Decomposition of Unpolarized Fluorescence Spectrum of Uniaxially Oriented 1,3,5-Triphenylbenzene Microcrystals Into Polarized Fluorescence Spectra.

Luminescence from solids such as crystals and aggregates is of growing academic and industrial interest. In this study, we report decomposition of the unpolarized fluorescence spectrum of uniaxially oriented 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene (TPB) microcrystals into four polarized spectra measured with polarizer (V: vertical and H: horizontal) and analyser (V: vertical and H: horizontal), where V and H indicate perpendicular and parallel to the layer of TPB molecules in the crystal, respectively. Resolved spectra were interpreted in terms of the molecular and excimer like (J- and H-dimer) emissions. The origin of the excimer like emissions was discussed in relation to the molecular packing in the crystal. It was shown that polarized crystal fluorescence can provide insight into the excitation/emission process in the crystal. Although preliminary, this study demonstrates the potential of polarized fluorescence to elucidate the luminescent mechanism.

Exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise is associated with subclinical vascular impairment in healthy normotensive individuals.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the possible association between an exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise and subclinical vascular impairment in normotensive individuals. METHODS: The study participants consisted of 92 untreated normotensive men (aged 42 ± 9 years) without a history of cardiovascular disease or stroke. A graded exercise test was conducted using a bicycle ergometer, and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) during submaximal exercise was evaluated. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured as an index of arterial stiffness. The second peak of radial systolic BP (SBP2) was used as an estimate of central BP. The albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) values were determined as the mean of two nonconsecutive spot urine specimens. RESULTS: Compared with individuals with a normal response (MAP z-score < +1.0, n = 60), those with an exaggerated BP response to exercise (MAP z-score ≥ +1.0, n = 32) exhibited significantly higher baPWV (1412 ± 158 vs. 1250 ± 140 cm/s), radial SBP2 (122 ± 11 vs. 106 ± 13 mmHg), and greater log-ACR (0.93 ± 0.30 vs. 0.59 ± 0.23 mg/gCre). Multiple regression analysis revealed that an exaggerated BP response to exercise was significantly associated with baPWV (ß = 0.198, P= .043), radial SBP2 (ß = 0.156, P = .049), and log-ACR (ß = 0.276, P = .006) independent of potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that subclinical vascular impairment is associated with an exaggerated increase in BP during exercise even in the absence of clinical hypertension.

Pyrrole adducts in globin and plasma of workers exposed to hexane.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary excretion of 2,5-hexanedione is currently used to estimate the exposure levels of hexane occurring to an individual during the previous work shift. However, because hexane exposures and urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels can vary considerably from day to day, and subchronic to chronic exposures to hexane are required to produce neuropathy, this biomarker may not accurately reflect the risk of an individual for developing hexane neuropathy. This investigation examines the potential of hexane-derived pyrrole adducts produced on globin and plasma proteins as markers for integrating cumulative exposures. Because the pyrrole markers incorporate bioactivation of hexane to 2,5-hexandione and the initial step of protein adduction involved in hexane-induced neuropathy, they potentially can serve as biomarkers of effect through reflecting pathogenetic events within the nervous system. Additionally, pyrrole formation is an irreversible reaction suggesting that hexane-derived protein pyrroles can be used to assess cumulative exposures to provide a better characterization of individual susceptibilities. METHODS: To examine the utility of the proposed markers, blood samples were obtained from eleven workers who used hexane for granulating metal powders in a slurry to produce metal machining die tools and four non-exposed volunteers. Globin and plasma were isolated, and the proteins were digested using pepsin, reacted with Ehrlich's reagent and the level of pyrrole adducts were determined by absorbance at 530 nm. To determine the dose-response curve and dynamic range of the assay, erythrocytes were incubated with a range of 2,5-hexanedione concentrations and the net absorbance at 530 nm of isolated globin was measured. RESULTS: Pyrrole was detected in both the globin and plasma samples of the workers exposed to hexane and the levels of pyrroles in plasma were positively correlated with the levels of pyrroles in globin for most of the workers. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation demonstrates that detectable levels of hexane-derived protein pyrrole adducts are produced on peripheral proteins following occupational exposures to hexane and supports the utility of measuring pyrroles for integrating cumulative exposures to hexane.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Oral Qing-Dai in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Single-Center Open-Label Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chinese herbal medicine Qing-Dai (also known as indigo naturalis) has been used to treat various inflammatory conditions. However, not much has been studied about the use of oral Qing-Dai in the treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Studies exploring alternative treatments for UC are of considerable interest. In this study, we aimed at prospectively evaluating the safety and efficacy of Qing-Dai for UC patients. METHODS: The open-label, prospective pilot study was conducted at Keio University Hospital. A total of 20 patients with moderate UC activity were enrolled. Oral Qing-Dai in capsule form was taken twice a day (daily dose, 2 g) for 8 weeks. RESULTS: At week 8, the rates of clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing were 72, 33, and 61%, respectively. The clinical and endoscopic scores, CRP levels, and fecal occult blood results were also significantly improved. We observed 2 patients with mild liver dysfunction; 1 patient discontinued due to infectious colitis and 1 patient discontinued due to mild nausea. CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective study indicating that oral Qing-Dai is effective for inducing remission in patients with moderate UC activity and can be tolerated. Thus, Qing-Dai may be considered an alternative treatment for patients, although further investigation is warranted.

Ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity is associated with long-term prognosis in ulcerative colitis patients treated with infliximab.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by periods of remission and episodes of relapse. Mucosal healing is an emerging therapeutic target in UC and various scoring systems have been used. The UC endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) is the only validated endoscopic index at present, with minimum interobserver variation. Correlation of UCEIS scores after treatment and clinical outcomes of UC has not been examined. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of UCEIS after treatment with infliximab. METHODS: The medical records of 82 UC patients, treated with infliximab at Keio University Hospital between October 2010 and July 2013, were reviewed retrospectively. Endoscopic findings were evaluated based on the UCEIS. RESULTS: Mean pre-therapeutic UCEIS score was 5.1. Pre-therapeutic UCEIS scores were not associated with short-term outcomes. Forty-five patients underwent colonoscopy at 3-12 months after starting treatment; mean post-therapeutic UCEIS score was 2.4, with a score of 0-1 in 16 (35.6%) patients, 2-4 in 19 (42.2%) patients, and 5-8 in 10 (22.2%) patients. Importantly, a post-therapeutic UCEIS score of 0 or 1 after treatment was associated with a favorable long-term outcome. CONCLUSION: UCEIS score is a useful instrument for evaluating endoscopic improvement in UC patients treated with infliximab, and mucosal healing may be defined with a UCEIS score of 0 or 1.

Age and gender differences in the influences of eNOS T-786C polymorphism on arteriosclerotic parameters in general population in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: The influence of T-786C polymorphism in the promoter region of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) on arteriosclerotic parameters by age and gender were examined. METHODS: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), heart-rate adjusted augmentation index (AIx@75), pulse pressure (PP) and albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were assessed as arteriosclerotic parameters in addition to non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) to HDL-C (non-HDL-C/HDL-C) ratio in 1499 participants. T-786C polymorphism (rs2070744) was screened using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Analyses of covariance were carried. RESULTS: Women with the non-C allele showed significantly lower AIx@75 in participants aged <65 years and baPWV in participants aged ≥65 years than those with C allele. In contrast, men with the non-C allele showed significantly higher PP in participants aged <65 years, and higher ACR and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio in participants aged ≥65 years. In men on cholesterol-lowering medication, the non-C allele carriers showed significantly higher non-HDL-C compared to those in the C allele carriers. CONCLUSIONS: eNOS T-786C polymorphism is significantly associated with arteriosclerotic parameters accompanied with age and gender differences, possibly involving antioxidative and/or endothelial signaling other than inflammatory signaling.

Relationships of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genotypes with alcohol sensitivity, drinking behavior and problem drinking in Japanese older men.

