Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: The Fukushimura (welfare village), located in Toyohashi city, Japan, is a unique complex of various nursing home facilities including dementia homes, Day-care houses, homes for disabled and mentally retarded, and the Fukushimura Hospital. This village is totally managed by private sector, the Sawarabi Medical Cooperative. About 800 elderly people reside in this area.

Iron deposition in autopsied liver specimens from older patients receiving intravenous iron infusion.

Background: Vitamins and minerals are routinely administered by total parenteral nutrition (TPN). However, in Japan, adjustments in iron dosage are difficult because blended mineral preparations are often used. It is therefore unclear whether the iron content is appropriate in cases of long-term TPN.