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Aim This study aimed to clarify the effects of a fall prevention intervention that focused on the characteristics of falls among elderly patients with dementia and was based on person-centered care in geriatric facilities on care staff. Methods This study was conducted between May 2016 and January 2017, and the subjects were classified into two groups: the intervention group, consisting of members who had participated in a three-month education training program, and the control group, consisting of members who provided the usual care. The study period was nine months divided as follows: training period (three months), fall prevention practice (three months), and follow-up period (three months). The quality of care was measured using the Nursing Quality Indicator for Preventing Falls (NQIPFD), and the assessment scale of health care professionals' recognition of the successful Interdisciplinary Team Approach in Health Care Facilities for the Elderly was also used. In total, the care staff members were evaluated four times: once to obtain baseline values before training, and again after the training period, after the fall prevention practice, and after the follow-up period. The results were analyzed using an analysis of variance (fixed factors = group and time, random factor = subjects, and covariance = years of experience working at the geriatric facility and type of job). Results There were 50 care staff subjects in the intervention group and 69 people in the control group. The results of the analysis of variance indicated that there was a significant difference in the NQIPFD between baseline 68.60 (±9.09) and follow-up 70.02 (±9.88) in the intervention group. With regard to the differences by intervention, the effect size of the dementia knowledge scale scores was 0.243 higher than the others, which was significant (p Conclusions The results showed that the participation of care staff in a fall intervention program to support elderly patients with dementia based on person-centered care significantly improved the NQIPFD and other measured factors. These findings suggest that the program fostered positive effects among the care staff.

BACKGROUND The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare patterns of psychotropic prescription drug use among cognitively impaired residents in long-term care facilities in East Asia and to explore factors associated with these patterns. METHODS This study included elderly participants with cognitive impairments residing in long-term care facilities with and without dementia care units in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Mini-Mental State Examination, the Clinical Dementia Rating, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Nursing Home version were used to assess cognitive status, examine dementia severity, and evaluate behavioural psychological symptoms of dementia, respectively. The rate of psychotropic drug use and the relationship between the number of psychotropic drugs and clinical factors were examined. RESULTS In total, 662 people were analyzed. Facilities with dementia care units had a higher rate of anti-dementia drug use than regular elderly care sites. Among the three dementia care sites, a Japanese hospital and a Korean site had a high rate of antipsychotic use and use of other types of psychotropics, whereas these drugs were used at a low rate in a Chinese nursing home. Patterns of psychotropic drug use may be partially associated with local regulations and facility type. Poly-pharmacy was identified as a common problem at all study sites. CONCLUSIONS Our findings will be beneficial for health-care professionals and policymakers when developing practice guidelines and strategies to regulate overuse of psychotropics and poly-pharmacy. Prospective studies are needed to examine patterns of psychotropic prescriptions and to promote evidence-based practice.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in cognitively impaired elderly residents of long-term care facilities in East Asia and to explore the factors associated with these patterns. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey of BPSD in cognitively impaired elderly residents of long-term care facilities in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Nursing Home version (NPI-NH), were used to assess cognitive status, dementia severity, and BPSD, respectively. NPI-NH subscale severity scores were multiplied by frequency scores to obtain the subscale scores and aggregated into two groups based on score (clinically insignificant = 1- 3; clinically significant ≥4). Results Data from 662 people were analyzed. Median age, median Mini-Mental State Examination scores, and median CDR scores differed significantly among the seven study sites. The prevalence of BPSD varied from 64% in Taiwan to 100% in dementia care units in Japan, and the median total NPI-NH scores ranged from 2 in Taiwan to 14 in dementia care units in Japan. After stratification of the sample by dementia severity and clinical significance of NPI-NH scores, differences in the prevalence of clinically significant BPSD were mostly observed among facilities dedicated to dementia patients in the CDR 1 group. In the CDR 3 group, the prevalence of some clinically significant BPSD, such as apathy, was high even among study sites with low median total NPI-NH scores. Conclusions Our findings may suggest referral and selection biases in the study sites. Future prospective studies are needed to address the impact of environmental and care factors on the occurrence of BPSD in Asian countries.

