bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A synopsis of Christiana DC. (Malvaceae, Brownlowioideae), with a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Coutinho Thales Silva , Barbosa-Silva Rafael G. , Dorr Laurence J.
Published: February 2025

A taxonomic synopsis is provided for the genus Christiana, with emphasis on the American species. Full synonymies, typifications, comments about distribution, and notes on main diagnostic characteristics, as well as conservation status and phenology, are provided. We describe a new species, C. restingae T.S. Cout., Barb.Silva & Dorr, sp. nov. With this addition, Christiana now comprises six species, with its center of richness in South America, where five species occur. The new species is endemic to Brazil where it is known only from Atlantic Forest and Restinga in the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, and is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered. Illustrations, images, a distribution map, SEM images of vegetative and reproductive structures, taxonomic comments, and information about the ecology and conservation of C. restingae are provided. Furthermore, the distribution and introduction of C. africana in the Americas is discussed. A total of eight names of Christiana species or synonyms described in four other genera (Berrya, Carpodiptera, Entelea, and Speirostyla) are lectotypified.
A new remarkable representative of Uropodina mites from Seychelles (Acari, Mesostigmata, Trematuridae)
Authors: Kontschán Jenő , Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: February 2025

A new genus, Trematirunellagen. nov. (Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Trematuridae), with Trematirunella seychelliasp. nov. as its type species, is described, based on a female, males, and deutonymphs collected in soil samples from the Seychelle Islands. The new genus belongs to the family Trematuridae based on the shape of the corniculi, gnathosomal setae, tritosternum and chelicerae. Members of the new genus bear a preanal suture on the ventral shield, two pairs or more pairs of wide, robust and sword-like setae on the caudal part of the dorsal shield, very dense setation on the caudal area of the marginal shield and an incision on the anterior part of the dorsal shield. These characters are missing in the other genera of Trematuridae. Two previously described species (Trichouropoda lagunae Hirmatsu & Hirschmann, 1988 and Trichouropoda palawanensis Hirschmann & Hirmatsu, 1990) from the Philippines are transferred to the new genus, as Trematirunella lagunae (Hirmatsu & Hirschmann, 1988), comb. nov. and Trematirunella palawanensis (Hirschmann & Hirmatsu, 1990), comb. nov. The new species differs from its congeners in the sculptural pattern of the female genital shield and in the shape of the robust and sword-like setae on the caudal area of the dorsal shield.
Connaissance incertaine du marché et libéralisme économique. D’Adam Smith à la théorie néoclassique, et retour
Authors: Biziou Michaël
Published: February 2025

La théorie économique néoclassique a pour objectif de prouver, grâce à la mathématisation de ses raisonnements, que l’équilibre général des marchés par la concurrence peut exister. Elle entend élaborer ainsi une connaissance certaine dont la « main invisible » d’Adam Smith ne serait qu’une prémonition floue. Mais si les néoclassiques parviennent effectivement à cette connaissance certaine, celle-ci s’accompagne d’une double déception : sur le plan scientifique elle aboutit à une impasse, et sur le plan politique elle sert de caution à un libéralisme dogmatique. On suggère alors d’effectuer un retour à Smith, pour y trouver une science économique revendiquant une connaissance incertaine des conséquences inattendues, et une version non dogmatique du libéralisme.
L’apodicticité de l’inadéquat : une contribution phénoménologique au problème de la connaissance incertaine
Authors: Jean Grégori
Published: February 2025

Suivant en cela le Husserl des Méditations cartésiennes, on considère souvent la phénoménologie comme un « néo-cartésianisme » qui, sur le plan épistémologique, serait à tort ou à raison resté fidèle – ou tributaire – de l’idéal cartésien de la connaissance certaine. Pourtant, sur cette question en particulier comme sur d’autres, la phénoménologie ne s’en est nullement tenue à cet héritage cartésien, et notre conviction est qu’elle a même quelque chose à nous enseigner quant aux mauvaises raisons que nous aurions encore d’y tenir. L’hypothèse que nous avançons dans cet article est en effet que l’une des prétentions de la phénoménologie, y compris lorsqu’elle se présenta comme cartésienne, ne fut pas d’opposer connaissance certaine et connaissance incertaine et de s’installer dans la première en rejetant la seconde, mais de dénoncer cette opposition pour conquérir, comme le proposera également le Wittgenstein des Recherches philosophiques, un champ philosophique d’un tout autre ordre – dont tout le problème sera ici de déterminer s’il permet et a finalement pour but de rendre possible la « connaissance ».
Cultural Roots and Resilience
Authors: Akgül Gülten
Published: February 2025

