Key factors controlling radiocesium sorption and fixation in river sediments around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Part 1: Insights from sediment properties and radiocesium distributions.

In order to elucidate the radiocesium transport behaviors in natural environment, we systematically investigated sediments from the highly contaminated rivers of Ukedo and Odaka around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. We focused on determining the key factors controlling the radiocesium sorption and fixation, such as variations in the particle size, clay mineralogy, and organic matter (OM). The distribution patterns of the 137Cs concentration and particle size fractions were found to be similar for the two rivers, indicating that both clay and silt fractions contributed almost equally to the Cs sorption. The clay mineralogical composition evaluated using X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the relative contents of micaceous minerals were higher in the Ukedo River samples, whereas the relative contents of smectite and kaolinite were higher in the Odaka River samples. This implies that the sediments in both rivers were likely at different weathering stages due to the different geological settings in both catchments. The effects of OM on the sediment properties were also investigated by comparing the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the radiocesium interception potential (RIP) of the two samples both with and without OM present. The CEC values were controlled by both the clay minerals and OM, and the RIP values increased significantly in the absence of OM. Such trends were correlated to the total organic carbon values, which may be used to understand the direct and indirect roles of OM in the sorption and fixation of Cs. These key differences in river sediment were attributed to the differences in the geological settings and weathering stages. These properties may contribute to the different sorption and fixation behaviors of radiocesium. In the second part paper, we further examined these behaviors and identified key factors by investigating their relationship to the sediment properties of both rivers.

Super-wide viewing-zone holographic 3D display using a convex parabolic mirror.

To enlarge both horizontal (azimuthal) and vertical (zenithal) viewing zones simultaneously, a convex parabolic mirror is placed after passing through the hologram. Viewers perceive a three-dimensional (3D) object inside the parabolic mirror as a virtual image by capturing the wavefront radially reflected from the parabolic mirror. The optical experiment using the convex parabolic mirror has demonstrated an extremely wide viewing zone with an azimuthal range of 180° and zenithal range of 90°. The viewing zone and the shape of the parabolic surface are analyzed. The hologram is designed considering the parabolic mirror reflection, and its diffraction calculation method based on Fermat's principle is also proposed.

Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on feeding methods and newborn growth at 1 month postpartum: results from the Fukushima Health Management Survey.

This study examined the effects of three disasters (the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, followed by a tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident) on feeding methods and growth in infants born after the disasters. Using results from the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Soso District (the affected area where the damaged nuclear power plant is located) and Aizu District (a less-affected area located farthest from the plant) were compared. In this study, newborn and maternal background characteristics were examined, as well as feeding methods, and other factors for newborn growth at the first postpartum examination for 1706 newborns born after the disaster in the affected (n = 836) and less-affected (n = 870) areas. Postpartum examinations took place 1 month after birth. Feeding method trends were examined, and multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate effects on newborn mass gain. There were no significant differences in background characteristics among newborns in these areas. When birth dates were divided into four periods to assess trends, no significant change in the exclusive breastfeeding rate was found, while the exclusive formula-feeding rate was significantly different across time periods in the affected area (p = 0.02). Multivariate analyses revealed no significant independent associations of maternal depression and change in medical facilities (possible disaster effects) with other newborn growth factors in either area. No area differences in newborn growth at the first postpartum examination or in exclusive breastfeeding rates were found during any period. Exclusive formula-feeding rates varied across time periods in the affected, but not in the less-affected area. It is concluded that effective guidance to promote breast-feeding and prevent exclusive use of formula is important for women in post-disaster circumstances.

Use of fibrin monomer complex for screening for venous thromboembolism in the late pregnancy and post-partum period.

AIM: We measured fibrin monomer complex (FMC) levels in all subjects who gave birth at our hospital and evaluated the feasibility of using FMC for screening for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients during late pregnancy and the post-partum period. METHODS: From August 2010 to January 2012, all women who gave birth at our hospital were included. FMC and D-dimer levels were determined during the late pregnancy and post-partum periods. Compression ultrasonography of the lower extremities was performed in women with high FMC values. RESULTS: Of the 673 women enrolled, measurements were performed in 595 women (88.4%) during late pregnancy and in 610 women (90.6%) during the post-partum period. The FMC levels were normal during late pregnancy in 400 women (67.2%) and during the post-partum period in 399 women (78.5%) having vaginal delivery and 83 women (81.4%) who underwent a cesarean section. The FMC levels were abnormal during late pregnancy in 50 women (8.4%) and during the post-partum period in nine women (1.8%) having vaginal delivery and in none (0%) who underwent a cesarean section. Ultrasonography detected thrombi in three (6.0%) women during late pregnancy. The FMC levels were strongly correlated with D-dimer levels (R = 0.726, P < 0.0001, in late pregnancy; and R = 0.888, P < 0.0001, in the post-partum period following vaginal delivery). CONCLUSION: FMC levels could identify pregnancy-related abnormalities requiring compression ultrasonography examination, without changing the cut-off values for non-pregnant individuals. Thus, this marker may be used to screen for VTE.

