Sub internal limiting membrane hemorrhage followed by bilateral optic disc hemorrhage in Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a necrotizing lymphadenitis, and presents fever of unknown origin and cervical lymphadenopathy. Ocular complications are unusual in KFD. Here we report a case of sub internal limiting membrane (ILM) hemorrhage followed by bilateral optic disc hemorrhage in KFD. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old Japanese man perceived a sudden decrease of right vision 3 days after onset of fever with unknown origin and left cervical lymphadenopathy. At presentation, visual acuity (VA) of right eye was 0.05 in decimal chart (1.30: converted to logarithm of minimum angle of resolution: logMAR). Fundus photograph showed extensive sub-ILM hemorrhage in right eye, and optic disc hemorrhages in both eyes. Fluorescein angiography presented hypo- and hyperfluorescences in optic disc of right eye, and hyperfluorescence in the disc of left eye. To make a definitive diagnosis, cervical lymph node biopsy was performed, and KFD was diagnosed pathologically. Thereafter, fever, headache and the cervical lymphadenopathy disappeared spontaneously. The sub-ILM hemorrhage was drained into the vitreous cavity by neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Nd: YAG) hyaloidotomy. VA recovered to 1.5 (- 0.18: logMAR VA) in right eye. CONCLUSION: Sub-ILM hemorrhage and optic disc hemorrhage are a KFD-related ocular complication.

Neighborhood social capital and sleep duration: a population based cross-sectional study in a rural Japanese town.

BACKGROUND: Studies on social capital and health outcomes have become common, but the relationship between neighborhood social capital and sleep duration by gender is still unclear. We examined the relationship between neighborhood social capital and sleep duration by gender in adults living in a rural community in Japan. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 12,321 residents aged ≥20 years in a town in Mie Prefecture in January-March 2013. Self-completed questionnaires were collected from the residents (n = 7782; valid participation rate, 63.2%). We used five items to assess the neighborhood social capital (Cronbach's α = 0.86). We summed up the scores of each item, and then divided the participants into four groups by quartile of total scores of neighborhood social capital (lowest, low, high, and highest). Sleep duration of < 7 h/day was defined as insufficient sleep duration according to previous studies. To adjust for potential confounders, we performed a multiple log-binominal regression analysis and estimated the prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for insufficient sleep. RESULTS: Overall 42% of the men and 45% of the women had insufficient sleep. In the men, the lowest group of neighborhood social capital presented a 22% higher prevalence of insufficient sleep (PR 1.22; 95% CIs 1.08-1.38) compared to the highest group of neighborhood social capital. Similarly the low group of neighborhood social capital and the high group of neighborhood social capital had 20 and 19% higher prevalence of insufficient sleep (PR 1.20; 95% CIs 1.06-1.36; PR 1.19; 95% CIs 1.06-1.34, respectively) compared to the highest group of neighborhood social capital. For women there was no significant association between neighborhood social capital and insufficient sleep after controlling for all potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Having lower neighborhood social capital was associated with insufficient sleep among Japanese adults, particularly in the men. This suggests that the context of neighborhood social capital by gender should be considered to promote healthier behaviors with regard to getting enough sleep.

Awareness and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among residents of Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Currently, interventions for HIV/AIDS control in Sri Lanka are only carried out among the most-at-risk populations. This study was conducted to identify the level of awareness and stigma-related attitudes among the general population of Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 869 residents of 18-64 years of age in Kandy, Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised to obtain information about stigma, discrimination and HIV/AIDS-related knowledge. Chi-square test and multivariate analysis were applied to find possible associations between HIV-related variables and socio-demographic indicators. Response rate was 82.0%. Overall, 93.5% of the participants have heard of HIV/AIDS but the knowledge on HIV/AIDS was low with an average score of 51.7%, no statistically significant difference between genders (p = 0.352). Only 58.1% were aware that a condom was an effective tool for its prevention. There were many misconceptions related to epidemiology of HIV/AIDS. The participants showed more positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) for all questionnaire items except for those listed under shame and blame. Positive attitudes towards PLHIV were observed to be greater among those with a better HIV/AIDS-related knowledge score. There was no significant association between the attitudes towards PLHIV and socio-demographic characteristics such as ethnicity and religion. There is a greater need of making attempts towards educating the public regarding HIV/AIDS to eliminate misconceptions prevalent in the society. Stigma-related attitudes are mainly due to shame and blame associated with the disease. As the attitudes towards PLHIV were more positive among those with a better HIV/AIDS-related knowledge score, targeted HIV/AIDS-related health education interventions maybe recommended in this regard.

