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Koichi Miyaki,
Yixuan Song,
Setsuko Taneichi,
Akizumi Tsutsumi,
Hideki Hashimoto,
Norito Kawakami,
Masaya Takahashi,
Akihito Shimazu,
Akiomi Inoue,
Sumiko Kurioka,
Takuro Shimbo
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ABSTRACT: The association of socioeconomic status (SES) with nutrient intake attracts public attention worldwide. In the current study, we examined the associations of SES with dietary intake of folate and health outcomes in general Japanese workers. This Japanese occupational cohort consisted off 2266 workers. SES was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Intakes of all nutrients were assessed with a validated, brief and self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). The degree of depressive symptoms was measured by the validated Japanese version of the K6 scale. Multiple linear regression and stratified analysis were used to evaluate the associations of intake with the confounding factors. Path analysis was conducted to describe the impacts of intake on health outcomes. Education levels and household incomes were significantly associated with intake of folate and depression scales (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex and total energy intake, years of education significantly affect the folate intake (β = 0.117, p < 0.001). The structural equation model (SEM) shows that the indirect effect of folate intake is statistically significant and strong (p < 0.05, 56% of direct effect) in the pathway of education level to depression scale. Our study shows both education and income are significantly associated with depression scales in Japanese workers, and the effort to increase the folate intake may alleviate the harms of social disparities on mental health.
Nutrients 01/2013; 5(2):565-78. · 0.68 Impact Factor
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Koichi Miyaki,
Yixuan Song,
Setsuko Taneichi,
Akizumi Tsutsumi,
Hideki Hashimoto,
Norito Kawakami,
Masaya Takahashi,
Akihito Shimazu,
Akiomi Inoue,
Sumiko Kurioka,
Takuro Shimbo
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ABSTRACT: The association of socioeconomic status (SES) with nutrients intakes attracts public attention worldwide. In the current study, we examined the associations of SES with dietary salt intake and health outcomes in general Japanese workers (2,266) who participated in this Japanese occupational cohort. SES was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Dietary intakes were assessed with a validated, brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Multiple linear regression and stratified analysis were used to evaluate the associations of salt intake with the confounding factors. Education levels and household incomes were significantly associated with salt intake, as well as blood pressures (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex and total energy intake, both years of education and household income significantly affect the salt intake (for education, β = -0.031, P = 0.040; for household income, β = -0.046, P = 0.003). SES factors also affect the risk of hypertension, those subjects with higher levels of education or income had lower risk to become hypertensive (ORs for education was 0.904, P < 0.001; ORs for income was 0.956, P = 0.032). Our results show that SES is an independent determinant of salt intake and blood pressure, in order to lower the risk of hypertension, the efforts to narrow the social status gaps should be considered by the health policy-makers.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 01/2013; 10(3):980-993. · 1.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: GLUT4 is a major mediator of glucose removal from the circulation and a key regulator of whole-body glucose homeostasis. Recent studies in south Indian populations revealed that haplotypes of the GLUT4 gene associated with type 2 diabetes. A total of 734 middle aged apparently healthy Japanese men were recruited from two separate occupational cohorts from Kanagawa and Kyoto. Participants were genotyped for GLUT4 variants, rs5418 (A/G) and rs2654185 (C/A), and association with HbA1c level was analyzed. The HbA1c value was determined by JDS method which is 0.4% lower than NGSP value. The G allele carrier of rs5418 and A allele carrier of rs2654185 associated with significantly higher HbA1c level (AG + GG vs. AA carriers; 5.2 ± 0.8 vs. 4.9 ± 0.4, P < 0.002, and AA + AC vs. CC; 5.2 ± 0.9, vs. 4.9 ± 0.4, P < 0.002, respectively). G allele, AG + GG genotype of rs5418 and A allele, AA + AC genotype of rs2654185 showed a significant association with higher HbA1c (β = 0.215, P = 0.026; β = 0.215, P = 0.026; β = 0.190, P = 0.042; β = 0.190, P = 0.042, respectively). These two SNPs are in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) of r(2) = 0.67. In haplotype analysis, four haplotypes were estimated. HbA1c is significantly higher in the most frequent GA haplotype compared with the second frequent AC haplotype (5.2% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.004). Genetic variations, rs5418 and rs2654185 in GLUT4 gene are associated with HbA1c level in Japanese men.
