{"title":"Development of Tests for Residual Food Allergens on Tableware in School Lunch Facilities","authors":"Hiroyuki Hashimoto","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.53.33","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.53.33","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"16 1","pages":"33-37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73280657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Takemura, Nobuhiko Shioya, Yoshika Komori, Yasuo Tho
{"title":"Effect of Fermented Soybeans Containing Bacillus subtilis MC1 on Defecation, Fecal Properties and Fecal Microflora of Healthy Female Volunteers","authors":"H. Takemura, Nobuhiko Shioya, Yoshika Komori, Yasuo Tho","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.53.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.53.11","url":null,"abstract":"To evaluate the effects of natto fermented by Bacillus subtilis MC1 on defecation, fecal properties and fecal microflora, a crossover study was conducted in 44 healthy volunteers (female, 34.9±8.8 years old; mean±SD). The subjects were divided into two groups and given 40g natto (B.subtilis MC1 spores 2×1010cfu) and boiled soybeans (40g/day) for 14 days each. No effect of natto was found on the frequency of defecation, the volume of feces or fecal characteristics. The number of Bacillus bacteria was significantly increased after the natto administration period in comparison with the boiled soybean administration period (p<0.05), indicating that live B.subtilis MC1 spores reached the large intestine. On the other hand, the number of other bacteria showed no change in the natto administration period in comparison with the boiled soybean administration period.","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"1 1","pages":"11-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89091481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Procedures for Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Serious Incidents in Waste-Management Industry","authors":"Mamoru Sakai, O. Yamamoto","doi":"10.11468/seikatsueisei.53.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/seikatsueisei.53.3","url":null,"abstract":"Decreasing the number of occupational accidents in the waste-management industry is an urgent task as accidents occur more frequently in this industry than in others. The present report investigated accidents involving chemicals in the waste-management and chemical industries and proposed an accident prevention procedure in the form of a flow chart. The causes of the accidents were classified into two kinds of factor: \"hardware\" problems, which are due to a mechanical failure or a disordered working environment, and \"software\" problems, which are due to human error or climate of the organization. The resulting flow chart, consisting of the key words or key sentences extracted from the accidents, presents a range of procedures from investigation of the causes of accidents to consideration of specific response measures. It was shown that occupational accidents and serious incidents could be prevented using the same procedure regardless of the kind of accident, including fire, explosion, oxygen deficiency and poisoning.","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"120 1","pages":"3-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75606757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds with Enforcement of Thai Air Quality Standard in Bangkok, Thailand","authors":"Wanna Laowagul, K. Yoshizumi","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.53.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.53.19","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"29 1","pages":"19-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72731325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Checking the Ruggedness of Analytical Methods using Plackett-Burman Design","authors":"Taro Murakami, T. Yamano","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.274","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.274","url":null,"abstract":"When analyzing something according to a previously confirmed protocol, it is inevitable that the levels of the various operating factors may change either intentionally or accidentally. Some aspects of an analytical method are robust and changing the factors has no significant consequences, while others are sensitive and subtle changes may have a significant influence on the final result. Operators should be aware of which factors are important with respect to the method’s robustness. It is time-consuming and inefficient to evaluate the effects of the various factors which may influence analytical results using a one-at-a-time procedure. The process could be improved efficiently, however, by using a class of experimental design called Plackett-Burman design, in which only n measurements are needed to evaluate up to n-1 factors. The results of a fractional factorial design are analyzed graphically and/or statistically to examine the effects of each factor on the analytical response. The results could also be used to quantitatively calculate the non-significant intervals for significant factors. In addition, the uncertainties in the various steps of the methods are revealed by a ruggedness test.","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"259 1","pages":"274-281"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77140004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mega-cities and Bioethanol","authors":"K. Takamizawa","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.267","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.267","url":null,"abstract":"This is an interpretative article for better understanding of trends in bioethanol, starting from the historical background of the primary energy requirements indicated in the 2nd IPCC Report. Methods for production of bioethanol from biomass are briefly described with emphasis on the advantages of enzymatic decomposition of biomass, especially soft cellulosic biomass. The energy efficiency of bioethanol production from soft biomass is computed using results obtained from a model study in which the ethanol raw material was cut