bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Social Media by SMEs in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Dhiraj Ankit , Kumar Sanjeev , Rani Divya
Published: December 2022

The globe is experiencing a significant advancement in modern technology, particularly social networking sites that have been accessible in various industries, including travel and tourism. This makes it more difficult for tourism businesses to give people the best offers on tourist destinations. Tourism SMEs connect with customers, give support, and promotional activity through social media. These new media establish a stronger connection with consumers. Researchers collect data randomly through Google forms of 175 managers or owners from tourism SMEs to achieve their objectives. This chapter discusses the use of social media by tourism SMEs and social media promotion and other aspects like the development and advantages of social media.
Starting Food Chain as a SME in Canada
Authors: Nabin Rubina
Published: December 2022

Small and medium enterprises hold an utmost importance while considering any nation's growth, prosperity, and the betterment of its economy. This chapter aims to focus on the SMEs in Canada as a nation and how food chain as a SME can flourish successfully by using social media as a tool for its success. The types of food chain SMEs, the procedures for launching a food chain, acquiring license for food chain, possible challenges that could be faced in food chain SME are also discussed. Social media's adoption and usage to attract customers, promote products and services, market promotions are also intended to be discussed. Social media strategies for food chain SMEs including paid application sponsored advertisements, influencer-promoted paid promotions, food chain SMEs own page posts and promotions, and getting the food chain's social media verified officially will be the foci.
From Montage to Collage
Authors: Bezazoglu Duygu Hazal
Published: December 2022

This study proposes a new model to conceptualize design process with multi-actors, and formulates the organization and representation of these processes by architects. Using montage and collage, this model enables to organize the role of diverse actors in participatory place making. In the model, speculative design and distributed design are combined for the ideation phase. Additionally, the concept of lived space as theorized by Henri Lefebvre help consider placemaking during the design process. On the one hand, this model enables to transform the lived experiences of multiple agents via speculative design. On the other hand, it clarifies the role of architects in this collaborative process as the assembler of montage and mediator of communication. By reshaping certain phases of collective design and inserting combined conceptions, the chapter proposes an unprecedented model. As a result, to envision multiple lived experiences as a meaningful whole and their transformation into visual narratives become possible.
Interdisciplinary Training for Early Childhood Special Educators and Speech Language Pathology Candidates
Authors: Erwin-Davidson Lisa N. , McKee Aja , Myck-Wayne Janice
Published: December 2022

This chapter informs readers of a collaborative five-year grant, project activity based communication (ABC), between the College of Education, Department of Special Education and the College of Communications, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The purpose of this collaboration was to respond to the call for delivering high-quality preservice training to early childhood special educators and speech-language pathology candidates. A collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach was taken in the design of the instructional framework, the delivery of coursework, and the selection of professional development opportunities. The instructional framework is meant to prepare and educate pre-professionals on how to collaborate successfully while applying best practices of universal design for learning that support all preschoolers, with and without high-intensity needs in an inclusive preschool environment. This work is funded through a 325K personnel preparation development grant by the US Department of Education in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
An Interdisciplinary Case-Based Approach to Preservice Interprofessional Training
Authors: Lieberman-Betz Rebecca G. , Brown Jennifer A. , Vail Cynthia O. , Wiegand Sarah D.
Published: December 2022

This chapter focuses on an innovative interdisciplinary training to support preservice professionals in provision of early intervention services to young children with high-intensity needs and their families. A brief review of the literature on interprofessional education in early intervention/early childhood special education practice fields, adult learning, and case-based methods of instruction is presented. Building on that foundation, a two-year, interdisciplinary personnel preparation program is described, with specific emphasis on a two-day interprofessional training event. During the training interdisciplinary faculty and families delivered content on early intervention and used a progressing case study to allow students to apply newly learned content in interdisciplinary teams. Lessons learned and implications for future training to support interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals and families are discussed.
Interprofessional SLP and Educator Collaboration to Improve Communication for Students With Complex Disabilities
Authors: Rotheram-Fuller Erin , Dixon Maria V.
Published: December 2022

Students with complex disabilities require coordinated care to address communication challenges. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and educators are in a unique position to jointly support the communication goals of these students through interprofessional clinical practice (IPCP). Unfortunately, most professionals are not prepared during training, nor supported in professional settings, to engage in IPCP. Foundational requirements and best practices in the literature suggest that professionals need guidance, training, and ongoing institutional support to effectively collaborate. Existing interprofessional education (IPE) and IPCP models show promise in training professionals to work more effectively together before and after they enter the field, but they are not prevalent nor well-evaluated enough yet in education to draw strong conclusions. Key characteristics, strategies, and benefits of existing training and practice models for SLPs and educators are reviewed, and an applied example is presented on best practices for collaboratively implementing an AAC device.
Interdisciplinary Preparation to Meet the Emotional and Behavioral Health Needs of Diverse Students
Authors: Kupzyk Sara , Nordness Philip D.
Published: December 2022

