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Background: We aimed to construct an artificial intelligence‐based model for detecting oral cancer and dysplastic leukoplakia using oral cavity images captured with a single‐lens reflex camera. Subjects and methods: We used 1043 images of lesions from 424 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), leukoplakia, and other oral mucosal diseases. An object detection model was constructed using a Single Shot Multibox Detector to detect oral diseases and their locations using images. The model was trained using 523 images of oral cancer, and its performance was evaluated using images of oral cancer (n = 66), leukoplakia (n = 49), and other oral diseases (n = 405). Results: For the detection of only OSCC versus OSCC and leukoplakia, the model demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.9% versus 83.7%, a negative predictive value of 98.8% versus 94.5%, and a specificity of 81.2% versus 81.2%. Conclusions: Our proposed model is a potential diagnostic tool for oral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the reversible solubility switching of a polymer triggered by non‐phototoxic visible light. A photochromic polymerizable azobenzene monomer with four methoxy groups at the ortho‐position (mAzoA) was synthesized, exhibiting reversible photoisomerization between trans‐ and cis‐states using green (546 nm) and blue light (436 nm). Free radical copolymerization of hydrophilic dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm) with mAzoA produced a light‐responsive random copolymer (P(mAzoA‐r‐DMAAm)) that shows a reversible photochromic reaction to visible light. Optimizing mAzoA content resulted in P(mAzoA10.7‐r‐DMAAm)3.0 kDa exhibiting LCST‐type phase separation in PBS (pH 7.4) with trans‐ and cis‐states at 39.2 °C and 32.9 °C, respectively. The bistable temperature range of 6.3 °C covers 37 °C, suitable for mammalian cell culture. Reversible solubility changes were demonstrated under alternating green and blue light at 37 °C. 1H NMR indicated significant retardation of thermal relaxation from cis‐ to trans‐states, preventing undesired thermal mechanical degradation. Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells adhered to the P(mAzoA‐r‐DMAAm) hydrogel, confirming its non‐cytotoxicity and potential for biocompatible interfaces. This principle is useful for developing hydrogels that can reversibly stimulate cells mechanically or chemically in response to visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane (CH4) dissolved in water is readily consumed by CH4‐oxidizing bacteria, so the possibility of the dissolved CH4 concentration (dCH4) in sampled water changing before analysis is a concern. To determine the accurate in situ dCH4 level, mercury chloride (HgCl2) or sodium azide (NaN3) is traditionally used for sample preservation. However, these preservatives are very toxic and great care must be taken when adding them to samples. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant, is a readily available disinfectant that is less harmful to the human body than HgCl2, NaN3, and other preservatives. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of BAC in preserving dCH4 in swamp water, which is a critical terrestrial source of CH4. The dCH4 in samples without BAC decreased immediately after sample collection, whereas the dCH4 in the samples with added BAC did not change significantly for at least 15 d. In addition, when BAC was added to 18 water samples with different water chemistries, the dCH4 did not change significantly from immediately after sampling to 1 week after sampling (average difference: 3%). Thus, in the water samples used in this study, BAC effectively preserved dCH4 in the samples for at least 1 week. Further testing of the effect of BAC on the preservation of dCH4 in different types of water samples worldwide will help to establish a more complete, simple, and safe method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cavity‐based X‐ray free‐electron laser (CBXFEL) is a possible future direction in the development of fully coherent X‐ray sources. CBXFELs consist of a low‐emittance electron source, a magnet system with several undulators and chicanes, and an X‐ray cavity. The X‐ray cavity stores and circulates X‐ray pulses for repeated FEL interactions with electron pulses until the FEL reaches saturation. CBXFEL cavities require low‐loss wavefront‐preserving optical components: near‐100%‐reflectivity X‐ray diamond Bragg‐reflecting crystals, outcoupling devices such as thin diamond membranes or X‐ray gratings, and aberration‐free focusing elements. In the framework of the collaborative CBXFEL research and development project of Argonne National Laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and SPring‐8, we report here the design, manufacturing and characterization of X‐ray optical components for the CBXFEL cavity, which include high‐reflectivity diamond crystal mirrors, a diamond drumhead crystal with thin membranes, beryllium refractive lenses and channel‐cut Si monochromators. All the designed optical components have been fully characterized at the Advanced Photon Source to demonstrate their suitability for the CBXFEL cavity application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding the stage of arousal level required for working memory to function properly, limited studies have been conducted on changes in working memory performance when the arousal level of consciousness decreases. This study aimed to experimentally clarify the stages of consciousness necessary for optimal working memory function. In this experiment, the sedation levels were changed step‐by‐step using anaesthesia, and the performance accuracy during the execution of working memory was assessed using a dual‐task paradigm. Participants were required to categorize and remember words in a specific target category. Categorization performance was measured across four different sedative phases: before anaesthesia (baseline), and deep, moderate and light stages of sedation. Short‐delay recognition tasks were performed under these four sedative stages, followed by long‐delay recognition tasks after participants recovered from sedation. The results of the short‐delay recognition task showed that the performance was lowest at the deep stage. The performance of the moderate stage was lower than the baseline. In the long‐delay recognition task, the performance under moderate sedation was lower than that under baseline and light sedation. In addition, the performance under light sedation was lower than that under baseline. These results suggest that task performance becomes difficult under half sedation and that transferring information to long‐term memory is difficult even under one‐quarter sedation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and oral hypofunction (OHF) using propensity score matching (PSM) to adjust for differences between older adults with RA and the general older adult population. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among 189 older adults with RA in 2019 (mean age, 71.9 ± 3.6) and 47 178 independent older adult residents in 2016 (mean age, 71.6 ± 4.0), respectively. The questionnaire covered information on socio‐demographic characteristics and OHF for both groups. Age, sex, educational level and smoking history were used to determine PSM. