On being a mentor

This article explores issues relating to mentoring students, particularly ophthalmic nursing students. It highlights the importance of mentorship in learning in practice, which in turn is critical to students' education in a competency-based profession. It considers the factors essential in successful mentoring, including two-way feedback, and the importance of mentors understanding the nature of the psychological processes involved and how to assess students' learning and competencies. It also highlights the crucial gate-keeping role of mentors in ensuring that students are fit to practise, and the importance of nurse mentors themselves being fit to practise

Mechanistic and Clinical Studies of Platelet Rich Plasma: A Simple Clinical Method for Enhancing Bone and Soft Tissue Healing

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a methodology of using a patient\u27s own platelets to enhance bone and soft tissue healing following oral surgical procedures. Whole blood is drawn from the patient by conventional phlebotomy techniques and then centrifuged with the formation of a distinct middle layer that contains platelets and white blood cells (WBCs). This layer of platelets and WBCs is then placed into the surgical site to enable faster and more predictable healing. This technique has also found use in general medical surgeries and is gaining in popularity. Platelets contain growth factors and other cytokines that are beneficial for healing following surgical trauma. This project uses both in vitro and in vivo studies to provide the mechanistic basis for the continued and possible expanded clinical use of PRP. A simple and inexpensive technique for acquiring PRP is examined and provides evidence that during the platelet harvesting steps the platelets are properly concentrated, not altered, and that growth factors (GFs) critical to bone formation are present. A retrospective clinical trial provides data that illustrate a significant decrease (p \u3c .0001) in the frequent complication of dry socket (alveolar osteitis, AO) formation following mandibular tooth extractions. The study reveals that not using PRP is a risk factor for AO formation. The project also utilizes a molecular study utilizing human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to provide a mechanistic basis for bone formation following PRP use. Enhanced proliferation and inducement of differentiation of hMSCs were found to the possible explanations for the clinical successes reported with PRP use. A prospective clinical study provides radiographic evidence for increased radiographic opacity (indicating bone formation) during the initial two weeks following placement of PRP at the time of mandibular third molar removal. This translational research offers scientific support for the use of PRP in osseous surgeries. The use of this simple and inexpensive PRP technique could help patients recover faster, with fewer complications and greater bone formation predictability following surgeries involving bone manipulation

First record of phoresy of Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch, 1873) (Pseudoscorpiones, Chernetidae) on Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) and their potential value as bioindicators

El primer registro de foresía de Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch, 1873) (Pseudoscorpiones, Chernetidae) en Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) y su valor potencial como bioindicadores Se documenta la primera prueba de foresía de Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch, 1873) en Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758. También se presenta una revisión crítica de todos los informes científicos publicados sobre la foresía relacionados con D. cyrneus. Dos de estos informes guardan relación con la misma observación y son el resultado de la confusión sistemática existente en la familia Cerambycidae. Ambas especies se tratan como vestigios del bosque primigenio y sus aisladas poblaciones viven en las zonas residuales dispersas de los bosques antiguos que cubrían Europa en el pasado. Aportamos nueva información sobre las relaciones ecológicas de D. cyrneus con escarabajos saproxílicos y analizamos las preferencias ecológicas de las dos especies y su función como indicadores de la calidad del ambiente.El primer registro de foresía de Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch, 1873) (Pseudoscorpiones, Chernetidae) en Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) y su valor potencial como bioindicadores Se documenta la primera prueba de foresía de Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch, 1873) en Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758. También se presenta una revisión crítica de todos los informes científicos publicados sobre la foresía relacionados con D. cyrneus. Dos de estos informes guardan relación con la misma observación y son el resultado de la confusión sistemática existente en la familia Cerambycidae. Ambas especies se tratan como vestigios del bosque primigenio y sus aisladas poblaciones viven en las zonas residuales dispersas de los bosques antiguos que cubrían Europa en el pasado. Aportamos nueva información sobre las relaciones ecológicas de D. cyrneus con escarabajos saproxílicos y analizamos las preferencias ecológicas de las dos especies y su función como indicadores de la calidad del ambiente.The first evidence of phoresy of Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch, 1873) on Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 is documented. A critical review of all known literature reports of phoresy involving D. cyrneus is also presented. Two of these reports relate to the same observation and are the result of the systematic turmoil within the family Cerambycidae. Both species are treated as primeval forest relics and their isolated populations live in the scattered remains of the ancient forests that covered Europe in the past. We provide new information about the ecological relationships of D. cyrneus with saproxylic beetles, and discuss the ecological preferences of the two species and their role as indicators of the quality of the environment

