kidney transplant patients.
Preparation and water/oil separation of super‐hydrophobic biomass adsorbent based on three‐dimensional graphene aerogel
Authors: Liu Ting , Li Dandan , Huang Kangkang , Tan Shaozao , Huang Langhuan
Published: November 2022

Water pollution caused by oil spills and organic solvents have seriously affected the quality of the environment, so the development of green and recyclable oil adsorbents with excellent properties has drawn massive attention from researchers. In this work, bamboo powder (BP) and reduced graphene oxide (GO) were used as raw materials to create a bamboo fiber/graphene aerogel (BGA) aerogel by a green one‐pot hydrothermal method. Then, a three‐dimensional aerogel super‐hydrophobic modified bamboo fiber/graphene aerogel (H@BGA) with super‐hydrophobic properties and a high adsorption capacity was synthesized by using hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) as hydrophobic modification reagent. In this unique ternary aerogel, both bamboo powder and HDTMS could improve the hydrophobicity of the aerogel. Furthermore, the uniformly interspersed bamboo fibers facilitated the exfoliation of graphene, constructing abundant pores and endowing the sample with a large specific area and excellent mechanical properties. The as‐prepared H@BGA featured low density, high specific surface area, super‐hydrophobicity (WCA = 151.5°), and high adsorption capacity (55–123 g g−1). In addition, the adsorption capacity of H@BGA could remain above 95% after 8 cycles of the adsorption/desorption process. Overall, the aerogel has broad application prospects in the field of water/oil separation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Novelty in fossil fuel carbon abatement technologies in the 21st Century: post‐combustion carbon capture
Authors: Joel Atuman Samaila , Isa Yusuf Makarfi
Published: November 2022

A global net zero target by mid‐century and keeping the maximum global temperature rise to below 1.5 °C was agreed by nearly 200 nations at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change advises that emission cuts by 45% are needed by 2030 in order to maintain the global temperature rise below the 1.5 °C target. To achieve this target, it is necessary to investigate technological options that are economically viable and globally acceptable for commercial deployment. This review paper looks at the new technologies needed to reduce CO2 emission and to motivate commercial deployment, considering that the commercial deployment of CO2 has been slowed down as a result of high capital and operating expenses which invariably increase the cost of energy. The paper presents a review on early years of process intensification technologies as well as a discussion on potential new process intensification options for CO2 capture, with suggestions on how to modify those technologies for suitable application to solvent‐based carbon capture. The work further discusses current process intensification technologies used for CO2 capture applications. Solvent developments for enhancing CO2 capture also are discussed as they contribute to cutting down the sizes of the units as well as decreasing the cost of regeneration which leads to reduction in capital and operating costs. A process flow diagram using a mop fan for capture of CO2 from buildings is proposed. In addition, a new flow diagram is proposed for using loop reactor technology to capture CO2 from large point sources, and finally a new process diagram using rotating packed bed absorber combined with sono‐assisted regenerator is presented for improved performance of CO2 capture technology. Recommendations on these diagrams are made to help ensure transition toward the net zero target. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Students’ perceptions on shadowing during COVID‐19 and an exploration of innovative solutions for clinical exposure
Authors: Nanji Alisha , Nanji Natasha , Eidelman Alec S.
Published: November 2022

Purpose/objective

The objective of this project was to evaluate the perceptions of predental students’ shadowing experiences during a pandemic and further, explore innovative solutions that can be implemented to ensure that shadowing opportunities are equitable and accessible.

Methods

Data was collected via the Web 2.0 social media platform, Instagram (owned by Meta Platforms, Inc.) from 122 participants attending college in North America and are on the predental track: freshman (N = 11), sophomores (N = 25), juniors (N = 30), seniors (N = 34) and recent college graduates (N = 22). Participants completed a survey consisting of 20 questions.

Results

Results showed that the pandemic disrupted traditional shadowing methods; students turned to various virtual platforms, such as YouTube and Zoom, to obtain shadowing experiences. There was an increase in the number of students who shadowed virtually during the pandemic versus pre‐COVID‐19. The majority of the respondents (80%) agreed that dental schools have not provided sufficient guidance on how to approach shadowing during a pandemic.

