S1 Level Research Articles

Crop response and water productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) drip-irrigated with magnetically treated and non-magnetically treated water with variable salinity

To compare the effect of magnetic drip irrigation and conventional irrigation with different salinity levels on water productivity and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), a factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 3 replicates at the Research Station of the Faculty of Water Sciences Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran. The experiment was executed over the crop year 2018–19. The treatment variables consisted of 2 types of water (magnetically treated and non-magnetically treated) and 3 salinity levels (Karun River water (S1), 4 dS/m (S2), and 6 dS/m (S3)). The use of magnetically treated irrigation water increased the biomass water use efficiency, and the weight of 100 seeds by 13.9%, and 5.48%, respectively. With the conventional irrigation method, increased salinity reduced the seed yield. The highest seed yield and irrigation water productivity were observed at 4 459 kg/ha and 0.73 kg/m3 for grain yield at a water salinity level of S1 (the control treatment). The application of water with salinity of 4 dS/m and 6 dS/m (S2 and S3) caused a reduction in seed yield by 9.3 and 21.8%, respectively, in comparison to that of the control treatment. Moreover, irrigation water productivity for the biomass yield decreased by 14.57 and 29.23%, respectively. Based on the results of this study, the use of magnetically treated water can reduce the effects of salinity stress under conditions of salt stress. Therefore, magnetically treated water can increase the yield and productivity of irrigation water.

Influence of saline and sodic irrigation water on Bajra- II : Effect on concentration and uptake of nutrient

A pot experiment was conducted at Net House, Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh to assess the different levels of saline and sodic irrigation water on content and uptake of nutrient by bajra during the summer-2020. The treatment consist of four levels for each of salinity (2, 4, 6 and 8 dS m-1) and sodicity (5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 SAR) of irrigation water on Bajra by adopting factorial CRD with three replications. The results indicated that application of different levels of saline and sodic irrigation water produced significant effect on concentration and uptake of N, P and K by grain and fodder of bajra crop.The highest N, P and K content (1.11%, 0.31% and 0.60 %) and uptake (225.5, 62.6 and 121.2 mg pot-1) by grain and content (0.88 %, 0.21% and 0.33%) and uptake (976.0, 225.8 and 362.5 mg pot-1) by fodder were observed with EC 2 dS m-1 level of salinity of irrigation water and the lowest content and uptake by grain were observed with EC 8 dS m-1 level of salinity of irrigation water, respectively. While the highest N, P and K content (1.15%, 0.30% and 0.59%) and uptake (256.9, 67.5 and 131.4 mg pot-1) by grain and content (0.98%, 0.19% and 0.34%) and uptake (1072.7, 210.6, 370.2 mg pot-1) by fodder were observed with SAR-5.0level of sodicity of irrigation water and the lowest content and uptake by grain were observed with SAR-20.0level of sodicityof irrigation water. The interaction effect between salinity and sodicity levels of irrigation water on uptake of N by grain and fodder where found significantly the highest with C1× S1(EC-2.0 dSm-1 ×SAR-5.0) level of salinity and sodicity of irrigation water.

Association between severe lumbar disc degeneration and self-reported occupational physical loading.

ObjectivesOccupational physical loading has been reported to be associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. However, previous literature reports inconsistent results for different vertebral levels. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) at different vertebral levels and the self‐reported physical loading of occupation.MethodsThe study population consisted of 1,022 postmenopausal women and was based on the prospective Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) study cohort. The severity of LDD was graded from T2‐weighted MRI images using the five‐grade Pfirrmann classification. Five intervertebral levels (L1–L2 to L5–S1) were studied (total 5110 discs). The self‐rated occupational physical loading contained four groups: sedentary, light, moderate, and heavy.ResultsThe heavy occupational physical loading group had higher odds for severe LDD at the L5–S1 vertebral level (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.19–2.92, p = .006) in comparison with the sedentary work group. A clear trend of increasing disc degeneration with heavier occupational loading was also observed at the L5–S1 level. Age, smoking, and higher body mass index (BMI) were associated with more severe LDD. Leisure‐time physical activity at the age of 11–17 years was associated with less severe LDD. Controlling for confounding factors did not alter the results.ConclusionsThere appears to be an association between occupational physical loading and severe disc degeneration at the lower lumbar spine in postmenopausal women. Individuals in occupations with heavy physical loading may have an increased risk for work‐related disability due to more severe disc degeneration.

