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We evaluated the road traffic accidents and drinking habits in all 47 prefectures of Japanby ecological study. Data on traffic accidents were obtained from Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications,Japan. Drinking habits were also obtained from Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare and The General Insurance Association of Japan. The effect of drinking on road traffic accidents was evaluated by ecological study. Road traffic accidents were 15442.0 ± 14404.9 deaths due to road traffic accidents were 103.5 ± 57.5 and injured subjects due to road traffic accidents were 19068.3 ± 17433.6 in 2010 inall 47 prefectures of Japan. Drinking habits was significantly and negatively correlated with injured subjects due to road traffic accidents. However, road traffic accidents due to drinking was positively correlated with injured subjects due to road traffic accidents (r = 0.492, p = 0.0004). In conclusion, drinking habits and road traffic accidents due to drunk driving were closely linked to injured subjects due to road traffic accidents inJapan.

To investigate the link between low air temperature and ambulance transports in Japan. Data on climate parameters i.e. air temperature, humidity and daylight hours in Sakata area, Yamagata prefecture, Japan, which is northern part (Tohoku) in Japan, was obtained from Japan Meteorological Agency. Monthly data on ambulance transports due to acute disease from 2005 to 2011 was also directly obtained from Sakata area official website, Japan. The relations between air temperature and ambulance transports were evaluated by ecological study. Ambulance transports per day were 10.1 ± 1.0 and mean air temperature was 13.0 ± 8.4 (°C). Ambulance transports per day were weakly and negatively correlated with mean air temperature, mean of the highest air temperature, mean of the lowest air temperature, the highest air temperature and daylight hours. It was also weakly and positively correlated with mean humidity. However, the relation between ambulance transports and mean air temperature was well estimated by quadratic curve (r = 0.633, p

The predominant risk factor of metabolic syndrome is intra-abdominal fat accumulation, which is determined by waist circumference, waist-hip ratio measurements and visceral fat area (VFA); the latter can be accurately measured by performing computed tomography (CT). In addition to environmental factors, genetic factors play an important role in obesity and fat distribution. New genetic loci associated with body mass index (BMI) and adiposity have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWASs). This study utilized CT to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that confer susceptibility to higher BMI are associated with VFA, subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and the ratio of VFA to SFA (V/S ratio). We measured the VFA and SFA of 1424 obese Japanese subjects (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2), 635 men and 789 women) who were genotyped for 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reported by recent GWASs, namely, TNNI3K rs1514175, PTBP2 rs1555543, ADCY3 rs713586, IRS1 rs2943650, POC5 rs2112347, NUDT3 rs206936, LINGO2 rs10968576, STK33 rs4929949, MTIF3 rs4771122, SPRY2 rs534870, MAP2K5 rs2241423, QPCTL rs2287019, and ZC3H4 rs3810291. The G-allele of NUDT3 rs206936 was significantly associated with increased BMI (P = 5.3 × 10(-5)) and SFA (P = 0.00039) in the obese Japanese women. After adjustment with BMI, the association between rs206936 and SFA was not observed. This significant association was not observed in the men. The other SNPs analyzed were not significantly associated with BMI, VFA, SFA, or V/S ratio. Our results suggest that NUDT3 rs206936 is associated with BMI in Japanese women.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its relation to lifestyle in female college students., Subjects and methodsA total of 375 female college students (19.2 ± 1.3 years) among 439 students were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Using a self-reported questionnaire, we measured the prevalence of ADHD using the ADHD Self-Report Scale-v1.1 (ASRS) and the prevalence of ASD using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). In addition, lifestyle choices such as medications, physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and sleeping habits were also evaluated., ResultsThe suspected prevalence of ADHD was 102 students (27.2 %) and the suspected prevalence of ASD was 4 students (1.1 %). Only one student (0.3 %) was thought to have both ADHD and ASD. Subjects with suspected ADHD had higher AQ scores compared with those without suspected ADHD. There were no unhealthy lifestyle choices in subjects with suspected ADHD and/or ASD., ConclusionThe prevalence of suspected ADHD and/or ASD may be relatively high even among female college students in Japan.

Objectives: Changes in air temperature and its relation to ambulance transports due to heat stroke in all 47 prefectures, in Japan were evaluated. Methods: Data on air temperature were obtained from the Japanese Meteorological Agency. Data on ambulance transports due to heat stroke was directly obtained from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan. We also used the number of deaths due to heat stroke from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, and population data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Com munications. Chronological changes in parameters of air temperature were analyzed. In addition, the relation between air temperature and ambulance transports due to heat stroke in August 2010 was also evaluated by using an ecological study. Results: Positive and significant changes in the parameters of air temperature that is, the mean air temperature, mean of the highest air temperature, and mean of the lowest air temperature were noted in all 47 prefectures. In addition, changes in air temperature were accelerated when adjusted for observation years. Ambulance transports due to heat stroke was significantly correlated with air tem perature in the ecological study. The highest air temperature was significantly linked to ambulance transports due to heat stroke, es pecially in elderly subjects. Conclusions: Global warming was demonstrated in all 47 prefectures in Japan. In addition, the higher air temperature was closely associated with higher ambulance transports due to heat stroke in Japan.

