scholarly journals The use of scrotal ultrasound in the evaluation of varicoceles: A survey study of reproductive specialists

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jabez Gondokusumo ◽  
Mohit Butaney ◽  
Adithya Balasubramanian ◽  
Joanathan Beilan ◽  
Alexander Tatem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Retrograde Flow ◽  
Scrotal Ultrasound ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Venous Diameter ◽  
Almost All

Introduction: Urologists use ultrasound in the male infertility workup to evaluate scrotal contents and objectively identify varicoceles if their presence is questionable on physical examination. We assessed practice patterns and diagnostic criteria of male reproductive urologists using ultrasound to evaluate varicoceles. Methods: An anonymous online survey was sent to the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology (SMRU) members. We queried respondents about ultrasonographic criteria and ultrasound techniques employed in varicocele evaluation. Chi-squared was used to determine association between categorical variables. Results: In total, 110/320 (34.4%) SMRU members responded. Sixty percent of respondents (66/110) reported performing scrotal ultrasound; 92.4 % (61/66) were attending urologists and 87.9% (58/66) completed an andrology fellowship. A total of 37.9% (25/66) performed their own ultrasound, while the remainder had ultrasound performed by an alternate practitioner. Among those performing their own ultrasound, 95.5% (21/22) measured varicocele venous diameter compared to 76% (29/38) when another practitioner performed the ultrasound. Venous diameter used to define a varicocele ranged from 2–4 mm. Although 80% (49/61) of respondents assessed retrograde flow during ultrasound, only 52.5% reported that retrograde flow was required for varicocele diagnosis. Almost all (60/61) indicated that they would fix palpable varicoceles in patients with abnormal semen parameters. Fewer (42.6%, 26/61) respondents stated they would repair varicoceles found exclusively on ultrasound. Conclusions: Ultrasound is commonly employed by male reproductive urologists to diagnose varicoceles. We identified that practitioners use various ultrasonographic criteria and techniques for varicocele diagnosis. Study limitations include recall bias and high degree of specialization among respondents.

scholarly journals Patients’ Perceived Satisfaction Through Telephone-Assisted Tele-Consultation During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Period: Observational Single-Centre Study at a Tertiary-Referral Colorectal Surgery Department

2021 ◽  
pp. 155335062110080
Author(s):  
Lara Blanco Terés ◽  
Carlos Cerdán Santacruz ◽  
Javier García Septiem ◽  
Rocío Maqueda González ◽  
José María Lopesino González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Job Status ◽  
Perceived Satisfaction ◽  
The Future ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Single Centre Study ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Surgery Department

Introduction: The pandemic produced by SARS-CoV-2 has obliged us to set up the tele-assistance to offer a continuity of care. This implies an innovation, being the degree of satisfaction of patients unknown. Methods: A telephonic survey was conducted with the validated in the Spanish tool Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (Telehealth Usability Questionnaire; rating from 1-7) of all candidate patients assisted consecutively in the Coloproctology Unit. We included demographic variables, education level, job status, diagnosis and consultation type. A descriptive study was done. The relationship between the willingness of consultation model in the future (telemedicine vs traditional) and the categorical variables was analysed through the chi-squared test. Results: A total of 115 patients were included. The average age was 59.9 years, being 60% women. The average score in each of the survey items was higher than 6 in all the questions but 1. 26.1% of the surveyed patients confessed being advocated to tele-assistance in the future. The only factors related to greater willingness to tele-assistance were male gender (37% vs 18.8%; P = .03) and a higher academic preparation level in favour of higher technical studies (35.9%) and university studies (32.4%) opposite to the rest ( P = .043). The rest of variables studied, job status, labour regimen, diagnostic group and consultation type did not show any relationship. Conclusions: A vast majority of patients answered favourably to almost all the items of the survey. However, only 26.1% of them would choose a model of tele-assistance without restrictions.

scholarly journals Effects of COVID-19 on testicular function

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-05
Author(s):  
Nasser Mikhail
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Testicular Function ◽  
Gonadal Function ◽  
Scrotal Pain ◽  
Testicular Dysfunction ◽  
Scrotal Ultrasound ◽  
Pubmed Search ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Background: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) on testicular function is unclear. Objective: To clarify the effects of COVID-19 on male gonadal function. Methods: Pubmed search up to February 24, 2021. Search terms included COVID-19, testicles, testosterone, spermatogenesis, hypogonadism. Case reports, retrospective, prospective and autopsy studies are included. Results: Prevalence of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 having scrotal pain varies from 0-19%. Orchitis and/or epididymitis were demonstrated by scrotal ultrasound (US) in approximately 22-42% of men with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital and can be frequently asymptomatic. Circulating testosterone levels are reduced in men admitted with COVID-19 with concomitant elevation of luteinizing hormone (LH) suggesting testicular dysfunction. Men affected with COVID-19 exhibit abnormal semen parameters. Most, but not all, studies failed to detect SARS-CoV-2 in semen. Autopsy studies showed extensive damage of testicular tissues of men who died from severe COVID-19. Conclusion: COVID-19 negatively affects almost all aspects of male gonadal function. Physicians should evaluate testicular function during and after recovery from COVID-19 to preserve normal fertility.

