BACKGROUND: Meals are provided at nursery schools for Japanese preschool children, and this may result in different energy and nutrient intakes on weekdays and weekends. The purpose of this study was to obtain basic information for public nutrition policies in early childhood by examining differences in energy and nutrient intakes of preschool children between weekdays and weekends using meal categories such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. METHODS: Energy and nutrient intakes were examined in 761 Japanese preschool children (423 boys, 338 girls) aged 3-6 years attending childcare facilities in seven regions in Japan. Data collection was based on non-consecutive four-day dietary records (two weekdays, two weekend days) in 2019 or 2020. Energy and nutrient intake by meal category were compared using a generalized linear mixed model adjusted for demographic factors. RESULTS: Total energy intake was significantly higher on weekdays for boys (1,478 vs. 1,415 kcal) and girls (1,349 vs. 1,296 kcal) (both P < 0.001). Weekday lunches had higher protein content and essential micronutrients such as potassium, iron, vitamins, and lower fat, saturated fatty acids, and salt, compared to weekend lunches. Similarly, weekday snacks also had significantly higher nutritional consumption for most nutrients compared to weekend equivalents. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that meals at nursery schools, particularly lunch and snacks, result in more desirable nutrient intake in preschool children. On weekdays, children consume meals with higher nutrient density, possibly due to the role of dietitians in menu planning. However, some children still fail to meet the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese, indicating a need for improvements in nursery school and home meals. More communication is needed between nursery schools and families, including sharing menus and recipes is essential. The results of this study are of value for development of public health nutrition strategies targeting early childhood.
Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Male ; Japan ; Female ; Energy Intake ; Meals ; Child ; Nutrients/analysis* ; Diet/statistics & numerical data* ; East Asian People

The concordance rate between the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) evaluators and the SP evaluation evaluators, in the analyses conducted during the past two years was investigated and compared by the acupuncture department at the College for Japanese Judo-Therapy Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy.
The subjects were third year students who sat for the OSCE during FY 2004-FY 2005, and consisted of thirteen and thirty-two students, respectively. Four stations were set up which were comprised of medical interviews, physical examinations, and practical skill evaluations on acupuncture, and moxibustion.
The concordance rate at each station was compared, and the improvements in these rates could be seen particularly for physical examinations and practical skills on acupuncture stations. The relationship between the evaluator and the SP was that a correlation between the medical interview evaluator and the SP evaluation was recognized
Improvements were due to segmentation and clarification of the assessment items, more meetings being held, and simulated trials conducted prior to the actual examination. These factors lead to a comprehensive interpretation of the manual.
However, a correlation between the evaluator of the practical skills for acupuncture and the SP evaluation was not recognized. Therefore, it is vital to include the assessment of SP evaluation, and ensure it is performed uniformly.