OBJECTIVES: Many East Asians have the genetic polymorphisms rs1229984 in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and rs671 in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Here we analyzed the relationships of the two genotypes with alcohol sensitivity, drinking behavior and problem drinking among older and younger men living in rural areas of Japan. METHODS: The subjects were 718 Japanese men aged 63.3 ± 10.8 (mean ± SD), categorized into the older (≥65 years, n = 357) and younger (<65 years, n = 361) groups. Facial flushing frequency, drinking behavior and positive CAGE results were compared among the genotypes using Bonferroni-corrected χ(2) test and a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, BMI and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: The frequency of 'always' facial flushing among the ADH1B*1/*2 carriers was significantly lower than that among the ADH1B*2/*2 carriers in the older group (P < 0.01). The alcohol consumption (unit/day) in the ADH1B*1/*2 carriers tended to be higher compared with that in the ADH1B*2/*2 carriers among the older group (P = 0.050). In the younger group, no significant differences in alcohol sensitivity and drinking habits were generally found among the ADH1B genotypes. The ADH1B*1/*1 genotype tended to be positively associated with problem drinking in the older group (P = 0.080) but not in the younger group. The ALDH2 genotypes consistently and strongly affected the alcohol sensitivity, drinking behavior and problem drinking in both the younger and older group. CONCLUSIONS: We for the first time observed a significant difference in alcohol sensitivity between ADH1B*1/*2 and ADH1B*2/*2 in older men aged 65 and above.

Genetic alcohol sensitivity regulated by ALDH2 and ADH1B polymorphisms as indicator of mental disorders in Japanese employees.

AIMS: Alcohol-related disorders (ARD) have been shown to be accompanied by a variety of other comorbid mental disorders. This study evaluated the associations between a variety of mental disorders and genetic alcohol sensitivity. METHODS: A total of 1944 Japanese workers were interviewed regarding their mental disorders by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). We investigated the relationship of ADH1B rs1229984 and ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms' combination with mental disorder risks. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between those polymorphisms and mental disorders, adjusting for sex, age, and job rank. RESULTS: The degree of alcohol sensitivity was classified into five groups according to the combination of ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes (Group I-V in order starting from the lowest alcohol sensitivity). Those with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 or with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*2,*2/*2 (low sensitivity) were significantly or nearly significantly associated with an increased risk of ARD compared with those with ALDH2 *1/*2 and ADH1B *1/*2,*2/*2 as a reference. Those with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 were also likely to be at an increased risk of any mental disorder except ARD, as well as disorders without comorbid ARD. This tendency was more apparent among women (OR 11.94, 95% CI 0.73-195.63) and non-drinkers (OR 5.43, 95% CI 1.05-28.23). CONCLUSION: The genotype combination of ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 is significantly associated with an increased risk of any mental disorder, especially ARD. Non-drinkers or women with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 are likely to suffer from any mental disorder except ARD.

Cancer development based on chronic active gastritis and resulting gastric atrophy as assessed by serum levels of pepsinogen and Helicobacter pylori antibody titer.

Our study investigated the relationship between gastric cancer development and activity of Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis or the resulting chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). A cohort of 4,655 healthy asymptomatic subjects, in whom serum pepsinogen (PG) and H. pylori antibody titer had been measured to assess the activity and stage of H. pylori-associated chronic gastritis, was followed for up to 16 years, and cancer development was investigated. In subjects with a serologically diagnosed healthy stomach (H. pylori-negative/CAG-negative), cancer incidence rate was low, at 16/100,000 person-years. With the establishment of H. pylori infection and progression of chronic gastritis, significant stepwise cancer risk elevations were seen from CAG-free subjects (H. pylori-positive/CAG-negative) [hazard ratio (HR) = 8.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.7-54.7] to subjects with CAG (H. pylori-positive/CAG-positive) (HR = 17.7, 95% CI = 5.4-108.6) and finally to subjects with metaplastic gastritis (H. pylori-negative/CAG-positive) (HR = 69.7, 95% CI = 13.6-502.9). In H. pylori-infected CAG-free subjects, significantly elevated cancer risk was observed in the subgroup with active inflammation-based high PG II level or potent immune response-based high H. pylori antibody titer; the former was associated with a particularly high risk of diffuse-type cancer, and both subgroups showed high cancer incidence rates of around 250/100,000 person-years, comparable to that in subjects with CAG. No such risk elevation was observed in H. pylori-infected subjects with CAG. These results clearly indicate that gastric cancer develops mainly from the gastritis-atrophy-metaplasia-cancer sequence and partly from active inflammation-based direct carcinogenesis, and that serum levels of PG and H. pylori antibody titer provide indices of cancer development in H. pylori-infected subjects.

