东亚人群绿茶饮用与胃癌发病关系的Meta分析

目的探讨东亚人群饮用绿茶与胃癌发病的关系。方法以"(茶OR绿茶)AND(胃癌OR胃肿瘤)"的中英文分别检索国内外大型数据库,筛选符合要求的文献,以饮用绿茶与胃癌发病关系的比值比(OR)为统计指标,用STATA11.0软件对各研究数据进行统计分析。结果共纳入10篇文献,其中英文8篇,中文2篇,累计病例4 135例,对照29 512例。Meta分析结果表明:高剂量绿茶摄入组较低剂量绿茶摄入组对胃癌发病的保护作用显著增强[OR=0.75,95%CI(0.64,0.87)];亚组分析显示摄入高剂量绿茶对中国和日本人群中均能减少胃癌发生的风险[中国:OR=0.63,95%CI(0.47,0.84);日本:OR=0.81,95%CI(0.67,0.98)]。结论东亚人群高剂量饮用绿茶对于胃癌发病具有保护作用,仍需大量深入细化的研究来阐明各种相关因素在绿茶降低胃癌发病风险中的作用。     

Relationship between plasma total homocysteine level and dietary caffeine and vitamin B6 intakes in pregnant women

A high total homocysteine (tHcy) level during pregnancy is a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. Caffeine is assumed to increase tHcy levels by acting as a vitamin B₆ antagonist. The objective of this study was to examine a relationship between circulating tHcy levels and dietary caffeine and vitamin B₆ intakes in pregnant Japanese women. A total of 321 healthy women with singleton pregnancies were recruited in metropolitan Tokyo, from June to December 2008, resulting in the final number included in the study as 254. Dietary caffeine intakes did not correlate with plasma tHcy levels. When we analyzed the data according to caffeinated beverages, caffeinated tea consumption was positively associated with plasma tHcy levels only among the women with a high intake of vitamin B₆, after controlling for confounding factors (P = 0.029). No correlation between coffee consumption and plasma tHcy levels was found. Pregnant Japanese women might need to cut down the consumption of caffeinated tea as well as take sufficient vitamin B₆ in order to prevent the tHcy levels from increasing.     

Distribution and Major Sources of Flavonoid Intakes in the Middle-Aged Japanese Women

We estimated the intake of individual flavonoids in a cross sectional study and clarified the major sources contributing to the flavonoid levels in the middle-aged Japanese women by a 24-h weighed dietary record study. The subjects included in the study were 516 free-living women. Each subject completed a 24-h weighed dietary record and received a health check-up. We used the Functional Food Factor database for estimating the intake of 5 major flavonoid intakes, i.e. flavan-3-ols, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanones and flavones. The mean intake of flavan-3-ols, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanones and flavones was 1277, 216, 58, 31 and 15 µmol/d, respectively. The richest source of flavan-3-ols was green tea. The 3 major food sources of isoflavone were the processed soy foods and those of flavonol were the onion, moroheiya (nalta jute) and Japanese radish leaves. Grapefruit and citrus fruit juices were the major sources of flavanones, and tsurumurasaki (malabar spinach), green pepper and grapefruit were the main sources of flavone. Furthermore, analysis of sub-samples from middle-aged Japanese women indicated that there may be an association between flavonoid intake and the levels of oxidized LDL, which might be related to the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.     

中日产妇产后抑郁情况调查及影响因素分析

目的 探讨中日产妇产后抑郁（postpartum depression,PPD）的发生情况及影响因素。方法 在日本东京地区以及中国河南地区医院及社区抽取产后半年内的产妇587例,其中中国产妇352例,日本产妇235例。应用爱丁堡产后抑郁量表(Edinburgh postnatal depression scale,EPDS)、12项一般健康问卷(12-item general health questionnaire,GHQ- 12)对中日产妇产后抑郁情况及精神痛苦水平进行调查并分析其影响因素。结果352例中国产妇31例检出有抑郁,检出率为8.81％。235例日本产妇有7例检出有抑郁,检出率为2.98％;中国产妇GHQ- 12病例检出率亦显著高于日本产妇。分娩方式、有无工作、有无人照看孩子以及精神痛苦水平是影响中日两国产妇产后抑郁发生的因素。结论 中国产妇产后抑郁检出率高于日本产妇,其中无工作是影响产后抑郁的危险因素,顺产、有人照看孩子、精神痛苦水平低是保护性因素。     

