[Consideration of Lens of the Eye Protection during Mammography with the Eyelid and the Face Guard].

PURPOSE: In 2011, the International Commissionon Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended reducing the threshold dose for the lens. Therefore, it is important to reduce the lens exposure dose in medical exposures. In a cranio-caudal (CC) view of mammography, the patient' s lens receives scattered radiation. In this study, we investigated scatter dose around the lens during mammography and reviewed the simple and easy protection methods of the lens. METHODS: Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters were placed in front of the device to obtain scattered radiation intensity distribution. The human phantom was placed in the same way as the CC positioning, and BR-12 phantoms with a thickness of 40 mm was placed on the FPD. Then, the scatter dose around the lens was measured using an OSL dosimeter. In order to confirm the change in the scatter radiation dose by the face guard (FG) and eyelid, we measured and compared under the same conditions the presence of FG and adipose tissue about 1 mm thick assuming the eyelid. RESULTS: Scatter radiation intensity decreased around the FG. When the FG was installed, the scatter dose was reduced about 33%, and when the adipose tissue was pasted on the OSL dosimeter, the scatter dose was reduced about 29%. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that eye closure during mammography was effective in reducing lens exposure. In the future, we would like to expect further protective effects by increasing the thickness of FG and reviewing the materials.

Longitudinal effects of a nationwide lifestyle intervention program on cardiometabolic outcomes in Japan: An observational cohort study.

The Japanese government launched a nationwide health screening and lifestyle intervention program in 2008 to prevent and reduce metabolic syndrome in at-risk individuals. This study examined the longitudinal effects of the program's lifestyle interventions on metabolic outcomes using health insurance data from one prefecture. The study population comprised 16,317 individuals aged 40-74 years who met the recommendation criteria for the interventions between 2009 and 2015. Participants were categorized into an overall intervention group (comprising a single-session motivational intervention group and a multi-session intensive intervention group) and a non-intervention group. We evaluated the interventions' effects on the initiation of medications for metabolic disorders (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia) and metabolic syndrome incidence for 6 years using discrete hazard models that adjusted for sex, age, health screening measurements, and smoking habit. The longitudinal effects on health screening measurements were also evaluated using regression models for repeated measures. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for initiation of medications were 0.83 (0.77-0.90), 0.77 (0.71-0.84), and 0.66 (0.57-0.77) for overall, motivational, and intensive interventions, respectively. The aHRs (95%CI) for metabolic syndrome incidence were 0.84 (0.75-0.94), 0.80 (0.71-0.91), and 0.67 (0.51-0.89) for overall, motivational, and intensive interventions, respectively. The interventions reduced body mass index and waist circumference, but had modest effects on blood lipids, blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c levels; blood pressure was unaffected. These interventions represent an effective strategy to prevent the progression of preclinical metabolic syndrome, but further studies are needed to evaluate their long-term preventive effects on cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Prevalence of and risk factors for adverse events in Alzheimer's patients receiving anti-dementia drugs in at-home care.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to clarify the types and prevalence of, and the risk factors for, the adverse events that occur in patients receiving anti-dementia drugs. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted. The respondents were pharmacists who were dispensing anti-dementia drugs. The pharmacists responded to questions about patients who were receiving anti-dementia drugs delivered to them at home by the pharmacists. The survey questions included questions about whether or not the patients experienced adverse reactions to the drugs, about the patients' background characteristics, about the numbers of drugs the patients were taking when the pharmacists first visited the patients at home, and about the pharmacists' assessments of the appropriateness of the use of the anti-dementia drugs. RESULTS: Data were collected on 3712 patients from 1673 pharmacies in a nationwide survey. Anti-dementia drugs had been prescribed to 863 of these patients; and 801 (92.8%) of these 863 patients were 75 years of age or older, and. confirmed adverse events occurred in 170 (21%) of these 863 patients. The most common adverse event was excitation/anxiety, at 45.1%. A multivariate analysis found that polypharmacy (10 or more types of drugs per day) (P = 0.030), inappropriate use (P = 0.002), and irregular medication use (P = 0.034) were risk factors. INTERPRETATION: In order to avoid adverse events when using anti-dementia drugs, doctors and pharmacists should carefully examine the prescribing of multiple medications, assess the applicability of the use of anti-dementia drugs, and investigate how to best manage patients' drug use.