This chapter explores the concept of resilience in Black families and communities as depicted in postcolonial and African American literature, focusing on works by Toni Morrison, Chinua Achebe, Alice Walker, and Buchi Emecheta. Through a qualitative literary analysis, including close reading, thematic, and comparative approaches, the chapter examines how these authors portray the Black families as the sources of strength amidst adversity. Morrison highlights the psychological and emotional resilience of the Black families in confronting the trauma of slavery, while Achebe emphasizes communal and familial bonds in the face of colonial disruptions. Walker underscores the healing power of intergenerational connections, and Emecheta explores the sacrifices of motherhood in upholding family and cultural values. This chapter contributes to the understanding of resilience in marginalized communities, offering insights into cultural preservation, empowerment, and collective healing.
Clearing the Air
Authors: Adesiyan Raphael , Ickes Melinda
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines the systemic and cultural factors contributing to tobacco use and cessation challenges within African American communities. It explores how social determinants of health, including systemic racism, economic disparities, and limited access to healthcare, drive tobacco-related health disparities. The chapter analyzes the role of targeted marketing by the tobacco industry and its impact on smoking behaviors. Culturally tailored interventions, such as faith-based programs, peer-led initiatives, and community empowerment strategies, are presented as effective approaches to address these disparities. The chapter highlights policy recommendations, such as banning menthol cigarettes and regulating targeted advertising, as essential for reducing tobacco use and promoting health equity.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Authors: Withers Jazmin N.
Published: February 2025

This chapter explores the critical issue of poverty and its impact on Black communities, focusing on the role of nonprofit organizations in breaking the cycle of poverty. In the context of increasing social and economic disparities, empowering communities through targeted programming and services is essential. The purpose of this chapter is to examine how nonprofits can adopt evidence-based best practices into their programming to increase their poverty-fighting effectiveness. This chapter draws on research-backed approaches to program implementation and resource allocation to interventions proven effective in poverty alleviation. By adopting a holistic approach to poverty-fighting, nonprofit organizations can empower Black communities to achieve greater economic stability and resilience, contributing to long-term systemic change.
AI- Powered Talent Acquisition
Authors: Ravesangar Kamalesh , Ng Wei Chien , Toh Guat Guan , Singh Bhupinder
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming recruitment, shifting traditional hiring toward efficient, data-driven processes. This chapter explores AI's impact on talent acquisition, detailing its influence on every stage—from candidate sourcing and screening to automated assessments and predictive analytics. Leveraging machine learning, AI allows organizations to analyze vast data sources, such as resumes and social media profiles, to quickly and accurately identify top candidates. The chapter covers key AI technologies like natural language processing, chatbots, and predictive analytics and highlights benefits like efficiency, reduced bias, and improved candidate experience. It also examines ethical challenges, including algorithmic bias, transparency, data privacy, costs, and resistance to change. This chapter underscores the need for responsible AI use, enabling organizations to build inclusive and equitable hiring practices by balancing AI's strengths and limitations.
Artificial Intelligence for Strengthening the Rule of Law and Justice Delivery System
Authors: Raghav Anjali , Janjua Laeeq Razzak , Lal Sahil , Arora Manmeet Kaur , Hammouch Hind
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence is transforming the legal landscape by enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and fairness in the justice delivery system. This chapter examines the role of AI in reinforcing the rule of law, with particular attention to legal research, judicial decision-making, case management, and dispute resolution. From predictive analytics to legal chatbots to smart contracts, AI-driven tools are revolutionizing legal frameworks, speeding case processing, and reducing human bias. But AI in law also raises ethical challenges algorithmic bias, transparency issues, and data privacy concerns. Through real-world case studies from the United States, the European Union,  India, and China, this chapter explores the implications of AI applications in legal governance. It highlights global initiatives to govern the role of AI technology in courts and suggests design principles for responsible AI-aided legal progress.
Empowering Gender Equality and Justice Through AI
Authors: Dhar Souvik , Dasgupta Madhurima , Singh Bhupinder
Published: February 2025

This chapter delves into the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and gender equality by exploring how AI can both empower gender balance and perpetuate biases and underrepresentation issues simultaneously in society worldwide impacting women's access to education and job opportunities. AI can help in promoting fairness through improved data representation and personalized learning while also posing risks of reinforcing inequalities if not monitored carefully. This chapter examines the practices in AI and emphasizes the need to incorporate gender perspectives into the creation and advancement of AI technologies by promoting diversity. It argues for developing gender sensitive AI solutions that can systematically eliminate barriers and promote fairness in society. The chapter highlights the importance of cooperation between developers, policy makers, and educational bodies to utilize AI as a means, for promoting equality. The chapter focuses on the need for ethical responsibilities to promote gender equality.
Smearing Machine Learning and Deep Learning in E-Commerce Transactions for Monetary Justice
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Raghav Anjali , Ahmed Saquib , Arora Manmeet Kaur , Lal Sahil
Published: February 2025