Conclusion

Innovative shadowing platforms should be implemented in order to help college students explore careers within dentistry and beyond. The development of a standardized virtual shadowing program with clear guidelines can increase equity and accessibility.
Comparative analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.2.12.1 and BA.5.2 variants
Authors: Ong Chon Phin , Ye Zi‐Wei , Tang Kaiming , Liang Ronghui , Xie Yubin , Zhang Hongzhuo , Qin Zhenzhi , Sun Haoran , Wang Tong‐Yun , Cheng Yun , Chu Hin , Chan Jasper F.‐W. , Jin Dong‐Yan , Yuan Shuofeng
Published: November 2022

The initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron subvariants, BA.1 and BA.2, are being progressively displaced by BA.5 in many countries. To provide insight on the replacement of BA.2 by BA.5 as the dominant SARS‐CoV‐2 variant, we performed a comparative analysis of Omicron BA.2.12.1 and BA.5.2 variants in cell culture and hamster models. We found that BA.5.2 exhibited enhanced replicative kinetics over BA.2.12.1 in vitro and in vivo, which is evidenced by the dominant BA.5.2 viral genome detected at different time points, regardless of immune selection pressure with vaccine‐induced serum antibodies. Utilizing reverse genetics, we constructed a mutant SARS‐CoV‐2 carrying spike F486V substitution, which is an uncharacterized mutation that concurrently discriminates Omicron BA.5.2 from BA.2.12.1 variant. We noticed that the 486th residue does not confer viral replication advantage to the virus. We also found that 486V displayed generally reduced immune evasion capacity when compared with its predecessor, 486F. However, the surge of fitness in BA.5.2 over BA.2.12.1 was not due to stand‐alone F486V substitution but as a result of the combination of multiple mutations. Our study upholds the urgency for continuous monitoring of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variants with enhanced replication fitness.
Balancing after randomization in orthopedic trials: Are we even or even paying attention?
Authors: Landy David C. , Joiner Josh , Conley Caitlin E. , Stone Austin V. , Jacobs Cale A. , Stromberg Arnold J.
Published: November 2022

A cornerstone of evidence‐based medicine is the randomized controlled trial (RCT). While randomization seeks to balance study groups on potential confounders, this is not always achieved. Especially in orthopedic research where RCTs are often of modest size, imbalances can exist and may be a significant issue. We sought to describe whether orthopedic RCTs assess balancing between study groups, use statistical hypothesis testing to compare baseline characteristics between groups, and have balanced baseline characteristics between groups. All RCTs from four leading orthopedic journals published between July 2019 and June 2020 were identified and those reporting original trial results reviewed for discussion of balancing, use of statistical significance testing to compare baseline characteristics, and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) at baseline. Standardized mean differences of baseline PROMs were calculated to assess balancing. Of 86 orthopedic RCTs reviewed, 59 (69%) assessed balancing and 50 (58%) used statistical significance testing to compare baseline characteristics. Of 74 articles specifying a primary outcome, 33 (45%) used a PROM with 23 (70%) reporting baseline PROM values. Of these articles, 17 (74%) had a difference of less than 0.25 standard deviations (SDs) between groups, 4 (17%) had a difference of between 0.25 and 0.50 SDs, and 3 (13%) had a difference greater than 0.5 SDs. Orthopedic RCTs usually assess balancing after randomization though there is room for improvement with over half of articles using hypothesis testing to assess baseline differences as opposed to a measure of the magnitude of the difference.
The effect of HydroSpacer implant placement on the wear of opposing and adjacent cartilage
Authors: Damen Alicia H. A. , Schuiringa Gerke H. , Ito Keita , van Donkelaar Corrinus C.
Published: November 2022

A HydroSpacer implant, that is, a swelling hydrogel confined by a spacer fabric, was developed to repair focal cartilage defects and to prevent progression into osteoarthritis. The present study evaluated the effect of implant placement height in an osteochondral (OC) plug on wear of the opposing and adjacent cartilage. Three‐dimensional warp‐knitted spacer fabrics, polycaprolactone with poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) pile yarns, were filled with a hyaluronic acid methacrylate and chondroitin sulfate methacrylate hydrogel. After polymerization of the hydrogel, these HydroSpacers were implanted in OC defects (ø 6 mm) created in bovine OC plugs (ø 10 mm) and allowed to swell to equilibrium. A custom‐made pin‐on‐plate wear apparatus was used to apply simultaneous compression and sliding against bovine cartilage. Cartilage damage, visualized with Indian ink, was only seen for the group in which the HydroSpacer was placed flush with the surrounding cartilage. A significant increase on average surface roughness of the sliding path compared to the adjacent cartilage confirmed surface damage for this group. When the implants were recessed (with and without extra hydrogel layer on top of the implant), this damage was not observed, but the cartilage surrounding the implants was compressed (without damage) indicating substantial load sharing with the implant. Furthermore, it was shown that all defects treated with a HydroSpacer implant resulted in shear forces comparable to intact cartilage. Clinical significance: The present study suggests that placing a HydroSpacer implant recessed into the surrounding cartilage would decrease wear of the opposing cartilage. Altogether, this study supports the development of textile‐constraining hydrogels for cartilage replacement.
Using the BigMouth repository for periodontal medicine: Breaking the chains?
Authors: Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Decker Ann , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: November 2022

Background

To achieve the ultimate therapeutic reality of disease prevention, we must first conduct a thorough review of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases concomitant with their mechanistic, predisposing, and precipitating factors to address the present oral/systemic needs of our patients.

