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Background: The standard rate of sodium removal in adult anuric patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is 7.5 g/L of ultrafiltration volume (UFV). Although automated PD (APD) is widely used in pediatric patients, no attempt has yet been made to estimate sodium removal in APD. Methods: The present, retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients with APD who were managed at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center between July 2010 and November 2017. The patients underwent a peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) at our hospital. Sodium removal per UFV was calculated by peritoneal function and dwell time using samples from patients on APD with 1- and 2-h dwell effluent within three months of PET and 4- and 10-h dwell effluent at PET. Results: In total, 217 samples from 18 patients were included, with 63, 81, and 73 of the samples corresponding to the High [H], High-average [HA], and Low-average [LA] PET category, respectively. Sodium removal per UFV (g/L in salt equivalent) for dwell times of one, two, four, and ten hours was 5.2, 8.8, 8.0, and 11.5 for PET [H], 5.3, 5.8, 5.6, and 8.1 for PET [HA], and 4.6, 5.1, 5.1, and 7.1 for PET [LA], respectively. Conclusions: Sodium removal per UFV in pediatric APD was less than the standard adult CAPD and tended to be lower with shorter dwell times, leading to sodium accumulation. Therefore, salt intake should be restricted in combination with one or more long daytime dwells, especially in anuric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objectives: A central venous catheter (CVC)—a type of central venous access device (CVAD)—is the most common intervention for critical illnesses. Obstruction of the CVC can lead to fatal consequences. Thus, it is critical to maintain catheter lumen patency. The CVC occlusion rate in a hospital in Taiwan was 33%. This project aimed to decrease the CVC occlusion rate in acute care. Methods: This project was conceptually informed by the JBI Evidence-Based Model of Healthcare, in particular, the conceptualization of evidence implementation as inclusive of context analysis, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes using evidence-based quality indicators. As part of the seven-phase implementation process, we used audit and feedback in a pre- and post-test design to measure baseline compliance. Based on the initial audit, we developed an implementation strategy responsive to the identified gaps in compliance. We then undertook a final audit to measure changes in compliance to evaluate our implementation effects. The JBI software, PACES, and the situational analysis software, GRiP, were used for data collection and implementation planning. There were six evidence-based criteria, with a sample size of 30 nurses for each criterion. The team carried out the project from September 2022 to January 2023. Results: Post-implementation audit compliance rates increased to 100% for the following criteria: the organization had a standardized flushing and locking solution protocol (0%), the CVAD lumen was locked upon completion of the final flush (10%), a single-dose system was used for flushing and locking the CVAD (60%), and preservative-free 0.9% sodium chloride was used to flush the CVAD (60%). Furthermore, the CVC occlusion rate decreased from 33% to 5%. Conclusions: The project successfully decreased the rate of CVC occlusion and increased the competence of nurses in acute care settings. The implementation of best practices in clinical care should focus on leadership, cross-department coordination, education, and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of salt intake in preventing heat-related illness (HRI) is well established, however, the specific method of ingestion has not been sufficiently studied. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the optimal timing of salt intake to prevent HRI during hot outdoor work. We recruited 28 healthy male firefighters working at a fire department in Japan. They were provided a questionnaire to complete before and after receiving training in the summer season. We assessed their salt intake as before, during, and after training or none. In addition, they completed a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire to evaluate their daily salt and alcohol intake. HRI was determined through subjective and objective symptoms listed in the questionnaire, and environmental data were obtained from a national database. Subsequently, factors related to HRI were determined using a logistic regression model. The mean age of the participants was 31.0 ± 7.7 years. The study was performed within 250 working days, and we detected 28 HRI symptoms (11.2%). The median alcohol intake was 25.6 g/day when calculated according to the actual work system. Logistic mixed effect model analysis revealed that salt intake before training (OR: 5.893, 95% CI: 1.407–24.675), and salt intake before and during training (OR: 22.889, 95% CI: 4.276–122.516) were positively associated with HRI symptoms. The results indicate that inappropriate timing of salt intake increases the risks of HRI. Thus, a timely intake of salt in adequate amounts may be important in preventing these risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sewage pipelines, H2SO4 is formed by the action of H2S gas generated from sewage and bacteria inhabited on the walls, resulting in H2SO4 attack on the concrete above the sewage level. In Osaka city, Japan, it was found that the deterioration degree of sewage pipelines became greater in coastal areas. In the coastal areas, the groundwater derived from seawater flowed through the joints of the sewage pipes. We assumed that seawater with high Cl content may accelerate the deterioration of concrete by adding the effect of NaCl to H2SO4 attack. In this study, hardened cement paste specimens were immersed in a solution of 0.1 mol/L H2SO4 mixed with NaCl to clarify the effect of NaCl, the main component of seawater, on H2SO4 attack of concrete. The specimens were analyzed using EPMA, XRD, and FT‐IR after the immersion test, and the immersion solution was analyzed using ion chromatography. The deterioration degree of the specimens increased as the amount of NaCl added to H2SO4 increased. Relatively more gypsum was formed and delaminated under the condition of 2 % Cl addition. It has been reported that HCl causes the formation of highly soluble salt (CaCl2) and the dissolution of Ca. The addition of NaCl to H2SO4 is assumed to accelerate the deterioration degree of hardened cement paste by adding the effect of HCl acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, it has been considered to secure water and food using seawater desalination technology, and a new simple desalination material for reducing the high concentration of sodium chloride in seawater is required. In this study, desalting agents were prepared from natural zeolite, obtained from Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, with the addition of calcined Ca-Fe type layered double hydroxide (LDH), to desalinate seawater for cultivation. By treating with the mixture of natural zeolite and calcined Ca-Fe LDH at a mixing ratio of 5: 4, the salinity could be reduced from 3.61% in seawater to 0.97% by cation exchange reaction of natural zeolite and reconstruction reaction of calcined Ca-Fe LDH, and the pH of the obtained solution is 8.4-9.0. The desalination reaction using this mixture was almost the same regardless of temperature. Radish sprouts, bean sprouts, and mung beans could be harvested using seawater treated with a mixture of natural zeolite and calcined Ca-Fe LDH, while it was not possible to harvest using seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence has demonstrated that excess sodium intake is associated with development of several non-communicable diseases. The main source of sodium is salt. Therefore, reducing salt intake in foods is an important global public health effort to achieve sodium reduction and improve health. This study aimed to model salt intake reduction with 'umami' substances among Japanese adults. The umami substances considered in this study include glutamate or monosodium glutamates (MSG), calcium diglutamate (CDG), inosinate, and guanylate. Methods: A total of 21,805 participants aged 57.8 years on average from the National Health and Nutrition Survey was used in the analysis. First, we employed a multivariable linear regression approach with overall salt intake (g/day) as a dependent variable, adjusting for food items and other covariates to estimate the contribution of salt intake from each food item that was selected through an extensive literature review. Assuming the participants already consume low-sodium products, we considered three scenarios in which salt intake could be reduced with the additional umami substances up to 30%, 60% and 100%. We estimated the total amount of population-level salt reduction for each scenario by age and gender. Under the 100% scenario, the Japan's achievement rates against the national and global salt intake reduction goals were also calculated. Results: Without compromising the taste, the 100% or universal incorporation of umami substances into food items reduced the salt intake of Japanese adults by 12.8–22.3% at the population-level average, which is equivalent to 1.27–2.22 g of salt reduction. The universal incorporation of umami substances into food items changed daily mean salt intake of the total population from 9.95 g to 7.73 g: 10.83 g to 8.40 g for men and 9.21 g to 7.17 g for women, respectively. This study suggested that approximately 60% of Japanese