Citrus sudachi Peel Extract Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Promotes the Differentiation of Keratinocytes through Inhibition of the EGFR–ERK Signaling Pathway

Citrus sudachi is a well-known fruit in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, and its peels are rich in phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds. Although it is expected that the extract of the C. sudachi peel elicits various beneficial physiological activities, the effect on the skin has not been investigated. In this study, we report that the aqueous extract from the peel of C. sudachi suppresses cell proliferation of the immortalized human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes. The extract of C. sudachi peel suppressed epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced EGF receptor activation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activation, which suggests that the extract exerts its inhibitory effect through inhibition of both the EGF receptor (EGFR) and its downstream molecules. Additionally, the extract of C. sudachi peel potentiated calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation. These results suggest that the extract of C. sudachi peel may have beneficial effects against skin diseases that are characterized by hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes, such as those seen in psoriasis and in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Catecholamines Facilitate Fuel Expenditure and Protect Against Obesity via a Novel Network of the Gut-Brain Axis in Transcription Factor Skn-1-deficient Mice

AbstractTaste signals and nutrient stimuli sensed by the gastrointestinal tract are transmitted to the brain to regulate feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. This system is referred to as the gut-brain axis. Here we show that both brush cells and type II taste cells are eliminated in the gastrointestinal tract of transcription factor Skn-1 knockout (KO) mice. Despite unaltered food intake, Skn-1 KO mice have reduced body weight with lower body fat due to increased energy expenditure. In this model, 24-h urinary excretion of catecholamines was significantly elevated, accompanied by increased fatty acid β-oxidation and fuel dissipation in skeletal muscle and impaired insulin secretion driven by glucose. These results suggest the existence of brain-mediated energy homeostatic pathways originating from brush cells and type II taste cells in the gastrointestinal tract and ending in peripheral tissues, including the adrenal glands. The discovery of food-derived factors that regulate these cells may open new avenues the treatment of obesity and diabetes.Research ContextTaste signals and nutrient stimuli sensed by the gastrointestinal tract are transmitted to the brain to regulate feeding behavior and energy homeostasis along the gut-brain axis. We propose the concept that taste-receiving cells in the oral cavity and/or food-borne chemicals-receiving brush cells in the gut are involved in regulation of the body weight and adiposity via the brain. The discovery of food-derived factors that regulate these cells may open new avenues for the treatment of obesity and diabetes

イデンセイ ニュウガン ニツイテ

Hereditary breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer （HBOC） has been closed up in Japan. But few were known about the disease. HBOC is known as a syndrome that causes breast and ovarian cancer at exceptionally high rate in patients who have genetic mutations in BRCA １ or ２. The population of the Genetic/familial high risk breast and/or ovarian cancer is not low rate even in Japan if compared with the Western population. Important thing is recognize the fact that HBOC is not rare in Japan and perform a screening detailed family history if the patient has family history. We can evaluate the risk by genetic test and offer the preventive strategies like an intensive screening with MRI, chemoprevention and prophylactic mastectomy before the occurrence of cancer for the carrier. Genetic counseling service by the authorized doctor and counselor has been started in our institute. Genetic screening of BRCA１/２ mutation can be taken in Tokushima University Hospital

Systematic inclusion of mandatory interprofessional education in health professions curricula at Gunma University: a report of student self-assessment in a nine-year implementation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The mandatory interprofessional education programme at Gunma University was initiated in 1999. This paper is a statistical evaluation of the programme from 1999 to 2007.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A questionnaire of 10 items to assess the achievement levels of the programme, which was developed independently of other assessment systems published previously, was distributed, as well as two or three open-ended questions to be answered at the end of each annual module. A multivariate analysis of variance model was used, and the factor analysis of the responses was performed with varimax rotation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Over all, 1418 respondents of a possible 1629 students completed the survey, for a total response rate of 87.1%. Cronbach's alpha of 10 items was 0.793, revealing high internal consistency. Our original questionnaire was categorized into four subscales as follows: "Role and responsibilities", "Teamwork and collaboration", "Structure and function of training facilities", and "Professional identity". Students in the Department of Occupational Therapy reached a relatively lower level of achievement. In the replies to the open-ended questions, requests for the participation of the medical students were repeated throughout the evaluation period.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present four subscales measure "understanding", and may take into account the development of interprofessional education programmes with clinical training in various facilities. The content and quality of clinical training subjects may be remarkably dependent on training facilities, suggesting the importance of full consultation mechanisms in the local network with the relevant educational institutes for medicine, health care and welfare.</p

