We aimed to evaluate the methods for identifying gluteal intramuscular injection sites by comparing the distributions of the sites identified by the segmental (1/4, 1/3), Clark and Hochstetter methods, and the interoperator variability of these methods.
　Relative to the sites identified by Clark's method, those identified by the segmental (1/4, 1/3) method were distributed in the more dorsal area, while those by Hochstetter's method were in the more caudal area. Sites identified by the segmental (1/4, 1/3) method were not only in the most dorsal area, but were also broadly distributed in a dorsoventral direction due to considerable interoperator variability. These findings suggest that the segmental (1/4, 1/3) method is associated with the risk of interfering with the sciatic nerve territory. The sites identified by Hochstetter's method tended to vary in a cephalocaudal direction and were attributed to differences in hand size among operators.
　 The sites identified by Clark's method were tightly distributed in the ventral side with little interoperator variability, suggesting that this method is more likely to avoid damage to nerves and blood vessels. However, because there are some difficulties determining the appropriate site using Clark's method, finding a method that allows for easy and simple identification of a gluteal intramuscular injection site remains on the agenda for future research.

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The purpose of the present study was to investigate the hygienic care of contracted hands conducted in the long-term care units of Japanese hospitals. A questionnaire survey was sent to 987 randomly sampled hospitals. A total of 590 words (59.8%) responded. Approximately 70% of them responded that the frequency of bathing was twice a week. The routine practice of washing hands was reported by about 60%. Almost all units used hand cones or “hand rolls” . About 70% of them said they used hand rolls to control the contamination of the palm and of the interdigital areas, to prevent finger nails pressing against the palm, to control the moisture of the skin, and to prevent odor. The most commonly reported deodorizing material used for hand rolls was green tea leaves. Hand rolls were disposed of after use in about 10% of the units ; in other words, they were recycled in many hospitals. About 40% of the units reported that they changed hand rolls every day. The issues to be improved regarding hygienic care of contracted hands included the inability to wash hands at a sufficient frequency, difficulty in washing hands in a water basin, and the absence of hand rolls that fit contracted hands. Further research is required to verify the effectiveness of hand rolls in maintaining the cleanliness of the hand, and to examine the effective use of hand rolls based on the characteristics of contracted hands.

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　 It is one of the fundamental role of nursing to ensure that a person get adequate high quality sleep. Though the relationship between individual variation in illunminance preference during the hypnagogic stage and the quality of sleep has not been sufficiently clarified, it is essential evidence for environmental coordination during sleep onset.
　In this study, the influence of individual variations in illuminance preference during hypnagogic stage on physiological function was analyzed and subjective evaluation tests were performed. Electroencephalogram and heart rate variability were used as indicators of physiological function, and the subjective evaluation was conducted by questionnaire.
　Under favored illuminance conditions, deep sleep was achieved at an earlier stage, showed an increase in parasympathetic activity, and subjective evaluation revealed that sleep was easily achieved. In conclusion, the results of our study provided fundamental evidence for environmental coordination at the time of sleep onset.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of autogenic training (AT) for anxiety and pain on physiological and psychological indicators in surgical patients.
　Breast cancer surgery patients (n=16) were assigned to one of two groups ; an experimental group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). The effects were evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV), heart rate, blood pressure, state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, 18-hour analgesic intake, and an introspection report. Subjects in the experimental group were taught resting formula and the first formula training for approximately 3 minutes, whereas in the control group, subjects remained at rest and closed their eyes for the same time period. Assessments were performed pre-and post-intervention on the day before of the surgery and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 2 ,and 3.
　AT significantly increased HF in the experimental group on POD 1 and 3. LF/HF, blood pressure, and heart rate had no significant effect. In the experimental group, interaction was observed to the STAI score on POD 1 (F (1,14) =5.675), p=0.032), and a main effect was observed on POD 2 (F (1,14) =4.99, p=0.042) in the experimental group.　Although 18-hour analgesic intake was reduced in the experimental group, there was no significant difference (p=0.060) between groups. VAS of pain was low during the three postoperative days. It was reported in the introspective reports that all patients in the experimental group were in a relaxed state.
　This study suggests AT may enhance the parasympathetic nervous activity and reduce anxiety and pain in patients after surgery．

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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