[Development of a Virtual Reality Training Tool Promoted at Skill Acquisition in Preparatory Clinical Education for Pharmacy Students and Verification of Its Educational Effectiveness: Preparation of Liquid Medications].

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has garnered attention as an educational tool. It is believed to be beneficial to utilize VR technology for the acquisition of pharmacist skills. Therefore, we developed a VR training tool aimed at acquiring skills in the preparation of pharmaceuticals in preparatory clinical education for pharmacy students.

Comparison of the Effects of Diuretics on Pedal Edema in Patients with Cancer.

Background: The effectiveness of tolvaptan (T) for treating pedal edema remains unknown.

Objective: We aimed to clarify the effectiveness of diuretics, including T, on pedal edema in advanced cancer patients, and to compare patients' versus physicians' assessments of the effects.

Methods: Participants comprised 88 hospitalized cancer patients treated with T, loop diuretics (L), or spironolactone (S).

Disposal practices for unused and expired medications: pilot data from three cities in three countries.

To collect pilot data on medication disposal practices of unused and expired medications from three cities in three countries. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pittsburgh, United States (US); Turin, Italy; and Kobe, Japan. A convenience sampling was utilized through drug take-back programs in Pittsburgh, US; pharmacy customers in Turin, Italy; and pharmacy students and family members in Kobe, Japan.

Cross-cultural Comparison of Pharmacy Students' Attitudes, Knowledge, Practice, and Barriers Regarding Evidence-based Medicine.

To explore cultural influences on US and Japanese pharmacy students' evidence-based medicine (EBM) attitudes, knowledge, and behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey. Senior students in one pharmacy school in the United States and two pharmacy schools in Japan were invited to complete a 33-item survey instrument.

Can milnacipran used for neuropathic pain in patients with advanced cancer cause neuromuscular and somatosensory disorders?

Background: Milnacipran is one of the classes of drugs that are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is a promising drug for the treatment of neuropathic pain in patients with advanced cancer. However, we found that neuromuscular and somatosensory disorders occurred when milnacipran was used as an adjuvant analgesic.

Can anti-infective drugs improve the infection-related symptoms of patients with cancer during the terminal stages of their lives?

Background: Appropriate use of anti-infective drugs is essential in clinical practice. No evidence-based guidelines or protocols have been published on the appropriate use of anti-infective drugs in patients receiving palliative care as yet.

Methods: The medical records, which included the demographic data of patients, anti-infective drug use, bacteriologic findings, symptoms, and hematologic findings were reviewed retrospectively to determine the potential factors that contribute to symptom improvement of patients in terminal phase.