{"title":"Effectiveness of conventional lecture, flipped classroom, and team-based learning in fixed prosthodontics:A term-end examination comparison.","authors":"Kazuo Okura, Jaime Fabillar, Mizuki Shinkai, Akari Shibagaki, Yasutomo Yoshihara, Masamitsu Oshima, Maki Hosoki, Yoshitaka Suzuki, Miho Inoue, Daisuke Ikutame, Swarnalakshmi Raman, Omar Marianito Maningo Rodis, Yoshizo Matsuka","doi":"10.2152/jmi.73.44","DOIUrl":"10.2152/jmi.73.44","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Active learning, including flipped classroom (FC) and team-based learning (TBL), is an instructional approach wherein students actively engage in self-directed learning. In FC format, students are required to study and / or take an examination, for some types, before the actual class. TBL format involves small group discussions, and students prepare for class by completing assigned tasks. However, no studies have compared the effectiveness of TBL, FC, and conventional lectures in the field of prosthodontics. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of conventional lectures, FC, and TBL formats by analyzing term-end examination data. We conducted a questionnaire survey of the items in accordance with the university class evaluation questionnaire. Dentists, including hospital residents and PhD students, achieved higher scores on the referential examination than undergraduate students. Students reported higher FC and TBL scores when normalized against dentists' scores, surpassing the scores obtained in conventional lectures. There were no significant differences in the validity or difficulty of questions across the various teaching formats. Moreover, student feedback via questionnaires indicated that FC and TBL formats provided more dedicated preparation and review time than conventional lectures. Our study highlights the effectiveness of FC and TBL in comparison to conventional lectures in fixed prosthodontics. J. Med. Invest. 73 : 44-51, February, 2026.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"73 1.2","pages":"44-51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785421","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":"Soy isoflavone, Soyaflavone HG, improves low T cell proliferation response in aged BALB/c mice.","authors":"Moeka Tomonobu, Karen Mori, Akiko Nakamoto, Mariko Nakamato, Tohru Sakai","doi":"10.2152/jmi.73.212","DOIUrl":"10.2152/jmi.73.212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aging is a phenomenon in which cells, tissues and organs undergo systemic pathological changes. We examined the effects of soy isoflavone on immune function in aged mice. Although aged mice showed lower T cell response against anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody stimulation than did young mice, aged mice have treated with soy isoflavone reversed the low responses. The percentage of CD4+ cells was higher in aged mouse splenocytes treated with soy isoflavone than in untreated mouse splenocytes. Unexpectantly, aged mice treated with soy isoflavone showed higher programmed cell death-1 expression on T cells than did aged control mice. These results showed that soy isoflavone improve low T cell proliferation response in aged mice. J. Med. Invest. 73 : 212-216, February, 2026.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"73 1.2","pages":"212-216"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785528","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}
Juri Maeda, Tomoya Hara, Oyunbileg Bavuu, Daiju Fukuda, Masataka Sata
{"title":"LCZ696, an Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor, Attenuates Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice.","authors":"Juri Maeda, Tomoya Hara, Oyunbileg Bavuu, Daiju Fukuda, Masataka Sata","doi":"10.2152/jmi.73.116","DOIUrl":"10.2152/jmi.73.116","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696), an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), simultaneously inhibits neprilysin and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, but its effects on diet-induced vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis are unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>LCZ696 (100 mg/kg/day), valsartan (50 mg/kg/day) or hydralazine (10 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice for 20 weeks. En-face Sudan IV staining of the aortic arch, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of abdominal aorta.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were no differences in metabolic parameters between the groups. Valsartan or LCZ696 significantly reduced the progression of atherosclerotic lesions compared to the hydralazine group, as determined by Enface Sudan IV staining of the aortic arch (p<0.05). In the abdominal aorta, valsartan or LCZ696 treatment reduced mRNA expression of inflammatory molecules. However, no significant difference was observed between the valsartan group and the LCZ696 group regarding these atherosclerotic changes and vascular inflammation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>LCZ696 reduced the progression of diet-induced atherosclerotic plaques and vascular inflammation compared with hydralazine in ApoE-/- mice, but showed no difference compared with the valsartan group. J. Med. Invest. 73 : 116-120, February, 2026.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"73 1.2","pages":"116-120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785366","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":"Assessment of water balance in high school athletes and non-athletes.","authors":"Hiroaki Nakajima, Isao Kitada, Yasushi Matsuura, Yasuhito Takeuchi, Rie Tsutsumi, Ayuka Kawakami, Hiroshi Sakaue, Eiji Takeda","doi":"10.2152/jmi.72.42","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2152/jmi.72.42","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Water is the main component of cells, tissues, and organs, and plays vital roles in macronutrient hydrolysis and overall cell function regulation. While low water intake may be sufficient for hydration, several studies suggest that most children fail to meet water intake guidelines, leading to underhydration as indicated by elevated hydration biomarkers. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study to examine water intake and output among high school students, comparing non-athletes and athletes. We enrolled 26 non-athletes and 28 athletes in this study. Water balance was assessed by water intake from foods and beverages, metabolic water production, and non-renal water loss (NRWL). Moreover, urine was compared. Increases of total water intake from food and beverage consumption in athletes were significantly higher than those in non-athletes. Furthermore, urinary output was lower and NRWL was 2-3 times higher in athletes than non-athletes. These findings suggest that large NRWL induces hypohydration in athletes. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 42-46, February, 2025.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"72 1.2","pages":"42-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144024390","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":"How common is sarcopenia associated with frailty? Diagnosis using the Kihon Checklist.","authors":"Yuki Niida, Hidenori Onishi, Tomoko Okamoto, Osamu Yamamura","doi":"10.2152/jmi.72.139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2152/jmi.72.139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>We aimed to determine the association between sarcopenia and frailty in Japan's hyperaged society.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We investigated the incidence of sarcopenia and frailty among 423 community-dwelling older adults (304 women and 119 men ; mean age : 77.0 years). Interviews, Kihon Checklist (KCL) assessments, physical function tests, and anthropometric measurements were performed at baseline. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria, with a KCL score of ≥7 indicating frailty.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eight patients (1.9%) had sarcopenia alone, 113 (26.7%) had frailty alone, and 26 (6.1%) had both sarcopenia and frailty. The instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores were significantly higher in all groups. Logistic regression analysis showed the association of sarcopenia and frailty with IADL. The receiver operating characteristic curves of the total KCL and IADL scores were analyzed to determine the cutoff value for assessing sarcopenia with frailty. The cutoff value for the total KCL score was 7.000, while that for the KCL-IADL score was 2.000.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Approximately 6.1% of patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia with frailty using the KCL. These conditions were found to impair IADL. Hence, interventions addressing both frailty and sarcopenia may help prevent the decline in IADL. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 139-147, February, 2025.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"72 1.2","pages":"139-147"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144064940","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":"Mental Health and Related Factors Among Japanese Graduate Trainees in Clinical Psychology.","authors":"Mina Nakano, Tomoya Takeda, Koudai Fukudome","doi":"10.2152/jmi.72.217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2152/jmi.72.217","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the mental health and related factors such as social comparison orientation, self-compassion, and perfectionism of 57 graduate trainees aspiring to become psychologists in comparison with 80 graduate students with other majors. The results showed that \"Opinion comparison\" subscale of social comparison orientation was significantly higher among trainees than among non-trainees, and higher among women than among men in both trainees and non-trainees. Social comparison orientation positively affects depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and social function impairment among trainees but has no effect among non-trainees. Perfectionism was higher among first-year trainees than among second-year trainees, whereas no gradebased differences existed among non-trainees. Perfectionism positively affected social function impairment among non-trainees but not among trainees. However, self-compassion negatively affected depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and social function impairment among both trainees and non-trainees. Furthermore, 89% of the trainees blamed themselves during practical training, expressing that both the trigger and content of selfblame were related to hesitation, anxiety, and lack of confidence. Overall, the results suggest that trainees should aim for personal growth over perfection, enhance their self-compassion rather than blaming themselves, and should not engage in social comparison. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 217-223, February, 2025.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"72 1.2","pages":"217-223"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143990511","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":"Phase angle is a predictor of functional outcomes at discharge in patients with acute ischemic stroke.","authors":"Hiroshi Ohmae, Shin Kondo, Takashi Saito, Wataru Sano, Yuka Sugiyama, Ayane Tomari, Motomu Kamada, Yuka Nakanowatari, Maki Fujimoto, Megumi Yamada, Nori Sato, Kimiko Umemura, Ryoma Morigaki, Yasushi Takagi, Tetsuya Matsuura","doi":"10.2152/jmi.72.148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2152/jmi.72.148","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to investigate the association between phase angle (PhA) at admission and functional outcomes at discharge in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This single-center, prospective cohort study measured PhA and skeletal muscle index (SMI) in patients with acute ischemic stroke using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge, with mRS scores of 3-5 difined as poor functional outcomes. The association between PhA or SMI and poor functional outcomes was analyzed for male and female patients. This study included 287 patients (195 males, 92 females). Logistic regression indicated that PhA, but not SMI, was independently correlated with poor functional outcomes at discharge (males : OR : 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] : 0.34-0.98, p = 0.041, females : OR : 0.31, 95% CI : 0.12-0.80, p = 0.015). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined PhA cutoff values for poor functional outcomes : 4.70 in males (sensitivity : 0.627, specificity : 0.680, area under curve [AUC] : 0.674) and 3.70 in females (sensitivity : 0.467, specificity : 0.830, AUC : 0.712). PhA was identified an independent predictor of poor functional outcomes at discharge in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and it was superior to SMI in this regard. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 148-155, February, 2025.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"72 1.2","pages":"148-155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144034725","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":"Effects of zinc supplementation in combination with difructose, an enhancer of intestinal zinc absorption, on serum zinc concentration and ratio of apo-/holo-activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme in patients with refractory taste impairment.","authors":"Noriaki Takeda, Tsukasa Takaoka, Ichiko Takemoto, Aki Endo, Rie Tsutsumi, Hiroshi Sakaue, Yoshiaki Kitamura","doi":"10.2152/jmi.72.156","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2152/jmi.72.156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>ACE ratio in the serum is a more sensitive indicator of zinc nutrition than serum zinc concentration. In this study, we examined the effects of zinc supplementation in combination with difructose anhydride (DFA) that enhances zinc absorption in the intestine on serum zinc concentration and ACE ratio in patients with refractory taste impairment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty patients with refractory taste impairment were enrolled. The patients received 34 mg of zinc in combination with 2.0 g of DFA orally every day for three months. Taste impairment was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After zinc supplementation with DFA (zinc with DFA), ACE ratio was significantly decreased, but serum zinc concentration was not increased in patiens with refractory taste impairment. Although VAS score was not changed in the patients after zinc with DFA, we divided the patients into two groups : 14 responders and 6 non-responders. ACE ratio in responders, but not in non-responders was significantly decreased after zinc with DFA. However, serum zinc concentration was not changed in both responders and non-responders after zinc with DFA.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present findings suggest that malabsorption of zinc in the intestine is the primary cause of zinc deficiency in patients with refractory taste impairment. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 156-160, February, 2025.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"72 1.2","pages":"156-160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040941","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}
Ryuichi Tanioka, Krishan Soriano, Allan Paulo Blaquera, Feni Betriana, Leah Anne Christine L Bollos, Mai Sato, Tetsuya Tanioka
{"title":"Caring in physical therapy practice:Exploring Locsin's 'Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing'.","authors":"Ryuichi Tanioka, Krishan Soriano, Allan Paulo Blaquera, Feni Betriana, Leah Anne Christine L Bollos, Mai Sato, Tetsuya Tanioka","doi":"10.2152/jmi.72.60","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2152/jmi.72.60","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Caring demonstrates compassionate care for others through the process of \"knowing person as caring\" from the theoretical lens of Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing (TCCN). Physical therapists respect the individual needs and values of patients and builds deep relationships with patients and their families. In this process, it is essential to respect the dignity and humanity of the other person. This discussion paper aims to 1) extract the necessary elements of Locsin's TCCN theory from a physical therapy practice perspective;2) consider the usefulness of Locsin's TCCN theory in physical therapy practice using a narrative review process;3) examineknowing patients as caring in physical therapy using Carper's fundamental ways of knowing through the fictional vignette;and 4) evaluate Donabedian's structure, process, and outcome to assess the quality of healthcare as well as consider knowing patients and quality of caring regarding the mentioned fictional vignette. TCCN theory-based practice is essential for incorporating a caring attitude and the appropriate use of technology into the practice of physical therapy. Caring in physical therapy is the practice of patient-centered care through attentive learning and engagement with the patient. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 60-65 February, 2025.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"72 1.2","pages":"60-65"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041907","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":"Ventilatory Management Using Electrical Impedance Tomography in an Obese Patient Undergoing Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Rectal Resection:A Case Report.","authors":"Ayumu Matsumoto, Satoshi Kamiya, Soshi Narasaki, Takahiro Kato, Hiroshi Niinai, Yasuo M Tsutsumi","doi":"10.2152/jmi.72.447","DOIUrl":"10.2152/jmi.72.447","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study focused on ventilatory management during robot-assisted laparoscopic rectal resection in an obese patient, using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to evaluate lung conditions. The case involved a 40s male with a history of smoking, obesity (BMI:31), and iodine allergy. General anesthesia was induced, and EIT was employed to assess positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) during different surgical positions. The study found that the PEEP for supine positioning was 10-12 cmH2O for ventilatory conditions in which the anterior and posterior impedance changes were equal in patients, but during pneumoperitoneum and head lowering, a higher PEEP of 20 cmH2O was necessary to prevent lung collapse. This differed from conventional recommendations. Oxygenation was maintained, and the patient had no major complications. The study suggests that EIT may offer a noninvasive and bedside approach to evaluating ventilator settings, potentially changing perspectives on intraoperative ventilator management. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 447-450, August, 2025.</p>","PeriodicalId":46910,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION","volume":"72 3.4","pages":"447-450"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145439834","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}