Influence of self efficacy for health promotion on functional decline of elderly living in a rural community in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether self efficacy for health promotion is associated with functional ability among elderly inhabitants of a rural community in Japan.

METHODS

The research was a longitudinal study of inhabitants aged 65 and over in a community in Nagano, Japan, who completed a questionnaire at the baseline in 1998 and at follow-up in 1999. The questionnaire included 1) Self Efficacy Scale for Health Promotion measuring the belief in task performance on health, 2) health behavior, 3) a functional ability scale consisting of instrumental activities of daily living, effectance, and social role (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence: TMIG Scale), and 4) demographic factors such as age and sex.

RESULTS

At the baseline, 477 subjects completed the questionnaire by themselves and achieved full marks on the TMIG Scale. Of these, 457 responded again 12 months later. Low self efficacy for health promotion at baseline was a significant correlate for functional decline during the 12-month period.

CONCLUSION

Self efficacy for health promotion is a predictive factor for functional ability and can be important as an intervention target for elderly people.

[Intervention study using a fall prevention program to prevent functional decline of old-old elderly in a rural community]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a fall prevention program for old-old elderly in a rural community in Japan. The subjects were 71 inhabitants aged 75 and over who used community health and welfare services such as day services and social activity classes. They were divided into two groups: 34 in the experimental group, and 37 controls. Physical therapists and care staff instructed the experimental group in fall prevention exercises once per two weeks from December 2000 to March 2001. The control group utilized the usual services without any special instructions. All subjects were evaluated by physical performance tests and a self-administered questionnaire before and after 4 months following the intervention. Collected data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA using intervention and time as independent variables, and physical performance tests as dependent variables. Twenty-three of the experimental group and 26 of the control group completed both baseline and follow-up surveys. There were no significant differences in physical ability between the two groups at the time of the baseline survey. The experimental group showed excellent compliance and participated in all sessions during the intervention period. Interaction effects on body mass index and Timed Up and Go Test were shown to be significant (F = 5.623, P < 0.01: F = 6.541, P < 0.05). There were no changes in terms of other physical and psychological factors. Our results showed specific exercises could improve some aspects of physical performance. Since the group exercise program can be effective for old-old elderly, it might contribute to decreasing falls and prolong independent living.

Transduction of thymidine phosphorylase cDNA facilitates efficacy of cytosine deaminase/5-FC gene therapy for malignant brain tumor

The in vivo gene delivery of E. coli cytosine deaminase (cd) cDNA and systemic 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) administration have been studied extensively because of their clinical relevance to cancer gene therapy. This approach has the potent advantage of a stronger bystander effect compared to the previous thymidine kinase suicide gene system of the herpes simplex virus. However, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an active metabolite in cd with 5-FC therapy, is not always effective for every type of tumor since the enzymes responsible for further drug metabolism vary significantly in each tissue. In this study, we aimed to increase the sensitivity of 5-FU by transduction of thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) cDNA into brain tumor cells. After retroviral transfer of the cDNA, we obtained 9L murine gliosarcoma cells showing stable expression of the target enzyme (9L-dThdPase). The growth of the cells was identical to wild type (9L-WT) or control-vector transfected (9L-Neo) cells in vitro. Sensitivity to 5-FU was increased in 9L-dThdPase cells. After the adenoviral delivery of cytosine deaminase gene into these cells, 9L-dThdPase cells also demonstrated an increased sensitivity to 5-FC. Moreover, we showed that transduction of dThdPase cDNA prolongs the survival of animals bearing intracerebral tumors after experimental in vivo cytosine deaminase gene therapy. These results suggest that transduction of thymidine phosphorylase may be a beneficial approach to increasing the efficacy of cd/5-FC suicide gene therapy in certain types of tumor.

