bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Until Man Exists No More
Authors: Schober Adrian
Published: September 2022

This chapter unpacks the surprise ending of The Omen in which the devil-child lives. Not only would this leave the door open for sequels, but it would have far-reaching implications for the meanings we take away from the film. Whether the ending is left- or right-wing in its politics and implications is hard to say. For some, The Omen carried a paranoid and pernicious right-wing agenda set on affirming the status quo. For others – like the noted critic Robin Wood – it was far more revolutionary.
A Conflict over Credentials
Authors: Lloyd Lorna
Published: September 2022

In 1953 Australia failed to send an ambassador to Ireland because of a row over the wording of the credentials wherein the Queen would have commended her newly-appointed envoy to the Irish president. The Irish constitution calls its head of state the 'President of lreland’, but Australia’s prime minister, Robert Menzies, refused to use this term for fear of compromising his country’s stance on partition and embarrassing its queen. Ireland, meanwhile, refused to accept credentials that did not use the president’s constitutional title. In consequence, and despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue, Ireland and Australia were represented only at the lowly level of chargé d’affaires until 1964. By then both states wanted representation at ambassadorial level and Menzies was no longer obdurate. It was therefore agreed that the credentials would use each sending state’s favoured terminology, and an exchange of aides-mémoire made it clear that no significance was to be attached to the titles so used. Ireland’s chargé was swiftly translated into an ambassador, and in 1965 an Australian ambassador was enthusiastically welcomed in Dublin.
Snakebite case management: a cohort study in Northwest Ethiopia, 2012-2020
Authors: Mohammed Rezika , Van Griensven Johan , Ambaw Addisu Alemu , Yimer Tesfaye Yesuf , Takarinda Kudakwashe Collin , Kamau Edward Mberu , Zolfo Maria , Vanlerberghe Veerle
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Timely and appropriate management of snakebites in the tropics is a lifesaver. Many snakebite patients are being bitten in remote rural areas and do not manage to get in due time to healthcare facilities. This study assessed the clinical features and the risk factors associated with treatment outcomes of snakebite patients admitted at two hospitals in the Northwest of Ethiopia.

Methodology: In a retrospective cohort study, routinely collected data from 250 patients’ medical charts at University of Gondar Hospital and Metema Hospital, between September 2012 and August 2020, were reviewed.

Results: The median age of the snakebite cases was 24 years (95% CI = 22-26), with 80.8% male patients. At admission 148/250 patients presented in Clinical stage 1 or 2 (local symptoms only) and 73.7% presented more than 12 hours after the bite, 80.2% received antibiotics and 79.0% antivenom. The median duration of hospitalization was 3 days (95% CI = 3-4); 72% of the patients recovered and were discharged, 10.8% died and 0.5% underwent an amputation. On logistic regression analysis, residence in rural areas (AOR = 2.52, 95 % CI = 1.2-5.3), sign of bacterial superinfection on the bite site (AOR = 4.69. 95% CI = 1.4-15.4), clinical stage 3 or 4 with systemic symptoms or toxic signs at admission (AOR = 4.84, 95% CI = 1.3-18.0) and no treatment with antivenoms (AOR = 6.65, 95% CI = 1.6-27.7) were associated with bad outcome (death, amputation and/or referred/ went against medical advice).

Conclusions: Timely presentation at early clinical stage, appropriate clinical management and availability of antivenoms are cornerstones to reduce snakebite morbidity and mortality.
Ivermectin mass drug administration for onchocerciasis elimination: can it reduce the prevalence of scabies in Ethiopia?
Authors: Amsalu Tsigereda , Enbiale Wendemagegn , Manaye Neguse , Ayalew Ashenafi , Workineh Addisu , De Vries Henry , Van Griensven Johan
Published: September 2022

Introduction: While ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) has been implemented since long for onchocerciasis elimination, there is doubt whether this would also be effective for scabies control. If effective, this would allow integration of both programs. We compared scabies prevalence in districts implementing ivermectin MDA for the onchocerciasis elimination program and those not implementing the intervention in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing the scabies prevalence in 14 districts implementing ivermectin MDA for onchocerciasis elimination program between 2013-2018 and in 28 districts without this intervention in Amhara region Ethiopia. We used 2018 scabies survey data to determine scabies prevalence. All individuals screened for scabies during the survey were included. We collected data on risk factors from the districts database and annual reports. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to account for potential confounding factors.

Results: We included data on 4,319,064 subjects across 42 districts. Except the differences in temperature and population density, districts in both groups were comparable. A total of 371,780 scabies cases were detected in the 2018 survey. The median scabies prevalence was 6% (IQR 2.6-11.9) in the intervention districts and 5.2% (1.8-10.4) in the control districts (p-value 0.77). In adjusted analysis, the difference remained statistically non-significant (coefficient 0.37 (95% confidence interval (-0.93-1.67); p-value 0.554).

