Search

Fins are among the most important morphological appendages of aquatic animals. Although sall cetaceans have flippers and dorsal fins with a variety of morphologies and postures, the diversity and function of the fins have not attracted much attention thus far. In this study, we recorded the behaviour of five captive species of small cetaceans, including two species lacking dorsal fins, and examined the contribution of the dihedral angles of their flippers and dorsal fins in the lateral/directional inherent stability during straight‐line swimming. All the species were found to maintain their flippers at a specific negative dihedral angle during straight‐line swimming, and a significant difference was observed between species with and without dorsal fins: species without dorsal fins were found to swim by maintaining the dihedral angle of their flippers closer to 0° compared to species with dorsal fins. The rolling moment generated by the dihedral angle of the fins in all the species was a relatively small roll‐promoting moment that ensures manoeuvrability. In summary, small cetaceans are likely to have one of two characteristics, either left and right flippers with a near‐zero‐degree dihedral angle or a dorsal fin, to reduce the roll‐promoting moment. Our results highlight important aspects of swimming stability in dolphins, providing essential insights into the movement mechanisms of aquatic fish and mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation of Cs and Sr from high-level liquid waste (HLLW) contributes to reducing heat generation and correspondingly to minimizing the required use of space in geological disposal repositories for high-level radioactive waste. To maximize the impact of Cs and Sr separation on reducing the occupied area of a repository, it is necessary to consider both the front-end and back-end stages of the nuclear energy system. Therefore, we quantitatively surveyed factors that potentially affect the reduction in the occupied area – that is, the area required for disposal of one waste package – when introducing Cs and Sr separation. From an evaluation using the Comprehensive Analysis of Effects on Reduction of Disposal Area (CAERA) index, we found that in case of a 15-year cooling period of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) after discharge, which is the current operational condition at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant, a maximum reduction of 30% in occupied area was achieved for 25 and 30 wt% waste-loaded vitrified waste with Cs and Sr separation. In that case, separation of more than 70% of Cs and Sr was required based on the current reference case for the Japanese geological disposal concept (the so-called H12 Report). In addition, the effectiveness of Cs and Sr separation for reducing the occupied area was drastically decreased if the cooling period after discharge was extended beyond 15 years; for instance, vitrified waste with a more than 40-year cooling period showed almost no reduction in occupied area. This was because the amount of 241Am, which is generated from the beta decay of 241Pu, and the contribution of 241Am to heat generation in vitrified waste increased as the cooling period became longer. The results suggested that the cooling period of the SNF, the waste loading of the vitrified waste, the Cs and Sr separation ratio and the occupied area of the waste were key factors governing the effectiveness of Cs and Sr separation for geological disposal area reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring time delays from strongly lensed supernovae (SNe) is emerging as a novel and independent tool for estimating the Hubble constant (H0). This is very important given the recent discord in the value of H0) from two methods that probe different distance ranges. The success of this technique will rely of our ability to discover strongly lensed SNe with measurable time delays. Here, we present the magnifications and the time delays for the multiply-imaged galaxies behind the Hubble Frontier Fields (HFF) galaxy clusters, by using recently published lensing models. Continuing on our previous work done for Abell 1689 (A1689) and Abell 370, we also show the prospects of observing strongly lensed SNe behind the HFF clusters with the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). With four 1-hour visits in one year, the summed expectations of all six HFF clusters are ~0.5 core-collapse (CC) SNe and 0.06 Type Ia SNe (SNe Ia) in F115W band, while with F150W the expectations are higher, ~0.9 CC SNe and ~0.06 SNe Ia. These estimates match those expected by only surveying A1689, proving that the performance of A1689 as gravitational telescope is superior. In the five HFF clusters presented here, we find that F150W will be able to detect SNe Ia (SNe IIP) exploding in 93 (80) pairsmultiply-imaged galaxies with time delays of less than 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, degradation of a high-field REBCO coil due to strong electromagnetic forces, has been identified. This issue is related to a conductor movement, forming a kink in the conductor body, and hence epoxy impregnation should be effective to prevent it. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of epoxy impregnation on the electromagnetic force-induced degradation of a REBCO coil. We made an epoxy impregnated solenoid coil and charged it at 4.2 K in an external field of 11 T. A notable characteristic behavior, which is different from that of a dry or paraffin impregnated coil, was observed in the coil’s performance. The coil did not show any normal voltage below 408 A, at 65% on the coil load line, but it showed a sudden voltage jump at 408 A, resulted from a sudden fracture of the REBCO conductor. The outward bending, combined with a strong circumferential stress, caused the REBCO layer to fracture. Although epoxy impregnation is effective to suppress a conductor movement inside the winding, avoiding self-supported sites at a coil edge is required to eliminate degradation of the thin and flexible REBCO conductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single human cell contains more than 5.0 × 105 copies of long interspersed element-1 (L1), 80-100 of which are competent for retrotransposition (L1-RTP). Recent observations have revealed the presence of de novo L1 insertions in various tumors, but little is known about its mechanism. Here, we found that 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and 2-amino-3,8-dimethyl-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), food-borne carcinogens that are present in broiled meats, induced L1-RTP. This induction was dependent on a cellular cascade comprising the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a mitogen-activated protein kinase, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β. Notably, these compounds exhibited differential induction of L1-RTP. MeIQx-induced L1-RTP was dependent on AhR nuclear translocator 1 (ARNT1), a counterpart of AhR required for gene expression in response to environmental pollutants. By contrast, PhIP-induced L1-RTP did not require ARNT1 but was dependent on estrogen receptor α (ERα) and AhR repressor. In vivo studies using transgenic mice harboring the human L1 gene indicated that PhIP-induced L1-RTP was reproducibly detected in the mammary gland, which is a target organ of PhIP-induced carcinoma. Moreover, picomolar levels of each compound induced L1-RTP, which is comparable to the PhIP concentration detected in human breast milk. Data suggest that somatic cells possess machineries that induce L1-RTP in response to the carcinogenic compounds. Together with data showing that micromolar levels of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) were non-genotoxic, our observations indicate that L1-RTP by environmental compounds is a novel type of genomic instability, further suggesting that analysis of L1-RTP by HCAs is a novel approach to clarification of modes of carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory disease is the most important health concern for the swine industry. Genetic improvement for disease resistance is challenging because of the difficulty in obtaining good phenotypes related with disease resistance; however, identification of genes or markers associated with disease resistance can help in the genetic improvement of pig health. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether quantitative trait loci ( QTL) associated with disease resistance were segregated in a purebred population of Landrace pigs that had been selected for meat production traits and mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine ( MPS) scores over five generations. We analysed 1395 pigs from the base to the fifth generation of this population. Two respiratory disease traits [ MPS scores and atrophic rhinitis ( AR) scores] and 11 immune-capacity traits were measured in 630-1332 animals at 7 weeks of age and when the animal's body weight reached 105 kg. Each of the pigs, except sires in the base population, was genotyped using 109 microsatellite markers, and then, QTL analysis of the full-sib family population with a multi-generational pedigree structure was performed. Variance component analysis was used to detect QTL associated with MPS or AR scores, and the logarithm of odds ( LOD) score and genotypic heritability of the QTL were estimated. Five significant ( LOD > 2.51) and 18 suggestive ( LOD > 1.35) QTL for respiratory disease traits and immune-capacity traits were detected. The significant QTL for Log- MPS score, located on S. scrofa chromosome 2, could explain 87% of the genetic variance of this score in this analysis. This is the first report of QTL associated with respiratory disease lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several studies have reported on the relation between high blood pressure (BP) and impaired activities of daily living (ADL), only a few studies have reported on the relation of high BP in middle-aged subjects with future impaired ADL. Furthermore, no studies reported an excess impaired ADL due to non-normal BP. Using ADL 1999 data, we compared data from NIPPON DATA80 survivors without impaired ADL (N=1816) with those with impaired ADL (N=75) using baseline BP information collected in 1980. We analysed participants who were aged 47–59 years at baseline. Multiple adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of impaired ADL, according to baseline BP categories using Joint National Committee 7 guidelines (normal BP, prehypertension, stage 1 hypertension (HT) and stage 2 HT). Subjects who used antihypertensive medications were classified as having stage 2 HT. We calculated excess impaired ADL due to non-normal BP. Compared with normal BP categories, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of having impaired ADL was higher in subjects with prehypertension (OR=1.50, 95% CI: 0.55–4.09), stage 1 HT (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 0.56–4.32) and stage 2 HT (OR=2.96, 95% CI: 1.09–8.05). Non-normal BP explained 45% (33.7/75) of impaired ADL. A positive relation of BP categories with the composite end point of mortality and impaired ADL was also observed. In conclusion, controlling BP in middle age may prevent deaths and future ADL decline.Journal of Human Hypertension (2009) 23, 546–552; doi:10.1038/jhh.2008.155; published online 18 December 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although aprotinin is partially excreted unchanged in the urine, its primary site of metabolism is in the renal lysosomes following proximal tubule resorption. This study tested the hypothesis that plasma aprotinin concentration varies with cardiopulmonary bypass conditions. Thirtytwo piglets (weight 13.2 ± 1.9 kg) received an aprotinin initial dose of 30,000 KIU/kg, a maintenance infusion of 10,000 KIU/kg/h, with a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) prime of 30,000 KIU/kg. Aprotinin infusion was terminated at the end of CPB and stopped during hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). Piglets were randomized to four groups (n = 8 per group): HCA, 60-minute period at 15°C; low-flow (LF), 10 mL/kg/min low-flow CPB at 25°C; full flow (FF), full flow CPB at 37°C; control at 37°C without CPB. Blood samples were collected at 7 time points: after induction of anesthesia (baseline), after initial dose, 10, 50 and 115 min after start of CPB, just before end of CPB and 30 min after CPB. Plasma aprotinin levels were determined by modified functional assays. Aprotinin levels in the control group were significantly lower at each point after start of CPB than all groups with CPB (p < .001). In particular, during the reperfusion period, aprotinin levels were higher in HCA and LF groups than FF group (p < .05). ThroughoutCPB, aprotinin levels in the HCA group remained unchanged (p > .40). Bypass conditions affect plasma aprotinin concentration. Recently reported renal and neurological complications with aprotinin use during CPB may reflect excessive dosing and point to the need for real-time monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight children underwent reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation (RIST) from an HLA-matched sibling. They received a fludarabine-melphalan based preparative regimen. Stem cell source was bone marrow, and GVHD prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine A alone. Acute GVHD grade II–IV and grade III–IV were observed in four (50%) and three (37.5%), respectively, out of these eight patients. This incidence was significantly higher than that after conventional bone marrow transplantation, without severe tissue damage, in the same setting of stem cell source and GVHD prophylaxis. Although the number of patients is small, our results suggest that incidence of acute GVHD after RIST for children is significant. It should be remembered that RIST for children does not seem to be an easy transplant procedure from the viewpoint of acute GVHD, although RIST is less toxic.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2006) 37, 601–605. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705285; published online 30 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a severe complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). When monitored with hand-held color Doppler ultrasonography during day −7 to +35 around SCT, reversed blood flow in the segmental branches of the portal vein was detected in nine of 56 patients who had undergone SCT. Three of nine patients had clinical evidence of VOD, but six patients did not fulfill the criteria for diagnosis of VOD initially. Two patients progressed to clinical VOD at a later date and the reversed portal flow disappeared with or without treatment for VOD in the other four patients. Monitoring for reversed portal flow with color Doppler ultrasonography may be a useful tool for the early diagnosis of VOD, and may improve prognosis by allowing early initiation of treatment.