Cute at an older age: A case study of Otona-Kawaii

The word kawaii, meaning ‘cute and sweet’ in English, has been part of the Japanese culture for centuries. While the word and trend were historically associated with young women and children, there has recently been an attempt to expand the definition of kawaii outside of its traditional borders to other age and gender groups by creating uniquely synthesised words and trends. The newly coined term otona-kawaii [‘adult-cute’] refers to mature women who passed their teen years and continue to dress cute and behave innocent and adorable. In this paper, a focus will be taken upon the new concept of otona-kawaii, and how it is defined and evaluated by the Japanese people. Results of a recent survey conducted among 717 male and female respondents between the ages of 18 to 29, showed that many of them were in favour of the idea of behaving cute at an older age. It was also found that women were more familiar with the term otona-kawaii and had a more positive approach towards it than men. The results of the study suggest that kawaii can be extended beyond infants and may apply to other age populations, such as mature women. The aim of this study is to bridge the gap between kawaii and maturity by providing some empirical evidence and information, bringing to a deeper understanding of the concept of kawaii, contributing to the scholarship of the kawaii culture in Japan.

Placental Iron Content is Lower than Previously Estimated and is Associated with Maternal Iron Status in Women at Greater Risk for Gestational Iron Deficiency and Anemia

Background Based on limited data, it is estimated that the placenta retains 90 mg of iron (Fe). Little is known about determinants of placental Fe content. Animal data indicate that the placenta prioritizes Fe for its own needs, but this hypothesis has not been evaluated in humans. Objectives To characterize placental Fe content and placental Fe concentration (p[Fe]) in pregnant women at risk of Fe insufficiency and identify determinants of p[Fe]. Methods Placentae were collected from 132 neonates born to teens carrying singletons (≤18 y) and 101 neonates born to 48 women carrying multiples (20–46 y). Maternal and neonatal Fe status indicators (hemoglobin, SF, sTfR, serum Fe, TBI) and hormones (erythropoietin, hepcidin) were measured. P[Fe] was measured using ICP-MS. Correlation analyses and mixed-effects models were constructed to identify determinants of p[Fe]. Results Mean placental Fe content was 23 mg per placenta [95%CI 15–33] in the multiples and 40 mg [95%CI 31–51] in the teens (P = 0.03). Mean p[Fe] did not differ between the cohorts. P[Fe] was higher in anemic (175 [95%CI 120–254] μg/g) compared to non-anemic (46 [95%CI 26–82] μg/g) women carrying multiples (P = 0.009), but did not differ between anemic (62 [95%CI 40–102] μg/g) and non-anemic (73 [95%CI 56–97] μg/g) teens. In women carrying multiples, low maternal Fe status [lower SF (P = 0.002) and lower TBI (P = 0.01)] was associated with higher p[Fe], while in teens, improved Fe status [lower sTfR (P = 0.03) and higher TBI (P = 0.03)] was associated with higher p[Fe]. Conclusions Placental Fe content was ∼50% lower than previously estimated. P[Fe] is significantly associated with maternal Fe status. In women carrying multiples, poor maternal Fe status was associated with higher p[Fe], while in teens, improved Fe status was associated with higher p[Fe]. More data are needed to understand determinants of p[Fe] and the variable Fe partitioning in teens compared to mature women. Clinical Trial Registry: These clinical trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01019902 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01019902) and NCT01582802 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01582802).

Causes of ovulation Khazan (Gynecology and Obstetrics, 1922, No. 1)

Analyzing the question of the immediate cause of the bursting of a mature Ghaaf-ova bubble, Khazan (Gynecology and Obstetrics, 1922, No. 1) arms himself against the currently prevailing theory of spontaneous ovulation in his opinion, in the larvae of sexually mature women there is always a ready-to-burst (A Ghaaf bubble, which, as is the case in animals, waits only for the act of copulation in order to isolate its contents.

Study of Adaptive Potential in Mature Women in the Zumba Dance Fitness Program

This article discusses the adaptation of the body of mature women of the second period from 36 to 55 years under the influence of physical activity, namely the dance fitness program zumba. The problem of the study is that with all the diversity of the fitness industry, there is no personalization of classes for mature women. The authors conducted an experiment suggesting that regular dance fitness classes increase the adaptive potential of women and stabilize the main functional indicators of the body. The paper reveals the features of this age group and the ways to adequately influence them. As a result of the experiment, the research hypothesis was confirmed, the adaptive potential increased, which allows the author to recommend the proposed type of physical activity for use in various physical education institutions. In addition, there was a need to reveal the methodology of classes in more detail in subsequent works.

