Narumi Nagai

Objective: In nutrition education for the students with special needs, selecting teaching tools that utilize the learners&rsquo; senses are important; however, there has been little research verifying their effectiveness. Since the three-dimensional teaching tools (TDTT) have been widely used in special needs education, we hypothesized that TDTT elicit higher reaction and interest from the students with a various type and degree of the disability as compared to the flat one. The aim of our research was to confirm this hypothesis.<br>Methods: Forty-five students with a primarily physical-disabled, in the elementary to high school sections of S-nursing school, received the nutrition education with the main activity being a pseudo-harvest experience in September 2013. In order to prepare the education tools, a paper was attached to the right half of a B1 size panel, and on the left half, a cloth was attached, thereby creating the appearance of a field. Then, on the right half, flat teaching tools (made of paper) that practically replicated the actual size of the crops were attached, and on the left half, the same number of TDTT (made of cloth) were attached using magic tape. The students came to the lunchroom in the unit of classes (4-6 students) and freely harvested the crops for approximately 15 minutes. The observers recorded the responses of the students and the number of crops harvested, and converted their observations into scores. An evaluation was also conducted from the free descriptions of the teachers.<br>Results: The TDTT showed significantly higher scores for both responses and number of crops harvested than the flat teaching tools. The superiority of the TDTT was also evident from the teacher evaluations.<br>Conclusions: In nutrition education for students with special needs, the findings suggested that TDTT that emphasize discriminative sensations elicit more interest and greater response as compared to flat teaching tools.

BACKGROUND: Clock genes regulate circadian rhythm and are involved in various physiological processes, including digestion. We therefore investigated the association between the CLOCK 3111T/C single nucleotide polymorphism and the Period3 (PER3) variable-number tandem-repeat polymorphism (either 4 or 5 repeats 54 nt in length) with morning gastric motility. METHODS: Lifestyle questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were performed with 173 female volunteers (mean age, 19.4 years). Gastric motility, evaluated by electrogastrography (EGG), blood pressure, and heart rate levels were measured at 8:30 a.m. after an overnight fast. For gastric motility, the spectral powers (% normal power) and dominant frequency (DF, peak of the power spectrum) of the EGG were evaluated. The CLOCK and PER3 polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: Subjects with the CLOCK C allele (T/C or C/C genotypes: n = 59) showed a significantly lower DF (mean, 2.56 cpm) than those with the T/T genotype (n = 114, 2.81 cpm, P < 0.05). Subjects with the longer PER3 allele (PER34/5 or PER35/5 genotypes: n = 65) also showed a significantly lower DF (2.55 cpm) than those with the shorter PER34/4 genotype (n = 108, 2.83 cpm, P < 0.05). Furthermore, subjects with both the T/C or C/C and PER34/5 or PER35/5 genotypes showed a significantly lower DF (2.43 cpm, P < 0.05) than subjects with other combinations of the alleles (T/T and PER34/4 genotype, T/C or C/C and PER34/4 genotypes, and T/T and PER34/5 or PER35/5 genotypes). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that minor polymorphisms of the circadian rhythm genes CLOCK and PER3 may be associated with poor morning gastric motility, and may have a combinatorial effect. The present findings may offer a new viewpoint on the role of circadian rhythm genes on the peripheral circadian systems, including the time-keeping function of the gut.

The present study focused on the oral stimulatory effect (cooling sensation) of carbonated water. In order to determine the degree to which consumption of carbonated water changes body temperature, and whether such a reaction can occurs through oral stimulation alone, we conducted feeding and sham-feeding (SF) tests employing identical temperatures and volumes of carbonated water and plain water. We conducted 4 types of tests (carbonated water consumption [CW], plain water consumption [W], carbonated water sham-feeding [CW-SF], and plain water sham-feeding [W-SF]) with a randomized crossover design. Thirteen young women began fasting at 10：00 pm on the previous night and samples of water were ingested (15℃, 250 mL) at 9：00 am on different days in a laboratory where the temperature was maintained at 26℃. Electrocardiograms were obtained 20 min before and 40 min after sample ingestion. The subjects' core (eardrum) and peripheral (foot) temperatures were monitored continuously using highly sensitive thermosensors. The eardrum temperature did not change in the W-SF and CW-SF groups, but showed a temporary decrease in the W and CW groups. Foot temperature decreased by approximately 2.5-3℃ in the W and CW groups. Furthermore, while foot temperature decreased by approximately 1℃ in the W-SF group, a decrease of approximately 2.5℃ was observed in the CW-SF group. Heart rate increased temporarily immediately after the end of ingestion in the CW and CW-SF groups. These results suggest that oral stimulation by carbonic acid is solely responsible for changing the heart rate and peripheral temperature.

