Given that previous studies have shown that recreational music-making has benefi ts for younger individuals, we explored two questions. 1. Could a recreational music-making protocol improve mood and modulate immunological responses in a direction opposite to that associated with chronic stress in older adults? 2. Would the protocol affect older and younger participants differently? Two groups of volunteers demarcated at age 65 years underwent identical one-hour recreational musicmaking interventions. Pre-and post-intervention data were collected using blood samples and mood state questionnaires. Data from 27 older and 27 younger volunteers were analyzed for cytokine production levels, natural killer cell activity, plasma catecholamines, and numbers of T cells, T cell subsets, B cells, and natural killer cells. Exercise expenditure was also recorded. In the older group, we found signifi cant increases in the number of lymphocytes, T cells, CD4⁺ T cells, memory T cells, and production of interferon- γ and interleukin-6. In the younger group, modulation was non-significant. Worthy of note was the specific immunological changes in the direction opposite to that expected with chronic stress in the older group. The increase in Th1 cytokine IFN-γ and unchanged Th2 cytokine IL-4 and IL-10 levels in the older group suggests a shift to a Th1- dominant status, a shift opposite to that expected with stress. However, the immunological changes were not statistically different between the two groups. Mood states improved in both groups, but were also not statistically different between groups. Although no statistically significant difference was found between the two age groups, the improvement in immunological profile and mood states in the older group and the low level of energy required for participation suggest this music-making protocol has potential as a health improvement strategy for older individuals.

抄録全体を表示

Objectives：This study investigated the relationship between upper and lower molars in the early stage of mastication. Materials and Methods： We measured the occlusal contact areas during chewing test foods using the three-dimensional shape measurement system and the six-degreeof- freedom mandibular tracking device. The reference points corresponding to “A” and “B” occlusal contacts were selected from the surface of upper dental cast (UA, UB) and lower dental cast (LA, LB). The distance between reference point UA and LA, UB and LB were calculated (|A|, |B|). For evaluation of relationship between upper and lower molars during chewing gum, the ratios of |A|/|B| (AB ratio) were calculated. First 10 consecutive cycles of chewing gum were divided into two phase, early five strokes group (Ge) and last five strokes group (Gl). Paired t-test for AB ratios of Ge and Gl was performed. Results：Paired t-test showed a significant difference between AB ratios of Ge and that of Gl at 0.5 mm away from the terminal position of masticatory movements (p<0.05). Conclusion： This result suggests the possibility that the path of mastication is influenced by the change of texture of foods with the progress of mastication in early stage of mastication.

抄録全体を表示