Solvent-Dependent Conformational Switching of N-Methyl-N,N'-diarylsquaramide.

N,N'-Diarylsquaramide and N,N'-dialkylsquaramide are conformationally stable linkers with extended (trans, trans) and folded (cis, cis) structures, respectively, independently of external conditions. Here, we show that N-monomethylated N,N'-diarylsquaramides generally take a (trans, cis) structure in the crystal but show a solvent-dependent conformational equilibrium in solution. In particular, the stable conformer of N-methyl-N,N'-bis(1-naphthyl)squaramide (1f) changes depending upon the solvent. Thus, aromatic N-monomethylated squaramides could find application as components of environment-responsive molecular switches.

Development of adolescent childhood cancer survivors' psychosocial issues scale.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up care for adolescent childhood cancer survivors (ACCS) after they return to school requires an understanding of their psychosocial issues. Therefore, this study developed the adolescent childhood cancer survivors' psychosocial issues scale (ACCSPIS) and evaluated its reliability and validity. METHODS: In the development phase, pediatric oncology clinical professionals created the 24 item questionnaire of ACCS's psychosocial issues. In the feasibility phase, a survey was administered to 165 ACCS aged 12-18 years after discharge from hospital in Japan, and 57 completed questionnaires were analyzed. The survey items were psychosocial issues, attributes, K6 scale, and impact of event scale-revised (IES-R) scale. Factor analysis was conducted for psychosocial issues. Regarding reliability, Cronbach's α coefficients and item-total correlation coefficients were calculated. Regarding validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between ACCSPIS and K6 and IES-R were calculated, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Four factors comprising 15 items were extracted: "appearance changes due to treatment effects," "anxiety about marriage and the future," "change in appearance due to treatment", and "psychological distress due to interpersonal relationships and information about the disease." The model fit was good, with a total ACCSPIS α coefficient of 0.901 and α coefficients for the subscales ranging from 0.651 to 0.914. The K6 and IES-R were significantly associated with the total ACCSPIS, and item-total correlations were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability and validity of ACCSPIS were generally confirmed. This scale could be useful to measure psychosocial issues in ACCS aged 12-18 years after their return to school.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Status in Mothers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Differences by Maternal ADHD Tendencies : Mental Health and Psychosocial Status in Mothers of ADHD Children.

This study clarified differences in mental health, psychosocial status, and mental health-related factors among mothers of ADHD children between those with and without maternal ADHD tendencies from data of 149 mothers of children with ADHD through an online survey. Mothers with ADHD tendencies had poorer mental health, lower education, more ADHD children, and more parenting stressor of "inadequate understanding of the child's disorder from others" than mothers without ADHD tendencies. Their mental health was poorer especially in younger and in those who had more parenting stressors of "difficulties in understanding the child and coping with the child's needs" and "inadequate understanding of the child's disorder from others." Mental health in mothers without ADHD tendencies was related to a variety of parenting stressors and severe ADHD symptoms in the child. Therefore, assessing maternal ADHD tendencies may be necessary to consider effective individualized support measures for mothers of ADHD children.

Risk factors for multiple metabolic syndrome components in obese and non-obese Japanese individuals.

Many studies have reported that even non-obese individuals have multiple metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and lipid abnormalities have a higher cardiovascular disease mortality rate and incidence. However, the risk factors for multiple MetS components in non-obese individuals have not been sufficiently clarified. This study compared risk factors, including overall lifestyle habits, for multiple MetS components possession between obese and non-obese individuals. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from specific health checkups of 47,172 individuals (age, 40-64 years) who belonged to the health insurance societies of five manufacturing companies in Japan in 2015. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted in the non-obese and obese groups with multiple MetS components as the objective variable, and attributes, body weight change, and 11 lifestyle habits (smoking, exercise, diet, drinking, and sleep) as explanatory variables. For both groups, men, older age, current smoking, weight gain of ≥10 kg since age of 20, slow walking speed, fast eating speed, and greater amounts of alcohol consumption were risk factors for having multiple MetS components. The odds ratio of each risk factor, with the exception of walking speed and eating speed, tended to be higher in non-obese individuals than in obese individuals. The only risk factor specific to obese individuals was lack of regular exercise. These results suggest that almost all risk factors for possession of multiple MetS components were common to both obese and non-obese individuals, and the risk level of each risk factor tended to be higher in non-obese individuals.

[The psychological process and its longitudinal of family caregivers involved in associations for families of dementia patients].