Methods

An innovative dental research patient data repository (RPDR) named BigMouth was successfully launched in August 2012 with data on more than 4.5 million patients seen in 11 dental schools (members of the Consortium of Oral Health Research and Informatics, COHRI).

Results

Level 1 data access allots researchers with count data that may be used to formulate and test initial hypotheses based on preliminary data trends. Level 2 access gives more detailed, patient‐level information with full periodontal charts. Of note, radiographic data were not accessible at the time of writing this manuscript.

Conclusion

As we support the use of these innovative “big data” tools for exploratory use, we bring to the forefront the purposeful intention to (1) not overproject unsubstantiated relationships and (2) simultaneously pursue grounding of the mechanistic underpinnings of found associations.
Dephytinization of wheat and rice bran by cross‐linked enzyme aggregates of Mucor indicus phytase: a viable prospect for food and feed industries
Authors: Venkataraman Swethaa , Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Novel feeds for improved feed intake and for enhanced nutrient bioavailability have recently attracted attention. Insoluble dietary fibers, especially rice and wheat bran, have generated much interest due to their nutritional value. Incorporating insoluble dietary fiber into diets could be a viable way to maximize the feed conversion ratio.

RESULTS

Cross‐linked phytase aggregates (CLPA) were synthesized by precipitating enzymes followed by cross‐linking with 5 mmol L−1 glutaraldehyde, yielding 88.24 (U g−1) of enzyme load without the assistance of a proteic feeder. The epitome of the study is the dephosphorylation of wheat bran and rice bran by varying pH, enzyme concentration, and temperature. The highest inorganic phosphorus liberation by 150 U L‐‐1of free phytase was 23.72 (wheat bran) and 48.08 mg g−1 (rice bran) after 12 h of incubation.  Furthermore, 150 U L‐1 of CLPA liberated 28.72 (wheat bran) and 52.08 mg g−1 (rice bran) of inorganic phosphorus with an incubation time of 12 h.

CONCLUSION

Thermostable free phytase was insolubilized to dephosphorylate the agro‐residue, namely, wheat bran and rice bran, to reduce the anti‐nutritional factor (the phytate content) of these insoluble dietary fibers. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Realization of Bound States in the Continuum in Anti‐PT‐Symmetric Optical Systems: A Proposal and Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Feng Ziyao , Sun Xiankai
Published: November 2022

Novel physical concepts that originate from quantum mechanics, such as non‐Hermitian systems (dealing mostly with PT and anti‐PT symmetry) and bound states in the continuum (BICs), have attracted great interest in the optics and photonics community. To date, BICs and anti‐PT symmetry seem to be two independent topics. Here, a parallel cascaded‐resonator system is proposed for the first time to achieve BICs and anti‐PT symmetry simultaneously. It is found that the requirements for the Fabry–Pérot BIC and anti‐PT symmetry can both be satisfied when the phase shift between any two adjacent resonators is an integer multiple of π. The cascaded‐resonator systems consisting of different numbers of resonators are further analyzed and their robustness to fabrication imperfections is demonstrated. The proposed structure can readily be realized on an integrated photonic platform, and can enable many applications that benefit from the advantages of both BICs and anti‐PT symmetry, such as optical delay and storage, all‐optical nonlinear processing, high‐sensitivity sensing, and chiral mode switching.
High Accuracy Transmission and Recognition of Complex Images through Multimode Fibers Using Deep Learning
Authors: Xu Runchu , Zhang Leihong , Chen Ziyang , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhang Dawei
Published: November 2022