AIM The current study was an international cross-sectional study comparing the prevalence of incontinence among cognitively impaired older residents in long-term care facilities in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Thailand between 2015 and 2016. METHODS Participants were cognitively impaired older residents in long-term care facilities. Demographic data were collected. The Clinical Dementia Rating scale was used to assess dementia severity, and the Barthel Index was used as a surrogate measure of incontinence and toilet use dependence. The prevalence of urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence were examined. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to predict incontinence and toilet use dependence. RESULTS We analyzed data from 662 participants (age 82.6 ± 9.9 years, 57.6% women). The prevalence of urinary incontinence ranged from 10.1% in Taiwan to 71.0% in Korea. The prevalence of fecal incontinence varied from 4.0% in Taiwan to 57.0% in Korea. A higher Clinical Dementia Rating score was a significant predictor of urinary and fecal incontinence and toilet use dependence (P

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare patterns of psychotropic prescription drug use among cognitively impaired residents in long-term care facilities in East Asia and to explore factors associated with these patterns.This study included elderly participants with cognitive impairments residing in long-term care facilities with and without dementia care units in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Mini-Mental State Examination, the Clinical Dementia Rating, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Nursing Home version were used to assess cognitive status, examine dementia severity, and evaluate behavioural psychological symptoms of dementia, respectively. The rate of psychotropic drug use and the relationship between the number of psychotropic drugs and clinical factors were examined.In total, 662 people were analyzed. Facilities with dementia care units had a higher rate of anti-dementia drug use than regular elderly care sites. Among the three dementia care sites, a Japanese hospital and a Korean site had a high rate of antipsychotic use and use of other types of psychotropics, whereas these drugs were used at a low rate in a Chinese nursing home. Patterns of psychotropic drug use may be partially associated with local regulations and facility type. Poly-pharmacy was identified as a common problem at all study sites.Our findings will be beneficial for health-care professionals and policymakers when developing practice guidelines and strategies to regulate overuse of psychotropics and poly-pharmacy. Prospective studies are needed to examine patterns of psychotropic prescriptions and to promote evidence-based practice.

This study aimed to examine nursing ward managers' perceptions of pain prevalence among older residents and the strategies of pain management at the Health Service Facilities for the Elderly Requiring Care (HSFERC) in Japan and to investigate the factors related to the prevalence. Nursing ward managers in 3,644 HSFERC were asked to participate in this study. Questionnaires were sent to them regarding pain prevalence among the older residents in their wards, their provisions for pain care, and other pain management strategies. The perceived pain prevalence factors were examined statistically. The final sample comprised 439 participants (12.0%). A total of 5,219 residents (22.3%) were recognized as suffering from pain on the investigation day. Only 8 wards (1.8%) used pain management guidelines or care manuals, and 14 (3.2%) used a standardized pain scale. The ward managers' age (p = .008) and nursing experience (p = .006) showed a significant negative association with pain prevalence estimation. Moreover, there was a significant association between the groups' pain prevalence estimation and the nursing managers' beliefs that older adults were less sensitive to pain (p = .01), that pain was common among older people (p = .007), and that the time to treat residents' pain was insufficient (p = .001). The ward managers' perceptions regarding pain prevalence varied; the perceived pain rates were possibly lower than the actual percentages. Insufficient pain management strategies at the HSFERC were also suggested. An appropriate pain management strategy for Japanese aged care and its dissemination are urgently required.

目的：多剤耐性結核の治療のため隔離入院中の患者が病気をどのように受けとめ，どのようなことを感じながら入院生活を送っているかを明らかにする．方法：入院中の多剤耐性結核患者5名に半構造化面接を実施し，質的記述的に分析した．結果：病気について，全員が『治りにくい病気に罹った』と捉えた上で，『治るだろう』と受けとめている者，『治らないだろう』と考える者の両者が存在した．ほとんどの協力者が『先が見えない』と感じており，長期入院と隔離に大きなストレスを感じていた．入院生活について，全員が『楽しいことはほとんどない』と感じていた．『人に会えないのが寂しい』と閉塞感を訴え，『外とのやり取りで気が紛れる』と入院生活の辛さを紛らわせていた．『看護師との日常的な会話が楽しみ』と話す者もいた．結論：看護師は日常的に患者と関わる中で患者と外との接点になり得るため，日常的なコミュニケーション場面での配慮が求められている．

