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The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors relate to trunk intramuscular fat content in younger and older men. Healthy 23 younger (20 to 29 years) and 20 older men (63 to 79 years) participated in this study. The trunk intramuscular fat content was measured using magnetic resonance imaging at the level of 3rd lumbar vertebra. Blood properties and physical performances were also measured. Dietary intake was assessed with a selfadministered diet history questionnaire. We quantified the status of the 10 nutrients intakes by summing the number of items that met the criteria of dietary reference intakes for Japanese. As a result, trunk intramuscular fat content was significantly higher in older men compared with that of younger ones (p

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of muscle quantity, quality and physical functions in elderly with long-term care. Twenty-four elderly with long-term care (LTC-group, age 78 ± 8 years) and 21 elderly without long-term care (Cont-group, age 72 ± 7 years) participated in this study. Skeletal muscle mass (kg) was measured by a bioelectrical impedance device, and the skeletal muscle index [= skeletal muscle mass (kg) / height (m) 2] was calculated. The muscle thickness and echo intensity, as the parameters of muscle quantity and quality, was assessed from the rectus femoris and biceps femoris using B-mode transverse ultrasound images. We measured eight physical function tests [isometric knee extension peak torque, functional reach, one leg stand, sit-tostand test, 5-m normal/maximal speed walking, handgrip strength, and timed up and go test (TUG)]. Skeletal muscle index, muscle thickness and echo intensity were no difference between LTC- and Cont-group. The score of functional reach and sit-to-stand in LTC-group was lower than that in Cont-group (P < 0.001). The 5-m normal speed walking time was longer in LTC-group than Cont-group (LTC-group, 7.00 ± 2.71 s vs. Cont-group, 3.95 ± 0.48 s, P < 0.001); accordingly, the normal walk speed in LTC-group was slower than Cont-group (LTC-group, 0.81 ± 0.26 m/s vs. Cont-group, 1.28 ± 0.16 m/s, P < 0.001). Similar differences were found in the 5-m maximal speed walking time and speed. TUG score was worse in LTC-group than that in Cont-group. These results suggest that the physical functions, which indicated gait and balance abilities, lacked in LTC-group although muscle quantity and quality was similar to Cont-group. The deterioration of physical dysfunction in LTC-group was clearly shown in this study, and this could be contributed for the recovering from disability in LTC-group by rehabilitation or physical training.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between intramuscular adipose tissue (IntraMAT) content determined by MRI and intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) determined by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) or echo intensity determined by B-mode ultrasonography of human skeletal muscles. Methods: Thirty young and elderly men and women were included. T1-weighted MRI was taken from the right mid-thigh to measure IntraMAT content of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) using a histogram shape-based thresholding technique. IMCL and EMCL were measured from the VL and BF at the right mid-thigh using 1H MRS. Ultrasonographic images were taken from the VL and BF of the right mid-thigh to measure echo intensity based on gray-scale level for quantitative analysis. Results: There was a significant correlation between IntraMAT content by MRI and EMCL of the VL and BF (VL, r = 0.506, P < 0.01; BF, r = 0.591, P < 0.001) and between echo intensity and EMCL of the VL and BF (VL, r = 0.485, P < 0.05; BF, r = 0.648, P < 0.01). IntraMAT content was also significantly correlated with echo intensity of the VL and BF (VL, r = 0.404, P < 0.05; BF, r = 0.493, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Our study suggests that IntraMAT content determined by T1-weighted MRI at 3 T primarily reflects extramyocellular lipids, not intramyocellular lipids, in human skeletal muscles.

