Abstract:
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its treatment has not been established.
Cystine consists of disulfide bonded bimolecular cysteine. Theanine is a combination of glutamic acid and ethyl amide. Oral ingested cystine and theanine provide the substrates of glutathione, cysteine and glutamic acid, in the intracellular space.
An amino acid supplement containing 700 mg of cystine and 280 mg of theanine was administered to 4 patients during the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Negative reactions on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were promptly obtained even in patients who were waiting for discharge but could not had obtained negative results on two consecutive tests, which is a criterion for discharge in Japan. Oral ingestion of cystine/theanine (C/T) supplementation may promote clearance of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Key words:
Cystine, Theanine, Glutathione, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2

Abstract:
Background: Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is composed of proliferating clear cells rich in glycogen and poor in mucin. We report on a case of a tumor with rare pathological features that was followed-up for more than 40 years.

Case presentation: Herein, we report on the development of a tumor with rare pathological features that developed after the treatment of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient was initially diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma in 1973, which was correspondingly treated with surgical resection. The tumor then recurred in 1977, for which 30 Gy of radiation therapy was administered. In 1979, 1981, and 1982, we performed surgical resection for the recurrence of mucoepidermoid carcinoma with clear cells. The patient visited our department again in 2011 with a palatal mass. The diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma, which was not otherwise specified (CCC-NOS). CCC-NOS was classified as a clear cell carcinoma, according to the 2017 WHO classification of tumors. Currently, the pathological diagnosis is CCC.

Conclusion: This work reports on a case of clear cell carcinoma originating from a mucoepidermoid carcinoma that recurred after long-term follow-up.

Key words:
Clear cell carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, Immediate surgical obturator.

Abstract:
Objective: As the population ages, many people experience difficulties in ingestion and swallowing. Some find it challenging to swallow without thickened liquids, necessitating the consumption of thickened beverages. However, achieving the appropriate consistency for thickened beverages can be challenging. In collaboration with ITO EN LTD., we have developed a novel thickened green tea. To prepare for the launch of this product, an investigation into the demand for thickened beverages is essential. Herein, we conducted a questionnaire-based survey to assess the usability of the prototype.

Methods: Eighty medical and nursing care providers participated in the study and answered questions after consuming the beverage.

Results: Among respondents, 75% of expressed a preference for taste, 66% for drinkability, 43% for tea thickness, 34% for astringency, 31% for aroma, and 56% for color. Furthermore, 88% of the respondents provided positive feedback on tea drinkability, 79% on its thickness, 79% on astringency, 64% on aroma, and 88% on color.

Conclusions: The assessment of thickened green tea was based on its convenient ready-to-use nature and its ability to provide homogeneous and stable thickening. Consequently, this pre-sale market research suggests that green tea with homogeneous and stable thickening is useful and in demand.

Key words:
thickened green tea, pre-marketing survey, questionnaire survey, swallowing.