Low Region Research Articles

Measurement of the D* longitudinal polarization in B0→D*−τ+ντ decays

The longitudinal polarization fraction of the D* meson is measured in B0→D*−τ+ντ decays, where the τ lepton decays to three charged pions and a neutrino, using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5 fb−1. The D* polarization fraction FLD* is measured in two q2 regions, below and above 7 GeV2/c4, where q2 is defined as the squared invariant mass of the τντ system. The FLD* values are measured to be 0.52±0.07±0.04 and 0.34±0.08±0.02 for the lower and higher q2 regions, respectively. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The average value over the whole q2 range is FLD*=0.41±0.06±0.03. These results are compatible with the Standard Model predictions. © 2024 CERN, for the LHCb Collaboration 2024 CERN

Orbital Septum in Lateral Canthus

ABSTRACT Purpose To disclose the precise attachment site of the orbital septum in the lateral canthus. Methods Nine specimens of 7 Japanese cadavers aged 66 to 85 years at death were included. The attachment site of the orbital septum in the lateral canthus was grossly dissected. Two of the 9 specimens were exenterated and used to explore the anatomy from lateral and superior aspects, respectively. Results The orbital septum in the lateral canthus attached slightly lateral to the outer edge of the lateral commissure with the levator aponeurosis and the lower eyelid retractors in the upper and lower regions, respectively. In addition, the orbital septum attached to the arcus marginalis with regard to the orbital bone. Fat tissue occupied the space between the orbital septum and the lateral retinaculum. Conclusion The orbital septum in the lateral canthus attached around the lateral commissure and the orbital rim.

Association Between Sarcopenia and Acupressure Testing in Older Adults Requiring Long-Term Care

Background and Objectives: This study analyzed the relationship between pressure pain test outcomes and sarcopenia in elderly patients and explored possible clinical applications. Materials and Methods: The participants included 143 older adults requiring long-term care who could be diagnosed with sarcopenia. Along with sarcopenia diagnosis, the participants underwent acupressure testing symmetrically at nine sites (occiput, lower cervical, trapezius, supraspinatus, second rib, lateral epicondyle, gluteus, greater trochanter, and knee), totaling 18 sites. The analyses included comparisons of sarcopenia status and total tender points between the groups and a multivariable analysis. The association between sarcopenia and the number of tender points were examined based on correlations between the number of tender points and grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Intergroup comparisons and multivariable analysis of tender points with and without sarcopenia were performed to investigate specific tender points associated with sarcopenia. Results: An independent association was observed between sarcopenia and the number of tender points (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the number of tender points was correlated with grip strength (ρ = −0.536, p < 0.001), walking speed (ρ = −0.200, p = 0.028), and SMI (ρ = −0.394, p < 0.001). The supraspinatus (p = 0.029, 95% confidence interval: 1.221–35.573) and lower cervical (p = 0.039, 95% confidence interval: 1.050–7.245) regions were identified as specific tender points. Conclusions: In older adult patients requiring long-term care, sarcopenia is associated with an increased number of tender points throughout the body, with the supraspinatus and lower cervical regions potentially being specific tender points. Acupressure testing for tenderness may be a useful assessment parameter in sarcopenia patients.

A Rare Neck Lesion in Children: Bilateral Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnant

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnant is a rare congenital developmental anomaly typically located on the lateral neck. Histologically, it has the appearance of an accessory tragus demonstrating a central cartilaginous core with surrounding fibrosis located in the subcutaneous tissue. In order to address the clinical and therapeutic aspects of cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants in children, a 6-year-old boy who presents with bilateral hard cervical masses at the lower region of the neck is presented. Chondrocutaneous branchial remnant is a very rare cervical lesion in children, and surgical excision is the only choice of treatment. Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnant has been associated with a variety of congenital anomalies, particularly involving the auditory, cardiovascular, and visual systems. Despite bilateral occurrence of cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnant, our patient had no cardiac or genitourinary anomalies.

