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Aim: This study examined the oral status and the presence of teeth requiring treatment among older adults receiving home medical care. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted at a Japanese dental clinic specializing in geriatric treatment. We recruited older adults receiving home medical care in the community who had begun to receive domiciliary dental care. The Japanese version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT‐J), as well as the presence of teeth requiring extraction and the need for assistance in maintaining oral hygiene were used to evaluate the participants' oral health and its association with other items. Results: Ninety‐three participants (44 male and 49 female, median age: 87.0 years) were surveyed. The median OHAT‐J score was 6. The duration since the previous dental visit was 23 months. Sixty‐two (73.8%) of 84 participants with ≥1 natural tooth had severe caries or teeth with severe mobility that required extraction. Logistic analysis revealed that requiring assistance in maintaining oral hygiene, mild dementia, severe dementia, and depression were significantly associated with an OHAT score of ≥6. Conclusions: Older adults receiving home medical care had poor oral health, with approximately 70% of them requiring tooth extraction. The need for assistance in maintaining oral hygiene and poor mental status contribute to poor oral health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 706–714. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug safety communications (DSCs) are essential tools for communicating important postmarket serious drug safety information to healthcare professionals and patients. Previous studies characterized DSCs issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA); however, knowledge about the activities of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)/the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) is limited. This study characterized DSCs by the PMDA/MHLW in comparison with previously reported DSCs by the FDA and the EMA. We retrospectively analyzed 37 DSCs of 41 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) for 33 drugs in Japan from 1997 to 2022. Most DSCs were related to non‐oncology drugs (30/37, 81.1%), and the median (interquartile range) time from approval to DSC issuance was 19 (10–51) months. Notably, the regulatory review reports and the latest labels before DSC issuance did not describe 16/28 (57.1%) and 12/37 (32.4%) of the ADRs related to DSCs, respectively. Most DSCs resulted in label revisions (36/37, 97.3%) and seven drugs were eventually withdrawn. Some DSC characteristics are similar among the PMDA/MHLW, the FDA, and the EMA; however, the number, contents, and range of new safety issues addressed by DSCs differ among the three jurisdictions. Our study emphasized the importance of continuous efforts to gather postmarket drug safety information because substantial ADRs that led to DSCs were recognized after approval and were associated with critical label revisions and withdrawals. Future studies are required to address global challenges for regulatory harmonization of safety‐related regulatory actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Reduced Lactobacillus occupancy in the uterine microflora has been associated with implantation failure. This study aimed to evaluate a treatment for improving the uterine microflora. Methods: This study included patients diagnosed with repeated implantation failure—defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after two or more transfers of viable embryos—who were classified as non‐Lactobacillus dominant. Treatment A comprised oral administration of antibiotics for 1 week, followed by oral probiotic butyrate tablets (3 g/day) for approximately 30 days. Treatment B comprised a 1‐week course of oral (750 mg/day) and vaginal (250 mg/day) metronidazole, followed by a 1‐week intravaginal administration of probiotic capsules (1 capsule/day) and continued oral administration of probiotics (1 capsule/day). Both treatments were compared in terms of efficacy in improving vaginal flora. Improvement was defined as Lactobacillus occupancy >90% or an increase in Lactobacillus occupancy >20%. Results: Seven (41.2%) of 17 patients in the Treatment A group improved in response to the treatment. Contrastingly, 9 (90.0%) of 10 patients improved in the Treatment B group (p = 0.0127). Following treatment, Lactobacillus occupancy in the Treatment B group (62.9% ± 12.7%) was significantly higher than that in the Treatment A group (5.7% ± 9.8%) (p = 0.0242). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining antibiotics and probiotics in vaginal formulations for treating abnormal uterine microflora. However, its potential impact on in vitro fertilization outcomes remains unclear and warrants further investigation through larger, more comprehensive studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the excess risk of antithrombotic‐related bleeding due to cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) burden. Methods: In this observational, prospective cohort study, patients with cerebrovascular or cardiovascular diseases taking oral antithrombotic agents were enrolled from 52 hospitals across Japan between 2016 and 2019. Baseline multimodal magnetic resonance imaging acquired under prespecified conditions was assessed by a central diagnostic radiology committee to calculate total SVD score. The primary outcome was major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included bleeding at each site and ischemic events. Results: Of the analyzed 5,250 patients (1,736 women; median age = 73 years, 9,933 patient‐years of follow‐up), antiplatelets and anticoagulants were administered at baseline in 3,948 and 1,565, respectively. Median SVD score was 2 (interquartile range = 1–3). Incidence rate of major bleeding was 0.39 (per 100 patinet‐years) in score 0, 0.56 in score 1, 0.91 in score 2, 1.35 in score 3, and 2.24 in score 4 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] for score 4 vs 0 = 5.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.26–13.23), that of intracranial hemorrhage was 0.11, 0.33, 0.58, 0.99, and 1.06, respectively (aHR = 9.29, 95% CI = 1.99–43.35), and that of ischemic event was 1.82, 2.27, 3.04, 3.91, and 4.07, respectively (aHR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.08–2.86). In addition, extracranial major bleeding (aHR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.13–10.38) and gastrointestinal bleeding (aHR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.02–6.35) significantly increased in SVD score 4 compared to score 0. Interpretation: Total SVD score was predictive for intracranial hemorrhage and probably for extracranial bleeding, suggesting the broader clinical relevance of cerebral SVD as a marker for safe implementation of antithrombotic therapy. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:774–787 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of mitiglinide/voglibose with those of glimepiride on glycemic variability and vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: It was a multicenter, open‐label, randomized, crossover study. Hospitalized patients received either mitiglinide/voglibose (three times daily administration of 10 mg mitiglinide and 0.2 mg voglibose) or glimepiride (once‐daily 2 mg) in random order, each for 5 days. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) were measured as co‐primary endpoints using reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry and continuous glucose monitoring. Results: The analysis included 30 patients (15 in each group). The RHI was 1.670 ± 0.369 during treatment with mitiglinide/voglibose and 1.716 ± 0.492 during treatment with glimepiride, with no significant difference between the two. MAGE was significantly lower in the mitiglinide/voglibose group (47.6 ± 18.5 mg/dL) than in the glimepiride group (100.6 ± 32.2 mg/dL). Although the mean blood glucose levels over the entire 24 h period were comparable between the two groups, the use of mitiglinide/voglibose was associated with a lower standard deviation of mean glucose, coefficient of variation, and mean postprandial glucose excursion compared with glimepiride. The time below range (<70 mg/dL) and the time above range (>180, >200, and 250 mg/dL) were lower in the mitiglinide/voglibose group, while the time in range (70–180 mg/dL) was higher. Conclusions: In our short‐duration randomized crossover study, although not impacting vascular endothelial function, mitiglinide/voglibose demonstrated potential benefits in reducing glycemic variability, postprandial hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of tadalafil in protecting the fetus from hypoxic stress caused by repeated labor pains during delivery and preventing fetal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. Methods: The study used a three‐case cohort approach. Three patients were administered 10 mg tadalafil and monitored for serious adverse events. In the absence of serious tadalafil‐associated adverse events as assessed by the Safety Evaluation Committee, three new patients were added to the study and treated with 20 mg/dose. The blood levels of tadalafil were recorded before and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 h of administration and 2 h after delivery. Results: A total of seven patients were enrolled, and after excluding one patient who delivered before 37 weeks, tadalafil was administered to six patients. Maternal adverse events were considered acceptable from the maternal perspective, with grade 1 headache, anorexia, and myalgia and no obstetrical complications after delivery at both doses. No serious neonatal adverse events were associated with tadalafil. Tadalafil blood levels remained stable at both doses. In addition, the level of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 did not alter, while that of the placental growth factor differed significantly before and after tadalafil administration. Conclusions: The study confirmed the safety of tadalafil administration during delivery for both mothers and newborns. The stable tadalafil blood levels confirmed the efficacy of the tested administration regime at 12 h interval. These findings would assist in conducting phase II trials to further verify the optimal dose and safety of tadalafil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermal melanocytes are continuously exposed to sunlight‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress generated during the synthesis of melanin. Therefore, they have developed mechanisms that maintain normal redox homeostasis. Cytoglobin (CYGB), a ubiquitously expressed intracellular iron hexacoordinated globin, exhibits antioxidant activity and regulates the redox state of mammalian cells through its activities as peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO) dioxygenase. We postulated that CYGB functions in the melanogenic process as a regulator that maintains oxidative stress within a physiological level. This was examined by characterizing normal human melanocytes with the knockdown (KD) of CYGB using morphological and molecular biological criteria. CYGB‐KD cells were larger, had more dendrites, and generated more melanin granules in the advanced stages of melanogenesis than control cells. The expression levels of major melanogenesis‐associated genes and proteins were higher in CYGB‐KD melanocytes than in wild type (WT) cells. As expected, CYGB‐KD melanocytes generated more ROS and NO than WT cells. In conclusion, CYGB physiologically contributes to maintaining redox homeostasis in the melanogenic activity of normal melanocytes by controlling the intracellular levels of ROS and NO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate perioperative complications and the details of postoperative ureteral stricture after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy (URS‐L) for upper urinary tract stones in Japan. Methods: Patient data on intra‐ and postoperative complications after ureteroscopy using URS‐L were retrospectively collected from multiple centers in Japan between April 2017 and March 2020 with the cooperation of the Japanese Society of Endourology and Robotics. Data included the number of patients undergoing URS‐L, number and type of intra‐ and postoperative complications, and detailed characteristics of postoperative ureteral stricture. Results: In total, 14 125 patients underwent URS‐L over 3 years at 82 institutions. Annual URS‐L numbers gradually increased from 4419 in 2017, to 4760 in 2018, and 4946 in 2019. The total complication rate was 10.5%, which was divided into intra‐operative complications in 1.40% and postoperative complications in 9.18%. The annual incidences of intra‐ and postoperative complications were not significantly different from year to year (p = 0.314 and p = 0.112). Ureteral perforation, ureteral avulsion, and the intra‐operative conversion rate were 1.35%, 0.03%, and 0.02%, respectively. Fever >38°C, septic shock, blood transfusion, and postoperative mortality were 7.44%, 0.81%, 0.07%, and 0.04%, respectively. Ureteral stricture occurred in 0.8% of cases. The median length of stricture site was 10.0 mm and the success rate of stricture treatment was 54.6%. Conclusion: Although URS‐L utilization has increased in Japan, the annual complication rate has remained steady. Although URS‐L is a useful and less invasive procedure, devastating complications can still occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To validate the diagnostic accuracy of a stepwise algorithm to differentiate fat‐poor angiomyolipoma (fp‐AML) from renal cancer in small renal masses (SRMs). Methods: We prospectively enrolled 223 patients with solid renal masses <4 cm and no visible fat on unenhanced computed tomography (CT). Patients were assessed using an algorithm that utilized the dynamic CT and MRI findings in a stepwise manner. The diagnostic accuracy of the algorithm was evaluated in patients whose histology was confirmed through surgery or biopsy. The clinical course of the patients was further analyzed. Results: The algorithm classified 151 (68%)/42 (19%)/30 (13%) patients into low/intermediate/high AML probability groups, respectively. Pathological diagnosis was made for 183 patients, including 10 (5.5%) with fp‐AML. Of these, 135 (74%)/36 (20%)/12 (6.6%) were classified into the low/intermediate/high AML probability groups, and each group included 1 (0.7%)/3 (8.3%)/6 (50%) fp‐AMLs, respectively, leading to the area under the curve for predicting AML of 0.889. Surgery was commonly opted in the low and intermediate AML probability groups (84% and 64%, respectively) for initial management, while surveillance was selected in the high AML probability group (63%). During the 56‐month follow‐up, 36 (82%) of 44 patients initially surveyed, including 13 of 18 (72%), 6 of 7 (86%), and 17 of 19 (89%) in the low/intermediate/high AML probability groups, respectively, continued surveillance without any progression. Conclusions: This study confirmed the high diagnostic accuracy for differentiating fp‐AMLs. These findings may help in the management of patients with SRMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Concomitant left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) with atrioventricular (AV) nodal ablation is emerging as a viable management option in atrial fibrillation refractory to medical management. Its viability in patients with pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation is unknown. Methods and results: This is a retrospective, observational cohort study in consecutive patients who underwent concomitant LBBAP with AV nodal ablation with advanced pulmonary disease at the Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital between January 2019 and January 2023. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and medication use were extracted via chart review. Rates of hospitalizations, medication use, and structural disease seen on echocardiography were compared before and after the procedure. There were 27 patients with group 3 pulmonary hypertension who underwent the procedure. In the 24 months preprocedure, there were 114 admissions for heart failure or atrial fibrillation compared to 9 admissions postprocedure (p <.001). Mean follow up was 17.3 ± 12.1 months. There were no significant complications or lead dislodgements. Echocardiographic characteristics were similar prior to and after pacemaker implantation. Use of medications for rate and rhythm control was common preprocedure, and was reduced dramatically postprocedure. Conclusion: This small, retrospective cohort study suggests concomitant LBBAP with AV nodal ablation may be safe and efficacious for management of atrial fibrillation in patients with advanced pulmonary disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined a training program for developing cognitive complexity (cognitive complexity training [CCT]) for reducing gender harassment using data of workers in an actual work environment. CCT was conducted with 20 Japanese employees. The participants were administered the Gender Harassment Scale consisting of two subscales: the Commission (e.g., marginal role expectations of women, such as serving coffee and making photocopies) and the Omission (e.g., exclusion of women from essential jobs and core roles). The participants