Roles of the ALDH2 and ADH1B genotypes on the association between alcohol intake and serum adiponectin levels among Japanese male workers.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin secreted from adipose tissue is assumed to mediate protective effects on development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Relationship between alcohol intake and circulating adiponectin levels is not consistent among the several previous studies. In the present study, we investigated effects of alcohol intake and the alcohol-related polymorphisms on serum adiponectin levels among Japanese male workers. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional design study with 541 male workers aged 51.5 ± 5.9 (mean ± SD) years in a Japanese plant. Information on alcohol intake and other lifestyles was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Serum total adiponectin (T-Ad), high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad), medium-molecular-weight adiponectin (MMW-Ad), and low-molecular-weight adiponectin (LMW-Ad) levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immune assay system kit. Two genotypes in the alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) genes were determined using blood sample. In multivariate regression analyses, we adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, and physical exercise. RESULTS: Among all subjects, high alcohol consumption of 12 units (1 unit contains 22.9 g of ethanol) a week or more was negatively associated with T-Ad levels in the multivariate model, although not significant. When we performed analyses separately for each genotype, high alcohol consumption was negatively associated with T-Ad, HMW-Ad, and LMW-Ad levels only in those with ADH1B *2/*2. Such relationships were not observed in each ALDH2 genotype group. CONCLUSIONS: High alcohol consumption was inversely associated with T-Ad, HMW-Ad, and LMW-Ad levels in those with ADH1B *2/*2 genotype, but not in those with the other ADH1B genotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first study that reports combined effects of the alcohol-related polymorphisms and alcohol intake on serum adiponectin levels. Additional studies are required to confirm the present finding.

Epidemiologic features and prognostic factors of coronary artery lesions associated with Kawasaki disease based on a 13-year cohort of consecutive cases identified by complete enumeration surveys in Wakayama, Japan.

BACKGROUND: To clarify the contribution of patient age to the development of coronary artery lesions (CALs) associated with Kawasaki disease (KD), epidemiologic features and prognostic factors were investigated using hospital-based complete enumeration surveys in a specific area. METHODS: Consecutive KD cases identified between October 1999 and September 2012 in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was the presence/absence of CALs (giant aneurysm, mid- or small-sized aneurysm, and dilatation) on echocardiography 1 month after disease onset. Demographics and medical treatment factors were compared between the patients with and without CALs. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of explanatory variables (age, gender, and factors related to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment) for the development of CALs were determined. RESULTS: The median age of the 1415 patients (796 males, 619 females) was 25 months after excluding 2 children of foreign residents; 2.2% of the patients had a past history of KD, and 1.8% showed incomplete presentation. CALs were observed in 3.3% (4.0% of males, 2.3% of females; P = 0.080). The ORs of CALs among patients <11 months old (3.0, 95% CI 1.4-6.6) and those >48 months old (3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.6) were significantly higher than values in 11- to 48-month-olds. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of patient age on the development of CALs was found to be U-shaped, with the bottom at ages 11 to 48 months. This finding was based on a 13-year cohort of consecutive KD cases in a specific area with little selection bias and is consistent with previously reported results.

Safety and adherence of Umezu polyphenols in the Japanese plum (Prunus mume) in a 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial to evaluate antihypertensive effects.

OBJECTIVES: Medications or lifestyle changes to prevent or improve hypertension often press considerable efforts on patients suffering from mild hypertension. Capsules including Umezu polyphenols (UP), polyphenols in Japanese plums, may help them to control their blood pressure (BP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of UP on BP and its safety. METHODS: A total of 15 healthy workers without antihypertensive medication who had some concerns about their BP, preferably normal-high BP or hypertension level 1, were randomized in a double-blind manner into UP ingesting and placebo groups. Each subject was instructed to take four capsules daily for 12 weeks (daily UP dose, 800 mg for the UP ingesting group; and 0 mg for the placebo group). These subjects were followed for 12 weeks, and their BP both at home and at the examination site, as well as self-perceived quality-of-life outcomes and possible side effects, was monitored during that period. Group × time interactions on BP changes were examined. RESULTS: All of the 15 subjects completed the 12-week intervention trial. The BP changes did not significantly differ between the UP ingesting and placebo groups, neither at the examination site nor at home. But during the study period, no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: No remarkable effect of UP on BP was observed. However, a higher dose of UP was confirmed safe and high in adherence in this 12-week randomized controlled trial. Its effect on BP and other outcomes shall be confirmed in a larger sample.