We investigated the link between muscle strength and anthropometric, body composition parameters in Japanese adolescents. Forty eight men and 189 women, aged 15 - 19 years, were enrolled in this cross-sectional investigation study. Anthropometric and body composition parameters i.e. height, body weight, abdominal circumference, hip circumference and body fat percentage were measured. Muscle strength i.e. grip strength and leg strength were also evaluated. In men, grip strength was positively correlated with height and lean body mass. Leg strength was significantly correlated with height, body weight, hip circumference and lean body mass (r = 0.708). However, leg strength per body weight was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference, hip circumference, body fat percentage (r = –0.719) and body fat mass. In women, grip strength was positively correlated with height. Leg strength was positively correlated with lean body mass (r = 0.482). Leg strength per body weight was negatively correlated with body fat percentage (r = –0.457) and body fat mass. Grip and leg strength was positively correlated with height and lean body mass, especially in men. However, leg strength per body weight was closely linked to body fat percentage in both sexes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the link between ambulance transports due to heat stroke and air temperature by using daily data of ambulance transports in Okayama prefecture, Japan. Daily observations for ambulance transports due to heat stroke from July to September in 2010 in Okayama prefecture, Japan were obtained from Fire and Disaster Management Agency in Japan. Data of meteorological parameters in Okayama prefecture, Japan were also obtained from Japan Meteorological Agency. Effect of meteorological parameters on ambulance transports due to heat stroke was analyzed. A total of 1133 ambulance transports due to heat stroke were observed in from July to September of 2010 in Okayama prefecture, Japan. Ambulance transports due to heat stroke was significantly correlated with air temperature. In addition, number of subjects with ambulance transports due to heat stroke over 34°C in the highest air temperature was 21.2 ± 9.8 per day. Higher air temperature was closely associated with higher ambulance transports due to heat stroke by using daily data in Okayama, prefecture, Japan.

We investigated the changes in exercise habits and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) with lifestyle modification in Japanese. We used data for 105 men (48.2 ± 13.8 years) and 110 women (48.6 ± 12.1 years) without any medications with a 1-year follow up. Subjects were given advice for dietary and lifestyle improvement. At the 1-year follow up, body weight and body mass index (BMI) were significantly decreased in both sexes. Abdominal circumference was significantly decreased in men. In addition, changes in exercise habits were noted in both sexes. In separate analysis in subjects without exercise habits at baseline, the changes in baPWV with exercise habits at follow up was lower than that without exercise habits at follow up in both sexes, but not at a significant level. Lifestyle modification may increase exercise habits, however, it did not evidently change baPWV in this population.

There are some reports that coffee consumption improves insulin resistance. Therefore, we investigated the link between metabolic syndrome and coffee, tea and green tea consumption in Japanese. We used data of 150 men and 227 women who were not taking any medications, aged 22 - 74 years, in this cross-sectional investigation study. Habitual coffee, tea and green tea consumption was defined as drinking one or more cups of coffee, tea and green tea per day. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the Japanese criteria. In subjects without medications, 34 men (22.7%) and 10 women (4.4%) were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Coffee and green tea consumption was weakly and positively correlated with age in women. Significant differences of coffee consumption between women with and without abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension, tea consumption between men with and without dyslipidemia were noted after adjusting for age. However, there were no significant differences of other consumption between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome in both sexes. Among Japanese not taking medications, coffee, tea and green tea consumption was not clearly associated with metabolic syndrome in the Japanese population.

To investigate the link between cigarette smoking and flexibility in the Japanese population, we used data of 4234 men and 9169 women, aged 20-79 years, in this cross-sectional investigation study. Flexibility such as sit and reach were measured. In addition, habits of cigarette smoking and exercise were obtained by well-trained medical staff. The effect of cigarette smoking on flexibility was evaluated. A total of 1613 men (38.1%) and 995 women (10.9%) were having habits of cigarette smoking. Flexibility in men was decreased with aging and that in women increased with aging under 60’s. Flexibility in subjects with cigarette smoking was significantly lower than that in subjects without cigarette smoking even after adjusting for age and exercise habits in both sexes. Cigarette smoking might be modifiable factor of flexibility in the Japanese.

We evaluated the psychological distress using a scale of the K6, the 6-item scale of psychological distress on public health nurse in Kagawa prefecture, Japan. We send the questionnaire to all public health nurses (n = 419) in Kagawa prefecture. Then, a total of 256 public health nurses (1 man and 255 women), had completely answered the questionnaires, were analyzed in a cross-sectional investigation study. The association between psychological distress and considerable factors were evaluated by using the K6, with psychological distress defined as 13 or more points out of a total of 24 points. A total of 15 public health nurses (5.9%) were defined as psychological distress. Clear relationships between the K6 score and age, experience duration as public health nurse were not noted. The K6 score in subjects with anxiety of preventing suicide was significantly higher than that without. In addition, the K6 score in subjects who feel their own mental status was excellent was also lower than that in subjects without that. In conclusion, some factors might be associated with psychological distress, as assessed by the K6, in public health nurse in Kagawa prefecture, Japan.

We evaluated whole body reaction time and one leg with eye closed balance in elderly Japanese. A total of 2059 elderly Japanese (730 men and 1329 women), aged 60 - 79 years, were enrolled in the cross-sectional investigation study. Anthropometric parameters, whole body reaction time and one leg with eye closed balance were measured. Whole body reaction time was significantly higher and one leg with eye closed balance was significantly lower in 70’s than those in 60’s in both sexes. Two hundred twenty seven men (31.1%) and 533 women (40.1%) were having no medications. In men, whole body reaction time was significantly higher and one leg with eye closed balance was significantly lower in subjects with medications than those in subjects without in 60’s. However, significant differences of whole body reaction time and one leg with eye closed balance between subjects with and without medications in men with 70’s and women with 60’s and 70’s were not noted. This standard mean value may provide a useful reference database for evaluating whole body reaction time and one leg with eye closed balance in Japanese elderly subjects.

