Fall-related factors (FRFs) are classified into intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors. Intervention programs, which focused on modifiable factors (MFs) among FRFs have been designed to prevent falls. The purpose of this study was to identify easily-measurable intrinsic MFs for falls and recurrent falls. Cross-sectional analysis was carried out on the data from 483 community-dwelling older adults, aged 65-92 years (73.7 ± 5.9 yr, 138 men, 345 women). We measured history of falls in the past year and 7 domains of FRFs. Of these, 20 items were selected as MFs. Analyses of FRFs and MFs were conducted by comparing (separated by sex) those who did not report a fall with those who reported any number of falls, and those who reported no falls or one fall with those who reported recurrent falls. Using the significant items as independent variables, multiple logistic regression analysis with forward selection method was performed. The prevalence of falls and recurrent falls was: in men, 24.6% and 14.5%; in women, 26.7% and 12.5%. There were no significant differences in prevalence of falls or recurrent falls between genders. The following items were selected as the MFs most strongly associated with falls: climbing 10 steps with difficulty and tandem walk; and associated with recurrent falls: climbing 10 steps with difficulty, sit and reach, and tandem walk. These results are useful in determining the focus of fall prevention programs to be used in future community-based interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Autistic spectrum traits are postulated to lie on a continuum that extends between individuals with autism and individuals with typical development. The present study was carried out to investigate functional and network abnormalities associated with autistic spectrum trait in healthy male subjects. METHODS: Subjects were 41 healthy male subjects who underwent the social responsiveness scale-adult (SRS-A) and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: There was significant positive correlation between the total score of SRS-A and the regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Also, there were changes in functional network such as in cingulate corti, insula and fusiform cortex. Further, we also found the significant difference of functional networks between the healthy male subjects with high or low autistic spectrum trait, and these points were congruent with the previous perceptions derived from autistic-spectrum disorders. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a biological basis for the autistic spectrum trait and may be useful for the imaging marker of autism symptomatology.
Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Autistic Disorder ; Cerebrovascular Circulation* ; Gyrus Cinguli ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male* ; SRS-A