Effect of Thermoresponsive Xyloglucan on the Bread-Making Properties and Preservation of Gluten-Free Rice-Flour Bread.

This study clarified the effect of adding thermoresponsive xyloglucan on the bread-making properties and preservation of gluten-free rice-flour bread. The thickening polysaccharides used for preparing gluten-free rice-flour bread were modified tamarind gum (MTG; thermoresponsive xyloglucan), tamarind gum (TG), and xanthan gum (XT). The mechanical properties of the added polysaccharide thickener solutions and bread dough, the mechanical properties and sensory characteristics of rice-flour bread, and the aging properties of rice-flour bread were measured. The results showed that the MTG solution exhibited solification at 40 °C and gelation below 40 °C, which affected the dynamic viscoelasticity of the dough. The addition of MTG to gluten-free rice-flour bread reduced the specific volume, increased the moisture content, and reduced the stress at 70% compression. Therefore, the bread with MTG added was soft, moist, and preferred over other those with other additives. In terms of preservation, the addition of 0.5-0.75% of polysaccharides inhibited the hardening and aging of beard with MTG added. This indicates that the addition of MTG at low concentrations is effective in preserving gluten-free rice-flour breads. We found that the thickening polysaccharides had to be added in appropriate concentrations to improve the bread-making properties and achieve the preferred effect.

Association of dietary fibre intake with subsequent fasting glucose levels and indicators of adiposity in school-age Japanese children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationships of fibre intake with subsequent BMI sd-score, waist-to-height ratio and serum fasting glucose levels among school-age Japanese children. DESIGN: This is a prospective study of school-age Japanese children. Participants were followed from 6-7 to 9-10 years of age (follow-up rate: 92·0 %). Fibre intake was assessed using a validated FFQ. Serum fasting glucose was measured by a hexokinase enzymatic method. Using a general linear model, the associations between dietary fibre intake at baseline and BMI sd-score, waist-to-height ratio, and serum levels of fasting glucose at follow-up were evaluated after considering potential confounding factors. SETTING: Public elementary schools in a city in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2784 students. RESULTS: The estimated means for fasting glucose at 9-10 years of age were 86·45, 85·68, 85·88 and 85·58 mg/dl in the lowest, second, third and highest quartile of fibre intake at 6-7 years of age, respectively (P = 0·033, trend P = 0·018). Higher fibre intake at 6-7 years of age was associated with lower waist-to-height ratio at 9-10 years of age (trend P = 0·023). The change in fibre intake was inversely associated with concurrent change of BMI sd-score (trend P = 0·044). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that dietary fibre intake may be potentially effective to limit excess weight gain and lower glucose levels during childhood.

An overview of the intraoral features and craniofacial morphology of growing and adult Japanese cleidocranial dysplasia subjects.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment for cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) requires an understanding of the nature of the retained deciduous teeth, supernumerary teeth, delayed eruption of the permanent teeth, and craniofacial morphology from childhood to adulthood. This study aimed to provide an overview of the intraoral and craniofacial characteristics of growing and adult Japanese CCD subjects. METHODS: We assessed cross-sectionally the intraoral features of 28 CCD subjects (males, 15.3 ± 7.0 years; females, 15.2 ± 5.1 years) using orthopantomograms and photographs. Mean facial diagrams (profilograms) of 3 age groups (5-10 years, 11-14 years, over 15 years: adult) were constructed, and linear and angular measurements of 2 age groups (under 15 years, adult) were performed by using cephalograms. The data were compared with Japanese standards. RESULTS: A mean of 11.7 and 8.4 retained deciduous teeth, 10.4 and 15.8 erupted permanent teeth were observed in the adult males and females, and a mean of 6.8 and 5.3 supernumerary teeth were observed in all males and females, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the number of supernumerary teeth and the age at initial visit. Cephalometric analysis showed an average to anteriorly positioned maxilla, a tendency for counter-clockwise rotation of the ramus, and a prognathic mandible in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The number of supernumerary teeth increased with age. The maxilla was average to anteriorly positioned, and the mandible was counter-clockwise rotated and prognathic for all groups. These characteristic craniofacial morphologies and changes of intraoral conditions at different ages in CCD patients should be considered when proposing rational orthodontic treatment plans.

Three-dimensional analysis of the palatal morphology in growing patients with Apert syndrome and Crouzon syndrome.