The link between changes in a subject's metabolic syndrome components and his estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated in healthy Japanese men. We used data from 120 Japanese men (45.5 ± 8.4 years) with a 1-year follow up. eGFR was defined by a new equation developed for Japan. There were no significant differences in eGFR between men with and without metabolic syndrome components at baseline. Subjects were given advice for dietary and lifestyle improvement. At the 1-year follow up, almost all metabolic syndrome components were significantly improved. However, eGFR was significantly decreased. The changes in eGFR were weakly correlated with abdominal circumference (r＝-0.232, p＝0.0106). A decrease in abdominal circumference may be associated with improving eGFR in Japanese men.

Visceral fat accumulation has an important role in increasing the morbidity and mortality rates, by increasing the risk of developing several metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. New genetic loci that are associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures have been identified by genome-wide association studies in Caucasian populations. This study investigates whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that confer susceptibility to high blood pressure are also associated with visceral fat obesity. We genotyped 1279 Japanese subjects (556 men and 723 women) who underwent computed tomography for measuring the visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) at the following SNPs: FGF5 rs16998073, CACNB2 rs11014166, C10orf107 rs1530440, CYP17A1 rs1004467, NT5C2 rs11191548, PLEKHA7 rs381815, ATP2B1 rs2681472 and rs2681492, ARID3B rs6495112, CSK rs1378942, PLCD3 rs12946454, and ZNF652 rs16948048. In an additive model, risk alleles of the CYP17A1 rs1004467 and NT5C2 rs11191548 were found to be significantly associated with reduced SFA (P=0.00011 and 0.0016, respectively). When the analysis was performed separately in men and women, significant associations of rs1004467 (additive model) and rs11191548 (recessive model) with reduced VFA (P=0.0018 and 0.0022, respectively) and SFA (P=0.00039 and 0.00059, respectively) were observed in women, but not in men. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the CYP17A1 and NT5C2 genes influence a reduction in both visceral and subcutaneous fat mass in Japanese women.

Using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, we investigated the link between insulin resistance and lifestyle in Japanese female university students. We used data for 57 Japanese female university students (21.0±0.8 years) who were enrolled in a cross-sectional investigation study. We performed full blood examinations, and anthropometric parameters, nutrient oral intake and daily step counts were measured. The mean HOMA index for the subjects was 1.3±0.6, and 12 subjects were over the level of 1.6, which is considered to indicate insulin resistance in Japan. The HOMA index was positively correlated with abdominal circumference (r＝0.542, p＜0.0001), triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. In addition, the HOMA index was negatively correlated with n-3 fatty acid and positively correlated with the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio (r＝0.304, p＝0.0216). Daily step count was negatively correlated with the HOMA index, but not at a significant level (r＝－0.237, p＝0.0809). Higher HOMA index in some Japanese female university students was noted, and that was associated with lifestyle, especially n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio of nutrient oral intake.

We evaluate nitrogen oxides pollution in Takamatsu and Utazu area in Kagawa prefecture, Japan. Annually observations for nitrogen oxides (nitrogen dioxide; NO2, nitric oxide; NO) (1990-2007) were obtained from data base of Kagawa prefecture, Japan. Changes in NO2 and NO in Takamatsu and Utazu area were evaluated and compared. In 2007, NO2, NO and NO2 + NO (ppm) in Takamatsu area were higher than those in Utazu area. However, NO2 /NO + NO2 in Takamatsu area was lower than that in Utazu area. From 1990 to 2007, mean of NO2 in a day over the level of 0.06 ppm was 30 days in Takamatsu area and only one day in Utazu area. Mean of NO2, NO and NO2 + NO was significantly higher and NO2/NO + NO2 was lower in Takamatsu area than that in Utazu area. In addition, NO2, NO and NO2 + NO were negatively correlated and NO2/NO + NO2 was positively correlated with years (1990-2007) in Takamatsu area. The level of nitrogen oxides pollution in Utazu area was lower than Takamatsu area. Further observation is required for preventing nitrogen oxides pollution in Kagawa prefecture, Japan.

The link between high temperatures and ambulance transports in Takamatsu area, Japan was investigated. Monthly observations for ambulance transports (2004-2008) were obtained from Fire Department Service in Takamatsu. Data of temperatures in Takamatsu area, Japan (2004-2008) were used by Japan Meteorological Agency. Effect of high temperatures on ambulance transports was analyzed. By using data from July to September, there were not clear differences of mean temperatures and ambulance transports among years. Ambulance transports were significantly correlated with parameters of temperatures. Correlation coefficient rate between ambulance transports and the mean temperature of maximum temperatures in a month was highest among parameters (r = 0.738, p = 0.0017). In addition, ambulance transports were also significantly correlated with the number of days over the level of 32?C in a month (r = 0.782, p = 0.0006). Higher temperatures were closely associated with higher ambulance transports in Takamatsu area, Japan.

We compared the levels of muscle strength between subjects with and without proteinuria. We used data of 721 men and 1,063 women, aged 20-79 years, in this cross-sectional investigation study. Parameters at muscle strength i.e. grip strength, leg strength and leg strength per body weight were evaluated. Proteinuria was measured by urine strip devices. Thirty five men (4.9%) and 27 women (2.5%) were diagnosed as having the proteinuria (+: 30 mg/dl) ≦). Leg strength and leg strength per body weight in men with proteinuria was significantly lower than that in men without proteinuria after adjusting for age. Grip strength in men with proteinuria was also lower than that in men without, but not at a significant level. However such link was not noted in women after adjusting for age. Among Japanese, proteinuria might be a modifiable factor of muscle strength in Japanese men.

