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The aim of this review was to summarise the methods used to predict and assess maturity status and timing in adolescent, male, academy soccer players. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline and SPORTDiscus. Only experimental studies including male, academy players aged U9-U18 years registered with a professional soccer club were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using guidelines from the Framework of Potential Biases. Fifteen studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Studies were mainly conducted in European countries (n = 12). In total, 4,707 players were recruited across all 15 studies, with an age range of 8-18 years. Five studies were longitudinal, two studies were mixed-method designs and eight studies were cross-sectional. Due to high heterogeneity within the studies, a meta-analysis was not performed. Our findings provided no equivalent estimations of adult height, skeletal age, or age at PHV. Discrepancies were evident between actual and predicted adult height and age at PHV. The Bayley-Pinneau [1952], Tanner-Whitehouse 2 [1983] and Khamis-Roche [1994] methods produced estimates of adult height within 1cm of actual adult height. For age at PHV, both Moore [2015] equations produced the closest estimates to actual age at PHV, and the Fransen [2018] equation correlated highly with actual age at PHV (>90%), even when the period between chronological age and age at PHV was large. Medical imaging techniques (e.g., Magnetic Resonance Imaging, X-Ray, Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry) demonstrated high intra/inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.83-0.98) for skeletal maturity assessments. The poor concordance between invasive and non-invasive methods, is a warning to practitioners to not use these methods interchangeably for assessing maturational status and timing in academy soccer players. Further research with improved study designs is required to validate these results and improve our understanding of these methods when applied in this target population.

Abstract Rational molecular engineering of proteins with CRISPR‐based approaches is challenged by the gene‐centric nature of gRNA design tools. To address this, we have developed CRISPR‐TAPE, a protein‐centric gRNA design algorithm that allows users to target specific residues, or amino acid types within proteins. gRNA outputs can be customized to support maximal efficacy of homology‐directed repair for engineering purposes, removing time‐consuming post hoc curation, simplifying gRNA outputs and reducing CPU times.

The relative age effect (RAE) is characterised by an overrepresentation of athletes born earlier in the selection year. Whilst an RAE is consistently evident in male soccer, examinations in female players remain limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of sex, as well as age, success, and playing status in European soccer players. The sample consisted of a total of 6546 soccer players from 55 soccer nations that competed in recent European Championship qualification campaigns. Results indicated an evident RAE in male [p = 0.017] but not female [p = 0.765] players. Male players were over-represented by players born in the first quartile for the U17 [p < 0.001] and U19 [p = 0.001] levels, however, this over-representation did not transfer to senior levels. No RAE was observed at any level for female players. Inside each age group, a slight selection bias towards those born in the first quartile for successful squads was observed but did not significantly differentiate between qualification status for either male or female players. Results from this study highlight the disparity in RAE prevalence between male and female players and raise further questions regarding the value of selecting relatively older players to metrics of success, transition, and selection for senior international soccer.

Abstract Understanding the pore-scale dynamics of two-phase fluid flow in permeable media is important in many processes such as water infiltration in soils, oil recovery, and geo-sequestration of CO2. The two most important processes that compete during the displacement of a non-wetting fluid by a wetting fluid are pore-filling or piston-like displacement and snap-off; this latter process can lead to trapping of the non-wetting phase. We present a three-dimensional dynamic visualization study using fast synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography to provide new insights into these processes by conducting a time-resolved pore-by-pore analysis of the local curvature and capillary pressure. We show that the time-scales of interface movement and brine layer swelling leading to snap-off are several minutes, orders of magnitude slower than observed for Haines jumps in drainage. The local capillary pressure increases rapidly after snap-off as the trapped phase finds a position that is a new local energy minimum. However, the pressure change is less dramatic than that observed during drainage. We also show that the brine-oil interface jumps from pore-to-pore during imbibition at an approximately constant local capillary pressure, with an event size of the order of an average pore size, again much smaller than the large bursts seen during drainage.

Abstract Background In clinical and research practice linked to prostate cancer treatment, frequent monitoring of patient health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is essential. Practical and analytic limitations of paper questionnaire data capture may be overcome with the use of self-administered personal digital assistant (PDA) data collection. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability, validity, and feasibility of using PDA in place of paper versions of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Patient Oriented Prostate Cancer Utility Survey (PORPUS), and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) in a prostate cancer clinic setting. Methods 152 participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: 1) paper followed by PDA survey; 2) PDA followed by paper survey; or 3) PDA followed by PDA survey. Evaluation included an assessment of data quality (internal consistency, test-retest reliability, response correlation, completeness of data), and feasibility (participation rates, time to completion, preference and difficultly/ease of using PDA). Results Internal consistency was similar for both PDA and paper applications. Test-retest reliability was confirmed for PDA repeated administration. Data from paper and PDA questionnaires were strongly correlated. Lower missed item rates were found in PDA administration. 82.8% of participants preferred using the PDA or had no preference. Mean difficulty/ease ratings indicated that participants found the PDA easy to use. Age did not significantly correlate with preference or difficulty. Conclusion The results confirm the adaptability of the IPSS, IIEF-5, and the PORPUS to PDA administration. Similarly, the findings of this study support the feasibility of using PDA technology for HRQOL serial data capture in the prostate cancer patient population.

