Incidence In Japan Research Articles

Real-time quantification of the next-generation matrix and age-dependent forecasting of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 in Japan

PurposeTo quantify the age-dependent next-generation matrix (NGM) for the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and forecast the age-stratified cumulative incidence in Japan. MethodsUsing a renewal equation model that describes the time evolution of the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, we derive the likelihood function to estimate parameters of the NGM and reporting coverage. Comparing the Akaike Information Criterion of models using empirically observed data from the 2009 pandemic in Gifu, Japan, we excluded redundant parameters and identified the three best models that were parameterized in different ways. ResultsThe initial proportions of susceptible populations were suggested as redundant information to be inferred. The three models selected successfully captured the order of the age-dependent cumulative incidence. We found that the time required for reliable estimation of age-dependent cumulative incidence was at least 180 days. ConclusionsTo forecast the age-dependent cumulative incidence reliably following the estimation of the NGM and reporting coverage, we need empirically observed data for more than 5 months from the start of the epidemic, which is likely to be after the peak. To increase the practical efficacy in forecasting the cumulative incidence, additional data and approaches are required.

Lessons learned from the buncefield oil storage depot fire -from the viewpoint of comparison with the recent major incidents in Japan- ;; 英国バンスフィールド火災事故の教訓 ―近年国内で発生した重大事故との比較の視点から―

Lessons learned from the buncefield oil storage depot fire -from the viewpoint of comparison with the recent major incidents in Japan- ;; 英国バンスフィールド火災事故の教訓 ―近年国内で発生した重大事故との比較の視点から―

Development of a multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of human enteric viruses other than norovirus using samples collected from gastroenteritis patients in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.

There are many varieties of gastroenteritis viruses, of which norovirus (NoV) accounts for over 90% of the viral food poisoning incidents in Japan. However, protocols for rapidly identifying other gastroenteritis viruses need to be established to investigate NoV-negative cases intensively. In this study, a multiplex real-time PCR assay targeting rotavirus A, rotavirus C, sapovirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, and enterovirus was developed using stool samples collected from gastroenteritis patients between 2010 and 2013 in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Of the 126 samples collected sporadically from pediatric patients with suspected infectious gastroenteritis, 51 were positive for non-NoV target viruses, whereas 27 were positive for NoV, showing a high prevalence of non-NoV viruses in pediatric patients. In contrast, testing in 382 samples of 58 gastroenteritis outbreaks showed that non-NoV viruses were detected in 13 samples, with NoV in 267. Of the 267 NoV-positive patients, only two were co-infected with non-NoV target viruses, suggesting that testing for non-NoV gastroenteritis viruses in NoV-positive samples was mostly unnecessary in outbreak investigations. Given these results, multiplex real-time PCR testing for non-NoV gastroenteritis viruses, conducted separately from NoV testing, may be helpful to deal with two types of epidemiological investigations, regular surveillance of infectious gastroenteritis and urgent testing when gastroenteritis outbreaks occur.

Estimation of lifetime cumulative incidence and mortality risk of gastric cancer.

To estimate cumulative incidence and mortality risk for gastric cancer by risk category. Risk was classified into four types according to the presence/absence of Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis: in order of lowest to highest risk, Group A: H. pylori(-) and atrophic gastritis(-); Group B: H. pylori(+) and atrophic gastritis(-); Group C:H. pylori(+) and atrophic gastritis(+); and, Group D: H. pylori(-) and atrophic gastritis(+). We used vital statistics for the crude all-cause and crude gastric cancer mortality rates in 2011 and data from population-based cancer registries (the Monitoring of Cancer Incidence in Japan) for gastric cancer incidence in 2011. For relative risk and prevalence, we used the results of a meta-analysis integrating previous studies and data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study for the Next Generation, respectively (baseline survey 2011-16). We calculated the crude incidence and mortality rates and estimated the cumulative risk using a life-table method. The estimated lifetime cumulative incidence risk was 11.4% for men and 5.7% for women. The estimated risk for Groups A, B, C and D was 2.4%, 10.8%, 26.7% and 35.5% for men, and 1.2%, 5.5%, 13.5% and 18.0% for women, respectively. Similarly, the estimated lifetime cumulative mortality risk was 3.9% for men and 1.8% for women. The estimated risk of mortality for Groups A, B, C and D was 0.8%, 3.6%, 9.0% and 12.0% for men, and 0.4%, 1.7%, 4.2% and 5.7% for women, respectively. Our results may be useful for designing individually tailored prevention programs.

