Association between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease score and skin carotenoid levels estimated via refraction spectroscopy in the Japanese population: a cross-sectional study.

Carotenoids play a role in preventing and impeding the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) through their anti-oxidative effects. This study evaluated associations between ASCVD risk and skin carotenoid (SC) levels, reflecting dietary carotenoid intake. Participants' ASCVD risk was assessed using the Hisayama ASCVD risk prediction model, and SC levels were measured through a reflection spectroscope (Veggie Meter). The associations between high ASCVD risk and SC levels were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. A total of 1130 men and women (mean age: 56 years) from participants who underwent a health examination in Seirei Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Medicine in 2019 and 2022 were analyzed. Of these, 4.6% had moderate or high ASCVD risk. Mean SC values were 236, 315, 376, 447, and 606 in quintile Q1 to Q5, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of SC quintile for moderate- or high-risk ASCVD was 0.24 (0.12-0.51) in Q5 (495 ≤), 0.42 (0.23-0.77) in Q4, 0.50 (0.29-0.88) in Q3, and 0.68 (0.41-1.12) in Q2 compared to Q1 (< 281). High SC values continuously showed non-linear inverse association with moderate- or high-risk for ASCVD in Japanese adults. Non-invasive SC measurements may be a good indicator for recommending carotenoids to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Characteristics of and changes in the cardiometabolic measures of Japanese workers grouped according to their vegetables and salt intake through workplace cafeteria meals.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to objectively evaluate the diet consumed in a workplace cafeteria to group Japanese workers according to vegetables and salt intake and estimate the association of these groups with changes in cardiometabolic measurements. DESIGN: This longitudinal observational study estimated the food and nutrient intake of Japanese workers from data recorded in the cafeteria system of their workplace. The primary outcomes included cardiometabolic measures obtained via regular health check-ups conducted at the workplace. The participants were divided into four groups according to high or low vegetables and salt intake based on their respective medians and the association of each group with cardiometabolic measurement changes was estimated using robust regression with MM-estimation. SETTING: A Japanese automobile manufacturing factory. SUBJECTS: The study included 1,140 men and women workers with available cafeteria and health check-up data. RESULTS: An inverse marginal association was observed between changes in triglyceride levels and high vegetables and low salt intake (ß: -9.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -20.45, 0.59, p: 0.065) with reference to low vegetables and high salt intake. This association was stronger in participants who used the cafeteria more frequently (>71 days; ß: -13.55, 95% CI: -25.51, -1.60, p: 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The participants in the higher vegetables and lower salt intake group were more likely to exhibit decreased triglyceride levels. These findings encourage using workplace cafeteria meals to promote the health of workers.

Mortality from major causes and lifestyles by proportions of public assistance recipients among 47 prefectures in Japan: Ecological panel data analysis from 1999 to 2016.

Objective: Comprehensive investigations of correlations between subnational socioeconomic factors and trends in mortality and lifestyle are important for addressing public health problems. Methods: Forty-seven prefectures in Japan were divided into quartiles based on the proportion of public assistance recipients (PPAR). Age-standardized mortality from all causes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke in each prefecture were averaged for these quartiles in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey were obtained for the following periods: 1999-2001, 2003-2005, 2007-2009, 2012, and 2016. Body mass index (BMI), intake of total energy, vegetable and salt, step count, and prevalence of current smoking and drinking for individuals aged 40-69 years age range were standardized for each prefecture and averaged by quartile. A two-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in mortality and lifestyle across different years or periods, and quartiles. Results: Mortality rates decreased, with the first (lowest) quartile showing the lowest rates, across all causes, cancer and heart diseases in both sexes. BMI exhibited an increase in men, whereas, BMI in women and other lifestyle factors in both sexes, excluding smoking and drinking in women, exhibited a decrease. BMI, vegetable and salt intake, total energy intake in men, and smoking in women varied across quartiles. Lower quartiles exhibited lower BMI and smoking prevalence but higher energy, vegetables, and salt intake. Conclusions: PPAR exhibited favorable trends and significant differences in mortality related to all causes, cancer and heart disease across both sexes, along with BMI among women.

