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ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the prospective association among objectively measured average working hours (AWHs), frequency of long working hours (FLWHs; defined as ≥205 working hours/month (≥45 hours/week)) for 6 months, and workers’ self-reported psychological and physical health.MethodsThe study included 15 143 workers from 5 Japanese companies. We collected monthly attendance records over 6 months before distributing a questionnaire survey on psychological/physical stress responses and work-related demographics. We then evaluated the associations of those attendance records with psychological/physical measures using analysis of covariance adjusted for sex, age, employment, job type, working conditions, work site and experience of emergency state due to COVID-19.ResultsIrritability, anxiety and depression were significantly greater at ≥180 hours (≥45 hours/week), and fatigue and lack of vigour were greater at ≥205 hours than those of the normal working-hour group (140–180 hours/month [35–45 hours/week]). Psychological indices increased significantly with FLWH, with ≥3 times for irritability, depression and fatigue; ≥2 times for lack of vigour; and ≥1 time for anxiety when compared with no long working hours. No significant associations were observed between AWH or FLWH and physical stress responses.ConclusionsLonger AWH was associated with higher levels of psychological stress responses. The effects of FLWH in the past 6 months varied among the psychological stress responses and did not occur for physical complaints. Under circumstances requiring long hours, workers’ mental health should be protected through minimising the frequency of long work hours.

To determine whether estimated maximal oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) can detect cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) changes by behavioral modifications. This study compared changes in measured [Formula: see text]OA cross-sectional analysis involving 173 adults was conducted to establish an MRM by including age, sex, body mass index, questionnaire score, heart rate (HR) from step test, and m[Formula: see text]OInclusion of the step test HR in a questionnaire-based MRM improved the estimation power, although the MRM underestimated higher m[Formula: see text]Oe[Formula: see text]ORegistered number, UMIN000041031; Registered date, 2020/07/08; URL, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000046855.

This study examines the mediating and moderating effects of psychological detachment (PD) based on the stressor-detachment model long term.Two waves of web-based surveys, 28 months apart, yielded 3,556 responses from Japanese workers. Comparisons between models that included mediating and moderating effects of PD, and reverse direction mediating effects (strain → PD → stressor) were made by structural equation modeling. Differences in depression as a strain between combinations of high and low stressors and PD were also examined.The best-fitting model was the moderation/reciprocal partial-mediation model. The effect of PD was significant in the group with stable or decreasing stressor.According to the worker's level of stressors, PD, and depression, targeted interventions may effectively prevent physical and mental health problems caused by chronic stress.

An astronaut’s maximal oxygen intake (VO2max), along with cardiac function, decreases during space life; and many astronauts experience unhealthy weight loss due to energy imbalances. In fact, excessive exercise may promote an energy deficit. Moreover, a typical scheduled exercise program (2.5 hours per day) appears to be excessive for time-pressed astronauts. Hence, more efficient exercise programs need to be developed for future space missions. With this background, the study of “high-intensity interval aerobic exercise training (HIAT)” was initiated. The HIAT protocol in our study consisted of 3 sets of 3-min high-intensity cycling with 2-min active rest between sets. Two intervention studies conducted with sedentary male adults revealed that VO2max improvement by HIAT was significantly higher than improvement by moderate-intensity continuous aerobic training (MICT); and that cardiac function significantly improved in HIAT, but not in MICT, even though the exercise duration and volume of HIAT (15 mins, 180 kcal) were substantially lower than those of MICT (42 mins, 360 kcal). Further studies on general workers with metabolic syndrome also showed the superior effect of HIAT to MICT on VO2max. Studies conducted on astronaut health may provide clues to solving lifestyle-related public health issues because the microgravity environment is similar to physical inactivity in reducing the load on the heart. Lack of time is a significant barrier to exercise habituation in our time-pressed society. Therefore, time-efficient exercise may contribute to the prevention of health risks not only in astronauts, but also in working adults in a modern society with time constraints and sedentary lifestyles.