Machine learning and deep learning techniques have emerged as powerful tools against several types of financial fraud. The banking and financial industry, a fundamental component of contemporary economies, is experiencing a significant upheaval due to the rise of digital transactions. This transition has resulted in an increase in financial fraud, necessitating a fundamental change in security standards. The use of advanced analytics, such as anomaly detection and pattern recognition, is examined to establish a strong defense against the continually changing strategies used by fraudulent entities in the ad click sector. Credit card management, a constant target for nefarious actions, necessitates an advanced strategy for fraud detection. This chapter examines AI-based document verification systems, highlighting their crucial role in safeguarding transactions reliant on document authentication. It addresses issues related to falsified documentation through novel methods, including the integration of blockchain technology with AI.
Blockchain Technology for Evidence Integrity
Authors: Ponnusamy Vijayakumar , Manickam Nandini , N Arivazhagan
Published: February 2025

Forensic science plays a crucial role in investigating crime events through scientific methods. It collects evidence based on fingerprints and DNA analysis that must be presented in court for judgment. It faces difficulties in investigating the data between interconnected devices and also faces data privacy and security issues. Blockchain technology provides solutions by creating immutable and transparent records through a chain of interconnected blocks. Since it creates a copy of transactions and makes it available for all the nodes in the chain, modifying or deleting a transaction becomes difficult. This chapter discusses the role of blockchain in enhancing data privacy and security in evidence integrity and also discusses the various techniques, advantages, and challenges faced by blockchain in cyber forensics.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Business Models
Authors: Kayyali Mustafa
Published: February 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way businesses work, driving a fundamental instability in traditional business paradigms. This chapter addresses the role of AI in driving business model innovation, investigating how companies employ AI technologies to enhance decision-making, optimize processes, and generate new value propositions. By integrating AI into fundamental business processes, companies may change from static, linear models to dynamic, data-driven strategies, allowing for better scalability and agility. Through a series of case studies and examples, the chapter illustrates significant sectors and industries where AI-driven business models have arisen. It also covers the barriers to AI adoption, including technological, ethical, and organizational hurdles, and offers insights into future trends and the developing landscape of AI-powered business transformations.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Business Model Innovation
Authors: Selvakumar P. , Shanthi M. , Pitchiah Repudi , Sharma Mohit , Dahake Parihar Suresh , T. C. Manjunath
Published: February 2025

Two major forces driving this transformation are business model innovation. Together, they are redefining the core structures and capabilities of modern enterprises, enabling companies to adapt to evolving consumer needs, optimize operations, and create new value streams. At its core, business model innovation (BMI) is about redefining how a business creates, delivers, and captures value. Traditionally, businesses have relied on stable, well-established models such as product sales, subscription services, or fee-based services. However, in a world of rapid technological advancement and shifting consumer expectations, companies need to think beyond these conventional models. Business model innovation encourages organizations to explore new ways of generating revenue, improving customer relationships, and differentiating themselves from competitors.
Yellow urticaria as a rare dermatological manifestation of biliary obstruction: a case report
Authors: Almutairi Mohammad , Nagshabandi Khalid Nabil , Alsergani Reem , Alsalem Sultan
Published: February 2025

Urticaria is a prevalent inflammatory dermatological condition with a global estimated lifetime prevalence of up to 20%. Yellow urticaria is not a distinct medical condition; rather, it refers to the manifestation of yellow-colored wheals that appear in certain individuals with elevated serum bilirubin levels. This excess bilirubin accumulates in various tissues, including the conjunctiva and skin. The occurrence of yellow urticaria is notably rare and uncommon. In this report, we present a case of yellow-colored urticaria in a patient diagnosed with obstructive biliary stones, complemented by a concise review of previously documented cases in the literature.
Equitable access to digital higher education for students with disabilities in South Africa
Authors: Zongozzi Johannes N. , Ngubane Sindile A.
Published: February 2025

Background: The growing reliance on digital learning in South Africa, partly because of the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 4IR technologies, risks excluding students with disabilities (SwDs) if measures to adequately support them are not in place.Objectives: The study aims to identify gaps in knowledge, policies, practices and resources, which could impede the full engagement of SwDs. This article utilises the conceptual framework for inclusive digital learning, which comprises three categories of concepts related to inclusive digital learning: (1) defining attributes, (2) antecedents (necessary conditions) and (3) consequences (results). The framework is applied to synthesise the literature, determine the framework’s efficacy, feasibility, and suitability, and demonstrate its value and utility in the actual implementation of inclusive and high-quality higher education for SwDs in South Africa during this era of digital learning.Method: This study reviewed 22 articles (2020–2023) on disabilities, higher education, and digital learning identified through Google Scholar using Boolean operators.Results: The study reveals significant gaps in South African higher education research on institutional policies related to digital access, capacity development, and disability inclusion in teaching and curriculum design.Conclusion: The challenges facing SwDs and the existing research gaps imply that most higher education institutions lack the theoretical knowledge, policies, resources, infrastructure and staff capacity to support SwDs.Contribution: This study exposes gaps in the literature and recommends further research on higher education policies and to establish the potential for policy reform to better support SwDs in the current era of digital learning.
Barriers, facilitators of sports participation and needs of South African Paralympians
Authors: Kunene Siyabonga H.
Published: February 2025

