Akita Industrial Technology Center

Apical periodontitis (AP) results from microbial infection within the root canal system. Although mechanical and chemical debridement techniques have advanced, real-time intraoperative visualization of bacterial persistence remains limited. This study evaluated whether fluorescence-aided root canal treatment (FARCT) using protoporphyrin IX fluorescence (PpIX-FL) could assist clinicians in visualizing bacterial persistence in real time during routine endodontic procedures. Fifty patients (23 initial treatments, 27 retreatments) underwent root canal treatment. PpIX-FL was visualized in real time under 405-nm excitation using a dental operating microscope. Fluorescent areas were documented, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associations with clinical factors. Histological examination and confocal microscopy were conducted to verify bacterial presence corresponding to PpIX-FL. PpIX-FL was detected in 56.0% of cases, particularly in isthmuses, fins, and contaminated gutta-percha. Fluorescence was significantly more prevalent in retreatment cases (OR=8.32; p = 0.05) and teeth with periapical lesions ≥2 mm (OR=61.06; p = 0.005). Confocal imaging and Gram staining confirmed that red autofluorescence areas corresponded with Gram-positive bacterial infiltration into dentinal tubules. PpIX-FL enables reagent-free, real-time visualization of bacterial contamination within the root canal system. FARCT should be regarded as an adjunctive visualization approach rather than a stand-alone diagnostic or therapeutic modality. The present findings demonstrate the clinical feasibility of PpIX-based autofluorescence for fluorescence-guided visualization in endodontic retreatment and anatomically complex cases.

We have proposed a magneto-plasmonic system consisting of the [Pt/CoPt/Pt]/Ag stacked films for hydrogen sensing applications. The [Pt/CoPt/Pt] layer provides both the magneto-optical activities and hydrogen reactions. The sensor elements produced significantly hydrogen responses.

Supervision by the ward head is one of the factors that influence nurses' compliance in carrying out their duties in the hospital. Supervision is the direct and periodic observation by superiors of the work carried out by subordinates. Then, if problems are found, direct assistance is immediately provided to resolve them. Objective: To determine the relationship between the supervision of the ward head and the implementation of the five moments of hand hygiene for nurses in the ICU Room of Tgk Chik Di Tiro Sigli Regional Hospital. Method: Using a correlation research design to see the relationship between the variables studied. The sample used was 38 patients. The results of the study: the ward head's supervision variable was predominantly good, namely 19 patients (50.0%), and the implementation of the five moments of hand hygiene variable was predominantly not implemented, namely 33 patients (86.8%). Based on the results of the statistical test, it was found that the P value <∝ (0.05) was 0.002, meaning there was a significant relationship between direct supervision and the implementation of the five moments of hand hygiene. Furthermore, the statistical test results showed a P value < ∝ (0.05), namely 0.002, indicating a significant relationship between indirect supervision and the implementation of the five moments of hand hygiene. Hospital management needs to promote handwashing to prevent nosocomial infections.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease whose control is highly dependent on family participation. Family members living under the same roof as a patient are at high risk of transmission if they lack adequate understanding of the transmission mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and preventive measures. Objective This study aims to describe the level of family knowledge regarding prevention efforts and transmission mechanisms of pulmonary tuberculosis in Cinta Jadi Village, Ujung Padang District. The research design used was descriptive quantitative. The study population included all families with members with pulmonary tuberculosis in Cinta Jadi Village. Sampling was conducted using a saturated sampling technique, resulting in 18 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering aspects of transmission and prevention, then processed through univariate analysis to generate frequency distributions and percentages. The study findings indicate that the majority of families' knowledge regarding pulmonary tuberculosis prevention is in the adequate category (68.6%), and knowledge regarding transmission is also in the adequate category (63.1%). Although most respondents understood that transmission occurs through the air, there were still gaps in understanding aspects of prevention, particularly regarding the benefits of sunlight exposure (vitamin D) and the use of clean water. Furthermore, regarding transmission, respondents were not fully aware that infants are at high risk of contracting pulmonary TB. Overall, the knowledge of families in Cinta Jadi Village regarding the prevention and transmission of pulmonary TB still needs to be improved, particularly in the dimensions of environmental health and home lighting. Health workers in Ujung Padang District are advised to optimize door-to-door outreach programs to strengthen preventive behaviors at the family level.

Hypertension is an increase in blood pressure that causes persistent symptoms in target organs, such as: Stroke, coronary heart disease in blood vessels and heart muscle. It is estimated that cases of hypertension will increase by 80% by 2025, especially in developing countries, from 639 million cases in 2000 to 1.15 billion cases in 2025. Treatment of hypertension is generally done with medical drugs, but the use of medicinal plants as complementary therapy is increasingly in demand. The goal of this Community Service Program is to educate and empower the community to actively participate in managing their health, particularly in controlling blood pressure by utilizing existing natural resources and reducing dependence on chemical medications. This activity was conducted through outreach, discussions, and pre- and post-tests on 35 community members. This community service activity was held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the homes of residents of Dusun II, Desa Sei Kamah II, Kecamatan Sei Dadap, Kabupaten Asahan. The implementation of PkM activities showed that there was an increase in the knowledge of PkM participants about herbal plants for controlling blood pressure in the Sei Kamah II Village community, where before the education, community knowledge was in the poor category, namely 27 people (77.1%), and the good category was 8 people (22.7%). After the education, there was an increase in the knowledge of PkM participants, namely the good category of 33 people (94.3%) and the poor category of 2 people (5.7%).