Although Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is effective in controlling prostate cancer (PCa) and increasing survival, it is associated with a myriad of side effects that cause significant morbidity. Previous research has shown that PCa patients starting on ADT are neither fully informed nor well-equipped to manage the breadth of ADT's side effects. The ADT Educational Program (a 1.5 h interactive class plus a book) was developed as an evidence-based resource for patients dealing with ADT. Our aim here was to compare the efficacy of an online version of the class with a previously assessed in-person version of the class. Using mixed MANOVAs within a non-randomized comparison design, we assessed: (1) changes in patients' experiences of self-efficacy to manage and bother associated with side effects approximately 10 weeks after attending a class, and (2) potential differences in these variables between online and in-person class formats. Side effect bother decreased from pre- to post-class but did not differ between in-person (n = 94) and online (n = 137) class cohorts. While self-efficacy to manage side effects was slightly higher post-class in both cohorts, the increase was not statistically significant. Average self-efficacy ratings were significantly higher among in-person versus online class participants (p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.128). Both online and in-person classes are associated with a significant reduction in the severity of side effect bother reported by PCa patients, suggesting non-inferiority of online versus in-person formats. Online classes offer greater accessibility to the program for patients outside the reach of in-person classes, increasing the availability of the program to more PCa patients and family members across Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Educational programs that enhance healthcare providers' competence in managing the care of patients with sexual dysfunction following prostate cancer treatments are needed to facilitate comprehensive sexual health treatments for patients and their partners. Aim In this study we evaluated the impact of a real-world online sexual health educational intervention called the True North Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eTraining Program. This program is designed to increase healthcare providers' knowledge and self-efficacy in providing sexual healthcare to prostate cancer patients and their partners. Methods Healthcare providers were invited to join a 12-week virtual training program. Participants completed precourse surveys (n = 89), retrospective prepost surveys (n = 58), and a 3-month follow-up survey (subset n = 18) to assess retention of relevant outcomes. Additionally, a course satisfaction survey was administered to participants (n = 57) at the end of the course. Outcomes The main outcomes focused on participants' perceived knowledge and self-efficacy in conducting assessments and providing interventions for various relevant physical, functional, psychological, and relational domains of sexual dysfunction in prostate cancer patients and their partners. Results According to the retrospective analysis of post-then-pre–survey results, graduates perceived that their knowledge of and self-efficacy in providing sexual health counseling improved after completing the course. The 3-month follow-up survey indicated that the course graduate self-efficacy remained high 3 months after the course. Furthermore, the satisfaction survey indicated that a vast majority (98.2%) of participants were satisfied with the educational intervention. Clinical Implications This real-world sexual health educational intervention can increase self-efficacy and knowledge in healthcare providers who are supporting prostate cancer patients dealing with sexual dysfunction. Strengths and Limitations The use of a retrospective post-then-pre–survey helped to mitigate response shift bias while minimizing data gaps. However, it is important to note that this investigation was not a traditional research study and lacked a control group, thus limiting causal attributions. Conclusion The True North Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eTraining program acts as an accessible and effective resource for healthcare providers seeking specialized training in providing sexual healthcare for prostate cancer patients and their partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between preoperative physical activity (PA) and hospital length of stay (LOS) following radical prostatectomy (RP) is poorly understood. In addition, the relationship between PA and the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score (ASA PS), an established prognosticator of surgical risk, has not been studied. The authors assessed the relationship between leisure-time PA (LTPA), ASA PS, and LOS in individuals undergoing RP. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from an institutional database. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between preoperative LTPA and physical status as indicated by the ASA PS. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between preoperative LTPA and LOS. Results: A sample of 1064 participants were included in the analyses. The participants in the highest preoperative LTPA quartile had 45% reduced odds (P =.015) of a worse ASA PS classification compared with participants in the lowest quartile. The participants engaging in vigorous LTPA preoperatively had 35% lower odds (P =.014) of a >2-day LOS following RP compared with participants who were not engaging in preoperative vigorous LTPA. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that total and vigorous preoperative LTPA is associated with improved preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and LOS following RP, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Issues relating to certification of the Psycho‐oncology profession require clarification in order to provide high quality comprehensive psychosocial care within oncology. We conducted a survey identifying existing training, professional registration requirements and accreditation programs, at national levels, for the specialty of psycho‐oncology as well as the mandatory presence of this specialist in cancer teams. Methods: This survey was conducted within the International Psycho‐Oncology Society Federation of psycho‐oncology societies and included representatives of each national federated society and some countries not belonging to the Federation. Survey questions were emailed requesting specific details, from the registered contact person, for each country, about psycho‐oncology training, professional registration and accreditation. Results: Of 43 countries contacted (34 Federated and 9 non‐federated members), 39 replied and answered the questionnaire (90, 7%). Disparities were reported between countries, with details indicating differences from having no national program, to quite detailed and legally accredited requirements. The majority of countries had no formally recognized profession of "Psycho‐oncologist," while some countries reported that it is mandatory (or recommended to have) a specialist in psycho‐oncology in cancer centers and, thus, that an accredited, nationally recognized and certified training in this specialty exists. Conclusions: The study underlines the need to create a curriculum for the specialty (certification and accreditation) for the profession of psycho‐oncology. Given the lack of internationally recognized core standards, ideas and proposals for minimum standards of good care and the training required to deliver this, are explored to clarify who may use the designation "Clinical Psycho‐oncologist." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]