Formal Program Research Articles

Fostering leadership development and growth of nurse leaders: Experiences from Midwest Nursing Research Society Leadership Academy

Leadership development and growth of nurse leaders is critically important for the thriving of the nursing profession. Formal leadership training programs are helpful in building leadership knowledge and skills. The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) launched the Leadership Academy (LA), a new initiative to foster leadership development among MNRS members and intentionally create a steady pool of members prepared to step into MNRS leadership positions. Mentoring by an experienced board member is a key component. The purpose of this article was to describe the experiences of a mentor and mentee dyad through the MNRS LA and discuss their perspectives on fostering leadership development and growth. The success of a leadership development program has a far-reaching impact on novice and potential future leaders. A tailored leadership mentoring relationship helps increase one’s self-confidence in being a leader and provides individualized leadership development opportunities. Engagement of both the mentee and mentor in the leadership mentoring relationship is a key to ensure an optimized leadership mentoring experience.

Novice clinician educator professional identity formation through a longitudinal mentorship: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe professional identity of doctors is evolving with physicians now required to be ‘scholars’, facilitating the education of students and healthcare teammates as educators. Mentoring is widely practiced and is postulated to facilitate professional identity formation (PIF) through socialization.Preliminary literature review suggested few studies looking into how formal mentoring programmes affect PIF of novice clinician educators, particularly an Asian context. I hope to understand the perceived professional identity of such educators, and what changes in professional identity are observed after longitudinal mentorship, using the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) as an underpinning framework.MethodsA qualitative study explored perspectives of mentees with less than two years teaching experience and participating in a formal mentoring programme. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the beginning and end of the programme. Thematic analysis and coding of these taped and transcribed interviews was performed and triangulated with an elite interview. Mind maps were constructed to appreciate the inter-relatedness of themes and evaluated using the SCCT framework. Methodology was anchored to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.ResultsSeven mentees were recruited. All were Chinese except for two Indians. All had less than six months experience with educational activities. None had formal training in medical education. Median duration postgraduate was six years. One was from a surgical discipline, others were from a range of medical disciplines. Themes identified included background influences, learning experiences and outcome expectations which affected self-efficacy, leading to mentees attaining goals and performing actions which effected their professional identity development, which was in-turn affected by contextual influences. Most perceived themselves as clinicians rather than medical educators. Concepts underpinning PIF included socialisation (role modelling and mentorship, communities of practice, sense of belonging), experiential learning, the hidden curriculum and reflective practice.ConclusionsNovice clinician educators mostly have a hierarchical identity. Role modelling and mentorship, active participation in communities of practice, promotion of a sense-of-belonging, experiential learning combined with reflective practice are important components for socialisation, synergistically facilitating PIF in novice clinician educators. Overcoming contextual barriers, being cognisant of cultural practices and addressing concerns in the hidden curriculum can assist educators in development of their professional identity.

Living with COPD and its psychological effects on participating in community-based physical activity in Brazil: a qualitative study. Findings from the Breathe Well group

Physical activity (PA) improves dyspnoea, psychological wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) for people with COPD reducing their risk of exacerbation. However, engagement in PA is low especially amongst those with anxiety and depression, and PA programmes are limited in countries with limited resources such as Brazil. We explored perceptions of 21 people with COPD about the impact of their disease on taking part in community-based PA programmes in Sao Paulo, Brazil through semi-structured telephone interviews from October 2020 to April 2021. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the Framework method. Five themes were identified: Knowledge about COPD and its management; Self-perception of life with COPD; Knowledge and experiences of depression and anxiety; Opinions on PA and repercussions of COVID-19. PA was considered to be important in bringing physical and mental health benefits but there were barriers in accessibility of formal PR programmes and therefore local community PA programmes were considered to be important. People with mental health conditions tended to view PA more negatively. COVID-19 had reduced PA opportunities, access to COPD treatment and social interaction, and was associated with more exacerbations and emotional suffering. In general, this study showed an urgent need to improve knowledge about COPD and its risk factors and management among both patients, the public and primary healthcare professionals. We provide important content for the formulation of public policies for the implementation of specific activity programmes for people with COPD in community spaces using local resources and intersectoral partnerships.