Matching-to-Sample Task Training of a Killer Whale (Orcinus orca).

Matching-to-sample tasks have been a useful method in visual cognitive studies on non-human animals. The use of touch panels in matching-to-sample tasks has contributed to cognitive studies on terrestrial animals; however, there has been a difficulty in using these devices underwater, which is one of the factors that has slowed the progress of visual studies on underwater animals. Cetaceans (e.g., dolphins and whales) are highly adapted to underwater environments, and further studies on their cognitive abilities are needed to advance our understanding of the interactions between environmental factors and the evolution of cognitive abilities. In this study, we aimed to develop a new experimental method in which a captive killer whale performed a matching-to-sample task using a monitor shown through an underwater window as if a touch panel were used. In order to confirm the usefulness of this method, one simple experiment on mirror image discrimination was conducted, and the pairs with mirror images were shown to be more difficult to identify than the pairs with other normal images. The advantages of using this method include (1) simplicity in the devices and stimuli used in the experiments, (2) appropriate and rigorous experimental control, (3) the possibility of increasing the number of individuals to be tested and interspecies comparisons, and (4) contributions to animal welfare. The use of this method solves some of the problems in previous visual cognitive studies on cetaceans, and it suggests the further possibility of future comparative cognitive studies. It is also expected to contribute to animal welfare in terms of cognitive enrichment, and it could help with the proposal of new exhibition methods in zoos and aquariums.

Gender gaps in life expectancy: generalized trends and negative associations with development indices in OECD countries.

BACKGROUND: Life expectancy (LE) is a major marker of individual survival. It also serves as a guide to highlight both the progress and the gaps in total social and societal health. Comparative LE in concert with measures of gender-specific experience, indices of empowerment and societal happiness and development offer a comparative tool to examine trends and similarities of societal progress as seen through the lens of cross-national experience. METHODS: To determine the gender gaps in LE (GGLE) trends, we performed a longitudinal analysis, covering a period of 49 years (1960-2008). To examine the association of GGLE with development indices, we used the 2007 GGLE data, the newest happiness data mostly drawn from 2006; the 2006 Human Development Index (HDI) data and the 2006 Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) data. RESULTS: It revealed that most of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries had a GGLE trend that occurred in an inverted U-curve fashion. We divided them into three subgroups based on the peak years of respective GGLE. The earlier the peak year, the happier the countries, the higher the HDI and the smaller the current GGLE are. Association analysis indicates that Happiness, HDI and GEM are all negatively associated with GGLE. CONCLUSION: This pattern suggests that GGLE undergoes three phases of growth, peak and stability and decline. Japan will soon be seeing its GGLE gradually shrinking in the foreseeable future. The continuing increases in Happiness, HDI and GEM are associated with a decrease in GGLE, which should be carefully taken into consideration.

Leptospira infection at the University of Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka: clinical and laboratory investigations.

To help formulate a local intervention for leptospirosis in Sri Lanka, we determined the serogroups of leptospiral species among 97 patients diagnosed with leptospirosis at the University of Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Ninety-two point eight percent of the patients were men; nearly two-thirds were > or = 35 years old; the majority had secondary or higher education level, half were farmers or laborers; and 57.7% presented in the acute-phase of the illness. Twenty-five patients (25.8%) were confirmed to have leptospirosis by a positive laboratory method; 17 and 8 cases were confirmed with a positive test by quantitative MAT and nested PCR, respectively. Of the 17 MAT positive cases, infection occurred in a variety of serogroups, but the predominant groups were Sejroe and Tarassovi. Of the 8 nested PCR positive cases, 7 were seen among those with a MAT titer <200 and 1 occurred in a patient with a MAT titer > or = 200 but <400. Of the 8 PCR positive cases, 7 were infected with the leptospiral species L. interrogans. Approximately 26% of the clinically diagnosed patients were confirmed by the two laboratory methods. Laboratory positivity was based on the time of blood collection after the onset of fever. Further studies are warranted to refine the clinical diagnostic criteria and to develop more efficient and accurate diagnostic tests for leptospirosis in resource limited settings.