Although interdisciplinary teaming within a multi-tiered system of support is valuable, barriers to collaboration exist among professionals because of competing standards, lack of understanding roles, and lack of common language. These challenges may relate to how pre-service training is arranged. Training is usually provided in separate programs with little overlap in courses and field experiences. Interprofessional education (IPE) is a potential means of addressing the siloed approach. The goal of this chapter is to describe an IPE preparation program designed to develop scholars to meet the emotional and behavioral health needs of diverse students. Participating scholars complete a plan of study that includes shared coursework and courses that are unique to their field, participate in a weekly professional seminar, and take part in an interdisciplinary practicum experience. The authors also offer recommendations for university programs seeking to create interdisciplinary opportunities for pre-service professionals.
Teaming for Transition
Authors: Kucharczyk Suzanne , Frazier Kimberly , Hunter Tameeka , Perryman Kristi L. , Thomas Johanna , Speight Renee , Bengtson Ed
Published: December 2022

This chapter, developed by faculty who self-organized as an interdisciplinary, collaborative team in the implementation of these two 325K projects, Teaming for Transition, funded at the University of Arkansas, describes a shared, core focus to better prepare professionals to support youth with disabilities in transition to adulthood. The authors share how across disciplines of Special Education, Communication Disorders, Vocational Rehabilitation, School Counseling, Social Work, and School Administration, the projects Teaming for Transition and Teaming for Transition – Preparing Youth for Work and Community have been designed and implemented around a shared framework, using innovative online learning technologies, with an inquiry-based approach to understanding the challenges of transition for youth in Arkansas and beyond. They share lessons learned and implications for faculty seeking to de-silo across programs, colleges, and disciplines.
Metaverse Technologies and Applications in the Future of Online Learning
Authors: Durak Gürhan , Cankaya Serkan
Published: December 2022

Metaverse, one of the most popular concepts of today, is the fictional universe in which there are many virtual reality environments. Like every emerging technology, this concept has started to be researched rapidly in the academic field. Metaverse contains important opportunities for many fields, such as education. VR technology is of great importance in the emergence of the metaverse. Especially VR headsets play a key role for metaverse in terms of immersive VR experience. In this chapter, leading VR headsets and metaverse applications are presented comparatively and analyzed systematically. It can be said that standalone VR headsets come to the fore in terms of usability and portability, and dominate almost the entire global market. Metaverse applications such as MeetinVR, Engage, Horizon Workrooms, AltspaceVR, etc., have started to gain an important place in the business life and education sector in the metaverse world. Finally, the use of metaverse in the education system of the future is discussed and potential research topics related to the concept of metaverse are presented.
The Dark Side of Metaverse Learning Environments
Authors: Tugtekin Ufuk
Published: December 2022

What is knows about the Metaverse, which is intended to be monopolized by high-end technology corporations, that can be introduced as the true owners of the new world? Allegedly, the Metaverse is a platform made up of digital twins, modeled environments, and advanced reality technologies that will go beyond what we currently understand. The crucial aspect here is talking about things “beyond what we know.” In addition to numerous potential advantages, the metaverse—which might be highlighted as the final benefit provided by the internet revolution to humanity—also poses significant risks and threats that must not be overlooked. This chapter aims to enlighten readers on the threats and risks associated with using Metaverse learning environments, even though this was not their intended use from their design. It is crucial to highlight that Metaverse, which is currently solely organized under the control of a few high-end technology corporations, has the potential to become a dystopian nightmare for everyone, thus we must be vigilant to avoid this from happening.
Inclusive Education Embracing Virtual Reality Through Technology Integration as Part of a Human Rights Agenda
Authors: Mphahlele Ramashego Shila , Korkmaz Özgen
Published: December 2022

Modern-day technology has entered every area of our lives. A much-debated question is whether all individuals benefit equally from the use of technology, especially in an inclusive education setting. The authors argue that teachers have been thought of as key role players in its implementation as far as the history of inclusive education is concerned. This chapter presents an assumption that teachers' attitudes towards the implementation of inclusive education and technology integration can influence students' personalities. Drawing on the e-inclusion theory, the authors argue that technology can be used to support inclusive practices. To establish the role of technology in embracing diversity, the authors first review technology integration models and define technology in terms of its instrumental and anthropological position. Then, the chapter discusses the use of technology to create an inclusive learning environment aimed at improving equal access and equity. By positioning inclusive education as a human right, this chapter explores the role of technology in social change and the realisation of human rights.
Teaching and Learning English Online
Authors: Özyildirim İlyas , Jomaa Nayef Jomaa
Published: December 2022

