The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Nov 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialPhysical Activity Program Is Helpful for Improving Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Given the crucial events in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) such as joint and muscle pain, fatigue, depression, obesity and osteoporosis, the very thought of exercising can be challenging. This prospective study included 60 patients diagnosed with SLE in stable condition. A randomly selected group of 30 women had aerobic training on a bicycle ergometer for a period of 15 minutes, 3 times per week for 6 weeks, while the second group of 30 women performed isotonic exercises (to stretch and lengthen muscles and improve the range of motion) for 30 minutes, 3 times per week during the same period. ⋯ The type of physical activity had no influence in FSS and BDI values. Continuous physical activity, regardless of its type, significantly improved quality of life of SLE patients. We recommend regular physical activity as an integral part of modern therapeutic approach in this patient population.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Nov 2015
Validity of the Special Needs Education Assessment Tool (SNEAT), a Newly Developed Scale for Children with Disabilities.
The improvement of the quality of life (QOL) of children with disabilities has been considered important. Therefore, the Special Needs Education Assessment Tool (SNEAT) was developed based on the concept of QOL to objectively evaluate the educational outcome of children with disabilities. SNEAT consists of 11 items in three domains: physical functioning, mental health, and social functioning. ⋯ The scores of all the items and domains and the total scores obtained from one-way repeated-measures ANOVA were the same as the predicted scores. SNEAT is valid based on its goodness-of-fit values obtained using the latent growth curve model, where the values of comparative fit index (0.983) and root mean square error of approximation (0.062) were within the goodness-of-fit range. These results indicate that SNEAT has high reliability and construct validity and may contribute to improve QOL of children with disabilities in the classes on independent activities of daily living for children with disabilities.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Nov 2015
A Genetic Variant in Pre-miR-146a (rs2910164 C>G) Is Associated with the Decreased Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Chinese Population.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes may influence disease susceptibility by altering mature miRNA expression levels. However, the effect of SNPs located in miR-146a and miR-196a2 genes on risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been reported in the Chinese population. Two miRNA polymorphisms located in miRNA genes (miR-146a rs2910164 C>G and miR-196a2 rs11614913 T>C) were genotyped in 722 ACS patients and 721 control subjects. ⋯ In summary, this study provides the first evidence that the CG genotype of miR-146a rs2910164 is associated with a significantly decreased risk of ACS in a Chinese population. Moreover, rs2910164 and blood lipids or an inflammatory marker may have a combined effect on the onset of ACS. These findings indicate that miR-146a rs2910164 may act as a novel molecular marker for ACS susceptibility.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Nov 2015
Greater Reduction of Balance as a Result of Increased Plantar Fascia Elasticity at Ovulation during the Menstrual Cycle.
One of the sexual hormones, estrogen, increases elasticity of human connective tissue such as the anterior cruciate ligament during the menstrual cycle in women. In the present investigation, the plantar fascia was investigated to see if there is a difference in elasticity with the menstrual cycle. Fifteen young healthy females in the age range of 18-35 years old with a regular menstrual cycle were tested twice throughout one full menstrual cycle; once during the early follicular phases and once at ovulation. ⋯ Associated with this increase in elasticity at ovulation, there was a reduction in balance in the most difficult balance tasks and an increase in tremor during ovulation (p < 0.05). Plantar fascia elasticity change during the menstrual cycle might have effects on posture sway and tremor, which could have a potential risk of falling. Therefore, healthy professionals working with young female adults should recognize these physiological effects.