Conclusions: The implementation of ivermectin MDA for onchocerciasis control was not associated with reduced scabies prevalence. Consequently, standard scabies MDA should be deployed for scabies control.
Surgical output within the Fast Track Initiative against trachoma in Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Begashaw , Sata Eshetu , Halefom Mengesha , Deathe Andrew R , Zerihun Mulat , Jensen Kimberly A , Callahan E Kelly , Beyene Melkamu , Adriaensen Wim , Owiti Philip , Senkoro Mbazi , Zolfo Maria , Nash Scott D
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is the advanced stage of trachoma where lashes touch the globe of the eye causing permanent damage. Without eyelid surgery, TT can lead to irreversible blindness. In 2015 the Ethiopian Ministry of Health launched the Fast Track Initiative with the aim of enhancing the provision of surgical services for TT. The aims of this study were to determine the productivity of individual surgeons during the 2017 Initiative, to compare this productivity with the Ministry’s annual target indicator of ≥ 200 surgeries, and to assess the factors associated with surgical output.

Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized programmatic data on surgical output from 140 surgeons active from January 2017 through December 2017 in the eastern half of Amhara region, Ethiopia. Data were collected from a surgery monitoring dataset, analyzed, and compared to the performance targets set by the Ministry.

Results: The mean annual number of surgeries carried out per surgeon was 169 (standard deviation: 111) for a total of 23,616 surgeries. Among the 140 surgeons, 38% achieved the target set by the Ministry. Location of surgical training site and estimated surgical backlog were signficantly associated with a higher surgery output.

Conclusions: An increase in surgical output was observed compared to productivity prior to the Initiative, although the average annual output during the 2017 Fast Track Initiative was lower than the Ministry’s target. Using data driven approaches to setting annual productivity goals should be considered, particularly in light of fewer remaining TT cases as a result of the successful Initiative.
Thermal boundary layer analysis of MHD nanofluids across a thin needle using non-linear thermal radiation
Authors: Khan Ziad , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Jawad Muhammad , Jan Rashid , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: September 2022

An analysis of steady two-dimensional boundary layer MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) nanofluid flow with nonlinear thermal radiation across a horizontally moving thin needle was performed in this study. The flow along a thin needle is considered to be laminar and viscous. The Rosseland estimate is utilized to portray the radiation heat transition under the energy condition. Titanium dioxide (TiO$ _2 $) is applied as the nanofluid and water as the base fluid. The objective of this work was to study the effects of a magnetic field, thermal radiation, variable viscosity and thermal conductivity on MHD flow toward a porous thin needle. By using a suitable similarity transformation, the nonlinear governing PDEs are turned into a set of nonlinear ODEs which are then successfully solved by means of the homotopy analysis method using Mathematica software. The comparison result for some limited cases was achieved with earlier published data. The governing parameters were fixed values throughout the study, i.e., $ k_1 $ = 0.3, $ M $ = 0.6, $ F_r $ = 0.1, $ \delta_\mu $ = 0.3, $ \chi $ = 0.001, $ Pr $ = 0.7, $ Ec $ = 0.5, $ \theta_r $ = 0.1, $ \epsilon $ = 0.2, $ Rd $ = 0.4 and $ \delta_k $ = 0.1. After detailed analysis of the present work, it was discovered that the nanofluid flow diminishes with growth in the porosity parameter, variable viscosity parameter and magnetic parameter, while it upsurges when the rate of inertia increases. The thermal property enhances with the thermal conductivity parameter, radiation parameter, temperature ratio parameter and Eckert number, while it reduces with the Prandtl number and size of the needle. Moreover, skin friction of the nanofluid increases with corresponding growth in the magnetic parameter, porosity parameter and inertial parameter, while it reduces with growth in the velocity ratio parameter. The Nusselt number increases with increases in the values of the inertia parameter and Eckert number, while it decliens against a higher estimation of the Prandtl number and magnetic parameter. This study has a multiplicity of applications like petroleum products, nuclear waste disposal, magnetic cell separation, extrusion of a plastic sheet, cross-breed powered machines, grain storage, materials production, polymeric sheet, energy generation, drilling processes, continuous casting, submarines, wire coating, building design, geothermal power generations, lubrication, space equipment, biomedicine and cancer treatment.
Bottom-Up Violence Work
Authors: Jalal Musa , Schneider Matthew Jerome
Published: September 2022

This chapter makes sense of armed counter-protest by viewing it as a form of bottom-up, white supremacist “violence work.” Because many of these counter-protestors arm themselves and/or belong to private militias, this movement encroaches on the liberal state's allocation of “violence work”—a form of labor characterized by its ability to forcefully or violently “maintain order”—to a specialized force of government agents (e.g., police and military). This “on the ground” activity is spurred by an interpretation of the historic function of the state, makes a demand that the state continue to serve that function, and works outside the supposed boundaries set by the state to ensure the function is met. By arming themselves, training in techniques that closely resemble those employed by state violence workers, and making themselves especially visible during times of racial justice protest, these groups work to maintain American systems of white supremacy.
AI-Enabled Internet of Nano Things Methodology for Healthcare Information Management
Authors: Rajawat Anand Singh , Goyal S. B. , Pant Piyush , Bedi Pradeep
Published: September 2022