adults could achieve the national dietary goal of 8 g/day, while only 7.6% would meet the global recommendation of 5.0 g/day. Conclusions: Our study provides essential information on the potential salt reduction with umami substances. The universal incorporation of umami substances into food items would enable the Japanese to achieve the national dietary goal. However, the reduced salt intake level still falls short of the global dietary recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management and prevention of hypertension are important public health issues. Healthy dietary habits are one of the modifiable factors. As Twitter (subsequently rebranded X) is a digital platform that can influence public eating behavior, there is a knowledge gap regarding the information about foods and nutrients recommended for blood pressure control and who disseminates them on Twitter., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the nature of the information people are exposed to on Twitter regarding nutrients and foods for blood pressure control., Methods: A total of 147,898 Japanese tweets were extracted from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. The final sample of 2347 tweets with at least 1 retweet was manually coded into categories of food groups, nutrients, user characteristics, and themes. The number and percentage of tweets, retweets, and themes in each category were calculated., Results: Of the 2347 tweets, 80% (n=1877) of tweets mentioned foods, which were categorized into 17 different food groups. Seasonings and spices, including salt, were most frequently mentioned (1356/1877, 72.2%). This was followed by vegetable and fruit groups. The 15 kinds of nutrients were mentioned in 1566 tweets, with sodium being the largest proportion at 83.1% (n=1301), followed by potassium at 8.4% (n=132). There was misinformation regarding salt intake for hypertension, accounting for 40.8% (n=531) of tweets referring to salt, including recommendations for salt intake to lower blood pressure. In total, 75% (n=21) of tweets from "doctors" mentioned salt reduction is effective for hypertension control, while 31.1% (n=74) of tweets from "health, losing weight, and beauty-related users," 25.9% (n=429) of tweets from "general public," and 23.5% (n=4) tweets from "dietitian or registered dietitian" denied salt reduction for hypertension. The antisalt reduction tweets accounted for 31.5% (n=106) of the most disseminated tweets related to nutrients and foods for blood pressure control., Conclusions: The large number of tweets in this study indicates a high interest in nutrients and foods for blood pressure control. Misinformation asserting antisalt reduction was posted primarily by the general public and self-proclaimed health experts. The number of tweets from nutritionists, registered dietitians, and doctors who were expected to correct misinformation and promote salt reduction was relatively low, and their messages were not always positive toward salt reduction. There is a need for communication strategies to combat misinformation, promote correct information on salt reduction, and train health care professionals to effectively communicate evidence-based information on this topic., (©Marina Terada, Tsuyoshi Okuhara, Rie Yokota, Takahiro Kiuchi, Kentaro Murakami. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 20.06.2024.)

Ayu-narezushi, a traditional Japanese fermented food, comprises abundant levels of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and free amino acids. This study aimed to examine the potential beneficial effects of ayu-narezushi and investigated whether ayu-narezushi led to improvements in the Tsumura Suzuki obese diabetes (TSOD) mice model of spontaneous metabolic syndrome because useful LAB are known as probiotics that regulate intestinal function. In the present study, the increased body weight of the TSOD mice was attenuated in those fed the ayu-narezushi-comprised chow (ayu-narezushi group) compared with those fed the normal rodent chow (control group). Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the Ayu-narezushi group than in the control group at 24 weeks of age. Furthermore, hepatic mRNA levels of carnitine-palmitoyl transferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase, which related to fatty acid oxidation, were significantly increased in the ayu-narezushi group than in the control group at 24 weeks of age. In conclusion, these results suggested that continuous feeding with ayu-narezushi improved obesity and dyslipidemia in the TSOD mice and that the activation of fatty acid oxidation in the liver might contribute to these improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The WHO has proposed a novel model of healthy aging called intrinsic capacity (IC). However, the association between dietary patterns and IC is unclear. We aimed to investigate the prospective associations between dietary patterns and IC trajectories over a 3-year period in community-dwelling Japanese adults aged ≥ 60 years. Methods: A prospective cohort study which contained nutritional status, mental status, and physical function was used. A validated 34-item food frequency questionnaire was used to determine dietary intake and to derive five dietary patterns ("fruits and vegetables", "sugar and fat", "salt and pickles", "noodle and alcohol", and "protein-rich") using principal component analysis. The composite IC score was calculated as the mean of the locomotion Z-score, cognition Z-score, psychological Z-score, vitality Z-score, and sensory regression score. A generalized estimating equation was applied for longitudinal analysis. Results: A total of 666 enrollees were included in the analysis. The mean baseline IC was 0.07 ± 0.47. The "fruits and vegetables" dietary pattern was positively associated with composite IC score changes after adjusting for confounders (Q4 vs. Q1: mean difference [0.069], P = 0.019). Similarly, a positive correlation was observed for the "protein-rich" dietary pattern with the composite IC score changes (Q4 vs. Q1: mean difference [0.092], Q3 vs. Q1: mean difference [0.101], Q2 vs. Q1: mean difference [0.083]; all P < 0.01). However, adherence to the "sugar and fat" dietary pattern was negatively associated with composite IC score changes (Q4 vs. Q1: mean difference [− 0.072], P = 0.026). Furthermore, the percentage of animal protein to total protein intake showed a significant incremental trend in the "protein-rich" dietary pattern (P for trend < 0.001). Conclusion: The "fruits and vegetables" and "protein-rich" (animal-based protein in particular) dietary patterns were positively associated with IC changes, whereas the "sugar and fat" dietary pattern was negatively associated with IC changes. Identification and promotion of healthy dietary patterns in older adults may inform future health policies and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although several approaches for approximating daily Na intake and the Na/K ratio using casual urine are available, the most useful method remains unclear during daily practice and at home. Methods: Twenty-seven participants measured their casual urinary Na/K ratio repeatedly using a Na/K ratio monitor and also measured overnight urine once daily using a monitoring device which delivers on-site feedback to estimate their salt intake under unrestricted, low-salt (LS) (6 g/day), and high-salt (HS) (12 g/day) diets. Results: The monitoring method utilizing overnight urine to estimate daily Na remained insensitive, resulting in significant overestimation during the LS diet and underestimation during the HS diet periods; estimated salt intake during the LS and HS diet periods plateaued at 7–8 g/day and 9–10 g/day within 3 day; mean estimated salt intake was 11.3 g/day, 7.9 g/day, and 9.8 g/day on the last day of the unrestricted, LS, and HS diets; the coefficient of variation (CV) of the estimated Na intake was 0.23 and 0.17 in the latter half of the low- and high-salt diet periods, respectively. The mean urinary Na/K molar ratio was 5.6, 2.5, and 5.3 on the last day of the unrestricted, LS, and HS diets; the CV of the daily mean Na/K ratio was 0.41 and 0.36 in the latter half of the LS and HS diet periods, respectively. The urinary Na/K ratio during the LS and HS diet periods plateaued within 2 days. The monitoring method based on the daily mean of the casual urinary Na/K ratio reflected the actual change in Na intake, and the estimated value tracked the actual changes in salt intake with smaller difference than the overnight urine estimates when using the estimation coefficient set at 2; estimated salt intake during the LS and HS diet periods plateaued at 5–6 g/day and 10–12 g/day within 2–3 day; mean estimated salt intake was 11.0 g/day, 5.7 g/day, and 10.7 g/day on the last day of the unrestricted, LS, and HS diets, respectively. Discussion/Conclusion: Estimates of daily Na intake derived from overnight urine may remain insensitive during dietary interventions. The urinary Na/K ratio reflects the actual change in Na intake during dietary modification and may serve as a practical marker, particularly during short-term interventions. Conversion from the urinary Na/K ratio to estimated salt intake may be useful, if the coefficient was set appropriate by further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in morphology and salt spray tolerance were studied among 22 populations of Setaria viridis derived from the coastal and inland habitats of central Japan to elucidate the adaptation of the species to coastal habitats, which are important reservoirs that enhance the overall species diversity in agro‐ecosystems. The S. viridis populations comprised