Long-term effects of lifestyle on multiple risk factors in male workers

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To examine the long-term effects of lifestyle on the recovery from risk factors of cardiovascular disease and to discuss the difference in the effects of lifestyle modification in subjects with a single risk factor and those with multiple risk factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We used checkup data compiled for 6477 male workers, aged 20-59 years in 1995, with risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The relation between the recovery from risk factors 9 years later and baseline lifestyles was examined by logistic regression according to the initial number of risk factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine years following the baseline measurements, 1907 subjects had recovered from at least one risk factor. When there was initially a single risk factor, a good overall lifestyle was effective in the recovery [odds ratio (OR) 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.57], with maintaining good dietary habits (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.07, 1.45) and moderate stress levels (OR 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.38) both found to be especially effective in the recovery. When there were multiple risk factors, although the effect of a good overall lifestyle on the recovery was less than that when there was only a single risk factor, non-smoking (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.07, 1.51) and limiting working hours (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.05, 1.49) were found to be effective.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results provide evidence that good lifestyles are effective in the recovery from multiple risk factors. Effects of lifestyle on recovery from multiple risk factors are different from effects on the recovery from a single risk factor, with the difference depending on the initial number of risk factors.</p>

The analysis of trends in induced abortion in Japan-An increasing consequence among adolescents

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>The purpose of this study was to examine trends in induced abortions in Japan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare compiled data on induced abortions, live births, and the population of women aged 15-49 years. These data were provided by 47 prefectures in Japan and were used to examine the number of induced abortions and various characteristics of women who received abortions from 1955 through 2001. We examined abortion numbers, abortion ratios (number of legal abortions per 1,000 live births), and abortion rates (number of legal abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-49). We were particularly interested in examining abortion trends among adolescents. These trends were also compared to those in the United States.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 341,588 legal induced abortions were reported in Japan in 2001, representing a 2.5% increase from 1998 to 2001. From 1998 to 2001, the abortion ratio (292) increased by 5.4%; from 1996 through 2001, the abortion rate (11.8) increased by 8.3%. Women less than 20 years old contributed most to these increases. In 1999, the abortion ratio among Japanese adolescents was 5.7 times as high as the ratio among U.S. adolescents, while the abortion rate among U.S. adolescents was 1.8 times as high as the rate among Japanese adolescents.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Recent increases in induced abortion among Japanese women may be related to several factors, including changes in sexual behavior among adolescents and a decline in their use of contraceptives. More appropriate educational efforts and interventions are needed to prevent unintended pregnancies.</p>

Significance of the Case-study Method in Practical Bioethics Education / 医学教育

Clinical cases requiring bioethical thinking and decision-making have become more complex owing to advances in medical technology and changes in family relationships. In addition, members of medical staff are asked to acquire the ability to think in terms of bioethics. For training in such ability, the use of case studies is important and essential. For a medical ethics class we created 30 cases involving communication between patients and physicians, changes in family relationships, and advanced medical technology, such as genetic diagnosis and gene therapy. We asked all second-year medical students of the Osaka University Medical School to think about these 30 cases and answer questionnaires about bioethics. We believe the case-study method is effective for training students in the ability to think in terms of bioethics.

The Analysis of Trends in Induced Abortion in Japan---An Increasing Consequence among Adolescents

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine trends in induced abortions in Japan. Methods: The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare compiled data on induced abortions, live births, and the population of women aged 15–49 years. These data were provided by 47 prefectures in Japan and were used to examine the number of induced abortions and various characteristics of women who received abortions from 1955 through 2001. We examined abortion numbers, abortion ratios (number of legal abortions per 1,000 live births) and abortion rates (number of legal abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–49). We were particularly interested in examining abortion trends among adolescents. These trends were also compared to those in the United States. Results: A total of 341,588 legal induced abortions were reported in Japan in 2001, representing a 2.5% increase from 1998 to 2001. From 1998 to 2001, the abortion ratio (292) increased by 5.4%; from 1996 through 2001, the abortion rate (11.8) increased by 8.3%. Women less than 20 years old contributed most to these increases. In 1999, the abortion ratio among Japanese adolescents was 5.7 times as high as the ratio among U.S. adolescents, while the abortion rate among U.S. adolescents was 1.8 times as high as the rate among Japanese adolescents. Conclusions: Recent increases in induced abortion among Japanese women may be related to several factors, including changes in sexual behavior among adolescents and a decline in their use of contraceptives. More appropriate educational efforts and interventions are needed to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Effect of snack eating on sensitive salivary stress markers cortisol and chromogranin A