Multimode fiber shows tremendous potential in promoting the microminiaturization of optical endoscopes. However, multimode transmission is quite sensitive to fiber deformations and environmental changes. High‐accuracy transmission of complex images through a multimode fiber using traditional methods remains challenging research. Deep learning, which shows enormous vitality in optical imaging, may break through this limitation. Here, a deep neural network: U‐architecture speckles imaging network (USINET) is presented to realize high accuracy reconstruction of complex images under different multimode fiber transmission conditions. Furthermore, a shallow neural network: convolutional neural network (CNN)‐architecture speckles recognition network (CSRNET) is designed to realize high accuracy recognition for multiple categories of speckles at the output of multimode fiber under different bending states. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed networks can realize high accuracy transmission and recognition of complex images through multimode fibers, which indicates the application prospect of multimode fibers combined with deep learning in minimally invasive medicine.
ALA‐PDT regulates macrophage M1 polarization via ERK/MAPK‐NLRP3 pathway to promote the early inflammatory response
Authors: Wang Liqun , Zhang Wentao , Cen Ruiyan , Yue Chenda , Xiao Tianzhen , Deng Yumeng , Li Lingfei , Sun Kedai , Lei Xia
Published: November 2022

Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising new approach to promote wound healing and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in both clinical and animal studies. Macrophages are the key cells in wound healing and inflammatory response. However, the mechanism of action of PDT on macrophages in promoting wound healing is still unclear.

Methods

In this study, RAW264.7 cells were used. We analyzed the expression levels of macrophage markers arginase 1 (Arg‐1), CD206, iNOS, CD86, and inflammatory factors IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, Milliplex microtubule‐associated protein multiplex assay was performed to analyze the expression of inflammatory factors in the supernatant. Live cell Imaging System to observe the dynamic process of macrophage phagocytosis. Western blot was performed to observe the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) and NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome.

Results

5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐PDT increased the expression of M1 marker iNOS/CD86 and decreased the expression of Arg‐1/CD206 in RAW264.7 cells, while, proinflammatory factors IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β expression was enhanced and macrophage phagocytosis was increased. We also found that these phenomena were associated with activation of the ERK/MAPK‐NLRP3 pathway.

Conclusion

ALA‐PDT promotes early inflammatory responses by regulating macrophage M1 polarization through the ERK/MAPK‐NLRP3 pathway. It also promotes macrophage phagocytosis.
The RISE FOR HEALTH study: Methods for in‐person musculoskeletal assessment
Authors: Fitzgerald Colleen M. , Fok Cynthia , Kenton Kim , Lukacz Emily , Markland Alayne D. , Meister Melanie , Newman Diane K. , Rudser Kyle , Smith Elia G. , Wyman Jean F. , Lowder Jerry L. ,   for the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To describe the methods for the in‐person musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment of the RISE FOR HEALTH (RISE) study, a population‐based multicenter prospective cohort study designed to identify factors associated with bladder health (BH) conducted by the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium (PLUS).

Methods

A subset of RISE participants who express interest in the in‐person assessment are screened to ensure eligibility (planned n = 525). Eligible consenting participants are asked to complete a standardized MSK assessment to evaluate core stability (four component core stability test, lumbar spine pain (seated slump test), pelvic girdle pain, (sacroiliac joint, anterior superior iliac spine, pubic symphysis tenderness, and pelvic girdle pain provocation test), hip pain (flexion, abduction, internal rotation and flexion, adduction and external rotation) and pelvic girdle function (active straight leg raise). Participants are also asked to complete the Short Physical Performance Battery to measure balance, gait speed, lower extremity strength, and functional capacity.

Results

Detailed online and in‐person MSK training sessions led by physical therapy were used to certify research staff at each clinical center before the start of RISE in‐person assessments. All evaluators exceeded the pre‐specified pass rates.

Conclusions

The RISE in‐person MSK assessment will provide further insight into the role of general body MSK health and dysfunction and the spectrum of BH.
Feminizing gender‐affirming hormone therapy for the transgender and gender diverse population: An overview of treatment modality, monitoring, and risks
Authors: Sudhakar Deepshika , Huang Zhong , Zietkowski Maeson , Powell Natasha , Fisher Andrew R.
Published: November 2022

Aims

Feminizing gender‐affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) can be utilized to help transfeminine transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals achieve the transformation of outward sex characteristics, thereby leading to improvements in psychological and social well‐being. In this narrative review, we aim to summarize current guidelines for feminizing GAHT management as well as the available literature describing the associated health risks pertaining to cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic disease, bone health, and cancer risks.

Methods

Relevant literature from January 2019 through July 2022 pertaining to feminizing GAHT was identified using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. A narrative summary was performed with the inclusion of more recently published guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, Standards of Care Version 8.

Results

Guidance regarding the prescribing of feminizing GAHT with estrogen, antiandrogen, and progesterone medications is summarized along with considerations of the cardiovascular, thromboembolic, bone health, and cancer risks associated with these therapies.