To continue to work healthily, health practices are necessary. This study assessed the impact of health literacy (HL) on health practices in the working life of young Japanese nurses and care workers, occupations with heavy physical and psychological burdens. A web-based survey was conducted with 500 women (330 nurses and 170 care workers) under the age of 30 in 2019. Data regarding their demographic characteristics, HL and health practices in their working life were collected. A significant association was found between high HL and better health practices, such as being likely to rest when tired, working at their own pace maintaining a good work-life balance and regularly performing self-check-ups, which were common to nurses and care workers. In addition, sub-analysis among the high-HL group revealed that the attendance of lectures regarding working life and health for new employees was effective for taking rest when needed, working when not overtired and a good work-life balance. The results of this study suggest that high HL relates to healthy practices in the working life of young Japanese nurses and care workers. Increasing HL or fundamentally enhancing attitudes towards their own health or both may, therefore, have some benefits for healthy working practices.

[Purpose] To determine the potential factors for difference in metabolic profiles between metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy obesity, we investigated the difference in abdominal fat volume, metabolic characteristics, and physical activity levels between metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy obesity identified with cardiovascular disease risk factors in Japanese males. [Participants and Methods] Of 305 volunteers recruited, 130 obese males (age: 46.9 ± 8.9 years; body mass index: 29.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2) met the criteria for the study. They were divided into two groups; metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy obesity according to cardiovascular disease risk factors including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Abdominal fat volumes were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiovascular disease risk factors and metabolic characteristics were evaluated by blood pressure and blood parameters. Physical activity levels were measured using an accelerometer. [Results] Despite the fact that metabolically healthy obesity had a more favorable metabolic profile than the metabolically unhealthy obesity, no significant differences in visceral and subcutaneous fat volumes were found between the two groups. Moreover, the metabolically healthy obesity had a significantly greater physical activity expenditure and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity level than the metabolically unhealthy obesity. [Conclusion] A more favorable metabolic profile in metabolically healthy obesity may be associated with physical activity level rather than abdominal fat volumes in Japanese males.

This study showed that methylthioacetic acid (MTA), an analogue of the sulphur‐containing phytochemicals isolated from Cucumis melo var. conomon, most potently differentiated RCM‐1 colon cancer cells into domes. MTA was shown to strongly down‐regulate CDC25A and CCNE2, and their inhibitors prompted dome formation independently of MTA, suggesting that MTA may induce dome formation through dysfunction of these G1 regulators., Colorectal cancer was the third most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide in 2012. A human colorectal cancer cell line, RCM‐1, was established from a colon cancer tissue diagnosed as a well‐differentiated rectum adenocarcinoma. RCM‐1 cells spontaneously form ‘domes’ (formerly designated ‘ducts’) resembling villiform structures. Two sulphur‐containing compounds from Cucumis melo var. conomon (Katsura‐uri, or Japanese pickling melon), referred to as 3‐methylthiopropionic acid ethyl ester (MTPE) and methylthioacetic acid ethyl ester (MTAE), can induce the differentiation of the unorganized cell mass of an RCM‐1 human colorectal cancer cell culture into a dome. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of such dome formation have not been previously reported. Here, we performed a structure–activity relationship analysis, which indicated that methylthioacetic acid (MTA) was the lowest molecular weight compound with the most potent dome‐inducing activity among 37 MTPE and MTAE analogues, and the methylthio group was essential for this activity. According to our microarray analysis, MTA resulted in down‐regulation of 537 genes and up‐regulation of 117 genes. Furthermore, MTA caused down‐regulation of many genes involved in cell‐cycle control, with the cyclin E2 (CCNE2) and cell division cycle 25A (CDC25A) genes being the most significantly reduced. Pharmacological analysis showed that the administration of two cell‐cycle inhibitors for inactivating CDC25A phosphatase (NSC95397) and the cyclin E2/cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 complex (purvalanol A) increased the dome number independently of MTA. Altogether, our results indicate that MTA is the minimum unit required to induce dome formation, with the down‐regulation of CDC25A and possibly CCNE2 being important steps in this process.

