Short Period Research Articles

THE ROLE OF FUNCTIONALITY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE OF INTERNET SERVICES IN IMPROVING THE BUSINESS EFFICIENCY OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES

With the continued growth of business-to-busines (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) Internet services, online providers offer an increasing range of services that support and improve their core products or services. In this article, we will explore Internet services in the pharmaceutical market in E-Pharma.The results of the field study confirm that the functionality and quality of the services provided by Internet services are important predictors of customer beliefs and behaviour, and have a significant impact on indicators of pharmaceutical company development as sales and advertising revenue. The constructed econometric model confirms that the monthly traffic of the Internet service is primarily sensitiveto the speed of order processing, i.e. a change in the speed of order processing will be reflected in the growth of traffic after a shorter period of time compared to other factors. The functional value is also confirmed, reflecting the usefulness of the Internet service in a practical aspect due to the influence of selected factors in the multiple regression model studied.The study allowed us to identify the most effective ways to develop Internet services in the E-Pharma market. These include: promotion of Internet services through social networks, which will ensure an increase in both the social and emotional value of the Internet values studied; implementation of other measures to increase public awareness of Internet services operating in the Russian pharmaceutical market; development of a loyalty programme for customers of a pharmacy organisation who purchase medicines through an Internet service, thereby contributing to an increase in their functional, social, and emotional value.

Local protest event analysis: providing a more comprehensive picture?

In exploring protest dynamics, Protest Event Analysis (PEA) has proven an indispensable analytic tool. Despite various improvements, PEA faces continuous challenges, notably the reproduction of media-specific selection biases. This research note aims to contribute to the literature seeking to mitigate these issues by exploring the potential of PEA based on local newspaper data, which tend to be less selective in their protest reporting. The article introduces an original local PEA dataset in Germany (2000–2020) and systematically compares it to existing national-level PEA data for Germany. The analysis shows that while both datasets pick up similar trends in terms of mobilisation waves, national level data focus on shorter periods of intense protest activity. Furthermore, issues of protest differ: material and social issues (including labour and environmental issues) are more prominent in local data, while cultural issues (including immigration and gender) are more prominent in national-level data.

A Fast FPGA Hardware Accelerator for Remote Heart Rate Detection Based on RGB Vision.

A fast hardware accelerator is created by this work via field programmable gate array (FPGA) to estimate heart rate (HR) through the video recorded by a RGB camera based on the technology of remote photoplethysmography (rPPG). The method of rPPG acquires physiological signals of a human body by analyzing the subtle color changes on the surface of the human skin. The hardware implementation of rPPG to estimate HR is proposed herein to aim for a much faster calculation speed than software for a number of applications, like heart failure pre-warning of an in-action athlete and drowsiness detection of a driver. In this accelerator, ICA (Independent Component Analysis) is used to recover the blood volume pulse from the raw signals of remote PPG, and then obtain the heart rate value. The architecture of the hardware circuit is described in Verilog HDL and verified by Quartus II, and also implemented in an Altera DE10-Standard FPGA board, which consists of image capture, heart rate algorithm and image display. A TRDB-D5M camera is utilized for image capture. Two experiments were conducted with image collecting duration of 16 seconds and 8 seconds respectively, and the commercial device Omron HEM-6111 was used as the golden value. The proposed system achieves an accuracy in (ME ± 1.96SD) of -0.76 ± 5.09 and -0.70 ± 8.71 bpm in the short periods of 16-second and 8-second versions, respectively, which outperforms all the reported prior works in combined computation time and accuracy.

Analysis of Economic Convergence in the European Union

Abstract The article analysis the economic convergence of member states of the European Union through ten main macroeconomic indicators. Employing a combination of statistical methodologies encompassing, such as descriptive statistics, multiple regression and ANOVA analysis, the research intends to reveal an updated outlook and also the big picture of economic convergence process within the European Union. Its results, analysing economic indicators, show the serious convergence trends between economies of EU-27 member states in general, but particularising, we can observe variations of the progress for each member state. Also, has been remarked that when the GDP per capita has increased in most of the member states, the differences have significatively decreased, these still exist. Moreover, convergence is discernible in inflation rates, unemployment rates, and trade balances. In the same way, the analysis pointed out also the differences that exist between member states, which have to be treated and separated, but together through inclusion policies, social and economic, to have as a final goal, the absolute convergence to be realised through shorter period of time than the actual trend. Premises, likewise, the realities that exist in the present can lead to a deeper and feasible convergence, even if it can offer the growing rhyme in comparing some states with others. In conclusion, the article highlights the fact that is much more than necessary that political strategies of member states individually, and also member states of the European Union to get together regarding aligning to the best economic and social level.

