Japanese Subjects Research Articles

Beneficial Effects of Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract on Urinary Symptoms in Japanese Female Subjects by a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Saw palmetto berry extract (SPE) is the most commonly consumed supplement by men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The oral administration of SPE was previously shown to significantly attenuate urodynamic symptoms in the hyperactive bladders of female rats by increasing bladder capacity and prolonging the micturition interval. The amelioration of urodynamic symptoms by SPE may be partly attributed to its binding to muscarinic receptors in the urinary bladder and its inhibition of vanilloid receptors on afferent nerves. Therefore, SPE may be pharmacologically effective at mitigating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women. The efficacy and safety of a 12-week treatment with SPE in adult women with urinary symptoms were examined herein. The daytime frequency score in the core lower urinary symptom score (CLSS) questionnaire was significantly lower in women with LUTS treated with SPE for 12 weeks than in the placebo group. A subgroup analysis revealed that SPE alleviated the symptoms of daytime frequency (CLSS Q1) and nocturia (CLSS Q2) in a subset of subjects with a CLSS Q5 score of 1 or higher. The daytime frequency of urination in overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) Q1 was also significantly improved by the SPE treatment. In conclusion, the present study is the first to demonstrate the potential of SPE to mitigate LUTS in adult women.

Evaluation of choroidal melanin-containing tissue in healthy Japanese subjects by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

In this study, the choroidal melanin content in healthy eyes was evaluated with polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). We evaluated 105 healthy eyes of 105 Japanese subjects. The mean thickness of melanin-containing tissue in the choroid (thickness of MeCh) and the choroidal melanin occupancy rate within a 5-mm circular region from the foveal center were calculated using the degree of polarization uniformity obtained by PS-OCT and compared with the choroidal thickness, patient age, and axial length. To evaluate regional variations, the 5-mm circular region was divided into a center area and an outer ring area, and the outer ring area was further divided into four areas (nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior). The mean thickness of MeCh showed a significant positive correlation with the choroidal thickness. The mean choroidal melanin occupancy rate showed a significant positive correlation with age. The mean choroidal melanin occupancy rate of the center area was significantly larger than that of the outer ring area. The mean thickness of MeCh and choroidal melanin occupancy rate of the nasal area were significantly lower than those of other areas. The distribution of melanin-containing tissue in the choroid varies significantly with age and location.

Abstract EP53: The Association Of Oral Hypofunction/locomotive Syndrome And Increased Arterial Stiffness

Background: Frailty is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, oral hypofunction, a disease in which the oral function is complexly reduced not only by ageing but also by a variety of factors, is regarded as a risk factor for frailty. Also, locomotive syndrome, which is defined as reduced mobility due to impaired locomotive organs, is reported to have close association with frailty and oral hypofunction. However, no studies evaluated the association of oral hypofunction / locomotive syndrome and arterial stiffness, a marker of CVD. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of oral hypofunction / locomotive syndrome and arterial stiffness. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that subjects with oral hypofunction or locomotive syndrome have increased arterial stiffness compared to those without oral hypofunction and locomotive syndrome. Methods: Japanese Subjects above 50 years old who underwent annual health-checkup were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Subjects with history of CVD and dementia were excluded. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Oral hypofunction was evaluated the methods based on the guidance by the Japanese Association for Dental Science. Seven oral factors, oral hygiene, oral moisture, occlusal force, tongue-lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and swallowing function were assessed. Oral hypofunction was diagnosed if more than 3 factors showed deterioration. Locomotive syndrome was evaluated by the questionnaires (GLFS-25) and physical performance tests consisted of those for quadriceps muscle strength, a two-step test, and a stand-up test according to the guidance by the Japanese Orthopedic Association. The association of oral hypofunction / locomotive syndrome and baPWV was assessed by multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for conventional CVD risk factors. Results: Among 148 subjects (mean age: 59±7 years), 82 subjects (55%) had either oral hypofunction or locomotive syndrome (oral hypofunction: 33 subjects, locomotive syndrome: 65 subjects). BaPWV in subjects with either oral hypofunction or locomotive syndrome was significantly higher than subjects with none of them (mean baPWV: 1501±292 v.s. 1368±238cm/sec, p=0.003). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that the existence of either oral hypofunction or locomotive syndrome was significantly associated with increased arterial stiffness (β=100±39, p=0.01). Conclusion: The existence of either oral hypofunction or locomotive syndrome was associated with increased arterial stiffness. Further research on oral hypofunction / locomotive syndrome and CVD is warranted.