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of self‐reported OHF (fewer remaining teeth, decreased masticatory function, deterioration of swallowing function and oral dryness) were estimated using Poisson regressions. Result: OHF was observed in 44.4% of patients with RA and 27.5% of residents. Before PSM, the prevalence of OHF among patients with RA was higher than that of residents (PR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.50–2.05). After PSM, there were 189 patients with RA and residents, and the prevalence of OHF among patients with RA was still higher (PR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.22–2.13). Poisson regression showed that the prevalence of 19 or fewer teeth (PR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.82–1.36), difficulties eating tough foods (PR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.90–1.55), difficulties swallowing tea or soup (PR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.19–2.63), and dry mouth (PR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.90–4.07) was higher among patients with RA than residents. Conclusion: Compared with the general older adult population, patients with RA have a higher prevalence of self‐reported OHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancillary service provision and peak shaving (PS) play essential roles in the current day‐to‐day power system operation, which is challenged by the increasing renewable generation penetration. Providing these critical services using classical approaches such as peak load generators has been limited due to high operational costs and environmental impacts. The use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is another popular method that is limited by high initial investment costs and high degradation rates. In this work, a novel approach to utilize industrial loads and BESS to provide multiple power system services in different stages is proposed. Industrial loads such as aluminium crushers are known for their intensive electricity consumption. Nevertheless, when applied in frequency regulation (FR), they perform poorly due to their discrete nature in operation. This drawback and the aforementioned BESS shortcomings are addressed by combining on‐site BESS with plant machinery to provide FR services and recover BESS related costs. Later, depending on the optimal capacity distribution, BESS usage is extended into the energy arbitrage market to provide PS services. This approach resulted in higher earnings for participating customers and network operators, as well as in less CO2${\rm {CO}}_{2}$ emissions, and minimal BESS degradations. An Australian case study of the South West Interconnected System, along with Worsley Alumina refinery data of Western Australia has been used to showcase the model performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The number of facilities adopting intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) using robots instead of extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) is increasing. However, guidance on how to introduce robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) + ICUD in each urological institute remains unclear. This study aimed to verify the feasibility of the transition from laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) + ECUD to RARC + ICUD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 26 consecutive patients who underwent ICUD with an ileal conduit after RARC between 2018 and 2020 (RARC + ICUD early group). We then compared these patients with 26 consecutive patients who underwent ECUD with an ileal conduit after LRC between 2012 and 2019 (LRC + ECUD late group) at Yokohama City University Hospital. Results: In the RARC + ICUD early group compared with the LRC + ECUD late group, the median total operation time was 516 versus 532.5 min (P =.217); time to cystectomy, 191 versus 206.5 min (P =.234); time of urinary diversion with an ileal conduit, 198 versus 220 min (P =.016); postoperative maximum C‐reactive protein levels, 6.98 versus 12.46 mg/L (P =.001); number of days to oral intake, 3 versus 5 days (P =.003); length of hospital stay, 17 versus 32 days (P <.001). The postoperative complication rates (within 90 days) were 23.1% and 42.3% in the RARC + ICUD early and LRC + ECUD late groups, respectively (P =.237). Clavien–Dindo classification ≥3 was noted in 1 and 4 patients in the RARC + ICUD early and LRC + ECUD late groups, respectively (P =.350). Conclusion: Regarding perioperative outcomes, the RARC + ICUD early group was not inferior to the LRC + ECUD late group. This study suggests the feasibility of a transition from LRC + ECUD to RARC + ICUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bidirectional association between oral health, including tooth loss and oral hypofunction, and cognitive impairment can induce time‐varying confounding in association with dementia. This study aimed to investigate the association between oral health and the development of dementia among older adults, considering cognitive impairment as a time‐varying confounder. Methods: This nine‐year follow‐up cohort study targeted independent older adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The exposure variables were self‐reported poor oral health (≤19 remaining teeth, edentulousness, chewing difficulty, swallowing problems, and xerostomia), which were assessed in 2010 and 2013. The outcome variable was the incidence of dementia between 2013 and 2019, which was obtained from the municipalities' administrative database. Furthermore, in 2010 and 2013, we considered cognitive impairment as a time‐varying confounder and treated it based on a marginal structural model (MSM), including possible baseline confounders. Oral health and cognitive impairment were assessed using the items of Kihon checklist. We employed a Cox proportional hazards model with a stabilized inverse probability weight and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among 37,556 participants (mean age: 72.8 years [1 SD = 5.5], males: 46.8%), the dementia incidence rate was 2.2/100 person‐year. The proportions of those with ≤19 remaining teeth, edentulousness, chewing difficulty, swallowing problems, and xerostomia were 61.3%, 11.0%, 24.4%, 14.7%, and 19.2%, respectively. From the regression analysis based on MSM, ≤19 remaining teeth (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03–1.23), edentulousness (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.09–1.32), chewing difficulty (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02–1.21), and xerostomia (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01–1.20) were significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia; however, swallowing problems were not significantly associated with dementia onset (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Even after considering time‐varying confounding by cognitive function at baseline and follow‐up, we observed significant associations between poor oral health and increased risk of dementia among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the mediators between lower socio‐economic status (SES) in adolescence and oral health at an older age to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the association. Methods: Participants (n = 21 536) aged ≥65 years from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study were evaluated. The dependent variables were self‐rated chewing difficulty and having ≤19 remaining teeth. The main independent variable was self‐perceived SES in adolescence. The Karlson–Holm–Breen method was used for