[Case of anesthesia for thoracoscopic thymectomy in a pediatric patient with myasthenia gravis: reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex].

Neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) can predispose patients with myasthenia gravis to postoperative paralysis and respiratory complications. We had a 12-year-old female patient undergoing thoracoscopic thymectomy. She had suffered from MGFA class IIa (mild systemic) myasthenia gravis for 4 months. Anesthesia was induced with 3 mg x kg(-1) of thiopental and 0.2 mg x kg(-1) of rocuronium, which was given incrementally to achieve 100% blockade. Anesthesia was maintained with oxygen, air, 2% sevoflurane and 0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) of remifentanil. 0.05 mg x kg(-1) of rocuronium was added when the TOF ratio recovered to 20%. Towards the end of the surgery, remifentanil was withdrawn and 4 microg x kg(-1) of fentanyl was given. Intercostal nerve block with 0.2% ropivacaine was performed to relieve postoperative pain. TOF ratio was 32% at the end, when we gave 2 mg x kg(-1) of sugammadex to get 100% reversal of neuromuscular blockade in 120 seconds. There was no residual paralysis and respiratory complications postoperatively.

Caries prevalence associated with Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in Japanese schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are known to be associated with dental caries in humans. AIM: We used a polymerase chain reaction method to detect S. mutans and S. sobrinus in 128 Japanese schoolchildren and then compared their presence with the dental caries experience. DESIGN: Plaque samples were collected from all erupted tooth sites with a sterile toothbrush, and dental examinations were performed to determine the numbers of decayed and filled teeth in primary (dft) and permanent (DFT) dentition using the WHO caries diagnostic criteria. Fisher's PLSD test was employed to compare caries scores between combinations of the detected bacteria. RESULTS: Streptococcus mutans and S. sobrinus were present in 38.3% and 68.0%, respectively, whereas 14.8% were positive for S. mutans alone, 44.5% for S. sobrinus alone, and 23.5% for both S. mutans and S. sobrinus, with 17.2% negative for both. The DFT, dft, and total (DFT + dft) scores for subjects positive for both S. mutans and S. sobrinus were significantly higher than those positive for S. mutans alone (P < 0.05, in triplicate). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that schoolchildren harbouring both S. mutans and S. sobrinus have a significant higher dental caries experience in both permanent and primary teeth as compared to those with S. mutans alone.

PRECEDE-PROCEED model modification in community-based oral health promotion by using the linear structural relations programme.

PURPOSE: The PRECEDE-PROCEED (P-P) model is a framework for designing health education/promotion programmes. While the P-P model has been used to design community-based oral health programmes, outcome assessments of the model are seldom reported. The aim of the present study was to explore whether pathways in the P-P model accurately reflect the current status of environmental/behavioural assessment in a Japanese community and to examine whether using the linear structural relations (LISREL) programme would improve the model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a community health centre in Japan, a questionnaire with 29 items regarding oral health was distributed to 824 mothers with 3-year-old children. The items were compiled into eight variables that were tested using the LISREL programme. Goodness-of-fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness-of-fit index (AGFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were statistically analysed before and after P-P model modification. RESULTS: The GFI, AGFI and RMSEA were 0.913, 0.776 and 0.161 before, and 0.975, 0.939 and 0.075 after P-P model modification, respectively. Indirect effects on the quality of life from the predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors became stronger than those in the initial P-P model. The overall fit of the modified P-P model was significantly better than that of the P-P model without modification, which did not accurately reflect the status of environmental/behavioural assessment in the community. CONCLUSIONS: The modified P-P model reflected the current status of environmental/behavioural assessment in the community. Health education models should be tested rigorously to ensure that they fit the reality of people's behaviour.