International Comparison of Social Support Policies on Long-Term Care in Workplaces in Aging Societies.

A decrease in the working-age population in aging societies causes a shortage of employees in workplaces due to long-term care (LTC) leave for family and relatives as well as longer working hours or overwork among those remaining in the workplace. We collected and analyzed literature and guidelines regarding social-support policies on LTC in workplaces in seven countries (Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, the UK, and the USA) to propose an effective way of occupational health support for those in need. Our analysis indicated the existence of a system that incorporates the public-assistance mechanism of providing unused paid leave to those in need. Additionally, recipients of informal care provided by employees tended to expand to non-family members under the current occupational health system. On the other hand, the health management of employees as informal caregivers remained neglected. Likewise, salary compensation and financial support for LTC-related leave need to be improved. In order to monitor and evaluate the progress and achievement of current legal occupational health systems and programs related to the social support of LTC among employees, the available national and/or state-based quantitative data should be comparable at the international level.

A Regional Analysis of the Progress of Current Dog-Mediated Rabies Control and Prevention.

This study aimed to assess the current progress of dog-mediated rabies control and the level of political commitment among 88 rabies-endemic countries and to provide further recommendations for the elimination of dog-mediated rabies by 2030. A correlational study was conducted using data and relevant regulations from the websites of international organizations and NGOs. In general, rabies was yet to be considered a priority disease and only one out of five countries and territories has prepared a national strategic plan for rabies control and prevention. Likewise, scores of dog-mediated rabies control indicators such as dog vaccination rate and the number of post-exposure prophylaxis per 1000 people remained minimal. There were also regional differences in preparation for dog-mediated rabies control and progress towards elimination. In particular, more efforts are needed for Pan-African Rabies Control Network (PARACON) member countries. In order to meet the goal of global dog-mediated zero rabies by 2030, both dog-mediated rabies control activities such as dog vaccination and strong political commitment should be strengthened and promoted in all rabies-endemic regions of the world.

Ovarian cycle approach by rectal temperature and fecal progesterone in a female killer whale, Orcinus orca.

This study aimed to validate the measurements of body temperature and fecal progesterone concentrations as minimally invasive techniques for assessing ovarian cycle in a single sexually mature female killer whale. Rectal temperature data, fecal and blood samples were collected in the dorsal position using routine husbandry training on a voluntary basis. The correlations between rectal temperature and plasma progesterone concentration and between fecal and plasma progesterone concentrations were investigated. Fecal progesterone metabolites were identified by a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme immunoassay. Plasma progesterone concentrations (range: 0.2-18.6 ng/ml) and rectal temperature (range: 35.3-35.9°C) changed cyclically, and cycle lengths were an average (±SD) of 44.9±4.0 days (nine cycles) and 44.6±5.9 days (nine cycles), respectively. Rectal temperature positively correlated with the plasma progesterone concentrations (r=0.641, P<0.01). There was a visual trend for fecal progesterone profiles to be similar to circulating plasma progesterone profiles. Fecal immunoreactive progestagen analysis resulted in a marked immunoreactive peak of progesterone. The data from the single killer whale indicate that the measurement of rectal temperature is suitable for minimally invasive assessment of the estrous cycle and monitoring the fecal progesterone concentration is useful to assess ovarian luteal activity.

Public health implication towards rabies elimination in Sri Lanka: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sri Lanka has been targeted zero rabies by the end of 2025. Towards the elimination, the country needs more effective, evidence-based strategies and efforts to achieve its ultimate goal. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of scientific literatures and data to assess current human and animal rabies control and prevention strategies in Sri Lanka. METHODS: We compiled documents regarding current and previous rabies control and prevention activities implemented in the entire country of Sri Lanka. The documents included published literatures issued between 1946 and 2020 from both online databases and university library in Sri Lanka. All the collected documents were screened based on the PRISMA statement and categorized into several types of rabies control and prevention strategies. Official reports including epidemiological data in Sri Lanka were also filed in order to analyze the current trend of rabies control and prevention in the nation. RESULTS: As of end December 2020, we found 119 scientific literatures regarding rabies control and prevention in Sri Lanka. Human rabies deaths in Sri Lanka have been reduced for the last half century by successful implementation of mass dog vaccination, animal birth control and awareness raising activities. However, the country is still facing on sporadic rabies cases, limited dog vaccination coverage and insufficient dog population management in the district level. Despite the nationwide standard of dog to human ratio of 1:8, there are huge disparities or unknown of dog ecology in regions. Awareness raising including has been enhancing for both general public and school children. Surveillance system is poorly operated so that simultaneous data analysis for decision-making is impractical. CONCLUSIONS: In order to achieve nationwide rabies elimination, it is highly recommended to implement more effective rabies control and prevention activities and build adequate scientific evidences.

