Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Although depression and body weight have individually been associated with chronic pain (CP), it currently remains unclear whether the combination of depressive symptoms (DS) and being underweight/overweight is related to CP. Therefore, we herein investigated the relationships among depression, body mass index (BMI), and CP in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly individuals. Participants comprised 2216 inhabitants of Shika town in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, including 1003 males (mean age of 68.72 years, standard deviation (SD) of 8.36) and 1213 females (mean age of 69.65 years, SD of 9.36). CP and DS were assessed using a CP questionnaire and Geriatric Depression Scale-15, respectively. The Breslow–Day test indicated that DS positively correlated with lumbar/knee pain in the BMI < 25 group, but not in the BMI ≥ 25 group. Furthermore, lumber/knee pain was related to a higher BMI. These results were confirmed by a logistic analysis with age, sex, BMI, solitary living, the duration of education, no exercise/hobbies, smoking history, alcohol intake, and medical treatment for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension as confounding factors. The present study indicates the importance of considering DS and BMI in the prevention of CP. Further studies are needed to clarify the causal relationships among depression, BMI, and CP.

DOI： 10.3390/bs13020086

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.004

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Nutrients  

Epidemiological studies reported that resilience, generally regarded as the ability to manage stress in the face of adversity, correlates with mental health in middle-aged and older adults. Currently, there is limited information on eating habits that affect resilience. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between vitamin intake and resilience based on sex in community-dwelling middle-aged and older individuals in Shika town, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. A total of 221 participants (106 men and 115 women) aged 40 years or older were included in the analysis. We assessed vitamin intake and resilience using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) and the resilience scale (RS), respectively. A two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that higher intakes of β-carotene and vitamin K were associated with higher RS in women, but not in men. Furthermore, a multiple logistic regression analysis stratified by sex showed that β-carotene and vitamin K were significant independent variables for RS only in women. The present study suggests that higher intakes of β-carotene and vitamin K were associated with higher resilience among middle-aged and older women. The results obtained demonstrate that β-carotene and vitamin K intakes may enhance resilience by strengthening stress tolerance.

DOI： 10.3390/nu14235042

Scopus

Other Link： https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85143617091&origin=inward

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The relationship between calcium intake and bone strength in older Asian individuals, including Japanese, is controversial; therefore, we herein investigated this relationship in older Japanese populations. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 314 participants older than 65 years who voluntarily participated in a medical examination and responded to questionnaires. The osteo-sono assessment index (OSI) measured at the right calcaneus using a quantitative ultrasonic device was used as an indicator of bone strength. The daily dietary intake of calcium was assessed using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. A two-way analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between sex and calcium intake on the OSI (p < 0.01). A multiple regression analysis showed a positive correlation between calcium intake and the OSI in males (p < 0.01), but not females (p = 0.27). In females, grip strength divided by body weight positively correlated with the OSI (p = 0.04). The present results suggest that a higher calcium intake contributes to bone strength in older Japanese males. Although a higher grip strength may contribute to bone strength in females, the potential of estrogen as a confounding factor needs to be considered.

DOI： 10.3390/nu14245225

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100421

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Epidemiological studies reported that resilience, generally regarded as the ability to manage stress in the face of adversity, correlates with mental health in middle-aged and older adults. Currently, there is limited information on eating habits that affect resilience. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between vitamin intake and resilience based on sex in community-dwelling middle-aged and older individuals in Shika town, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. A total of 221 participants (106 men and 115 women) aged 40 years or older were included in the analysis. We assessed vitamin intake and resilience using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) and the resilience scale (RS), respectively. A two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that higher intakes of β-carotene and vitamin K were associated with higher RS in women, but not in men. Furthermore, a multiple logistic regression analysis stratified by sex showed that β-carotene and vitamin K were significant independent variables for RS only in women. The present study suggests that higher intakes of β-carotene and vitamin K were associated with higher resilience among middle-aged and older women. The results obtained demonstrate that β-carotene and vitamin K intakes may enhance resilience by strengthening stress tolerance.

DOI： 10.3390/nu14235042

Language：Japanese  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Although the relationship between hypertension and depression is influenced by several physiological factors, including body weight and other lifestyle factors, such as eating behavior, the specific involvement of depression in hypertension remains unclear. Therefore, this epidemiological study examined the role of body weight in the relationship between hypertension and depressive symptoms among the middle-aged and elderly living in the community of Shika town. In total, 1141 males and 1142 females with mean ages of 69.09 and 70.61 years, respectively, participated this study. Physiological factors, including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and lifestyle, were investigated in a medical check-up in Shika town. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale 15 (GDS-15). A two-way analysis of covariance exhibited a significant interaction between the two hypertensive groups and body size groups on GDS in females. The post hoc Bonferroni method showed that in the hypertensive groups, GDS was significantly higher in the underweight group (BMI < 18.5) than in the standard/overweight group; however, this relationship was not observed in the no-hypertensive groups. Multiple regression analysis also verified this relationship. Therefore, it is suggested that the combination of hypertension and being underweight is associated with depressive symptoms only in females.

DOI： 10.3390/bs12110413

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

In recent years, cosmetics deemed equivalent to pharmaceutical products containing prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analogs have been distributed overseas in the form of eyelash serums that can be purchased via the internet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence or absence of PGF2α analogs in eyelash serums procured in Japan via the internet to elucidate the actual composition. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurement system was developed for the determination of 14 PGF2α analogs in cosmetic serums. In total, 64 eyelash serum samples were purchased from 34 websites. After pretreatment, eyelash serum samples were screened for PGF2α analogs using the LC-MS/MS system. Products containing PGF2α analogs were subjected to quantification of these compounds. Of the 64 products, four were found to contain bimatoprost, among which, three did not indicate their contents on their package labels. In contrast, no samples were found to contain latanoprost, travoprost, or tafluprost, which are prescribed for glaucoma treatment. Additionally, eight products contained other PGF2α analogs, which have not been used as pharmaceuticals. The ease of access to cosmetic serums containing PGF2α analogs via online purchases presents a risk of serious side effects, particularly when consumers are not informed of their contents on the packages. This issue requires serious consideration to avoid the incorporation of pharmaceutical substances into cosmetic products.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114940

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SAGE Publications  

Increased food selectivity among children with autism spectrum disorder may lead to nutritional inadequacy. We designed this study to examine the prospective relationship between autistic traits in children and subsequent nutrient intake in later childhood and whether this relationship changes over time. We utilized longitudinal data obtained at two time points from the Shika study, an ongoing population-based study conducted in a rural area of Japan. Participants were 759 Japanese children aged between 7 and 12 years at baseline and between 10 and 15 years in the follow-up. The results obtained showed relatively lower intakes of sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12 among children with than without autistic traits. Interactions were observed among autistic traits and time points for iron, vitamin B2, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. The results of this study suggest the importance of screening the nutrient intake of children with autistic traits across childhood in order to reduce the risk of restricted intake.