Selective microbiologic effects of tea extract on certain antibiotics against Escherichia coli in vitro

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the microbiologic effects of black tea, compared to green tea, alone and in conjunction with selected antibiotics against Escherichia coli, the common cause of intestinal and urinary tract infections. DESIGN: This study was an in vitro evaluation of antibacterial effects of tea extracts. METHODS: Black and green tea extracts were analyzed by using high-performance liquid chromatography to compare their major polyphenol profiles. Different concentrations of the extracts or gallic acid (GA), the phenolic compound found with high concentration in the black tea extract, were employed for bacterial sensitivity tests, using pour plate and disc diffusion methods. The latter was used to evaluate the interactions between the extracts and certain anti-E. coli antibiotics. RESULTS: GA in black tea extract and epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate in green tea extract are present in the highest concentrations, respectively. At concentrations of 25 mg/mL, both black and green teas after 5 and 7 hours completely inhibited E. coli growth. GA at concentrations of 5, 10, and 25 microg/mL after 7, 5 and 3 hrs, respectively, inhibited bacterial growth. Both black and green tea extracts had either synergistic or antagonistic effects at different concentrations on selected antibiotics, while GA showed a synergistic effect with all the antibiotics tested in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was more prominent with amikacin and sulfamethoxazole. CONCLUSIONS: The microbiologic effects of both black tea and green tea extracts on certain antibiotics against E. coli may vary, depending on the type of the tea extract (i.e., black vs. green), the amount of the extract, and the antibiotic being used.     

Associations between headache and stress, alcohol drinking, exercise, sleep, and comorbid health conditions in a Japanese population

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 12,988 subjects aged 20–79 years (5,908 men and 7,090 women) receiving health checkups at a Tokyo clinic. They filled out a self-administered structured questionnaire, and 5.4% of the men and 15.4% of the women reported having headaches. Younger subjects were more prone to having headaches. The likelihood of having headaches increased with stress level and decreased ability to relieve stress in both genders. There was an inverse dose–response relationship between having headaches and alcohol consumption, and less walking/exercise and sleep problems increased the likelihood of headaches in both genders. Headache sufferers of both genders were more likely to report multiple additional poor health conditions. A multivariate stepwise logistic analysis showed that age, self-estimated degree of stress, reported number of additional poor health conditions, and less alcohol consumption were independently correlated with having headaches. In conclusion, although women were more susceptible to headache, Japanese men and women in Tokyo shared factors associated with headache, including age, stress, having other poor health conditions, alcohol consumption, sleep, and exercise.     

Possible contribution of green tea drinking habits to the prevention of stroke

Among 5910 nondrinking and nonsmoking women (of greater than or equal to 40 years of age) in a prefectural city of Sendai, and two villages of Taijiri and Wakuya in Miyagi prefecture, Japan, medical history of stroke was less frequently observed among those who took more green tea in daily life. No relation with tea drinking was observed for hypertension history. The uneven distribution of stroke history was detectable even after the effects of age, location of residence, and high salt intake were ruled out. The incidence of stroke and cerebral hemorrhage during a 4-year follow-up of the study population was twice or more times higher in those who took less green tea (less than 5 cups a day) than in those who took more (greater than or equal to 5 cups daily).     

Relation of coffee consumption and serum liver enzymes in Japanese men and women with reference to effect modification of alcohol use and body mass index

Abstract

Objective. Previous studies have shown that coffee consumption is inversely related to serum levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), but few have addressed the relation in women and effect modifications of alcohol use and obesity. We examined the association of coffee and green tea consumption with serum activities of liver enzymes in free-living Japanese men and women, focusing on sex difference and effect modifications of alcohol and obesity. Material and methods. The data were derived from the baseline survey of the Kyushu University Fukuoka Cohort Study, and included 12,020 Japanese men and women aged 49–76 years who were free of chronic liver diseases. Results. There was an inverse association between coffee consumption and elevated ALT in men, and the association between the two was weaker in women. In the analyses stratified by aminotransferases category, inverse associations of coffee consumption with serum activities of liver enzymes were observed in both men and women within the whole range and among those with aminotransferases within the reference range (ALT/AST ≤40 IU/L for men and ALT/AST ≤30 IU/L for women). Inverse associations of coffee with liver enzymes were more evident in those with high alcohol consumption and in those with low body mass index. Conclusions. Coffee drinking probably confers protection against alcohol-related increase in liver enzymes.     