Extremely Poor Post-discharge Prognosis in Aspiration Pneumonia and Its Prognostic Factors: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

There is little evidence regarding the long-term prognosis of patients with aspiration pneumonia. This study aimed to investigate post-discharge survival time and prognostic factors in older patients hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia. This retrospective cohort study included patients aged ≥ 65 years hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia and discharged alive from a tertiary care hospital in Japan between April 2009 and September 2014. Candidate prognostic factors were patient's age, sex, body mass index (BMI), performance status, chronic conditions, CURB-65 score, serum albumin level, hematocrit concentration, nutritional pathway at discharge, and discharge location. Kaplan-Meier curves were determined and multivariable survival analysis using Cox regression model was performed to analyze the effect of each factor on mortality. In total, 209 patients were included in this study. The median age was 85 years, 58% of the patients were males, 33% had a performance status of 4 and 34% were discharged home. Among the patients, 65% received oral intake, 23% received tube feeding, and 21% received parenteral nutrition at discharge. During the follow-up period, 77% of the patients died, and the median post-discharge survival time was 369 days. Besides male sex and low BMI, tube feeding (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-2.59) and parenteral nutrition (aHR = 4.42, 95% CI 2.57-7.60) were strongly associated with mortality. Long-term prognosis of patients hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia was extremely poor. The nutritional pathway at discharge was a major prognostic factor. These results may be useful for future care and research.

Family Pharmacy and Medication Adherence Among Older Adults in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study of JAGES 2019.

OBJECTIVES: Poor medication adherence among older adults is a global concern as it causes adverse drug interactions and inappropriate dosing. This study aimed to assess the association between family pharmacy and medication adherence among older adults. METHODS: The Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study was a cross-sectional study of 18,792 people aged ≥65 years living in 61 municipalities in 25 prefectures who participated in a survey conducted in 2019 and did not require long-term care. Self-reported questionnaires were administered to evaluate whether the participants "always received medicines from the same pharmacy" and whether they had unused medicines. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine the association after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Unused medicines were present in 89.9% of the "have group" (individuals who always received their medicines from the same pharmacy). This group had a lower prevalence of unused medicines (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.92) than the "none group" (individuals who did not always receive their medicines from the same pharmacy). In the stratified analysis by education level, the prevalence of unused medicines was lower among those with low levels of education (≤9 years: PR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71-0.96; 10-12 years: PR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.74-0.88). DISCUSSION: Older adults who "always received medicines from the same pharmacy" had a lower prevalence of unused medicines, especially those with low levels of education. Thus, "always receiving medicines from the same pharmacy" may be effective in reducing the proportion of unused medicines and improving medication adherence.

Trends in mortality from major causes and lifestyle factors by per capita prefectural income: Ecological panel data analysis from 1995 to 2016 in Japan.

In Japan, trends in mortality and lifestyle have not been fully investigated according to subnational socioeconomic factors. Forty-seven prefectures (subnational units) were divided into quartiles by annual per capita prefectural income. Age-standardized mortality from all causes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke was averaged by quartile in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey were obtained for periods 1 (1995-1997), 2 (1999-2001), 3 (2003-2005), 4 (2007-2009), 5 (2012), and 6 (2016). Body mass index (BMI), the intake of vegetables and salt, the number of steps, and the prevalence of current smoking and drinking for the 40-69-year age range were standardized by 10-year age groups in the 2010 Japanese population and were averaged by quartile. Differences in mortality and lifestyle by year and period, and quartile were tested using a two-way analysis of variance. Mortality decreased in both sexes and mortality in men from all causes, cancer, and stroke differed by quartile, with mortality highest in the first (lowest) quartile. BMI in men and smoking prevalence in women increased, whereas remaining lifestyle factors except for the prevalence of drinking decreased in women. BMI and the number of steps in both sexes and current smoking prevalence in women differed by quartile, with lower quartiles showing a higher BMI and fewer step counts. In conclusion, favorable trends and significant differences in mortality from all causes, cancer, and stroke in men and BMI in women were observed by per capita prefectural income level.

Nutritional Adequacy Assessment of the Japanese Diet Using the Number of Dishes Compared to Existing Dietary Diversity Indices: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan.