PCR-Based Method for the Detection of Toxic Mushrooms Causing Food-Poisoning Incidents.

In this study, species-specific identification of five toxic mushrooms, Chlorophyllum molybdites, Gymnopilus junonius, Hypholoma fasciculare, Pleurocybella porrigens, and Tricholoma ustale, which have been involved in food-poisoning incidents in Japan, was investigated. Specific primer pairs targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were designed for PCR detection. The specific amplicons were obtained from fresh, cooked, and simulated gastric fluid (SGF)-treated samples. No amplicons were detected from other mushrooms with similar morphology. Our method using one-step extraction of mushrooms allows rapid detection within 2.5 hr. It could be utilized for rapid identification or screening of toxic mushrooms.

Age-, sex-, and diagnosis-specific incidence rate of medically certified long-term sick leave among private sector employees: The Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health (J-ECOH) study.

BackgroundLong-term sick-leave is a major public health problem, but data on its incidence in Japan are scarce. We aimed to present reference data for long-term sick-leave among private sector employees in Japan.MethodsThe study population comprised employees of 12 companies that participated in the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study. Details on medically certified sick-leave lasting ≥30 days were collected from each company. Age- and sex-specific incidence rate of sick-leave was calculated for the period of April 2012 to March 2014.ResultsA total of 1422 spells in men and 289 in women occurred during 162,989 and 30,645 person-years of observation, respectively. The three leading causes of sick-leave (percentage of total spells) were mental disorders (52%), neoplasms (12%), and injury (8%) for men; and mental disorders (35%), neoplasms (20%), and pregnancy-related disease (14%) for women. Incidence rate of sick-leave due to mental disorders was relatively high among men in their 20s–40s but tended to decrease with age among women. Incidence rate of sick-leave due to neoplasms started to increase after age 50 in men and after age 40 in women, making neoplasms the leading cause of sick-leave after age 50 for women and after age 60 for men and the second leading cause after age 40 for women and after age 50 for men. Pregnancy-related disease was the second leading cause of sick-leave among women aged 20–39 years.ConclusionsThese results suggest that mental disorder, neoplasms, and pregnancy-related disease are the major causes of long-term sick-leave among private sector employees in Japan.

Childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer incidence in Japan in 2009–2011

Little is known about cancer incidence among children and youths in Japan. We aimed to describe cancer incidence in Japan focusing on childhood, adolescence and young adulthood (AYA). Cancer incidence data were obtained from the Monitoring of Cancer Incidence in Japan project. For the 2009-2011 incidence, the data were collected from 40 prefectures, of which data from 27 prefectures meeting quality standards were analyzed (population coverage: 38.6%). Cancers diagnosed in 0-39 years of age were classified according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (version 3). Crude incidence rates of cancer (including benign or behavior-unknown brain tumors) were 122.7, 142.2, 310.7, and 910.6 for the 0-14, 15-19, 20-29, and 30-39 age groups, respectively (per million population). Using the sex- and age-specific incidence rates, the national estimates of cancer incidence were 2055 for 0-14 years (1118 males and 937 females), 864 for 15-19 years (450 males and 414 females), 4246 for 20-29 years (1699 males and 2547 females), and 16 295 for 30-39 years of age (5101 males and 11 194 females). The five leading cancers were leukemia, cancer of the central nervous system (CNS), lymphoma, malignant germ cell and other gonadal tumors, and neuroblastoma in childhood cases (0-14 years old); leukemia, malignant germ cell and other gonadal tumors, lymphoma, CNS, and malignant bone tumors in adolescence (15-19 years old). The leading cancer in 20-29 years of age was malignant germ cell other gonadal tumors (mainly testis and ovary), whereas female breast cancer was most frequent in 30-39 years of age. These results provide an overall picture of childhood and AYA cancer in Japan.

