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Abstract Bending loss is one of the serious problems for constructing nanophotonic integrated circuits. Recently, many works reported that valley photonic crystals (VPhCs) enable significantly high transmission via 120-degree sharp bends. However, it is unclear whether the high bend-transmission results directly from the valley-photonic effects, which are based on the breaking of inversion symmetry. In this study, we conduct a series of comparative numerical and experimental investigations of bend-transmission in various triangular PhCs with and without inversion symmetry and reveal that the high bend-transmission is solely determined by the domain-wall configuration and independent of the existence of the inversion symmetry. Preliminary analysis of the polarization distribution indicates that high bend-transmissions are closely related to the appearance of local topological polarization singularities near the bending section. Our work demonstrates that high transmission can be achieved in a much wider family of PhC waveguides, which may provide novel designs for low-loss nanophotonic integrated circuits with enhanced flexibility and a new understanding of the nature of valley-photonics.

Abstract Galactosides are major carbohydrates that are found in plant cell walls and various prebiotic oligosaccharides. Studying the detailed biochemical functions of β-galactosidases in degrading these carbohydrates is important. In particular, identifying β-galactosidases with new substrate specificities could help in the production of potentially beneficial oligosaccharides. In this study, we identify a β-galactosidase with novel substrate specificity from Bacteroides xylanisolvens, an intestinal bacterium. The enzyme do not show hydrolytic activity toward natural β-galactosides during the first screening. However, when α-d-galactosyl fluoride (α-GalF) as a donor substrate and galactose or d-fucose as an acceptor substrate are incubated with a nucleophile mutant, reaction products are detected. The galactobiose produced from the α-GalF and galactose is identified as β-1,2-galactobiose using NMR. Kinetic analysis reveals that this enzyme effectively hydrolyzes β-1,2-galactobiose and β-1,2-galactotriose. In the complex structure with methyl β-galactopyranose as a ligand, the ligand is only located at subsite +1. The 2-hydroxy group and the anomeric methyl group of methyl β-galactopyranose faces in the direction of subsite −1 and the solvent, respectively. This observation is consistent with the substrate specificity of the enzyme regarding linkage position and chain length. Overall, we conclude that the enzyme is a β-galactosidase acting on β-1,2-galactooligosaccharides.

Abstract Objective The Epilepsy Self‐Stigma Scale (ESSS) has been developed in Japan for patients with epilepsy (PWE). We aimed to validate the scale in Spanish and examine its validity and reliability. Methods The transcultural adaptation of the ESSS was conducted using translation and back‐translation, along with pilot testing and an expert panel review. An online questionnaire was used to assess construct validity, criterion validity, and internal consistency. Results A total of 260 out of 628 participants completed the questionnaires. We found a two‐factor structure that explained 61.3% of the total variance: factor 1 “self‐perceived discrimination” with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80, and factor 2 “social isolation” with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.75. The reliability of overall ESSS‐S 8‐item scores was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.74). Convergent validity was tested and demonstrated a significant correlation. P. Self‐perceived discrimination scores were associated with higher anxiety and depression scores (r = 0.53/0.54; p

Abstract Objective Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, exhibiting variance in prevalence and treatment availability across diverse geopolitical contexts and cultural milieus. The stigma associated with epilepsy is a significant global issue affecting the quality of life (QOL) of people with epilepsy (PWE). This study aims to examine the relationship between self‐stigma and depressive symptoms in PWE, with a particular emphasis on understanding the manifestations of these across different cultural contexts. We aim to enhance the provision of customized care to diverse cultural settings, fostering the adoption of healthier lifestyles for PWE. Methods We recruited PWE who received treatment at specialized medical facilities for epilepsy in Japan, Malaysia (Chinese, Malay), and Turkey from February to October 2023. The Epilepsy Self‐Stigma Scales (ESSS), Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI‐E), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD‐7) in local languages were used to assess self‐stigma, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Results The ESSS total scores were significantly higher among the Turkish and Japanese cohorts (F [3, 406] = 6.57, p