Endocrine Journal 05/2012; 59(8):677-84. · 2.03 Impact Factor
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Koichi Miyaki,
Yixuan Song,
Nay Chi Htun,
Akizumi Tsutsumi,
Hideki Hashimoto,
Norito Kawakami,
Masaya Takahashi,
Akihito Shimazu,
Akiomi Inoue,
Sumiko Kurioka,
Takuro Shimbo
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ABSTRACT: Recently socioeconomic status (SES) and job stress index received more attention to affect mental health. Folate intake has been implicated to have negative association with depression. However, few studies were published for the evidence association together with the consideration of SES and job stress factors. The current study is a part of the Japanese study of Health, Occupation and Psychosocial factors related Equity (J-HOPE study) that focused on the association of social stratification and health and our objective was to clarify the association between folate intake and depressive symptoms in Japanese general workers.
Subjects were 2266 workers in a Japanese nationwide company. SES and job stress factors were assessed by self-administered questionnaire. Folate intake was estimated by a validated, brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured by Kessler's K6 questionnaire. "Individuals with depressive symptoms" was defined as K6≧9 (in K6 score of 0-24 scoring system). Multiple logistic regression and linear regression model were used to evaluate the association between folate and depressive symptoms.
Several SES factors (proportion of management positions, years of continuous employment, and annual household income) and folate intake were found to be significantly lower in the subjects with depressive symptom (SES factors: p < 0.001; folate intake: P = 0.001). There was an inverse, independent linear association between K6 score and folate intake after adjusting for age, sex, job stress scores (job strains, worksite supports), and SES factors (p = 0.010). The impact of folate intake on the prevalence of depressive symptom by a multiple logistic model was (ORs[95% CI]: 0.813 [0.664-0.994]; P =0.044).
Our cross-sectional study suggested an inverse, independent relation of energy-adjusted folate intake with depression score and prevalence of depressive symptoms in Japanese workers, together with the consideration of SES and job stress factors.
BMC Psychiatry 04/2012; 12:33. · 2.55 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), which often precedes permanent AF, is reported to be a risk factor for milder ischemic stroke. We assessed whether the type of AF and prestroke treatment with an anticoagulant were associated with physical disabilities in patients with AF-related acute ischemic stroke. We identified 162 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with AF who were admitted to our hospital over a 3-year period. Disability was measured using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the time of discharge and was categorized according to favorable clinical outcome (mRS score 0-2). Of the 162 patients, 71 (43.8%) had paroxysmal AF and 91 had permanent AF. Fifty-six patients (34.6%) had been treated with a prophylactic anticoagulant. A total of 103 patients (63.6%) had a favorable outcome. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that paroxysmal AF (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; P = .0187), prestroke anticoagulation treatment (OR, 1.95; P = .0019), and noncardiogenic embolism (OR, 2.20; P = .0073) were independent factors associated with a favorable clinical outcome. Our data indicate that paroxysmal AF and prestroke anticoagulation treatment are independently associated with favorable clinical outcome at the time of hospital discharge in patients with AF.
Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases: the official journal of National Stroke Association 01/2012; 21(1):11-7.
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ABSTRACT: Previous studies of a functional variant of the catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene, Val158Met, have provided inconsistent results with regard to blood pressure or hypertension. We examined the effect of this variant, the considering environmental factors of daily salt and energy intakes.
A total of 735 Japanese men (mean age, 47 years) were recruited from two separate occupational cohorts from Kanagawa and Kyoto prefectures. Participants were genotyped for the presence of COMT Val158Met (rs4680, G/A). Daily salt and energy intakes were evaluated by the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).
Met/Met carriers had higher adjusted systolic blood pressure (SBP) (+4.79 mm Hg, P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (+2.33 mm Hg, P = 0.001) than Met/Val or Val/Val carriers. There was a significant association between being a Met/Met carrier and having a higher prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio = 2.448, 95% confidence interval = 1.426-4.205, P = 0.001). When salt and energy intakes were dichotomized, the effect of Val158Met on hypertension was observed only in the high-energy intake group, and was equivalent between low- and high-salt groups.
The Met allele of COMT Val158Met is associated with higher blood pressure and higher prevalence of hypertension in Japanese men, and energy intake may interact with this effect.
American Journal of Hypertension 09/2011; 24(9):1022-6. · 3.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the effectiveness of a non-vaccine quarantine measure against pandemic influenza A H1N1 in workplaces.