[Business continuity capabilities for disaster preparedness: A comparative study of different industries in Wakayama Prefecture].

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to elucidate the status of business continuity plan (BCP) formulation in businesses, focusing on different industries. It examined their preparation for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and crisis events, such as emerging infectious diseases. METHODS: A total of 1,583 businesses in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, were randomly selected from the Wakayama Occupational Health Support Center workplace list. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed by mail. The questionnaire comprised questions on the business, awareness and formulation status of BCP, and business continuity capabilities in preparation for natural disasters and crisis events. It also explored reasons for the lack of progress in BCP formulation. Businesses were categorized into three groups based on the type of industry: manufacturing (114 companies), lifeline (66 companies), and others (207 companies). RESULTS: Questionnaires were collected from 412 businesses, and 387 of those that responded to the type of industry were analyzed (valid response rate: 24.3%). More than 50% of businesses in all industries were aware of BCP. Regarding the status of BCP formulation, 39.5% of the manufacturing, 34.8% of the lifeline, and 41.5% of others had already formulated or were formulating a BCP. Many lifeline businesses had not taken any measures to prepare facilities and allocate funds for emergencies. Additionally, 49% were at high risk of being forced to close down due to disasters. As the background to the lack of progress in formulating a BCP, 60.9% of lifeline businesses did not know what to develop or how to consider it. In addition, 44.2% of others had to secure the time and human resources necessary for formulation. CONCLUSIONS: Although awareness of BCPs is increasing, their formulation has not progressed significantly. In particular, BCP formulation has been delayed in lifeline industries, resulting in low business continuity capabilities. Given that many businesses do not know the contents or methods of formulating BCPs, it is suggested that educating relevant parties about using templates is necessary. This approach can reduce the time required for formulation and enable the creation of a BCP even without detailed human resources.

Is visceral fat really a coronary risk factor? A multi-detector computed tomography study.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is currently considered to be a risk factor for arteriosclerotic disease. The accumulation of visceral fat leads to arteriosclerotic disease after other risk factors have developed and either direct or mutual effects occur. The aim of this study was to verify whether visceral fat serves as an independent coronary risk factor. A total of 3157 patients who had undergone multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) were analyzed via computed tomographic angiography and the measurement of their visceral fat area. Coronary arteries with > 70% stenosis were considered to be significant. The visceral fat area was measured at the umbilical level, and an area of 100 cm2 or more was defined as visceral obesity. Coronary risk factors (ie, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, family history, and smoking) were obtained from the patient medical records. The patients were divided into two groups: a visceral obesity group, 1130 patients (137.0 ± 31.1 cm2) and a nonvisceral obesity group, 2027 patients (57.3 ± 25.8 cm2). A significant difference in the incidence of coronary stenosis between the two groups was observed. According to multivariable analysis, the factors affecting coronary stenosis were age, gender, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and the ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat. Visceral obesity was not found to be an independent coronary risk factor. Visceral obesity demonstrated the predominant presence of coronary risk factors.

[Efforts to improve workplaces considering for older workers: A questionnaire survey focusing on company size in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan].

OBJECTIVES: The "Guidelines for Ensuring the Safety and Health of Older Workers (hereafter referred to as "Guidelines")," formulated in 2021, require employers to implement measures that proactively prevent occupational accidents among older workers. This study aimed to clarify the status of awareness of the Guidelines and workplace improvement efforts with consideration of older workers, focusing on company size. METHODS: Overall, 780 businesses in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, were randomly selected from a Wakayama Occupational Health Support Center workplace list. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed by mail. The questionnaires comprised questions about the workplace, status of awareness of the Guidelines, comprehensive management of safety and health, considerations for working conditions, workers, workload reduction, work posture, work environment, and safety and health. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-one businesses (effective response rate: 21.9%) provided questionnaires with complete responses. For the Guidelines, 39.0% of small-sized (less than 50 employees) businesses answered, "never even heard of the name," while many medium-sized (50-99 employees) and large-sized (100 or more employees) businesses answered that they had heard of the name but did not exactly know about it (33.3% of medium-sized businesses and 47.8% of large-sized businesses). Regarding the system that subsidizes the expenses required for the improvement of a working environment for older workers to work safely and securely (hereinafter referred to as the subsidy system), many businesses of all sizes answered that they had "never even heard of the name." In the comprehensive management of safety and health, half of the businesses of all sizes had developed a system that made it easy to consult about the risk against occupational accidents of older workers. Regardless of size, more than half of businesses were able to consider working conditions and workers. However, there were only a few items where more than half of the businesses considered workload reduction, work posture, work environment, and safety and health, regardless of business size. It became clear that workplace improvement had not progressed very much. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that to promote workplace improvement that considers older workers, it is necessary to disseminate the Guidelines and proactively take on workplace improvement by utilizing the subsidy system.

