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1.
Leg Med (Tokyo) ; 64: 102298, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37506607

ABSTRACT

We report the autopsy case of a male in his 60 s diagnosed with carbon dioxide (CO2) poisoning caused by dry ice for cooling in a coffin during a funeral wake. He was last seen alive, clinging to his family member's body with his head inside the coffin. The autopsy and histological findings did not indicate a specific cause of death. To confirm the concentrations of CO2 and oxygen (O2) in the coffin, an experiment was conducted to reconstruct the scene. Based on the experimental results, 9 h after placing dry ice, the CO2 concentration at the estimated closest point to his head was 24%, a lethal level for CO2 poisoning. Contrastingly, although the concentration of O2 had fallen, it never reached a lethal concentration at any of the determination points during the experiment, thereby ruling out asphyxia as a cause of death. Based on our findings, we concluded that the cause of his death was CO2 poisoning. Forensic pathologists tend to overlook CO2 poisoning unless suspected, as it does not exhibit specific autopsy findings. For the diagnosis of CO2 poisoning, it is essential to collect detailed information about the deceased and the scene of death. The toxicity of CO2 itself is not well known, although dry ice is widely available to the public. In order to make its risk well known, it is necessary to inform people about the dangers of using dry ice.


Subject(s)
Carbon Dioxide , Dry Ice , Humans , Male , Dry Ice/adverse effects , Autopsy , Asphyxia/etiology , Accidents , Oxygen
2.
J Med Invest ; 70(1.2): 34-40, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37164741

ABSTRACT

In Japan, hyperuricemia is on the rise. The guideline for the management of hyperuricemia and gout recommends lifestyle changes before beginning drug therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary counseling following the guideline. Thirty-three subjects (24 men and 9 women) with asymptomatic hyperuricemia underwent dietary counseling for 6 months based on the following recommendations : (1) prevent excessive purine intake, (2) prevent excessive fructose intake, (3) limit alcohol drinking, and (4) drink sufficient water. Obese subjects were counseled on adequate energy intake. Blood sampling, anthropometric measurements, dietary surveys, and 24-h urine collection were performed at baseline and at 6 months. Serum uric acid (S-UA) levels were significantly lower at 6 months compared to baseline. Water intake and urine volume were considerably higher at 6 months than at baseline. When compared to baseline, urine UA (U-UA) levels were significantly lower, and renal fractional excretion of UA (FEUA) was significantly higher at 6 months. Changes in renal function (serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and FEUA) were significantly associated with ?S-UA level. In this study, S-UA level was significantly decreased by dietary counseling in line with the guideline. This study illustrates the effectiveness of dietary counseling for asymptomatic hyperuricemia. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 34-40, February, 2023.


Subject(s)
Gout , Hyperuricemia , Male , Humans , Female , Uric Acid/therapeutic use , Uric Acid/urine , Obesity/complications , Glomerular Filtration Rate
3.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) ; 69(1): 21-27, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36858537

ABSTRACT

With the western influence in our diets, food consumption has changed, and our magnesium (Mg) intake is no longer optimal. Serum Mg (S-Mg) level is currently used as an indicator of Mg deficiency and is strictly regulated via compensatory mechanisms. It is believed that a 24-h urine collection can be used to evaluate potential Mg deficiency. This study aimed to assess whether Mg deficiency state as found in urine Mg (U-Mg) excretion and improving such deficiency with a diet that meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) of Mg for 15 d. Healthy Japanese women were recruited for Study 1 (n=22) and Study 2 (n=10). Study 1 was 1-d balance test, where fasting blood and 24-h urine samples were collected. Study 2 was 15-d diet load test, where fasting blood (days 1, 7, and 15) and 24-h urine (odd days) were collected. All test meals were made certain to have met the RDA for Mg for women in their 20s. In Studies 1 and 2, S-Mg was within the normal range. In Study 1, U-Mg excretion was 67.7±17.0 mg/d, with a large dispersion. In Study 2, U-Mg excretion on days 7 and 15 was significantly higher than on day 1, but have no significant differences in U-Mg excretion between days 7-15. U-Mg excretion can be a valuable indicator to evaluate Mg state. In young women, improvements in Mg deficient state were observed after 7-15 d of taking meals that met the RDAs of Mg.


