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Water safety programs to protect children from water-related accidents and increase their awareness of the risk factor crucial to maintaining safety. This study examined the behavior of 48 junior high school students after an intervention program on water safety in a river using the Rohrmann's Risk Communication Model and the Analysis, Design, Development, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to collect responses about the children's perception of danger at three-time points: pre-post-post (5 months) after the program's implementation. We hypothesized that water safety education can increase children's awareness of appropriate behavior around water and raise their awareness of danger. The evaluation indicators consisted of an increase in the awareness of the water area risk perception, general risk acceptance, and risk-taking behavior. The results suggest that practical water safety program may have a positive effect on the students' awareness of water safety and help prevent water accidents. This study is unique in that it was conducted in a natural body of water.

To examine reliability, validity, factor structure, and measurement invariance (i.e., configural, metric, and scalar invariance) of the Japanese Conners' Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Rating Scales (CAARS), Japanese nonclinical adults (N = 786) completed the CAARS Self-Report (CAARS-S). Each participant was also rated by one observer using the CAARS Observer Form (CAARS-O). For the test of measurement invariance, excerpts from the original (North American) CAARS norming data (N = 500) were used. Dimensional structure was examined by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent validity were satisfactory. Based on the "DSM-IV" model and Japanese four-factor model, configural and metric invariance were established for the CAARS-S/O across Japanese and North American populations. Scalar invariance was established for the CAARS-O based on the Japanese model. The use of the Japanese CAARS for diagnostic purposes in Japan was supported; however, it should be used with caution for cross-cultural comparison research.

To examine the inter-rater reliability of Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Japanese Version (ADI-R-JV), the authors recruited 51 individuals aged 3-19 years, interviewed by two independent raters. Subsequently, to assess the discriminant and diagnostic validity of ADI-R-JV, the authors investigated 317 individuals aged 2-19 years, who were divided into three diagnostic groups as follows: autistic disorder (AD), pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and other psychiatric diagnosis or no diagnosis, according to the consensus clinical diagnosis. As regards inter-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients of greater than 0.80 were obtained for all three domains of ADI-R-JV. As regards discriminant validity, the mean scores of the three domains was significantly higher in individuals with AD than in those of other diagnostic groups. As regards diagnostic validity, sensitivity and specificity for correctly diagnosing AD were 0.92 and 0.89, respectively, but sensitivity was 0.55 for individuals younger than 5 years. Specificity was consistently high regardless of age and intelligence. ADI-R-JV was shown to be a reliable tool, and has sufficient discriminant validity and satisfactory diagnostic validity for correctly diagnosing AD, although the diagnostic validity appeared to be compromised with respect to the diagnosis of younger individuals.

Most reports of the criminal behaviour of individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) have been case studies, and few have empirically examined the risk factors of criminal behaviour among these individuals. This study examined 175 individuals with HFASD, including 36 individuals who had a prior history of criminal behaviours (the criminal group) and 139 individuals without a criminal history (the control group), with regard to 15 types of childhood adversities (CAs). The age of initial HFASD diagnosis and history of neglect and physical abuse were significantly correlated with an increased risk of criminal behaviour. These findings agreed with previous studies on general populations. The unique characteristics of individuals with HFASD and a history of criminal behaviour are discussed. (Contains 7 tables.)

Using the Japanese version of home form of the ADHD-RS, this survey attempted to compare the scores between the US and Japan and examined the correlates of ADHD-RS. We collected responses from parents or rearers of 5977 children (3119 males and 2858 females) in nursery, elementary, and lower-secondary schools. A confirmed factor analysis of ADHD-RS confirmed the two-factor solution (Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive) same as previous studies. ADHD-RS scores were not related to IQ, but were negatively associated with standardized achievement test scores. Males showed stronger ADHD tendencies than did the females, and the scores ended to decline as the children grew older. Japanese children scored lower than did their US children in Hyperactive-Impulsive among all of the sex-age groups. Japanese version of home form of the ADHD-RS was developed with good reliability and validity. More researches of ADHD in Japanese children are required. (Contains 6 tables.)