scholarly journals National Perspectives on the Training of Neurosurgery Residents in Stereotactic Radiosurgery

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Mansouri ◽  
Christopher D. Witiw ◽  
Jetan H. Badhiwala ◽  
Farshad Nassiri ◽  
Patrick J. McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
A Value ◽  
Residency Curriculum ◽  
Chi Squared

AbstractBackground: Despite the critical role played by neurosurgeons in performing radiosurgery, neurosurgery residents in Canada have limited exposure to radiosurgery during their training. A survey of neurosurgery residents and faculty along with radiation oncology faculty was conducted to analyze perspectives regarding incorporating formal radiosurgery training into the neurosurgery residency curriculum Methods: An online survey platform was employed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize center and respondent characteristics. Categorical variables were compared using odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The chi-squared test was utilized to assess statistical significance. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant Results: The response rate was 31% (119/381); 87% (102/119) of respondents were from the neurosurgical specialty and 13% (17/119) from radiation oncology. Some 46% of residents (18/40) were “very uncomfortable” with radiosurgery techniques, and 57% of faculty (42/73) believed that dedicated radiosurgery training would be beneficial though impractical. No respondents felt that “no training” would be beneficial. A total of 46% of residents (19/41) felt that this training would be beneficial and that time should be taken away from other rotations, if needed, while 58% of faculty (42/73) and 75% (28/41) of residents believed that either 1 or 1-3 months of time dedicated to training in radiosurgery would suffice Conclusions: Canadian neurosurgeons are actively involved in radiosurgery. Despite residents anticipating a greater role for radiosurgery in their future, they are uncomfortable with the practice. With the indications for radiosurgery expanding, this training gap can have serious adverse consequences for patients. Considerations regarding the incorporation and optimal duration of dedicated radiosurgery training into the Canadian neurosurgery residency curriculum are necessary.

scholarly journals The Mediating Role of Orthorexia in the Relationship between Physical Activity and Fear of COVID-19 among University Students in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 5061
Author(s):  
Cezary Kuśnierz ◽  
Aleksandra Maria Rogowska ◽  
Aleksandra Kwaśnicka ◽  
Dominika Ochnik
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
The Relationship

Previous research showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the wellbeing and lifestyle of populations worldwide, including eating and physical activity (PA) patterns. The present study aims to examine the mediating effect of orthorexia on the relationship between PA and fear of COVID-19. A sample of 473 university students from Poland of a mean age of 22 years (M = 22.04, SD = 2.90, 47% of women) participated in the cross-sectional online survey study. Continuous variables were measured using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and the Test of Orthorexia Nervosa (TON-17), while categorical variables divided participants into the physically active and inactive group regarding WHO criteria (150 min per week). Weak gender differences were found. Active people showed lower fear of COVID-19 and higher orthorexia scores than those inactive. Orthorexia was found as a suppressor variable, which increases the negative predictive value of PA on fear of COVID-19. The model of cooperative suppression explained 7% of FCV-19S. The mechanism of mediation showed that health-related behavior could help reduce fear of COVID-19, but caution is necessary for people with addictive behavior tendencies. Universities should support university students by offering programs focused on increasing healthy lifestyles and improving wellbeing.

scholarly journals Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in European White children - study of 274 cases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamila Maria Ludwikowska ◽  
Magdalena Okarska-Napierala ◽  
Natalia Dudek ◽  
Pawel Tracewski ◽  
Jacek Kusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Multiorgan Failure ◽  
Continuous Variable ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Intensive Care Treatment ◽  
Lower Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
White Children ◽  
Capillary Refill ◽  
Inflammatory Syndrome