Subject(s)
Magnesium Deficiency , Magnesium , Female , Humans , Fasting , Meals , Recommended Dietary Allowances
4.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) ; 69(1): 7-13, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36858543

ABSTRACT

During the treatment of hyperuricemia, attention should be paid to purine intake as part of the diet. Additionally, many patients with obese hyperuricemic expect early weight loss through glucose restriction. However, the amounts of purine in the diet are unknown. This study aimed to compare the purine content and potential renal acid load (PRAL) of a hospital diet and a low carbohydrate (LC). We calculated the nutritional values in the menus of the normal hospital (NH), energy-control (EC) diets served at several Shizuoka general hospitals, and the menus of LC diets. The amount of purine and PRAL was determined based on the nutritional values. The average daily purine content and energy were NH 349.0 mg, 1,808 kcal, EC 340.4 mg, 1,681 kcal, and LC 697.6 mg, 1,454 kcal, respectively. LC consumed more purine than the recommended daily intake of 400 mg. The PRAL score for NH was 4.5 mEq/d, EC 3.8 mEq/d, and LC 19.0 mEq/d, with LC representing diets with a higher acid load. In terms of both purine intake and uric acid excretion, the hospital diet is preferred over the low-carbohydrate diet for patients. Dietitians should exercise caution when recommending a low-carbohydrate diet for patients with hyperuricemia.


Subject(s)
Hyperuricemia , Humans , East Asian People , Diet, Healthy , Kidney , Purines
5.
J Clin Biochem Nutr ; 72(1): 61-67, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36777082

ABSTRACT

Fructose is associated with hyperuricemia and gout development. Focusing on fructose and fructose-containing disaccharides, we investigated the effects of three different types of carbohydrates (fructose, sucrose, and isomaltulose) on uric acid metabolism and gene expression profiling in peripheral white blood cells. In a randomized crossover study, ten healthy participants ingested test drinks of fructose, sucrose, and isomaltulose, each containing 25 g of fructose. Plasma glucose, serum and urine uric acid, and xanthine/hypoxanthine concentrations were measured. Microarray analysis in peripheral white blood cells and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were examined at 0 and 120 in after the intake of test drinks. Serum uric acid concentrations for group fructose were significantly higher than group sucrose at 30-120 min and were significantly higher than those for group isomaltulose at 30-240 min. Several genes involved in the "nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway" were markedly changed in group fructose. No significant differences in the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor, nuclear factor-kappa B, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-18 were noted. This study indicated that fructose intake (monosaccharide) elevated serum uric acid concentrations compared with disaccharide intake. Differences in the quality of carbohydrates might reduce the rapid increase of postprandial serum uric acid concentrations.

6.
J Radiat Res ; 63(1): 107-114, 2022 Jan 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34718687

ABSTRACT

Oral administration of a water-soluble iodine contrast agent (gastrografin) was reported to assist in the appropriate contouring of the small intestine on computed tomography (CT)-based radiotherapy (RT) planning. The efficacy and optimal dose of gastrografin in CT-based image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) for cervical cancer remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of pretreatment oral administration of gastrografin at a small dose of 50 ml in CT-based IGBT for cervical cancer. A total of 422 sessions in 137 patients who underwent CT-based IGBT with 50 ml of oral gastrografin (concentration, 3% or 4%) were analyzed. Preparation of gastrografin was judged as effective when the small intestine was contrast-enhanced at the area where the small intestine was in contact with the uterus/adnexa. About 287 out of 422 sessions (68%) were judged as effective with gastrografin preparation. The 135 ineffective sessions were considered as follows: (i) the contrast enhancement of the small intestine was not confirmed (n = 36), (ii) the small intestine was not in contact with the uterus/adnexa despite the confirmation of the contrast enhancement of the small intestine (n = 34), and (iii) gastrografin was absent in the small intestine at the area in contact with the uterus/adnexa, even when gastrografin was observed in the small intestine at the area not in contact with the uterus/adnexa (n = 65). In conclusion, pretreatment oral administration of a small dose gastrografin achieved moderate efficacy for accurate contouring of the small intestine close to the uterus/adnexa in CT-based IGBT for cervical cancer.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Brachytherapy/methods , Contrast Media , Diatrizoate Meglumine , Female , Humans , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy
7.
Nutrition ; 85: 111128, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33545542