This study aims to examine the perspectives of teachers and students towards teaching and learning English online and to determine the performance of students during online and traditional learning. This study mainly adopted a mixed methods research design. The data were collected using closed-ended and 5-point Likert scale questions on Google documents. The students' performance is similar according to the type of education they received, but their academic performance is slightly better in the blended learning period, and also the female students do slightly better than their male peers. The findings show that students are not completely in favor of learning English online and they also need psychological support during online education. The findings also revealed that teachers' computer literacy levels, preparedness to implement e-learning, awareness about students' psychological conditions, and their needs for methodological support for online teaching are indispensable necessities in eradicating the negative sides of online education to maximize the learning outcomes.
A Magical Tool for Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Altındağ Erkut
Published: December 2022

In recent years, sharing behaviors, collective actions, and individual participation have gained momentum in terms of shared value creation understanding. Crowdfunding is one of the results of this new emphasis on collective participation. Where social entrepreneurship is a shining trend, financing of investments becomes increasingly essential. As social entrepreneurs struggle with the disadvantages of acquiring financial resources, crowdfunding appears to be an innovative tool to overcome financial shortcomings. In this chapter, the crowdfunding concept and its types are explained. Also, evidence of the organic bond between crowdfunding and social entrepreneurship with current examples from the world and Turkey is presented.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Access to Digital Media
Authors: Roseboro Ashla C. Hill
Published: December 2022

Black women entrepreneurs have invested in and supported HBCUs since their inception. Communication and technologies are not neutral carriers of information, but transport messages that are embedded in histories of capitalism, exploitation, and inequality. Black women social entrepreneurs view education as a liberating force, with the potential to bring equality within social and political culture. This study will investigate (1) the role of HBCUs in broadband internet access, (2) distance learning at HBCUs, (3) Black women entrepreneurs as charitable givers, and (4) Black alumnae social networking for economic gains. Findings will identify how Black women social entrepreneurs can develop strategies for broadband digital connectivity in conjunction with HBCUs, where digital media communication technologies are used for instruction.
Social and Strategic Partnership in Marketing Contexts
Authors: Sousa Bruno Barbosa , Magalhães Filipe Sequeira
Published: December 2022

Social and strategic marketing seeks to develop systematic marketing concepts with several approaches to influence behaviours that benefit individuals and society for the greater social good. Social marketing practice is guided by ethical issues. It seeks to integrate approach, best practice, theory, audience, and partnership insight to inform the delivery of competition-sensitive and segmented social change programmes that are effective, efficient, equitable, and sustainable. This case study concerns help2kids as a young and dynamic non-profit organization operating in Africa. The case study consists of reflection and discussion of the several practices, marketing strategies, social entrepreneurship topics, and multiple projects inherent to help2kids. Help2kids strives to allow children the pursuit of a better and more sustainable future. The authors intend to present different social marketing campaigns to promote behavioural change for the benefit of society and the strategies that have been followed to achieve the desired idea or behaviour.
Reimagining Social Innovation and Social Enterprise for Industrial Revolution 4.0
Authors: Oberoi Roopinder , Mswaka Walter , Leandro Francisco José B. S. , Snowden Michael , Halsall Jamie P.
Published: December 2022

This exploratory study aims at understanding the social aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by suggesting how the interface involving technological innovation and social innovation can resolve societal and socioeconomic problems with stress on sustainable development. The authors view social innovation and social enterprise as new amalgam for solving social problems in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By applying theoretical analysis of the existing literature about the correlation between the Fourth Industrial Revolution and social innovation and social enterprise, they aim to describe the opportunities, forms, and the challenges unfolding in this new age. UK and China case studies will provide the empirical evidences that could support social innovators and social enterprises understand the implications in fields of application of the Fourth Industrial Revolution plus the interplay between them.
Ecotourism Emergence in Tasmania Through Social Entrepreneurs and Authentic Leaders
Authors: Knox Matthew Wayne , Crawford Joseph , Young Sarah
Published: December 2022

Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors within the tourism industry in Australia. The southern island state of Tasmania is one of the pioneers in creating sustainable ecotourist ventures. We explore, with a leadership behavioral lens, the role that the embodiment of authentic leader behaviors in social entrepreneurs has on ecotourism emergence. Authentic leader behaviors offer a response to some arguments that numerous ecotourist ventures are only sustainable and environmentally responsive in name only. Entrepreneurial leadership is critical in creating a culture conducive to social entrepreneurial growth and sustainability. This chapter concludes with recognition of the importance of future research into developing authentic leader behaviors in social entrepreneurs.
The Role of Societal Culture in Social Innovation
Authors: Karacay Gaye
Published: December 2022