Despite the growing literature on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), the data in European White population is limited. Our aim was to capture MIS-C emergence in Poland (central Europe) and to describe its characteristics with a focus on severity determinants. Patients who met the MIS-C definition (fever, multiorgan failure, inflammation, and proven SARS-CoV-2 infection or contact) were reported retrospectively and prospectively in an online survey. Study definitions fulfilment was automatically evaluated by a dedicated software. For the assessment of univariate relationships, either directed or divided by sex, age, or disease severity, we used the test for two categorical variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for categorical-continuous variable pairs. The analysis involved 274 children, 62.8% boys, median age 8.8 years. Besides one Asian, all were European White. Merely 23 (8.4%) required paediatric intensive care treatment (PICU). They were older (11.2 vs. 8.4 years), and at hospital admission had higher respiratory rate (30 v. 20/minute), lower systolic blood pressure (89 vs. 100 mmHg), prolonged capillary refill time (40% vs. 11%), and decreased consciousness (22% vs. 5%). Teenage boys had more common cardiac involvement (fraction 25.9% vs. 14.7% ) and macrophage activation syndrome (31.0% vs. 15.2%) than others. Boys were also more often hospitalised in PICU with age (from median 11.2 years to 9.1). The severity of MIS-C is not as uniform as it seemed, ethnicity and sex may affect MIS-C phenotype. Management might not be universally applicable and should rather be adjusted to the specific population.

scholarly journals A Survey of Training for Temporary Hemodialysis Catheter Insertion During Nephrology Fellowship in Canada: An Update

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205435811987598
Author(s):  
Richard Hae ◽  
Daniel Samaha ◽  
Pierre-Antoine Brown ◽  
Rory McQuillan ◽  
Swapnil Hiremath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Fellowship Training ◽  
Catheter Insertion ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Hemodialysis Catheter ◽  
The Past ◽  
Mandatory Requirement ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Chi Squared

Background: Controversy exists as to whether the insertion of temporary hemodialysis catheters (THDCs) should remain a mandatory requirement of nephrology fellowship training in Canada. A survey conducted by our group in 2012 showed that many nephrology trainees reported inadequate training to achieve procedural competence. Objective: To determine the current practices and training of the insertion of THDCs in nephrology fellowship programs in Canada and how this has evolved since 2012. Design: A survey study was designed comprising the following sections: demographics, details regarding the number and types of THDCs inserted within the past 6 months of fellowship training, adherence to sterile techniques, the use of ultrasound guidance during THDC insertion, training for THDC insertion received before and during nephrology fellowship, and self-perceived adequacy of training and competence in THDC insertion. Setting: The survey was distributed by e-mail in May 2018 either directly or through Canadian nephrology training programs. Participants: Current trainees of Canadian adult nephrology training programs. Measurements: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the summarized data. The means and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were used to summarize the number of THDC insertions performed, and the categorical data, including data on training and self-perceived competency, were reported using frequencies and percentages. A chi-squared test was used to evaluate the relationship between those who received simulation-based training and self-perceived confidence in either internal jugular or femoral catheter insertion. Methods: An online survey, available in both English and French, was distributed to all adult nephrology trainees in Canada in May 2018 either directly or through their respective programs. Results: Completed surveys were received from 46 of 136 nephrology trainees across Canada (34%). Of those who responded, the median (IQR) number of combined femoral and/or internal jugular THDCs inserted in the past 6 months of fellowship training was 3 (1-6). Eight respondents (17%) indicated that they had not inserted a THDC in the past 6 months. However, only 7 of 42 respondents (17%) indicated that they did not feel competent or adequately trained to perform either femoral or internal jugular THDC insertion. Limitations: Limitations of the study include participation of trainees at different stages of their training. Many trainees indicated that it was not a requirement to keep a formal log of their procedures performed and likely had recall bias when reporting their procedure details. Conclusions: Nephrology fellows in Canada are performing fewer THDC insertions compared to 2012 but report higher levels of self-perceived competence and better training. This may be as a result of significantly more simulation-based training. Our data suggest that training to procedural mastery using simulation-based techniques may be a path to ensuring adequate training for THDC insertion despite fewer procedures being performed during training.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Cancer Patients and Their Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emil Lou ◽  
Deanna Teoh ◽  
Katherine Brown ◽  
Anne Blaes ◽  
Shernan G. Holtan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Active Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
The United States ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer History ◽  
Potential Efficacy ◽  
Chi Squared

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe immunosuppressive nature of some cancers and many cancer-directed treatments may increase the risk of infection with and severe sequelae from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to compare concerns about COVID-19 among individuals undergoing cancer treatment to those with a history of cancer not currently receiving therapy and to those without a cancer history.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional anonymous online survey study of adults currently residing in the United States. Participants were recruited over a one-week period (April 3-11, 2020) using promoted advertisements on Facebook and Twitter. Groups were compared using chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and t-tests.Results543 respondents from 47 states provided information on their cancer history and were included in analyses. Participants receiving active treatment reported greater concern about coronavirus infection (p<0.0001), higher levels of family distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (p=0.004), and greater concern that the general public does not adequately understand the seriousness of COVID-19 (p=0.04). Those with metastatic disease were more likely to indicate that COVID-19 had negatively affected their cancer care compared to patients with non-metastatic cancer (50.8% vs. 31.0%; p=0.02). The most commonly reported treatment modifications included chemotherapy delays.ConclusionsPatients undergoing active treatment for cancer were most concerned about the short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the logistics as well as potential efficacy of ongoing cancer treatment, longer term effects, and overarching societal concerns that the population at large is not as concerned about the public health implications of the coronavirus.