18 Past and current care practices for neonates with complex medical needs: A scoping review to support clinical program evaluation

Abstract Background Neonates with complex medical needs (NCMN) are a rapidly growing patient population internationally. Although NCMN are a relatively small proportion of all Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions, they are high healthcare utilizers. Since 2018, a dedicated Neonatal Complex Care Team (NCCT) has cared for NCMN at a large quaternary care center. The NCCT cares for NCMN in a dedicated, single-family room, patient area within the NICU. This model of care has yet to be evaluated for its potential impact on healthcare outcomes. Objectives The objective of the scoping review is to determine the breadth of available literature on the care practices for the management of NCMN and to collate the available evidence to define outcome measures to be used in a formal program evaluation. Design/Methods The review followed the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews and utilized resources from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The two databases that were utilized include Medline via OVID and CINAHL. The dates for included publications are January 1st 1993, until July 15th 2023. Only studies published in English and primary research were included. Two independent reviewers performed the initial title and abstract screening, and the full text review. The data extraction was completed by one independent reviewer. Results 102 articles were included in the title and abstract screen, and 12 were considered for full text review. Four articles were included. Interventions discussed in the included articles ranged from discharge conferences with patient’s caregivers, to the implementation of an entirely new model of care. Multidisciplinary health care teams appear to be integral to the in-hospital care and smooth discharge of NCMN. We identified that caregiver involvement and satisfaction are important to the discharge process as they are primarily responsible for their infant’s care after discharge, and so it is important that the specifics of care are communicated and taught effectively. The outcomes of interest identified as most useful for clinical program evaluation were length of stay and readmission rate. Additionally there was limited data reported on long-term health outcomes of this patient population. Conclusion This scoping review identified few articles that reported new models of care, a lack of consistent outcomes used in evaluating existing care models and overall a gap in research in this rapidly growing patient population. There is more work to be done to improve care of NCMN and our findings will be used in designing future studies that evaluate care models.

Special Issue on Informatics Education: Vanderbilt Clinical Informatics Center Education Strategy: To Infinity and Beyond!

The Vanderbilt Clinical Informatics Center (VCLIC) is based in the Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) and operates across Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and Vanderbilt University (VU) with a goal of enabling and supporting clinical informatics research and practice. VCLIC supports several types of applied clinical informatics teaching, including teaching of students in courses, professional education for staff and faculty throughout VUMC, and workshops and conferences that are open to the public. In this paper, we provide a detailed accounting of our center and institution's methods of educating and training faculty, staff, students, and trainees from across the academic institution and health system on clinical informatics topics, including formal training programs and informal applied learning sessions. Through a host of informal learning events, such as workshops, seminars, conference-style events, bite-size instructive videos, and hackathons, as well as several formal education programs, such as the Clinical Informatics Graduate Course, Master's in Applied Clinical Informatics, Medical Student Integrated Science Course, Graduate Medical Education Elective, and Fellowship in Clinical Informatics, VCLIC and VUMC provide opportunities for faculty, students, trainees, and even staff to engage with Clinical Informatics topics and learn related skills. The described programs have trained hundreds of participants from across the academic and clinical enterprises. Of the VCLIC-held events, the majority of attendees indicated through surveys that they were satisfied, with the average satisfaction score being 4.63/5, and all events averaging a satisfaction score of greater than 4. Across the 20 events VCLIC has held, our largest audiences are DBMI, HealthIT operational staff, and students from the medical and nursing schools. VCLIC has created and delivered a successful suite of formal and informal educational events and programs to disseminate clinical informatics knowledge and skills to learners across the academic institution and healthcare system.

Experiences from the initial 3 years of introducing the British Pharmacological Society and UK Medical Schools Council Prescribing Safety Assessment for Danish junior doctors.

The British Pharmacological Society and UK Medical Schools Council Prescription Safety Assessment (BPS/MSC PSA) is an electronic platform developed for assessing the prescription skills of medical students. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of the BPS/MSC PSA in addressing prescribing competencies among junior doctors in a hospital setting. The Department of Clinical Pharmacology at Odense University Hospital established a Danish translated programme using the BPS/MSC PSA platform. We launched a formal 3-year programme in 2021, potentially assessing all first-year doctors at Odense University Hospital and Esbjerg Regional Hospital. Participation was followed by a survey. During the period of 2021 to 2023 n =364 doctors were invited, from which n =246 participated. The compliance rate increased from 38% in 2021 to 88% in 2023. The mean assessment score (points normalized to percentage) across n =246 participants was 71%, and 94% achieved a score of at least 50%. A subset of participants responded to the survey, with the majority of those completing the questionnaire indicating that the purpose of the assessment was clear. The items related to difficulty and number of questions received comparable evaluations, and most respondents found the questions clinically relevant. It is feasible to translate and implement the BPS/MSC PSA in a Danish hospital setting. The programme provides insight into the prescribing competencies of junior doctors and the participants are generally positive.