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2005) 36, 1071–1075. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705170; published online 10 October 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical heat fluxes (CHFs) were measured for two types of rectangular ducts containing horizontal flat plate heaters. One has the flat plate heater of 6 mm wide and 20 mm long located on the inner lower wall at 50 mm from the inlet. The other duct has two horizontal flat plates of 6 mm wide and 20 mm long on inner upper and lower walls at 50 mm from the inlet. The equation of CHF for the forced convection containing a new nondimensional-parameter m introduced in order to calculate cross-sectionally averaged liquid temperature at the center of the duct was derived based on two fluid model, ordinary convection theorem and experimental results. It was confirmed that this correlation can describe not only the author''s data on the duct but also other worker''s data for channels with different shapes and sizes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The elastic moduli, i.e., Young’s modulus, shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio, of a sintered La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3−δ bulk have been experimentally determined in the temperature range from room temperature to 1373 K using a resonance technique. Anomalous elastic properties were observed over a wide temperature range from 473 to 1173 K. In the results for internal friction and in X-ray diffraction measurements at elevated temperature, two varieties of structural changes were seen in La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3−δ in the examined temperature range. The results agreed with the findings of a previous crystallographic study of the same composition system by Slater et al. In addition, the temperature range in which a successive structural change occurred in La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3−δ was the same as that exhibiting the anomalous elastic properties. Taking all the results together, it can be inferred that the successive structural change in the significant temperature range is responsible for the elastic property anomaly of La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3−δ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of popular Japanese alcoholic beverages on blood pressure. We performed a cross-sectional study on 4335 Japanese male workers using baseline data from an intervention study. We defined six groups according to the type of alcoholic beverage that provided two-thirds of the subject's total alcohol consumption: beer, sake (rice wine), shochu (traditional Japanese spirits), whiskey, wine and others. The partial regression coefficients of daily alcohol intake (1 drink=11.5?g of ethanol) to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 0.87(P<0.001, standard error (s.e.)=0.09) and 0.77(P<0.001, s.e.=0.06), respectively. A comparison among the types of alcoholic beverages mainly consumed revealed significant differences in SBP and DBP. Both SBP and DBP were highest in the shochu group. However, an analysis of covariance adjusting for total alcohol consumption resulted in the disappearance of these differences. Although after adjustment for total alcohol consumption, the shochu group exhibited a significant positive association with ‘high-normal blood pressure or greater’ (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.95) compared with the beer group, this significant relation disappeared after adjusting for the body mass index (BMI), urinary sodium and potassium excretion. The pressor effect, per se, of popular Japanese alcoholic beverages on blood pressure may not be different among the types of alcoholic beverages after adjusting for other lifestyle factors.Journal of Human Hypertension (2004) 18, 9-16. doi:10.1038/sj.jhh.1001627 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We created a murine model of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB). Using this murine model, we compared oral mucosal sensitization and skin sensitization for the difference in reaction during the elicitation phase. Evaluation of sensitizability, using the mouse ear swelling test (MEST) after oral mucosal or skin sensitization, showed that the ear swelling response peaked 24 h after challenge. The optimal induction concentration was 1·0% in both oral mucosal and skin sensitization, resulting in a positive reaction rate of 100%. However, the ear swelling response 24 