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Unlabelled: In the period 1985 to 1993, a total of 802 school-aged children (284 first-graders and 518 seventh-graders) were referred to our hospital for further evaluation of electrocardiographic abnormalities. Among them, 57 (male 24 and female 33) children were confirmed as having Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome based on the findings of 12-lead surface electrocardiograms (ECG). According to Lindsay's criteria, the locations of the accessory pathways were as follows: Left-lateral in 10 (18%), left-posterior in 2 (4%), right-free-wall in 28 (49%), anterior-septum in 13 (23%) and posterior-septum in 3 (5%). One 12-y-old girl had multiple accessory pathways. Six patients had associated diseases: Ebstein's anomaly in 4, epilepsy in 1 and mental retardation with scoliosis in 1. Follow-up periods ranged from 2.0 to 13.0 y (mean +/- SD: 8.0 +/- 3.3 y) for 23 first-graders with WPW syndrome, and from 2.0 to 13.0y (mean +/- SD: 7.3 +/- 4.2y) for 34 seventh-graders, respectively. Initially, 5 children had at least one episode of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) by history and 6 children developed SVT during the follow-up. One girl with multiple accessory pathways and recurrent SVT required long-term drug therapy.Conclusions: The outcome of children with WPW syndrome detected by a heart screening program at school was favorable. Our 8 y follow-up of 57 children with WPW syndrome will serve as additional information concerning the indication of radio-frequency catheter ablation therapy for WPW syndrome in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lace bug species Acalypta marginata (Wolff, 1804) has, to date, been widely known to occur in the Palaearctic Region, but has not been recorded from Japan. New information: Acalypta marginata is recorded from Japan for the first time. Its habitat in Japan is the grassland of Hokkaido. A key to the species of Acalypta occurring in Japan is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: In this case report we will describe a Japanese military U-125 Pilot who was found to have WPW syndrome during his annual aviation medical examination and returned to flight duties through catheter ablation. BACKGROUND: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or WPW syndrome, is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart. Normally, the heart's contractions are regulated by a specific pathway, but in WPW syndrome, an abnormal pathway known as an "accessory pathway" exists. This can lead to rapid and irregular heartbeats. One specific arrhythmia associated with WPW syndrome is called "pseudo ventricular tachycardia." In this condition, the abnormal pathway allows the ventricles to be excited prematurely, resulting in a faster heartbeat than usual. This pseudo ventricular tachycardia is distinct from regular ventricular tachycardia. When pseudo ventricular tachycardia occurs, the heart rate becomes very fast, and the rhythm becomes irregular. Symptoms may include dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. In severe cases, loss of consciousness can occur. CASE PRESENTATION: The pilot was 46 years old when an electrocardiogram during an aviation medical examination showed ventricular tachycardia-like waveforms, and he was suspended from flight duties. He underwent cardiac electrophysiology testing, was diagnosed with WPW syndrome, and underwent catheter ablation. One month after the ablation, he underwent echocardiography, Holter ECG, and exercise stress ECG, none of which showed arrhythmia. Aeromedical Evaluation Board allowed him to return to flight duties on conditions. No further problematic arrhythmias were found. Another Aeromedical Evaluation Board was conducted, with arrythmia mitigated, he was returned to fly. DISCUSSION: At JASDF, the Aeromedical Evaluation Board determines whether a pilot who fails an aviation medical examination is allowed to return to flight duties. Ablation for WPW syndrome generally has a high success rate. However, in some patients with multiple abnormal conduction pathways, other conduction pathways may cause recurrence, so it is necessary to define appropriate evaluation criteria for each patient with WPW syndrome. This presentation will discuss the flight conditions imposed on pilots and the measures used by Japan, Iraq, and the US military for various arrhythmias. Learning Objectives 1. The audience will learn about the presentation, diagnosis, and/or treatment of an interesting Aerospace Medicine case. 2. The audience will learn about the similarities and differences in medical standards and pilot medical clearances for civilian, US and foreign military aviation professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the fourth international preparatory study designed to develop International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, and Children and Youth version, ICF-CY) Core Sets for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Examine functioning of individuals diagnosed with ASD as documented by the ICF-CY in a variety of clinical settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 11 units from 10 countries. Clinical investigators assessed functioning of 122 individuals with ASD using the ICF-CY checklist. In total, 139 ICF-CY categories were identified: 64 activities and participation, 40 body functions and 35 environmental factors. The study results reinforce the heterogeneity of ASD, as evidenced by the many functional and contextual domains impacting on ASD from a clinical perspective.

