Raman spectroscopic studies on the ferroelectric soft mode in SnxSr1-xTiO3

The Raman spectra of novel ferroelectric ceramics SnxSr1-xTiO3 (x = 0.1, 0.05 and 0.02) were obtained to clarify the mechanism of their ferroelectric phase transitions. Two transverse-optic modes in the ferroelectric phase showed softening toward the ferroelectric transition temperature. A comparison of the spectra obtained for SnxSr1-xTiO3 with the spectrum of PbxSr1-xTiO3 facilitated the assignment of the observed modes under the assumption of the ferroelectric phase in C4v1 symmetry. However, several peaks violating the Raman selection rules were observed, suggesting the emergence and growth of polar regions even in the paraelectric phase

X-Ray Diffraction Study of CeT2Al10 (T = Ru, Os) at Low Temperatures and under Pressures

We have carried out a powder X-ray diffraction investigation on antiferromagnetic Kondo semiconductorsCeRu2Al10 and CeOs2Al10 at low temperatures and under high pressures as well as the structural investigationon single crystal of these compounds. The results of powder X-ray studies of CeRu2Al10 and CeOs2Al10 indicatethat these compounds do not have structural transition at its antiferromagnetic ordering temperature. The resultsof single crystal structural refinement indicate that the b-axis of this crystal structure is insensitive not only topressure but also to temperature and that the effect of cooling to Ce–Ce distance for CeRu2Al10 is the same asthat for CeOs2Al10

Análise do Tempo para o Alívio da Intensidade da Dor em Pacientes com Dor Lombar Crônica não Específica Via Modelo de Riscos Proporcionais de Cox

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time to relieving pain intensity in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain treated by interferential current. Knowledge of the number of sessions needed for relieving pain intensity is very important because it can be used as a measure of treatment effectiveness, and assists the physiotherapist in choosing the best treatment to be used. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 150 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain, using the Cox proportional hazard model. All analysis were performed by the free software R.O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o tempo até o alívio da intensidade da dor em pacientes com dor lombar crônica não específica tratados com corrente interferencial. O conhecimento do número de sessões necessárias para o alívio da intensidade da dor é de grande importância, pois pode ser utilizada como medida de efetividade do tratamento, além de auxiliar o fisioterapeuta na escolha do melhor tratamento a ser utilizado. A análise foi realizada em uma amostra de 150 pacientes com dor lombar crônica não específica, utilizando o modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox. Toda a análise foi realizada pelo software livre R

CANGAROO-III Search for Gamma Rays from SN 1987A and the Surrounding Field

Optical images of SN 1987A show a triple ring structure. The inner (dust) ring has recently increased in brightness and in the number of hot spots suggesting that the supernova shock wave has collided with the dense pre-existing circumstellar medium, a scenario supported by radio and X-ray observations. Such a shocked environment is widely expected to result in the acceleration of charged particles, and the accompanying emission of very high energy gamma-rays. Here, we report the results of observations made in 2004 and 2006 which yield upper limits on the TeV gamma-ray flux, which are compared with a theoretical prediction. In addition, we set upper limits on the TeV flux for four high energy objects which are located within the same field of view of the observation: the super-bubble 30 Dor C, the Crab-like pulsar PSR B0540$-$69, the X-ray binary LMC X-1, and the supernova remnant N157B.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, Accepted for publication in Ap

Innovative design of bone quality-targeted intervertebral spacer: accelerated functional fusion guiding oriented collagen and apatite microstructure without autologous bone graft

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Although autologous bone grafting is widely considered as an ideal source for interbody fusion, it still carries a risk of nonunion. The influence of the intervertebral device should not be overlooked. Requirements for artificial spinal devices are to join the vertebrae together and recover the original function of the spine rapidly. Ordered mineralization of apatite crystals on collagen accelerates bone functionalization during the healing process. Particularly, the stable spinal function requires the ingrowth of an ordered collagen and apatite matrix which mimics the intact intervertebral microstructure. This collagen and apatite ordering is imperative for functional bone regeneration, which has not been achieved using classical autologous grafting. PURPOSE: We developed an intervertebral body device to achieve high stability between the host bone and synthesized bone by controlling the ordered collagen and apatite microstructure. STUDY DESIGN: This was an in vivo animal study. METHODS: Intervertebral spacers with a through-pore grooved surface structure, referred to as a honeycomb tree structure, were produced using metal 3D printing. These spacers were implanted into normal sheep at the L2–L3 or L4–L5 disc levels. As a control group, grafting autologous bone was embedded. The mechanical integrity of the spacer/bone interface was evaluated through push-out tests. RESULTS: The spacer with honeycomb tree structure induced anisotropic trabecular bone growth with textured collagen and apatite orientation in the through-pore and groove directions. The push-out load of the spacer was significantly higher than that of the conventional autologous graft spacer. Moreover, the load was significantly correlated with the anisotropic texture of the newly formed bone matrix. CONCLUSIONS: The developed intervertebral spacer guided the regenerated bone matrix orientation of collagen and apatite, resulting in greater strength at the spacer/host bone interface than that obtained using a conventional gold-standard autologous bone graft. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our results provide a foundation for designing future spacers for interbody fusion in human.Matsugaki A., Ito M., Kobayashi Y., et al. Innovative design of bone quality-targeted intervertebral spacer: accelerated functional fusion guiding oriented collagen and apatite microstructure without autologous bone graft. Spine Journal 23, 609 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2022.12.011

