BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that exposure to paraben (Pb) and triclosan (TCS) is associated with allergies. However, Pb and TCS exposure in the Japanese population is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to examine such exposure among Japanese individuals with allergic diseases. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire survey to evaluate allergic outcomes and the collection of urine samples to examine Pb and TCS exposure. RESULTS: Pb containing daily commodities was used in 84.8% children. Pb use was positively associated with current atopic dermatitis (adjusted odds ratio, 4.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–17.3). Urinary Pb concentrations were increased significantly in those with current atopic dermatitis (AD) (median, 4.58 vs. 0; p < 0.0001), and showed an increased tendency in those with current wheeze (median, 3.45 vs. 1.81; p = 0.0535) in participants ≤15 years old. Urinary TCS concentration was under the limit of detection in all children. CONCLUSION: Urinary levels of Pb were associated with current AD in children. We should pay more attention about Pb and TCS.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Asthma ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Limit of Detection ; Odds Ratio ; Respiratory Sounds ; Triclosan

Purpose: General surgeons at regional hospitals should have the primary trauma care skills necessary to treat critically ill trauma patients to withstand transfer. This study was conducted to identify a consensus on primary trauma care skills for general surgeons. Methods: An initial list of acute care surgical skills was compiled, and revised by six trauma experts (acute care surgeons); 33 skills were nominated for inclusion in the Delphi consensus survey. Participants (councilors of the Japanese Society for Acute Care Surgery) were presented with the list of 33 trauma care skills and were asked (using web-based software) to rate how strongly they agreed or disagreed (using a 5-point Likert scale) with the necessity of each skill for a general surgeon. The reliability of consensus was predefined as Cronbach’s α ≥ 0.8, and trauma care skills were considered as primarily required when rated 4 (agree) or 5 (strongly agree) by ≥ 80% participants. Results: There were 117 trauma care specialists contacted to participate in the Delphi consensus survey panel. In the 1st round, 85 specialists participated (response rate: 72.6%). In the 2nd round, 66 specialists participated (response rate: 77.6%). Consensus was achieved after two rounds, reliability using Cronbach’s α was 0.94, and 34 items were identified as primary trauma care skills needed by general surgeons. Conclusion A consensus-based list of trauma care skills required by general surgeons was developed. This list can facilitate the development of a new trauma training course which has been optimized for general surgeons.

Few reports have described assessment methods or exercise interventions in detail for patients isolated with COVID-19. Here, we report our experience of providing physical therapy to these patients based on motor assessment with consideration of infection control. This study involved 4 patients with COVID-19 who needed physical therapy due to a fall or frailty during isolation. The assessment method used was intended to minimize physical contact, to be easily performed, and to reflect muscle strength and balance. Based on the assessment, we created exercise programs and provided exercise intervention to the patients in cooperation with nurses. One patient was discharged early; the other 3 patients showed improved motor function and activities of daily living as a result of the intervention in the acute ward. However, they needed ongoing rehabilitation in the rehabilitation ward. No physical therapists showed signs of COVID-19 infection. Performing motor assessments and providing exercise intervention to these patients isolated with COVID-19 contributed to motor improvement and enabled us to promptly determine whether they needed ongoing rehabilitation.