Patients with Apert syndrome or Crouzon syndrome present with severe defects in oral-maxillofacial growth and development. In this study, we conducted a quantitative three-dimensional (3D) analysis of the palatal morphology of patients with Apert syndrome and Crouzon syndrome. Four patients with Apert syndrome (average age, 11.0 ± 0.8 years) and five with Crouzon syndrome (average age, 10.1 ± 1.6 years) were investigated. The participants' maxillary dental casts were scanned and analyzed using 3D imaging. Palatal width, depth, cross-sectional area, and palatal angle (PW, PD, PCA, and PA, respectively) were measured, and standard scores were calculated based on sex- and age-matched Japanese standard values; the actual palatal surface areas (PSA) and palatal volumes (PV) were also measured. Our results show that patients with Apert syndrome and Crouzon syndrome had a very narrow PW (standard score: -3.79 and - 0.47, respectively). 3D analysis revealed that patients with Apert syndrome had a significantly shallower PD (standard score: -1.35) than those with Crouzon syndrome (standard score: 2.47), resulting in a smaller PCA (standard score: -5.13), PSA (5.49 cm2 ), and PV (1.11 cm3 ) and larger PA (standard score: -0.12) than those in patients with Crouzon syndrome. This might be due to the former having a narrower and shallower palate caused by the predominant swelling of the palatal mucosa. These findings improve our understanding of the differences in palatal morphology between Apert syndrome and Crouzon syndrome patients.

Craniofacial, oral, and cervical morphological characteristics in Japanese patients with Apert syndrome or Crouzon syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene are responsible for both Apert syndrome (AS) and Crouzon syndrome (CS). These diseases share phenotypic characteristics, including midfacial hypoplasia and premature fusion of the calvarial suture(s). Given the extensive range of craniofacial growth and developmental abnormalities, management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. This study aimed to compare craniofacial, oral, and cervical morphological characteristics in Japanese orthodontic patients with AS or CS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Lateral cephalograms, orthopantomograms, dental casts, medical interview records, facial photographs, and intraoral photographs of 7 AS patients and 12 CS patients on initial visits were used in this study. Cephalometric analyses were performed, and standard scores were calculated based on age- and sex-matched Japanese standard values. RESULTS: Cephalometric analysis revealed that AS patients had significantly more severe maxillary hypoplasia in two dimensions and increased clockwise mandibular rotation. Additionally, cleft of the soft palate, anterior open bite, severe crowding in the maxillary dental arch, and congenitally missing teeth occurred more frequently among AS patients. Multiple fusions between cervical vertebrae C2, C3, C5, and C6 were observed in the AS patients. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Our study shows that AS patients have more severe craniofacial and maxillofacial deformities than CS patients.

Effect of Dietary Nori (Dried Laver) on Blood Pressure in Young Japanese Children: An Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the association between seaweed intake and blood pressure in children. We conducted an intervention study to investigate whether seaweed intake affects blood pressure. METHODS: Subjects were children aged 4 to 5 years attending a preschool in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, in 2010. Among 99 students, 89 (89.9%) were enrolled in our study. Nori (dried laver), an edible seaweed widely consumed in Japan, was used as a dietary intervention. Children in the intervention group were asked to consume 1.76 grams per day of roasted nori in addition to standard meals for 10 weeks. Children in the control group consumed their usual diet. Before the intervention and at the 10th week of the intervention, children's blood pressure was measured three times successively using an automated sphygmomanometer with subjects in a sitting position. Changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were compared between 55 children in the intervention group and 26 in the control group after adjustment for SBP and DBP before the intervention. RESULTS: Changes in SBP were -8.29 mm Hg in the intervention group and +0.50 mm Hg in the control group (P for difference in change = 0.051). Changes in DBP were -6.77 mm Hg in the intervention group and -0.05 mm Hg in the control group (P = 0.031). In girls, no difference in blood pressure changes was found between the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSION: Nori intake lowered DBP level in boys. Seaweed intake might have preventive effects on elevated blood pressure in childhood.