Being at a development stage, the social innovation literature needs further contributions that would help to comprehensively find out the enablers of social innovation especially within macro level. Since the nature of social innovation is cumulative as well as interactive, the micro level practices of individual social innovation initiatives add up to the general patterns at the macro-level. On account of the fact that shared values among members of a society bring about similar expectations, perceptions, and behavioral patterns, it is essential to explore how various societal cultural attributes contribute to social innovation capacities of countries. This study aims to explore an evidence of the influence of societal culture on social innovation, specifically by shaping the perceptions of social entrepreneurs for social value creation. By discussing the relationship between societal culture and social innovation in a conceptual manner along with developing research propositions, this study offers a new direction for future research.
Social Entrepreneurs as Servant Leaders
Authors: Akella Devi , Eid Niveen
Published: December 2022

This chapter critically examines the servant leadership style of social entrepreneurs. Qualitative data from social enterprises in Palestine and Lukes third dimension power framework are used to explore the intricate forces of power, manipulation, and domination hidden within the service and follower-oriented model of servant leadership. Insights are provided on how the concept of ‘service', the focal aspect in both social enterprises and servant leadership, could be another facet of soft and insidious power exercised by the social entrepreneurs over their followers. A political model of servant leadership is developed that demonstrates how social entrepreneurs could be imposing power and control over their followers under the guise of social mission, creation of social value, serving and empowering their followers and the community.
Gender and Entrepreneurship in Developing Economies
Authors: Marjerison Rob Kim
Published: December 2022

This chapter begins with a brief exploration of the importance of entrepreneurial activity as a driver of global economic growth. The importance of entrepreneurship in developing economies is examined as are the traits, motivations, and drivers of entrepreneurs and the economic, social, cultural, legislative, and regulatory circumstances that encourage and in some cases discourage entrepreneurial activity. The impact of entrepreneurship training and education on encouraging women entrepreneurs is examined, the relative importance of women entrepreneurs is examined, and emphasis is placed on the relatively greater difficulties that are faced by women entrepreneurs particularly in regards to obtaining funding for starting new ventures. Opportunities are identified that may useful for policy makers, investors, and those that may seek to promote social entrepreneurship and economic growth in developing economies.
The Social Expat-Preneur
Authors: Vance Charles M. , Bergin Rebecca
Published: December 2022

Social entrepreneurship extends beyond home country borders as individuals seek to find meaning and share passion with the world. The globalization of corporations and individuals has resulted in a surge in expatriate social entrepreneurs. These individuals have broken down barriers to pursue a passion and increase social awareness around the globe. This chapter describes an international career model of five different forms of expatriate social entrepreneurs or “social expat-preneurs” within the broader international career construct of self-initiated expatriates—(1) pre-departure, (2) transitioned, (3) retired senior, (4) avocation-driven, and (5) social expat-intrapreneur—with vivid examples of each form. This chapter also outlines benefits to host countries and examines the importance of further research.
Exploring the Personal Drive Behind Small Social-Venture Set-Ups in the Netherlands
Authors: de Vries Ido
Published: December 2022

This chapter describes the development and growth of small social ventures in the Netherlands. It focusses on the motivations and purposes of owner-operator and micro or small scale social entrepreneurs creating social value in the transition of the Dutch welfare domain. Local municipalities are developing policies to support those social venture set-ups. But dealing with local policies is found not to be an easy task for small scale social entrepreneurs. Two aspects of the hindrance for social venture start-ups are elaborated: the hybridity of social entrepreneurship, combining social value logic and the logic of entrepreneurship; and the difficulties of dealing with different aspects of policies of cities in the Netherlands. An ecological system supportive for small social venture creation respecting the personal purpose of social entrepreneurs is outlined.
What Does It Take to Be a Social Entrepreneur?
Authors: Crawford Joseph , Kelder Jo-Anne , Knox Matthew Wayne
Published: December 2022

Contemporary society is characterized by the prevalence of wicked problems to which the efforts and actions of some entrepreneurs have negatively contributed to social problems. Corporate social responsibility emerged as an early response to multi-factor problems that are difficult to conceptualize or structure, but it has had limited success in engendering significant structural societal change. Social entrepreneurship is a contested construct that typically includes the social entrepreneur. A definition of social entrepreneurs is provided drawing on the literature. Social entrepreneurs offer leadership for social innovation outcomes as an antidote to prevailing social issues. This contributes to the literature on social entrepreneurs by examining how social entrepreneurs lead in the digital era. Importantly, this chapter considers the role that authentic leader behaviors (awareness, sincerity, balanced processing, positive moral perspectives, and informal influence) has in enabling social entrepreneurs to create and innovate.
Goldfinger bypassing and en bloc stapling without dissection of renal vessels during laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Asali Murad , Asali Muhammad
Published: December 2022