How does inquisitiveness matter for generativity and happiness?

Inquisitiveness (curiosity & acceptance to something and someone different) is the main engine for one person to initiate some relation, and the literature has established that maintaining nice relationships with friends, family and general others contributes to generativity and happiness. However, little is known about how generativity and happiness are characterized by inquisitiveness. We hypothesize that inquisitiveness is a fundamental determinant for generativity and happiness, empirically examining the relationships along with cognitive, noncognitive and sociodemographic factors. We conduct questionnaire surveys with 400 Japanese subjects, applying quantile regression and structural equation modeling to the data. First, the analysis identifies the importance of inquisitiveness in characterizing generativity in that people with high inquisitiveness tend to be generative. Second, people are identified to be happy as they have high generativity and inquisitiveness, demonstrating two influential roles of inquisitiveness as direct and indirect determinants through a mediator of generativity. Overall, the results suggest that inquisitiveness shall be a key element of people's happiness through intergenerational and intragenerational communications or relations.

Correlation between sensitization to house dust mite major allergens, age, and symptoms in Japanese house dust mite allergic subjects

Der p 23 has recently been recognized as a new house dust mite (HDM) major allergen that may be linked to the development of asthma in HDM allergic patients. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sensitization to HDM major allergen components including Der p 23 and to examine the correlation between HDM-sensitization and AR symptom score in Japanese HDM allergic rhinitis (AR) patients without allergic asthma.Serum samples (n = 120) collected from Japanese HDM AR patients (12 to 64 years) without asthma were assessed for allergen-specific IgE (s-IgE) by ImmunoCAP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus; Der p) extract, Der p 23) or immunosolid-phase allergen chip (Der p 1, Der p 2).Japanese HDM AR patients without asthma showed a high prevalence of allergic sensitization to the HDM major allergens Der p 1 (94.2%), Der p 2 (97.5%) and Der p 23 (71.7%). No difference in the prevalence was detected for Der p 1 and Der p 2 s-IgE among three age groups. However, the prevalence of Der p 23 s-IgE was significantly higher in the younger group compared to the elderly group. No significant correlation was found between AR symptom scores and concentration of s-IgE towards Der p extract and any of the three HDM major allergens.Although the prevalence of sensitization towards D. pteronyssinus major allergens is high in Japanese AR patients without asthma, there was no correlation between allergen specific IgE including IgE towards Der p 23 and AR symptom in this population.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Single and Multiple Doses of Isavuconazonium Sulfate in Healthy Adult Japanese Subjects.

Isavuconazonium sulfate is the water‐soluble prodrug of the novel, broad‐spectrum, triazole antifungal agent isavuconazole. This was a first‐in‐Japanese study assessing the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of isavuconazonium sulfate. The study was conducted in 2 parts: part 1 (single ascending dose; 100‐, 200‐, and 400‐mg equivalent of isavuconazole oral or intravenous administration); and part 2 (multiple doses for 16 days; 200‐mg equivalent of isavuconazole oral or intravenous administration; once‐daily administration with a loading regimen every 8 hours for the first 48 hours). A total of 60 and 16 subjects were randomized in part 1 and part 2, respectively. Observed clearance was lower in this study compared to what was previously reported in predominantly White populations and similar to clearance in non‐Japanese Asian populations. The range of the plasma isavuconazole concentration in this study was within the range of the pivotal phase 3 study, with no relationship between isavuconazole exposure and either efficacy or safety. There were no serious adverse events, and all reported treatment‐emergent adverse events were of mild intensity. This study confirmed that isavuconazonium sulfate was safe and well tolerated in healthy adult Japanese subjects.