Abstract Objective The aims of this study were to translate the SAPE questionnaire (Scales of the Attitudes toward People with Epilepsy) questionnaire developed in Germany that assesses attitudes toward people with epilepsy (PWE) into Japanese and to examine its reliability and validity. Methods We crafted the Japanese version of SAPE (SAPE‐J) by drawing upon the original German version. On May 22nd and 23rd, 2023, we surveyed the general public registered with an online research survey service (Cross Marketing Group Inc., Tokyo, Japan) using an online questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were an age of ≥18 years, sufficient reading and speaking skills in Japanese, and the ability to comprehend the Japanese questionnaires. In addition to the translated SAPE‐J, we asked about knowledge of epilepsy, personal experience with epilepsy, and gathered information about age, gender, employment status, education level, marital status, and household income in accordance with the validation of the German version of the SAPE. Results 400 adults from the general public who had heard or read about epilepsy were asked to participate, granted informed consent, and completed the study questionnaire. The SAPE‐J questionnaire has 6 scales: 1. Social Distance; 2. Stereotypes; 3. Concerns when encountering a person with epilepsy (PWE) and emotional reactions differentiated by 4.1 Fear, 4.2. Anger, and 4.3 Pity; with a total of 26 items. The reliability of these scales ranged between acceptable to high (Cronbach's alpha 0.74–0.92) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) confirmed the presumed six‐factor structure of the SAPE (factorial validity). Multivariate generalized linear models (GLM) were used to investigate the construct validity and showed that, depending on subscale, different variables such as age, gender, education level, personal contact to PWE, and epilepsy specific knowledge were significant predictors of attitudes. Significance The Japanese version of the SAPE proved reliable and valid for assessing attitudes toward PWE in the Japanese public. Increasing understanding about how to deal with and accept persons with epilepsy may help reduce negative attitudes and fears about the condition. Plain Language Summary The study translated the German SAPE questionnaire, which measures attitudes toward people with epilepsy (PWE), into Japanese and tested its reliability and validity. The Japanese version (SAPE‐J) was created and surveyed online among 400 adults in Japan. The SAPE‐J has 6 scales covering social distance, stereotypes, and emotional reactions like fear, anger, and pity. Reliability was high (Cronbach's alpha 0.74–0.92), and factor analyses confirmed its structure. The study found age, gender, education, and personal contact with PWE influenced attitudes. The SAPE‐J is reliable and valid for assessing attitudes toward PWE in Japan, potentially reducing negative views and fears about epilepsy.

Abstract Adverse childhood experiences have been linked to psychopathology due to reduced social networks or social thinning. However, evidence of the temporal associations between adverse childhood experiences, social networks, and psychopathology was lacking, as few studies assessed social networks repeatedly. Further, their underlying neurocognitive and biological mechanisms related to hypervigilance and inflammation remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify these associations using a three-wave population-based cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 465), where we leveraged repeated social network assessments. Self-reported questionnaires assessed adverse childhood experiences, social network size and diversity, psychological distress, and hypervigilance regarding COVID-19. Blood tests were conducted to measure inflammation markers. Individuals with more adverse childhood experiences demonstrated lesser increases in their social networks than those without adverse childhood experiences. Decreased network sizes were associated with severe psychological distress, but this association did not remain after adjusting for baseline distress. On the other hand, reduced network diversities were associated with increased psychological distress. We did not find any paths through hypervigilance regarding COVID-19 and inflammation that explain associations between adverse childhood experiences, social thinning, and psychological distress. These findings emphasize the significant social network changes in the associations between adverse childhood experiences and psychopathology.

ABSTRACT Moraxella osloensis, a gram‐negative rod‐shaped bacterium found on human skin, produces 4‐methyl‐3‐hexenoic acid, contributing to clothing and body malodor. M. osloensis is resistant to UV light, drying, and antimicrobials, making its eradication challenging. As the skin is low in nutrients, commensal bacteria compete for resources and use diverse strategies to inhibit their competitors. Therefore, skin‐derived bacteria that exhibited growth‐inhibitory activity against M. osloensis were searched. Screening skin‐derived bacteria using a coculture halo assay revealed that Bacillus xiamenensis formed an inhibition zone with M. osloensis. Coculture plates were extracted with ethyl acetate and fractionated using a silica gel column and preparative thin‐layer chromatography to isolate the active compound from the B. xiamenensis metabolites. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identified the active compound as indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde, which has low toxicity in humans. At soluble concentrations, indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde does not inhibit the growth of other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, suggesting M. osloensis is highly sensitive to indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde. These findings highlight B. xiamenensis as a promising candidate for the development of a skin probiotic to promote skin health and combat malodor‐causing bacteria.