[A comparison of the effectiveness of transtracheal heating and humidification system in maintaining body temperature during general anesthesia with low flow gases]

We evaluated the effectiveness of transtracheal heating and humidification system in maintaining body temperature during general anesthesia with low flow gases in 12 gastric cancer patients. Patients were divided into two group; Control group A in which a hot-water circulating system was used and group B in which a transtracheal heating and humidification system by ANAMED HUMITUBE was used, during gastric cancer operation. Compared to the hot-water circulating system, the transtracheal heating and humidification system is more effective for maintaining body temperature and humidification after abdominal lavage by warm saline water. But there was no difference between the two groups about awakening from general anesthesia. We concluded that transtracheal heating and humidification system by ANAMED HUMITUBE is effective in maintaining body temperature under general anesthesia with low flow gases.

Cerebral atrophy in multiple system atrophy by MRI

Cranial magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the cerebral areas of 40 patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and of 61 age-matched controls were analyzed. The cerebral area of MSA patients was 131. 95+/-15.89 cm(2) (mean+/-S.D.), which was significantly smaller than that of normal controls at 149.01+/-10.93 cm(2) (P<0.0001). All 23 MSA cases subjected to the MRI study over a 1-year period showed progressive cerebral atrophy, and the atrophy rate was 2.46+/-1. 66%/year. There were no significant differences within the MSA subtypes or between gender. The progression of cerebral atrophy in MSA correlated more with duration (r=-0.634) than age (r=-0.421). We conclude that MRI findings throughout the course of MSA suggest progressive cerebral atrophy, which is common in all subtypes and reflects duration of the disease rather than age.

Stress-induced factor involved in flower formation of Lemna is an alpha-ketol derivative of linolenic acid

A stress-induced substance(s) (factor C) incubated with norepinephrine (NE) has strong flower-inducing activity in Lemna paucicostata. We isolated an essential component (FIF) of factor C, and clarified its chemical structure as 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid, an alpha-ketol derivative of linolenic acid, which is formed via 9-hydroperoxy linolenic acid. Synthesized FIF showed flower-inducing activity after incubation with NE (factor C activity) equivalent to that formed in the stressed Lemna. Jasmonic acid and 13-hydroxy-12-oxo-9(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid (12,13-alpha-ketol linolenic acid), both of which are formed via 13-hydroperoxide of linolenic acid and all other derivatives of FIF synthesized by chemical and enzymatic processes failed to show the factor C activity. These results suggest that the molecular structure of FIF is very specific for the factor C activity.

Ecological study on the risks of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian, China: the importance of nutritional status and the use of well water

Our purpose was to determine the environmental risks in the development of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian, which has one of the highest incidences of esophageal cancer in China. The subjects included 404, 352 and 400 inhabitants living in high-, medium-, and low-incidence areas of esophageal cancer, as well as 301 esophageal cancer patients. A food intake-frequency survey using a 7-day weighted inventory questionnaire was conducted on these individuals. Questions on occupation, working conditions, income per year, family disease history, medical complaints, and demographic features were also included in the questionnaire. The levels of nitrogen compounds in selected samples of well water were also measured in each of the 3 areas. Clear-cut differences in food intake were seen among inhabitants living in the 3 different areas, suggesting that regional differences in nutritional styles do exist. In both males and females, the intake of potatoes, fruit, vegetables, and meat were significantly lower in inhabitants living in the high-incidence area than in the other inhabitants, much the same as that of cancer patients. A low intake of carotene, and vitamins A and C was also seen in populations living in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer. The well water polluted with nitrogen compounds was significantly related to the high incidence of esophageal cancer. In contrast, tobacco, alcohol consumption, and the intake of pickled vegetables and moldy foods did not relate to the different incidence rates. Our results suggest that low intake of fruit, vegetables, potatoes and meat, and the quality of well water may be important factors in the development of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian.