人間ドック受診者における高脂血症者の臨床データ解析

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical data of hyperlipidemia patients of urban male workers at the annual health examination, and to ascertain a suitable dietary education program to reduce plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Japanese male patients. METHOD: Subjects were 273 males (mean age 47 years), who visited a medical examination center in Tokyo between April 2002 and March 2003 for an annual health examination. The subjects were diagnosed according to the guidelines of Japan Atherosclerosis Society for Diagnosis. The subjects fall into 6 hyperlipidemia groups: TC≧220mg/dl, LDLC≧140mg/dl, HDLC<40mg/dl, TG≧150mg/dl, TC≧220mg/dl & LDLC≧140mg/dl, TC≧220mg/dl & TG≧150mg/dl. RESULT: High cholesterol group (TC≧220mg/dl) were 48.7%, High triglyceride group (TG≧150mg/dl) were 36.3%, High LDL cholesterol group (LDLC≧140mg/dl) were 10.6%, Low HDL cholesterol group (HDLC<40mg/dl) were 4.4%. 38.1% belonged to the High cholesterol group and High LDL cholesterol group as well, 16.1% belonged to the High cholesterol group and High triglyceride group as well. Good correlations were found between TC and LDLC (r=0.87), TC and HDLC (r=0.39) and negative correlations were between TG and LDLC (r=-0.42), TG and HDLC (r=-0.39). CONCLUSION: This study pointed towards the acquisition of a dietary education program to reduce plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Japanese male patients

A Second Look at the Results of New Dietary Education Program to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Focusing on Dietary Caloric Intake for Alcohol and Fat/Oil

Objective: This report focused on alcohol and fat/oil intake using results of a particular dietary intervention program of randomized controlled trial. Methods and Materials: Subjects were recruited primarily during an annual health check-up in a health examination center located in the center of Tokyo from February 2000 to January 2001. The examination included an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Eligible subjects were those diagnosed as borderline diabetic. Subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. Study subjects were 156 Japanese male workers at high risk for type 2 diabetes, aged 35-70 years. The intervention group, or (New Dietary Education group: NDE) received individualized dietary counseling based on their food frequency questionnaire (FFQW65) results. Results: Many NDE subjects successfully managed to maintain a balance of total intake. The NDE intervention was effective in decreasing caloric intake of alcohol for Japanese male workers at a high risk for type 2 diabetes (% change NDE: -0.088±3.75 vs. control: 0.89±3.0). The intervention group diet produced a lower caloric intake of fat/oil than did the control group diet after one year (% change NDE: -0.035±0.034 vs. control: 0.034±0.0235). Daily dietary caloric intake for alcohol was decreased in the NDE group compared to the control group and the difference was significant after adjusting for baseline value (P=0.049). Daily dietary caloric intake for fat/oil was decreased in the NDE group compared to the control group but the difference was not significant after adjusting for baseline value (P=0.158). Conclusion: All the subjects were given specific information about their actual dietary habits through the use of the FFQW65. The program focused on increasing motivation and encouraging the subjects to recognize the need for behavior modification through their own efforts. The improvement seen in alcohol and fat/oil intake in the NDE group might be due to showing individually radar-charted traits or illustrated ideal meals during the intervention

Population-based study of a free rubella-specific antibody testing and immunization campaign in Chiba city in response to the 2018–2019 nationwide rubella outbreak in Japan

Japan has not been able to eliminate rubella; as a result, the large rubella epidemic has occurred. Considering the complicated history of the vaccine policy in Japan, some susceptible populations became infected with rubella, resulting in an outbreak. We conducted a large serosurveillance against rubella in Chiba city after initiating free rubella-specific antibody testing and an immunization campaign during 2018–2019. The total number of rubella specific antibody tests that was conducted in the nationwide campaign and Chiba city original campaign was 8277 and 6104, respectively. The proportion of participants with an antibody titer of ≤1:16 using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test was higher in those in their 20–30s. On the contrary, the proportion of participants with an antibody titer of <1:8 using the HI test was higher in men in their 40–50s. This discrepancy possibly reflects the complicated history of the vaccine policy. The number of participants in the nationwide immunization campaign in this city was 1517, whereas that in the Chiba city campaign was 3607. The Chiba city campaign was effective against women in their 20–30s (child-bearing generation); however, the nationwide campaign was not sufficiently effective against men in their 40–50s because many workers were did not visit medical facilities to receive the measles–rubella vaccine