Pathological characteristics of reoperated regrowing clinically nonfunctioning pituitary tumor cases in comparison with initial surgical cases.

Postoperative nonfunctioning pituitary tumor (NFPT) regrowth is a significant concern, but its predictive factors are not well established. This study aimed to elucidate the pathological characteristics of NFPTs indicated for reoperation for tumor regrowth. Pathological, radiological, and clinical data were collected from patients who underwent repeat operation for NFPT at Moriyama Memorial Hospital (MMH) between April 2018 and September 2023. For comparison, we also gathered data from patients who underwent initial surgery for NFPT during the same period at MMH. Overall, 61 and 244 NFPT patients who respectively underwent reoperation and initial operation were evaluated. The mean period between the previous operation and reoperation was 113 months. Immunonegativity for any adenohypophyseal hormone was significantly more frequent in the reoperation group than in the initial operation group. In addition, the rate of hormone-negative but transcription factor-positive (H-/TF+) tumors among silent gonadotroph tumors was significantly higher in the reoperation group than in the initial operation group. Furthermore, seven silent corticotroph tumors (SCTs) in the reoperation group were ACTH-negative but TPIT-positive. Because most of the previous surgeries were performed in other hospitals a long time ago, we could procure the previous pathological results with immunohistochemistry (IHC) only from 21 patients. IHC for TF had not been performed in all the previous specimens. IHC for adenohypophyseal hormone was almost the same as the current results, and many H-/TF+ tumors were previously diagnosed as NCT. In addition, the reoperated patients were classified into 3 groups on the basis of the condition of the previous operation: gross total resection (GTR), 12 patients; subtotal resection (STR), 17 patients; and partial resection (PR), 32 patients. The mean Ki-67 LI in the GTR, STR, and PR subgroups were 1.82, 1.37, and 0.84, respectively, with the value being significantly higher in the GTR subgroup than in the PR subgroup (P < 0.05). The ratio of H-/TF+ tumors is significantly higher in symptomatically regrown tumors than in the initial cases, which used to be diagnosed as NCT. PR cases tend to grow symptomatically in a shorter period, even with lower Ki-67 LI than GTR cases.

Electrocardiographic features in the early differential diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis from cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Introduction Amyloidosis and sarcoidosis are both systemic infiltrative diseases which can cause cardiac involvement. Differentiating early-stage cardiac amyloidosis (CA) from cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is still challenging, although hypertrophy for CA and septal thinning for CS are characteristic echocardiographic findings in each late-stage. The diagnosis is a time-sensitive issue, given the therapies for CA and CS likely to be effective at early disease stages. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the utility of electrocardiography (ECG) for distinguishing CA from CS before or early in the course of cardiomyopathy. Methods This study enrolled 36 consecutive patients (20 male, 75±13 years) diagnosed with transthyretin-CA in 25 (CA group) and isolated CS in 11 patients (CS group) according to accepted criteria at our institute from July 2014 to July 2023. We retrospectively reviewed electrocardiographic characteristics and clinical outcomes of early-stage CA and CS. Results The CS group were younger than the CA group at the time of diagnosis (59±9 vs 83±7 years, P&amp;lt;0.01) and had a shorter period between the date of their first ECG recording at our institute and the date of diagnosis (18±3 vs 62±67 months, P=0.012). Furthermore, the CA group showed specific P-waves with longer duration (142±19 vs 126±8 ms, P=0.003) and more notches and/or fragmentation (91% vs 33%, P=0.003) in the limb leads on the initial ECG than the CS group, although prolonged PR-interval is common in both CA and CS (191±44 vs. 208±43 ms, P=0.359). Unexpectedly, the CA group had a shorter QRS duration (103±25 vs 123±31 ms, P=0.047) and a higher R-wave in V5 (2.0±0.9 vs 1.3±1.1 mV, P=0.039) than the CS group. In addition, the low voltage in all limb leads, pseudoinfarct pattern and bundle branch block morphology characteristic of CA patients did not differ between diagnosis and initial examination. There were also no differences in atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. During the follow-up period, 5 patients (20%) in the CA group, but no patients in the CS group died. Conclusion CA and CS shares several electrocardiographic features. Prolonged P-wave with notches and fragmentation, suggesting atrial conduction disturbance, may be associated with amyloid deposition in CA. This finding might be useful in the early differential diagnosis for CA from CS.

Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum strains DAL-1 and Philadelphia 1 differ in generation times in vitro as well as during experimental rabbit infection.

In this work, we determined that Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA) DAL-1 (belonging to Nichols-like group of TPA strains) grew 1.53 (± 0.08) times faster compared to TPA Philadelphia 1 (SS14-like group) during in vitro cultivations. In longitudinal individual propagation in rabbit testes (n = 12, each TPA strain), infection with DAL-1 manifested clinical symptoms (induration, swelling, and erythema of testes) sooner than Philadelphia 1 infection, which resulted in a significantly shorter period of the experimental passages for DAL-1 (median = 15.0 and 23.5 days, respectively; p < 0.01). To minimize the confounding conditions during rabbit experiments, the growth characteristics of DAL-1 and Philadelphia 1 strains were determined during TPA co-infection of rabbit testes (n = 20, including controls). During two weeks of intratesticular co-infection, DAL-1 overgrew Philadelphia 1 in all twelve testes, regardless of inoculation ratio and dose (median of relative excess DAL-1 multiplication = 84.85×). Moreover, higher DAL-1 to Philadelphia 1 inoculum ratios appeared to increase differences in growth rates, suggesting direct competition between strains for available nutrients during co-infection. These experiments indicate important physiological differences between the two TPA strains and suggest growth differences between Nichols-like and SS14-like strains that are potentially linked to their virulence and pathogenicity.

Impact of catheter ablation on erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients

Abstract Background Previous studies suggested a consequential link between impaired diastolic function, which could be related to atrial fibrillation (AF), and a heightened susceptibility to erectile dysfunction (ED). No data exists regarding the correlation between restoration of sinus rhythm and ED. Objective This study investigates the influence of cardiac ablation on the need for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDEF5i) medications in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods We retrospectively investigated by chart review 220 consecutive male patients with erectile dysfunction who underwent AF catheter ablation and performed at least one follow-up visit afterward between 2019 and 2022. Exclusion criteria were considered patients older than 85 years old and those assuming non-selective beta-blockers or antidepressant medications. Patients were monitored for arrhythmia at quarterly office visits, ECGs, 7-day Holter monitoring, and event recorders during the first year. The Chi-Square test was utilized to statistically analyze the correlation between the achievement of sinus rhythm post-ablation and the discontinuation of ED medications. Results During follow-up 182 (82.7%) pts remained in sinus rhythm after one year (Group 1). Among these, 141 (77.4%) reported withdrawal of ED medication and a marked improvement in their overall sexual health and satisfaction. Whereas among the 38 (17.3%) who did not maintain stable sinus rhythm during follow-up (Group 2), only 2 (5.2%) reported a reduction in ED medication. A statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the two groups (p&amp;lt;0.001, OR 0,016, 95%, 0,003 - 0,061). Moreover, patients maintaining sinus rhythm for more than six months exhibited a higher tendency to stop ED medications compared to those with shorter periods of sinus rhythm or with recurrent AF episodes. Conclusion Our findings suggest a strong association between the achievement of sinus rhythm through cardiac ablation and a reduction PDEF5i in patients affected by ED medications in AF patients. This highlights the potential dual benefits of cardiac ablation in improving quality of life and in improving sexual health.

