bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Social Model of Smart Home Devices
Authors: Rauf Adyan , Guru Abhishek , Mohapatra Hitesh
Published: October 2024

The field of exploring social models of smart home appliances aims to understand how these technologies interact with mobility and security issues, highlighting their broader social implications. This research has emerged due to the ubiquity of smart home devices and the need to comprehend their social impact. It focuses on the interplay between technology and its effects on equity and privacy concerns, aiming to develop policies that prioritize users over technology providers, while ensuring the protection of both smart home technologies and user privacy. The main challenge is understanding the integrated social safety functionality of these appliances. By examining the relationships between different countries, the research seeks to address differences through an approach that includes cultural norms, technological infrastructure, legal expertise, and user education. This anticipates a shift in smart home research towards a holistic approach, considering complex interactions. The goal is to provide insights for developing flexible and socially responsive smart home technologies.
Acceptance of a Mandatory E-Government System
Authors: Silvestro Rudinei , Schenatto Fernando José Avancini , Santos Gilson Ditzel , Oliveira Gilson Adamczuk
Published: October 2024

This replicative study evaluates the factors that influence the adoption of a mandatory e-Gov system in the perception of public university employees. The application of the UTAUT model showed that users perceive that by using the system they will perform better with less effort to perform their activities. Having conditions that facilitate the use of the system has a significant positive influence on the acceptance of the system. No statistical significance was found in the relationship between social influence and the behavioral intention to use the system. Analysing indirect effects of age, gender and experience, no significant evidence was found that these variables influence the behavioral intention to use the system. Computing resources, knowledge and technical support are factors that increase acceptance of e-Gov. The research findings can help those involved with the development and deployment of systems for e-government to create actions that minimize user difficulties and increase system acceptance.
Affordances and Constraints of Automation and Augmentation
Authors: Liang Qingyu , Gou Juanqiong , Wang Zhe , Dabić Marina
Published: October 2024

Human-AI collaboration is becoming increasingly prevalent in workplaces, and is considered to be an important model for the future of work. Consequently, AI is no longer seen merely as a tool but as a teammate working alongside humans. Currently, the design of AI in team collaboration, particularly human-AI collaboration patterns, has become a focal point for organizations. However, users' perceptions of the affordances and constraints of different collaboration patterns remain insufficient. Therefore, this study introduces a human-AI collaboration business simulation platform, used to simulate a future work environment that has two distinct human-AI collaboration patterns: automation and augmentation. In the unique context of the case enterprise platform, we further investigated the impact of task types (structured and unstructured tasks) on people's perceptions of automation and the influence of knowledge sources (AI designers' and end-users' knowledge-driven development) on people's perceptions of augmentation.
Makarenko e a formação profissional dos educandos na Colônia Gorki
Authors: Lara Angela Mara de Barros , Freitas Cezar Ricardo de
Published: October 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é evidenciar como os conceitos de perspectiva e de dimensão pedagógica da economia apresentaram-se como diferenciais da concepção de educação integral de Anton S. Makarenko (1888-1939) na década de 1920 na Rússia, especificamente na Colônia Gorki. Através de uma revisão bibliográfica que situa o autor em seu tempo histórico, buscamos apresentar aqui novas interpretações sobre o tema. O pedagogo ucraniano é conhecido no meio acadêmico, principalmente, pelo desenvolvimento de uma educação pelo e para o coletivo. Porém, ainda se faz necessário analisar melhor as estratégias pedagógicas que deram suporte para essa construção coletiva, como os conceitos de perspectiva e dimensão pedagógica da economia, desenvolvidos pelo autor soviético.
Instruindo-se para e pelo divertimento
Authors: Gomes Leonardo do , Marchi Júnior Wanderley
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar as experiências instrutivas formuladas por meio das corridas de cavalos em Curitiba entre os anos de 1873 (momento que um hipódromo é construído) e 1897 (ano em que um novo prado de corridas passa a ser arquitetado). O intuito em específico é investigar os discursos que se apresentaram ao redor dessa dinâmica – sobretudo aqueles relacionados aos posicionamentos que apresentaram indicações da necessidade de adoção de certos comportamentos. Como fontes, foram utilizados jornais publicados na cidade no período em tela. Em termos de conclusão, foi possível considerar que as corridas de cavalos apresentavam instruções de dupla ordem: a prescrição e aquisição de determinadas atitudes e a exigência e fiscalização do aprendizado desses gestos.
Clientelismo na instrução pública de Minas Gerais na segunda metade do século XIX
Authors: Nogueira Vera Lúcia
Published: October 2024