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the effect of snack eating on salivary cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 14∶00 to 18∶00, starting two hours after consumption of a midday meal, saliva samples were collected every 30 minutes from 15 healthy males, 7 of whom (snack group) ate a snack immediately after the sampling at 15∶00. Salivary cortisol and CgA levels were determined by ELISA. Samples were controlled according to salivary flow rates.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For the snack group, after snack consumption, salivary cortisol increased to exceed significance (p<0.05) at 15∶30 and rose even higher at 16∶00. In the control group, there was no such change. There was no significant change in salivary CgA in either the snack group or the control groups during the sampling period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These findings suggest that no food should be consumed for at least 90 mins before saliva sampling for cortisol determination and that salivary CgA is probably not affected by snack eating.</p>

Correlation between molecular weight of plasma albumin determined with mass spectrometry and glycation indices in factory workers

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To determine the difference in molecular weights of albumin in factory workers caused by non-enzymatic glycation of plasma albumin using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/MS), and examine the epidemiological validity of this method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight male workers were tested by random sampling. The difference in molecular weights (ΔM) between the subjects' albumin and human serum albumin was determined by MALDI TOF/MS. Correlations between ΔM vs. fructosamine, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbAlc were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ΔM showed a significant correlation with all of the tested glycation indices (ΔM vs. fructosamine: r=0.487, p<0.001) (ΔM vs. FPG: r=0.482, p<0.01) (ΔM vs. HbAlc: r=0.397, p<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Since a significant correlation between ΔM and the glycation indices was found in this investigation, further study with a larger number of subjects is needed for use in clinical applications.</p>

Lifestyles and psychosomatic symptoms among elementary school students and junior high school students

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To examine the relationship between lifestyles and psychosomatic symptoms in children, we conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey of elementary school students and junior high school students in Japan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We designed an original questionnaire to investigate the lifestyles and psychosomatic symptoms of children. In 1997, responses to the questionnaires were elicited from public elementary school fourth grade students (then aged 9-10) and public junior high school seventh grade students (then aged 12-13). The survey was repeated annually for three years as the students advanced through school.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For both boys and girls, each cross-sectional analysis revealed a strong relationship between lifestyle behaviors and psychosomatic symptoms. Psychosomatic, symptoms scores varied according to daily hours of sleep, eating of breakfast, having strong likes and dislikes of food, bowel habits, and daily hours of television watching. Both boys and girls with "good" lifestyle, behaviors evaluated by the HPI (Health Practice Index) showed lower scores for psychosomatic symptoms.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These findings show that the lifestyle behaviors of children are significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms and suggest that poor lifestyle behaviors are likely to increase physical and psychological health risks.</p>

Effects of work-related factors and work-family conflict on depression among Japanese working women living with young children

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In a Japanese metropolis, we examined the effects of work-related factors and work-family conflict on depressive symptoms among working women living with young children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data was derived from women (n=501) who lived with at least one preschool child and worked for 20 hours or more per week. As work-related factors, we chose job pressure, skill underutilization, dissatisfaction with personal income, inflexible work schedule, job insecurity, and relationships in the workplace. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The effects of work-related factors and work-family conflict on depressive symptoms were explored by hierarchical regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Work-related factors except job pressure were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analyses revealed that women who had more frequent work-family conflict and more work-related stressors such as bad relationships in the workplace, job insecurity, and underutilization of skills were likely to have more depressive symptoms.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Among women workers with young children, work-family conflict and various work-related factors such as perceived bad relationships at work, job insecurity, and underutilization of skills had a significant relationship with depressive symptoms. Much more research is needed to explore ways to support working mothers.</p>

Effects of Work-Related Factors and Work-Family Conflict on Depression among Japanese Working Women Living with Young Children

Objective: In a Japanese metropolis, we examined the effects of work-related factors and work-family conflict on depressive symptoms among working women living with young children. Methods: Data was derived from women (n=501) who lived with at least one preschool child and worked for 20 hours or more per week. As work-related factors, we chose job pressure, skill underutilization, dissatisfaction with personal income, inflexible work schedule, job insecurity, and relationships in the workplace. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The effects of work-related factors and work-family conflict on depressive symptoms were explored by hierarchical regression analysis. Results: Work-related factors except job pressure were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analyses revealed that women who had more frequent work-family conflict and more work-related stressors such as bad relationships in the workplace, job insecurity, and underutilization of skills were likely to have more depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Among women workers with young children, work-family conflict and various work-related factors such as perceived bad relationships at work, job insecurity, and underutilization of skills had a significant relationship with depressive symptoms. Much more research is needed to explore ways to support working mothers.