Background: Despite the transformation initiatives, the inclusion of people with disabilities in sports remains a challenge. Athletes with disabilities (AWDs) in low- and medium-socioeconomic countries are still being left behind, including in South Africa. They are facing various challenges.Objectives: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to sports participation and the needs of AWDs.Method: This was a qualitative study design based on semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with South African Paralympians. Permission was obtained from a physical disability association. Ethical clearance was issued by the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee. An interview schedule with predetermined questions was used to guide the interviews. Interviews were held face-to-face or online from 20 min to 30 min per interview. All participants gave consent. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed in themes deductively.Results: A total of 23 athletes participated, 12 of which were females and 11 were males. Participants were mostly Africans (n = 23) with a mean age of 26 years. All had over 5 years of sporting experience. Barriers included: Social stigma, a lack of disability awareness, limited opportunities to participate in sports; limited access to resources and services. Facilitators included: health; belonging; fulfilment, winning, and support from loved ones.Conclusion: Results showed a need to scale up disability inclusion, especially regarding the rendering of healthcare services and making resources available.Contribution: This article provides knowledge that may be useful as a baseline for developing a suitable intervention for AWDs.
Successful self-employment in microenterprise for persons with disabilities in a rural setting
Authors: Monareng Luther L. , Soeker Mogammad S. , Naidoo Deshini
Published: February 2025

Background: Persons with disabilities are involved in self-employment (vocational rehabilitation) in microenterprises despite key role players not making valuable contributions or using self-employment as a placement option.Objectives: This research aimed to explore profitable self-employment microenterprises for persons with disabilities in rural South Africa.Method: This qualitative research study was conducted in a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit 10 persons with disabilities running profitable microenterprises for an average of 5 years each. Data were collected using a piloted question guide in a face-to-face interview. Thematic analysis followed the hybrid inductive and deductive approaches.Results: Persons with disabilities participated, and 9 out of 10 were males. Two themes emerged. Theme one: Running microenterprises – self-initiated and maintained. They use their hands and minds to start microenterprises that benefit them and their families. Theme two: Multiple key role players should be involved in self-employment. Persons with disabilities perceive various key role players and themselves as having an active role in self-employment to benefit their microenterprises.Conclusion: Persons with disabilities in a rural setting engage in successful self-employment in microenterprises, which they self-initiate and maintain. Roles and responsibilities of persons with disabilities and key role players in and outside the hospital setting are crucial for those in self-employment.Contribution: This research generated contextual data towards the under-researched subject on self-employment for persons with disabilities.
Knowledge and practices of vision screening standards for driving among optometrists in Gauteng province, South Africa
Authors: Tamenti Gloria T. , Rasengane Tuwani A. , Mashige Khathutshelo P.
Published: February 2025

Background: Despite the existence of vision screening standards, inconsistent implementation of these standards among optometrists persists.Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of optometrists regarding vision screening standards specific to driver fitness assessments.Setting: Gauteng province, South Africa.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study employing a quantitative approach was conducted among optometrists via an online survey.Results: A total of 156 optometrists with a mean professional experience of 18.6 years ± 10 years participated in the study. The majority of optometrists (73%) demonstrated knowledge of the minimum vision screening standards required for driving. Male optometrists had higher odds of good knowledge compared to females (OR: 1.84 CI: 1.01 – 3.37, p = 0.048). Most optometrists (89%) adhered to these standards in their clinical practice. There was a significant association between knowledge level and the practice of measuring both visual acuity (VA) and visual fields (VF) (χ2 = 9.358, p = 0.025).Conclusion: While the majority of optometrists (73%) demonstrated knowledge of the minimum vision screening standard required for driving, 89% reported adherence to these standards in practice; it is concerning that 27% lacked sufficient knowledge, and 11% did not adhere to these screening standards.Contribution: The study highlights gaps in the knowledge and practice of vision screening standards among optometrists.
Challenges hindering family involvement in the hospital nursing care of a child with autism
Authors: Williams Neil A. , Sokhela Dudu G. , Ngxongo Thembelihle S.P.
Published: February 2025