Internet of nano things (IoNT) is growing at an exponential rate due to a growing population, more communication between devices in networks, sensors, actuators, and so on. This rise shows up in many ways, such as volume, speed, diversity, honesty, and value. Getting important information and insights is hard work and a very important issue. One of the most important ways to solve a problem is to come to a conclusion based on a number of different criteria. This can help you choose the best solution from a number of options. AI-enabled algorithms and decision making that takes into account multiple factors can be useful in big data sets. During the deduction process, AI-enabled algorithms and evaluations based on multiple criteria are used. Because it works well and has a lot of potential, it is used in many different areas, such as computer science and information technology, agriculture, and business.
The Making of Diverse Schools
Authors: Martinez Natalia González
Published: September 2022

This chapter presents the results of research carried out over three years applying the Pedagogical Theatre as a teaching strategy for the development of competence in a group of 22 people with Down syndrome in Tenerife. From the theoretical point of view, it has been possible to verify that the proposed model of theatrical pedagogy supposes a contribution in the competency improvement of people with Down syndrome. From the methodological perspective of mixed studies, the relevance of this methodology as a resource for attention to diversity has been verified. Finally, the results have demonstrated the benefits of the intervention in the competence development of the population under study.
Impact of Culturally Competent Teachers on Their Students' Academic Achievement
Authors: Fernández Batanero José María , Montenegro Rueda Marta , Fernández Cerero José
Published: September 2022

One of the most important phenomena in the teaching and learning process is academic performance. It is known to be a variable that has given rise to various national and international research studies, in which the factors that can influence academic performance, such as the cultural competence of the teacher, are generally analysed to a greater or lesser extent. For this purpose, an introduction to the importance of cultural competence in the education system is given. The authors proceed to conceptualise the terms “cultural competence of teachers” and “academic performance” and then carry out a study through a systematic review of the main scientific databases in order to better understand the knowledge structure of this scientific domain. Among the conclusions, they highlight that the teaching staff is aware of the importance of diversity; however, they state that they feel little competence in this field. Likewise, the scarce presence of cultural competences in teacher training plans prevents teachers from responding effectively to the challenges posed by a culturally diverse classroom.
Sustainability in Pedagogy Degree Curricula
Authors: Rodríguez Juan
Published: September 2022

Sustainable development means the care and protection of the natural environment and humanity. In educational contexts, sustainability should develop competencies in these two closely related areas of sustainability. This work investigates the presence of descriptors linked to sustainability in the curricula of Spanish State Pedagogy degrees. The results showed the scant presence in these degrees of subjects whose designation reflected a direct link with sustainability. Moreover, the teaching projects of the subjects showed a predominance of professional competencies not explicitly linked to sustainability, while the presence of competencies directly related to sustainability, sociocultural perspectives, environmental, and economic perspectives was scarcer. In the content descriptors, the most frequently used terms were related to the environmental dimension as opposed to more inclusive, social, and professionalising terms. University education and the competencies of the degrees should be explicitly linked to sustainability perspectives.
Attitudes of Teachers Towards Diversity and Social Inclusion in Italy, Poland, Romania, and Spain
Authors: de-la-Rosa Olga María Alegre , Villar-Angulo Luis Miguel
Published: September 2022

The present study uses an international survey composed of several scales to compare diversity and social inclusion among 164 teachers and 317 students from universities and 216 practitioners. Participants belong to four countries: Italy, Poland, Romania, and Spain (IPRS). The results illustrate the same or different perspectives of teachers, students, and practitioners about competencies for 21st-century teachers, efficient professionals in inclusive education, the program of the Master's Degree in Education for diversity and social inclusion, and the components for a curriculum adaptation in IPRS. IPRS showed a clear difference among their groups of teachers, students, and practitioners. Limitations and future directions are included.
Is It All Said on Diversity?
Authors: Estevez-Mendoza Carlos
Published: September 2022

The research literature on diversity in the discipline of management has been configured through a great number of articles over the past few decades. This chapter analyzes how it has been constituted on the basis of different intellectual frameworks, references, authors, topics, and journals. For this aim, the authors utilized bibliometrics techniques, from co-occurrence to mapping, to analyze published articles in significant journals. They offer a great variety of groundings and are related to concepts approaching the topic, such as performance, corporate governance, or corporate resource responsibility. This chapter presents how these elements relate and which ones are important to the literature. It also shows how this relevant coverage of the diversity gives the opportunity to delve into some of the analyses which are understudied and try new-still-not-covered angles and issues in future research.
A Study of the Diversity Policy for Boards of Directors in the System of Public Companies in Chile
Authors: Bosch Maria Jose , Enrione Alfredo , Riumallo Maria Paz
Published: September 2022