Effect of fertigation and foliar spray of nutrients on soil fertility and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L)

The field experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2020-21 at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra) to study the effect of fertigation and foliar spray of nutrients on soil fertility and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L). The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The two factors i.e., fertigation levels and foliar spray levels were evaluated against soil fertility and yield of bottle gourd. The results indicate, that the foliar spray of nutrients did not influence significantly the soil pH, EC, while with fertigation levels, significantly lowest pH was observed with S1 (200:100:100 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) while EC was not significant. The organic carbon content and major nutrient i.e., available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were increased by 11, 25, 22 and 5% with fertigation level of S1 (200:100:100 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) over S3 (100:50:50 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O), and by 21, 7, 15 and 5% with foliar spray level of F3 (Two foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25%) over F0 (water spray). The micronutrient contents particularly Fe, Mn, and Zn were significantly increased by 32, 11, and 14% with foliar spray levels of S1 (200:100:100 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) over S3 (100:50:50 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) and by 52, 18, and 62% with foliar spray level of F3 (Two foliar sprays of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25%) over F0 (water spray). The yield of bottle gourd was significantly higher with F3 (Two foliar sprays of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25%) in combination with S1 (200:100:100 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) and S2 (150:75:75 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O).

Foraminal Stenosis at L5-S1 as an Overlooked Pathology of Bilateral Radiculopathy: A Case Series.

The classical symptom of foraminal stenosis is unilateral radiculopathy. Bilateral radiculopathy caused purely by foraminal stenosis is rare. Here, we report five cases of bilateral L5 radiculopathy caused purely by L5-S1 foraminal stenosis and describe the clinical and radiological features of these patients in detail. Among the five patients, two were men and three were women with an average age of 69 years. Four patients had undergone surgeries at L4-5 level, previously. All the patients showed an improvement in symptoms in the post-operative period. After a certain period, the patients complained of bilateral leg pain and numbness. An additional surgery was performed in two patients; however, there was no improvement in symptoms. One patient, who did not undergo surgery, was treated conservatively for 3 years. All the patients had been suffering from bilateral leg symptoms before their first visit to our hospital. The neurological findings in these patients were consistent with bilateral L5 radiculopathy. The average pre-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 13 out of 29 points. Bilateral foraminal stenosis at L5-S1 level was confirmed using a three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion was performed in one patient and bilateral lateral fenestration using Wiltse's approach was performed in four patients. The neurological symptoms recovered immediately after surgery. The average JOA score at 2-year follow-up was 25 points. Spine surgeons may overlook the pathology of foraminal stenosis, particularly in patients with bilateral radiculopathy. Familiarity with the clinical and radiological features of symptomatic lumbar foraminal stenosis is necessary to properly diagnose bilateral foraminal stenosis at L5-S1 level.

Urgensi Layanan Penelusuran Untuk Mahasiswa Skripsi Di Perpustakaan Perguruan Tinggi

The Final Student (S1 level) of UIN Saifuddin Zuhri, has the final assignment in research /thesis. The academic library provides services related to student information about thesis assignments. This research aims to find out the views of students in semester seven and above about the importance of special library services for final-level students—research methods through descriptive qualitative approaches, with data retrieval through interviews and documents. This research will be interviews conducted in two stages; first, in Five students researching their thesis and students who have just graduated; Second, the question is open to 99 students in semester seven and above. The results showed that the first stage, information retrieval service as a unique service for thesis students, is very needed. However, some students do not encounter obstacles in completing their thesis but still consider if information retrieval service is necessary. The second stage, open question answers to 99 students, showed that special services for thesis students were indispensable. Student complaints include difficulty finding referrals and a lack of knowledge about compiling a good thesis. In conclusion, the college library has demanded that final-level students hold special services for thesis students. The services provided should be with sufficient officers, in this case, adjusted to the number of students who are thesis.

An Anatomical Clue for Minimizing Iliac Vein Injury During the Anterolateral Approach at L5-S1 Level: A Cadaveric Study.