Step test protocols are typically based on the heart rate (HR) measured either during exercise or during recovery. This study developed a new step test protocol to estimate maximal oxygen consumption ( $$\dot{\text{{V}}}{{\text{O}}}_{\text{2max}}$$ ) based on HRs measured during and after exercise, assessed the criterion validity of the model, and evaluated the protocol’s test–retest reliability. The protocol estimates $$\dot{\text{{V}}}{{\text{O}}}_{\text{2max}}$$ from HR measurements made once a minute during 3 min of step exercise and 2 min of recovery. The model was derived using a group of 118 working adults and cross-validated using a second group of 74 working adults. Furthermore, $$\dot{\text{{V}}}{{\text{O}}}_{\text{2max}}$$ was measured using a conventional treadmill test. While multiple regression analyses were used to develop prediction equations for $$\dot{\text{{V}}}{{\text{O}}}_{\text{2max}}$$ , intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to examine test–retest reliability. HRs during and after exercise significantly correlated with the measured $$\dot{\text{{V}}}{{\text{O}}}_{\text{2max}}$$ . The highest correlation (r = − 0.61) was for an HR index that combined values of HRs during and after exercise. A model including age, sex, body mass index, and the HR index accounted for 60% of the variance in measured $$\dot{\text{{V}}}{{\text{O}}}_{\text{2max}}$$ (standard error of the estimate, 4.05 mL kg−1 min−1 or 10.5%). Cross-validation analyses demonstrated good stability of the $$\dot{\text{{V}}}{{\text{O}}}_{\text{2max}}$$ prediction models. The ICC for the HR index was 0.65 (0.53–0.74), indicating fair to good reliability. The HR index, based on a combination of HR measurements during and after stepping exercise, offers a validated $$\dot{\text{{V}}}{{\text{O}}}_{\text{2max}}$$ estimation procedure suitable for use in the workplace.

The fruit of Katsura-uri (Japan's heirloom pickling melon, Cucumis melo var. conomon) possesses a fruity aroma and moderate sweetness. The fruit juice has potential to minimize human postprandial blood glucose levels. This study provides information regarding the health benefits of Katsura-uri and its utility in treating diabetes. The study methodology involved measuring the color and firmness of Katsura-uri fruit at five ripening stages, and quantitation of the aroma substances, proximate composition, and sugars. Significant changes were detected in the color, firmness, and level of aroma substances with ripening of Katsura-uri fruit, albeit with no major changes in proximate composition, with the exception of dietary fiber, and sugars. To determine the effects of Katsura-uri juice, the blood glucose levels of ten diabetic volunteers aged 46-75 y were monitored after its consumption, and compared with after consumption of muskmelon juice equivalent to the total weight of Katsura-uri juice. The blood glucose area under the curve level was significantly lower after consumption of Katsura-uri juice (16±5 h • mg/dL) than after consumption of muskmelon juice (55±17 h • mg/dL; p

Arabidopsis bHLH-type transcription factors-BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR 1 (BES1) and BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (BZR1)-play key roles in brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. By contrast, the functions of the other four BES1/BZR1 homologs (BEH1-4) remain unknown. Here, we describe the detailed expression profiles of the BES1/BZR1 family genes. Their expressions were distinct regarding growth-stage dependence and organ specificity but exhibited some overlaps as well. Furthermore, their mRNA levels mostly remained unchanged responding to seven non-BR phytohormones. However, BEH1 and BEH2 were downregulated by brassinolide, suggesting a close association with the BR function. Additionally, BEH4 was ubiquitously expressed throughout the life of the plant but displayed some expression preference. For instance, BEH4 expression was limited to guard cells and the adjacent pavement cells in the leaf epidermis and was induced during growth progression in very young seedlings, suggesting that BEH4 is specifically regulated in certain contexts, although it is almost constitutively controlled.

Accelerometers based on the cut-point method are generally the most used in sedentary time (ST) research. However, mixed cut-points are an issue, so an accelerometer based on metabolic equivalents (METs) could be used as an alternative. This study aimed to validate a METs-based accelerometer (HJA-750C, OMRON) and a questionnaire that estimates domain-specific sedentary time measures using activPAL as a criterion value. We also examined whether measurement validity differed according to gender and occupation. We used data from 242 workers in the validation study. Participants wore activPAL on the thigh and OMRON on the waist for seven consecutive days with daily recording logs. The Workers Living Activity-time Questionnaire (WLAQ) was administered once. The domain-specific ST assessed quantities of ST during commuting, working time, non-working time on a workday, and non-workday. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Spearman’s rho coefficients were then used to conduct analyses. The OMRON accelerometer showed acceptable values (r = 0.67–0.86 and ICC of 0.63–0.87) in the overall domain-specific ST. Additionally, each measurement result suggested that working time is the most accurate domain to measure ST (ICC of 0.87 for OMRON and 0.68 for WLAQ). Moreover, there were no differences in the overall validity of the results according to gender and occupation. The METs-based accelerometer has acceptable validity for ST measurements to be used among workers. Additionally, working time may be the preferred domain for the accurate assessment of ST in both objective and subjective measurements. These results can advance the quality of the sedentary research field.