#2189 Percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation

Abstract Background and Aims There are three main techniques to implant a peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC): percutaneously, laparoscopically or through open surgery; and current guidelines recommend individualising according to previous abdominal surgeries and anaesthetic risk. Recent metanalysis show the percutaneous technique to be safe, non-inferior in catheter survival, and with an equal incidence in mechanic complications (within &amp;lt;3 months after implantation) and infectious complications (within &amp;lt;1 month after implantation) to laparoscopic technique. On the other side, as the percutaneous PDC implantation is a minimal intervention that requires neither surgery room nor over 24h hospitalisation, it allows for a lower waiting time to PDC implantation, a shorter period until usage, and it's economically efficient. Considering these benefits and its non-inferiority described in the literature, our centre started using this technique since 2018. In this study we analyse our results. Method This is an observational retrospective unicentric study, which included the first PDC implantation in adult patients between January 2019 and August 2023, were we analysed the mechanical and infectious complications associated with the implantation technique. All PDC were double-cuff straight Tenckhoff, placed using Seldinger technique with radioscopy. A single dose of prophylactic antibiotic was used. We considered as mechanic complication all those non-infectious incidences that required repositioning or replacement of the PDC within 3 months of implantation (excluding those patients whose catheter was removed because of kidney transplantation, death by other reasons non related to the procedure, or trespass to haemodialysis); and we considered as infectious complications all those peritonitis diagnosed the first month after implantation. Results We analysed a total of 147 patients, 71.4% were male, mean age was 61 years old, and mean kidney function at implantation time was 11.5 ml/min/1.73 m2. We found a total of 8.1% of mechanical complications (33% required repositioning and 66% required replacement) and 5.4% infectious complications. There were no deaths related to percutaneous PDC technique. Conclusion In this study we observe that mechanic or infectious complications associated with percutaneous PDC technique are similar to those published in the literature: ISPD guidelines recommend the incidence of peritonitis associated to catheter implantation to be less than 5%. And though there is no clear percentage of mechanical complications that are considered acceptable or unavoidable, many studies report a survival of 76-86% PDC at 90 days of implantation in percutaneous and laparoscopic procedures, without significant differences between them.

The possibilities of using injectables in the treatment of atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are a common complication that accompanies the healing of vulgar acne. The condition is quite widespread among young people, and their physical and psychological consequences with improper treatment can persist throughout life. There are many therapies for atrophic scars, but limited efficacy and high frequency of side effects limit use of these methods. For optimal treatment of a patient’s scar, it is necessary to predict which treatment will prtovide the most satisfactory result in the short period of time with the minimum number of side effects. Analysis of numerous studies shows that there is no panacea for the treatment of atrophic scars, which explains the developing trend towards the development of combined treatment methods. The purpose of our review is to analyze injectable methods of therapy for atrophic scars with an emphasis on the latest achievements of the previous decade, since in recent years these methods have shown themselves not only as one of the most successful in therapy, but also, according to most authors, there is a huge potential to increase the efficacy of treatment in severe cases. Although, it is difficult to make an unbiased comparison of each therapy method due to the different sample sizes of studies, the strength of evidence, the specifics of therapy and other factors, nevertheless, there is a possibility of reaching consensus on which treatment methods are optimally suited for certain types of scars. This should be an absolute determining factor for choosing the best therapeutic strategy, whether it is monotherapy or combination therapy, in the treatment of atrophic scars with minimum side effects.

Comparative study on reduction behaviors of low- and high-grade fired hematite iron ore pellets in coal

The reduction behaviors of fired Ramallakota (low-grade) and Bolani (high-grade) iron ore pellets were studied isothermally at temperatures of 1123, 1173 and 1223 K in non-coking coal. The degree of reduction progressed with the rise in reduction temperature and time. Ramallakota iron ore pellets exhibited relatively higher reduction rates than Bolani iron ore pellets reduced under identical conditions due to their higher porosity and gangue contents. Comparison of XRD patterns confirmed almost complete reduction in Ramallakota iron ore pellets at all the studied reduction temperatures in a much shorter period. Fayalite and hercynite formations were observed in both the types of reduced iron ore pellets with higher intensities in the pellets of Ramallakota iron ore. SEM images revealed relatively more growth of iron whiskers in reduced Bolani high-grade iron ore pellets. The apparent activation energy values for the reduction of studied iron ore pellets by coal were calculated to be in the range 14–20 kJmol−1, while pellets reduced in coal char under identical conditions exhibited relatively higher values owing to their slower reduction rates.