At present, one can see how academia, sector-specific press publications, the political arena, and even public opinion call for greater diversity and inclusion on boards of directors of companies in Chile. In 2016, the Government of Chile acted to promote gender diversity on company boards by means of a policy that seeks to increase female participation on the boards of companies that form part of the System of Public Companies (SPC) to 40%. This policy was created in a context where the presence of women on the boards of IPSA and IGPA companies is less than 10%, a figure significantly lower than almost all developed countries and most emerging countries to date.
Work From Home (WFH) and Its Impact on Work-Life Balance (WLB) and Wellbeing
Authors: Alarifi Areej Abdulrahman , Khan Sami A.
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 has redefined flexible working arrangements. Work from home (WFH) has emerged as a reality, and most of the organizations in Saudi Arabia also adopted WFH, allowing employees to work from home or other locations. This research explores WFH and its impact on the wellbeing and the work family reconciliation of female workers in Saudi Arabia. This is a case study based on the unstructured in-depth interview of 13 women workers employed in the public and private sector in Saudi Arabia in the last two years. The study concluded that work from home has improved the overall wellbeing of the women workers because of the flexibility and freedom this type of work arrangement is offering. The women workers had better work-life balance (WLB) despite having higher level of stress and working longer hours.
Satisfaction With the Social Competencies of Female and Male Supervisors Across Workplaces
Authors: van Mensvoort Carly , Meuleman Roza , Kraaykamp Gerbert , van den Brink Marieke
Published: September 2022

Scholars have widely documented the challenges women face in being evaluated as competent leaders. The authors contribute to this field by addressing whether and when female supervisors might have a favorable position by examining evaluations of social competencies in supervision and by examining different organizational workplace features. To test the hypotheses, the authors used a representative Dutch sample on 1,251 employed respondents. The results indicated that male-led and female-led employees were equally satisfied with their supervisor's appreciation and understanding of employees' care tasks at home – but women with a female supervisor were slightly more satisfied with their supervisor's social skills than women with a male supervisor. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the share of female co-workers and the policy climate in the workplace shaped differentiated evaluations of male-female supervisors. These findings highlight the relevance of including (structural) workplace features in future studies on perceptions of women in leadership.
“Ageless Talent at Work”
Authors: Mazzucchelli Sara , Bosoni Maria Letizia , Medina Letizia
Published: September 2022

In the last few decades, the issue of aging has become increasingly relevant. The Italian population, and consequently also the Italian workforce, is one of the oldest in Europe, and many different companies are actively investing in age management. Meanwhile, gender diversity is another relevant diversity management branch. These two types of diversity, age and gender, are both recurring topics inside most organizations and have a great impact on people's lives. This contribution presents data from a national, quantitative research project, called “Ageless Talents,” carried out in Italy in 2018, on a sample of 12,746 senior employees (50–70 years old). The analysis contributes to a better understanding of work-life integration and the talent of workers aged over 50 to provide indications on how to support senior workers as active resources in organizations.
Fostering an Inclusive Religious and Spiritual Working Environment in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Chikwa Gladson , Zhu Xia , Rajah Edwin
Published: September 2022

With globalisation and internationalisation, there has been a continuous increase in the diversity of students and staff in higher education institutions globally. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to foster inclusive working environments that cater to the diverse religious and spiritual needs of staff. This chapter explores the differences between the concepts of religiosity and spirituality and argues that focusing on religion only may provide a rather limited perspective. Hence, the chapter provides a persuasive discussion of the need to consider spiritual inclusion for higher education institutions to address religious and spiritual inclusivity. Some examples drawn from Western countries such as the UK are provided to demonstrate some practical approaches that higher education institutions can adopt to develop inclusive religious and spiritual working environments. In addition, the chapter explores the benefits and challenges of ensuring religious and spiritual inclusivity and the link between religious and spiritual inclusivity and organisational performance.
Age, Gender, and Diversity-Blind Urbanism
Authors: Plana Alicia
Published: September 2022

This chapter introduces diversity-blind urbanism and the concept of care work culturally, historically, and inherently performed mostly by women and indispensable for the development of families and societies. It has repeatedly been neglected by urban planning through history, consistently developing cities adapted to optimize “paid work” activity and forgetting the needs of women performing “unpaid work” tasks in the city. Urbanists are not aware of the considerable differences in the use of the city, infrastructure, space, and architecture between men and women due to the low visibility and appreciation given to the work associated with social reproduction. The spatial configuration of cities creates inequality for the most vulnerable, women, children, the elderly, and disabled populations. Inclusive urban design has the tools to improve the conditions in which people of all ages, gender, and capabilities interact with their environment with dignity and equality.
The Role of the Trucking Industry in the Pre-/Post-COVID-19 Environment for Modern Industries
Authors: Smith Alan D.
Published: September 2022

