Sedentary and physical activity time differs between self-reported ATLS-2 physical activity questionnaire and accelerometer measurements in adolescents and young adults in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Most young adults and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) do not meet the established internationally recommended physical activity levels per day. The Arab Teen Lifestyle Study (ATLS) physical activity questionnaire has been recommended for measuring self-reported physical activity of Arab adolescents and young adults (aged 14 years to mid-twenties). The first version of the ATLS has been validated with accelerometers and pedometers (r ≤ 0.30). The revised version of the questionnaire (ATLS-2, 2021) needs further validation. The aim of this study was to validate the self-reported subjective sedentary and physical activity time of the ATLS-2 (revised version) physical activity questionnaire with that of Fibion accelerometer-measured data. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 131 healthy adolescents and young adults (aged 20.47 ± 2.16 [mean ± SD] years (range 14-25 years), body mass index 23.09 ± 4.45 (kg/m2) completed the ATLS-2 and wore the Fibion accelerometer for a maximum of 7 days. Participants (n = 131; 81% non-UAE Arabs (n = 106), 13% Asians (n = 17) and 6% Emiratis (n = 8)) with valid ATLS-2 data without missing scores and Fibion data of minimum 10 h/day for at least 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day were analyzed. Concurrent validity between the two methods was assessed by the Spearman rho correlation and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The questionnaire underestimated sedentary and physical activity time compared to the accelerometer data. Only negligible to weak correlations (r ≤ 0.12; p > 0.05) were found for sitting, walking, cycling, moderate intensity activity, high intensity activity and total activity time. In addition, a proportional/systematic bias was evident in the plots for all but two (walking and moderate intensity activity time) of the outcome measures of interest. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, self-reported ATLS-2 sedentary and physical activity time had low correlation and agreement with objective Fibion accelerometer measurements in adolescents and young adults in the UAE. Therefore, sedentary and physical activity assessment for these groups should not be limited to self-reported measures.

Characterization of the oral and faecal microbiota associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs selected from a purebred Shiba Inu colony.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing multifactorial inflammatory skin disease that also affects dogs. The oral and gut microbiota are associated with many disorders, including allergy. Few studies have addressed the oral and gut microbiota in dogs, although the skin microbiota has been studied relatively well in these animals. Here, we studied the AD-associated oral and gut microbiota in 16 healthy and 9 AD dogs from a purebred Shiba Inu colony. We found that the diversity of the oral microbiota was significantly different among the dogs, whereas no significant difference was observed in the gut microbiota. Moreover, a differential abundance analysis detected the Family_XIII_AD3011_group (Anaerovoracaceae) in the gut microbiota of AD dogs; however, no bacterial taxa were detected in the oral microbiota. Third, the comparison of the microbial co-occurrence patterns between AD and healthy dogs identified differential networks in which the bacteria in the oral microbiota that were most strongly associated with AD were related to human periodontitis, whereas those in the gut microbiota were related to dysbiosis and gut inflammation. These results suggest that AD can alter the oral and gut microbiota in dogs.

Association of XPC Gene Polymorphisms with Prostate Cancer Risk.

BACKGROUND: Defective DNA repair capacity caused by inherited polymorphisms could be associated with cancer susceptibility. One of the major repair pathways is Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER). We investigated Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) polymorphisms (Lys939Gln, PAT) with the risk of prostate cancer. METHODS: 154 confirmed prostate cancer patients and 205 Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) controls were recruited in this survey. The genotypes were determined by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method. RESULTS: Our results indicated that there were no significant differences between the BPH group and patient group for the XPC Lys939Gln in this pathway. However, deletion/insertion (D/I) and insertion/insertion (I/I) of XPC PAT polymorphism in this pathway could decrease the risk of prostate cancer and act as a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, XPC Lys939Gln gene polymorphism was not associated with the risk of developing prostate cancer in Iranian patients. There are no association between different alleles of this polymorphism and grades and stages of tumors, but our results indicated the significant association between XPC PAT and reduction of prostate cancer risk in this group of patients. For more significant results, further samples are required.