Potensi Inovasi Indonesia di Tengah Bonus Demografi: Menjawab Tantangan Global

Indonesia’s demographic bonus, marked by a large working-age population, offers significant potential to drive economic growth and innovation. However, despite this demographic advantage, Indonesia faces challenges in workforce quality, investment in research and development (R&D), and technological infrastructure. According to the Global Innovation Index 2023, Indonesia ranks 62nd out of 132 countries in innovation. The low proportion of skilled workers and the lack of formal training programs within companies exacerbate the innovation gap. To fully leverage its demographic potential, Indonesia needs comprehensive policy reforms in education and R&D, increased investment in human capital, and strengthened technological infrastructure. Without these improvements, the demographic bonus risks turning into a long-term burden rather than a catalyst for innovation and economic growth.

Pedagogical training of lecturers for higher education

The study aims to explore inadequate pedagogical training for higher education and strategies that could enhance effective teaching. The study adopted a constructivist paradigm and qualitative research design as it is qualitative in nature. Bandura’s social cognitive theory forms the basis for the study. The theory holds that learning occurs in a social context, interacts with the surroundings and actions, and applies the already stored schemata to acquire new knowledge. Data were generated from the critical review of the relevant literature. It was interpreted and analyzed thematically following Castle and Amanda’s five steps of thematic analysis. The results showed inadequate funding and wrong assumptions about the teaching abilities of lecturers with advanced degrees. In addition, there is also a lack of formal training programs, which contributes to the poor state of teacher training. The study revealed that enough funding and transparent lecturers’ pedagogical training structures can enhance lecturers’ teaching abilities. The study concludes that teacher training for higher education is insufficient. However, proper financial support for relevant and effective teacher training programmes could improve lecturers’ teaching skills and thus better students’ performance. The study recommends that all lecturers in higher education should go under formal teacher training. Universities should also source funds to enhance formal teacher training for novice lecturers. There should be frequent refresher courses on the latest teaching methods for gurus already in the field.

Health data science course for clinicians: Time to bridge the skills gap?

Data science skills are highly relevant for clinicians working in an era of big data in healthcare. However, these skills are not routinely taught, representing a growing unmet educational need. This education report presents a structured short course that was run to teach clinicians data science and the lessons learnt. A 1-day introductory course was conducted within a tertiary hospital in London. It consisted of lectures followed by facilitated pair programming exercises in R, an object-oriented programming language. Feedback was collated and participant responses were graded using a Likert scale. The course was attended by 20 participants. The majority of participants (69%) were in higher speciality cardiology training. While more than half of the participants (56%) received prior training in statistics either through formal taught programmes (e.g., a Master's degree) or online courses, the participants reported several barriers to expanding their skills in data science due to limited programming skills, lack of dedicated time, training opportunities and awareness. After the short course, there was a significant increase in participants' self-rated confidence in using R for data analysis (mean response; before the course: 1.69 ± 1.0, after the course: 3.2 ± 0.9, p = .0005) and awareness of the capabilities of R (mean response; before the course: 2.1 ± 0.9, after the course: 3.6 ± 0.7, p = .0001, on a 5-point Likert scale). This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that a structured short course can effectively introduce data science skills to clinicians and supports future educational initiatives to integrate data science teaching into medical education.

Assessing the Quality of Ship Crew Members in Sewage Pollution Prevention Practices on Marine Environmental Protection: A Case of Dar Es Salaam – Zanzibar Ropax Vessels

The maritime industry is crucial for global trade, but it also significantly impacts the marine environment, particularly through sewage pollution. This study assesses the quality of ship crew members in sewage pollution prevention practices on marine environmental protection, focusing on ROPAX vessels operating between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. The stud aims to assess the quality of ship’s crew members in training and education, experience and the number of crew in sewage pollution prevention practices. The study collected data from 80 respondents, whereby both questionnaires were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed by using T-test, Chi-square test, Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study finding revealed that significant deficiencies in awareness and training among crew members regarding MARPOL Annex IV regulations, with many respondents rating their understanding as very low or low. This lack of knowledge, compounded by insufficient formal training programs, hampers the effective implementation of pollution prevention measures. The study recommends a multifaceted approach, including enhanced training, financial support for compliance, and stronger regulatory oversight to improve environmental protection practices. These findings provide crucial insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the Tanzanian maritime industry and protect marine ecosystem.

