Epidemiological study on improving the QOL and oral conditions of the aged--Part 1: The relationship between the status of tooth preservation and QOL.

In part 1 of this epidemiological study, a survey was conducted for all senior citizens aged 70 and over who resided in a mountainous village in the mid-section of Hyogo Prefecture. It focused on the relationship among the number of existing teeth, life environment, health status, and activities of daily living; and the correlation between oral status and QOL was analyzed. The daily activities of individuals were compared between those having one or more teeth and others who were totally edentulous. Subsequently, it was found that for both males and females, the odds ratio was significantly high for the dentulous individuals, in comparison with edentulous individuals, to exhibit a behavior indicative of a better QOL (such as "opportunity for conversation with family members or others)", "regular physical activities", and "attend meetings or group outings"). The result of this survey indicates that the presence of teeth is very closely related to one's daily activities. It was concluded that preventing tooth loss is vital for maintaining the masticatory function; so to prevent tooth loss, periodontal disease must be averted.

Epidemiological study on improving the QOL and oral conditions of the aged--Part 2: Relationship between tooth loss and lifestyle factors for adults men.

Oral health in early- and mid-adulthood is essential for the improvement of one's QOL, this study was investigated to include an epidemiological analysis of the relationship between tooth loss and life style, such as smoking, regular exercise, and the food habits of approximately 2,000 employees. Compared with the group with mild or no periodontal disease (CPI of 0, 1, or 2), the frequency of tooth loss in the group with advanced periodontal disease (CPI of 4) was 2.00 times (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence limit, 1.37 to 2.93). The probability of tooth loss showed statistical significance in relation to smoking, alcohol drinking, and frequency of meals. Compared with non-smokers, the probability that current smokers will lose teeth is 1.53 times greater (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence limit, 1.20 to 1.96). It was concluded that periodontal disease and smoking must be averted for preventing tooth loss.

[A cross-sectional study on the relationship of plasma fibrinogen concentration and age, physical fitness, lifestyle and health examinations of healthy Japanese males].

The intention of this study was to examine the determinants of plasma fibrinogen concentrations in healthy Japanese male workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1998 among 1,044 (male 975, female 69) employees aged 30-59 years in Osaka, Japan. The overall mean value of plasma fibrinogen concentration was 236.4 +/- 47.6 mg/dl. There was a dose-response relationship between cigarette smoking and plasma fibrinogen concentration. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was associated with age, body weight, body mass index, white blood cell count and CPITN score, and inversely associated with serum HDL cholesterol in male nonsmokers. Plasma fibrinogen was not related to physical exercise, alcohol consumption or dietary factors. This study confirms the relationship of known coronary risk factors to plasma fibrinogen concentration in Japanese male factory workers, and suggests that smoking and periodontal disease are related to plasma fibrinogen concentrations.

[Epidemiological study on association of periodontal disease and total and differential leukocyte counts].

Periodontal disease is defined as inflammation that is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. This disease is liable to be a factor contributing to the high leukocyte count over an extended period. Furthermore, a number of prospective epidemiologic studies have shown that the leukocyte count is a good predictor of ischemic heart disease (IHD). However there have been few epidemiological studies of the relationship between periodontal disease and the leukocyte count. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the total and differential leukocyte counts and oral conditions of Japanese factory workers who were classified according to their smoking habits. The 1,167 subjects were male factory workers employed with a chemical factory in Osaka, Japan. The oral conditions recorded were periodontal status (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs, CPITN). The relationship between the total and differential leukocyte counts and the CPITN score of subjects who were classified according to their smoking habits was investigated in 1996 and 1997. In both the current smokers and nonsmokers, the subjects with severe periodontal disease, in contrast to the normal subjects, exhibited total leukocyte, neutrophil and monocyte counts that were significantly high for 1 year during follow-up studies. The periodontal disease is shown that causes the total leukocyte and neutrophil counts related to the development of IHD to remain at a high level.

Cohort study of the total leukocyte count and periodontal disease among company employees.

There have been few epidemiological studies of the relationship between the leukocyte count and dental disease. In the present study, therefore, we investigated the relationship between oral health indicated by the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) and the total leukocyte count in the cohort study. The 1,035 subjects were male factory workers employed at a chemical factory in Osaka, Japan. Their oral conditions were recorded as the CPITN score. The relationship between the total leukocyte count and the oral condition of the subjects classified according to their smoking habits was investigated over a 5-year period. Among the current smokers, the total leukocyte count was highest each year for the group with CPITN level 4, followed by those with CPITN levels 3 and 2 in descending order, showing that the total leukocyte count was reduced as the periodontal diseases ameliorated. Among the nonsmokers, the total leukocyte count was high every year in the group with CPITN levels 4 or 3 compared to that of the group with CPITN level 2. The fluctuations of the total leukocyte count in current smokers and nonsmokers whose CPITN score increase or decreased in five years was investigated. There were no significant differences among the all groups.

An epidemiological study on the association between the total leukocyte and neutrophil counts, and risk factors of ischemic heart disease by smoking status in Japanese factory workers.