A multicenter survey of temporal changes in chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Many breast cancer patients suffer from chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Accurate information about temporal changes in chemotherapy-induced hair loss is important for supporting patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy, because it helps them to prepare. However, accurate information, on issues such as the frequency of hair loss after chemotherapy, when regrowth starts, the condition of regrown hair, and the frequency of incomplete hair regrowth, is lacking. This study aimed to clarify the long-term temporal changes in chemotherapy-induced hair loss using patient-reported outcomes for chemotherapy-induced hair loss. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Disease-free patients who had completed adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of anthracycline and/or taxanes for breast cancer within the prior 5 years were enrolled from 47 hospitals and clinics in Japan. Descriptive statistics were obtained in this study. The study is reported according to the STROBE criteria. RESULTS: The response rate was 81.5% (1511/1853), yielding 1478 questionnaires. Hair loss occurred in 99.9% of patients. The mean time from chemotherapy until hair loss was 18.0 days. Regrowth of scalp hair occurred in 98% of patients. The mean time from the completion of chemotherapy to the beginning of regrowth was 3.3 months. Two years after chemotherapy completion, the scalp-hair recovery rate was <30% in approximately 4% of patients, and this rate showed no improvement 5 years after chemotherapy. Eighty-four percent of the patients initially used wigs, decreasing to 47% by 1 year after chemotherapy and 15.2% after 2 years. The mean period of wig use was 12.5 months. However, a few patients were still using wigs 5 years after completing chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey focused on chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients. We believe these results to be useful for patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy.

Displacement of the hyoid bone by muscle paralysis and lung volume increase: the effects of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.

Study Objectives: Animal studies suggest a pivotal role of the hyoid bone in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aimed to explore the role of the hyoid bone in humans by testing the hypotheses that muscle paralysis and lung volume (LV) changes displace the hyoid bone position particularly in people with obesity and/or OSA. Methods: Fifty patients undergoing general anesthesia participated in this study (20 participants with nonobese, non-OSA; 8 people with nonobese OSA; and 22 people with obese OSA). Three lateral neck radiographs to assess the hyoid position (primary variable) and craniofacial structures were taken during wakefulness, complete muscle paralysis under general anesthesia, and LV increase under general anesthesia. LV was increased by negative extrathoracic pressure application and LV changes were measured with a spirometer. Analysis of covariance was used to identify statistical significance. Results: Muscle paralysis under general anesthesia significantly displaced the hyoid bone posteriorly (95% CI: 1.7 to 4.6, 1.5 to 5.2, and 1.1 to 4.0 mm in nonobese non-OSA, nonobese OSA, and obese OSA groups, respectively), and this was more prominent in people with central obesity. LV increase significantly displaced the hyoid bone caudally in all groups (95% CI: 0.2 to 0.7, 0.02 to 0.6, and 0.2 to 0.6 mm/0.1 liter LV increase in nonobese non-OSA, nonobese OSA, and obese OSA groups, respectively). Waist-hip ratio was directly associated with the caudal displacement during LV increase. Conclusions: The hyoid bone plays an important role in the pathophysiology of pharyngeal airway obstruction due to muscle paralysis and LV reduction, particularly in people with obesity. Clinical Trial: UMIN Clinical Trial Registry, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=cR000022635&language=E, UMIN000019578.

Effect of medication adherence on disease activity among Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

For the optimum efficacy of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), patients need to be adherent to their medication regimen. To clarify the effects of medication adherence on disease activity in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we conducted a cohort study in patients with various stages of RA. Patients were enrolled from the Kyoto University RA Management Alliance cohort, and followed up prospectively for 12 months. In this study, a total of 475 patients were analyzed and divided into 9 groups according to their medication adherence and the RA disease duration. The primary outcomes were based on the rate of a disease flare. The secondary outcomes were the changes in disease activity score using 28 joints (DAS28-ESR), simplified disease activity index (SDAI) and physical disability by health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ). The changes in DAS28-ESR, HAQ, and the risk of disease flare in the highly adherent patients were significantly lower than those of the less adherent patients among the groups with RA ≤ 4.6 years but not those among the other groups. Taken together, this study identified a significant association between medication adherence and the disease flare during early-stage RA or short disease duration. These results emphasize the need to pay more attention to medication adherence in preventing the disease progression of RA.