Structural effects of intraretinal cysts on outer retinal layers in eyes with diabetic macular edema

BackgroundDiabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual loss in individuals with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aims to investigate the effects of central macular intraretinal cysts on the underlying outer retinal layer (ORL) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsIn this retrospective and cross-sectional study, diabetic patients with or without DR were categorized into three groups: without DME (group 1), with DME but without any cyst featuring a plateau in the lower region (group 2), and patients with cyst featuring an inferior cyst plateau (group 3), defined as a flat conformation at its posterior aspect. Variables such as central macular intraretinal cyst height, inferior cyst plateau, and ORL thickness were measured, and ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption was assessed via Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and compared between groups. Correlations between OCT-measured variables and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were investigated.ResultsA total of 164 eyes were included: 48 in group 1, 47 in group 2 and 69 in group 3. Compared with Groups 1 and 2, Group 3 presented a greater intraretinal cyst height (p < 0.001), a thinner mean ORL beneath the cysts (p < 0.0001) and more frequent EZ disruption (p < 0.0001), which was associated with lower BCVA values. Cyst height, cyst plateau and ORL thickness were significantly correlated with BCVA (p < 0.0001). EZ disruption was associated with the cyst height, the cyst plateau and the underlying ORL thickness. Correlations were observed between cyst height and ORL thickness (r = − 0.32, p < 0.001), between cyst height and cyst plateau (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), and between cyst plateau and ORL thickness (r = − 0.56, p < 0.001). Every increase of 10 μm in plateau width and in cyst height results in reductions of 0.16 μm and 0.29 μm in ORL thickness, respectively, independent of the other parameters. The optimal cutoff point for cyst height that best discriminates plateau formation was determined to be 130.5 μm, with a sensitivity of 89.9% and specificity of 83%.ConclusionsIn patients with DME, large central intraretinal cysts may assume a flat configuration in their lower region, termed a plateau, and are associated with photoreceptor damage due to compression, which can result in visual impairment. These findings can be understood based on modified Hertz’s mechanical contact theory.

Detection of spatial and temporal variation characteristics of vegetation cover in the Lower Mekong region and the influencing factors

As the main component of terrestrial ecosystem, vegetation plays a very important role in regional ecosystem environmental change, global carbon cycle and climate regulation. The Lower Mekong region (LMR) is at the core of Southeast Asia, its vegetation changes will affect the regional ecosystem and climate. Five countries of LMR were selected as the study area, based on MODIS (Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) NDVI(Normal Difference Vegetation Index) data from 2000 to 2022, using the Sen’s slope estimator, Mann–Kendall trend test and geographic detector to study the spatial and temporal variation trends and driving forces of vegetation coverage. The results showed that:(1) From 2000 to 2022,the vegetation coverage in the LMR showed an overall fluctuating upward trend, the annual average Fractional Vegetation Cover(FVC) value was 0.70, mainly with high vegetation coverage and relatively high vegetation coverage. Vegetation distribution had obviously spatial heterogeneity, and the vegetation of Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam was significantly larger than Thailand and Cambodia.(2) The variation trend analysis of Sen_MK showed that the proportion of improved and degraded vegetation coverage areas in the LMR were 56.33% and 37.55% respectively. The vegetation improvement area was much larger than the vegetation degradation area during 2000–2022. According to the variation trend analysis of different countries, the vegetation coverage improvement area in Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand were larger than the degraded , the overall vegetation coverage variation trend were good. However, in Laos and Cambodia, the degraded areas were larger than the improved, the overall variation trends of coverage were not good.(3) The results of geographic detector showed that the Land Use and Land Cover(LULC) had the greatest influence on vegetation coverage in the study area.The influencing factors of vegetation coverage were different in the LMR. For Vietnam, Thailand and Laos,elevation and slope factors were second only to LULC, for Myanmar and Cambodia, the influence of precipitation factor was second only to LULC. The results provide scientific data support for understanding the ecological environment status and future changes in the research area.

Non-Neoformans Cryptococcal Infections in the Post-Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) Era: Are We Ready to Face the Emerging Challenge?