mediation analysis. Results: Mean age of the participants was 74.8 years (standard deviation = 6.4), and 51.5% were female. Overall, 5598 (26.0%) participants reported chewing difficulty and 9404 (43.7%) had ≤19 remaining teeth. Lower SES in adolescence was associated with a higher prevalence of chewing difficulty (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95%confidence interval [CI] = 1.29–1.48; total effect). After controlling for mediators, OR for lower SES in adolescence was 1.22 (95%CI = 1.13–1.30; direct effect) and 1.13 (95%CI = 1.11–1.16; indirect effect). Mediators, prominently the number of teeth and income, explained 39.3% of the associations. Lower SES in adolescence increased the odds of ≤19 remaining teeth by OR = 1.23 (95% CI = 1.16–1.31; total effect). After controlling for mediators, the OR for lower SES in adolescence was 1.03 (95%CI = 0.97–1.10; direct effect) and 1.19 (95%CI = 1.16–1.23; indirect effect). Mediators, prominently educational attainment, explained 85.0% of the associations. Conclusions: Lower SES in adolescence was associated with poor oral health at an older age through mediators. Approaches that consider social determinants from the beginning of the life course are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of peptidomimetics to modulate the conformational profile of peptides has been extensively studied in the fields of biological and medicinal chemistry. However, large‐scale synthesis of peptidomimetics with both an ordered sequence and a controlled secondary structure is highly challenging. In this paper, the framework of peptidomimetics has been designed to be alternating an achiral α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino acid unit and a chiral α‐methylphenylalanine unit. The polymers are synthesized via invented Ugi reaction‐based polycondensation technique. The chiral higher‐order structures of the alternating peptides are evaluated mainly through circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The UV–Vis and CD spectra of the polymers in three solvents are systematically measured at various temperatures. The anisotropic factors of CD (gCD) values are calculated to know the chiroptical response. The results indicate the characteristic conformational behaviors. In a polar solvent, the hydrogen bonds between the N‐H group of MePhe unit and the C=O of α,α‐diphenylglycine unit outweigh the intraresidue hydrogen bonds in α,α‐diphenylglycine unit, leading to the formation of a prevailing preferred‐handed 310‐helical conformation. On the other hand, in a less polar solvent, the intrachain hydrogen bonds switch to intraresidue hydrogen bonds in α,α‐diphenylglycine unit, which make the polymer adopting a prevailing extended planar C5‐conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated the effects of hydrological conditions such as rainfall magnitude and soil nitrogen dynamics on nitrogen export from forests during rainfall events. In this study, the seasonal export of particulate and dissolved nitrogen during 24 rainfall events (range: 3.0–417 mm) in a temperate monsoon forest watershed in Japan was measured along with the seasonality of the soil nitrate (NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$) pool size and the nitrification rate. The increase in nitrogen export with increasing streamflow was larger for particulate nitrogen than for NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ and dissolved organic nitrogen, but NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ was always the most abundant nitrogen component exported, even during extreme rainfall. For all rainfall events in summer, measured NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ exports were higher than the averaged NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ exports, regardless of rainfall magnitude or preceding rainfall. Nitrification activity in the soil was high in summer because of the high temperature and wet conditions of the soil. Nitrification also occurred in the upper slope in summer, whereas during other seasons it is hindered by dry conditions. These results indicate that nitrogen dynamics in the soil also affect NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ export during rainfall. Comparisons with previous studies suggested that the effects of soil nitrogen dynamics on NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ concentrations in stream water may be stronger during rainfall than during base flow conditions. They also showed that regions with wet summers due to rainfall are more sensitive to NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ export, compared with other regions, and that increased summer rainfall can have a particularly large impact on nitrogen export from forest watersheds. Key Points: NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ was the most abundant nitrogen component exported, even during extreme rainfall eventsFor summer rainfall events, measured NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ exports were higher than averaged onesThe relationship between NO3− ${{\text{NO}}_{3}}^{-}$ production potential in soil and nitrogen export applies to rainfall events as well as baseflow [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tooth loss is associated with reduced protein intake, which leads to sarcopenia and frailty in older adults. Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of dental prostheses on decreased protein intake in older adults with tooth loss. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was based on a self‐reported questionnaire targeting older adults. Data were obtained from the Iwanuma Survey of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. We used % energy intake (%E) of total protein as the outcome and the use of dental prostheses and number of remaining teeth as explanatory variables. We estimated the controlled direct effects of tooth loss by fixing the use/non‐use of dental prostheses based on a causal mediation analysis, including possible confounders. Results: Among 2095 participants, the mean age was 81.1 years (1SD = 5.1), and 43.9% were men. The average protein intake was 17.4%E (1SD = 3.4) of the total energy intake. Among participants with ≥20, 10–19 and 0–9 remaining teeth, the average protein intake was 17.7%E, 17.2%E/17.4%E and 17.0%E/15.4%E (with/without a dental prosthesis), respectively. Compared to participants with ≥20 remaining teeth, those with 10–19 remaining teeth without a dental prosthesis did not have a significantly different total protein intake (p >.05). Among those with 0–9 remaining teeth without a dental prosthesis, total protein intake was significantly low (−2.31%, p <.001); however, the use of dental prostheses mitigated the association by 79.4% (p <.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that prosthodontic treatment could contribute to maintaining protein intake in older adults with severe tooth loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with anejaculation, or the inability to ejaculate semen. The study retrospectively reviewed seven HD patients who underwent TESE and evaluated their testicular volume, endocrine findings, and sperm retrieval rates. The results showed that sperm was successfully retrieved from all patients, and six out of seven couples achieved pregnancy. The study suggests that the diagnostic criteria for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) may not be applicable to HD patients, and that HD itself may be associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Further research is needed to confirm predictors of spermatogenesis in HD patients. [Extracted from the article]