Inscrito no âmbito da História da Educação, neste artigo, discute-se o modo como a instrução pública se fez presente no contexto das redes clientelares ou de patronagem política do vice-presidente da província, Manuel Teixeira de Sousa, em Ouro Preto. Em diálogo com a História Política, e ancorado nos aportes da História Social das Elites, analisam-se as cartas enviadas ao político, no ano de 1860 e 1861, disponíveis no acervo da Casa do Pilar, em Ouro Preto. Os dados evidenciam que decisões do campo da instrução pública e da educação também sustentaram moralmente práticas clientelares que ligavam grupos políticos, amigos e correligionários que buscavam obter privilégios, considerações, benefícios pessoais para si ou para outrem.
Outcomes of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy in the control of intraocular pressure in patients with advanced glaucoma
Authors: De Silva S. C. , Dayawansa K. R.
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Advanced glaucoma patients are at a high risk of total visual field loss and poor quality of life. Although trabeculectomy with antimetabolites is the preferred surgery in such patients to achieve the desirable target IOP, it carries a high risk of wipeout following entry into the anterior chamber. Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) can be used as an alternative surgery in these patients. This study assessed the early postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent NPDS.Methodology: A descriptive study was carried utilizing clinical records of RD unit patients at the National Eye Hospital, Colombo from March to July 2023. Consecutive ecords of all eyes with advanced glaucoma which underwent NPDS during that period were included. Data regarding demographics, comorbidities of patients, baseline characteristics, control of glaucoma, and outcomes including postoperative IOP control and complications were evaluated.Results: Six eyes of 6 patients (4 males, 2 females) were included in the study. Mean age was 56 years (42-71). POAG was present in 4 patients and 2 patients had chronic ACG. Pseudophakia was noted in 2 patients, whilst all others were phakic. Mean preoperative IOP was 30.4mmHg on maximum tolerable topical and oral medications. All eyes underwent NPDS by a single surgeon under sterile conditions. One patient developed self-limited ocular hypotony postoperatively. Mean postoperative IOP on first postsurgical day was 12.8 mmHg. Mean IOP reduction was 17.6 mmHg (p=0.08).Conclusion: NPDS is an excellent alternative with good safety for IOP control in patients with advanced glaucoma.
Epithelial downgrowth masquerading as hypertensive anterior uveitis
Authors: Waduthantri S. , Chee S. P.
Published: October 2024

No abstract available
CT Swirl Sign in intracranial hemorrhage and its association with hematoma expansion
Authors: Bhinder K. K. , Kanwal A. , Naveed A. , Mehboob A. , Ullah F. , Shah M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction & objective -One of the poor clinical outcomes in intracranial hemorrhage is hematoma expansion. We aimed to determine the association of the swirl sign with hematoma expansion.Methods-Fifty patients with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage presenting between January 2021 to July 2023 who underwent an initial CT at presentation (CT1) and follow up CT (CT2) within next 96 hours at our hospital were retrospectively identified. The swirl sign was identified on non-contrast CT. The haematoma volume in initial and repeated CTs were calculated and correlated with descriptive analysis. Results -Amongst total of 50 patients, swirl sign was positive in 10 patients (20%) and negative in 40 patients (80%). In patients having swirl sign, mean age was 38 years. Mean initial and follow up hematoma volumes were 25.49 ml and 47.79 ml respectively. Significant hematoma expansion was noted with an approximate 88% increase in volume. In patients without swirl sign, mean age was 49 years. Mean initial and follow up hematoma volumes were 28.55 ml and 24.96 ml with no significant increase in hematoma volume.Conclusions-Thus, swirl sign is associated with hematoma expansion in patients with intracranial hemorrhage and can be used as a predictor of functional outcome of patients. Hematoma expansion must be kept in mind while reporting CTs of patients having swirl sign.
MR Imaging of Mullerian Duct anomalies: Pictorial Review of a Sri Lankan experience
Authors: Hassen F. F. , Dayaratne K. M. P. L. , Prabodhini M. , Maggonage C. G. , Hewavithana P. B.
Published: October 2024

MR imaging of female pelvis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of congenital female genital tract anomalies. Prevalence of Mullerian Duct Anomalies (MDA) ranges between 1% to 5% in general population and reaches up to 25% in women with recurrent pregnancy losses. Based on embryological development of female genital tract, the MDA are classified into three simplified broad categories as dysgenesis/agenesis, lateral fusion and vertical fusion anomalies. Further subcategorization into obstructive and non-obstructive forms is important in treatment planning. Recent advances in MR imaging provides excellent anatomical delineation of pelvic anatomy leading to accurate diagnosis and classification of MDA.
Radiation dose of abdominopelvic Computed Tomography: an audit at a tertiary care children’s hospital in Sri  Lanka
Authors: Wadige K. N. H. , Rangana M. A. D. , Fernando J. , Samarasinghe N.
Published: October 2024

