Objectives: To use the evaluation of a specific brain function obtained by optical topography. This system uses a non invasive method to measure brain function, unlike other major systems. Methods: Twelve optical fibers were attached to the subject's head. Hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were measured during finger tapping before and after alcohol intake for each ALDH2 genotype. Results: Different hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were observed among the ALDH2 genotypes. Conclusions: Optical topography is a useful tool for evaluating specific brain functions. Further research is needed on the relations between various environmental factors and brain functions by optical topography.
brain function ; seconds ; Landscapes ; Pulmonary evaluation ; Function

Objective: To examine changes in the Body Mass Index (BMI) and in the prevalence of obesity among male Japanese workers after five years. Design: Follow-up study, based on data from annual health checkups performed at workplaces. Subjects and Methods: We had access to the data for a total of 63,951 male workers aged 20 through 54 years in 1992 who were examined in both 1992 and 1997. In quinquennial cohorts, we compared the findings for mean BMI and the prevalence of obesity in 1992 with the findings in 1997. Results: Between 1992 and 1997, in all cohorts the mean BMI increased significantly. For each adjacent cohort pair the mean BMI value in 1997 was significantly higher than in 1992. In 1992, 21.3% of all subjects were obese, increasing by 3.4% after five years to 24.7% in 1997. In the younger 1968—1972 and 1963—1967 cohorts the prevalence of obesity increased by 6.3% during five years. The significant increase in the obesity prevalence was observed from 1992 to 1997 for each age-adjusted cohort. Conclusions: These results suggest a substantial increase in obesity among male Japanese workers. The notable increase in the prevalence of obesity among young male adults and the general trend toward widespread obesity during five years signal an increasing risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
Obesity ; Male gender ; Prevalence aspects ; workforce ; Body Mass Index

OBJECTIVESTo use the evaluation of a specific brain function obtained by optical topography. This system uses a non invasive method to measure brain function unlike other major systems.

METHODSTwelve optical fibers were attached to the subject's head. Hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were measured during finger tapping before and after alcohol intake for eachALDH2 genotype.

RESULTSDifferent hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were observed among, theALDH2 genotypes.

CONCLUSIONSOptical topography is a useful tool for evaluating specific brain functions. Further research is needed on the relations between various environmental factors and brain functions by optical topography.

OBJECTIVESTo examine the relationship between lifestyles and psychosomatic symptoms in children, we conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey of elementary school students and junior high school students in Japan.

METHODSWe designed an original questionnaire to investigate the lifestyles and psychosomatic symptoms of children. In 1997, responses to the questionnaires were elicited from public elementary school fourth grade students (then aged 9-10) and public junior high school seventh grade students (then aged 12-13). The survey was repeated annually for three years as the students advanced through school.

RESULTSFor both boys and girls, each cross-sectional analysis revealed a strong relationship between lifestyle behaviors and psychosomatic symptoms. Psychosomatic, symptoms scores varied according to daily hours of sleep, eating of breakfast, having strong likes and dislikes of food, bowel habits, and daily hours of television watching. Both boys and girls with "good" lifestyle, behaviors evaluated by the HPI (Health Practice Index) showed lower scores for psychosomatic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONSThese findings show that the lifestyle behaviors of children are significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms and suggest that poor lifestyle behaviors are likely to increase physical and psychological health risks.