How work burden affects physical and mental health has already been studied extensively; however, many issues have remained unexamined. In 2017, we commenced a prospective cohort study of workers at companies in Japan, with a follow-up period of 5-10 years, in order to investigate the current situation of overwork-related health outcomes. From 2017 to 2020, a target population of 150,000 workers across 8 companies was identified. Of these, almost 40,000 workers agreed to participate in the baseline survey. Data on working hours, medical check-up measurements, occupational stress levels, and lifestyle habits were collected. The average age of the participants at baseline was 39.2 ± 11.7 years; 73.1% were men, and 87.7% were regular employees. The most common working hours by self-reported was 41-50 hours per week during normal season, and it increased to more than 50 hours during busy season. Furthermore, more than half of the participants reportedly experienced a form of sleep problem, and the percentage of those who experienced nonrestorative sleep was particularly high.

While a number of work-related events have been proposed as risk factors for depression, a majority of studies have focused only on a few events in a single study. Therefore, we conducted a web-based longitudinal study to comprehensively investigate the impact of various work-related events on depressive symptoms. Ten thousand Japanese workers representing the Japanese working population were recruited online and questioned on their experiences of 36 work-related events in the past year. Their depressive symptoms were also assessed based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Two years later, 3,098 participants responded to a follow-up study. By excluding 1,030 participants who were classified as being depressed in the baseline survey, data of 2,068 participants were analyzed. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression to assess the effect of work-related events on depressive symptoms. Eighteen events were found to be risk factors and were sorted into four types as follows: experience of an accident or disaster (OR: 4.78-7.67), excessive responsibility (OR: 3.01-3.62), drastic change in workstyle or workload (OR: 2.38-3.08), and interpersonal conflict (OR: 2.41-11.16). The current results, including magnitude relationship of ORs, should be utilized for promoting psychosocially healthy work environment.

This study investigated the correlation between objective and subjective working hours (OWH and SWH, respectively) and their relation to the workers’ health. The study included 6,806 workers of a Japanese company (response rate=86.6%). OWH were collected as the monthly data during fiscal year 2017 from the company record. SWH were self-reported as the weekly data during the past month in November 2017. Both OWH and SWH corresponded to the same period of one month (October 2017). Additionally, the data for the annual health checkup in fiscal year 2017 and self-reported mental health in November 2017 were collected. The results indicated that the longer OWH was related to more underestimation of SWH. The analyses of covariance adjusted for the selected variables showed that irrespective of OWH or SWH, significant relationships were found for stress responses but not for body mass index, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triglyceride. However, significant relationships with only OWH were noted for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and positive work-related state of mind. The present findings show that SWH should be used carefully when assessing the health effects of long working hours.

Core/shell-type nanoparticles composed of GdPO4: x mol% Nd3+/calcium phosphate (CaPO) (0 ≤ x ≤ 5) were synthesized by a precipitation method, as nontoxic bio imaging phosphors that can emit near-infrared (NIR) light under NIR excitation. The GdPO4: x mol% Nd3+ core, obtained in a single-phase form of the monoclinic rare-earth orthophosphate structure, exhibited characteristic emissions attributed to the f–f transitions of Nd3+. The strongest emission peak was observed at 1061 nm under excitation at 800 nm in a sample containing 3 mol% of Nd3+. The average particle size of GdPO4: 3 mol% Nd3+ was 42 nm, indicating that nano-sized particles were successfully obtained. Although the average particle size of the core/shell-type GdPO4: 3 mol% Nd3+/CaPO nanophosphor was slightly increased to 54 nm by a second calcination in the surface coating process, the CaPO shell was well formed with a thickness of 3 nm around the GdPO4: 3 mol% Nd3+ core. With surface coating with the CaPO4 shell, the NIR emission intensity increased to 4.2 times higher than that of GdPO4: 3 mol% Nd3+. This emission intensity was significantly higher than that of indocyanine green, moreover, which is used in practice as an organic bioimaging reagent.