Various economic, social, and environmental developments are converging to create an uncertain future for the U.S. trucking industry. These include, but are not limited to, the continuing truck driver shortage, an increased concern about environmental sustainability, and the industry volatility brought on partly by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes consumers pivoting to online shopping in never previously seen before numbers. On the horizon, technologies, such as IoT and autonomous vehicle technologies, have the potential to provide supply chain managers with information and services needed to enact positive change and solve existing logistics problems. This chapter is an examination of the issues currently surrounding the trucking industry in the U.S., with a particular focus on the two compelling topics of the truck driver shortage and autonomous vehicle technology. For the purpose of context, two Pittsburgh-area trucking companies were examined to gain a better understanding of how small- to medium-sized trucking-based logistics companies are currently operating in this space.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Manpower (Labor) and the Supply Chain
Authors: Smith Alan D.
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has changed everything on a global scale. The lockdowns and general fear of the unknown caused a dramatic increase in ecommerce as buyers turned to the internet to get the goods and products they wanted. Many businesses had to close during this time due to lack of customers, lack of workers, and due to staffing issues due to the virus. As things started opening back up the demand for goods and services has been overwhelming to many industries. Ships are waiting off the coast for months to be unloaded, shelves are empty, the next day deliveries are taking days and weeks as the transportation system is overwhelmed. High demand and a lack of workers in every industry has led to a major global supply chain disruption that has not been experienced before. These disruptions affect every part of the supply chain from manufactures, warehouses, shipping, rail, truck, down to the retail level. This chapter will look at two companies in the Pittsburgh area (i.e., FedEx Ground and Ensinger, Inc.).
Digital Transformation and Business Models
Authors: Lamas Marco , Pereira Alecsander do Amaral
Published: September 2022

The ongoing globalization process has been intensified with the constant evolution of technology, which leads companies to face digital transformation as both mandatory to guarantee their survival and essential to create value for their customers. Starting from digital transformation, this chapter's mission is to promote a generic theoretical framework in this very relevant topic, supported on a literature review of the research that has been developed over the years. It will also present the case study of a Portuguese company, Consumers Trust, better known in Portugal as “O Portal da Queixa.” Qualitative research will be undertaken using interview and content analysis. Its main objective is to understand and explain the causes and effects of this concept that, despite having originated the scientific research mentioned, in particular in these last two years, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, have not been explored enough and therefore are not yet consensual.
Metaverse
Authors: Ferebee Susan Shepherd
Published: September 2022

Metaverse combines the virtual and physical, synthesizing the internet, the web, and extended reality into a world where digital and physical elements blend in differing degrees. The core purpose of the metaverse is social connection. This consists of users coexisting in an ecosystem that includes cultures, laws, economies, societies, and related obligations. Therefore, it will demand standards of how humans should behave and what is considered right and wrong. Ethics is based on these standards within any given universe. The ethical challenges faced in developing and deploying a metaverse are explored, and ethical design considerations of metaverse environments are defined. The metaverse ecosystem is described and critical technologies that support it are included. Examples of current metaverses are provided so that the reader can explore and experience a metaverse and further assess the ethics and benefits.
Gender-Based Differing Effects of Smoking Addiction on COVID-19 Performance
Authors: Gök Adem , Sodhi Nausheen
Published: September 2022

This chapter analyzes the role of gender-based smoking on cross-country COVID-19 performance. The authors developed two hypotheses for gender-based differing effects of smoking addiction on COVID-19 performance, enabling role of smoking (ACE2) and nicotinic role of smoking (nAChR). Male smoking has negative significant effect on per capita COVID-19 cases, deaths, and recoveries. Female smoking has positive significant effect on per capita COVID-19 cases and deaths while it has no significant effect on recoveries. The chapter does not support the idea that smoking should be encouraged for men although nicotine is claimed to be a preventive agent against COVID-19 since we know that smoking also decreases per capita COVID-19 recoveries. The chapter also does not support the notion that smoking addiction for women is harmless since it does not affect number of recoveries or recovery period. Since smoking addiction for women increases per capita COVID-19 deaths, there is no guarantee to be a patient with mild symptoms.
Conﬁrmatory transperineal saturation prostate biopsy combined with mpMRI decrease the reclassiﬁcation rate in men enrolled in Active Surveillance: Our experience in 100 men submitted to eight-years scheduled biopsy
Authors: Pepe Pietro , Pepe Ludovica , Pennisi Michele , Fraggetta Filippo
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The reclassiﬁcation rate for clinically signiﬁcant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men enrolled in Active Surveillance (AS) as been prospective-ly evaluated. Patients and methods: One hundred patients with very low risk PCa underwent after 8 years a scheduled transperineal prostate biopsy (SPBx = 20 cores) combined with additionalmpMRI/TRUS fusion biopsies (4 cores) of lesions PI-RADS scores ≥ 3. All the patients, after initial diagnosis, previously had mpMRI evaluation combined with transperineal saturation prostate biopsy (conﬁrmatory and 3-year scheduled biopsy). Risk reclassiﬁcation at repeat biopsy triggering the recommen-dation for active treatment was deﬁned as over 3 or more than 10% of positive cores, Gleason score > 6/ISUP Grade Group ≥ 2, greatest percentage of cancer (GPC) > 50%.Results: Multiparametric MRI was suspicious (PI-RADS ≥ 3) in 30 of 100 cases (30.0%); 70 (70.0%) vs. 20 (20.0%) vs. 10(10.0%) patients had a PI-RADS score ≤ 2 vs. 3 vs. 4, respec-tively. Two (2.0%) patients with PI-RADS score 3 and 4 were upgraded (ISUP Grade Group 2); SPBx and MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy diagnosed 100% and 0% of csPCa, respectively.