Background: While β-blockers can be effective in controlling tachyarrhythmias after pediatric cardiac surgery, a negative inotropic influence sometimes complicates their use. Landiolol hydrochloride is a novel, ultra-short-acting β-blocker recently developed in Japan. The drug has higher β1:β2 selectivity ratio and a less negative inotropic effect. This study retrospectively evaluates the efficacy and safety of landiolol in the management of tachyarrhythmias after pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 312 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. Twelve patients were treated with landiolol for critical tachyarrhythmia. The mean age of patients was 28.7 ± 10.6 months. Five junctional ectopic tachycardia, 2 atrial flutters, 1 paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, 1 atrial fibrillation, 1 atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and 2 excessive sinus tachycardia were treated. Results: The mean loading and maintenance doses were 11.3 ± 4.0 and 6.8 ± 0.9 μg/kg per minute, respectively. Rate control was achieved in all patients. Landiolol reduced the heart rate from 169.7 ± 11.4 to 127.7 ± 7.5 beats per minute (p < 0.05) while blood pressure did not significantly change. Tachyarrhythmias were converted to sinus rhythm in 70.0% of the cases and the average time needed to achieve heart rate reduction was 2.3 ± 0.5 hours. Conclusions: Landiolol was efficacious in treating tachyarrhythmia in pediatric cardiac surgery. The desired negative chronotropic effect was achieved without significant hemodynamic compromise. The ultra-short half-life of landiolol provided rapid dose manipulation. This study suggests that landiolol is a promising option for the management of postoperative tachyarrhythmias in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a novel approach to statistically assess the non-linear interaction of tide and non-tidal residual in order to quantify its contribution to extreme sea levels and hence its role in modulating coastal protection levels, globally. We demonstrate that extreme sea levels are up to 30% (or 70 cm) higher if non-linear interactions are not accounted for (e.g., by independently adding astronomical and non-astronomical components, as is often done in impact case studies). These overestimates are similar to recent sea-level rise projections to 2100 at some locations. Furthermore, we further find evidence for changes in this non-linear interaction over time, which has the potential for counteracting the increasing flood risk associated with sea-level rise and tidal and/or meteorological changes alone. Finally, we show how accounting for non-linearity in coastal impact assessment modulates coastal exposure, reducing recent estimates of global coastal flood costs by ~16%, and population affected by ~8%. The non-linear interaction between tide and non-tidal residual impacts current and future extreme water levels. Here, based on 620 gauge records, the authors find a large non-linear interaction in the US East Coast, North Sea and parts of southern Japan, that results in a reduction of extreme sea levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioactive iodine released in nuclear accidents may accumulate in the thyroid and by irradiation enhances the risk of cancer. Radioiodine uptake into the gland can be inhibited by large doses of stable iodine or perchlorate. Nutritional iodine daily intake may impact thyroid physiology, so that radiological doses absorbed by the thyroid as well as thyroid blocking efficacy may differ in Japanese with a very rich iodine diet compared to Caucasians. Based on established biokinetic–dosimetric models for the thyroid, we derived the parameters for Caucasians and Japanese to quantitatively compare the effects of radioiodine exposure and the protective efficacy of thyroid blocking by stable iodine at the officially recommended dosages (100 mg in Germany, 76 mg in Japan) or perchlorate. The maximum transport capacity for