Lay Abstract

It is known about food selectivity among children with autism spectrum disorder. However, the nutritional inadequacy among children with ASD is not clear. Especially, long-term evaluation has not been studied. We examined the prospective relationship between autistic traits in children and subsequent nutrient intake in later childhood. We utilized data obtained at two time points from a study conducted in Japan. Participants were 759 Japanese children aged between 7 and 12 years at baseline and between 10 and 15 years in the follow-up. The results showed relatively lower intakes of sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12 among children with than without autistic traits. Relatively lower intake of minerals and vitamins in children with autistic traits is more evident in later childhood. The results suggest the importance of screening the nutrient intake of children with autistic traits across childhood.

DOI： 10.1177/13623613221097487

Other Link： http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/13623613221097487

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Cambridge University Press (CUP)  

Abstract

Although chronic pain (CP) is classified as inflammatory or non-inflammatory, the involvement of fatty acid intake in this process has not yet been examined in detail. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the relationship between CP and fatty acid intake differs between high and low C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in middle-aged and elderly individuals in the Shika study. One-thousand and seven males and 1216 females with mean ages of 68⋅78 and 69⋅65 years, respectively, participated in the present study. CRP was quantified by blood sampling from participants who responded to a CP questionnaire. The brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) was used to assess fatty acid intake. Interactions were observed between CP and CRP on monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and eicosadienoic acid in a two-way analysis of covariance adjusted for sex, age, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, current smoking and drinking status, and BMI. MUFA (OR 1⋅359) and eicosadienoic acid (OR 1⋅072) were identified as significant independent variables for CP in a multiple logistic regression analysis, but only in the low CRP group. Only a high intake of MUFA and eicosadienoic acid was associated with chronic neck/shoulder/upper limb pain without elevated CRP. In psychogenic and neuropathic pain without elevated CRP, an increased intake of MUFA and eicosadienoic acid, a family member of n-6 fatty acids, appears to affect CP. Further longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate this relationship.

DOI： 10.1017/jns.2022.37

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Informa UK Limited  

Background: Previous studies examined the association between chronic pain (CP) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations; however, the findings obtained were inconsistent. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with the transcriptional activity of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene may influence the association of 25(OH)D levels with CP. We aimed to clarify the association between CP, serum 25(OH)D concentration, and SNPs. Methods: In the Shika study, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of 551 participants older than 40 years who were asked whether they had been having persistent pain lasting for at least 3 months in any part of the body on a self-administered questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed as a biomarker of the vitamin D status using a radioimmunoassay. rs731236, rs7975232, rs1544410, rs2228570, and rs11568820 were identified using peripheral blood samples, and participants were assigned to those with or without the minor allele for each SNP. Results: The prevalence of CP was 37.2%. We observed a tendency for lower 25(OH)D levels in participants with CP than in those without CP in the hetero/minor group of rs11568820, which is a polymorphism within the CDX2-binding site in the 1e promoter region of the VDR gene. Furthermore, a logistic regression analysis revealed that lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly associated with CP in the hetero/minor group, but not in the major group. Conclusion: These results suggest that sufficient serum 25(OH)D concentration reduces the risk of CP in individuals with the minor allele of the CDX2 polymorphism.

DOI： 10.2147/jpr.s356630

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have been advised to take vitamins; however, the effects have been controversial. The individual differences in developing CKD might involve genetic variants of inflammation, including variant rs883484 located upstream of the prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (PTGS1) gene. We aimed to identify whether the 12 dietary vitamin intake interacts with genotypes of the rs883484 on developing CKD. The population-based, cross-sectional study had 684 Japanese participants (≥40 years old). The study used a validated, brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire to estimate the intake of the dietary vitamins. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The study participants had an average age of 62.1 ± 10.8 years with 15.4% minor homozygotes of rs883484, and 114 subjects had CKD. In the fully adjusted model, the higher intake of vitamins, namely niacin (odds ratio (OR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57–0.96, p = 0.024), α-tocopherol (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26–0.95, p = 0.034), and vitamin C (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–1.00, p = 0.037), was independently associated with lower CKD tendency in the minor homozygotes of rs883484. The results suggested the importance of dietary vitamin intake in the prevention of CKD in middle-aged to older-aged Japanese with minor homozygous of rs883484 gene variant.

DOI： 10.3390/nu14102082

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.33552/GJNFS.2022.03.000571

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Although alcohol intake is associated with chronic pain (CP) and analgesia, epidemiological studies have not yet examined the factors affecting the relationship between alcohol intake and CP in detail. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between alcohol intake and CP in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly individuals with/without depressive symptoms. Participants comprised 2223 inhabitants of Shika town in Ishikawa prefecture, located on the Noto Peninsula facing the Sea of Japan, and included 1007 males and 1216 females. CP, depressive symptoms, and alcohol intake were assessed using a CP questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire, respectively. In males without depressive symptoms, mean alcohol intake was significantly higher at 5.70% energy (27.92 g/day) in the CP group than that of 3.75% energy (20.00 g/day) in the non-CP group. The prevalence of low back/knee pain was also significantly higher in males with than in those without depressive symptoms. The present results suggest that long-term alcohol intake is related to CP by reducing the pain threshold and enhancing nociceptive pain as a possible mechanism. However, even a low alcohol intake was associated with psychogenic pain in participants with depressive symptoms. Further studies to investigate the involvement of depressive symptoms and alcohol intake in CP and its prevention are needed.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph19042024

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Few epidemiological studies have been performed to clarify the association between glucose metabolism disorders in early adults (20 years old) and physiological and environmental factors, including body mass index (BMI) in junior high school days. Therefore, we examined the association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and body size (BMI) in early adulthood and lifestyles, including sleep habits and BMI in junior high school days in Shika town, a small town in Japan, by conducting a retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We examined the HbA1c levels and body size (BMI) of 99 early adults who turned 20 years old between 2016 and 2020 and were residing in Shika town, Ishikawa Prefecture. We obtained the information on lifestyles and living environment factors, including BMI, from a questionnaire survey conducted among the subjects during their junior high school days (13-15 years old) from 2009 to 2013. RESULTS: No correlations were observed between the HbA1c levels and the BMI values of the early adults. A two-way analysis of covariance (with the HbA1c levels and BMI values of the early adults as main factors) of the body size and lifestyle habits of the junior high school students revealed that "sleep quality in junior high school" was significantly poorer in the high HbA1c group than in the low HbA1c group in the early adults with high BMI values only. This result was also supported by the logistic regression analysis result. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that poor sleep quality in junior high school was associated with the high HbA1c levels of the early adults with higher BMI values, which suggests that good sleep quality in junior high school prevents the development of hyperglycemia. However, the present study did not find any relationship between early-adult BMI and HbA1c level.