Lifestyles and Psychosomatic Symptoms among Elementary School Students and Junior High School Students

Objectives: To examine the relationship between lifestyles and psychosomatic symptoms in children, we conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey of elementary school students and junior high school students in Japan. Methods: We designed an original questionnaire to investigate the lifestyles and psychosomatic symptoms of children. In 1997, responses to the questionnaires were elicited from public elementary school fourth grade students (then aged 9–10) and public junior high school seventh grade students (then aged 12–13). The survey was repeated annually for three years as the students advanced through school. Results: For both boys and girls, each cross-sectional analysis revealed a strong relationship between lifestyle behaviors and psychosomatic symptoms. Psychosomatic symptoms scores varied according to daily hours of sleep, eating of breakfast, having strong likes and dislikes of food, bowel habits, and daily hours of television watching. Both boys and girls with “good” lifestyle behaviors evaluated by the HPI (Health Practice Index) showed lower scores for psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusions: These findings show that the lifestyle behaviors of children are significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms and suggest that poor lifestyle behaviors are likely to increase physical and psychological health risks.

Correlation between Molecular Weight of Plasma Albumin Determined with Mass Spectrometry and Glycation Indices in Factory Workers

Objectives: To determine the difference in molecular weights of albumin in factory workers caused by non-enzymatic glycation of plasma albumin using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/MS), and examine the epidemiological validity of this method. Methods: Forty-eight male workers were tested by random sampling. The difference in molecular weights (ΔM) between the subjects’ albumin and human serum albumin was determined by MALDI TOF/MS. Correlations between ΔM vs. fructosamine, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c were investigated. Results: ΔM showed a significant correlation with all of the tested glycation indices (ΔM vs. fructosamine: r=0.487, p<0.001) (ΔM vs. FPG: r=0.482, p<0.01) (ΔM vs. HbA1c: r=0.397, p<0.01). Conclusions: Since a significant correlation between ΔM and the glycation indices was found in this investigation, further study with a larger number of subjects is needed for use in clinical applications.

Effect of Snack Eating on Sensitive Salivary Stress Markers Cortisol and Chromogranin A

Objectives: To investigate the effect of snack eating on salivary cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA). Methods: From 14:00 to 18:00, starting two hours after consumption of a midday meal, saliva samples were collected every 30 minutes from 15 healthy males, 7 of whom (snack group) ate a snack immediately after the sampling at 15:00. Salivary cortisol and CgA levels were determined by ELISA. Samples were controlled according to salivary flow rates. Results: For the snack group, after snack consumption, salivary cortisol increased to exceed significance (p<0.05) at 15:30 and rose even higher at 16:00. In the control group, there was no such change. There was no significant change in salivary CgA in either the snack group or the control groups during the sampling period. Conclusions: These findings suggest that no food should be consumed for at least 90 mins before saliva sampling for cortisol determination and that salivary CgA is probably not affected by snack eating.

Beneficial effect of tomato juice drinking on anti-mutagenicity of saliva

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tomato juice drinking on the antimutagenicity of saliva.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Subjects were 22 healthy male university students. They were divided into tomato group and control group. The tomato group drank tomato juice for 10 days. The anti-mutagenicity of saliva was measured using the umu test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the tomato group, there was a significant increase in the inhibiting capacity of saliva on the mutagenicity of AF-2 after tomato juice drinking for 10 days. This increase was, however, temporary. In the control group, there was no such change in the inhibiting capacity of saliva.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These findings suggest the significant effect of tomato juice drinking on the anti-mutagenicity of saliva. In addition, lycopene may have played an important role in its mechanism.</p>

Application of specific brain function evaluation by optical topography

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To use the evaluation of a specific brain function obtained by optical topography. This system uses a non invasive method to measure brain function unlike other major systems.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve optical fibers were attached to the subject's head. Hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were measured during finger tapping before and after alcohol intake for eachALDH2 genotype.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Different hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were observed among, theALDH2 genotypes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Optical topography is a useful tool for evaluating specific brain functions. Further research is needed on the relations between various environmental factors and brain functions by optical topography.</p>

Correlation between saliva glycated and blood glycated proteins

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>Blood and saliva samples were obtained to examine if there is a correlation between saliva glycated protein and blood glycated protein.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood and saliva samples of 51 male workers were collected. The fructosamine and hydrazine methods were used to measure saliva glycated protein. HbA1c, fructosamine and blood glucose were measured as indices of blood glycated protein, and the correlation between blood glycated protein and saliva glycated protein was examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Saliva fructosamine glycated protein showed a significant correlation with HbA1c and blood glucose (r=0.449; p=0.001 and r=0.445; p=0.001, respectively). No correlation was identified between saliva hydrazine glycated protein and the index of blood glycated protein.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Blood glycated protein and blood glucose could be estimated by measuring saliva glycated protein.</p>

