Structural associations between self-perception of support and knowledge of disability characteristics of autism spectrum disorder among staff in facilities providing after-school day services.

Background: We constructed a hypothetical model of the knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and self-perception of support of staff working in after-school day services to clarify structural relationships.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted at 194 facilities providing after-school day services in Fukushima Prefecture (October 2020), including a basic attributes questionnaire, the Literacy Scale of Characteristics of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (LS-ASD), and a staff questionnaire. We developed a hypothetical model of the relationship between self-perception and LS-ASD total scores of after-school service staff.

Investigation of walking speed and plantar pressure after chopart amputation.

Background: In foot amputation, Chopart amputation is considered to have a high risk of deformity, and can result in poor function. We experienced a case in which Chopart amputation combined with tendon transfer and tendon lengthening was performed, and the patient was eventually able to walk independently with a foot prosthesis without experiencing deformity of the foot. We investigated walking speed and plantar pressure after Chopart amputation with and without a foot prosthesis.

Reference values of lumbar spine range of motion by sex and age based on the assessment of supine trunk lateral bending-A preliminary study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the preliminary reference values for the lumbar spine range of motion associated with lateral bending exercises by gender and age group. [Methods] Subjects were 82 volunteers without low back pain, including five males and five females in each age group from 16-19 to 80-89 years. All subjects underwent radiographs of the lumbar spine with lateral flexion; the range of lateral flexion of the vertebrae from T12 to the sacrum (ROLB) was measured twice by three observers.

Chopart amputation with tendon balancing.

Background: When foot necrosis occurs due to lower limb blood flow disorder caused by diabetes or peripheral arterial occlusion, many patients require lower limb amputation. The functional prognosis after lower limb amputation largely depends on whether the heel can be preserved. However, there are many reports that Chopart amputation causes varus and equinus deformity, and is functionally unfavorable.

Total Talar Replacement for Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Talus: Investigation of Clinical Outcomes, Pain, ADL, QOL.

Background: Treatment of osteonecrosis of the talus is challenging. Nonoperative management includes nonweightbearing treatment. Various types of hindfoot fusion procedures have been performed, but delayed union and shortening of the operated leg have reportedly occurred.

Psychologic distress and QOL in medical staff after a disaster: A longitudinal 4-year study.

Aiming to improve post-disaster care of medical staff, we conducted an early and ongoing assessment of post-disaster psychologic distress and quality of life (QOL) in one center of a disaster-response hospital. Twelve days after the Great East Japan Earthquake, as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant crisis was unfolding, we began a survey to examine the physical and mental state of medical staff to assess their motivation toward work. Surveys were administered in March 2011 (Survey 1), March 2012 (Survey 2), March 2013 (Survey 3), March 2014 (Survey 4), and March 2015 (Survey 5).

Rapid response system in Japanese outpatient departments based on online registry: Multicentre observational study.

Aim: The rapid response system (RRS) has become well known as a patient safety system to reduce adverse in-patient events, and it is also required to respond to patients in the outpatient department. However, only few studies have reported on the RRS in the outpatient department. We analysed the current status of the RRS in the outpatient department based on a multicentre online registry in Japan.

Responsiveness of the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) in patients with hallux valgus.

Background: In this study, we investigated the responsiveness of the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) for patient's assessment before and after hallux valgus surgery.

Methods: Patient-reported answers on the SAFE-Q and Short Form-36 (SF-36) before and at a mean of 3-4 and 9-12 months after hallux valgus surgery were analyzed. Data of 100 patients (92 women, eight men) from 36 institutions throughout Japan were used for analysis.

Osteochondroma of the Tibial Sesamoid: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Osteochondroma, one of the most common benign bone tumors, frequently occurs in the metaphysis of the long bones. We report an extremely rare case of osteochondroma that occurred in the tibial sesamoid. The patient was a 62-year-old Japanese male.

Pain, quality of life and activity in aged evacuees living in temporary housing after the Great East Japan earthquake of 11 March 2011: a cross-sectional study in Minamisoma City, Fukushima prefecture.

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify pain, quality of life and activity in the aged evacuees living in temporary housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study performed in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture 1 year and 6 months after the disaster. Inclusion criteria were the ability to walk independently and consent to answer questionnaires.

Analysis of the contribution of wind drift factor to oil slick movement under strong tidal condition: Hebei Spirit oil spill case.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the wind drift factor under strong tidal conditions in the western coastal area of Korea on the movement of oil slicks caused by the Hebei Spirit oil spill accident in 2007. The movement of oil slicks was computed using a simple simulation model based on the empirical formula as a function of surface current, wind speed, and the wind drift factor. For the simulation, the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) model and Automatic Weather System (AWS) were used to generate tidal and wind fields respectively.