The Japanese diet has attracted attention as a factor contributing to the Japanese population's longevity. A typical Japanese meal, traditionally called "ichiju-sansai," is composed of various dishes. This study assessed the nutritional adequacy of the Japanese diet using the number of dishes in all meals (NDAM) compared to existing dietary diversity indices (DDIs). This cross-sectional study used data from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey. A total of 25,976 participants aged ≥20 y were included in this study. NDAM was calculated for whole dishes or single foods (except supplements and beverages) from one-day weighted dietary records. The food variety score (FVS), number of foods, dietary diversity score (DDS), and number of food groups are some of the existing DDIs. NDAM had relatively high positive correlation coefficients with potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. The partial correlation coefficients with an indicator of the overall nutrient adequacy of NDAM was 0.42 for men and 0.42 for women. It was almost the same as that of the FVS (men: 0.44, women: 0.42) and DDS (men: 0.44, women: 0.43). On the other hand, NDAM, similar to existing DDIs, was also positively correlated with nutrient restriction in both sexes. These findings indicate that the nutrient adequacy of NDAM is similar to that of the existing DDIs. Because of the higher sodium intake and cholesterol intake in higher NDAM and existing DDIs, the effect of higher NDAM on health outcomes must be investigated in future studies.

Effects of Bowel Training and Defecation Posture on Chronic Constipation in Older Adults With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic constipation (CC), which can cause behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia and related caregiver distress, is common in older adults admitted to care facilities with dementia. This study aimed to examine the effect of defecation care on CC and related problems. METHODS: This study compared bowel training and defecation posture intervention (intervention group) with general care (control group) as the treatment of CC among older adults with dementia in 6 long-term care facilities. The primary outcomes were the number of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) and complete SBMs. The secondary outcomes were Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire, Constipation Scoring System, constipation symptoms, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home Version scores. The differences were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: The data of 30 patients (14 in the intervention group, 16 in the control group) were analyzed. Weekly mean complete SBMs increased from 0.53 times at baseline to 1.58 times at 8 weeks in the intervention group compared with a change from 0.56 to 0.43 times in the control group (interaction P < 0.001). The Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire, Constipation Scoring System, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia, and caregiver distress scores showed significant improvement after 8 weeks of defecation care intervention. DISCUSSION: Defecation care, including bowel training and appropriate defecation posture, is effective for CC among older adults with dementia, improving patient mental health and reducing burden on caregivers.

[Investigation of occupational health activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey for small- and medium-sized enterprises and occupational physicians mainly in the Shizuoka prefecture].

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies of occupational health services (OHS) during the coronavirus infection disease (COVID-19) pandemic have focused on either occupational physicians (OPs) or enterprises mainly in the metropolitan areas. This survey aimed to assess OHS in some local cities during the pandemic and different perceptions of OPs and small- and medium- sized enterprises, which could contribute to efficient OHS in the future. METHODS: From July to October 2021, we conducted a questionnaire survey targeting 196 OHS officers and 42 OPs in Shizuoka prefecture. We mailed 196 questionnaires (anonymous) to the OHS officers, with self-addressed postcards requesting their OP's cooperation for a similar survey. Based on the postcards replies, we mailed 149 questionnaires to 36 OPs. The survey was consisted of five categories; demographic characteristics, changes in OHS during the pandemic, infection countermeasures, infection status of employees, and free descriptions. RESULTS: The effective responses included 155 and 124 questionnaires from officers and 29 OPs, respectively. Regarding demographic characteristics, manufacturing and processing industries comprised the most frequent office types, whereas fewer than 100 employees comprised the most common office size. Regarding the changes in OHS, 8.4% of enterprises had OP's remote participation in health committees, and 14.5% of enterprises had stopped workplace patrols. Regarding infection countermeasures, approximately 90% of enterprises received advice and support from OPs and perceived health committees as the most helpful in receiving it. Whereas, OPs primarily gave it in workplace patrols. Many enterprises have implemented various infection countermeasures; however, they feel that promoting smoking cessation is difficult. They believed that the following advice and support was useful for the countermeasures; promoting awareness-raising activities to prevent infection, ventilation methods, and infection control while eating. Approximately 6.6% of enterprises were reluctant to share information about infection status among employees with OPs, and 34.5% of OPs were reluctant to share it with OHS officers. Moreover, about the ratio of enterprises whose employees had COVID-19, we found a difference between enterprises (39.4%)and OPs (28.2%). In free descriptions, some enterprises complained that OPs focused on COVID-19-related OHS and neglected conventional OHS. CONCLUSIONS: The survey revealed the OHS during the pandemic in some local cities and different perceptions about infection status between enterprises and OPs. To prepare for future pandemics, official organizations and academic conferences should provide guidelines for sharing information between OPs and enterprises. We believe this survey will lead to further cooperation between the two and better OHS combining COVID-19-related and conventional OHS.