Identification and prevalence of adverse drug events caused by potentially inappropriate medication in homebound elderly patients: a retrospective study using a nationwide survey in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: A nationwide large-scale survey was conducted to identify the prevalence and causal medications of adverse drug events (ADEs) that are caused by potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) given to homebound elderly patients, factors associated with ADEs, and measures taken by pharmacists to manage ADEs and their effects on ADEs. SETTINGS: A questionnaire was mailed to 3321 pharmacies nationwide. It asked about the details of PIMs and ADEs of up to 5 patients for whom home visits were provided by a pharmacist. Questionnaire forms were filled in by pharmacists who visited the patients. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Between 23 January and 13 February 2013, comprehensive assessment forms were sent to 3321 pharmacies. Data collected from 1890 pharmacies including data of 4815 patients were analysed and 28 patients of unknown sex were excluded. Their average age was 82.7 years. PIMs were identified based on the 2003 Beers Criteria Japan. RESULTS: There were 600 patients who did not provide valid answers regarding the medications. In the remaining 4243 patients, one or more medications that were considered to be PIMs had been prescribed to 48.4% of patients. PIM-induced ADEs were found in 8% of these patients by pharmacists during home visits. The top ADE-inducing medications were strong anticholinergic antihistamines, benzodiazepines, sulpiride and digoxin. The most common ADEs associated with benzodiazepines were frequent lightheadedness, somnolence and sleepiness, which increase the risk of falls and subsequent fractures in elderly patients. The following factors associated with ADEs were identified: sex, pharmacist awareness of prescription issues, frequency of visits and time spent at patients' homes, and the frequency of detailed checks for patient adverse reactions by pharmacists. CONCLUSIONS: The PIM prevalence associated with home healthcare in Japan was relatively high, as reported in previous studies. The present study suggests that pharmacists could reduce the incidence of PIMs and consequent ADEs.

Prevalence, Potential Predictors, and Genotype-Specific Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection among Sexually Active Students in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: We conducted a community-based study to evaluate genotype-specific prevalence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and potential predictors of its presence in young, asymptomatic, female college students. Self-administered surveys and vaginal swabs for self collection were distributed to students of participating schools. A sufficient cellular component in cervical samples was verified by examining for the presence of human ß-globin DNA by PCR. A total of 1,118 valid cervical samples were subjected to screening for HR-HPV infection with the Digene Hybrid Capture 2 assay, followed by identification of HPV genotypes with GENOSEARCH HPV31 kit. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors associated with HR-HPV positivity and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was calculated. RESULTS: The median age of recruited students was 20 years. Of the 1,118 women who provided valid cervical samples for testing, 770 had sexual intercourse in the past, of which 125 (16.2%) were positive for HR-HPV. Logistic regression analysis revealed that HR-HPV infection was associated with smoking history (AOR 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98 to 5.05; p < 0.01), total number of partners (AOR 4.72; 95% CI 1.97 to 11.32 if > 5 partners; p < 0.001), number of partners in the past 6 months (AOR 3.12; 95% CI 1.42 to 6.87; p < 0.01), improper use of condoms (AOR 2.21; 95% CI 1.25 to 3.90; p < 0.01), and chlamydia infection (AOR 2.61; 95% CI 1.28 to 5.34; p < 0.01). The most common HR-HPV genotype was type 52 (6.4%), followed by 16 (3.1%), 56 (3.0%), and 58 (2.6%). CONCLUSION: Compared with previous reports in East Asian coutries, the prevalence of HR-HPV infection among young, asymptomatic, female students before the nationwide use of vaccination in Japan was in the intermediate range. The most common HR-HPV genotypes were HPV 52, 16, 56, and 58.

[Nationwide study on relations between workload and outcomes of home visiting service by community pharmacists].