Abstract Aim This study aimed to develop and validate a Japanese version of the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE‐J) Scale to measure attitudes towards epilepsy among the general Japanese population. Methods The study employed a cross‐sectional design using an online survey of 537 participants from the general public in Japan, with follow‐up surveys at 2 weeks and 3 months. The PATE Scale was translated following standard guidelines and validated by conducting confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the complete data set to assess the original two‐factor structure of the PATE Scale. Internal consistency assessment, and convergent validity testing with the Modified Epilepsy Stigma Scale (M‐ESS), Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale (PDDS), and Epilepsy Knowledge Scale (EKS) were carried out. Results CFA confirmed the two‐factor structure of the PATE‐J, comprising “Personal Domain” and “General Domain.” The model showed acceptable fit indices (χ²(76) = 607.974, comparative fit index = 0.849, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.820, root‐mean‐square error of approximation = 0.114, standardized root‐mean‐square residual = 0.078) and high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.87 for Personal Domain and 0.75 for General Domain). Strong correlations with the M‐ESS (r = 0.713, p

The Japanese rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta japonica) is an herbivorous species of partridges that inhabits only alpine zones. Alpine plants are their main source of food. These alpine plants contain toxic compounds to deter herbivores from consuming them. A previous analysis of the alpine plants frequently consumed by Japanese rock ptarmigans revealed the presence of a unique mixture of secondary metabolites and a novel compound. Additionally, wild Japanese rock ptarmigans are often infected by two species of Eimeria parasites. When these parasites were experimentally administered to Svalbard rock ptarmigans (Lagopus muta hyperborean), which do not feed on alpine plants, the birds exhibited symptoms, such as diarrhea and depression, and in some cases, they died. Although little is known about the pathogenesis of these parasites in wild Japanese rock ptarmigans, it was hypothesized that compounds found in alpine plants, their main food source, may reduce the pathogenicity of Eimeria parasites. In the present study, we evaluated the anticoccidial activity of the compounds derived from alpine plants in vitro using Eimeria tenella, which infects chickens belonging to the same pheasant family, as an experimental model. Twenty-seven natural components were extracted from eight alpine plants. The natural components were added to E. tenella sporozoites and incubated for 24 h to evaluate their direct effect. Additionally, Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells were incubated with sporozoites and natural components for 24 h to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the components on sporozoite cell invasion. Six compounds from four alpine plants decreased sporozoite viability by up to 88.3%, and two compounds inhibited sporozoite invasion into the cells. Although further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of these components against Eimeria infections in vivo, our findings suggest that these alpine plants may reduce the degree of infection by decreasing the number of sporozoites in the intestinal tract.

Objective Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) using artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to support the characterisation of colorectal lesions, which is clinically relevant for efficient colorectal cancer prevention. We conducted this study to assess the diagnostic performance of commercially available CAD systems.Methods This was a multicentre, prospective performance evaluation study. The endoscopist diagnosed polyps using white light imaging, followed by non-magnified blue light imaging (non-mBLI) and mBLI. AI subsequently assessed the lesions using non-mBLI (non-mAI), followed by mBLI (mAI). Eventually, endoscopists made the final diagnosis by integrating the AI diagnosis (AI+endoscopist). The primary endpoint was the accuracy of the AI diagnosis of neoplastic lesions. The diagnostic performance of each modality (sensitivity, specificity and accuracy) and confidence levels were also assessed.Results Overall, 380 lesions from 139 patients were included in the analysis. The accuracy of non-mAI was 83%, 95% CI (79% to 87%), which was inferior to that of mBLI (89%, 95% CI (85% to 92%)) and mAI (89%, 95% CI (85% to 92%)). The accuracy (95% CI) of diagnosis by expert endoscopists using mAI (91%, 95% CI (87% to 94%)) was comparable to that of expert endoscopists using mBLI (91%, 95% CI (87% to 94%)) but better than that of non-expert endoscopists using mAI (83%, 95% CI (75% to 90%)). The level of confidence in making a correct diagnosis was increased when using magnification and AI.Conclusions The diagnostic performance of mAI for differentiating colonic lesions is comparable to that of endoscopists, regardless of their experience. However, it can be affected by the use of magnification as well as the endoscopists’ level of experience.