A three-dimensional cephalometric analysis of Japanese adults and its usefulness in orthognathic surgery: A retrospective study

This study aimed to establish a three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric analysis of craniofacial morphology and discuss its theoretical usefulness in orthognathic patients.Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of Japanese subjects with skeletal Class I malocclusion before treatment were selected from among 1000 patients so that samples matched a historic 2D cephalometric cohort with normal occlusion using propensity score matching. In each CBCT image, 67 3D measurements were calculated based on manually identified landmarks. The mean and standard deviation of the measurements were calculated and used as the normative range for each sex. To confirm the usefulness of the 3D measurements, pre- and post-treatment CT data of nine jaw deformity patients who underwent orthognathic surgery with two-dimensional planning (2DP) in the past were used. Pre- and post-treatment CT values were evaluated with a paired t-test as well as a Z-score, which was calculated using the aforementioned normative range, and then categorized into five groups (“deteriorated”, “no improvement”, “over-treatment”, “no change”, “improvement”) with −1 < Z-score < 1 considered normal.Fifty-six patients were matched to normal skeletal 1 subjects. The normative range of 67 items indicating 3D craniofacial morphology of the Japanese was calculated. Postoperatively, the horizontal position of the pogonion to the mid-sagittal plane significantly decreased (p = 0.043) and “improved”; however, the ramus axis on the right side significantly increased (p = 0.005) and “deteriorated”. Maxillary yaw and the horizontal position of the gonion also tended to “deteriorated”.The normative range for the 3D cephalometric analysis in Japanese has been established. Given findings of deteriorated maxillomandibular yawing after surgery when using conventional 2DP, 3D cephalometric measurements should be used when planning jaw positions after surgery for orthognathic patients.

Two Blautia Species Associated with Visceral Fat Accumulation: A One-Year Longitudinal Study.

Simple SummaryIntestinal microflora has been associated with obesity. While cardiovascular disorders are more strongly associated with visceral fat than the body mass index (BMI), the link between visceral fat area (VFA) and intestinal microflora has been little studied. In this study, we investigated the association between intestinal microflora and VFA and BMI using a longitudinal study (N = 767). We found that the intestinal microflora composition is significantly associated with VFA or BMI; however, the associated gut microbes differ. Furthermore, two gut species—Blautia hansenii and Blautia producta—were significantly and negatively associated with VFA accumulation.Intestinal microflora has been associated with obesity. While visceral fat is more strongly associated with cardiovascular disorder, a complication linked to obesity, than the body mass index (BMI), the association between intestinal microflora and obesity (as defined in terms of BMI) has been studied widely. However, the link between visceral fat area (VFA) and intestinal microflora has been little studied. In this study, we investigate the association between intestinal microflora and VFA and BMI using a longitudinal study on Japanese subjects with different VFA statuses (N = 767). Principal component analysis of the changes in intestinal microflora composition over the one-year study period revealed the different associations between intestinal microflora and VFA and BMI. As determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, changes in the abundance ratio of two microbial genera—Blautia and Flavonifractor—were significantly associated with VFA changes and changes in the abundance ratio of four different microbial genera were significantly associated with BMI changes, suggesting that the associated intestinal microbes are different. Furthermore, as determined by metagenomic shotgun sequences, changes in the abundance ratios of two Blautia species—Blautia hansenii and Blautia producta—were significantly and negatively associated with VFA changes. Our findings might be used to develop a new treatment for visceral fat.

Voxel-based analysis of age and gender effects on striatal [123I] FP-CIT binding in healthy Japanese adults.