Ecological study on the risks of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian, China: the importance of nutritional status and the use of well water

Our purpose was to determine the environmental risks in the development of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian, which has one of the highest incidences of esophageal cancer in China. The subjects included 404, 352 and 400 inhabitants living in high-, medium-, and low-incidence areas of esophageal cancer, as well as 301 esophageal cancer patients. A food intake-frequency survey using a 7-day weighted inventory questionnaire was conducted on these individuals. Questions on occupation, working conditions, income per year, family disease history, medical complaints, and demographic features were also included in the questionnaire. The levels of nitrogen compounds in selected samples of well water were also measured in each of the 3 areas. Clear-cut differences in food intake were seen among inhabitants living in the 3 different areas, suggesting that regional differences in nutritional styles do exist. In both males and females, the intake of potatoes, fruit, vegetables, and meat were significantly lower in inhabitants living in the high-incidence area than in the other inhabitants, much the same as that of cancer patients. A low intake of carotene, and vitamins A and C was also seen in populations living in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer. The well water polluted with nitrogen compounds was significantly related to the high incidence of esophageal cancer. In contrast, tobacco, alcohol consumption, and the intake of pickled vegetables and moldy foods did not relate to the different incidence rates. Our results suggest that low intake of fruit, vegetables, potatoes and meat, and the quality of well water may be important factors in the development of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian.

Ecological study on the risks of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian, China: the importance of nutritional status and the use of well water

Our purpose was to determine the environmental risks in the development of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian, which has one of the highest incidences of esophageal cancer in China. The subjects included 404, 352 and 400 inhabitants living in high-, medium-, and low-incidence areas of esophageal cancer, as well as 301 esophageal cancer patients. A food intake-frequency survey using a 7-day weighted inventory questionnaire was conducted on these individuals. Questions on occupation, working conditions, income per year, family disease history, medical complaints, and demographic features were also included in the questionnaire. The levels of nitrogen compounds in selected samples of well water were also measured in each of the 3 areas. Clear-cut differences in food intake were seen among inhabitants living in the 3 different areas, suggesting that regional differences in nutritional styles do exist. In both males and females, the intake of potatoes, fruit, vegetables, and meat were significantly lower in inhabitants living in the high-incidence area than in the other inhabitants, much the same as that of cancer patients. A low intake of carotene, and vitamins A and C was also seen in populations living in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer. The well water polluted with nitrogen compounds was significantly related to the high incidence of esophageal cancer. In contrast, tobacco, alcohol consumption, and the intake of pickled vegetables and moldy foods did not relate to the different incidence rates. Our results suggest that low intake of fruit, vegetables, potatoes and meat, and the quality of well water may be important factors in the development of esophageal cancer in Ci-Xian.

Assembly of binding loops on aromatic templates as VCAM-1 mimetics

The design and synthesis of cyclic mimetics of VCAM-1 protein that reproduce the integrin-binding domain are presented. The unprotected peptide precursor 37-43, Thr-Gln-Ile-Asp-Ser-Pro-Leu, was grafted onto functional templates of type naphthalene, biphenyl and benzyl through the chemoselective formation of C- and N-terminal oximes resulting in a mixture of four isomeric forms due to syn-anti isomerism of the oxime bonds. Some isomers could be monitored by HPLC and identified by NMR. The molecule containing a naphthalene-derived template was found to inhibit the VCAM-1/VLA-4 interaction more efficiently than previously reported for sulfur-bridged cyclic peptides containing similar sequences. The finding confirms the importance of incorporating conformational constraints between the terminal ends of the peptide loop 37-43 in the design of synthetic inhibitors of the VCAM-1/integrin interaction.

[Development of a "self efficacy for health promotion scale" in community-dwelling elderly]

The purpose of this study is to develop a Japanese version of a self efficacy scale for health promotion activities by the elderly. In September to October 1997, we asked all of 1758 persons aged 65 and over who were living in a village in Nagano Prefecture to answer a questionnaire. The questionnaire included 15 self efficacy items for health promotion, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), general self efficacy, health behavior, and community activities. The present study examined reliability and validity of the scale by investigating the correlation to other factors. 1173 of the subjects completed the answer sheet by themselves. The mean age of the subjects was 72.9 +/- 6.1, and 54.7% were female, the education level of 52.2% was middle school, 54.0% worked as a laborers, and 41 persons (3.5%) needed help in instrumental ADL. Almost half of the subjects participated in various community activities. When applied to the 1173 subjects, the first principal component accounted for 53.9% of variance. We considered a self efficacy scale for health promotion by using the sum of 15 items. Alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.93 and test-retest reliability was 0.68, showing the reliability of the scale. Criterion-related validity was demonstrated by the significant relationship between the self efficacy scale and general self efficacy (r = 0.42). The score of the 15-item version did not correlate with age and sex but ADL and health behavior (r = 0.29, 0.21, p < 0.001). High self efficacy was found among those who had high self rated health, and participated in health counseling, health screening, golden-age community center activity, and volunteer activities. This scale can be used to measure personal belief for health promotion as well as the effects of interventions to alter health behaviors. To standardize the scale, further study of urban dwelling elderly and the disabled elderly is necessary.