AIM: This study aimed to explore the psychological and dynamic process of modification and evaluate its time-series peculiarity in family caregivers involved in associations for the families of dementia patients. METHODS: The current study included 39 family caregivers involved in two associations for the families of dementia patients. Five-year free group conversations in the family caregivers were recorded and converted into a verbatim record. The KJ method was then used to encode and group the verbatim record. After analyzing grouped terms and structuring the psychological and dynamic process of modification, time periods of the psychological status were determined based on the psychological process and the time-oriented perspective. The verbatim record extracted by the KJ method was analyzed by text-mining and a cluster analysis in order to assess validity of the psychological process and its time division. In addition, the appearance ratio of the texts extracted in each time period were analyzed to determine the longitudinal peculiarity in the psychological and dynamic process. RESULTS: The psychological process of family caregivers was classified broadly into four components: (1) recognizing and identifying problems, (2) seeking help and dealing with problems, (3) remedying and evaluating problems, and (4) feeling effective and empowering oneself to overcome problems. The validity of the psychological process and its time division was supported by text-mining and a cluster analysis. The appearance ratio of the texts extracted in each time period was quasi-periodic and recursive rather than transient. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological and dynamic process elucidated in the current study consists of four major components participants experience when involved in associations for the families of dementia patients. Although this process may not have originated in associations for the families of dementia patients, a quasi-periodic and recursive tendency in the appearance ratio of extracted texts is a notable feature. In dementia care, it is vital to foresee emerging challenges on a constant basis and attempt precedent, forecasting-type care. Being involved in associations for the families of dementia patients facilitates the administration of forecasting-type care.

Exercise or sports in midlife and healthy life expectancy: an ecological study in all prefectures in Japan.

BACKGROUND: With the increase of overall life expectancy in Japan, effective and beneficial lifestyle approaches and practices are crucial for individuals to have a long, productive and healthy life. Although previous studies suggest that exercise or sports, especially when performed with others, from midlife level have a positive impact on enhancing healthy life expectancy, there is paucity of information regarding these contexts and possible associations. The present study intends to clarify the relationship between engagement in exercise or sports among middle-aged persons and healthy life expectancy through an ecological study in all prefectures in Japan. METHODS: We tabulated (1) the ratios of middle-aged individuals engaged in exercise or sports and (2) the different methods by which they are engaged in exercise or sports for each prefecture by using data from the 2005-2010 Longitudinal Survey of Middle-aged and Elderly Persons by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan. Weighted multiple linear regression analyses were performed by sex, using healthy life expectancy in 2010 of each prefecture calculated by Hashimoto (2013) as a criterion variable; indices of (1) and (2) of each year as explanatory variables; and age, living conditions, employment, and chronic diseases as adjusted variables. RESULTS: For middle-aged males, the ratio of those engaged in exercise or sports in each year from 2005 to 2010 was positively correlated with healthy life expectancy; this relationship was found in the ratio of middle-aged engaging in exercise or sports "with families or friends". For females, such a relationship could only be found in the ratio of middle-aged females engaged in exercise or sports in 2008 and 2010, and those engaging in exercise or sports "with families or friends" in 2008. CONCLUSION: Prefectures with a higher ratio of middle-aged individuals engaging in exercise or sports, especially when done with families or friends, have longer healthy life expectancies. This was particularly evident for males. Thus, exercise or sports with families or friends in midlife seems to be more effective in promoting healthy life expectancy for males than females in Japan.

The relationship between stressors and mental health among Japanese middle-aged women in urban areas.

In middle age, some people may become mentally or emotionally unstable. Additionally, in Japan, mood disorders, such as depressive symptoms, occur mostly among middle-aged women (i.e., aged 40-49 years). However, few studies have examined stressors related to mental health. In the present study, we developed a stressor scale for middle-aged women and examined stressors correlated with middle-aged women's mental health. In January 2015, an anonymous, self-administered survey was mailed to 1,000 randomly selected women aged 45 through 64 years living in Tokyo, Japan. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 329 women (32.9 percent). Factor analysis identified the following stressor categories: "relationship with my husband," "uneasiness about old age," "health concerns," "work-life balance," and "relationship with my friends." "Uneasiness about old age" and "health concerns" were correlated negatively with participants' mental health. Improving middle-aged women's health requires interventions that relieve stressors resulting from age-related problems and promote a positive image of old age.

Health Problems Related to Presenteeism Among Japanese Employees.