DOI： 10.1186/s12902-022-00951-6

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Comprehensive data are needed to prevent substandard and falsified (SF) medicines as they pose a major risk to human health. To assess the quality of selected medicines, samples were collected from random private drug outlets of Dhaka North and South City Corporation, Bangladesh. Sample analysis included visual observation of the packaging, authenticity of the samples, legitimacy and registration verification of the manufacturer, physicochemical analysis, and price. Chemical analysis of the samples was performed using a portable Raman spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography according to the pharmacopoeia. Several discrepancies were noted in the visual observation of samples. Among the 189 collected samples of esomeprazole (ESM), cefixime (CFIX), and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (CVA-AMPC), 21.2% were confirmed to be authentic, 91.3% manufacturers were confirmed legitimate, and 2.1% of all samples were unregistered. Chemical analysis of the samples revealed that 9.5% (95% CI 5.7-14.6) of samples were SFs. Falsified samples and quality variation in the same generic branded samples were both detected by Raman spectroscopic analysis. Overall, sample prices were satisfactory relative to the international reference price. This study documents the availability of poor-quality medicines, demonstrating the need for immediate attention by the national medicine regulatory authority.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-021-04309-1

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background: Although factors associated with the antibody response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine have been reported, psychological factors have not been examined. Depression or anxiety may affect vaccine reactions because these factors influence immune responses. This study aimed to determine whether psychological status at the time of vaccination predicts antibody responses. Methods: A prospective observational study of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine response was carried out among individuals attending for an annual health check-up. Participants included 78 volunteers out of 80 hospital workers in Nagoya, Japan. No participants had been infected with COVID-19 and all gave written informed consent to participate in the study. Blood samples were obtained approximately 28 days after the second dose of the vaccine, and antibody titers of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were determined using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay. Participants completed the Japanese version of the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaire, one day before both vaccinations. Participants also recorded any adverse reactions, such as body temperature and other side effects, every day for two weeks after each dose. The relationships between antibody titers and the predictive factors were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis, with the antibody titers as the dependent variables, followed by univariate analysis. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that no or excessive alcohol intake (p = 0.039), poor results from a health check-up (p = 0.011), a longer duration between the second dose and blood collection (p = 0.039), and increased degree of depressive symptoms (p = 0.041) were significant negative predictors of antibody titers, while body temperature one day after the second dose as a significant positive predictor of antibody titers (p < 0.0005). Conclusion: We identified that depressive symptoms just before the second dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 were an independent negative predictor of antibody responses, in addition to other factors. Our results highlight the importance of mental health at the time of vaccination to achieve the higher antibody responses necessary to acquire humoral immunity.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.004

Scopus

Other Link： https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85138830111&origin=inward

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Public Library of Science (PLoS)  

A polymorphism in the ADRB3 gene (Trp64Arg) has been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and hypertension. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationships among this polymorphism, hypertension, and insulin resistance values (HOMA-IR) in 719 Japanese subjects aged 40 years and older. The genotype frequencies of Trp64Trp (homozygous, wild), Trp64Arg (heterozygous, variant), and Arg64Arg (homozygous, variant) were 466 (65%), 233 (32%), and 20 (3%), respectively. Insulin resistance was associated with an increased risk of hypertension in a Japanese population. This relationship was dependent on the presence or absence of the Trp64Arg polymorphism (odds ratio, 2.054; confidence interval, 1.191 to 3.541; P value, 0.010). Therefore, the Trp64Arg polymorphism of ADRB3 was associated with hypertension and insulin resistance in a healthy Japanese population. This relationship, which was dependent on the polymorphism, may predict the development of hypertension and diabetes.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0255444

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

To make the Japanese version of the CESD-R—a revised version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D)—in the assessment of depressive symptoms in a general population. The English version of CESD-R was translated into Japanese, and back-translated into English by three native speakers of Japanese and English; then, we selected the version most completely consistent with the original items. The CESD-R was applied to 398 community-dwelling people (191 men: 48.0%, and 207 women: 52.0%) who were over 40 years old. The Japanese version of the CES-D was also carried out in the same population. Factor analysis was performed. Additionally, the correlations between the CESD-R and CES-D results were identified. The CESD-R scores showed a significantly positive correlation with CES-D scores (r = 0.74, p &lt; 0.0005). Analysis of the CESD-R yielded a Cronbach’s alpha result of 0.90. Factor analysis revealed one principal factor in the CESD-R, whereas the original CES-D had two factors because of reversed items. The Japanese version of the CESD-R appears to have the reliability to be applicable for assessing depressive symptoms in population-based samples. However, because the Japanese expressions for some items might be unusual, our study population was also limited; further studies on other populations and on incorporating improved Japanese terminology will be needed.

DOI： 10.3390/bs11080107

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

<title>Abstract</title>The purpose of this study was to design a convenient, small-scale dissolution test for extracting potential substandard and falsified (SF) medicines that require full pharmacopoeial analysis. The probability of metronidazole samples complying with the US Pharmacopoeia (USP) dissolution test for immediate-release tablet formulations was predicted from small-scale dissolution test results using the following criteria: (1) 95% confidence interval lower limit (95% CI_low) of the average dissolution rate of any n = 3 of n = 24 units of each sample, and (2) average and minimum dissolution rates for any n = 3 of n = 24 units. Criteria values were optimized via bootstrap sampling with Thinkeye data-mining software. Compliant metronidazole samples in the USP first-stage and second-stage dissolution test showed complying probabilities of 99.7% and 81.0%, respectively, if the average dissolution rate of n = 3 units is equal to or greater than the monograph-specified amount of dissolved drug (Q; 85% of labeled content for metronidazole). The complying probabilities were 100.0% and 79.0%, respectively, if the average dissolution rate of n = 3 units is 91% or higher and the minimum dissolution rate is 87% or higher. Suitable compliance criteria for the small-scale dissolution test are: average dissolution rate of n = 3 units is Q + 6% or more and minimum dissolution rate is Q + 2% or more.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-021-91443-5

PubMed

Other Link： http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-91443-5

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The relationship between oral frailty (OF) and bone mineral density is unclear. This cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between mineral intake and bone mineral density in middle-aged and older people with pre-oral and OF. The participants, which included 240 people aged 40 years and older, completed the three oral questions on the Kihon Checklist (KCL), which is a self-reported comprehensive health checklist, the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ), and the osteo-sono assessment index (OSI). A two-way analysis of covariance on oral function and OSI indicated that the intake of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, squid/octopus/shrimp/shellfish, carrots/pumpkins, and mushroom was significantly lower in the OF and low-OSI groups than in the non-OF and high-OSI groups. A multiple logistic regression analysis for OF showed that potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and carrots/pumpkins were significantly associated with OF in the low-OSI group but not in the high-OSI group. These results demonstrated that the decrease in mineral intake due to OF was associated with decreased bone mineral density, suggesting that the maintenance of oral function prevents a decrease in bone mineral density.