Computed tomography (CT) is a vital imaging modality for accurate diagnosis and follow-up of various abdominopelvic conditions. Quantitative lifetime radiation risk is higher in children than adults. This study aimed to assess the radiation dose of abdominopelvic computed tomography (CTAP) at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH), Colombo Sri Lanka.  A retrospective analysis of CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP) of CTAP in 150 patients with 30 patients in each weight category was conducted. Median values of DLP and CTDIvol quantities for each weight category were compared with international diagnostic reference levels (DRL).  The median values of CTDIvol and DLP for the weight group <5kg were 2.9 mGy and 68.4 mGycm, 5<15kg were 3.8 mGy and 101.6 mGycm, 15<30kg were 5.1 mGy and 181.7 mGycm, 30<50kg were 8.5 mGy and 293.4 mGycm and 50<80kg were 13.7 mGy and 638.6 mGycm. DRL values in our institution were higher than the international values in some countries. A higher difference in DLP than CTDIvol indicates the possibility of further dose reduction at our institution by reducing scan length and/or the number of multiphasic studies. Further studies are needed including multicenter studies to establish national DRL and optimize the radiation dose nationwide.
The relationship between fasting duration and sonographic volumes of the gallbladder and the bladder in patients attending radiology departments in Kuliypitiya urban area, Sri Lanka
Authors: Gamage R. S. , Nalaka T. D. K. , Hettiarachchi P.
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives - Patients are requested to keep fasting prior to abdominal ultrasonography, and a full bladder is requested for pelvic ultrasound. Adherence to these preparation protocols is considered crucial for diagnostic outcomes. Understanding the rationale behind these protocols is important for health care workers. This study aimed to explore effect of fasting and sonographic volumes of the gallbladder and bladder.Method - A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to December 2023 at the Teaching Hospital and a Private Hospital in the Kuliyapitiya urban area, SRI Lanka to explore the link between fasting duration and the sonographic volumes of the gallbladder and bladder in patients aged 18-60 years. Individuals with pre-existing organ conditions were excluded. A total of 186 participants undergoing sonographic examinations were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a clinical record sheet. Results - We found positive correlations between fasting duration and the volumes of the gallbladder (r = 0.216) and bladder (r = 0.246). Patients informed about preparation protocols had significantly higher bladder volumes compared to those who were uninformed.Conclusion - The research highlights the physiological impacts of fasting on the gallbladder and bladder volumes, underscoring the importance of patient preparation guidelines before sonographic examinations.
Anatomical variations of the hepatic artery in patients who undergo Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka.
Authors: Nikapitiya B. S. , Pussepitiya D. M. U. R. K.
Published: October 2024

Background and objective- Research on hepatic arterial anatomy is pivotal due to its clinical relevance for hepato-biliary interventions.  Evidence on variant anatomy of hepatic vasculature is scarce in Sri Lanka. We aimed to assess the anatomical variations of the hepatic artery using Michel’s classification and determine their association with gender and ethnicity. Methods- Patients above the age of five years who underwent CECT abdomen in arterial phase from August to December 2023 were consecutively recruited. CECT images were analysed, and recorded with socio-demographic information of the patients. Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions.  Results- Among 139 participants, the majority were males (51.8%), middle-aged (54.7%) and Sinhalese (81.3%).  24.5% showed an anatomical variation of the hepatic artery. The most common variant patterns were replaced left hepatic artery (7.2%), replaced right hepatic artery (5%) and common hepatic artery arising from superior mesenteric artery (3.6%). Females had a 13% increased chance for hepatic artery variations compared to males, but this association was not statistically significant (p=0.73). Tamil participants recorded the highest proportion of variant anatomy (33%) but the differences between ethnicities were not significant (p=0.66). Only one participant showed an atypical distribution that did not match Michel’s categories. Conclusions- Variant hepatic arterial anatomy in this Sri Lankan clinical population largely tallied the global prevalence but with different patterns. Further research is needed into the gender- and ethnic- differences and atypical variations identified by this study.
Adverse events related to laser fibers and laser machines during ureteroscopy and stone lithotripsy: Insights from an updated 10-year analysis of the US MAUDE database
Authors: Juliebø-Jones Patrick , Æsøy Mathias Sørstrand , Beisland Christian , De Coninck Vincent , Keller Etienne Xavier , Tzelves Lazaros , Gjengstø Peder , Arvei Moen Christian , Somani Bhaskar K. , Ulvik Øyvind
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Ureteroscopy has become increasingly chosen as a treatment of choice for patients with kidney stone disease and laser as the energy source for stone lithotripsy is a key part of this. Our aim was to analyse a national database to evaluate the burden of adverse events related to laser fibers and laser machines.Methods: Search was performed of the Manufacturer User and Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database in the United States for all events related to holmium laser fibers and holmium laser machines during ureteroscopy between 2012-2021. Information collected included the following: problem, timing, prolonged anaesthesia, early termination of procedure, injury and retained parts.Results: 699 holmium laser fiber events were reported and these had been manufactured by 13 different companies. The commonest problems were breakage outside the patient while in use (26.3%) and breakage of the laser fiber tip (21.2%). Manufacturers concluded root cause to be device failure in 8.9%. 29% of issues occurred before the laser had been activated. 5.2% of cases had to be cancelled as a result of an event. Significantly more injuries were sustained intra-operatively by operating staff compared to patients (6% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.001). All these injuries were superficial burns to the skin with the hand being the most affected body part (88.1%). Zero ocular injuries were reported. Only eight events were related to laser machines and all involved sudden hardware failure but no patient injury.Conclusions: Laser fibers are fragile. Most adverse events are due to operator error. Direct patient injury from laser fiber is scarce but operating staff should be aware of the risk of sustaining minor burns. Laser machines rarely incur problems and, in this study, did not result in any safety issues beyond need to abort the procedure due to lack of spare equipment.
Utilizing artificial neural network system to predict the residual valve after endoscopic posterior urethral valve ablation
Authors: Shirazi Mehdi , Jahanabadi Zahra , Ahmed Faisal , Goodarzi Davood , Hesam Abadi Alimohammad Keshtvarz , Askarpour Mohammad Reza , Shirazi Sania
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To build, train, and assess the artificial neural network (ANN) system in estimating the residual valve rate after endoscopic valve ablation and compare the data obtained with conventional analysis. Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study between June 2010 and December 2020, 144 children with a history of posterior urethral valve (PUV) who underwent endoscopic valve ablation were enrolled in the study. MATLAB software was used to design and train the network in a feed-forward backpropagation error adjustment scheme. Preoperative and postoperative data from 101 patients (70%) (training set) were utilized to assess the impact and relative significance of the necessity for repeated ablation. The validated suitably trained ANN was used to predict repeated ablation in the next 33 patients (22.9%) (test set) whose preoperative data were serially input into the system. To assess system accuracy in forecasting the requirement for repeat ablation, projected values were compared to actual outcomes. The likelihood of predicting the residual valve was calculated using a three-layered backpropagating deep ANN using preoperative and postoperative information. Results: Of 144 operated cases, 33 (22.9%) had residual valves and needs to repeated ablation. The ANN accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting the residual valve were 90.75%, 92.73%, and 73.19%, respectively. Younger age at surgery, hyperechogenicity of the renal parenchyma, presence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and grade of reflux before surgery were among the most significant characteristics that affected postoperative outcome variables, the need for repeated ablation, and were given the highest relative weight by the ANN system. Conclusions: The ANN is an integrated data-gathering tool for analyzing and finding relationships among variables as a complex non-linear statistical model. The results indicate that ANN is a valuable tool for outcome prediction of the residual valve after endoscopic valve ablation in patients with PUV.
The impact of surgical technique on very early functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Stankovic Mladen
Published: October 2024