Conclusions

Feminizing GAHT is a highly effective method for transfeminine TGD patients to achieve medically necessary changes in secondary sex characteristics. Knowledge of the health risks of feminizing GAHT is largely drawn from research in the cisgender population, with a growing body of literature in TGD‐specific patient populations. Feminizing GAHT appears to carry a low risk profile for most patients; however, further research describing the risks of hormone management around the time of gender‐affirming surgery and in the aging TGD population is needed to optimize GAHT in the context of the evolving health risks over a TGD patient's lifespan.
Updates on metoidioplasty
Authors: Stojanovic Borko , Djordjevic Miroslav L.
Published: November 2022

Aims

Metoidioplasty presents a variant of phalloplasty in transmen who require simple and safe genital gender affirmation surgery (GAS). The aim is to evaluate updates on the technique, as well as personal experience.

Methods

The surgical steps of metoidioplasty are removal of the vagina, clitoral straightening and lengthening, urethral lengthening using available flaps and grafts, and creation of the scrotum with testicular prostheses implantation. The surgical goal is to achieve appearance of male genitalia, voiding in standing position, and full erogenous sensitivity. Modifications of the technique have developed due to recent advances in anatomy and new requests from transmen. Besides full metoidioplasty, other variants include metoidioplasty before, after or simultaneously with total phalloplasty. Each variant has its' own advantages, which must be discussed with the candidate preoperatively.

Results

A total of 938 transmen with the mean age of 29 years underwent one‐stage metoidioplasty between January 2004 and January 2022. In majority of cases (65%) metoidioplasty was performed as a final option, and the length of the neophallus ranged between 4 and 10 cm. Urethral complications occurred in 143 cases, dislocation and rejection of testicular implant in 55 and vaginal remnant in 92 cases. Voiding in standing position was reported in almost all cases (99%), and 12.5% of transmen requested phalloplasty after metoidioplasty.

Conclusion

Metoidioplasty is a safe, one‐stage procedure with good esthetic and functional outcomes. It includes a wide spectrum of variants that can be offered to transmen as a part of genital reconstruction, with goal of achieving patients' satisfaction.
Instruments assessing nurse educator's competence: A scoping review
Authors: Lemetti Terhi , Pakarinen Anni , Salminen Leena , Virtanen Heli , Haapa Toni
Published: November 2022

Aim

The aim of this review was to synthesize the instruments that assess nurse educators' competence.

Design

A scoping review was conducted with the five‐stage process informed by Arksey and O'Malley.

Review Methods

The predetermined search strategy was used including an additional hand search. The studies were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria to answer the research questions followed: (1) “What instruments are used to assess nurse educators' competence?”, (2) “How are the psychometric properties of nurse educators' competence instruments reported in the literature?”. The thematic synthesis was used.

Data Sources

The literature search was conducted in January 2021 using the CINAHL, MEDLINE and ERIC databases from January 2000 to December 2020.

Results

Of the 1,567 articles searched through, 25 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 19 instruments with 10 areas of competence were identified. Typical competence areas were pedagogical and nursing competence. In addition, leadership in managerial competence was included in several instruments. However, the theoretical backgrounds of the instruments varied and the psychometric properties were reported in varied ways in reviewed studies.

Implications for the Profession

This study provides evidence about the valid and comprehensive assessment of nurse educators' competence, as competent nurse educators promote excellence in nursing education. To assess a nurse educators' competence comprehensively, a variety of theoretical backgrounds of this competence and more than one instrument for the measurement need to be considered. The selection of the instruments to assess nurse educators' competence should be based on the selected theoretical background and use of valid measurements.

Reporting Method

This study was reported by following the reporting recommendations of the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution was applied, since research design was a scoping review.
Work engagement, emotional disorders and conflict management styles in paediatric nurse: A mediating effect model
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Bu Pingyuan , Liu Haiyan
Published: November 2022

Aim

The mediating role of emotional disorders between conflict management styles and work engagement was explored based on constructing structural equation models in paediatric nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

According to a cross‐sectional survey, 300 paediatric nurses were selected from three tertiary hospitals (Chang sha, China), the data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory‐II, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The Structural Equation Model was employed to investigate the mediating role of emotional disorders between conflict management styles and work engagement.