h after challenge with the optimal concentration of DNCB (1·0%) was significantly lower in oral mucosal than in skin sensitization. We compared the oral mucosal and skin sensitization sites for the number of Langerhans’ cells (LC) and the antigen-presenting capability in the induction phase. The numbers of F4/80+ major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ LC before induction did not differ significantly between the oral mucosa and the skin. After induction, F4/80+ MHC class II+ LC increased in number, but the increase was significantly smaller in the oral mucosa than in the skin. MEST on anti-CD86 antibody-administered mice showed that ear swelling was similarly suppressed after oral mucosal or skin sensitization. In murine models of DTH after oral mucosal sensitization, the number of F4/80+CD86+ LC increased after induction, but the increase was significantly smaller than that in murine models of DTH after skin sensitization. This study showed that, in murine models of DTH, oral mucosal sensitization elicited a weaker reaction than skin sensitization. This was presumably because oral mucosal sensitization induced fewer LC, resulting in lower antigen-presenting capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In a population with a markedly lower coronary mortality such as in Japan, the benefit of cholesterol screening may be different from Western populations. We attempted to assess the importance of cholesterol screening in Japan.Design: A 13.2-year cohort study for cause-specific mortality.Setting: Three hundred randomly selected districts throughout Japan in which the National Survey on Circulatory Disorders 1980 was performed.Subjects: A total of 9216 community dwelling persons aged 30 years and over, with standardized serum cholesterol measurement and without a past history of cardiovascular disease.Results: There were 1206 deaths, which included 462 deaths due to cardiovascular disease with 79 coronary heart diseases. Hypercholesterolemia (>6.21 mmol L-1) showed a significant positive relation to coronary mortality (relative risk; 2.93, 95% confidence interval; 1.52-5.63) but not to stroke. Although hypocholesterolemia (<4.14 mmol L-1) was significantly associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, noncardiovascular, noncancer disease and all-cause mortality, these associations, except for liver cancer, disappeared after excluding deaths in the first 5 years of the follow-up. The multivariate adjusted attributable risk of hypercholesterolaemia for coronary disease was 0.98 per 1000 person-years, which was threefold higher than that of hypocholesterolemia for liver cancer: 0.32 per 1000 person-years. The attributable risk percentage of hypercholesterolaemia was 66% for coronary heart disease.Conclusion: Similar to Western populations, it is recommended to provide screening for hypercholesterolaemia in Japan, especially for males, although its attributable risk for coronary disease might be small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) has been linked to several different disorders, including chronic active EBV infection, EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome, hypersensitivity to mosquito bites, hydroa vacciniforme, aggressive NK-cell leukemia, and nasal/nasal-type NK-cell lymphoma. In most instances, these disorders are refractory to conventional treatments and have a poor prognosis. Here, we report a new treatment strategy for EBV-associated T/NK-cell LPD, consisting of immunochemotherapy, intensive combination chemotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. The five patients studied, two with T-cell and three with NK-cell LPD, lacked a human leukocyte antigen-matched, related donor, and therefore received bone marrow grafts from HLA-matched, unrelated donors. The preconditioning regimen consisted of total-body irradiation (12?Gy), etoposide (900?mg/m2), and cyclophosphamide (120?mg/kg) or melphalan (210?mg/m2). All patients had residual LPD by a quantitative PCR technique prior to transplantation. After unrelated bone marrow transplantation (UBMT), four of the five patients remain in continuous complete remission at a median of 19 months, without detectable EBV-DNA in peripheral blood. Thus, UBMT appears to be a reasonable option for the treatment of patients with EBV-associated T/NK-cell LPD. Detection of EBV-DNA by PCR offers an important tool for assessing minimal residual disease in patients with EBV-associated T/NK-cell LPD.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 31, 105-111. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1703796 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the development of a method to estimate population mean levels of 24-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretion from spot urine specimens. Baseline characteristics of subjects; Collecting time of spot urine.