医学・医療の戦後50年 : 患者の人権は守られたか(第7回日本生命倫理学会年次大会ワークショップ「医療と生命倫理」発表原著)

医学・医療の戦後50年 : 患者の人権は守られたか(第7回日本生命倫理学会年次大会ワークショップ「医療と生命倫理」発表原著)

Does the pathophysiology of heart failure prime the incidence of cancer?

Both chronic heart failure (CHF) and cancer are among the most frequent causes of death in developed countries. Given that CHF activates neurohumoral factors, such as cytokines, the pathophysiology of CHF could prime the onset or progression of cancer. We consecutively enrolled 5238 patients with CHF who had been hospitalized in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine in our institute between 2001 and 2013. We followed these patients until April 2015. We examined the cohort of patients from our hospital and compared it with a control cohort derived from the 2008 cancer database 'Monitoring of Cancer Incidence in Japan' from the National Cancer Center, Japan. The incidence of cancer in CHF patients (198 cases out of the 5238 patients) was approximately four times higher than that in control patients (2.27% vs 0.59%, P<0.0001; 95% confidence interval, 1.89-2.71). When we omitted the patients whose cancer diagnosis occurred prior to their diagnosis of CHF, we still observed a significantly higher incidence of cancer in patients with CHF than in controls. Based on our results, we suggest that there is a strong correlation between the pathophysiology of CHF and cancer. Given that CHF could prime the onset of cancers, we recommend that clinicians should be vigilant regarding cancer comorbidity in patients with CHF.

Body mass index and stroke incidence in Japanese community residents: The Jichi Medical School (JMS) Cohort Study.

BackgroundHigh body mass index (BMI) has been reported as a risk factor for cardiovascular events in Western countries, while low BMI has been reported as a risk factor for cardiovascular death in Asian countries, including Japan. Although stroke is a major cause of death and disability in Japan, few cohort studies have examined the association between BMI and stroke incidence in Japan. This study aimed to examine the association between BMI and stroke incidence using prospective data from Japanese community residents.MethodsData were analyzed from 12,490 participants in the Jichi Medical School Cohort Study. Participants were categorized into five BMI groups: ≤18.5, 18.6–21.9, 22.0–24.9, 25.0–29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m2. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. The group with a BMI of 22.0–24.9 kg/m2 was used as the reference category.ResultsDuring mean follow-up of 10.8 years, 395 participants (207 men and 188 women) experienced stroke, including 249 cerebral infarctions and 92 cerebral hemorrhages. Men with a BMI ≤18.5 kg/m2 (HR 2.11; 95% CI, 1.17–3.82) and women with a BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 (HR 2.25; 95% CI, 1.28–5.08) were at significantly higher risk for all-stroke. Men with a BMI ≤18.5 kg/m2 were at significantly higher risk for cerebral infarction (HR 2.15; 95% CI, 1.07–4.33).ConclusionsThe association between BMI and stroke incidence observed in this population was different than those previously reported: low BMI was a risk factor for all-stroke and cerebral infarction in men, while high BMI was a risk factor for all-stroke in women.

Immediate Medical Response for a Mass-Casualty Incident in Japan—Lessons Learned from the Akihabara Stabbing Spree in 2008

Immediate Medical Response for a Mass-Casualty Incident in Japan—Lessons Learned from the Akihabara Stabbing Spree in 2008

The incidence and mortality rates of neuroblastoma cases before and after the cessation of the mass screening program in Japan: A descriptive study.