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There is substantial interest in using dark chocolate to prevent postprandial hyperglycemia. We investigated the effects of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate on postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses and whether cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate increases glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. METHODS: In a stratified, randomized, crossover study, 48 healthy participants ingested either water (W) or cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate plus water (C) 15 min before a 50 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Pre- and postprandial concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, free fatty acid, glucagon, and GLP-1 were evaluated. RESULTS: Peak plasma glucose concentrations did not differ significantly between groups W and C; however, plasma glucose concentrations at 120 min in group C were significantly lower than those in group W (P < .01). Postprandial serum insulin and plasma GLP-1 concentrations and incremental serum insulin and plasma GLP-1 area under the curve (AUC)-15-180 min for group C were significantly higher than those for group W (P < .05). When comparing the changes after the OGTT, the incremental plasma glucose AUC0-180 min for group C was significantly lower than that for group W (P < .05), but the incremental serum insulin and plasma GLP-1 AUC0-180 min did not differ significantly between groups W and C. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the intake of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate before a 50 g OGTT could enhance early insulin and GLP-1 secretion in healthy participants, and illustrates the potential of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate in managing postprandial glucose excursions.


Subject(s)
Cacao , Chocolate , Blood Glucose , Cross-Over Studies , Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , Incretins , Insulin , Polyphenols , Postprandial Period
8.
Clin Rheumatol ; 40(7): 2881-2888, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33569708

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Alcohol consumption is associated with hyperuricemia and gout. Previous studies have indicated a role for green tea catechins in uric acid (UA) metabolism. This study aimed to elucidate the acute effect of green tea catechins in terms of enhancing urinary excretion of UA and xanthine/hypoxanthine (Xa/HX; UA precursors) after alcohol ingestion. METHODS: In a randomized crossover study, ten healthy Japanese subjects consumed test meals, including a Japanese distilled spirit (Shochu) with water (SW) or Shochu with catechin-rich green tea (SC), each containing 20 g of alcohol. The SC contained 617 mg of catechin in total. Serum and urine UA and Xa/HX concentrations were measured. Blood samples were collected after 2.5 h, and urine samples were collected between 0 and 5 h after consuming the test meal. RESULTS: Urine UA and Xa/HX excretions were significantly higher in the SC group than in the SW group (UA: SW, 0.45 ± 0.08; SC, 0.52 ± 0.09; Xa/HX: SW, 0.08 ± 0.04; SC, 0.16 ± 0.05 mg/kg/h). UA clearance (CUA) and fractional UA excretion (FEUA) tended to increase more in the SC group than in the SW group (CUA: SW, 7.76 ± 2.14; SC, 8.75 ± 2.23 mL/min/1.73 m2; FEUA: SW, 6.08 ± 1.36; SC, 6.64 ± 1.42%). No significant differences in serum UA and Xa/HX concentrations were observed between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that green tea catechins can enhance the excretion of UA and Xa/HX, even though alcohol is ingested. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000040076. Retrospectively registered 7 April 2020. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000045687 Key Points • Green tea catechins enhance the excretion of uric acid and xanthine/hypoxanthine, even when alcohol is ingested simultaneously. • In case of non-adherence of limiting alcohol intake, catechin-rich green tea may be an effective dietary component to continue dietary therapy.