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after bariatric surgery

Morbid obesity is a lifelong disease, and all patients require complementary follow-up including nutritional surveillance by a multidisciplinary team after bariatric procedures. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) refers to an insufficient secretion of pancreatic enzymes and/or sodium bicarbonate. PEI is a known multifactorial complication after upper gastrointestinal surgery, and might constitute an important clinical problem due to the large number of bariatric surgical procedures in the world. Symptoms of PEI often overlap with sequelae of gastric bypass, making the diagnosis difficult. Steatorrhea, weight loss, maldigestion and malabsorption are pathognomonic for both clinical conditions. Altered anatomy after bypass surgery can make the diagnostic process even more difficult. Fecal elastase-1 (FE1) is a useful diagnostic test. PEI should be considered in all patients after bariatric surgery with prolonged gastrointestinal complaints that are suggestive of maldigestion and/or malabsorption. Appropriate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy should be part of the treatment algorithm in patients with confirmed PEI or symptoms suggestive of this complication

The application of canting keel concept in racing windsurfing fins: does it lead to superior performance?

Windsurfing is a young, dynamically evolving sport. As the numbers of windsurfers increase around the world, equipment producers race against each other, using the latest materials and technologies in the never ending pursuit of better performance. The aim of this research is to investigate the latest development idea – the canting fin. The project is based on Formula Windsurfing, a racing discipline, where fins reach 70cm of length and have crucial influence on a competitor’s final result. Primary data was collected in two stages, in both qualitative and quantitative forms. The former involved 4 male, international-level windsurfing competitors who tested two provided sample fins – one of a classic design and the other, with the same geometry and material properties but altered into the canting concept. Subjects’ observations were recorded using a semi-structured questionnaire. The second stage of data gathering was based on GPS measurements of fins’ performance. Once again the two described sample foils were used to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the novel design. At this point, over 5000 of speed and course measurements were taken providing a significant data set. The presented results show numerous differences between the tested fins. Overall, combining all of the measured characteristics, the canting fin proved to be superior by 44% in a simulated competition situation. In a competitive situation, research participants would have chosen the new fin in 87% of the tested situations over the classic design. The project generated an interesting set of results without having to base on multiple assumptions. It was 100% practise-based and was designed as an alternative to laboratory-based modelling. Factors influencing data precision and the measurement error were discussed and several areas for further research were outlined

Masculinity, Moral Atmosphere, and Moral Functioning of High School Football Players

In order to identify factors associated with on-field moral functioning among student athletes within the unique context of football, we examined masculine gender role conflict, moral atmosphere, and athletic identity. Using structural equation modeling to assess survey data from 204 high school football players, results demonstrated that moral atmosphere (i.e., the influence of coaches and teammates) was significantly associated with participants’ process of on-field moral functioning across the levels of judgment, intention, and behavior. Neither masculine gender role conflict nor athletic identity significantly predicted moral functioning, but the results indicated that participants’ identification with the athlete role significantly predicted conflict with socialized gender roles. Results suggest that in the aggressive and violent sport of football, coaches can have a direct influence on players’ moral functioning process. Coaches can also have an indirect effect by influencing all the players so that a culture of ethical play can be cultivated among teammates and spread from the top down