Objective: To test the employment of the Goldfinger Dissector (GD) to bypass and en bloc stapling of renal hilus without vascular dissection. Thus far no study has experimented the use of this integrated technique. Patients and methods: From July 2002 to October 2020, clinical data were collected from 288 patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies. They were divided into two groups: using GD with en bloc stapling (n = 174, group I) or the separation and ligation method (n = 114, group II) using the same Endo GIA Universal (Vascular) Stapler. Comparative analysis was carried out between the two groups, examining blood loss, operative time, intra and postoperative complications and hospital stay. Results: The mean age was 58.3 and 55.1 years in group I and II, respectively. Ratio of 90/84 and 55/59 males/females was found in group I and II, respectively.Blood loss was 65.5 ml and 188.9 ml, operative time was 156.5 and 189.2 minutes, wound infection occurred in three patients in each group (1.7% and 2.6%), ileus in 4 (2.3%) and 1 (0.87%), atrial fibrillation in 1 (0.57%) and 0%, incisional hernia in 0 (0%) and 2 (1.75%), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 0 (0%) and 1 (0.87%), conversion to open surgery in 2 (1.15%) and 5 (4.39%), mean hospital stay 3.5 days and 4 days in group I and II, respectively. Conclusions: Routine use of the GD and en bloc stapling of the renal pedicle in laparoscopic nephrectomy is safe and useful. This technique can decrease blood loss, operative time, and have some benefit in conversion to open surgery.
The impact of prostate biopsy on erectile and ejaculatory function: A prospective study
Authors: Morelli Michele , Sampogna Gianluca , Molteni Samuele , Sciorio Carmine , Lorusso Vito , Romano Lorenzo , La Rocca Roberto , Capece Marco , Zimarra Assunta , Napolitano Luigi , Verze Paolo , Spirito Lorenzo
Published: December 2022

Objective: To evaluate the impact on erectile and ejaculatory function following transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies of the prostate (TRUS-Bx) in sexually active men. Methods: Monocentric prospective study from May 2021 to January 2022 of consecutive patients with suspected prostate cancer [elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and/or abnormal digital rectal examination] undergoing TRUS-Bx. The 15-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PDET) and short form of Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ-EjD Short Form) were assessed before, one and three months after TRUS-Bx. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the risk of temporary post-biopsy erectile and/or ejaculatory dysfunctions. The statistical significance was set as p value < 0.05. Results: A total of 276 consecutive patients were included in the study. The median age, PSA and biopsy cores were 65 years (IQR 59-69), 7 ng/ml (IQR 5-9.7) and 16 (IQR 12-16), respectively. We compared the IIEF subdomains before TRUS-Bx vs. one or three months: the erectile function (EF) decreased after one month (p<0.001) but recovered after three months (p=0.833); the Orgasmic Function (OF), the Sexual Desire (SD), the Intercourse Satisfaction (IS), the Overall Satisfaction (OS), and Total IIEF decreased significantly after both one and three months compared to pre-biopsy values (p < 0.05). As for ejaculatory function (EjF), PDET, MSHQ-EjD Short Form 1, 2, 3 and MSHQ-EjD Short Form 4 scores decreased significantly after one month (p < 0.001), but they returned to pre-biopsy values after 3 months: p = 0.538, p = 0.071 and p = 0.098, respectively. Conclusions: Our study proved that EF, assessed through IIEF- 15, and ejaculatory function, assessed through PDET and MSHQ-EjD Short Form, were negatively affected by TRUS-Bx one month after the procedure and recovered after three months. Interestingly, the other IIEF-15 subdomains (OF, SD, IS, OS and Total) resulted as significantly reduced also after 3 months: this issue highlights the importance of carefully considering the indication to TRUS-Bx.
Does the placement of a collagen-fibrin sealant reduce complications of radical inguinal lymph node dissection? - Comparative study in patients with penile cancer
Authors: Silva Andreia Bilé , Pereira João Nuno , Freitas Rui , Braga Isaac , Carvalho João , Magalhães José Sanches , Silva Vítor , Lobo Francisco , Morais António
Published: December 2022