Results

Among conflict management styles, emotional disorders and work engagement, the associations were all significant (p < .05). In the mediation models, emotional disorders partially mediate the relationships between conflict management styles and work engagement (indirect effect 0.095, p < .01; direct effect −0.330, p < .01; total effect −0.330, p < .01) and between conflict management styles and work engagement (indirect effect 0.095, p < .01; direct effect 0.329, p < .01; total effect 0.424, p < .01).
“Opening up a well of emotions”: A qualitative study of men's emotional experiences in the transition to fatherhood
Authors: Solberg Beate , Glavin Kari , Berg Rigmor C. , Olsvold Nina
Published: November 2022

Aim

To explore the emotional changes and reactions men experience in their transition to fatherhood.

Design

This study used a qualitative design.

Methods

Data were collected through in‐depth interviews with 13 Norwegian fathers.

Results

Through thematic analysis, three main themes were developed: (1) from self‐focus to family perspective; (2) emotional vulnerability; and (3) from insecurity to self‐assurance. The themes describe fathers' emotional process during the child's first year of life, ranging from positive feelings like affection and mastery, to challenging feelings like exclusion, jealousy and exhaustion. Many fathers describe taboos and shame over their own emotional reactions, although these can be considered a natural part of the postnatal period.
Psychometric testing of the facilitative student–patient relationship scale within six EUROPEAN countries
Authors: Suikkala Arja , Koskinen Sanna , Brasaitė‐Abromė Indrė , Fuster‐Linares Pilar , Lehwaldt Daniela , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Meyer Gabriele , Sveinsdóttir Herdís , Katajisto Jouko ,   the ProCompNurse Consortium
Published: November 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to test the psychometric properties of the Facilitative Student–Patient Relationship (FSPR) Scale in clinical practicum in hospital settings within six European countries.

Design

A multi‐country, cross‐sectional survey design was applied.

Methods

A convenience sample of graduating nursing students (N = 1,796) completed the FSPR Scale. Psychometric testing was carried out through explorative factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.

Results

Both validity and reliability of the scale were confirmed. The explorative factor analysis yielded a two‐factor construct explaining 47.7% of the total variance, identifying two sub‐scales: caring relationship and learning relationship. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two‐factor structure. The Cronbach alpha coefficients (0.8–0.9) indicated acceptable reliability of the scale.
Relatives' experiences of brief admission in borderline personality disorder and self‐harming behaviour
Authors: Hultsjö Sally , Rosenlund Hanna , Wadsten Lisa , Wärdig Rikard
Published: November 2022

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe experiences of brief admission (BA) of people with borderline personality disorder and self‐harming behaviour, from the perspective of their relatives.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design was chosen.

Methods

Twelve relatives of people with borderline personality disorder and self‐harming behaviour who had access to BA were interviewed. Data were analysed with qualitative conventional content analysis.

Results

One overarching category: Hope for the future and three categories occurred: Breathing space, Personal responsibility and Structure. BA created hope for the future and the relatives appreciated that BA is a freer and easily accessible form of care that enables help at an early stage, compared with usual care. When BA functions, the structure and pre‐determined days of care give relatives a breathing space, and the uncertainty diminishes for the children, as the parent can still be present during inpatient care. The lack of places was described as a disadvantage of BA.
Effect of self‐management intervention on prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Chunqian , Wang Yanmei , Li Shuang , Qu Zhi , Zheng Shanqing
Published: November 2022

Aim

The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of self‐management intervention on four prognostic indicators of readmission rate, mortality rate, self‐management ability and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.

Design

A meta‐analysis.

Methods

This study was selected from the related studies published from January 1999 to January 2022, and was searched by searching five databases: PubMed, Science of Website, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang and Wei Pu (VIP). All standardized randomized controlled trial studies were collected, and the quality evaluation and meta‐analysis of the included literature were conducted.

Results

This study included 20 randomized controlled trials involving 3459 patients with chronic heart failure. Meta‐analysis results showed that self‐management intervention could reduce the readmission rate of patients with chronic heart failure, improved self‐management ability of patients, improved quality of life, but there was no statistical significance in mortality.
Copy number variations analysis in a cohort of 47 fetuses and newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Boisson Marie , Cordier Anne‐Gael , Martinovic Jelena , Receveur Aline , Mouka Aurélie , Diot Romain , Egoroff Catherine , Esnault Geoffroy , Drévillon Loïc , Benachi Alexandra , Tachdjian Gérard , Tosca Lucie
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), characterized by malformation of the diaphragm and lung hypoplasia, is a common and severe birth defect that affects around 1 in 4000 live births. However, the etiology of most cases of CDH remains unclear. The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of copy number variations (CNVs) using a high‐resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) in a cohort of fetuses and newborns with CDH.

Methods

Forty seven fetuses and newborns with either isolated or syndromic CDH were analyzed by oligonucleotide‐based array‐CGH Agilent 180K technique.