In 2003, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare halted the neuroblastoma (NB) mass screening program, running since 1985. This study aimed to examine whether NB incidence and mortality changed before and after the program halted. This is a descriptive population-based study. We used data from the Monitoring of Cancer Incidence in Japan (MCIJ) project, Vital Statistics of Japan, and Japanese CANcer Survival Information for Society (J-CANSIS). Incidence rate, cumulative incidence rate, mortality rate, cumulative mortality rate, and relative 5-year survival for NB were calculated. Children were divided into two birth cohort groups, consisting of children born before, or after the cessation of the NB mass screening program. We compared the two cohorts, with regards to the cumulative incidence and mortality rates at 5 years old. The incidence rate was lower after the cessation of the NB mass screening program. There was no substantial change in the mortality rate, and no significant variation in the relative 5-year survival between groups. The cumulative incidence rate in the latter cohort was significantly lower than that in the former cohort (rate ratio: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.25-0.61, p < 0.001). No significant difference in the cumulative mortality rate between the two cohorts was observed (rate ratio: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.80-1.22, p = 0.93). The NB incidence rate decreased markedly and the mortality rate did not substantially change after the cessation of the NB mass screening program. The NB mass screening program probably caused overdiagnosis, and its effectiveness was not clear.

Relationships between Lifestyle, Living Environments, and Incidence of Hypertension in Japan (in Men): Based on Participant's Data from the Nationwide Medical Check-Up.

This study aims to investigate factors that contribute to the differences in incidence of hypertension between different regions in Japan, by accounting for not only individual lifestyles, but also their living environments. The target participants of this survey were individuals who received medical treatment for hypertension, as well as hypertension patients who have not received any treatment. The objective variable for analysis was the incidence of hypertension as data aggregated per prefecture. We used data (in men) including obesity, salt intake, vegetable intake, habitual alcohol consumption, habitual smoking, and number of steps walked per day. The variables within living environment included number of rail stations, standard/light vehicle usage, and slope of habitable land. In addition, we analyzed data for the variables related to medical environment including, participation rate in medical check-ups and number of hospitals. We performed multiple stepwise regression analyses to elucidate the correlation of these variables by using hypertension incidence as the objective variable. Hypertension incidence showed a significant negative correlation with walking and medical check-ups, and a significant positive correlation with light-vehicle usage and slope. Between the number of steps and variables related to the living environment, number of rail stations showed a significant positive correlation, while, standard- and light-vehicle usage showed significant negative correlation. Moreover, with stepwise multiple regression analysis, walking showed the strongest effect. The differences in daily walking based on living environment were associated with the disparities in the hypertension incidence in Japan.

Clinical relevance of seasonal changes in the prevalence of ureterolithiasis in the diagnosis of renal colic.

Ureterolithiasis is one of the most frequently diagnosed urologic diseases worldwide. Its annual incidence in Japan increased three-fold from 1965 to 2005. Ureterolithiasis incidence is affected by numerous factors, including race, sex, body weight, fluid intake, and climate. Here, we aimed to address the latter by considering the effect of seasonal variation on stone incidence and incorporating this information into a predictive model for differential diagnosis of ureteral stone from other conditions with similar presentations. We retrospectively identified 491 patients in our emergency department computer database who complained of back, flank, or lower abdominal pain during 2007–2015. Among them, 358 had stones, as confirmed by computerized tomography or plain abdominal X-ray of kidney–ureter–bladder. We also charted the mean ambient temperatures in our city for a year. The cases of ureteral stones paralleled the ambient temperatures, peaking during the hottest weather. Univariate analysis identified 13 factors associated with ureteral stones. Multivariate analysis narrowed the number to eight: age <60 years, male sex, short duration of pain (<6 h), nausea/vomiting, hydronephrosis, hematuria, history of urinary stone(s), and summer (July–September in Japan). Pain appearing during summer was nine times more likely to be due to a ureteral stone than was pain appearing during other seasons. We incorporated the eight variables identified into a predictive logistic regression model, which yielded good prediction of ureteral stones. Awareness that hot weather is associated with increased incidence of ureterolithiasis could facilitate differential diagnosis, and our prediction model could be useful for screening for ureterolithiasis.