responded to the Gender Harassment Scale before CCT, right after CCT, and at the 2‐week follow‐up assessment. The results indicated that participants' post‐CCT and follow‐up Commission scores significantly improved compared to their pre‐CCT scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lysosome‐associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3) misexpression in salivary gland epithelial cells plays a causal role in the development of salivary gland dysfunction and autoimmunity associated with Sjögren's disease (SjD). This study aimed to clarify how epithelial LAMP3 misexpression is induced in SjD. Methods: To explore upstream signaling pathways associated with LAMP3 expression, we conducted multiple RNA sequencing analyses of minor salivary glands from patients with SjD, submandibular glands from a mouse model of SjD, and salivary gland epithelial cell lines. A hypothesis generated by the RNA sequencing analyses was further tested by in vitro and in vivo assays with gene manipulation. Results: Transcriptome analysis suggested LAMP3 expression was associated with enhanced type I interferon (IFN) and IFNγ signaling pathways in patients with SjD. In vitro studies showed that type I IFN but not IFNγ stimulation could induce LAMP3 expression in salivary gland epithelial cells. Moreover, we discovered that LAMP3 overexpression could induce ectopic Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR‐7) expression and type I IFN production in salivary gland epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. TLR‐7 knockout mice did not develop any SjD‐related symptoms following LAMP3 induction. Conclusion: Epithelial LAMP3 misexpression can be induced through enhanced type I IFN response in salivary glands. In addition, LAMP3 can promote type I IFN production via ectopic TLR‐7 expression in salivary gland epithelial cells. This positive feedback loop can contribute to maintaining LAMP3 misexpression and amplifying type I IFN production in salivary glands, which plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of SjD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral frailty, characterised by reduced oral function, is associated with systemic health issues in older adults. Although the criteria for diminished oral function often focus on motor and secretory abilities, texture perception also plays a crucial role in health due to its impact on food intake and palatability. Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between thickness discrimination ability (TDA) and oral motor and secretory functions in healthy young individuals. Methods: Twenty‐eight adults were assessed for texture perception using eight concentrations of aqueous xanthan gum solutions to determine TDA scores. Measurements of occlusal force, masticatory performance, tongue pressure, stimulated salivary flow rate and tongue–lip motor function were conducted. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between TDA scores and oral functions. Participants were divided into high‐sensitivity and low‐sensitivity groups based on their TDA scores to compare oral function test results. Results: The TDA scores varied among the participants, with higher scores correlating with higher masticatory performance (r = 0.41, p <.05). Masticatory performance in the high‐sensitivity group was significantly higher than in the low‐sensitivity group (211.9 ± 59.2 mg/dL vs. 157.9 ± 43.0 mg/dL, p =.013), with no significant differences in other oral functions. Conclusion: Masticatory performance was correlated with TDA, suggesting a link between the selection function of mastication and thickness discrimination. These findings highlight the potential relevance of texture perception in oral function and indicate the need for further exploration, particularly in older adults with declining oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al4SiC4 shows excellent heat resistance, thermal shock resistance, machinability, and oxidation resistance. We focused on Al4SiC4‐based ceramics with SiC as a non‐oxide matrix for ceramic matrix composites for aircraft jet engines. In this study, monolithic Al4SiC4 and Al4SiC4/SiC ceramics were fabricated by hot‐pressing, and a corrosion test against molten calcium‐magnesium‐alumino‐silicate (CMAS) was conducted at 1350°C for 12–100 h in air, and their corrosion behavior was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy results revealed that severe damage was not observed at the interface between CMAS and the samples after the CMAS corrosion test. The recession of Al4SiC4‐100, ‐10, and SiC‐100 after corrosion for 100 h was 80–90 µm, and that of Al4SiC4‐50 was the highest of all samples and the value was 130 µm. The dissolution behavior of the oxidation layer into molten CMAS via a corrosion reaction was dependent on the composition of both the sample and the oxidation layer, the thickness, and the microstructure of the oxidation layers. The dominant mechanism of reaction between CMAS and Al4SiC4‐100, ‐90, and ‐50 samples was concluded to be the dissolution of the oxidation products, while in SiC‐100 and Al4SiC4‐10 samples, the dominant reaction was determined to be direct corrosion of the surface with CMAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, poor reproducibility of optical absorption edges in GeS2 glasses and films is seen. Reported spectral positions of the absorption edge in melt‐quenched glasses spread over ≈0.2 eV at ħω ≈ 3 eV. In deposited films, the edge red‐shifts to ħω ≈ 2.5 eV showing wider variations of ≈1 eV. This work considers plausible reasons of such low, spectral reproducibility, with the aid of ab initio molecular orbital analyses of Ge–S clusters and known insights on optical gaps, electron‐spin‐resonance signals, and structural data. The variation in the glass is likely to be governed by several factors including compositional fluctuation, edge/corner‐shared configurations, wrong bonds, and intimate valence‐alternation pairs. The conspicuous red‐shift in the films seems to be affected also by neutral dangling bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation (LT) in patients with alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) has rapidly increased following the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the implementation of the Acuity Circle policy, raising questions of equity and utility. Waitlist mortality among high (≥37) Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease LT candidates with AH and post‐transplant survival were assessed with a semiparametric survival regression and a generalized linear mixed‐effect model with LT centre‐ and listing date‐level random intercepts. These models demonstrate a lower mortality for the candidates listed with AH (adjusted sub‐hazard ratio .58_.72_.90 and odds ratio .44_.66_.99) when compared to other diagnoses (autoimmune hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease and primary biliary cholangitis). Post‐LT survival was comparable. This study highlights the limitations of current tools in characterizing the risk of mortality, and thus need for the modifications in prioritizing LT candidates with AH. Policy revision may be needed to ensure equivalent access to LT regardless of diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Dynamic chest radiography (DCR) is a recently developed functional x‐ray imaging technique that detects pulmonary ventilation impairment as a decrease in changes in lung density during respiration. However, the diagnostic performance of DCR is uncertain owing to an insufficient number of clinical cases. One solution is virtual imaging trials (VITs), which is an emerging alternative method for efficiently evaluating medical imaging technology via computer simulation techniques.This study aimed to estimate the typical threshold thickness of residual normal tissue below which the presence of emphysema may be detected by DCR via VITs using virtual patients with different physiques and a user‐defined ground truth.Twenty extended cardiac‐torso (XCAT) phantoms that exhibited changes in lung density during respiration were generated to simulate virtual patients. To simulate a locally collapsed lung, an air sphere was inserted into each lung regions in the phantom. The XCAT phantom was virtually projected using an x‐ray simulator. The respiratory changes in pixel value (ΔPV) were measured on the projected air spheres (simulated lesions) to calculate the percentage of decrease (ΔPV%) relative to ΔPVexp‐ins in the absence of an air sphere. The relationship between the amount of residual normal tissue and ΔPV% was fitted to a cubic approximation curve (hereafter, performance curve), and the threshold at which the ΔPV% began to decrease (normal‐tissuethre) was determined. The goodness of fit for each performance curve was evaluated according to the coefficient of determination (R2) and the 95% confidence interval derived from the standard errors between the measured and theoretical values corresponding to each performance curve. The ΔPV% was also visualized as a color scaling to validate the results of the VITs in both virtual and clinical patients.For each lung region in all body sizes, the ΔPV% decreased as the amount of residual normal tissue decreased and could be defined as a function of the amount of residual normal tissue in front of and behind the simulated lesions with high R2 values. Meanwhile, the difference between the measured and theoretical values corresponding to each performance curve was only partially included in the 95% confidence interval. The normal‐tissuethre values were 146.0, 179.5, and 170.9 mm for the upper, middle, and lower lungs, respectively, which were demonstrated in virtual patients and one real patient, where the value of the residual normal tissue was less than that of normal‐tissuethre; any reduction in the residual normal tissue was reflected as a reduced ΔPV and depicted as a reduced color intensity.The performance of DCR‐based pulmonary impairment assessment depends on the amount of residual normal tissue in front of and behind the lesion rather than on the lesion size. The performance curve can be defined as a function of the amount of residual normal tissue in each lung region with a specific threshold of normal tissue remaining where lesions become detectable, shown as a decrease in ΔPV. The results of VITs are expected to accelerate future clinical trials for DCR‐based pulmonary function assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular dichroism (CD) studies on poly(1,4‐phenylene)s bearing a chiral side chain in the aggregated conditions were carried out. Little CD was observed in a solution form, while addition of a poor solvent into the polyphenylene solution induced aggregation and a strong CD was observed, accordingly. Applying the controlled degree of polymerization (DP) of poly(1,4‐phenylene) in the use of bidentate diphosphine Chiraphos as a ligand for the nickel catalyst, the relationship of DP with CD strength was studied to reveal to show the highest CD at the DP=84 (gabs=ca. 2×10−2). It was also found that the related aggregation was observed in good solvent 1,2‐dichloroethane upon standing the solution at 4 °C for 3–23 days to observe gabs=ca. 10−1. Studies on the substituent effect of poly(1,4‐phenylene) suggested that CD behaviors were dependent on the type of non‐chiral substituent on the aromatic ring as well as the side‐chain chirality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics designed to degrade upon exposure to ambient stimuli after use are emerging as promising alternatives to conventional plastics, considering environmental pollution. The so‐called “biodegradable polymers,” which can be degraded by enzymes or microbes, are the most reliable biodegradable polymers, and considerable effort is devoted to their practical application. Several other examples are also developed for the cleavage of chemical bonds in macromolecules, as one part of a vast variety of “stimuli‐responsive polymers,” especially for biomedical applications. These chemical insights provide a design concept that can even be extended to plastic materials. Here, stimuli‐cleavable linkages, drawing from the chemical insights cultivated in biomedical fields, intended for application in degradable plastics, are outlined. As stimuli for polymer degradation, pH changes, photoirradiation, and redox conditions are selected because polymers released in natural environments may inadvertently be exposed to these stimuli. The degradation pathways are grouped into five categories: 1) stimuli‐cleavable linkages, 2) self‐amplifying, 3) self‐immolative, 4) chain shattering, and 5) double responsive. The classification and organization of the stimuli‐cleavable linkages provide insights for designing new, degradable polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singly‐linked aromatic [22]smaragdyrin BF2 complex dimer was synthesized by the reductive coupling of 16‐brominated [22]smaragdyrin BF2 complex, which was oxidized to a stable diradical with PbO2. As the first example of fused smaragdyrin dimer, a fused [22]smaragdyrin BF2 complex dimer was synthesized by the oxidation of a CuCl‐BF2 complex dimer with FeCl3 and subsequent reduction with NaBH4. After removal of the BF2 group, the singly‐linked and fused aromatic dimers were oxidized to the corresponding antiaromatic [20]smaragdyrin free base dimers. The first oxidation and reduction potentials of these dimers are split depending upon the intramolecular electronic interactions, which are larger for the fused dimers. Despite the large electronic interactions, the aromatic and antiaromatic characters are well preserved in the fused dimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of NEDO's international demonstration projects, a large‐capacity hybrid battery storage system which consists of two types of battery cells with different charge‐discharge characteristics was constructed in the state of Lower Saxony in the Federal Republic of Germany. By using the hybrid battery system has a lithium‐ion which has an advantage in short time and high rate, and a sodium‐sulfur battery (NAS) which has an advantage in long time and low rate, the tender participation in the balancing power market in Germany had been executed. The hybrid battery storage system could successfully drive and provided services for primary and secondary control reserves, elimination of power imbalance, and reactive power injection, as well as a combination of these services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A key perspective in examining dignity, which is important for older adults, is spirituality. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the components of spirituality in older adults through interviews based on dignity therapy (DT). Methodological Design and Justification: Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenology was applied to understand experiences rooted in the life world of older adults from their own perspective. Ethical Issues and Approval: This study was approved by the ethical review committee of the author's university. All participants provided consent to participate. Research Methods: Semi‐structured interviews based on DT were conducted with 11 community‐dwelling adults aged 65 years or older who were using some form of medical or social services. The interviews were transcribed, and the text was analysed based on Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results: Four themes were identified as components of spirituality in older adults: trauma, being silent about hard experiences, forming connections and taking on challenges and discovering one's own spirit. The participants felt a sense of helplessness and frustration as they dealt with traumatic events. Feelings of shame, guilt and/or resignation prevented them from talking about the distress they were experiencing, but they were able to move forward after receiving emotional support and having opportunities to share with others. These processes led to the discovery of a new self. Study Limitations: This study assessed the experiences of older adults in Japan and may therefore have been influenced by the social background and culture of Japan. Future research should target older adults from a variety of social backgrounds as well as those with specific health conditions. Conclusion: The findings suggest the importance of creating opportunities for healthcare professionals as well as family, friends and community members to help older adults reflect on their lives and talk about their accomplishments and unresolved issues. Doing so should help older adults maintain their dignity while remaining aware of their mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The diagnosis of drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is challenging. We modified the revised electronic version of the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) for the diagnosis of DILI (RECAM), the scoring system developed in US and Spanish cohorts in 2022, and developed RECAM‐J 2023 to align with the clinical practice in Japan. In the current study, we introduce RECAM‐J 2023 and verify its performance in the context of Japanese patients with DILI. Methods: After translation of RECAM into Japanese, modifications were made to develop RECAM‐J 2023 without any alteration to the scores. To examine the validity and performance of RECAM‐J 2023, clinical information on