The BL09XU beamline of SPring-8 has been reorganized into a beamline dedicated for hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) to provide advanced capabilities with upgraded optical instruments. The beamline has two HAXPES analyzers to cover a wide range of applications. Two sets of double channel-cut crystal monochromators with the Si(220) and (311) reflections were installed to perform resonant HAXPES analyses with a total energy resolution of less than 300 meV over a wide energy range (4.9-12 keV) while achieving a fixed-exit condition. A double-crystal X-ray phase retarder using diamond crystals controls the polarization state with a high degree of polarization over 0.9 in the wide energy range 5.9-9.5 keV. Each HAXPES analyzer is equipped with a focusing mirror to provide a high-flux microbeam. The design and performance of the upgraded instruments are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess the impacts of smoking cessation and resumption over 4 years on the risk of back pain at the 6‐year follow‐up among older adults in England. Methods: We analysed 6467 men and women aged ≥50 years in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging. Self‐reported smoking status, assessed in waves 4 (2008–2009) and 6 (2012–2013), was used as exposure for the study, whereas self‐reported back pain of moderate or severe intensity, assessed in wave 7 (2014–2015), was used as the outcome. A targeted minimum loss‐based estimator was used with longitudinal modified treatment policies to adjust for baseline and time‐varying covariates. Results: Regarding the estimation of the effects of changes in smoking status on the risk of back pain, during the follow‐up, individuals who resumed smoking within 4 years had a higher risk of back pain than those who avoided smoking for over 4 years, and the relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 1.536 (1.214–1.942). Regarding the estimation of effects of smoking cessation on the risk of back pain, smoking cessation over 4 years was associated with a significantly lower risk of back pain, as indicated by the originally observed data, and the RR (95% CI) was 0.955 (0.912–0.999). Conclusions: Older adults who avoided smoking for over 4 years had a lower risk of back pain. However, those who resumed smoking within 4 years had a higher risk of back pain. Significance: Older adults who avoided smoking for over 4 years had a lower risk of back pain. However, those who resumed smoking within 4 years had a higher risk of back pain. Our study data suggest the importance of maintaining smoking cessation to reduce the risk of back pain in the older population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Oral health inequalities exist worldwide, and cross‐country comparisons can provide valuable insights into country‐level characteristics contributing to such inequalities. However, comparative studies in Asian countries are limited. This study examined the magnitude of education‐related oral health inequalities in older adults in Singapore and Japan. Methods: Longitudinal data for older adults, aged ≥65 years, from the Panel on Health and Ageing of Singaporean Elderly (PHASE; 2009, 2011–2012, and 2015) and Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES; 2010, 2013, and 2016) were used. Dependent variables were being edentate and having a minimal functional dentition (MFD; i.e. ≥20 teeth). The absolute and relative inequalities were calculated using the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) for educational level [low (<6 years); middle (6–12 years); high (>12 years)] in each country. Results: A total of 1032 PHASE participants and 35 717 JAGES participants were included. At baseline among PHASE participants, 35.9% were edentate and 24.4% had MFD, while among JAGES participants, 8.5% were edentate and 42.4% had MFD. The prevalence of low, middle and high educational levels for PHASE was 76.5%, 18.0% and 5.5%, and for JAGES were 0.9%, 78.1% and 19.7%, respectively. Older adults in Japan had lower education‐related inequalities for being edentate [for both SII (−0.53, 95% CI = −0.55 to −0.50) and RII (0.40, 95% CI = 0.33–0.48)] and for not having MFD for both SII (−0.24, 95% CI = −0.27 to −0.20) and RII (0.83, 95% CI = 0.79–0.87) compared to Singapore. Conclusions: Education‐related inequalities for being edentate and not having MFD were higher among older adults in Singapore compared to Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the life course association between exposure to two household dysfunctions (father violence against mother and parental divorce) at childhood (≤18 years) with later number of remaining teeth (≥65 years) in functionally independent older Japanese population. This was the first study to investigate this research question in the Asian context. Methods: The Japan Gerontological Evaluation study (JAGES) self‐reported retrospective data gathered in 2013 was used (n = 21,604). Each household dysfunction was binary variable (Yes/No), while the five categories of the number of remaining teeth were ≥20, 10–19, 5–9, 1–4, and no teeth. Sex‐stratified ordered logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) of having fewer teeth. The models were adjusted for age, economic adversity in childhood, educational attainment, comorbidities, and smoking status. Results: Overall, 46.4% were men and a total of 1149 participants (5.3%) experienced household dysfunction at childhood [men = 642 (6.4%), women = 507 (4.4%)]. The regression models showed higher OR of having fewer teeth among men who experienced a household dysfunction [OR = 1.16; 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.00–1.36] than men who did not. This association was not observed among women [OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.79–1.13]. Similar magnitude and direction of the association was observed among men but not among women when the two components of household dysfunction were used separately and aggregately as exposure variables. Conclusion: An exposure to a household dysfunction at childhood was associated with having fewer teeth in later life among men but not among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microspheres are one type of promising cell‐supporting matrices. However, the synthesis of nanofibrous and hollow microspheres as drug‐laden cell carriers is still a great challenge. Here, the nanofibrous and hollow titania nanowire (NH‐TiNW) microspheres were synthesized by in situ alkali hydrothermal treatment of hollow titania (H‐Ti) microspheres, and their microstructure, biocompatibility, and drug delivery property were evaluated. By controlling hydrothermal temperature from 80 to 120°C and hydrothermal time from 1 to 4 h, the surface of H‐Ti microspheres was controllably tailored with nanoparticles and NWs. The results showed that NH‐TiNW microspheres were spherical in morphology with a diameter of 100–200 µm, hierarchically assembled by numerous TiNWs with the diameter of 10–20 nm, and possessed a nanofibrous and hollow structure. In vitro biocompatibility evaluation showed that NH‐TiNW microspheres presented an enhanced cell attachment and proliferation compared with H‐Ti microspheres due to the presence of the nanofibrous surface. Drug delivery evaluation showed that NH‐TiNW microspheres strongly adsorbed tetracycline hydrochloride (one type of antibiotic, model drug) with a loading efficiency of 81.5% ± 1% due to the presence of the nanofibrous and hollow structure and also effectively maintained the biological efficiency of the loaded drugs to inhibit the growth of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Studies suggest that wearing dentures to restore missing teeth can have a positive impact on health status. However, income inequalities in denture wearing exist. The aim of this study was to investigate how differing co‐payment rates under the current Japanese Universal Health Insurance Coverage System affect income inequalities in denture non‐use among older adults with severe tooth loss. Methods: This cross‐sectional study used data from the 2019 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). Self‐administered questionnaires were mailed to 345 356 independent people who did not receive long‐term care insurance benefits and were aged ≥65 years. The dependent variable was denture non‐use, and the independent variable was the equivalent annual household income. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were used with regression‐based approaches to determine both absolute and relative inequalities in denture non‐use by co‐payment rates. The covariates were sex, age, years of education, number of teeth and comorbidities. Results: Of the 240 889 responses received (response rate =69.9%), we analysed 21 594 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 72.8 years (standard deviation =4.1), and 57.6% were men. For 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent co‐payment rates, the percentages of people who did not use dentures and had severe tooth loss (≤9 teeth) were 18.3%, 13.3%, and 8.5%, respectively. All analyses confirmed significant inequalities in denture non‐use. The lower the co‐payment rate, the smaller the inequalities. SIIs for each co‐payment rate were as follows: 30 per cent =13.35% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.61–17.09); 20 per cent =7.85% (95% CI = 4.88–10.81); and 10 per cent =4.85% (95% CI = 2.55–7.16). Inclusion of interaction term between income and co‐payment rate significantly lowered the inequalities by co‐payment rate in logistic regression analysis and SII. For RII, although the interaction was not statistically significant, a similar trend was observed. Conclusions: Income inequalities in denture use existed among older adults with severe tooth loss in Japan, and the inequalities appeared to be greater when the co‐payment rate was higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystallinity of π‐conjugated polymer donors as well as acceptors is a crucial factor for boosting the performance of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. However, in the state‐of‐the‐art OPVs based on nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs), π‐conjugated polymers with low crystallinity are typically used and provide high efficiencies. Here, π‐conjugated polymers, named PTzBT and PTzBTE based on thiazolothiazole (TzTz), having similar crystallinity but different aggregation properties are blended with a number of acceptor materials such as PC71BM, IT‐4F, Y6, and Y12 having different aggregation property. Interestingly, whereas PTzBTE with higher aggregation properties forms crystalline structures in the blends regardless of the acceptor material, PTzBT with lower aggregation properties exhibits crystalline structures only when blended with acceptors having higher aggregation properties. Notably, the crystalline order of the materials in the blend films is correlated closely with the OPV performance. This study proposes that the interplay between the polymer donor and acceptor will play a crucial role in determining the crystalline order in the bulk heterojunction systems and thereby high photovoltaic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first to quantitatively measure the courtship display flights of Latham's snipe (Gallinago hardwickii), which is a "near threatened" species as of 2022 (IUCN red list of threatened species). By using a 16‐channel microphone array and 8‐channel microphone arrays, we localized the fine‐scale movements of courtship flights of one male performing at high altitude and high speed, and we estimated the direction from which each sound arrived using robot audition. Preliminary analyses of the azimuthal and elevation angles of the courtship flights partially revealed a fine‐scale flight trajectory. First, a male Latham's snipe gradually gained altitude while vocalizing sharp and harsh repeating calls, until it reached the flight peak altitude, then dove down while producing winnowing sound to the ground along the wetland zones without tall vegetation. This observation method is methodologically useful to establish a better understanding of Latham's snipe courtship flight site selection. Furthermore, this method can be extended to investigate other rare nocturnal or crepuscular birds that are too timid to risk ringing or tagging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Social isolation was associated with increased mortality and numerous adverse health outcomes. However, the longitudinal association between oral health and social isolation has not been studied. In this longitudinal prospective cohort study, the association between the number of remaining teeth and dental prosthesis use with social isolation after 6‐years follow‐up was examined. Methods: Functionally independent adults aged 65 years or older, who were not socially isolated in 2010, were followed up until 2016 in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. Data from 26 417 participants were analysed after random forest imputation to address missing data. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for incident social isolation in 2016 after adjusting for age, sex, educational attainment, income, activities of daily living, living area and having depressive symptoms. Results: The mean age of the participants at baseline was 72.3 (SD = 5.0). A total of 1,127 (4.3%) participants were socially isolated at follow‐up. Of these, 338 (3.2%) had ≥20 teeth (with or without using dental prosthesis), 171 (3.9%) had 10–19 teeth and used dental prosthesis, 112 (4.2%) had 10–19 teeth and did not use the dental prosthesis, 338 (5.1%) had 0–9 teeth and used dental prosthesis, and 168 (7.6%) had 0–9 teeth and did not use the dental prosthesis. Fully adjusted logistic regression models showed that the OR of incident social isolation was higher for those with fewer teeth; OR = 1.13 (95%CI = 0.96–1.33) for those with 10–19 teeth and OR = 1.36 (95%CI = 1.17–1.58) for those with 0–9 teeth, compared to those with ≥20 teeth. The OR of incident social isolation was lower for those who used a dental prosthesis [OR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.80–1.02)] compared to those who did not use a dental prosthesis. The interaction between the number of teeth and dental prosthesis use demonstrated that the latter mitigated the incidence of social isolation for participants with tooth loss. Compared to those with ≥20 teeth (with or without prosthesis use), participants with 0–9 teeth that did not use a dental prosthesis were 79% [OR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.49–2.19] more likely to be socially isolated, whereas participants with 0–9 teeth that used a dental prosthesis were only 23% [OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.05–1.45] more