Design was quasi-cluster randomized controlled trial in two sibling companies (Cohort 1 n=6,634, Cohort 2 n=8,500). The follow-up period was from July 1st, 2009 to February 19th, 2010 (233 days). Intervention was voluntary waiting at home on full pay if the family became Influenza like Illness (ILI). The incidences of influenza A H1N1 and those of the subgroups whose families got ILI in both cohorts were compared by a Cox regression model and log-rank test.
There were 189 and 270 workers who got H1N1 infection during the follow-up period in each cohort. In this period 317 workers in Cohort 1 were asked to wait at home for several days (100% obeyed). The intervention group (Cohort 1) showed a statistically significant lower risk (p for log-rank test=0.033) compared with the control (Cohort 2), and the hazard ratio of the intervention was 0.799 [0.658-0.970] after adjusting for age, sex, BMI and smoking status. The workers who were asked to wait at home showed H1N1 infection more frequently (49 out of 317) compared with the workers whose family got ILI but were not asked to wait and work regularly (77 out of 990, RR=2.17 [1.48-3.18]).
The waiting on full pay policy in the workplace reduced the overall risk of influenza A H1N1 by about 20% in one flu season in Japan. This kind of non-vaccine measure will be a promising option in workplaces to control the next flu pandemic.
Journal of Occupational Health 05/2011; 53(4):287-92. · 1.55 Impact Factor
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Yoshimitsu Takahashi,
Tomoko Ohura,
Tatsuro Ishizaki,
Shigeru Okamoto,
Kenji Miki,
Mariko Naito,
Rie Akamatsu,
Hiroki Sugimori,
Nobuo Yoshiike, Koichi Miyaki,
Takuro Shimbo,
Takeo Nakayama
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ABSTRACT: The Internet is known to be used for health purposes by the general public all over the world. However, little is known about the use of, attitudes toward, and activities regarding eHealth among the Japanese population.
This study aimed to measure the prevalence of Internet use for health-related information compared with other sources, and to examine the effects on user knowledge, attitudes, and activities with regard to Internet use for health-related information in Japan. We examined the extent of use via personal computers and cell phones.
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a quasi-representative sample (N = 1200) of the Japanese general population aged 15-79 years in September 2007. The main outcome measures were (1) self-reported rates of Internet use in the past year to acquire health-related information and to contact health professionals, family, friends, and peers specifically for health-related purposes, and (2) perceived effects of Internet use on health care.
The prevalence of Internet use via personal computer for acquiring health-related information was 23.8% (286/1200) among those surveyed, whereas the prevalence via cell phone was 6% (77). Internet use via both personal computer and cell phone for communicating with health professionals, family, friends, or peers was not common. The Internet was used via personal computer for acquiring health-related information primarily by younger people, people with higher education levels, and people with higher household incomes. The majority of those who used the Internet for health care purposes responded that the Internet improved their knowledge or affected their lifestyle attitude, and that they felt confident in the health-related information they obtained from the Internet. However, less than one-quarter thought it improved their ability to manage their health or affected their health-related activities.
Japanese moderately used the Internet via personal computers for health purposes, and rarely used the Internet via cell phones. Older people, people with lower education levels, and people with lower household incomes were less likely to access the Internet via cell phone. The Internet moderately improved users' health-related knowledge and attitudes but seldom changed their health-related abilities and activities. To encourage communication between health providers and consumers, it is important to improve eHealth literacy, especially in middle-aged people. It is also important to make adequate amendments to the reimbursement payment system and nationwide eHealth privacy and security framework, and to develop a collaborative relationship among industry, government, and academia.
Journal of Medical Internet Research 01/2011; 13(4):e110. · 4.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Genome-wide association studies have identified the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit-associated protein 1-like 1 (CDKAL1) gene as a novel risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Application of this genetic marker for prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in healthy populations has not yet been evaluated. The authors examined the effects of a CDKAL1 polymorphism (rs9465871) on metabolic phenotype and of gene-lifestyle (CDKAL1-energy intake) interaction on MetS in a cohort of apparently healthy Japanese men examined in 2003. The CC genotype of the CDKAL1 variant was associated with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin A₁(c) (HbA1c) levels. The prevalence of MetS was 25.6% for CC and 16.3% for TT + CT (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 4.48; P = 0.035). When dietary energy intake was accounted for, the variant's effect on HbA1c was observed in the highest energy-intake group (mean: CC, 5.6% (standard deviation, 1.7); TT + CT, 5.0% (standard deviation, 0.5); P = 0.025). In addition, the positive association between HbA1c and energy intake was stronger in subjects with the CC genotype than in subjects with TT + CT. These results suggest that the interaction between the CDKAL1 polymorphism and dietary energy intake influences the dysglycemic phenotype leading to MetS, possibly through impaired insulin secretion. The CDKAL1 polymorphism may be a marker for MetS in the Japanese population.