OBJECTIVE: This study identified primary health problems related to presenteeism stratified by sex. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the relationship between 26 health problems and presenteeism using data from health-related data and World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire among 12,526 employees in Japan. RESULTS: Sex-stratified multiple regression analyses showed that presenteeism was associated with nine health problems in both sexes, depressive symptoms, followed by lack of appetite, insufficient sleep, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath demonstrated the strongest relationship. Men had five additional health problems associated with presenteeism; furthermore, the relationships of those were stronger than women. CONCLUSIONS: The primary health problems related to presenteeism were depressive symptoms and indefinite complaints in both sexes. Men had more and stronger relationship between health problems and presenteeism than women.

Prevalence of Poor Sleep Quality and its Association with Lifestyle Habits, Competition-Based Activities, and Psychological Distress in Japanese Student-Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives The present study clarified the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its relation to lifestyle habits, competitive-based activities, and psychological distress among Japanese student-athletes in the initial pandemic period (2020) and 1 year later (2021). Methods In the present study, student-athletes were defined as individuals belonging to university athletic clubs. The data of two cross-sectional surveys (2020: n = 961 and 2021: n = 711) were collected from student-athletes in 6 universities in Japan. First, the prevalence of poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index score > 5) was investigated. Relationships between poor sleep quality and lifestyle habits, competition-based activities, and psychological distress were then explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Results The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 33.6% in 2020 and 36.6% in 2021. Poor sleep quality in 2020 was related to late bedtime, taking supplements before bed, part-time job (no late night), stressors of expectations and pressure from others, and psychological distress, whereas that in 2021 was related to early wake-up time, skipping breakfast, taking caffeinated drinks before bed, use of smartphone/cellphone after lights out, stressors of motivation loss, and psychological distress. Conclusions In both 2020 and 2021, one-third of student-athletes had poor sleep quality and psychological distress was its common risk factor. Lifestyle habits and competition stressors associated with poor sleep quality were pandemic-specific in 2020, but similar to the prepandemic period in 2021.

Prevalence and risk factors of poor subjective sleep quality in elite judo athletes.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of poor subjective sleep quality in elite judo athletes. A subjective cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 106 elite judo athletes who participated in the training camp of the Japanese national team. Eighty-six respondents (men: 52.3%; average age: 22.9 ± 3.1 years) with complete responses were included in the analysis (valid response rate: 81.1%). Subjective sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI score ≥ 5.5), the mean PSQI score, and subscale scores were investigated. Relationships between poor sleep quality and attributes, lifestyle habits, competition-based activities, and psychological distress were explored using Fisher's exact tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Thirty-five respondents (40.7%) reported poor sleep quality. The percentage and subscale scores of the respondents for sleep latency, sleep duration, and daytime dysfunction were higher than those of the population of Japanese national-level athletes. The mean PSQI score of the respondents was similar to that of some elite athlete populations but higher than those of others. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that psychological distress was associated with poor sleep quality. In conclusion, the prevalence of poor subjective sleep quality in elite judo athletes was suggested to be similar or higher among elite athlete population. Sleep latency, sleep duration, and daytime dysfunction status were worse in elite judo athletes than in Japanese national-level athletes. Psychological distress was a risk factor for poor subjective sleep quality in elite judo athletes. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41105-023-00444-6.

A potent and selective cis-amide inhibitor of ryanodine receptor 2 as a candidate for cardiac arrhythmia treatment.

Ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is a Ca2+ release channel mainly located on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane of heart muscle cells and regulates the concentration of Ca2+ in the cytosol. RyR2 overactivation causes potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias, but no specific inhibitor is yet available. Herein we developed the first highly potent and selective RyR2 inhibitor, TMDJ-035, containing 3,5-difluoro substituents on the A ring and a 4-fluoro substituent on the B ring, based on a comprehensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of tetrazole compound 1. The SAR study also showed that the amide conformation is critical for inhibitory potency. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and variable-temperature 1H NMR revealed that TMDJ-035 strongly favors cis-amide configuration, while the inactive analogue TMDJ-011 with a secondary amide takes trans-amide configuration. Examination of the selectivity among RyRs indicated that TMDJ-035 displayed high selectivity for RyR2. TMDJ-035 suppressed abnormal Ca2+ waves and transients in isolated cardiomyocytes from RyR2-mutated mice. It appears to be a promising candidate drug for treating cardiac arrhythmias due to RyR2 overactivation, as well as a tool for studying the mechanism and dynamics of RyR2 channel gating.

[Relationship of childhood eating habits with unbalanced diets among mothers of infants].

