The purpose of the present study was to reduce absorbed dose rates in air by means of the X-ray tube protector in the X-ray fluoroscopy room. We measured absorbed dose rates in air using an ionization chamber type survey meter, made the scatter radiation maps and worked out the reduction rate of absorbed dose rates in air. Absorbed dose rate in air reduced 75-90% with use of the X-ray tube protector. Especially, absorbed dose rate in air reduced 85-90% at the height of crystalline lens and thyroid gland of the X-ray technician near the patient. It was suggested X-ray protector could reduce the risk of radiation exposure of radiologists effectively.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between exercise group characteristics and participation intention in elderly individuals via conjoint analysis. A total of 977 individuals (591 males and 386 females) aged ≥60 years were enrolled in the study. The included exercise groups comprised five factors: 1) instructor (professionals, university students, or volunteers); 2) place (1, 5, or 10 km); 3) expected effect (maintaining or increasing physical fitness, preventing dementia, or relieving stress); 4) characteristics (interaction, gaming, or self-pace); and 5) fee (free, 500 yen, or 1,000 yen). A total of 18 exercise groups were created by the orthogonal table. The choice-based conjoint comprised nine choice tasks. Among these, participants were required to choose between two exercise groups or no-choice option. The utility was higher for each factor as follows: 1) professional instructor, 2) closer place, 3) expected maintenance or increased physical fitness, 4) self-pace, and 5) free. The degree of each factor’s utility differed according to sex or exercise habits. Specifically, females had higher utility for university students than males, and those who had regular exercise habits had higher utility for professional instructors than those who did not. The results of the present study may help develop strategies to stimulate elder individuals in exercise-group participation.

Introduction: We experienced a case of lung cancer in which arthrocentesis and radiation were effective in treating pain caused by malignant joint fluid. Case: An 80-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of right shoulder pain and difficulty in raising his right hand. Whole body computed tomography (CT) showed right lung tumor, multiple liver metastases and multiple bone metastases. There were also bone metastases in the right scapula and joint fluid accumulation in the right shoulder joint. He was irradiated for bone metastases in the right scapula, but the pain remained, although it had not worsened. Therefore, an arthrocentesis of the right shoulder joint was performed and pain was alleviated. In addition, the diagnosis of non-small cell carcinoma was made by joint fluid cytology. A biopsy was also taken from the right lung tumor, and as the histological diagnosis was similar to that of the joint fluid, chemotherapy was started. CT after the start of treatment showed a decrease in the right shoulder joint fluid and no progression of right scapular metastases. Conclusion: In case of malignant joint fluid associated with bone metastases, a severe prognosis is expected, but arthrocentesis and irradiation can reduce pain.