Although previous studies have investigated age and gender effects on striatal subregional dopamine transporter (DaT) binding, these studies were mostly based on a conventional regions of interest-based analysis. Here, we investigated age and gender effects on striatal DaT binding at the voxel level, using a multicenter database of [(123)I] N-omega-fluoropropyl-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-{4-iodophenyl}nortropane ([(123)I] FP-CIT)-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans in 256 healthy Japanese adults. We used the Southampton method to calculate the specific binding ratios (SBRs) of each subject's striatum and then converted the [123I] FP-CIT SPECT images to quantitative SBRs images. To investigate the effects of age and gender effects on striatal DaT binding, we performed a voxel-based analysis using statistical parametric mapping. Gender differences were also compared between young to middle-aged subjects and elderly subjects (age threshold: 60years). When all subjects were explored as a group, DaT binding throughout the striatum decreased with advancing age. Among all subjects, the females showed higher DaT binding in the bilateral caudate compared to the males. In the young to middle-aged subjects, the females showed higher DaT binding throughout the striatum (with a slight caudate predominance) versus the males. In the elderly, there were no gender differences in striatal DaT binding. Our findings of striatal subregional age- and gender-related differences may provide useful information to construct a more detailed DaT database in healthy Japanese subjects.

Similar Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Biosimilar SAR342434 Insulin Lispro and Japan-Approved Humalog Insulin Lispro in Healthy Japanese Subjects.

This phase 1 study compared the pharmacokinetic (PK) and glucose pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of biosimilar SAR342434 insulin lispro and Japan‐reference Humalog insulin lispro. This was a randomized, double‐blind, 2‐period, crossover study. Thirty‐six healthy Japanese male subjects underwent a 10‐hour euglycemic clamp following a single subcutaneous 0.3‐U/kg dose of SAR342434 or Humalog. Insulin lispro concentration and blood glucose were measured, and the glucose infusion rate (GIR) was adjusted to maintain the target blood glucose level. Primary PK end points were maximum plasma insulin lispro concentration and area under the plasma insulin concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration. Primary PD end points were area under the GIR–time curve from time 0 to 10 hours and maximum GIR. PK exposure (maximum plasma concentration and AUC from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration) and PD activity (GIR‐AUC from time 0 to 10 hours and maximum GIR) were similar between treatments. Geometric mean ratios were close to 1, and the corresponding 90% and 95%CIs (PK and PD activity, respectively) were within the 0.80 to 1.25 equivalence range. SAR342434 and Humalog were well tolerated. In healthy Japanese males, SAR342434 and Humalog showed similar PK exposure profiles and PD potency, in support of SAR342434 use as a biosimilar product.

Retrospective survey for clinical course and aggravating factors of adolescent atopic dermatitis in two years' cohort study on first‐year university students

AbstractBackgroundRecent epidemiological studies have revealed increased numbers of adolescent subjects with atopic dermatitis, most of who experienced chronic symptoms since childhood. However, the complete clinical nature of atopic dermatitis in Japanese adolescents is poorly understood. We conducted this study to accumulate knowledge of factors contributing to protracted atopic dermatitis symptoms in adolescent subjects to avoid an unfavorable clinical outcome in these patients.MethodsOn 2013 and 2014, first‐year students at our university answered a retrospective self‐questionnaire about their demographic characteristics and past history of allergies. Answers from 6105 respondents were analyzed. Subjects with atopic dermatitis were divided into four groups according to their clinical courses, and factors potentially influencing their clinical courses were identified.ResultsNearly 16% of the students had a history of diagnosed atopic dermatitis, many of who had experienced symptoms since childhood (protracted course). Other respondents had experienced remission (32%), adolescent onset (14%), or recurrence (6%). Logistic regression analysis found that psychological stress and air dryness were apparent exacerbating factors that increased the risk of the protracted, recurrent, and adolescence courses. Furthermore, sleep loss, house dust, pollen, high temperature, and sweat were the aggravating factors associated with the protracted course alone.ConclusionsWe found that a high proportion of Japanese adolescent subjects with atopic dermatitis had experienced protracted symptoms and further identified factors that may have led to this unfavorable course. We expect that limiting these factors in this population might alleviate the subjects' chronic symptoms.