Introduction: To determine the very early functional as well as oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP) at a single institution. Methods: We identified patients who underwent RARP or ORP at our institution between August 2021 and July 2023. The main criterion for surgical technique selection was patient preference. Primary endpoints included anastomosis leakage rate, very early continence rate reported by standardized pad-test, and positive surgical margin rate. Furthermore, we analyzed operation time, hospital stay, postoperative analgesia, and complication rates.Results: In this prospective study, we analyzed data from 222 radical prostatectomies (111 RARP and 111 ORP). There were no significant differences in preoperative age, prostate size, and risk stratification among the groups. Patients who underwent RARP had lower anastomosis leakage rates (8.1% vs. 18.9%) and slightly lower early continence rates (76.6% vs. 78.4%) when compared to patients who underwent ORP. Positive surgical margin rates were similar, and complication rates were also comparable. Operation time was similar for both techniques, but the hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RARP group (6.3 vs. 9.1 days, p=0.03). The ORP group experienced significantly higher opioid administration postoperatively (p<0.001). Conclusions: From a functional and oncological point of view, both techniques are safe and provide excellent outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons. Nevertheless, patients are likely to benefit from a shortened hospital stay and reduced postoperative pain after RARP.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of short- and long-term complications of early versus delayed penile prosthesis implantation in patients with ischemic priapism
Authors: Nanda De Niro Agustin J. , Duarsa Gede Wirya Kusuma , Harvy Wicaksono Marshal , Tirtayasa Pande Made Wisnu , Santosa Kadek Budi , Yudiana I Wayan , Prayudi Nyoman Gede
Published: October 2024

Background: This study determined pooled estimates of short- and long-term complications of early versus delayed implantation of penile prosthesis in patients with ischemic priapism. Methods: We searched Pubmed, ProQuest, Scopus, EBSCOHost, and other sources from January 1, 2013, to March 2023. All study designs were included except animal studies, review articles, and consensus documents. Of the 214 articles, four studies were included in the systematic review, and further meta-analysis included three studies (PROSPERO CRD42023411005). Results: The short-term complication rate was lower with early implantation than with later implantation (β= -2.08; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = -3.54, -0.6; p = < 0.05). A similar value was also found in the pooled analysis for long-term outcomes, defined as overall satisfaction rate, which is better with early implantation than later (β = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.35, 3.02; p= < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the pooled analysis confirmed that short-term complications were significantly lower with early implantation than with delayed implantation. Overall satisfaction rates were higher in early implantation than in delayed implantation of penile prostheses.
Electromagnetic stimulation to reduce the hypertonia of the pelvic floor muscles and improve chronic pelvic pain in women
Authors: Mondaini Nicola , Gacci Mauro , Cai Tommaso , Lotti Francesco , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Crocerossa Fabio , Cantiello Francesco , Tanguenza Sara , Comito Alessandra , Fusco Irene , Pennati Beatrice , Damiano Rocco
Published: October 2024