A strange bifurcation route to chaos is found in a piecewise-linear second-order nonautonomous differential equation derived from a simple electronic circuit. When a limit cycle loses its stability, the attractor changes directly to chaos (instant chaos [4]) without undergoing a period doubling bifurcation or an intermittency. The width of the attractor's band is continuous at the bifurcation point, and the chaotic band grows larger continuously as the system parameter is varied. We call this bifurcation a singular bifurcation into instant chaos. The purpose of this paper is to show that the singular phenomenon arises from the piecewise-linearity of the system. To analyze this phenomenon in detail, the degenerate approach is applied. In this simplified case, the Poincare map is derived rigorously as a one-dimensional mapping. By analyzing it, we prove with computer assistance that the Liapunov exponent jumps discontinuously from minus to plus at the bifurcation point.

In organ transplantation, donor‐specific HLA antibody (DSA) is considered a major cause of graft rejection. Because DSA targets primarily donor‐specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expressed on graft endothelial cells, the prevention of its expression is a possible strategy for avoiding or salvaging DSA‐mediated graft rejection. We examined the effect of various clinically used drugs on HLA class II expression on endothelial cells. Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐induced HLA class II DR (HLA‐DR) was downregulated by everolimus (EVR, 49.1% ± 0.8%; P < 0.01) and fluvastatin (FLU, 33.8% ± 0.6%; P < 0.01). Moreover, the combination of EVR and FLU showed a greater suppressive effect on HLA‐DR expression. In contrast, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, and prednisolone did not exhibit any significant suppressive effect. FLU, but not EVR, suppressed mRNA of HLA‐DR. Imaging analysis revealed that HLA‐DR expressed in cytosol or on the cell surface was repressed by EVR (cytosol: 58.6% ± 4.9%, P < 0.01; cell surface: 80.9% ± 4.0%, P < 0.01) and FLU (cytosol: 19.0% ± 3.4%, P < 0.01; cell surface: 48.3% ± 4.8%, P < 0.01). These data indicated that FLU and EVR suppressed IFN‐γ‐induced HLA‐DR expression at the transcriptional and post‐translational level, respectively, suggesting a potential approach for alleviating DSA‐related issues in organ transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the style of parents with developmentally disabled children, and patents of children with typical developmental. We focused on children's problem behavior (i.e., ADHD tendencies, and difficulty of adaptive behavior) in relation to parents' mental health (i.e., depressive mood and sleep disorders). Participants were 139 parents of children with developmental disorders. The SDQ, ADHD-RS, BDI-II, and PSQI-J were adopted as questionnaire measures. The results indicated that parents of children with a developmental disorder exhibited less positive involvement, less consultation-accompany style, and more rebukes, and felt more difficulty with handling their children. The strength of ADHD tendency and problem behavior of children may have contributed to such a negative parenting style. As to the mental health scores of mothers, scores for depressive mood and sleep disorder were negatively correlated with positive involvement and consultation-accompany style. They were also positively correlated to reports of rebukes and difficulty in handling children. The discussion emphasized that clinical interventions concerned with parenting styles must consider children's developmental features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a Japanese version of the Child Social Preference Scale, which measures children's social withdrawal. In addition, we examined developmental changes of children's withdrawal and the relationships between withdrawal and problematic behaviors. The participants were 7 012 mothers of preschool, elementary school, and middle school children. A factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution of shyness and social disinterest, which is consistent with previous studies. Shyness decreased as children's grade level increased. Social disinterest changed in a quadratic manner. The shyness score was lowest in the lower grades of elementary school. Shyness was related to more emotional symptoms, more peer relationship problems, and less prosocial behavior. Social disinterest was related to peer relationship problems. The importance of the distinction between shyness and social disinterest is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Items for a parental child rearing scale were developed by several clinical psychologists and pediatricians who had experience with parent training and had worked with parents of children with developmental disabilities. A questionnaire survey was taken by more than 7,000 parents and caregivers of preschool, elementary