Identification of Underlying Inflammation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease with Sunset Glow Fundus by Multiple Analyses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate underlying subclinical ocular inflammation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease with sunset glow fundus (SGF) by multiple analyses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Clinical records of 34 eyes of 17 VKH patients with SGF in whom laser flare photometry (LFP), enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed on the same day were reviewed. The mean age was 57.3 ± 16.3 years, and the mean duration from the initial onset of uveitis was 47.1 ± 22.1 months. Flare counts, ICGA scores, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were compared between eyes. RESULTS: Although clinical ocular inflammation was observed only in 4 eyes (11.8%), inflammatory signs were observed in 23 out of 34 eyes by LFP (67.6%), in 27 eyes by ICGA (79.4%), and in 10 eyes by SFCT (29.4%). Active inflammatory signs detected by ICGA were observed in 77.8% by LFP and in 25.9% by SFCT. The strength of agreement (Cohen's kappa coefficient) between positive ICGA score and positive flare score was 0.406 (95% CI: 0.076-0.7359, P < 0.01), but there was no association between positive ICGA score and increased SFCT. In addition, positive flare count was the significant prognostic factor of positive ICGA score with odds ratio 11.7. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical ocular inflammation signs were detected in most VKH patients with SGF by ICGA and a substantial proportion of which were also detected by LFP, whereas SFCT was less sensitive to detect subclinical inflammation.

Chronic postcataract endophthalmitis caused by Penicillium species in an immunocompetent patient.

OBJECTIVE: Penicillium species are abundant, generally saprophytic, and widely distributed in the environment. On rare occasions, they cause endophthalmitis in immunocompromised patients or in immunocompetent patients with uncontrolled diabetic mellitus or immunosuppressive agents. We report a case of endophthalmitis caused by Penicillium species in an immunocompetent patient without any disorders. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old woman presented with ocular pain, hyperemia, and blurred vision in her right eye. She was in an immunocompetent condition and had received cataract surgery without complications 3 months ago. Severe cell infiltration and a clump of 3 mm diameter were found in the anterior chamber of the right eye, and there was no abnormality in the posterior segment. Serum ß-d-glucan was not elevated; bacterial culture, histological analysis, and PCR using aqueous humor did not detect any pathogen (28S rDNA 2.4×102 copies/mL). However, because the clinical findings suggested fungal endophthalmitis, anti-fungal medication was initiated. The inflammation was gradually resolved with contraction of the clump; however, it recurred 47 days after the initiation by discontinuation of antifungal medication. Examination of culture identified Penicillium species in samples from both the anterior chamber and the vitreous. CONCLUSION: Chronic postoperative endophthalmitis by Penicillium species can occur in an immunocompetent patient without any systemic diseases.

Revisiting rabies in Japan: is there cause for alarm?

Since 1957 Japan has successfully eradicated human and animal rabies through registration, confinement and compulsory vaccination of family dogs, and elimination of stray dogs. However, in November 2006, two cases of human rabies infections were reported in the country. These patients were bitten by dogs during travel in the Philippines, and did not receive pre- and post-exposure prophylaxes. With the mounting numbers of Japanese travelers every year, the risk of infection increases especially to those who visit regions where the disease is endemic. In this paper, we shall discuss the two recent human deaths from rabies, review the current situation and control measures in Japan and surrounding countries where the disease is prevalent, summarize precautionary measures for travelers, and suggest public health strategies to prevent the re-introduction of rabies in the country.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression and invasive phenotype in ovarian carcinomas.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biological correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C expression and invasive phenotype in ovarian carcinomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Gene and protein expression levels of VEGF-C in 10 ovarian carcinoma cell lines were correlated with invasive activity of the cells. The correlation between immunohistochemical expression of VEGF-C and tumor aggressiveness in 73 ovarian carcinomas was also examined with respect to clinicopathologic features and patient outcome. RESULTS: VEGF-C gene and protein expression differed remarkably among the cell lines, and there was a statistical correlation among VEGF-C expression, in vitro invasive activity, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene expression and its activity. Anti-VEGF-C and anti-MMP-2 antibodies inhibited the invasive activity of tumor cells. VEGF-C expression in clinical tissue samples was well correlated with clinical stages, retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis, MMP-2 expression, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and low apoptotic index (AI). The patients whose tumors had strong VEGF-C expression and low AI underwent a poorer prognosis than did those with weak VEGF-C expression and high AI. CONCLUSION: VEGF-C expression is closely related to invasive phenotype and affects the patient's survival in ovarian carcinomas.