The daily rest period (DRP) is the daily inter-work interval and can include a sleep opportunity, leisure time, and other non-work time. A longer DRP may allow workers to increase time in bed (TIB) and adjust sleep timing, and that may reduce sleep problems such as short sleep duration, sleep debt, social jetlag, and poor sleep quality. The present study examined the longitudinal association between the DRP and these sleep problems among Japanese daytime workers. The DRP, TIB on workdays, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), sleep debt and social jetlag were measured in November 2016 (n = 10,000) and February 2019 (n = 3,098). Of these, 955 permanent daytime workers were divided into five groups based on the change in the DRP duration: shortened ≥2 hr, shortened ≥1 hr, no change (

Purpose We aimed to examine the prospective associations of monthly working hours measured in a month, the 6-month averaged hours, and the frequency of long working hours (≥ 205 h/month) during the past 6 months with health indicators. Methods This study included 6,806 Japanese company workers (response rate = 86.6%). Data on the workers’ monthly attendance during the second half of fiscal year 2016 and annual health checkups in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 were collected. We evaluated the association of the above three types of monthly working hours with subsequent health checkup data in fiscal year 2017. We adjusted for the corresponding data in fiscal year 2016. Results Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between monthly working hours and workers’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and triglyceride levels. However, the associations were not consistent between months. The average monthly working hours were significantly associated with higher LDL levels for the 220–240 h/mo group (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.07–2.08) and lower triglyceride levels for the Conclusions Working hours over several months produced various associations with health indicators compared to those measured in a single month. Our present data suggest that the effects of average or frequency of long working hours during the past 6 months are likely to appear in LDL levels.

Objectives This survey aims to investigate consciousness regarding habitual exercise among workers in urban areas and to analyze the associations of workers’ socioeconomic status with their habitual exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Methods Ten thousand participants, who worked in the Tokyo area of Japan, were recruited for the questionnaire‐based survey. The questionnaire elicited participant's characteristics, socioeconomic status (eg, employment status and annual income), habitual exercise status, and consciousness regarding exercising. After the data‐cleaning procedure, 9406 participants were selected for analyses. CRF was estimated by a validated equation model. Results Some (32.9%) participants had an exercise habit, and 93% recognized that exercise is good for health. Of the nonexercise habit group (n = 6308), 73% wanted to develop an exercise habit, and “spare time (40%)” and “financial capability (16%)” were the two most necessary conditions for habituating exercise. As socioeconomic statuses increased, the odds ratios (ORs) for engaging in habitual exercise increased among full‐time (1.22) versus part‐time (reference) employees and those having high (1.76) versus low (reference) incomes, whereas the ORs for low CRF risk decreased among full‐time (0.78) versus part‐time (reference) employees and those having high (0.53) versus low (reference) incomes. Conclusions Although most workers recognized the benefits of exercise, many were unable to develop exercise habits and believed that they could develop exercise habits if they had the time and financial capabilities. The survey suggests that workers with a higher socioeconomic status more likely to obtain favorable physical fitness, indicating a health disparity among workers in urban areas.

The fruit of Katsura-uri (Japan's heirloom pickling melon, Cucumis melo var. conomon) possesses a fruity aroma and moderate sweetness. The fruit juice has potential to minimize human postprandial blood glucose levels. This study provides information regarding the health benefits of Katsura-uri and its utility in treating diabetes. The study methodology involved measuring the color and firmness of Katsura-uri fruit at five ripening stages, and quantitation of the aroma substances, proximate composition, and sugars. Significant changes were detected in the color, firmness, and level of aroma substances with ripening of Katsura-uri fruit, albeit with no major changes in proximate composition, with the exception of dietary fiber, and sugars. To determine the effects of Katsura-uri juice, the blood glucose levels of ten diabetic volunteers aged 46-75 y were monitored after its consumption, and compared with after consumption of muskmelon juice equivalent to the total weight of Katsura-uri juice. The blood glucose area under the curve level was significantly lower after consumption of Katsura-uri juice (16±5 h • mg/dL) than after consumption of muskmelon juice (55±17 h • mg/dL; p0.05). The level of the glucose spike was also significantly lower after consumption of Katsura-uri juice (22±5 mg/dL) than after consumption of muskmelon juice (64±6 mg/dL; p0.05). The completely ripe Katsura-uri fruit provides the best results for diabetic subjects, which is the first case of fruits sweetened with the addition of zero-calorie sweeteners.