ObjectiveThe injury to the common iliac vein (CIV) seems to be the most important concern during the anterior approach to the spine at L5–S1 level. We investigated the anatomy of the L5–S1 vertebral structures related to the CIV through a cadaveric study to find an anatomical clue for safe dissection of CIV. MethodsTen cadavers were prepared for this study. After removing the peritoneum and the presacral fascia, the section from the lower part of the L5 to the upper part of the S1 vertebral body was removed with the CIV attached. After decalcification, 2 sections in the vertical and horizontal directions were made for histological study. ResultsAn adipose tissue layer was present between the intervertebral disc and CIV. The adipose tissue layer in 6 cadavers was thin, and in 3 of these cadavers, the CIV was attached to the vertebral body and the disc. In the other 4 cadavers, the CIV was clearly separated from the vertebral body and the disc by the intervening adipose tissue layer (IATL). Under the microscope, a thin layer surrounding the anterior longitudinal ligament, periosteum, and disc was observed, and we named this structure the ‘perivertebral membrane.’ The perivertebral membrane was attached to the CIV when there was no IATL, but a potential space was detected under the membrane. ConclusionThere was a thin membrane, perivertebral membrane, between the CIV and L5–S1 disc. In cases with CIV adhesion to the disc due to the absence of IATL, the CIV may be mobilized indirectly through the perivertebral membrane.

ANALISIS PERBEDAAN KINERJA KEUANGAN RUMAH SAKIT SWASTA NON RUJUKAN COVID SEBELUM DAN SELAMA PANDEMI COVID-19 (STUDI KASUS DI RUMAH SAKIT XY BANGIL)

Performance measurement is one of the most important factors for a company. These measurements are used to assess the success of the company and as a basis for preparing rewards or incentives within
 So far, performance measurement has been carried out traditionally and only focuses on the financial side and the number of patients decreases and of course affects the financial performance of XY Hospital. Cost Recovery Rate is one of the financial performance indicators used by XY Hospital to measure financial performance. CRR is the percentage comparison between the total income compared to the total production costs incurred by the hospital. The population of this study is all the number of patients before the covid-19 pandemic and during the covid-19 pandemic in 2019 and 2020, all the number of human resources before the covid-19 pandemic and during the covid-19 pandemic in 2019 and 2020, all the amount of income before the covid pandemic -19 and during the 2019 and 2020 covid- 19 pandemic. Inpatient services, namely obstetrics & gynecology treatment rooms, child care rooms, baby rooms, general care rooms have decreased from 2019 to 2020. Inpatient services, namely obstetric & gynecological treatment rooms, child care rooms, baby rooms, general care rooms have decreased from 2019 to 2020. Outpatient services for general poly, emergency care installations, obstetrics & obstetrics specialist poly, children, internal medicine, general surgery, eye, THT, lung, nerve, surgery, skin & genital, heart, maternal & child health/ family planning have decreased from 2019 to 2020. Medical Support Services in the laboratory have increased from 2019 to 2020 because every Patients who come to the IGD must have a rapid test. For radiology services, pharmacy experienced a decrease in the number of patients from 2019 to 2020. In 2020 it decreased to diploma (D3) by 5.4%, while the S1 level was 9.1% and the S2 level was 1.9%. Cost Recovery Rate (CRR) or the company's ability to finance the operations of XY Hospital In 2020 it decreased by 13.71% from 2019, still below the target (CRR = 100%) this indicates that XY Hospital in 2020 suffered a loss this is due to The number of patients decreased due to the pandemic.

A MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF VENTRAL NERVE ROOTS AND RETROPERITONEAL VESSELS IN RELATION TO A MINIMALLY INVASIVE LATERAL APPROACH TO DETERMINE SAFE WORKING ZONE