Correlation between Saliva Glycated and Blood Glycated Proteins

Objectives: Blood and saliva samples were obtained to examine if there is a correlation between saliva glycated protein and blood glycated protein. Methods: Blood and saliva samples of 51 male workers were collected. The fructosamine and hydrazine methods were used to measure saliva glycated protein. HbA1c, fructosamine and blood glucose were measured as indices of blood glycated protein, and the correlation between blood glycated protein and saliva glycated protein was examined. Results: Saliva fructosamine glycated protein showed a significant correlation with HbA1c and blood glucose (r=0.449; p=0.001 and r=0.445; p=0.001, respectively). No correlation was identified between saliva hydrazine glycated protein and the index of blood glycated protein. Conclusions: Blood glycated protein and blood glucose could be estimated by measuring saliva glycated protein.

Application of Specific Brain Function Evaluation by Optical Topography

Objectives: To use the evaluation of a specific brain function obtained by optical topography. This system uses a non invasive method to measure brain function, unlike other major systems. Methods: Twelve optical fibers were attached to the subject's head. Hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were measured during finger tapping before and after alcohol intake for each ALDH2 genotype. Results: Different hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were observed among the ALDH2 genotypes. Conclusions: Optical topography is a useful tool for evaluating specific brain functions. Further research is needed on the relations between various environmental factors and brain functions by optical topography.

Increasing obesity among male workers in Japan: 1992-1997

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine changes in the Body Mass Index (BMI) and in the prevalence of obesity among male Japanese workers after five years.</p><p><b>DESIGN</b>Follow-up study, based on data from annual health checkups performed at workplaces.</p><p><b>SUBJECTS AND METHODS</b>We had access to the data for a total of 63,951 male workers aged 20 through 54 years in 1992 who were examined in both 1992 and 1997. In quinquennial cohorts, we compared the findings for mean BMI and the prevalence of obesity in 1992 with the findings in 1997.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Between 1992 and 1997, in all cohorts the mean BMI increased significantly. For each adjacent cohort pair the mean BMI value in 1997 was significantly higher than in 1992. In 1992, 21.3% of all subjects were obese, increasing by 3.4% after five years to 24.7% in 1997. In the younger 1968-1972 and 1963-1967 cohorts the prevalence of obesity increased by 6.3% during five years. The significant increase in the obesity prevalence was observed from 1992 to 1997 for each age-adjusted cohort.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results suggest a substantial increase in obesity among male Japanese workers. The notable increase in the prevalence of obesity among young male adults and the general trend toward widespread obesity during five years signal an increasing risk of lifestyle-related diseases.</p>

Lifestyle, mental health status and salivary secretion rates

The relations between salivary variables, lifestyle and mental health status were investigated for 61 healthy female university students. The salivary secretion rates were significantly higher in the good lifestyle groups compared with the poor lifestyle groups. Among the 8 lifestyle items tested. "eating breakfast" and "mental stress" were significantly related to the salivary secretion rates. The present findings suggest that the acquisition of a good lifestyle is also very important from the viewpoint of the prevention of oral disease.A highly significant correlation (r=0.97; p<0.01) between the salivary cortisol levels and the cortisol secretion rates when controlled for the salivary secretion rates was also observed. This suggests that there is a high correlation between the intact salivary cortisol levels and the total cortisol quantity per unit time. Therefore, both these values can be used as a good index for the salivary cortisol determination.

Review of the occupational exposure to isocyanates: Mechanisms of action

Polyurethanes are useful polymers in a large variety of technical and consumer products that are generally made from diisocyanates and polyols or similar compounds. Toluene diisocyanate (TDI), 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,6'-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) are useful for polyurethane products. Isocyanates are reactive chemicals that can be handled without problems in manufacturing or technical environments. In general, consumers may only have contact with these chemicals on rare occasions. The objective of this study was to review the mechanisms of action of inhalation of isocyanates. This paper describes, in summary, the potential occupational exposure to isocyanates, the chemistry and reactivity of isocyanates, the results from genotoxicity studies, investigative toxicity studies, metabolism and results from epidemiology studies on isocyanate-exposed workers. The overall conclusion is that because humans are not exposed to high levels of respiratory isocyanate particles, concerns over the possible development of lung tumors should not be relevant. There are many mechanisms of action induced by isocyanates, but those entities are unclear. This is because these mechanisms act simultaneously and are complex.