Estimated Elovl6 and delta-5 desaturase activities might represent potential markers for insulin resistance in Japanese adults.

Results from a recent study indicated that lower stearic acid/palmitic acid (SA/PA) and arachidonic acid/dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (AA/DGLA) ratios were associated with metabolically unhealthy obesity. However, this has not been extensively studied in the Japanese population. We recruited 291 Japanese subjects with serum free fatty acid profiles undergoing health examinations. Whole serum desaturase activity was estimated as the product: precursor ratio -SA/PA ratio for elongation of long-chain fatty acid family member 6 (Elovl6) and AA/DGLA for delta-5 desaturase (D5D). The determinants of Elovl6 and D5D activity were investigated using multiple regression analyses. The Elovl6 and D5D activities exhibited a negative correlation with the logmatic-transformed TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were negatively associated with Elovl6 and D5D activities. Most atherogenic markers were worse in the low Elovl6 or D5D activity group than in the high Elovl6 or D5D activity group. When study subjects were further stratified by TG levels, most atherogenic markers were the worst in the highest TG group in either the lowest Elovl6 or lowest D5D activity groups. The estimated Elovl6 and D5D activities might be useful markers of insulin resistance in Japanese subjects.

Normal Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO-Ab) Titers and Active Arterial Wall Thickening among Euthyroid Individuals: A Prospective Study.

Among euthyroid individuals, having an anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) titer in the normal range (negative) is positively associated with atherosclerosis as evaluated based on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Atherosclerosis is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but no significant association between yearly progression in CIMT and cardiovascular disease has been reported. Therefore, clarifying the association between having a TPO-Ab titer in the normal range and yearly progression in CIMT (i.e., active arterial wall thickening) among euthyroid individuals could help inform strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease. We conducted a prospective study of 1069 Japanese subjects with free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels within the normal range. Having a TPO-Ab titer in the normal range was significantly positively associated with baseline atherosclerosis and significantly inversely associated with active arterial wall thickening. After adjusting for known confounding factors, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of log (TPO-Ab titer) for baseline atherosclerosis and active arterial wall thickening was 2.16 (1.07, 4.35) and 0.59 (0.37, 0.93), respectively. Since progression in CIMT is a process of aggressive endothelial repair, deficient endothelial repair inhibits active arterial wall thickening. Therefore, high–normal TPO-Ab titers might induce a deficiency in endothelial repair.

Association between obesity and ossification of spinal ligaments in 622 asymptomatic subjects: a cross-sectional study.

Previous studies on patients with symptoms of spinal ligament ossification, including ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and ligamentum flavum (OLF), have not clarified whether obesity is a cause or consequence of these diseases and were limited by selection bias. Thus, we investigated the association between obesity and the prevalence of spinal ligament ossification in randomly selected asymptomatic subjects. Between April 2020 and March 2021, 622 asymptomatic Japanese subjects who underwent computed tomography of neck to pelvis for medical check-up purposes were included. All subjects were divided into the following three groups: normal weight (body mass index [BMI] < 25kg/m2), obese I (25 ≤ BMI < 30kg/m2), and obese II (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2). The relationship between factors affecting the presence of each spinal ligament ossification was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The proportion of subjects with thoracic OPLL was significantly higher in the obese II group than in the other two groups (vs. normal weight, P < 0.001; vs. obese I, P < 0.001). BMI was associated with the prevalence of OLF, cervical OPLL, thoracic OPLL, and ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL). BMI was most significantly associated with the prevalence of thoracic OPLL (β, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.39). BMI was associated with the prevalence of OALL, cervical OPLL, thoracic OPLL, and OLF in asymptomatic subjects, suggesting that obesity is associated with the development of heterotopic ossification of the spinal ligaments.

Rapid genotyping of 508G>A (rs3745635) and 1067T>A (rs3894326) of FUT3 by a duplex Eprobe-mediated melting curve analysis.