DILI and non‐DILI cases in Japan were retrospectively collected. The diagnosis of DILI was made by expert's decision. Then we scored each case using RECAM‐J 2023, and calculated area under curve (AUC) values for identification for DILI. Results: We collected data from 538 DILI and 128 non‐DILI cases. The sum of highly probable (HP) and probable (PR) cases categorized by RECAM‐J 2023 were only 206 (38%) in DILI cases. As the primary cause of low scores was the deduction with missing hepatitis virus markers, which is unlikely to be an issue in prospective applications, we rescored without these deductions. At this time, the sum of HP and PR was raised to 421 (78%). The AUCs of RECAM‐J 2023 without deductions were 0.70 and 0.88 for identifying at least HP, and at least PR, respectively. Conclusion: RECAM‐J 2023, when prospectively used without any missing hepatitis virus markers, provides acceptable performance for identifying at least PR DILI cases in Japanese daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several reports have described dupilumab‐induced eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) after treatment with dupilumab in patients with type 2 inflammatory disease. Other reports have suggested the efficacy of dupilumab for chronic EP (CEP). Whether dupilumab can be continued in patients with type 2 inflammatory disease who develop EP during dupilumab treatment remains unclear. We present herein three cases with different clinical presentations involving dupilumab and EP. In Case 1, dupilumab was discontinued because of dupilumab‐induced EP during the treatment of asthma. In Case 2, although pre‐existing idiopathic EP worsened during the treatment of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS), dupilumab was continued. In Case 3, CEP and ECRS were successfully treated with dupilumab and corticosteroids were discontinued. In conclusion, treatment with dupilumab in patients with type 2 inflammatory disease and idiopathic EP is worth considering if the benefits are deemed to outweigh the risks and careful attention is given to the clinical course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The linkage between growth rate and feeding success has been shown to strengthen the effects of early growth rate on later growth rate in the early life history of fish. However, the growth–feeding linkage largely remains to be tested at the individual level within the same populations/cohorts. We examined the growth–feeding linkage for multiple populations/cohorts in Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus larvae and Pacific round herring Etrumeus micropus larvae, through otolith microstructure analysis, based on samples collected from the commercial fishery for larval fish in the Kii Channel, Japan. The three growth–feeding mechanisms, which are based on the respective potential advantages of larger somatic size, higher growth rate, and earlier morphological development for achieving feeding success, were tested to understand how growth rate relates to feeding success. The “somatic size” mechanism was supported for all of six samples for anchovy larvae and three of four samples for round herring larvae. The “growth rate” mechanism was supported for two of six samples for anchovy larvae and three of four samples for round herring larvae. The “morphological development” mechanism was supported for three of four samples for anchovy larvae and all of three samples for round herring larvae. Overall, the present analysis supported the growth–feeding linkage but revealed the dynamics of the growth–feeding mechanisms. All the mechanisms were shown to operate at least for certain populations/cohorts, but none of them were universally effective over all populations/cohorts across the two species. Understanding the dynamics of the growth–feeding mechanisms would provide precious hints for considering strategies of predicting recruitment dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical modeling of the solid‐state photocatalysis is one of the important issues as various useful photocatalysts have been developed to date. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of the alcohol photooxidation on niobium oxide (Nb2O5) which was experimentally developed, using the density functional theory (DFT)/time‐dependent (TD)DFT calculations based on the cluster model. The alcohol adsorption and the first hydrogen transfer from hydroxy group to surface occur in the ground state, while the second hydrogen transfer from CH proceeds in the excited states during the photoirradiation of UV or visible light. The spin crossing was identified and the low‐lying triplet states were solved for the reaction pathway. The photoabsorption in the visible light region was characterized as the charge transfer transition from O 2p of alcohol to Nb 4d of the Nb2O5 surface. The spin density and the natural population analysis indicated the generation of spin density in the moiety of carbonyl compound and its dissipation to the interface of the surface, which partly explains the electron paramagnetic resonance measurement. It was confirmed that the rate determining step is the desorption of carbonyl compound and water molecule in agreement with the experimental rate equation analysis. The present findings with the theoretical modeling will provide useful information for the further studies of the solid‐state photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights This study introduces a novel strategy to enhance the high‐temperature electrical performance of the silicone elastomer (SE), while ensuring control over its thermal and mechanical properties for SiC device packaging insulation application. For the same, the ultra‐low‐content inorganic/organic SE nanocomposites are prepared and tested (at room temperature and 150°C) by grafting polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanofillers and doping organic semiconductors. It is found that grafting POSS nanofillers enhances the SE's thermal and mechanical properties. Moreover, doping the grafted SE with different organic semiconductors (ITIC, PCBM, and NTCDA) further improves its electrical properties and charge dynamics at 150°C. The optimal doping content for ITIC, PCBM, and NTCDA is found to be 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 wt%, respectively. Among these, NTCDA exhibits superior electrical performance at 150°C. Particularly, compared to pure SE, NTCDA doping and POSS grafting reduce the electrical conductivity by an order of magnitude and increase the breakdown strength, charge hopping activation energy, and trap energy level by 65.5%, 0.20 eV and 0.73 eV, respectively. This study finds that organic semiconductors outperform nanostructures in inhibiting electron injection and immobilizing free electrons at high temperatures. Nano‐POSS grafting enhances material properties by reinforced molecular chains. Charge dynamics is studied by space charge and current integrated charge at HT. Organic semiconductors improve electrical properties and charge dynamics at HT. Organic semiconductors outperform nanofillers in immobilizing electrons at HT. The ideal organic semiconductor doping level correlates with its energy gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maturity‐Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a diabetes mellitus subtype caused by a single gene. The detection rate of the responsible gene is 27% in the United Kingdom, indicating that the causative gene remains unknown in the majority of clinically diagnosed MODY cases. To improve the detection rate, we applied comprehensive genetic testing using whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) and functional analyses. Twenty‐one unrelated Japanese participants with MODY were enrolled in the study. To detect copy number variations (CNVs), WES was performed first, followed by MLPA analysis for participants who were negative on the basis of WES. Undetermined variants were analyzed according to their functional properties. WES identified 7 pathogenic and 3 novel likely pathogenic variants in the 21 participants. Functional analyses revealed that 1 in 3 variants was pathogenic. MLPA analysis applied to the remaining 13 undetermined samples identified 4 cases with pathogenic CNVs: 3 in HNF4A and 1 in HNF1B. Pathogenic variants were identified in 12 participants (12/21, 57.1%) – relatively high rate reported to date. Notably, one‐third of the participants had CNVs in HNF4A or HNF1B, indicating a limitation of WES‐only screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐resolution spatio‐temporal monitoring of the cell membrane lipid order provides visual insights into the complex and sophisticated systems that control