three ecotypes that differed in plant form and salt spray tolerance: coastal short, for populations within rocky cliffs and pebble shores; coastal tall, found in sandy shores; and ordinary inland tall ecotypes. The coastal short ecotype exhibited significantly higher salt spray tolerance than the ordinary inland ecotypes. The coastal tall ecotype found primarily within the Seto Inland Sea had intermediate salt spray tolerance. The compact stature and high salt spray tolerance of the coastal short ecotype appeared to be adaptive to intensive salt spray transported by strong winds from the open sea, whereas mild breezes off the Inland Sea enabled the tall and moderately tolerant plants to survive on the sandy shores. At Cape Naruto, both coastal short and inland tall ecotypes were observed separately in continuous plant sequences from rocky cliffs to inland areas. The inland tall ecotype that is susceptible to salt spray could survive within this area because the surrounding evergreen trees impede salt spray. The coastal short ecotype occupies rocky cliffs because migrants coming from inland could be eliminated by intensive salt spray. Therefore, maintaining the specific habitats to which coastal plants have fully adapted is highly important for the preservation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess salt intake is linked to cardiovascular disease as well as hypertension, but whether individual salt intake increases with age has not been studied. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that individual salt intake increases with age in Japanese adults. In this retrospective observational follow-up study, men and women age ≥30 years who participated in a baseline health checkup (2008–2009) at our center and had a health checkup 10 years later (n = 2598) were enrolled and salt intake was estimated by spot urine analysis. Yearly changes in salt intake were also assessed in participants with complete annual data over the course of 10 years from baseline (n = 1543). The follow-up study demonstrated increased salt intake (8.8 ± 2.0 to 9.3 ± 2.1 g/d, P <.001) with increasing age (54.0 ± 9.7 to 64.0 ± 9.8 years). Salt intake increased year over year in participants who had a health checkup annually for the 10-year follow-up period (n = 1543; analysis of variance, P <.001). Cross-sectional analyses using propensity-matched model revealed similar regional levels of salt intake in the baseline period (8.9 ± 2.0 g/d, 55.8 ± 11.4 years, n = 5018) and at 10 years (8.8 ± 2.0 g/d, P =.21; 55.9 ± 13.0 years, P =.65, n = 5105). These results suggest that dietary salt intake increases with age in Japanese adults, which should be considered in devising population-based strategies to lower dietary salt intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Salt weathering of tuff was investigated in underground cultural heritage. • Efflorescences and crusts are made of mixed sulfates, mostly hydrated, in part rare. • Salt source and variation are related to lithological variability and stone decay. • Salt occurrence and seasonality depend on microclimate changes in time and space. Salt weathering is one of the most damaging processes affecting stone conservation and represents an extensively debated topic in heritage science. The main subject of previous research is the built heritage, whereas other types of assets are often neglected, such as underground cultural heritage. This paper introduces an investigation of stone decay in the subterranean environment focused on salt weathering, its patterns, compositional features, and variability in time and space, aiming at finding its driving forces in the rock properties and environmental setting. Field explorations and the mineralogical analysis of salt efflorescences and crusts were integrated by the petrographic, geochemical, and petrophysical characterization of the rock substrates, a microclimate monitoring, and the chemical analysis of groundwater and rainwater. The subject of study is the underground archaeological-historical site of Yoshimi Hyaku Ana in Japan, a complex of Kofun tombs of the 6th–7th century and galleries of the WWII era. The site is affected by intense salt weathering, involving efflorescences and crusts composed of mixed soluble sulfates, mostly hydrated: gypsum, alunogen, alum-(Na), halotrichite, epsomite, polyhalite, tamarugite, thenardite, and mirabilite. They derive principally from the dissolution of rock-forming minerals and components (pyrite, glass, feldspars, etc.) from the Miocene volcanic tuffs into which the site is excavated. The tuffs show a certain lithological diversity (e.g., glass amount and chemico-mineralogical composition) that controls the space variability of salt composition. Another major influencing factor is the underground microclimate, which also affects the time variability and seasonality of salt weathering. The innermost underground areas have an extremely high relative humidity (~100%) and are essentially salt-free, whereas, nearby the site entrances, the wider fluctuations of air temperature and humidity create conditions for salt crystallization in the dry winter season and deliquescence in summer. Depending on the solubility of each salt phase, cycles of crystallization/dissolution and hydration/dehydration can occur both seasonally and in the short-term, causing severe stresses to the stone and damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the associations of salt perception with salt intake and blood pressure levels in general populations, we performed a cross-sectional study in two communities where salt intake level is different, Akita and Osaka in Japan. Taste perception (detection for certain taste and recognition for salt taste) was determined using a Na-impregnated test strip for 1024 Akita and 1199 Osaka adults aged 30–74 years. The proportions of detection for 0·1 % salt were 61, 62, 79, and 79 % in Akita men, Osaka men, Akita women and Osaka women, respectively. The corresponding proportions of not recognising of 1·6 % salt taste (>1·6 %) were 34, 30, 16 and 21 %. Detection threshold was higher in Akita than in Osaka for women aged 60–74 years, and recognition threshold was lower in Akita than in Osaka for women aged 30–59 and 60–74 years. The high detection (≥0·4 %) and recognition (>1·6 %) thresholds of salt taste were associated with higher salt intake scores for Akita men aged 30–59 years, whose detection and recognition thresholds tended be positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) after adjustment for potential confounders. Among Akita elderly men, detection threshold tended to be positively associated with SBP and DBP, while among Akita middle-aged women, recognition threshold was associated with SBP. In conclusion, the high thresholds of salt perception were inversely associated with salt intake for Akita middle-aged men and with blood pressure levels for Akita middle-aged and elderly men and middle-aged women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticity in salt tolerance can be crucial for successful biological invasions of novel habitats by marine gastropods. The intertidal snail Batillaria attramentaria, which is native to East Asia but invaded the western shores of North America from Japan 80 years ago, provides an opportunity to examine how environmental salinity may shape behavioral and morphological traits. In this study, we compared the movement distance of four B. attramentaria populations from native (Korea and Japan) and introduced (United States) habitats under various salinity levels (13, 23, 33, and 43 PSU) during 30 days of exposure in the lab. We sequenced a partial mitochondrial CO1 gene to infer phylogenetic relationships among populations and confirmed two divergent mitochondrial lineages constituting our sample sets. Using a statistical model‐selection approach, we investigated the effects of geographic distribution and genetic composition on locomotor performance in response to salt stress. Snails exposed to acute low salinity (13 PSU) reduced their locomotion and were unable to perform at their normal level (the moving pace of snails exposed to 33 PSU). We did not detect any meaningful differences in locomotor response to salt stress between the two genetic lineages or between the native snails (Japan vs. Korea populations), but we found significant locomotor differences between the native and introduced groups (Japan or Korea vs. the United States). We suggest that the greater magnitude of tidal salinity fluctuation at the US location may have influenced locomotor responses to salt stress in introduced snails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brine samples from the wells in the Kashio mineral spring (an "Arima-type" hot spring at Ooshika-Mura, central Japan) were analyzed to determine the original chemical and isotopic compositions of the deep brine end-member before its dilution by meteoric water and to elucidate the origin of the end-member. The trends of variation between Cl, δD, and δ18O indicated the existence of a two-component mixing system and a systematic variation in the mixing ratio, which were mentioned in previous studies. By carefully tracking the variation in tritium (3H) and atmospheric noble gas in the brine, the Cl concentration in the end-member was determined to be 24,000 mg/L. This value is consistent with the result of previous studies. Based on the estimated composition and other related data, we inferred that the end-member originated from slab-derived fluid, which in turn may have undergone oxygen isotope exchange reactions with minerals. Although both the Arima and Kashio brines are considered to be derived from fluid dehydrated