Subject(s)
Catechin , Alcohol Drinking , Cross-Over Studies , Eating , Humans , Japan , Male , Tea , Uric Acid
9.
Leg Med (Tokyo) ; 49: 101837, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33429330

ABSTRACT

We present the postmortem computed tomography and autopsy findings of a 60-year-old man who developed milk of calcium pericardial effusion and died of constrictive epicarditis. He experienced out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, and spontaneous circulation returned at the hospital. However, 7 h after recovery, the patient died. He had a swollen neck, had been experiencing coughing from 4 to 5 days earlier, and had no significant medical or surgical history. On computed tomography (CT), highly dense pericardial fluid (CT value: 130-150 Hounsfield units) and multiple calcifications along the epicardium and pericardium were visualized. The epicardium and pericardium were thick, hard, rough, and widely calcified with mild adhesions on autopsy. The pericardial cavity contained a pale, reddish brown, turbid, and highly viscous liquid. Bacteriological tests of pericardial fluid cultures revealed the presence of group G ß-hemolytic streptococci. Hence, we diagnosed the patient's cause of death as heart failure due to constrictive epicarditis. We believe that this case of milk of calcium pericardial effusion is the first case confirmed with postmortem CT and autopsy findings.


Subject(s)
Autopsy/methods , Calcium Carbonate/metabolism , Forensic Medicine , Heart Failure/etiology , Pericarditis, Constrictive/diagnostic imaging , Pericarditis, Constrictive/metabolism , Pericarditis, Constrictive/pathology , Postmortem Changes , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Fatal Outcome , Heart Failure/diagnostic imaging , Heart Failure/pathology , Ill-Housed Persons , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pericarditis, Constrictive/complications
10.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl ; 59(21): 8057-8061, 2020 05 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31997528

ABSTRACT

A new and efficient synthesis of 8H-benzo[e]phenanthro[1,10-bc]silines from 2-((2-(arylethynyl)aryl)silyl)aryl triflates under palladium catalysis has been developed. The reaction mechanism was experimentally investigated and a catalytic cycle involving C-H/C-H coupling through a new mode of 1,4-palladium migration with concomitant alkene stereoisomerization is proposed.

11.
Am J Forensic Med Pathol ; 39(4): 348-350, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30095441

ABSTRACT

Dragging injuries caused by automobiles involved in an accident are occasionally reported; however, those without injury to the thoracoabdominal organs are rare. We present an autopsy case of a man in his 20s found dead on the road after being dragged by a passenger automobile for a distance of 3.4 km. The accident caused fatal dragging injuries but no thoracoabdominal injuries. The victim appeared to be drunk and was lying on the road in front of the parked automobile. Dragging injuries are a unique type of traffic accident that sometimes result from limited and poor visibility due to darkness, rain, or fog. In particular, lying on the road in a drunken state is a specific risk factor for dragging injuries. The dragging distance, road-surface properties, strength of pressure applied by the underbody of the automobile, and the victim's posture are considered to affect the distribution and degree of dragging injuries. Based on autopsy findings and eyewitness testimonies, we discuss the injury mechanism and attempt to reconstruct the accident.


Subject(s)
Accidents, Traffic , Multiple Trauma/etiology , Multiple Trauma/pathology , Adult , Alcoholic Intoxication/complications , Automobiles , Driving Under the Influence , Exsanguination/etiology , Humans , Male
12.
Am J Forensic Med Pathol ; 39(4): 357-359, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30028738

ABSTRACT

We describe an autopsy case of fatal poisoning due to accidental overdose of pilsicainide, which is a Vaughan Williams class IC antiarrhythmic drug (a pure sodium channel blocker). A man in his 50s was found dead in his home at approximately noon. He had ischemic heart disease and insomnia, and had previously demonstrated improper prescription drug adherence. The autopsy revealed old coronary artery bypass grafting and mild fibrosis of myocardium, but no acute myocardial infarction was found in microscopic examination. Toxicological analysis also identified a high blood concentration of pilsicainide (femoral vein blood, 14.9 µg/mL), more than 15 times higher than reported therapeutic levels. The blood concentrations of other drugs were at therapeutic levels, and no alcohol was detected. We concluded that the cause of death was pilsicainide poisoning, based on the results of the autopsy and the toxicological examination. This is the first autopsy report of fatal poisoning due to pilsicainide as a single agent.


