Though it has been reported that in Western developed countries socioeconomic status is associated with non-communicable diseases (NCD), there are sparse evidence from Japan, midst an income gap that has been pointed ...Though it has been reported that in Western developed countries socioeconomic status is associated with non-communicable diseases (NCD), there are sparse evidence from Japan, midst an income gap that has been pointed out in recent years. Therefore, we examined the presence or absence of NCD and the number of comorbidities according to household income in Japanese, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2010. 1287 men and 1659 women aged 20 - 79 years from households at 3 income levels (<2, 2 - 5.9, ≥6 million yen) were analyzed. Participants completed questionnaires regarding whether they had been diagnosed with NCD, as well as undergoing clinical laboratory tests. Logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analysis with adjustment for age, gender, household size, and population of municipalities. The prevalences of participants with high, medium, and low income were 22.3%, 57.6%, and 20.2%, respectively. Participants with the lowest income had the highest odds of hypertension (OR [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.71 [1.29 - 2.26], p p = 0.041), and stroke (5.07 [2.04 - 12.60] p < 0.001). Additionally, prevalences of participants with 2 or 3 NCD (hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia) were 15.0% and 33.0% in high and low income levels, respectively. A low income could contribute to a high prevalence of NCD and large number of comorbidities among Japanese. Establishing a health policy in Japan is needed to enable an optimal health condition and lifestyle regardless of socioeconomic disparities.展开更多
In the United States,schools offer special education services to children who are diagnosed with a learning or neurodevelopmental disorder and have difficulty meeting their learning goals.Pediatricians may play a key ...In the United States,schools offer special education services to children who are diagnosed with a learning or neurodevelopmental disorder and have difficulty meeting their learning goals.Pediatricians may play a key role in helping children access special education services.The number of children ages 6-21 in the United States receiving special education services increased 10.4%from 2006 to 2021.Children receiving special education services under the autism category increased 242%during the same period.The demand for special education services for children under the developmental delay and other health impaired categories increased by 184%and 83%respectively.Although student enrollment in American schools has remained stable since 2006,the percentage distribution of children receiving special education services nearly tripled for the autism category and quadrupled for the developmental delay category by 2021.Allowable heavy metal residues remain persistent in the American food supply due to food ingredient manufacturing processes.Numerous clinical trial data indicate heavy metal exposures and poor diet are the primary epigenetic factors responsible for the autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder epidemics.Dietary heavy metal exposures,especially inorganic mercury and lead may impact gene behavior across generations.In 2021,the United States Congress found heavy metal residues problematic in the American food supply but took no legislative action.Mandatory health warning labels on select foods may be the only way to reduce dietary heavy metal exposures and improve child learning across generations.展开更多
AIM To identify potential anti-cancer constituents in natural extracts that inhibit cancer cell growth and migration. METHODS Our experiments used high dose thymoquinone (TQ) as an inhibitor to arrest LoVo (a human co...AIM To identify potential anti-cancer constituents in natural extracts that inhibit cancer cell growth and migration. METHODS Our experiments used high dose thymoquinone (TQ) as an inhibitor to arrest LoVo (a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line) cancer cell growth, which was detected by cell proliferation assay and immunoblotting assay. Low dose TQ did not significantly reduce LoVo cancer cell growth. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that is involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in humans. PGE2 can promote COX-2 protein expression and tumor cell proliferation and was used as a control. RESULTS Our results showed that 20 mu mol/L TQ significantly reduced human LoVo colon cancer cell proliferation. TQ treatment reduced the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK3 beta, and beta-catenin and thereby inhibited the downstream COX-2 expression. Results also showed that the reduction in COX-2 expression resulted in a reduction in PGE2 levels and the suppression of EP2 and EP4 activation. Further analysis showed that TG treatment inhibited the nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in LoVo cancer cells. The levels of the cofactors LEF-1 and TCF-4 were also decreased in the nucleus following TQ treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with low dose TQ inhibited the COX-2 expression at the transcriptional level and the regulation of COX-2 expression efficiently reduced LoVo cell migration. The results were further verified in vivo by confirming the effects of TQ and/or PGE2 using tumor xenografts in nude mice. CONCLUSION TQ inhibits LoVo cancer cell growth and migration, and this result highlights the therapeutic advantage of using TQ in combination therapy against colorectal cancer.展开更多
The bioavailability of docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) depends on their chemical forms. This study investigated the long-term effects of DHA-bound triglyceride(TG-DHA), DHA-bound phospholipid(...The bioavailability of docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) depends on their chemical forms. This study investigated the long-term effects of DHA-bound triglyceride(TG-DHA), DHA-bound phospholipid(PL-DHA), and the combination of TG-DHA and egg yolk phospholipid(Egg-PL) on lipid metabolism in mice fed with a high-fat diet(fat levels of 22.5%). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with different formulations containing 0.5% DHA, including TG-DHA, PL-DHA, and the combination of TG-DHA and Egg-PL, for 6 weeks. Serum, hepatic, and cerebral lipid concentrations and the fatty acid compositions of the liver and brain were determined. The concentrations of serum total triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c), and hepatic TG in the PL-DHA group and the combination group were significantly lower than those in the high-fat(HF) group(P < 0.05). Atherogenic index(AI) of the PL-DHA group was significantly lower than that of the combination group(P < 0.05). Hepatic TC level in the combination group was significantly lower than that in the HF group(P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the combination group and the PL-DHA group. Both the PL-DHA and the combination groups showed significantly increased DHA levels in the liver compared with the HF group(P < 0.05). However, there were no obvious increases in the cerebral DHA levels in all DHA diet groups. These results suggest that PL-DHA was superior to the combination of TG-DHA and Egg-PL in decreasing the AI. Long-term dietary supplementation with low amount of DHA(0.5%) may improve hepatic DHA levels, although cerebral DHA levels may not be enhanced.展开更多