from the Philippine Sea slab, the chemical and isotopic compositions of the Kashio end-member are different from those of the Arima end-member. In particular, the Kashio end-member is characterized by low Cl concentration (~ 40% lower than that in the Arima end-member), low hydrogen isotope ratio, and low 3He/4He ratio (1.4 Ra). These results indicate that the chemical and isotopic compositions of the slab-derived fluid are different for each location. The significant difference in δD could reflect the difference in the dehydration depth. Finally, the low temperature and relatively low 3He/4He ratio of the brine end-member could be explained by its long residence time within the crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desalination technology of seawater is considered to secure water and food in recent years, and a new simple desalting material to decrease the high concentration of sodium chloride in seawater is desired. In this study, preparation of the desalting agent from two Ca-type clay minerals, natural zeolite and Ca-Fe type layered double hydroxide (LDH), attempted to desalinate seawater for agricultural water[1][2][5]. Natural zeolites used in this study were mordenite-type zeolite from Fukushima prefecture, Japan and clinoptilolite-type zeolite from Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, and raw and Ca-substituted zeolites were used for seawater desalination[1][2][3][4][5]. Regardless of zeolite type, desalination behaviors of Ca-substituted zeolite were almost same as those of raw zeolite. The salinity and pH of seawater were 3.46% and 8.0, respectively, while clinoptilolite decreased the salinity to 3.20%, mordenite decreased to 2.09%, above 5.0 g/L zeolite addition. As increasing the Calcined Ca-Fe LDH addition to seawater, the salinity decreased to 3.3%, and pH of the solution increased to pH 11.5, and then became almost constant above 2.0 g/L addition of Calcined Ca-Fe LDH. As increasing the mixing ratio of Calcined Ca-Fe LDH to raw mordenite, the salinity decreased to 0.8% (79.2% reduction) while pH of the solution was neutral (about 7.6~8.0). Radish sprouts could be harvested using the seawater treated with a mixture of raw mordenite-type natural zeolite and Calcined Ca-Fe LDH, although those could not be harvested using seawater, the seawater treated with natural zeolite or Calcined Ca-Fe LDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt sensitivity is one of the crucial risk factors of hypertension. The aim of the present prospective cohort study was to assess the clinical impact of alcohol drinking on an association between salt intake and blood pressure. The present study included 451 employees at a pharmaceutical company in Japan who underwent annual health checkups in both 2017 and 2018. The main exposure of interest was self-reported drinking frequency at their first checkups: rarely, occasionally, and daily. To assess the association between the change of salt intake estimated from single-spot urine specimens and that of blood pressure, the differences in systolic/diastolic blood pressure and salt intake between 2017 and 2018 were calculated for each subject. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models adjusting for clinically relevant factors clarified a drinking frequency-dependent association between Δsalt intake and Δsystolic blood pressure (per 1 g/d of Δsalt intake adjusted β [95% confidence interval] 0.19 [-0.73, 1.12], 0.84 [0.14, 1.53], and 1.78 [0.86, 2.69] in rare, occasional, and daily drinkers). A similar association between Δsalt intake and Δdiastolic blood pressure was also observed (-0.24 [-1.02, 0.54], 0.67 (0.18, 1.16), 0.95 [0.38, 1.51], in rare, occasional, and daily drinkers). The interactions between drinking frequency and Δsalt intake were found to be statistically significant (P for interaction = .028 and .006 for ∆systolic blood pressure and ∆diastolic blood pressure, respectively). The present study identified enhanced salt sensitivity in the subjects who drink at a higher frequency, suggesting that the reduction in alcohol consumption may improve salt sensitivity in higher frequency drinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epidemiological evidence has shown that lower salt intake reduces hypertension-related disease mortality. Japan has experienced a drastic decrease in cardiovascular mortality, although this varies across regions. This regional variation does not necessarily match the local patterns of reported average salt intake. In this study, we examined population-level risk factors for hypertension-related disease mortality, focussing on the average household dietary consumption of salt intake sources. Methods We prepared an ecological panel dataset, with prefecture as the unit of analysis, by referring to public statistics and market research data from 2012 to 2015. We collected prefectural averages of household dietary consumption related to salt intake and other nutrients that may affect hypertension control. We used demographic characteristics, medical care availability and local economy indices as covariates. Panel data analysis with fixed-effects modelling was performed, regressing prefectural-level mortality from ischaemic heart diseases, subarachnoid and intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral infarction on dietary consumption and the selected covariates. Results We confirmed the average household consumption of salt equivalents of discretional salt intake sources to be positively but only weakly associated with mortality from ischaemic heart diseases and cerebral infarction. Household expenditure on processed foods was positively associated with ischaemic heart disease mortality. Conclusions These findings may suggest that the reduction of salt in processed foods, in addition to individual behavioural change, could be useful for decreasing mortality from ischaemic heart diseases in the Japanese population. Ecological factors related to decreasing cerebrovascular disease mortality in the context of the ageing Japanese population require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.), a native grass in Japan, is a warm‐season turfgrass displaying high salt tolerance, mainly derived from salt excretion through salt glands. The present study focused on how external calcium (Ca) affects sodium (Na) excretion from salt glands to relieve salt stress, including response to oxidative stress, and discussed the physiological mechanisms possibly involved. Treatments using 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 mmol/L sodium chloride (NaCl), with or without applying 2 or 10 mmol/L calcium chloride (CaCl2), were conducted for seven days. Growth inhibition and an abrupt increase in Na excretion from salt glands occurred above 100 mmol/L NaCl treatment, while Na concentrations in shoot and root tissues increased with increasing NaCl concentration from 0 to 75 mmol/L treatment. Above 100 mmol/L NaCl treatment, pectic acid‐binding Ca and glycinebetaine concentrations decreased in shoot and root tissues, but free proline concentration and the activities of plasmalemma ATPase, catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased. Calcium application alleviated growth inhibition when added to high level of NaCl treatments (over 100 mmol/L NaCl). Compared to the treatment without Ca, Na concentration in shoot and root tissues and ATPase activity in the root decreased, but Na exclusion from salt glands, pectic acid‐binding Ca concentration in shoot and root tissues, and ATPase, CAT and APX activities in the shoot increased. Thus, Na excretion through salt glands seems to occur when Na concentration in the plant exceeds its accumulation limit, and this salt tolerance reaction involving salt glands proceeds in two steps: the grass absorbs and accumulates Na in the shoot and root up to a threshold, above which Na is removed through salt glands. Calcium application promoted Na excretion through salt glands, especially under growth‐inhibiting Na concentrations, which might be induced by the increase in extracellular excretion of Na by plasmalemma ATPase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several studies have reported that dietary salt intake may be an independent risk factor for overweight/obesity, but results from previous studies are controversial, reflecting study limitations such as use of a single spot urine or dietary recall to estimate daily salt intake rather than 24-h urine collections, and population samples from only a single country or center. Objective The aim of this study was to use data from the International Study of Macro-/Micro-nutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP Study) to explore the relation between dietary salt intake estimated from 2 timed 24-h urine collections and body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) as well as prevalence of overweight/obesity in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Methods Data were from a cross-sectional study of 4680 men and women aged 40–59 y in Japan (n  = 1145), China (n  = 839), the United Kingdom (n  = 501), and the United States (n  = 2195). General linear models were used to obtain the regression coefficients (β) of salt intake associated with BMI. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the ORs and 95% CIs of overweight/obesity associated with a 1-g/d higher dietary salt intake. Results After adjustment for potential confounding factors including energy intake, salt intake 1 g/d higher was associated with BMI higher by 0.28 in Japan, 0.10 in China, 0.42 in the United Kingdom, and 0.52 in the United States, all P values < 0.001. Salt intake 1 g/d higher was associated with odds of overweight/obesity 21% higher in Japan, 4% higher in China, 29% higher in the United Kingdom, and 24% higher in the United States, all P values < 0.05. Conclusions Salt intake is positively associated with BMI and the prevalence of overweight/obesity in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This association needs to be further confirmed in well-designed prospective studies with repeated dietary and BMI measurements.