Retrograde Trafficking Inhibitor of Shiga Toxins Reduces Morbidity and Mortality of Mice Infected with Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli.

The most deadly outbreak of Escherichia coli O104:H4 occurred in Europe in 2011. Here, we evaluated the effects of the retrograde trafficking inhibitor Retro-2(cycl) in a murine model of E. coli O104:H4 infection. Systemic treatment with Retro-2(cycl) significantly reduced body weight loss and improved clinical scores and survival rates for O104:H4-infected mice. The present data established that Retro-2(cycl) contributes to the protection of mice against O104:H4 infection and may represent a novel approach to limit Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)-induced toxicity.

The Effect of a Cognitive Dual Task on Gait Parameters among Healthy Young Adults with Good and Poor Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: Sleep quality is known to affect automatic and executive brain functions such as gait control and cognitive processing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dual tasks on gait spatiotemporal parameters among young adults with good and poor sleep quality. Methods: In total, 65 young adults with a mean age of 21.1 ± 2.5 were assessed for gait analysis during single-task and dual-task conditions. The participants' sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and gait was assessed using the BTS Gaitlab System. The participants were asked to walk at natural speed as a single-task condition, followed by walking while performing a cognitive task as a dual-task condition. The parameters assessed included the gait velocity (m/s), cadence (steps/min), step width (m), and stride length (m). The dual-task cost (DTC) on each gait parameter was calculated. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in the DTC on gait variables between the good and poor sleep quality groups and the Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between total PSQI scores and the DTC. Results: At a significance level of p < 0.05, a significant difference in cadence between the two sleep quality groups was observed, in addition to a positive correlation between sleep quality and the DTC effect on gait mean velocity, cadence, and stride length. Our findings also revealed a greater DTC in participants with poorer sleep quality. Conclusions: These findings contribute to our perception of the significance of sleep quality in gait performance while multitasking in younger populations.

Mutations in the gene encoding B, a novel transporter protein, reduce melanin content in medaka.

Pigmentation of the skin is of great social, clinical and cosmetic significance. Several genes that, when mutated, give rise to altered coat color in mice have been identified; their analysis has provided some insight into melanogenesis and human pigmentation diseases. Such analyses do not, however, fully inform on the pigmentation of lower vertebrates because mammals have only one kind of chromatophore, the melanocyte. In contrast, the medaka (a small, freshwater teleost) is a suitable model of the lower vertebrates because it has all kinds of chromatophores. The basic molecular genetics of fish are known and approximately 70 spontaneous pigmentation mutants have been isolated. One of these, an orange-red variant, is a homozygote of a well-known and common allele, b, and has been bred for hundreds of years by the Japanese. Here, we report the first successful positional cloning of a medaka gene (AIM1): one that encodes a transporter that mediates melanin synthesis. The protein is predicted to consist of 12 transmembrane domains and is 55% identical to a human EST of unknown function isolated from melanocytes and melanoma cells. We also isolated a highly homologous gene from the mouse, indicating a conserved function of vertebrate melanogenesis. Intriguingly, these proteins have sequence and structural similarities to plant sucrose transporters, suggesting a relevance of sucrose in melanin synthesis. Analysis of AIM1 orthologs should provide new insights into the regulation of melanogenesis in both teleosts and mammals.

Effect of Different Foot Orthosis Inverted Angles on Walking Kinematics in Females with Flexible Flatfeet.