6855 Nationwide Analysis Of Mentorship In Endocrinology Fellowship

Abstract Disclosure: D. Toro-Tobon: None. H. Billings: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Mentorship is crucial for training physicians' career development, yet evidence of its impact on endocrinology trainees is lacking. We assessed the current state of mentorship in endocrine fellowship training in the United States. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between June and September 2023. Endocrine fellows were invited to complete an online questionnaire describing their mentorship experience and its influence on burnout, satisfaction, and scholarly productivity. Results: Of 153 participants (mean age 34, 69% women, 47% White, 20% Hispanic/Latino), 73% had a mentor. Having a mentor was not associated with age, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. Those without mentors were more commonly in two-year fellowships (63% vs. 81%, p=0.04), had less access to formal mentorship programs (48% vs. 21%, p<0.01), cited insufficient faculty availability for mentoring (11% vs. 26%, p=0.01), and encountered more challenges finding mentors in their training programs (11% vs. 38%, p<0.001). Mentored participants exhibited increased post-fellowship interest in academic practice (69% vs. 50%, p<0.01), higher involvement in clinical research (65% vs. 49%, p=0.01), more fellowship-dedicated scholarly time (36% vs. 22%, <0.001), a greater median number of publications (4.6 vs. 1.8, p<0.01) and abstracts (7 vs. 3.7, p<0.01), were more likely to have submitted a grant (29% vs. 5%, p=0.03) and had higher satisfaction with training (92% vs. 64%, p<0.001). Mentors were mostly chosen by mentees (70%) and shared gender identity (61%) but often had a different race or ethnicity (71.8%). The majority found mentorship relationships satisfactory (87%), contributing to increased academic productivity (84%) and reduced mentee burnout and stress levels (60%). In bivariate analysis, all mentor attributes significantly influenced higher academic productivity and mentee satisfaction. The most divergent for academic productivity were improved communication, alignment with expectations, inspiration for goal attainment, and effective networking. For mentorship satisfaction, distinctions were found in communication enhancement, goal-oriented assistance, knowledge/skill enrichment, and personalized career path development. Traits like active listening and adapting communication styles were not linked to decreased burnout, but actively supporting work-life balance independently correlated with reduced burnout. Conclusion: Mentorship positively affects endocrine fellows' scholarly productivity and career development. Yet, a significant number lack mentors or access to programs. Mentor attributes, like effective communication, goal alignment, and networking support boost productivity and satisfaction. However, reducing mentee burnout hinges on actively fostering work-life balance. Presentation: 6/3/2024

The Role of Primary Care Providers in Lung Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Survey

BackgroundMultidisciplinary lung cancer screening (LCS) programs that perform shared decision-making visits (SDMV) and follow up annual low dose computed tomography (LDCT) have been emerging. We hypothesize that primary care providers (PCPs) prefer to refer patients to LCS programs instead of facilitating the screening process themselves. MethodsThis is a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study in which an online survey was administered to PCPs between April 2023 and June 2023. Results58 PCPs in the same hospital network participated in the study with a median age of 43 (34-51), predominance of women (77.6%), and clinicians of white and Asian race (44.8% and 48.3%). Respondents estimated that 26.1% (SD 32.4%) of their eligible patients participate in LCS screening. PCPs thought that an LCS program was equally convenient to performing screening themselves for identifying eligible patients and ordering LDCT. However, 63.8% of participants preferred an LCS program for performing SDMVs, 62.1% for ensuring annual follow-up on negative LDCTs, 70.7% for deciding next steps on positive LDCTs, and 60.4% for performing smoking cessation counseling. PCPs agreed that an LCS program saves time (69%), allows patients to receive specialty care (65.6%), addresses patient concerns (70.7%), ensures annual follow-up (77.6%), and manages abnormal findings (79.3%). However, they also expressed concerns about an additional visit for the patient (48.2%) and patient cost (46.5%). ConclusionMost PCPs believe that formal LCS programs have many benefits including providing specialized care and follow up, although there were concerns about patient time and cost.