Background: The increased hypertonicity or activity of pelvic floor muscles can lead to chronic pelvic pain (CPP). It represents an aspecific and persistent pain with no apparent clinical reason, affecting an estimated 6% to 16% of women worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate with validated questionnaires the efficacy and the safeness of a new device that uses Top flat Magnetic Stimulation for the management of muscular hypertonia in women with CCP. Methods: All patients underwent 8 treatments with a non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic device. The device produces a TOP Flat Magnetic Stimulation with a uniform profile so, the muscle work aims to reduce pain while also inhibiting muscle activity. The PISQ-12 questionnaire was used for the evaluation of improvements. Side effects were monitored. Results: The PISQ-12 total mean score decreases from 29,2 (±3.3) to 17 (±2). Regarding the behavioural–emotive items (1-4), a decrease from 12 (±2) to 7 (±0.9) was visible. Physical items (5-9) decrease from 10,6 (±1.8) to 6 (±1.4) and the Partner Related items (10-12) from 6,6 (±1.6) to 3,9 (±0.4).  Conclusions: The device we used in this research demonstrated to be a valid solution for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain in female patients.
“Bottoms-up” minimally-invasive approach to inguinal lymph node dissection for penile cancer management. A single-center comparative study versus open approach and review
Authors: Schițcu Vlad-Horia , Munteanu Vlad Cristian , Borz Mihnea Bogdan , Cojocaru Ion , Labo Sergiu Vasile , Tise Andrei-Ionut
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Open inguinal lymph node dissection (OILND) plays a crucial role in penile cancer management, but in order to improve patient outcomes, minimally-invasive (MILND) approaches were developed. Our “bottoms-up” MILND is a novel endoscopic technique, changing the way the sequence of dissection is performed. This study aims to compare our approach to the current standard of OILND in terms of oncologic and perioperative outcomes.Materials and methods: In our database, from 2016 to 2023, 12 patients underwent OILND and 16 had a “bottoms-up” MILND, which is performed with a three port configuration, starting the dissection under the fascia lata, dissecting the femoral vessels in the most distal part of the femoral fossa, followed by dissection of the proximal and superficial lymph nodes at the top of thefemoral triangle.Results: For MILND, median operation time per groin was shorter (58 vs 64 minutes, p=0.34), patients presented shorter hospital stays (10 vs 18 days, p=0.32) and fewer days with drains (14 vs 24 days, p=0.01). Median lymph node yield per groin was higher for MILND (10 vs 9 nodes, p=0.7), but OILND had a higher median of positive lymph nodes (4 vs 3 nodes, p=0.63). MILND patients experienced a lower incidence of major complications (33% vs 58%, p=0.007).Conclusions: We have proved that our technique of MILND is not inferior to the current standard and we believe that it can further improve patient outcomes with a safer, simplified and easily reproducible approach.
Single-component artificial urinary sphincter: Outcomes from one centre in Portugal
Authors: Aragão Vital João , Marques Monteiro Miguel , Lobão Teixeira Bernardo , Grilo Mendes Gonçalo , Rocha Alexandra , Madanelo Mariana , Mesquita Sofia , Vinagre Nuno , Oliveira Beatriz , Magalhães Martinha , Isabel Lopes Ana , Ferreira Carlos , Príncipe Paulo , Fraga Avelino
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Radical prostate cancer treatment is the predominant cause of iatrogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in men, significantly impacting their quality of life (QoL). This prospective single-center study in Portugal aimed to evaluate the outcomes of men with moderate-to-severe SUI treated with a single-component artificial urinary sphincter (AUS).Materials and methods: Male patients with iatrogenic moderate-to-severe SUI, determined by a 24-hour pad weight test, were included. The single-component device comprises a cuff linked to a pump unit through a kink-resistant tube. The implantation involved perineal incision for cuff placement and an inguinal incision for pump and tank positioning within the scrotum. Complications, pad usage, perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), and quality of life assessment using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaire were documented.Results: Between May 2021 and March 2023, 20 consecutive single-component AUS insertions were conducted at a Portuguese urology department. Follow-up concluded in July 2023, with a mean follow-up duration of 15 months (range: 5-27). Four patients experienced complications necessitating device revision or removal (erosion = 2, infection = 1, mechanical failure = 1). Social continence (0/1 pad/day) was achieved in 70% (14/20 patients), while 30% (6/20 patients) experienced incontinence. Perioperatively, one patient was classified as grade 2, while the remaining were grade 0/1 in the Clavien-Dindo classification. The mean ICIQ-SF score reduction was 10.5 points.Conclusions: The single-component AUS shows promising efficacy in managing moderate-to-severe male SUI, offering a good success rate, acceptable complications, improved QoL, and a straightforward surgical procedure.
Vasectomy histology: Is it still useful?
Authors: Sim Anthony , Nikolinakos Panagiotis , Charitopoulos Konstantinos , Donkov Ivo , Bishara Samuel
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To determine if histological evaluation of the vasa is useful when post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) compliance is low and to determine whether compliance could be predicted. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of patients undergoing vasectomy between 2018 and 2022 was undertaken. A comparison of the PVSA between three vasa histological categorisations was made: complete divisions, incomplete division(s), absent vas(a). A multivariate model was constructed to predict PVSA compliance. Results: From 388 patients, 191 (49.2%) undertook PVSA. Four patients had a revision of vasectomy. On 3 occasions this was due to the histology findings and once from semen analysis with normal histology. There was no significant difference in the number of azoospermic samples (95.4% vs 91.2%, ns), of samples with presence of Rare Non-Motile Sperm (RNMS) (2.6% vs 8.8%, ns) and those with sperm present (2.0 vs 0%, ns), between patients with complete division of the vasa on both sides and those with incomplete division on one side respectively. There was no difference in patient characteristics between those who complied with PVSA and those who did not. Conclusions: This paper suggests that there is a role for histological evaluation of the vasa when PVSA compliance is poor. Incompletely divided vasa on histology are not associated with an adverse PVSA.
The potential role of intracavernosal injection of platelet-rich plasma for treating patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction: A GRADE-Assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yogiswara Niwanda , Rizaldi Fikri , Soebadi Mohammad Ayodhia
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown positive effects on enhancing erectile function in animal studies. Human clinical trials are limited and provide contradictory results. This review aims to conduct a meta-analysis of the available Randomized controlled trials (RCT) to assess the efficacy of PRP in males with ED. Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the Cochrane Handbook of Intervention and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023441655).Results: A total of three RCTs were included in the analysis for a total of 221 patients with mild to moderate ED. The patients receiving PRP reported significantly better improvement of IIEFEF score during 1,3- and 6-months follow-up compared to the placebo group (mean difference [MD] 2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48 to 3.83, p < 0.01; MD 2.11, 95%CI 0.13 to 4.09, p = 0.04; MD 2.99, 95%CI 1.79 to 4.19, p < 0.01). The pooled analysis indicated that attainment of minimally clinical important difference (MCID) was significantly higher in patients receiving PRP compared to the placebo group during one and 6-month follow-up (odds ratio [OR] 5.51, 95%CI 1.2 to 254, p = 0.03; OR 5.64, 95%CI 2.05 to 15.55, p < 0.01; respectively). Encouragingly, no major AEs were reported in all three trials in the PRP and placebo groups (p = 0.99). Conclusions: This review highlights the potential role of PRP in providing short-term improvement of erectile function parameters for up to 6 months in mild to moderate ED patients. Future RCTs with longer-duration follow-ups and more standardized treatment protocols are necessary to gain sufficient details on PRP's long-term effectiveness and safety.
Functional outcome of the one-stage scrotal tunnel + ventral inverted V incision + inverted Y anastomosis technique to treat penile paraffinoma: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Palinrungi Muhammad Asykar , Syahrir Syakri , Syarif Syarif , Palinrungi Andhini L.R. , Faruk Muhammad
Published: October 2024