Lewis histo-blood group phenotypes are regulated by the action of FUT3-encoded α(1,3/1,4)fucosyltransferase and FUT2-encoded α(1,2)fucosyltransferase. Since Lewis phenotypes are suggested to be associated with various clinical conditions, a method for large-scale FUT3 genotyping is desirable. In worldwide populations, 508G>A and 1067T>A of FUT3 are two of three common causal single nucleotide polymorphisms for Lewis-negative alleles. We developed a duplex Eprobe-mediated melting curve analysis for genotyping 508G>A and 1067T>A simultaneously and applied this method to 106 Ghanaian and 140 Japanese subjects. The results of both 508G>A and 1067T>A genotyping by duplex Eprobe-mediated melting curve analysis were completely in agreement with the results of a DNA sequence analysis in 106 Ghanaians and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 140 Japanese subjects. The present duplex Eprobe-mediated melting curve analysis is valid and credible for large-scale estimation of Lewis-negative alleles.

Effects of luteolin-rich chrysanthemum flower extract on purine base absorption and blood uric acid in Japanese subjects

Background and objective: Chrysanthemum flowers are consumed as fresh condiments, herbal teas, and processed foods in Japan and Taiwan. They contain luteolin as a major polyphenol and are traditionally used for eye care. We previously demonstrated that the ingestion of Chrysanthemum flower extract (CFE) for 1 month reduced serum uric acid levels. However, the findings obtained were considered to be biased because the study was performed by a CFE manufacturer. Therefore, we herein conducted a clinical trial on CFE on a larger scale and examined its effects on purine base absorption from the intestines, which represents an effective approach for reducing serum uric acid levels. Methods: Both studies were performed as randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and CFE (100 mg) containing 1 mg of luteolin was used as the active sample. We enrolled 44 healthy Japanese men and women with 6.0 to 7.9 mg/dL serum uric acid. All subjects were randomly allocated to an active group (n=22) or placebo group (n=22) using a computerized random number generator. In the purine base absorption study, CFE was ingested with a purine base-rich diet and serum uric acid levels were measured chronologically. In the 12-week consecutive ingestion study, CFE or placebo was administered between January and April 2021. Serum uric acid levels after 12 weeks were assessed as the primary outcome, and uric acid were measured before and after 4 weeks of the intervention as secondary outcomes. Blood, urine and body parameters were examined to evaluate the safety of CFE. Results: Thirty-nine subjects completed the trial, and the per protocol set comprised 18 and 21 subjects in the active and placebo groups, respectively. In the single dosing study of CFE on subjects loaded by the purine base-rich diet, no significant changes were observed between the CFE and placebo groups. On the other hand, in the 12-week ingestion study, serum uric acid levels were significantly lower in the CFE group than in the placebo group. Laboratory tests revealed no abnormalities to suggest any side effects of CFE.Conclusions: CFE (100 mg/day) containing 1 mg of luteolin reduced serum uric acid levels. CFE may be beneficial for improving hyperurichemia. Trial Registration: UMIN-CTR: UMIN000042327Foundation: The present study was funded by Oryza Oil &amp; Fat Chemical Co., Ltd. Keywords: Chrysanthemum, luteolin, uric acid, purine base

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ АГЕНТИВНОГО НЕЖИВОГО ПІДМЕТА В ЯПОНСЬКІЙ, АНГЛІЙСЬКІЙ ТА УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ МОВАХ

