Evaluation of Activity Level and Leg Function for Elderly Patients with Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease in Community Based Health Promotion Program

Objectives: Lifelong exercise is considered to be beneficial for patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). In the chronic phase, it is very important that IHD patients continue to exercise according to the guideline. Furthermore, to achieve a significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, approximately 1,400 kcal/week of physical activity has to be expended in patients with IHD at the chronic stage. To achieve target exercise level, leg functions have a big impact for elderly patients. In the present study, we evaluated the activity level and leg functions for elderly patients with IHD in community based cardiac health promotion program. Methods: Activity level and exercise level were calculated. Knee extension muscle strengths were measured for both legs of patients. Leg muscle thicknesses were estimated by B-mode ultrasound method. A total of 22 elderly patients (74.9±5.3 years) , who had participated in community based ling term rehabilitation program. Results: Activity level was 1694.2±143.2 kcal/day and exercise energy expenditure was 1350.1±595.0 kcal/week. Leg muscle thickness was 4.60±0.85 cm (Hamstrings). Knee extension muscle strength was 18.40±10.81kg. Activity level and leg function showed significant relationship (p<0.05～0.01). Conclusions: The results showed that leg function affect on activity level for elderly patients in communitybased cardiac rehabilitation program

Mutations in the Desmoglein 4 Gene Are Associated with Monilethrix-like Congenital Hypotrichosis

The gene encoding human desmoglein 4 (DSG4) was recently cloned, and a mutation in this gene has been reported in several consanguineous Pakistani families affected with localized autosomal recessive hypotrichosis (LAH). In addition, various mutations in the Dsg4 gene have been identified in animal models of hypotrichosis that share a characteristic phenotype called “lanceolate hair”. To date, the features of the hair-shaft anomaly in patients with LAH have not been well described. We report a Japanese patient affected with congenital hypotrichosis that was originally diagnosed as monilethrix because she had a hair-shaft abnormality that resembled moniliform hair. However, no mutations were found in the type II hair keratin genes, hHb1, hHb3, and hHb6, whose mutations cause monilethrix. Instead, we identified novel compound heterozygous mutations in the DSG4 gene of our patient. On the maternal allele is a novel S192P transition within the extracellular cadherin II domain of DSG4; on the paternal allele is a novel 2039insT mutation leading to the generation of unstable transcripts. Here we present the observation that mutations in the DSG4 gene can cause monilethrix-like congenital hypotrichosis. Based on our findings, we propose that LAH and monilethrix could overlap

Changes in the physical functions of pre-frail elderly women after participation in a 1-year preventative exercise program

Aim: The present study clarifies the effects of participation in a preventative health classroom program (exercise program) for 1 year on the physical functions of pre-frail elderly individuals in comparison with healthy elderly individuals. Methods: Participants in the study included 28 elderly pre-frail female participants and 28 elderly healthy female participants. Participants engaged in the exercise program for 1 year. There was no significant age or physical differences between both groups. Before and after the exercise program, the following physical function tests were carried out: grip strength, one-legged balance with eyes open, 5-m walking time and a timed up & go (TUG). Results: The pre-frail elderly group tested significantly lower in the one-legged balance with eyes open test and the TUG test compared with the healthy elderly group. The 5-m walking time test improved significantly in both groups, but the TUG improved only in the pre-frail elderly group. Conversely, the grip strength and one-legged balance with eyes open tests remained unchanged. Conclusion: Improvements in the TUG and 5-m walking time tests were found in the pre-frail elderly group after the 1-year exercise program. Their results in the TUG test might be greater than those among the healthy elderly individuals. © 2013 Japan Geriatrics Society

中学校における障害のある生徒の体育授業に関する研究 : 近畿地区の実態調査から

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of physical education classes for junior high school students with disabilities in the Kinki Region of Japan. Valid responses were received from 80 of 200 schools targeted for the survey (collection ratio:40%). It was found that in nearly all schools physical education classes for students with disabilities were conducted while maintaining interraction with regular classes. Physical education teachers felt the significance of having students with disabilities participate in regular physical education classes, but did not actively obtain qualifications or information on adapted sports. The difficulty of practicing team sports, machine exercise, swimming, and martial arts in classes for students with disabilities was confirmed

Improving Mathematics Lesson and Evaluation through Setting Inquiry Problem-Solving Activities

The purpose of this research is to make a theoretical framework for improving mathematics lesson and evaluation through setting inquiry problem-solving activities effectively in junior high and senior high mathematics lessons. To achieve this, we first carried out a questionnaire survey to capture how students perceive learning mathematics and, based on the results, made a framework incorporated these activities for lesson design and evaluation of student’s learning. Then, sample lesson conducted in a junior and senior high school based on the framework was analyzed to investigate its effectiveness and get some practical suggestions

維持期虚血性心疾患患者及び健常中高年者におけるゴルフ打球中の心拍数

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of golf swing on the heart rate level in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) and healthy adults. METHODS: Study subjects were 7 male patients with IHD (mean age 59.3±8.7 years) and 7 age-matched, healthy male golfers. AIl subjects underwent golf swing at driving range, during which heart rate and electrocardiogram were monitored via telemetry system. Blood pressure was taken immediately after each golf swing. RESULTS: The average heart rate value for driver shot in the group of patients with IHD was significantly higher (116.1±10.8 bpm, p<0.01) compared to patting. Delta heart rate was calculated from difference between resting heart rate and peak heart rate during golf swing. Delta heart rate for driver shot in the group of IHD patients and healthy controls were significantly higher (32.7±12.5 bpm, p<0.01) compared to patting. CONCLUSIONS: In cardiovascular patients and healthy adults, heart rate of golf swing indicated severe increasing even in driving range

Improving Mathematics Lesson and Evaluation through Setting Inquiry Problem-Solving Activities

The purpose of this research is to make a theoretical framework for improving mathematics lesson and evaluation through setting inquiry problem-solving activities effectively in junior high and senior high mathematics lessons. To achieve this, we first carried out a questionnaire survey to capture how students perceive learning mathematics and, based on the results, made a framework incorporated these activities for lesson design and evaluation of student’s learning. Then, sample lesson conducted in a junior and senior high school based on the framework was analyzed to investigate its effectiveness and get some practical suggestions

Mathematical Modelling by Using Computer（Ⅲ） : Using Laplace equation

The purpose of a series of our studies is to discuss effective method of mathematical modelling by using computer. In this paper, activities for mathematical exploration by using computer are focused. For this purpose, we treated Laplace equation and studied some basic properties of harmonic functions, Poisson integrals, and the Dirichlet problem for the unit disk. A feature of the method is to provide situations in which students make mathematical models. And another feature is to give students enough time to get the numerical calculation and make conjectures on some results by using computer. The practice shows that some students had difficulty in making and solving mathematical models by using computer, but gradually felt interested in considering about some phenomenon