A nationwide survey was conducted to verify relations between the workload of home-visiting service by community pharmacists and outcomes. Data were collected on 5447 patients from 1890 pharmacies. Most (61.9%) pharmacists visited patients' homes twice monthly, spending there a net average of 20.6 work minutes. At the time of the survey, 29.8% of the patients had improvement of adherence compared with at start of home visits; 65.5% had no change, and 1.4% had gotten worse. Similarly, 41.6% had decreased unused medications, 54.4% had no change, and 2.3% had increased. Home-visiting pharmacists found adverse drug events (ADEs) caused by drug administration in 14.4% of their patients. They dealt with 44.2% of these cases by discontinuing administration of the responsible drug, 24.5% by reducing the dosage, and 18.3% by changing drugs, with a total of 88.1% having been improved. Prescription changes intended to correct problems occurred in 37.1% of the patients. In patients whom the pharmacists visited more often, a higher percent had ADEs, had their prescription changed to correct problems, and had improved adherence and unused medications. The average actual work time was longer in patients whose outcomes improved than in those whose outcomes did not. A higher involvement in homecare by pharmacists was found to improve outcomes of drug treatment.

Evaluation of postextraction bleeding incidence to compare patients receiving and not receiving warfarin therapy: a cross-sectional, multicentre, observational study.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated incidence and risk factors for postextraction bleeding in patients receiving warfarin and those not receiving anticoagulation therapy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, multicentre, observational study. SETTING: 26 hospitals where an oral surgeon is available. PARTICIPANTS: Data on 2817 teeth (from 496 patients receiving warfarin, 2321 patients not receiving warfarin; mean age (SD): 62.2 (17.6)) extracted between 1 November 2008 and 31 March 2010, were collected. Warfarin-receiving patients were eligible when prothrombin time-international normalised ratio (PT-INR) measured within 7 days prior to the extraction was less than 3.0. INTERVENTIONS: Simple dental extraction was performed, and incidence of postextraction bleeding and comorbidities were recorded. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Postextraction bleeding not controlled by basic haemostasis procedure was clinically significant. RESULTS: Bleeding events were reported for 35 (7.1%) and 49 (2.1%) teeth, of which 18 (3.6%) and 9 (0.4%) teeth were considered clinically significant, in warfarin and non-warfarin groups, respectively, the difference between which was 3.24% (CI 1.58% to 4.90%). The incidence rates by patients were 2.77% and 0.39%, in warfarin and non-warfarin groups, respectively (incidence difference 2.38%, CI 0.65% to 4/10%). Univariate analyses showed that age (OR 0.197, p=0.001), PT-INR (OR 3.635, p=0.003), mandibular foramen conduction anaesthesia (OR 4.854, p=0.050) and formation of abnormal granulation tissue in extraction socket (OR 2.900, p=0.031) significantly correlate with bleeding incidence. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (OR 0.126, p=0.001), antiplatelet drugs (OR 0.100, p=0.049), PT-INR (OR 7.797, p=0.001) and history of acute inflammation at extraction site (OR 3.722, p=0.037) were significant risk factors for postextraction bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there is slight but significant increase in the incidences of postextraction bleeding in patients receiving warfarin. Although absolute incidence was low in both groups, the bleeding risk is not negligible.

Practical use of cancer control promoters in municipalities in Japan.

The Cancer Control Act in Japan became effective in 2006. In Ibaraki, Toyama, and Hyogo prefectures, the Cancer Control Promoter (CCP) plan was created to strengthen partnerships for cancer prevention. This study aimed to examine the curre nt status of CCP utilization and analyze relationships with intersectoral collaboration, both within the government and with outside partners. In 2008, we mailed questionnaires to 100 administrators responsible for disease prevention and health promotion in municipal governments of the three prefectures. Ninety-one administrators responded (response rate, 91.0%). We analyzed responses to questions regarding whether or not the municipalities had used CCPs. Items assessing intersectoral collaboration examined municipality characteristics and relationships with outside partners and sectors specializing in areas other than community health. Among 90 administrators with valid data, 33 municipalities (36.7%) used CCPs while 57 (63.3%) did not. The Fisher's exact test revealed that intersectoral collaboration for using CCPs was associated with communication with all of the municipal government sectors not related to health. The present study indicated that CCPs were not consistently used in municipalities. However, we found that intersectoral collaborations, especially within the local government, may be related to the practical use of CCPs. This, in turn, may result in effective cancer control and prevention, as well as improvement in community health.