Objective: To investigate how allopurinol (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor) improves insulin action of rats fed with high-fructose diet. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups and each group was fed one of the following diets for 4 weeks: standard chow diet, high-fructose diet, and high-fructose diet plus allopurinol. A part of rats in the high-fructose diet plus allopurinol group were infused with a NOS inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-Larginine (L-NMMA), during the euglycemic clamp studies (insulin infusion rate: 3.0mU/kg/min). Insulin sensitivity index was assessed from the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Results: Serum uric acid and plasma insulin concentrations were significantly decreased with allopurinol treatment. High-fructose feeding produced a marked decrease in insulin sensitivity index compared with standard chow diet feeding. Allopurinol treated high-fructose fed rats showed a significant increase in insulin sensitivity index, reaching a similar level as that of the standard chow diet feeding. Infusion of L-NMMA did not change the glucose infusion rate of high-fructose fed rats with allopurinol in the euglycemic clamp. Conclusion: Improvement of insulin action with allopurinol in fructose-fed rats may not be associated with increase in production of nitric oxide.

OBJECTIVE : To understand the characteristics of diets, nutrients, eating habits, and physical activities of obese young men. METHODS : We surveyed the food and nutrient intakes of participants using three-day dietary records. Physical activities and activity energy expenditure were estimated based on the data obtained by a pedometer (lifecoder). RESULTS : The mean daily energy intake (2,594±809 kcal) was appropriate, while the mean daily animal protein intake was excessive. Varied levels of animal fat intake were observed across the subjects, ranging from extremely low to high levels. Breakfast skippers had lower daily energy intake (1,975±554 kcal) than those who had a breakfast regularly (2,841±767 kcal). Fifty percent of the skippers had their dinner after ten o’clock in the night, in contrast to ten percent among non-skippers. The average daily steps of participants were 8,724±3,250, but those numbers varied substantially. CONCLUSION : Eating and exercise habits of obese young Japanese men are significantly different across individuals.

BACKGROUND: Recognition of the importance of health literacy, defined as an individual’s knowledge and ability to obtain health information and services, has recently increased. This study was conducted in order to determine the association among health literacy, various physical functions, and development of atherosclerosis in the elderly. METHODS: Forty-six participants from a health promotion program for the elderly were included in this study. Handgrip and muscular strength of the lower extremities, one-leg standing time with eyes open and closed, and 3-m Timed up and go and functional reach tests were evaluated as physical functions. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ankle-brachial index were tested as indices of atherosclerosis. Health literacy was scored using the Japanese Health Knowledge Test. RESULTS: Health literacy was significantly associated with Timed up and go (r = 0.437, p = 0.048). Regression analysis showed a significant model with the Japanese Health Knowledge Test, which predicted Timed up and go (standardized beta = −0.380, adjusted R2 = 0.173, p = 0.032). Both of the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ankle-brachial index were not associated with physical functions and health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: Health literacy was significantly associated with 3-m Timed up and go. As these results indicated that health literacy can affect physical functions, health literacy should be considered in program of health promotion for the elderly.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the bone strength of calcaneus and the physical fitness. One thousand and sixty-one community-dwelling postmenopausal women participated in this study. Speed of sound (SOS), weight bearing index (WBI), maximum or usual gait speed, step length of each speed gait, single-leg balance time with or without eyes open, and grip strength were measured. Subjects were divided into three groups based on WBI, a marker of lower extremity strength, and the associations between SOS and step length or speed of maximal gait speed were examined. The speed was a significant predictor of SOS in the group with lower WBI, while step length was significant in the group with higher WBI.