AbstractCoronaviruses are a large group of viruses that infect animals as well as humans, while it is also suggested that, rarely, coronaviruses that infect animals can evolve and infect humans. Current evidence suggests that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 leads to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), the respiratory illness responsible for COVID-19 pandemic, while it has a zoonotic origin, closely related to the bat-origin SARS-like coronavirus. Also, as per the current knowledge, the disease may induce significant and persistent lymphopenia which in turn may increase the risk for various opportunistic infections. Cryptococcus laurentii is one such rare, but serious fungal infection which has been reported in post-COVID-19 disease and is a rising cause of concern since it can turn out to be fatal. The infection is caused by a non-neoformans rare human pathogen. The present case report describes the case of a 45-years old male patient who reported to the Outpatient Department (OPD) for a routine dental complaint with a grossly destructed tooth in left lower back tooth region due to extensive carious involvement, while, simultaneously, presenting with fever since 5 days in the post-COVID-19 phase, and was later diagnosed as being positive for C. laurentii infection on urine culture sensitivity test.

Near wake evolution of a tidal stream turbine due to asymmetric sheared turbulent inflow with different integral length scales

Tidal stream turbines deployed at highly energetic open water sites are subjected to sheared inflow in the rotor plane. The inflow shear is expected to cause asymmetric loading on the rotor blades and affect the downstream wake. In the current study, two different turbulent inflow conditions, static-high shear and dynamic shear, were generated via an active-grid turbulence generator. A 1:20 scaled three-bladed horizontal axis tidal turbine model was tested in those conditions. The results were compared to a quasi-laminar case with no imposed turbulence or shear. The results show that the high shear reduces the average performance, with a drop of up to 16% in the optimal power coefficient. Besides, the shear profiles increase torque fluctuations and induce significant differences in wake hydrodynamics between the high-speed (upper) and low-speed (lower) regions. The large integral length scales further enhance the load fluctuations perceived by the rotor but have a negligible effect on the mean wake field quantities. The wake recovery was found to be ∼2 to 4 times faster in the upper half region than in the lower region in the near wake. The lower half region featured a faster breakdown of tip vortex structure and a rapid drop of swirl number, a phenomenon conjectured to be a consequence of the strong turbulence intensities and Reynolds stresses in the lower half region. The sheared turbulent inflow also results in a very intensive energy redistribution process towards large-scale, low-frequency motions, which is important to the downstream turbines.

Evaluation of cortical bone thickness at the nasomaxillary and zygomaticomaxillary buttresses using cone-beam computed tomography imaging for Le Fort I osteotomy

Background/PurposeStudies have indicated that 50%–55% of the population have malocclusion, and approximately 5%–10% require orthognathic surgery to correct this condition. Optimal placement of plates and screws significantly affects the success rate of the surgery and postoperative stability. This study evaluates the cortical thickness of the maxillary bone in the nasomaxillary and zygomaticomaxillary buttress regions in Taiwanese patients based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and methods128 Patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy were selected for this study. Their CBCT images were input into medical imaging software to simulate the placement of titanium screws and plates. The cortical bone thickness at these positions was measured to assess the thickness in the nasomaxillary buttress (surrounding the nasal opening) and the zygomaticomaxillary buttress (surrounding the maxillary zygomatic process). Associations of these thicknesses with gender, age, and screw position were analyzed. ResultsIn the nasomaxillary region, cortical bone was thicker on the upper and lower vertical regions, with men generally having thicker bone. The zygomaticomaxillary region had increased thickness near the zygomatic end and distal region. Younger adults had significantly greater bone thickness in certain areas than those over 30 years. ConclusionThe nasomaxillary region's upper and lower vertical regions and the zygomatic end in the zygomaticomaxillary region provide optimal screw placement sites. Bone thickness differences by gender and age suggest occlusal force and age-related bone resorption as influencing factors.