school, and middle school children. Factor analysis of their data revealed a 5-factor solution: positive rearing, consultation/care, scolding, difficulty in upbringing up, and difficulty in care. Positive rearing and consultation/care were negatively related to ADHD tendencies, whereas scolding, difficulty in bringing up, and difficulty in care were positively related to ADHD tendencies. In addition, subscales of parental child rearing style, except for positive rearing, changed non-linearly as the children's age increased. The discussion focused on the use of the Parental Child Rearing Scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the role of trait guilt in discriminating between anthropophobic tendency and social anxiety. 212 University and technical college students (103 males and 109 females) were administered a questionnaire with a trait guilt scale, an anthropophobic tendency scale, and a social anxiety scale. Trait guilt showed a positive correlation with anthropophobic tendency when the influence of social anxiety was controlled. When the influence of Anthropophobic tendency was controlled, trait guilt did not correlate as highly with social anxiety. These results were discussed related to cultural views of the self. Japanese culture is a "shame culture" because interdependent view of the self (seeing themselves as essentially connected with others) is dominant. People worry about appearances and how others see them, and are ashamed of their own deficiency or negative side, which leads to a sense of betrayal of others and thus guilt becomes a prominent trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the emergence of new anticancer agents for the treatment of endometrial cancer, methods to determine which agents will be most effective in individual patients are required. In order to investigate the potential for tailor-made chemotherapy, the drug sensitivities of various endometrial cancers were examined using collagen gel droplet embedded culture drug sensitivity testing (CD-DST), and the results were correlated with clinical outcomes. Sensitivities to paclitaxel, carboplatin, doxorubicin, gemcitabin, and SN-38, which is an active metabolite of irinotecan, were examined. Six of 20 samples failed to grow colonies and thus, their cell sensitivities could not be determined. Out of the 14 cases from which CD-DST results were obtained, 5 patients then received chemotherapy using carboplatin and paclitaxel aimed at inducing remission when they had a recurrent disease. Two of the 5 tumors showed sensitivity to carboplatin and paclitaxel on CD-DST analysis, while 3 did not. In the two cases that showed tumor cell sensitivity, one experienced complete responses and another achieved a partial response. For the remaining 3 cases that demonstrated tumor cell resistance, two had stable disease and one had partial response following chemotherapy. Thus, 4 out of the 5 cases (80%) that received chemotherapy aimed at inducing remission had clinical outcomes in keeping with the results of CD-DST. In conclusion, CD-DST results reflect clinical outcomes and may be a useful means by which to select drugs to which endometrial cancer cells are chemosensitive in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forced Rayleigh equation is known as the differential equation for which the existence of the aperiodic solution is shown for the first time, From the viewpoint of the history of the research of chaos, it is very important to examine the bifurcation in this equation. The authors considered the forced Rayleigh oscillator containing a diode. By considering the limit α → ∞ for a parameter α contained in the system, the ideal diode constrained equation is defined. Then, the rigorous analysis of the bifurcation phenomenon is made for the forced Rayleigh oscillator. This paper considers the forced Rayleigh oscillator containing a large parameter α and shows that the bifurcation concerning the chaos generated in the oscillator can be accounted for by the ideal diode constrained equation by constructing and comparing the detailed bifurcation diagrams for the two systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermoacidophilic, anaerobic, and iron- and sulfur-reducing archaeon, strain NAS-02 T , was isolated from a terrestrial hot spring in Japan, as previously reported. This organism is the first non-ammonia-oxidizing isolate in the phylum Thaumarchaeota . Here, we propose Conexivisphaera calida gen. nov., sp. nov. to accommodate this strain. The type strain of the type species is NAS-02 T (=JCM 31663 T =DSM 105898 T ). The values of 16S rRNA gene similarity and average amino acid identity between NAS-02 T and its closest relatives are <86 and <42 %, respectively. Based on the phylogeny and physiology, we propose the family Conexivisphaeraceae fam. nov., the order Conexivisphaerales ord. nov. and the class Conexivisphaeria class. nov. to accommodate the novel genus.