Periodic Oscillation of VLF Transmitter Signals Measured in Low and Middle Latitude Regions

AbstractMeasurements of Very Low Frequency (VLF) signals from navy transmitters carry direct information about the D‐region ionosphere and have been widely utilized for detecting the electron density at D‐region altitudes, but not frequently for the atmospheric waves therein. Atmospheric waves have been extensively studied using the total ionospheric electron content, but if and how they are correlated with the D‐region ionosphere and VLF measurements still remains poorly investigated. In this study, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis using 7‐year measurements (2016–2022) of VLF signals from the JJI, NWC, and VTX transmitters as being recorded in Suizhou, China. These three transmitter‐receiver paths are representative and the corresponding observations constitute a valuable data set to investigate the periodicities of VLF data. Different from previous studies, we have utilized the ensemble empirical mode decomposition and Lomb‐Scargle methods to determine the periodicities of these data. By contrasting these paths, prominent periodicities ranging from 2 to 730 days have been found, with clear diurnal variation and suggestive latitudinal/longitudinal dependence. Moreover, we have found that the mesospheric temperature is closely related with the annual oscillation of VLF measurements, while this oscillation has a low correlation with solar Lyman‐α fluxes or geomagnetic activity. The oscillations with relatively shorter periods are likely atmospheric waves such as gravity waves, planetary waves, or harmonics of these waves. Our results suggest that, in addition to the electron density, the subionospheric VLF technique can be potentially utilized to remotely sense atmospheric waves that propagate up to or through the D‐region ionosphere.

Study of the Bunsen–Roscoe Reciprocity Law in Solar Water Disinfection (Optical Effect) for E. coli, E. faecalis and C. perfringens

Water stress and water quality represent major environmental challenges in the 21st century. In response, wastewater management and its potential reuse emerge as strategies to mitigate these problems. This research aims to verify the law of reciprocity in the solar disinfection process of real secondary wastewater effluents for different faecal microorganisms. Flat disinfection reactors, subjected only to natural and continuous UV radiation, were used. The study focused on the optical effect of UV radiation, eliminating the significant influence of the thermal effect and its synergy in solar disinfection at temperatures above 45 °C, by controlling the temperatures of the water samples to levels below 20 °C. Three experimental tests were carried out on sunny days. Each test comprised two trials, under the following conditions: (a) low solar irradiance over a prolonged time (duration approximately: 2.6 h) and (b) high solar irradiance and a shorter period of time (approximately 2 h), with each receiving the same UV dose. Inactivation kinetics was analysed for E. coli, E. faecalis, and C. perfringens (including spores). The results validated the reciprocity law for E. coli in all tests for UV doses &gt; 20 Wh/m2, showing no significant deviations, with inactivation rates of 0.44 to 0.51 m2/Wh for initial concentrations of 106–107 CFU/100 mL. In contrast, for E. faecalis, the reciprocity was only valid at intensities &lt; 700 W/m2, with rates of 0.04 and 0.035 m2/Wh for 105–106 CFU/100 mL; above this irradiance value, the law varied significantly and was not valid. C. perfringens did not show significant disinfection results during the experiments to verify this law, mainly due to the resistance of its spores. Additional experimentation with C. perfringens is necessary, by extending the length of the experiments and/or conducting them at higher irradiance values, in order to reach bacterial inactivation to enable the analysis of the reciprocity law. In general, the main conclusion from these results is that the reciprocity law in solar disinfection would be difficult to use for the estimation of water solar disinfection based on the irradiance and exposure times, as there are deviations from it at least in one specie (E. faecalis). Mores studies should be carried out to fully understand and determine the validity of this law and its potential application for forecasting solar water disinfection.

Environmental controls and phenology of sea ice algal growth in a future Arctic

The future of Arctic sea ice algae is examined using a regional ocean and sea ice biogeochemical model, with a simulation from 1980 to 2085, considering a future scenario with strong warming. To analyze the impacts of climate change, we computed key dates in the development of sympagic blooms, corresponding to the occurrence of specific growth conditions, and designed diagnostics of ice algal phenology to estimate the onset and peak of blooms. These diagnostics help understand how the timing of light and nutrient availability governs the growth of ice algae and how environmental controls will be altered by climate change across regions. With thinner ice, photosynthetically active radiation in bottom ice will reach levels sufficient for growth earlier, resulting in a better synchrony of high levels of light and nutrients. Increases in snow cover can potentially offset the effect of thinner ice, leading to shorter periods of favorable growth conditions in certain regions. The loss of sea ice cover before the late 21st century only impacts sympagic blooms at lower latitudes, as the timing of sea ice break-up shows little change relative to other key dates at higher latitudes. In response to climate change, the model simulates a modified spatial distribution of blooms, with the emergence of highly productive areas and the loss of blooms in other regions. However, the changes in the timing of growth conditions do not substantially alter the timing of blooms, and both onset and peak ice algae see little change. The simulated lack of sensitivity of bloom onset is attributed to the delay in sea ice freeze-up projected by the model, causing a reduction of overwintering ice algae. The resulting lower initial biomass at the beginning of spring then causes a delay in the development of blooms, offsetting earlier light from thinner ice.