Application of infrared spectroscopy to study carbon-deuterium kinetics and isotopic spectral shifts at the single-cell level

Microbial communities play crucial roles in shaping natural ecosystems, impacting human well-being, and driving advancements in industrial biotechnology. However, associating specific metabolic functions with bacteria proves challenging due to the vast diversity of microorganisms within these communities. In the past decades stable isotope probing (SIP) approaches, coupled with vibrational spectroscopy, have emerged as a novel method for revealing microbial metabolic roles and interactions in complex communities. In this study, we employed various combinations of heavy stable isotopes (D, 13C, 15N, and 18O), to evaluate all possible isotopic spectral shifts in the mid-IR region using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Optical Photothermal Infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, at both bulk community and single-cell levels. Additionally, we conducted a time-course study to explore the kinetics of CD vibration in Escherichia coli bacteria, allowing time-based sampling and assessment of isotopic labeling kinetics. The FT-IR and O-PTIR, along with the second derivative spectra of E. coli cells cultured in minimal medium supplemented with various combinations of heavy isotopes exhibited notable similarities. Several spectral shifts in primary vibrational peaks were observed due to the incorporation of heavy isotopes into biomolecules. Remarkably, the incorporation of deuterium into amide groups, resulting in the formation of nitrogen-deuterium bonds, caused a shift in amide A and B into the silent region, overlapping with CD signature peaks. The incorporation of 18O into the ester group of lipids and the carbonyl group of proteins resulted in a notable shift to the lower wavenumber region. Additionally, the second derivative of FT-IR spectral data highlighted the integration of 18O into α-helix and β-sheet structures. Furthermore, the spectra, second derivative, and PC-DFA scores plot of FT-IR data collectively illustrated the practicality of monitoring 13C and D incorporation into E. coli bacterial cells within the first 30-min incubation period. Significance: The findings of this study suggest that FT-IR and O-PTIR can serve as efficient tools for monitoring the incorporation of heavy isotopes into bacteria at both the population and single-cell levels. Additionally, the SIP approach allowed us to assign two new deuterium-associated vibrational peaks to their corresponding functional groups, which to the best of our knowledge have not been reported previously.

The correlation of acupuncture and moxibustion points for the treatment of diminished ovarian reserve and premature ovarian failure: A systematic review based on complex network.

Infertility rates have risen in recent years, with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) affecting 10% of infertile women, accounting for approximately 20% of ovarian disorders. This highlights the importance of exploring effective treatments for DOR. This study investigates acupoint compatibility rules in acupuncture and moxibustion therapies for DOR and premature ovarian failure (POF) using complex network analysis. It also provides insights into acupuncture and moxibustion approaches for managing these conditions. Clinical studies on acupuncture and moxibustion treatments for DOR and POF were retrieved from 5 databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, Wanfang, CQVIP, and PubMed, covering the period from January 1, 2007, to September 15, 2024. Literature was screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria to build a comprehensive database of acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions for these conditions. Association rule analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0, and complex network analysis was conducted with Gephi 0.9.2 software. A total of 70 articles and 67 acupoints from 70 prescriptions were analyzed, with 665 occurrences of these acupoints. The most frequently used acupoint was Guanyuan (RN4), followed by Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zusanli (ST36), Shenque (RN8), Bladder 23 (BL23), and Zigong (EX-CA1). These acupoints were primarily related to the Ren (RN) and Bladder (BL) meridians. Jiaohui points, dorsal Yu points, and 5 Shu points were the most commonly utilized specific points. The combination of Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Guanyuan (RN4) had the strongest association. Complex network analysis revealed a small-world network effect, with 24 core acupoints, including Guanyuan (RN4) and Zusanli (ST36), serving as key nodes. Acupuncture treatments for DOR and POF primarily focus on the abdomen and lower back regions. Specific acupoints, such as rendezvous points, are frequently combined with distantly located points. These combinations are guided by therapeutic principles aimed at nourishing the kidney, strengthening the spleen, regulating liver qi, calming the heart, and promoting blood circulation.

Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in ruminants from Somalia

AbstractToxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, including humans, in the case of T. gondii, and cause economic losses in livestock due to abortion and neonatal mortality. In Somalia, zoonotic diseases are concerning due to cultural practices and livestock’s economic importance, but surveillance is limited. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in Somali sheep, goats, and cattle. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2018 and January 2020 in Benadir and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia. Blood samples were collected from 128 cattle, 184 goats, and 46 sheep. Serum samples were tested for anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies using IFAT, and PCR was performed on extracted DNA to detect T. gondii and N. caninum DNA. Overall, 106/358 (29.6%) animals tested positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies, with the highest prevalence in sheep (62.5%), followed by goats (30.4%) and cattle (15.6%) (P &lt; 0.001). For anti-N. caninum antibodies, 13/358 (3.6%) animals tested positive, with cattle showing the highest prevalence (6.2%), followed by goats and sheep (both 2.2%). Co-seropositivity for both antibodies was found in cattle and sheep. Molecular detection of T. gondii DNA revealed a prevalence of 9/358 (2.5%), primarily in sheep (15.2%) and cattle at 1.6% while all goat samples tested negative. No samples were positive for the N. caninum Nc5 gene. This study reveals T. gondii and N. caninum prevalence in Somali ruminants, highlighting the need for better surveillance and control.

Effect of vehicular vibrations on L-4 lumbar vertebrae – A finite element study

Lower Back Pain (LBP) is a global health issue, with increasing prevalence, partly attributed to vehicular vibrations experienced by motorcyclists. The L4 lumbar vertebra is responsible for greater mobility and flexibility of the body, but also is the most crucial body element affected by vehicular vibrations. Anthropometric properties, types of speed humps, and vehicle types are the critical variables that impact bone health during riding, need to be studied. To understand the potential zones of injury, computational simulation can be performed under the influence of vehicle vibrations while crossing different types of speed humps at varying speeds. In the present study, finite element method (FEM) is used to evaluate stress and deformation in the bone. The L4 cortical bone is modelled by considering the CT-Scan data and assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic material. Vibration data is collected using two vehicle types (Type I and Type II) on four different humps (Trapezoidal, Bitumen Semi-circular, Rubber Semi-circular, and Rumble strip). The bone's dynamic behavior is studied using FEM simulation, which involved static structural, modal and transient dynamic analyses. The findings from static analysis indicate that the most concentrated stress is located in the lower pedicle region and is an expected commonplace for injuries because of vibrations. In transient dynamic analysis, Type I vehicle showed a 25 % higher stress than Type II.

Chemical and structural features of spin-coated magnesium oxide (MgO) and its impact on the barrier parameters and current conduction process of Au/undoped-InP Schottky contact as an interfacial layer

This work examines the structural and chemical characteristics of spin-coated magnesium oxide (MgO) on undoped InP (un-InP) and its effects on the barrier parameters and current transport phenomena in the Au/un-InP Schottky contact (SC). Using XRD and XPS, the structural and chemical features of MgO are assessed, confirming that the MgO was deposited on un-InP. The current-voltage (log(I)-V) features were measured for the SC and Au/MgO/un-InP metal/insulator/semiconductor (MIS)-type Schottky contact. The MIS contact revealed an excellent rectification behavior as compared to the SC. The calculated barrier height (Φb) was higher for the MIS contact (0.61 eV) than the SC (0.52 eV), which implies that the MgO interlayer influences the Φb of the SC. The Φb was also estimated using the Cheung’s, Mikhelashvili and Norde procedures, the values are similar, indicating their stability and reliability. The acquired interface state density (NSS) of the MIS contact was less than the SC, proving that the MgO interlayer reduced the NSS. The ohmic behavior was observed in the lower bias region for the SC and MIS contacts, while the trap-free space-charge-limited current (SCLC) was noted in the moderate and upper bias regions of the MIS contact under forward bias. Poole-Frenkel emission (PFE) governs at a lower bias, while Schottky emission (SE) dominates at the upper bias of SC and MIS contacts under reverse bias. These findings demonstrate the potential application of MgO interlayer in advancing electronic devices.