Results

A mean of 10.2 CNVs was detected by proband with a total number of 480 CNVs identified based on five categories: benign, likely benign, of uncertain signification, likely pathogenic, and pathogenic. Diagnostic performance was estimated at 19.15% (i.e., likely pathogenic and pathogenic CNVs) for both CDH types. We identified 11 potential candidate genes: COL25A1, DSEL, EYA1, FLNA, MECOM, NRXN1, RARB, SPATA13, TJP2, XIRP2, and ZFPM2.

Conclusion

We suggest that COL25A1, DSEL, EYA1, FLNA, MECOM, NRXN1, RARB, SPATA13, TJP2, XIRP2, and ZFPM2 genes may be related to CDH occurrence. Thus, this study provides a possibility for new methods of a positive diagnosis.
Prenatal phenotyping of fetal tubulinopathies: A multicenter retrospective case series
Authors: Brar Bobby K. , Thompson Marisa Gilstrop , Vora Neeta L. , Gilmore Kelly , Blakemore Karin , Miller Kristen A. , Giordano Jessica , Dufke Andreas , Wong Beatrix , Stover Samantha , Lianoglou Billie , Van den Veyver Ignatia , Dempsey Esther , Rosner Mara , Chong Karen , Chitayat David , Sparks Teresa N. , Norton Mary E. , Wapner Ronald , Baranano Kristin , Jelin Angie C. ,   Fetal Sequencing Consortium
Published: November 2022

Objective

Tubulinopathies refer to conditions caused by genetic variants in isotypes of tubulin resulting in defective neuronal migration. Historically, diagnosis was primarily via postnatal imaging. Our objective was to establish the prenatal phenotype/genotype correlations of tubulinopathies identified by fetal imaging.

Methods

A large, multicenter retrospective case series was performed across nine institutions in the Fetal Sequencing Consortium. Demographics, fetal imaging reports, genetic screening and diagnostic testing results, delivery reports, and neonatal imaging reports were extracted for pregnancies with a confirmed molecular diagnosis of a tubulinopathy.

Results

Nineteen pregnancies with a fetal tubulinopathy were identified. The most common prenatal imaging findings were cerebral ventriculomegaly (15/19), cerebellar hypoplasia (13/19), absence of the cavum septum pellucidum (6/19), abnormalities of the corpus callosum (6/19), and microcephaly (3/19). Fetal MRI identified additional central nervous system features that were not appreciated on neurosonogram in eight cases. Single gene variants were reported in TUBA1A (13), TUBB (1), TUBB2A (1), TUBB2B (2), and TUBB3 (2).

Conclusion

The presence of ventriculomegaly with cerebellar abnormalities in conjunction with additional prenatal neurosonographic findings warrants additional evaluation for a tubulinopathy. Conclusive diagnosis can be achieved by molecular sequencing, which may assist in coordination, prognostication, and reproductive planning.
Positive predictive values and outcomes for uninformative cell‐free DNA tests: An Italian multicentric Cytogenetic and cytogenomic Audit of diagnOstic testing (ICARO study)
Authors: Grati Francesca Romana , Bestetti Ilaria , De Siero Daria , Malvestiti Francesca , Villa Nicoletta , Sala Elena , Crosti Francesca , Parisi Valentina , Nardone Anna Maria , Di Giacomo Gianluca , Pettinari Antonella , Tortora Giada , Montaldi Annamaria , Calò Annapaola , Saccilotto Donatella , Zanchetti Sara , Celli Paola , Guerneri Silvana , Silipigni Rosamaria , Cardarelli Laura , Lippi Elisabetta , Cavani Simona , Malacarne Michela , Genesio Rita , Beltrami Nicola , Pittalis Maria Carla , Desiderio Laura , Gentile Mattia , Ficarella Romina , Recalcati Maria Paola , Catusi Ilaria , Garzo Maria , Miele Lorena , Corti Cecilia , Ghezzo Sara , Bertini Veronica , Cambi Francesca , Valetto Angelo , Facchinetti Barbara , Bernardini Laura , Capalbo Anna , Balducci Federica , Pelo Elisabetta , Minuti Barbara , Pescucci Chiara , Giuliani Costanza , Renieri Alessandra , Longo Ilaria , Tita Rossella , Castello Giuseppe , Casalone Rosario , Righi Rossana , Raso Barbara , Civolani Alessandro , Muzi Maria Cristina , di Natale Manuela , Varriale Luigia , Gasperini Daniela , Nuzzi Maria Cristina , Cellamare Angelo , Casieri Paola , Busuito Rosa , Ceccarini Caterina , Cesarano Carla , Privitera Orsola , Melani Daniela , Menozzi Cristina , Falcinelli Cristina , Calabrese Olga , Battaglia Paola , Tanzariello Antonella , Stampalija Tamara , Ardisia Carmela , Gasparini Paolo , Benn Peter , Novelli Antonio
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To establish the positive predictive values (PPV) of cfDNA testing based on data from a nationwide survey of independent clinical cytogenetics laboratories.

