Several prediction equations for estimating body composition of Japanese men and women have recently been developed using a linear regression model with a combination of impedance and anthropometric measurements as independent variables. The purpose of this study was to determine the cross-validity of body density (Db) estimated from bioelectrical impedance (BI) and skinfold thickness (ST) methods in comparison with underwater weighing (UW) as a criterion reference method. Percentage body fat (%BF) was derived from Db according to the equation Brozek et al. Fifty-seven healthy Japanese women, aged 19 to 57 years, volunteered to participate in the study. Impedance was measured by use of a portable four-terminal impedance plethysmograph (Selco, SIF-891) . %BF derived from the BI method (r=0.860-0.875) was correlated with hydrodensitometrically determined %BF to a greater extent than %BF obtained using the ST method (r=0.7330.758) or ultrasound method (r=0.536-0.721) . Correlations of various anthropometric indices (r=0.655-0.691) with hydrodensitometrically determined %BF were even lower. It was noteworthy, however, that mean %BF derived from existing BI equations differed significantly from hydrodensitometrically determined mean %BF. Therefore, we attempted to develop a new equation that was applicable to Japanese adult women as follows: Db=1.1613-0.1038 (Wt⋅Z ) /Ht², where Wt=weight in kg, Z=impedance in ohms, and Ht=height in cm. The prediction accuracy of this equation was r=0.866 or SEE=0.0077 g/ml. Cross-validation of this equation on a different sample (122 Japanese women, aged 18 to 59 years) revealed a correlation of r=0.869 in terms of %BF, SEE=3.2%, and no significant difference between estimated %BF and the criterion. We suggest that the BI method is one of the most convenient, valid means of assessing human body composition, and that the newly developed BI equation could be useful particularly when the subjects are Japanese adult women in their late teens to fifties.

A study was conducted to investigate the validity of skinfold-based prediction equations for body density (Db, g/ml) developed by Nagamine et al. (1974), and to formulate convenient, useful equations for predicting Db by the skinfold thickness (ST) method in junior high school boys and girls. The subjects of the study were 269 healthy boys and girls, aged 12-15 years. The dependent variable, Db, was determined by underwater weighing (UW) . Independent variables included single skinfold thickness at three sites (triceps, subscapular and abdomen) and the sum of two skinfolds. Db by the ST method was estimated from the equations developed by Nagamine et al. (1974) for boys and girls, using the sum of skinfold thickness at the triceps and subscapular area. Skinfold thickness was measured on the right side of the body with an Eiken-type skinfold caliper. Db estimated by the ST method was correlated significantly with Db determined by UW (r=0.873 for boys and r=0.723 for girls) . However, average Db values estimated by the ST method were significantly lower than those deter-mined by UW (differences in Db values when predicted by the Nagamine equations: 0.0099 for boys and 0, 0114 for girls) . Therefore, we developed linear regression equations for predicting Db. The best-fitting prediction equation for Db was Db=1.0881-0.0010·X for boys, and Db=1.0715-0.0007·X for girls, where X is the sum of the triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness (mm) for boys and girls. Db estimated from the respective equation was correlated significantly with hydrodensitometrically determined Db (r=0.872, SEE=0.0089 for boys; r=0.722, SEE=0.0104 for girls) .
Furthermore, in a cross-validation analysis of prediction equations for Db developed in the present study, Db estimated from the respective equation was correlated highly with hydrodensitometrically determined Db (r=0.887 for boys and r=0.740 for girls) . There were no significant differences between the Db values predicted by the ST method against hydrodensitometrically determined Db values (difference values: 0.0012 for boys and 0.0013 for girls) . The final phase of this study was to develop more stable equations, combining validation and cross-validation samples. On the basis of the final analyses, we recommend the equations Y=1.0875-0.0010X and Y=1.0716-0.0007X, with SEE of 0.0088g/ml for boys and 0.0105g/ml for girls, respectively. It is suggested that the prediction equations finally developed in the present study will be applicable to junior high school boys and girls.

The tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance (BI) method has been proposed as a convenient, valid approach for estimating the body composition of normal healthy adults. However, the validity of the BI method has not yet been confirmed for Japanese junior high school boys and girls. The purpose of this study was to develop convenient and useful equations for predicting the body composition in junior high school boys and girls by the BI method. The subjects were 297 healthy boys and girls, aged 12.15 years, all of whom were Japanese. Impedance was measured using a tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance plethysmograph (800 pA, 50 kHz SIF-891) manufactured by Selco. Multiple regression analysis was used to derive prediction equations for Db that were specifically applicable to boys and girls. The effective prediction equations for Db were as follows : 1) Db=1.1860-0.1282 (Wt·Z) /Ht², and 2) Db=1.1402-0.0706 (Wt·Z) /Ht²-0.0007· (abdomen) for boys. 1) Db=1.1337-0.0778 (Wt·Z) /Ht², and 2) Db=1.1124-0.0498 (Wt·Z) /Ht²-0.0006· (subscapular) for girls, where Db=body density (g/ml), Wt=weight (kg), Z =impedance (ohms), Ht=height (cm) . Db estimated by each respective equation was highly correlated with body density measured by underwater weighing (UW-Db) : 1) r=0.881, SEE=0.00868/ml, 2) r=0.902, SEE=0.00788/nil for boys and 1) r= 0.741, SEE=0.0101 g/ml, 2) r=0.775, SEE =0.0095g/ml for girls. Furthermore, in a cross-validation analysis of prediction equations for Db, another sample consisting of 40 boys and 66 girls was used. Db estimated from each respective equation was correlated highly with UW-Db : 1) r=0.856, 2) r=0.887 for boys and 1) r=0.837, 2) r=0.860 for girls. There were no significant differences between the mean Db obtained by the BI method and that by the criterion method. We suggest that the prediction equations proposed in this study are useful for valid assessment of body composition of Japanese junior high school boys and girls aged 12 through 15 years.

The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis has increased all over the world during the last two decades. Dietary change is supposed to be associated with this increase. If it is the case, an appropriate intake of foods or drinks with anti-allergic functions is expected to stop the increase. Flavonoids, ubiquitously present in vegetables, fruits or teas possess anti-allergic activities. Flavonoids inhibit histamine release, synthesis of IL-4 and IL-13 and CD40 ligand expression by basophils and mast cells. Analyses of structure-activity relationships of representative flavones showed that luteolin, apigenin and fisetin were the strongest inhibitors of IL-4 production with an IC₅₀ value of 2–5 μM and determined a fundamental structure for the inhibitory activity. Quercetin and kaempferol showed a substantial activity with an IC₅₀ value of 15–18 μM. The inhibitory activity of flavonoids on IL-4 and CD40 ligand expression were thought to be mediated through their inhibitory action on activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells and AP-1. Administration of flavonoids into atopic dermatitis-prone mice prevented the onset of dermatitis and serum IgE elevation and ameliorated the severity of dermatitis even after the onset. In addition a preliminary trial of flavonoids for adult patients with atopic dermatitis showed a significant effect. Recent epidemiological studies reported that a low incidence of asthma was significantly observed by population with a high intake of flavonoids. Thus, these evidences will be helpful for the development of low molecular compounds for allergic diseases and it is expected that an appropriate daily intake of flavonoids may be an effective complementary and alternative medicine and a preventative strategy for allergic diseases.

At Tokyo Women's Medical University, our curriculum for first-year students is designed to teach the dynamics and etiquette of human relations. During the third year, medical students are expected to anticipate and plan effective therapeutic communication and interaction with patients. A discussion group of 6 students and a member of the human-relations committee first clarify the purpose and develop the training; students then independently participate in human-relations training during the summer vacation. After training, experiences are discussed during class. Although this curriculum has been used for some 10 years, its benefits have been assumed but not validated. We used student reports and questionnaires to examine the effects of this curriculum. The results clearly show that planning and training give the students an opportunity to learn how to establish an effective physician-patient relationship.

[Introduction]There are few studies on the effect of acupuncture on QOL and work ability. Therefore, by this prospective study, we examined the effect of acupuncture treatment for QOL and work ability of visual display terminal (VDT) workers.
[Methods]Sixty-one VDT workers participated as subjects (41 males, 20 females). Acupuncture sessions were performed once a week for 4 weeks. Acupuncture points were decided by individualized VDT workers neck and shoulder symptoms points. Disposable press tack needles were used. Improvement of SF-36 and the work ability index were evaluated.
[Results]All VDT workers completed follow-up. There were statistically significant improvements in Mental Component Score (MCS), Physical Component Score (PCS), Role Physical and Body-Pain of the SF-36, and WAI. Regular correlations between before WAI and MCS, PCS, and 8 subscales of the SF-36 were observed. In addition improvement rate of WAI and Body-Pain were observed.
[Conclusion]Symptoms in the neck shoulder stiffness of the VDT workers was improved by acupuncture, and QOL/work ability improved.