DOI： 10.3390/nu13041193

Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Pharmaceutical Society of Japan  

DOI： 10.1248/bpb.b20-01041

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

<title>Abstract</title><sec>
<title>Background</title>
Poor quality medicines have serious implications for public health. The aim of this study was to explore the quality of the antidiabetic pioglitazone, using samples collected in China and Myanmar, and samples purchased online.


</sec><sec>
<title>Methods</title>
In this cross-sectional study, we examined samples (<italic>n</italic> = 163) collected from hospitals in Shanghai, China in 2012 (<italic>n</italic> = 44), products purchased via the internet and imported into Japan in 2013 (<italic>n</italic> = 59), and samples purchased in shops in Yangon, Myanmar in 2015 (<italic>n</italic> = 60). Collected samples were subjected to visual inspection, authenticity investigation and quality testing (potency, content uniformity and dissolution test) by high-performance liquid chromatography. Samples were rated as compliant or non-compliant based on the relevant pharmacopoeial acceptance criteria.


</sec><sec>
<title>Results</title>
Visual inspection of all samples revealed compliant products. However, responses from manufacturers during authenticity investigation were poor. Among the <italic>n</italic> = 44 samples from China, one was non-compliant in the potency test. Among the <italic>n</italic> = 59 samples personally imported into Japan, 38% of generic samples were found to be non-compliant. In Myanmar, 13.3% of samples were non-compliant. Non-compliant samples predominantly failed in the dissolution test. All non-compliant samples were generic.


</sec><sec>
<title>Conclusions</title>
Despite the apparent satisfactory outcome on the samples from China, pioglitazone samples collected in Myanmar and purchased online for personal import into Japan included many substandard products, which failed quality assessment predominantly because of poor dissolution. Internet providers did not comply with Japanese regulations in various respects.


</sec>

DOI： 10.1186/s40360-021-00478-x

Other Link： http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40360-021-00478-x/fulltext.html

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Although epidemiological studies revealed a relationship between psychosocial states, such as depressive symptoms, and nutritional intake, limited information is currently available on vitamin intake. The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) is not limited to a specific disease, it is constructed based on a universal concept of health and is used to evaluate the Quality of life (QOL). A three-component scoring method was developed for “Physical component score (PCS)”, “Mental component score (MCS)”, and “Role/social score (RCS)”. Collectively, these summary scores are called the “QOL summary score”, which is regarded as a more detailed health summary score. In the present study, we aimed at epidemiologically examine the relationship between vitamin intake and QOL in middle-aged and elderly population in 3162 residents in Japan. In women, a multiple regression analysis showed a positive correlation between all vitamin intake and PCS scores, and between vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin C, and MCS scores. In consideration of depression as MCS of SF-36 and chronic pain as PCS, an insufficient vitamin intake may affect QOL in women; however, a causal relationship has not yet been demonstrated.

DOI： 10.3390/nu13031023

PubMed

Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SAGE Publications  

<sec><title>Background:</title> Falsified medical products have been reported worldwide. Falsified medicines with poor quality are a potential health hazard. Some Internet sites advertise fluconazole (Diflucan^®), an antifungal medicine used to treat deep mycoses, as “female Viagra^®.”

</sec><sec><title>Aim:</title> The aim of this study was to investigate the authenticity and quality of Diflucan^® tablets distributed on the Internet.

</sec><sec><title>Methods:</title> We ordered Diflucan^® tablets via the Internet and evaluated them by visual observation, authenticity investigation, quality evaluation (quantity of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, content uniformity, and dissolution), and near-infrared and Raman scattering spectroscopy.

</sec><sec><title>Results:</title> We obtained 11 samples of Diflucan^® tablets from all 11 Japanese Internet sites identified in our search. Of 11 sites, 7 advertised fluconazole as having effects on female sexual function. Ten of the Diflucan^® samples were confirmed as genuine and one sample was falsified. The genuine Diflucan^® samples met the specifications of all quality evaluations. The packaging, size, and color of the falsified Diflucan^® sample obtained in this study differed from the authentic Diflucan^® tablet. The falsified Diflucan^® sample obtained in this study did not contain fluconazole and instead contained what appeared to be sildenafil citrate. The spectra of the falsified Diflucan^® tablet obtained in this study differed from the authentic Diflucan^® tablet in near-infrared and Raman scattering spectroscopy.

</sec><sec><title>Conclusion:</title> We confirmed that one falsified Diflucan^® tablet was distributed online. Thus, continued measures against falsified medicines are required.

</sec>

DOI： 10.1177/23992026211002089

Other Link： http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/23992026211002089

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

<title>Abstract</title><sec>
<title>Background</title>
Low-quality medicines and falsified medicines represent long-standing problems in developing countries. In Southeast Asia, the circulation of low-quality diabetes drugs (metformin) has been confirmed. It is possible that low-quality metformin has entered Japan via personal import through the Internet. This study evaluated the pharmaceutical quality and authenticity of metformin tablets obtained via the Internet in Japan.


</sec><sec>
<title>Methods</title>
In total, 33 samples of 500-mg metformin tablets and 7 samples of extended-release/sustained-release tablets (500, 750, and 1,000 mg) were purchased via personal import in January 2017. Confirmation of a prescription was never requested purchase. The obtained samples were subjected to visual observations and authenticity investigations. Additionally, quantitative analysis, content uniformity and dissolution tests were performed using HPLC–PDA.


</sec><sec>
<title>Results</title>
Our authenticity investigations revealed that seven samples were genuine products, whereas the authenticity of the remaining 33 samples was unclear. Referring to United States Pharmacopeia 2014 for validation, four samples failed quality testing, five samples failed content uniformity testing, and two samples failed dissolution testing.