Background: Family involvement is crucial in a child’s treatment; however, many professional nurses still neglect to involve families in their child’s care. Studies have indicated that the perceived lack of family involvement in hospitalised children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a problem in many countries. Few studies have been conducted in Africa with none relating to family involvement, highlighting the need for further research.Aim: To develop in-depth insights into the challenges regarding family involvement in hospital nursing care of children with ASD, in the South African context.Setting: Paediatric wards at selected private hospitals and family homes in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis method was used. A sample of 10 professional nurses and 10 family members was achieved by purposive sampling. Data were collected from participants using semi-structured in-depth interviews.Results: The following challenges were identified by the participants: the lack of knowledge of nurses regarding ASD, nurses not listening to family, uncaring attitude of nurses, nurses’ lack of time and shortage of nursing staff.Conclusion: Nurses play a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges to family involvement, in the hospital nursing care, of a child with ASD. Making nurses aware of the challenges will help improve family involvement in hospitals nursing for the child with ASD.Contribution: This study added to the body of knowledge by identifying the challenges to the involvement of families in the hospital nursing care of a child with ASD.
From the President’s Desk: Part 1, 2025
Authors: Ras Tasleem
Published: February 2025

No abstract available.
How speculative culture shapes green innovation performance: A dual regional and institutional lens
Authors: Ji Hao , Suo Lingling , Yu Yuanxin
Published: February 2025

Background: Regional culture plays a crucial role in green innovation performance, yet its impact has not been sufficiently explored, particularly within the African context.Aim: The study aims to assess how speculative culture within regions affects corporate green innovation performance in the context of regional cultural integration.Setting: The research uses data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2008 to 2020, specifically focussing on companies with various ties to Africa.Method: This study employs an empirical research method using multiple regression analysis, moderation analyses, along with robustness checks and endogeneity tests to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.Results: Findings indicate that a speculative culture inhibits green innovation, a result that remains robust across various endogeneity tests. Traditional ecological culture, trust culture and cultural diversity mitigate this negative effect, while local clan culture exacerbates it. Stakeholder supervision and external regulatory pressure from the government effectively weaken the inhibitory effect of speculative culture.Conclusion: This study highlights the significant and complex role of regional cultures in shaping green innovation outcomes, underscoring the importance of institutions to counteract adverse cultural influences.Contribution: This research enhances the understanding of green innovation drivers by exploring the interactions between various cultural dimensions and their impact, emphasising the alignment of formal institutions to achieve sustainable green innovation. It offers several recommendations for enhancing corporate resilience and developing effective green innovation strategies.
A postcolonial analysis between theological methods: Osmer and the praxis cycle
Authors: Baron Eugene
Published: February 2025

The article engages the theological methods that are commonly used within the disciplines of practical theology and missiology. These methods are the practical interpretive method of Osmer and the praxis cycle as used and discussed by J.N.J. (Klippies) Kritzinger. Through a postcolonial analysis, I discuss how such theological methods could be appropriate or how it might fall short of radically addressing issues of the poor amid oppressive structures in postcolonial contexts. The most striking finding of the article is how it showcases between the two theological methods: The praxis cycle’s first dimension of ‘self-identification’ and ‘self-knowledge’ (identification) as unique between the two. It is the questions of who am I, what are the power-relations, who are our interlocutors, what is mine and the ‘other’s’ ideological position? These are imperative questions especially for the liberation of those whom the researcher encounters.Contribution: The purpose of this article is to assist researchers in theology to become critical in their use of theological methods, especially when the research is intended to address the powerful oppressive systems in society that allows access to power and privileges to some people, but at the same time cause others to be treated as non-subjects or persons.
Effects of Opioid-based and Opioid-free Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic Surgeries
Authors: Swamy Akshay Hiryur Manjunatha , Sneka G. , Kumararadhya Girish Bandigowdanahalli , Chennabasappa Abhilash , Shivakumar K. G. , Umesh Sheema
Published: February 2025

Background:

The aim of anesthetic management of patients undergoing surgeries should be to allow physiological changes during surgery with minimal effects on the vitals and rapid recovery from anesthesia with minimal residual effects. Since opioid-based anesthesia is associated with opioid abuse and side effects peri- and postoperatively, we conducted this study to compare the effects of opioid-free anesthesia using dexmedetomidine and ketamine with opioid-based anesthesia using fentanyl in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized prospective double-blinded study was undertaken on 70 adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries. The patients were equally and randomly divided into two groups: patients in Group A were administered IV dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg body weight and ketamine 25 mg and those in Group B were administered IV fentanyl 2 μg/kg body weight. Comparisons of parameters representing hemodynamic stability were done between the two groups, along with the depth of sedation and adverse effects, if any.

