β-TCP was implanted into bone defects of dog mandibles, and gene expression profiles were examined using DNA microarray. An implant drill was used to make bone defects, and then β-TCP was filled into bone defects. All specimens were taken out, total RNA was isolated, and levels were analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChip. Higher mRNA levels of connexin 43 (Cx43) and Cx45 were observed in β-TCP-implanted samples compared with controls. The enhancement of Cx43 and Cx45 by β-TCP was confirmed by RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR. Since Cx43 is known to express in bone-forming regions and is involved in osteogenesis through gap junctional intercellular bone-cell communication (GJIB), immunohistochemical staining was also examined and demonstrated Cx43 protein expression was increased in β-TCP-implanted bone. Cx43 plays a role in osteogenesis through GJIB; therefore, the stimulation of Cx43 expression by β-TCP might be a mechanism of accelerating wound healing and bone formation.

Aim The aim of this study was to develop a self‐assessment tool, the Role Performance Scale for Middle‐aged Generalist Nurses in Japan and confirm its reliability and validity. Methods Scale items were extracted from interviews, and item and scale‐level validity were rated by nursing management researchers and middle‐aged generalist nurses. The resulting 36‐item questionnaire was administered to clinical generalist nurses (middle‐aged nurses, n = 837; young nurses, n = 800) in Japan. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, and the tool's internal consistency and construct validity were analyzed. Results Valid responses obtained from 504 middle‐aged and 311 young generalist nurses were included in the analysis. The final scale was composed of 25 items, which were divided into five factors: “backing up head nurses,” “instructing young nurses on practices as an informal mentor,” “providing young nurses with mental support,” “providing empathic support to patients and their families,” and “coordinating team medical care.” In the confirmatory factor analysis, the indices of fitness supported these results. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .94 for the total scale and ranged from .72 to .91 for the five factors. The five factors explained a cumulative variance of 65.4%. Conclusions The five‐factor, 25‐item Role Performance Scale for Middle‐aged Generalist Nurses in Japan was confirmed to have sufficient reliability and validity. Middle‐aged generalist nurses can use this tool to self‐assess their nursing behavior. In addition, head nurses can use it to assess the role performance of middle‐aged generalist nurses and aid in their continual education.

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