Background: The minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach is a new method that was designed to minimize problems related with standard or minimally invasive anterior or posterior lumbar spine techniques. The current work used magnetic resonance imaging to determine the anatomic location of the ventral root and retroperitoneal arteries in respect to the vertebral body and to establish the anatomical safe zones. We examined lumbar spine MRI in 50 individuals retrospectively (L1-L2 to L5-S Method: 1 levels). The ventral root and surrounding major arteries were identied using axial T1 and T2 scans. Axial MR scans were utilized to determine the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the vertebral endplate, the overlap between the ventral root and the posterior border of the vertebra, and the overlap between the retroperitoneal big vessels and the anterior edge of the vertebra. The safe zone was then determined. From L1–L2 Results: to L5–S1, the mean AP diameter of the vertebral body and the overlap of the vertebral body with the nerve roots and retroperitoneal arteries grew gradually. When we examined the extent of overlap of retroperitoneal arteries with the ventral border of the lower vertebral body endplate, we discovered that the right vascular structures were more posterior than the left vascular structures. The safe working zone was 81.86 percent of the lower endplate of the sagittal diameter of the vertebral body at L1–L2, 70.03 percent at L2–L3, 69.32 percent at L3–L4, 50.08 percent at L4–L5, and 17.92 percent at L5–S1 levels. The Conclusion: retroperitoneal transpsoas method is a less invasive and more efcient alternative to the conventional posterior, open lumbar procedures. It can be used to treat trauma, degenerative disc disease, adult degenerative scoliosis, spondylosis with instability, spondylolisthesis, lumbar stenosis, and neighboring segment failure.

Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Sacrum: A Rare Scenario

AbstractBenign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) of bone is quite rare, and here we report the second case of such tumor originating from sacrum, with the first being reported in an 18-year-old female. The overlapping clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings make it a difficult diagnosis along with the fact that it is a rare diagnosis. In this case report, we present the diagnostic difficulties and optimal treatment for such cases. A 46-year-old male w presented to OPD with complaint of numbness in left foot since 1 month, and intermittent urinary incontinence for 2 weeks. On examination, the straight leg raising test was positive of left side, extensor hallucis longus (EHL) was weak in both lower limbs, and bilateral ankle jerks were diminished. MRI showed well-defined lobulated solid mass lesion, which is T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense and homogeneously involving the S1 vertebral body, with involvement of the right sacral ala, and right sacral foramen seen at S1 and S2 levels extending into the spinal canal till L4 level. Excision through a posterior midline incision was performed taking care to preserve the traversing nerves. Postoperatively, remarkable improvement in pain with no major residual neurological deficit was observed. Patient was followed-up till 9 months; patient’s incontinence improved over a period of 3 months and has stayed the same until the last follow-up.

Walking Biomechanics and Spine Loading in Patients With Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis is a leading cause of pain and mobility limitation in older adults. It is clinically believed that patients with lumbar spinal stenosis adopt a flexed trunk posture or bend forward and alter their gait pattern to improve tolerance for walking. However, a biomechanical assessment of spine posture and motion during walking is broadly lacking in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lumbar spine and pelvic sagittal angles and lumbar spine compressive loads in standing and walking and to determine the effect of pain and neurogenic claudication symptoms in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis. Seven participants with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis, aged 44–82, underwent a 3D opto-electronic motion analysis during standing and walking trials in asymptomatic and symptomatic states. Passive reflective marker clusters (four markers each) were attached to participants at T1, L1, and S2 levels of the spine, with additional reflective markers at other spinal levels, as well as the head, pelvis, and extremities. Whole-body motion data was collected during standing and walking trials in asymptomatic and symptomatic states. The results showed that the spine was slightly flexed during walking, but this was not affected by symptoms. Pelvic tilt was not different when symptoms were present, but suggests a possible effect of more forward tilt in both standing (p = 0.052) and walking (p = 0.075). Lumbar spine loading during symptomatic walking was increased by an average of 7% over asymptomatic walking (p = 0.001). Our results did not show increased spine flexion (adopting a trunk-flexed posture) and only indicate a trend for a small forward shift of the pelvis during both symptomatic walking and standing. This suggests that provocation of symptoms in these patients does not markedly affect their normal gait kinematics. The finding of increased spine loading with provocation of symptoms supports our hypothesis that spine loading plays a role in limiting walking function in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, but additional work is needed to understand the biomechanical cause of this increase.

Normal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Appearance of Marrow Adjacent to the Sacroiliac Joints in Children During Development.