Thermal resistance of PCD materials with borides bonding phase

In these studies, one group of PCD materials was prepared using diamond powder and 10 wt % of TiB₂ and the second batch of the PCD material was prepared using a mixture of diamond powder with 5 wt % of TiB₂ and 2 wt % of Co. The materials have been sintered using a Bridgman-type high-pressure apparatus at 8.0±0.2 GPa, at a temperature of 2000±50 °C. Thermogravimetric (TG) measurements and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) have been carried out for diamond micropowders, TiB₂ bonding phase, and sintered composites. The coefficients of friction for diamond composites in a sliding contact with an Al₂O₃ ceramic ball have been determined from the room temperature up to 800 °C. Material phase compositions were analyzed for initial samples and after wear tests, at the temperature of 800 °C. Raman spectra of diamond composites with borides bonding phases, observed for the first-order zone centre modes of diamond and graphite during the heating up to 800 °C in air have been presented. Thermal properties have been compared with the commercial diamond-cobalt PCD. It has been found that diamond with TiB₂ and Co is the most resistant to the hardness changes at elevated temperatures and this material maintains the high hardness value up to 800 °C but it has a high coefficient of friction.Досліджено полікристалічні алмазні композити – одну групу матеріалів було приготовано з використанням алмазного порошку і 10 % (за масою) TiB₂, а другу – з алмазного порошку, 5 % (за масою) TiB₂ і 2 % (за масою) Co. Матеріали було спечено в апараті високого тиску типу Бріджмена при тиску 8,0±0,2 ГПа і температурі 2000±50 °С. Термогравіметричні вимірювання та диференційний термічний аналіз було проведено для алмазних мікропорошків, зв’язуючої фази TiB₂ і спечених композітов. Визначено коефіцієнти тертя для алмазних композитів при ковзному контакті з кулькою з кераміки Al₂O₃ при температурі від кімнатної до 800 °С. Фазові склади матеріалів проаналізовано для вихідних зразків і після їх випробування на знос при температурі 800 °С. Представлено спектри комбінаційного розсіювання алмазних композитів зі зв’язуючими фазами боридів, що спостерігаються в центрі зони першого порядку алмазу і графіту в процесі нагрівання до 800 °С на повітрі. Порівнювали термічні властивості отриманих полікристалічних алмазних композитів і промислового композита алмаз–кобальт. Було виявлено, що алмаз з TiB₂ і Co є найбільш стійким до змін твердості при підвищених температурах і зберігає високу твердість до 800 °С, але має високий коефіцієнт тертя.Исследованы поликристаллические алмазных композиты – одна группа материалов была приготовлена с использованием алмазного порошка и 10 % (по массе) TiB₂, а вторая – из алмазного порошка, 5 % (по массе) TiB₂ и 2 % (по массе) Co. Материалы были спечены в аппарате высокого давления типа Бриджмена при давлении 8,0±0,2 ГПа и температуре 2000±50 °С. Термогравиметрические измерения и дифференциальный термический анализ были проведены для алмазных микропорошков, связующей фазы TiB₂ и спеченных композитов. Определены коэффициенты трения для алмазных композитов при скользящем контакте с шариком из керамики Al₂O₃ при температуре от комнатной до 800 °С. Фазовые составы материалов проанализированы для исходных образцов и после их испытания на износ при температуре 800 °С. Представлены спектры комбинационного рассеяния алмазных композитов со связующими фазами боридов, наблюдаемые в центре зоны первого порядка алмаза и графита в процессе нагрева до 800 °С на воздухе. Сравнивали термические свойства полученных поликристаллических алмазных композитов и промышленного поликристаллического композита алмаз–кобальт. Было обнаружено, что алмаз с TiB₂ и Co является наиболее устойчивым к изменениям твердости при повышенных температурах и сохраняет высокую твердость до 800 °С, но имеет высокий коэффициент трения