Conclusions: Transperineal SPBx combined with mpMRI at ini-tial conﬁrmatory biopsy allow to select an high number of men at very low risk of reclassiﬁcation during the AS follow up (2.0%of the cases at 8 years from diagnosis); these data could be use-ful to reduce the number of scheduled repeated prostate biopsy during the AS follow up.
Factors predicting the outcome of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration in men with obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Almekaty Khaled Mohamed , Zahran Mohamed Hasan , Lotfy Amer Mohamed , Hagras Ayman Mohamed , Salem Khaled Abdelaziz , Rashed Ayman Sayed , Ghaith Ahmed Fayez
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To report on the live birth rates (LBRs) following percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) in men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and factors affecting treatment outcome which is under reported in the literature.Methods: This is a multicenter study that was conducted in Egypt including all couples undergoing intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for OA using PESA-derived sperms. Men were subdivided according to aetiology into congenital, iatrogenic and idiopathic groups. Fertilization, pregnancy and LBRs were determined and compared in each group. The longitudinal LBR, crude and expected cumulative delivery rates (CCDR, ECDR) were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine signiﬁcant associations between maternal, paternal and ICSI factors with successful live births.Results: Ninety couples were included in the study. Viable sperm for ICSI was retrieved in 89 men (98.9%). A total of 155 ICSI cycles with 17 frozen embryo transfers resulted in 81 pregnan-cies and 55 live births. After 5 cycles, the longitudinal LBR, CCDR and ECDR were 30%, 57.3% and 88.6% respectively. Maternal age and number of fertilized eggs were the only fac-tors signiﬁcantly affecting LBRs.Conclusions: PESA is a minimally invasive procedure for secur-ing viable sperm for ICSI in OA men, with high cumulative delivery rates. Maternal age and number of fertilized eggs are the only factors that signiﬁcantly affecting LBR. The contempo-rary longitudinal and cumulative LBRs provide objective out-come data to counsel OA patients undergoing fertility treat-ments.
Premature ejaculation in the era of mobile health application: A current analysis and evaluation of adherence to EAU guidelines
Authors: Napolitano Luigi , Cirillo Luigi , Fusco Giovanni Maria , Abate Marco , Falcone Alfonso , Morgera Vincenzo , Cacace Gianluigi , De Luca Luigi , Reccia Pasquale , Mirone Claudia , Crocetto Felice , Celentano Giuseppe , Morra Simone , Barone Biagio , Imbimbo Ciro , Longo Nicola , Mirone Vincenzo , La Rocca Roberto
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Several mobile health applications (MHAs) have been developed to assist and improve the quality of life of patients affected by premature ejaculation, but the scientific quality and adherence to guidelines are not yet addressed. Materials and methods: On 25 May 2022, we conducted a search in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. We reviewed all mobile apps from Apple App Store and Google Play Store for premature ejaculation and evaluated their usage in screening, prevention, management, and adherence to EAU guidelines. Results: In total 9 MHA were reviewed. All MHAs are geared towards the patient and provide information about diagnoses and treatment of PE. The mean score were 2.87, 3.69, 2.77, 2.55, 2.86 for Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, and Subjective quality respectively. MHAs reported low and medium adherence to EAU guidelines. Conclusions: MHAs provide different services in many medical fields, including male sexual dysfunction. Their development is constantly increasing, but the problems of scientific validation, content, and quality are not yet solved. Much future research is necessary to improve the quality of the apps and promote new user designed, and high-quality apps.
An original mininvasive corporoplasty technique for penile curvature without circumcision
Authors: Rossi Antonio , Alei Giovanni , Viscuso Pietro , Tufano Antonio , Frisenda Marco , Mantica Guglielmo , Bove Pierluigi , Leonardi Rosario , De Dominicis Mauro , Calarco Alessandro
Published: September 2022