Relation of achievement motives, satisfaction with life, happiness and oral health in Romanian university students.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to investigate whether achievement motives, satisfaction with life and happiness are associated with oral health behaviour and perceived gingival status. METHODS: The present study sample consisted of 178 first-year medical students. The questionnaire included information about sociodemographic factors, behavioural variables, perceived oral health status, achievement motives (hope of success and fear of failure), satisfaction with life and subjective happiness scales. RESULTS: It was observed that individuals who presented higher values of satisfaction with life and happiness rated their gingival status as being very good/excellent and that individuals who presented higher values of hope of success reported to brush frequently. When the oral health behaviour was analysed, it was revealed that persons who brushed their teeth more than twice a day reported higher values of hope of success when compared with individuals who reported their toothbrushing frequency to be once a day or less. It was also revealed that persons who visited their clinician for check-ups reported higher values of subjective happiness. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that stress in everyday life and hope of success were positively associated with the toothbrushing frequency and that satisfaction with life was positively associated with the gingival health status. CONCLUSIONS: Hope of success and satisfaction with life should be considered as predictors of good oral health behaviour/status.

Involvement of psychosocial factors in the association of obesity with periodontitis.

The present case-control study of 79 subjects (19-69 yr) was designed to assess the relationship of several psychological determinants to periodontal disease and obesity. Periodontal clinical examinations were performed, and the subjects were asked to complete a set of questionnaires measuring Type A personality, anxiety, depression, dental anxiety, hopelessness, emotional intelligence, stress, self-esteem, optimism and satisfaction with life. In a bivariate analysis, overweight individuals presented higher levels of smoking exposure, anxiety and depression and lower levels of optimism and satisfaction with life. They were mainly females, with a higher number of sites and teeth with probing depth (PD) >6 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL) >5 mm. Patients with a mean PD exceeding 3 mm and a bleeding on probing index of >25% presented higher values of dental anxiety and lower levels of self-esteem. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that dental anxiety was positively associated with the number of teeth with a PD of >6 mm and with reasons for visiting a dentist, while satisfaction with life was associated with flossing frequency. We conclude that there is an association between several psychological determinants, periodontitis, and body mass index.

Self-reported oral health status, oral health-related behaviours, resilience and hope in Romania.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether resilience, hope, perceived oral health status and oral health-related behaviours were associated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 198 first-year medical students in Romania. The questionnaire included information about sociodemographic factors, behavioural variables, perceived oral health status, resilience and hope. RESULTS: Women had more resilience and 'personal competence' than men (P < 0.05). Resilience and hope were correlated with perceived dental health (P < 0.01). Perceived dental health was related to current non-treated caries, satisfaction with the appearance of one's own teeth, toothache last time and resilience (P < 0.001). Age, gender, current extracted teeth, perceived gingival bleeding and hope were not independent distinguishing variables after adjustment for internal heterogeneity. When oral health behaviours (toothbrushing, flossing, mouthrinse frequency and pattern of dental visit) were evaluated, it was demonstrated that flossing frequency was correlated with resilience and hope (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that resilience and hope might be a psychosocial risk marker that influences perceived oral health status and behaviours.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan cilexetil, but not hydralazine hydrochloride, protects against mouse cardiac enlargement resulting from undernutrition in utero.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that malnutrition in utero is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. Recently, we reported a mouse animal model of 30% maternal caloric reduction, in which adult offspring (undernourished [UN] offspring) showed a significant increase in cardiac remodeling-associated parameters, such as cardiac enlargement (CE) and coronary perivascular fibrosis (CPVF), as risk factors for CVD. To investigate the possible involvement of the angiotensin system, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, candesartan cilexetil, or a nonspecific vasodilator, hydralazine hydrochloride, was administrated via a subcutaneously implanted miniosmotic pump to the UN offspring from 9 to 17 weeks after birth. Administration of candesartan cilexetil, but not hydralazine hydrochloride, significantly protected against CE. While administration of not only candesartan cilexetil but also hydralazine hydrochloride prevented an augmentation of CPVF. The angiotensin system seems to make a critical contribution to the developmental origins of cardiac enlargement.