This survey was conducted with the aim of clarifying and providing guidance regarding correct lifestyle and exercise habits from adolescence in order to prevent the development of osteoporosis. The subjects included 1...This survey was conducted with the aim of clarifying and providing guidance regarding correct lifestyle and exercise habits from adolescence in order to prevent the development of osteoporosis. The subjects included 195 Japanese adult females. We measured their calcaneal bone density by ultrasonography, the index of which was determined as SOS (Speed of Sound). We examined their physical characteristics, health conditions, amount of physical activity, exercise history, and eating habits, and then analyzed the relationship thereof with bone density. No significant correlation was found between height, weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), or body fat percentage and the SOS value. Moreover, the bone density among those with a history of exercise was high. Breaking it down, we obtained results such as the fact that exercise habits during the junior and senior high school years had a great impact on the acquisition of peak bone mass, although no relationship between exercise habits and bone density was found during the elementary school years. Furthermore, as the bone density of students who continued exercising in junior and senior high school indicated high values, continuity of exercise during the growth period (during puberty) is believed to have a great impact on peak bone mass. Upon investigating the content of meals including foods which have a positive impact on the bones, “bean and bean products” and “green and yellow vegetables” were found to be related to bone density. From the above, the effect that the lifestyle of young adult females had on bone density was partially clarified. In particular, one factor which had a strong relationship with current bone density was exercise history during the junior and senior high school periods. It was clarified that continuously engaging in exercise and placing strain on the bones during these periods lead to high bone density acquisition.展开更多
There is a long history of studies on the bad influence of smoking on our bodies, with many study results accumulated to date indicating a decline in the smoking rate. However, the smoking rate in Japan is still highe...There is a long history of studies on the bad influence of smoking on our bodies, with many study results accumulated to date indicating a decline in the smoking rate. However, the smoking rate in Japan is still higher than that in other countries. In order to reveal the various influences due to smoking, we examined the changes in lifestyle and vitality prior to and the following smoking, targeting college students who are at the early age of starting to smoke. The subjects were 213 college students (83 men and 130 women). Smoking frequency as well as sleeping, eating habits, exercise, and vitality as a lifestyle were surveyed through a questionnaire survey. As a result of comparing smoking and lifestyle between the smoking group and non-smoking group, in terms of sleep, the bedtime and wake-up time tended to be late in the smoking group. Regarding eating habits, there was a tendency for the smoking group to have a high rate of skipping breakfast and a high intake rate of midnight snacks. Regarding exercise, the number of people exercising on a daily basis was small in both the smoking group and the non-smoking group, with no significant difference observed. Therefore, this study revealed that smoking has a negative influence on some aspects of lifestyle. There was no significant relationship in terms of the effects of smoking on vitality. Going forward, it will be necessary to clarify the negative effects of smoking on mental health.展开更多
Self-esteem is an important factor in the rise of depression cases among children and adolescents. In order to build self-esteem, it is important for parents to respect their children, acknowledge their value, and alw...Self-esteem is an important factor in the rise of depression cases among children and adolescents. In order to build self-esteem, it is important for parents to respect their children, acknowledge their value, and always encourage them, as well as for teachers to acknowledge their character and ability, in addition to allowing them to experience success. At the same time, voices calling for parents and teachers to rediscover their willingness and responsibility to scold children when necessary have also been growing. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the association between self-esteem and the way of scolding. With 311 university students as the study subjects, self-esteem and the relevant factors thereof were evaluated. As a result, no association was observed between the way of being scolded and self-esteem. Moreover, the reasons for being scolded were also not associated with self-esteem. However, regarding the association between the degree of acceptance (convinced by the way of being scolded) and self-esteem, it was revealed that student groups with higher self-esteem had a higher degree of acceptance. This suggested that self-esteem is associated with whether or not the people being scolded are convinced, as opposed to the way of being scolded or the reason for being scolded. Therefore, it was suggested that building a good relationship with those you scold is more important than the way of scolding.展开更多
This study examined the effects of the textural properties and chemical components of foods on masseter activity patterns. Ten healthy young participants (seven men and three women) were asked to chew four gummy candi...This study examined the effects of the textural properties and chemical components of foods on masseter activity patterns. Ten healthy young participants (seven men and three women) were asked to chew four gummy candies with different flavors while their masseter activities were recorded by a surface electromyogram. The masseter activity patterns during chewing were analyzed quantitatively using a TP technique, generating three TP values (T25, T50 and T75). The textural analysis included four representative properties, and six sugars and four organic acids were tested in the chemical analysis. The hierarchical cluster analysis classified the T25 and T75 values into four subclusters and classified the T50 values into three subclusters. Two T75 subclusters differed significantly in the combined amounts of the two predominant sugars (sucrose and maltose);however, these T75 subclusters did not differ in their organic acid contents or textural properties. Therefore, sucrose and maltose affect masseter activity patterns during chewing, particularly in the later stage of masseter activity.展开更多
While fatty acids play essential roles in the physiology of the myocardium,conventional culture media contain little lipid.We previously revealed that rat neonatal myocardium mainly contains docosahexaenoic(DHA),linol...While fatty acids play essential roles in the physiology of the myocardium,conventional culture media contain little lipid.We previously revealed that rat neonatal myocardium mainly contains docosahexaenoic(DHA),linoleic(LA),and arachidonic(AA)acids as polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs),and these contents in cultured cardiomyocytes derived from fetal rats were markedly lower than those in the neonatal myocardium.In this study,we first assessed the effects of supplementation of DHA,LA,or AA on the fatty acid contents and the percentage change of contractile area in primarily cultured rat cardiomyocytes.Based on this assessment,we then evaluated the effects of DHA or AA supplementation on mRNA expression and further directly measured the contractile force of cardiomyocytes with the supplementations.This study revealed that percentage change of contractile area was maximized under 20μM DHA or 50μM AA supplementation while LA supplementation did not affect this contraction index,and that a widespread upregulation tendency of the mRNA expression related to differentiation,maturity,fatty acid metabolism,and cell adhesion was seen in the cultured cardiomyocytes with supplementation of DHA or AA.In particular,upregulation of the gene expression of cellular adhesion molecules connexin43 and N-cadherin were remarkable,whereas the effects on differentiation and maturation were less pronounced.Correspondingly,the increase of the percentage change of the contractile area of cardiomyocyte clusters in culture dishes with the supplementations was significant,whereas the enhancement of the contractile force was modest.These results suggest that supplementation of DHA or AA to the fetal cardiomyocyte culture may play effective roles in preventing the de-differentiation of the cardiomyocytes in culture and that the enhancement of the contractile performance may be mainly attributed to the improvement of intercellular connection.展开更多