To investigate the changes in temperatures in Okayama area compared with different levels of three urbanization areas such as Tsuyama, Tokyo areas and Hachijo island in Japan. Data of temperatures in Okayama (1891-2009), Tsuyama (1943-2009), Tokyo areas (1876-2009) and Hachijo Island (1907-2009) in Japan was obtained from Japan Meteorological Agency. Changes in temperatures in 4 areas in Japan were analyzed and compared. By using data from 1943 to 2009, some parameters of temperatures were significantly correlated with years. The change in parameters of temperatures in Hachijo Island was calmest among 4 areas. The changes in mean temperature in August and in a year in Okayama area for 50 years were the highest (August: 1.55?C, Year: 2.05?C) among 4 areas. In addition, correlation coefficient rate between years and the number of days over 35?C in August in Okayama area was highest (r = 0.407, p = 0.0037). Parameters of temperatures were gradually increased with years in Okayama area, especially in recent years. However, those associations were not clearly noted in Hachijo Island. In conclusion, global warming in Okayama might be accelerated more rapidly than that in Tokyo area in recent 50 years.

We investigated the link between ambulance transports and meteorological parameters of summer by using daily data in Osaka area, Japan. Daily observations for ambulance transports (from July 1 to September 30, 2009) were obtained from Fire Department Service in Osaka. Data of meteorological parameters in Osaka area, Japan (from July 1 to September 30, 2009) were also obtained from Japan Meteorological Agency. Effect of meteorological parameters on ambulance transports was analyzed. A total of 49,526 ambulance transports were observed from July 1 to September 30, 2009 in Osaka, Japan. Ambulance transports were significantly correlated with mean air temperature (r = 0.298), the highest air temperature (r = 0.347), the lowest air temperature (r = 0.209) and daylight hours (r = 0.301). The higher air temperature was associated with higher ambulance transports of summer in Osaka area, Japan.

We investigated the relationship among delta (delta represents changes in parameters) visceral fat area, waist circumference and body weight in Japanese freshmen students. Visceral fat was measured at the umbilical level using computerized tomography scanning at baseline study and 6 months later. Body weight and height, as well as waist circumference were also measured. We found that visceral fat area, waist circumference, and body weight significantly correlated with each other at baseline, and 6 months later, delta visceral fat area and changes in % visceral fat area significantly correlated with delta waist circumference and delta body weight in female and in total subjects. In addition, based on the predictive linear equations from the regression analysis, we found that 1kg of delta body weight corresponded to 0.83 cm of delta waist circumference, and 1kg of delta body weight and 1cm of delta waist circumference corresponded to 9.41% and 7.80% of changes in visceral fat area, respectively, in total subjects. The present results suggest that delta visceral fat area is closely related to delta body weight and delta waist circumference in Japanese freshmen students.

Simple and sensitive headspace gas-chromatographic (GC) analysis of urinary methanol using syringe equilibration method was developed. A glass syringe containing 30 μL of urine sample and 50 mg of glass wool was heated at 85°C for 20 minutes and the HS vapor equilibrated under normal pressure in the syringe was injected directly into the GC-FID, and the analysis was carried out successfully without contamination. Relative standard deviations of less than 5% were observed for 20 – 80 μg/mL methanol spiked urine samples. The quantitative detection limit for urinary methanol was 0.3 μg/mL.

To investigate the link between higher air temperature and ambulance transports due to heat stroke, especially in elderly subjects, using daily data in Sai-tama prefecture in August, 2010, Japan. We obtained daily data of air temperature in Saitama prefecture in August, 2010, Japan from Japan Meteorological Agency. Number of ambulance transports due to heat stroke was also used by Saitama prefecture official website. The effect of high air temperature on am-bulance transports due to heat stroke was evaluated. A total of 1688 ambulance transports due to heat stroke was observed in Saitama prefecture in August, 2010, Japan. Seven hundred and twenty one subjects (42.7%) were over the age of 65. Mean air temperature, the highest air temperature and day light hours were significantly associated with ambulance transports due to heat stroke in total subjects (mean air temperature: r = 0.749, p < 0.0001) and the over the age of 7. In addition, by separate analysis as classified by age groups, the correlation coefficient between ambulance transports due to heat stroke and mean air temperature was the highest in subjects with over 65. However, the lowest air temperature was not cor-related with ambulance transports due to heat stroke. Higher air temperature was closely associated with higher ambulance transports due to heat stroke using daily data in Saitama prefecture in August, 2010, Ja-pan, especially in elderly subjects.

