Background & Aims : The aim of this study was to investigate dual-task interference on maximum grip force while performing a grip and lift task. Moreover, the influence of handedness on maximum grip force, and the relationship between maximum grip force and subjective difficulty were also investigated. Methods : Eleven subjects took part in the study. The study experiment was comprised of one single task and three dual tasks : 1) grip and lift task, 2) grip and lift task with single-leg stance, 3) grip and lift task with eyes closed, and 4) grip and lift task with calculation. The experiment was conducted in both hands separately. Maximum grip force of four fingers (dominant/non-dominant×thumb/index finger) was compared among tasks and between hands. Results : We found that maximum grip force was increased mainly by the cognitive dual task in both hands, and that there was no difference between hands in the same task. There was a positive correlation between the perceived difficulty and maximum grip force in the dominant hand. Conclusion : Our results suggest that maximum grip force could serve as an objective index for

View full abstract

Purpose : The objective of this study was to reveal the impact of oxaliplatin-induced persistent peripheral neuropathy on the social life of colorectal cancer patients and to review their care and available support services. Patients and Methods : Data was collected from 19 colorectal cancer outpatients treated with oxaliplatin (≥850mg/m² in total) using semi-structured interviews, and the results were analyzed qualitatively and inductively. Results : The results revealed that the impacts of persistent peripheral neuropathy on the social life of colorectal cancer patients could be classified into the following 5 interrelated categories : "fear of the collapse of the foundation of their social life", "dependence and independence in activities of life associated with relationships with others", "fluctuation of self-concept in relation to other people", "deepening of intimacy triggered by numbness", and "numbness as a threat to the value of one's own existence". Conclusions : A hierarchy in the effects of persistent peripheral neuropathy on social life was observed, and the effects of neuropathy, including both mental and spiritual aspects, should therefore be considered in totality. Our study suggested that the comprehensive assessment of patients' persistent peripheral neuropathy is important.

View full abstract

Background and Objectives : There is a high suicide rate in A district in Gunma Prefecture with an aging and declining population. Subjects and Methods : We selected A distinct as the subject district, as well as 4 other districts as comparison regions. We studied regional differences in suicide rate in terms of the age, gender, suicide cause, occupation of the subjects, their marital status, and people who had lived with the subjects. Results : (1) In comparison with other districts, A distinct had a higher suicide rate among males in their twenties, forties, fifties, and seventies and among females in their seventies, a higher rate of suicides caused by economic problem or sexual relations, a higher suicide rate among working males, a high rate of divorce or being unmarried in males in their forties and fifties, and a high rate of bereavement in females aged seventy years or older. (2) In village areas, suicide age was higher than that in A district, suicide age among females was higher than that among males. Conclusion : There are some factors contributing to a high suicide rate in A district and its villages. Suicide prevention measures in these areas should be implemented taking these factors into consideration.

View full abstract

Background and Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the actual status of foot problems in elderly people visiting welfare centers for elderly citizens and analyze the relationships between diseases and foot problems, as well as the mutual relationships among foot problems, to clarify the mechanisms of development of foot problems. Subjects and Methods : We conducted a survey of the actual status of foot problems by observing the feet and conducting interviews of 101 visitors. The relationships between diseases and foot problems, as well as the mutual relationships among foot problems were analyzed by the x² test. Results : In regard to foot problems, xerosis cutis of the foot was seen in 44.6% of the subjects, followed in frequency by skin thickening in 40.6% and nail thickening in 37.6% of the subjects. All of xerosis cutis, skin thickening and nail thickening were related to the presence of hypertension. As to the mutual relationships among foot problems, there was a significant association between skin thickening and nail thickening, as well as between callus and ingrowing toenails. Conclusion : Although much remains unknown about the association between hypertension and foot problems, reduction in the peripheral circulatory function and use of antihypertensive diuretic drugs may have an influence. Considering the high rates of xerosis cutis and skin thickening encountered in the subjects, we consider that it would be useful to focus on foot care education for elderly people.

View full abstract

With the recent development of laparoscopic surgery, complications specific to this surgery have been reported. One of them is port-site hernia, which is the escape of an intraperitoneal organ through the port site. This complication is observed in several percent of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. One of the closure methods involves a closesure system . However, using the original method, we often encounter cases requiring a long closure time. In this study, we report our novel, straightforward method allowing port-site closure in a short time (trocar reinsertion method).

View full abstract