Intimate partner violence against Japanese and non-Japanese women in Japan: A cross-sectional study in the perinatal setting

Aim:  To identify the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) against Japanese women (JW) and non-Japanese women (NJW) in a perinatal setting. Additional purposes were to identify the associated factors of IPV, describe the characteristics of IPV against NJW, and assess the acceptability of the Violence Against Women Screen (VAWS) instrument as a screening tool.
Methods:  A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to November 2007 in an urban hospital maternity clinic in Tokyo, Japan. Women who attended the maternity clinic received the VAWS instrument, which was translated into four languages (Japanese with Kanji and Hiragana, English, Chinese, and Tagalog) and was used to identify IPV.
Results:  A total of 400 women participated in the study: 357 were JW and 43 were NJW. The prevalence rate of IPV among the JW was 31.4% and 21.4% among the NJW. There was no statistical significance between the two groups. A multiple logistic regression with adjusted odds ratio identified two associated factors for IPV: being multipara and previous experience of physical violence from a partner.
Conclusion:  The prevalence of IPV was not statistically different among JW and NJW. Screening for IPV, early intervention, and support should be expanded in hospitals and maternity clinics in Japan.     

A study on the needs of medical, maternal and child health care in Chinese women students at the University of Tokyo

According to the information provided by the University of Tokyo (UT) in 2001, 317 Chinese women students were enrolled in the UT, and 88% of them were graduate students. Although the surveys on the life of international students at the UT had been conducted in 1989 and 1998, the medical and health issues were not included. With the objective of exploring the medical and heath care needs of Chinese women students at the UT a survey was carried out from December 2001 to January 2002. With the cooperation of the International Students Center at the UT a questionnaire in Chinese was sent to each department in which 317 Chinese women students were studying. Out of 104 students responded, eligible subjects were 98. The results of present study revealed some problems, such as the language barrier, preference for a translator in hospitals or health centers, and a medical guidebook with information on vaccinations in Chinese. They also stated their lack of knowledge about the Japanese medical and health system, and their distress for being separated from their children. In conclusion, the most severe problem was language barrier for Chinese women students in obtaining medical and health care for themselves and their children. It was also noted that lack of knowledge of the Japanese medical and health care system was another obvious problem.     

Development of the Japanese version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool‐Short

This study develops a Japanese version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool, comprising two simple questions, to examine its accuracy and validity. A cohort study involving women in the third trimester of pregnancy and one month after childbirth was conducted in an antenatal clinic in a Tokyo suburb. The Japanese versions of the Index of Spouse Abuse and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to examine the cut‐off point, accuracy, and validity of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool. Results showed that the tool demonstrated good accuracy (sensitivity 66.7–71.4%, specificity 89.7%), using an alternative cut‐off point (i.e. responses of “some tension” or “some difficulty” [2 points] for one item and “a lot of tension” or “great difficulty” [1 point] for the other), and good concurrent, convergent, and predictive validity. The results indicated that the Woman Abuse Screening Tool could be useful in Japanese perinatal health settings, as an initial screening tool to detect intimate partner violence efficiently and effectively during pregnancy.     

Quality of life studies in nursing science (2). Community adjustment of chronic schizophrenics: effects on life satisfaction and self-esteem (2)]