Three-dimensional evaluation of morphology and position of impacted supernumerary teeth in cases of cleidocranial dysplasia.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of impacted supernumerary teeth and delayed eruption of permanent teeth. However, there has been no detailed investigation on supernumerary teeth in patients with CCD using three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the morphology and position of supernumerary teeth using 3D images reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data in a group of five Japanese subjects (male, 3; female, 2; age, 15.0-25.4 years) with CCD. All five subjects exhibited supernumerary teeth (39 in total; average, 7.8; range, 1-15). All supernumerary teeth were impacted and existed as pairs with adjacent permanent teeth. Comparison of the size (the crown and dental-root lengths, the crown mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters), the number of cusps and dental roots, the position, and direction of supernumerary teeth in relation to the adjacent permanent teeth was analyzed. The results of relationship analyses revealed that, at sites other than the molar region, supernumerary teeth were positioned on the lingual and distal sides and supernumerary teeth resembled the morphology of their adjacent permanent teeth in terms of the number of cusps but were smaller than the adjacent permanent teeth. In the molar region, supernumerary teeth were microdontia, which were apparently small and obscure morphologically. In addition, while all adjacent permanent teeth exhibited normal direction, five supernumerary teeth exhibited inverse direction. The findings of this study will improve our understanding of the characteristics of CCD and provide important information for the pathophysiology and clinical treatment.

Associations of Cell Phone Use and Screen Viewing with Overweight in Children.

Background: Effects of using mobile devices on childhood obesity have not been well studied. We aimed to ascertain whether cell phone use and screen viewing are associated with excess body weight in a cross-sectional study of Japanese school children. Methods: Subjects were 3141 students, ages 6 to 7 years, who participated in the Hekinan Children's Study conducted during 2011-2015. Participants were asked to submit a parent-administered questionnaire on child and parent demographics, health status, and lifestyles, including cell phone use and screen time. Heights and weights were measured at the schools. Being overweight was defined according to the cutoff point for children specified by the Extended International Obesity Task Force. Among 2596 analytic children, the odds ratios (ORs) for being overweight were estimated according to cell phone use, time spent watching television, and time spent on games and computers using the logistic regression models. Analyses were conducted after adjustments for potential confounders, including dietary intake, physical activities, sleep duration, and quality of sleep. Results: After multivariate adjustments, cell phone users were found to have an OR of 1.74 for being overweight compared with nonusers. Cell phone use of longer duration was associated with higher risk of being overweight (trend p = 0.018). Time spent watching television was positively associated with the risk of being overweight (trend p = 0.003). Conclusions: Just as earlier studies have shown for television viewing, cell phone use might be a risk factor related to being overweight among children.

Dietary Soy Intake Is Inversely Associated with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Japanese Women but Not in Men.

BACKGROUND: Whole soy foods, as well as their components, including protein and isoflavones, have garnered attention because they may have beneficial effects against diabetes. OBJECTIVES: We examined associations between the intake of soy foods, soy protein, and soy isoflavones and the risk of diabetes in the Japanese population. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 13,521 residents (5883 men and 7638 women; 35-69 y old) of Takayama City, Japan. The subjects responded to a self-administered baseline questionnaire in 1992 and to a follow-up questionnaire seeking information about diabetes in 2002. Their mean ± SD body mass index was 22.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2 (men) and 22.1 ± 2.7 (women). The intakes of total soy foods, fried soy foods, nonfried soy foods, soy protein, and soy isoflavones were estimated through the use of a validated food-frequency questionnaire administered in 1992. Associations between soy intake and the risk of diabetes were evaluated through the use of Cox proportional hazards models incorporating age, education level, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, history of hypertension, use of vitamin supplements, menopausal status, and dietary factors including glycemic load, total energy, total fat, meat, fruit, vegetables, and coffee. RESULTS: During a 10-y follow-up, 438 participants reported physician-diagnosed diabetes. Women in the highest tertile of intakes of total soy foods, fried soy foods, nonfried soy foods, soy protein, and soy isoflavone had significantly lower HRs, after controlling for covariates, than those with the lowest intakes. For example, HRs were 0.45 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.68; P-trend <0.001) for total soy food intake. In men, there were no significant associations between soy intake and the risk of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a high soy intake may be associated with a lower risk of diabetes in Japanese women.

Green tea intake and colorectal cancer risk in Japan: the Takayama study.