Background: In recent years, the decision to discontinue chemotherapy has become more difficult, and there is a tendency for chemotherapy to continue until just before death. We investigated the current state of end-of-life(EOL)chemotherapy for solid cancer patients., Methods: Patients who died of cancer during hospitalization between January and November 2018 were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups, those who received EOL chemotherapy within 30 days of death(Near group: NG)and those who did not receive it(Far group: FG). The contents of each treatment were compared retrospectively., Results: The number of patients were 46(32%)in the NG and 96(68%)in the FG. As EOL chemotherapy, the number of patients received cytotoxic drugs were 27(59%)and 68(71%), molecular targeted drugs were 6(13%)and 16(16%), immune-checkpoint inhibitors were 8(18%)and 12(12%), and hormone drugs were 0(0%)and 5(5%)in patients with NG and FG respectively(p<0.05)., Discussion: Minimally invasive drugs were often selected for EOL chemotherapy. It was suggested that the advent of new drugs has expanded the options for EOL chemotherapy.

The present study examines the relationship among inattentive, and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, aggression, and depression in elementary school and junior high school students. The participants were 3,885 children and their teachers and caregivers. Children's inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior was rated by their teachers and caregivers (ADHD-RS). Children rated aggression (HAQ-C) and depression (DSRS-C) themselves. Inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior rated by teachers and caregivers were positively related to aggression and depression. Inattention predicted higher levels of aggression and depression. Inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior as rated by teachers was more highly related to depression than those behaviors as rated by caregivers. The relationships among inattentive, and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, aggression, and depression were almost the same for both elementary school and junior high school students. This study suggests the importance of assessing inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior from multiple views to examine the relationship between inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior and mental health problems.

This study developed a Japanese version of the Child Social Preference Scale, which measures children's social withdrawal. In addition, we examined developmental changes of children's withdrawal and the relationships between withdrawal and problematic behaviors. The participants were 7 012 mothers of preschool, elementary school, and middle school children. A factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution of shyness and social disinterest, which is consistent with previous studies. Shyness decreased as children's grade level increased. Social disinterest changed in a quadratic manner. The shyness score was lowest in the lower grades of elementary school. Shyness was related to more emotional symptoms, more peer relationship problems, and less prosocial behavior. Social disinterest was related to peer relationship problems. The importance of the distinction between shyness and social disinterest is discussed.

The effect on the bioavailability of the antimicrobial agents (ciprofloxacin and tetracycline), which are well known to form chelates with cationic metals such as calcium, was evaluated in 20 healthy male volunteers according to an open, random crossover fashion using a Kampo preparation, byakkokaninjinto (TJ-34) which contains various cationic metals including calcium. Each subject received a single oral dose of tetracycline (250 mg) alone or ciprofloxacin (200 mg) alone along with a single coadministration of one pack (3 g) of the Kampo preparation, at one-week intervals. Concentrations of the drugs in plasma and urine were analyzed by HPLC. Concomitant administration of the Kampo preparation significantly decreased the peak plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC), but not time to reach C(max) (T(max)), of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. However, the decrease in bioavailability of ciprofloxacin was slight (15%) compared with that of tetracycline (30%). The Kampo preparation significantly decreased the urinary recovery of tetracycline, but not ciprofloxacin, and it had no effect on the renal clearance of either ciprofloxacin or tetracycline. These results indicate that the Kampo preparation tested in this study reduces the extent of bioavailability of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, but not renal excretion, by decreasing the gastrointestinal absorption due to the formation of insoluble chelates with calcium. We recommend that the dose timing of the Kampo preparation should be carefully controlled to avoid therapeutic failure especially for patients receiving the treatment with tetracycline.

This study examined the role of trait guilt in discriminating between anthropophobic tendency and social anxiety. 212 University and technical college students (103 males and 109 females) were administered a questionnaire with a trait guilt scale, an anthropophobic tendency scale, and a social anxiety scale. Trait guilt showed a positive correlation with anthropophobic tendency when the influence of social anxiety was controlled. When the influence of Anthropophobic tendency was controlled, trait guilt did not correlate as highly with social anxiety. These results were discussed related to cultural views of the self. Japanese culture is a "shame culture" because interdependent view of the self (seeing themselves as essentially connected with others) is dominant. People worry about appearances and how others see them, and are ashamed of their own deficiency or negative side, which leads to a sense of betrayal of others and thus guilt becomes a prominent trait.

There were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of micafungin and expression of hepatic multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (ABCC2/Mrp2) between analbuminemic and Sprague-Dawley rats. Micafungin bound strongly to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and moderately to gamma globulin. These results suggest that HDL and gamma globulin contribute to the pharmacokinetics of micafungin.

