Nested case-control study on associations between lung function, smoking and mortality in Japanese population

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>Only a few long-term follow-up studies with a focus on the association between lung function and mortality in the Japanese population have been undertaken. In this study, we examined the associations of lung function, smoking and the results of allergy skin tests with mortality in a longitudinal study of the Japanese population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Baseline measurements were performed on residents of Fukui, Japan in 1972, and a follow-up survey was conducted in 2002. By employing a nested case-control design, 596 cases (deaths) and 596 age and sex-matched controls (survivals) were selected. Lung function was assessed using forced vital capacity (FVC) expressed as the normal percent predicted (FVC %pred) and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) to FVC (FEV(1)/FVC). Allergy skin tests were performed with extracts of house dust, candidia and mixed fungal samples (bronchomycosis). The Brinkman index was used to assess smoking intensity. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate whether lung function was associated with mortality after adjustment for other potential confounding variables.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Those categorized into the first- or second-lowest quartile of FVC %pred had a higher mortality [hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 2.01 (1.26-3.19) and 1.84 (1.11-3.05)], respectively. On top of these, heavy smoking (BI≥400) was associated with a higher mortality [HR and 95% CI: 1.73 (1.18-2.53)]. There were only weak of associations between the results of allergy skin tests and mortality.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results suggest that FVC %pred of lung function and smoking can serve as long-term independent predictors of mortality.</p>

Studies on the Relationship Between Core Body Temperature Measured by an Ingestible Capsule Sensor and Daily Living Activities with Special Reference to Exercise, Bath and Sleep / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

In recent times, an ingestible capsule sensor for the measurement of core body temperature has become available. This equipment was used to measure the relationship between core body temperature and daily living activities such as eating, exercise and bathing etc.<br>The main findings were as followings:<br>1. With respect to daily living activities, the core body temperature during bathing showed higher values in comparison with eating and light-grade exercise etc.<br>2. For the same-grade of exercise (HRmax60%) either in an environmentally controlled room at either constant temperature (25°C) and humidity (50%) or in water (36°C; 50%humidity), the core body temperature showed almost identical changes for peak value and the rise and fall ever time.<br>3. Atypical work at midnight was associated with a continuous decrease in core body temperature.<br>4. Atypical sleep in the daytime was associated with a continuous decrease in core body temperature.<br>5. For daily living activities inducing an increase in core body temperature, the correlation coefficient between core body temperature and heart beats/min was 0.87 (p<0.01).