iodine uptake into the thyroid is lower in Japanese compared to Caucasians. For the same radioiodine exposure pattern, the radiological equivalent thyroid dose is substantially lower in Japanese in the absence of thyroid blocking treatments. In the case of acute radioiodine exposure, stable iodine is less potent in Japanese (ED50 = 41.6 mg) than in Caucasians (ED50 = 2.7 mg) and confers less thyroid protection at the recommended dosages because of a delayed responsiveness to iodine saturation of the gland (Wolff–Chaikoff effect). Perchlorate (ED50 = 10 mg in Caucasians) at a dose of 1000 mg has roughly the same thyroid blocking effect as 100 mg iodine in Caucasians, whereas it confers a much better protection than 76 mg iodine in Japanese. For prolonged exposures, a single dose of iodine offer substantially lower protection than after acute radioiodine exposure in both groups. Repetitive daily iodine administrations improve efficacy without reaching levels after acute radioiodine exposure and achieve only slightly better protection in Japanese than in Caucasians. However, in the case of continuous radioiodine exposure, daily doses of 1000 mg perchlorate achieve a high protective efficacy in Caucasians as well as Japanese (> 0.98). In Caucasians, iodine (100 mg) and perchlorate (1000 mg) at the recommended dosages seem alternatives in case of acute radioiodine exposure, whereas perchlorate has a higher protective efficacy in the case of longer lasting radioiodine exposures. In Japanese, considering protective efficacy, preference should be given to perchlorate in acute as well as prolonged radioiodine exposure scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on stroke, mortality and associated comorbidities in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Japan may differ from Western countries. There have been few systematic comparisons between stroke risk profiles and outcomes among community-based elderly (aged ≥75 years) patients with AF in Japan and the UK.Objective and Methods: We compared clinical characteristics, stroke risk and outcomes among elderly patients with AF from the Fushimi AF Registry (Japan; N=1791) and the Darlington AF Registry (UK; N=1338).Results: The Fushimi cohort had a mean age 81.8 (standard deviation (SD) 5.3) years and CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years (double), diabetes mellitus, previous thromboembolism (double), vascular disease, age 65-74 years and female gender) score 4.3 (1.4), whereas the Darlington cohort had a mean age 83.6 (5.7) years and CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.4 (1.4). Over a 12-month follow-up period, observed stroke and mortality rates in Fushimi were 3.4% (n=61) and 11.5% (n=206), while corresponding event rates in the Darlington cohort were 4.4% (n=59) and 14.1% (n=188), respectively. Appropriate use of oral anticoagulation (OAC, essentially a vitamin K antagonist) was <60% in both registries.On multivariable analysis, ethnicity (Japan vs UK) was neither associated with the risk of stroke (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.36; p=0.69) nor death (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.27; p=0.92). In a subgroup analysis of elderly patients not receiving OAC (n=1489), a history of stroke was associated with the risk of stroke (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.39 to 4.12; p=0.002), but not ethnicity (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.47; p=0.58).Conclusions: Elderly (age ≥75 years) patients with AF in both Japan and the UK are at similarly high risk of stroke and death, with OAC still underused in both populations. Ethnicity was not independently associated with the risk of stroke, regardless of OAC use or non-use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates changes in ventricular pre-excitation during Yamanashi, Japan school medical examinations, which included an electrocardiogram. Diagnosis of ventricular pre-excitation; Comparison of prevalence.