Objective: We describe an original minimally invasive penile plication technique with scrotal or infrapubic access, not requiring circumcision, for penile curvature of different severity and types. This technique can be used to correct both congenital and acquired curvatures, mono or bidirectional deformities. Materials and methods: Between 2012 and 2018 we treated 134 patients suffering from congenital curvature (33) and acquired curvature from Peyronie's disease (101). The average curvature was 62.2° (± 30.4°). Preoperative evaluation included prostaglandin E1 injection with photographic documentation and measurement of penile angulation, administration of IIEF- 15, vasoactive penile Doppler ultrasound, analysis of thermal and vibratory sensitivity with Genito-Sensory-Analyzer (GSA) and assessment of nocturnal penile stiffness with Rigiscan, performed twice, for a detailed evaluation of patient’s erectile function. Scrotal access was performed in patients with dorsal and/or lateral penile curvature; the infrapubic access was performed in patients with ventral curvature. After preparation and incision of Colles’ fascia, penis was partially degloved and an original plication technique called "binary corporoplasty" was performed at the site or sites established at preoperative assessment, with non-resorbable synthetic multifilament (Premicron®) suture. Results: Complete correction of penile curvature was achieved in 96.8 % of patients. No major complications were reported, and no patients suffered worsening in erectile function or in penile sensitivity. The average shortening of convex side was 1.65 cm (± 0.7 cm) and all patients report easy intercourse after correction. The average time of surgery was 46 minutes (± 11 min) and all procedures were performed as a day-hospital or ambulatory settings, with local anesthesia and light sedation. Overall satisfaction rate is 96%. Conclusions: This is a simple and rapid technique that perfectly corrects even the most severe and complex penile curvatures. In comparison to traditional techniques, such as Nesbit procedure, this technique is associated with low morbidity, a very low recurrence rate and a great aesthetic results. Aesthetic and functional patients’ satisfaction was excellent.
Natural treatments for erectile dysfunction: A focus on mobile health applications
Authors: Napolitano Luigi , Cirillo Luigi , Fusco Giovanni Maria , Abate Marco , Morgera Vincenzo , Cacace Gianluigi , Celentano Giuseppe , Barone Biagio , Spirito Lorenzo , Mirone Vincenzo , La Rocca Roberto
Published: September 2022

To the Editor,

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED represents one of the most important male sexual dysfunctions with a prevalence of 52% and affecting more than 150 million men worldwide (estimated to be 322 million worldwide for 2025) [...]
Comparison of intravenous injection of magnesium sulfate and lidocaine effectiveness on the prevention of laryngospasm and analgesic requirement in tonsillectomy
Authors: Manouchehrian Nahid , Abbasi Rohollah , Jiryaee Nasrin , Beigi Roya Mohammad
Published: September 2022

The aim of the present study is to compare the effect of intravenous (IV)injectionof magnesium sulfate and lidocaine on the prevention of laryngospasm, and analgesic requirement in tonsillectomy surgeries. In this double-blinded clinical trial, 62 children are randomly selected and categorized into two groups. Two minutes after intubation, group A received 15 mg/kg IV magnesium sulfate, while group B received 1 mg/kg IV 2% lidocaine. Laryngospasm frequency, nausea and vomiting, hemodynamic status (in 15 minutes after extubating), sedation score, analgesic requirement, and duration of recovery were compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and with a 95% confidence interval. Both groups had no significant difference based on the age and weight means, as well as sex frequency. 10 patients (32.3%) in the lidocaine group and 3 patients in the magnesium group (9.7%) had stridor, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.026). Laryngospasm only occurred in a patient of the lidocaine group. The frequency of nausea and vomiting, agitation and analgesic requirement in the lidocaine group were higher than the magnesium group (p= 0.001). However, sedation score and recovery time were higher in the magnesium group (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of hemodynamics. Magnesium sulfate and lidocaine had no difference in the incidence of laryngospasm, but magnesium sulfate was associated with a lower rate of stridor, nausea, vomiting, agitation and analgesic requirement in recovery in comparison to lidocaine.
Efficacy of Intravenous Clonidine Premedication in the Prevention of Adverse Hemodynamic Changes During Intubation in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery in Comparison with Placebo
Authors: Rao Sudhir S. , Vikas K. N. , Rooparani K. , Vinay R.
Published: September 2022

Context:

Laparoscopic surgeries involve the creation of pneumoperitoneum, which produces significant hemodynamic changes. Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists like clonidine are used as adjuvants during aesthesia for analgesic, sedative, sympatholytic and cardiovascular stabilizing effects.

Aims:

This study aims to assess the efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) clonidine premedication in the prevention of adverse hemodynamic changes during intubation in a patient undergoing laparoscopic surgery in comparison with (normal saline) placebo.

Settings and Design:

Eighty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either clonidine 3 μg.kg-1 diluted in normal saline or an equivalent quantity of normal saline administered intravenously 20 min before surgery.

Materials and Methods:

The primary outcome was to compare the efficacy of clonidine premedication in the prevention of adverse hemodynamic changes during intubation in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Other outcome parameters observed were requirements of induction agents and intraoperative analgesia and postoperative adverse effects.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Analysis of variance has been used to find the significance of study parameters between three or more groups of patients; Chi-square/Fisher exact test has been used to find the significance of study parameters on a categorical scale between two or more groups.

Results:

Heart rate reduced significantly after 10 min 3 μg.kg−1 clonidine administration and the decrease persisted throughout induction and intubation. The fluctuations of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures were high in the control group when compared with the clonidine group, throughout induction and intubation.

