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ABSTRACT: With the growth in the popularity of the Internet, individuals' skills in finding and applying information about health issues [health literacy (HL)] are affecting their health behaviors. This study aimed to examine functional HL (FHL), critical HL (CHL), and hypertension knowledge (HK) among middle-aged Japanese adults. In addition, to measure health outcomes, we examined the relationship between HL, HK, and blood pressure (BP) level.
The study included middle-aged participants who received an annual health check-up at an urban clinic in Japan. FHL, CHL, and HK were assessed using structured questionnaires. In addition, BP was obtained from the electronic medical record.
Participants included 139 women and 181 men with a mean age of 54.4 years (standard deviation = 0.69). Individuals with lower reading comprehension scores in FHL were more likely to have a history of hypertension (P = 0.003) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.02). Individuals with lower CHL had significantly higher rates of current smoking (P = 0.03) and men with lower CHL had a significantly higher waist circumference (P = 0.03). There was a significant relationship between sex and HK (P = 0.03). Systolic BP in women with higher HL and HK was significantly lower than in men with higher FHL (P < 0.001), CHL (P = 0.01), and HK (P = 0.001).
Lower HL and HK were associated with a poor health status and BP level in middle-aged participants. Further research is needed to examine the role of health management in improving outcomes and to address disparities between individuals with higher and lower HL.
Blood pressure monitoring 08/2011; 16(5):224-30. · 1.62 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Sofalcone, 2'-carboxymethoxy-4,4-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)chalcone, is an anti-ulcer agent that is classified as a gastric mucosa protective agent. Recent studies indicate heat shock proteins such as HSP32, also known as heme-oxygenase-1(HO-1), play important roles in protecting gastrointestinal tissues from several stresses. We have previously reported that sofalcone increases the expression of HO-1 in adipocytes and pre-adipocytes, although the effect of sofalcone on HO-1 induction in gastrointestinal tissues is not clear. In the current study, we investigated the effects of sofalcone on the expression of HO-1 and its functional role in rat gastric epithelial (RGM-1) cells. We found that sofalcone increased HO-1 expression in RGM-1 cells in both time- and concentration-dependent manners. The HO-1 induction was associated with the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in RGM-1 cells. We also observed that sofalcone increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in the culture medium. Treatment of RGM-1 cells with an HO-1 inhibitor (tin-protoporphyrin), or HO-1 siRNA inhibited sofalcone-induced VEGF production, suggesting that the effect of sofalcone on VEGF expression is mediated by the HO-1 pathway. These results suggest that the gastroprotective effects of sofalcone are partly exerted via Nrf2-HO-1 activation followed by VEGF production.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 07/2010; 398(3):581-4. · 2.48 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The factors that affect physicians' prescribing remain unclear. Although previous reports suggest that prescription decisions are associated with various clinical situation, most of these studies analyzed simulated patient models rather than actual clinical practice. Here, we retrospectively analyzed actual cases of statin prescription for hyperlipidemia at Tohoku University Hospital between Apr 1, 2004 and Mar 31, 2008. Twelve physicians (6 cardiologists, 3 nephrologist, and 3 diabetologist) made decisions on whether to prescribe statins to 187 patients in 788 visits. As expected, cardiologists started prescribing statins at significantly lower serum total cholesterol levels than other specialists (221.7mg/dL vs. 244.7mg/dL, P<0.05). Interestingly, the total cholesterol levels that triggered prescribing differed significantly among cardiologists (p<0.05). These results suggested that prescription decisions differed not only among specialties but also among individuals.
AMIA ... Annual Symposium proceedings / AMIA Symposium. AMIA Symposium 01/2009; 2009:604-8.
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ABSTRACT: We designed an information management and sharing system using the Medical Cells(MCs), which clinicians can use to share appropriate medical information. This system enables the authorized users to create, edit and search clinical knowledge content directly from portal site. In this system, we assessed clinicians' impact and satisfaction with their use of the MCs. The MCs had a significant impact on clinical knowledge management.
AMIA ... Annual Symposium proceedings / AMIA Symposium. AMIA Symposium 02/2008;
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ABSTRACT: HOMED-BP study aims to establish an optimal target blood pressure (BP) level based on BP values self-measured at home (home BP), supported by information technology. Subjects are automatically randomized to either more intensive BP-lowering group or less intensive one and to regimens based on one of three initial drugs. BP values are collected via the Internet and study database is automatically updated. The study has started since 2001 and 1953 patients participate in the study.
AMIA ... Annual Symposium proceedings / AMIA Symposium. AMIA Symposium 02/2008;
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ABSTRACT: Enlarged cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) in chest X-ray is related to cardiac dysfunction. We developed a software program that provided an automated measurement of CTR from chest X-ray image files. With high accuracy, CTR was calculated from chest X-ray images taken in outpatient clinics. It may be helpful for physicians to reduce routine work and to detect latent heart disease.
AMIA ... Annual Symposium proceedings / AMIA Symposium. AMIA Symposium 02/2008;
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ABSTRACT: Clinical data consist of a wide variety of information. Database software that covers all types of clinical data is ideal. Patient data in cardiology were converted into an XML-format by tags that cardiologist selected. The structure of the database was comprehensible to the cardiologists. The arbitrary queries to the database from the end-users were captured with a resultant high satisfaction.
AMIA ... Annual Symposium proceedings / AMIA Symposium. AMIA Symposium 02/2007;
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ABSTRACT: The authors previously designed managing and sharing medical information units called "Medical Cells". The authors measured clinicians' satisfaction with the Medical Cells, and experiences with the performance of the Medical Cells within an existing electronic medical record system. The Medical Cells were useful in obtaining correct medical knowledge, and had a significant impact on managing and sharing medical information within the EMRS.
AMIA ... Annual Symposium proceedings / AMIA Symposium. AMIA Symposium 02/2007;
