1,720,999 research outputs found
The Throughput of Underwater Networks: Analysis and Validation using a Ray Tracing Simulator
No full textWe propose a theoretical framework to evaluate the expected throughput of underwater networks over an ensemble of node topologies and propagation environments. The analysis is based on the assumptions that the transmitters are spatially distributed according to a Poisson point process, and that the channel follows a Rayleigh fading distribution, with a mean that is determined by spreading loss and frequency-dependent absorption. We evaluate the probability of a successful transmission, i.e., the probability that the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio at the typical receiver is greater than a given threshold, and determine the maximum network throughput density over the transmitter density and the operating frequency. The theoretical results are validated using a realistic underwater channel simulator based on ray tracing. It is demonstrated that, for a number of practical scenarios, the theoretical and simulated throughput match provided that the spreading-loss exponent is appropriately fitted to the simulation scenario. Overall, the proposed framework provides easy-to-obtain network throughput results, which can be used as a complement or an alternative to time-costly, deployment-dependent network simulations
Sexuality, Sexual Orientation and Chronic Prostatitis
No full textChronic prostatitis (CP) is a common health condition in men. Albeight obvious, a relationship between microbial induced prostatic inflammation and sexual function has not been as thoroughly investigated. Aiming to investigate possible associations between sexuality/sexual orientation and chronic bacterial prostatitis, we retrospectively evaluated 1783 visits (2009-2019) owing to investigation of prostatitis-like symptoms and routine follow up. A total of 389 patients, provided information regarding sexual orientation and sexuality. The mean age was 45,5 years. According their report, 92.28% were heterosexual, 6.16% homosexual and 1.54% bisexual. Regarding sexuality, 26,6% reported multiple sexual partnerships while 73,4% reported single sexual partnerships. There was a statistically significant association between chronic bacterial prostatitis as initial diagnosis and having multiple sexual partnerships. In contrast, the association between CBP and sexual orientation was not statistically significant Similarly, no significant association between any therapy outcome and having multiple sexual partners was established. Our findings suggest a connection between sexual practices and the onset of CBP which should be further investigated in order to reach to scientific conclusions
Prostatic calculi: Relationship to chronic prostatitis and treatment options. A critical analysis
No full textWhile prostatic calculi are a common ultrasound finding, their exact prevalence of is not known. It has been reported to vary widely, from 7% to 70% with greater incidences occurring in chronic prostatitis patients. However, pathophysiology, clinical relevance and association of prostatic calculi with prostatic diseases remain unclear. Traditionally they considered to be a random finding of no clinical significance probably associated with chronic infection of the prostate. In fact most cases are found incidentally and they are not accompanied by symptoms. However, prostatic calculi associated with chronic prostatitis may be accompanied by chronic pelvic pain and they have been linked with poorer treatment outcome. The relative literature is limited, while knowledge about their treatment is poor. Therefore, it is necessary for specialists to become familiar with this entity Treatment options include monitoring, medication, and surgery if necessary
Green tea catechins for chemoprevention of prostate cancer in patients with histologically-proven HG-PIN or ASAP. Concise review and meta-analysis
Full text linkA focused, single outcome meta-analysis on the protective role of extracts of green tea catechins against prostate cancer. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies enrolling patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of high-grade Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasia or Atypical Small Acinar proliferation but no prostate cancer were included. Meta-analysis for binary data was performed using Mantel-Haenszel statistics, using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was investigated by calculating the I2. Four studies matched the inclusion criteria for the review. The pooled population was 223 patients; 114 and 109 patients were randomized to catechin and placebo groups, respectively. Nine cases of prstate cancer occurred in the catechin arm (7.9%), and 24 cases were reported in the placebo arm (22%). Pooled analysis resulted in a significant reduction of cancer risk in favor of the catechin arm (risk-ratio = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19- 0.86; I2 = 0). In conclusion, our data suggest that the intake of concentrated green tea catechin preparations may confer a significant protective effect to carriers of early neoplastic lesions in the prostate. The quality of the evidence is moderate, and additional, largescale studies are warranted to substantiate these preliminary findings
Operation policies for Energy Harvesting Devices with imperfect State-of-Charge knowledge
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Safety considerations with new antibacterial approaches for chronic bacterial prostatitis
No full textIntroduction: Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) is a difficult-to-eradicate infection. Antibacterial therapy with currently licensed agents is hindered due to the increasing emergence of pathogen resistance worldwide and to frequent infection relapse. With limited treatment options, physicians are investigating new agents, which, however, may raise safety concerns. Areas covered: Antibacterial agents currently licensed for CBP were not considered. Available reports about the safety and efficacy of antibacterial agents that have been clinically tested or tentatively used to treat CBP in single cases were evaluated. This review also focused on agents targeting Gram-positive pathogens, whose prevalence as causative agents of CBP is increasing. Expert opinion: (i) Most antibacterial agents considered in this review have been administered off-label in the interest of patients, and their use requires particular caution. (ii) Reports describing the usage of many of the drugs reviewed here are still scant, and readers should be warned of the limited published evidence supporting therapy for CBP with these agents. (iii) As treatment must extend over several weeks, medium-term adverse events may occur and therapy should be individualized, taking into account the dosage and the potential toxicity of each specific antibiotic. Regarding dangerous drug–drug interactions, particular attention should be paid to the risk of ECG-QT-interval elongation
Ηematospermia: Much Ado About Nothing?
No full textThe term hematospermia is defined as the presence of red blood cells in the semen. It is a rare
symptom; however its presence is annoying and worrying for patients. The actual incidence of hematospermia is unknown; however, it appears to be more common in men under the age of 40 and in the majority of cases is due to benign causes. Although rare, malignant conditions associated with hematospermia should be investigated before definitive diagnosis in men over 40 years of age with risk factors (eg, history of cancer, known disorders of the urogenital system, bleeding disorders) and men with complications related symptoms. In these men hematospermia usually recurs and may not respond to treatment. In men younger than 40 without risk factors, hematospermia is often self-limited and does not require further evaluation or treatment
Resistance of uropathogens to antibacterial agents: Emerging threats, trends and treatments
No full textUrinary tract infections are among the most common infectious diseases in humans. Today, resistance to nearly all antimicrobial classes is dramatically growing, and extremely drug-resistant or even pan-drug resistant pathogens are increasingly isolated around the world. It is foreseen that in the next decades the world will be facing a major medical emergency generated by the rapid spread of pathogens carrying resistance determinants of unprecedented power. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, multidrug-resistant Enterococci and fluoroquinolone resistance determinants in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive uropathogens are among the greatest emergencies. In this article, the major emerging threats of particular interest to urologists are reviewed, worldwide resistance trends are illustrated, and novel and older - but still active - recommended drugs are summarized
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