Arabidopsis bHLH-type transcription factors—BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR 1 (BES1) and BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (BZR1)—play key roles in brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. By contrast, the functions of the other four BES1/BZR1 homologs (BEH1–4) remain unknown. Here, we describe the detailed expression profiles of the BES1/BZR1 family genes. Their expressions were distinct regarding growth-stage dependence and organ specificity but exhibited some overlaps as well. Furthermore, their mRNA levels mostly remained unchanged responding to seven non-BR phytohormones. However, BEH1 and BEH2 were downregulated by brassinolide, suggesting a close association with the BR function. Additionally, BEH4 was ubiquitously expressed throughout the life of the plant but displayed some expression preference. For instance, BEH4 expression was limited to guard cells and the adjacent pavement cells in the leaf epidermis and was induced during growth progression in very young seedlings, suggesting that BEH4 is specifically regulated in certain contexts, although it is almost constitutively controlled.

The effects of domain-specific (i.e., occupational, leisure-time on workday, and holiday) sitting time (ST), and exercise on metabolic syndrome (MetS) development are insufficiently studied. The present study aimed to examine the single and combined effects of each domain-specific ST and exercise habits on MetS. The total and domain-specific STs of 5530 participants were collected using a validated questionnaire. The multiple logistic regression analyses determined the effects of each domain-specific ST and exercise habit on MetS. Of all participants, 7.8% had MetS. Odds ratios (ORs) for MetS were significant only in the group with the longest leisure-time ST on holidays (OR, 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.83), we found no significant associations with any other domain-specific ST after statistical adjustment for confounders. The no-habitual-exercise group clearly had a higher risk for MetS (OR, 1.44, 95% CI, 1.15–1.80). The significantly higher ORs for MetS was shown in only the combined longer total ST (OR, 1.64, 95% CI, 1.12–2.39) and holiday ST (OR, 1.83, 95% CI, 1.30–2.59) with no habitual exercise. These findings suggested that accumulated daily total ST, particularly leisure-time ST on holidays with no-habitual exercise, can increase the risk of MetS and it could possibly be mitigated by habitual exercise.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the sleep quantity, sleep quality, and daily rest periods (DRPs) of Japanese permanent daytime workers. Methods: Information about the usual DRP, sleep quantity, and sleep quality (Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: PSQI-J) of 3,867 permanent daytime workers in Japan was gathered through an Internet-based survey. This information was analyzed and divided into the following eight DRP groups

This study examined the association between health-related risks and sitting time in three different domains covering a worker’s typical life. We investigated the beneficial effect of replacing sitting time with standing/walking time in the workplace using the isotemporal substitution model (ISM). The survey was administered through the Internet. We recruited 11,729 Japanese workers by approximating industry ratios based on the 2015 Japan Labor Force Survey. The sitting times of specific domains, i.e. while working (during working time), workday leisure time, and non-workday leisure time were collected by a validated questionnaire. We used multiple logistic regression analyses to determine associations between health-related risks and sitting time. Using the ISM approach, we estimated associations when we replaced sitting with standing/walking in the workplace, and included a model that examined subgroups of workers with and without exercise habits. The analyses involved 9,524 workers (43.4 ± 11.1 years). The longest sitting time (>7.7 h) while working (during working time) was associated with significant odds ratios (ORs) of diabetes (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.05-1.90), hyperlipidemia (1.58, 1.23-2.01) when compared to the shortest sitting time (

The purpose of this study was to develop a new equation model for predicting abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume using anthropometric values for workplace health checkup and to clarify the association between metabolic risk factors and measured and predicted VAT volumes. Two hundred sixty male workers (200 for derivation group and 60 for validation group) participated in the cross-sectional study. The anthropometric variables and VAT volume were measured with 24 consecutive magnetic resonance images. Measurements in the validation group also included metabolic risk factors, i.e. blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting glucose and HbA1c. Using multiple regression analyses for the derivation group, we determined the best prediction equation for abdominal VAT volume with a variance of 47% as follows: 47.03 age+117.79 BMI+74.18 waist circumference −8,792.7. In our validation group, the correlation coefficient between the measured and predicted VAT volumes was 0.74 (p