The purpose of this study was to test two community adjustment models of the chronically mentally ill developed by this author. The study was to determine the effects of daily living, work, family, and social adjustment on life satisfaction and self-esteem as well as to determine the effects of chronicity and symptomatology on the four adjustments. Twenty schizophrenic inpatients and 120 schizophrenic outpatients from a psychiatric hospital in Tokyo participated in the study: the former group was used for a pilot study of the instruments and the latter for the model testing. Seven instruments were used; two self-administered questionnaires of the Life Satisfaction Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, two structured interview schedules of the Adjustment Scales and a modified version of the Psychiatric Evaluation Form, the Demographic and Psychiatric History Form, the Cantril Ladder of Satisfaction, and the Global Assessment Scale. Two direct effects of family and social adjustment (beta = 0.326 and 0.262 respectively) explained 22.2% of the variance in life satisfaction. Two direct effects of symptomatology (beta = -0.216) and family adjustment (beta = 0.185) accounted for 10.6% of the variance in self-esteem. It was assumed that dropping of symptomatology as a direct effect on life satisfaction was a type two error. In addition, chronicity and social adjustment failed to enter into the equation of self-esteem due to the type two error as well. The culturally characteristic pattern that emerged was that relationship-oriented variables were directly effective on life satisfaction and self-esteem. However, task-oriented variables of daily living adjustment and work adjustment did not account for life satisfaction and self-esteem despite the hypothetical links in the models. It was concluded that interpersonal relationships were especially important for the well-being of Japanese schizophrenics living in the community. The lack of direct effects of daily living and work adjustment suggested that autonomy in living did not heighten the well-being of the subjects, a result that was different than the findings of American studies. It was probably because that Japanese people in general value interdependence among family members, therefore, relatives of the mentally ill tend to play more roles to take care for them.     

绿茶多酚对慢性脑低灌注大鼠皮质抗氧化能力的影响

目的：探讨不同剂量的绿茶多酚对慢性脑低灌注大鼠抗氧化能力的影响。方法：健康雄性Wist-ar大鼠随机分为假手术组、2VO加生理盐水组、2VO加GTP100组（绿茶多酚100mg·kg^-1·d^-1）、2VO加GTP400组（绿茶多酚400mg·kg^-1·d^-1）。采用大鼠双侧颈总动脉结扎（2VO）制备慢性脑低灌注模型,结扎后从第4周开始给药,给药4周后采用生化方法检测脑皮质的抑制羟自由基能力和SOD的活力,并采用实时定量PCR方法检测皮质的Nrf2mRNA的表达。结果：绿茶多酚增强SOD活性和抑制羟自由基能力,增加皮质Nrf2mRNA的表达。400mg·kg^-1·d^-1剂量的绿茶多酚的作用更显著。结论：绿茶多酚增强慢性脑低灌注大鼠脑组织的抗氧化能力,尤其400mg·kg^-1·d^-1剂量的绿茶多酚作用更明显。     

The Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack: Disaster Management, Part 3: National and International Responses

Abstract. The authors report the national and international responses to the disaster produced by the Tokyo subway sarin attack. From a worldwide historical perspective, there had never been such a large-scale disaster caused by nerve gas during peacetime. Therefore, this event should be studied from various viewpoints in cooperation with members of the international community. To this end, the Japanese government should help coordinate a large-scale and detailed investigation of the Tokyo subway sarin attack, including the long-term effects of sarin. The authors also recommend that the Japanese Self Defense Forces should be used more effectively in large-scale disasters. The system of direct control of disaster management by the Japanese government could be useful in a large-scale disaster.     

The effect of green tea on C-reactive protein and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionThe beneficial effects of green tea on regulating insulin sensitivity and preventing the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been identified.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the effect of green tea on serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with T2DM.MethodsA systematic search was performed in the ISI Web of science, PubMed and Scopus to find articles related to the effect of the green tea on CRP, malondealdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in T2DM patients, up to June 2019. There was no language and time limitation. Meta-analyses were performed using both the random and fixed effects model where appropriate, and I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity.ResultsInitial search yielded 780 publications. Eight articles with 614 T2DM patients were eligible. Following green tea consumption, CRP levels significantly decreased (weighted mean difference (WMD): −5.51 mg/dl, 95% CI: −9.18 to −1.83, p = 0.003) compared with the controlled group. Green tea consumption had no significant effect on plasma levels of TAC and MDA (0.02 mg/dl, CI: −0.06 to 0.10; −0.14 mg/dl, CI: −0.40 to 0.12; respectively).ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that green tea significantly reduced the circulating levels of CRP, whereas, it had no significant effect on MDA and TAC. Overall, green tea can be considered as a healthy drink to reduce CRP levels in T2DM patients.     