Inhibition of the proliferation of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by hydrostatic pressure

The effect of high pressure on the viability of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was examined. The tumor cells were subjected to various pressures (0.1-150 MPa) for 30 min at 37 degrees C. The viability of pressure-treated cells was examined by the dye exclusion method. The number of stained cells increased significantly at pressures above 130 MPa. In addition, the pressure-treated cells were intraperitoneally inoculated into the mice. The tumor cells which were subjected to pressures below 110 MPa proliferated in the peritoneal cavity of the mice, so that the mice died. In contrast, the mice, which were inoculated with the tumor cells treated at pressures above 130 MPa, remained alive. These results suggest that the destruction of the tumor cells begins to occur at about 130 MPa.

Comparison of the melanogenesis in human black and light brown melanocytes

We examined how and to what extent the constitution of melanin and the expression, as well as the activity, of melanosomal proteins influence the production of melanin pigment by human black and light brown melanocytes, Mel (b) cells and Mel (l) cells, respectively. Melanin pigment in Mel (b) and Mel (l) cells consisted of a mixture of eumelanin and pheomelanin, and Mel (b) cells contained a larger amount. The signal intensity ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin was similar in both cell types, though the two cell types differed in appearance. Tyrosinase activity and the amount of tyrosinase-related protein (TRP-1) of Mel (b) cells were higher than those of Mel (l) cells. Dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) activity and the amount of 6H5MICA were reduced in Mel (b) cells in comparison with Mel (l) cells. No significant difference in DHICA-converting activity or catechol-O-methyltransferase activity was found between Mel (b) and Mel (l) cells. There was no correlation between DHICA-converting activity and amount of TRP-1. These results suggest that the difference in the pigmentation of the two human melanocyte cell lines, Mel (b) and Mel (l), is derived from differences in the activity and expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and DCT, which affect the content and constitution of melanin polymers.

The primary structure and characterization of carbohydrate chains of the extracellular glycoprotein proteinase inhibitor from latex of Carica papaya

A secretory proteinase inhibitor was isolated from the latex of green fruits of papaya (Carica papaya). The protein exhibited stoichiometric inhibition of bovine trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin by the same site or overlapping binding sites. The complete covalent structure consisting of 184 amino acids and two disulfide bonds was determined by protein analysis. During the structural analysis, a procedure was established to separate very hydrophilic peptides by reverse-phase HPLC. The result revealed that the latex protein belongs to an extensively diverse plant protein family that includes inhibitors of serine, cysteine and aspartic proteases, a taste-modifying protein, wound responsive proteins, storage proteins, amylase inhibitors and even an oxidoreductase. In this superfamily, the latex proteinase inhibitor is most similar to the curious protein, miraculin, which makes sour food taste sweet. Two carbohydrate chains, each probably composed of (mannose)5, (xylose)1, (fucose)0-2, and (N-acetylglucosamine)2 residues, were attached to asparagine 84 and 90. Mass-spectrometric and compositional analysis suggested that they may represent a new class of plant xylose-containing carbohydrate chains with five mannose residues.

Indonesian medicinal plants. XV. Chemical structures of five new resin-glycosides, merremosides a, b, c, d, and e, from the tuber of Merremia mammosa (Convolvulaceae)

Five new resin-glycosides, named merremosides a (1), b (2), c (3), d (4), and e (5), were isolated from the tuber of Merremia mammosa (LOUR.) HALLIER f. (Convolvulaceae), an Indonesian medicinal plant. The structures of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been elucidated on the basis of chemical and physiochemical evidence, including syntheses of (11S)-(+)- and (11R)-(--)-jalapinolic acid (16b and 18b) and the glycosidic acid designated as merremoside i (6).