Objective: The acquisition of the ability for pronunciation is important for hard of hearing preschool children. Nutrition teachers are expected to support children through school-lunch and nutrition education (NE). We therefore conducted a NE program at a school for students with special hearing needs and assessed the program at each stage of the plan-do-check cycle.Methods: Seventeen pairs of children and parents participated in the study. We taught children how to chew using puppets and continued encouraging them to chew well during school-lunchtime. We also educated parents on the benefits of mastication. In the planning assessment, the NE program was checked by teachers, according to the &quot;kindergarten education guidelines.&quot; In the process assessment, we obtained feedback from parents and teachers, and conducted a mid-term evaluation after the summer vacation. In the effect assessment, we obtained information of NE through homeroom teachers regarding children&#039;s chewing behavior during school-lunchtime, and administered questionnaires to parents both before and after NE.Results: The results of the planning assessment were satisfactory. However, in the process assessment, parents&#039; and teachers&#039; feedback indicated difficulties in maintaining proper chewing behavior. In the effect assessment, six of the nine children with chewing problems showed improvement. Moreover, children&#039;s eating habits at home improved, including a reduction in television viewing during meals and an increase in parents&#039; awareness about leaving food crunchy while cooking.Conclusion: Children&#039;s chewing behavior at both school and home improved following NE. However, the results also indicated a regression to original chewing behavior after the summer vacation. Therefore, the contents of NE need to be improved to ensure maintenance of proper chewing behavior.

Objective: Few studies have investigated the change in body temperature after eating a hot meal. We examined the effects of meal temperature on postprandial thermal sensations, and core and peripheral temperatures using soup samples at different temperatures.<br>Methods: Twenty young women were studied using preloads consisting of equivalent amounts (150 ml) of soup at 65&deg;C and 37&deg;C, on separate days at 9 am in a randomized order; the control condition involved no soup ingestion. After overnight fast, each subject wore a t-shirt and short pants and thermal sensations, core (eardrum) and peripheral (a fingertip and a toe) temperatures, and heart rate (HR) were measured 10 min before and 65 min after soup ingestion in a temperature-controlled (26&deg;C) room. Palatable score was measured immediately after consumption (from unpalatable [0] to palatable [10]).<br>Results: The palatable score was significantly higher after 65&deg;C-soup consumption than after 37&deg;C-soup consumption. Postprandial changes in eardrum and toe temperatures, and HR after 65&deg;C-soup consumption were significantly higher than that after 37&deg;C-soup consumption and in the control (Sample effect: p < 0.05, Sample &times; Time: p < 0.05). Post-hoc comparison tests showed that the thermal sensation was significantly higher just after 65&deg;C-soup consumption than after 37&deg;C-soup consumption and in the control; moreover, eardrum (0~20 min) and toe temperatures (0~15 min) were significantly higher after 65&deg;C-soup consumption than after 37&deg;C-soup consumption.<br>Conclusion: Our results suggest that 65&deg;C-soup ingestion increases eardrum and toe temperatures. Not only the energy content of the substrate and palatability, but also the temperature of meals affects thermal sensations and body temperature.

To provide data for improvement of postgraduate education, we investigated the achievement of practical expertise by using 58 competency self-measurement items and rating them on a scale of 1 to 5 in 3,055 registered dietitians( RDs) who were members of Japan Dietetic Association and have a maximum of 10 years' experience. Approximately half of the participants were affiliated with hospitals. The overall participants obtained high scores for motivation, attitude, food poisoning, and treatment of personal data;however, they obtained low scores for public nutrition (epidemiology) and research. The RDs who were educated under the former curriculum( n=787, 91.8% had 5 or more years of experience as RDs or dietitians) obtained the highest scores in 39 of 58 items when compared to the RDs who were educated under the later curriculum, which started in 2002 (RDs-later, n=1,702, 37 . 5%) or the non-graduate RDs (n=530, 83 . 7%). RDs-later showed significantly higher scores in 4 items;elementary competencies (motivation and attitude), general competency (utilization of theory and model of behavioral science), and occupational competency (formulation of medical records based on SOAP). These results raise the possibility that the competency achievement may be associated with years of experience and educational curriculum.