Objective: To investigate whether water filled with super-hybrid gas (SGW) can improve insulin sensitivity of rats fed high-fructose diets. Methods: Male Wistar rats fed high-fructose diets were randomly and blindly assigned to take SGW or pure water without super-hybrid gas filling (Control) for 4wks. Insulin action was assessed with the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the euglycemic clamp (insulin infusion rate: 3.0 and 30.0mU/kg/min). Results: The OGTT 30-minutes blood glucose level was significantly lower in the SGW group. The euglycemic clamp study also showed the improvement of glucose infusion rate (GIR) in rats of the SGW group compared with the control group. Conclusion: SGW may improve insulin action in high-fructose induced insulin resistant rats.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between exercise habits and health-related quality of life(HRQOL) in “Tokuteikenshin” participants. Methods: One hundred twenty two community-dwelling “Tokuteikenshin” participants were investigated for their exercise environment by questionnaires. HRQOL was determined by SF-36. The subjects were divided into persons at maintenance stage (EA) and at precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, or action stage (NEA) according to their exercise habits by Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Results: In male, Physical Function (PF) score in HRQOL was significantly higher among participants in EA group than in NEA group (p＜0.05). In female, PF score, Vitality (VT), and Role Emotional (RE) score in HRQOL were significantly higher in EA group than NEA group (p＜0.05). In female, more people in EA group did exercise with their family or friends than those in NEA group. (p＜0.05). Discussion and Conclusions: Exercise habit may increase PF, VT and RE in HRQOL. In addition, companions during exercise may encourage their maintenance in exercise habits especially in female.

Purpose: To investigate the exercise environment expected by "Tokuteikenshin" participants. Methods: Sixty-seven community-dwelling "Tokuteikenshin" participants were investigated in this study. Blood tests and anthro-pometric measurements were conducted. We also investigated the lifestyle and environment expected by the subjects by questionnaire. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their expected habits by Transtheoretical Model (TIM): persons at maintenance stage (EA:20 female, 23 male, mean age 63.5±5.7) and at precontemplation, contemplation. preparation or action stage (NEA:11 female, 13 male, mean age 63.4±5.6). The outcome measures were compared between EA group and NEA group. Results: Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in EA group. There was no significant difference in anthropometric measurements and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. There were more participants at the maintenance stage in eating habit (TTM) in EA group (p=0.046). More persons in EA group agreed "Do exerecise if you are introduced the companion of exercise" than those in NEA group (p=0.002). Discussion and Conclusions: Having several companions during exercise may encourage their maintenance in exercise habits. In addition, eating habit may be important in the continuation of exercise.

Partients with diabetes tend to have stress. It has been reported that type of stress is different between men and women. In the present study, we examined the relationship between stress situation and gender among type 2 diabetic patients by the J-SACL (Japanese Stress Arousal Check List). One hundred seven type 2 diabetic patients (54 male, 53 female) participated in this study. The average score was -5 point and -2 point in "a feeling of oppression: ST" and 0 point and -1 point in "a feelng of lively: AR" in diabetic male and female patients respectively. The score in "a feeling of oppression: ST" was higher in diabetic female patients compared to male patients (p=0.001). It was indicated that the stress load of diabetic female patients was higher than that of diabetic male patients. Our results support the idea that gender difference should be considered in educating diabetic patients.

In order to clarify the reason why a specific group of Liberal Arts students chose not to take sports classes, to elucidate the relationships between the fitness habits of students and their tendency not to register for sports classes, and to identify which types of sport classes and activities students most often sign up for, we conducted a survey of the students at Nagoya University. The number of the students who took the survey was total 1166 while the number of students who did not choose a sports class was 190. They belonged to the schools of technology and law, which have made sports classes an elective, rather than mandatory class. The selective rate of sports class was 75% in both schools. The results are as follows: 1) Students did not elect to take sports classes because their majors do not require a sports credit and they would have enough credits to graduate without it, they felt clumsy in sports classes, or the sports class they had wanted to take was not opened . 2) The three most desired sports activities among the students were badminton, skiing, and archery, while the three most undesired activities were aerobics, fitness, and swimming. 3) The students who did not take a sports class said they were less likely to do sports or exercise in daily life, as compared with those who took the course. Furthermore, about 60% of the students who took the sports course said they were less likely to do sports or exercise outside of the sports class, in their daily lives. We propose that in order to increase the number of students who take sports classes and to help them acquire better coordination and dexterity and exercise habits, we must advocate for all of the students the necessity and significance of sports and exercise, and the improvements of the sports facilities at the university during course registration guidance and health and sports lectures. We must also make a continued effort to identify which sports and activities students prefer by way of questionnaire and we must arrange sports classes so that they successfully fit into the students' class schedules. Furthermore, this is an issue that the whole university needs to address at all levels. It may even be necessary to require sports and exercise credits for graduation, as has been done in the past.