On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for sacroiliitis, increased T2 marrow signal can be misinterpreted as marrow edema. We hypothesize that a changing but predictable pattern for marrow signal intensity adjacent to the sacroiliac joints is present from infancy through skeletal maturity. The purpose of our study is to characterize the distribution of increased T2 signal intensity within the marrow adjacent to the sacroiliac joints in healthy children. A retrospective review of the electronic health record identified 345 children who underwent MRI examination of the sacrum, sacroiliac joints, or pelvis. Those with underlying disease that may potentially alter sacroiliac marrow signal were excluded. Sixty children, 30 girls and 30 boys, were assessed for T2 marrow signal intensity greater than the interforaminal sacrum and less than or equivalent to the primary spongiosa of the posterior iliac crests at the S1, S2, and S3 levels. The width of increased T2 signal intensity at each sacral level, right and left sides, ilium, and sacrum was measured (mm). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine if there were differences between skeletally immature and skeletally mature subjects; defined as aged 15 years for girls and 17 years for boys. When 30 girls and 30 boys are assessed, the width of increased T2 marrow signal adjacent to the sacroiliac joints is significantly greater in skeletally immature than in skeletal mature female subjects for right S1 sacral side (P = 0.0100), left S1 sacral side (P = 0.0119), right S2 sacral side (P = 0.037), left S2 sacral side (P = 0.0020), and in male subjects for the right S2 sacral side (P = 0.0178), right S2 iliac side (P = 0.0415), right S3 sacral side (P = 0.0024), and left S3 sacral side (P = 0.0037). There were insufficient subjects for whom the ilii extended beyond the S2 sacral segments to assess for the S3 iliac sides. Healthy children and adolescents have increased T2 signal intensity within the sacral marrow adjacent to the sacroiliac joints, likely the vascular primary spongiosum, which is greater in adolescence compared with skeletal maturity. Knowledge of this normal pattern is beneficial in interpreting MRI examinations for the presence of sacroiliitis.

Effect of Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria Thiobacillus Thioparus and Different Levels of Agricultural Sulfur on Wheat Yield (Triticum Aestivium L.)

A field experiment was carried out in the agricultural season 2020-2021 in an agricultural field located in the Al-Jarboua area (Al Hafez) in Al-Muthanna Governorate to study the effect of inoculation with sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and agricultural sulfur levels and their interactions on the yield of wheat plant Triticum aestivum L. Ibaa cultivar 99. The study was carried out in two stages, the first is isolation Sulfur oxidizing bacteria and the second used as a inoculant in the agricultural experiment to study its effect on soil characteristics and its content of nutrients NPK and S. At two levels T0 without adding the bacterial inoculum and T1 adding the first isolate of bacteria The second factor included the addition of agricultural sulfur with four levels of sulfur (S0 were taken without addition, S1 added 750 kg ha−1, S2 added 1500 kg ha−1 and S3 added 2250 kg ha−1) In three replications, the number of experimental units reached 36 experimental units. The results of the study also showed that inoculation with bacterial isolates led to a significant increase in the readiness of nutrients N, P, K and S, and the highest rate of sulfur was (1895) mg. The pollination also led to a significant increase in the growth characteristics of the plant (plant height, number of spikes and grain yield), as it recorded (101.25 cm, 393.22 spike m−1 and 6.73 mcg/ha−1), respectively. The addition of agricultural sulfur at different levels affected a significant increase in the availability of nutrients N, P, K and S, and the highest rate of sulfur at the level of S3 was (1817) mg. Also, the bilateral interaction between inoculation with bacterial isolates and agricultural sulfur led to a significant increase in the availability of nutrients N, P, K and S. kg −1 soil.

Comparison of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic decompression and short-segment fusion in the treatment of elderly degenerative lumbar scoliosis with spinal stenosis

BackgroundDegenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) combined with spinal stenosis is increasingly being diagnosed in the elderly. However, the appropriate surgical approach remains somewhat controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the results of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic decompression (PTED) and short-segment fusion for the treatment of mild degenerative lumbar scoliosis combined with spinal stenosis in older adults over 60 years of age.MethodsOf the 54 consecutive patients included, 30 were treated with PTED and 24 were treated with short-segment open fusion. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months (12–24 months). Patient demographics, and perioperative and clinical outcomes were recorded. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, and modified Macnab criteria were used to assess clinical outcomes. At the same time, changes in disc height, segmental lordosis, coronal Cobb angle, and lumbar lordosis were compared.ResultsThe mean age was 68.7 ± 6.5 years in the PTED group and 66.6 ± 5.1 years in the short-segment fusion group. At 1 year postoperatively, both groups showed significant improvement in VAS and ODI scores compared with preoperative scores (p < 0.05), with no statistically significant difference between groups. However, VAS-Back and ODI were lower in the PTED group at 1 week postoperatively (p < 0.05). According to the modified Macnab criteria, the excellent rates were 90.0 and 91.6% in the PTED and short-segment fusion groups, respectively. However, the PTED group had a significantly shorter operative time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative bed rest, and complication rate. There was no significant difference in radiological parameters between the two groups preoperatively. At the last follow-up, there were significant differences in disc height, segmental lordosis at the L4–5 and L5–S1 levels, and Cobb angle between the two groups.ConclusionBoth PTED and short-segment fusion for mild degenerative lumbar scoliosis combined with spinal stenosis have shown good clinical results. PTED under local anesthesia may be an effective supplement to conventional fusion surgery in elderly patients with DLS combined with spinal stenosis.

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOOGLE CLASSROOM MEDIA IN DISCRETE MATHEMATICS LEARNING IN TERMS OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

One of the learning media in the network that is often used in addressing various learning problems during the Covid-19 pandemic is the use of google classroom media. The purpose of this study is to find out the effectiveness of google classroom media in discrete mathematics learning in terms of learning outcomes. The type of research conducted is quasi experiment research to see the consequences of a treatment by comparing the learning outcomes of two class groups (independent class) or two time groups with the same class (dependent class). The research design is applied using one group pretest-posttest design. The samples in this study were all the fourth semester class A students who took discrete mathematics courses at the S1 level of the Mathematics Education Study Program of the Faculty of Education, Timor University which consisted of 40 students. Sample data was processed with descriptive analysis and average difference test using paired sample t test and N-Gain Score. The research results showed that learning outcomes by using google classroom media is quite effective based the students’ test results. The students’ learning outcomes after learning by applying google classroom media were higher than students’ learning outcomes before learning by applying google classroom media.

Intramedullary spinal abscess associated with intramedullary dermoid and infected dermal sinus:case report and review of the literature

Intramedullary spinal abscesses are extremely rare. Most occur secondary to cardiopulmonary spread;contiguous origin is less frequent. Few intramedullary spinal abscesses have been reported secondary to dermal sinus tracts. A dermoid sinus is a congenital lesion (closed simple dysraphism) with rare incidence.Dermoid sinuses can ease local invasion and spinal infections (meningitis, intradural extramedullary and intramedullary abscesses), usually with thoracolumbar involvement. Here we describe acase of a 20-month-old boy who presented with fever and refusal to walk 2 days prior to admission. On examination of the lumbar spine, a small sinus with skin stigmata was noted.Neurological evaluation revealed paraparesis more prominent on the left side, reduced tone and reflexes, left leg hypoesthesia,reduced anal tone, and urinary retention.MRI scan demonstrated intramedullary abscess extending from L2 to S1 level. The patient was urgently admitted for drainage of intramedullary abscess and excision of the dermal sinus tract. Proper antibiotic treatment was completed for 6 weeks with gradual improvement and ultimately full ambulation ability.

Fusing to the Sacrum/Pelvis: Does the Risk of Reoperation in Thoracolumbar Fusions Depend on Upper Instrumented Vertebrae (UIV) Selection?