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00005271. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives ] An analytical method was established for determining fosthiazate residue in ginger by gas chromatography with flame photometric detector (GC-NPD) to evaluate the safety of fosthiazate in ginger. ' Methods] The fosthiazate residue in ginger was extracted with dichloromethane, and subjected to sodium chloride salt-out and liquid-liquid extraction with hexane and dichloromethane (the plant and soil samples had no need for the later two steps). The analysis was performed on gas chromatograph equipped with a flame photometric detector (GC-FPD) , and the fosthiazate residue was quantitatively determined by calculating the peak area. ' Results] The results of degradation dynamics showed that the half-life of fosthiazate was 7. 2 - 8.7 d in ginger plants, and was 9.9 - 19. 8 d in the soil. The results of the final residue test showed that after applying the fosthiazate granules according to the recommended high dose (active component 58. 2 g a. i/m , WK) and low dose (38. 8 ga.i/m ,WK) once, the final residual amounts of fosthiazate in the ginger and soil were estimated to be <0. 02 mg/kg and <0.02 -0. 103 mg/kg, respectively, while no fosthiazate residue was detected in all control samples (<0.02 mg/kg). The maximum residue limit (MRL) of fosthiazate in ginger was not established in China, and was 0. 2 mg/kg in Japan. ' Conclusions] The method was proved to meet the basic requirements of pesticide residue analysis on sensitivity, accuracy and precision and have good linearity. It is recommended that when using fosthiazate granules to control root-knot nematode and root rot in ginger, it is applied at the highest dose of 38. 8 g ai/m ,WK once 30 d before ginger cultivation to treat the soil, and ginger is harvested in the ginger harvest period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of isoflavones, biomarkers of soy intake, in 24-hour urine (24U) were inversely related to coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in the World Health Organization's Cardiovascular Disease and Alimentary Comparison Study. Considering 24U isoflavone levels were highest and CHD mortality was lowest in the Japanese, who maintained the world's longest life expectancy, the association of regular soy intake with cardiometabolic risk was investigated in Japanese adults (20-49 years old) and elderly (50-79 years old). In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and drug treatments, mean 24U isoflavone excretion was significantly inversely associated with insulin resistance in the elderly and significantly associated with blood folate and potassium in the elderly, but also positively associated with 24U salt in the elderly. These findings indicate that low-salt soy should be recommended to improve glucose metabolism in elderly Japanese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: To clarify whether six conventional 'high-risk' behaviors toward excess salt intake captured by simple questions such as frequency of salty food consumption are related to actual salt intake. Also, to examine the relationship of nutrition knowledge, food label use, and food preparation with actual salt intake.Methods and Study Design: Study participants were 742 subjects (370 men and 372 women) aged 20-69 years from 20 areas of Japan. Salt intake and dietary knowledge/behavior were evaluated with two 24-hour urine collections and a questionnaire, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analyses by sex included sodium excretion as a dependent variable, each knowledge/behavior item as an independent variable, and with age, body mass index, education, and smoking as covariates.Results: Four 'high-risk' behaviors (frequency of miso soup and salty foods consumption, proportion of consumed noodle soup, and amount of seasoning/condiment use) were associated with higher sodium excretion in men (p for trend <=0.04) and were marginally associated in women (p for trend <=0.06). Combination of these behaviors elevated the odds ratios for excess salt intake (sodium excretion: >136 mmol/day). Most of the other nine dietary factors were not associated with sodium excretion. Interestingly, women who decided to purchase foods after referring to the salt/sodium content information on food label, had significant lower sodium excretion than other women (p for trend=0.03).Conclusions: High-risk behaviors toward excess salt intake captured by simple questions were actually related to excess salt intake. Specific and practical advice based on answers to these questions might contribute to salt reduction in Japanese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated interannual differences in the sodium excretion levels of young healthy Japanese women as estimated from spot urine analysis at Nakamura Gakuen University from 1995 to 2015. Participants included 4931 women aged 18 to 20 years who were classified into three time periods according to year of health check: first (1995-2001), second (2002-2007), and third (2008-2015). Estimated daily urinary sodium and potassium excretion levels and the sodium to potassium ratio were 120.6±31.9 mmol, 35.2±8.1 mmol, and 3.5±0.9, respectively. Adjusted for body weight, sodium excretion, and potassium excretion significantly decreased in the second and third period compared with the first period (P<.001). Systolic blood pressure also decreased in the same way between time periods (P<.001). Estimated urinary excretion levels of sodium and potassium in young Japanese women have decreased over the past 20 years independently of body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a few studies have focused on the association between overall diet, rather than intakes of individual nutrients or foods, and depressive symptoms in Japanese. This cross-sectional study examined associations between a diet quality score and depressive symptoms in 3963 young (age 18 years) and 3833 middle-aged (mean age 47·9 (sd 4·2) years) Japanese women. Dietary information was collected using a diet history questionnaire. A previously developed diet quality score was computed mainly based on the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 22·0 % for young women and 16·8 % for middle-aged women, assessed as a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) score ≥23 and ≥19, respectively. As expected, the diet quality score was associated positively with intakes of ‘grain dishes’, ‘vegetable dishes’, ‘fish and meat dishes’, ‘milk’ and ‘fruits’ and inversely with intakes of energy from ‘snacks, confection and beverages’ and Na from seasonings. After adjustment for potential confounders, OR for depressive symptoms in the highest v. lowest quintiles of the diet quality score was 0·65 (95 % CI 0·50, 0·84) in young women (Pfor trend=0·0005). In middle-aged women, the corresponding value was 0·59 (95 % CI 0·45, 0·78) (Pfor trend<0·0001). Analyses where the diet quality and CES-D scores were treated as continuous variables also showed inverse associations. In conclusion, this cross-sectional study showed that a higher diet quality score was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in young and middle-aged Japanese women. Prospective studies are needed to confirm a public health relevance of this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated the relationship between the awareness of dietary salt and genetics and the intent to maintain a low-salt diet. In particular, they assessed whether hypothetical genetic information regarding salt-sensitive hypertension motivates the intent to reduce dietary salt for communicating the health benefits of lower salt consumption to citizens. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted with 2500 randomly sampled residents aged 30 to 69 years living in Nagahama, Japan. Genetic information regarding higher salt sensitivity increased motivation to reduce salt intake for both those who agreed that genes cause hypertension and those who did not. Less than 50% of those who agreed that genes cause hypertension lost their intention to lower their salt consumption when they found they did not possess the susceptibility gene. Communicating genetic information positively affected motivation to reduce salt intake. The present study clarifies the difficulty in changing the behavioral intent of those who have significantly less incentive to reduce salt intake. Therefore, a multidimensional approach is crucial to reduce salt consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Extensive literature survey on two-phase flow experiment using 12 m or longer vertical tube was conducted. • Experiments were conducted on two-phase flow regime observation, void fraction and frictional pressure drop measurement over a long channel length under high-pressure brine conditions. • The transition of flow regime took place at higher superficial gas velocity under brine conditions. • Through drift-flux model analysis, change in gas velocity under brine conditions was confirmed. • New frictional pressure drop model at high-pressure two-phase flow under brine conditions is proposed. The offshore methane hydrate production test conducted in Japan has demonstrated a successful