Conclusions:

Premedication with i.v. clonidine is a relatively safe and effective method that provides stable hemodynamics and protection against stress responses induced during laryngoscopy and intubation in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
MRI Evaluation of Salivary Gland Involvement by Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Panchbhai Aarati
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

The salivary gland involvement by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and diagnostic delays may influence the recurrence and survival of OSCC cases.

Aims and Objective:

To estimate salivary gland involvement in buccal OSCC cases.

Materials and Methods:

For 91 histopathologically proven cases of buccal OSCC, the primary tumor and salivary gland were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences as T1-T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, short tau inversion recovery, and contrast-enhanced images.

Results:

Out of 91 buccal OSCC patients, 10 (10.98%) cases showed salivary gland involvement, primarily the ipsilateral submandibular gland involvement with heterogeneous enhancement and few areas of necrosis.

Conclusion:

The considerable proportion of buccal OSCC cases with salivary gland involvement as evaluated in MRI was demonstrated in the present study. The study findings underscore the need for careful pre-treatment evaluations toward salivary gland involvement, especially in occult cases.
Effect of Covid and its Treatment Protocols on Chronic Generalized Periodontitis- A Prospective Study
Authors: Reddy S. Hari Krishna , Madu Chandrasekhar Reddy , Bathula Hanusha , Vedula Chiranjeevi , Kunthsam Venugopal , Gupta K. V S. P.
Published: September 2022

Background:

COVID-19 causes an inflammatory response that intensifies and can cause death. Periodontitis is also characterized by an inflammatory response elicited by microbial plaque, which intensifies and inflicts damage to the tissues. To address the effect of immunoinflammatory mechanisms, steroids were used extensively as a lifesaving drug and stayed as the mainstream drug in treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. The present study aimed to investigate the possible impact of COVID-19 treatment protocols in chronic periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 103 COVID-19-positive patients with a hospitalization period of at least 5 days with dental records were enrolled in the study. Based on Periodontal Index (PI) values, the subjects were categorized as having mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis. These patients, after undergoing treatment for COVID-19 were recalled after 6 months for periodontal status evaluation. Statistical analysis was made to test for any significant variation in the periodontal status before and after COVID-19 treatments.

Results:

The mean comparison of Periodontal Index (PI) values before and after COVID were 4.02 and 4.40, with a statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). PI values of the patients on Dexamethasone pre and post COVID –b 19 were compared and found to be 3.86 and 4.83, respectively.

Conclusion:

The present study indicates that COVID-19 and its different treatment protocols were strongly associated with elevated periodontal disease worsening in COVID-19 survivors at 6-month follow-up.
Assessment of Onset and Progression of Chemoradiotherapy Induced Oral Complications in Head and Neck Cancer Patients - A Prospective Study
Authors: Keziah Sharon V , Dharman Sreedevi , Maragathavalli Gopal
Published: September 2022

Background:

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are susceptible to acute oral complications that have deleterious effects on oral health, reducing the patients' quality of life.

Aim:

To assess the onset and progression of oral complications in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Materials and Method:

This was a prospective study conducted among 40 patients with HNC undergoing CRT. Oral complications onset and grades of severity at different time points on a weekly basis for six weeks were assessed. Weekly pairwise comparisons of oral complications was done using the Friedman one-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Chi-squared test was done in oral candidiasis to determine the significance between groups (P < 0.05).

Results:

Among 40 HNC patients who completed CRT and showed oral complications, 27 (67.5%) were males and 13 (32.5%) females, with peak age of 51–60 years (40%). All the oral complications had onset first noticed in the second week of CRT except dysphagia that occurred in the first week. A statistically significant difference in oral complications grading during week 1 to week 6 with P < 0.001 was present. All the patients had oral mucositis (OM), xerostomia, and dysgeusia observed in the fourth week, and dysphagia in fifth week. Severity in grading was noticed in the sixth week for all the complications. Candida albicans were more predominantly found in the later weeks as the dose of CRT increased (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In our study, a majority of oral complications had onset by second week of CRT and disease severity progressed in the sixth week of CRT. Awareness of the nature of oral complications by clinicians will aid in developing novel strategies and management in the near future that may help to improve the quality of life of the patient with HNC undergoing CRT.
White Sponge Nevus
Authors: Garg Ranjana , Gupta Vivek V. , Tegginamani Anand S. , Shivakumar Vanishree H.
Published: September 2022

Hereditary white lesions are a rare occurrence in the oral cavity. These lesions are usually harmless and benign. But these lesions resemble the other pathological oral white lesions having the risk of malignant transformation. The diagnosticians should be aware of the existence of these benign white lesions to avoid misdiagnosis and timely intervention for potentially malignant disorders. We have reported the occurrence of white sponge nevus in a young male patient and his mother. The patient's family history, complete clinical examination, and histological report validated the clinical diagnosis.