Tumor angiogenesis and molecular target therapy in ovarian carcinomas.

Growth of solid tumors depends on angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels develop from the endothelium of a pre-existing vasculature. Tumors promote angiogenesis by secreting various angiogeneic factors, and newly formed blood vessels induce tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness. Ovarian carcinomas have a poor prognosis, often associated with multifocal intraperitoneal dissemination accompanied by intense neovascularization. The degree of angiogenesis of ovarian carcinomas may directly influence the clinical course of the disease. Although a growing body of evidence indicates that angiogenic intensity may play a prognostic role in gynecological malignancies including ovarian carcinomas, the related biological mechanisms remain to be further elucidated. In this review, we describe current knowledge pertaining to mechanisms and regulation of angiogenesis in ovarian carcinomas with special reference to our recent research results.

Detection of main metabolites of XLR-11 and its thermal degradation product in human hepatoma HepaRG cells and human urine.

The metabolism of (1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone (XLR-11), a novel synthetic cannabinoid, was studied using a HepaRG cell culture. The HepaRG cells were incubated with the drug for 48 hours and the metabolites were extracted from the culture medium by liquid-liquid extraction. The extract was analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to detect the metabolites. N-(5-Hydroxypentyl) metabolite and N-pentanoic acid metabolite were identified in the culture medium of XLR-11, and several other metabolites, presumably formed by oxidation of the first two metabolites and XLR-11, were detected. The extract of an XLR-11 user's urine was also analyzed; however, the metabolites detected in the urine were different from XLR-11 metabolites in the medium. A metabolic experiment with the thermal degradation product of XLR-11, XLR-11 degradant, using HepaRG cells revealed that the urinary metabolites were almost identical to the XLR-11 degradant metabolites. These findings suggest that most of the XLR-11 was degraded by heating when the user smoked the herbal product containing XLR-11.

Outcomes of a school-based intervention on rabies prevention among school children in rural Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: In Sri Lanka, one of the major challenges in rabies control is to manage the dog population and subsequently to protect people, especially young children, from dog bites. METHODS: In 2009, an educational-entertainment campaign called 'Rabies Edutainment 4 Kids' was introduced in the school curricula in rural Sri Lanka to improve practices on rabies prevention and pet care among school children, and to evaluate its effectiveness through pre- and post-tests. RESULTS: The level of rabies knowledge, attitude and practice among the pupils was dependent on their responses to a survey, and scores were significantly improved both among the study and control groups after the intervention. A lecture accompanied by a rabies awareness leaflet was much more effective in improving knowledge than the leaflet alone. The type of intervention and language used was significantly associated with the score increment (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The threat of rabies to pupils in Sri Lanka would be reduced if they are given appropriate information on rabies prevention as a part of the school curricula. Close collaboration with local education offices is key to successful implementation of school-based rabies control programmes, which is, in turn, crucial to the eradication of rabies from Sri Lanka.

Survivin gene expression in endometriosis.

Survivin is a novel inhibitor of apoptosis and is expressed during fetal development and in cancer tissues, but its expression has not been reported in normal adult tissues or benign diseases. We investigated survivin gene and protein expression in a tumor-like benign disease, endometriosis, and correlated them with apoptosis and invasive phenotype of endometriotic tissues. Gene expression levels of survivin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP in 63 pigmented or nonpigmented endometriotic tissues surgically obtained from 35 women with endometriosis were compared with those in normal eutopic endometrium obtained from 12 women without endometriosis. Survivin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP mRNA expression levels in clinically aggressive pigmented lesions were significantly higher than those in normal eutopic endometrium, and survivin gene expression in pigmented lesions was also higher than that in nonpigmented lesions (P < 0.05). There was a close correlation between survivin and MMP-2, MMP-9, or MT1-MMP gene expression levels in 63 endometriotic tissues examined (P < 0.01). Apoptotic cells detected by the dUTP nick-end labeling were rare in 11 ovarian endometriotic tissues, which showed positive immunohistochemical expression for survivin and MMPs. Our findings suggest that up-regulation of survivin and MMPs may cooperatively contribute to survival and invasion of endometriosis.