Subject(s)
Anti-Arrhythmia Agents/poisoning , Lidocaine/analogs & derivatives , Accidents , Anti-Arrhythmia Agents/blood , Drug Overdose , Humans , Lidocaine/blood , Lidocaine/poisoning , Male , Middle Aged
13.
Am J Forensic Med Pathol ; 39(1): 54-55, 2018 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29099394

ABSTRACT

We describe an autopsy case of nontraumatic convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) accompanied by sylvian hematoma. A woman in her 50s was found dead in her house. On autopsy, massive cSAH accompanied by sylvian hematoma was observed. Because of the absence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the basal cistern, initial suspicion was that of a traumatic SAH. After a detailed investigation, a ruptured cerebral aneurysm of the distal middle cerebral artery was found in the hematoma, and the cSAH in this case was confirmed to be endogenous. Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhages typically result from traumatic injury, whereas endogenous cSAHs are exceedingly rare. Autopsy findings of a sylvian hematoma with SAH may result from endogenous hemorrhage from ruptured aneurysm of the distal middle cerebral artery. Detailed investigation of the hematoma may help identify the culprit lesion and help arrive at the correct postmortem diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Aneurysm, Ruptured/pathology , Hematoma/pathology , Intracranial Aneurysm/pathology , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/pathology , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Middle Cerebral Artery/pathology
14.
Leg Med (Tokyo) ; 25: 36-42, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28457508

ABSTRACT

Methomyl (S-methyl-1-N-[(methylcarbamoyl)oxy]thioacetimidate) is a carbamate pesticide. It has been noted that in some cases of methomyl poisoning, methomyl is either not detected or detected only in low concentrations in the blood of the victims. However, in such cases, methomyl is detected at higher concentrations in the vitreous humor than in the blood. This indicates that methomyl in the blood is possibly decomposed after death. However, the reasons for this phenomenon have been unclear. We have previously reported that methomyl is decomposed to dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the livers and kidneys of pigs but not in their blood. In addition, in the field of forensic toxicology, it is known that some compounds are decomposed or produced by internal bacteria in biological samples after death. This indicates that there is a possibility that methomyl in blood may be decomposed by bacteria after death. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate whether methomyl in blood is decomposed by bacteria isolated from human stool. Our findings demonstrated that methomyl was decomposed in human stool homogenates, resulting in the generation of DMDS. In addition, it was observed that three bacterial species isolated from the stool homogenates, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus sp., showed methomyl-decomposing activity. The results therefore indicated that one reason for the difficulty in detecting methomyl in postmortem blood from methomyl-poisoning victims is the decomposition of methomyl by internal bacteria such as B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, and Bacillus sp.


Subject(s)
Autopsy , Forensic Toxicology/methods , Insecticides/analysis , Insecticides/poisoning , Methomyl/analysis , Methomyl/poisoning , Bacillus/isolation & purification , Bacillus/metabolism , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Feces/chemistry , Humans , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/isolation & purification , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/metabolism
15.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 96(52): e9464, 2017 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29384934

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We provide a discussion of the anatomical characteristics of the bicuspid pulmonary valve (BPV) in this paper. We performed an autopsy of an isolated BPV found in the heart of a deceased individual. The deceased was a man in his 60s and had no previous history of cardiovascular disease. The heart weighed 260 g and had mild right ventricular hypertrophy. The pulmonary valve had a fish-mouth-like shape that was convex to the pulmonary trunk and both cusps were thickened and hardened. The anterior and left semilunar cusps of the pulmonary valve were fused. Post-stenotic dilatation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: In comparing the present case with previous reports, we found that, in human BPVs, cusps are fused in at least 2 patterns.