American journal of epidemiology 11/2010; 172(9):985-91. · 5.59 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the independent effect of moderate renal dysfunction on stroke severity and to disclose the clinical features of stroke patients with moderate renal dysfunction.
We studied consecutive stroke patients presenting within 48 hours of onset. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at the time of presentation was used as an index of stroke severity. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on their estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs).
Of the 475 patients with an eGFR >15 mL per minute per 1.73 m(2), 158 patients (33.3%) had an eGFR <60 mL per minute per 1.73 m(2). These patients were older and included significantly more cases with hypertension and atrial fibrillation. The NIHSS score at the time of admission was higher among the patients with renal dysfunction. In a multivariable model with adjustments for other clinical background factors, moderate renal dysfunction was an independent predictor of the neurologic severity of stroke at the time of admission (odds ratio, 1.261; 95% confidence interval, 1.032-1.545; P = .0244).
Stroke patients with moderate renal dysfunction had a higher prevalence of hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Moderate renal dysfunction was associated with a higher severity of stroke on admission.
Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases: the official journal of National Stroke Association 10/2010; 21(5):343-9.
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American journal of epidemiology 09/2010; · 5.59 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Employing high-speed camera laser-scanning confocal microscopy with RBC-tracking software, we previously showed that RBC velocities in intraparenchymal capillaries of rat cerebral cortex are distributed over a wide range. In the present work, we measured RBC velocities in mice, whose body weights are less than one-tenth of that of rats. In an isoflurane-anesthetized mouse, a cranial window was opened in the left temporo-parietal region. Intravenously administered FITC-labeled RBCs were automatically recognized and tracked frame-by-frame at 500fps, and the velocities of all RBCs recognized were calculated with our Matlab-domain software, KEIO-IS2. Among 15241 RBCs detected in the ROI in 21 mice, 1655 were identified as flowing in capillaries. The velocities of these RBCs ranged from 0.15 to 8.6mm/s, with a mean of 2.03+/-1.42mm/s. A frequency distribution plot showed that RBC velocities were clustered at around 1.0mm/s, tailing up to 8.6mm/s, and 59% of the RBCs in capillaries showed velocities within the range of 0.5 to 2.0mm/s. Unexpectedly, these characteristics of RBC velocities in mice were very similar to those of rats, despite differences in RBC diameter (6.0 vs. 6.5microm), body size (25 vs. 327g), heart rate (461 vs. 319bpm) and arterial blood pressure (86 vs. 84mmHg). We speculate that physical factors relating to oxygen exchange may constrain general RBC velocity in capillaries to a certain range for optimum oxygen exchange, regardless of species.
Brain research 03/2010; 1320:69-73. · 2.46 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Although there have been several studies in which the surgical outcomes were evaluated by pain reduction or neurological improvement, there have been few studies focused on the quality of life (QOL) of the patients after the surgery. We considered that the most important consideration in palliative surgery was to respect the wishes of patients and their families, which are likely to be influenced by the patients' QOL for their limited life span.
To evaluate the value of palliative surgery for spinal metastasis and to identify the factors predicting satisfaction of patients and their families after the surgery.
Questionnaire-based survey of palliative surgery for spinal metastasis.
Seventy-one consecutive patients who had undergone palliative surgery and their families.
Survival period after surgery, neurological status, ambulatory period, pain scale, and satisfaction of patients and their families.
The QOL of the patients after surgery was evaluated by analyzing the satisfaction and related parameters of patients and their families. Questionnaires were sent to 71 consecutive patients who had undergone palliative surgery for spinal metastasis. To identify the factors predicting satisfaction of patients and their families, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.
Questionnaires were successfully delivered to 71 patients or their families. Full responses were collected from 37 patients, giving an overall response rate of 52.2%. Overall, 80% of patients were satisfied with the results of the surgical treatment. Age (below 65 years) and neurological improvement after surgery were significant predictors of patient's satisfaction. Pain reduction and the continued survival of the patient were significant predictors of family member's satisfaction.
These results strongly suggested that palliative surgery is a valuable treatment for metastatic spinal disease. Younger patients were more likely to want active treatment and to seek any functional improvement that contributed to an improved QOL in their limited life span. Pain control and the length of patient survival were important factors for people caring for patients.