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Malaria in humans can be caused by P. malariae, P. vivax, P. falciparum, and P. ovale. Malaria is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, resulting in infection of red blood cells by Plasmodium, which is transmitted through the Anopheles mosquito's bloodsucking. The purpose of this study was to determine family knowledge about malaria prevention. This study used a descriptive survey design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population was 103 heads of families in Darussalam Hamlet, Teluk Piai Village, with a sample of 20 respondents. Respondents were family members suffering from malaria. The sample was selected using the Probability sampling technique or Simple Random Sampling, where the sample was drawn randomly without regard to strata within the population. Based on the results, it was found that family knowledge about malaria prevention was categorized as quite good, with a score of 6.75 (67.5%). Although families understand the basic transmission methods, there are still shortcomings in the technical aspects of independent primary prevention. Conclusion: Family knowledge is at a moderate (sufficient) level. Strengthening health education through a family-centered approach is needed to increase understanding and shift preventive behavior from adequate to good to support the malaria elimination program.

Forward-leaning postures (FLPs) place a load on the cervical spine and can cause physical problems. With the widespread use of digital devices, this issue has been generally recognized as a health concern. Traditional devices used to mitigate cervical loads in FLPs restrict the degrees of freedom of the neck, owing to their rigidity. Therefore, we developed an elastic support device, which is termed the Forehead Rest (FHR). This device does not constrain the forward degree of freedom of the neck. We estimated and evaluated its cervical assistive effects. Our previous study used a head model to demonstrate that the forehead support provided by the FHR could reduce compressive forces on the cervical spine. This study estimated the assistive effect of the FHR on the cervical spine using a head-to-hip model. This model enabled the estimation of compressive forces acting on the cervical spine and the muscle activity required to maintain the head in an FLP under more realistic conditions. To investigate the effects of FHR on the body, frequency analysis of the electromyographic signals was conducted (using Welch’s method). Pronounced reductions in muscle activity were observed in the 20–40 Hz band. The FHR design was also assessed based on the proposed model. The assessment results suggested that the proposed model could enable the simulation of the FHR-design modifications in addition to the preliminary evaluation of a chest-supported FHR and its combined use with other devices. This study provides a foundation for improving the design of devices to reduce physical strain during tasks in FLPs. These findings suggest that this innovative approach can significantly benefit workers in jobs that require extended periods of forward leaning.

Yamamoto’s rate equation was applied to two-step age hardening of an Al-6%Zn-0.75%Mg alloy. All aging processes at 160–200°C were described as the sum of three precipitation reactions, that is, spherical, plate-like, and rod-like precipitation independent of the holding time at room temperature (RT). These results agreed with the observation of TEM microstructures. Based on the activation energy of diffusion calculated from the rate equation, it was suggested that the diffusion of zinc controlled the spherical precipitation reaction, and the diffusion of magnesium did the rod-like one. The plate-like precipitation reaction which depended on the holding time at RT is controlled by the diffusion of zinc for a short time and the one of magnesium for a long time. These precipitation reactions were related to the meta-stable and stable phase particles. The comparison between electrical resistivity (ER) and Vickers hardness (HV) changes at 160°C aging showed that the HV change was faster than ER one in the long holding time at RT. On the other hand, the ER change became faster than HV change in the short one at RT. This difference is related to the formation of clusters and GP zones that are formed by holding at room temperature.

Background This study aimed to identify tumor lesion-related factors associated with possible missed gastric cancer (PMGC) during screening endoscopy, with particular focus on cases following Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication. Methods We analyzed consecutive gastric cancer (GC) cases detected at 11 health check-up institutions in Akita prefecture, Japan. The study focused on 171 GC cases with at least one negative endoscopy within the preceding 2 years. Based on histological assessment, GCs with pT1b or deeper invasion were classified as PMGCs. Their clinical characteristics were compared with those of the remaining pT1a GCs. A backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify tumor lesion-related factors associated with PMGC. Results Among 171 GC cases, 39 (22.8%) were classified as PMGC, while the remaining 132 served as controls. Overall, 108 cases (63.2%) occurred in individuals with prior HP eradication, and eradication status was not statistically associated with PMGC. Multivariable regression analysis limited to post-eradication cases revealed that upper third location and undifferentiated histology were significantly associated with PMGC, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 5.65 (1.88–16.90) and 8.35 (2.22–31.40), respectively. Conclusions Undifferentiated histology and upper third location were associated with missed diagnoses of GC during screening endoscopy in individuals with prior HP eradication. These findings are clinically relevant for improving the quality of endoscopic examinations in health check-up settings, especially given the increasing prevalence of post-eradication GC.

This study aimed to determine the effects of precentrifugation storage time andtemperature on coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in Japanese Black calves. Bloodsamples were collected from calves under 6 weeks of age into plastic tubes containing 3.2%sodium citrate. Whole blood was stored at either room temperature or under refrigerationprior to centrifugation. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time,fibrinogen level, and antithrombin level were measured. The results indicated that plasmaparameters in samples centrifuged within 9 hr of collection showed no more than ± 10%variation compared with those in samples centrifuged within 1 hr of collection.