Analyzing factors affecting positivity in drive-through COVID-19 testing: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDemand for COVID-19 testing prompted the implementation of drive-through testing systems. However, limited research has examined factors influencing testing positivity in this setting.MethodsFrom October 2020 to March 2023, a total of 1,341 patients, along with their clinical information, were referred from local clinics to the Sasebo City COVID-19 drive-through PCR center for testing. Association between clinical information or factors related to the drive-through center and testing results was analyzed by Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression models.ResultsIndividuals testing positive exhibited higher frequencies of upper respiratory symptoms; cough (OR 1.5 (95% CI 1.2–1.8), p < 0.001, q = 0.005), sore throat (OR 2.4 (95% CI 1.9-3.0), p < 0.001, q < 0.001), runny nose (OR 1.4 (95% CI 1.1–1.8), p = 0.002, q = 0.009), and systemic symptoms; fever (OR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.0), p = 0.006, q = 0.02), headache (OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.4–2.5), p < 0.001, q < 0.001), and joint pain (OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.8–4.1), p < 0.001, q < 0.001). Conversely, gastrointestinal symptoms; diarrhea (OR 0.2 (95% CI 0.1–0.4), p < 0.001, q < 0.001) and nausea (OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.1–0.6), p < 0.001, q < 0.001) were less prevalent among positives. During omicron strain predominant period, higher testing positivity rate (OR 20 (95% CI 13–31), p < 0.001) and shorter period from symptom onset to testing (3.2 vs. 6.0 days, p < 0.001) were observed compared to pre-omicron period. Besides symptoms, contact history with infected persons at home (OR 4.5 (95% CI 3.1–6.5), p < 0.001, q < 0.001) and in office or school (OR 2.9 (95% CI 2.1–4.1), p < 0.001, q < 0.001), as well as the number of sample collection experiences by collectors (B 7.2 (95% CI 2.8–12), p = 0.002) were also associated with testing results.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the importance of factors related to drive-through centers, especially contact history interviews and sample collection skills, for achieving higher rates of COVID-19 testing positivity. They also contribute to enhanced preparedness for next infectious disease pandemics.

Exploring the Molecular-Scale Structures at Solid/Liquid Interfaces of Li-Ion Battery Materials: A Force Spectroscopy Analysis with Sparse Modeling.

In this study, we clarify the liquid structure formed at the interface between LiCoO2 (LCO), the cathode material of Li-ion batteries, and propylene carbonate (PC), which is used as a solvent in the electrolyte, on a molecular scale. We apply sparse modeling-based modal analysis to force spectroscopy data measured by frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) and show that each component in the FM-AFM force curve, such as oscillatory solvation force, background, and noise, can be automatically decomposed. Moreover, by combining detailed force curve analysis with solid/liquid interface simulations based on first-principles calculation, we have identified that there are distinct damped vibrational modes in the force curves at the LCO/PC interface with a period of about 0.57 nm and those with shorter periods, which likely correspond to the solvation forces associated with bulk-state PC molecules and those with PC molecules in "lying down" orientations.

