Blackcurrant extract (BCE) ameliorates dyslipidemia in menopausal model animals and in elderly women at a risk of dyslipidemia. However, it is unknown whether the daily intake of BCE can prevent lipid abnormalities in healthy individuals. Lipids are essential for the body, but they also cause arteriosclerosis. In this noncomparative pilot study, we examined the effects of BCE administered for 29 days on serum lipids in young healthy women. Blood samples were collected before and on days 4 and 29 after BCE intake, and 20 lipoprotein fractions in the serum were separated using a gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography method to measure the triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels in lipoproteins. There were no effects on lipids on day 4 of BCE intake, but the total cholesterol level decreased on day 29. Furthermore, the levels of total very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, small VLDL cholesterol, and large low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased. These results suggest that the daily intake of BCE has a hypocholesterolemic effect in healthy women, and that it is effective in preventing atherosclerosis.

Lindera umbellata (Lu) essential oil primarily contains linalool and has relaxation properties. We investigated the psychological and antibacterial effects of footbath with Lu essential oil. The participants included 20 women without medical history and received two intervention plans: footbath without any essential oil and footbath using Lu essential oil. Next, questionnaires regarding impressions and mood states were provided for them to answer. In addition, their autonomic nervous system activity was measured, and the aerobic viable of count on the feet was determined. The high-frequency value reflecting the parasympathetic nervous system activity significantly increased after footbath using Lu essential oil. In the questionnaire about the mood states, the subscale scores of tension–anxiety, depression, fatigue, and confusion after intervention were lower than those before intervention regardless of the use of the essential oil. Conversely, the anger–hostility score decreased only in the group using Lu essential oil. Furthermore, the decrease in aerobic viable count after intervention was not significantly different between the two groups. Footbath using Lu essential oil increased the parasympathetic nervous system activity and relieved anger. Taken together, we suggest that footbath using Lu essential oil has a relaxation effect.

Objective: The spread of COVID-19 has made it difficult to provide training in medical treatment in a radiation disaster. In this study, we will examine the effects and challenges of using a hybrid approach that combines online and face-to-face components. Methods: A total of 5 face-to face and 25 online medical staff participated in the training program. This program was conducted by using multiple cameras for live coverage, while protective clothing and decontamination kits had been sent in advance to the participants so that they could experience face-to-face and online learning at the same time. Results: Participants reported a high level of satisfaction and achievement with the style of delivery. They also experienced problems such as fatigue due to long hours, and dissatisfaction with the debriefing. Conclusions: In designing new online training, it is necessary to consider the quantity and content of the program, and to take participant fatigue into consideration.

Although there have been many studies on laughter and health, few studies have clarified the effects of laughter on optimism and pessimism, as well as anxiety. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of viewing a comedy live performance on optimism, pessimism, and anxiety, sAA as a stress marker, and examine the relationship between laughter attitude and optimism, pessimism and stress marker and clarify significant factors that contribute to optimism. In this pre – post study, we evaluated the effects on attendees of laughter elicited by a comedy live performance (CLP). The participants were 110 volunteers aged 18–64 years. Participants attended a two-hour CLP by four famous Japanese comedians (Sisonnu, Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura, Mouchugakusei, and Panther) and completed pre – and post-event questionnaires that included items from the Japanese Optimism and Pessimism Scale (JOPS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Laughter Attitude Scale (LAS) and Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA). The valid response rate was 101. Participants’ optimism was higher, and pessimism, anxiety and sAA were lower, after attending the CLP. α-amylase was significantly lower in more people before and after CLP. Factors contributing to optimism were strongly influenced by the degree to which people made them laugh, as well as pessimism, anxiety, and forced laughter. The personal factors contributing most strongly to optimism were ‘A state that makes you laugh,’ as well as pessimism, anxiety, and a low level of ‘Forced Laughter.’ Attending a two-hour CLP increased optimism and decreased stress level, pessimism and anxiety, these effects were more pronounced in those who laughed regularly in their everyday lives.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical judgment support program using mixed reality (MR) for the observation of postoperative patients. Methods: This study employed a randomized controlled trial design, with 34 fourth-year nursing students as participants. The students were randomly allocated into two groups: a traditional simulation group (Sim group, n = 17) and an MR group (n = 17). Both groups were tasked with observing postoperative patients and making clinical judgments. The Sim group engaged in patient observation through classical simulation, followed by a debriefing session with the investigator. The MR group observed the patient according to the procedure displayed on HoloLens2 and conducted the self-debriefing using the developed program. Key outcome measures included educational time, the number of items observed, motivation for learning, satisfaction, confidence, and participant feedback. Results: The results indicated that the MR group was able to observe a more significant number of observation items. Additionally, while the simulation time was longer in the MR group, the debriefing time was shorter compared to the Sim group. Psychological safety was higher in the MR group, whereas the Sim group, which had individualized debriefing opportunities, reported significantly increased confidence and reduced anxiety. Conclusions: The findings suggest that utilizing MR-based materials for teaching postoperative patient observation is more efficient and effective in educating novice nursing students.

Hirosaki University has regularly offered health support activities to residents of X town in Fukushima, and thus, some interactive benefits are expected as a service-learning experience for nursing students. This study aimed to clarify the experiences of students who participated in service-learning and consider which methods and content were effective. In total, 52 nursing students were recruited into the program, which was held from 2018 to 2021. The roles of students included assisting in health consultations related to a radiation disaster. Questionnaires designed by researchers with experience in risk communication programs were conducted on the students after the program, and included the reasons why they joined, their most memorable experiences, and their opinions regarding required support for residents. The data were analyzed by content analysis. The nursing students thought about the health of residents through health support activities in the affected areas. Furthermore, by communicating with residents via on-site service-learning, they could experience the humanity of the residents and the current status of the affected areas, learn the importance of person-to-person relationships, and think about reconstruction. Thus, service-learning was found to be effective and to offer substantial benefits for both residents and students in affected areas.