likely to be socially isolated. Conclusion: Tooth loss was the main predictor for social isolation at follow‐up, while no dental prostheses use was an additional risk factor. Dental prosthesis use may reduce the risk of social isolation especially in those with severe tooth loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional materials have received considerable attention as they could integrate different functional components in one‐single platform. In this study, novel chitosan/Fe3O4/TiO2@TiO2 nanowire (NW) microspheres having extracellular matrix‐like fibrous surface and photothermal antibacterial property were synthesized through in situ hydrothermal growth of TiO2 NWs on chitosan/Fe3O4/TiO2 microspheres. It is found that the microspheres were spherical in morphology with a diameter of 100–300 µm and exhibited a hierarchical and nanofibrous feature. Their surface was mainly constructed by numerous TiO2 NWs with a diameter of 20– 30nm. In vitro biological evaluation indicates that the chitosan/Fe3O4/TiO2@TiO2 NW microspheres significantly enhanced attachment and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells compared with chitosan/Fe3O4/TiO2 nanocomposite microspheres due to the presence of nanofibrous surface. Moreover, the microspheres showed photothermal antibacterial property to inhibit the growth of bacteria due to the presence of Fe3O4 component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Little is known about the association between oral status and homebound status, and there is a possibility of a bidirectional relationship between them. In this exploratory prospective cohort study, we examined the association between four oral status measurements and being homebound bidirectionally. Methods: We used 2010–2016 panel data gathered from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. All functionally independent participants aged 65 years or older (n = 26,579) were included in this study. Multiple imputation and Poisson regression were used for analyses. We adjusted for age, sex, education, comorbidity, and depressive symptoms. Results: In the fully adjusted model, the prevalence ratio (PR) of being homebound at follow‐up was 1.42 for having <20 remaining teeth, 1.28 for having chewing difficulty, 0.99 for having choking experience, and 0.94 for having dry mouth at baseline. Reversely, being homebound at baseline predicted having chewing difficulty at follow‐up (PR = 1.17), while no significant association was demonstrated with having <20 teeth (PR = 1.00), choking experience (PR = 1.06), and dry mouth (PR = 1.02). Conclusion: Chewing difficulty and having <20 remaining teeth predicted homebound status after 6 years. Reversely, homebound status at baseline only predicted having chewing difficulty at follow‐up. These findings may help to determine the oral frailty assessment measures for older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No clear evidence exists regarding the effects of the different periods and magnitude of spread of the COVID‐19 infection on cancer treatments. This study investigated the effects of the different periods and magnitude of COVID‐19 infection spread on in‐hospital cancer operations. Methods: Medical claims data from 17 hospitals where in‐hospital operations for patients with malignant neoplasms were performed between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2021 in Yamagata were extracted and analyzed. The critical time points as exposure used to evaluate the impact of different COVID‐19 infection spread periods on cancer operations were (1) April 2020 (emergency declaration introduced by the government) and (2) December 2020 (the second wave). From April to November 2020 and December 2020 to March 21, the number of confirmed COVID‐19 cases was 130 and 840, respectively. The 17 hospitals were classified into intervention or control groups based on whether in‐hospital treatments for patients with COVID‐19 were provided. Results: The interrupted time series analysis reported that the difference in the trend of pre‐COVID‐19 and postsecond wave (March 2020 to December 2020) periods was statistically significant between groups, with 50.67 fewer operations (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.19–89.15) performed per month in the intervention group compared with the control group. Moreover, the immediate change in the number of operations in April 2020 (beginning of the first wave) was statistically significant between groups, with 80.14 operations (95% CI = 39.62–120.67) less immediately after the first wave in the intervention group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a statement of emergency by the government and the COVID‐19 infection spread are both associated with the number of cancer operations performed in the Yamagata prefecture during the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In π$\upi$‐conjugated polymers, a highly ordered backbone structure and solubility are always in a trade‐off relationship that must be overcome to realize highly efficient and solution‐processable organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Here, it is shown that a π$\upi$‐conjugated polymer based on a novel thiazole‐fused ring, thieno[2′,3′:5,6]benzo[1,2‐d:4,3‐d′]bisthiazole (TBTz) achieves both high backbone order and high solubility due to the structural feature of TBTz such as the noncovalent interlocking of the thiazole moiety, the rigid and bent‐shaped structure, and the fused alkylthiophene ring. Furthermore, based on the electron‐deficient nature of these thiazole‐fused rings, the polymer exhibits deep HOMO energy levels, which lead to high open‐circuit voltages (VOCs) in OPV cells, even without halogen substituents that are commonly introduced into high‐performance polymers. As a result, when the polymer is combined with a typical nonfullerene acceptor Y6, power conversion efficiencies of reaching 16% and VOCs of more than 0.84 V are observed, both of which are among the top values reported so far for "halogen‐free" polymers. This study will serve as an important reference for designing π$\upi$‐conjugated polymers to achieve highly efficient and solution‐processable OPVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate whether urine laminin‐γ2 monomer (Ln‐γ2m) offers a useful biomarker for patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Methods: Participants comprised 297 patients, including 111 patients with NMIBC, 136 patients with benign genitourinary disease (BD) and 50 healthy donors (HD). Urine Ln‐γ2m was prospectively measured and accuracy was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were determined and area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated for urine Ln‐γ2m, and compared to those of traditional urine tumor markers such as nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22), bladder tumor antigen (BTA) and cytology. The net benefits of combining urine markers were analyzed by decision curve analysis. Results: Mean urine Ln‐γ2m was significantly higher in NMIBC than in BD or HD. The AUC for urine Ln‐γ2m was significantly higher than those for urine NMP22, BTA or cytology when comparing NMIBC with HD. In patients with low‐grade NMIBC, the AUC for urine Ln‐γ2m was higher than the AUCs for NMP22, BTA or cytology. A net benefit of combined examination using urine Ln‐γ2m/uCRN with NMP22 was demonstrated. Conclusion: These results suggest urine Ln‐γ2m as a potentially useful biomarker for NMIBC, particularly