The aim of this study was to quantify the relationships between four physiological parameters of masseter activity during chewing and properties related to the sizes and textures of the six representative test foods. ...The aim of this study was to quantify the relationships between four physiological parameters of masseter activity during chewing and properties related to the sizes and textures of the six representative test foods. The physiological parameters analyzed were the number of chewing cycles, chewing time, masseter amplitude, and cycle duration, which were obtained from masseter surface electromyography recorded in ten (seven male and three female) healthy, young participants. The six test foods differed in size dimensions (length, width, and height) and in textural properties (hardness, fracturability, and adhesiveness). The quantitative relationships were examined using linear regression. Nine statistically significant regression coefficients were found between the four physiological parameters and the textural properties, but not the height, of the test foods. From the regression coefficients, contributions of the food properties to the physiological parameters were estimated. Individual relationships between the physiological parameters and textural properties of the test foods are discussed in relation to their physiological implications.展开更多
Salt reduction policies have been implemented throughout the world as well as in Japan. However, most of the current questionnaires for estimating salt intake are apt to be based on empirical evidence. This study was ...Salt reduction policies have been implemented throughout the world as well as in Japan. However, most of the current questionnaires for estimating salt intake are apt to be based on empirical evidence. This study was aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire for predicting high salt intake based on salt usage using dietary behaviors that affect salt intake in cooperation with Niigata prefecture, Japan. The study was comprised of 760 participants aged 21 - 79 years (Men%: 49%) living in Niigata. Participants completed a questionnaire about dietary behaviors potentially relevant to salt intake. Second morning voiding urine for estimating dietary salt intake per day was collected on the same day. The relationship of estimated dietary salt intake to answers on the questionnaire was examined using analysis of covariance for age, gender, body mass index, and whether taking medication or not. Ten items on the questionnaire revealed an association with dietary salt intake per day: making oneself gorge on a meal, having ≥2 different staples per meal, having a 1-dish meal, number of simmered dishes per day, variety of pickled vegetables per day, having salt-cured fish eggs per day, quantity of soup consumed when eating noodles, preference for strong-tasting meals, frequency of eating out, and frequency of alcohol consumption.The current study identified 10 dietary behaviors that enabled the development of a salt intake questionnaire for identifying specific dietary behaviors for assessing regions and/or individuals when attempting to encourage salt reduction.展开更多
Miraculin is a glycoprotein, and it changes the perceived quality and intensity of tastes (especially, sourness and sweetness). The oral application of miraculin in a high concentration elicits a strong sweetness for ...Miraculin is a glycoprotein, and it changes the perceived quality and intensity of tastes (especially, sourness and sweetness). The oral application of miraculin in a high concentration elicits a strong sweetness for sour tastants. However, the mixing of different tastants increases or decreases the intensity of the taste elicited in comparison with the intensities elicited by the individual sour tastants. The synergy between different (e.g., sweetness and sourness) or similar taste qualities can be responsible for the changes in the perceived taste intensities. Despite the characteristics of miraculin and the sour tastant mixtures, the effects of miraculin on mixed acid solutions are still unknown. The goals of this study were to assess the following: 1) the intensities of the sourness and sweetness of mixed acid solutions before and after the oral application of miraculin and 2) the intensity of the sweetness of the mixed acid solutions after the oral application of miraculin. For twenty healthy young adults, sensory evaluation experiments examined the perceived intensities of taste (sweetness, sourness, and astringency) and the overall odor of six organic acid solutions (2.3 × 10–2 M of citric acid and three-binary and two-trinary mixtures including citric acid that ranged from 2.24 to 2.48 in average pH). The application of miraculin elicited sufficient sweetness, but it did not show statistically significant differences in the intensities of sweetness among the six acid solutions. Except for the sweetness, all of the four sensory items exhibited significant changes among the six solutions both before and after the application of miraculin, while the average scores for these items did not correlate with the average solution pH values. These results suggest that the binary and trinary mixed acid solutions affect the sourness both before and after the oral application of miraculan;however, there was no effect on the sweetness.展开更多
The present study aimed to examine the effects of rice particles in test foods and their visual appearance on oral textural perceptions. One original and three filtered Amazake (a traditional Japanese beverage made fr...The present study aimed to examine the effects of rice particles in test foods and their visual appearance on oral textural perceptions. One original and three filtered Amazake (a traditional Japanese beverage made from malted rice) preparations were used as test foods. Three physical measurements of the test foods were conducted at room temperature: linear spread test, viscosity, and concentration of rice particles. Results of these three measurements formed two groups with lesser and more filtered test foods. Sensory evaluation experiments using a paired comparison test in 32 healthy young participants revealed the following: 1) the estimates of “grittiness in the mouth” (mouth feel) and “grittiness at a glance” of the test foods also comprised two groups, similar to the results of the physical measurements, 2) estimates of textural “smoothness” resulted in two groups, with a half-range of two items of “grittiness”, and 3) estimates of “sweetness” and “odor intensity” were similar to each other than to the other three items. Functional relationships between physical properties and characteristics of the test foods and sensory evaluation of their grittiness (oral, textural, and visual) of Amazake are discussed.展开更多
We studied the relationship between dieting and bone density among female college students and the current state thereof. Female college students are generally thin, with the time to giving birth and raising the next ...We studied the relationship between dieting and bone density among female college students and the current state thereof. Female college students are generally thin, with the time to giving birth and raising the next generation approaching. We expect the results of this study will be useful in improving health guidance. The subjects consisted of 124 female college students. Their average age was 21.4. The ultrasonic propagation velocity of the heel bone was measured as the bone density value. Body height, weight, and BMI (Body mass index) were also measured. Further, a multiple choice and short answer survey was conducted regarding their desire to be thin and dieting. Classifying the subjects by BMI, 16 students were underweight (13%), 102 students were of normal weight (84%), and 4 students were overweight (3%). 95% of those in the normal weight group had a desire to be thin, while 44% of the underweight group had a desire to be thin. Moreover, 31% of those in the normal weight group were currently on a diet, while 21% of the underweight group was also on a diet. The distribution of bone density (%YAM value: Young Adult Mean) was as follows: 61 students (49%) were in the high density group (≥100);58 students (47%) were in the middle density group (≥80 - <100);and 5 students (4%) were in the low density group (<80). The more the bone density decreased, the greater the proportion of students with dieting experience. Among students with no dieting experience, the %YAM value was high when the BMI value was high. All of the students in the low density group had a desire to be thin, even though their bone density was low. Students who do not need to be thin had a desire to be thin and were considering continuing dieting going forward. Moreover, some students fell into the %YAM low density group, which is worrisome for the future. It is believed necessary to reinforce health guidance regarding dieting and bone density in school education. In particular, it is necessary to improve guidance since we observed a lack of knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention.展开更多