cellular physiological functions. Solvatochromic fluorescent probes are highly promising noninvasive visualization tools for identifying the ordering of the microenvironment of plasma membrane microdomains. However, conventional probes, although capable of structural analysis, lack the necessary long‐term photostability required for live imaging at the cellular level. Here, an ultra‐high‐light‐resistant solvatochromic fluorescence probe, 2‐N,N‐diethylamino‐7‐(4‐methoxycarbonylphenyl)‐9,9‐dimethylfluorene (FπCM) is reported, which enables live lipid order imaging of cell division. This probe and its derivatives exhibit sufficient fluorescence wavelengths, brightness, polarity responsiveness, low phototoxicity, and remarkable photostability under physiological conditions compared to conventional solvatochromic probes. Therefore, these probes have the potential to overcome the limitations of fluorescence microscopy, particularly those associated with photobleaching. FπCM probes can serve as valuable tools for elucidating mechanisms of cellular processes at the bio‐membrane level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Although the maintenance and improvement of quality of life (QoL) through holistic care are important in geriatric medical care, care priorities might differ depending on three essential aspects of QoL: the quality of daily living, satisfaction and happiness from birth to death, and human vitality, which are "Seikatsu," "Jinsei," "Seimei" in Japanese, respectively. We aimed to clarify these priorities in terms of medical care and examined how the definitions of QoL affected these priorities' rankings. Methods: This cross‐sectional study involved community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years living in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The number of participants was 1550 (mean age, 76.1 ± 5.8 years; 699 women [45.1%]). A self‐administered questionnaire distributed in advance was used to rank 12 items sought in medical care. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups and sent the corresponding questionnaire, which differed only in the definition of QoL. Results: The top priorities for medical care were "effective treatment of illness," "improvement of physical function," and "maintaining a high level of activity." When QoL was defined as "the quality of daily living, satisfaction and happiness from birth to death, and human vitality," participants were significantly more likely to rank QoL improvement as one of the top three items (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.05). Conclusions: As a medical care priority, older adults desire improvement of multidimensional elements of life, including human vitality. Health care providers should consider this when making medical care decisions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 493–498. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annealing behaviors of vacancy‐type defects in ion‐implanted GaN are studied by positron annihilation. Mg+ and N+ ions are implanted to obtain 700 nm deep box profiles with Mg and N concentrations of 1 × 1018 cm−3, and the samples are annealed using an ultrahigh‐pressure annealing system. For as‐implanted samples, the major defect species is identified as Ga‐vacancy (VGa)‐type defects. For N‐implanted GaN, the size of the vacancies increases as the annealing temperature increases up to 1100 °C and then shrank above 1200 °C. This behavior is attributed to recombinations between N‐vacancy (VN)‐type defects and excess N. For Mg‐implanted GaN, the major defect species after annealing above 1000 °C is vacancy clusters such as (VGaVN)3. Some of them act as nonradiative recombination centers for blue and ultraviolet luminescence. Their energy levels corresponding to the transition from positive to neutral are located between 2.6 eV above the valence band maximum and the conduction band minimum. The thermal activation process of electron detrapping from the vacancy clusters is also studied. For Mg‐implanted GaN, one of the major secondary defects is collapsed vacancy disks forming dislocation loops. They are eliminated by additional N implantation, which is associated with vacancy agglomerations under the annealing in VGa‐rich condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Conjunctival hemangioma and lymphangioma are rare and their long‐term follow‐up description has been scarce. In our two patients, conjunctival vascular and lymphatic malformations remained stable in decades and could be observed without treatment. A 65‐year‐old woman with diabetic retinopathy underwent glaucoma surgery to construct a filtering bleb adjacent to conjunctival hemangioma, and showed bleb function and stable hemangioma for a decade. A 1.5‐year‐old girl with right eye lid and cheek swelling by orbital to facial lymphangioma was followed for visual acuity development. Conjunctival lymphangioma was stable in 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease in which the majority of patients have autoantibodies against the aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) water channel. In the central nervous system (CNS), AQP4 is expressed on the cell membrane of astrocytes, and anti‐AQP4 antibodies harm AQP4 expressing astrocytes, resulting in astrocytopathy. The majority of patients are female and have acute visual disturbances and transverse myelitis, as well as brainstem and other cerebral lesions. These symptoms are frequently severe and develop quickly, resulting in substantial impairment in daily life. Patients are treated with high‐dose methylprednisolone infusions, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin administration during the acute stage. Based on the pathogenesis of NMOSD, various effective relapse‐preventing therapies have emerged in recent years. The majority of them have been proved to have a positive impact on the patients who have been treated. They increased the number of therapy options available, albeit long‐term efficacy and safety would need to be monitored for a longer period. Through its unique fluid transport function in the CNS, knowledge of the functions of AQP4 has grown in the field of not only inflammatory disorders like NMOSD, but also other neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our previous study suggested that the operative procedure is critical for the development of parastomal hernia. We developed a novel procedure for the creation of an ileal conduit stoma to prevent parastomal hernia. Herein we evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Methods: A total of 113 Japanese patients underwent radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion for bladder cancer from January 2017 through December 2021 at our institution. After excluding those with incomplete data, 103 patients consisting of 46 (44.7%) with the conventional procedure and 57 (55.3%) with the novel procedure were consecutively enrolled. The main points of the novel procedure are as follows: (1) the passage of the ileal conduit is ≤2.4 cm in diameter in principle; (2) the posterior rectus sheath and peritoneum are vertically incised 2 cm laterally from the middle of the stoma site to make an oblique passage for the ileal conduit; and (3) the anterior rectus sheath and posterior rectus sheath with peritoneum are fixed to the ileal conduit separately. Results: Radiography‐based parastomal hernia was observed in 11 patients (10.7%) with a median follow‐up of 22.0 months. The incidences of parastomal hernia were 3.5% and 19.6% in the novel and the conventional procedure groups, respectively (p = 0.011). The former had a significantly lower cumulative incidence of parastomal hernia (p = 0.008, log‐rank test). No specific complications associated with the procedure were observed. Conclusions: The results of the preliminary cohort study suggest that the novel procedure is safe and effective for the prevention of parastomal hernia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To analyse the changes in erythropoietic and estimated fluid volume parameters after the initiation of ipragliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This was a post‐hoc analysis of the PROCEED trial, which evaluated the effect of 24‐week ipragliflozin treatment on endothelial dysfunction in patients with T2DM and CKD. We evaluated the changes in erythropoietic and estimated fluid volume parameters from baseline to 24 weeks post‐treatment in 53 patients who received ipragliflozin (ipragliflozin group) and 55 patients with T2DM and CKD without sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (control group), a full analysis set of the PROCEED trial. Results: The increases in haemoglobin [estimated group difference, 0.5 g/dl; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3‐0.8; p <.001], haematocrit (estimated group difference, 2.2%; 95% CI, 1.3‐3.1; p <.001) and erythropoietin (estimated log‐transformed group difference, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.01‐0.3; p =.036) were significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group than those in the control group. Ipragliflozin treatment was significantly associated with an increase in erythropoietin, independent of the corresponding change in haemoglobin (β = 0.253, p <.001) or haematocrit (β = 0.278, p <.001). Reductions in estimated plasma volume (estimated group difference, −7.94%; 95% CI, −11.6 to −4.26%; p <.001) and estimated extracellular volume (estimated group difference, −181.6 ml; 95% CI, −275.7 to −87.48 ml; p <.001) were significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group than those in the control group. Conclusions: Erythropoiesis was enhanced and estimated fluid volumes were reduced by ipragliflozin in patients with T2DM and CKD. Clinical trial: PROCEED trial (registration number: jRCTs071190054). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluated the trends of local intervention and their impact on oncological outcomes in metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer (mHNPC) in real‐world practice. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included 760 patients treated with either androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) without local treatment (no castration‐resistant prostate cancer [CRPC] progression within 12 months, control group) or ADT plus local intervention (intervention group) between January 2005 and March 2022. We evaluated the trends in the use of local intervention in patients with mHNPC and factors associated with CRPC‐free survival in the intervention group. Results: The use of local intervention gradually increased in combination with upfront combination treatment (docetaxel or androgen receptor axis‐targeted agents) for the duration of our study. The number of patients with local intervention combined with upfront treatment was significantly higher in patients with high tumor burden disease than in those with low tumor burden disease. Of the 108 patients who received local intervention, a duration of ≤7 months of initial therapy before local intervention and a level of prostate‐specific antigen ≥0.20 ng/mL at the time of local intervention were significantly associated with poor CRPC‐free survival. Conclusions: The use of local intervention in combination with upfront therapy to treat mHNPC increased for the duration of our study regardless of the tumor burden. Local intervention in addition to the standard of care for mHNPC may be a feasible treatment option for selected patients, taking into consideration the duration of and response to initial treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibacterial activity of surfactants is an important factor to consider for improving skin conditions in cosmetic and skin care products. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of 16 nonionic surfactants containing ethylene oxide, ester, and ether functional groups against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). 12:0 MG ester and 6–12 diol, which showed antibacterial activity against both Staphylococci, had compact hydrophilic groups with low polarity. In contrast, 12:0 PEG‐10 ester and 12:0 Sor ester, which showed antibacterial activity only against S. aureus, had large hydrophilic groups and high polarity. These results suggest that the hydrophilicity and polarity of the surfactant may be involved in its antibacterial behavior against Staphylococci. These findings will be useful in the design of surfactant molecules and in the development of cosmetics and body cleansers that exhibit antibacterial activity only against S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the distance function from any closed subset of any complete Finsler manifold, we prove that the singular set is equal to a countable union of delta‐convex hypersurfaces up to an exceptional set of codimension two. In addition, in dimension two, the whole singular set is equal to a countable union of delta‐convex Jordan arcs up to isolated points. These results are new even in the standard Euclidean space and shown to be optimal in view of regularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to theoretically reconsider body image development in infants from a phenomenological viewpoint of the body. Because body image is defined as the mental picture of one's whole body, our main question is how we obtain the perspective to view our own body as a whole in constituting body image. First, focusing on the development of mirror self‐cognition in the first 2 years of life, we find that this perspective derives from that of others in embodied interactions with infants. We then trace the process whereby others' perspectives appear in dyadic interactions between infants and caregivers. Since joint attention is established around 9 months, this dyadic interaction is transformed into a triadic relationship between the infant, caregiver, and object, which is experienced as “secondary intersubjectivity.” Infant body image is constituted gradually within this intersubjective context. Based on phenomenological descriptions, we propose that the hands are the first organ and the face the last organ to be incorporated into one's body image. We conclude that the constitution of body image is not merely a sensory task of integrating proprioceptive and visual images of the body, but a social task of internalizing others' perspectives regarding one's own body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the unique multiple‐stimuli responsiveness of anthracene‐tethered o‐carborane derivatives. We designed and synthesized anthracene derivatives with different substitution positions and numbers of the o‐carborane units. Two compounds had characteristic crystal structures involving the columnar π‐stacking structures of the anthracene units. From the analysis of crystalline‐state structure–property relationships, it was revealed that the crystals exhibited the photosalient effect accompanied by photochemical [4+4] cycloaddition reactions and temperature‐dependent photophysical dual‐emission properties including excimer emission of anthracene. Those properties were considered as non‐radiative and radiative deactivation pathways through the excimer formation in the excited state and the formation of excimer species was facilitated by the π‐stacking structure of anthracene units. Moreover, we found unusual temperature dependency on the occurrence of the photosalient effect. According to the data from variable temperature X‐ray crystallography, a strong correlation between lattice shrinkage and strain accumulation is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the unique multiple‐stimuli responsiveness of anthracene‐tethered o‐carborane derivatives. We designed and synthesized anthracene derivatives with different substitution positions and numbers of the o‐carborane units. Two compounds had characteristic crystal structures involving the columnar π‐stacking structures of the anthracene units. From the analysis of crystalline‐state structure–property relationships, it was revealed that the crystals exhibited the photosalient effect accompanied by photochemical [4+4] cycloaddition reactions and temperature‐dependent photophysical dual‐emission properties including excimer emission of anthracene. Those properties were considered as non‐radiative and radiative deactivation pathways through the excimer formation in the excited state and the formation of excimer species was facilitated by the π‐stacking structure of anthracene units. Moreover, we found unusual temperature dependency on the occurrence of the photosalient effect. According to the data from variable temperature X‐ray crystallography, a strong correlation between lattice shrinkage and strain accumulation is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Prognostic impact of post‐procedural changes in right ventricular (RV) function after tricuspid transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (T‐TEER) is still unclear. We investigated association of RV function and its post‐procedural changes with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing T‐TEER. Methods and results: We retrospectively analysed 204 patients who underwent T‐TEER and echocardiographic follow‐up at 3 months after T‐TEER. RV function was assessed by RV fractional area change (RVFAC), and RV dysfunction was defined as RVFAC <35%. Patients with an increase in RVFAC from baseline to the follow‐up were considered as RV responders. Patients were divided into four groups according to baseline RVFAC and the RV responder. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure within 1 year. Forty‐five of 204 patients (22.1%) had RVFAC <35% at baseline, and 71 (34.8%) were RV responders. The association between the RV responder and the composite outcome had a significant interaction with RVFAC at baseline. Among patients with baseline RVFAC <35%, RV responders had a lower risk of the composite outcome than RV non‐responders, while this association was not significant in those with baseline RVFAC ≥35%. Among patients with baseline RVFAC <35%, a smaller RV diameter and a greater reduction of tricuspid regurgitation were predictors for the RV responder. Conclusion: Post‐procedural increase in RVFAC after T‐TEER is associated with improved outcomes in patients with RV dysfunction. The factors related to the increase in RVFAC may support patient selection for T‐TEER in patients with RV dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertebrate telencephalic lobes consist of the pallium (dorsal) and subpallium (ventral). The subpallium gives rise to the basal ganglia, encompassing the pallidum and striatum. The development of this region is believed to depend on Foxg1/Foxg1a functions in both mice and zebrafish. This study aims to elucidate the genetic regulatory network controlled by foxg1a in subpallium development using zebrafish as a model. The expression gradient of foxg1a within the developing telencephalon was examined semi‐quantitatively in initial investigations. Utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, we subsequently established a foxg1a mutant line and observed the resultant phenotypes. Morphological assessment revealed that foxg1a mutants exhibit a thin telencephalon together with a misshapen preoptic area (POA). Notably, accumulation of apoptotic cells was identified in this region. In mutants at 24 h postfertilization, the expression of pallium markers expanded ventrally, while that of subpallium markers was markedly suppressed. Concurrently, the expression of fgf8a, vax2, and six3b was shifted ventrally, causing anomalous expression in regions typical of POA formation in wild‐type embryos. Consequently, the foxg1a mutation led to expansion of the pallium and disrupted the subpallium and POA. This highlights a pivotal role of foxg1a in directing the dorsoventral patterning of the telencephalon, particularly in subpallium differentiation, mirroring observations in mice. Additionally, reduced expression of neural progenitor maintenance genes was detected in mutants, suggesting the necessity of foxg1a in preserving neural progenitors. Collectively, these findings underscore evolutionarily conserved functions of foxg1 in the development of the subpallium in vertebrate embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT)‐type acoustic metamaterial that achieved acoustic impedance matching between materials with different acoustic impedances was successfully fabricated. The fabricated device consisted of a thin membrane that vibrated when acoustic waves impinged on the surface of the device, along with tapered trench structures located beneath the membrane. The device fabrication process consisted of seven steps, using four silicon wafers. An acoustic evaluation of the system with the fabricated MUT‐type acoustic metamaterial showed that the water‐to‐silicon transmission property was 30% higher than that of a system without the MUT‐type acoustic metamaterial. This result confirms that MUT‐type acoustic metamaterials are useful for matching the acoustic impedance between materials with different acoustic impedances. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleuroperitoneal communication poses a respiratory failure risk due to pleural fluid accumulation with thoracic migration of ascites. Here, we discuss the following cases: Case 1: A woman was diagnosed with a ruptured ovarian tumor with right pleural fluid and ascites, without respiratory failure. Ovarian cystectomy was performed with inadequate removal of ascites. Postoperatively, respiratory failure occurred, and thoracentesis detected pleural fluid resembling ascites. Case 2: A woman was diagnosed with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy with right pleural fluid and ascites without respiratory failure. A diagnosis of clinical pleuroperitoneal communication was considered based on computed tomography findings. During laparoscopic salpingectomy, high‐pressure ventilation was performed to push the pleural fluid back into the abdominal cavity; a negative‐pressure drain was inserted, and the ascites was completely removed. Postoperative radiography revealed the absence of pleural fluid. Therefore, a preoperative diagnosis of clinical pleuroperitoneal communication and appropriate intraoperative techniques can prevent postoperative respiratory failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) represents an adverse prognostic morphological feature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is associated with an immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIM). However, the underlying factors characterizing the TIM in HCC with a VETC pattern (VETC‐positive HCC) remain uncertain. Oncostatin M (OSM), a pleiotropic cytokine of the interleukin‐6 family, regulates various biological processes, including inflammation, proliferation, and invasiveness of tumor cells. We aimed to test a hypothesis that OSM is associated with the immunosuppressive TIM of VETC‐positive HCC. Methods: A total of 397 consecutive HCC patients with curative‐intent hepatectomy were included. OSM‐positive cells and inflammatory cells including CD4‐, CD8‐, CD163‐, and FOXP3‐positive cells were immunohistochemically evaluated. We compared VETC‐positive and VETC‐negative HCCs in terms of the number of these cells. Results: We found the VETC pattern in 62 patients (15.6%). Our analysis revealed a significant decrease in the expression of arginase‐1, a marker associated with mature hepatocyte differentiation, in VETC‐positive HCC (p = 0.046). The number of tumor‐infiltrating OSM‐positive cells was significantly low in VETC‐positive HCC (p = 0.0057). Notably, in VETC‐positive HCC, the number of OSM‐positive cells was not associated with vascular invasion, whereas in VETC‐negative HCC, an increase in the number of OSM‐positive cells was associated with vascular invasion (p = 0.042). Conclusions: We identified an association between a decrease in OSM‐positive cells and the VETC pattern. Additionally, our findings indicate that VETC‐positive HCC is characterized by low hepatocyte differentiation and OSM‐independent vascular invasion. These findings highlight the potential interaction between VETC‐positive HCC cells and their TIM through the reduction of OSM‐expressing cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Influenza vaccination is associated with a longer‐term protective effect against stroke; however, it has a short‐term inflammatory response which may increase short‐term risk of stroke. The aim was to investigate the association between influenza vaccination and short‐term risk of stroke in adults. Methods: Administrative data were obtained from the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan for all adults in Alberta, Canada, from September 2009 to December 2018. The hazard of any stroke (acute ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage and transient ischaemic attack) within 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days of influenza vaccination compared to unexposed time was analysed using Andersen−Gill Cox models, with adjustment for age, sex, anticoagulant use, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, income quintile, and rural or urban home location. Results: In the entire cohort consisting of 4,141,209 adults (29,687,899 person‐years), 1,769,565 (42.7%) individuals received at least one vaccination. In total 38,126 stroke events were recorded with 1309 occurring within 30 days of a vaccination event. Influenza vaccination was associated with a significantly reduced hazard of stroke within 3 days (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–0.93), 7 days (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80–0.95), 14 days (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81–0.93), 21 days (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.91) and 30 days (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.65–0.68). Conclusions: An increased early risk associated with vaccination was not observed. The risk of stroke was reduced at all time points within 30 days after influenza vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]