To clarify the role of allelic loss on chromosome arm 13q in lymphomagenesis, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of a total of 43 primary lymphomas, including both indolent and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD), using the specific probes at RB1 and D13S319 loci on the centromeric portion of chromosome arm 13q. Monosomy at either or both RB1 and D13S319 loci was detected in 15 of 43 (35%) lymphomas (14 of 43 cases at RB1 locus and seven of 43 cases at D13S319 locus); the 13q deletion was frequently detected in the aggressive NHLs (40%; 12 of 30 cases) compared with that in indolent NHL (17%; one of six cases) and a subset of HD (29%; two of seven cases). There are only six cases of 43 which have total monosomy 13q14, all aggressive NHL, 14% of total or 20% of this subgroup. In addition, we analyzed the loss of heterozygosity in 15 of the 43 primary lymphoma samples for several polymorphic microsatellite loci (D13S168, RB1 and D13S272) on the chromosome arm 13q, and confirmed the 13q deletion in four of five cases that were positive on FISH analysis. The subchromosomal region frequently altered in lymphoma on 13q14 is the region around RB1 locus and centromeric to D13S319 locus, which is an overlapped region frequently deleted in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Together, our data indicate that the 13q alterations are present in a variety of types of lymphoma and occur in a significant proportion of aggressive NHLs, suggesting the possible presence of common candidate gene(s) on the 13q14 region, whose alteration may play an important role in the formation or development of a wide variety of mature lymphoid malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the operational characteristics of a fountain effect pump in a HeII flow loop. Experimental apparatus and procedures; Results of the experiment; Conclusions.

The article discusses a 10-year follow-up study of National Health Insurance (NHI) in Shiga, Japan to determine the medical expenditure of diabetics. Results show that the average of total medical expenses per diabetic was double that in the non-diabetes category. Some limitations of the study include the lack of objective information on diabetic status and limitation of participants to self-employed NHI beneficiaries. It concludes that Japanese NHI beneficiaries with diabetes incur higher medical expenditure compared with those without diabetes.

Investigates thiazole orange-positive platelets in cats with thrombocytopenia induced by cyclophosphamide. Contents of immature platelets; Counting of thiazole orange-positive platelets by flow cytometry; Changes in the percentage of reticulated platelets.

Reports on the use of lactoferrin for gut graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Symptoms of GVHD; Functions of lactoferrin.

Reports on the treatment of patients who suffered from severe gut graft versus host disease (GVHD). Description of gut GVHD; Improvement after colostrum treatment; Performance of rectal biopsies; Compatibility of histological findings with enteric GVHD.

Abstract: A new variable quench pressure relief valve (VQRV) for a superconducting magnet system has been developed at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK). The VQRV is designed that the setting of the blowout pressure can be freely controlled and be maintenance-free for long-term operation. A prototype VQRV was tested under a high radiation environment up to 2.5MGy. The heat load of 1.5W at 4.2K and a seat leakage rate of 4.5×10−7 kg/s at 4.2K of the VQRV were confirmed. It has enough performances for the cryogenic system operation in the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) neutrino beam line. The design and test results of the VQRV are described in this technical note. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims Acute administration of oolong tea decreases blood glucose levels. We investigated the association between long-term oolong tea intake and subsequent risk of developing diabetes among men of working age. Methods Data were analysed from a cohort of participants in theHigh-risk and Population Strategy for Occupational Health Promotion Study (HIPOP-OHP), conducted in Japan from 1999 to 2004. Oolong tea intake at baseline and subsequent risk of diabetes was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results Of 4975 male workers, a total of 201 cases of diabetes were reported over a median of 3.4 years of follow-up. Mean age and BMI of all participants at baseline were 38.3 years and 22.9 kg /m2, respectively. Compared with those not consuming oolong tea, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for developing diabetes were 1.00 (95% CI 0.67-1.49) for those who drank one cup of oolong tea per day and 1.64 (95% CI 1.11-2.40) for those drinking two or more cups per day. Fasting blood glucose increment per year was 0.11 mmol/ l (95% CI 0.09-0.12 mmol/l), 0.12 mmol/l (95% CI 0.09-0.15 mmol/ l) and 0.15 mmol/ l (95% CI 0.11-0.18 mmol/l), respectively, for oolong tea consumption of 0, 1 and ≥ 2 cups/day, with a significant linear trend (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Long-term consumption of oolong tea may be a predictive factor for new onset diabetes. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of oolong tea in the risk of developing diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]