In 31 asthmatic children, we investigated the change of the structure on the time of living, an amount of exercise by pedmeter and measured pulmonary ventilatory function during 28 weeks swimming training.
The result showed 58.07% of contribution factor to the structure on the time of living on children with asthma and dynamic play time after school were significantly shorter in asthmatic than non-asthmatic children (p<0.05) . After 28 weeks, we could not find any significantly differences of dynamic play time between asthmatic and nonasthmatic children.
An amount of exercise in daily life from the point of view of walking step number by pedmeter were significantly less in aged 6-9 years boys and girls, and aged 10-12 years boys than non-asthmatic children (respectively, p<0.05, p<0.01) . However, after 28 weeks, we could not find any differences between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.
Forced vital capacity (FVC) and rate of forced expiratory volume on one second (% FEV_1.0) were increased after 28 weeks than the begining of swimming, and we found the strength of their breathing muscles.
On according to perform the great swimming distances (averages 220m in boys, 325m in girls), all asthmatic children became very lively and actively.

To investigate the relationship between maximal aerobic power (VO₂max) and fatigu-abililty during repeated isokinetic contractions, 39 male speed skaters (mean 20.8 years) served as subjects. They were divided into two groups according to their VO₂max levels ; high VO₂max group (HI, n=19) and low VO₂max group (LO, n=20) . VO₂max was measured in all subjects during incremental exercise on a bicycle ergometer and body composition was determined by densitometry. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the leg extensor muscles was evaluated using ultrasonic method. Fatiguability was assessed during the fatigue test consisting of 50 repeated isokinetic knee-extensions at an angular velocity of 180 deg⋅sec^-1. Remark-able findings include :
1. There were no significant differences in body composition and thigh composition between the two groups except for high subcutaneous fat in group LO.
2. There were significant differences in VO₂max between group HI (3.93l⋅min^-1, 67.3 ml⋅kg LBM^-1⋅min^-1) and group LO (3.59l⋅min^-1, 59.9 ml⋅kg LBM^-1⋅min^-1) .
3. In the fatigue test, the average initial values did not differ, however, the average final values were higher in group HI. Also, a significant difference was observed in per unit CSA between the two groups.
4. Higher peak forces (kg) in group HI were observed after the initial 30 dymanic contractions per unit CSA and % of peak values (% peak force) .
5. A close relationship was demonstrated between VO₂max per LBM and the fatigue index, i. e., the mean decline in peak force with 50 contractions (r=-0.37, p<0.05) .
Based on the present findings it is suggested that maximal aerobic power (VO₂max) influences the rate of fatigue development even during short-term maximal isokinetic contractions, and that there may be some physiological cross-linkages between cardiopulmonary regulation and the metabolic properties of skeletal muscles. This finding is also in conformity with earlier results indicating the importance of oxygen delivery as a limiting factor for muscle performance.

In 2010, the Japan Diabetes Society decided to introduce the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) values into clinical practice. Accordingly, NGSP Certification of Japanese manufacturers of HbA(1c)-related diagnostic reagents and instruments was initiated in February, 2012, through an NGSP network laboratory, the Asian Secondary Reference Laboratory (ASRL) #1. Traceability to the NGSP reference system can be endorsed by manufacturer certification, as well as by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) survey. Nevertheless, only a few manufacturers participate in the CAP survey in Japan. Thus, proficiency testing (PT) was proposed and executed by ASRL #1. Single-donor whole-blood samples were used for the PT. The participated measurement systems were NGSP certified. Twenty-two laboratories obtained certification through ASRL #1; 2 through the Secondary Reference Laboratory (SRL) #8; and 9 through the SRL #9. The combination plots of the bias data in this PT and in the NGSP certification performed in March and May in 2012 were consistent with each other: mean NGSP values at each level agreed well with the target value. In conclusion, PT using whole blood is useful in endorsing NGSP certification.
Asia ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Enzyme Assays ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/*analysis/standards ; Humans ; Immunoassay ; Japan ; Laboratory Proficiency Testing/*standards ; Quality Control ; Reference Standards ; Republic of Korea ; Societies, Scientific