The article summarizes the main approaches to the problem of inanimate subject in Japanese. While English has a strong tendency to use inanimate subject on a daily basis, Japanese language has a lot of restrictions for this type of construction. As these restrictions seem to appear both in subjects and predicates of the sentences, the two approaches – nominal and verbal – were elaborated in order to account for the phenomena. Nominal approach accounts for the nouns, that tend to appear in the subject or object position, while verbal approach tries to find out which verbs can be used in the sentences with an inanimate subject. This article outlines the nominal approach and explains two theories that were elaborated in Japanese studies. The first theory developed by T. Tsunoda adopts referential hierarchy of Silverstein and states that although personal pronouns and nouns that indicate animate objects have a stronger tendency to become a subject of the sentence, there is a hierarchy between the nouns that name inanimate objects. For example, the nouns that indicate natural forces are more likely to become the subject of the sentence than nouns that indicate abstract notions and territory names. The second theory developed by S. Saito adopts the empathy hierarchy (hierarchy of the positions) of S. Kuno in order to account for the extending acceptance of the sentences with inanimate subject that include auxiliary verb ‘kureru’. The theory states that ‘kureru’ in such types of sentences manages to balance empathy on the non-subject participant (which is an animated entity) rather than the subject, that results into an acceptance of the type of sentences. The article also suggests that there are some similarities in the way Ukrainian and Japanese speakers tend to translate English sentences that have an inanimate subject. The article also points out the necessity for Ukrainian studies to develop its own approach to the sentences with inanimate subject, because it seems that Ukrainian language has its own restrictions on such sentences.

Comprehensive Analysis of Lipid Composition in Human Foremilk and Hindmilk.

Precision nutrition, also referred to as personalized nutrition, focuses on the individual to determine the individual's most effective eating plan to prevent or treat disease. A precision nutrition for infants requires the determination of the profile of human milk. We compared the lipid profiles of the foremilk (i.e., the initial milk of a breastfeed) and hindmilk (the last milk) of six Japanese subjects and evaluated whether a human milk lipid profile is useful for precision nutrition even though the fat concentration fluctuates during lactation. We detected and quantified 527 species with a lipidome analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The fat concentration in hindmilk (120.6 ± 66.7 μmol/mL) was significantly higher than that in foremilk (68.6 ± 33.3 μmol/mL). While the total carbon number of fatty acids in triglyceride (TG) was highest in C52 for all subjects, the second or third number differed among the subjects. Both the distribution of total carbon number of fatty acids included in TG and the distribution of fatty acids in TG classified by the number of double bonds were almost the same in the foremilk and hindmilk in each subject. The lipids levels containing docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid in total lipids of the foremilk and the hindmilk were almost the same in each subject. Among the sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids, the level of sphingomyelin was the highest in four subjects' milk, and phosphatidylcholine was the highest in the other two subjects' milk. The order of their major species was the same in each foremilk and hindmilk. A clustering heatmap revealed the differences between foremilk and hindmilk in the same subject were smaller than the differences among individuals. Our analyses indicate that a human-milk lipid profile reflects individual characteristics and is a worthwhile focus for precision nutrition.

Association Between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Japanese Subjects at a Health Checkup

Association Between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Japanese Subjects at a Health Checkup

Prediction and validation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by fatty liver index in a Japanese population.

Fatty liver index (FLI) calculated by using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and levels of γ-glutamyl transferase and triglycerides is a non-invasive predictor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The original study in Italy showed that the cutoff level for prediction of NAFLD was FLI ≥60. However, the sex difference in FLI was not taken into consideration, and it is unclear whether the cutoff value can be applied to other races. We investigated the cutoff value of FLI for prediction of NAFLD determined by abdominal ultrasonography using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses in 14,471 Japanese subjects (men/women: 9,240/5,231; mean age: 48 ± 9 years). There was a significant interaction between sex and FLI for detection of NAFLD (p < 0.001). The cutoff values of FLI in men and women were 35.1 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.82) and 15.6 (AUC: 0.91), respectively. When the subjects were divided by the absence and presence of obesity (BMI ≥25), there was a significant interaction between FLI and obesity for detection of NAFLD in women (p < 0.001) but not in men (p = 0.679). The cutoff values of FLI in non-obese/obese men and women were 22.6/52.6 and 11.2/33.2, respectively. In conclusion, the cutoff value of FLI for prediction of NAFLD in Japanese individuals was lower than that in the original study, and there is a significant sex difference. The simple and useful cutoff values in Japanese men and women are FLI ≥35 (non-obese/obese: 23/53) and FLI ≥16 (non-obese/obese: 11/33), respectively.