Objective: We implement a mobile-based nutrition education program to promote good breakfast habits, evaluate the intervention effect, and identify considerations for such novel approaches in the future.<br>Methods: The participants were 209 university freshmen who attended information science lecture at the University of Hyogo. Aspects of their use of the mobile phones were examined, such as the model type and price plan, and they then were classified accordingly into the intervention group (n=104) or control (n=105) group. The participants in the intervention group received information that prompted their access via their mobile phones to a page including four cartoons and some breakfast recipes every Thursday for 8 weeks. Data were collected from website traffic, and pre- and post-intervention surveys concerning breakfast habits.<br>Results: 1) The number of website visitors was the highest during the first week, but gradually decreased after the second. Supplementary mails, which started in the fifth week, increased website traffic, but it deceased again except during the eighth week. 2) Participants were most interested in the recipe contents, and those who liked cooking scored higher after the intervention on healthy breakfast behaviors. 3) The number of participants who had unfavorable breakfast behaviors was significantly increased in the control group, and this change was not significant in the intervention group.<br>Conclusion: The current mobile-based nutrition education program has the potential to prevent the exacerbation of unhealthy breakfast behaviors. The development of simple breakfast recipes in consideration of cost and ease to store, introduction of interactive communication tools, and an information service tailored for subjects on the basis of their individual characteristics are needed for this approach to be more effective in the future.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the usual intake distribution of calcium and vitamin B(1) of fifth-grade children based on a 3-d dietary survey and to assess nutrient intake using Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs 2010). A cross-sectional study was undertaken from October 2007 to February 2008 in schools located in Tokyo and Okayama, Japan. A total of 94 fifth-grade children attending 5 elementary schools participated in the study. The weighed plate waste method and observation were used to collect data on the school lunches and dietary records by children, accompanied by photographs used to collect data on meals at home. The study lasted 3 d, 2 non-consecutive days with school lunches and 1 d without. The estimated proportion of subjects below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for calcium intake with milk in the school lunch decreased by 40% compared to the calcium intake without milk in the school lunch. Vitamin B1 intake from less than 0.45 mg/1,000 kcal fortified rice was estimated to be 0%. The intake distribution of calcium has increased by 150 mg by taking milk and the intake distribution of vitamin B1 has increased 0.20 mg by taking fortified rice in the school lunch. Calcium and vitamin B1 intake in the school lunch has changed the distribution of calcium and vitamin B1 intake upward, and decreased the number of estimated subjects that were below EAR. However, the distribution was not shifted across the board and the shape of the distribution has changed.

Circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) molecule plays major roles in circadian rhythmicity and regulates daily physiological processes including digestive activity. Therefore, we hypothesized that the CLOCK 3111T/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) might have adverse effects on the regulation of gastric motility. Based on the hypothesis, we investigated whether this SNP was associated with morning gastric motility. Ninety-five female university students (19.6±0.2 years) completed life-style questionnaires. Gastric motility, evaluated by electrogastrography (EGG), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured at 8:30 a.m. after an overnight fast. To determine the gastric motility, the spectral powers and dominant frequency (DF, a peak of the spectrum) of the EGG were calculated. No significant differences were found in breakfast frequency, energy intake, or HRV between CLOCK 3111T/C minor C allele (T/C or C/C) and T/T subjects. However, C allele carriers showed significantly lower DF than T/T subjects, suggesting slower gastric motility. Moreover, C allele carriers had a lower heart rate (HR) and tended to have lower diastolic BP compared with T/T subjects. These results support our hypothesis that this SNP is likely correlated with morning gastric motility. Such attenuated gastric and cardiovascular function that characterized CLOCK 3111C allele carriers could be affecting biological behavior in the morning.

Studies have shown that approximately half of young Japanese women experience consistent, remarkable coldness in their extremities. The authors previously demonstrated an association of unusual coldness with lower daily energy intake and reduced thermoregulatory sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in young women. This led to the hypothesis that the unusual coldness observed among these young women derives from a widening difference between core and peripheral temperatures because of lowered thermogenesis. This study aims to examine this hypothesis. Twenty women aged 18-21 years participated in this study ; ten women consistently suffer severe coldness even at thermoneutral temperature (C-group), and another ten who do not experience such coldness (N-group). Body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), thermoregulatory SNS evaluated by heart rate variability analysis, body temperature, and cold discomfort scores using visual-analogue scales were measured in a temperature-controlled room (26℃) at 8:30 a.m. after an overnight fast on two different days. As indices of core and peripheral temperatures, eardrum, finger, and toe temperatures were measured using high-sensitivity thermo-sensors for 60 min. C-group showed a significantly lower thermoregulatory SNS and tended to have lower REE per lean body mass as compared to N-group. Eardrum temperature did not differ between the groups. Only C-group showed a significantly increased difference between core and peripheral temperatures (eardrum-finger or eardrum-toe, 0-60 min). A positive correlation was observed between eardrum-toe temperatures and cold discomfort scores at the toe. Our results suggest that women who consistently experience such coldness characteristically have 1) lowered REE. 2) increased difference in core-peripheral temperatures during 60 min, 26℃-environmental exposure despite similar core temperature, and 3) increased coldness due to wider core-peripheral temperatures, thus supporting our hypothesis.