MafB silencing in macrophages does not influence the initiation and growth of lung cancer induced by urethane

An increased number of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that exhibit the M2 macrophage phenotype is related to poorer prognosis in cancer patients. MafB is a transcription factor regulating the differentiation of macrophages. However, involvement of MafB for the development of TAMs is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of MafB in a murine urethane-induced lung cancer model. Urethane was injected intraperitoneally into wild-type and dominant-negative MafB transgenic mice. Twenty-four weeks later, mice were sacrificed and their lungs removed for pathological analysis. The numbers and mean areas of lung cancer were evaluated. In addition, the numbers of Mac-3-positive macrophages were evaluated in each tumor. The numbers and mean areas of lung cancer induced by urethane administration were not significantly different between wild-type and dominant-negative MafB transgenic mice. The numbers of TAMs in lung cancer tissue were not significantly different between the two groups. MafB silencing using dominant-negative MafB did not influence the initiation and growth of lung cancer in mice exposed to urethane. These data suggest that MafB may not be related to the development of TAMs

Age, gender, will, and use of home-visit nursing care are critical factors in home care for malignant diseases; a retrospective study involving 346 patients in Japan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We aimed to clarify the factors affecting outcomes of home care for patients with malignant diseases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Of 607 patients who were treated in 10 clinics specialized in home care between January and December 2007 at Chiba, Fukuoka, Iwate, Kagoshima, Tochigi and Tokyo prefectures across Japan, 346 (57%; 145 men and 201 women) had malignant diseases. We collected information on medical and social backgrounds, details of home care, and its outcomes based on their medical records.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Median age of the patients was 77 years (range, 11-102), and 335 patients were economically self-sufficient. Their general condition was poor; advanced cancer (n = 308), performance status of 3-4 (n = 261), and dementia (n = 121). At the beginning of home care, 143 patients and 174 family members expressed their wish to die at home. All the patients received supportive treatments including fluid replacement and oxygenation. Median duration of home care was 47 days (range, 0-2,712). 224 patients died at home. For the remaining 122, home care was terminated due to complications (n = 109), change of attending physicians (n = 8), and others (n = 5). The factors which inhibited the continuity of home care were the non-use of home-visit nursing care (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-3.00, <it>p </it>= 0.03), the fact that the patients themselves do not wish to die at home (HR = 1.83, CI: 1.09-3.07, <it>p </it>= 0.02), women (HR = 1.81, CI: 1.11-2.94, <it>p </it>= 0.02), and age (HR = 0.98, CI: 0.97-1.00, <it>p </it>= 0.02).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Continuation of home care is influenced by patients' age, gender, will, and use of home-visit nursing.</p

Complications Associated With Spine Surgery in Patients Aged 80 Years or Older: Japan Association of Spine Surgeons with Ambition (JASA) Multicenter Study

Study Design:Retrospective study of registry data.Objectives:Aging of society and recent advances in surgical techniques and general anesthesia have increased the demand for spinal surgery in elderly patients. Many complications have been described in elderly patients, but a multicenter study of perioperative complications in spinal surgery in patients aged 80 years or older has not been reported. Therefore, the goal of the study was to analyze complications associated with spine surgery in patients aged 80 years or older with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar lesions.Methods:A multicenter study was performed in patients aged 80 years or older who underwent 262 spinal surgeries at 35 facilities. The frequency and severity of complications were examined for perioperative complications, including intraoperative and postoperative complications, and for major postoperative complications that were potentially life threatening, required reoperation in the perioperative period, or left a permanent injury.Results:Perioperative complications occurred in 75 of the 262 surgeries (29%) and 33 were major complications (13%). In multivariate logistic regression, age over 85 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.007, P = 0.025) and estimated blood loss ≥500 g (HR = 3.076, P = .004) were significantly associated with perioperative complications, and an operative time ≥180 min (HR = 2.78, P = .007) was significantly associated with major complications.Conclusions:Elderly patients aged 80 years or older with comorbidities are at higher risk for complications. Increased surgical invasion, and particularly a long operative time, can cause serious complications that may be life threatening. Therefore, careful decisions are required with regard to the surgical indication and procedure in elderly patients