BACKGROUND: Reportedly, green tea has a preventive effect against colorectal cancer in animal models. Nevertheless, results from epidemiological studies of the association between green tea consumption and colorectal cancer have been inconsistent. We aimed to evaluate colorectal cancer risk in relation to green tea consumption in a population-based prospective cohort study. METHODS: Subjects were 13 957 men and 16 374 women aged ≥35 years in September 1992. The participants' green tea consumption was elicited by administering a food frequency questionnaire. The colorectal cancer incidence was confirmed through regional population-based cancer registries and histological identification from colonoscopy in two main hospitals in the study area. Colorectal cancer was defined as the sum of code C18 (colon cancer) and codes C19 and C20 (rectal cancer) according to ICD-10. RESULTS: Up to March 2008, 429 men and 343 women were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. No significant association was found between green tea consumption and colorectal cancer in men and women, respectively. However, for men, compared with the group of 'none or less than once per day' of green tea consumption, the multiple-adjusted relative risks (95% CIs) for colon cancer were 1.32 (0.90, 1.94), 0.76 (0.57, 1.02), and 0.78 (0.49, 1.22), respectively, in the group of 'once per day,' '2-3 times per day', and 'four times per day or more' (trend P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: This study observed no overall significant associations between green tea consumption and colorectal cancer risk, except that there was a weak trend for greater consumption of green tea with decreased risk of male colon cancer.

Investigation of maxillofacial morphology and oral characteristics with Turner syndrome and early mixed dentition.

Turner syndrome is associated with an X chromosome abnormality in women and is characterized by infantilism, congenital webbed neck, and cubitus valgus. The aim of this study was to determine the maxillofacial morphology and oral characteristics of Japanese girls (mean age, 8.5 years) with Turner syndrome and early mixed dentition. Lateral cephalograms obtained at the first visit were used to analyze maxillofacial morphology. Oral characteristics were identified using orthopantomograms, intraoral photographs, and study casts. All patients received growth hormone. Lateral cephalograms showed a retrognathic maxilla and mandible and a small gonial angle. Nine patients had a high-arched palate. Nine patients had class II first molar relationship occlusion and one had mesial step-type occlusion. Three patients showed ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar accompanied by resorption of the maxillary second primary molar. Eruption of the permanent teeth tended to occur early. The median mesiodistal diameter of the maxillary central incisor was smaller than the Japanese norm. Ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar may be caused by lack of eruption space and a discrepancy between bone growth and timing of tooth maturation.

The Hekinan Children's Study: Design and Profile of Participants at Baseline.

BACKGROUND: The early life environment is now recognized as a key factor contributing to susceptibility to certain diseases in later life. METHODS: We initiated a cohort study among school children in 2011 to primarily investigate the associations between lifestyle and environmental factors and some surrogate markers of chronic diseases, such as cardiometabolic risk factors (ie, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, insulin, or lipids) and cancer risk factors (ie, height and age at menarche). A baseline questionnaire asked for information, including demographic variables, medical history and use of medication, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep habits, and behavioral and emotional problems of children. Follow-up surveys are planned for the fourth grade of elementary school and the first grade of junior high school. At these follow-up surveys, fasting blood samples will be obtained to measure cardiometabolic markers. We also checked the validity of a food frequency questionnaire, which was originally created for 6-year-olds but was modified for use in older children. RESULTS: A total of 3,141 first-year students at elementary schools in Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture, participated in the study. The response rate was 87.4%. The means of age and body mass index were 6.99 (standard deviation, 0.28) years and 15.3 (standard deviation, 1.7) kg/m2, respectively, in the 3,067 Japanese children (1,639 boys and 1,428 girls). CONCLUSIONS: This cohort will reveal determinants of cardiometabolic risk factors and cancer risk factors during childhood.

Clinical study of dentocraniofacial characteristics in patients with Williams syndrome.

Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare congenital anomaly that is characterized by distinctive facial features, congenital heart disease, and behavioral characteristics that include mental retardation. However, only a few reports have documented the dentocraniofacial morphological characteristics of WS in Japanese individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the dentocraniofacial morphology and growth patterns in a group of nine Japanese subjects (two males and seven females; mean age at admission, 10.1 years) with WS. The analytical methods included an initial medical questionnaire, lateral cephalography, panoramic radiography, dental casts, and oral examinations. The dental findings showed congenitally missing teeth, microdontia, and peg-shaped teeth. Regarding cranial morphology, microcephaly occurred at high frequencies, and a short posterior cranial base and thick calvarial bones, including frontal, parietal, and occipital bones, were seen in patients with WS. An analysis of maxillofacial morphology showed the large gonial angles and lingual inclination of the lower incisors in patients with WS. In addition, the chin button was deficient and in three of four growing subjects the maxillofacial growth pattern demonstrated a downward and backward tendency. The results of this study provide important information that will improve our understanding of the characteristics of patients with WS.

Soy Isoflavone Intake and Bladder Cancer Risk in Japan: From the Takayama Study.