grass from golf courses. The role of mega-cities as producers of bioethanol and related new energy forms are also discussed.","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"16 1","pages":"267-273"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89432497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Characterization of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene Concentrations in the Ambient Atmosphere of Tokyo, Japan","authors":"Wanna Laowagul, K. Yoshizumi","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.290","url":null,"abstract":"Extensive volatile organic carbons (VOCs) data for a 12-month measurement period, which were collected by the Bureau of the Environment, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, are examined in this study. Behavior of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene was discussed, which were monitored at two specified sampling locations, roadside (Hachimanyama) and residential area (Shirogane) in 2001. The monthly variations of these compounds showed two peaks in June and November. The high concentrations in June were considered to be derived from the unburned and evaporated components of fuel due to raised ambient temperature. On the other hand, atmospheric conditions in Tokyo are generally very stable in November. These conditions would result in the peak in November in monthly variations. The concentrations of benzene and xylene were higher at the roadside than that at residential site. These readings were considered to be strongly influenced by vehicle emissions. The difference between concentrations at the both sites was small with respect to toluene and ethylbenzene. Their sources may be not only vehicles but also some stationary sources. The ratios between m,p-xylene to o-xylene were observed to be constant throughout the year with the exception of June, July, and August only at the residential site.","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"1 1","pages":"290-299"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84082769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Single Does Oral Toxicity and 4-weeks Repeated Oral Toxicity Studies of Ecklonia cava Extract","authors":"Hyejeong Hwang, M. Terada, Hyeon-Cheol Shin","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.282","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.282","url":null,"abstract":"Ecklonia cava, a species of brown algae, is traditionally used as a foodstuff in Japan and Korea. The phlorotannin components extracted from Ecklonia cava have recently been recognized to possess various biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenesis effects. As part of their safety assessment, acute (single dose) and subacute (4-week repeated dose) toxicities were investigated in SD rats using E. cava extracts containing 65% and 20% phlorotannins, respectively. No mortalities or evidence of adverse effects were observed on single oral administration of E. cava extract (65% phlorotannin) at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight in SD rats. In a 4-week repeated dose toxicity study, E. cava extract (20% phlorotannin) was orally administrated to SD rats at dose of 0, 222, 667, or 2000 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. All rats survived until scheduled sacrifice. Compared to the control group, administration of the E. cava extract did not result in any toxicologically significant treatment related changes in clinical observation, body weight gains, ophthalmologic examinations, hematology, coagulation, clinical pathology evaluation and organ weights. Terminal necropsy did not reveal any treatment related gross or histopathology findings. Based on the results of this study, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for the E. cava extract was determined as 2000 mg/kg body weight/day, or probably higher dose.","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"38 1","pages":"282-289"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88190999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"New Applications of Computers in Statistical Analysis: Randomized Test and Monte Carlo Method","authors":"K. Takakura","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.221","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"38 1","pages":"221-228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81859591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Kurihara, Shintaro Yoshida, E. Sukegawa, S. Yoshimura, H. Uchida, K. Maeda, Takashi Yamamoto
{"title":"Evaluation of Safety of Long-term and Excessive Intake of L-Cystine and L-Theanine in Healthy Adult Subjects","authors":"S. Kurihara, Shintaro Yoshida, E. Sukegawa, S. Yoshimura, H. Uchida, K. Maeda, Takashi Yamamoto","doi":"10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.229","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11468/SEIKATSUEISEI.52.229","url":null,"abstract":"To evaluate the safety of L-cystine and L-theanine in humans, we carried out a clinical trial of high-dose and long-term administration in the form of a controlled randomized double-blind study. Forty healthy subjects, 20 males and 20 females, were given three sachets of food containing L-cystine and L-theanine or three sachets of placebo once a day for four weeks. The dosage of L-cystine and L-theanine was three times the dosage previously shown to exert significant enhancing effect on the immune response to influenza vaccine inoculation. High-dose administration was found to cause no significant clinical changes, no abnormal findings in clinical laboratory data, and no adverse effects. Although some statistically significant changes were observed in laboratory data, all were clinically insignificant variations within the normal range. It was therefore concluded that L-cystine and L-theanine are safe when administered for four weeks at daily doses of up to 2,100mg of L-cystine and 840mg of L-theanine.","PeriodicalId":17443,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Urban Living and Health Association","volume":"30 1","pages":"229-236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85305597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}