Inter-rater reliability of self-reported response on foreskin status in questionnaire among Japanese adult men.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether foreskin status is a measurable marker for evaluating the effect of the foreskin on sexually transmitted infections. METHODS: Inter-rater comparison of the responses on foreskin status and circumcision in a self-report questionnaire with the findings of a physical examination by an experienced well-trained urologist was performed for patients who visited a healthcare facility in Kanagawa, Japan. Foreskin status was defined using a five-point graphical scale based on the degree to which the foreskin covers the foreskin and the glans penis in a non-erectile condition: type 1, a fully exposed glans penis; types 2-4, the glans penis partly covered by the foreskin and type 5, phimosis. Linear weighted κ and per cent agreement were used to evaluate the reliability of responses. RESULTS: Among 188 participants who were evaluated about their foreskin status, linear weighted κ and per cent agreement were 0.74% and 68.4%, respectively. Linear weighted κ improved from 0.74 to 0.80 when the number of categories was changed to three. All the self-reported responses on circumcision were in agreement with the findings of the physical examination. Seventeen participants (9.0%) had been circumcised, and among them, three (17.6%) had approximately one-half of their glans penis covered by the foreskin. In 90 among the 171 uncircumcised participants (52.6%), the foreskin did not cover the glans penis. CONCLUSIONS: The self-reported response on foreskin status in this questionnaire has sufficient reliability to replace physical examination, and this questionnaire can facilitate further studies about the effect of foreskin on sexually transmitted infections.

Relationship between hyposalivation and acute respiratory infection in dental outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Hyposalivation may affect respiratory disease because the mouth serves as the entrance to the respiratory apparatus, as well as to the digestive tract. Patients with acute respiratory infection generally have a favorable prognosis and a short natural course. However, in cases in which the host has lowered resistance, such as in elderly patients, the infection may develop into pneumonia. OBJECTIVES: A prospective study was performed to examine the relationship between hyposalivation, which is common in elderly patients, and acute respiratory infection, which tends to become severe in elderly patients. METHODS: The subjects were 323 male and female patients ≥40 years old who lived in Utsunomiya City and surrounding areas and regularly visited the Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Tochigi National Hospital. A 6-month follow-up survey was performed to examine development of acute respiratory infection. Age, sex, and known risk factors were also investigated. Hyposalivation was defined as a saliva production (saliva secretion rate) of ≤0.6 ml/min. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex was performed to examine potential risk factors associated with the development of acute respiratory infection. RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 278 subjects who completed the follow-up survey. The incidence of acute respiratory infection was 60.4%, while hyposalivation was present in 96 subjects (35.5%). Multivariate analysis showed that the incidence of acute respiratory infection was higher in subjects with hyposalivation than in those without hyposalivation (adjusted odds ratio 1.761, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that hyposalivation may be a risk factor for acute respiratory infection. This also suggests that improvement of hyposalivation might prevent acute respiratory infection.

[Perspective for molecular epidemiologic cohort study of lifestyle-related disease].

The 80th annual meeting of the Japanese Society of Hygiene was held this year in Sendai. The authors hosted a symposium entitled "Perspective for molecular epidemiologic cohort study of lifestyle-related disease," at which four guests served as panelists. Through the courtesy of Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ohtsuki, space in the current issue has been devoted to a "mini feature" on the symposium to provide briefings by two panelists, Dr. Kurokawa and Dr. Hata. Here, the authors provide an introduction to the briefings, describe the current status of research and state their expectations for the future.