It is important to assess and immunize susceptible medical students who begin clinical training with vaccine to prevent and control hospital infections. The antibody titers to measles, rubella, mumps and varicella viruses were measured in 1,005 students(777 men, 228 women). Antibodies against measles virus, rubella, mumps and varicella viruses were detected by EIA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). From 2008 to 2009, antibodies against measles virus were detected by PA(particle agglutination assay), and those against rubella by Hl(hemagglutination inhibition assay). The serological susceptibilities to measles, rubella, mumps and varicella viruses were 132(13.1%), 189(18.8%), 211(21.0%) and 50(5.0%), respectively. The serological susceptibilities to measles, mumps and varicella virus in male students were not different from those in female students. The susceptibility to rubella in male students was significantly higher than that in female students. Susceptible students were received vaccinations against each virus. In conclusion, these data confirm that it is essential to assess immune status against measles, rubella, mumps and varicella in medical students who begin clinical training in hospital regardless of previous infection. Consequently, susceptible medical students should be vaccinated in order to prevent hospital infection of measles, rubella, mumps and varicella viruses.

Purpose: Hamstring injuries are common among rugby football players. The aim of this study was to identify whether body composition or body function is associated with the hamstring injuries and whether any parameters are predictive of athletes at risk of a recurrent hamstring injury. Methods: Nine players with previous hamstring injury (PI group) and 32 players without injury (control) were recruited from a university rugby team. Body composition, range of motion, strength, jumping ability and balance capacity were measured. New occurrence of hamstring injuries was recorded for six months. Results: Recurrent hamstring injuries were found in 6 players (66.7%) in the PI group and none (0%) in the control group for the observation period. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to range of motion, strength, jumping ability or balance capacity. Regarding body composition, the ratio of muscle volume of the lower extremity to the whole body (p=0.014) and to the trunk (p=0.024) were significantly lower among recurrent players in the PI group than those in the control group. Conclusions: The ratios of muscle volume of the lower extremity to the whole body and to the trunk may be useful as predictors for recurrent hamstring injury.

In this cross-sectional study, we tested the two waist circumference locations to determine which is more correlated with insulin resistance in 92 obese young Japanese males (age: 18- 29 years; BMI±SD: 32.7±3.1kg/mn^2). Compared with the waist circumference at the umbilical level, minimum waist circumference between the lateral lower ribs and the iliac crest had stronger correlation with ln Homa-IR or ln insulin. Statistically significant correlation was also found between ln Homa-IR or ln insulin and waist-to-hip ratio but not waist-to-height ratio.

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of the NO donor SNP on insulin sensitivity in high fat fed rats. Male wistar rats aged 4 weeks were randomly divided into 2 groups (standard chow diet and high fat diet). The high fat diet group rats were further divided into 2 subgroups respectively, and some rats of each subgroup were infused the SNP during the euglycemic clamp studies. Glucose infusion rate (GIR) and glucose metabolic clearance rate (MCR) were considered as the index of insulin action. The GIR of the high fat diet rats was lower than that of the control group rats. There were no differences in the GIR between high fat fed rats and SNP treatment rats. The san1e tendency as the MCR was found. These results suggest that SNP can not improve insulin sensitivity in the high fat diet-incluced insulin resistance rats

Since the amendment of the School Educational Low in April 2007, "Jokyo" or "Joshu" has not been assigned to assist Professor or Associate Professor any more. Support for them was a major task for previous "Joshu". In order to make up for the shortage of teaching staff, we propose to hire Teaching Assistant and implement salary system for them in health professional education.