Background: Although the inverted technique was shown to be more effective compared to other orthotic designs for the treatment of flatfeet, the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of the inverted angle orthoses is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of different inverted angles of foot orthoses on walking kinematics in females with flexible flatfeet. Methods: Thirty-one female adults with flexible flatfeet aged 18-35 years old participated in this study. Kinematic data of the hip, knee, and ankle were collected via BTS motion-capture system during walking under three test conditions in random order: with shoes only; with 15° inverted orthoses; and with 25° inverted orthoses. Results: Compared to the shoes only condition, both the 15° and 25° inverted orthotic conditions significantly decreased the maximum ankle plantarflexion angle during loading response, maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle during mid-stance, maximum ankle external rotation angle, and maximum ankle internal rotation angle. The maximum ankle plantarflexion angle at toe-off showed a significant decrease with the 25° inverted angle orthosis compared to both the 15° inverted angle and shoes only conditions. No significant differences were found in the knee kinematic variables, maximum hip extension angle, and maximum hip adduction angle between test conditions. Conclusion: Using inverted orthoses at 15° and 25° inverted angles resulted in significant changes in ankle joint kinematics during walking in female adults with flexible flatfeet. A 25° inverted angle orthosis significantly decreased ankle plantarflexion during push-off, potentially impacting gait mechanics. This suggests that a smaller inverted angle may be more effective for managing flexible flatfeet in female adults.

Additively manufactured metallic biomaterials.

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has led to an evolution in the design and fabrication of hard tissue substitutes, enabling personalized implants to address each patient's specific needs. In addition, internal pore architectures integrated within additively manufactured scaffolds, have provided an opportunity to further develop and engineer functional implants for better tissue integration, and long-term durability. In this review, the latest advances in different aspects of the design and manufacturing of additively manufactured metallic biomaterials are highlighted. After introducing metal AM processes, biocompatible metals adapted for integration with AM machines are presented. Then, we elaborate on the tools and approaches undertaken for the design of porous scaffold with engineered internal architecture including, topology optimization techniques, as well as unit cell patterns based on lattice networks, and triply periodic minimal surface. Here, the new possibilities brought by the functionally gradient porous structures to meet the conflicting scaffold design requirements are thoroughly discussed. Subsequently, the design constraints and physical characteristics of the additively manufactured constructs are reviewed in terms of input parameters such as design features and AM processing parameters. We assess the proposed applications of additively manufactured implants for regeneration of different tissue types and the efforts made towards their clinical translation. Finally, we conclude the review with the emerging directions and perspectives for further development of AM in the medical industry.

The coordination polymer poly[(µ3-3-aminocarbonylpyrazine-2-carboxylato-κ3N1:O2:O2')silver(I)].

The title compound, [Ag(C(6)H(4)N(3)O(3))](n) or [Ag(pyzca)](n) (where pyzca is 3-aminocarbonylpyrazine-2-carboxylate), (I), was obtained by silver-catalysed partial hydrolysis of pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile in aqueous solution. The compound has a distorted trigonal-planar coordination geometry around the Ag(I) ion, with each ligand bridging three Ag(I) ions to form a one-dimensional strand of molecules parallel to the b axis. An extensive hydrogen-bond pattern connects these strands to form a three-dimensional network of mog topology.

Haematological and serum biochemical reference intervals of free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus lumholtzi).

BACKGROUND: Reference intervals for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were developed for free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) using 35 samples from 12 female and 15 male free-ranging animals. Captive tree-kangaroos (n = 12) were also sampled for comparison. Differences were found between free-ranging and captive animals in white blood cell and neutrophil counts, and levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatine kinase, phosphate, triglycerides and lipase. These differences may be attributed to diet, activity, capture methods or age group. Reference intervals generated may be used for both free-ranging and captive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. This study provides a valuable tool for the assessment of health in rescued and captive tree-kangaroos and will aid in investigations into population health and disease in free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. OBJECTIVE: To develop reference intervals (RIs) for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters in Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. METHODS: Haematological and serum biochemical RIs were determined using 35 samples from 27 clinically healthy Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos from the Atherton Tablelands region of Queensland examined between 2014 and 2019. Haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were measured from 16 samples from 12 captive animals for comparison. RESULTS: Reference intervals based on 35 samples from free-ranging animals showed higher mean and standard deviation values for white blood cell and neutrophil counts, and levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatine kinase, phosphate, triglycerides and lipase than results for 16 samples from captive animals. Captive individuals showed higher mean values than free-ranging individuals for albumin, protein, creatinine as well as Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC. CONCLUSION: The haematological and serum biochemistry RIs developed for Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos in this study will provide a valuable tool during clinical examination and investigations into disease and population health by veterinarians and researchers. The differences in parameters between free-ranging and captive animals are consistent with differences in diet, age cohort, activity or capture methods. Reference intervals generated from free-ranging animals should also be valid for captive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos.