Background: Guideline-adherent antithrombotic treatment (ATT) reduces the risk of stroke and death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effect of ATT adherence among different ethnicities remains uncertain. We compared the prognosis of AF patients in Japan and the UK according to guideline adherence status., Methods and results: We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of AF patients from the Fushimi AF registry (Japan; n=4,239) and the Darlington AF registry (UK; n=2,259). ATT adherence was assessed against the Japanese Circulation Society Guidelines and UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. The rates of guideline-adherent ATT were 58.6% and 50.8% in the Fushimi and Darlington registries, respectively. There was no significant difference in 1-year stroke rates between Fushimi and Darlington (2.6% vs. 3.0%, P=0.342). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, non-guideline adherent-ATT was significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke (odds ratio [OR]: 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-2.34, P=0.002 for undertreatment, OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.19-3.80, P=0.010 for overtreatment). No significant interaction for ATT and the 2 populations was found in the incidence of stroke, all-cause death, and the composite outcome., Conclusions: Approximately half of the AF patients received optimal ATT according to guideline recommendations, which was associated with a lower risk of stroke. Furthermore, there was no interaction for the 2 populations and the influence of ATT adherence.

Slotted rings have been popular medium access control protocols for local area networks (LANs) since the early proposal of Cambridge and Owell rings. This paper provides a simple approximation technique for the performance analysis of a slotted ring based on a single-buffer model in which at most one packet can be stored at each node. The technique produces approximate values of the network throughput by using an assumption which is valid for large networks and a solution of a quadratic equation whose complexity does not depend on the number of nodes in the network. It is shown by numerical examples that the present technique also gives accurate performance dam for rather small networks to the extent that the relative error of the approximate throughout values is less than 0.3 percent of exact values. Since other performance measures for the single buffer model of a slotted ring can easily be calculated from the throughput, the proposed technique is very useful for evaluating the total performance of a slotted ring network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on stroke, mortality and associated comorbidities in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Japan may differ from Western countries. There have been few systematic comparisons between stroke risk profiles and outcomes among community-based elderly (aged ≥75 years) patients with AF in Japan and the UK., Objective and Methods: We compared clinical characteristics, stroke risk and outcomes among elderly patients with AF from the Fushimi AF Registry (Japan; N=1791) and the Darlington AF Registry (UK; N=1338)., Results: The Fushimi cohort had a mean age 81.8 (standard deviation (SD) 5.3) years and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years (double), diabetes mellitus, previous thromboembolism (double), vascular disease, age 65-74 years and female gender) score 4.3 (1.4), whereas the Darlington cohort had a mean age 83.6 (5.7) years and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score 4.4 (1.4). Over a 12-month follow-up period, observed stroke and mortality rates in Fushimi were 3.4% (n=61) and 11.5% (n=206), while corresponding event rates in the Darlington cohort were 4.4% (n=59) and 14.1% (n=188), respectively. Appropriate use of oral anticoagulation (OAC, essentially a vitamin K antagonist) was <60% in both registries.On multivariable analysis, ethnicity (Japan vs UK) was neither associated with the risk of stroke (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.36; p=0.69) nor death (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.27; p=0.92). In a subgroup analysis of elderly patients not receiving OAC (n=1489), a history of stroke was associated with the risk of stroke (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.39 to 4.12; p=0.002), but not ethnicity (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.47; p=0.58)., Conclusions: Elderly (age ≥75 years) patients with AF in both Japan and the UK are at similarly high risk of stroke and death, with OAC still underused in both populations. Ethnicity was not independently associated with the risk of stroke, regardless of OAC use or non-use., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.)

Although little noticed in Western societies accustomed with figures such as the "Laughing Buddha" or the "Meditating Buddha", armed and fierce deities are common in Buddhist iconography in India, Tibet, China, Korea and Japan. This article investigates the origin of these deities - especially in Mahayanist context - and analyses the symbolic meaning of the weapons they carry. The goal is to realize the value assigned to the iconographic violence in the context of Buddhism. The article also formulates hypotheses about the distance of Western societies in relation to non-Buddhist "armed Buddhas" and its acceptance in respect of figures such as the "Laughing Buddha" and "Meditating Buddha". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that the Science and Technology Basic Law reforms implemented by Japan to build a world-class science and technology infrastructure needed to maintain a strong, growing and competitive economy are one factor in the country's economic expansion. The gross domestic product growth of the country is discussed as well as the economic forecasts for the country. The major economic hurdles faced by Japan in the long-term are also discussed, including the mounting demographic pressures and high public debt.

Presents information on Japan's economic and industrial policy which aims to develop areas needed to strengthen the international competitiveness of strategic industries in 2004. Difference of the policy as compared to previous ones; Strategic industries considered essential for future high growth; Emphasis on small and medium-sized businesses.

The article discusses that the medium-term prospects for Japan's economy are getting brighter as business sector demands are increasing and corporate R&D is expected to reach a record high in the current fiscal year. Gross domestic product growth predictions for Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 2003 (April 1, 2003-March 31, 2004) and JFY 2004 are positive-ranging from 1.4 percent to 2.3 percent. Corporate profits are recovering at a moderate pace and employment levels arc holding steady. And Japan's stock market is surging after years in the doldrums. It is too soon to tell for sure, but the signs are promising that Japan's restructuring efforts are finally paying off.

Reports on the economic condition and research and development (R&D) spending of Japan as of November 2002. Increase in R&D spending in electronics, machinery and automotive sectors; Status of bank and manufacturing industry in Japan; Reorganization of government and science technology in 2001.

The article presents an analysis of how social and cultural history affect the likelihood of success of a country in a global total war. It focuses on the Russo-Japanese war in 1904-1905 in which Russia was defeated. The influence of expectation, desperation, and propaganda in the outcome of the war is discussed. The article also highlights three essays by writers Rosamund Bartlett, David Crowley, and Naoko Shimazu. These essays bear a Russian, a Japanese, and a Polish perspective from which to approach the war.

