The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Nov 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialBaby massage ameliorates neonatal jaundice in full-term newborn infants.
Neonatal jaundice is a common physiological problem affecting over half of all full term and most preterm infants. Thus, newborn infants must be monitored for signs of hyperbilirubinemia to prevent acute bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. Evidence exists supporting the benefits of baby massage as a form of mild hand to skin contact, to increase neonatal physical and mental development. ⋯ The transcutaneous bilirubin levels on the second to fifth day and serum total bilirubin levels on fourth day were significantly decreased in the massage group, compared to the control group. In conclusion, baby massage at an early stage after birth could reduce neonatal bilirubin levels. We suggest baby massage is beneficial for ameliorating neonatal jaundice.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Sep 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialHybrid Training System Improves Insulin Resistance in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.
Insulin resistance is associated with the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Insulin resistance is regulated by various cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), a proinflammatory myokine, and selenoprotein P (SeP), a liver-derived secretory hepatokine. High levels of IL-6 and/or SeP have been shown to contribute to insulin resistance, and exercise is a first-line therapy for NAFLD. ⋯ In the HTS group, HOMA-IR values were significantly reduced compared to the control group (Δ-0.71 vs. Δ0.05; P < 0.05). IL-6 and SeP levels in serum were also significantly reduced compared to that of the control group (IL-6; Δ-0.6 vs. Δ0.29 pg/mL; P < 0.05, SeP; Δ-1288.5 vs. Δ-435.4 ng/mL; P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, we propose that HTS improves insulin resistance by reducing serum IL-6 and SeP levels in patients with NAFLD.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Jul 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialCore Stability and Hip Exercises Improve Physical Function and Activity in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Approximately 90% of low back pain (LBP) diagnoses are non-specific (NSLBP; i.e. with unknown cause). In NSLBP patients, the hamstrings, iliopsoas, piriformis, and tensor fasciae latae are overactive due to weak hip abductor, extensor, and core muscles. Core stability is essential for proper load balance within the pelvis, spine, and kinetic chain, and core stability exercise (CSE) is an exercise treatment regimen for LBP conditions. ⋯ The Stretch and Strengthen groups had greater improvements in pain intensity, disability level, balance ability, and quality of life than the Sham group. Lower back instability and hip muscle flexibility had the greatest improvement in the Stretch group. In conclusion, CSE and hip muscle stretching are effective at improving physical function and activity in NSLBP patients.
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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. · Mar 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialEsomeprazole inhibits the pentagastrin-stimulated secretion of gastric acid in healthy Japanese volunteers.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease, in which the reflux of gastric acid causes mucosal damage of the esophagus and/or troublesome symptoms. Esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, has been used for treatment of GERD in Japan since 2011; namely, only little is known about its effect on gastric acid secretion in Japanese. We, therefore, assessed the relationship between dose and timing of esomeprazole administration and gastric acid inhibition in 11 healthy male Japanese volunteers by directly examining gastric acid secretion capacity. ⋯ At trough states, esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. showed significantly higher gastric acid inhibition (99.6%, IQR 99.0-100%) than did 20 mg q.d. (84.2%, IQR 76.4-88.8%, P = 0.002) or 10 mg q.d. (64.9%, IQR 59.1-76.7%, P = 0.001). Thus, esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. was sufficient to inhibit > 99% gastric acid secretion in healthy subjects. We propose that esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. is effective for treating Japanese patients with refractory GERD who require long-lasting gastric acid inhibition.