This study aimed to analyze frequencies of flavor detection signals occurring in any of the three respiratory phases and either of the two masticatory phases. Flavors of three fruity (grape, orange, and strawberry) gu...This study aimed to analyze frequencies of flavor detection signals occurring in any of the three respiratory phases and either of the two masticatory phases. Flavors of three fruity (grape, orange, and strawberry) gummy candies in the mouth were detected after chewing in 24 young healthy participants. The results revealed that: 1) more detection signals occurred in the expiratory phase than in the inspiratory or pausing phases and 2) more detection signals occurred in the jaw-closing phase than in the jaw-opening phase. Statistical analysis showed that the difference between the frequencies among the three respiratory phases was significant (P < 0.001) but not between the two masticatory phases. Further analysis showed that the frequencies occurring within individual respiratory phases were not significantly biased. The present results suggest that flavor detection during chewing depends more on the expiratory phase rather than the inspiratory and pausing phases, whereas detection is dependent to a lesser extent on either of the masticatory phases.展开更多
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is widely known in our society. The symptoms of PTSD are particularly believed to occur predominantly in children. We believe that Yogo teachers, who play a role in maintaining an...Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is widely known in our society. The symptoms of PTSD are particularly believed to occur predominantly in children. We believe that Yogo teachers, who play a role in maintaining and promoting the health of children, are expected to provide appropriate support for children with a tendency for PTSD. In this study, we investigated the tendency for PTSD in students at University, as well as self-esteem related to depression and anxiety. Furthermore, we clarified the relationship between PTSD and self-esteem and examined the support provided by Yogo teachers. As a result, it was found that the higher the tendency for PTSD, the lower the self-esteem. We believe that the onset of PTSD causes a decline in memory ability and attentional function, which interferes with one’s life and leads to self-denial, resulting in a decline in self-esteem among those with a high tendency for PTSD. These results suggest that Yogo teachers should provide support to prevent the onset of PTSD in child students due to accidents, incidents, natural disasters, etc., as well as support to prevent the decline in self-esteem associated with the onset of PTSD.展开更多
Background: Growth retardation is a challenge in Bangladesh. School feeding programs with fortified biscuits have been evaluated in Bangladesh. However, the impacts of a school meal program using local foods on the gr...Background: Growth retardation is a challenge in Bangladesh. School feeding programs with fortified biscuits have been evaluated in Bangladesh. However, the impacts of a school meal program using local foods on the growth and nutritional status of children have not been investigated. Objective: To determine whether a school meal program (SMP) using local foods with soybean could improve children’s growth and micronutrient status in rural Bangladesh. Methods: Two primary schools were randomly assigned as intervention (SMP;n = 200) and control (non-SMP;n = 200) schools. Children in the intervention school were supplied a school meal with local foods including soybean, containing more than one-third of the recommended daily allowance of energy and nutrients, 5 days/week for 8 months. The attendance rate and school lunch consumption of the children were monitored. Baseline and final anthropometry, hemoglobin and micronutrient status were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences in anthropometric measurements at baseline between the intervention and control groups, but there were differences in the prevalence of anemia, vitamin A deficiency and zinc deficiency. After the intervention, children in the SMP school showed a larger degree of improvement in the height-for-age Z-score (P Conclusion: A school meal program using local foods with soybean improved the height velocity and hemoglobin concentration of children in rural Bangladesh.展开更多
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2009) reports that each year 76 million cases of foodborne illness occur with over 300,000 people hospitalized and 5000 deaths. This study, phase I of a continuin...The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2009) reports that each year 76 million cases of foodborne illness occur with over 300,000 people hospitalized and 5000 deaths. This study, phase I of a continuing study, identifies key areas for food safety improvement. This study is designed as an exploratory evaluation of independently owned and operated delicatessen operations, using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as indicators to assess food handling and the public’s risk for pathogenic contamination from commonly served ready-to-eat/take-away foods. The analysis consisted of a comprehensive strategy of laboratory testing of samples for pathogenic contamination, informal field observation of food handling procedures, and the examination of the most recent health inspection reports for each of the 18 operations visited. The deli turkey, cream cheese and lettuce were tested using bacteria indicator plates. The results showed widespread levels of contamination. Of the 54 samples tested for Escherichia coli, 26 showed positive results which are ~45% for E. coli contamination. Of the 54 samples tested for Staphy-lococcus aureus, 31 showed positive results which are ~57% for S. aureus contamination. One issue discovered while conducting the study was the lack of consistent uniform international standards of contamination tolerance levels. The informal field observations and health report analyses revealed widespread temperature violations and numerous instances of poor food handling. The study offers independent practitioners a strategy designed to improve their health inspections scores, food handling, and mitigation of operator liability. Independent operators traditionally do not enjoy the resources of centralized supervision and expert on-staff training;yet in aggregate they account for significant volume in both dollars and the quantity of product served. This study adds needed scrutiny to this important food niche.展开更多
Background: The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of lifestyle self-monitoring for the improvement of the IBS and reveal what has been changed due to the intervention. Methods: A total of 111 nursing school...Background: The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of lifestyle self-monitoring for the improvement of the IBS and reveal what has been changed due to the intervention. Methods: A total of 111 nursing school students were randomized into three groups, two intervention groups (a two-month intervention group, n = 34, and a four-month intervention group, n = 35) and a control group (n = 34). The intervention groups conducted lifestyle self-monitoring in conjunction with a 15-minutes group work for either two or four months. The primary outcome measure was Rome II criteria for IBS. Other outcome measures were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). They were assessed at the baseline and the end of both of the intervention periods. Analysis was conducted as intention-to-treat. Results: The prevalence of IBS did not change significantly after the intervention in any of the groups. The HAD-A score, a subscale of the HADS score for anxiety, decreased 1.4 points in the two-month intervention group (p = 0.02) and 2.3 points in the four-month intervention group of (p = 0.01) after intervention. The average GSRS decreased 0.2 points in the control group (p = 0.05) and 0.3 points in the four-month intervention group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Lifestyle self-monitoring for two or four months did not reduce the prevalence of the IBS significantly, but it did decrease anxiety and improved the QOL related to gastrointestinal symptoms in female nursing school students.展开更多