Subject(s)
Pulmonary Valve/abnormalities , Autopsy , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
16.
J Med Invest ; 63(3-4): 241-7, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27644566

ABSTRACT

Reducing dietary calorie density (CD) is useful in body weight management. This study investigates the association between dietary habits and preferences for different CDs. We conducted a randomized crossover study of 232 healthy subjects who consumed packed lunch boxes containing a control, high-meat and low-rice, low-vegetable, medium-fat and low-vegetable, high-fat, and high-fat and low-vegetable meals over six sessions. The subjective levels of sensory properties were assessed over time using a visual analog scale and the area under the curve. Subjects were assessed for dietary habits using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) and were divided into two groups based on a daily fat energy ratio ≥ 25% (high fat [HF], n=116) and < 25% (normal, n=116) that was matched for age, body mass index, and sex ratio. Our findings indicate that the desire for sweetness was higher in the HF group than in the normal group, regardless of the meals consumed. Particularly, among the 500-kcal low-CD meals, a high-protein meal provided greater fullness and satisfaction and lower prospective consumption in the HF group than in the normal group. Therefore, our study demonstrates that postprandial appetite sensation is associated with dietary habits of fat intake. J. Med. Invest. 63: 241-247, August, 2016.


Subject(s)
Diet, High-Fat , Dietary Carbohydrates/administration & dosage , Dietary Proteins/administration & dosage , Feeding Behavior , Adult , Appetite , Cross-Over Studies , Energy Intake , Female , Humans , Male
17.
Nutr J ; 14: 39, 2015 Apr 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25896182

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) on cardiovascular risk factors considerably vary between published reports. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 12-week supplementation with flaxseed oil (FO), which is a rich source of ALA, on cardiovascular risk factors such as serum small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL) concentrations. METHODS: In a randomized, double blind, crossover study, 15 subjects ingested 10 g of FO or corn oil (CO), containing 5.49 g and 0.09 g of ALA, respectively, once daily with dinner. Blood samples were collected at 0, 4 and 12 weeks, and were used for analysis of serum lipid, lipid-related proteins, serum fatty acids and serum sd-LDL cholesterol. Differences during the test period were identified using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for within-group effects. Group differences were identified using paired t-test at each blood sampling time point. RESULTS: ALA and eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations were significantly higher in the FO period at 4 and 12 weeks than in the CO period. No significant differences in docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were observed between two periods, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein and apolipoprotein B concentrations were significantly lower in the FO period than in the CO period at 12 weeks. FO supplementation was associated with a significant decrease in sd-LDL concentrations at 4 and 12 weeks, and CO supplementation had no effect. Moreover, sd-LDL concentrations were significantly lower in the FO period than in the CO period at 4 weeks. Among subjects with triglyceride (TG) concentrations of >100 mg/dl, FO supplementation markedly reduced sd-LDL concentrations at 4 and 12 weeks compared with baseline. Sd-LDL concentrations significantly differed between the periods at both 4 and 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the FO, which is a rich source of ALA, leads to lower sd-LDL cholesterol concentrations.


Subject(s)
Docosahexaenoic Acids/blood , Eicosapentaenoic Acid/blood , Linseed Oil/administration & dosage , Linseed Oil/pharmacology , Lipoproteins, LDL/blood , alpha-Linolenic Acid/blood , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Apolipoproteins B/blood , Cholesterol Ester Transfer Proteins/blood , Corn Oil/administration & dosage , Corn Oil/pharmacology , Cross-Over Studies , Double-Blind Method , Humans , Japan , Linseed Oil/chemistry , Male , Middle Aged , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Triglycerides/blood
18.
Public Health Nutr ; 18(7): 1272-81, 2015 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25079560

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of lunches with different dietary energy densities on food preferences between genders. DESIGN: Randomized crossover study. Participants were administered the following packed test meals once weekly on a specified day during six sessions: control (150 g of rice with a sautéed beef entrée containing 40 g of raw beef and 240 g of vegetables), high-meat/low-rice, low-vegetable, medium-fat/low-vegetable, high-fat and high-fat/low-vegetable meals. Subjective levels of sensory properties were assessed over time using visual analogue scales. SETTING: University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan. SUBJECTS: Sixty-five men and sixty-five women matched by age and BMI. RESULTS: Men showed significantly stronger desires for salty and fatty foods after meals (P<0.05). Women showed a significantly stronger desire for sweetness from 2 h after the low-vegetable meal, and increasing fat content under high-vegetable conditions caused a significant stimulated sweetness desire in women more than in men (P<0.05). Moreover, after a high-meat/low-rice meal with 100 g of rice, sweetness desire was stronger in women (P=0.024), whereas no significant differences in sweetness desire were shown between genders after another low-energy-density control meal with 150 g of rice. CONCLUSIONS: Men had significantly stronger desires for salty and fatty foods, whereas women preferred sweet food after meals. The sweetness desire in women was stimulated by increasing fat content, even with a high vegetable intake. Low rice intake in a low-energy-density diet also caused a relative stimulation of sweetness desire in women.