Although previous reports suggested that carbonated water drinking was effective against gastrointestinal symptoms, there is little information about the effects of carbonated water on gastric and appetite sensation. We therefore investigated the effect of carbonated water on short-term fullness with respect to gastric and cardiac responses in 19 healthy young women. Each subject was tested on three separate days at approximately 9 a.m. after an overnight fast. Gastric motility, evaluated by electrogastrography (EGG) and heart rate (HR), was measured for 20 min in the fasting state and 40 min after ingestion of water. Preloads consisted of an equivalent amount (250 mL) of water (W) or carbonated water (CW) and no drinking (blank). Fullness scores were measured using visual analog scales. To determine gastric motility, we assessed the component of bradygastria (1-2 cycles/min [cpm]), normogastria (2-4 cpm), tachygastria (4-9 cpm), and dominant frequency of the EGG power spectrum. After ingestion of CW, significant increases in fullness scores were observed compared with W. All postprandial EGG powers were significantly greater than preprandial, but no group difference was found. However, a dominant frequency tended to shift toward a lower band after ingestion of W. A significantly higher HR was found following consumption of CW as opposed to W. Multiple regression analysis revealed that increased HR was a significant variable contributing to the variances in fullness after ingestion of CW at 40 min. Our data suggest that CW may induce a short-term, but significant, satiating effect through enhanced postprandial gastric and cardiac activities due possibly to the increased sympathetic activity and/or withdrawal of parasympathetic activity.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have shown inconsistent data about the association between the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene A-3826G polymorphism and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. The present study investigated the association between the A-3826G polymorphism and low HDL-cholesterolemia in non-obese and obese subjects. METHODS: Anthropometric and biochemical factors, in addition to genotyping by an allele-specific DNA assay, were measured in 294 community-dwelling Japanese subjects (male/female: 127/167, mean age: 65 years). Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m(2), and low HDL-cholesterolemia was defined as < 1.04 mmol/L of HDL-cholesterol. RESULTS: The subjects with the G/G genotype (n = 27) showed a significantly higher prevalence of low HDL-cholesterolemia (37%) than those with the A/A + A/G genotype (13%) in the obese group (n = 102). There was a non-significant difference in the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterolemia between subjects with the G/G genotype (n = 45, 13%) and with the A/A + A/G genotype (15%) in the non-obese group (n = 192). A multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis of the presence of low HDL-cholesterolemia revealed that carrying the G/G genotype was an independent and significant factor positively associated with low HDL-cholesterolemia [odds ratio (OR): 6.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65-28.49] in the obese group, while carrying the G/G genotype exhibited a non-significant but reduced OR, by one-half, for low HDL-cholesterolemia (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.13-1.96) in the non-obese group. CONCLUSIONS: The obesity status could have opposing impacts on the relationship between the G/G genotype and low HDL-cholesterolemia, providing insight into the need to consider the obesity levels when studying the association between the UCP-1 gene A-3826G polymorphism and HDL-cholesterol. KEYWORDS: Obesity; Body mass index; HDL-C; Atherosclerotic risk.

Background: Recent findings regarding the existence of functional brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans suggest a physiological role of BAT and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-linked thermogenesis in energy balance. Objective: To investigate whether UCP1 polymorphism was associated with resting energy expenditure (REE) and thermoregulatory sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in humans. Methods: A total of 82 healthy females (20-22 years) were genotyped for the -3826 A/G polymorphism of the UCP1 gene using a fluorescent allele-specific DNA primer assay system. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. The thermoregulatory SNS activity was assessed by heart rate variability power spectral analysis according to our previously reported method. Each subject was studied in the morning, after an overnight fast. Nutritional values were calculated on the basis of 2-day food records. Results: The frequencies of A/A, A/G and G/ G genotypes were 0.27, 0.45 and 0.28, respectively. No significant difference was found in anthropometric indexes among the three groups. However, in the G/ G group, the percentage of energy consumed as fat was lower (A/A: 30.7 +/- 1.1%, A/G: 31.3 +/- 1.0%, G/G: 26.0 +/- 1.2%, P&lt;0.01), and energy intake tended to be lower (A/A: 7209 +/- 310 kJ d(-1), A/G: 7075 +/- 280 kJ d(-1), G/G: 6414 +/- 264 kJ d(-1), P = 0.16). With regard to metabolic parameters, group differences were observed in REE (A/A: 5599 +/- 170 kJ d(-1), A/G: 5054 +/- 115 kJ d(-1), G/G: 4919 +/- 182 kJ d(-1), P&lt;0.01) and in thermoregulatory SNS activity (A/A: 313 +/- 47 ms(2), A/G: 333 +/- 42 ms(2), G/G: 185 +/- 23 ms(2), P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Diminished REE in G-allele carriers as well as reduced thermoregulatory SNS activity for the G/ G genotype, suggest that attenuated UCP1-linked thermogenesis has an adverse effect on the regulation of energy balance. International Journal of Obesity (2011) 35, 1050-1055; doi:10.1038/ijo.2010.261; published online 28 December 2010