Objective: Management of patients with penile cancer (PeC) with palpable inguinal lymph nodes (ILNs) relies on radical ILN dissection (RILND). Low burden of nodal metastatic disease may lead to long-lasting survival with surgical management. Nevertheless, RILND involves significant postoperative morbidity. We compared the complications of patients undergoing RILND with (RILND-T) and without (RILND-0T) placement of a collagen-fibrin sealant patch on the resection bed. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational retrospective study. Data from men submitted to RILND-T and RILND-0T from Jan/2001 to Feb/2022, in a tertiary care centre were compared. The primary endpoint was the overall incidence of complications until 1 month after the procedure and their respective severity in both cohorts (Clavien-Dindo classification system). Secondarily, length of hospital stay (LOHS) was analysed. The placement of a collagen-fibrin sealant patch was left at the surgeon’s discretion.Results: Seven patients underwent RILND-T and 20 underwent RILND-0T, respectively. There were no differences in pathologic TNM stage nor in the total number of ILNs removed (17 ± 4 vs. 20 ± 8, p = 0.37). Overall, 23 (85.2%) patients had complications. The complication rate was similar in both cohorts (85.7% vs 85%, p = 0.73). Surgical wound infection (3/7 vs. 11/20) and lymphocele (4/7 vs. 11/20) were the most reported complications. Patients undergoing RILND-T were discharged faster (mean length of hospital stay 9 ± 3 vs 19 ± 20 days, p = 0.22). Conclusions: The application of a collagen-fibrin sealant patch on the resection bed does not seem to reduce the postoperative complication rate in patients undergoing RILND. Nevertheless, a trend towards a shorter LOHS in patients with RILND-T cannot be excluded and should be validated by further studies with a higher number of patients.
Urinary epidermal growth factor and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 as biomarkers of renal injury in patients with obstructed nephropathy
Authors: El-Dydamony Eman M. , Abdelaal Mohamed Ahmad , Kasim Sammar Ahmad , Ameen Doaa Refaat , El-Fattah Doaa Aly Abd
Published: December 2022

Objective: To evaluate the role of urinary Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP1) and urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) in diagnosing of upper urinary tract obstruction (UUTO). Patient and methods: Over a period of 6 months (January 2022 to June 2022) this prospective case control comparative study was conducted on 120 participants, 60 of them with UUTO and 60 healthy controls. A morning urine sample of all participants was tested for EGF and MCP-1. after taking a detailed history taking and laboratory and radiological evaluation. Results: Urinary MCP-1(uMCP-1) was significantly (p-value = 0.000) increased in UUTO group showing a mean ± SD of 518.10 ± 51.19 ng/L compared to a mean ± SD of 143.32 ± 58.03 ng/L in the controls, whereas a significantly (p-value = 0.000) decrease of urinary EGF (uEGF) was observed in patients with UUTO compared to control group. A significant difference of uEGF level and uEGF/uMCP1 ratio was observed between mild compared to moderate/severe UUTO. Conclusions: Utilization of the urinary biomarker MCP1, EGF and uEGF/uMCP1 ratio in patients with UUTO can adequately be used as a simple, efficacious and noninvasive way in diagnosis of UUTO.
Testosterone deficiency in non-obese type 2 diabetic male patients
Authors: Gouda Sherihan I. , Aboelnaga Mohamed M. , Elbeltagy Ahmed M.G. , Elbaz Amro
Published: December 2022

Background and aims: it is unclear whether male hypogonadism is ascribable to the diabetic state per se, or because of other factors, such as obesity or age. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and identify the predictors for testosterone deficiency among non-obese type 2 diabetic males. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 95 nonobese type 2 diabetic males with BMI below 30. We evaluated the total testosterone (TT) levels to determine prevalence and risk factors of testosterone deficiency. Serum TT ≤ 300 ng/dl defined testosterone deficiency. Results: The prevalence of testosterone deficiency was 29.1%. Testosterone deficient patients had statistically significantly higher visceral adiposity index (VAI), waist, and triglyceride in comparison with normal testosterone patients. TT level correlated with VAI, waist, BMI, LH, and age. VAI was the only significant predictor of TT levels even after adjustment for age and BMI in regression analysis. Furthermore, VAI was a statistically significant risk factor for testosterone deficiency in binary logistic analysis. Conclusions: testosterone deficient non-obese type 2 diabetic male patients had elevated VAI, waist, and triglyceride. Moreover, elevated VAI was a risk factor for testosterone deficiency. VAI could be an easily applicable and reliable index for the evaluation and prediction in type 2 non-obese diabetic males.
Guest editorial: Happy news and sad news
Authors: Ohshiro Toshio
Published: December 2022

It is an honour and a pleasure to be writing this Guest Editorial for our journal, Laser Therapy, after 3 years of enforced silence because of what my colleague and friend Glen Calderhead calls “Covidiocy”. We were forced to shut down the Tokyo Editorial Office when Japan went into lockdown in 2019, and suspend publication of the journal, so my Glad News is that Laser Therapy has once again risen like the Phoenix, but this time it’s as an “e-Phoenix” and an e-Journal!

