Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : Alginate/lignin is an antioxidant biomaterial synthesized from alginate of brown algae and lignin of maize by-product by spray drying method. Alginate/lignin was evaluated for lignin content, alginate content, and its antioxidant activity according to the storage time, for example, storage at 25oC for 18 months and accelerated aging at 55oC for 137 days. The results showed that alginate/lignin was stable in content and antioxidant activity for 24 storage months. The significant decrease (p<0.05) in lignin content, alginate content, and antioxidant activity changed according to the linear model for the two storage methods. Alginate/lignin content decreased by under 3% after 24 storage months. Microorganisms of alginate/lignin increased according to the storage time and faster in the storage method at 25oC, compared to the accelerated aging method.

Abstract : Polysaccharides of marine algae belong to anion groups such as fucoidan and alginate are known the treating ability of gastric ulcers but carrageenan has not seen the announcement yet. Therefore, the paper focused on the treating ability evaluation of gastric ulcers of carrageenan that was extracted from Kappaphycus alverazii grown in Vietnam. Three acid agent (hydrochloric acid, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, and acetic acid) in various concentration (1, 5, and 10%) was used for causing disease. Various concentration of carrageenan (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) was used for the treating of gastric ulcers. Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was observed clinical pharmacology (rate of blood sedimentation and gastric disease surgery) on day 5th and 10th after the treatment. The results showed that carrageenan has the treatment effect of gastric ulcers. A concentration of 1.5% (w/v) carrageenan is a suitable choice for the protection of the gastric mucosa of mice that drunk 10% hydrochloric acid after a 10-day treatment. In summary, carrageen extracted from Kappaphycus alverazii grown in Vietnam can completely be used in food and pharmaceutical products, especially in the preparation of drugs, and functional foods to support the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Abstract : Introduction  The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic is reported to have an adverse psychological impact. There is paucity of data concerning the psychosocial effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with mental health diseases. Objective This study aims to investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 among the general population compared to individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental health disease. Methods  A cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire. Respondents completed a modified and translated form of the COVID-19 Pandemic Mental Health Questionnaire (CoPaQ) that assessed the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Results and Discussion A total of 287 respondents (160 males and 127 females) completed the survey. Of the 287 respondents, 74 reported having been diagnosed with a mental health disease. Nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) reported that a family member had died due to COVID-19. On the impact of the COVID-19 scale, the items were rated as extremely distressing by 10.8% to 33.4%. Female gender, low monthly income, mental health diagnosis, and a high number of risk factors for a severe COVID-19 infection negatively influenced the respondents’ rated distress scores.  Conclusions   The burden of mental health disease increases during an isolating time such as a pandemic. Online psychological interventions should be designed.

Abstract : Lymphocytic hypophysitis, a rare autoimmune disorder causing inflammation of the pituitary gland, often presents diagnostic challenges due to its varied manifestations and rarity. This report discusses a unique case of a 20-year-old female patient presented with polyuria, polydipsia, and fatigue. The initial laboratory evaluation suggested diabetes insipidus (DI), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an enlarged pituitary gland with mild, uniform thickening of the pituitary stalk. The patient was diagnosed with lymphocytic hypophysitis and managed with desmopressin and hydrocortisone. This case report highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating lymphocytic hypophysitis presenting with central DI. The report emphasizes the importance of considering lymphocytic hypophysitis as a potential differential diagnosis in cases of unexplained DI, particularly in young women. Additionally, it underlines the significance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including laboratory tests and imaging studies, to reach a conclusive diagnosis in such rare and complex cases. The management of lymphocytic hypophysitis involves addressing the underlying autoimmune inflammation and associated hormonal imbalances. In this case, the use of desmopressin and hydrocortisone proved successful in managing the patient's symptoms and improving her overall clinical condition.

Abstract : Background ACEs is a major health and social issue with its burden on children themselves and their families with all its negative impact later on the individual adulthood. It was confirmed by several studies that ACEs associated with multiple negative adulthood out comes such as chronic diseases, obesity, depression, anxiety, drug abuse and also suicide. The aim of the study is determining ACEs prevalence among children with ASDs and addressing the factors associated with its increased prevalence, thus further preventive strategies can be implemented and lead to more support to those vulnerable group of children and their families Methods It is cross-sectional study was conducted among 79 participants from different governmental and private pediatric clinics. questionnaire was conducted and validated questionnaire was used. We assessed health outcomes associated with the ACE scale. Psychosocial/behavioral outcomes had higher odds ratio than medical outcomes with increasing ACE scale scores Results: About 38% of participants reported that they had seen or heard one of their parents screaming, insulting, or humiliating someone at home many times, while 40% reported that the same issue occurred sometimes. Fifty two percent sometimes witnessed someone being beaten. Conclusions: Exposure to multiple ACEs is associated with a wide variety of outcomes. This data suggests a benefit of screening for ACEs using this scale and highlights the need to find interventions.