Results:

There was significantly less increase in heart rate in the dexmedetomidine group than that in the fentanyl group after intubation in intraoperative period as well as after extubation. There was an abrupt decrease in the respiratory rate (RR) at 60th min in the patients administered fentanyl, and the difference in the fall was statistically significant compared to in those administered dexmedetomidine. In the dexmedetomidine group, there was a good stability of RR with the baseline values at all time intervals. There was a decrease in the mean arterial pressure values in both the groups, the difference being statistically insignificant. The depth of sedation was better in the patients administered dexmedetomidine according to the Ramsay Sedation Score as compared to in those administered fentanyl. The incidence of adverse effects was also lesser in the patients administered dexmedetomidine than in those administered fentanyl.

Conclusion:

This study concluded that opioid-free anesthesia using dexmedetomidine is better than opioid-based anesthesia using fentanyl for patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries due to better perioperative hemodynamic stability, deeper sedation, and lesser adverse effects postoperatively.
Microdissection testicular sperm extraction for men with nonobstructive azoospermia who have a testicular tumor in situ at the time of sperm retrieval
Authors: Lin Hao-Cheng , Tang Wen-Hao , Chen Yan , Fang Yang-Yi , Hong Kai
Published: February 2025

Oncological microdissection testicular sperm extraction (onco-micro-TESE) represents a significant breakthrough for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and a concomitant in situ testicular tumor, to be managed at the time of sperm retrieval. Onco-micro-TESE addresses the dual objectives of treating both infertility and the testicular tumor simultaneously. The technique is intricate, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of testicular anatomy, physiology, tumor biology, and advanced microsurgical methods. It aims to carefully extract viable spermatozoa while minimizing the risk of tumor dissemination. This review encapsulates the procedural intricacies, evaluates success determinants, including tumor pathology and spermatogenic tissue health, and discusses the implementation of imaging techniques for enhanced surgical precision. Ethical considerations are paramount, as the procedure implicates complex decision-making that weighs the potential oncological risks against the profound desire for fatherhood using the male gametes. The review aims to provide a holistic overview of onco-micro-TESE, detailing methodological advances, clinical outcomes, and the ethical landscape, thus offering an indispensable resource for clinicians navigating this multifaceted clinical scenario.
Clinical Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Labral Repair in the Hip: A Case Series with Minimum 5-year Follow-up
Authors: Huang Yen-Chun , Chen Kun-Hui , Huang Tong-Fu , Ma Hsiao-Li , Chiang En-Rung
Published: February 2025

Background:

Arthroscopic hip labral repair is a growing field with increased evidence to prove its practicality and clinical benefits. However, most existing literature on outcomes in Taiwanese patients contains relatively short-term follow-up.

Objectives:

To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes at a minimum 5-year follow-up in patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of labral tears.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 18 patients receiving primary hip arthroscopic labral repair at a single academic institution from June 2017 to June 2018. Patients with preoperative Tonnis osteoarthritis Grade 2, previous hip diseases, severe dysplasia, or previous ipsilateral hip surgery were excluded. Demographic profile and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were collected.

Results:

A total of 18 patients (20 hips) were included in our study with all patients being available at a minimum 5-year follow-up. The mean age was 42.8-year-old and 16.6% (3/15) patients were male. All PRO scores significantly improved from preoperative values with a mean follow-up of 63 ± 5 months (range, 61–76 months). The mean mHHS increased from 48.0 ± 24.4 to 79.1 ± 13.1, and the mean NAHS from 46.7 ± 16.1 to 64.1 ± 9.6. The mean VAS score decreased from 6.8 ± 2.5 to 2.5 ± 2.5. The mean patient satisfaction score was 8.7 ± 1.7. At 5-year follow-up, survivorship rates were 95% with one patient receiving total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusions:

Our study showed that arthroscopic labral repair continued to be a valid technique at a minimum 5-year follow-up based on 2 PROs, the VAS, and patient satisfaction. The PROs significantly improved postoperatively and were maintained during follow-up. However, the long-term survivorship of hip arthroscopic surgery has yet to be determined.
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Manifestations and its Associated Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Ernakulam District: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: George Kelita , George Sobha , Bhavani Nisha , Bhaskaran Renjitha
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

India is referred to as the “Diabetes Capital of the World” with a weighted prevalence of diabetes of 11.4%. In addition to microvascular and macrovascular complications, musculoskeletal manifestations of diabetes mellitus (MMDMs) also cause significant pain, morbidity, and a decrease in quality of life. Previous studies in our country were from tertiary healthcare centres, and the actual community-based prevalence of MMDMs is unknown. The study aims to determine the prevalence of MMDMs and the factors associated with them in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was done in 600 adults with diabetes in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Cluster sampling was adopted. Through the probability proportional to sample size method, 20 clusters were identified with each having 30 participants. The study participants were clinically examined for various MMDMs.