There is controversy as to whether fusions should have the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) end in the upper lumbar spine or cross the thoracolumbar junction. This study compares outcomes and reoperation rates for thoracolumbar fusions to the sacrum or pelvis with UIV in the lower thoracic versus lumbar spine to determine if there is an increased reoperation rate depending on UIV selection. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted from a single-center database on adult patients with degeneration and deformity who underwent primary and revision fusions with a caudal level of S1 or ilium between 2012 and 2018. Fusions were classified as anterior, posterior, or combination approach. Revision fusions included patients who had spinal surgery at another institution prior to their revision surgery at the center. Patients were categorized into 1 of 3 groups based on UIV: T9-T11, upper lumbar region (L1-L2), and lower lumbar region (L3-L5). Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or older and at least 1 year of clinical follow-up. Patients were excluded from analysis if they had tumors, infections, or less than 1 year of follow-up after the index procedure. The reoperation rates for the UIV groups in the thoracic (28%) and upper lumbar (27%) spine were nearly equal in magnitude and were both significantly higher than the reoperation rate in the lower lumbar group (18%, P = .046). Reoperation for the diagnosis of adjacent segment disease was 8.3% in the upper lumbar spine and statistically significantly higher than the reoperation rates for adjacent segment disease in the thoracic (1%) or lower lumbar (4.5%, P = .042) spine. Reoperations for pseudoarthrosis and proximal junctional kyphosis were 13% and 4%, respectively, in the thoracic spine, both of which were statistically significantly different (pseudoarthrosis, P = .035; proximal junctional kyphosis, P = .002) from the reoperation rates for the same diagnoses in the upper lumbar spine (4.6% and 1%) or lower lumbar spine (6.2% and 0%). A multivariate logistical regression model at 2-year follow up did not show a statistically significant difference between reoperation rates between the thoracic and upper lumbar spine UIV groups. Constructs with UIV in the thoracic spine suffer from higher rates of proximal junctional kyphosis and pseudoarthrosis, whereas those with UIV in the upper lumbar spine have higher rates of adjacent segment disease. Given this tradeoff, there is no certain recommendation on what UIV will result in a lower reoperation rate in thoracolumbar fusion constructs to the sacrum or pelvis. Surgeons must evaluate patient characteristics and risks to make the optimal decision.

بررسی پاسخ گیاه ارزن (Panicum miliaceum) به کاربرد اسید هیومیک، سیلیسیم و میکوریزا در شرایط تنش شور سدیمی آب آبیاری

IntroductionSalinity and sodicity stresses are the major problems in the production of crops under arid and semi-arid regions. Sustainable management by using water and soil resources, under conditions of salinity and sodicity, is considered as a management strategies, also application of mycorrhizal fungi along/or organic matter such as humic acid addition are the major causes in reclamation of the environment and also increases the stability of agro-systems by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. Among other ways to overcome the negative effects of salinity on the growth and yield of the plant, application of ordinary silicon and silicon nanoparticles have prior importance. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of humic acid, mycorrhiza and silicon (ordinary and nano) on yield and nutrient content of millet under saline-sodic irrigation water. Materials and methodsA field experiment was conducted as split plot factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications in summer 2015. The study area is located in Tabas city, South Khorasan province (Iran) with longitude 56o 53' and latitude 33o 34'. The main plots consisted of saline-sodic irrigation water (S) at two levels (S1= EC: 2.1 dSm-1, SAR:11.5 and S2= EC: 5.04 dSm-1, SAR: 20.8) and a combination of sub factors including three treatments of silicon salts (SI): (control (Si0), silicon nanoparticles, 10KgSiha-1 (NSi) and ordinary silicon (by using sodium silicate salt) 10KgSiha-1 (Si)) and three levels of mycorrhiza and Humic acid (MH): (control (MH0), inoculation with Glomus mosseae mycorrhizal fungi (M) and humic acid 10Kgha-1 (H)) as The factorial was placed in the main plots. Results and discussion The results showed that increasing salinity-sodicity of irrigation water decreased grain yield, straw yield, number of panicles per square meter and plant height and its effect on 1000 seed weight and grain number per spike were not significant. Increasing salinity-sodicity of irrigation water decreased the grain yield by reducing the number of panicles per square meter, reduction of the straw yield due to its negative impact in plant height. The application of silicon nanoparticles treatment increased the grain yield compared to non-silicon treatment, but ordinary silicon (sodium silicate) had no effect. Mycorrhizal inoculation increased grain yield, straw yield and panicle per square meter and application of humic acid also increased grain yield, number of panicles per square meter. Mean grain yield at S1 level increased with the use of humic acid and mycorrhiza and in S2 level, mean grain yield increased only with the use of humic acid. Saline-Sodic irrigation water reduced the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and K/Na ratio, and increased sodium concentration in millet. Application of silicon had no significant effect on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and K/Na ratio in the plant, but mycorrhiza and humic acid increased plant phosphorus and K/Na ratio and decreased sodium content of the plant. ConclusionsAccording to our results, it can be concluded that the use of silicon nanoparticles in comparison with ordinary silicon (sodium silicate) could increase the yield of millet. Also the application of humic acid or mycorrhiza can be improved the yield of millet by increasing the amount of phosphorus and K/Na ratio and decreasing sodium content in millet and thus the enhancement of resistance of the plant and the reduction of the effects of salinity-sodicity of water irrigation, and in this regard, the effect of humic acid was much superior to mycorrhiza impact.