일본의 혐한 서적(嫌韓本) 현황과 논의에 관한 연구

Current anti-Korean phenomenon in Japanese society such as hate speech and flood of anti-Korean books has been regarded as an element that hamper development of relationship between South Korea and Japan. In case of Anti-Korean book, starting from Manga Hate Korean Wave series, there showed a boom of anti-Korean books from 2013. This article tries to understand and analyze the current status and discussion of anti-Korean books. Firstly, to investigate current status of the books in bookstores, conducted field research to 67 bookstores located in major cities in Japan on July of 2015. The most displayed book was found in 48 places(71.6%), and 16th book was found in 29 places(43%) and also considerate amount of books were displayed. Also corners displaying similar books at one place were scattered in bookstores in 5 types. However, it was possible to reconsider the status of the books by analyzing and arranging various discussions and incidents in Japan. ‘BookLovers Against Racism', established by people engaged in publishing industry, is conducting various activities to warn the status of the industry. Also many discussions such as analysis of buyers, responsibility of the bookstore, response of civil society and warning 'anti-Korea' book fare, gives opportunities to reconsider the actual status of the books in Japanese society.

Potential environmental impact of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant accident

&#x0D; Background and Purpose: The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor incident in Japan resulted in the release of large quantities of radioactive material into the Pacific Ocean through deposition from the atmosphere and liquid discharges from the nuclear facility. Public misconceptions and the scarcity of radiation monitoring along the west coast of Canada have create doubt within the population regarding the safety of the ocean. A radiation survey along some of Vancouver’s beaches was completed to determine whether radioactivity from Fukushima has reached our local shores. Methods: Radiation surveys were conducted at three different locations; Sunset, Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach in Vancouver, British Columbia. Gamma radiation levels were measured using both the Radeye, GR 135 Plus EXPLORANIUM survey meters. At each beach, 30 samples of water, sand and various different artifacts including algae, stones and logs were each surveying. If the radiation detected exceed 0.05μSv/Hr the identification function of the GR 135 Plus EXPLORANIUM would be used to determine if it was from natural or artificial sources. The radiation levels were compared to the expected normal background levels (between 0.05μSv/Hr- 1.0 μSv/Hr) as well as to observed if there was any sufficient differences between the mediums under investigation. Results: The radiation levels along all three beaches did not exceed normal background levels (between 0.05μSv/Hr- 1.0 μSv/Hr). Furthermore, characteristic radionuclides released from this incident, specifically Cesium 134 and Cesium 134, were not detected. There was no sufficient difference between the radiation levels observed from the sand, water and different artifacts (logs, stones, and algae) Conclusion: It was concluded that the radiation levels along the beaches, Jericho, Spanish Banks and Sunset Beach do not present an additional risk to the public visiting this area as a result of this incident.&#x0D;

Age- and gender-specific incidence rates of renal replacement therapy in Japan: an international comparison

Japan has relatively low incidence rates of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) among those aged 0–19 years, but relatively high rates for the older age band. On the other hand, Australia has relatively high rates among those aged 0–19 years, but relatively low rates for the older age band. Thus, an international comparison between Japan and Australia would be informative. This study aimed to compare age- and gender-specific incidence rates of RRT in Japan with the total incidence of ESKD in Australia, which includes both those who start RRT and those who died of ESKD without RRT, in order to better understand the burden of ESKD independently of differences in the acceptance rate of RRT. We also compared incidence rates in Japan with published data from two major registries, the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA). Data on numbers of patients who initiated RRT in Japan were extracted from data published by the Japanese Society of Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) Registry in 2003–2007 and 2011. Age- and gender-specific incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of incident patients for each age-gender category by the total number of people in the corresponding population. Incidence in other countries was extracted from a published paper in Australia, tables in the USRDS annual report 2011, and the ERA-EDTA annual report 2011. Among males aged 50 to 69 years, incidence rates of RRT in Japan were about two times the total incidence of ESKD in Australia. Compared with the incidence rates of RRT reported by the USRDS and the ERA-EDTA, Japanese males have similar or substantially higher rates, respectively. Japan has a higher incidence of RRT among middle- and older-aged populations compared to the total incidence rates of ESKD in Australia. This higher incidence in Japan cannot be explained by differences in the acceptance rate for RRT since data from Australia included both treated and untreated ESKD. A strategy that targets middle- and older-aged males will be necessary to decrease the incidence of RRT in Japan.