Revelation of muscle energy technique and positional release technique in mitigating low back pain, disability, and hyperlordosis in patients with low back pain: A comprehensive review

Background. Low back pain, often known as LBP, is a complicated ailment that has many associated risks, including those related to age, gender, lifestyle, social and psychological background, physical demands of work, social support, pain perception, and much more. Its frequency steadily rises with age and is typically nonspecific or mechanical in nature, with axially abnormal loading that might cause ache in the lower lumbar region. Strain-counter strain (SCS) or positional release technique (PRT) and muscle energy technique (MET) are identified as eligible management for LBP; however, in which way both techniques help to control LBP is to be evaluated. Objectives. To discuss the potential role of MET and PRT in reducing LBP and to find the space between previous and current practice of MET and PRT in correcting the lordosis angle in the lumbar region and disability in LBP patients. Methods. English-language articles were searched online, using the PEDro, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Keywords were MET, PRT, LBP, and lumbar lordosis. The articles were published from 2001 to 2022, of which 100 were found to be relevant and 20 to meet the inclusion criteria. They included LBP-related articles with MET and PRT techniques of management, excluding those not related to lumbar lordosis or to those two techniques. Conclusion. Based on the 20 articles reviewed, it was concluded that MET and PRT played a significant role in decreasing participants’ LBP pain, lordosis angle, and functional impairment.

Efficacy of Otago versus Bosu ball exercise protocol on core stabilization, static and dynamic balance in non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomized parallel arm clinical trial

Abstract Chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a pain and stiffness in the lower back region for which specific cause of the pain is unknown. Otago exercises and Bosu ball exercises aim to improve balance and reduce pain and disability. There is a lack of literature where these approaches are not compared and hence the need arises to evaluate their efficacy in the management of NSLBP. A randomized parallel arm clinical trial was conducted in physiotherapy outpatient department at tertiary care center located in Belagavi city, India. 36 individuals with NSLBP, where 18 individuals were randomly allocated into two groups, i.e. Group A (Otago exercise) and Group B (both sides utilized (Bosu) ball exercise). Both the groups received conventional therapy (hot moist pack and interferential current therapy) 3 times/ week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures like plank holding test, star excursion balance test (SEBT), single-leg stance test (SLST), visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed at baseline and on day 12 post-treatment. A within-group analysis using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and the dependent t-test showed statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures (). Between group analysis has shown both interventions to be equally effective in ODI () in individuals with NSLBP. In conclusion both Otago and Bosu ball exercises were effective, Bosu ball exercise demonstrated greater efficacy in enhancing core stability, static and dynamic balance, as well as reducing disability and pain in individuals with chronic NSLBP. Clinical trial registry of India: registration number CTRI/2023/11/059489

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Studies of Gemifloxacin Mesylate with Nickel(II) and Copper(II)

Gemifloxacin mesylate, a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone-type antibiotic, is widely used for community treatment of acquired pneumonia and severe bacterial infections. The Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes of gemifloxacin mesylate were synthesized by refluxing an aqueous solution of the ligand with the required amount of metal(II) salts in a round bottom flask with 2:1 (L:M) ratio in an oil bath at 90 ºC with a continuous stirring for 4 h. The mixture was kept overnight to obtain a coloured solid complex. The synthesized metal(II) complexes were characterized by physico-chemical parameters and spectral analyses, including UV-Vis, FT-IR and 1H NMR. The structures of the complexes were further confirmed by elemental (CHNS) and TG-DTA analyses. The spectral findings revealed that metal-ligand interaction has successfully occurred where the ligand acted as a bidentate chelate in the synthesized metal(II) complexes. The IR studies showed that upon complexation the characteristic carboxylic stretching frequency at 1714 cm-1 disappeared and the pyridone stretching frequency shifted to a lower frequency region. The 1H NMR data of the complexes confirm the effective interaction between the metal and the ligand via 3-carboxyl group and 4-oxo groups. The thermal and elemental analyses data were also in agreement with the proposed interaction. The ligand as well as its metal(II) complexes showed significant activity against all the studied 11 bacterial strains and one of the fungal strains, Candida sp.