We compared the levels of ventilatory threshold (VT) between subjects with and without pro-teinuria. We used data of 402 men and 413 women who were not taking any medications, aged 20 - 77 years, in this cross-sectional in-vestigation study. Aerobic Parameters at VT i.e. oxygen uptake, work rate and heart rate, and exercise habits were evaluated, which are con-sidered to be cardio respiratory fitness. Pro-teinuria was measured by using urine strip de-vices. Forty three men (10.7%) and 29 women (7.0%) were diagnosed as having the proteinuria (± ≦). There were no significant relationships between proteinuria and exercise habits in both sexes after adjusting for age. Oxygen uptake at VT in subjects with proteinuria was significantly lower than that in subjects without proteinuria after adjusting for age in men. However, such link was not noted in women after adjusting for age (p = 0.9964). Finally, associations were at-tenuated after adjusting for age and exercise habits in both sexes. Among Japanese not tak-ing medications, proteinuria might be a modifi-able factor of VT, especially in Japanese men.

day work and shift work) and cigarette smoking in Japanese workers. We used data of 3,238 men (39.3 ± 10.5 years) and 5,111 women (37.1 ± 10.9 years), aged 20 - 59 years, by cross-sectional clinical investigation study. Work style i.e. day work and shift work, cigarette smoking, status of stress and stress coping were obtained by questionnaires by well-trained medical staff. A total of 227 men (7.0%) and 339 women (6.6%) were shift workers, and 1346 men (41.6%) and 649 women (12.7%) were current smokers. Work style was significantly linked to cigarette smoking, stress and stress coping after adjusting for age in women. In addition, the level of stress coping in subjects with cigarette smoking was significantly lower than that in subjects without cigarette smoking even after adjusting for age in women. However, these associations were not noted in men. Work style was critically associated with cigarette smoking in Japanese female workers.

The link between changes in a subject’s serum uric acid levels and his estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated in Japanese men. We used data for 108 Japanese men (45.3 ± 8.0 years) with a 1-year follow up. eGFR was defined by a new equation developed for Japan. eGFR was weakly correlated with serum uric acid levels (r = –0.287, p = 0.0026) at baseline. Subjects were given advice for dietary and life-style improvement. At the 1-year follow up, almost metabolic syndrome components were significantly improved. However, blood sugar and uric acid did not change and eGFR was significantly decreased. The changes in eGFR were weakly correlated with abdominal circum-ference (r = –0.249, p = 0.0094) and uric acid (r = –0.340, p = 0.0003). A decrease in serum uric acid levels may be associated with improving eGFR in Japanese men.

We investigated the link between renal function as evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.A total of 11030 Japanese subjects, aged between 20 and 79 years, were recruited in a cross-sectional clinical investigation study. eGFR was calculated using serum creatinine, age, and sex. Proteinuria was measured by using urine strip devices.Age-related variations in eGFR were noted. Two hundred sixteen men (6.2%) and 316 women (4.2%) were diagnosed with trace positive (±) and 140 men (4.0%) and 130 women (1.7%) were diagnosed with positive (+≤) proteinuria. eGFR in subjects with +≤ proteinuria was significantly lower than that in subjects without proteinuria, in both sexes.The present study indicates that proteinuria might be an important marker in the etiology of lower eGFR in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

The link between changes in a subject's metabolic syndrome components and her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated in healthy Japanese women. We used data for 53 Japanese women (46.0±10.9 years) with a 1-year follow up. eGFR was defined by a new equation developed for Japan. There were no significant relationships between eGFR and clinical parameters at baseline. Subjects were given advice for dietary and lifestyle improvement. At the 1-year follow up, eGFR was significantly increased. In addition, changes in eGFR were weakly correlated with systolic blood pressure(r=-0.306, p=0.0260). A decrease in systolic blood pressure may be associated with improving eGFR in Japanese women.

The link between cigarette smoking and ventilatory threshold (VT) was investigated. We used data for 407 men and 418 women not taking medication. Habits of cigarette smoking were obtained through interviews by well-trained staff. The influence of cigarette smoking on oxygen uptake, work rate, and heart rate at VT was evaluated. Oxygen uptake at VT in women and work rate at VT in men with cigarette smoking were significantly lower than in subjects without cigarette smoking after adjusting for age. The differences of parameters at VT did not reach significant levels after adjusting for age and exercise habits in both sexes. However, in women without exercise habits, there was significant difference of oxygen uptake at VT between women with and without cigarette smoking after adjusting for age [cigarette smoking (+): 11.5 ± 1.8 ml/kg/min, cigarette smoking (−): 12.4 ± 2.1 ml/kg/min, p = 0.0006]. The number of cigarettes smoked per day and the Brinkman Index were not clearly correlated with oxygen uptake at VT. A combination of promoting exercise habits and prohibiting cigarette smoking might be recommended for improving the aerobic exercise level, especially in women.

The predominant risk factor of metabolic syndrome is intra-abdominal fat accumulation, which is determined by waist circumference and waist-hip ratio measurements and visceral fat area (VFA) that is measured by computed tomography (CT). There is evidence that waist circumference and waist-hip ratio in the Caucasian population are associated with variations in several genes, including neurexin 3 (NRXN3), transcription factor AP-2β (TFAP2B), methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA), lysophospholipase-like-1 (LYPLAL1), fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes. To investigate the relationship between VFA and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and these genes in the recruited Japanese population, we genotyped 8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these 6 genes from 1228 subjects. Multiple regression analysis revealed that gender, age, and rs1558902 and rs1421085 genotypes (additive model) in FTO were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI; P=0.0039 and 0.0039, respectively), SFA (P=0.0027 and 0.0023, respectively) and VFA (P=0.045 and 0.040, respectively). However, SNPs in other genes, namely, NRXN3, TFAP2B, MSRA, LYPLAL1 and MC4R were not significantly associated with BMI, SFA or VFA. Our data suggest that some SNPs, which were identified in genome-wide studies in the Caucasians, also confer susceptibility to fat distribution in the Japanese subjects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate aerobic exercise levels, expressed in terms of ventilatory threshold (VT), in a Japanese population and explore the relationship between VT and exercise habits in this population.This was a cross-sectional study in which data collected from 547 men and 524 women aged 20-69 years and not on medications, were used to assess exercise habits and parameters at VT, namely, oxygen uptake, work rate, and heart rate.Age-related changes in parameters at VT were noted. Of the participants, 205 men (37.5%) and 142 women (27.1%) had exercise habits. Oxygen uptake and work rate at VT in subjects with exercise habits were significantly higher than those without exercise habits after age had been adjusted for in both sexes. Anthropometric parameters were significantly correlated with oxygen uptake at VT, and the highest correlation coefficient rate was found between oxygen uptake at VT and body fat percentage (men r = -0.589, women r = -0.631).The mean values determined here may provide a useful database for evaluating VT in Japanese adult subjects.