Objective: Ganoderma lucidum (Rei-shi) is widely used as an alternative medicine agent to promote health and longevity. The water-soluble extract from culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia (WER) is prepared from a solid medium composed of bagasse and rice bran overgrown for 3–4 months with Ganoderma lucidum mycelia.
Design: In this study, we evaluate antioxidant activity of WER in vitro, and examined the effects of oral treatment of WER on oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.
Method: Male ICR mice were treated with STZ (150 mg/kg, i.p.) and were housed for a week for induction of experimental diabetic state. WER (1 g/kg daily) was orally administered for an additional 9 weeks, and the levels of blood glucose, oxidative stress in plasma, liver and kidney of the mice were assessed.
Result: WER inhibited generation of superoxide anion and lipid peroxidation in concentration dependent manner in vitro. Oral administration of WER to diabetic mice significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, hydroperoxides, triglyceride, ALT, and AST. Moreover, WER prevented the increase in lipid peroxide levels and the decrease in activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) in liver and kidney of diabetic mice. In addition, histochemical studies revealed that treatment of WER precluded the sinusoidal dilation in liver and expansion of mesangial matrix in kidney of diabetic mice. Normal mice treated with WER showed no change in any parameters studied.
Conclusion: These data suggested that WER can act as an antioxidant in vivo, and show the antidiabetic effects by relieving diabetic hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress.

[Introduction]Recently, in the development of information technology, VDT workers are increasing rapidly. Physical and mental health symptoms associated with working at visual display terminals (VDTs) are controversial. However, there are few studies about the effect of acupuncture treatment on eye fatigue, neck and shoulder stiffness that many VDT workers have.
Therefore, in this prospective study, we examined the effect of acupuncture treatment for complaints of VDT workers.
[Methods]Sixty-one VDT workers participated as subjects (41 males, 20 females). Acupuncture sessions were performed once a week for four weeks. Acupuncture points were decided by the patient's muscleskeletal distress.
Disposable press tack needles were used. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to determine eye fatigue, neck and shoulder stiffness. Improvements of each VAS were evaluated. Then we analyzed improvement on shoulder and neck stiffness associated with eye fatigue.
[Results]The neck and shoulder distress of patients was reduced in four weeks by acupuncture treatment. A regular correlation between the improvement rate of eye fatigue and neck/shoulder stiffness was observed.
[Conclusion]The neck and shoulder stiffness was improved by acupuncture treatment. According to improved symptoms, eye fatigue was mitigated as well. Thus it was suggested that utility of acupuncture is high in the field of industrial medicine.

Objective: The water-soluble extract of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia (WER) is prepared from a solid medium composed of bagasse and rice bran overgrown with Ganoderma lucidum mycelia. Recently, we have reported that WER had glucose-lowering effect in streptozotosin-induced diabetic mice, an animal model of type 1 diabetes. Here, we investigated whether long-term treatment with WER affects hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in KK-A^y mice, a type 2 diabetic animal model with obesity.
Methods: Female KK-A^y mice were given free access to water and high-fat food containing 0.5% WER for 8 weeks, with blood glucose and plasma insulin levels assessed every week. At the end of the experimental period, insulin tolerance test (ITT) was performed, and plasma levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, AST, ALT and adiponectin were measured. Furthermore, expression of GLUT4 in skeletal muscle cell membrane and adipocytes was also determined by immunostaining and Western blot analysis.
Results: The mice with high-fat ingestion showed a gradual increase in levels of blood glucose and body weight. In the WER-treated mice, the blood glucose level was significantly suppressed after 2 weeks of treatment. WER also reduced plasma levels of ALT and insulin, but did not affect the other parameters. Additionally, ITT revealed that WER improved insulin sensitivity. Moreover, expression of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes of the WER-treated mice was increased.
Conclusion: These results indicate that WER has a glucose-lowering effect in type 2 diabetic mice. WER also improved hyperinsulinemia and insulin sensitivity, which may derive from enhancement of glucose uptake through GLUT4 of skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes.

Background/Aims: The anastomotic site after distal gastrectomy is the area most affected by duodenogastric reflux. Different reconstruction methods may affect the lesion characteristics and treatment outcomes of remnant gastric cancers at the anastomotic site. We retrospectively investigated the clinicopathologic and endoscopic submucosal dissection outcomes of remnant gastric cancers at the anastomotic site. Methods: We recruited 34 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for remnant gastric cancer at the anastomotic site after distal gastrectomy. Clinicopathology and treatment outcomes were compared between the Billroth II and non-Billroth II groups. Results: The tumor size in the Billroth II group was significantly larger than that in the non-Billroth II group (22 vs. 19 mm; p=0.048). More severe gastritis was detected endoscopically in the Billroth II group (2 vs. 1.33; p=0.0075). Moreover, operation time was longer (238 vs. 121 min; p=0.004) and the frequency of bleeding episodes was higher (7.5 vs. 3.1; p=0.014) in the Billroth II group. Conclusions Compared to remnant gastric cancers in non-Billroth II patients, those in the Billroth II group had larger lesions with a background of severe remnant gastritis. Endoscopic submucosal dissection for remnant gastric cancers in Billroth II patients involved longer operative times and more frequent bleeding episodes than that in patients without Billroth II.