Aim: The aim of this study was to elucidate the components of end-of-life care provided to older adults with dementia who live in group homes (GHs) in Japan. Introduction: The number of GHs in Japan is rapidly increasing. Although GHs were originally not established to care for elderly people with advanced-stage dementia, many residents remain in the GH even after their stage of dementia advances; thus, end-of-life care is required. Methods: Interviews were conducted with seven GH administrators on their experience in providing end-of-life care to their residents. The constant comparative approach was used for data collection and analysis. Findings: Four themes emerged as essential components of end-of-life care in the GH setting: (i) maintaining a familiar lifestyle; (ii) minimizing physical and mental discomfort; (iii) proactively utilizing desirable medical care; and (iv) collaborating with family members. Conclusion: The combination of the four components seems to be a unique characteristic of end-of-life care in GHs in Japan. These findings may be used to establish a framework for end-of-life care at GHs.

A highly sensitive and specific quantification method of estrone and estradiol in human serum was described based upon the use of picolinoyl derivatization and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) in a positive mode. Estrogens were treated with picolinoyl chloride hydrochloride or picolinic acid and 2-methyl-6-nitrobenzoic anhydride followed by a solid-phase extraction with ODS cartridge. Picolinoyl derivatization proceeded quantitatively even in a microscale, and the picolinoyl esters provided simple positive ESI-mass spectra showing [M+H](+) as base peaks for these estrogens. The picolinoyl derivatives of these estrogens showed 100-fold higher detection response compared to underivatized intact molecules by LC-ESI-MS (selected reaction monitoring). Using this derivatization, estrogens spiked in the charcoal treated human serum samples were analyzed with limit of quantification (LOQ), intra-day accuracy and precision of 1.0pg/ml, 96.0% and 9.9% for estrone, and 0.5pg/ml, 84.4% and 12.8% for estradiol, respectively. Estrone and estradiol added to the crude serum samples were recovered with comparable LOQ and accuracy obtained for the charcoal treated serum samples as well.

Recently, the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) ordered porous materials has been of much interest [1]. Such materials have great potential in a variety of areas including photonics [2–4], catalysis [5], separation media [6, 7], and electrochemical applications. Of particular interest are dielectric 3D periodic structures that exhibit novel optical properties, potentially leading to optical filters, and photonic materials [2–4]. A widely used approach to the fabrication of 3D ordered porous materials is to fill the interstitial spaces of a colloidal template with the solid and subsequently to remove selectively the template materials [1]. Infiltration methods that have been employed include sol–gel method [8–10], electrodeposition [11–14], using suspensions of nanoparticles [15], and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) [2]. In this letter, we describe the use of the liquid-phase deposition (LPD) method to fabricate the 3D ordered macroporous TiO2. The LPD method is one of the wet processes and very unique process to deposit metal oxide thin films [16–20]. By using this method, it is possible to form metal oxide or hydroxide thin films homogeneously on various kinds of substrates, which are only immersed in the aqueous solution of a reactant. In this method, metal oxide or hydroxide thin films form by means of ligand-exchange (hydrolysis) equilibrium reaction of metal–fluoro complex species MF(x−2n)− x and the F− consumption reaction with boric acid (H3BO3) or aluminum metal as an F− scavenger. In the treatment solution, MF(x−2n)− x is hydrolyzed with water following ligand-exchange equilibrium reaction

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the support provided by Japanese public health nurses (PHNs) to high-risk tuberculosis (TB) patients, focusing specifically on the support aimed at preventing interruptions in treatment. Design and Sample A qualitative descriptive approach was used with a convenience sample of 11 PHNs in Japan who cared for TB patients at highest risk for medication adherence problems. Measures Semi-structured interviews were conducted to learn the scope and practice of PHNs with high-risk TB patients. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive analysis process. Results One main theme was identified: “Supporting the patients in overcoming tuberculosis, regaining health, and living a healthier life.” Three categories with five subcategories described the nurses' activities: (1) empathetic and reliable support, (2) motivational strategies for medication adherence, and (3) developing a foundation for healthier life. Conclusions The nurses interviewed described creative and extraordinary strategies used to promote medication adherence and facilitate development of a healthy posttreatment lifestyle. Their approach was patient-centered and culturally congruent. Findings may be transferrable to PHN practice in other regions as care for this economically disadvantaged and marginalized population is a critical need.