Methods

Prenatal diagnostic test results obtained by Italian laboratories between 2013 and March 2020 were compiled for women with positive non‐invasive prenatal tests (NIPT), without an NIPT result, and cases where there was sex discordancy between the NIPT and ultrasound. PPV and other summary data were reviewed.

Results

Diagnostic test results were collected for 1327 women with a positive NIPT. The highest PPVs were for Trisomy (T) 21 (624/671, 93%) and XYY (26/27, 96.3%), while rare autosomal trisomies (9/47, 19.1%) and recurrent microdeletions (8/55, 14.5%) had the lowest PPVs. PPVs for T21, T18, and T13 were significantly higher when diagnostic confirmation was carried out on chorionic villi (97.5%) compared to amniotic fluid (89.5%) (p < 0.001). In 19/139 (13.9%), of no result cases, a cytogenetic abnormality was detected. Follow‐up genetic testing provided explanations for 3/6 cases with a fetal sex discordancy between NIPT and ultrasound.

Conclusions

NIPT PPVs differ across the conditions screened and the tissues studied in diagnostic testing. This variability, issues associated with fetal sex discordancy, and no results, illustrate the importance of pre‐ and post‐test counselling.
Organocatalytic depolymerization of poly(trimethylene carbonate)
Authors: Fukushima Kazuki , Watanabe Yuya , Ueda Tetsuya , Nakai So , Kato Takashi
Published: November 2022

Aliphatic polycarbonates have attracted attention as degradable and sustainable materials contributing to the circular plastic economy. Their chemical recycling has not been sufficiently studied. In this study, the efficacy of organocatalysts for depolymerization of poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC), a representative aliphatic polycarbonate, is investigated using several organic acids and bases. The hydrolysis of PTMC produces the water‐soluble degradates propane‐1,3‐diol (PD) and CO2. A phosphazene base P2‐t‐Bu shows high activity for the hydrolysis, yielding up to 31% and 89% of PD in the homogeneous reaction at around 27°C and the inhomogeneous reaction under the reflux condition, respectively. By contrast, 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) exhibits exceptionally high catalytic activity for the methanolysis of PTMC, producing PD and dimethyl carbonate. This is because of dual hydrogen‐bonding activation, which completes the inhomogeneous reaction in a few hours at around 27°C while yielding more than 90% of PD. The reaction rate of the TBD‐catalyzed methanolysis depends on the concentration of the nucleophile and catalyst, and the ratio of the nucleophile to the substrate affects the PD yield. These results provide a highly promising standard for chemical recycling of functionalized aliphatic polycarbonates that could potentially be applied to sustainable materials in the future.
Stimuli‐responsive polypeptoid block copolymers containing o‐nitrobenzyl groups with extremely sharp transition
Authors: Lin Maosheng , Li Zenghao , Fu Xiaohui , Sun Jing
Published: November 2022

Bioinspired thermoresponsive polymers have received increasing attention for many applications. Here, we report a series of thermoresponsive polypeptoid block copolymers containing o‐nitrobenzyl groups, that is, poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly[N‐[2‐[N‐(o‐nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)‐amino]‐ethyl]‐glycine] (PEG‐b‐PN[oNB]G), prepared by ring‐opening polymerization. The polypeptoid block copolymers show reversible lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type behavior in water with tunable phase transition properties dependent on the pH values, chemical compositions, and concentrations of the copolymers. The dynamic light scattering results reveal the formation of spherical micelles and temperature‐induced aggregation of PEG‐b‐PN(oNB)G. Notably, the phase transition of the block copolymer solution upon heating appears extremely sharp (∆T < 1°C), superior to bench mark poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide). In addition, we present the removal of photo‐responsive o‐nitrobenzyl groups can result in the increased clouding point and even the loss of phase transition properties, acting as an excellent regulator to tune the LCST behavior. We demonstrate that the hydrogen‐bonding interaction may play a critical part on the LCST behavior. The prepared diblock copolymers show great potential for many applications and its structure–property may shed light on highly designable stimuli‐responsive polymeric materials.