Extracts of citrus Sudachi peel attenuate body weight gain in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet.

Citrus Sudachi is the special local product of Tokushima Prefecture, and over 98% of Sudachi consumed in Japan every year is produced in Tokushima Prefecture. In this study, we evaluated the function of sudachi peel extract (SPE) using an animal model of obesity. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet containing 1% SPE powder. Treatment with SPE significantly decreased body weight compared to that of mice fed a high-fat diet. A significant difference in body weight was observed between the control and SPE groups from 7 weeks after the start of the experiment, the significant difference continued until the end of the 14-week experiment. Reduction of blood glucose levels following insulin administration in SPE-treated mice was grater than that in control mice. Determination of mRNA expression in adipose tissue showed that the expression level of TNF-α in the SPE group was significantly decreased compared to that on the control group. These results suggest that SPE potentially has the ability to attenuate body weight gain. J. Med. Invest. 64: 20-23, February, 2017.

Safe heat application for pediatric patients: a hot item.

Topical heat application has a number of therapeutic uses in nursing practice. However, factors such as surface temperature and duration of heat exposure to the modality used may result in accidental burning. The purpose of this clinical project was to find an effective and safe method of heat application for the pediatric population. Based on literature findings, the practice of heat therapy requires careful consideration of the benefits and risks involved and vigilant monitoring.