Multimorbidity patterns and the relation to self-rated health among older Japanese people: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Classifying individuals into multimorbidity patterns can be useful to identify the target population with poorer clinical outcomes. Self-rated health (SRH) is one of the core outcomes in multimorbidity patients. Although studies have reported that multimorbidity is associated with poor SRH, whether certain patterns have stronger associations remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity and investigate the association between multimorbidity patterns and SRH in an older Japanese population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Data were obtained from the 2013 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions, a nationally representative survey of the general Japanese population. PARTICIPANTS: This study mainly examined 23 730 participants aged ≥65 years who were not hospitalised or institutionalised. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Poor SRH was defined as choosing 'not very good' or 'bad' from five options: 'excellent', 'fairly good', 'average', 'not very good' and 'bad'. RESULTS: The prevalence of multimorbidity was 40.9% and that of poor SRH was 23.8%. Three multimorbidity patterns were identified by exploratory factor analysis: (1) degenerative/mental health, (3) malignant/digestive/urological/haematological and (3) cardiovascular/metabolic. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis revealed that high malignant/digestive/urological/haematological, degenerative/mental health and cardiovascular/metabolic pattern scores, corresponding to the number of affected body systems in each pattern, were significantly associated with poor SRH (adjusted risk ratio (aRR)=1.68, 95% CI: 1.60 to 1.76; aRR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.58 to 1.69; and aRR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.36, respectively). When including the Kessler 6 score, a screening scale for psychological distress, in the analysis, the association between each multimorbidity pattern score and poor SRH decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant/digestive/urological/haematological and degenerative/mental health patterns may be associated with a high risk for poor SRH. Further research should focus on interventions to improve SRH in multimorbidity patients.

Improving Skin Carotenoid Levels in Young Students through Brief Dietary Education Using the Veggie Meter.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of carotenoid have been determined to aid in the prevention of a wide range of oxidative disorders, arteriosclerosis, obesity, and various types of cancers. In order to keep high carotenoid levels in the body, much of the vegetable and fruit (V/F) intake is mandatory. However, the actual intake of V/F is not enough in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess whether brief dietary education using the Veggie Meter (VM) that could measure skin carotenoid (SC) levels could induce the increase in carotenoid levels via V/F intake. Two hundred and sixty-one elementary and junior high school students (ages 7−14 years old) received brief educational session and SC evaluation by VM, and the changes in SC levels were examined after 6 months. The baseline VM scores ranged from 131 to 825, and the average significantly increased from 400.0 ± 124.7 (standard deviation) to 447.4 ± 140.4 at Month 6 (p < 0.0001). The percentage of increase at month 6 was negatively correlated with the baseline values (r = −0.36, p < 0.0001). This finding implies that subjects who became aware of their inferiority tended to make a significant effort to change their behavior. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that subjects taking much of green and yellow vegetables, drinking vegetable/tomato juice, and eating any fruit had higher VM scores than the average value. In conclusion, the educational approach using VM was supposed to be an effective method of raising awareness of the V/F shortage and increasing V/F intake that could indue the increase in SC levels.

Trends in Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension According to 40-Year-Old Life Expectancy at Prefectures in Japan from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys.