Indonesian medicinal plants. XVI. Chemical structures of four new resin-glycosides, merremosides f, g, h1, and h2, from the tuber of Merremia mammosa (Convolvulaceae)

Four new resin-glycosides named merremosides f (6), g (7), h1 (8), and h2 (9) were isolated from the tuber of Merremia mammosa (Lour.) Hallier f. (Convolvulaceae), an Indonesian medicinal plant. Their chemical structures have been elucidated on the bases of their chemical and physicochemical properties.

Syntheses, immunosuppressive activity, and structure-activity relationships of myriocin analogs, 2-epi-myriocin, 14-deoxomyriocin, Z-14-deoxyomyriocin, and nor-deoxomyriocins

Nine myriocin analogs, 2-epi-myriocin, 14-deoxomyriocin, Z-14-deoxomyriocin, and nor-deoxomyriocins, were synthesized from 2-deoxy-D-glucose via common intermediates used in previous myriocin and Z-myriocin syntheses. Immunosuppressive activities of those myriocin analogs on mouse allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction were examined, and Z-14-deoxomyriocin was found to show the most potent activity among them. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Tyrosinase inhibitors from Bolivian medicinal plants

Bioassay-guided fractionation monitored by mushroom tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) activity, afforded six inhibitors from three Bolivian medicinal plants, Buddleia coriacea, Gnaphalium cheiranthifolium, and Scheelea princeps. These inhibitors, which are all known phenolic compounds, inhibited the oxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) mediated by a mushroom tyrosinase.

Synthesis of new immunosuppressive myriocin analogs, 2-epi-myriocin, 14-deoxomyriocin, Z-14-deoxomyriocin, and nor-deoxomyriocins: their structure-activity relationships

Eight new myriocin analogs, 2-epi-myriocin, Z-14-deoxomyriocin, and nor-deoxomyriocins, and a known myriocin derivative, 14-deoxomyriocin, were synthesized from 2-deoxy-D-glucose via common intermediates in previous myriocin and Z-myriocin syntheses. The immunosuppressive activities of new myriocin analogs and Z-myriocin on mouse allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction were examined, and, by comparing with those of myriocin and 14-deoxomyriocin, some structure-activity relationships have been found.

Total synthesis of a novel immunosuppressant, myriocin (thermozymocidin, ISP-I), and Z-myriocin

Myriocin (thermozymocidin, ISP-I), which was known to exhibit several interesting biological properties such as potent immunosuppressive and antifungal activities, and a new analog Z-myriocin were synthesized from 2-deoxy-D-glucose. This synthetic pathway comprises a stereoselective formation of the chiral alpha, alpha-disubstituted amino acid structure in myriocin and Z-myriocin from the isopropylidene six-membered ketone by using a modified Darzen reaction as its key step.

Tyrosinase inhibitors from Anacardium occidentale fruits

Anacardic acids, 2-methylcardols, and cardols isolated from various parts of the cashew [Anacardium occidentale] (Anacardiaceae) fruit have been found to exhibit tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Kinetic studies with the two principal active compounds, 6-[8(Z),11(Z),14-pentadecatrienyl]salicylic acid and 5-[8(Z),11(Z),14-pentadecatrienyl]resorcinol, have indicated that both of these phenolic compounds exhibit characteristic competitive inhibition of the oxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) by mushroom tyrosinase.

Novel macrocyclic antibiotics: megovalicins A, B, C, D, G and H. II. Isolation and chemical structures of megovalicins

Myxococcus flavescens AJ12298 was found to produce the complex of macrocyclic antibiotics named megovalicins. The physico-chemical studies revealed that megovalicins C and B were identical to myxovirescin A1 and antibiotic M-230B, respectively, and that megovalicins A, D, G and H were closely related new antibiotics.