The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society 09/2009; 10(1):42-9. · 2.90 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between the aminolevulinate dehydrogenase (ALAD) genotype and blood lead levels among 101 Japanese workers. Blood lead concentration measurement, biomarkers, and genotyping were performed. The minor allele frequency (MAF) for ALAD (ALAD2) was 0.08. Although the blood lead level in the subjects with heterozygous GC genotype was significantly higher than those with homozygous GG genotype, there were no significant differences for hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum and urinary ALA levels among genotypes. ALAD2 genotype was significantly associated with the blood lead concentration, even in the environmental lead exposed subjects. Further confirmation with a large sample size is needed.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 04/2009; 6(3):999-1009. · 1.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the frequency of smoking and to explore factors associated with the smoking habits of female students at a dental hygiene school in Japan. Questionnaires regarding cigarette smoking were given to 168 female students. The response rate was 97.6%. The prevalence of smoking, including current and occasional smokers, was 20.3%. Among family members, only the smoking status of their mother significantly influenced the smoking status of the students. The odds ratio for smoking among dental hygiene students whose mothers were smokers in comparison to students whose mothers were not smokers was 5.1 (95% confidence interval 2.1-12.2, p=0.000). Decision tree analysis showed that the smoking habit of dental hygiene students was correlated with their mothers' smoking history, as well as the smoking status of junior high school teachers, the smoking habits of close friends and a history of participating in a smoking prevention program when in elementary school. The increased smoking rate of young females, including dental hygienists, is a growing problem in Japan. The smoking statuses of dental hygiene students might be closely influenced by their mothers' smoking status.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 02/2009; 6(1):321-8. · 1.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Internet peer support groups for depression are becoming popular and could be affected by an increasing number of social network services (SNSs). However, little is known about participant characteristics, social relationships in SNSs, and the reasons for usage. In addition, the effects of SNS participation on people with depression are rather unknown.
The aim was to explore the potential benefits and harms of an SNS for depression based on a concurrent triangulation design of mixed methods strategy, including qualitative content analysis and social network analysis.
A cross-sectional Internet survey of participants, which involved the collection of SNS log files and a questionnaire, was conducted in an SNS for people with self-reported depressive tendencies in Japan in 2007. Quantitative data, which included user demographics, depressive state, and assessment of the SNS (positive vs not positive), were statistically analyzed. Descriptive contents of responses to open-ended questions concerning advantages and disadvantages of SNS participation were analyzed using the inductive approach of qualitative content analysis. Contents were organized into codes, concepts, categories, and a storyline based on the grounded theory approach. Social relationships, derived from data of "friends," were analyzed using social network analysis, in which network measures and the extent of interpersonal association were calculated based on the social network theory. Each analysis and integration of results were performed through a concurrent triangulation design of mixed methods strategy.
There were 105 participants. Median age was 36 years, and 51% (36/71) were male. There were 37 valid respondents; their number of friends and frequency of accessing the SNS were significantly higher than for invalid/nonrespondents (P = .008 and P = .003). Among respondents, 90% (28/31) were mildly, moderately, or severely depressed. Assessment of the SNS was performed by determining the access frequency of the SNS and the number of friends. Qualitative content analysis indicated that user-selectable peer support could be passive, active, and/or interactive based on anonymity or ease of use, and there was the potential harm of a downward depressive spiral triggered by aggravated psychological burden. Social network analysis revealed that users communicated one-on-one with each other or in small groups (five people or less). A downward depressive spiral was related to friends who were moderately or severely depressed and friends with negative assessment of the SNS.
An SNS for people with depressive tendencies provides various opportunities to obtain support that meets users' needs. To avoid a downward depressive spiral, we recommend that participants do not use SNSs when they feel that the SNS is not user-selectable, when they get egocentric comments, when friends have a negative assessment of the SNS, or when they have additional psychological burden.
Journal of Medical Internet Research 02/2009; 11(3):e29. · 4.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Rapid advances in genotyping technology have made it possible to easily utilize a large number of genetic markers. According to information theory, an increase in the number of markers provides more information; however, the clinical usefulness does not increase linearly. This study aimed to assess the effect of folic acid supplementation quantitatively in MTHFR haplotypes, and compare its prediction power with that of the C677T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) alone.