Background: Japan has one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates, while the annual suicide rate in 2020 has risen for the first time since 2007. This study aimed to identify high-risk populations and assess the impact of medical visits on suicide trends post-COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Method: This quasi-experimental study analyzed a population-based database from Hyogo Prefecture (2012–2022). Interrupted time-series analyses identified level and trend changes in monthly suicide rates per 1 million population during the exposure period (2020–2022) versus the control period (2012–2019). Regular visits to primary care and psychiatry stratified analysis. Results: 2181 cases were analyzed, with two-thirds male and a median age of 54. Primary care physicians and psychiatric history were present in 69% and 40% of patients. The study found significant level changes in suicide rates overall (4.14, 95% CI: 1.70, 6.58) among individuals without regular primary care physician visits (2.83, 95% CI: 1.35, 4.32) and without psychiatric visits (2.85, 95% CI: 0.56, 5.14). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in individuals with regular primary care (0.99, 95% CI: -0.78, 2.76) or regular psychiatric visits (0.59, 95% CI: -0.98, 2.16). The trend changes were not significant in any of the groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that a history of attending a medical institution may have prevented the rapid increase in suicides during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the rise in the older population, it has become important to understand the relationship between oral frailty and drug use to consider appropriate medical interventions and drug use for older persons. Objective: To clarify the relationship among oral frailty, drug use, and other patient backgrounds and to identify relevant factors using information from patient questionnaires and pharmacy medication history records. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved community-dwelling older adults. Older adults aged ≥ 65 years who visited 44 pharmacies in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, with their prescriptions between July 1 and September 10, 2021, and who were able to complete the questionnaire independently were eligible for the study. An oral Frailty Index-8 score ≥ 4 was used to define the oral frailty group, while a score of 0–3 was used to define the non-oral frailty group. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify relevant factors for oral frailty, with oral frailty as the dependent variable and items from the questionnaire and drug survey as independent variables. Results: A total of 1,386 eligible participants were included in this study, and 761 (54.9%) had oral frailty. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that frailty, number of natural teeth (fewer than 20), and benzodiazepine use were significantly associated with oral frailty (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.037, respectively). Conclusions: Our results will provide evidence for community pharmacists to provide appropriate patient education, recommend consultations with dental care providers, and assist in community healthcare coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the impact of the economic recession on the budget allocated for research and development (R&D) in Japan. Restructuring of the management of research by companies; Effect of the economy on the R&D spending; Comparison with the budget for R&D of the United States; Trends in the management of basic research.

This paper draws on the reflection theory of compensation (Thierry, H. (1998). 'Compensating work'. in P. J. D. Drenth, H. Thierry and C. J. de Wolff (eds), Handbook of Work and Organizational Psychology, 2nd edn, pp. 291–315, Psychology Press: Hove; Thierry, H. F. (2001). 'Job evaluation systems and pay grade structures: do they match', International Journal of Human Resource Management, 8, pp. 1313–1324) to examine the influence of individual merit‐based rewards on voluntary turnover via job satisfaction. It also tests the moderating effects of employees' gender, age and education level between merit‐based rewards and job satisfaction. Data were collected from 636 employees in Japan at three points in time over a 12‐month period. The findings show that merit‐based rewards have a direct, positive effect on job satisfaction and an indirect effect on voluntary turnover. The effect of merit‐based rewards on job satisfaction was moderated by gender and education, providing evidence that merit‐based rewards are more important for male and highly educated employees. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need for the U.S. and Japan to maintain a close working relationship. It states that the economies of these two countries are united in various ways such as the importance of the continuing defense commitment of the U.S. to the national security of Japan. It also mentions the significance of China on the trade relationship between the U.S. and Japan.

The article offers information on the "EU Industrial R&D Scoreboard for 2009." According to the findings, the U.S., European Union and Japan contributed about 89% of the research and development (R&D) spending by the world's top R&D-investing companies, while Switzerland and South Korea accounted for 6%. The scoreboard offers complete information on the R&D, Capex, operating profit, sales, employees and key ratios for each of the world's top companies by R&D. Other issues addressed by the scoreboard include the scope to which the global financial crisis has impacted R&D and differences in R&D performance between sectors and world regions.