Glutathione S-transferase GSTM1, GSTT1 and p53 codon 72 polymorphisms in human tumor cells.

The genes of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family encode enzymes that appear to be critical in cellular protection against the cytotoxic effects, whereas p53 is a tumor suppressor gene. Despite a large number of studies on germline polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1 and p53 genes, there have been very few reports on genotyping of these genes in human malignant tumor cells. In this study, we investigated GSTM1, GSTT1 and p53 codon 72 polymorphisms in a variety of human tumor cell lines originating from different organs to clarify tissue-specific polymorphic frequency of these genes in human solid tumors. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms were evaluated using multiplex PCR techniques and PCR-RFLP analysis was conducted to identify p53 codon 72 genotypes. Gene expression of GSTM1 or GSTT1 was detected by RT-PCR in the cells with respective present genotype for each. Polymorphisms of p53 codon 72 detected by PCR-RFLP were also confirmed using SSCP and sequence analyses. GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were various in 104 cell lines examined. Null GSTM1 genotype was dominant in small cell lung, kidney and ovarian carcinoma cells, whereas null GSTT1 genotype was dominant in cervical and endometrial carcinoma cells. GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes in ovarian carcinoma cells were quite similar to those in small cell lung carcinoma cells. Polymorphic frequency of p53 codon 72 was also various among the cells, however, the Pro allele was found in only 1 of 6 kidney, 14 cervical and 4 endometrial carcinoma cell lines. There was a significant difference in GSTM1 and p53 genotypes between 34 small cell and 24 non small cell lung carcinoma cells (P < 0.01). Combined study on the distribution of GSTM1, GSTT1 and p53 genotypes revealed that null GSTM1 genotype was associated with the Arg allele of p53 codon 72 in 58 lung carcinoma cells and null GSTT1 genotype was associated with the Pro/Pro homozygote in 104 tumor cell lines examined. This is the first study examining GSTM1, GSTT1 and p53 codon 72 polymorphisms in a variety of human solid tumor cells and suggesting that polymorphic frequency of these genes may be tissue- and organ-specific. The molecular interaction between GST gene defects and p53 codon 72 genotype in the development of human malignant tumors should be further investigated.

Trends of gender gaps in life expectancy in Japan, 1947-2010: associations with gender mortality ratio and a social development index.

AIM: This study analyzed the trend of gender gaps in life expectancy (GGLE) in Japan between 1947 and 2010, and explored the correlations of GGLE with gender mortality ratio and social development indices. METHODS: Using GGLE and social indices data collected from the official websites, we carried out trends analysis of GGLE by calculating segmented average growth rates for different periods. We explored the association between GGLE and all-cause mortality; and between GGLE and Human Development Index (HDI) while controlling for time trend, by computing the generalized additive models based on the software R (version 2.15). RESULTS: Japan's GGLE increased in a fluctuating fashion. Across 53 years, the average growth rates varied widely: 0.14% (1947-1956), 1.43% (1956-1974), 1.06% (1974-2004) and -0.60% (2004-2010) (overall average 0.87%). The value of GGLE peaked to 7.00 years in 2004, and then has slowly declined (6.75 years in 2010). Age-adjusted all-cause gender mortality ratio had a statistically positive association with GGLE (P<0.01), whereas HDI was found to have no such association. CONCLUSION: The increased trend of GGLE in Japan could be partly explained by increased disease-specific mortality ratios (male/female), especially those involving chronic bronchitis and emphysema, diseases of the liver, suicide and cancer. The recent decline of GGLE might imply that Japanese women have been catching up with the lifestyle of men, resulting in similar mortality patterns. This calls for gender-sensitive approaches to developing policies and programs that will help sustain healthy lifestyles to combat smoking and alcohol intake, and social support to prevent suicide.