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Previous studies have examined the effects of n -3 fatty acid intake in supplement form or fish oil capsules, but there are few studies based on other foods. Perilla oil is a traditional Japanese seed oil rich in n -3 fatty acids. This randomised trial aimed to determine the appropriate n -3 fatty acid dose through consumption of perilla oil, which improves gut function and microbiota in trained athletes, and the amount of fat fuel required to provide energy to athletes involved in high-intensity training to improve athletic performance. Thirty-six female athletes training six times per week were randomly assigned to three groups according to perilla oil intake: 9 g/d (high oil intake (HOI)), 3 g/d (low oil intake (LOI)) and placebo-supplementation (PLA) groups. The HOI and LOI groups had perilla oil-containing jelly and the PLA group had placebo jelly for 8 weeks. Gut microbiota, constipation score and urinary biochemical index were measured pre- and post-intervention. The spoilage bacteria, Proteobacteria , significantly decreased (P = 0·036, d = 0·53), whereas Butyrate -producing bacteria, Lachnospiraceae , significantly increased (P = 0·007, d = 1·2) in the HOI group. Urinary indoxyl sulphate significantly decreased in the HOI group only (P = 0·010, d = 0·82). Changes in the constipation score were significantly lower in the HOI group (P = 0·020) and even lower in the LOI group (P = 0·073) than in the PLA group; there were significant differences between groups (P = 0·035). Therefore, perilla oil intake may improve gut function and microbiota in athletes, with higher doses resulting in further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of the Japanese version of the Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (J-ITSEA), a parentreport questionnaire concerning social-emotional/behavioral problems and delays in competence in 1- to 3-year-old children. The differences in score between genders, ages, and between the J-ITSEA and the original Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment were examined. The data of 617 participants recruited from Saitama prefecture through stratified two-stage sampling were analyzed. The Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.76 to 0.93. Gender differences emerged for some problems and all competence scales, with boys rated higher in the Externalizing problem domain and Activity/Impulsivity subscale and girls rated higher in the Internalizing problem domain, Inhibition to Novelty subscale, and all Competence scales. The Competence domain score increased across age groups. Compared with a normative sample in the US, participants in this study rated higher in Aggression/Defiance and Separation Distress, and rated lower in Peer Aggression and most of the Competence scales. The results indicate that the J-ITSEA scores should be interpreted in comparison with standard scores assigned for gender and 6-month age groups, and that specific criteria for the cut-off points for the J-ITSEA are required instead of those in the original questionnaire.

This study aimed to clarify the relationships among developmental characteristics of retinoblastoma (RB) infants, mother-infant interaction, and mental health of mothers. Prospective studies were conducted twice with 13 dyads of mothers and infants who were between one (Time 1) and two years old (Time 2). Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed. The mean Developmental Quotients (DQ) significantly decreased between Time 1 and Time 2 (p < .05). Four (30.8%) infants showed DQ p < 85 at Time 1. They showed a DQ below the borderline at Time 2 and their developmental changes were different from RB infants in the normal DQ range. Infant Behavior Checklist-R (IBC-R) scores negatively correlated with DQ (p < .05). The mothers' Japanese Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (JNCATS) scores were significantly higher than the normative mean. The IBC-R scores negatively correlated with mothers' JNCATS scores at Time 1 (ρ = -.66, p < .05) and positively correlated with the child domain scores on the Parenting Stress Index at Time 2 (ρ = .62, p < .05). Some RB infants showed a developmental delay. Mother-child interactions were negatively affected and mothers recognized their infants' problem. The support needs to be provided in early infancy.