Results:

The prevalence of MMDMs was found to be 44.83%. Osteoarthritis knee emerged as the most prevalent MMDM involving 22% of the participants, followed by frozen shoulder, in 12.2%. Diabetic cheiroarthropathy, trigger finger, and carpal tunnel syndrome were noted in 6.7%, 4.7%, and 3.8% of participants, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between MMDMs and increased BMI, higher socioeconomic status, longer duration of diabetes, and unsatisfactory physical activity.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the need for regular musculoskeletal system assessment in patients with diabetes which needs to be made mandatory in clinical practice and also conducting screening for the same in the community level to prevent further complications and to improve quality of life.
Prospective Validation of Accuracy of American College of Radiologists- Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR-TIRADS) in Diagnosing Malignancy in Thyroid Nodule and a Prediction Score (TiPS) for Thyroid Malignancy
Authors: Sarayu Soumya , Nair Abilash , Khader Jabbar P. , Rema Sree P. P. , Meerasainaba Sulfekar , Kumar Sarath , Gomez Ramesh , Chellamma Jayakumari
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Studies on diagnostic accuracy of revised ACR-TIRADS have been mostly retrospective and includes selection bias for surgery.

Methods:

Consecutive subjects >12 years of age, with palpable or ultrasound-revealed thyroid nodule, were included in the study. Nodules of size >1 cm or TIRADS score 4 or 5 >5 mm underwent ultrasound-guided FNAC. All Bethesda 4, 5 and 6 nodules underwent thyroidectomy. Patients with Bethesda 3 nodules were given options of close follow up or surgery.

Results:

There were 253 benign (Bethesda 2), 23 malignant (Bethesda 6) and 41 indeterminate (Bethesda 3,4,5) nodules. Among 41 indeterminate nodules, 19 underwent surgery of which 14 were malignant. 295 nodules had a definitive outcome (defined as final outcome variable); which could be a benign cytology report or a histopathology report. Proportion of thyroid cancer was 12.5%. ACR-TIRADS had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 60.5%, considering final outcome variable as gold standard and ACR-TIRADS 1-3 as test negative and score 4-5 positive. Lower age and higher serum TSH level were associated with malignancy (P < 0.05). Predictive scoring system was formulated with age, TSH, ACR-TIRADS and Bethesda. Cumulative score of 6 (IQR 4.5- 6.5) or above had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.2%, and 97.5% respectively and negative predictive value of 99.5%.

Conclusion:

Owing to high sensitivity, ACR-TIRADS can be considered as a good tool to rule-out malignancy, but not to predict the same due to lower specificity. Cumulative scoring system had high diagnostic accuracy for prediction of malignancy risk and can be a useful tool for selecting nodules for surgery.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Clinical, Biochemical, and Radio-Pathological Profiles of 804 Patients – A Retrospective Study from South India
Authors: Sadacharan Dhalapathy , Mathews Mano Z. , Sathya Anjali , Gopal Shanmugasundar , Chandrasekaran Sruti , Murthy Sivasubramaniam , Reddy Vijaya B. , Gopal Jayashree , Jeyapaul Muthukumaran , Sivasubramanian Sakthivel , Gopalakrishnan Vignesh , Ramji Bharath , Goli Dinesh , Sundararaman Gokulakrishnan , Mahadevan Shriraam
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder with variable clinical presentation. We intend to describe the clinical, biochemical, and radio-pathological profiles of PHPT patients managed over 13 years from South India.

Methods:

We analysed all patients who underwent evaluation and surgery for PHPT from July 2011 to April 2024.

Results:

A total of 862 PHPT patients underwent parathyroidectomy, with female preponderance (61.2%). Analysis was done on 804 patients (>20 years of age) excluding adolescent and paediatric age groups. The mean age was 43.8 years. The presentation in decreasing order of frequency was weakness and fatigue (84.2%); bone pain (35%); renal disease (20.8%) in the form of nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, or renal dysfunction; and neuropsychiatric manifestations (23.8%). Pathological fractures were observed in 4.5%, hypercalcaemic crisis in 2.6% of patients, and 1% had MEN I (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia) syndrome. The mean albumin adjusted serum calcium level was 12.3 ± 1.01 mg/dl, and the median serum PTH level was 338 (80–3864) pg/ml. The sensitivity of the ultrasound neck and 99mTc Sestamibi scan was 97.5% and 98.3%, respectively, with a concordance of 93.4%. 25% underwent bilateral neck exploration and parathyroidectomy. Lesions were ectopic in 20 (2.4%) patients. The mean parathyroid gland weight was 1.45 ± 0.75 g. Histopathology revealed parathyroid adenoma (93.5%), parathyroid hyperplasia (1.6%), and parathyroid carcinoma (2.2%). The cure rate was 99.3%, while three patients had persistent disease. Hungry bone syndrome was observed in 12.1%.