</sec><sec>
<title>Conclusions</title>
Our findings illustrate that metformin tablets of poor-quantity and unregistered/unlicensed doses are available online and that it is important to increase consumer awareness about the presence of these medicines on the Internet to prevent the purchase of substandard medicines.


</sec>

DOI： 10.1007/s43441-021-00262-3

Other Link： http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43441-021-00262-3/fulltext.html

Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120232

Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Substandard and falsified medicines are often reported worldwide. An accurate and rapid detection method for falsified medicines is needed to prevent human health hazards. Raman scattering spectroscopy has emerged as a non-destructive analysis method for the detection of falsified medicines. In this laboratory study, Raman spectroscopy was performed to evaluate the applicability of the ultra-compact Raman scattering spectrometer (C13560). Principal component analysis (PCA) was also performed on the Raman spectra. This study analyzed tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and sildenafil (Viagra) tablets. We tested the standard product and products purchased from the internet (genuine or falsified). For Cialis and Levitra, all falsified tablets were identified by the Raman spectra and PCA score plot. For Viagra, the Raman spectra of some falsified tablets were almost comparable to the standard tablet. The PCA score plots of falsified tablets were dispersed, and some plots of falsified tablets were close to the standard tablet. In conclusion, C13560 was useful for the discrimination of falsified Cialis and Levitra tablets, whereas some falsified Viagra tablets had Raman spectra similar to that of the standard tablet. The development of detection methods that can be introduced in various settings may help prevent the spread of falsified products.

DOI： 10.3390/pharmacy9010003

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Background: Omega (ω) 3 fatty acid (FA) is a polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) that can modulate some mental statuses. However, most studies have not considered the functional differences between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We investigated associations among happiness, a sense of fulfillment and serum ω3 PUFA levels. Methods: Participants were 133 female staff from a hospital and nursing homes. Happiness was measured using the Japanese version of the subjective happiness scale (SHS); a sense of fulfillment was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Serum FA concentrations were measured. A partial correlation test and a regression model were applied. Results: The SHS scores showed significantly positive correlations with a sense of fulfillment, DHA% and EPA% (p &lt; 0.05, &lt; 0.05 and &lt; 0.005, respectively), after controlling for age, BMI, menopause, snacking habits and leisure-time physical activities. A sense of fulfillment was significantly negatively correlated with α-linoleic acid%, and positively correlated with DHA% and EPA% (p &lt; 0.05, &lt; 0.05 and &lt; 0.005, respectively), after controlling for the confounders. A regression model showed that a sense of fulfillment, EPA, and not stopping menstruation explained happiness (standardised beta, B = 0.18, p &lt; 0.05; B = 0.24, p &lt; 0.01; and B = 0.32, and p &lt; 0.05, respectively), whereas age, BMI and snacking habits could not. Simultaneously, a regression model could not explain the association between DHA and happiness. Conclusion: Happiness was related with serum EPA%, a sense of fulfillment, and premenopause.

DOI： 10.3390/nu12113462

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Frontiers Media SA  

Salt intake is one of the most important environmental factors impacting hypertension onset. Meanwhile, the potential roles of the gut microbiome (GM) in altering the health status of hosts have drawn considerable attention. Here, we aimed to perform an observational study to investigate the impact of intestinal bacterial flora in hypertensive patients with low-salt or high-salt intake. A total of 239 participants were enrolled, and their gut microbiomes, clinical and demographic details, as well as physiological parameters pertaining to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and inflammatory cytokine profiles, were examined. The participants were classified into four groups based on the presence of different enterotype bacteria, as determined via cluster analysis, and salt intake: low salt/GM enterotype 1, low salt/GM enterotype 2, high salt/GM enterotype 1, and high salt/GM enterotype 2. Results show that the prevalence of hypertension was significantly lower in the low-salt/GM enterotype 2 group (27%) compared to the low salt/GM enterotype 1 group (47%; p = 0.04). Alternatively, no significant differences were observed in hypertension prevalence between the two high-salt intake groups (GM enterotype 1 = 50%, GM enterotype 2 = 47%; p = 0.83). Furthermore, The low-salt/GM enterotype 2 was higher in the relative abundances of Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Lachnoclostridium, and Clostridium sensu stricto than the low-salt/GM enterotype 1. differed significantly between the GM enterotypes. These results suggested that consumption of a low-salt diet was ineffective in regulating hypertension in individuals with a specific gut bacteria composition. Our findings support the restoration of GM homeostasis as a new strategy for controlling blood pressure and preventing the development of hypertension.

DOI： 10.3389/fmed.2020.00475

PubMed

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Background: substandard and falsified medicines (SFMs) are a threat to public health. The availability of SFMs in Myanmar was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1999, but there have been few systematic surveys on falsified medicines in Myanmar since then. The aim of this study is to examine the extent of SFMs for sale in Myanmar. Methods: target medicines were tablets of candesartan, metformin, and pioglitazone, and infusions of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Samples were collected from hospitals, pharmacies, and wholesalers located in the Mandalay region in 2015. We carried out observation testing, authenticity investigation, and quality testing to search for SFMs, and analyzed the relationship between SFMs and the price and store type. Results: There were no falsified medicines found in the authenticity check, though there remained a problem due to low response rates from manufacturers and regulatory authorities. In the quality test, some tablets of metformin and pioglitazone made in India failed the dissolution test. Conclusions: although no serious problems were found, some substandard medicines were detected. Regular surveys to monitor SFMs are therefore recommended, together with further regulatory guidance to improve conditions in all medicine manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies.

DOI： 10.3390/pharmacy8010045

Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110143

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112872

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene  

DOI： 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0247

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109825

Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Background: There has been an increasing interest in low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diets for irritable bowel syndrome. The aims of the present study were (1) to survey knowledge and eating habits with respect to low- and high-FODMAP foods in a general population, and (2) to analyze the relationship between lower gastrointestinal problems (LGIP, pain and irregular stool habits) and habits/foods for prevention. Methods: The present study was carried out with medical examinees (n = 1024) at a clinic in Japan using self-administrated questionnaires. The subjects were asked whether they knew each FODMAP food, eating habit, and cooking habit. Chi-squared tests were used for analyzing the characteristics of LGIP-related factors. Logistic regression models were utilized to select foods which predict LGIP. Results: Women cooking by themselves and who were younger indicated less LGIP (Chai-square for trend). More than 60% reported that they often ate rice, coffee, eggs, pork, chicken, breads, noodles, and onions, which are solely classified as high-FODMAP foods. LGIP was related to age and self-cooking habits in women. Soybeans had the least significant relationship with LGIP (odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32–0.73), followed by seaweed, shellfish, wheat, cow’s milk, green beans, and cauliflower. In contrast, artificial sweeteners were most significantly related with LGIP (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16–2.03), followed by margarine and tomato paste. Conclusions: The associations between FODMAP foods and LGPI appeared to be different from the Western results. Furthermore, some diets related to LGIP are suggested.

