Japanese health utilities index mark 3 (HUI3): measurement properties in a community sample.

Background: The McMaster Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) is a generic multi-attribute, preference-based system for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study describes the translation procedures and cultural adaptation of the Japanese HUI3 and its measurement properties in a community sample.

Methods: The Japanese HUI3 was developed through forward and back translations in cooperation with the developers of the HUI.

Changes in mental health and quality of life with dental implants as evaluated by General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Health Utilities Index (HUI).

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the improvement in oral and systemic conditions and health-related quality of life in patients with missing teeth receiving dental implants and conventional treatment.

Methods: A total of 97 patients with missing teeth, of whom 59 received dental implants and 38 received conventional treatment, were included in this study. The patients were divided into two age groups for a more detailed analysis: a 30- to 59-year age group (young) and a >60-year age group.

[Nine-month observation of effects of SO2 on the respiratory system in child Miyakejima citizens].

Background: Mt. Oyama on Miyakejima Island erupted in June 2000 and all Miyake village citizens were forced to evacuate the island in the September, due to continuous eruptions and emission of unsafe amounts of volcanic gas, mainly sulfur dioxide (SO2). Beginning in February 2005, residents returned to live on the island despite the fact that volcanic gas was still being emitted.

The relationships of sleep duration and mental health with electrocardiographic findings: a retrospective-cohort study in Okinawa, Japan.

Objectives: Sleep disorders and psychological stress have become major concerns as health risks in modern Japanese society. Chronic sleep deprivation could lead to physical and mental exhaustion, which could affect the circulatory condition. In this study, we have investigated the effects of long-term sleep problems and mental health conditions on abnormal ECG findings from the standpoint of community health.

Effects of SO2 on respiratory system of adult Miyakejima resident 2 years after returning to the island.

Background: Mt. Oyama in Miyakejima Island erupted in June, 2000. All Miyake villagers were forced to evacuate from the island in September, 2000, due to continuous eruptions and emissions of unsafe amounts of volcanic gas, mainly SO2.

Visceral fat thickness in overweight men correlates with alterations in serum fatty acid composition.

Background: We examined relationships between visceral fat amount and alterations in serum fatty acid composition, both of which represent critical factors in the development of metabolic syndrome.

Methods: Correlations were analyzed between visceral fat thickness as measured by ultrasonography and proportions of individual fatty acids in 21 normal-weight and 24 overweight Japanese men.

Results: Significant associations were identified in overweight subjects.

The relationship between long-term changes in plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels and electrocardiographic findings.

Objectives: Changes in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in an adult Japanese population were measured over a 5-year period, and the statistical relationships between these were evaluated.

Methods: This was a longitudinal analysis in which data were collected on 353 subjects (135 men and 218 women) who had undergone general health checks in 1998 and 2003.

Results: Data were examined by correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of covariance using repeated measurements.

Job strain and arteriosclerosis in three different types of arteries among male Japanese factory workers.

Objectives: This study evaluated the association between job strain and subclinical indicators of arteriosclerosis simultaneously in the cerebral artery, the aorta, and the carotid artery.

Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study consisted of 352 male factory workers between the ages of 24.9 to 55.

An occupational health study of emergency physicians in Japan: health assessment by immune variables (CD4, CD8, CD56, and NK cell activity) at the beginning of work.

This study was conducted to evaluate the occupational health of Japanese physicians in emergency medicine. Subjects participating in this study were eighty-nine physicians working at 12 medical facilities (10 critical care emergency centers) in Japan. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire of work conditions and to provide blood samples for immune variable measurements (CD4, CD8, CD56 and natural killer cell (NK cell) activity) before commencing their work.

Association of thoracic kyphosis with subjective poor health, functional activity and blood pressure in the community-dwelling elderly.

Objectives: The prevalence of thoracic kyphosis is considered to increase as the population is ageing in Japan. However, little is known about the clinical and preventive significance of kyphosis. The purpose of the study is to assess the association of kyphosis with subjective poor health and functional activity in the community-dwelling Japanese elderly.

Lack of relationship between occupational exposure to carbon disulfide and endocrine dysfunction: a six-year cohort study of the Japanese rayon workers.

Objectives: A six-year prospective cohort study was conducted to clarify whether the current carbon disulfide (CS2) exposure level is low enough to prevent subclinical health impairment and/or to ameliorate health effects due to previous high exposure. This paper describes the follow-up results, exposure assessment, and effects on the endocrine system.

Methods: The study subjects were 432 male workers exposed to CS2 at one of the 11 rayon factories in Japan and 402 referent workers from the same factories, all of whom were examined in 1992-93.

Uptake of cadmium in meals from the digestive tract of young non-smoking Japanese female volunteers.

Objectives: To estimate rates of cadmium (Cd) uptake from the digestive tract and changes in Cd in biological specimens after intake of Cd mainly in rice.

Methods: Twenty-five young non-smoking Japanese female volunteers (20-23 in age) were recruited and a 20-d experimental study was conducted. With polished rice containing 0.

Management strategies using pharmacogenomics in patients with severe HCV-1b infection: a decision analysis.

The management of interferon (IFN) therapy for histologically severe chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b (HCV-1b [F3]) is controversial. A decision analysis using the Markov decision analysis model was performed for 6 disease management strategies by using clinical data from a Japanese teaching hospital and available published data. The results of base case analyses showed that IFN monotherapy was considered favorable for patients aged 40 to 60 years with HCV-1b (F3).