Spatial Distribution and Quantification of Mammographic Breast Density, and Its Correlation with BI-RADS Using an Image Segmentation Method

(1) Background: Mammographic breast density (MBD) and older age are classical breast cancer risk factors. Normally, MBDs are not evenly distributed in the breast, with different women having different spatial distribution and clustering patterns. The presence of MBDs makes tumors and other lesions challenging to be identified in mammograms. The objectives of this study were: (i) to quantify the amount of MBDs—in the whole (overall), different sub-regions, and different zones of the breast using an image segmentation method; (ii) to investigate the spatial distribution patterns of MBD in different sub-regions of the breast. (2) Methods: The image segmentation method was used to quantify the overall amount of MBDs in the whole breast (overall percentage density (PD)), in 48 sub-regions (regional PDs), and three different zones (zonal PDs) of the whole breast, and the results of the amount of MBDs in 48 sub-regional PDs were further analyzed to determine its spatial distribution pattern in the breast using Moran’s I values (spatial autocorrelation). (3) Results: The overall PD showed a negative correlation with age (p = 0.008); the younger women tended to have denser breasts (higher overall PD in breasts). We also found a higher proportion (p < 0.001) of positive autocorrelation pattern in the less dense breast group than in the denser breast group, suggesting that MBDs in the less dense breasts tend to be clustered together. Moreover, we also observed that MBDs in the mature women (<65 years old) tended to be clustered in the middle zone, while in older women (>64 years old) they tended to be clustered in both the posterior and middle zones. (4) Conclusions: There is an inverse relationship between the amount of MBD (overall PD in the breast) and age, and a different clustering pattern of MBDs between the older and mature women.

Implementing Community-Engaged Participatory Research Methods in a Study of Cree Women’s Wellness: Describing Recruitment Processes and Outcomes

Background: In 2017, the Sohkitehew Group was funded to undertake research to identify wellness strategies adopted by mature women as they age in the rural Cree community of Maskwacis, Alberta. We describe our recruitment processes and outcomes for events from July 2017 to June 2018, the first phase of this research. Methodology: Data gathered from minutes of 36 Sohkitehew Working Group and two Elders Advisory Committee meetings were used to identify recruitment strategies, event characteristics and recruitment outcomes for two large community events and three Sharing Circles. Results:1. Recruitment strategies: Strategies were similar for community events and Sharing Circles: event posters were displayed throughout Maskwacis, and advertisements were broadcast by Hawk Radio and appeared in Band newsletters.2. Event Characteristics: Settings included a large community gymnasium for large events, and smaller community venues in different Bands for Sharing Circles. Traditional/cultural protocols were addressed by smudging meeting spaces, inviting community Elders to attend all events, and saying prayers. Healthy lunches were provided.3. Event attendance: The two larger community events attracted 96, and 37 participants, respectively. Sharing Circle attendance ranged from 8 to 23 participants. Conclusion: Recruitment strategies succeeded for the Sohkitehew events in Maskwacis. Prior trusting and respectful relationships with the community established over several years provided a firm basis for this research. Successful recruitment efforts required time, planning, flexibility, and careful attention to culture and tradition to meet objectives to attract participants. Similar strategies may be successful in other rural Indigenous communities if tailored for the specific needs and expectations of individual communities.

Experience with non-drug strategies in women with metabolic syndrome during the menopausal transition: a focus on cardiovascular risk

Background A decline in the quality of life of mature women, a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in them, restrictions on the use of hormonal therapy form the need to search for effective and safe methods aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications and relieving climacteric disorders. Methods The possibilities of non-drug correction (standard approach, physiotherapy, balneotherapy, multivitamins and minerals, physiotherapy) of metabolic and endocrine disorders in 330 women 45-50 years old with metabolic syndrome (MS) during menopause were studied. The participants were divided into 5 groups depending on the programs used, 2 subgroups - mild and moderate menopausal syndrome (MPS). The levels of follicle-stimulating (FSH), luteinizing (LH) hormones, estradiol, hemostasis, glycemic status, lipid profile, green test, blood pressure (BP), SCORE scale were assessed. Results In patients with mild MPS, when using programs with physiotherapy, HOMA-IR decreased by 50%, the atherogenic index by more than 25.0%, INR increased by more than 4,0%, the Green score decreased by more than 40.0%, the risk on a SCORE scale became <3%. In patients with moderate MPS, the treatment complex with the simultaneous use of vibrotherapy, chromotherapy, melootherapy, aromatherapy and aeroionotherapy had the advantage: HOMA-IR decreased by 50.5%, atherogenic index by 30,5%, INR increased by 5.0%, the Green score decreased by 40.0%, the risk on a SCORE scale became <3%. Conclusions In patients with MPS and MS, non-drug programs using physical therapy have a positive effect on the functioning of the endocrine system, hemostasis, carbohydrate and fat metabolism which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. In case of moderate MPS against the background of MS, the program with simultaneous use of vibrotherapy, chromotherapy, melotherapy, aromatherapy and aeroionotherapy has an advantage.

MORPHOTYPOLOGICAL FEATURES OF MATURE WOMEN SUFFERING FROM PSORIASIS

The purpose of the study: To establish the morphotypological and age characteristics of mature women with psoriasis. A survey of women with psoriasis aged 21 to 55 years was conducted, consisting of anthropometric methods that allow objectively characterizing belonging to the constitutional type. Anthropometric studies have made it possible to establish age and constitutional diff erences in the main and control groups of women, which aff ect the strength of the physique. The results of the study of the morphotypological status of women with psoriasis revealed the infl uence of individual body structures on the occurrence of the pathology in question. We have obtained new data on morphotypological and constitutional features of healthy mature women and women with psoriasis. The correlation of the frequency of development of this disease with the constitutional type has been established. It is shown that the hypersthenic type of constitution can be considered as a factor leading to an increase in