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the frequency of mastication on cerebral activation and task scores for computational tasks. Eleven healthy subjects participated in the present study (nin...The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the frequency of mastication on cerebral activation and task scores for computational tasks. Eleven healthy subjects participated in the present study (nine women, two men). Subjects carried out the Uchida-Kraepelin Test for 15 min before and after chewing tasteless gum for five minutes. The oxygenation of the left prefrontal cortex was monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy during the computational tasks. Task scores did not differ significantly according to chewing frequency (p > 0.05). Conversely, the oxygenation value measured after mastication at a chewing frequency of 110 times/minute (Hz) was significantly higher than that observed before mastication (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, before and after levels of oxygenation did not differ significantly for chewing frequencies of 30 Hz and 70 Hz (p > 0.05 for both). The results of the present study suggest that tasteless mastication does not enhance calculation performance, while a high mastication frequency demonstrates an influence on oxygenation. However, our study indicates that chewing tasteless gum per se does not increase cognitive performance.展开更多
文摘Though it has been reported that in Western developed countries socioeconomic status is associated with non-communicable diseases (NCD), there are sparse evidence from Japan, midst an income gap that has been pointed out in recent years. Therefore, we examined the presence or absence of NCD and the number of comorbidities according to household income in Japanese, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2010. 1287 men and 1659 women aged 20 - 79 years from households at 3 income levels (<2, 2 - 5.9, ≥6 million yen) were analyzed. Participants completed questionnaires regarding whether they had been diagnosed with NCD, as well as undergoing clinical laboratory tests. Logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analysis with adjustment for age, gender, household size, and population of municipalities. The prevalences of participants with high, medium, and low income were 22.3%, 57.6%, and 20.2%, respectively. Participants with the lowest income had the highest odds of hypertension (OR [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.71 [1.29 - 2.26], p p = 0.041), and stroke (5.07 [2.04 - 12.60] p < 0.001). Additionally, prevalences of participants with 2 or 3 NCD (hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia) were 15.0% and 33.0% in high and low income levels, respectively. A low income could contribute to a high prevalence of NCD and large number of comorbidities among Japanese. Establishing a health policy in Japan is needed to enable an optimal health condition and lifestyle regardless of socioeconomic disparities.
文摘In the United States,schools offer special education services to children who are diagnosed with a learning or neurodevelopmental disorder and have difficulty meeting their learning goals.Pediatricians may play a key role in helping children access special education services.The number of children ages 6-21 in the United States receiving special education services increased 10.4%from 2006 to 2021.Children receiving special education services under the autism category increased 242%during the same period.The demand for special education services for children under the developmental delay and other health impaired categories increased by 184%and 83%respectively.Although student enrollment in American schools has remained stable since 2006,the percentage distribution of children receiving special education services nearly tripled for the autism category and quadrupled for the developmental delay category by 2021.Allowable heavy metal residues remain persistent in the American food supply due to food ingredient manufacturing processes.Numerous clinical trial data indicate heavy metal exposures and poor diet are the primary epigenetic factors responsible for the autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder epidemics.Dietary heavy metal exposures,especially inorganic mercury and lead may impact gene behavior across generations.In 2021,the United States Congress found heavy metal residues problematic in the American food supply but took no legislative action.Mandatory health warning labels on select foods may be the only way to reduce dietary heavy metal exposures and improve child learning across generations.
基金Supported by (in part) the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare Clinical Trial and Research Center of Excellence,No.MOHW105-TDU-B-212-133019
文摘AIM To identify potential anti-cancer constituents in natural extracts that inhibit cancer cell growth and migration. METHODS Our experiments used high dose thymoquinone (TQ) as an inhibitor to arrest LoVo (a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line) cancer cell growth, which was detected by cell proliferation assay and immunoblotting assay. Low dose TQ did not significantly reduce LoVo cancer cell growth. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that is involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in humans. PGE2 can promote COX-2 protein expression and tumor cell proliferation and was used as a control. RESULTS Our results showed that 20 mu mol/L TQ significantly reduced human LoVo colon cancer cell proliferation. TQ treatment reduced the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK3 beta, and beta-catenin and thereby inhibited the downstream COX-2 expression. Results also showed that the reduction in COX-2 expression resulted in a reduction in PGE2 levels and the suppression of EP2 and EP4 activation. Further analysis showed that TG treatment inhibited the nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in LoVo cancer cells. The levels of the cofactors LEF-1 and TCF-4 were also decreased in the nucleus following TQ treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with low dose TQ inhibited the COX-2 expression at the transcriptional level and the regulation of COX-2 expression efficiently reduced LoVo cell migration. The results were further verified in vivo by confirming the effects of TQ and/or PGE2 using tumor xenografts in nude mice. CONCLUSION TQ inhibits LoVo cancer cell growth and migration, and this result highlights the therapeutic advantage of using TQ in combination therapy against colorectal cancer.
基金supported by the grants from the project supported by the State Key Program of National Natural Science of China (No.31330060)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.31301446,31371757)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (No.NCET-13-0534)
文摘The bioavailability of docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) depends on their chemical forms. This study investigated the long-term effects of DHA-bound triglyceride(TG-DHA), DHA-bound phospholipid(PL-DHA), and the combination of TG-DHA and egg yolk phospholipid(Egg-PL) on lipid metabolism in mice fed with a high-fat diet(fat levels of 22.5%). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with different formulations containing 0.5% DHA, including TG-DHA, PL-DHA, and the combination of TG-DHA and Egg-PL, for 6 weeks. Serum, hepatic, and cerebral lipid concentrations and the fatty acid compositions of the liver and brain were determined. The concentrations of serum total triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c), and hepatic TG in the PL-DHA group and the combination group were significantly lower than those in the high-fat(HF) group(P < 0.05). Atherogenic index(AI) of the PL-DHA group was significantly lower than that of the combination group(P < 0.05). Hepatic TC level in the combination group was significantly lower than that in the HF group(P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the combination group and the PL-DHA group. Both the PL-DHA and the combination groups showed significantly increased DHA levels in the liver compared with the HF group(P < 0.05). However, there were no obvious increases in the cerebral DHA levels in all DHA diet groups. These results suggest that PL-DHA was superior to the combination of TG-DHA and Egg-PL in decreasing the AI. Long-term dietary supplementation with low amount of DHA(0.5%) may improve hepatic DHA levels, although cerebral DHA levels may not be enhanced.