Background:Recent findings regarding the existence of functional brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans suggest a physiological role of BAT and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-linked thermogenesis in energy balance.Objective:To investigate whether UCP1 polymorphism was associated with resting energy expenditure (REE) and thermoregulatory sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in humans.Methods:A total of 82 healthy females (20-22 years) were genotyped for the-3826 A/G polymorphism of the UCP1 gene using a fluorescent allele-specific DNA primer assay system. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. The thermoregulatory SNS activity was assessed by heart rate variability power spectral analysis according to our previously reported method. Each subject was studied in the morning, after an overnight fast. Nutritional values were calculated on the basis of 2-day food records.Results:The frequencies of A/A, A/G and G/G genotypes were 0.27, 0.45 and 0.28, respectively. No significant difference was found in anthropometric indexes among the three groups. However, in the G/G group, the percentage of energy consumed as fat was lower (A/A: 30.71.1%, A/G: 31.31.0%, G/G: 26.01.2%, P&lt 0.01), and energy intake tended to be lower (A/A: 7209±310 kJ d 1, A/G: 7075±280 kJ d 1, G/G: 6414±264 kJ d 1, P0.16). With regard to metabolic parameters, group differences were observed in REE (A/A: 5599170 kJ d 1, A/G: 5054115 kJ d 1, G/G: 4919±182 kJ d 1, P&lt 0.01) and in thermoregulatory SNS activity (A/A: 31347 ms 2, A/G: 333±2 ms 2, G/G: 185±23 ms2, P0.05).Conclusion:Diminished REE in G-allele carriers as well as reduced thermoregulatory SNS activity for the G/G genotype, suggest that attenuated UCP1-linked thermogenesis has an adverse effect on the regulation of energy balance. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) plays an important role in thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. Previously, we reported an association between -3826 A/G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter of UCP1 gene and lower thermogenesis in young women, suggesting this SNP has an adverse effect on the regulation of energy balance. Based on the hypothesis that this SNP (G allele) may have resistance against diet-induced weight loss, we examined its effects on anthropometric and metabolic responses to short-term, controlled-energy diet in young women. Seventeen lean women (20.9 ± 0.2 years; body mass index, 22.1 ± 0.5 kg/m(2)) were fed a controlled-energy diet (5.0 MJ/d, 62% carbohydrate, 19% protein, and 19% fat) administered by dietitians for 2 weeks. Clinical measurements were determined at baseline and after the dietary intervention. The subjects' physical activity was obtained using pedometers and self-reporting. The thermoregulatory sympathetic nervous system was evaluated using heart rate variability power spectral analysis. Upon the completion of the intervention, subjects were genotyped using an allele-specific DNA primer assay and results compared with their clinical measurements focusing on with or without the G allele. After dietary intervention, G allele subjects (A/G + G/G, n = 10) showed significantly smaller changes in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference compared with A/A genotype subjects (n = 7). Similar changes were observed in parameters regarding glucose or lipid metabolism in both groups. These results suggest that the UCP1 gene -3826 G allele may result in smaller weight loss after a short-term, controlled-energy diet in young, lean women.