The present study investigated the use of the accelerometer-determined physical activity (PA) variables as the objective PA variables for estimating $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{ 2 {\text{max}}}} $$ in Japanese adult men. One hundred and twenty-seven Japanese adult men aged from 20 to 69 years were recruited as subjects of the present study. Maximal oxygen uptake ( $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{ 2 {\text{max}}}} $$ ) was measured with a maximal incremental test on a bicycle ergometer. Daily step counts (SC) and the amount spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) were measured using accelerometer-based activity monitors worn at the waist for seven consecutive days. The non-exercise models were derived using hierarchical linear regression analysis, and cross-validated using two separate cross-validation procedures. SC, MVPA, and VPA were significantly related to $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{ 2 {\text{max}}}} $$ (partial correlation coefficient r = 0.58, r = 0.42, and r = 0.51, respectively) after adjusting for age. Two models were developed by multiple regression to estimate $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{ 2 {\text{max}}}} $$ using data of age, SC, VPA, and either BMI (the coefficient of determination (R 2) = 0.71, standard error of estimate (SEE) = 4.2 ml kg−1 min−1), or waist circumference (R 2 = 0.74, SEE = 3.9 ml kg−1 min−1). All regression models demonstrated a high level of cross-validity supported by the minor shrinkage of R 2 and increment of SEE in the PRESS procedure, and by small constant errors for subgroups of age, SC, and $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{ 2 {\text{max}}}} . $$ This study demonstrated that combining SC with VPA, but not with MVPA, was useful in predicting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{ 2 {\text{max}}}} $$ variance and improved the ability of the regression models to accurately predict $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{ 2 {\text{max}}}} $$ .

Objective Changes in metabolic syndrome and its components with lifestyle modification were evaluated in Japanese men. Methods We used data for 160 Japanese men (45.6±8.8 years) with a 1-year follow up. Anthropometric, blood examination and blood pressure measurements were evaluated. Metabolic syndrome was defined by using a criterion in Japan. All subjects were given instructions by well-trained medical staff on how to change their lifestyle. Results With a 1-year follow-up, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP), triglyceride and HDL cholesterol were significantly improved and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly reduced. The number of subjects with abdominal obesity at baseline and at follow-up was higher (81 men) than that of subjects with other components at baseline and at follow-up. Parameters at baseline were significantly correlated with changes in parameters for one year. With lifestyle modification, the level of 163 mmHg in systolic BP (SBP), 115 mmHg in diastolic BP (DBP), 226 mg/dL in triglyceride and 33 mg/dL in HDL cholesterol at baseline was estimated to improve to the level without medications with a 1-year follow up. Conclusion Lifestyle modification is useful for improving metabolic syndrome and its components. However, items of metabolic syndrome were improved, even when the abdominal circumference was greater than the normal value for Japanese men.

CAO, Z., N. MIYATAKE, M. HIGUCHI, M. MIYACHI, K. ISHIKAWA-TAKATA, and I. TABATA. Predicting VO 2max with an Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Japanese Women. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 179―186, 2010. Purpose: To investigate the use of the accelerometer-determined physical activity (PA) intensity variables as the objective PA variables for estimating VO 2max in Japanese adult women. Methods: The subjects of this study were 148 Japanese women aged 20 to 69 yr. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) was measured with a maximal incremental test on a bicycle ergometer. Daily step counts (SC) and the amount spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) were measured using accelerometer-based activity monitors for 7 consecutive days. Using data of age, SC, MVPA, or VPA, and either body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC), the nonexercise VO 2max prediction models were derived as BMI models MVPA , WC models MVPA , BMI models VPA , and WC models VPA , and cross-validated by using two separate cross-validation procedures. Results: SC, MVPA, and VPA were significantly related to VO 2max (r = 0.43, r = 0.52, and r = 0.58, respectively). The multiple correlation coefficients for the BMI and WC models MVPA were 0.83 and 0.85, respectively, and for the BMI and WC models VPA , they were 0.85 and 0.86, respectively. The SEE was 3.3 and 3.1 mL·kg ― 1 ·min ―1 for the BMI and WC models MVPA , respectively, and it was 3.1 and 3.0 mL·kg ―1 ·min ―1 for the BMI and WC models VPA , respectively. All regression models demonstrated a high level of cross-validity supported by the minor shrinkage of the coefficient of determination and the increment of SEE in the predicted residual sum of squares procedure, and by small constant errors for the subgroups of age, SC, and VO 2max between 25 and 35 mL·kg ―1 ·min ―1 . Conclusions: This study demonstrated that multiple regression models using data of MVPA or VPA were useful in predicting VO 2max for Japanese adult women.