Purpose: An internal model deficit is considered to underlie developmental coordination disorder (DCD); thus, children with DCD have an altered sense of agency (SoA), which is associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the perception of action-outcome regularity is present in early development, is involved in the generation of SoA, and has roles in adaptive motor learning and coordinated motor skills. However, perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity has not been examined in children with DCD. Methods: We investigated perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity in 6–15-year-old children with DCD and age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) children. Both groups were assessed for coordinated motor skills with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition, while the DCD group was assessed with the DCD Questionnaire, Social Communication Questionnaire, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Rating Scale, and Depression Self- Rating Scale for Children. Results: Perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity was significantly reduced in children with DCD. However, there was a significant correlation between perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity and age in DCD and TD children. Perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity was significantly lower in younger children with DCD than in younger and older TD children, but there were no significant differences between older children with DCD and younger and older TD children. Conclusion: The current results suggest that children with DCD have significantly reduced perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity at younger ages, which may alter SoA and inhibit internal model development, thereby reducing motor skill coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Irregular lifestyles, such as sleep deprivation and disordered eating, disrupt the circadian clock and are linked to health issues. This study investigates the relationship among chronotypes, social jet lag, night-snacking habits, and screen time in toddlers. Methods: A survey of 6177 mothers of children aged 3–8 years was conducted in June 2022. Means comparison and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: Toddlers who consumed night snacks were more likely to be evening types and experienced longer social jet lag. Longer screen time during night snacking correlated with evening-type tendencies. Juice and ice cream were identified as evening-type snacks. Conclusions: We suggest that stopping snacks after dinner is crucial to prevent evening-type eating. Especially, high-sugar and high-fat night snacks like juice and ice cream may contribute to nocturnal habits and disrupt circadian rhythms in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ensitrelvir, an oral antiviral, in reducing hospitalization risk in outpatients at high-risk for severe COVID-19 during the Omicron era. Methods: This was a retrospective study using a large Japanese health insurance claims database. It included high-risk outpatients for severe symptoms who received their first COVID-19 diagnosis between November 2022 and July 2023. The study included outpatients aged ≥ 18 years. The primary endpoint was all-cause hospitalization during the 4-week period from the date of outpatient diagnosis and medication, comparing the ensitrelvir group (n = 5177) and the no antiviral treatment group (n = 162,133). The risk ratio and risk difference were evaluated after adjusting patient background distribution by the inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) method. Secondary endpoints were incidence of respiratory and heart rate monitoring, oxygen therapy, ventilator use, intensive care admission, and all-cause death. Results: The risk ratio for all-cause hospitalization between the ensitrelvir group (n = 167,385) and the no antiviral treatment group (n = 167,310) after IPTW adjustment was 0.629 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.420, 0.943]. The risk difference was − 0.291 [95% CI − 0.494, − 0.088]. The incidence of both respiratory and heart rate monitoring and oxygen therapy was lower in the ensitrelvir group. Ventilator use, intensive care admission, and all-cause death were difficult to assess because of the limited events. Conclusions: The incidence of all-cause hospitalization was significantly lower in the ensitrelvir group than in the no antiviral treatment group, suggesting ensitrelvir is an effective treatment in patients at risk of severe COVID-19. Plain Language Summary: COVID-19 still poses a risk for patients with serious health conditions and weakened immune systems, who are more likely to develop severe illness. Several studies have indicated that some oral antiviral medications might be effective in preventing severe disease. This study aimed to evaluate if ensitrelvir, an oral antiviral medication, can help prevent hospitalization in outpatients who are at risk of developing severe symptoms from the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The hospitalization rates of patients who received ensitrelvir was compared with those who did not receive any antiviral treatment, using medical records from a large health insurance database in Japan focused on outpatients who were at risk of severe symptoms and were diagnosed with COVID-19 between November 2022 and July 2023. Respiratory and heart rate monitoring, oxygen therapy, ventilator use, intensive care admission, and all-cause death were also evaluated. The study found that patients who received ensitrelvir had a lower risk of being hospitalized compared to those who did not receive any antiviral treatment. The ensitrelvir group also had lower rates of respiratory and heart rate monitoring and oxygen therapy. However, it was challenging to assess the effects on ventilator use, intensive care admission, and all-cause death due to the small