DOI： 10.3390/nu11102436

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Medicine falsification is a global issue. Viagra, an erectile dysfunction therapeutic (EDT) medicine consisting primarily of sildenafil citrate, is the most commonly falsified medicine worldwide. Recently falsified EDTs have been reported multiple times in developing countries. The globalization of falsified EDTs has become a concern. In the present study, we selected sildenafil citrate tablets as an indicator and examined samples from a developing country, Cambodia, to investigate the availability of falsified sildenafil tablets in Cambodia and verify the current globalization status of falsified medicines from the standpoint of a developing country. Six samples of the originator Viagra, and 68 samples of generic sildenafil products were purchased from private drug outlets and wholesalers in Phnom Penh, Svay Rieng, and Battambang. The samples’ manufacturers were contacted to authenticate the samples. The quantities and dissolution rates of active ingredients were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography system with photodiode array. Five generic samples were strongly suspected to be falsified medicines because of their extremely low quality; however, there was little distribution and no falsified medicine alleged to be produced by the originator of Viagra, which charges high prices. That finding indicates that falsification reflects local economic circumstances.

DOI： 10.3390/pharmacy7030111

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

BACKGROUND: Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are commonly observed in persons with depression or depressive symptoms. We explored the degree of depressive symptoms under psychological stress in relation to serum LDL oxidation, inflammatory markers, and fatty acid (FA) distribution among female population. The purpose of this study was to identify peripheral factors that are related to depressive symptoms, and to assess how each factor is related to depressive symptoms. METHODS: 133 female workers in a hospital and nursing homes were recruited in Japan. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Japanese version of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and perceived stress was assessed using the visual analogue scale. Cytokine levels and oxidation rate of LDL cholesterol (ox-LDL/LDL) were measured as indices of inflammation and oxidation. Omega-3 FA distribution was also measured. Path analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to determine if each factor was predictive of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: It was identified that serum ox-LDL/LDL was positively connected with depressive symptoms, but was more strongly related to perceived psychological stress. Elevated serum IL-6 was positively correlated with depressive symptoms, though the effect was partly transmitted via ox-LDL/LDL. Additionally, serum ω3 PUFAs were inversely associated with depressive symptoms independently of IL-6 or ox-LDL/LDL. CONCLUSION: Although this study is unlikely to fully explain the causes of depressive symptoms, it suggests that psychological stress and somatic factors such as inflammation, oxidation and nutrition are related to depressive symptoms. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of lifestyle targets to alleviate the identified depression risk factors, anti-oxidative therapies, anti-inflammatory therapies and nutritional interventions to prevent depression.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jad.2019.02.031

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/tmi.13161

PubMed

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Recent studies indicate that patients with depression have increased concentrations of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, studies of IL-17 and studies on community-dwellers are few. The purpose of this study was to investigate serum cytokine levels, especially IL-17A, among subjects with high and low depressive symptoms of a general population. The participants comprised 20 female community-dwellers aged 40 years or older who contributed to a Shika study in Ishikawa, Japan. Ten participants who showed higher and ten who showed lower depressive symptoms among 208 females assessed by the Japanese version of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were selected for this study. Serum samples were analyzed for TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17A using a multiplex Luminex analysis. For the comparison between the high and low depressive groups statistically, linear regression analyses were applied. The serum level of IL-17A was significantly higher among the high depressive participants (p &lt; 0.05) even after controlling possible confounders, whereas there were no differences in TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, or IL-12 between the high and low depressive groups. Our findings supported an association between serum IL-17A levels and depressive symptoms. Peripheral IL-17A immune response may be a preventive and treatment target for depression.

DOI： 10.3390/bs8110102

PubMed

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Studies concerning patient demands are mainly conducted at hospitals and pharmacies, whereas few surveys have been conducted on drug stores. The demand for drug stores is estimated to be increasing with growing needs for self-medication. Thus, conducting a customer survey at drug stores is thought to be valuable. The aim of the current study was to clarify the structure of customers’ demands for drug stores. The survey was conducted on 190 customers of 19 drug stores in Japan. The questionnaire consisted of 24 items using a 9-point Likert scale. The IBM SPSS Statistics version 23 (IBM Japan, Tokyo, Japan) and Amos version 5 (IBM Japan, Tokyo, Japan) were utilized to perform factor analysis. Gender did not influence the response to each question. Factor analysis showed that the structure of customers’ demands consisted of three factors: (1) an explanation about medicine, (2) staff’s manners, and (3) location of drug stores. Because fit indices suggested a good fit, this three-factor solution was adopted as the final factor structure. This study demonstrated the structure of customers’ demands for drug stores, with the potential for use in promotion of self-medication.

DOI： 10.3390/pharmacy6030098

PubMed

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Many poor-quality medicines are supplied to patients mainly in developing countries. No systematic survey on counterfeit medicines has been conducted in Myanmar since 1999. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current situation of substandard or counterfeit medicines in Myanmar. Samples of oral medicines, cefuroxime axetil (CXM), donepezil hydrochloride (DN) and omeprazole (OM), and injections, ceftriaxone sodium (CTRX), and gentamicin sulfate (GM), were collected from pharmacies, hospitals, and wholesalers in Yangon, Myanmar in 2014. Authenticity and quality were verified. There were 221 (94%) foreign medicines among 235 collected samples. Five samples of GM and 1 DN sample were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration, Myanmar. In quality analysis, 36 samples out of 177 (20.3%) did not pass quantity tests, 27 samples out of 176 (15.3%) did not pass content uniformity tests, and 23 out of 128 samples (18.0%) did not pass dissolution tests. Three of the unregistered GM samples failed in both identification and microbial assay tests. Counterfeit GM is being sold in Yangon. Also, the quality of OM is a matter of concern. Poor-quality medicines were frequently found among the products of a few manufacturers. Regular surveys to monitor counterfeit and substandard medicines in Myanmar are recommended.