Implementation of Inhaled Methoxyflurane for the Reduction of Distal Radius Fractures in a Third-Level Hospital: A Descriptive Cohort Study

Orthopedic emergencies due to fractures are one of the main reasons for surgical intervention. The distal radius is a structure prone to fractures, particularly in young people. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the success rate of methoxyflurane in the reduction in distal radius fractures that required conservative treatment. The medical records of all the patients with Frykman type I and type II distal radius fractures who underwent fracture reduction with methoxyflurane or propofol from December 2021 to January 2023 were reviewed. The success rate of distal radius fracture reduction with methoxyflurane was analyzed, and the secondary outcomes, such as the recovery time and length of stay in the orthopedic emergency department, were assessed and compared with propofol. A total of 145 patients with distal radius fractures presented to the emergency department during the study period. Seventy-five patients met our inclusion criteria. Fifty patients had a fracture reduction with methoxyflurane, while twenty patients received propofol. The median recovery time and reduction duration were 30 min and 65.5 min, respectively, resulting in a shorter period for the methoxyflurane group. Methoxyflurane was successfully used in 48 of the 82 patients undergoing Frykman type I and type II distal radius fracture reduction while improving the recovery time due to its easy self-delivery and rapid effectiveness in the patient, as well as being able to estimate the level of pain so that the amount of anesthetic needed can be estimated and adverse effects avoided. Methoxyflurane represents a great candidate for surgical interventions like the reduction in distal radius fractures.

Modern approach to the treatment of postoperative symptoms of patients undergoing oral surgery

Introduction. Removal of wisdom teeth is always accompanied by the appearance of collateral edema of varying severity, pain, neurological dysfunction and inflammatory contracture of the masticatory muscles.Purpose. To evaluate the use of local apparatus hypothermia and the method of three-dimensional facial scanning for the treatment of patients after extraction of mandibular third molars.Materials and methods. 60 patients had their wisdom teeth removed. Depending on the group, local apparatus hypothermia (LAH) (study group of 30 patients) and local ice hypothermia (LIH) (control group of 30 patients) were performed after surgery. Evaluation criterion: three-dimensional scanning of the face on days 3, 5, 7.Results. In the control group, on the 3rd day the size of the edema was 6.31 mm (SD 0.81), on the 5th day – 4.88 mm (SD 0.73), on the 7th day – 3.44 mm (SD 0.88). In the study group, on the 3rd day the size of the edema was 5.09 mm (SD 0.80), on the 5th day – 2.73 mm (SD 0.71), on the 7th day – 1.28 mm (SD 0,62). In the control group, the size of edema on the 5th day changed by 22.67% compared to the 3rd day, on the 7th day by 30.12% compared to the 5th day and by 45.94% compared to 3rd day. In the study group, the size of edema on the 5th day changed by 46.42% compared to the 3rd day, on the 7th day by 53.16% compared to the 5th day and by 75.32% compared 3rd day. Comparison of groups 3, 5 and 7 in terms of absolute values of edema size and percentage change showed a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion. The use of local apparatus hypothermia in the postoperative period can reduce the severity of collateral edema in a shorter period compared to standard methods of local hypothermia.

Orbital and Precession Periods in Repeating FRB 20121102A

Li et al. reported a 4.605 days period in the repeating FRB 20121102A in addition to its previously reported 157 days modulation of activity. This note suggests that the shorter period is the orbital period of a mass-transferring star orbiting a black hole, possibly of intermediate mass, and that the 157 days period is the precession period of an accretion disk around the black hole. The mass-losing star must be evolved.

A long-term study on the impact of climatic variables on two common nest-dwelling ectoparasites of the Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus).

We explored the potential influence of temperature and precipitation on the abundance of two nest-dwelling ectoparasites (blowflies and mites) of Eurasian blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) during a period of 21 years and compared the results with those of a shorter period. The abundance of blowflies was negatively related to precipitation, which could prevent flies from locating their host, and laying date. In addition, blowflies were positively related to brood size (more food implies more parasites) and the interaction between precipitation and temperature. The highest abundances of blowfly pupae were attained in conditions of increasing precipitation and decreasing temperature, which should be more common at the beginning of the bird breeding season. Mites were significantly and positively related to laying date and the interaction between average precipitation and temperature but only for the larger dataset. Higher abundances of mites were related to intermediate values of temperature and precipitations, conditions that are found at the end of the breeding season. These results imply that optimal conditions for both parasites differ, with blowflies preferring earlier breeders and colder and more humid conditions than mites. Thus, the effects of the climatic conditions studied on parasite abundances are non-monotonic and can vary with years and parasite species. Finally, the fact that average temperature and precipitation decreases across the years of study is probably due to the advancement in Eurasian blue tit laying date because we calculated those variables for the period of birds' reproduction. This earlier nesting does not affect parasite abundance.