There is evidence that the obesity phenotype in the Caucasian populations is associated with variations in several genes, including neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1), SEC16 homolog B (SCE16B), transmembrane protein 18 (TMEM18), ets variant 5 (ETV5), glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase 2 (GNPDA2), prolactin (PRL), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 (MTCH2), Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (FAIM2), SH2B adaptor protein 1 (SH2B1), v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog (MAF), Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1), melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) and potassium channel tetramerisation domain containing 15 (KCTD15). To investigate the relationship between obesity and these genes in the Japanese population, we genotyped 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 14 genes from obese subjects (n=1129, body mass index (BMI) > or =30 kg m(-2)) and normal-weight control subjects (n=1736, BMI

Objectives: The link between changes in leg strength per body weight and metabolic syndrome was evaluated in Japanese men with a 1-year follow up.Subjects and Methods: We used data for 136 Japanese men (45.5 ± 8.5 years) with a 1-year follow up. All subjects were given instructions by well-trained medical staff on how to change their lifestyle. Metabolic syndrome has been defined by a new criterion in Japan. The association between changes in leg strength per body weight and metabolic syndrome was evaluated.Results: With a 1-year follow up, body weight, abdominal circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride were significantly reduced. Leg strength and leg strength per body weight and HDL cholesterol were significantly increased. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly reduced. There was significant relationship between changes in metabolic syndrome and changes in leg strength per body weight. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly reduced in subjects with an increase in leg strength per body weight (Group I) compared to subjects without such an increase (Group D). In addition, there were remarkable differences in delta abdominal circumference (delta represents positive changes in parameters) between Group I and Group D.Conclusion: An increase in leg strength per body weight may be associated with improving metabolic syndrome and abdominal circumference in Japanese men.

Objective: Both aerobic exercise level and body composition are associated with aging. In addition, lower aerobic exercise level and excess of body fat are risk for atherosclerosis. Therefore, the link between maximal oxygen uptake and anthropometric, body composition parameters was investigated.Subjects and Methods: We used data for 300 Japanese (150 men: 44.2±14.1 years, 150 women: 44.4±14.1 years) in a cross sectional analysis. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured by breath-by-breath method and body composition was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).Results: Maximal oxygen uptake was significantly decreased with age over the age of 40. Body fat percentage measured by DEXA was significantly correlated with maximal oxygen uptake (men: r=−0.622, women: r=−0.604). In addition, the significant relationships between body fat percentage and clinical parameters i.e. triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood sugar, insulin and homeostasis model assessment (the HOMA index) were also noted.Conclusion: Lower maximal oxygen uptake may be characteristic in subjects with higher body fat percentage and aerobic exercise should be recommended for preventing lifestyle-related disease.

Objective: A device of based on the multi frequencies impedance method, named the InBody720, was developed for the purpose of estimating body composition.Methods: The performance, reliability and validity of this system were evaluated in Japanese subjects.Results: The coefficient variation (CV: %) in same-day tests was 1.96 (body fat percentage: %), 0.62 (muscle mass: kg), 0.63 (lean body mass: kg) and 1.09 (bone mineral content: kg), in three separate-day tests it was 3.59 (body fat percentage), 1.07 (muscle mass), 1.06 (lean body mass: kg) and 1.22 (bone mineral content: kg). There was a clear correlation between the results from InBody720 and those from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) (body fat percentage: r=0.788, p=0.0005, muscle mass: r=0.983, p

Objective: The link between leg strength per body weight and oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold (VT) was evaluated in Japanese women with a 1-year follow up.Subjects and Methods: We used data for 60 Japanese women (46.1 ± 10.6 years) with a 1-year follow up. Changes in leg strength per body weight on oxygen uptake at VT were also evaluated.Results: Oxygen uptake at VT (per body weight) was significantly correlated with body weight, body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference, hip circumference, body fat percentage, leg strength and leg strength per body weight (r=0.520, p‹0.001). Body weight, BMI, abdominal circumference and body fat percentage were significantly reduced; work rate and right grip strength were significantly increased with a 1-year follow up. In addition, changes in oxygen uptake at VT (per body weight) were also significantly correlated with leg strength and leg strength per body weight (r=0.317, p=0.0137).Conclusion: An increase in leg strength per body weight may be associated with increasing oxygen uptake at VT in Japanese women.

Objective The link between uric acid levels and metabolic syndrome was investigated. Methods We used data for 997 men and 1290 women. Metabolic syndrome was defined by a new criterion in Japan and uric acid was measured. Results Subjects who did not drink alcohol were evaluated. Uric acid was significantly higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome compared with subjects without the syndrome in both sexes. The presence of abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia in men and abdominal obesity in women revealed positive impacts on uric acid levels. Conclusion High serum uric acid may be often associated with metabolic syndrome in Japanese people, which accelerates the development of cardiovascular disease from metabolic syndrome.

Objective We investigated the link between a reduction in waist circumference and metabolic syndrome. Methods 105 obese Japanese men were enrolled in this study with a 1-year follow-up. Anthropometric and body composition parameters, i.e. height, body weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference and hip circumference, blood pressure, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and blood sugar, were evaluated. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using criteria developed in Japan. Results After a 1-year follow-up, the parameters of metabolic syndrome were significantly improved. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly reduced in subjects with at least 3 cm of waist circumference reduction (Group R). However, in subjects without such reduction (Group C), the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was similar to baseline levels. The prevalence of abdominal obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia was also significantly reduced in Group R. In addition, there were remarkable differences of delta triglyceride (delta represents positive changes in parameters) and delta HDL cholesterol between Group R and Group C. Conclusion At least 3 cm of waist circumference reduction may be beneficial for improving metabolic syndrome in obese Japanese men.

