Quantitative color analysis of the diets of patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Comparative study with nutritionally balanced diets.2025 · 記述言語： 英語 掲載種別： 研究論文（学術雑誌） AIM: The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including its severe subtype, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is increasing worldwide. This condition is a major health concern as MASH can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. With no specific medications available, lifestyle modifications, particularly dietary and exercise interventions, are crucial for managing MASLD. This study aimed to analyze the color characteristics of meals consumed by MASLD patients, seeking insights for dietary modifications. METHODS: We quantitatively analyzed the chromaticity, hue, and chroma of photographs of patients' meals and compared these statistical measures with those of nutritionally balanced meals recommended by dietitians. We also examined associations between the color characteristics of patients' meals, their clinical data, and dietary nutrients. RESULTS: Patients' meals exhibited significantly lower variances in chromaticity (a∗ and b∗) and lower average chroma compared to nutritionally balanced meals. Specifically, the overall mean of variance of a∗ for patients' meals was 151.1, compared to 340.5 for nutritionally balanced meals. The overall mean of average chroma for patients' meals was 24.54, whereas that for nutritionally balanced meals was 34.47. Additionally, patients' dietary patterns were found to be potentially linked not only to nutritional deficiencies but also to the prognosis and progression of hepatic fibrosis and MASLD severity. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals reduced color vibrancy and diversity in the diets of MASLD patients, suggesting potential dietary modifications to improve nutritional habits and clinical management for MASLD patients. DOI： 10.1111/hepr.14138 PubMed
Why work in another country? Japanese nurses' experience and their reasons for staying in Australia.2025 · 記述言語： 英語 掲載種別： 研究論文（学術雑誌） AIM: Many Japanese nurses have moved to Australia, yet their experiences and perceived reasons for staying in Australia are understudied. This study identified why Japanese nurses who moved internationally to Australia continued to stay and work in Australia. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Japanese nurses who hold Japanese nursing licenses and are registered as nurses in Australia. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes emerged: (1) capability to take leave and holidays without feeling guilty, (2) set shifts creates a better work-life balance, (3) incentives give motivation to work hard, (4) safe and protective workplace for nurses, and (5) positive environment for pursuing a career. CONCLUSIONS: Japanese nurses were satisfied with the Australian work environment where their profession is well-protected and highly respected, with more chances of career advancements. It suggests the need for a better working environment for nurses in Japan. DOI： 10.1111/jjns.12651 PubMed
Virtual telehealth visits for prenatal checkups during the COVID- 19 pandemic in Japan: a nationwide survey and feasibility study.2025 · 記述言語： 英語 掲載種別： 研究論文（学術雑誌） BACKGROUND: We investigated the use of virtual telehealth visits (VV) for prenatal checkups in Japan during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, identified challenges associated with their use, and assessed the feasibility of future VV implementation for prenatal care. METHODS: Surveys were conducted at birthing facilities across Japan and with pregnant women attending Osaka and Keio University hospitals. To assess the feasibility of VV, we compared the self-measured blood pressure, fundal height, urinary test results, and fetal heart rate of pregnant women with those measured by healthcare providers. RESULTS: We received responses from 1,096 birthing facilities (49.5% response rate) and 96 women. Only 1.6% of birthing facilities implemented VV, mainly due toto a lack of human resources, costs, and low demand from both patients and healthcare providers. In contrast, 60.2% of pregnant women expressed anxiety about in-person visits during the pandemic, and 36.6% preferred the introduction of VV. The Pearson correlation coefficients between self-measured and provider-measured values systolic and diastolic blood pressure and fundal height were 0.68, 0.58, and 0.87, respectively. The concordance rates for proteinuria and urinary glucose were 91.6% and 98.9%, respectively. However, the correlation for fetal heart rate measurements was poor (-0.04). Bland-Altman analysis revealed 95% limits of agreement ranging from -42.6 to 65.6 bpm, indicating the need for methodological improvement. CONCLUSION: Despite maternal interest, VV has been limitedly implemented in Japan. Our study found that self-measured values, except for fetal heart rate, were highly correlated with those measured by healthcare providers. These findings are important for healthcare providers and government agencies when considering future prenatal checkups. DOI： 10.1186/s12884-025-07598-w PubMed
Significance of Pulmonary Artery Dilatation in Lung Cancer Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Who Underwent Pulmonary Resection.2024 · 記述言語： 英語 掲載種別： 研究論文（学術雑誌） BACKGROUND: The significance of pulmonary artery (PA) diameter in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who undergo pulmonary resection has not been elucidated. METHODS: Data of 357 patients with NSCLC and COPD who underwent pulmonary resection were retrospectively reviewed. The main PA diameter, determined by preoperative computed tomography, relative to the body surface area (PBR), was used as an index of PA dilatation, and patients were divided into 2 groups using median values. The relationship between the PBR and short- and long-term outcomes was also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 70.8 years, and 82% of the patients were men. The median main PA diameter was 24 mm (range, 17-43 mm), and the median PBR was 14.5 (range, 10.4-28.6). Lobectomy or more was performed in 276 patients (78%) and sublobar resection in 81 patients (22%). The postoperative complication rates did not differ between the low- and high-PBR groups (33% vs 32%, P = .91). The relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of the low-PBR group were significantly better than those of the high-PBR group (5-year RFS: 76% vs 59%, P = .0003; 5-year OS: 88% vs 72%, P = .0010). A multivariable analysis identified high PBR as a poor prognostic factor for both RFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: PA dilatation was associated with poor long-term outcomes and was an independent poor prognostic factor for both RFS and OS in NSCLC patients with COPD who underwent pulmonary resection. DOI： 10.1016/j.atssr.2024.03.001 PubMed