Due to the emergence of new anticancer agents for the treatment of ovarian cancer, methods to determine which agents will be most effective in individual patients are required. In order to investigate the potential for tailor-made chemotherapy, the drug sensitivities of various ovarian cancers were examined using collagen gel droplet embedded culture drug sensitivity testing (CD-DST), and the results were correlated with clinical outcomes. Sensitivities to paclitaxel, cisplatin, doxorubicin, etoposide, and SN-38, which is an active metabolite of irinotecan, were examined. Eight out of 22 samples failed to grow colonies and thus, their cell sensitivities could not be determined. Out of the 14 cases from which CD-DST results were obtained, seven patients then received chemotherapy aimed at inducing remission, while four received adjuvant, and three did not receive any chemotherapy. Three of the four tumors subsequently treated with adjuvant chemotherapy showed sensitivity to TXL and CDDP on CD-DST analysis, while one did not. None of these patients experienced recurrent disease from 24 to 36 months. Five of the seven tumors subsequently treated with chemotherapy aimed at inducing remission showed sensitivity to the relevant anticancer agents upon CD-DST analysis, while two did not. Among the five cases that showed tumor cell sensitivity, three experienced complete responses, one achieved a partial response and one had progressive disease. For the remaining two cases that demonstrated tumor cell resistance, one had stable disease and one had progressive disease following chemotherapy. Thus, six out of the seven cases (85.7%) that received chemotherapy aimed at inducing remission had clinical outcomes in keeping with the results of CD-DST. In conclusion, CD-DST results reflect clinical outcomes and may be a useful means by which to select drugs to which ovarian cancer cells are chemosensitive.

Synthesis of (1R,2S,5S,6R,8S)-3-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-2,6,8-tricarboxylic acid (2) from trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (5) was attempted. A Diels-Alder reaction of 3,4-dehydroproline derivative 9 and cyclopentadiene afforded a single stereoisomer 11. The Diels-Alder adduct was smoothly converted to the hydrochloride of 2 (24) via RuO(4) oxidation. Although some racemization of the material or product was observed during the synthetic processes, the amino acid 24 proved to be optically pure.

We investigated whether components of paradicsompaprika have direct antitumor effects or inhibitory effects on cancer growth, using its water extract. We applied collagen gel droplet embedded culture drug sensitivity test (CD-DST) as a screening method, which was developed based on the characteristics of cell culture on collagen matrix. Colon adenocarcinoma cells, epithelial cells of lung cancer, and cervical cancer cells were used. Paradicsompaprika is classified as Capsiucum annume L. var. grossum of Solanaceae. It is the first of the Hungarian species that was planted in Japan. It is available as TOMA-P in Japan. TOMA-P contains abundant carotenoids including capsanthin and beta-carotene. Water extract of paradicsompaprika was added to each cell at each concentration, and the mixture was cultured for 24 h and 7 days. The inhibitory effects against lung cancer and cervical cancer were observed concentration- and time-dependently. The effect was more prominent against lung cancer. The growth of bowel cancer cells was observed after the 7-day exposure of paradicsompaprika at the concentrations below the highest concentration compared to the control. At the highest concentration, the growth inhibition was not different between the 24-h exposure and the 7-day exposure, which suggests that tumor dormancy was induced. Results of the present study suggest that the water extract of paradicsompaprika can be a candidate of a new anticancer agent. Fat soluble component of paradicsompaprika, capsanthin is regarded as an anti-promoter of cancer. Thus, paradicsompaprika possesses chemopreventive and inhibitory effects on cancer cells.

A vital component of chemotherapy is selecting effective anticancer agents for the patient and determining an appropriate dose and administration regimen. Prediction of the drug sensitivity of each patient and cell kill kinetics of the drug may improve the outcome of treatment and avoid unnecessary dosing of the drug. For this reason, the development and clinical application of anticancer drug sensitivity tests and cell kill kinetics tests which successfully reflect clinical outcomes are required. In the present study, we tried to establish a cell kill kinetics test through the use of new anticancer agents: paclitaxel, docetaxel, SN-38, vinorelbine, and gemcitabine. These agents were studied at concentrations close to their clinical doses using a collagen gel droplet embedded-culture drug sensitivity test (CD-DST). It is thought that the mechanism, by which the anticancer agents used in this study exert their effects is dependent on the cell cycle; however, the cell kill kinetics of these agents at clinical concentrations has not yet been clarified in vitro. We investigated the drug sensitivity and cell kill kinetics of these new anticancer agents against a human colon cancer strain. Results of this study suggest that the test method established by us can predict drug sensitivity and cell kill kinetics of the agents, and can be a useful tool in deciding appropriate treatment regimen for individual patients.