The prevalence of hypertension has been decreasing in Japan due to improved medical treatment and a decrease in dietary salt intake. However, disparities in the prevalence, treatment, and control of hypertension are expected to occur in different regions. This study aimed to investigate the trends in the prevalence, treatment, and control of hypertension at the prefectural level of life expectancy among Japanese population. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey and analysed the individual survey information of individuals aged 40-69 years by dividing it into six terms, i.e., 1995-1997, 1999-2001, 2003-2005, 2007-2009, 2012, and 2016. Prefectures were classified into four groups according to their 40-year-old life expectancy in 2000. Outcome values were standardised to the population by 10-year age groups in 2010, and they were tested by two-way analysis of variance according to six terms and life expectancies. The prevalence of hypertension tended to decrease, especially among women, whereas the treatment and control tended to improve from the first to the sixth period in both men and women. The prevalence and treatment of hypertension in men with longer life expectancy tended to be lower than that in other groups, and there was no obvious difference in the control. In women, there were no obvious differences in the prevalence, treatment, or control. Reducing the prevalence of hypertension by improving lifestyle factors, such as high salt intake in each prefecture with a relatively short life expectancy, may be important to resolve the disparity in life expectancy among prefectures.

Serum Lutein and Zeaxanthin Are Inversely Associated with High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Non-Smokers: The Mikkabi Study.

Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a protective association between carotenoids and inflammation; however, the basis of this association on lifestyle factors remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the associations between carotenoids and inflammatory markers stratified by lifestyle factors, using baseline data from the Mikkabi Study. Serum carotenoid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for a high hs-CRP level (≥2.0 mg/dL) were obtained using logistic regression analysis. The data of 882 individuals were analyzed; 11.7% had high hs-CRP levels. The highest tertile of lutein (OR: 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25-0.76), zeaxanthin (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21-0.64), total carotenoid (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.32-0.9997), and oxygenated carotenoid concentration (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28-0.90), with the lowest tertile as reference, was inversely associated with a high hs-CRP level. The interaction between lutein, but not other carotenoids, and current smoking was significant. The inverse association between lutein and a high hs-CRP level was significant in non-smokers (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.22-0.76) but not in smokers. These results further support the anti-inflammatory effect of carotenoids; nevertheless, further studies should clarify the interaction of smoking with the association between lutein and inflammation.

Association between functional foods and cardiometabolic health in a real-life setting: a longitudinal observational study using objective diet records from an electronic purchase system.

The effects of the regular consumption of soy, barley, and green tea in a real-life setting are unclear. This longitudinal observational study showed the associations of their intake with cardiometabolic health when employees freely selected these foods in the workplace cafeteria of an industrial company in Japan. The consumption was objectively assessed by an electronic purchase system using integrated circuit chip-equipped tableware and personal identification cards. The associations between the cumulative number of servings of each food during the 12 weeks prior to a health examination and changes in cardiometabolic measurements were examined among Japanese male workers (n = 890). Higher total intake of soy products was associated with significant lower levels in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Higher total intake of rice with barley was marginally associated with lower levels in systolic blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin. These associations were attenuated after adjustment for the baseline values of the dependent variables. Serving soy and barley products in the workplace cafeteria possibly promotes real-life benefits to employees' cardiometabolic health.

Dietary Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study Using Objective Sequential Diet Records from an Electronic Purchase System in a Workplace Cafeteria in Japan.

As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related restrictions, food systems have undergone unprecedented changes, with the potential to affect dietary behavior. We aimed to investigate workers' dietary changes resulting from the introduction of regulations to combat COVID-19 in a Japanese factory cafeteria. Objective data on daytime dietary intake were automatically collected from electronic purchase system records. The dataset included the weekly data of 890 men from 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2020. The cafeteria regulations came into effect on 10 April 2020; in this context, the purchase of dishes and estimated dietary intake were monitored. The number of cafeteria visits decreased slightly after the introduction of the regulations. The purchase of main and side dishes also decreased, but the purchase of grain dishes was less affected. When compared with summer 2019 (pre-pandemic, no regulations: 1 July to 29 September 2019), in summer 2020 (during the pandemic and with regulations: 29 June to 30 September 2020), the estimated mean grain, meat, fish, and total energy intake was stable; however, vegetable intake decreased by 11%. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, workplace cafeteria regulations need to be monitored to avoid unfavorable dietary changes in employees.

Lifetime use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies among community-dwelling older people in Japan.