production of methane gas from marine gas hydrates using depressurization methods. The method produces methane gas by dissociating methane hydrate, which is stable at low temperature and high pressure conditions, by lowering the bottom-hole pressure in the wellbore. Under this method, stable control of bottom-hole pressure is necessary to ensure continuous methane gas production. Therefore, understanding the behavior of upward gas–liquid two-phase flow, involving gas-brine mixture, in a wellbore is essential for the proper pressure drop evaluation in the production line. In the present study, void fraction and frictional pressure drop behaviors under nitrogen-brine two-phase flow conditions is investigated using the high-pressure test facility of 52.7 mm inner diameter and 28 m height. The measured void fraction was assessed using drift-flux model, and the results showed that the decrease in bubble diameter under bubbly flow in gas-brine two-phase flow conditions resulted in decrease in bubble rise velocity and uniformity of bubble distribution. It was also found that, under bubbly flow in gas-brine mixture, the frictional pressure drop tends to further decrease with elevation. Based on these findings and obtained experimental dataset, the new frictional pressure model for gas-brine two-phase flow under high-pressure conditions is developed in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors tested the hypothesis that high salt intake is associated with hypertensive target organ damage (TOD) independent of blood pressure (BP), and oxidative stress is a modifying factor of this association. A total of 369 community-dwelling Japanese adults (mean age, 67.5 years; 56.6% women) were examined in this observational study. At the patients' annual health check-ups, urinary salt excretion (U-SALT), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured from first morning urine. U-SALT (β=0.14, P=.016) and 8-OHdG (β=0.13, P=.018) were both independently associated with logUACR. U-SALT was associated with TOD independent of BP level, and oxidative stress may be a modifying factor in the association between high salt intake and TOD. The elevation of 8-OHdG may be involved in the pathophysiology of TOD induced by salt intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although several cross-sectional and intervention studies showed that sodium intake or excretion was associated with blood pressure levels, no prospective study has examined the long-term association between sodium excretion in spot urine and blood pressure changes.Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 889 normotensive subjects (295 men and 594 women, mean age 57.3 years) who underwent the baseline survey including spot urine test in 2005 and the follow-up survey in 2009 to 2011 (mean follow-up period: 5.8 years). We examined the association between sodium concentration in spot urine, a validated index of sodium excretion occurring over 24-h, and blood pressure changes between baseline and follow-up survey in all, non-overweight (body mass index(BMI) ≤ 25 kg/m(2)) and overweight normotensives.Results: For all subjects, sodium concentrations in spot urine were not associated with either systolic or diastolic blood pressure changes. When stratified by BMI at baseline survey, sodium concentrations were positively associated with systolic blood pressure changes in non-overweight subjects, but not in overweight subjects. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, alcohol intake status, current smoking and estimated glomerular filtration rate, the multivariable-adjusted mean values of the systolic blood pressure change among non-overweight subjects was +7.3 mmHg in the highest quartiles of sodium concentrations, while it was +3.9 mmHg in the lowest quartile (P for difference = 0.021, P for trend = 0.040). After further adjustment of baseline blood pressure levels, the association was slightly weakened; the multivariable-adjusted mean values of the systolic blood pressure changes were +7.0 mmHg and +4.2 mmHg (P for difference = 0.047, P for trend = 0.071).Conclusions: High sodium concentrations in spot urine were associated with subsequent systolic blood pressure increases among non-overweight normotensive individuals. (272 words). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano (KSV) is an active volcano in the central Honshu Arc, Japan, and is known for its significant hydrothermal activity and repeated phreatic eruptions over the past 200 years. On the basis of its long-term volcanic activity, an extensive magmatic–hydrothermal system is considered to have developed within the volcano, with strong impacts on volcanic processes. Previous magnetotelluric studies conducted at KSV have successfully revealed the structure of the hydrothermal system, mainly beneath the summit area. However, as the deep structure was still unclear, there was no information on the location of magma storage as a heat source to drive volcanic activity. Here we report a revised three-dimensional electrical resistivity structure model for KSV down to a depth of ~10 km below sea level (bsl), inferred from broadband magnetotelluric data (256–0.004 Hz) collected over a wider area than previous studies. The most notable feature of the model is a sub-vertical conductive zone that extends from a depth of 1.5 km below the summit area to a depth of ~10 km in the north-northwestern part of KSV. We interpret resistivity values to infer the upper half of the conductive zone (<4 km bsl) as a zone containing high-salinity brine and the lower half (>4 km bsl) as a partially molten zone. The fact that the inflation source during the unrest periods is located just beneath the brine zone indicates that the lower partially molten zone contains degassing magmas. This partially molten zone extends beneath the adjacent Shiga Volcano, suggesting that the two volcanoes could share a common magma source. The brine zone in the upper half is considered to have formed as a result of repeated magmatic intrusions during the Stage III activity of KSV since 17 ka. As this brine zone is not found beneath the presently inactive Shiga Volcano, it is considered that the formation of brine zones could be used as an indicator for evaluating recent magmatic activity and potential volcanic hazards. • Resistivity structure of Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano down to ~10 km depth was revealed. • Highly conductive zone thought to contain brine was found at a depth of 1.5-6 km. • Conductor found beneath the brine zone suggests the presence of a partial melt. • Brine zone is likely to have been formed by the magmatic activity after 17 ka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As under-reporting of dietary intake, particularly by overweight and obese subjects, is common in dietary surveys, biases inherent in the use of self-reported dietary information may distort true diet–obesity relationships or even create spurious ones. However, empirical evidence of this possibility is limited. The present cross-sectional study compared the relationships of 24 h urine-derived and self-reported intakes of Na, K and protein with obesity. A total of 1043 Japanese women aged 18–22 years completed a 24 h urine collection and a self-administered diet history questionnaire. After adjustment for potential confounders, 24 h urine-derived Na intake was associated with a higher risk of general obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 80 cm; both P for trend = 0·04). For 24 h urine-derived protein intake, positive associations with general and abdominal obesity were observed (P for trend = 0·02 and 0·053, respectively). For 24 h urine-derived K intake, there was an inverse association with abdominal obesity (P for trend = 0·01). Conversely, when self-reported dietary information was used, only inverse associations between K intake and general and abdominal obesity were observed (P for trend = 0·04 and 0·02, respectively), with no associations of Na or protein intake. In conclusion, we found positive associations of Na and protein intakes and inverse associations of K intake with obesity when using 24 h urinary excretion for estimating dietary intakes. However, no association was observed based on using self-reported dietary intakes, except for inverse association of K intake, suggesting that the ability of self-reported dietary information using the diet history questionnaire for investigating diet–obesity relationships is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Excess Na intake and insufficient K intake are well-known risk factors for CVD. International comparative studies have reported that Japan has the highest intake of Na and the lowest intake of K in the world. However, no recent study has precisely assessed Na and K intakes in Japanese adults. In the present study, Na and K intakes were estimated from two 24 h urine collections implemented in twenty-three out of forty-seven prefectures in Japan. Apparently healthy men (n 384) and women (n 376), aged 20 to 69 years, who had been working in welfare facilities were recruited, with data collection conducted in February and March 2013. The mean Na excretion was 206·0 mmol/d in men and 173·9 mmol/d in women. The respective values of K excretion were 51·6 and 47·2 mmol/d. The excretion of both Na and K varied considerably among the prefectures, and was higher in subjects with a higher BMI. In contrast, only K excretion was associated with age. After estimating the usual intakes of Na and K, it was found that none of the male subjects met the recommended Na intake values of the WHO, and that only 3·2 % met those of the Japanese government. The respective values for females were 0·1 and 5·0 %. For K intake, 7·5 % of the total subjects met the recommended values of the WHO and 21·7 % met those of the Japanese government. These findings suggest that there is an urgent need for the development of an effective intervention programme to reduce Na intake and promote K intake in the Japanese population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Elemental iodine is produced in Japan from underground brine (fossil salt water). Carbon steel pipes in an iodine production facility at Chiba, Japan, for brine conveyance were found to corrode more rapidly than those in other facilities. The corroding activity of iodide-containing brine from the facility was examined by immersing carbon steel coupons in 'native' and 'filter-sterilized' brine samples. The dissolution of iron from the coupons immersed in native brine was threefold to fourfold higher than that in the filter-sterilized brine. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses revealed that iodide-oxidizing bacteria (IOBs) were predominant in the coupon-containing native brine samples. IOBs were also detected in a corrosion deposit on the inner surface of a corroded pipe. These results strongly suggested the involvement of IOBs in the corrosion of the carbon steel pipes. Of the six bacterial strains isolated from a brine sample, four were capable of oxidizing iodide ion (I) into molecular iodine (I), and these strains were further phylogenetically classified into two groups. The iron-corroding activity of each of the isolates from the two groups was examined. Both strains corroded iron in the presence of potassium iodide in a concentration-dependent manner. This is the first report providing direct evidence that IOBs are involved in iron corrosion. Further, possible mechanisms by which IOBs corrode iron are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide and is largely the consequence of adoption of unhealthy diets excessive in calories and salt (NaCl) as well as devoid in pivotal micronutrients such as potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg). Education-based programs aiming to encourage healthy food knowledge and behaviors are crucial at a young age, and for this purpose, convenient ways to assess daily dietary intake are warranted. We therefore attempted to evaluate the dietary intake of Okinawan schoolchildren in Japan by analyzing a series of biomarkers in morning spot urine samples and explore whether these biomarkers correlate with body weight and a series of metabolic parameters. We enrolled 98 third-grade elementary schoolchildren in Okinawa, Japan. Morning spot urine samples were collected and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess dietary intake. We found that estimated daily NaCl intake was higher in obese/overweight children as compared to healthy-weight children (p = 0.0001). There was also a significant positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and NaCl intake (Spearman) (ρ = 0.45, p < 0.0001) and a negative correlation between BMI and Mg/Cr (ρ =  -0.27, p = 0.01). Furthermore, Na/K ratio was higher in samples collected on Monday (weekend) as compared to samples collected on Thursday or Friday (weekday) (p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: Via the use of morning spot urine analyses, our results show that NaCl intake was associated with obesity, and Mg excretion negatively correlated with BMI in Japanese schoolchildren, highlighting the potential role of these micronutrients in maintaining a healthy body weight., What Is Known: •Overweight and obesity are largely due to excessive consumption of calories and positively correlated with salt (NaCl) intake. •Spot urine methods are convenient for assessing the nutritional needs and targeting prevention programs in children., What Is New: •Utilizing morning spot urine analyses, estimated NaCl intake is positively correlated and Mg/Cr negatively correlated with BMI in Okinawan schoolchildren. •As estimated via morning spot urine samples, a greater proportion of children likely exceeds the recommended NaCl intake on the weekend as compared to weekday., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

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Reducing dietary salt intake remains a challenging issue in the management of chronic disease. Taste preference is suspected to be an important proxy index of daily sodium consumption. This study examined the difference in daily sodium intake according to self-reported taste preference for miso soup as representative of homemade cooking in middle-aged urban Japanese adults. Among 896 candidates randomly selected from examinees of cancer screening provided by the National Cancer Center, Japan, 143 men and women participated in this cross-sectional study. During the period from May 2007 through April 2008, participants provided a food frequency questionnaire, which included information on taste preference and dietary behaviors, a weighed food record over 4 consecutive days, a simultaneous 24-hour urine collection, and a sample of miso soup as it is usually prepared in the home. Mean 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and daily sodium intake were compared according to the self-reported taste preference for miso soup. Taste preference was significantly associated with both 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (trend P<0.01) and daily sodium intake (trend P-0.01), with a corresponding regression coefficient per 1 rank preference increment of 403 mg and 315 mg/day, respectively. The observed association between preference and urinary excretion was attenuated by further adjustment for discretionary salt-related behaviors. These findings suggest that self-reported taste preference for homemade cooking is a defining feature of daily sodium intake through discretionary salt-related dietary behaviors. A reduction in daily sodium consumption per 1 rank light preference was estimated to equate to approximately 1 g salt/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Excess salt intake increases blood pressure ( BP). Identifying individuals with excess salt intake is, therefore, important for the prevention of hypertension. Aim To examine the predictive value of subjective evaluation of salty foods intake for the risk of incident hypertension in a middle-aged population. Methods A total of 970 non-hypertensive workers (mean age, 44 ± 6 years) was followed for a maximum period of 4 years, and their BP was measured annually. At baseline, all participants were asked about their subjective frequency of salty foods intake (seldom, sometimes or always), and they were divided into three groups according to their answers. Hypertension was defined as systolic/diastolic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medications. Results There were no significant differences in the 4-year cumulative incident rate of hypertension among the 'seldom', 'sometimes' and 'always' groups (15.8%, 14.3% and 10.3%, respectively, log-rank test P = 0.44). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, age, body mass index and the baseline BP category were independent predictors for developing hypertension, whereas the frequency of salty foods intake was not a predictor (adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval), 0.99 (0.64-1.54) in the 'sometimes' group and 0.64 (0.33-1.28) in the 'always' group as compared with the 'seldom' group). Conclusion The subjective evaluation of salty foods intake did not predict the 4-year risk of incident hypertension in this study population. Further investigations with a longer follow-up period are needed to clarify whether the present insignificant results are maintained for more than 4 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A few studies have explored the effects of disclosure of genetic testing results on chronic disease predisposition. However, these effects remain unclear in cases of hypertension. Reducing salt intake is an important nonpharmacological intervention for hypertension. We investigated the effects of genetic testing for salt sensitivity on salt restriction behavior using hypothetical genetic testing results. Methods: We conducted a crossectional study using a selfcompleted questionnaire. We enrolled consecutive outpatients who visited primary care clinics and small hospitals between September and December 2009 in Japan. We recorded the patients' baseline characteristics and data regarding their salt restriction behavior, defined as reducing salt intake before and after disclosure of hypothetical salt sensitivity genetic test results. Behavioral stage was assessed according to the fivestage transtheoretical model. After dividing subjects into salt restriction and no salt restriction groups, we compared their behavioral changes following positive and negative test results and analyzed the association between the respondents' characteristics and their behavioral changes. Results: We analyzed 1562 participants with a mean age of 58 years. In the no salt restriction group, which included patients at the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages, 58.7% stated that their behavioral stage progressed after a positive test result, although 29.8% reported progression after a negative result (P < 0.001). Conversely, in the salt restriction group, which included patients at the active and maintenance stages, 9.2% stated that they would quit restricting salt intake following a negative test result, and 2.2% reported they would quit following a positive result (P < 0.001). Age < 65 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-2.71), female gender (adjusted OR 1.84; CI 1.29-2.62), graduation