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between mothers with infants behavior of eating/not eating disliked foods and food intake with education regarding eating habits in childhood. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 1145 mothers at 15 public kindergartens in A-prefecture B-city. Attributes of each mother's behavior regarding eating disliked foods, their number, frequency of food intake, eating breakfast and supper together and education regarding eating habits in childhood were evaluated using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The 'eat/probably eat disliked foods' group showed a lower number of disliked foods, a higher food intake frequency score and a higher ratio for receiving eating habit education in childhood with regard to helping with meal making, eating the meal dished up by one person, not watching television while eating meals, eating meals with seasoning and cut small for children. In this study, execution rates for these eating habit education items were subordinate. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that eating disliked foods relates to food intake balance and receiving eating habit education in childhood in an environment in which children can concentrates easily on their meals. Therefore, it is suggested that promoting these education items is a high priority.

[Change in sense of coherence (SOC) and causal relationships with social support among upper-grade elementary school children: a one-year longitudinal survey].

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to clarify changes in both Sense of Coherence (SOC) and social support during one year and causal relationships among upper-grade elementary school children. METHODS: A one-year longitudinal survey using a self-rating questionnaire containing measures regarding individual attributes, SOC, and social support was conducted for all 403 pupils from 4th to 6th grade at a public elementary school in a suburban area of Kanagawa prefecture. Latent growth curve analysis was carried out on 237 pupils who completed all three surveys, conducted once in each semester. Firstly, to observe both overall and individual changes in SOC and social support scores, a model was constructed for each score, using the score for each semester as an observable variable, intercept (signifying the score of the first semester) and slope (signifying change of score during a year) as latent variables, and grade and sex as independent variables. Then, models of both were combined to examine causal relationships. RESULTS: For change in SOC score, the mean slope was 0.01 (n.s.) with a variance of 2.85 (P<.05). Thus the score had no change overall, but there were pupils whose scores gradually rose or fell during the year. For change in social support score, the mean slope was -1.25 (P<.05) and its variance was 8.47 (P<.01). Therefore, the score showed an overall decrease, but there were pupils whose scores gradually rose. Grade and sex were not related to change in either score. The intercept of the social support score contributed to the slope of the SOC score (0.44, P<.001), and the intercept of the SOC score contributed to the slope of the social support score (0.34 P<0.05). Thus, a high score of social support in the first semester raised the SOC scores in the following second and third semesters, and a high score of SOC in the first semester raised subsequent social support scores. Grade and sex were not related to these associations. CONCLUSION: Among 237 upper-grade elementary school children, it was found that SOC overall demonstrated no change and social support decreased over one year. Pupils whose social support was abundant in the first semester had heightened SOC subsequently, and high levels of SOC in the first semester increased social support thereafter. Therefore, it was suggested that an interactive causal relationship between SOC and social support could be demonstrated by latent growth curve analysis.

Prevalence and risk factors of sleep disorders in visually impaired athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The present study clarified the prevalence and risk factors of sleep disorders in visually impaired athletes. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 99 visually impaired athletes engaged in the following Paralympic sport events: track and field (marathon), goalball, swimming, blind soccer, and judo. Eighty-one respondents (male: 72.8%; average age: 32.5 ± 12.0 years) who completed the survey were chosen for analyses. Survey items were attributes [age, gender, body mass index, and condition of visual impairment (athletic classification and causing time of disability)], lifestyle habits (bedtime, wake-up time, drinking alcohol, meals, and use of electronics after lights out), competition activities (sports time per week, morning and evening practices, and competition stressors), psychological distress, and sleep disorders [recorded using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)]. First, the prevalence of the respondents having sleep disorders (scored 5.5 points or more in the PSQI) was investigated. Then, the relations between attributes, lifestyle habits, competition activities, psychological distress, and sleep disorders were explored using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-six respondents (32.1%) had sleep disorders. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that "interpersonal relationship stressors" and "wake-up time" were independently related to sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of visually impaired athletes were shown to have sleep disorders. High interpersonal relationship stressors and late wake-up time may be risk factors of their sleep disorders.

[Relationship between first molar caries and eating and tooth brushing habits in elementary school children].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the relationship between eating and tooth brushing habits in the second grade of elementary school with first molar caries in the third to sixth grades. METHODS: Subjects were 130 students at one elementary school in the Tokai region who were in the second grade in 2002, for which eating and tooth-brushing habits were ascertained by a self-administered questionnaire survey. A follow-up survey was conducted based on the 2002 to 2006 school dental examination record and analyses were performed on data from 104 students without first molar dental caries in the second grade. RESULTS: The incidences of first molar caries in the third grade were higher among students who ate cookies at least once daily or every 2 to 3 days, compared with those who ate cookies once a week or not at all in the second grade. Incidences were also higher among those whose daily frequency of tooth brushing was once or sometimes compared with twice or three times or more. Furthermore, the incidences of first molar caries in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades were higher among students who ate candy at least once daily or every 2 to 3 days, compared with those who ate candy once a week or not at all in the second grade. CONCLUSION: The intake frequency of cookies was related to the first molar caries in the third grade, and of candy for that in the fourth to sixth grades. Moreover, first molar caries in the third grade were also related to the daily frequency of second-grade tooth brushing. These findings suggest the importance of measures encouraging lower-grade elementary students to establish and maintain habits of tooth brushing and of limiting consumption of sweets, such as cookies and candy, in order to prevent caries in their permanent teeth during elementary school.