DOI： 10.3390/pharmacy6030096

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene  

DOI： 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0553

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/tmi.13028

Scopus

PubMed

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.11197/jaih.32.233

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1186/s40360-017-0138-5

Web of Science

PubMed

Authorship：Lead author,　Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene  

Analytical methods for the detection of substandard and falsified medical products (SFs) are important for public health and patient safety. Research to understand how the physical and chemical properties of SFs can be most effectively applied to distinguish the SFs from authentic products has not yet been investigated enough. Here, we investigated the usefulness of two analytical methods, handheld Raman spectroscopy (handheld Raman) and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT), for detecting SFs among oral solid antihypertensive pharmaceutical products containing candesartan cilexetil as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). X-ray CT visualized at least two different types of falsified tablets, one containing many cracks and voids and the other containing aggregates with high electron density, suchasfrom the presence of theheavy elements. Generic products that purported to contain equivalent amounts of A PIto the authentic products were discriminated from the authentic products by the handheld Raman and the different physical structure on X-ray CT. Approachto investigate both the chemical and physical properties with handheld Raman and X-ray CT, respectively, promise the accurate discrimination of the SFs, even if their visual appearance is similar with authentic products. We present a decision tree for investigating the authenticity of samples purporting to be authentic commercial tablets. Our results indicate that the combination approach of visual observation, handheld Raman and X-ray CT is a powerful strategy for nondestructive discrimination of suspect samples.

DOI： 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0971

Scopus

PubMed

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1186/s13030-016-0064-6

Web of Science

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1186/s12906-015-0955-2

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PubMed

Other Link： http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-015-0955-2/fulltext.html

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1186/1751-0759-8-21

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.  

DOI： 10.4236/pp.2014.55062

Other Link： http://www.scirp.org/journal/doi.aspx?DOI=10.4236/pp.2014.55062

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1186/2050-6511-15-13

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PubMed

Other Link： http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/2050-6511-15-13/fulltext.html

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.11648/j.sjcm.20140303.12

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility  

DOI： 10.5056/jnm.2014.20.1.94

Web of Science

PubMed

Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1177/2168479013500966

Scopus

PubMed

Other Link： http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/2168479013500966

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1186/2050-6511-14-33

Scopus

PubMed

Other Link： http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/2050-6511-14-33.pdf

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.clnu.2012.07.011

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.  

DOI： 10.4236/pp.2013.45061

Other Link： http://www.scirp.org/journal/doi.aspx?DOI=10.4236/pp.2013.45061

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.  

DOI： 10.4236/pp.2013.47074

Other Link： http://www.scirp.org/journal/doi.aspx?DOI=10.4236/pp.2013.47074

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BMJ  

DOI： 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-000854

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PubMed

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.jad.2011.05.010

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PubMed

CiNii Books

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MAGHIRA & MAAS PUBLICATIONS  

OBJECTIVES: The idea that perceived happiness may be associated with health and well-being is a recent topic of focus. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the positive effects of happiness on psychological and physiological wellness remain obscure. In this study, we attempted to clarify the association between systemic inflammation and happiness.
METHODS: We recruited 160 healthy volunteers for experiment 1 and compared peripheral inflammatory markers, namely the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, between perceived high-happiness and low-happiness groups. Subsequently, we recruited 7 romantic couples for experiment 2 and investigated changes in peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokine levels after the evocation of happiness, which was induced by warm physical contact with the partner.
RESULTS: We found that circulating levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), which can affect brain functions and induce depressive symptoms, were lower in the high-happiness group than in the low-happiness group. A negative correlation between the levels of perceived happiness and IFN-gamma concentrations was also observed. Furthermore, we also found that experimentally induced happiness could reduce peripheral IFN-gamma levels.
CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed an association between the perception of happiness and systemic inflammation. Increased happiness may suppress the peripheral circulation of pro-inflammatory cytolcines.

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MAGHIRA & MAAS PUBLICATIONS  

OBJECTIVE: The "Proust phenomenon" occurs when a certain smell evokes a specific memory. Recent studies have demonstrated that odor-evoked autobiographic memories are more emotional than those elicited by other sensory stimuli because of the direct neural communication between the olfactory system and the amygdala. The amygdala is known to regulate various physiological activities including the endocrine and immune systems; therefore, odor-evoked autobiographic memory may trigger various psychological and physiological responses; however, the responses elicited by this memory remains obscure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the psychological and physiological responses accompanying odor-evoked autobiographic memory. METHODS: We recruited healthy male and female volunteers and investigated changes in their mood states and autonomic nervous, endocrine, and immune activities when autobiographic memory was evoked in the participants by asking them to smell an odor(s) that was nostalgic to them. RESULTS: The autobiographic memories associated with positive emotion resulted in increased positive mood states, such as comfort and happiness, and decreased negative mood states, such as anxiety. Furthermore, heart rate was decreased, skin-conductance level was increased, and peripheral interleukin-2 level was decreased after smelling the nostalgic odor. These psychological and physiological responses were significantly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that odor-evoked autobiographic memory along with a positive feeling induce various physiological responses, including the autonomic nervous and immune activities. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to observe an interaction between odor-evoked autobiographic memories and immune function.

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PubMed

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The Japanese Society of Behavioral Medicine  

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the important disorders in Japan that medical care plans should be designed. The CHD is the most prominent established disorder for which socio-economic inequalities have been observed in the Western countries. Socio-economic status (SES) may become of major concern also in Japan. This article is divided into three sections. The first two sections concern backgrounds on CHD and pathways linking SES with CHD, highlighting psychosocial factors. The latter section describes clues to the prevention of CHD by means of social strategies. Social inequalities can affect CHD risk through some pathways such as health behaviours, access to health care, childhood factors and psychobiological processes, though the risk factors can be confounding each other. Although work to date on psychobiological processes and SES is not conclusive, life course epidemiology and psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinology are providing the way how social inequalities are translated into differential disease risks. Since physical and social exposures in life have long-term effects on risk of CHD or a lifestyle-related disease, it is hoped that medical care and public health education would thoroughly provided. Public health research based on social epidemiology would be effective also in Japan.

DOI： 10.11331/jjbm.17.1

CiNii Books

Other Link： https://jlc.jst.go.jp/DN/JALC/10036753788?from=CiNii

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MAGHIRA & MAAS PUBLICATIONS  

OBJECTIVES: Warm physical contact may positively influence our health and well-being; however, it has not been investigated yet whether serum proteins are influenced by warm physical contact in healthy couples. In this study, we focused on psychological and physiological effects of warm partner contact in healthy couples.
METHODS: When participants freely kissed and hugged their romantic partners, they were asked to subjectively evaluate their present emotions. Furthermore, changes of serum proteins were determined by using ProteinChip surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). We characterized these proteins by using biochemical techniques combined with gel filtration high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), reverse-phase HPLC, and sequencing analyses.
RESULTS: Romantic couples became happier and less irritated after kissing and hugging. Accompanying these psychological changes, SELDI-TOF-MS indicated that the intensities of 66-k Da, 11.7-k Da, and 5.9-k Da serum proteins were increased. These proteins were identified as serum albumin and beta(2)-microglobulin, and probably fibrinogen fragment. The feeling of happiness positively correlated and the feeling of irritation negatively correlated with intensities of serum albumin and beta(2)-microglobulin.
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that psychological stress may be reduced and we may feel happiness when we kiss and hug a romantic partner. Furthermore, these results also suggest that warm partner contact influences peripheral circulating proteins, more importantly, may promote health and well-being.