Introduction and objective: Penis enlargement through substance injection is common in many countries of Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. The definitive therapy involves removing the entire skin and the subcutaneous tissue and resurfacing the penile shaft via a single-stage or multi-staged procedure. This study aimed to report the functional outcome and esthetics of treating penile paraffinoma patients using the scrotal tunnel + ventral inverted V incision + anastomosis inverted Y technique.Material and methods: This study was a single-center retrospective descriptive analysis of patients who underwent one-stage scrotal tunnel + ventral inverted V incision and inverted Y-shaped anastomosis procedures from January 2013 to December 2023. The following data were collected: chief complaint, reason for the injection, type of fluid injected, duration of surgery, duration of hospitalization, length of follow-up, and results after surgery.Results: Of the 32 patients included in the study, 78% injected liquids in the form of oil and the goal of the majority of patients was penis enlargement (71%). The average age was 36.84 years, and the main complaint was pain in the penis during erection (53%). The average operation time was 130 minutes, hospitalization duration was 2.21 days, primary wound healing was 91%, patient satisfaction level was 97%, and Scale 4 erection hardness was 91%.Conclusion: One-stage surgery for penile paraffinoma produced promising results when the granuloma was limited to the penis and healthy scrotal skin was available to cover the penis.
Programmed death-ligand expression and lymph node involvement in penile squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Peyroteo Inês , Santos Filipa , Marialva Celso , Brito Ramos Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Our objective was to investigate the association between programmed death-ligand (PD-L1) immunoexpression measured as a combined positive score and clinical outcomes in penile SqCC. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed all penile SqCC cases diagnosed in our institution between 2018 and 2023. PD-L1 immunohistochemistry was performed as a qualitative assay. Immunoexpression in both tumor and immune cells equal or superior to 1 was considered positive.Results: A total of 34 patients with conventional penile SqCC were included. Eleven cases were HPV-associated (32.4%). Twelve cases were PD-L1 CPS < 1 and twenty-two were PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1. Nine cases (32.4%) were PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 and p16 positive, but this did not translate in worse clinicopathological features. Larger tumors (3.0 cm in PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 vs 2.5 cm in PD-L1 CPS < 1; p = 0.662), vascular invasion (36.4% in PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 vs. 25.0% in PD-L1 CPS < 1; p = 0.705) and perineural invasion (40.9% in PD-L1 CPS≥1 vs. 16.7% in PD-L1 CPS < 1; p = 0.252) were associated with PD-L1 expression. Among the high-risk features, only lymph node involvement had statistical significance, with 14 out of 22 PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 patients (63.6%) having lymph node metastases when lymphadenectomy was performed (p = 0.031). With a median follow-up of 16 months (IQR 27.5), PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 patients had worse overall survival (53.4 months vs 75.9 months), but no statistical significance could be inferred (p = 0.188).Conclusions: It is noteworthy the clinical significance of lymph node involvement in PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 cases and a trend towards worse overall survival in this group of patients.
Face scabies in the elderly: when dermoscopy can be a game changer
Authors: Corio Andrea , Zelin Enrico , Mazzoletti Vanessa , Sonego Benedetta , Brunello Camilla , Di Meo Nicola , Zalaudek Iris
Published: October 2024