Electrogastrography (EGG) is a method for recording gastric myoelectrical activity using cutaneous electrodes from the abdominal surface. To investigate the effects of water temperature and volume on gastric myoelectrical activity, we performed three tests in a randomized parallel design, using the following samples: 15°C/250 mL (Cold250), 65°C/250 mL (Hot250), and 65°C/150 mL (Hot150) in 27 young women at 9 a.m. after an overnight fast. EGG recordings were made before (20 min) and after (35 min) ingestion to determine the frequency and power ratio of normogastria with the band set at around 3 cycles per min. The frequency of normogastria was transiently increased after ingestion of Hot250, but temporarily decreased after Cold250, showing significantly different changes in time courses. No difference in the frequency of normogastria was evident between Hot250 and Hot150. The power ratio of normogastria was equally increased after ingestion of all samples. Our results suggest that hot water (65°C, >150 mL) can increase the frequency of the normal range of gastric motility; moreover, its power was transiently increased after water ingestion, regardless of temperature and volume.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system have been implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and 3123C/A polymorphism of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT(2)R) gene affect blood pressure and other obesity-related metabolic changes in response to low-energy diets using meal replacement shakes for weight loss. METHODS: Clinical, metabolic, and biochemical profiles were measured before and after a 2-mo intervention in 32 obese women (age 49.9 ± 8.4 [SD] y; BMI 28.4 ± 3.3 kg/m²) restricted to 1200 kcal/d (5021 kJ/d). The polymorphisms were determined with an intercalater-mediated FRET probe assay system. RESULTS: Although weight loss and nutrient intake levels did not differ among the genotypes, the reduction in body fat after weight loss was significantly less in the ACE deletion/deletion (D/D) genotype than insertion/insertion (I/I) plus I/D genotype (-2.25 ± 1.40% versus -0.80 ± 1.57%, P < 0.05). The AT₂R A/A group had significantly less improved levels of systolic blood pressure (-7.23 ± 8.50 versus 2.50 ± 12.6 mmHg, P < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (-0.36 ± 0.29 versus -0.09 ± 0.25 mmol/L, P < 0.05), carbohydrate (-54.4 ± 27.2 versus -31.8 ± 16.3 mg/min, P < 0.05) and fat oxidation (8.31 ± 11.86 versus 0.05 ± 9.99 mg/min, P < 0.05) than the C/C plus C/A genotypes. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that the homozygous form of the ACE gene may hinder the improvement of body fat and that the homozygous form of the AT₂R gene may make improving systolic blood pressure and some obesity-related metabolic parameters through a dietary intervention difficult among obese women.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate whether nutritional and physiological factors are associated with the skin condition of young women. Data on skin condition, physiological measurements, dietary intake of nutrients (2 days), mental condition, and lifestyle were obtained from 54 female students (aged 20-22 yr) without coexisting skin disease. Skin condition and physiological parameters (body temperature, energy expenditure, and autonomic nervous system [ANS] activity) were measured using noninvasive techniques. Statistically significant associations were found betwe...

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the feeling of relief (comfort induced by food ingestion) after intake of different types of soup, and the effects of psychological and physiological factors on postprandial sense of relief. Before the examination, a sensory test was performed to classify test samples (corn potage [90 kcal], chicken consommé [43 kcal], and iso-caloric but low-flavor corn and chicken placebo soups) using 6 trained panels. For the main test, 11 women (age 22.6±0.3 yr) consumed a soup as breakfast after an overnight fast on four different days in randomiz...

The consumption of nutrients and food groups on days with or without school lunches was assessed among 5^th grade elementary school students. The distribution of meals in one day was also compared. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2007 to February 2008 in Tokyo and Okayama. Weighing and observation were used to collect data on the school lunches, while dietary records by children accompanied by photographs were used to collect data on meals at home. The study lasted three days, two non-consecutive days with school lunches (weekdays) and one day without (Saturdays or Sundays). The subjects were 82 children with a normal obesity index. The consumption of calcium, vitamin B₁, vegetables, and dairy products was significantly higher on the days with school lunches, while the consumption of salt and seasonings was significantly lower on the days with school lunches. The consumption of calcium, vitamin B₁, and vitamin B₂ at lunch accounted for a larger percentage on the days with school lunches. The results indicate that eating or not eating school lunches affected the consumption of nutrients and food groups for a child's entire day.

School lunches serve to improve nutritional status and to promote the health of children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the portion sizes of school lunches served and consumed in Japanese elementary schools. In addition, gender difference in servings and consumption were also studied. A cross-sectional study was undertaken between October 2007 and February 2008 in schools located in Tokyo and Okayama, Japan. A total of 192 fifth-grade children attending four elementary schools participated in this study. Weighed plate waste methods and observation were used to collect dietary data for two non-consecutive days. The proportion of children who chose staple foods along with main dishes and/or side dishes for at least one day was higher in boys than in girls (respectively, for staple food: 42.1% vs. 9.3%, for main dish and/or side dish: 68.4% vs. 44.3%. P &lt; 0.001). The ratio of initial amount served to amount offered was 0.88 +/- 0.11 for boys and 0.84 +/- 0.10 for girls (P &lt; 0.05). The ratio of amount consumed to amount offered was 1.04 +/- 0.19 for boys and 0.88 +/- 0.12 for girls (P &lt; 0.001). Weight was related to amount consumed both in boys (r = 0.222, P &lt; 0.05) and in girls (r = 0.201, P &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that the nutritional standards of school lunch programs should take into account gender differences. Clearly, boys were more likely to consume more than the initial amounts served due to their higher propensity to take second helpings. Boys feel few reservations about taking second helpings to adjust their total intake. However, school lunch plans should take into consideration girls&apos; reluctance to do so, by serving appropriate initial portion sizes.

