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In this study, we compared the disaster relief practices of nurses who worked in welfare shelters in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures, areas in which only natural disasters occurred, and nurses who worked in Fukushima Prefecture, an area in which both nuclear and natural disasters occurred during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, in order to identify commonalities and differences between them. We conducted semi-structured interviews with two nurses from each prefecture. The results revealed that “nursing practice with minimal available materials and personnel” and “nursing practice based on knowledge and experience as a nurse” were common themes in the content of nursing practices, whereas “securing human resources during disasters and considering ideal welfare evacuation centers” and “recording the difficulties in dealing with nuclear disasters” were uncommon themes. The findings confirmed that even in Fukushima Prefecture, in which the nuclear disaster occurred, participants did not talk about their concerns regarding radiation exposure while working at welfare evacuation shelters where people with special requirements were evacuated, and that they were expected to respond in the same way as they would in natural disasters. However, participants reported several difficulties relating to nuclear disasters that should be considered in future disaster support.

Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are one of the most intensively explored nanomaterials because of their unique physical and chemical properties. Due to the widespread use of MWCNTs, it is important to investigate their effects on human health. The precise mechanism of MWCNT toxicity has not been fully elucidated. The present study was designed to examine the mechanisms of MWCNT toxicity toward human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. First, we found that MWCNTs decreased the viability of neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 cells but not undifferentiated HL-60 cells. Because neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 cells exhibit enhanced phagocytic activity, the cytotoxicity of MWCNTs is dependent on the intracellularly localized MWCNTs. Next, we revealed that the cytotoxicity of MWCNTs is correlated with the intracellular accumulation of iron that is released from the engulfed MWCNTs in an acidic lysosomal environment. The intracellular accumulation of iron was repressed by treatment with cytochalasin D, a phagocytosis inhibitor. In addition, our results indicated that iron overload enhanced the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine that activates neutrophils, and subsequently elevated intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Finally, we found that the sustained [Ca2+]i elevation resulted in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the increase of caspase-3 activity, thereby inducing apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that the iron overload caused by engulfed MWCNTs results in the increase of IL-8 production and the elevation of [Ca2+]i, thereby activating the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway.

Objectives To verify the reliability and validity and develop an English version of an instrument (Kuchi-Kara Taberu Index (KT Index)) to comprehensively assess and intervene in problems with eating and swallowing. Design Multicenter cross-sectional study. Setting Nursing homes. Participants Individuals aged 65 and older (mean age 88.3 ± 6.8; 80.0% female) who had lived in a nursing home for longer than 1 month (N = 115). Measurements The KT index consisted of 13 items: desire to eat, overall condition, respiratory condition, oral condition, cognitive function while eating, oral preparatory and propulsive phases, dysphagia severity, position and endurance while eating, eating, daily life, food intake level, food modification, and nutrition. Weighted kappa coefficients, Cronbach alpha, and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were determined. Results Weighted kappa values in the inter- and intrarater reliability tests ranged from 0.54 to 0.96 and 0.68 to 0.98, respectively. Cronbach alpha was 0.892. Spearman rank correlation coefficients (r) between the total KT index and external criteria were determined (Functional Oral Intake Scale, r = 0.790; Barthel Index, r = 0.830; Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, r = 0.582; Cognitive Performance Scale, r = −0.673; all P < .001). Similar correlations were observed when some items related to each external criterion were removed from the total KT index. Translation-retranslation procedures were conducted to develop an English version of the KT index. Conclusion The study provided evidence of the reliability and validity of the KT index and developed an English version. Future studies regarding validation of health-related quality of life indices and their effect on clinical courses of eating and swallowing conditions are needed.

How to Obtain Contact Hours by Reading This Article Instructions 1.3 contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded once you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at http://goo.gl/gMfXaf . To obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the article, “Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Care for Early Recommencement of Oral Intake in Older Adults With Severe Pneumonia” found on pages 21–29, carefully noting any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz. 2. Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. 3. Go to the Villanova website listed above to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name; contact information; and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated. This activity is valid for continuing education credit until September 30, 2019. Contact Hours This activity is co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated. Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Activity Objectives 1. Describe the effect of multidisciplinary comprehensive care (MDCC) on oral intake in older adults with severe pneumonia at the time of discharge. 2. Explore the impact of MDCC on the length of stay for hospitalized older adults with severe pneumonia. Disclosure Statement Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose. The current study was designed to assess the effect of multidisciplinary comprehensive care (MDCC) on (a) oral intake at discharge and (b) hospital stay duration in older adult patients with severe pneumonia. Participants were divided into two groups: receiving and not receiving MDCC. MDCC comprises regular assessment of swallowing ability, aspiration risk management, improvement of oral hygiene, serving of nutritious texture-modified foods, and encouragement of early mobilization. The MDCC group (164 women, 206 men; mean age = 82.7, SD = 8.4 years) had severe pneumonia as well as high proportions of poor premorbid physical function and consciousness disturbance compared to the non-MDCC group (45 women, 56 men; mean age = 81.1, SD = 8.6 years). Nevertheless, MDCC was an independent determinant of hospital stay duration and oral intake (Functional Oral Intake Scale score ≥4) at discharge with Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [1.09, 1.85]). MDCC may promote early oral intake and hospital discharge in older adults with severe pneumonia. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42 (10), 21–29.]