Background Katsura-uri ( Cucumis melo var. conomon ), an heirloom vegetable cultivated in Kyoto, Japan is at the risk of extinction. Japanese food culture has traditionally used immature and midripened fruit in the preparation of pickles, the consumer demand of which has markedly decreased. A new strategy was adopted for Katsura-uri , aimed at increasing its inclusion in the present diet habit (e.g., Katsura-uri juice as a functional drink to prevent obesity and diabetes). Methods Chemical analysis was performed to determine sugar profiles of fully ripened Katsura-uri fruits that uniquely possess muskmelon-like fragrance. In the questionnaire-based sensory evaluation, palatability was compared among the fruit juices without sweeteners and those with sugar or zero-calorie sweetener. Results Chemical analysis results showed that the fully ripened Katsura-uri fruit had significantly lower levels of fructose, glucose, and sucrose (low-calories and lack of sweetness) than muskmelon fruits. In the questionnaire-based sensory evaluation, zero-calorie sweetener dramatically improved the palatability of the unprocessed fruit juice without altering its low-calorie properties and muskmelon-like fragrance. Conclusion This demonstrated a new strategy to protect this heirloom vegetable from extinction by adding a new function that could increase its demand as a low-calorie fruit in the present diet habit for human health.

Objectives: The work interval duration between the end of one workday and the start of the following workday is referred to as the daily rest period (DRP). The present study examined whether DRP - a proxy for sleep opportunity between work shifts - is associated with indicators of sleep debt and social jetlag among daytime workers. Methods: We used a web-based survey to gather data on demographics, average DRP in the previous month, time in bed (TIB), bedtime, wake-up time, and sleep timing on workdays and non-workdays. The Japanese daytime workers (n = 3,914) were divided into seven DRP groups (hours) as follows

Background Sedentary behavior (SB) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are important issues in occupational health. Developing a questionnaire to concurrently assess workers’ SB and CRF could fundamentally improve epidemiological research. The Worker’s Living Activity-time Questionnaire (WLAQ) was developed previously to assess workers’ sitting time. WLAQ can be modified to evaluate workers’ CRF if additional physical activity (PA) data such as PA frequency, duration, and intensity are collected. Methods A total of 198 working adults (93 women and 105 men; age, 30–60 years) completed anthropometric measurements, a treadmill exercise test for measuring maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and modified WLAQ (m-WLAQ, which included questions about PA data additional to the original questions). Multiple regression analyses were performed to develop prediction equations for VO2max. The generated models were cross-validated using the predicted residual error sum of squares method. Among the participants, the data of 97 participants who completed m-WLAQ twice after a 1-week interval were used to calculate intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the test–retest reliability analyses. Results Age (r = − 0.29), sex (r = 0.48), body mass index (BMI, r = − 0.20), total sitting time (r = − 0.15), and PA score (total points for PA data, r = 0.47) were significantly correlated with VO2max. The models that included age, sex, and BMI accounted for 43% of the variance in measured VO2max [standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 5.04 ml·kg− 1·min− 1]. These percentages increased to 59% when the PA score was included in the models (SEE = 4.29 ml·kg− 1·min− 1). Cross-validation analyses demonstrated good stability of the VO2max prediction models, while systematic underestimation and overestimation of VO2max were observed in individuals with high and low fitness, respectively. The ICC of the PA score was 0.87 (0.82–0.91), indicating excellent reliability. Conclusions The PA score obtained using m-WLAQ, rather than sitting time, correlated well with measured VO2max. The equation model that included the PA score as well as age, sex, and BMI had a favorable validity for estimating VO2max. Thus, m-WLAQ can be a useful questionnaire to concurrently assess workers’ SB and CRF, which makes it a reasonable resource for future epidemiological surveys on occupational health.