Conclusion:

There is a changing trend in the clinical and biochemical profiles of PHPT patients in India to a milder form of the disease. The incidence of parathyroid carcinoma was slightly higher compared to a few other centres in India.
Scientometric mapping on cholesterol and egg yolk: Evolution, impact, and collaborative networks
Authors: Taquia-Faustino Alexander , Espinoza-Carhuancho Fran , Mayta-Tovalino Frank
Published: February 2025

Aim: The aim of the study was to conduct a scientometric mapping of cholesterol and egg yolk through an analysis of evolutionary and collaborative networks. Method: This descriptive observational study was designed using a scientometric approach. Scopus used an inclusive search strategy, limited to documents published between 2019 and 2024. The inclusion criteria were all documents that contained the search terms in the title or abstract and were published between January 2019 and July 2024. Data collection was carried out in a systematic and rigorous manner, and the analysis was performed using SciVal and Bibliometrix. Results: Several authors stood out in the field of research on cholesterol and eggs, with notable academic performance and global diversity. The Animals and Poultry Science journals led in academic production. According to Bradford’s law, publications in this field are divided into three zones. According to Lotka’s law, most authors write only one document. The analysis of collaboration between countries revealed significant collaboration, especially between China and other countries. Thematic developments in this field have revealed several interesting trends over the years. It was observed that most publications in this field are in the first quartile (Q1), indicating the relevance and impact of research on cholesterol and eggs. The term “egg quality” is used most frequently, followed by “cholesterol.” These findings provide valuable insights into areas of focus in cholesterol and egg research. Conclusion: These findings highlight the global diversity and depth of research in this field and underscore the importance of international collaboration to advance scientific knowledge. However, the frequency of collaboration does not necessarily reflect the quality or impact of the research.
COVID-19 deaths at home in south of Iran: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Janfada Maryam , Heiran Alireza , Askarinejad Amir , Moradian Mohammad Javad , Javadi Afshan , Kasraian Leila , Hamedi Andishe
Published: February 2025

Objective:

To determine the causes of COVID-19 deaths at home.

Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on confirmed COVID-19 deaths, which were confirmed to occur at home using the “Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS)” database, from February 20, 2020, to September 23, 2021, in the Fars province, south of Iran. A semi-structured, face-to-face survey consisting of 29 items was filled by the family caregivers, and the information was confirmed based on medical records.

Results:

One hundred and ninety-three deaths were included, with 60.1% male and 39.9% female. More than 75% of cases had at least one comorbid condition. Death was unexpected for 65.8% of the families and 45.1% of the deceased cases had been medically managed at home during the disease. According to the family caregivers’ opinion, the most frequent causes of death at home in their COVID-19 patients were early discharge/release from the hospital (28.5%), physician's reassurance to continue home quarantine/supportive care (14.5%), hopeless/oldest-old patient (11.9%), and family/relative recommendation to not to hospitalize their patient due to fears, myths, etc. (8.8%).

Conclusions:

In family caregivers’ belief, deaths at home might be related to healthcare system preparedness, physicians’ knowledge, and public education and empowerment.
Colposcopic Impression and Histological Outcomes: Can Looks Be Deceiving?
Authors: McKeown Ciaran David , Cheung Maria , Kumar Parijot , McCarthy Claire
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

A colposcopic impression (CI) is formed based on the highest grade feature of any cervical lesion during a standard colposcopic assessment.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all cervical biopsies undertaken in 7-day period in an Irish tertiary level colposcopy department. The study received ethical approval in October 2023 by the hospital’s research advisory group (ref: 23609).

Results:

In total, 47 patients were recruited. The mean age of patients in this cohort was 39 years of age (range 25–64, standard deviation 11.3). Of these, 14 (29.8%) had previously attended for colposcopic assessment and been discharged. The most common referral smear was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (n = 23; 49%). All patients referred with abnormal cytology were also positive for human papillomavirus. The majority of assessments and biopsies were undertaken by qualified nurse colposcopists (n = 24; 51.1%). A total of 6 (12.8%) patients had CI of high-grade disease, with 4 (66.6%) confirmed histologically. A CI of low-grade disease was given for 35 (74.5%) patients. Of these, 25 (71.4%) had confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) on biopsy. In 8 (22.9%) cases when low-grade disease was suspected, histology of CIN2 or higher was returned.

Conclusion:

The positive predictive value for suspected high-grade lesions (66.6%) within the time frame studied was lower than the target of 75%. The PPV for suspected low-grade lesions was higher (71.4%), although underestimation of grade was noted in 22.9% of cases. The implementation of a formal scoring system may help improve the sensitivity and specificity in identifying high-grade diseases in this unit.