The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, designed in accordance with the CONSORT statement. The participants were 202 healthy Japanese males who were administered either folic acid at 1 mg/day or a placebo postoperatively for 3 months. The primary endpoint was the total plasma homocysteine levels (tHcy). Stratified analysis by HapMap-based tag SNPs was performed.
Of 52 SNPs on the MTHFR gene, 4 SNP loci covering more than 80% of the information were selected, and the haplotypes were estimated. The haplotypes were classified into 3 groups (Hap0, Hap1, and Hap2), on the basis of the number of times the most frequent haplotype was present. The greatest decrease was observed in Hap2 (6.61 micromol/L), compared with the other haplotypes (Hap0, 2.67; Hap1, 2.60) (trend test, P < 0.01). The haplotype information obtained was not more informative than that obtained with grouping by a single SNP, C677T, which strongly influences enzyme activity.
Grouping by the C677T SNP alone was almost as good a predictor of the homocysteine-lowering effects as was grouping by the 4 best SNPs. This shows that increasing the number of typed SNPs does not necessarily provide more information, at least for this gene. A more efficient, cost-informative method for analyzing genomic data is required.
Journal of Epidemiology 12/2008; 18(6):243-50. · 1.86 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Genome science, including topics such as gene recombination, cloning, genetic tests, and gene therapy, is now an established part of our daily lives; thus we need to learn genome science to better equip ourselves for the present day. Learning from topics directly related to the human has been suggested to be more effective than learning from Mendel's peas not only because many students do not understand that plants are organisms, but also because human biology contains important social and health issues. Therefore, we have developed a teaching program for the introduction to genome science, whose subjects are focused on the human genome. This program comprises mixed multimedia presentations: a large poster with illustrations and text on the human genome (a human genome map for every home), and animations on the basics of genome science. We implemented and assessed this program at four high schools. Our results indicate that students felt that they learned about the human genome from the program and some increases in students' understanding were observed with longer exposure to the mixed multimedia presentations.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 11/2008; 36(6):395 - 401. · 0.84 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Genome science, including topics such as gene recombination, cloning, genetic tests, and gene therapy, is now an established part of our daily lives; thus we need to learn genome science to better equip ourselves for the present day. Learning from topics directly related to the human has been suggested to be more effective than learning from Mendel's peas not only because many students do not understand that plants are organisms, but also because human biology contains important social and health issues. Therefore, we have developed a teaching program for the introduction to genome science, whose subjects are focused on the human genome. This program comprises mixed multimedia presentations: a large poster with illustrations and text on the human genome (a human genome map for every home), and animations on the basics of genome science. We implemented and assessed this program at four high schools. Our results indicate that students felt that they learned about the human genome from the program and some increases in students' understanding were observed with longer exposure to the mixed multimedia presentations.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 11/2008; 36(6):395-401. · 0.84 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A retrospective comparative study on the morphologic characteristics of the axis in patients with or without rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
To compare the morphologic risk of vertebral artery (VA) injury during atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation between patients with or without RA.
VA injury is a potentially serious complication during atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation. Although this operation is frequently performed on RA patients, there have been few comparative studies on the morphologic risk of VA injury between RA and non-RA patients.
A total of 107 three-dimensional computed tomography images of the cervical spine including the C1-C2 complex were evaluated. Forty-seven RA patients and 60 non-RA patients were included in the study. The maximum atlantoaxial transarticular screw diameter (MSD) that could be inserted without breaching the cortex was measured 3-dimensionally using a computer- assisted navigation system. A high-riding-VA carrier was defined as a patient with either MSD of 4 mm or less. In RA patients, the space available for the spinal cord in flexion (SAC in flexion), duration of disease, RA stage, and type of disease were examined.
In the RA group, 45 of 94 MSDs (47.9%) were 4 mm or less, and 33 of 47 patients (70.2%) were high-riding-VA carriers. In the non-RA group, 11 of 120 MSDs (9.2%) were 4 mm or less, and 9 of 60 (15.0%) patients were high-riding-VA carriers. MSD, C3 A-P diameter, and the ratio of MSD to C3 A-P diameter were significantly smaller in the RA group than in the non-RA group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that SAC in flexion was a significant risk factor for a high-riding-VA carrier in the RA group.
RA was a significant risk factor for the presence of a high-riding VA. When performing atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation, particularly on RA patients, thorough preoperative evaluation of the bony architecture is of great importance to avoid inadvertent VA injury.
Spine 09/2008; 33(18):2007-11. · 2.08 Impact Factor