Effects of two kinds of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on cells were examined. The effects of MWNT-7, which has been reported to be carcinogenic, and MWCNT-B, whose toxicity is unclear, were examined in both epithelial cells and macrophages. Human lung carcinoma A549 cells were used as representative epithelial cells and differentiated human monocyte THP-1 cells, as well as rat pulmonary macrophages NR8383, were employed to examine possible harmful effects of the MWCNTs. The MWCNTs induced the production of chemokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8). MWCNTs were found to more strongly affect macrophages than epithelial cells. In addition, the toxicity was more pronounced in the MWNT-7 exposed cells than in those exposed to MWCNT-B. Cytochalasin D and amiloride treatment of differentiated THP-1 cells reduced cell-associated MWCNTs and IL-8 induction. To confirm these cellular influences in vivo, intratracheal administration of each type of MWCNT was performed by pharyngeal aspiration in the mouse lung. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed increase of inflammatory monocyte in MWNT-7 exposed animals at 1week after. In addition, neutrophils in the BALF were also significantly increased MWNT-7 exposed animals at 1 week and 1 month after. Aspiration of MWNT-7 caused formation of granulomas in the lung. Formation of the granulomas was not observed in the case of MWCNT-B. These results suggest that cellular uptake of the MWCNTs by phagocytosis and chemokine induction is important aspects of their toxicity.

We fabricated an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) using a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)-CTMA (cetyltrimethylammonium) lipid complex as an active charge transport layer to elucidate the semiconducting characteristics of the DNA-CTMA complex. From these OLED characteristics, we conclude that a DNA-CTMA layer preferentially transports holes rather than electrons. Furthermore, in using sandwiched device structures with the DNA-CTMA layer, we conclude that the DNA-CTMA layer basically possesses both hole and electron transport abilities and preferentially transports holes due to a shallow lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level that prohibits an efficient electron injection from an adjacent carrier transport layer.

Methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer (MMAC) is a water-insoluble polymer with an acid anhydride group which reacts with amino groups of ligands to form stable amide bonds. MMAC was used to immobilize protein ligands on two kinds of supports, the wells of plastic microtitre plates for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and related methods, and gels for affinity adsorbents. The wells were first coated with MMAC and then allowed to react with proteins. The immobilization of proteins by this method was efficient and occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Shodex Et123, a gel having amino groups, was incubated with MMAC, and then the activated Shodex was used to immobilize high concentrations of proteins. Concanavalin A-Shodex thus obtained had high affinities and was successfully used for the high-performance liquid affinity chromatography of sugar derivatives on a short column.

Several class of dyes doped in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) derived from salmon show enhancement of fluorescence due to suppression of molecular aggregation. Also, some recent studies support electric conduction in DNA strands. Combination of these properties suggests the possibility to develop organic LED devices (OLED) based on biopolymer systems. Furthermore, the electroluminescence (EL) effect can be employed as a probe for electrical and optical properties of DNA. We fabricated OLED devices based on DNA- lipid complex and dopant dyes (ethidium bromide and fluorescein). Devices are composed of hole injection layer, dye-doped DNA-lipid layer and electrodues. OLED with ethidium bromide doped DNA showed LED emission under DC bias, but the origin of the emission was tris-(8- hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum(III)(Alq3) which was employed as an electron transporter. The current-voltage characteristics of the devices show apparent rectification behavior. From these experimental results, it is confirmed that DNA transports hole current under external DC bias. When employing fluorescein as a dopant in DNA and fabricating the devices without Alq3 layer, we observed emission from the dyes incorporated in DNA. Although the origins of the emission centers in spectra are not clear, it shows that the DNA-lipid complex will be basically applicable to OLED if additional improvements are made.

We report on highly efficient polymer light-emitting devices (PLEDs) achieved using a phosphorescent polymer, which is a copolymer that has bis(2-phenylpyridine)iridium (acetylacetonate) [Ir(ppy)2(acac)], N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (TPD) and 2-(4-biphenyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) as a side group. The phosphorescent polymer has an ambipolar charge-transport ability. An increase in PBD unit concentration allows an improvement in the efficiency of the PLEDs. Ba and Cs were used for electron-injection layers as well as Ca, to improve the electron injection. An external quantum efficiency of 11.8% and a power efficiency of 38.6lm∕W were obtained by using Cs. The results indicate that this can be attributed to an improvement in the charge balance of electrons and holes.

High-performance hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HP-HIC) was found to be an effective method for the separation of lectins into isolectin fractions. All of the purified lectins used in this study, Phaseolus vulgaris haemagglutinin (PHA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), and Arachis hypogaea agglutinin (AHA), were prepared by affinity chromatography. HP-HIC was performed on a column (15 X 2.1 cm) of TSK gel Phenyl-5PW at room temperature. The lectin sample, dissolved in 1.0 or 0.5 M ammonium sulphate in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) (PBS), was applied to the column and eluted with a linear gradient from 1.0 or 0.5 M ammonium sulphate in PBS to 0 M ammonium sulphate in PBS at a flow-rate of 4 ml/min. In the case of RCA, addition of glycerol to the elution buffer resulted in sharper isolectin peaks. PHA, WGA, RCA, and AHA were rapidly separated into 5, 5, 4, and 6 isolectins, respectively.