Introduction Japan faces a serious national issue of declining worker numbers due to low birth-rate and longevity. There is an increased need to maintain workers’ health and extend the working years prior to workforce retirement. Hence, research in workers’ physical fitness will play a significant role in occupational health issues. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) assessed by maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) plays an important role in workers’ health. However, measuring VO 2max can be burdensome for subjects and requires skilled examiners. This is a practical disadvantage for including VO 2max in workplace health check-ups. In this study, we developed a new CRF measurement procedure in lieu of measuring VO 2max . Methods Our study participants included 101 Japanese workers (55 men and 46 women, aged 30 to 59 years). We measured subjects’ VO 2max by the Bruce protocol using treadmill exercise and an indirect calorimeter. Subjects also completed two newly devised assessments: (1) a step-test consisting of a 3 min stepping exercise followed by a 2 min rest and (2) a questionnaire measuring workers’ physical activity level during working time and during non-working time on workdays and non-workdays. We conducted multiple regression analyses with VO 2max as a dependent variable and parameters obtained from the procedure as independent variables. Results We chose the combined heart rates during the step-test’s exercise and recovery periods and the questionnaire’s total score as significant (p 2max variance. Conclusion The procedure we developed can be performed without a heavy exercise burden on the subject or special skills of the examiner. This study suggests that the procedure can potentially be used to assess CRF in the worker’s health check-ups where VO 2max measurements are not available.

AIM Visceral fat accumulation contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome. As visceral fat accumulation increases, adiponectin levels decrease; therefore, adiponectin provides a link between visceral fat accumulation and metabolic disorders. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified genetic variations in the cadherin 13 (CDH13) gene that are associated with adiponectin levels. METHODS We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CDH13 was associated with adiponectin levels and metabolic syndrome traits independent of the visceral fat area (VFA), as measured using computed tomography (CT) in 945 Japanese individuals. RESULTS We found that three CDH13 SNPs reported by recent GWASs (i.e., rs3865188, rs4783244, and rs12051272) were significantly associated with higher adiponectin levels (P ＜ 1 × 10 (-14)), even after adjustment for VFA. However, these adiponectin-inducing alleles of CDH13 SNPs were significantly associated with traits consistent with deteriorating metabolic symptoms, such as higher fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores, and triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels, similar to increasing VFA and decreasing adiponectin levels. CONCLUSION These results suggested that CDH13 SNPs cause an adiponectin-resistant status to compensate for increasing adiponectin levels and could result in the deterioration of metabolic syndrome traits.

Highlight Homologues of CONSTANS/Heading date 1 were cloned from Miscanthus sinensis and named MsiHd1. MsiHd1a in most Japanese accessions contained non-functional alleles, whereas Asian mainland accessions harboured only functional alleles., The genus Miscanthus is a perennial C4 grass native to eastern Asia and is a promising candidate bioenergy crop for cool temperate areas. Flowering time is a crucial factor governing regional and seasonal adaptation; in addition, it is also a key target trait for extending the vegetative phase to improve biomass potential. Homologues of CONSTANS (CO)/Heading date 1(Hd1) were cloned from Miscanthus sinensis and named MsiHd1. Sequences of MsiHd1 homologues were compared among 24 wild M. sinensis accessions from Japan, 14 from China, and three from South Korea. Two to five MsiHd1 alleles in each accession were identified, suggesting that MsiHd1 consists of at least three loci in the Miscanthus genome. Verifying the open reading frame in MsiHd1, they were classified as putative functional alleles without mutations or non-functional alleles caused by indels. The Neighbor–Joining tree indicated that one of the multiple MsiHd1 loci is a pseudogene locus without any functional alleles. The pseudogene locus was named MsiHd1b, and the other loci were considered to be part of the MsiHd1a multi-locus family. Interestingly, in most Japanese accessions 50% or more of the MsiHd1a alleles were non-functional, whereas accessions from the East Asian mainland harboured only functional alleles. Five novel miniature inverted transposable elements (MITEs) (MsiMITE1–MsiMITE5) were observed in MsiHd1a/b. MsiMITE1, detected in exon 1 of MsiHd1a, was only observed in Japanese accessions and its revertant alleles derived from retransposition were predominantly in Chinese accessions. These differences in MsiHd1a show that the dependency on functional MsiHd1a alleles is different between accessions from the East Asian mainland and Japan.