Mental Health Status and Related Factors Among Visually Impaired Athletes.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of pieces of evidence suggests that sport activity is of potential importance both for physical and mental health. To date, there is a lack of information and evidence regarding the mental health of visually impaired people playing some extent of sports and recognized as athletes with renowned career track. The present study aims to clarify the mental health status and its related factors in visually impaired athletes. METHODS: The current study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional investigation. Visually impaired athletes (n = 81; men: 72.8%; average age: 32.8 ± 12.0 years) engaged in Paralympic sports events namely track and field (marathon), goalball, swimming, blind soccer, and judo were the study subjects from leading institutions in Japan. A diverse range of issues were included in a questionnaire survey like attributes, condition of visual impairment, competition activities, competition stressors, social support, and mental health status (recorded through the K6 scale). Logistic regression analyses were performed with mental health status as a dependent variable and other studied parameters as independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 21.0% of study participants (11.9% of men and 45.5% of women) showed bad mental health condition. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that "female" (odds ratio (OR) 11.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.60 - 54.76, P = 0.001), "higher evaluation from one's surroundings for competition stressors" (OR 5.74, 95% CI 1.34 - 24.60, P = 0.019), and "lower social support from family members" (OR 3.97, 95% CI 1.03 - 15.25, P = 0.045) were the risk factors of bad mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The mental health status among visually impaired athletes might be almost the same level as non-visually impaired athletes and general population, and have relation to gender, stress of evaluation from surroundings during competition, and social support from family members. It may be necessary to pay attention especially to women, and improve one's surroundings of competition stressors and family social support to maintaining the mental health of visually impaired athletes.

Association between subjective well-being and sleep among the elderly in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between sleep and subjective quality of life in an elderly Japanese population. METHODS: Elderly people aged 70 years or more (n=1,769) were selected randomly from all areas of Japan. They were visited and interviewed in November 2003. Subjective well-being of the subjects was assessed using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center (PGC) Morale Scale. A logistic regression analysis was performed using sleep-related factors as explanatory variables. RESULTS: A positive linear association was observed between subjective sleep sufficiency and the mean PGC Morale Scale score. The crude and adjusted odds ratios for sleep disorders such as difficulty initiating sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and restless legs syndrome were significantly low. The mean score was highest for a sleep duration of 7-8h and became lower at sleep durations of <6 and 9h (inverted U-shaped association). However, the adjusted odds ratio for sleep duration did not show a significant reduction. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve the subjective well-being of the elderly, better subjective sleep sufficiency and alleviation of sleep disorders are necessary. Different mechanisms may reduce subjective well-being in individuals who sleep less than 6h or who sleep 9h or more.

Sleep disorder risk factors among student athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify sleep disorder risk factors among student athletes, this study examined the relationship between lifestyle habits, competition activities, psychological distress, and sleep disorders. METHODS: Student athletes (N = 906; male: 70.1%; average age: 19.1 ± 0.8 years) in five university sports departments from four Japanese regions were targeted for analysis. Survey items were attributes (age, gender, and body mass index), sleep disorders (recorded through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), lifestyle habits (bedtime, wake-up time, smoking, drinking alcohol, meals, part-time jobs, and use of electronics after lights out), competition activities (activity contents and competition stressors), and psychological distress (recorded through the K6 scale). The relation between lifestyle habits, competition activities, psychological distress, and sleep disorders was explored using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis with attributes as adjustment variables showed that "bedtime," "wake-up time," "psychological distress," "part-time jobs," "smartphone/cellphone use after lights out," "morning practices," and "motivation loss stressors," were risk factors that were independently related to sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders among student athletes are related to lifestyle habits such as late bedtime, early wake-up time, late night part-time jobs, and use of smartphones/cellphones after lights out; psychological distress; and competition activities such as morning practices and motivation loss stressors related to competition. Therefore, this study suggests the importance of improving these lifestyle habits, mental health, and competition activities.