Hip fracture incidence in Japan: Estimates of new patients in 2012 and 25-year trends.

SummaryWe estimated the number of hip fracture patients in 2012 in Japan and investigated the trends in incidence during a 25-year period from 1987 to 2012. Despite the increasing number of patients, the incidence of hip fracture in both men and women aged 70–79 years showed the possibility of decline.IntroductionThe objectives of this study were to estimate the number of hip fracture patients in 2012, to investigate the trends in incidence during a 25-year period from 1987 to 2012, and to determine the regional differences in Japan.MethodsData were collected through a nationwide survey based on hospitals by a mail-in survey. Hip fracture incidences by sex and age and standardized incidence ratios by region were calculated.ResultsThe estimated numbers of new hip fracture patients in 2012 were 175,700 in total (95 % CI 170,300–181,100), 37,600 (36,600–38,600) for men and 138,100 (134,300–141,900) for women. The incidence rates in both men and women aged 70–79 years were the lowest in the 20-year period from 1992 to 2012. The incidence was higher in western areas of Japan than that in eastern areas in both men and women; however, the difference in the incidence of hip fracture between western and eastern areas is becoming smaller.ConclusionsDespite the increasing number of new patients, the incidence of hip fracture in both men and women aged 70–79 years showed the possibility of decline. The exact reasons for this are unknown, but various drugs for improving bone mineral density or preventing hip fracture might have influenced the results. A decrease in the differences in nutrient intake levels might explain some of the change in regional differences in Japan.

Eosinophilic Granulomatous Polyangitis with Renal Granulomatous Angitis and Interstitial Eosinophilic Infiltration without Lung Granuloma

Eosinophilic granulomatous with polyangiitis (EGPA) is systemic vasculitis characterized by concomitant symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and marked increase in peripheral eosinophilia. It was previously known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. EGPA incidence in Japan is very low, with only approximately 1,800 cases reported. Renal involvement occurs in approximately 20-25% of EGPA patients, and the most typical expression is pauciimmune crescentic glomerulonephritis. We herein report a case of 69-year-old Japanese woman with fever and high titer of myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) and eosinophilia. Her renal biopsy showed massive interstitial nephritis with granulomatous vasculitis like lesion without apparent active crescent formation in glomeruli. Immediately after steroid treatment (prednisolone [PSL] 30 mg/day), she had symptomatic relief and was discharged with a reduction in MPO-ANCA.

High Mortality Rate of Stomach Cancer Caused Not by High Incidence but Delays in Diagnosis in Aomori Prefecture, Japan

Background:There are substantial differences in the mortality rates of stomach cancer among the 47 prefectures in Japan, and Aomori prefecture is one of the most severely impacted. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and mortality rates of stomach cancer in Aomori prefecture in comparison with Japan as a whole and cast light on reasons underlying variation.Methods:Data on stomach cancer cases were extracted from the Aomori Cancer Registry Database. Incidence rates for specific stages at the time of diagnosis were cited from Monitoring of Cancer Incidence in Japan, and mortality rates for stomach cancer in Aomori prefecture and the whole of Japan were obtained from Vital Statistics. Age-standardised incidence and mortality rates were calculated using the direct method.Results:The age-standardised incidence rate of stomach cancer in Aomori prefecture was higher than in the whole of Japan for males but lower for females. However, the age-standardised mortality rates were higher in Aomori prefecture in both sexes. The proportion of localised cancers was lower in Aomori prefecture than in the whole of Japan for most age groups.Conclusions:The lower rate for localised cancer suggests that higher age-standardised mortality rates are due to delays in diagnosis, despite an attendance rate for stomach cancer screening was higher in Aomori prefecture than in the whole of Japan. One plausible explanation for the failure of successful early detection might be poor quality control during screening implementation that impedes early detection.