Dear Editor,
Scabies is a common pruritic ectoparasitic infestation of the skin caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It classically presents as an intensely pruritic eruption that usually involves hands and interdigital folds, wrists, axillae, areolae, abdomen, and genitalia. In immunocompetent adults, mite infestation affecting the face is considered exceptional; accordingly, if topical treatment is chosen, clinicians typically instruct patients to apply the product to the body, excluding the head area.
“It’s not avoiding anything”: Exploring avoidance in the context of non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Haywood Sophie , Hasking Penelope , Boyes Mark
Published: October 2024

Non-suicidal self-injury is a concerning and prevalent behavior, particularly among adolescents and university students. Most theoretical models focus on the role avoidance plays in self-injury but, there is no consensus on what is being avoided. The aim of this study was to gain insight from individuals with lived experience of self-injury to better understand the role of avoidance in NSSI. Thirtyfive interviews were conducted with individuals with lived experience of NSSI (18 – 44 years) and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were developed to address our aim: active not passive; a short term distraction; externalizing inner turmoil. Our analysis suggests that avoidance is not a term that resonates with individuals with lived experience of NSSI. The theoretical and methodological implications of these findings are that we need to use language that resonates with individuals with lived experience and improve the way avoidance is conceptualized.
Different habitat condition proportions on farms affect the structure and diversity of dung beetle (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) communities
Authors: Tec Pardillo Rodrigo , Arellano Lucrecia , López-Ortiz Silvia , Jarillo Rodríguez Jesús , Ortega Martínez Ilse J. , Mendoza Briseño Martín Alfonso , Vargas Mendoza Mónica de la Cruz
Published: October 2024

The continuous changes and increase of land use into ranching and agriculture have caused shifts in the composition and structure of dung beetle communities due to the modification of vegetation structure. The impact of these changes can be approached using dung beetles as ecological indicators. Agricultural, ranching, and forestry are often integrated into the same farm in different proportions (landscape level), and their degree of integration with habitats changes over time and space. We assessed if different habitat proportions of crop, pasture, and forest land on three farms affect the structure and diversity of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) communities. Farms included from three to four habitat conditions each (plantations of timber species, banana-coffee plantation, living fences, pastures, secondary and riparian forest). Pitfall traps with dung and carrion as bait were placed across each habitat condition of each farm during three different sampling periods. Across all samplings, 1,198 dung beetle individuals belonging to 21 species were captured. Species diversity and composition vary according to the type of farm and the main factor that modifies this tendency is the proportion of pasture land composing the farm. Farms with a lower proportion of grazing land (11.96% for forestry farms and 32.19% for agricultural farms) and denser vegetation canopy, which cast more shadows, had greater beetle diversity. Conversely, farms having a greater proportion of grazing land had low diversity and a dominant tendency in the species abundance curve. Umbraphile species dominated the forest farm, indicating a strong affinity for shaded environments such as the one provided there, while species displaying no habitat preference exhibited higher abundance in the ranching farm. Additionally, a notable prevalence of small-sized species was observed in the ranching farm, contrasting with a relatively even distribution of sizes in the remaining landscapes. These tendencies suggest that shade positively influences biodiversity conservation. Riparian vegetation, living fences, and banana-coffee plantations are important connectivity elements in agricultural landscapes for shade-adapted dung beetle species.
Assessment of Perceived Diversity and Inclusivity of Athletic Training Textbooks
Authors: Ostrowski Jennifer , Wilkenfeld David , Strouse Alissa , Montgomery Johnpatrick
Published: October 2024

Context

Adopting diverse perspectives is increasingly important for athletic trainers (ATs) to provide care that fosters inclusion for all patients. Despite the NATA’s commitment to diversity, NATA membership remains approximately 80% White. Additionally, although ATs work with people from ethnically diverse backgrounds with unique body expression and body-size characteristics, it is unknown whether athletic training textbooks represent this diversity.

Objective

To investigate diversity characteristics of images including patients and clinicians within athletic training textbooks.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty percent (n = 15) of athletic training and health care textbooks included on the Board of Certification reference list were selected. Twenty percent of chapters from those textbooks were then randomly selected for inclusion.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Descriptive statistics were calculated for person (athlete, nonathlete, clinician), setting (athletic venue, clinic, physician office, other), and demographic categories (perceived skin tone, race/ethnicity, age, gender, body size, body expression). Chi-square tests of goodness of fit were performed to determine significant differences between categories, and χ2 tests of independence were performed to determine differences across person type and category and across textbook domain and category.