Isocaloric high-protein diet ameliorates systolic blood pressure increase and cardiac remodeling caused by maternal caloric restriction in adult mouse offspring.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that in utero malnutrition is a risk factor for adult cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, we reported a mouse animal model of 30% maternal caloric reduction, in which offspring showed a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) as well as in cardiac remodeling-associated morphological parameters such as cardiac enlargement and coronary perivascular fibrosis in adulthood. Using a similar animal model, we here demonstrated that an increased level of protein consumption during an undernourished pregnancy (high-protein diet; HPD) corrected for the development of CVD risk factors found in fetal undernourishment with less protein consumption (standard-protein diet; SPD). In contrast, maternal ad libitum feeding with HPD resulted in significantly elevated SBP and cardiac enlargement in offspring at 16 wks. Appropriate maternal protein ingestion might partly protect against the development of CVD risk factors in offspring.

Isocaloric high-protein diet as well as branched-chain amino acids supplemented diet partially alleviates adverse consequences of maternal undernutrition on fetal growth.

Maternal undernutrition causes fetal growth restriction. Protein is a vital dietary nutrient for fetal growth, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are noted to have anabolic actions. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal high-protein diet or BCAA-supplemented diet upon fetal growth under the condition of maternal calorie restriction. Pregnant mice were calorie-restricted (undernutrition: UN), using either a standard diet (S-UN group), high-protein diet (HP-UN group), or BCAA-supplemented diet (BCAA-UN group) to 70% of the control; dams fed ad libitum with a standard diet (S-NN group) from 10.5days post coitum (dpc) to 18.5dpc. The fetal weights of UN groups were significantly decreased compared to that of S-NN. However, the fetal weights of HP-UN and BCAA-UN were significantly higher by 5% and 4%, respectively, than those of S-UN, concomitant with augmentation of the gene and protein expressions of IGF-I and IGF-II in fetal liver. A high-protein diet as well as BCAA-supplemented diet partially improved fetal growth restriction caused by maternal calorie-restriction, suggesting a pivotal role of them in the amelioration of fetal growth restriction.

Exploring the relationships between sense of hopelessness, worry, self-rated oral health status, and behavior in a Romanian adult population.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of psychological states, self-rated oral health, and oral health behavior on hopelessness. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected between September and November 2006. The sample consisted of 233 Romanian adults (mean age 47.3 years; 65.6% women; 65.8% married). The questionnaire included information about demographic, psychological, self-reported oral health, and oral health related behavior items. RESULTS: 'Hopeless' participants were more likely to self-evaluate their dental health as poor/very poor (P<0.001), to be less satisfied by the appearance of their teeth (P<0.05), to report more non-treated caries (P<0.01), to brush their teeth less than twice per day (P<0.01), and never use mouthrinse (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed 'hopeless' participants were apt to have a lower educational level, brush less frequently, have higher financial problems as the reason for not visiting the dentist, and report higher anxiety (odds ratio = 5.4, 4.2, 2.6, and 12.6, respectively). Forty-seven (73.4%) of 64 'hopeless' participants and 90 (80.4%) of 112 'non-hopeless' participants were correctly predicted by the above four variables. CONCLUSION: The results of this study found impaired oral health and financial problems may pose an increased risk for hopelessness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Poor oral health can be regarded as a risk marker for the level of hopelessness.

Simultaneous interrelationship between the oral health behavior and oral health status of mothers and their children.

The purpose of this study was to examine the simultaneous interrelationships of oral health behavior and oral health between mothers and their children using the linear structural relations (LISREL) program. The subjects comprised 117 pairs of mothers and their children aged between 8 and 11 years. Dental status was expressed as DMFT. The Oral Rating Index (ORI) for mothers and ORI for children (ORI-C) were used as measures of gingival health. Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) was used for the assessment of mothers' oral health behavior. HU-DBI had a direct positive relationship to ORI, a direct negative relationship to DFT, and a direct positive association with ORI-C. Toothbrushing had a direct negative relationship to ORI-C. The hypothesized model was found to be closely consistent with the data. These results indicate that the periodontal health status of mothers is directly related to the oral health status of their children, and that toothbrushing by children is directly related to their gingival health.