Several epidemiologic studies have shown the association between total leukocyte count and the risk of developing myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between the total leukocyte and neutrophil counts and risk factors of ischemic heart disease in 1,384 Japanese factory workers. Total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in current smokers than in non-smokers. Among current smokers, the total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were positively associated with the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the duration of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Being independent of smoking habit, the total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were also related to several characteristics recorded at the physical examinations. The total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were positively associated with serum total cholesterol, serum triglyceride and hematocrit levels, and inversely associated with the serum HDL-cholesterol level. No significant associations of the total leukocyte or neutrophil counts were found with the red blood cell count and hemoglobin level. These results suggest that the total leukocyte and neutrophil counts may represent the metabolic condition with a high coronary risk among apparently healthy people.

[Epidemiological study on the relationship between hypertension and dental disease in Japanese factory workers].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hypertension and oral health in about 2,000 male Japanese factory workers. The results obtained were as follows: in both current smokers and nonsmokers, the results for hypertension patient groups showed a significantly higher CPITN (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs) than healthy control groups. The results of regression analysis indicated that systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with CPITN in the nonsmoking patients without hypertension. The results suggested that there was significant relationship between periodontal disease and the prevalence of hypertension among employees in a company.

[Study on the relationship between lifestyles and maximal oxygen uptake in healthy adults].

In this study, to determine the influence of different lifestyles on maximal oxygen uptake, we carried out a survey on the effects of age, smoking, physical exercise, clinical examination values and dietary habits of 899 male factory workers on their maximal oxygen uptake. The results of the study were as follows: Maximal oxygen uptake significantly decreased with age. In the male factory workers, there were significant correlations between maximal oxygen uptake and frequency of physical exercise, a greasy diet and seasoning of the diet. Multiple regression analysis showed that the variables which correlated best with the maximal oxygen uptake were serum total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. These results indicated that good nutrition and physical activity are important for maintaining physical fitness.

Segmental arterial mediolysis studied by repeated angiography.

Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. We report the fourteenth case of SAM, but the first to demonstrate serial changes on arteriography. A 65-year-old woman with abdominal pain underwent laparotomy with resection of an abnormally beaded and narrowed segment of the right branch of the middle colic artery. Characteristic pathological findings of lysis of the arterial media with dissecting haematomas were present. Other than some post-prandial pain, the patient's post-operative course was uneventful. Serial arteriography showed various abnormalities in the trunk and branches of the superior mesenteric artery. Changes in the vessels consisted of three phases, i.e. dilatation, beading with narrowing and restoration of the smooth wall, with various modifications such as aneurysmal enlargement and occlusion.

Relation between smoking and periodontal disease by oral hygiene status in Japanese factory workers.

The relation between smoking and periodontal disease as classified by the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) code was investigated in 1,611 Japanese male factory workers in Osaka, 20-59 years of age. The Simplified Debris Index (DI-S) according to the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index was employed as an index for the quantity of dental plaque. For the items related to smoking, a self-reporting form on smoking, the number of years of smoking, and the number of cigarettes smoked was distributed prior to the oral examination. Our results indicated the following: in the group with a poor state of oral hygiene, the negative effects of smoking were evident, resulting in unhealthy periodontal tissue. We believe that this result further confirms the contention that the removal of dental plaque is most important as a prophylaxis for periodontal diseases, and public education about this negative consequence of smoking will further strengthen prophylactic measures.

Lifestyles and periodontal disease of Japanese factory workers.

The association between lifestyle and periodontal disease as classified by the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) was investigated in 1,821 factory workers, 20-69 years of age, residing in Osaka, Japan. Lifestyles were examined using a questionnaire concerning the smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical exercise, sleeping hours and dietary habits of male factory workers.Age and sex were strongly associated with the CPITN score. In the male factory workers, the CPITN scores of each age group were significantly greater for smokers than for nonsmokers; mesn ± S.D., 2.41 ± 0.96 and 2.28 ± 0.87, respectively. The CPITN scores were also greater in high-consumption and long-duration smokers, compared to low-consumption and short-duration smokers in male factory workers.Our results show that sex, aging and smoking are risk indicators for periodontal disease.

[Experimental study on effects of a high-sugar diet and physical exercise on serum phospholipids in young adults].

The life style of young adults has been receiving attention with a view to its improvement to prevent coronary heart diseases (CHD) later in life. In this study, to determining the influence of different life styles on the serum phospholipids level, we carried out experimental studies on the effects a high sugar diet and physical exercise on serum phospholipid levels. Considering the trend for young people to consume large quantities of carbonated drinks, in which most of the sugar is sucrose, we tested the effect of a high carbohydrate diet on one group of six healthy male subjects and did not find that it caused a significant increase in the serum phospholipids level. In another group of 108 healthy young female subjects, a mild exercise regimen results in a slight, but significant decrease in the serum phospholipid level (p < 0.01). The serum total cholesterol level of the group did not exhibit a significant change.

Evaluation of the effects of various factors on the serum alpha hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity in young females.