Recent developments in mussel-inspired materials for biomedical applications.

Over the decades, researchers have strived to synthesize and modify nature-inspired biomaterials, with the primary aim to address the challenges of designing functional biomaterials for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Among these challenges, biocompatibility and cellular interactions have been extensively investigated. Some of the most desirable characteristics for biomaterials in these applications are the loading of bioactive molecules, strong adhesion to moist areas, improvement of cellular adhesion, and self-healing properties. Mussel-inspired biomaterials have received growing interest mainly due to the changes in mechanical and biological functions of the scaffold due to catechol modification. Here, we summarize the chemical and biological principles and the latest advancements in production, as well as the use of mussel-inspired biomaterials. Our main focus is the polydopamine coating, the conjugation of catechol with other polymers, and the biomedical applications that polydopamine moieties are used for, such as matrices for drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and hemostatic control. We also present a critical conclusion and an inspired view on the prospects for the development and application of mussel-inspired materials.

Biodegradable microneedle patch for transdermal gene delivery.

The skin houses a developed vascular and lymphatic network with a significant population of immune cells. Because of the properties of the skin, nucleic acid delivery through the tissue has the potential to treat a range of pathologies, including genetic skin conditions, hyperproliferative diseases, cutaneous cancers, wounds, and infections. This work presents a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microneedle (MN)-based platform for local and controlled transdermal delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) with high transfection efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. Intracellular delivery of the nucleic acid cargo is enabled by poly(ß-amino ester) (PBAE) nanoparticles (NPs). After being embedded in the GelMA MNs, sustained release of DNA-encapsulated PBAE NPs is achieved and the release profiles can be controlled by adjusting the degree of crosslinking of the GelMA hydrogel. These results highlight the advantages and potential of using PBAE/DNA NP-embedded GelMA MN patches (MN/PBAE/DNA) for successful transdermal delivery of pDNA for tissue regeneration and cancer therapy.

Bis(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine-kappaN(1))silver(I) nitrate.

The title compound, [Ag(C(3)H(6)N(6))(2)]NO(3), has an alternating two-dimensional bilayer structure supported by extensive hydrogen bonds. The [Ag(melamine)(2)](+) cationic monomers (melamine is 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine) are connected via N-H...N hydrogen bonds to form two-dimensional sheets. Nitrate groups are sandwiched between two sheets through N-H...O hydrogen bonds. An almost perfectly linear coordination geometry is found for the Ag(I) ions. The triazine ligands are slightly distorted due to pi-pi interactions.

Bis[4-(dimethylamino)pyridine-kappaN1]silver(I) nitrate dihydrate.

The title compound, [Ag(C(7)H(10)N(2))(2)]NO(3).2H(2)O or [Ag(dmap)(2)]NO(3).2H(2)O, where dmap is 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine, has a distorted linear coordination geometry around the Ag(I) ion. A novel pattern of water-nitrate hydrogen-bonded anionic strands is formed in the c direction, with the cationic [Ag(dmap)(2)](+) monomers trapped between them. The Ag(I) ion and the nitrate group atoms, as well as the water molecules (including the H atoms), are on a crystallographic mirror plane (Wyckoff position 4a). The influence of bulky methyl substituents in position 4 of the 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine ligand on packing is discussed. The absolute structure was determined unequivocally.

Proviral insertions in the zebrafish hagoromo gene, encoding an F-box/WD40-repeat protein, cause stripe pattern anomalies.