School lunches serve to improve nutritional status and to promote the health of children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the portion sizes of school lunches served and consumed in Japanese elementary schools. In addition, gender difference in servings and consumption were also studied. A cross-sectional study was undertaken between October 2007 and February 2008 in schools located in Tokyo and Okayama, Japan. A total of 192 fifth-grade children attending four elementary schools participated in this study. Weighed plate waste methods and observation were used to collect dietary data for two non-consecutive days. The proportion of children who chose staple foods along with main dishes and/or side dishes for at least one day was higher in boys than in girls (respectively, for staple food: 42.1% vs. 9.3%, for main dish and/or side dish: 68.4% vs. 44.3%, P < 0.001). The ratio of initial amount served to amount offered was 0.88 ± 0.11 for boys and 0.84 ± 0.10 for girls (P < 0.05). The ratio of amount consumed to amount offered was 1.04 ± 0.19 for boys and 0.88 ± 0.12 for girls (P < 0.001). Weight was related to amount consumed both in boys (r = 0.222, P < 0.05) and in girls (r = 0.201, P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the nutritional standards of school lunch programs should take into account gender differences. Clearly, boys were more likely to consume more than the initial amounts served due to their higher propensity to take second helpings. Boys feel few reservations about taking second helpings to adjust their total intake. However, school lunch plans should take into consideration girls' reluctance to do so, by serving appropriate initial portion sizes.

Leptin may influence sweet taste sensitivity. However, there are no reports on an association between the sweet taste threshold and serum leptin levels during weight loss in humans. We investigated the changes in the sweet taste threshold and the serum leptin levels during a weight-loss program, in connection with a leptin receptor polymorphism (Lys109Arg) that may be related to insulin and glucose metabolism. The study included 20 obese, but otherwise healthy, females (mean age: 55 +/- 7 years, body mass index: 26.1 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2)). Participants completed a 12-week weight-loss program based on energy restriction through diet and exercise, which aimed at achieving their optimal weight. The sweet taste threshold was determined according to the whole-mouth gustatory method. Genetic analyses were performed using the allele-specific DNA assay. Serum leptin levels were decreased from 9.2 +/- 4.5 to 7.9 +/- 4.9 ng/ml (p = 0.014) after body weight loss. The sweet taste threshold also decreased significantly from 0.59 +/- 0.42 to 0.22 +/- 0.20% in a solution of sucrose (p = 0.004). In contrast, there were no differences in changes of the threshold between participants with and without the Lys109 allele. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the changes in serum leptin levels were significantly correlated with those in the sweet taste threshold, independent of the initial threshold levels and the Lys109 allele. In conclusion, the serum leptin levels are decreased significantly during a weight-loss program in obese females, which may be associated with the decrease in the sweet taste threshold.

A dietary educational program with visual aids and tasting is described to reduce the negative image of vegetables and encourage children to eat more vegetables. We ran this dietary educational program named "eating experience class" (a 45-min lecture + 90-min practicum) to 4 classes of sixth graders in elementary school (n = 133). The effects of this dietary education were assessed by investigating the children's attitude and motivation to eat their least favorite vegetables and their experience of vegetable cooking at home with questionnaires presented before and after the period of dietary education. The questionnaire involved a visual analog scale (VAS) to observe a slight change in the negative image of vegetables. The results demonstrated that about twenty children (18.7%) tried to eat more vegetables, and VAS scores showed a significant reduction in the negative image for 16 of 20 vegetables. A significant change in vegetable cooking experience at home was also observed after the dietary education program (p < 0.001). This program could help children to improve their image of vegetables, and induce the motivation to eat and cook vegetables. The VAS principle may be a sensitive method to assess a slight change in the negative image of vegetables in children.

Electrogastrography (EGG) is a noninvasive technique for measurement of gastric motility by recording gastric myoelectrical activity through cutaneous electrodes placed on the abdomen. We performed a one-week skipping breakfast test and a consecutive one-week refeeding test to examine the relationship between consecutive skipping of breakfast and morning gastric motility in 11 women (age 21.5±0.2 yr) who habitually ate breakfast almost every day. On the test days, we measured the subjects’ body composition, self-reported hunger and appetite scores (by using visual analog scales), EGG (to de...

The uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) gene is of major importance for regulation of body weight and lipid/lipoprotein metabolism. Our cross-sectional study has shown that subjects with the G/G genotype of the -3826 A/G polymorphism in the UCP-1 gene have higher levels of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) than those with other genotypes. Low circulating HDL-C level has been regarded as a major atherosclerotic risk factor. We therefore investigated whether the -3826 A/G polymorphism affects the obesity- and lipid-related parameters during a low-calorie diet (LCD) intervention. In 32 obese women (49.9 +/- 8.4 years of age), anthropometric, physiological and biochemical characteristics were measured before and after a 2-month LCD treatment, which restricted each subject to the same energy intakes, such as 5,120 kJ/day. The -3826 A/G polymorphism was detected using a PCR-restriction fragment-length polymorphism method. There were 6 subjects with the A/A genotype, 15 with the A/G genotype and 11 with the G/G genotype. The LCD intervention decreased weight (P < 0.001) and serum HDL-C levels (P < 0.05) in all subjects. There was no difference in the levels of change in weight, nutrient intake, physiological measurements in energy expenditure, and fat oxidation between subjects with and without the G allele. In contrast, the degree of the reduction in the HDL-C levels was significantly smaller in subjects with the G allele than those without the G allele. These results suggest that the G allele at -3826 in the UCP1 gene may ameliorate the reduction in serum HDL-C levels in obese women during LCD.

The present study was designed to verify the effect of L-carnitine intake on postprandial hunger feeling in young healthy females. With double-blind, crossover design (1 wk washout), 12 females (21.3±0.3 y) consumed a placebo or L-carnitine containing (300 mg per meal) formula diet as breakfast after overnight fasting. Satiety scores (visual analog scales; VASs), salivary cortisol, serum carnitine concentrations, blood glucose, and autonomic nervous system activity by means of heart rate variability power spectral analysis were measured before and after feeding for 6 h at intervals. Our dat...

SUMMARY: Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) activity in brown adipose tissue increases energy expenditure, and contributes to diet-induced or cold-induced thermogenesis. We previously reported that children with -3826 A → G nucleotide variant of the UCP1 gene had lowered postprandial thermogenesis in response to a high-fat meal. In this study, we investigated whether the UCP1 polymorphism was associated with cold-induced thermogenesis in healthy children. Resting energy expenditure was measured in 19 children (6-10 years) by indirect calorimetry for 30 min under thermoneutral (25 °C) or cold conditions (10 °C) in an environmental chamber. The activity of autonomic nervous system (ANS) was assessed by power spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Samples of saliva were collected for cortisol determination at the end of the experimental session. Each experiment was performed on 2 consecutive days. Children were genotyped for the UCP1 polymorphism with a PCR-restriction fragment length analysis using buccal samples. During cold exposure, total power of the HRV, an index of the overall ANS activity, as well as the salivary cortisol concentration significantly increased in the children with homozygous (GG) for the UCP1 polymorphism while only cortisol response was found in the carriers of the wild-type (AA) and heterozygous (AG) alleles; however, the GG allele group showed a lower cold-induced thermogenesis compared to the AA + AG group. In conclusion, despite cold-induced autonomic stimulation, the GG allele carriers have a reduced capacity for thermogenesis in response to acute cold exposure, suggesting that such reduced UCP1-linked thermogenesis may have adverse effects on the regulation of body weight.:

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of aging and beta3-adrenergic-receptor (beta3-AR) polymorphism on the thermic effect of meal (TEM) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response to a high-fat meal in 13 boys, 12 young men, and 11 middle-aged men. SNS activity was assessed via power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Significantly higher very-low-frequency (VLF) components associated with thermogenic SNS activity and energy expenditure per lean body mass (EE(LBM)) were observed in boys during the pre- and postprandial periods. There were no significant differences in VLF and EE(LBM) in the preprandial period between the young and middle-aged men. After feeding, however, the middle-aged men showed a significantly lower TEM (% test-meal energy) and VLF compared to the young men. A multiple regression analysis revealed that age was the only significant variable contributing to both TEM and VLF, but beta3-AR polymorphism and percentage of body fat were not statistically significant. In conclusion, age likely has a greater influence on TEM and SNS thermoregulation than genetic factors such as beta3-AR polymorphism, suggesting that this age-related decrease in thermogenic response may be involved in the development of obesity among middle-aged men.