in cases of low‐grade cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The delivery of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors via the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has emerged as a valuable method for widespread transduction in the central nervous system. Although infusion into the cerebral ventricles is a common protocol in preclinical studies of small animals, the cisterna magna has been recognized as an alternative target for clinical studies because it can be reached in a less invasive manner using an intrathecal catheter via the subarachnoid space from a lumbar puncture. Methods: We evaluated the early distribution of fluorine‐18‐labeled AAV9 vectors infused into the lateral ventricle or cisterna magna of four non‐human primates using positron emission tomography. The expression of the green fluorescent protein was immunohistochemically determined. Results: In both approaches, the labeled vectors diffused into the broad arachnoid space around the brain stem and cervical spinal cord within 30 min. Both infusion routes efficiently transduced neurons in the cervical spinal cord. Conclusions: For gene therapy that primarily targets the cervical spinal cord and brainstem, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cisterna magna infusion would be a feasible and effective administration method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral conditions are a public health problem globally and stark oral health inequalities exist between and within countries. Yet, oral diseases are rarely considered as a health priority and evidence‐informed policy generation is challenging. Science communication and health advocacy are critical in that respect. However, due to time limitations, research workload and other factors, academics are usually hindered from participating in such lengthy endeavours. Here, we make the case that 'science communication and health advocacy task forces' should be a priority at academic institutions. The two main duties of these task forces are knowledge transfer about the burden of oral conditions and patterns of inequalities, and their underlying social and commercial determinants, and advocacy and mediation between the stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in policy making. These interdisciplinary task forces, including both academics and non‐academics, should collectively have skills that include (1) knowledge about oral health, dental public health and epidemiology, (2) ability to communicate clearly and coherently and make the case in both lay and scientific language terms, (3) familiarity with digital and social media platforms and ability to create visual aids, videos and documentaries, (4) good negotiation skills and (5) maintaining scientific transparency and avoiding getting involved in confrontation with political parties. In the current context, the role of the academic institutions should not only be the production of knowledge, but also the active transferability and application of this knowledge towards public benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (MD‐TESE) and identify predictors for sperm retrieval (SR) in patients with non‐mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (NM‐KFS). We retrospectively evaluated 37 patients with NM‐KFS who underwent MD‐TESE. Data of age at operation, body mass index (BMI), testicular volume, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), preoperative and postoperative testosterone levels with reduction ratio between the two values, and FSH/preoperative testosterone ratio were analysed. These patients were divided into two groups according to success or failure of SR: the successful and failure groups. Factors related to SR were evaluated by statistical analyses using the Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression modelling. Regarding these factors, the cut‐off level was specified using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Moreover, the percentage of SR at that level was assessed. A simple scoring model was developed based on the multivariate analysis. Fourteen patients underwent successful SR, whereas 23 experienced failure SR. Statistical analysis found preoperative testosterone and FSH levels to be significant factors associated with SR. On the ROC curve, the cut‐off levels for preoperative testosterone and FSH were 2.34 ng/ml and 33.2 mIU/ml respectively. A new scoring model was developed, consisting of preoperative testosterone (≥2.34 ng/ml) and FSH (≤33.2 mIU/ml). The sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) were clearly discriminated by stratification according to the scoring model. The SRR of the cases of scores of 2, 1 and 0 were 87.5%, 31.6% and 10% respectively. At our hospital, the SRR of MD‐TESE in patients with NM‐KFS was 37.8%. The patients with high testosterone and low FSH levels tended to demonstrate successful SR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colors are critical for understanding the emotional aspect of the human artistic mind, such as that found in painting a landscape, still life, or portrait. First, we report how single colors are memorized in the brain; second, how pairs of colors harmonize in the dissociated brain under the influence of the emotional brain; third, we see how colored paintings are appreciated as beautiful or ugly in the dissociated brain areas led by the intrinsic reward system in the human brain. The orbitofrontal brain is probably one of the vital brain areas that brings us a value-based reward system that makes a unique contribution to emotional neuroaesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have demonstrated the importance of the bioavailability of particulate phosphorus (PP) exported from various watersheds, especially agricultural land. However, few studies have documented the influence of hydrological conditions on the sources and bioavailability of PP exported from watersheds with multiple land uses. In this study, to assess the sources and bioavailability of PP under different hydrological conditions, we conducted synoptic monitoring of compositional changes in the chemical fractions of PP exported from the Yasu River Watershed, which is covered with a mixture of forest (57.7%) and rice paddy (20.5%) areas. In this river, total phosphorus was composed mainly of PP at all monitoring sites and time points. The sequential extraction of PP revealed that a fraction bound to redox‐sensitive iron and manganese, regarded as bioavailable, was specific to the drainage waters of rice paddies, while a fraction bound to organic matter, regarded as less bioavailable, was specific to a forested stream. In the downstream of the Yasu River covering the whole watershed, PP exported under the base flow and small rainfall conditions was composed mainly of the rice paddy‐derived fraction, while most of the PP exported under heavy rainfall conditions was the forest‐derived fraction. These results suggest that the sources and bioavailability of PP can vary dynamically, depending on the hydrological regimes and land use pattern in the watershed. Even taking into account the fact that the large amount of PP exported during heavy rainfall is considered to be forest‐derived PP with low bioavailability, the monitoring results suggested that the annual amount of bioavailable PP exported is larger than that of dissolved phosphorus, and can have a large impact on phosphorus recycling in the downstream lake ecosystem through sedimentation and regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigated the association between subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) and dental visits in older Japanese adults. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (carried out in 2019). The participants were independent older adults aged ≥65 years without dementia. The presence/absence of dental treatment visits and dental checkup visits within the past 12 months were used as outcome variables. The SCC score measured using the Kihon Checklist was set as the explanatory variable. Possible confounders were also included as covariates. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using a Poisson regression model. Results: The mean age was 74.1 years (standard deviation 6.0 years). Among the 19 677 eligible participants, 12 359 (62.8%) had dental treatment visits and 11 063 (56.3%) had dental checkup visits. Of these, 5966 (30.3%) had an SCC score of ≥1. The proportion of participants with dental treatment and dental checkup visits within the past 12 months was 63.2% and 56.7% among those with SCC score = 0, and 52.8% and 35.2% among those with SCC score = 3, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, no significant association was observed for participants with SCC scores of 1 and 2. Those with SCC score = 3 had less frequent dental checkup visits (prevalence ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.57–0.95). Conclusions: Our study highlights that SCC was not associated with limited access to dental care among those with mild SCC. However, those with the highest SCC score seemed to have disturbed access to dental care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 773–778. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, double-multilayer monochromators that generate intense, high-energy, pink X-ray beams are designed, installed and evaluated at the SPring-8 medium-length (215 m) bending-magnet beamline BL20B2 for imaging applications. Two pairs of W/B4C multilayer mirrors are designed to utilize photon energies of 110 keV and 40 keV with bandwidths of 0.8% and 4.8%, respectively, which are more than 100 times larger when compared with the Si double-crystal monochromator (DCM) with a bandwidth of less than 0.01%. At an experimental hutch located 210 m away from the source, a large and uniform beam of size 14 mm (V) × 300 mm (H) [21 mm (V) × 300 mm (H)] was generated with a high flux density of 1.6 × 109 photons s-1 mm-2 (6.9 × 1010 photons s-1 mm-2) at 110 keV (40 keV), which marked a 300 (190) times increase in the photon flux when compared with a DCM with Si 511 (111) diffraction. The intense pink beams facilitate advanced X-ray imaging for large-sized objects such as fossils, rocks, organs and electronic devices with high speed and high spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Actin, alpha, skeletal muscle 1 (ACTA1) is one of the causative genes of nemaline myopathy (NM) and congenital fiber‐type disproportion (CFTD). CFTD is characterized by type 1 fiber atrophy and distinguished from NM in the absence of rods. Eight patients with CFTD, including one patient with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), have previously been reported. Herein, we report the case of a 10‐year‐old boy presenting with CFTD and DCM. Methods: We performed exome sequencing and analyzed the effect of Met327Lys mutations on cultured C2C12 muscle cells compared with that seen in the wild type (WT, ACTA1) and previously identified Asp294Val mutations associated with a severe phenotype of CFTD without cardiomyopathy. Results: Exome sequencing revealed a de novo mutation, c.980 T > A, p.(Met327Lys), in ACTA1 (NM_001100.4). C2C12 cells transfected with the WT plasmid expressed ACTA1 in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Cells with the Asp294Val mutant showed needle‐like structures in the cytoplasm, whereas the expression of the Met327Lys mutant resulted in few aggregations but many apoptotic cells. Conclusion: Apoptosis induced in Met327Lys‐transfected muscle cells supports the pathogenicity of the mutation and can be implicated as one of the histopathological features associated with CFTD, as in NM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined the effects of a "community‐based center" intervention to prevent the onset of functional disability among residents in disaster‐affected areas. Methods: We used data from a prospective cohort study conducted from 2010 to 2016 in Iwanuma City, Japan. Participants were community‐dwelling independent adults aged ≥65 years. The exposure variable was the experience of using a community‐based center. The outcome variable was functional disability onset. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) was estimated by adjusting for possible confounders. Additional analysis stratified by sex was conducted considering the sex differences in social participation rates. Results: Among 3794 participants (mean ± SD age = 72.9 ±5.3 years, 46.0% men), 196 (5.2%) used the community‐based center, and 849 (22.4%) exhibited disability onset. Of those with functional disabilities, 40 (20.4%) used the community‐based center, while 809 (22.5%) did not. The ATET for functional disability onset with community‐based center activities across all participants were not significant (ATET: 0.51 years [95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.23; 1.27]). However, the direction of the effect of community‐based center activities differed by sex (ATET: −0.14, 95% CI = −2.59; 2.31 for men [n = 18], and 0.66, 95% CI = 0.18; 1.16 for women [n = 178]). Women exhibited a 15.63% (95% CI = 3.58; 27.68) increase in the time until functional disability onset. Conclusions: The use of community‐based centers was associated with a longer period without functional disability in women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 465–470. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconducting blend heterostructures, composed of conjugated polymer with photoresponsive organic crystals, provide an effective way to achieve promising photodetection devices. Here, solution‐processed n‐type N2200 conjugated polymer and quinoidal thienoisoindigo (TIIQ) small molecule blend is used to construct phototransistors for red light detection. The device performance of the optically switchable phototransistors can be tuned by the relative composition in the blend. The key feature is red light (680 nm) illuminated intensity‐tunable photodetection enabling the highest photoresponsivity (R) of 4065 A W‐1 and specific photodetectivity (D*) of 1.4 × 1013 Jones for an 88% blend device. At the same time, maintaining high mobility (μ) of 1.59 cm2 V‐1 s‐1, since the efficient extraction of photogenerated charges from blend heterointerface, benefiting from blending with higher μ and enhanced absorption of TIIQ, contributes to improvement in the red light photoresponse of the N2200:TIIQ blend phototransistor. This work demonstrates that the semiconducting blend strategies provide opportunities for developing high performance organic phototransistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 12-year-old female with osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OS-CS), a rare X-linked dominantly inherited bone dysplasia caused by mutations in the WTX gene. Topics discussed include the clinical features of OS-CS, the rarity of facial nerve palsy as a complication, and the potential impact of bone thickening on treatment response.