Potentially inappropriate medication use in elderly Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: Modified Beers criteria for elderly Japanese patients were developed in 2008 by consensus among 9 experts to reflect regional clinical practice and available medications in Japan. Since then, many physicians and pharmacists have expressed interest in obtaining more information about the criteria and alternative drug choices. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the incidence, health care utilization, and costs associated with potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in elderly patients based on the modified Beers criteria. METHODS: A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted using health insurance claims data in Japan. The study population included elderly patients aged >or=65 years who had at least 2 pharmacy claims in separate months over a 1-year period (April 2006 through March 2007). Use of the PIMs was identified using the modified criteria, and 1-year incidence rates were calculated for the total study population and for subgroups stratified by age and sex. A logistic regression model was used to examine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with PIMs. Health care utilization rates and costs were also analyzed and compared between patients with and without PIMs using generalized linear models. All models included dummy variables indicating age category, female sex, hospitalization, polypharmacy, index month, and number of Elixhauser comorbidities to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: Among 6628 elderly patients, 71.2% (4721/6628) were female and 62.9% (4167/6628) were aged 65 to 74 years; 43.6% (2889/6628) were prescribed at least one PIM. The most commonly used PIMs were histamine-2 blockers (20.5% [1356/6628]), benzodiazepines (11.4% [756/6628]), and anticholinergics and antihistamines (7.9% [526/6628]). No significant differences in incidence rates were observed based on age or sex. Inpatient service use, polypharmacy, and comorbidities of peptic ulcer, depression, and cardiac arrhythmias were significant predictors of PIM use while controlling for other factors. PIM users had significantly higher hospitalization risk (1.68-fold), more outpatient visit days (1.18-fold), and higher medical costs (33% increase) than did nonusers. CONCLUSIONS: In a group of elderly Japanese patients, 43.6% used at least one PIM over a 1-year period in this study. PIM use was associated with greater health care utilization rates and costs.

Population-based study of asymptomatic infection with Chlamydia trachomatis among female and male students.

There are few epidemiological studies of asymptomatic chlamydial infection among students in non-medical settings with minimal bias and improved accuracy; thus, useful data from screening among students are limited. We aimed to obtain accurate epidemiological information about asymptomatic chlamydial infection among students in non-medical settings. A population-based cross-sectional survey of 10,440 >or=18-year-old asymptomatic students who volunteered for a urine screening test for chlamydia was conducted. The prevalences of asymptomatic infection were 9.5% for women and 6.7% for men. Multivariate analysis revealed the risk factors to be a lifetime history of >or=4 sexual partners for women (odds ratio [OR] 3.17) and inconsistent condom use for men (OR 4.18). For both sexes, younger age at first intercourse was associated with a higher rate of inconsistent condom use. This study produced accurate epidemiological information on asymptomatic chlamydial infection. These results may contribute to the establishment of preventive countermeasures against such infection.

Genetic polymorphisms of 17 ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 and the risk of hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly caused by incomplete fusion of urethral folds. Development of the urethra and external genital system in the male fetus is an androgen-dependent process. In this regard, enzymes 17 ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17 ß HSD3, encoded by HSD17B3) and steroid 5 α-reductase type 2 (encoded by SRD5A2) play crucial roles. AIM: To investigate the possible associations between common polymorphisms in HSD17B3 as well as well-known V89L polymorphism in SRD5A2 and risk of hypospadias. METHODS: A case-control study was performed between 1999 and 2005. There were 89 Japanese boys with hypospadias and 291 newborn controls. We genotyped HSD17B3-1999T>C, +10A>G, +20A>G, +139G>A (V31I), +913G>A (G289S), and SRD5A2+336G>C (V89L) polymorphisms by allelic discrimination assay. We measured mRNA expression of the wildtype G289 allele and the mutant S289 allele of the HSD17B3 gene in the transfected human fetal kidney HEK293 cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of hypospadias including its severity and HSD17B3 and SRD5A2 genes using DNA blood samples: allele and genotype distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms in these two genes in cases and controls. RESULTS: In our study, the risk of hypospadias was significantly higher in subjects carrying homozygous HSD17B3+913A (289S) alleles (odds ratio [OR]: 3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-6.76). The risk of severe hypospadias was much higher in these subjects (OR: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.34-11.49). The mRNA expression levels of HSD17B3 G289 were higher than those of HSD17B3 S289 mutant (P < 0.001). In addition, the risk of severe hypospadias increased in boys carrying the SRD5A2+336C (89L) allele (OR: 3.19; 95% CI: 1.09-9.36). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the HSD17B3 G289S polymorphism may be a potential risk modifier for hypospadias. Our findings provide evidence that a certain genotype related to androgen production may potentiate risk of hypospadias.