Background: There is growing evidence suggesting that soy isoflavones play a protective role in the development of cancer. However, few epidemiological studies have investigated the association between soy isoflavone intake and bladder cancer.Methods: We evaluated the associations of soy and isoflavone intakes with bladder cancer incidence in a population-based prospective study in Japan. Subjects were 14,233 men and 16,584 women age 35 years or older in September 1992. Soy and isoflavone intakes were assessed via a validated food-frequency questionnaire, while controlling for total energy intake. Cancer incidence was mainly confirmed through regional population-based cancer registries. Bladder cancer was defined as code C67 according to the International Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, 10th Revision.Results: During mean follow-up of 13.6 years, 120 men and 41 women had developed bladder cancer. After adjustments for multiple confounders, compared with the lowest quartile of soy food intake, the estimated hazard ratios for the second, third, and highest quartiles of soy food intake were 0.74, 0.52, and 0.55, respectively, in men (P-trend: 0.023). The corresponding values were 0.60, 0.75, and 0.64, respectively, in women (P-trend: 0.43). Similar inverse associations were observed between isoflavone intake and bladder cancer risk.Conclusions: A significant decreased risk of bladder cancer was observed among men who had higher intakes of total soy and isoflavones.Impact: Our finding on the potential benefit of consuming soy foods against bladder cancer is promising and warrants further studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1371-5. ©2018 AACR.

Association of alcohol consumption with the risk of stomach cancer in a Japanese population: a prospective cohort study.

Biological studies have provided confirmation of alcohol-related carcinogenesis in the stomach, but the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of stomach cancer remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether quantitative alcohol intake is associated with the risk of stomach cancer in a large prospective cohort study among a Japanese population. Study participants included 30 714 participants (14 171 men and 16 543 women) aged 35 years or older, who were enrolled in the Takayama study launched on 1 September 1992. Alcohol consumption was assessed quantitatively using a validated food frequency questionnaire. According to alcohol intake (g/day), male participants were classified into quartile groups: Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4. Female participants were classified into three groups: nondrinkers, and drinkers below or above the median alcohol level. We estimated the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for stomach cancer adjusted for age, smoking, BMI, education, total energy intake, salt intake, physical activity, and medical history of diabetes mellitus for each alcohol intake group using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. By the end of March 2008, a total of 678 participants had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. For men, the multivariate-adjusted HRs of stomach cancer for Q2, Q3, and Q4 relative to Q1 were 1.39 (95% CI: 1.07-1.81), 1.35 (95% CI: 1.02-1.79), and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.02-1.87), respectively. In women, no associations were observed. These data suggest that alcohol consumption could be associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer among Japanese men.

Meat consumption and colorectal cancer risk in Japan: The Takayama study.

Compared with the abundant data from Western countries, evidence regarding meat consumption and colorectal cancer is limited in the Japanese population. We evaluated colorectal cancer risk in relation to meat consumption in a population-based prospective cohort study in Japan. Participants were 13 957 men and 16 374 women aged ≥35 years in September 1992. Meat intake, assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire, was controlled for the total energy intake. The incidence of colorectal cancer was confirmed through regional population-based cancer registries and histological identification from colonoscopy in two main hospitals in the study area. From September 1992 to March 2008, 429 men and 343 women developed colorectal cancer. After adjustments for multiple confounders, a significantly increased relative risk of colorectal cancer was observed in the highest versus lowest quartile of the intake of total and red meat among men; the estimated hazard ratios were 1.36 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.79) for total meat (P for trend = 0.022), and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.89) for red meat (P for trend = 0.009). A positive association between processed meat intake and colon cancer risk was also observed in men. There was no significant association between colorectal cancer and meat consumption in women. These results suggest that the intake of red and processed meat increases the risk of colorectal or colon cancer among Japanese men. Abstaining from excessive consumption of meat might be protective against developing colorectal cancer.

Dietary soy and natto intake and cardiovascular disease mortality in Japanese adults: the Takayama study.