The present study carried out a measurement of body composition and a nutrition survey, targeting 28 male wheelchair athletes and comparing them with 25 male physically able healthy athletes as the controls. The DXA method was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD), percentage of body fat (% body fat), and lean body mass (LBM). Possible factors affecting the BMD of the wheelchair athletes with spinal injuries were analyzed including age, body part, type of sport, area of injury, length of injury, and the length of time it took before restarting sports activity after injury. BMD in the arms, body trunk, legs, and entire body was measured. There were no significant differences in the BMD of the wheelchair athletes by age group (from 20 to 29, from 30 to 39, and 40 years and older), by sports (basketball, track and field, and tennis), and by area of injury (high and low paraplegia). BMD in the legs (r = -0.549, P < 0.01), body trunk (r = -0.414, P < 0.05), and entire body (r = -0.452, P < 0.05) of the wheelchair athletes was negatively correlated with the period since injury; however, no such a relationship was observed in the arms. In addition, the multiple regression analysis for BMD of each body region showed that the earlier the wheelchair athletes restarted sports after injury, the higher values the BMD of legs (r = -0.467, P < 0.05), body trunk (r = -0.469, P < 0.05), and entire body (r = -0.488, P < 0.05), independent of age and sports. The leg BMD of the wheelchair athletes was lower than that of the physically able athletes, with a BMD 76.5% of the controls. The present study suggests that restarting sports activity in a timely manner after treatment and rehabilitation for the injury is useful in preventing loss of BMD in wheelchair athletes and ultimately improving their quality of life.

Objectives: We investigated the correlation between changes in body weight and body composition parameters. Methods: We used the data of 2635 Japanese (40.2±12.2 years) at baseline and at 1-year follow-up from a database of 13522 subjects, which is available at the Okayama Southern Institute of Health in Okayama prefecture, Japan. Body weight, waist circumference at the umbilical level, hip circumference, and body fat percentage were used in the analyses. Results: Body composition parameters were significantly reduced after 1 year. Changes in body weight significantly correlated with changes in waist circumference, changes in hip circumference, and changes in body fat percentage. A decrease in body weight of 3 kg corresponded to a 3.45 cm decrease in waist circumference in men and a 2.83 cm decrease in that in women. Conclusion: A decrease in body weight of 3 kg corresponded to an almost 3 cm decrease in waist circumference at the umbilical level in Japanese men and women.

We investigated the link between changes in body composition and the blood pressure (BP) response to exercise in overweight Japanese by a retrospective clinical study carried out over a 3-year period. We analyzed data for 38 overweight Japanese aged 22-69 years (47.8 +- 11.4) at baseline. Among the participants, 32 overweight subjects (body mass index : BMI, 29.0 +- 3.0 kg/m2) were further analyzed with a 3-year follow up. BP at rest, the BP response to an exercise test, the aerobic exercise-level determined ventilatory threshold (VT), and body composition were evaluated at an interval of 1 year. During the study period, there were 6 drop outs, who started to receive anti-hypertensive drugs because of the development of hypertension. Based on analysis of follow up data, parameters of body composition were significantly reduced over the 3 years. Systolic BP (SBP) at rest and at VT was also reduced. In addition, delta SBP (Delta: delta represents positive change in parameters) at VT was positively correlated with Delta parameters of body composition over the 3 years. In overweight subjects with increased body weight, there was a significant time (pre vs year 3) effect and interactions by 2 factor-factorial ANOVA. The present study indicates that changes in body composition are closely linked to the SBP response to an exercise test.

We compared the levels of hepatic enzymes in 220 Japanese men with metabolic syndrome with those in age and sex-matched subjects without the syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was defi ned by the new criteria published in Japan, and hepatic enzymes, i.e., aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGTP), were measured. AST, ALT and γGTP in subjects with metabolic syndrome were signifi cantly higher than those in subjects without the syndrome, and metabolic syndrome was closely associated with hepatic enzymes in this cohort of Japanese men.

We compared the status of stress with and without metabolic syndrome in Japanese. We used data for 774 men and 1,136 women who had received annual health checkups at Okayama Southern Institute of Health. Status of stress was evaluated using a stress check provided by the Department of Public Health, Nihon University. Metabolic syndrome is defined by new criteria in Japan. Physical stress was significantly higher in men with metabolic syndrome than in men without it. However, the ability of coping with stress in men with metabolic syndrome was significantly higher than that in men without it. Thus a linkage between metabolic syndrome and the status of stress was characteristic in Japanese men.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is negatively associated with arterial stiffness, although it is unclear whether it is associated with prospective arterial stiffness changes. The authors examined cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial stiffness progression in a 2-year follow-up study of 470 healthy men and women aged 26 to 69 years. Peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) was measured at baseline using a graded cycle exercise test. Arterial stiffness was assessed using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) at baseline and after 2 years. Two-year changes in baPWV were significantly higher in patients in the lowest V˙O2peak tertile (28.8±7.6 cm/s) compared with those in the highest V˙O2peak tertile (-1.4±7.5 cm/s) (P=.024) and were inversely correlated with V˙O2peak (r=-.112, P=.015). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that age, glucose, baPWV, V˙O2peak, and sex were independent correlates of 2-year changes in baPWV, suggesting that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with age-related arterial stiffening suppression.