Effects of nonmigrating diurnal tides on the Na layer in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere

Abstract. The influence of nonmigrating diurnal tides on Na layer variability in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere regions is investigated for the first time using data from the Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS) on the Odin satellite and Specified Dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (SD-WACCM) with metal chemistry. The Na density from OSIRIS exhibits a clear longitudinal variation indicative of the presence of tidal components. Similar variability is seen in the SD-WACCM result. Analysis shows a significant relationship between the nonmigrating diurnal tides in Na density and the corresponding temperature tidal signal. Below 90 km, the three nonmigrating diurnal tidal components in Na density show a significant positive correlation with the temperature tides. Conversely, the phase mainly indicates a negative correlation above 95 km. Around the metal layer peak, the response of the Na density to a 1 K change in tidal temperature is estimated to be 120 cm−3.

Perforated Meckel’s Diverticulum: A Case Report

Meckel’s diverticulum is a true diverticulum that consists of all layers of bowel normally found in a normal small bowel wall. The three most common presentations in children are intestinal bleeding (30–56%), intestinal obstruction (14–42%), and diverticular inflammation (6–14%). Complications result in more severe symptoms, such as acute abdomen and signs of peritonitis. These presentations are not specific to Meckel’s diverticulum and can be found in many other conditions, making the diagnosis difficult. A five-year-old child came to the emergency department with complaint of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant. The pain was accompanied by vomiting. On physical examination, patient was febrile and signs of peritonitis were found. Abdominal plain film revealed the probability of focal inflammation in the right lower region of the abdomen, with partial intestinal obstruction. Ultrasonography showed a presence of a mass in right iliac region with the size of 24x20x23 mm, with normal appendix. During exploratory laparotomy, a necrotic and perforated Meckel’s diverticulum was found, with associated purulent matter. Diverticulectomy with segmental resection of ileum followed by end-to-end anastomosis were done. Diagnosis of Meckel’s diverticulum requires a high index of suspicion, especially in the pediatric population. It is important for clinicians to be aware of unusual presentations of Meckel’s diverticulum.

Distinguishing factors in regional variations of TAVI in Japan: the unique role of administrative facility standards compared to other procedures in a high-cost medical care subsidy system

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is less invasive than surgical aortic valve replacement and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, particularly among patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) due to aging. However, regional differences are expected to exist not only between countries but also within a single country. Reports from Western countries indicate the presence of regional differences in TAVI and the reasons for these differences, which include differences in medical infrastructure, economic resources, health insurance systems and policies, geographic factors, and availability of specialized medical personnel. TAVI is expensive, but in Japan, the economic aspect is relatively unimportant due to the high-cost medical assistance system. Furthermore, there is little socioeconomic disparity between regions. In such a society, we have reported that the number of specialists and resources for PCI can explain regional differences in ablation and endovascular treatment (EVT). However, unlike those other cardiovascular procedures, there are specific requirements for facilities to perform TAVI, such as the number of transesophageal echocardiographies, as well as cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, and the equipment itself, such as hybrid operating rooms. We examined how these facility requirements, which are thought to be controlled by the government, are related to regional differences in TAVI implementation. Methods and Results We used the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare national database to determine the rate of TAVI for patients with AS performed per 100,000 population aged ≥40 years in all 47 prefectures in 2022. A linear regression model was developed to assess factors contributing to the regional medical supply, including the rates of PCI per 100,000 population aged ≥40 years and the numbers of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, cardiovascular intervention and therapy training facilities, cardiovascular surgery base facilities, and TAVI facilities. The numbers in the highest and lowest regions were 26.6 and 3.9 (a 6.8-fold difference) for TAVI number. The number of TAVI facilities contributed most significantly to the TAVI volumes (P = 0.0105), while the rates of PCI and other factors did not contribute significantly. The number of TAVI facilities was positively correlated with the number of transesophageal echocardiographies the most (r = 0.353). Conclusion This study revealed large regional variations in TAVI volumes in Japan, of which administrative facility standards were a major determinant.