[Purpose] Three complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies: "Judo therapy", "acupuncture and moxibustion", and "Japanese traditional massage and finger pressure" have been partially covered by the national health insurance in Japan. The lifetime prevalence of the use of these CAM therapies is not well known. The aim of the present study was to report the prevalence of the lifetime use of these CAM therapies. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a mailed self-administered questionnaire survey among community-dwelling older people in Japan in 2015. They were asked whether they had undergone any treatments with the 3 CAM therapies. The answers obtained were classified into 3 categories: current, ever, or never. We defined lifetime prevalence as the proportion of individuals who are currently using or have ever used any of these 3 therapies in the population. [Results] Overall, we approached 1051 individuals and 983 agreed to participate. Lifetime prevalence of Judo therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion, and Japanese traditional massage and finger pressure use was 28.0%, 17.8% and 15.8%, respectively, among males, and 44.5%, 18.4%, and 27.3%, respectively, among females. [Conclusion] These results showed that not only Western medicine but also CAM therapies are common among older people in Japan.

Does the Association between Guardians' Sense of Coherence and their Children's Untreated Caries Differ According to Socioeconomic Status?

Untreated caries is the most prevalent disease in the world. A sense of coherence (SOC) is believed to contribute to oral health. We aimed to clarify the association between guardians' SOC and their children's caries based on socioeconomic status (SES) in Japan. This study's subjects were Japanese public junior high schoolers (N = 1730), aged 12-15, and their guardians in Kosai City. We administered a questionnaire survey among guardians in 2016 to assess their SOC and family environment. With their students' consent, public junior high schools shared the results of the dental examinations that were part of their school physicals. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to clarify the association between guardians' SOC and their children's untreated decayed permanent teeth. We also conducted a stratified analysis according to a relative poverty line. We observed in the multivariate regression a significant inverse association between children's untreated decay and their guardians' SOC (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.87-1.00). The association of SOC was stronger in the low economic group (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.43-0.95). Guardians with higher SOC were associated with children having fewer caries. Guardians' SOC is a factor for the prevalence of caries and access to dental care, especially among children with low economic status.

Association between Dietary Intake and Autistic Traits in Japanese Working Adults: Findings from the Eating Habit and Well-Being Study.

"Autistic traits" include a wide range of severity levels. They are often subclinical, and widely distributed in the general population. It is possible that food selectivity due to hyper- or hypo-reactivity to smell or texture, an autistic feature, may result in inadequate nutrient intakes even among non-clinical adults with autistic traits. However, dietary intake of adults with autistic traits has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate an association between dietary intake and autistic traits. We cross-sectionally analyzed data of 1440 men and 613 women extracted from the Eating Habit and Well-Being study. Autistic traits were assessed using the Japanese version of the Subthreshold Autism Trait Questionnaire (SATQ), and dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Iron and vitamin B12 intakes were marginally and inversely associated with the SATQ score in men. The SATQ score in women was positively associated with carbohydrate intake, but had an inverse association with protein, mineral, vitamin, and dietary fiber intakes. Low intakes of seaweed, fish and shellfish, and vegetables were observed in participants with severe autistic traits. Associations of autistic traits with food selectivity and low nutrient intakes should be further investigated to promote a new dietary strategy in the general population.

Coping behaviors for skeletal muscle injuries and disorders among community-dwelling elderly persons in Japan.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the coping behaviors of elderly Japanese community-dwelling persons toward their skeletal muscle injuries and disorders. [Participants and Methods] A mail-in, self-administered questionnaire survey was administered to 1,084 community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and older. Information was obtained regarding their coping behaviors when dealing with bone fractures, dislocations, sprains, bruising, stiff shoulders, low back pain, acute muscle/joint pain, chronic muscle/joint pain, and daily fatigue. [Results] Visits to hospitals or general clinics were the most popular coping behavior for bone fractures, dislocations, sprains, bruising, low back pain, acute muscle/joint pain, and chronic muscle/joint pain; visits to a Judo therapist's office were the second most popular coping behavior for these conditions. Acupuncture, as well as chiropractic and massage clinics, were less frequently visited. For stiff shoulders and daily fatigue, many participants did not visit any medical facility. [Conclusion] Among the elderly, visits to hospitals or general clinics were the most used coping behavior for many types of skeletal muscle injuries and disorders. Visits to a Judo therapist's office were the second most used coping behavior. Visits to acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage clinics were less frequent. With these data, therapists could improve their care skills upon consideration of the coping preferences among community-dwelling elderly persons.