scholarly journals Impact of Covid-19 Outbreak Pandemic on the Radiotherapy Practice: A Survey Study of Indian States

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (S1) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Vindhyavasini Prasad Pandey ◽  
Teerthraj Verma
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Current Survey ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Background & objectives: Immunocompromised cancer patients are venerable for the infection and so the professionals involved in radiotherapy too. The objective of this online survey was to assess the impact of Covid-19 on radiotherapy practices, safety measures taken by the radiotherapy professionals during the peak of Covid-19 infection in India. Methods: Structured questionnaire was shared online to assess the awareness and knowledge pertaining to safety of protective items, importance and method of screening, QA of the instruments, safety measures taken in radiotherapy department, methods of the sanitization, use of mask and methods of Covid-19 waste managements. Results: Survey results indicated that almost all participants (97.4%) were aware of the severity of Covid-19 virus. In safety at the individual level, 51.3% of the staff reported changing hand gloves before handling new patients and 41% did not follow the same. In this survey, regarding working days (in a week), employees were working for six days in 56.4% centres, 28.2 % centres for three days of a week and remaining 15.4% centres were operational with five days of week. At 38.5% centres, radiotherapy personals found infected with the virus however large number of centres (53.8%) revealed that so far, no radiotherapy professionals got infected. Interpretation & conclusions: The current survey comprised 31 questions pertaining to various aspects of radiotherapy practices and radiotherapy professional safety from Covid infections and changes followed due to Covid-19 epidemic. The individual professional’s inputs could help to deal with such epidemic in even better way.

scholarly journals Effects of COVID-19 on Testicular Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-05
Author(s):  
Nasser Mikhail ◽  
Vahid Mahabadi
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Testicular Function ◽  
Gonadal Function ◽  
Scrotal Pain ◽  
Testicular Dysfunction ◽  
Scrotal Ultrasound ◽  
Pubmed Search ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Background: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) on testicular function is unclear. Objective: To clarify the effects of COVID-19 on male gonadal function. Methods: Pubmed search up to February 24, 2021. Search terms included COVID-19, testicles, testosterone, spermatogenesis, hypogonadism. Case reports, retrospective, prospective and autopsy studies are included. Results: Prevalence of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 having scrotal pain varies from 0-19%. Orchitis and/or epididymitis were demonstrated by scrotal ultrasound (US) in approximately 22-42% of men with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital and can be frequently asymptomatic. Circulating testosterone levels are reduced in men admitted with COVID-19 with concomitant elevation of luteinizing hormone (LH) suggesting testicular dysfunction. Men affected with COVID-19 exhibit abnormal semen parameters. Most, but not all, studies failed to detect SARS-CoV-2 in semen. Autopsy studies showed extensive damage of testicular tissues of men who died from severe COVID-19. Conclusion: COVID-19 negatively affects almost all aspects of male gonadal function. Physicians should evaluate testicular function during and after recovery from COVID-19 to preserve normal fertility.

Feeling Threatened by Immigrants: The Role of Ideology and Subjective Societal Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bollwerk ◽  
Bernd Schlipphak ◽  
Joscha Stecker ◽  
Jens Hellmann ◽  
Gerald Echterhoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Social Dominance Orientation ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Right Wing Authoritarianism ◽  
Threat Perceptions ◽  
Contextual Determinants ◽  
Intergroup Conflicts ◽  
And Gender

Threat perceptions towards immigrants continue to gain importance in the context of growing international migration. To reduce associated intergroup conflicts, it is crucial to understand the personal and contextual determinants of perceived threat. In a large online survey study (N = 1,184), we investigated the effects of ideology (i.e., Right-Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation), subjective societal status (SSS) and their interaction effects in predicting symbolic and realistic threat perceptions towards Middle Eastern immigrants. Results showed that ideology (higher RWA and SDO) and lower SSS significantly predicted both symbolic and realistic threat, even after controlling for income, education, age, and gender. Furthermore, ideology and SSS interacted significantly in predicting realistic threat, with higher levels of SDO and RWA enhancing the effect of SSS. In the discussion, we focus on the implications of our findings with respect to understanding societal conflicts, discuss methodological limitations, and provide directions for future research.

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