Subject(s)
Appetite Regulation , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Food Preferences , Sweetening Agents/administration & dosage , Vegetables , Cross-Over Studies , Diet, Reducing/adverse effects , Dietary Fats/administration & dosage , Dietary Fats/adverse effects , Energy Intake , Female , Humans , Japan , Lunch , Male , Postprandial Period , Sex Characteristics , Sodium Chloride, Dietary/administration & dosage , Sodium Chloride, Dietary/adverse effects , Sweetening Agents/adverse effects
19.
Forensic Sci Int ; 236: e5-8, 2014 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24491916

ABSTRACT

A 40s-year-old woman with previous history of injury due to contact with crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, was stung on the right middle finger. After immediately losing consciousness, she died 13 h after injury despite intensive medical treatment. Examination of the respiratory system revealed narrowing due to severe edema of the laryngopharynx, as well as alveolar hemorrhage, eosinophilic infiltration, and extensive neutrophil and eosinophil aggregation in the intravascular lumen of the lungs. Examination of the liver revealed severe diffuse hepatocellular necrosis and extremely high levels of liver transaminases, indicating severe liver damage. Based on these findings, we concluded that she had died from anaphylactic shock induced by circulation of crown-of-thorns starfish venom in the bloodstream. Injurious contact with the spine of the crown-of-thorns starfish can cause severe symptoms as well as systematic reactions, including anaphylaxis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of anaphylactic shock or death caused by human contact with the crown-of-thorns starfish reported in the English-language literature. Although rare, anaphylaxis due to injury by marine animals is potentially fatal. Saving lives requires providing education regarding prevention and enabling prompt response to possible anaphylaxis, including preparation of adrenaline for auto-injection.


Subject(s)
Anaphylaxis/chemically induced , Bites and Stings/complications , Starfish , Venoms/poisoning , Adult , Animals , Diving , Edema/pathology , Eosinophils/pathology , Fatal Outcome , Female , Forensic Pathology , Hemorrhage/pathology , Humans , Larynx/pathology , Lung/pathology , Neutrophils/pathology , Pharynx/pathology
20.
J Nutrigenet Nutrigenomics ; 6(3): 154-68, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24008923

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transcriptomics technology in human nutrition intervention studies would allow for genome-wide screening of the effects of nutrients. We observed the time course of gene expression changes in peripheral white blood cells (WBC) to elucidate the metabolic changes in the postprandial state that are a reflection and a marker of whole body metabolic changes. METHODS: In a randomized crossover study, 7 healthy subjects consumed test meals of glucose (GL), white rice (WR) and rolled barley (BAR), each containing 75 g of available carbohydrate, and water (WAT). Blood glucose, insulin and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations, as well as the subjective levels of fullness and hunger were measured. Microarray analysis of the WBC and the real-time PCR were examined during 360 min after the intake of the test meals. RESULTS: The number of genes that changed more than 1.5-fold and the expression patterns in the time course were different between the GL, the WR and the BAR groups. Several genes involved in glycolysis and fatty acid ß-oxidation were markedly changed after the intake of the GL, the WR and the BAR; however, these genes did not change at any time point in the WAT. CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression profiling in the WBC can reflect food-related metabolic changes, even in the postprandial state.


Subject(s)
Gene Expression Profiling , Glycemic Index , Leukocytes/metabolism , Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis , Blood Glucose/analysis , Cross-Over Studies , Humans , Insulin/blood , Male , Transcriptome
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