Training in Transplantation and Cellular Therapy in Latin America: A Cross-Sectional Study of the LABMT

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a complex and resource-intensive procedure that has become a critical treatment for certain hematologic conditions. However, in Latin America, access to HCT is limited compared to high-income countries, in part due to a lack of standardized training programs for HCT professionals. To address this gap, the Latin-American Bone Marrow Transplantation Group conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the current state of training programs in HCT and cellular therapy across the region. This study aimed to describe and analyze the availability, characteristics, and challenges of HCT training programs in Latin America, with a focus on identifying barriers and proposing solutions for improvement. A cross-sectional survey was sent to 127 recognized HCT centers across 14 Latin-American countries in December 2022. The survey collected data on institutional characteristics, training program structure, costs, and barriers to program development. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and comparative analyses were performed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Of the 127 centers surveyed, 50 (39%) responded, with the majority located in Brazil (34%) and Mexico (30%). Among the respondents, 64% (n = 32) offered formal training programs lasting 6 months or longer. The most significant barriers reported were lack of funding (n = 21), limited number of transplant procedures (n = 15), and a shortage of qualified professors (n = 11). Proposed solutions included increasing student mobility opportunities (n = 28), enhancing program quality (n = 27), and improving access to funding (n = 15). Only 6% of programs offered exposure to CAR-T therapy, and fewer than half of the centers provided international rotations. This study highlights significant disparities in HCT training programs across Latin America, with most countries lacking access to formalized training. While Brazil and Mexico serve as regional hubs, other nations have limited or no training opportunities. Addressing these gaps through increased funding, international collaborations, and standardized curricula is essential to improving HCT training and ultimately patient care in the region.

Evaluating the Quality of Multiple-Choice Test Questions in the Postlicensure Environment.

Multiple-choice test questions are among the main measures of knowledge used by educators in the postlicensure environment; however, these tests are often constructed in the absence of guidelines or the means to evaluate examination quality after administration. Previously, guidance was provided on constructing quality test items. Here we present instruction for professional development specialists to use postadministration test data for an item analysis, providing insight on test flaws and opportunities for iterative examination improvement. The topics of item difficulty, index of discrimination, and distractor analysis are covered for independent analysis, and topics such as reliability are addressed for those who have access to a formal program. Three levels of strategies are described: using a learning management system for item analysis, using free open-source software, and using a minimal standards method of evaluating test items. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(10):487-492.].

Improving Mathematics Education through Teacher Professional Development: A Tanzanian Perspective

This study aimed to explore mathematics teachers’ perceptions of professional development. The study involved two public secondary schools in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam. This was a qualitative study based on case study design. The study involved fourteen (14) participants that were selected purposefully. Two (2) heads of the schools, two (2) Academic Teachers, two (2) heads of mathematics departments, and eight (8) mathematics teachers were equally involved from both schools. Interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, and document analysis methods were used in data collection. Both interviews and focus group discussion were audio-recorded by using a protected smartphone with password to ensure data security. The documents reviewed includes; school policies, school calendars, and mathematics departmental meetings’ minutes. The data collected were analysed thematically to identify and interpret key themes. The data analysis was based on the following steps: transcription, data reduction, presentation, and discussion of findings. Fictitious names were used for names of people and schools to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. The study revealed that teachers perceived professional development as formal programs to improve teachers’ quality that were time-consuming and costly, while informal professional development programs were overlooked by teachers and other educational stakeholders. The study recommends that, in order to improve teachers’ quality as intended in professional development, there is a need to raise awareness for both formal and informal professional development programs among teachers and a learning community as a whole.

Tahfidz Al-Qur'an Learning Management

This research examines the learning planning management process and the mechanisms, systems and strategies needed so that tahfiz al-Qur'an learning can be achieved effectively and efficiently. The Tahfiz Al Qur'an and Hadist Al Faiz Islamic boarding school is a tahfiz institution that holds formal programs in the form of MIS, MTs, MAS, and Takhossus Tahfiz Al Faiz with the main aim of producing a cadre of imams, preachers and teachers to be able to restore the glory of Islam through al Qur'an and sunnah. This research is a type of field research using a qualitative phenomenological approach regarding the management of Al-Quran tahfiz learning for students at the Al Faiz Islamic boarding school in Deli Serdang. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, interviews and documentation techniques from schools. Data analysis starts from data collection, reduction, presentation and drawing conclusions using a deductive method that starts from general events and then reduces them to specific parts. Based on the data findings, it can be concluded that the learning planning process carried out for the students includes annual programs, semester programs and daily learning plans, as well as the mechanism and system for organizing tahfiz learning for all students, implemented within a maximum of 4 months, trained with tahsin in the form of memorizing Matan Al-Jazari and Tuhfatul Atfal as well as talaqqi reading starting from Surah Al-Fatihah to completing Juz 30, all of which of course must start with good planning, good communication, and must also be supported by strategic learning development that is able to teach the students. so that it is hoped that a superior generation of Muslims will be created (khaira ummah).