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PubMed

Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbi.2007.07.006

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：National Institute of Industrial Health  

DOI： 10.2486/indhealth.45.160

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PubMed

CiNii Books

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Environmental Mutagen Society  

We investigated whether or not social stress (isolation, 1 mouse per cage) increases oxidative DMA damage in mouse peripheral blood cells. Male BALB/c mice (4 weeks old) were housed 5 per cage for 10 days. After acclimatization, mice were exposed to isolation stress for 7 and 30 days. Control mice were housed 5 per cage. Serum levels of corticosterone, which is a well known stress marker, and antioxidant compounds, ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol, were determined by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) and ESACoul Array analysis, respectively. Single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) using formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG) was done to determine oxidative DMA damage in mouse peripheral blood cells. The significant increases of plasma level of corticosterone were observed in mice exposed to isolation stress for 7 days and 30 days. Although no significant differences in plasma concentration of ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol were observed between the control mice and the isolated mice, oxidative DNA damage was induced in the isolated mice for 7 days and 30 days. These results suggest that social stress, isolation, causes mild oxidation in mice.

DOI： 10.3123/jemsge.29.17

Scopus

CiNii Books

Other Link： http://search.jamas.or.jp/link/ui/2007219490

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.11288/mibyou1998.12.94

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.jad.2005.12.010

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PubMed

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1207/s15327558ijbm1204_4

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PubMed

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1002/smi.1064

Web of Science

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

CiNii Books

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/s0022-3999(03)00567-1

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SAGE Publications  

The expression of anger in Japanese people is different from that of other races. We developed a new brief inventory, the Overt-Covert Aggression Inventory, to assess aggressive behavior of Japanese people by focusing on their uniqueness and examined us reliability and validity. This inventory, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, the Japanese version of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and the Picture-Frustration Study were administered to 3,104 men and 316 women in a factory. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and construct validity of the scale were examined. We confirmed that the Overt-Covert Aggression Inventory has adequate reliability and sufficient concurrent validity; however, further studies of the construct validity and discriminant validity are required.

DOI： 10.2466/pr0.2003.93.1.26

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Circulation Society  

The Japanese Coronary-prone Behavior Scale (JCBS) is a questionnaire developed by the Eastern Collaborative Group Study (ECGS), a multi-center study of coronary-prone behavior among Japanese men in Japan. From the JCBS, a subscale was extracted consisting of 9 items that were independently associated with the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). The subscale, named Scale C, represents job-centered lifestyle, social dominance, and suppressed overt type A behavior. To further validate the association of Scale C with CAD among Japanese men, the present study examined if such an association would be observed in a newly sampled population. The JCBS was carried out by 311 men undergoing CAG. The association between Scale C score and the presence of CAD was evaluated with logistic regression analysis that included established coronary risk factors. The Scale C score was significantly higher in subjects with CAD than in those without and stepwise multivariate logistic regression showed that the Scale C score was associated with the presence of CAD independent of age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. These results indicate that the Scale C score is independently associated with the presence of CAD even among a newly sampled population of Japanese men undergoing CAG. Scale C may reflect an important feature of coronary-prone behavior among Japanese men.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.67.129

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.11477/mf.1401902829

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Aichi Medical University  

Objective : The objective of the current survey was to assess smoking prevalence among schoolteachers. Design : A cross-sectional study was designed employing questionnaires. Setting : Participants consisted of 5757 schoolteachers (3220 males, 2537 females) of all public schools operated by Nagoya city. Subjects were assessed in 1997. Main outcome measures : Smoking status in schoolteachers was measured in terms of age, gender, position and education specialty. Results : Prevalence of smoking was 38.6% in men and 2.5% in women, which was significantly lower than levels observed among the general population in Japan (chisquare test, p<0.01). With respect to age among male teachers, a significant age-related increase in smoking prevalence was observed by Cochran-Armitage trend (CAT) test (p<0.01). The average number of cigarettes consumed per day among current male smokers was 21.7. Older subjects demonstrated significantly higher cigarette consumption, evaluated using analysis of variance with linear contrast (p<0.01). The ratio of heavy smokers, defined as smoking more than 40 cigarettes per day, was also higher in older male teachers (CAT test, p<O.01). Smoking prevalence among principals and vice-principals, and among physical education (PE) teachers, was significantly higher in male subjects, compared with prevalence among general teachers after age adjustment (chi-square test, p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). Conclusion : Our study demonstrated three problems. Smoking prevalence of the entire schoolteacher population was not low, considering educational levels. Teachers holding administrative positions showed significantly higher smoking prevalence than non-administrative teachers. PE teachers, who teach health promotion to students, smoked more than the average teacher significantly.

CiNii Books

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：National Institute of Industrial Health  

DOI： 10.2486/indhealth.40.266

Web of Science

PubMed

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：S. Karger AG  

DOI： 10.1159/000049001

Web of Science

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.02273.x

Web of Science

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

CiNii Books

Other Link： http://search.jamas.or.jp/link/ui/1994209720

Language：Japanese  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Web of Science

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.15064/jjpm.55.3_281_1

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.15064/jjpm.54.5_395

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.15064/jjpm.53.10_961_3

Language：Japanese  

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Web of Science

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC  

Web of Science

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本医療薬学会  

CiNii Books

Publishing type：Meeting report  

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author  

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Publishing type：Meeting report  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD  

DOI： 10.1016/j.neures.2010.07.1751

Web of Science

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：SPRINGER TOKYO  

Web of Science

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD  

DOI： 10.1016/j.neures.2009.09.1004

Web of Science

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.15064/jjpm.49.5_398_4

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Web of Science

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Web of Science

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Web of Science

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Web of Science

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Society for Occupational Health  

DOI： 10.1539/sangyoeisei.KJ00004429983

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)   Publisher：PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD  

Web of Science

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.1539/sangyoeisei.KJ00003804303

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.1539/sangyoeisei.KJ00003948067

Language：Japanese  

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.1539/sangyoeisei.KJ00002552316

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.1539/sangyoeisei.KJ00002990462

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.15036/arerugi.47.991_3

Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.15064/jjpm.38.supiementII_140_2

Language：Japanese  

CiNii Books

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CiNii Books

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