Alleviating Paravertebral Muscle Spasm after Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment of Hypersensitive Basivertebral and Sinuvertebral Nerves for Chronic Discogenic Back Pain

Paraspinal muscle spasm caused by pain from a lumbar degenerative disc is frequently investigated in patients with low back pain. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) surgery could alleviate paraspinal muscle spasms. We performed RFA surgery on the high-intensity zone (HIZ) and hypersensitive sinuvertebral and basivertebral nerves to evaluate its outcome. The paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after surgery to evaluate the effect of RFA surgery on the paravertebral muscle. Prospective cohort study. A single spine surgery center. A comparative study was performed on 2 different uniportal spinal endoscopic surgery groups; 23 patients who underwent RFA surgery for chronic discogenic back pain and 45 patients who underwent posterior decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis with 12 months of follow-up. Paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area, Schiza grade, Modic type, and HIZ size were measured on pre- and post-operative MRI. An endoscopic video review was performed to evaluate the presence of intraoperative twitching and grade the degree of epidural neovascularization and adhesion. Visual analog scale VAS, modified Oswestry Disability Index, ODI and MacNab's criteria were evaluated for outcome measures. Intraoperative endoscopic video evaluation showed neovascularization and adhesion adjacent to the disc and pedicle. In the RFA surgery group, there were 7 patients (30.43%) with grade 2 and 16 (69.57%) with grade 3 neovascularization; intraoperative twitching was observed in 19 out of 23 patients (82.61%). After performing an RFA on the sinuvertebral and basivertebral nerves for the treatment of discogenic back pain, the results showed significant improvement in pain and disability scores. The mean CSA of the paraspinal muscle in the RFA surgery group was significantly increased after surgery at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels (L4-L5: 3901 ± 1096.7 mm² to 4167 ± 1052.1 mm², P = 0.000; L5-S1: 3059 ± 968.5 mm² to 3323 ± 1046.2 mm², P = 0.000) compared to preoperative CSA. This study was limited by its small sample size. Hypersensitive sinuvertebral and basivertebral nerves are strongly associated with epidural neovascularization with adhesion and the pathological pain pathway in degenerative disc disease. Epidural neovascularization with adhesion reflects aberrant neurological connections, which are associated with reflex inhibitory mechanisms of the multifidus muscle, which induces spasm. RFA treatment of the region of epidural neovascularization with adhesion effectively treated chronic discogenic back pain and could induce paraspinal muscle spasm release.

Comment on "Electronic, vibrational and torsional couplings in N-methylpyrrole: Ground, first excited and cation states" [J. Chem. Phys. 154, 224305 (2021)

Two-color (1 + 1') zero-electron-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) and photoionization efficiency (PIE) spectra are reported via different levels in the S1 ← S0 (Ã1A2←X̃1A1) one-photon transition of jet-cooled N-methylpyrrole. The laser radiation is produced using two dye lasers, one with an 1800 l/mm grating and one with 2400 l/mm. We report spectra where the excitation and ionization radiation are produced with both combinations of the dye lasers; these spectra differ markedly. This is attributed to Wood's anomalies with the 2400 l/mm grating: one aspect is a loss in light intensity over a range of wavelengths, attributed to a resonance anomaly. Another is the appearance of a "shadow" ZEKE spectrum and PIE curve at apparently higher ionization wavenumbers; under some conditions, a third ZEKE spectrum was observed-these latter observations arise from higher-order dispersion effects, likely caused by a Rayleigh anomaly. We comment on these observations and report more representative ZEKE and PIE spectra than those presented in a recent paper by our group [A. R. Davies, D. J. Kemp, and T. G. Wright, J. Chem. Phys. 154, 224305 (2021)] for four intermediate S1 levels.