This study aims to describe the lived experiences of Filipina mothers married to Japanese during pregnancy and childrearing. Eight focus group interviews (FGI) were conducted among 39 Filipino mothers who are currently residing in Japan to obtain significant information with regard to their pregnancy and childrearing experiences. Content analysis was used to extract relevant themes that will describe the experiences of this group of migrant mothers. The findings revealed three major themes: 1) cultural barriers during pregnancy and childrearing; 2) mothering at the different stages of childrearing; and 3) positive adjustments to a new role in a new environment. The establishment of means of communication with migrant mothers effectively enabling them to understand important information for promoting healthy pregnancy and childrearing is strongly recommended. Provision of school information in the English language and enhancing the resilient character of the Filipina are important strategies in promoting positive pregnancy and childrearing experiences among Filipina migrant mothers.

Purpose The objectives of the present study were to assess the changes in upper airway morphology and function in response to advancement of the maxilla and mandible. Patients and Methods Orthognathic surgery was performed. During the surgery, the maxilla and mandible were each advanced as a maxillomandibular advancement simulation. A total of 18 patients with a chief complaint of malocclusion were studied. The distance in jaw advancement and the anteroposterior and left–right diameters of the velopharyngeal space before and after jaw advancement were measured. After the anteroposterior and left–right dilation rates and area enlargement rates were calculated, we compared advancement of the maxilla with that of the mandible. Results Each of the jaw advancements resulted in statistically significant increases in the anteroposterior and left–right diameters of the velopharyngeal space, and the area was significantly enlarged. The anteroposterior dilation rate was significantly greater after advancement of the maxilla, and the left–right dilation rate was significantly greater after advancement of the mandible. The velopharyngeal space area enlargement rate was significantly greater with advancement of the maxilla. Conclusions These data suggest that the mode of dilation of the velopharyngeal space differs between maxillary advancement and mandibular advancement. Jaw advancement affects the soft palate muscles, and the velopharyngeal space is expanded 3-dimensionally by each of those muscles. The difference in the pattern of expansion of the velopharyngeal space was related to differences in the functions of the soft palate muscles.

Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) is promoted as one of the most effective tuberculosis control measures throughout the world. The present qualitative descriptive study aimed to describe the experiences of homeless males treated with DOTS, and to find its significance from their perspective.Research participants were 26 male tuberculosis patients provided with DOTS by Yokohama city. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews as well as participant observation of DOTS self-administration and related services and charts review. Interviews were audio-taped and the contents were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed qualitatively.Three categories were identified describing the life experience of men with tuberculosis; "Accepting hospitalization to change one's life"; "Having confidence in oneself with the task of taking DOTS"; and "Cherishing oneself". A core category, "Cherishing oneself through performing the task of taking DOTS while exploring the meaning of life" was identified.Homeless males tried to cherish themselves respecting and caring for their personal needs realizing the meaning and worth of their lives through continuing the task of taking DOTS to treat their tuberculosis.

1. Developmental process of caring for demented elders: the case of family caregivers consists of the beginning process (stage 1 through 4) and the awakening process (stage 5 through 7). 2. In the beginning process, the caregiver is unaware of the interaction between him/her and the demented family member, relies on conventional, general-purpose methods of care and on verbal communication, and consider care in terms of training and discipline of the person cared for. 3. The caregiver in the awakening process has realized that there is interaction between him/her and the demented family member, reflects on the nonverbal signs shown by the elder in order to improve their care, and provide warm and considerate care by making the most of nonverbal communication.

The synthesis and cyclovoltammetric investigation of the ethano-bridged pyrazinoquinoxalines 2−4 and the bridged polyazapolyacenes 25−27 are described. A large difference between the first and the second reduction potentials for 2−4 indicated the presence of strong homoconjugation between the two spatially separated pyrazine rings. The bridged polyazapolyacenes 25−27, on the other hand − with the exception of 27 − exhibited four reduction peaks and the reversibility was found to be poor when compared with that of 2−4. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2002)