Results

One thousand six hundred sixty-seven people were assessed from 1190 images. Images depicted statistically more persons with light skin tone (86%) assumed to be White (86%), young adults (75%) of average weight (95%), with no body expression diversity (95%). There were no major differences in subject characteristic majorities across person type or textbook domain.

Conclusions

Like other health care professions, a lack of image diversity was demonstrated within athletic training textbooks. To better recruit diverse students to the athletic training profession, and to prepare professional students to provide culturally competent and patient-centered care, these resources should better represent the diversity of ATs and their patients.
Analytic philosophy and scriptural interpretations
Authors: Antombikums Aku S.
Published: October 2024

The task of interpreting the Holy Scriptures has been a daunting enterprise throughout the history of the Church. This article explores how analytic philosophy could be promising in biblical interpretation. Notwithstanding the suspicion related to analytic philosophy, this article argues that analytic philosophy could creatively aid the interpretation of the Holy Scripture. My interest is in how its focus on coherence and clarity of description could add force to making sense of the truth claims of the Bible. I argue that when used creatively, analytic philosophy holds excellent prospects for biblical interpretation, especially in distinguishing between the presupposition of the message of a Bible text and the presupposition of the interpreter.Contribution: The article argues that the omission of the Hebrew Bible from academic discussion in fields like political philosophy or psychology and mainstream philosophy because it is considered a product of revelation that must not be approached using reasoning is a false dichotomy because, in the Scriptures, we find God inviting us to reasoning.
Lung function and blood gas of rats after different protocols of hypobaric exposure
Authors: Yin Lijun , Wen Yukun , Liang Zhixin , Guan Zhenbiao , Yu Xuhua , Xu Jiajun , Wang Shifeng , Liu Wenwu
Published: October 2024

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a common disease observed in climbers, skiers and soldiers who ascend to high altitudes without previous acclimatization. Thus, a reliable and reproducible animal model that can mimic the mechanisms of pathophysiologic response in humans is crucial for successful investigations. Our results showed that exposure to 4500 m for 2 days had little influence on lung function or blood gas, and exposure to 6000 m for 2 or 3 days could change lung function and blood gas, but most parameters returned to nearly normal levels within 48 hours. This study indicates that exposure to 6000 m for 3 days may induce evident lung edema and significantly alter lung function and blood gas, which may mimic HAPE in clinical practice. Thus, this animal model of HAPE may be used in future studies on HAPE.
Changing Medication Safety and Quality Improvements: Empowering Pharmacists With Data
Authors: Davitian Leigh
Published: October 2024

Since the mid-1990s, pharmacists have played a key role in medication safety and quality by preventing medication errors, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring medication use is safe and effective.
But improvements to the process constantly evolve. Ensuring high-quality, safe medical care is the primary goal of both pharmacies and pharmacists and is essential to the industry's efforts to protect the
public.
Fractal dimensions of the Markov and Lagrange spectra near $3$
Authors: Erazo Harold , Gutiérrez-Romo Rodolfo , Moreira Carlos Gustavo , Romaña Sergio
Published: October 2024

The Lagrange spectrum

\mathcal{L}

and Markov spectrum

\mathcal{M}

are subsets of the real line with complicated fractal properties that appear naturally in the study of Diophantine approximations. It is known that the Hausdorff dimensions of the intersections of these sets with any half-line coincide, that is,

\dim_{H}(\mathcal{L}\cap (-\infty, t)) = \dim_{H}(\mathcal{M}\cap (-\infty, t))\equalscolon d(t)

for every

t \geq 0

. It is also known that

d(3)=0

and

d(3+\varepsilon)>0

for every

\varepsilon>0

.We show that, for sufficiently small values of

\varepsilon > 0

, one has the approximation

d(3+\varepsilon) = 2\cdot\frac{W(e^{c_0}|\log \varepsilon|)}{|\log \varepsilon|}+\mathrm{O}(\frac{\log |\log \varepsilon|}{|\log \varepsilon|^{2}})

, where

W

denotes the Lambert function (the inverse of

f(x)=xe^{x}

) and

c_{0}=-\log\log((3+\sqrt{5})/2) \approx 0.0383

. We also show that this result is optimal for the approximation of

d(3+\varepsilon)

by “reasonable” functions, in the sense that, if

F(t)

is a

C^{2}

function such that

d(3+\varepsilon) = F(\varepsilon) + \mathrm{o}(\frac{\log |\log \varepsilon|}{|\log \varepsilon|^{2}})

, then its second derivative

F''(t)

changes sign infinitely many times as

t

approaches

0

.
Density of the sums of shifts of a single function in the $L_2^0$ space on a compact Abelian group
Authors: Dyuzhina Natalia Aleksandrovna
Published: October 2024

Let $G$ be a nontrivial compact Abelian group. The following result is proved: a real-valued function on $G$ such that the sums of shifts of it are dense in the $L_{2}$-norm in the corresponding real space of mean zero functions exists if and only if the group $G$ is connected and has an infinite countable character group.
Bibliography: 13 titles.