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, has three types of pigment cells (melanophores, xanthophores and iridophores) and, in adult fish, these cells are organized into a stripe pattern. The mechanisms underlying formation of the stripe pattern are largely unknown. We report here the identification and characterization of a novel dominant zebrafish mutation, hagoromo (hag), which was generated by insertional mutagenesis using a pseudotyped retrovirus. The hag mutation caused disorganized stripe patterns. Two hag mutant alleles were isolated independently and proviruses were located within the fifth intron of a novel gene, which we named hag, encoding an F-box/WD40-repeat protein. The hag gene was mapped to linkage group (LG)13, close to fgf8 and pax2.1. Amino acid sequence similarity, conserved exon-intron boundaries and conserved synteny indicated that zebrafish hag is an ortholog of mouse Dactylin, the gene mutated in the Dactylaplasia (Dac) mouse [1]. The Dac mutation is dominant and causes defects in digit formation in fore- and hindlimbs. This study revealed that the hag locus is important for pattern formation in fish but is involved in distinct morphogenetic events in different vertebrates.

The medaka rs-3 locus required for scale development encodes ectodysplasin-A receptor.

The bodies of most teleost fish species are covered with specialized subepithelial structures known as scales. The scale is an epithelial appendage that differentiates from the dermal mesenchyme. Mammals, on the other hand, have no scales, but instead their bodies are covered with hair. Although their appearances are quite different, scales and hair can be considered structurally similar in that both of them are epithelial appendages distributed over the body surface in an orderly pattern. This analogy suggests that they may have the same evolutionary origin. But, to date, no molecular evidence has been presented that links scales and hair. A mutation at the rs-3 locus of medaka (Oryzias latipes) leads to almost complete loss of scales. We demonstrated that the rs-3 locus encodes ectodysplasin-A receptor (EDAR), which is required for the initiation of hair development in mammals. We identified a novel transposon inserted in the first intron of EDAR, which causes aberrant splicing. This work shows that EDAR is required for scale development in fish and suggests that it is an evolutionarily conserved molecule that is required for the development of epithelial appendages in vertebrates.

The novel compound NO-1886 increases lipoprotein lipase activity with resulting elevation of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and long-term administration inhibits atherogenesis in the coronary arteries of rats with experimental atherosclerosis.

We have discovered a novel compound, NO-1886, which possesses a powerful lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity-increasing action. Administration of NO-1886 increased LPL activity in the postheparin plasma, adipose tissue, and myocardium of rats, and produced a reduction in plasma triglyceride levels with concomitant elevation of HDL cholesterol levels. Administration of NO-1886 increased LPL enzyme mass in postheparin plasma and mRNA activity in epididymal adipose tissue, and it was concluded that the mode of action of this compound is stimulation of tissue LPL synthesis. We also conducted long-term studies to assess the impact of increases in LPL activity and HDL levels on the development of atherosclerotic lesions in rats. Administration of NO-1886 for as long as 90 d significantly decreased the degree of atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries of vitamin D2-treated, cholesterol-fed rats. Statistical analysis indicated that increased concentration of HDL is the factor contributing mostly to the prevention of coronary artery sclerosis. In summary, the results of our study indicate that compound NO-1886 increases LPL activity, causing an elevation in HDL levels, and that long-term administration of NO-1886 to rats with experimental atherosclerosis provides significant protection against the development of coronary artery lesions.

Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate causes pain sensation through activation of TRPA1 channels.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Parabens are commonly added in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products because of their wide antibacterial properties, low toxicity, inertness and chemical stability, although the molecular mechanism of their antibacterial effect is not fully understood. Some agonists of the transient receptor potential (TRP) A1 channels are known to have strong antibacterial activities. Therefore, a series of experiments was conducted to find out the effects of parabens on TRP channels expressed in sensory neurons, particularly the TRPA1 channels. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Effects of parabens, especially of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben) on TRP channel activities were examined using Ca(2+)-imaging and patch-clamp methods. In addition, an involvement of methyl paraben in the development of pain-related behavior in mice was investigated. KEY RESULTS: Methyl paraben specifically activated TRPA1 in both HEK293 cells expressing TRPA1 and in mouse sensory neurons with an EC(50) value of 4.4 mM, an attainable concentration in methyl paraben-containing products. Methyl paraben caused pain-related behavior in mice similar to that caused by allyl isothiocyanate, which was blocked by the TRP channel blocker, ruthenium red. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our data indicate that methyl paraben is able to activate TRPA1 channels and can cause pain sensation. As such, methyl paraben provides a useful tool for investigating TRPA1 function and development of antinociceptive agents acting on TRPA1 channels.

Spontaneous neurinoma in an African lungfish, Protopterus annectens, and DNA repair studies on normal and neoplastic tissues.

Neurinomas developed in an African lungfish (Protopterus annectens), living in an aquarium in Western Japan. The 2 tumors, measuring 7.5 X 9.0 X 6.5 and 13 X 4 X 6 cm, were located on the skin. As shown by light microscopy, tumor cells were composed of spindle-shaped cells with huge pleomorphic nuclei, which were arranged in parallel rows or whorls in interlacing connective tissue. Long-term culture of these tumor cells was achieved in vitro at 25 degrees C with use of conditioned medium over a period of more than 4 months. The nuclear DNA contents of erythrocytes (normal diploids, 2C) and tumor cells dispersed from the fixed tumor tissues were measured by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole hydrochloride-DNA microfluorometry by using mouse cerebellar small granule cells (normal diploids, 2C) as a reference. The 2C value of the lungfish was approximately 28-fold greater than that of the mouse. Furthermore, consistent with the nuclear pleomorphism observed by light microscopy, the nuclear DNA contents of tumor cells showed a wide distribution from hypo-2C to hyper-4C. DNA repair synthesis was measured autoradiographically in organ cultures of the tumor, lung, and skin, exposed to chemical carcinogens or UV radiation. Considerable repair was observed in the tumor and skin cells exposed to 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (CAS: 684-93-5), N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (CAS: 70-25-7), or 254-nm or sunlamp UV light. Only traces of repair synthesis were detected in lung exposed to 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea or N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. 4-Hydroxyaminoquinoline 1-oxide (CAS: 4637-56-3) did not induce repair in any of the three tissues. The observed values for repair, relative to the amount of DNA, were similar to those in other fishes.

Casual serum triglyceride as a predictor of premature type 2 diabetes mellitus: an 8-year cohort study of middle-aged Japanese workers.

BACKGROUND: The utility of casual serum triglyceride (TG) as a predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is unclear, especially during the most productive years. METHODS: Participants were 3271 workers (913 men and 2358 women, age 20-57) without DM at baseline. They underwent consecutive annual medical check-ups for 8 years. The association between newly diagnosed DM and casual serum TG level was determined by classifying the participants into 4 groups according to casual serum TG level at baseline: below 50 mg/dL (group A), 50-100 mg/dL (group B), 100-150 mg/dL (group C), and ≥150 mg/dL (group D). The effects of casual serum TG level in combination with sex, obesity, or serum glucose level on newly diagnosed DM were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 222 newly diagnosed type 2 DM cases with a mean age of 50 years old were observed during the follow-up period, i.e., 10/406 in group A, 66/1534 in group B, 58/712 in group C, and 88/619 in group D. Compared with group A, the odds ratio (ORs) for newly diagnosed DM (after adjusting for DM-associated factors) was found to increase with casual serum TG level: 1.38 (group B), 1.79 (group C), and 2.36 (group D). Moreover, the OR for newly diagnosed DM was higher in participants with high casual serum TG levels who were also male (OR 2.46), obese (OR 4.18), or had a high serum glucose level (OR 6.96) than in the reference group. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TG level ≥150 mg/dL when fasting or nonfasting is a significant predictor of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged Japanese workers.