[Support for a balance between work schedules and treatment regimens among workers with illness: A questionnaire survey focusing on company size in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan].

OBJECTIVES: The support from businesses to create a balance between work schedules and treatment regimens among employees suffering from illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes, seems to be insufficient. This study aimed to investigate efforts of businesses to support the balance of work schedules and treatment regimens among employees with illness, focusing on company size and to identify potential workplace improvements for such employees. METHODS: Overall, 789 businesses in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan were randomly selected from a workplace list of the Wakayama Occupational Health Support Center. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed by mail. The questionnaires consisted of question items on workplace, current employees who had suffered or were suffering from cancer (employees with cancer), employees with illnesses (diseases such as cancer and diabetes), and support for businesses and employees. RESULTS: Questionnaires with complete responses were collected from 187 businesses (response rate: 23.7%). The ratios of businesses where employees with cancer were engaged or had been engaged were 43.4% for small-sized (less than 50 employees), 70.9% for medium-sized (50-99 employees), and 83.1% for large-sized (100 and more employees) businesses. In all business sizes, the most common support in reinstatement or hiring employees with cancer was "absenteeism for treatment." The most common difficulty that occurred in the workplace due to the presence of employees with cancer was "the insufficient number of workers." The information from the attending physician, etc. necessary for deciding the reinstatement was mostly "the current health condition and physical strength." Additionally, in all business sizes, the most common support for employees with illness to balance work schedule and treatment regimens was "considering measures suitable to the situation such as hospital visits and physical condition." The most common challenge was "securing alternative personnel." The information from the attending physician, etc. necessary for deciding the reinstatement was "the current health condition and physical strength," similar to that for employees with cancer. More than 60% of the businesses of varying sizes reported being unaware of the work-treatment balance support coordinator. CONCLUSIONS: Considering measures suitable to the situation, such as hospital visits and physical condition, securing alternative personnel, and actively disseminating information regarding work-treatment balance support coordinators are recommended as workplace improvements for employees with illnesses.

Appendicular Muscle Mass Index was Stronger than Body Mass Index in Association with Atherosclerosis in the Community-Dwelling Elderly.

AIMS: Low muscle mass is associated with advanced atherosclerosis. However, only very few studies on the elderly have investigated a dose-response relationship between muscle mass and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, whether the relationship between muscle mass and atherosclerosis is stronger than that between body mass index (BMI) and atherosclerosis among the elderly population remains to be determined. METHODS: A community-based sample of apparently healthy elderlies (≥ 65 years) was cross-sectionally examined for the association between appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a measure of atherosclerosis. We categorized the participants according to sex-specific quintiles of the ASM index (ASM/height2) or BMI. Using multivariable linear regression, we compared the slope of one standard deviation higher ASM index for baPWV with the corresponding slope of BMI, separately (single-index model) and jointly (simltaneously-adjusted model). RESULTS: The ASM index and BMI of a total of 995 participants (60.0% women, mean age 73 years) were significantly inversely associated with baPWV in a dose-response manner across the quintiles in both sexes. The slope for the ASM index tended to be greater than that for BMI in the single-index and simultaneously-adjusted models in both sexes after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Among a community-dwelling elderly population, the association between ASM and baPWV was stronger than, and independent of that between BMI and baPWV. These findings suggest that ASM provides more important information on atherosclerosis in the elderly than BMI does.

[Allergy and immunotoxicology in preventive and clinical medicine from theory to practice: Occupational allergy and isocyanate-induced asthma].

