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In the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) society, there is a significant need for low-cost, high-performance flexible humidity sensors in wearable devices. However, commercially available humidity sensors lack flexibility or require expensive and complex fabrication methods, limiting their application and widespread use. We report a high-performance printed flexible humidity sensor using a cellulose nanofiber/carbon black (CNF/CB) composite. The cellulose nanofiber enables excellent dispersion of carbon black, which facilitates the ink preparation and printing process. At the same time, its hydrophilic and porous nature provides high sensitivity and fast response to humidity. Significant resistance changes of 120% were observed in the sensor at humidity ranging from 30% RH to 90% RH, with a fast response time of 10 s and a recovery time of 6 s. Furthermore, the developed sensor also exhibited high-performance uniformity, response stability, and flexibility. A simple humidity detection device was fabricated and successfully applied to monitor human respiration and noncontact fingertip moisture as a proof-of-concept.

Tuberculosis has been attracting attention as a re-emerging infection in recent years. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the head and neck region usually takes the form of tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis, and salivary gland tuberculosis is rare. Parotid gland tuberculosis is frequently difficult to differentiate from malignant tumors, and definitive diagnosis is often based on postoperative pathology. We report a case in which we reached a definitive diagnosis by appropriate and careful investigation and immediately initiated antimycobacterial therapy while avoiding surgery. The gentleman in his 70s presented with swelling below the left ear. The only local signs were mild tenderness and swelling, with no reddening of the skin or facial paralysis. Results from fine needle aspiration cytology were suggestive of acid-fast bacterial infection. Following puncture, reddening of the skin and necrosis appeared, and a local biopsy was performed. Pathology demonstrated the presence of Langerhans multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid granuloma. As polymerase chain reaction testing of a sample submitted at the same time was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA, parotid gland tuberculosis was diagnosed. Outpatient combination therapy was initiated with isoniazid, ethambutol, and rifampicin, to which the infection was sensitive. Since completion of this oral treatment, the patient has shown an uneventful course, with no parotid gland swelling, cervical lymph node swelling, or signs of recurrence. Parotid gland tuberculosis must always be borne in mind as a differential diagnosis for parotid gland tumors.

Objective A single injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) into the vocal folds of patients with glottal insufficiency has been shown to be effective for a few years. However, the long-term therapeutic effect of a single injection of bFGF into the vocal folds has yet to be demonstrated. In this study, the therapeutic effect of a single injection of bFGF into the vocal folds was investigated over several years by monitoring patients for 36 months following this treatment. Methods Nineteen patients with glottal insufficiency received injections of bFGF diluted to 20 μg/mL in the superficial layer of the lamina propria of the bilateral vocal folds. The following parameters were evaluated at preinjection baseline and 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months later, and statistical comparisons were performed. The parameters evaluated were: the Grade, Rough, Breathy, Asthenic, and Strained (GRBAS) scale score; maximum phonation time; acoustic analysis; and glottal wave analysis (GWA) and kymograph edge analysis (KEA) using high-speed digital imaging (HSDI). The amplitude perturbation quotient (APQ) and period perturbation quotient (PPQ) were measured by acoustic analysis. The mean minimum glottal area during vocalization and mean minimum distance between the vocal folds were measured by GWA. The amplitudes of the bilateral vocal folds were measured by KEA. Results Postinjection, the GRBAS scale score decreased from 6 months after injection, and maximum phonation time was prolonged. The mean minimum glottal area during vocalization and the mean minimum distance between the vocal folds calculated by GWA of HSDI decreased significantly after 6 months. These effects persisted until 36 months postinjection. APQ and PPQ derived from acoustic analysis tended to decrease, but not significantly. There was no clear change in the amplitudes of the bilateral vocal folds calculated by KEA of HSDI before and after injection. Conclusions These results suggest that the effects of a single injection of bFGF into the vocal folds persist for 36 months.

Tactile sensing, particularly the detection of object slippage, is required for skillful object handling by robotic grippers. The real-time measurement and identification of the dynamic shear forces that result from slippage events are crucial for slip detection and effective object interaction. In this study, a ferroelectric polymer-based printed soft sensor for object slippage detection was developed and fabricated by screen printing. The proposed sensor demonstrated a sensitivity of 8.2 &mu, C&middot, cm&minus, 2 and was responsive to shear forces applied in both the parallel and perpendicular directions. An amplifier circuit, based on a printed organic thin-film transistor, was applied and achieved a high sensitivity of 0.1 cm2/V&middot, s. Therefore, this study experimentally demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed printable high-sensitivity tactile sensor, which could serve as part of a wearable robotic e-skin. The sensor could facilitate the production of a system to detect and prevent the slippage of objects from robotic grippers.

Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD) is caused by local dystonia of the thyroarytenoid muscle. Isshiki reported the usefulness of type 2 thyroplasty (TP2) as a surgical treatment for this condition..