Orthopaedic surgery residents with a mentor report greater self-assessed theoretical and practical preparedness than residents without a mentor.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of mentorship on self-perceived theoretical and practical skill levels of German-speaking residents affiliated to a scientific society with a focus on sports medicine. It was hypothesized that orthopaedic surgery residents with a mentor would report higher subjective theoretical and practical skills and less apprehension towards performing surgeries unsupervised compared to those without mentors. A 35-item questionnaire was distributed among resident members of AGA-Society for Arthroscopy and Joint-Surgery. The survey explored the current status of mentoring and self-assessed theoretical and practical skill levels as well as apprehension towards performing surgeries unsupervised (1-10 scale with higher values indicating higher skill level or greater apprehension). In total, 115 residents were included, of which 46 (40.0%) had a mentor. The majority of residents without a mentor (65.7%) reported the desire to have a mentor. Residents with a mentor reported significantly higher self-assessed theoretical (p = 0.003) and practical skill levels (p < 0.001) and less apprehension towards performing surgeries unsupervised (p < 0.001) compared to residents without a mentor. The presence of formal mentorship programs increased the likelihood of having a mentor significantly (odds ratio [OR] 7.17, p < 0.001). Male and female participants did not differ significantly in self-assessed skill level or apprehension towards performing surgeries unsupervised. Residents with a mentor reported greater subjective skill levels and stated less apprehension towards performing surgeries unsupervised compared to residents without a mentor. The majority of residents without a mentor stated that they would like to have a mentor. This may be achieved by establishing more formal mentorship programs as they facilitate mentorship. Level IV, cross-sectional study.

Study of polymer component migrated in medicinal product from transportation packaging component: A systematic assessment beyond regulatory expectations

Light Density Polyethylene (LDPE) bottles with a specific resin were chosen as container closure system (CCS) to fill “Latanoprost ophthalmic solution” (a generic drug product). As an alternative packaging component, additional manufacturer of LDPE bottles with the same characteristics as the previously selected LDPE bottles was chosen. The appropriateness of both packaging components was evaluated using an extractables and leachable (E&L) study and a formal stability programme that monitored quality of latanoprost ophthalmic solution. The results of relevant quality attributes in stability samples of latanoprost ophthalmic solution packed in both LDPE bottles were compared. It noticed that an unknown impurity in latanoprost ophthalmic solution packaged in LDPE bottles manufactured by an additional manufacturer. Further study revealed that this unknown impurity is Epsilon-caprolactam, a leachable of plastic used in the transportation of LDPE bottles. The leachability was validated through an extraction analysis of a plastic bag used for transportation. Thus, in certain cases, when the source of leachable is not identifiable by an E&L examination of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging components, the assessment could be extended to include packaging components utilized throughout the supply chain.

Oocyte Cryopreservation in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals With or Without Prior Testosterone Use.

To evaluate oocyte cryopreservation among transgender and gender-diverse adolescents and young adults with or without prior testosterone exposure, we performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients younger than age 35 years referred for oocyte cryopreservation through our formal fertility-preservation program from 2014 to 2023. The number of patients referred and pursuing fertility preservation increased over time. Among the 93 patients referred, 37 pursued oocyte cryopreservation (31 testosterone-naïve and six testosterone-exposed). Among the latter, neither length of time on testosterone before presentation nor duration off testosterone before retrieval (minimum 2 months) were associated with the number of mature oocytes frozen. When comparing testosterone-naïve with testosterone-exposed individuals, there was no difference in number of oocytes retrieved (median 28 vs 32, P=0.43) or mature oocytes frozen (21 vs 21, P=0.95).

Different Colours of the same culture: effects of father support programs on father involvement

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to analyze the cross-cultural comparison of fathers’ involvement who participated and did not participate in father support programs. To reach that aim, the father’s participation in self-care and daily life issues, participation in leisure-time activities, participation in school-related issues, discipline, and parental relationships were investigated. The sample consisted of totally 20 fathers (10 Azerbaijani and 10 Turkish fathers), providing a balanced representation from both cultural backgrounds. Ten fathers (5 fathers from Turkey and 5 fathers from Azerbaijan) had actively attended the programs, while the remaining ten fathers had not participated in any formal father support programs. Data of the study were collected from fathers through an online form via considering voluntary and easy accessibility principles. The study contributes to comprehending the impact of father support programs on fathers’ involvement and highlights cultural differences in fathering practices. The findings of the study were discussed considering the relevant literature and suggestions were offered.