Investigating the relationship between self-reported oral health status, oral health-related behaviours and self-consciousness in Romania.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether self-consciousness, self-reported oral health status and oral-health-related behaviours were associated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study sample consisted of 253 first year medical students in Romania. The questionnaire included information about socio-demographic factors, behavioural variables, self-reported oral health status and three self-consciousness subscales (Private Self-Consciousness, Public Self-Consciousness, and Social Anxiety). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in Public Self-Consciousness and Social Anxiety according to several variables: anxiety, stress, depression and current non-treated caries. There were significant differences in Social Anxiety for the variables of gender, smoking, perceived dental health, self-reported gum bleeding and reason for dental visit (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found in Public Self-Consciousness for the reason for dental visits (p < 0.05). Total Self-Consciousness is correlated with anxiety, stress, depression, current non-treated caries, gingival bleeding and reason for dental visit. Oral health behaviours such as tooth brushing, flossing, mouth washing and last dental visit were not influenced by each of the self-consciousness subscales. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that self-consciousness might be a psychosocial risk marker that influences self-reported oral health status.

Teenagers' oral health attitudes and behavior in Japan: comparison by sex and age group.

We investigated sex and age group differences in attitudes to oral health among school-age children using an Oral Self-Care Appraisal (OSCA) to systematically determine changes in oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior across developmental stages. The subjects (n = 1584) were stratified after random sampling so that each school grade analyzed contained 88 boys and 88 girls. Factor analysis was undertaken to identify a set of underlying factors, with 10 factors considered in the cross-sectional study. Our results showed that the factors toothbrushing, persistence, and sociability were more predominant in primary school children than in junior high and senior high school students. Furthermore, postponement of visiting the dentist and resignation to one's own dental cavities became more predominant in proportion to the level of school education. Girls had significantly higher scores than boys for desire to improve oral care, dental anxiety, dependency on snacks, toothbrushing, concern over number of cavities, and sociability. Together, the results indicated that the oral health care behavior of girls was better than that of boys, and that the tendency to postpone visiting the dentist and resignation to one's own dental cavities increased markedly with age.

Neonatal exposure to leptin augments diet-induced obesity in leptin-deficient Ob/Ob mice.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological evidence has revealed that undernutrition in utero is closely associated with obesity and related detrimental metabolic sequelae in adulthood. Recently, using a wild-type (wt) mouse model in which offspring were exposed to intrauterine undernutrition (UN offspring), we reported that the premature leptin surge during neonatal growth promotes lifelong changes in energy regulating circuitry in the hypothalamus, thus playing an important role in the development of pronounced obesity on a high-fat diet (HFD) in adulthood. Here, we further evaluate the essential involvement of leptin in the developmental origins of obesity using leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We assessed the progression of obesity on an HFD in adult leptin-deficient ob/ob male mice that were exposed to intrauterine undernutrition by maternal food restriction (ob/ob UN offspring) or to leptin treatment during the neonatal period; this treatment is comparable to the premature leptin surge observed in the wt-UN offspring. RESULTS: On an HFD, the body weight of the male ob/ob UN offspring paralleled that of the ob/ob offspring exposed to normal intrauterine nutrition (ob/ob NN offspring). In contrast, early exposure to leptin in the ob/ob NN offspring during early neonatal growth reproduced the development of pronounced obesity on an HFD in adulthood. DISCUSSION: The presence of leptin and associated energy regulation are indispensable in the acceleration of obesity on an HFD caused by undernutrition in utero. The premature leptin surge plays an essential role in the developmental origins of obesity as a programming signal during the early neonatal period.

Dental students' ability to assess gingival health status with DAAGS software.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of dental students at different levels of education (Basic, Preclinic, and Clinic groups) to assess the level of gingival health status by using the Development of Ability to Assess Gingival Status (DAAGS) computer software program designed according to the Oral Rating Index (ORI) criteria. Two hundred and thirteen dental students at three levels of dental education voluntarily participated in three DAAGS tests in which they judged twenty-four photos. The three groups were first- and second-year dental students (Basic), third- and fourth-year dental students who had not yet participated in the clinical periodontology course (Preclinic), and fifth-year dental students who had completed the clinical periodontology course (Clinic). A gold standard of each photo was shown after completing Test 1, and then Test 2 was conducted immediately. Two weeks later, the third test was performed. Analyses of differences among the groups and between the tests for each groups were carried out by using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon Sign Rank tests, respectively. Students were asked to evaluate the DAAGS by written survey. Most of the students had a positive opinion. There were significant differences among the groups for correct and irrelevant answers and overall ability (p<0.001). The Basic group showed a significant (p<0.01) improvement between Test 1 and Test 2. This improvement was greater than Preclinic students and almost equal to Clinic students. The findings from this study indicate that the DAAGS software can serve as a useful instructional tool for education.