BACKGROUND: Whether soy intake is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear. A traditional Japanese soy food, natto, contains a potent fibrinolytic enzyme. However, its relation to CVD has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the association of CVD mortality with the intake of natto, soy protein, and soy isoflavones in a population-based cohort study in Japan. DESIGN: The study included 13,355 male and 15,724 female Takayama Study participants aged ≥35 y. At recruitment in 1992, each subject was administered a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Deaths from CVD were ascertained over 16 y. RESULTS: A total of 1678 deaths from CVD including 677 stroke and 308 ischemic heart disease occurred during follow-up. The highest quartile of natto intake compared with the lowest intake was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality from total CVD after control for covariates: the HR was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.88, P-trend = 0.0004). There were no significant associations between the risk of mortality from total CVD and intakes of total soy protein, total soy isoflavone, and soy protein or soy isoflavone from soy foods other than natto. The highest quartiles of total soy protein and natto intakes were significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality from total stroke (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.99, P-trend = 0.03 and HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.88, P-trend = 0.0004, respectively). The highest quartile of natto intake was also significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality from ischemic stroke (HR = 0.67, 95% CI:0.47, 0.95, P-trend = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Data suggest that natto intake may contribute to the reduction of CVD mortality.

Relationship of equol production between children aged 5-7 years and their mothers.

PURPOSE: The factors responsible for the production of isoflavone metabolites have not yet been identified. We aimed to examine the relationships of equol production between mother and child in a birth cohort in Japan. METHODS: Subjects were a part of the participants in a longitudinal study on pregnant women and their offspring. When children were 5-7 years old, mothers and children were asked to reply to a questionnaire on lifestyles and a 3-day child's dietary record. Mothers and children were given a bar-shaped soy snack (Soyjoy®) daily on two consecutive days (soy challenge). The snack contained 14 mg of overall soy isoflavones as the sum of aglycones and the glucosides for mothers and 7.5 mg for children. On the morning of day 0 and 3, they were asked to mail their first-void urines. Urinary isoflavone metabolites of 159 mother-child pairs were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: Equol producers were 35.5 % among mothers and 13.8 % among children. Equol producer status of a child was neither associated with dietary intake nor with urinary levels of daidzein and genistein. After multiple adjustments for potential confounders, the estimated relative risk of equol producer was 2.75 (95 % confidence interval 1.00, 7.52) among children whose mother was an equol producer, compared with children whose mother was a non-producer. CONCLUSION: Child's equol production was associated with the mother's equol producer status. The effects of maternal factors on child's equol production should be studied further.

Dietary magnesium intake and the risk of diabetes in the Japanese community: results from the Takayama study.

PURPOSE: Several experimental studies showed that magnesium intake improved insulin resistance and glucose uptake in diabetes patients. However, epidemiological studies on the association between magnesium intake and diabetes risk have yielded inconsistent results. We investigated whether magnesium intake is related to the risk of developing diabetes in a population-based cohort study in Japan. METHODS: Study subjects were participants in the Takayama study. A total of 13,525 residents in Takayama City, Japan, responded to a self-administered questionnaire in 1992 and to a follow-up questionnaire seeking information about diabetes in 2002. Magnesium and other nutrient intakes were estimated from a validated food frequency questionnaire administered at the baseline. RESULTS: During a follow-up of 10 years, 438 subjects reported diabetes newly diagnosed by physician. Compared with women in the low quartile of magnesium intake, women in the high quartile were at a significantly reduced risk of diabetes (HR 0.50; 95 % CI 0.30-0.84; P-trend 0.005) after adjustments for covariates. In men, there was no association between magnesium intake and the risk of diabetes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that diets with a high intake of magnesium may decrease the risk of diabetes in women.

Systemic and maxillofacial characteristics of 11 Japanese children with Russell-Silver syndrome.

Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS) is a congenital anomaly characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, typical facial features, fifth-finger clinodactyly, and skeletal asymmetry. Although data on intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation have been reported, there are few reports concerning the typical maxillofacial morphology in individuals with RSS. The aim of this study was to describe the details of this systemic condition and to characterize maxillofacial morphology based on cephalograms in 11 Japanese patients (age range, 3.9-12.0 years) with RSS. All 11 individuals had intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation. In addition, most showed mandibular retrognathia and relative macrocephaly. Lateral cephalogram measurements showed that mandibular retrognathia resulted from short mandibular body length, whereas the depth of the cranial base was close to normal. Although asymmetry of hand, foot, and limb length were present in most individuals, obvious facial asymmetry was not common. Differences between left and right skeletal and dental age were not observed, indicating that children with RSS might show asymmetry because of quantitative differences in skeletal growth rather than delayed growth rate. Our findings not only provide important information about the maxillofacial characteristics of RSS, but also help to clarify the association between these characteristics and genetics, which will add to the body of information on clinical symptoms.