文摘This survey was conducted with the aim of clarifying and providing guidance regarding correct lifestyle and exercise habits from adolescence in order to prevent the development of osteoporosis. The subjects included 195 Japanese adult females. We measured their calcaneal bone density by ultrasonography, the index of which was determined as SOS (Speed of Sound). We examined their physical characteristics, health conditions, amount of physical activity, exercise history, and eating habits, and then analyzed the relationship thereof with bone density. No significant correlation was found between height, weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), or body fat percentage and the SOS value. Moreover, the bone density among those with a history of exercise was high. Breaking it down, we obtained results such as the fact that exercise habits during the junior and senior high school years had a great impact on the acquisition of peak bone mass, although no relationship between exercise habits and bone density was found during the elementary school years. Furthermore, as the bone density of students who continued exercising in junior and senior high school indicated high values, continuity of exercise during the growth period (during puberty) is believed to have a great impact on peak bone mass. Upon investigating the content of meals including foods which have a positive impact on the bones, “bean and bean products” and “green and yellow vegetables” were found to be related to bone density. From the above, the effect that the lifestyle of young adult females had on bone density was partially clarified. In particular, one factor which had a strong relationship with current bone density was exercise history during the junior and senior high school periods. It was clarified that continuously engaging in exercise and placing strain on the bones during these periods lead to high bone density acquisition.
文摘There is a long history of studies on the bad influence of smoking on our bodies, with many study results accumulated to date indicating a decline in the smoking rate. However, the smoking rate in Japan is still higher than that in other countries. In order to reveal the various influences due to smoking, we examined the changes in lifestyle and vitality prior to and the following smoking, targeting college students who are at the early age of starting to smoke. The subjects were 213 college students (83 men and 130 women). Smoking frequency as well as sleeping, eating habits, exercise, and vitality as a lifestyle were surveyed through a questionnaire survey. As a result of comparing smoking and lifestyle between the smoking group and non-smoking group, in terms of sleep, the bedtime and wake-up time tended to be late in the smoking group. Regarding eating habits, there was a tendency for the smoking group to have a high rate of skipping breakfast and a high intake rate of midnight snacks. Regarding exercise, the number of people exercising on a daily basis was small in both the smoking group and the non-smoking group, with no significant difference observed. Therefore, this study revealed that smoking has a negative influence on some aspects of lifestyle. There was no significant relationship in terms of the effects of smoking on vitality. Going forward, it will be necessary to clarify the negative effects of smoking on mental health.
文摘Self-esteem is an important factor in the rise of depression cases among children and adolescents. In order to build self-esteem, it is important for parents to respect their children, acknowledge their value, and always encourage them, as well as for teachers to acknowledge their character and ability, in addition to allowing them to experience success. At the same time, voices calling for parents and teachers to rediscover their willingness and responsibility to scold children when necessary have also been growing. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the association between self-esteem and the way of scolding. With 311 university students as the study subjects, self-esteem and the relevant factors thereof were evaluated. As a result, no association was observed between the way of being scolded and self-esteem. Moreover, the reasons for being scolded were also not associated with self-esteem. However, regarding the association between the degree of acceptance (convinced by the way of being scolded) and self-esteem, it was revealed that student groups with higher self-esteem had a higher degree of acceptance. This suggested that self-esteem is associated with whether or not the people being scolded are convinced, as opposed to the way of being scolded or the reason for being scolded. Therefore, it was suggested that building a good relationship with those you scold is more important than the way of scolding.
文摘This study examined the effects of the textural properties and chemical components of foods on masseter activity patterns. Ten healthy young participants (seven men and three women) were asked to chew four gummy candies with different flavors while their masseter activities were recorded by a surface electromyogram. The masseter activity patterns during chewing were analyzed quantitatively using a TP technique, generating three TP values (T25, T50 and T75). The textural analysis included four representative properties, and six sugars and four organic acids were tested in the chemical analysis. The hierarchical cluster analysis classified the T25 and T75 values into four subclusters and classified the T50 values into three subclusters. Two T75 subclusters differed significantly in the combined amounts of the two predominant sugars (sucrose and maltose);however, these T75 subclusters did not differ in their organic acid contents or textural properties. Therefore, sucrose and maltose affect masseter activity patterns during chewing, particularly in the later stage of masseter activity.
基金Challenging Exploratory Research(16K12864)Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(C)(23500539)and(21K12661)from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
文摘While fatty acids play essential roles in the physiology of the myocardium,conventional culture media contain little lipid.We previously revealed that rat neonatal myocardium mainly contains docosahexaenoic(DHA),linoleic(LA),and arachidonic(AA)acids as polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs),and these contents in cultured cardiomyocytes derived from fetal rats were markedly lower than those in the neonatal myocardium.In this study,we first assessed the effects of supplementation of DHA,LA,or AA on the fatty acid contents and the percentage change of contractile area in primarily cultured rat cardiomyocytes.Based on this assessment,we then evaluated the effects of DHA or AA supplementation on mRNA expression and further directly measured the contractile force of cardiomyocytes with the supplementations.This study revealed that percentage change of contractile area was maximized under 20μM DHA or 50μM AA supplementation while LA supplementation did not affect this contraction index,and that a widespread upregulation tendency of the mRNA expression related to differentiation,maturity,fatty acid metabolism,and cell adhesion was seen in the cultured cardiomyocytes with supplementation of DHA or AA.In particular,upregulation of the gene expression of cellular adhesion molecules connexin43 and N-cadherin were remarkable,whereas the effects on differentiation and maturation were less pronounced.Correspondingly,the increase of the percentage change of the contractile area of cardiomyocyte clusters in culture dishes with the supplementations was significant,whereas the enhancement of the contractile force was modest.These results suggest that supplementation of DHA or AA to the fetal cardiomyocyte culture may play effective roles in preventing the de-differentiation of the cardiomyocytes in culture and that the enhancement of the contractile performance may be mainly attributed to the improvement of intercellular connection.