number of events in the population under evaluation. Based on these findings, ensitrelvir appears to be an effective treatment for reducing the risk of hospitalization in patients at risk of severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of artificially built environment stock during urbanization processes has been actively involved in altering the material and energy use pattern of human societies. Therefore, an accurate assessment of built environment stock can provide insights for decision makers to implement appropriate environmentally sustainable retrofitting strategies. This study presents a building stock estimation enhancement framework (BSEEF) that leverages nighttime light (NTL) to accurately assess and spatially map building stocks. By innovatively integrating a region classification module with a hybrid region-specified self-optimization module, BSEEF adaptively enhances the estimation accuracy across diverse urban landscapes. A comparative case study of Japan demonstrated that BSEEF significantly outperformed a traditional linear regression model, with improvements ranging from 1.81% to 16.75% across different metrics used for assessment, providing more accurate building stock estimates. BSEEF enhances environment/sustainability studies by enabling precise spatial analysis of built environment stocks, offering a versatile and robust framework that adapts to technological changes and achieves superior accuracy without extensive reliance on complex datasets. These advances will make BSEEF an indispensable tool in strategic planning for urban development, promoting sustainable and resilient communities globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although play is an essential occupation for children, parents of children with autistic traits tend to struggle with play-based interpersonal interaction with them. Tickling play appears to be one of the most interpersonal forms of play because nobody can tickle themselves. However, atypical tactile processing (e.g. tactile sensitivity) has been reported in children with autistic traits, who may exhibit atypical behavioral responses during tickling play. Our aim was to investigate the association between autistic traits and behavioral responses during parent-child tickling play in Japanese young children. We recorded tickling interaction between children and their parents using behavior coding with six behavioral items. Autistic traits and tactile sensitivity were measured using parent-reported questionnaires. Results showed two behavioral responses were significantly associated with autistic traits in all children: "approach with positive emotional response" and "no response" were negatively and positively correlated with autistic traits, respectively. This exploratory study suggests that behavioral responses during tickling play may be associated with autistic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates what kinds of social networks nudge volunteering by applying social network analysis. Unique Japanese data with various social network variables are used to explore the association between formal and informal social networks and volunteering. The results show that "attending meetings of neighborhood associations" and "enrollment in a membership association," which involve forms of formal social networks, are positively correlated with the probability of both "any volunteering" and five kinds of volunteering. "Frequency of meals with friends," an indicator of informal social networks, has statistical significance for volunteering. Notably, friendships, even if meals are infrequent, are enough to lead to volunteering opportunities. The author thus concludes that greater social participation can be fostered by promoting not only organizational assistance but also friendships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Our aim in this study was to estimate entrance skin doses (ESDs) to patients who underwent catheter ablation procedures, by using a reference air-kerma (RAK) displayed on the monitor of an angiography system (displayed RAK). Methods The displayed RAK was calibrated with use of an air-kerma value measured on a 20-cm-thick acrylic plate at the interventional reference point for the inclusion of backscattered x-rays (calibrated RAK). The ESD evaluated from the calibrated RAK (evaluated ESD) was verified through direct ESD measurements on an anthropomorphic phantom. The values of the evaluated ESD agreed with those of the measured ESD within a statistical error of 10% for both fluoroscopy and digital cine. The patient population included 356 consecutive patients (108 female and 248 male) who underwent catheter ablation procedures in the catheter laboratory of the Nagoya Daini Red-Cross Hospital from January 2013 to February 2014, where ablation procedures were performed for seven types of arrhythmias, i.e., atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), atrial tachycardia (AT), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), ventricular premature contraction (VPC), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). Results Patients who had arrhythmias that received the highest evaluated ESD were those for AF, followed by those for VPC, AT, WPW, AFL, VT, and AVNRT. Conclusions Despite extremely long fluoroscopy times of up to 66.6 minutes in left anterior oblique projection, only one patient was considered to exceed a threshold dose of 2 Gy for the onset of radiation-induced skin injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports the overhauling of Japan's intellectual property (IP) protection system with a revision of the patent attorney law and the adoption of the Geneva Protocol on trademarks. Purpose of the measures; Reason for the revision of the patent law; International cooperation of Japan in covering patents and trademarks; Efforts of the government to encourage university researchers to play a more active role in the IP market.