Association between lifestyle habits and bone mineral density in Japanese juveniles.

OBJECTIVES: We explored the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and lifestyle in juveniles to identify factors leading to higher peak bone mass and prevention of osteoporosis in later life. METHODS: Juveniles (1,364 students: 770 boys and 594 girls, aged 6-18 years) attending school in Hokkaido prefecture, Japan, were asked to complete a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire for 10-year-olds (BDHQ10y) providing information about personal history, lifestyle, and intake of nutritional elements. In addition, BMD and grip strength were measured. We analyzed the relationship between BMD and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: The difference in BMD for boys was larger among the junior and senior high school groups. The difference in BMD for girls was larger among older elementary and later school children. Anthropometric variables and grip strength were strongly correlated with BMD. Having a nap-time routine was significantly correlated with BMD, but sleep time and sports club activities were not. BMD among juveniles who attained secondary sexual characteristics was significantly higher than that of juveniles of the same age who had not attained these characteristics. Calcium intake was significantly lower in senior high school students compared with other grades. Consumption of milk by senior high school boys and junior high school girls was weakly correlated with BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings encourage educational interventions to counsel students to avoid weight loss and calcium deficiency. This effective intervention should begin before the higher elementary school, when juveniles have the greatest likelihood for preventing lower peak bone mass and osteoporosis.

In-depth descriptive analysis of trends in prevalence of long-term care in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Long-term care (LTC) insurance was introduced in Japan in 2000. Herein, we describe the trends in demand for LTC, using age-standardized and level-specific rates of entitlement and utilization of LTC at national and prefectural levels. METHODS: We analyzed LTC data from 2002-2005 to examine: (i) the influence of population aging, calculating crude and age-standardized entitlement and utilization rates; (ii) the relation between baseline entitlement rate and increase in the rate over this 3-year period; and (iii) differences in increases in entitlement rate between low and high care levels. RESULTS: The entitlement and utilization rates increased even after adjustment for age; approximately two-thirds of the increase was not due to population aging. Variations in the entitlement rates among prefectures did not decrease (coefficient of variance was 0.12 in 2002 and 0.11 in 2005), and there was no significant correlation between baseline entitlement rates and the later increases among prefectures (r = -0.20, P = 0.19). The increase in entitlement rate was larger for low than for high care levels (31% vs 6%), and those for low and high care levels were weakly correlated. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that a large part of the increase in LTC demand could not be explained by population aging, and the increase did not result from equalization of LTC services across the country. In addition, it seems that the demands of low and high care levels depend on different factors. The increase in LTC demand should be monitored carefully to identify underlying factors and to ensure sustainability of the system.

Health-related quality of life and beneficiaries of long-term care insurance in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: A long-term care insurance (LTCI) system was introduced in 2000 in Japan. The clarification of information on the users and the ways in which services under this system have been utilized is essential for improving the system operation. This study was conducted for the purpose of clarifying what level of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was achieved by individuals using the services under the LTCI system. METHODS: The subjects were inhabitants of two cities in the Kyushu district of Japan who were receiving daily home care services under the LTCI system. To analyze the relationships of the beneficiaries' HRQOL with their characteristics, the dependent variable was the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) scores adopted as an index of HRQOL, and the independent variables comprised the demographic features (gender, age, and living condition) of users receiving long-term care service as well as their opinions about fees for services, satisfaction with the services provided, and the degree of support/care required. RESULTS: The EQ-5D score was higher for females than for males and higher for the subjects living alone than for those displaying any other family composition. EQ-5D score decreased with an increase in the degree of support/care required. Multivariate analysis revealed that the degree of support/care required, gender and living condition were found to serve as variables that significantly contribute to utility. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of the relationships between the characteristics of the LTCI beneficiaries and their HRQOL has yielded basic data that will be useful for improving the recently introduced LTCI system.