文摘The aim of this study was to quantify the relationships between four physiological parameters of masseter activity during chewing and properties related to the sizes and textures of the six representative test foods. The physiological parameters analyzed were the number of chewing cycles, chewing time, masseter amplitude, and cycle duration, which were obtained from masseter surface electromyography recorded in ten (seven male and three female) healthy, young participants. The six test foods differed in size dimensions (length, width, and height) and in textural properties (hardness, fracturability, and adhesiveness). The quantitative relationships were examined using linear regression. Nine statistically significant regression coefficients were found between the four physiological parameters and the textural properties, but not the height, of the test foods. From the regression coefficients, contributions of the food properties to the physiological parameters were estimated. Individual relationships between the physiological parameters and textural properties of the test foods are discussed in relation to their physiological implications.
文摘Salt reduction policies have been implemented throughout the world as well as in Japan. However, most of the current questionnaires for estimating salt intake are apt to be based on empirical evidence. This study was aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire for predicting high salt intake based on salt usage using dietary behaviors that affect salt intake in cooperation with Niigata prefecture, Japan. The study was comprised of 760 participants aged 21 - 79 years (Men%: 49%) living in Niigata. Participants completed a questionnaire about dietary behaviors potentially relevant to salt intake. Second morning voiding urine for estimating dietary salt intake per day was collected on the same day. The relationship of estimated dietary salt intake to answers on the questionnaire was examined using analysis of covariance for age, gender, body mass index, and whether taking medication or not. Ten items on the questionnaire revealed an association with dietary salt intake per day: making oneself gorge on a meal, having ≥2 different staples per meal, having a 1-dish meal, number of simmered dishes per day, variety of pickled vegetables per day, having salt-cured fish eggs per day, quantity of soup consumed when eating noodles, preference for strong-tasting meals, frequency of eating out, and frequency of alcohol consumption.The current study identified 10 dietary behaviors that enabled the development of a salt intake questionnaire for identifying specific dietary behaviors for assessing regions and/or individuals when attempting to encourage salt reduction.
文摘Miraculin is a glycoprotein, and it changes the perceived quality and intensity of tastes (especially, sourness and sweetness). The oral application of miraculin in a high concentration elicits a strong sweetness for sour tastants. However, the mixing of different tastants increases or decreases the intensity of the taste elicited in comparison with the intensities elicited by the individual sour tastants. The synergy between different (e.g., sweetness and sourness) or similar taste qualities can be responsible for the changes in the perceived taste intensities. Despite the characteristics of miraculin and the sour tastant mixtures, the effects of miraculin on mixed acid solutions are still unknown. The goals of this study were to assess the following: 1) the intensities of the sourness and sweetness of mixed acid solutions before and after the oral application of miraculin and 2) the intensity of the sweetness of the mixed acid solutions after the oral application of miraculin. For twenty healthy young adults, sensory evaluation experiments examined the perceived intensities of taste (sweetness, sourness, and astringency) and the overall odor of six organic acid solutions (2.3 × 10–2 M of citric acid and three-binary and two-trinary mixtures including citric acid that ranged from 2.24 to 2.48 in average pH). The application of miraculin elicited sufficient sweetness, but it did not show statistically significant differences in the intensities of sweetness among the six acid solutions. Except for the sweetness, all of the four sensory items exhibited significant changes among the six solutions both before and after the application of miraculin, while the average scores for these items did not correlate with the average solution pH values. These results suggest that the binary and trinary mixed acid solutions affect the sourness both before and after the oral application of miraculan;however, there was no effect on the sweetness.
文摘The present study aimed to examine the effects of rice particles in test foods and their visual appearance on oral textural perceptions. One original and three filtered Amazake (a traditional Japanese beverage made from malted rice) preparations were used as test foods. Three physical measurements of the test foods were conducted at room temperature: linear spread test, viscosity, and concentration of rice particles. Results of these three measurements formed two groups with lesser and more filtered test foods. Sensory evaluation experiments using a paired comparison test in 32 healthy young participants revealed the following: 1) the estimates of “grittiness in the mouth” (mouth feel) and “grittiness at a glance” of the test foods also comprised two groups, similar to the results of the physical measurements, 2) estimates of textural “smoothness” resulted in two groups, with a half-range of two items of “grittiness”, and 3) estimates of “sweetness” and “odor intensity” were similar to each other than to the other three items. Functional relationships between physical properties and characteristics of the test foods and sensory evaluation of their grittiness (oral, textural, and visual) of Amazake are discussed.
文摘We studied the relationship between dieting and bone density among female college students and the current state thereof. Female college students are generally thin, with the time to giving birth and raising the next generation approaching. We expect the results of this study will be useful in improving health guidance. The subjects consisted of 124 female college students. Their average age was 21.4. The ultrasonic propagation velocity of the heel bone was measured as the bone density value. Body height, weight, and BMI (Body mass index) were also measured. Further, a multiple choice and short answer survey was conducted regarding their desire to be thin and dieting. Classifying the subjects by BMI, 16 students were underweight (13%), 102 students were of normal weight (84%), and 4 students were overweight (3%). 95% of those in the normal weight group had a desire to be thin, while 44% of the underweight group had a desire to be thin. Moreover, 31% of those in the normal weight group were currently on a diet, while 21% of the underweight group was also on a diet. The distribution of bone density (%YAM value: Young Adult Mean) was as follows: 61 students (49%) were in the high density group (≥100);58 students (47%) were in the middle density group (≥80 - <100);and 5 students (4%) were in the low density group (<80). The more the bone density decreased, the greater the proportion of students with dieting experience. Among students with no dieting experience, the %YAM value was high when the BMI value was high. All of the students in the low density group had a desire to be thin, even though their bone density was low. Students who do not need to be thin had a desire to be thin and were considering continuing dieting going forward. Moreover, some students fell into the %YAM low density group, which is worrisome for the future. It is believed necessary to reinforce health guidance regarding dieting and bone density in school education. In particular, it is necessary to improve guidance since we observed a lack of knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention.