In this study, for determining the influence of different life style on the serum alpha hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity (alpha HBD), we carried out surveys and laboratory studies on the relationships of the nutritional intake, physical activity, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption of young females with their serum alpha HBD activity. There are significant positive correlation between alpha HBD and GOT, GPT, LDH, CPK, phospholipids, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol, and significant negative correlation between alpha HBD/LDH and GOT, GPT, and gamma GTP. There are significant positive or negative correlation between alpha HBD and systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, cardiac index, stoke volume and total periperal resistance, and significant negative correlation between alpha HBD/LDH and vital capacity in young females. The serum alpha HBD activity levels of nonsmokers was significant higher than those of smokers (p < 0.05). There are significant positive correlations between serum alpha HBD activity and beverage consumption, and between alpha HBD/LDH and protein, calcium, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, pulses, vegetables and milk in young females. The finding shows that the group of serum alpha HBD activity level of 240 or more units exhibited higher level of rate of those who exercised sometimes+usually than the other group in young females. However, the serum alpha HBD activity level did not show significant correlation with energy expenditures per day. Exercise at 50 and 70% VO2 max may produce a significant increase in their serum alpha HBD activity. There is a possibility that serum alpha HBD activity may serve as an indicator for ones health condition. It is undeniable that observation of variation of serum alpha HBD activity is highly significant in health maintenance.

Evaluation of the effects of various factors on the serum triglyceride level in young adults.

The life style of young adults has been receiving attention with a view to its improvement to preventing coronary heart diseases (CHD) in later life. In this study, for determining the influence of different life styles on the serum triglyceride level, we carried out surveys and laboratory studies on the relationships of the nutritional intake, physical activity, and cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption of young adults with their serum triglyceride levels. The nutritional survey indicated a significant correlation between the serum triglyceride level and carbohydrate intake (p < 0.01). In the survey of physical activity, a significant inverse correlation was found between the energy expenditure per kg body weight and the serum triglyceride level (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found of smoking or drinking with the serum triglyceride level. The body mass index was found to have effects on both the serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Of the factors examined, carbohydrate intake and energy expenditure per kg body weight had the greatest effects on the serum triglyceride level. Considering the trend for young people to consume large quantities of carbonated drinks, in which most of carbohydrate is sucrose, we tested the affect of a high carbohydrate diet on one group of subjects and found that it caused a significant increase in the serum triglyceride level (p < 0.05). Another group for whom a mild exercise regimen was prescribed showed slight, but not significant decrease in the serum triglyceride level. These results suggest that at least optimal nutrition and physical activity including weight control during adolescence are important for preventing CHD.

Studies on in vitro paraquat and diquat removal by activated carbon.

The adsorption characteristics of paraquat and diquat onto activated carbon in vitro were discussed for the primary treatment of acute poisoning by accidental, suicidal or homicidal ingestion of paraquat containing herbicides. Paraquat was adsorbed onto activated carbon more abundantly and more rapidly in physiological saline solution than that in artificial gastric juice and distilled water. Most suitable solvent for paraquat removal by activated carbon was physiological saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride solution). No significant correlation was observed between the ability of paraquat removal and the properties of adsorbent. Paraquat was preferentially adsorbed onto activated carbon in the mixed solution. The adsorption abilities by activated carbon (the removal ratio, the amount adsorbed and the adsorption rate) for paraquat were larger than those for diquat, and it was enhanced by added sodium chloride and added magnesium sulfate. Enhancing effect for adsorption removal was proportional to the saline concentration. As addition of salts into carbon suspension enhanced the adsorption ability, it will contribute to the effective treatment of acute poisoning.

Evaluation of serum lactate dehydrogenase activity for estimation of energy expenditure in human subjects.

We investigated the relationship between serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and energy expenditure in young adults, evaluating their serum LDH activities in order to develop an index of energy expenditure. The results obtained were as follows. (1) There were significant correlations between the serum LDH activity and energy expenditure/day, energy expenditure/body weight/day and daily activity index in men. (2) There were significant correlations between the serum LDH activity and energy expenditure/day and daily activity index in women. (3) A group of men who 'rarely' exercised had lower levels of serum LDH activity than those who exercised 'sometimes' or 'usually', but little difference was noted between similar groups of women.

[Relationship of nutrient intake to serum enzyme activity].

Measurement of the serum enzyme activity is generally used as a screening test for hepatic and biliary diseases. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of serum enzyme activity as indices of health by analyzing relationships to changes in nutrient intakes. The results obtained were as follows: In cross-sectional studies gamma-GTP (1) and LDH-4 and -5 isozyme levels had a significant negative correlation to dietary intakes of vitamin C and protein, but total serum gamma-GTP and LDH activities had no correlation. Intake trials of these nutrients showed that high intake levels of vitamin C related to decrease in isozymes levels while low protein intake resulted in increases. Serum GPT activity had a negative relationship to vitamin C intake in men, but was not correlated with nutrient intakes in women. Serum ALP activity was affected positively with vitamin B intake in 40-79 year old men and women. There were statistically significant correlations between serum cholinesterase activity and energy, and food intake patterns.