Deals with the public spending of the Japanese government on science and technology research. Views of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi on the importance of publicly-funded research; Aims of the 1999 Millennium Project; Projects on improving Internet access.

Focuses on the attention given by the Japanese government to its high-technology entrepreneurs and venture business. Support for small and medium enterprises in Japan; Request of the Ministry for International Trade and Industry for the government to change the definition of the national research and development (R&D) budget; Industry-University links; Skepticism on this arrangement; Reward-based personnel management schemes for R&D personnel.

Reports on the decision of the Japanese government to boost research and development (R&D) spending as well as science and technology expenditures for the year 1998. Where the most significant increases in the private sector R&D are expected; Amount of the economic stimulus package the Hashimoto administration put in place; Reforms instilled by Japan into its R&D system.

Probes into the business conditions and status of Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Program launched by the Japanese government; Factors that influenced companies to expand globally; Other concerns of the industry.

Focuses on the lessons learned by architects of NEC's first outright commercial transfer of technology in Japan with the spinoff of the start-up company NEC Research Institute Inc. to develop its watermarking technology for digital copyright protection. Spinoff of the NEC Research Institute in 1989; Background on the watermarking project; Process behind the spinoff; Funding for the spinoff.

Reports on the growth of the Japanese industrial research and development (R&D) spending for the fiscal year 1995, covering the period between April 1995 to March 1996. Percentage increase of R&D spending; Sectors performing well despite the economy's sluggishness; Researchers' efforts to justify R&D spending; Breakdown between public and private R&D spending.

Focuses on the Japanese government's announcement of its commitment to double its investment in science and technology by the year 2000. Implications of the announcement for Japan's existing science and technology institutions; Status of the country's Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO) program; State of research and technology transfer in the country.

Focuses on Japan's Science and Technology Agency's 1995 White Paper on Science and Technology. Factors that contribute to Japan's postwar growth; Emphasis on creativity and originality in science and technology; Building excellence through centers of excellence.

Discusses the status of research and development (R&D) in Japan. Government's policy of reduction of the budget allocation for R&D on the management and organization of research institutes; Trends in the R&D capabilities of Japan toward competitiveness; Development of a factory-based research system; Stability of the corporate R&D institutes.

Reports on the efforts of the Japanese government in upgrading its computer networks. Research works of the computer institutions toward the development of computer networks comparable to that of the United States; Placing computer networks as priority projects of the government; Formation of local area networks in campuses; Computer linkage technologies; Competition for the use of the technology.

Aim: To explore the prevalence of social isolation among Japanese community‐dwelling older adults before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic as well as determine how family and friend connections before and during the pandemic affected frail older adults during the pandemic. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Methods: A total of 852 community‐dwelling older adults in Hokkaido and Tokyo, Japan were surveyed conducted between April and November 2021 using convenience sampling. The Lubben social network scale‐6, frailty screening index, and geriatric depression scale were used to assess social isolation, frailty and depression, respectively. A path analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of social isolation on frailty. Results: Participants had a mean age of 76.8 ± 6.6 years. Overall, 46% and 59% of participants were socially isolated before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic, respectively. Frailty was found in 19% of participants during the pandemic. Friends and family connectedness before the pandemic had no direct relationship with frailty; only friend connectedness affected frailty indirectly via depression. Family connectedness during the pandemic had a significant, negative and direct relationship with frailty. Conclusion: The findings show that connectedness with family and friends is critical for older people's physical and mental health. Impact: Nurses in the community should consider these findings to reduce mental health problems and physical decline among older adults. It is important to identify older adults who are socially isolated from their families or friends and provide resources to help them build relationships within their communities. Patient or Public Contribution: Community centre staff and community volunteers assisted in data collection. The public was not involved in data analysis, interpretation or manuscript preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Care of older adults requires comprehensive management and control of systemic diseases, which can be effectively managed by family physicians. Complicated medical conditions in older patients admitted to orthopedic departments (orthopedic patients) necessitate interprofessional collaboration. Nutrition is one of the essential components of management involved in improving the systemic condition of older patients. Nutrition support teams play an important role in nutrition management and can be supported by family physicians. However, the role of family physicians in nutrition support teams is not well documented. This study aimed to investigate the role of family physicians in supporting nutrition management in orthopedic patients. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between January and June 2023 using constructivist grounded theory methodology. Eight family medicine physicians, three orthopedic surgeons, two nurses, two pharmacists, four rehabilitation therapists, four nutritionists, and one laboratory technician working in Japanese rural hospitals participated in the research. Data collection was performed through ethnography and semi-structured interviews. The analysis was performed iteratively during the study. Results: Using a grounded theory approach, four theories were developed regarding family physicians' role in providing nutrition support to orthopedic patients: hierarchical and relational limitation, delay of onset and detection of the need for geriatric care in orthopedic patients, providing effective family medicine in hospitals, and comprehensive management through the nutrition support team. Conclusions: The inclusion of family physicians in nutrition support teams can help with early detection of the rapid deterioration of orthopedic patients' conditions, and comprehensive management can be provided by nutrition support teams. In rural primary care settings, family physicians play a vital role in providing geriatric care in community hospitals in collaboration with specialists. Family medicine in hospitals should be investigated in other settings for better geriatric care and to drive mutual learning among healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]