from college or university (adjusted OR 1.66; CI 1.11-2.49), and desire for genetic testing (adjusted OR 4.53; CI 3.13-6.57) were associated with progression of behavioral stage in the no salt restriction group. Conversely, salt preference (adjusted OR 2.13; CI 1.31-3.49) was associated with quitting salt restriction in the salt restriction group. Conclusion: Patients in the no salt restriction group show the possibility of progression from the behavioral stage to the action stage after testing positive for salt sensitivity. Conversely, patients in the salt restriction group, particularly those with a salt preference, would quit salt restriction after testing negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People's intake of some minerals does not meet the nutrient reference values even in high-income countries. Recently, the deficiency of zinc and/or selenium has been considered to cause greater risk of COVID-19 infection and severity. To investigate consumer awareness, we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire online survey among Japanese people (7500 males and 7500 females) concerning their perceptions of each mineral and the prevalence of mineral-fortified foods and/or mineral supplements. People's perception of each mineral varied: the highest was for calcium (91.8%) and the lowest was for selenium (44.7%). In addition, only a portion of participants believed that they consumed a sufficient amount of each mineral; the highest was sodium (23.7%), and the lowest was manganese (5.2%). In addition, 18.2% of them felt that they could not consume enough sodium, even though most of the Japanese's intake is excessive. Among mineral-fortified-food and/or mineral-supplement users, the purposes for these products were to maintain health (80.6%), supplement nutrients (48.0%), and prevent infectious diseases (23.2%). Only 18.4% of participants knew what amount they took. In conclusion, education is needed to prevent not only the insufficiency/deficiency of each mineral but also an excess intake of sodium.

Abstract: Fifty-three samples, including brines associated with oil and natural gas reservoirs and groundwater samples from deep boreholes, were collected from the Pacific and Japan Sea coastal regions in Japan. The 129I/127I and 36Cl/Cl ratios, and stable isotopes (δD and δ18O) are compared to investigate differences related to the geotectonic settings of the two regions. The δD and δ18O data indicate that brine and groundwater from the Pacific coastal region reflect mixing of meteoric water with connate seawater in the pores of sedimentary rocks. On the other hand, brine and groundwater from the Japan Sea coastal region have been hydrothermally altered. In particular, brines associated with petroleum accumulations at Niigata and Akita showed the same isotopic characteristics as fluids found in the Kuroko deposits of the Green Tuff region in northeastern Japan. There is little difference in the 36Cl/Cl ratios in brine and groundwater from the Pacific and Japan Sea coasts. Most brine and some deep groundwater, except those from the Pleistocene Kazusa Group, have already reached the average secular equilibrium ratio of 9.9±2.7×10−15 for their mudstone and sandstone reservoirs. There was no correlation between the 36Cl/Cl ratios and differences in geotectonic setting between the Pacific and the Japan Sea coast. The molar I/Br ratio suggests that the I in all of water samples was of biogenic origin. The average 129I/127I ratio was 290±130×10−15 to 294±105×10−15 in both regions, showing no relationship to the different geotectonic settings. The uncontaminated brine and groundwater samples are likely to have retained the original 129I/127I ratios of marine I released from the old organic matter stored in sedimentary rock. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: Objective: We investigated the effects of long-term miso soup drinking on salt-induced hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats. Methods: Dahl S rats were divided into four groups that consumed 1) water, 2) a 0.9% NaCl solution, 3) a 1.3% sodium NaCl solution, or 4) miso soup containing 1.3% NaCl. They were followed for 8 wk. Systolic blood pressure and hypertensive organ damage were determined. Results: Systolic blood pressure increased in an age- and dose-dependent manner in Dahl S rats drinking salt solutions. The systolic blood pressure increase was significantly less in the Dahl S rats that drank miso soup, although the ultimate cumulative salt loading was greater than that in the Dahl S rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution. This blood pressure decrease was associated with a morphologic attenuation of glomerular sclerosis in the kidney and collagen infiltration in the heart. Urinary protein excretions were less in the miso group than in the rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution. The fractional excretion of sodium was increased and that of potassium was decreased in Dahl S rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution, and these effects were reversed in rats given miso soup toward the values of the control. Conclusion: We found that long-term miso soup drinking attenuates the blood pressure increase in salt-induced hypertension with organ damage. This may be caused by a possible retardation of sodium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract or by the direct effects of nutrients in the miso soup from soybeans. The decrease was associated with decreases in cardiovascular and renal damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate whether 5 combined healthy lifestyle factors (not smoking, moderate drinking, eating minimum salt-preserved foods, being physically active, and having appropriate body mass index) are associated with reduced risk of cancer. Methods: Participants were enrolled in the Japan Public Health Center Study and responded to the 5-year follow-up questionnaire covering lifestyle factors in 1995–1999 at ages 45–74years. During follow up through December 31, 2006, 3451 and 2125 cases of cancer were newly identified in men and women, respectively. For men and women, a factor-dependent risk reduction was observed for healthy lifestyles and cancer development. Compared to 0–1 healthy lifestyle factors, the adjusted RRs and 95% CIs for adherence to 2, 3, 4, and 5 healthy factors were 0.86 (0.78–0.95), 0.72 (0.65–0.80), 0.61 (0.54–0.69), and 0.57 (0.45–0.72), respectively, for men (P for trend<0.0001) and 0.86 (0.53–1.40), 0.73 (0.46–1.16), 0.68 (0.42–1.08), and 0.63 (0.39–1.01), respectively, for women (P for trend=0.0003). Risk was reduced 14% and 9% by each one healthy lifestyle for men and women, respectively. Risk reduction was more pronounced among elderly women. Conclusion: These combined lifestyle factors have a considerable impact on preventing cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systematic Japanese nationwide saline-aquifer CO2 storage capacity assessment has been carried out. The project was subdivided into two parts (Missions 1 and 2). We first classified the candidate saline aquifers based on the type of geological structure and the abundance of available data. A total of 146 billion tons of CO2 storage capacity was estimated for the entire country based on oil and gas exploration data using the volumetric method in Mission 1. The potential areas considered in the Mission 1 program are mostly offshore and located far from large scale CO2 emission sources. Mission 2 involved storage capacity estimation for regions near large scale CO2 sources, and the Mission 2 study areas were excluded from the Mission 1 capacity assessments. A total of 27 areas that involve nearby CO2 sources were chosen for the study. A preliminary assessment was performed based on national-scale geological information, and promising sedimentary regions were selected for more detailed examination. Detailed studies were performed for 14 promising areas based on available existing geological data, and regional-scale storage capacities were estimated. A wide range of estimated storage capacities for the various areas emerged, from 10 million tons of CO2 for the Hakodate Bay area to 4.2 billion tons of CO2 for the Osaka Bay area, although the quantitative significance of these assessments must be considered to be only preliminary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is a pressing need for the development of ways of preparing palatable salt-reduced foods to reduce the salt intake of the Japanese population. The salt-reducing effect of the characteristic flavors other than umami of dried bonito stock, which is widely used in everyday Japanese food, was examined by sensory evaluation. In the 1st sensory evaluation, the effect was evaluated in a model solution. The saltiness of 0.80% NaCl solution was equivalent to that of 0.12% monosodium glutamate (MSG) solution containing 0.81% NaCl and dried bonito stock containing 0.68% NaCl. Saltiness enhancement could not be found when MSG solution was used, but was found with 6% dried bonito stock. The 2nd evaluation examined whether the effect was valid for 2 everyday Japanese foods—traditional Japanese clear soup ( sumashi-jiru) and steamed egg custard ( tamagodoufu). Although enhancement of saltiness by dried bonito stock could not be clearly demonstrated in the soup, a change in NaCl concentration within 15% did not affect the palatability of the soup. However, dried bonito stock not only enhanced the saltiness but also improved the palatability of steamed egg custard. These findings are expected to be useful for improving the palatability of salt-reduced food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]