Effects of green tea ingestion on postprandial drops in blood pressure in older adults

The purpose of this study was to examine whether drinking green tea can prevent postprandial drops in blood pressure in older adults. Participants included 29 older adults who had experienced postprandial drops in systolic blood pressure of more than 15 mmHg in a previous study. During the experimental phase, each participant drank 400 mL of green tea before lunch; during the control phase, participants ate lunch without any tea. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured during both phases before lunch and at 15-minute intervals for 90 minutes after lunch. Drinking green tea before lunch elicited significant pressor effects by increasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure an average of 15.1 mmHg and 5.7 mmHg, respectively. It had no significant effect on heart rate. Drinking green tea before meals is recommended for older adults who experience postprandial hypotension; however, the appropriate volume and time of green tea ingestion to prevent a postprandial drop in blood pressure should be further studied.     

Comparison of sonographic triplet fetal growth measurements between Japanese and American populations

Objective: To evaluate changes in several triplet fetal growth parameters associated with gestational age by means of a longitudinal study designed to compare ethnic differences in fetal growth in Japanese and American populations.Subjects: Twenty-one Japanese triplet fetuses (7 triplet pregnancies) and 21 American triplet fetuses (7 triplet pregnancies). The Japanese pregnancies were in middle-class Japanese women living in the Kagawa area; the American pregnancies, in middle-class white women living in the Houston area.Methods: Head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and estimated weight were measured every 2 to 3 weeks from 15 weeks of gestational age until delivery. Values for each parameter at each gestational age were measured in each fetal group, and the data of the groups were compared.Results: Head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and estimated weight were significantly lower in the Japanese than in the American triplet fetuses after 20 weeks of gestation (p<0.01).Conclusion: These results suggest that triplet fetal growth in Japanese populations and American populations differs significantly in the second half of pregnancy.     

Chemopreventive effect of tamoxifen on familial breast cancer

Chemopreventive effect of tamoxifen on familial breast cancer was studied. As it is impossible to use medicines for prevention of human breast cancer in Japan, a lot of investigations on animals using natural foods like as green tea, seaweed etc has been done. Seaweed wakame was effective on breast cancer proliferation in rat. In this paper 3 reports(Fisher, Powles and Veronesi) were reviewed and the results of some Japanese investigations in chemoprevention on animals were introduced. In Fisher's report tamoxifen was effective on breast cancer prevention, however in other 2 reports no effects were noticed because of the difference of risk. Study of Tamoxifen And Raloxifene(STAR) was started by NSABP in 1999.     

The Association between Concentrations of Green Tea and Blood Glucose Levels

Our objective was to examine whether habitual green tea consumption is associated with blood glucose levels and other biomarkers of glucose metabolism. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 35 male volunteers, 23–63 years old and residing in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. Biochemical data were measured and we conducted a questionnaire survey on health, lifestyle, and nutrition, as well as frequency of consumption and concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%) of green tea. Men who consumed a 3% concentration of green tea showed lower mean values of fasting blood glucose and fructosamine than those who consumed a 1% concentration. Fasting blood glucose levels were found to be significantly associated with green tea concentration (β = −0.14, p = 0.03). However, green tea consumption frequency showed no significant differences in mean levels of blood glucose, fructosamine and hemoglobin A_1c. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the consumption of green tea at a high concentration has the potential to reduce blood glucose levels.     

Does the consumption of green tea reduce the risk of lung cancer among smokers?

Experimental and epidemiological studies were reviewed to assess whether the consumption of green tea could reduce the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Articles published since 1990 were located by searching electronic databases PubMed, Ovid and Science Direct, using keywords 'lung cancer', 'tea' and 'smoking' without any restriction on language. After relevant articles had been located, further papers were obtained from their reference lists. Evidence from experimental studies (in vitro animal and human trials) suggested that regular intake of green tea may be protective against tobacco carcinogens. However, the mechanism behind the protective effect is only partly understood. In most of the epidemiological studies reviewed, the green tea exposure was within 5 years of the interview or follow-up, which would coincide with the induction period and latent period of lung cancer. Longer term studies are thus needed to further quantify the cancer risk. There is some evidence suggesting regular intake of green tea at high level (>3 cups per day) may reduce the risk of smokers developing lung cancer. Improvement in measuring green tea intake is required in order to confirm the evidence from epidemiological studies.