文摘This study aimed to analyze frequencies of flavor detection signals occurring in any of the three respiratory phases and either of the two masticatory phases. Flavors of three fruity (grape, orange, and strawberry) gummy candies in the mouth were detected after chewing in 24 young healthy participants. The results revealed that: 1) more detection signals occurred in the expiratory phase than in the inspiratory or pausing phases and 2) more detection signals occurred in the jaw-closing phase than in the jaw-opening phase. Statistical analysis showed that the difference between the frequencies among the three respiratory phases was significant (P < 0.001) but not between the two masticatory phases. Further analysis showed that the frequencies occurring within individual respiratory phases were not significantly biased. The present results suggest that flavor detection during chewing depends more on the expiratory phase rather than the inspiratory and pausing phases, whereas detection is dependent to a lesser extent on either of the masticatory phases.
文摘Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is widely known in our society. The symptoms of PTSD are particularly believed to occur predominantly in children. We believe that Yogo teachers, who play a role in maintaining and promoting the health of children, are expected to provide appropriate support for children with a tendency for PTSD. In this study, we investigated the tendency for PTSD in students at University, as well as self-esteem related to depression and anxiety. Furthermore, we clarified the relationship between PTSD and self-esteem and examined the support provided by Yogo teachers. As a result, it was found that the higher the tendency for PTSD, the lower the self-esteem. We believe that the onset of PTSD causes a decline in memory ability and attentional function, which interferes with one’s life and leads to self-denial, resulting in a decline in self-esteem among those with a high tendency for PTSD. These results suggest that Yogo teachers should provide support to prevent the onset of PTSD in child students due to accidents, incidents, natural disasters, etc., as well as support to prevent the decline in self-esteem associated with the onset of PTSD.
文摘Background: Growth retardation is a challenge in Bangladesh. School feeding programs with fortified biscuits have been evaluated in Bangladesh. However, the impacts of a school meal program using local foods on the growth and nutritional status of children have not been investigated. Objective: To determine whether a school meal program (SMP) using local foods with soybean could improve children’s growth and micronutrient status in rural Bangladesh. Methods: Two primary schools were randomly assigned as intervention (SMP;n = 200) and control (non-SMP;n = 200) schools. Children in the intervention school were supplied a school meal with local foods including soybean, containing more than one-third of the recommended daily allowance of energy and nutrients, 5 days/week for 8 months. The attendance rate and school lunch consumption of the children were monitored. Baseline and final anthropometry, hemoglobin and micronutrient status were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences in anthropometric measurements at baseline between the intervention and control groups, but there were differences in the prevalence of anemia, vitamin A deficiency and zinc deficiency. After the intervention, children in the SMP school showed a larger degree of improvement in the height-for-age Z-score (P Conclusion: A school meal program using local foods with soybean improved the height velocity and hemoglobin concentration of children in rural Bangladesh.
文摘The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2009) reports that each year 76 million cases of foodborne illness occur with over 300,000 people hospitalized and 5000 deaths. This study, phase I of a continuing study, identifies key areas for food safety improvement. This study is designed as an exploratory evaluation of independently owned and operated delicatessen operations, using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as indicators to assess food handling and the public’s risk for pathogenic contamination from commonly served ready-to-eat/take-away foods. The analysis consisted of a comprehensive strategy of laboratory testing of samples for pathogenic contamination, informal field observation of food handling procedures, and the examination of the most recent health inspection reports for each of the 18 operations visited. The deli turkey, cream cheese and lettuce were tested using bacteria indicator plates. The results showed widespread levels of contamination. Of the 54 samples tested for Escherichia coli, 26 showed positive results which are ~45% for E. coli contamination. Of the 54 samples tested for Staphy-lococcus aureus, 31 showed positive results which are ~57% for S. aureus contamination. One issue discovered while conducting the study was the lack of consistent uniform international standards of contamination tolerance levels. The informal field observations and health report analyses revealed widespread temperature violations and numerous instances of poor food handling. The study offers independent practitioners a strategy designed to improve their health inspections scores, food handling, and mitigation of operator liability. Independent operators traditionally do not enjoy the resources of centralized supervision and expert on-staff training;yet in aggregate they account for significant volume in both dollars and the quantity of product served. This study adds needed scrutiny to this important food niche.
文摘Background: The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of lifestyle self-monitoring for the improvement of the IBS and reveal what has been changed due to the intervention. Methods: A total of 111 nursing school students were randomized into three groups, two intervention groups (a two-month intervention group, n = 34, and a four-month intervention group, n = 35) and a control group (n = 34). The intervention groups conducted lifestyle self-monitoring in conjunction with a 15-minutes group work for either two or four months. The primary outcome measure was Rome II criteria for IBS. Other outcome measures were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). They were assessed at the baseline and the end of both of the intervention periods. Analysis was conducted as intention-to-treat. Results: The prevalence of IBS did not change significantly after the intervention in any of the groups. The HAD-A score, a subscale of the HADS score for anxiety, decreased 1.4 points in the two-month intervention group (p = 0.02) and 2.3 points in the four-month intervention group of (p = 0.01) after intervention. The average GSRS decreased 0.2 points in the control group (p = 0.05) and 0.3 points in the four-month intervention group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Lifestyle self-monitoring for two or four months did not reduce the prevalence of the IBS significantly, but it did decrease anxiety and improved the QOL related to gastrointestinal symptoms in female nursing school students.
文摘The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the frequency of mastication on cerebral activation and task scores for computational tasks. Eleven healthy subjects participated in the present study (nine women, two men). Subjects carried out the Uchida-Kraepelin Test for 15 min before and after chewing tasteless gum for five minutes. The oxygenation of the left prefrontal cortex was monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy during the computational tasks. Task scores did not differ significantly according to chewing frequency (p > 0.05). Conversely, the oxygenation value measured after mastication at a chewing frequency of 110 times/minute (Hz) was significantly higher than that observed before mastication (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, before and after levels of oxygenation did not differ significantly for chewing frequencies of 30 Hz and 70 Hz (p > 0.05 for both). The results of the present study suggest that tasteless mastication does not enhance calculation performance, while a high mastication frequency demonstrates an influence on oxygenation. However, our study indicates that chewing tasteless gum per se does not increase cognitive performance.