Genetic and environmental factors and their interactions cause diseases and deteriorate health (Genetic and Environmental Interaction). Exposure to environmental factors plays a major role in the deterioration of health in the workplace.Occupational asthma (OA) is a common disorder in the workplace. Approaches to OA are well described and discussed in "Japanese Guideline for Diagnosis and Management of Occupational Allergic Diseases" by the Japanese Society of Occupational and Environmental Allergy. According to the guideline, OA and work-aggravated asthma comprise work-related asthma, and OA can be further divided into two disease entities: sensitizer-induced OA and irritant-induced OA. The guidelines also describe diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for OA. Since a definitive diagnosis of OA requires a comprehensive decision based on a detailed interview on clinical symptoms related to employment status and clinical tests, including inhalation tests of suspected substances as needed, the possibility of OA should be considered as the first step toward diagnosis of the patient. Otherwise, OA may not be diagnosed. Therapeutic strategies include exposure avoidance, environmental arrangements in the workplace, utilization of social resources for workers, and conventional pharmacotherapy for asthma.Artificially synthesized small compounds are used in various industries and can cause allergies. For example, isocyanates are small compounds in the -NCO group, which have been toxicologically studied. It was later shown that isocyanate could cause various nontoxic adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. Since small agents with low molecular weights bind to proteins, detecting their specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies targeting small compounds is generally difficult. In contrast, isocyanate-specific IgE antibodies are detectable in individuals with isocyanate allergies.Suspecting OA is essential in cases exposed to newly synthesized compounds, or to those that are already known but applied to new uses, which can be better understood and predicted by studying the health effects of isocyanates.Academic interest in various issues related to allergies, immunology, and toxicology in the workplace includes clinical medicine, epidemiology, and epigenetics related to environmental exposure. Further advanced research in these areas is necessary and promising.

Relationship between coffee consumption and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Japanese civil servants.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome has become a major worldwide public health problem. We examined the relationship between coffee consumption and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Japanese civil servants. METHODS: The study participants were 3284 employees (2335 men and 948 women) aged 20 to 65 years. Using data from their 2008 health checkup records, we analyzed the relationship between coffee consumption and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Japanese criteria. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 374 of the 2335 men (16.0%) and 32 of the 948 women (3.4%). In univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, the odds ratios (ORs) among men for the presence of metabolic syndrome were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.56-1.03) and 0.61 (0.39-0.95), respectively, among moderate (≥4 cups of coffee per day) coffee drinkers as compared with non-coffee drinkers. Among all components of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure and high triglyceride level were inversely associated with moderate coffee consumption in men, after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking status, drinking status, and exercise. However, in women, moderate coffee consumption was not significantly associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome or its components. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Japanese male civil servants.

Evaluation of darrow red-organosilane composite as a photosensitizer for application in dye-sensitized zinc oxide photocatalysts: DFT and TD-DFT studies.

CONTEXT: Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) studies of darrow red covalently attached to 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (DR-GPTMS) were conducted, and it was shown that DR-GPTMS can be applied as a photosensitizer in dye-sensitized zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalysts. The frontier molecular orbital (FMO) levels of DR-GPTMS simulated using a conductor-like polarizable continuum model in water were suitable for electron injection from photoexcited DR-GPTMS to ZnO. Additionally, the oxidized DR-GPTMS produced by electron injection can be regenerated using triethanolamine. UV-visible absorption spectra, FMOs, and density of states spectra of DR-GPTMS adsorbed on the Zn2O3 cluster were also investigated to understand the mechanism of electron injection. The results suggest that DR-GPTMS induces good visible-light absorption and efficient electron injection to ZnO. METHODS: DFT and TD-DFT calculations were performed using the Gaussian 09W package (Gaussian, Inc., Wallingford, CT, USA). The density of states spectra was obtained using GaussSum (3.0.2). The B3LYP/6-31G** level of theory was employed for all calculations except for the UV-visible absorption spectra simulation. In calculations involving ZnO, the LanL2DZ or SDD basis set was assigned to the zinc atoms. TD-DFT calculations were performed at the eight different functionals (B3LYP, PBE0, M06-L, M06, M06-2X, M06-HF, CAM-B3LYP, and ωB97XD) with the 6-31+G** basis set. A conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) using water was employed determining the solvent effect.