I am sure I am speaking for all Laser Therapy readers when I express my sincere gratitude to Professor Leonardo Longo of Florence, Italy, Secretary-General of the World Federation of Societies for Laser Medicine and Surgery (WFSLMS), who has been instrumental in securing a publisher for the re-emergence of the journal in an electronic digital format. Faithful readers will remember from my Editorials in the previous iteration of the journal that we were examining the possibility of moving over from a print version to a digital version, and now thanks to Prof Longo, that goal has been realised. [...]
Fractional treatment of rosacea by LBO 532 nm laser with “one shot” procedure: A preliminary study
Authors: Lazzari Riccardo , Fornaini Carlo , Longo Leonardo
Published: December 2022

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease prevalently affecting the center of the face. The permanent erythema of skin face represents its typical sign. Further common features are face flushing, telangiectasias, and inflammatory presence of oedema, papules and pustules. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of LBO 532nm laser in the treatment of this disease. Ten subjects of both sex and middle age affected by rosacea in erithemato/teleangectatic stage were treated by a LBO 532nm laser single session. Discomfort evaluation during and after the treatment, one session results as well as incidence of the side effects were evaluated, with 6 months follow up. Positive results were obtained after only one session in total safety with minimal patients discomfort and without undesired effects during treatment. The study confirmed International literature data suggesting the use of laser and light devices as elective treatment of this disease. IPL, dye lasers and 532nm laser are the devices more used and the last seems to represent the gold standard for 1,2,3 phototypes. This clinical trial, with the limitations due to the small number of patients, indicated that “one session LBO 532nm laser treatment” represents an interesting and innovative approach in the therapy of the erythemato/telangectatic rosacea.
Association between the concentrations of some toxic metals and the risk of uterine fibroids among Nigerian women
Authors: Kareem Fatimoh Bukola , Emokpae Mathias Abiodun
Published: December 2022

Background:

Uterine fibroids are a major health challenge to some women in the world, especially women of African descendants. The etiology of uterine fibroids and the mechanisms of their growth are not fully understood, and those factors that make women to be susceptible to fibroid development are subjects of investigation. Environmental toxicants such as toxic metals exposure have been implicated, but the results have not been consistent. This study seeks to determine the association between blood cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) levels and the risk of uterine fibroids among women of reproductive age.

Materials and Methods:

This case–control study comprised 100 women of reproductive age (age range, 20–50 years) with uterine fibroid and 50 age-matched women without uterine fibroids. Fibroids were diagnosed using abdominal scan by attending physicians. Furthermore, the control subjects were screened for fibroids using abnormal scan. Blood Cd, As, and Pb were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the risk of association was calculated.

Results:

The mean blood Cd, As, and Pb were significantly higher (P < 0.001) among women with fibroid than those without fibroid (controls). The odds ratio for Cd 2.62 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.02–0.05), As 1.02 (CI: 0.02–0.030), and Pb 1.42 (CI: 0.04–0.129) was greater among women with uterine fibroids than controls.

Conclusions:

Exposure to cadmium and lead might be a risk factor for developing uterine fibroids among Nigerian women.
Emergency medicine resident involvement in emergency medical services
Authors: Akers Natalie C. , Wilson Bryan R. , Ray Adam M.
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Emergency medical services (EMS) are a critical component to Emergency Medicine (EM) residency training. In the United States, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has established minimum training requirements for EM residency programs. Since the last study exploring resident EMS involvement was performed, there have been over 100 new EM resident programs started. Given the rapid increase in new EM programs, we sought to determine EMS experiences provided to current EM residents.

Materials and Methods:

A 22-question anonymous online survey was distributed through E-mail to program directors of approved EM residencies in October 2020. A follow-up reminder was sent 3 weeks later.

Results:

In total, 51 of 257 programs responded (20% response rate). Forty-five percent of EM residents experience between 10 and 25 EMS calls during their residency, 31% experience 26–50, and 20% experience >50 calls. The majority of programs (53%) have a separate EMS rotation where residents function as observers, 24% of residents function as providers, and 25% also have residents respond in a dedicated physician response vehicle. Aeromedical exposure is limited (47% have none and 43% average only 1–9 flights). Two-thirds of programs (67%) have residents provide online medical command during their ED shifts and 61% require residents to provide didactics to EMS clinicians. Despite ACGME requirements, only two-thirds of programs (69%) provide training about disaster/mass casualty incident (MCI) management and 67% have them participate in a disaster/MCI drill. About one-third of programs (31%) have decreased EMS experiences due to limited time in the residency curriculum, and 20% of programs have limited EMS experiences due to the COVID pandemic.

Conclusions:

The majority of responding EM residency programs meet ACGME EMS-related requirements. There is an opportunity for improvement around disaster education based on these data. Limited time in the curriculum and the COVID pandemic were cited as reasons that programs have limited their EMS experiences.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, Medical Knowledge.
Nutritional assessment of birth outcomes of gestational diabetic mothers in Gaza Strip, Palestine
Authors: Naser Ihab A. , Shaat Mona R. , Taleb Mahmmoud H. , Najim Ahmed A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most prevalent metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Numerous studies have dealt with risk factors of GDM, while others studied the health complications associated with GDM. This study aimed to investigate the association between GDM and nutritional birth outcomes in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Materials and Methods:

The study utilized the case−control design where 44 GDM mothers and 44 non-GDM mothers were recruited. The study was conducted at the obstetric departments at Al-Shifa Maternity Hospital in Gaza and Mubarak Maternity Hospital in Khan Yunis. Data collection included anthropometric measurement and hematological indicators and other pertinent information through a structured questionnaire.

Results:

The result reported that the mean age of GDM pregnant women and non-GDM was 31 ± 11.5 and 23 ± 6.75 years, respectively. 13.6% had anemia, 20.5% had previous delivery of macrosomic baby, 15.9% had hypertension, and 11.4% were obese. In addition, 63.6% of GDM mothers had a family history of diabetes and 18.2% had a family history of GDM. 43.2% of GDM mothers delivered by cesarean section (CS) and 13.6% of GDM mothers had a premature delivery. Assessment of dietary intake indicated that 40.9% of GDM mothers have breakfast regularly. The neonatal median birth weight was 3.22 kg for babies of GDM mothers and 3.30 kg for babies of non-GDM mothers, and the median length was 52 cm versus 50 cm; 6.8% of neonates of GDM mothers had low Apgar score. Neonates of GDM mothers expressed significantly lower blood sugar (P = 0.039), lower albumin (P = 0.037), and higher soluble surface receptors – surface transferrin receptor (P = 0.017), but there were no statistically significant differences in the other hematological parameters.

Conclusion:

The study reflected a significant association between GDM and lower blood glucose, serum albumin, and iron status. Furthermore, the study reflected a significant association between GDM and CS delivery and neonatal hypoglycemia. The study emphasized the need to integrate clinical nutrition services in maternity departments and antenatal clinics and encourage physical activities during pregnancy.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:

Patient care and procedural skills, Medical knowledge.
Features of Anxiety and Arterial Pressure Level in Children with Chronic Gastroduodenal Pathology
Authors: Nechytailo Yu N. , Nechytailo Dmytro Yu. , Nechytailo Tetiana A. , Kovtyuk Natalia I. , Mikhieieva Tetiana N. , Poniuk Valentyna V.
Published: December 2022

Context:

The children of the school-age are most prone to the development of hypertension, which is determined by the characteristic disorders of the autonomic function for this period of childhood, which is accompanied by an increased level of anxiety.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to assess the level of anxiety in the background of fluctuations of blood pressure (BP) in schoolchildren with chronic gastroduodenal pathology.

Settings and Design:

This was a cross-sectional study done in city children's clinical hospital conducted for 8 months.

Subjects and Methods:

One hundred and twenty children with chronic gastroduodenal pathology were examined. To assess the level of arterial hypertension by tonometry. Spielberger-Hanin scale was used to assess the level of personal and situational anxiety.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics and software used in the analysis was Statistica 12 (Statsoft, USA) and P < 0.05 was considered as the level of statistical significance.

Results:

In assessing the level of BP in children by percentile tables, it was found that in the second group there is a greater tendency to hypertension than in the first group, and in the children of second group, there were higher rates of both systolic and diastolic BP. In addition, children of the second group experienced an increase in both the personal and situational levels of anxiety.

Conclusions:

Children with chronic hyperplastic and erosive gastroduodenitis more often observed an increase in BP, also they experience significantly higher levels of both personal and situational anxiety.
Human Papillomavirus Immunohistochemistry in High Grade Squamous Cell Lesions of Esophagus
Authors: Agrawal Purvee , Bhake Arvind
Published: December 2022

Background:

Over the past decade, the cause–effect relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus has been worked over. A few reports in the literature have demonstrated HPV protein within premalignant and malignant cells of SCC of the esophagus.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim was to study the high-grade squamous cell lesions and its relation with high-risk HPV infection to be evident on immunohistochemistry for high-risk HPV on biopsies of esophageal lesions.

Materials and Methods:

Biopsy from 20 esophageal growth processed conventionally, and histological section is stained by hematoxylin and eosin stains; paraffin-embedded tissue of esophageal lesions is processed and stained for immunohistochemistry in the detection of HPV by cocktail HPV16 and HPV18 antibodies by the standard procedure.

Results:

The present poster describes the results of immunohistochemistry for high-risk HPV on 20 cases of esophagus premalignant squamous cell lesions along with the SCC types and its grade. It has been observed that five cases have been demonstrated for positive results of immunohistochemistry for high-risk HPV.

Conclusions:

It may be postulated that HPV plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SCC esophagus.